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Stubborn Love #1
Stubborn Love
Haunted by guilt over her husband's untimely demise, Emmie never had the chance to mourn properly. Driven to escape her past, she sets her sights on New York's prestigious art school, swearing off men entirely. Little did she know that her irresistibly charismatic landlord, Colin, would challenge her resolution. A man whose trust had been repeatedly shattered, Colin lived in a world where it's safer to trust no one. Then, Emmie came into his life. The fact that she showed no interest in him only stoked the flames of his desire. As a man used to getting his way, Colin was captivated by the challenge Emmie represented. Much to his frustration, he accidentally started to care for her at some point during the chase. As Emmie wrestles with her guarded heart and hidden secrets, will Colin's relentless pursuit be too much? Embark on a captivating journey of love, resilience, and redemption in a world where the heart wants what it wants.
*****Amazon Review******
If I could give this book a million stars, I would! Stubborn Love was such an incredible story of losing love and somehow finding the strength to find love again.
Book One - Stubborn Love - Clementine's Story Book Two - Only In Dreams - Paige's Story Book Three - The Luckiest - Mac's Story "
I just read Stubborn Love and Only In Dreams by @WendyLOwens, both were fantastic!! If you haven't read them you need to." - Abbi Glines Tweet
*****Amazon Review******
If I could give this book a million stars, I would! Stubborn Love was such an incredible story of losing love and somehow finding the strength to find love again.
Book One - Stubborn Love - Clementine's Story Book Two - Only In Dreams - Paige's Story Book Three - The Luckiest - Mac's Story "
I just read Stubborn Love and Only In Dreams by @WendyLOwens, both were fantastic!! If you haven't read them you need to." - Abbi Glines Tweet
266 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2013
464 people are currently reading
3018 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Owens
48 books651 followersWendy Owens is a thriller writer, born in the small college town, Oxford Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went onto a career in the visual arts. After several years of creating and selling her own artwork she gave her first love, writing, a try. It’s become a passion ever since.
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and three pups. She loves to cook, watch movies, and play games.
If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and three pups. She loves to cook, watch movies, and play games.
If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
June 22, 2013
Well.
Motherfucker.
The ♦bad♦ thing about this book is:
There was absolutely nothing memorable about it.
And I just finished it.
The ♦good♦ thing about this book is:
I’ve already forgotten about it.
Thank.
God.
***This ARC was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
July 1, 2013
Stubborn Love is the story of Clementine Hayes. Clementine ‘Emmie’ has a past. A past she’s not proud of, a past she has had trouble moving forward from. Emmie was in too deep with someone. She needed to get out, to start over again.
A person can only be beaten down for so long before they begin to yearn for their spirit to be set free.
Things didn’t turn out like she planned, and she has spent the last three years feeling guilty, but she knows she has to move on with her life.
She is still broken, but she wants to start over, start fresh. She moves to NYC at twenty six to finish art school. Art is her passion. As luck would have it, she meets Paige. Paige needs a roommate- Emmie needs a place to live. It’s perfect. Paige has a boyfriend named Christian who has a brother named Colin who happens to be Emmie’s landlord. Emmie is immediately attracted to Colin- I mean, who wouldn’t be? She doesn’t treat him the best at first, but once she gets to know him, she likes him. They become friends. Any feelings she may have for him get squashed. She can’t go there.
Love was not in the plans for this stage of my life.
The oh so sexy and swoony Colin has it bad for Emmie. And he won’t give up on her that easily.
“I was fine with the way my life was. Now you’re all I can think about.”
‘Don’t push me away. Let me love you.’
Emmie has her reasons for not wanting to fall for Colin.
‘Colin, I’m broken. I don’t want to be with you because if I was, you would end up just as broken as me.’
But sometimes, no matter how stubborn you are about it, you can’t chose when it happens or who you will fall for. And Emmie is falling for Colin. Hard.
There is someone digging around Emmie’s past. Until she confronts her past and tells Colin about it, there is no way she will be able to move on with Colin and her life...
Stubborn Love was a quick and enjoyable read. I really like stories about discovering who you are and moving past the past. Emmie frustrated me at times, but overall, I liked her. I understood why she was so hesitant to be in a relationship. Colin was just a doll! Loved him. Sweet, sexy, caring and understanding. Such a great guy! A short, sweet, and emotional read about getting closure and moving on with your life. I am hoping there will be a Paige/Christian book... I really want to know whats going on with those two!
‘He loved me for all my broken pieces, and he was willing to put all of them back together one by one, for as long as it took. It may have taken time, and it was definitely a stubborn love. But it was real. And it was ours.’
**ARC kindly provided by author, Wendy Owens, in exchange for an honest review**
June 22, 2013
2 ½ - 3 Stubborn Stars
This book was given to me by the author Ms. Wendy Owens in exchange of an honest review. She was completely upfront and said to be completely honest.
So here it is…
This story started off with a bang which will grab a reader’s attention. The story thereafer felt a tad weak although if I were to relay it to a friend as to what happens they would say it sounds like a great story.
So here lies my problem, perhaps the book wasn’t indepth enough. She had four great characters but the interaction could have been hysterical or deep or something. I hope I’m making sense but there are back stories that could have been explored or even scenes that could have been added that would have strengthened the characters to feel real but they stayed flat to me.
The main character, Clementine goes through some difficult feelings of guilt about her failed marriage while pursuing her future and lost dreams.
Clementine slowly falls for Collin whom is a practically perfect guy. This is where the story felt cookie cutter and remained so because she meets the hot guy pushes him away because he perhaps is a “player” and because she harbors guilt about her past but they come together in the end.
Even Colin’s character’s depth should have been explored more than just the guy who gives great gifts and loves her.
"I've never felt anything like this Em. I'm not looking for just sex. I want to be with you, and I want you to be only with me."
On the plus side, the pacing is excellent and the story has an hea. Although predictable it made for a sweet read perhaps for another reader just not for me.
***This ARC was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
This book was given to me by the author Ms. Wendy Owens in exchange of an honest review. She was completely upfront and said to be completely honest.
So here it is…
This story started off with a bang which will grab a reader’s attention. The story thereafer felt a tad weak although if I were to relay it to a friend as to what happens they would say it sounds like a great story.
So here lies my problem, perhaps the book wasn’t indepth enough. She had four great characters but the interaction could have been hysterical or deep or something. I hope I’m making sense but there are back stories that could have been explored or even scenes that could have been added that would have strengthened the characters to feel real but they stayed flat to me.
The main character, Clementine goes through some difficult feelings of guilt about her failed marriage while pursuing her future and lost dreams.
Clementine slowly falls for Collin whom is a practically perfect guy. This is where the story felt cookie cutter and remained so because she meets the hot guy pushes him away because he perhaps is a “player” and because she harbors guilt about her past but they come together in the end.
Even Colin’s character’s depth should have been explored more than just the guy who gives great gifts and loves her.
"I've never felt anything like this Em. I'm not looking for just sex. I want to be with you, and I want you to be only with me."
On the plus side, the pacing is excellent and the story has an hea. Although predictable it made for a sweet read perhaps for another reader just not for me.
***This ARC was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
January 2, 2015
2.5 stars
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November 16, 2014
4 stars.
I was provided with an advanced electronic copy of this book from the author in return of an honest review. This review will be also posted on Smokin’ Hot Book Blog as a part of Stubborn Love Blog Tour on 25th June.
"It's better to feel pain, than nothing at all
The opposite of love's indifference
Pay attention now, I'm standing on your porch screaming out
And I won’t leave until you come downstairs"
Lyrics- Stubborn Love The Lummieres.
Wendy Owens created heartwarming novel filled with enjoyable romance and enchanting story that will get any fan of sweet and pleasurable read hooked from the beginning. Stubborn Love is like honey: sweet and delicious but with a hint of wildness and something rich.
Clementine Haynes is 26 year old widow, who thinks that love is not for her, not again. In her opinion she doesn’t deserve affection. Three years ago she made her choice, she finally got the courage to walk away from abusive husband, who manipulated her using fists and words:
“I swear, Em, if you leave me I’ll kill myself”
But she had had enough of his behavior and despite the threat she didn’t look back. Unfortunately she had no idea Ashton will pull the trigger. Now, she’s fighting with overwhelming guilt that eats her alive.
When she finally starts to life again, she meets Colin, sexy landlord, who has his eyes only for her.
“I’ve never felt anything like this, Em. I’m not looking for just sex. I want to be with you, and I want you to only be with me.”
Wendy Owen’s contemporary romance has everything quick summer read should have: good idea and setting, entertaining plot, charming characters, love and a little bit of drama. Stubborn Love is novel for those who like to close eyes, daydream and forget about problems. I highly recommend it for every woman who has free evening and is tired of reading heavy books with violence or abuse and is in mood for something lighter but enjoyable.
November 30, 2013
I feel like I need to start this review by stating that I absolutely loved a good 70% of this read. The MC was great. Emmie was a woman that anyone could relate to. Her heartache and struggle to rebuild herself was real and relatable.
BUT
At the 70% mark (for those of you who own a Kindle) the story/plot took a flaming nose dive into the WTF realm. I literally caught myself, on more than one occasion, rolling my eyes at the ridiculous actions of Emmie and the dialogue between her and Colin. What guy, in his right mind, would stay with a woman who was acting like a childish head case? The author took our 26yo heroine and made her a sniveling 16yo who couldn’t tell her ass from a hole in the ground.
Good news though, I did stick it through and after a few choice words and an internal debate on if I really wanted to chuck my Kindle, Ms. Owens was able to resuscitate the train wreck and bring it back to life. My only problem with that is, that is just didn’t feel real. I am thankful that we were able to get back on track but the ride just wasn’t as pleasant as it was before.
Mixed review…yes. But I am a glutton for punishment I suppose. This read ends at the 92% mark and we get a decent look into book 2 which highlights 2 of the supporting characters in this book. I am intrigued enough to say that I did add book 2 (Only in Dreams – release date is set for December 10, 2013) to my TBR wish list. I hold out hope that Ms. Owens doesn’t make the female MC of that book into a dummy.
https://www.facebook.com/just1morecha...
BUT
At the 70% mark (for those of you who own a Kindle) the story/plot took a flaming nose dive into the WTF realm. I literally caught myself, on more than one occasion, rolling my eyes at the ridiculous actions of Emmie and the dialogue between her and Colin. What guy, in his right mind, would stay with a woman who was acting like a childish head case? The author took our 26yo heroine and made her a sniveling 16yo who couldn’t tell her ass from a hole in the ground.
Good news though, I did stick it through and after a few choice words and an internal debate on if I really wanted to chuck my Kindle, Ms. Owens was able to resuscitate the train wreck and bring it back to life. My only problem with that is, that is just didn’t feel real. I am thankful that we were able to get back on track but the ride just wasn’t as pleasant as it was before.
Mixed review…yes. But I am a glutton for punishment I suppose. This read ends at the 92% mark and we get a decent look into book 2 which highlights 2 of the supporting characters in this book. I am intrigued enough to say that I did add book 2 (Only in Dreams – release date is set for December 10, 2013) to my TBR wish list. I hold out hope that Ms. Owens doesn’t make the female MC of that book into a dummy.
https://www.facebook.com/just1morecha...
June 27, 2013
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I don’t think I have ever felt so half and half about a book before in my life. With the first 75% of it being really addictive but the last 25% pretty annoying, I liked this book, but I wished it had just finished at that 75% mark, and I know I would have liked it more.
I suppose a person can only be beaten down for so long before they begin to yearn for their spirit to be set free.
Finally wanting to start a fresh and do something for herself, Clementine fulfils her dream of moving to New York to go to art school. 26 years old and a widow she is determined to focus on her work and not get involved with anyone romantically, as she is still struggling with the guilt she feels over her husbands suicide. However, when a chance meeting with Paige leads her to a new apartment and a sexy landlord that wont stay away, this is going to be harder than Emmie first thought.
I really liked Emmie at the start of this book, loving her strength and determination and the passion she had for her work. I could completely sympathise and understand why she would feel it was her fault that Ashton killed himself, although it clearly wasn’t, and could also see why she would maybe want to concentrate on herself. However, when Colin comes in to her life, it’s obvious thats not going to happen. Disgusted by him at first, and convinced he is a player, she does her best to stay away from him, and doesn’t hide her obvious distase for him.
However, she very quickly see’s a side to him that she didn’t expect, and is pulled in by his thoughtful, caring nature. Despite wanting to be with him, she still wants to keep Colin at arms length, convinced that she is somehow cursed and he will only get hurt if they end up together, but as far as I could see, the only one sabotging the relationship was her.
This is the point were I didn’t like Clementine so much. Don’t get me wrong, I could kind of understand why she was scared to get in to a new relationship after how wrong the first one went, but her constant self pitying and withholding the truth from Colin I could not understand. She didn’t kill Ashton, although she was hiding away the fact that he threatened to do it as if she had pulled the trigger. I hated that she was so convinced that Colin was going to leave her if he found out, that she continued to push him away, and in a way leaving him before she got hurt herself. Especially towards the end of the book, she really annoyed me as she could not just accept the fact that it wasn’t her fault, no matter how much everyone told her as such. She drove me crazy with how self pitying and annoying she was being, as she had Colin in her life who would clearly do anything with her, and she was sabotaging all of that for nothing.
“You’re going to be my undoing, Colin Bennett.”
“I hope so; it’s only fair since you were mine.”
Colin was an amazing character, and put up with a lot. He never tiptoed around how he was feeling, or played games, but was always 100% honest and to the point, which I loved. He was nothing but genuine, and kind to Clementine even when she wasn’t being that way with him, and was always willing to fight for what he wanted. He wasn’t afraid to admit when he was wrong, and was extremely romantic ~ when he went and sang a song to Clementine with the Lumineers I swooned a little bit. I really can’t fault him one bit and loved everything about him.
“I was fine with the way my life was. Now you’re all I can think about.” He sighed, “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
Paige was such a great addition to this book. Although to begin with I was unsure about her dry humour and insults towards Clementine’s clothes, as the story went on I found that these were one of the best things about her. She took Clementine under her wing from the get go, offering her a place to stay and opening her up to a whole new life with new opportunities She was extremely friendly and such a girls girl, wanting to talk about guys, and just being there for Clementine whenever she needed her. I loved her as a character and wish that she was real so that she could be my friend.
The thing that let this story down a little bit was the ending. I think this story should have ended after the Christmas break had happened, as I felt I had had the angst and drama that I wanted, and was happy with where the couple were at. However, unfortunately it didn’t stop there, which was the main flaw of this book. Bringing Asher’s parent’s in to this story was really not necessary as it brought around a whole new form of drama than wasn’t needed. Also, I understand that the end of the book was supposed to be a way for Clementine to fully get closure over what had happened in her past, but to me it just seemed like an annoying add on to a really good story.
Overall I loved the first half of this book, specifically the writing style and character development, as I ‘felt’ every word, and truly cared for the people in the story. However, I feel that it was stretched out a little too much, adding extra drama that wasn’t really needed, making me change my opinion of the main character, who up until this point I had really liked. I would recommend this book to others as I really did enjoy it, I just wasn’t too sure about the last few parts.
I don’t think I have ever felt so half and half about a book before in my life. With the first 75% of it being really addictive but the last 25% pretty annoying, I liked this book, but I wished it had just finished at that 75% mark, and I know I would have liked it more.
I suppose a person can only be beaten down for so long before they begin to yearn for their spirit to be set free.
Finally wanting to start a fresh and do something for herself, Clementine fulfils her dream of moving to New York to go to art school. 26 years old and a widow she is determined to focus on her work and not get involved with anyone romantically, as she is still struggling with the guilt she feels over her husbands suicide. However, when a chance meeting with Paige leads her to a new apartment and a sexy landlord that wont stay away, this is going to be harder than Emmie first thought.
I really liked Emmie at the start of this book, loving her strength and determination and the passion she had for her work. I could completely sympathise and understand why she would feel it was her fault that Ashton killed himself, although it clearly wasn’t, and could also see why she would maybe want to concentrate on herself. However, when Colin comes in to her life, it’s obvious thats not going to happen. Disgusted by him at first, and convinced he is a player, she does her best to stay away from him, and doesn’t hide her obvious distase for him.
However, she very quickly see’s a side to him that she didn’t expect, and is pulled in by his thoughtful, caring nature. Despite wanting to be with him, she still wants to keep Colin at arms length, convinced that she is somehow cursed and he will only get hurt if they end up together, but as far as I could see, the only one sabotging the relationship was her.
This is the point were I didn’t like Clementine so much. Don’t get me wrong, I could kind of understand why she was scared to get in to a new relationship after how wrong the first one went, but her constant self pitying and withholding the truth from Colin I could not understand. She didn’t kill Ashton, although she was hiding away the fact that he threatened to do it as if she had pulled the trigger. I hated that she was so convinced that Colin was going to leave her if he found out, that she continued to push him away, and in a way leaving him before she got hurt herself. Especially towards the end of the book, she really annoyed me as she could not just accept the fact that it wasn’t her fault, no matter how much everyone told her as such. She drove me crazy with how self pitying and annoying she was being, as she had Colin in her life who would clearly do anything with her, and she was sabotaging all of that for nothing.
“You’re going to be my undoing, Colin Bennett.”
“I hope so; it’s only fair since you were mine.”
Colin was an amazing character, and put up with a lot. He never tiptoed around how he was feeling, or played games, but was always 100% honest and to the point, which I loved. He was nothing but genuine, and kind to Clementine even when she wasn’t being that way with him, and was always willing to fight for what he wanted. He wasn’t afraid to admit when he was wrong, and was extremely romantic ~ when he went and sang a song to Clementine with the Lumineers I swooned a little bit. I really can’t fault him one bit and loved everything about him.
“I was fine with the way my life was. Now you’re all I can think about.” He sighed, “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
Paige was such a great addition to this book. Although to begin with I was unsure about her dry humour and insults towards Clementine’s clothes, as the story went on I found that these were one of the best things about her. She took Clementine under her wing from the get go, offering her a place to stay and opening her up to a whole new life with new opportunities She was extremely friendly and such a girls girl, wanting to talk about guys, and just being there for Clementine whenever she needed her. I loved her as a character and wish that she was real so that she could be my friend.
The thing that let this story down a little bit was the ending. I think this story should have ended after the Christmas break had happened, as I felt I had had the angst and drama that I wanted, and was happy with where the couple were at. However, unfortunately it didn’t stop there, which was the main flaw of this book. Bringing Asher’s parent’s in to this story was really not necessary as it brought around a whole new form of drama than wasn’t needed. Also, I understand that the end of the book was supposed to be a way for Clementine to fully get closure over what had happened in her past, but to me it just seemed like an annoying add on to a really good story.
Overall I loved the first half of this book, specifically the writing style and character development, as I ‘felt’ every word, and truly cared for the people in the story. However, I feel that it was stretched out a little too much, adding extra drama that wasn’t really needed, making me change my opinion of the main character, who up until this point I had really liked. I would recommend this book to others as I really did enjoy it, I just wasn’t too sure about the last few parts.
March 13, 2014
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This is one of those books that’s really going to be hit or miss in some spots with people, myself included. I always shoot for a spoiler free review so my apologies if it’s too vague.
“Well that started with a bang.” That was my first thought after I finished the prologue. Probably not the most PC of puns, but that’s where my weird brain went. But what that really means is that it starts off really strong, short, to the point, and didn’t drag out a bad situation.
Almost all of the rest of the story I enjoyed, it was well written, with what I thought was a good balance of funny, sad, sexy, and dramatic. Although, wow that escalated quickly! (You’ll know what I mean when you get there) And I Iiked that Clementine was a pretty moderate character, not too wishy-washy and not too domineering, a little insecure but not ridiculously so like some characters can be. Sure she’s stubborn, but that’s kind of the point of the story! See it’s in the title! The other characters were pretty enjoyable too. Well not those two, but Colin, Christian, and Paige. I would love to have had some more time with Clementine’s Mom and Colin, I have a feeling they would be a hoot together. And I hope Christian and Paige get their own story, it seems like there’s a lot to be told with them.
The ending though, not that I didn’t like it, but it felt somehow unfinished to me. It seems like there’s some loose story threads dangling around that haven’t been tied up enough to really have a finish? It’s tough to describe but there it is.
(I just noticed that there is another novel “Only In Dreams” which is Paige’s story! Now if only my hopes for winning lottery numbers worked so quickly)
This is one of those books that’s really going to be hit or miss in some spots with people, myself included. I always shoot for a spoiler free review so my apologies if it’s too vague.
“Well that started with a bang.” That was my first thought after I finished the prologue. Probably not the most PC of puns, but that’s where my weird brain went. But what that really means is that it starts off really strong, short, to the point, and didn’t drag out a bad situation.
Almost all of the rest of the story I enjoyed, it was well written, with what I thought was a good balance of funny, sad, sexy, and dramatic. Although, wow that escalated quickly! (You’ll know what I mean when you get there) And I Iiked that Clementine was a pretty moderate character, not too wishy-washy and not too domineering, a little insecure but not ridiculously so like some characters can be. Sure she’s stubborn, but that’s kind of the point of the story! See it’s in the title! The other characters were pretty enjoyable too. Well not those two, but Colin, Christian, and Paige. I would love to have had some more time with Clementine’s Mom and Colin, I have a feeling they would be a hoot together. And I hope Christian and Paige get their own story, it seems like there’s a lot to be told with them.
The ending though, not that I didn’t like it, but it felt somehow unfinished to me. It seems like there’s some loose story threads dangling around that haven’t been tied up enough to really have a finish? It’s tough to describe but there it is.
(I just noticed that there is another novel “Only In Dreams” which is Paige’s story! Now if only my hopes for winning lottery numbers worked so quickly)
June 22, 2015
I've been looking for a good NA book, and this definitely was not it. It seems like all NA books are the same. Girl suffers a trauma in her life, boy swoops in to save her. The end.
I will say the trauma she went through in this book was a bit more creative, and kind of shocking. It was nice seeing an author actually portray a typical, realistic reaction to something that happened to a character. Not some off the wall reaction that makes no sense. With that being said, some of the other reactions were very unrealistic.
Maybe I'm too logical when I read books. But to me, a guy that supposedly loves you would probably be more brutal to someone that hits you as opposed to someone that doesn't. Not when it comes to Colin, though. I don't want to say much more than that to avoid spoilers, but Colin's character didn't make any sense at times. Clementine was an okay protagonist, but she wasn't even close to being memorable.
The book itself wasn't memorable either, except for the random ass sex scene that came out of left field. I'm still laughing about it. These two denied their attraction for each other and neither one of them wanted to be with anyone, and then out of nowhere, "Let's have sex." I'm not really interested in reading sex scenes in books, especially ones that are unneeded. And this one was definitely a scene that the author randomly throws in there like, "SURPRISE! SEX!"
Overall, this book is just a typical NA. It wasn't bad enough to DNF, but it doesn't have the wow factor. I won't be reading anything else by this author because I prefer books with excitement. Not just a typical 3 star book.
I will say the trauma she went through in this book was a bit more creative, and kind of shocking. It was nice seeing an author actually portray a typical, realistic reaction to something that happened to a character. Not some off the wall reaction that makes no sense. With that being said, some of the other reactions were very unrealistic.
Maybe I'm too logical when I read books. But to me, a guy that supposedly loves you would probably be more brutal to someone that hits you as opposed to someone that doesn't. Not when it comes to Colin, though. I don't want to say much more than that to avoid spoilers, but Colin's character didn't make any sense at times. Clementine was an okay protagonist, but she wasn't even close to being memorable.
The book itself wasn't memorable either, except for the random ass sex scene that came out of left field. I'm still laughing about it. These two denied their attraction for each other and neither one of them wanted to be with anyone, and then out of nowhere, "Let's have sex." I'm not really interested in reading sex scenes in books, especially ones that are unneeded. And this one was definitely a scene that the author randomly throws in there like, "SURPRISE! SEX!"
Overall, this book is just a typical NA. It wasn't bad enough to DNF, but it doesn't have the wow factor. I won't be reading anything else by this author because I prefer books with excitement. Not just a typical 3 star book.
November 26, 2014
Clementine “Emmie” Hayes has a terrible secret. She used to be married and had told her husband she was going to leave him. Her husband commits suicide as she walks out the door and she leaves town after the funeral to live her life and bury the past. She rents an apartment with a young woman she meets in a taxi who happens to be dating the landlords brother. The landlord is Colin Bennett. Emmie tries to resist him romantically and they build a friendship. While the friendship slowly grows into something more, her past comes back to haunt her.
This story ended up being just an okay read for me. I liked the character of Colin. He was a great guy who was financially well off, worked with his hands, sexy good looks, and all around good guy. Emmie is led to believe that he is player, but he didn’t really come off as one to me. Emmie wasn’t a character that I really enjoyed. Yes, she had a tragic past, but it felt like it was forced on the reader to feel sorry for her. The so called bad guys weren’t too much of surprise and in all honesty, I can’t even remember much about this book hours after finishing it. It just didn’t stand out to me.
I would have to say that the only real thing I liked about this book was the characters of Colin and his brother Christian. I will more than likely end up reading the next book in the series, but it isn’t something I would rush out to buy.
This story ended up being just an okay read for me. I liked the character of Colin. He was a great guy who was financially well off, worked with his hands, sexy good looks, and all around good guy. Emmie is led to believe that he is player, but he didn’t really come off as one to me. Emmie wasn’t a character that I really enjoyed. Yes, she had a tragic past, but it felt like it was forced on the reader to feel sorry for her. The so called bad guys weren’t too much of surprise and in all honesty, I can’t even remember much about this book hours after finishing it. It just didn’t stand out to me.
I would have to say that the only real thing I liked about this book was the characters of Colin and his brother Christian. I will more than likely end up reading the next book in the series, but it isn’t something I would rush out to buy.
June 22, 2013
This book was given to me by the author Ms. Wendy Owens in exchange of an honest review.
She was cool enough to say that if I disliked her book, I should not sweet-talk about it. Well, Ms Owens I’m so glad to say that you nailed this one!!!!:)
The story’s basic formula wasn’t unique… It was simply a story about two people who have been hurt in their lives. It was a story about how they change each other’s life…See, it’s nothing new…
So why should you spend money on this book??? Right??? It’s because the author’s way of telling their story was really fresh… The twists & turns in this story were totally realistic. There was no unnecessary drama in this one like most of the recent contemporary romances that I’ve read in the recent past…(Thank God, the hero & heroine both were level-headed who didn’t act like immature kids for a change ;) :D)
The supporting characters were funny!!! The plot was nicely laid out.. The heroine wasn’t a bitch… She was rather a loving character… And above all, the most important factor for me to like a book—i.e. the hero… Yeah, our hero Colin was a super likeable, super hot character… He did justice to this book’s title- “Stubborn Love”…
I liked this book a lot… All you girls who like contemporary romances, make sure to try this one out… It was pretty great… I’ll wait for the author’s next book.
She was cool enough to say that if I disliked her book, I should not sweet-talk about it. Well, Ms Owens I’m so glad to say that you nailed this one!!!!:)
The story’s basic formula wasn’t unique… It was simply a story about two people who have been hurt in their lives. It was a story about how they change each other’s life…See, it’s nothing new…
So why should you spend money on this book??? Right??? It’s because the author’s way of telling their story was really fresh… The twists & turns in this story were totally realistic. There was no unnecessary drama in this one like most of the recent contemporary romances that I’ve read in the recent past…(Thank God, the hero & heroine both were level-headed who didn’t act like immature kids for a change ;) :D)
The supporting characters were funny!!! The plot was nicely laid out.. The heroine wasn’t a bitch… She was rather a loving character… And above all, the most important factor for me to like a book—i.e. the hero… Yeah, our hero Colin was a super likeable, super hot character… He did justice to this book’s title- “Stubborn Love”…
I liked this book a lot… All you girls who like contemporary romances, make sure to try this one out… It was pretty great… I’ll wait for the author’s next book.
August 4, 2013
Even a broken heart has trouble resisting a Stubborn Love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this 4 star book. I enjoyed the angst and emotional levels. The dosages were small and evenly spaced so there was no real down moments.
Emmie Hayes realized that the love she found was not what she needed or wanted. After getting the courage to leave, she embarks on a new chapter. The fact that her husband Ashton was not going to just suck it up and walk away, was the first roadblock. She takes off for New York and meets Paige. Shortly after Emmie and Paige become roommates.
The characters of Paif and Colin were very well rounded and I liked them both a lot. I wasnt thrilled with how many times she pushed him away or the fact that he was so persistent. That was the thorn. I dont think may guys would stick around. I also need a little more spice. I am a spice nut!
I really enjoyed Stubborn Love and would recommend it to my chick lit lovers. It is a great beach reach so grab it up. . To me, it was a great somewhat quick read with just the right amount of drama. Ms. Owens did a fabulous job at portraying the emotions of each character, making the story completely believable. I would definitely recommend it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this 4 star book. I enjoyed the angst and emotional levels. The dosages were small and evenly spaced so there was no real down moments.
Emmie Hayes realized that the love she found was not what she needed or wanted. After getting the courage to leave, she embarks on a new chapter. The fact that her husband Ashton was not going to just suck it up and walk away, was the first roadblock. She takes off for New York and meets Paige. Shortly after Emmie and Paige become roommates.
The characters of Paif and Colin were very well rounded and I liked them both a lot. I wasnt thrilled with how many times she pushed him away or the fact that he was so persistent. That was the thorn. I dont think may guys would stick around. I also need a little more spice. I am a spice nut!
I really enjoyed Stubborn Love and would recommend it to my chick lit lovers. It is a great beach reach so grab it up. . To me, it was a great somewhat quick read with just the right amount of drama. Ms. Owens did a fabulous job at portraying the emotions of each character, making the story completely believable. I would definitely recommend it!
June 24, 2013
Stubborn Love is definitely true to it's title. In more ways than one.
This book is incredible, even if I did want to throttle Emmie more times than I wanted to hug her. But really, it's more than that. This book takes a subject as touchy as suicide, and it plays up the side of it that not many people see. The guilt that the survivor(s) carries. I can relate to that on a very personal level, so I understood where Emmie was and what she was going through. Carrying that guilt isn't an easy thing to do, and to have it thrown back into your face just when you're beginning to pick up the pieces... Well, that's even harder.
Ultimately, Stubborn Love is about faith, acceptance, healing, and understanding. It's about continuing to move forward when the world around you stops spinning. It's about letting go of the pain and accepting the comfort of someone else's embrace.
I won't pretend to know how Ms. Owens knows what it's like to carry around the burden of that type of guilt, but even if she doesn't know it personally, you wouldn't know that by reading this book. It's executed flawlessly, and I absolutely loved it. A definite five star read.
This book is incredible, even if I did want to throttle Emmie more times than I wanted to hug her. But really, it's more than that. This book takes a subject as touchy as suicide, and it plays up the side of it that not many people see. The guilt that the survivor(s) carries. I can relate to that on a very personal level, so I understood where Emmie was and what she was going through. Carrying that guilt isn't an easy thing to do, and to have it thrown back into your face just when you're beginning to pick up the pieces... Well, that's even harder.
Ultimately, Stubborn Love is about faith, acceptance, healing, and understanding. It's about continuing to move forward when the world around you stops spinning. It's about letting go of the pain and accepting the comfort of someone else's embrace.
I won't pretend to know how Ms. Owens knows what it's like to carry around the burden of that type of guilt, but even if she doesn't know it personally, you wouldn't know that by reading this book. It's executed flawlessly, and I absolutely loved it. A definite five star read.
November 26, 2013
Colin, you walking sex on two legs you, "you know, everyone in this city works out of coffee shops, right? You'll be lucky to even get a table this time of day. Why not come in and work here? I have plenty of space for you to spread out. I'll even make you a cup of coffee. I don't have my espresso machine hooked up yet, but I can make a mean cup from the french press." Colin he I think has a jealousy issue or an issue of being lied to, "oh, wait, I get it. You don't want me here when your date gets here," Colin said, clasping his fingers together, watching my intensely from the chair. "What is it? Is he ugly? No wait, he's old...like really old, right?" He's a sarcastic thing, "oh yeah, sorry. I guess you had me all hot and bothered by your dance moves. The reason for my visit nearly slipped my mind." He's also protective, "what? Who is saying this stuff to you?" Colin was quickly becoming agitated." I can't wait for Paige's story.
July 17, 2013
Enjoyable romance about a woman who decides to finally live her life on her own terms after years of emotional abuse from her husband who kills himself when she leaves him. You feel the heroine's guilt over her husband's death but she tries to move on. Two years later she moves to NYC an goes to school to improve her artistic craft and meets a quirky bunch of people, including the owner of the building she lives in who wants to be more than just friends.
Not a bad book to lose yourself into for a few hours of reading. I would be interested in reading more by this author.
Not a bad book to lose yourself into for a few hours of reading. I would be interested in reading more by this author.
April 12, 2015
Honestly I just didn't get into this one, I didn't much like Clementine, really I felt she was a lot like 12 year old girls, I thought she was just all over the place, and not a lot of what she did and said made sense to me. She was stressing about getting into a relationship with a guy, sorry hun one date is not a relationship get over yourself. She was a hot mess, and I just didn't like or or identify with her at all. i gave this 2 stars because even though I thought about making this one a DNF, I did finish it. I wont be reading the rest of the series.
October 20, 2018
.
What a compelling read, that grabs you and doesn't want to let go. Some parts make you question whether it would be worth completing, but it is indeed beneficial to skip over the skeptical moments that cause some concern.
This book makes me value my own peace of mind even more and reminds me to acknowledge how blessed my life is.
Although it can't be described as a totally clean read, it does stand alone, and delivers the yellow brick road to a Happy Ever After for the hero and the heroine!
What a compelling read, that grabs you and doesn't want to let go. Some parts make you question whether it would be worth completing, but it is indeed beneficial to skip over the skeptical moments that cause some concern.
This book makes me value my own peace of mind even more and reminds me to acknowledge how blessed my life is.
Although it can't be described as a totally clean read, it does stand alone, and delivers the yellow brick road to a Happy Ever After for the hero and the heroine!
December 4, 2013
I don't usually leave comments about books I have read, but this book was amazing. I enjoy reading a book that the author can put you in the book and feel the feelings of the characters. I have only read a few books that the authors actually do this and Wendy Owens definitely did this with Stubborn Love. I can not wait to read Paige's story.
August 22, 2013
Great read from beginning to end...couldn't put it down:)) Very well written and the characters had so much emotion. What they had been through that had made them who they were was so heartbreaking at times. Loved the romance between Emmie and Colin....glad they were able to save each other!!!
August 31, 2015
I read this book but I cant tell you anything about it.
August 10, 2013
*BLOG TOUR* ON MY BLOG 10th August
Review + Except + Giveaway
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
"Please, don’t give up on us before we even get started."
“Stubborn Love” è capitato nelle cose da leggere per caso, come mi capita spesso, grazie a Tess from My Pathway to Books Tours con cui sto collaborando da un po’ con ampio successo. Questo è un libro strano ci ho messo un po’ a farlo mio, ma alla fine mi è piaciuto e naturalmente consiglio la lettura a tutti gli amanti di romance.
Persino un cuore spezzato fa fatica a resistere a un amore testardo.
Clementine – Emmie Hayes ama profondamente il bellissimo Ashton Stirling, nessuno lo può negare. Lei gli ha dato la sua giovinezza, e tutto quello che lui le ha dato in cambio è miseria e pena. È pronta per un nuovo inizio, ma Ashton non vuole lasciarla andare facilmente, anche se significa distruggere entrambe le loro vite nel frattempo.
Tre anni dopo Emmie convince sé stessa che è pronta a lasciare il suo cuore spezzato nel passato e trovare un piccolo pezzo di normalità per sé. Va a New York City per riprendere dove aveva lasciato, determinata a finire la scuola d’arte. Emmie è determinata a concentrarsi sulla scuola e non lasciare che niente la distragga, ma la vita ha uno strano modo di lanciare palle curve.
Paige, la compagna di appartamento di Emmie, porta Colin Bennett nella sua vita. I suoi occhi stupefacenti e il suo corpo asciutto e muscoloso sono difficili da ignorare. Ma Emmie non è una ragazza qualsiasi. Il suo passato la rende resistente al suo fascino. Colin non è uno che si arrende facilmente e quando pensa di aver trovato un modo per arrivare al suo cuore testardo, la sua tragica storia trova un modo per separarli.
Chi mi segue sa che io ho una vera e propria, insana fissazione per le romance. Basta che ci sia anche solo un vago accenno di una storia d’amore e parto per la tangente. Non potevo certo lasciarmi scappare da sotto gli occhi questa che ha tutti gli elementi per conquistare il lettore. Non c’è nulla di particolarmente innovativo, anzi probabilmente storie simili ne sono state raccontate a vagonate, ma non perdono mai il loro fascino. Anche quando ti sembra di averla già vissuta riesce ad arrivare alle spalle e prenderti alla sprovvista, facendoti irrimediabilmente cadere ai suoi piedi.
Emmie è la classica ragazza insicura, con la mente persa tra pennelli e colori, che formano una barriera e un’arma di difesa contro il mondo che la circonda. Emmie è molto forte per certi versi, la decisione di allontanarsi dall’Indiana e trasferirsi nella Grande Mela non è certo presa con leggerezza o senza grossi dibattiti interiori, anzi deve mettere in discussione tutto quello che è che vuole senza stare troppo a sentire chi ama. Il bagaglio di confusione e sensi di colpa che si trascina dietro da anni si cementifica e non le lascia spazio per respirare. Cede, cerca di scappare, ma più di tutto vuole salvare Colin dal pericolo che secondo lei rappresenta per gli altri. Non c’è modo di salvarsi, deve lasciarsi andare. Ed è totalmente sconclusionato e pesante, perché in qualche modo si priva totalmente della possibilità di essere felice. È lei che racconta la sua storia in prima persona, è con lei che veniamo a conoscere la meraviglia che è Colin, ma non c’è molto dramma, il dramma su cui si basa l’intero libro è quello che viene creato proprio da Emmie e dai suoi sensi di colpa. In sostanza non ci sarebbe storia, se non fosse per i fatti che sono accaduti nel prologo. E questo mi ha lasciato un po’ ambivalente.
Ma poi conosciamo Colin, un ragazzo che si è sacrificato per tutta la sua vita per il fratello Christian, che è un asso nei lavori di restauro, che si è sempre fatto il culo per ottenere ciò che vuole, per dare sicurezza e stabilità ad una famiglia allo sfascio. Serio, responsabile, iperprotettivo, Colin è il classico bravo ragazzo. Un ragazzo vero, onesto e lavoratore, con il fisico scolpito su cui Emmie sbava un minuto sì e l’altro pure, il primo incontro tra i due accade con lui a torso nudo, scena completamente *swoon worthy* Colin è pronto a qualunque cosa pur di avere la donna che ama, la donna che lo ha cambiato e gli ha dato uno scopo. Ci sono scene in cui si è impotenti di fronte a lui e non perché faccia qualcosa di fuori dal mondo, ma solo perché è assolutamente tenero e romantico. La serata che prepara nel suo loft per Em è assolutamente speciale.
Il tocco di classe che rende il libro un attimo più sconvolgente è Paige, la compagna di casa di Emmie, un vero peperino, di quelle che se ne escono con questa domanda il mattino dopo la prima volta tra Colin e Emmie:
“Are we talking Vienna sausage or foot long?”
Una di quelle ragazze sconclusionate, che sembrano non avere senso, e invece ce l’hanno eccome.
L’ambientazione newyorkese aggiunge un tocco glamour alla storia anche se gran parte si svolge nell’appartamento delle ragazze o nel loft che Colin sta restaurando e di conseguenza vediamo poco della grande mela che passa completamente in secondo piano rispetto alla vita di Emmie.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Un rossetto rosso.
Incredibilmente romantica questa storia deve essere letta da tutti quelli che amano le romance, non importa quante ne abbiano letto. Vi posso assicurare che Colin vale la pena lo sforzo.
Buona lettura guys!
Ringrazio immensamente Tess from My pathway to books tours per avermi dato l’occasione di partecipare a questo Blog Tour e leggere un ARC del libro. Grazie!
Review + Except + Giveaway
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
"Please, don’t give up on us before we even get started."
“Stubborn Love” è capitato nelle cose da leggere per caso, come mi capita spesso, grazie a Tess from My Pathway to Books Tours con cui sto collaborando da un po’ con ampio successo. Questo è un libro strano ci ho messo un po’ a farlo mio, ma alla fine mi è piaciuto e naturalmente consiglio la lettura a tutti gli amanti di romance.
Persino un cuore spezzato fa fatica a resistere a un amore testardo.
Clementine – Emmie Hayes ama profondamente il bellissimo Ashton Stirling, nessuno lo può negare. Lei gli ha dato la sua giovinezza, e tutto quello che lui le ha dato in cambio è miseria e pena. È pronta per un nuovo inizio, ma Ashton non vuole lasciarla andare facilmente, anche se significa distruggere entrambe le loro vite nel frattempo.
Tre anni dopo Emmie convince sé stessa che è pronta a lasciare il suo cuore spezzato nel passato e trovare un piccolo pezzo di normalità per sé. Va a New York City per riprendere dove aveva lasciato, determinata a finire la scuola d’arte. Emmie è determinata a concentrarsi sulla scuola e non lasciare che niente la distragga, ma la vita ha uno strano modo di lanciare palle curve.
Paige, la compagna di appartamento di Emmie, porta Colin Bennett nella sua vita. I suoi occhi stupefacenti e il suo corpo asciutto e muscoloso sono difficili da ignorare. Ma Emmie non è una ragazza qualsiasi. Il suo passato la rende resistente al suo fascino. Colin non è uno che si arrende facilmente e quando pensa di aver trovato un modo per arrivare al suo cuore testardo, la sua tragica storia trova un modo per separarli.
Chi mi segue sa che io ho una vera e propria, insana fissazione per le romance. Basta che ci sia anche solo un vago accenno di una storia d’amore e parto per la tangente. Non potevo certo lasciarmi scappare da sotto gli occhi questa che ha tutti gli elementi per conquistare il lettore. Non c’è nulla di particolarmente innovativo, anzi probabilmente storie simili ne sono state raccontate a vagonate, ma non perdono mai il loro fascino. Anche quando ti sembra di averla già vissuta riesce ad arrivare alle spalle e prenderti alla sprovvista, facendoti irrimediabilmente cadere ai suoi piedi.
Emmie è la classica ragazza insicura, con la mente persa tra pennelli e colori, che formano una barriera e un’arma di difesa contro il mondo che la circonda. Emmie è molto forte per certi versi, la decisione di allontanarsi dall’Indiana e trasferirsi nella Grande Mela non è certo presa con leggerezza o senza grossi dibattiti interiori, anzi deve mettere in discussione tutto quello che è che vuole senza stare troppo a sentire chi ama. Il bagaglio di confusione e sensi di colpa che si trascina dietro da anni si cementifica e non le lascia spazio per respirare. Cede, cerca di scappare, ma più di tutto vuole salvare Colin dal pericolo che secondo lei rappresenta per gli altri. Non c’è modo di salvarsi, deve lasciarsi andare. Ed è totalmente sconclusionato e pesante, perché in qualche modo si priva totalmente della possibilità di essere felice. È lei che racconta la sua storia in prima persona, è con lei che veniamo a conoscere la meraviglia che è Colin, ma non c’è molto dramma, il dramma su cui si basa l’intero libro è quello che viene creato proprio da Emmie e dai suoi sensi di colpa. In sostanza non ci sarebbe storia, se non fosse per i fatti che sono accaduti nel prologo. E questo mi ha lasciato un po’ ambivalente.
Ma poi conosciamo Colin, un ragazzo che si è sacrificato per tutta la sua vita per il fratello Christian, che è un asso nei lavori di restauro, che si è sempre fatto il culo per ottenere ciò che vuole, per dare sicurezza e stabilità ad una famiglia allo sfascio. Serio, responsabile, iperprotettivo, Colin è il classico bravo ragazzo. Un ragazzo vero, onesto e lavoratore, con il fisico scolpito su cui Emmie sbava un minuto sì e l’altro pure, il primo incontro tra i due accade con lui a torso nudo, scena completamente *swoon worthy* Colin è pronto a qualunque cosa pur di avere la donna che ama, la donna che lo ha cambiato e gli ha dato uno scopo. Ci sono scene in cui si è impotenti di fronte a lui e non perché faccia qualcosa di fuori dal mondo, ma solo perché è assolutamente tenero e romantico. La serata che prepara nel suo loft per Em è assolutamente speciale.
Il tocco di classe che rende il libro un attimo più sconvolgente è Paige, la compagna di casa di Emmie, un vero peperino, di quelle che se ne escono con questa domanda il mattino dopo la prima volta tra Colin e Emmie:
“Are we talking Vienna sausage or foot long?”
Una di quelle ragazze sconclusionate, che sembrano non avere senso, e invece ce l’hanno eccome.
L’ambientazione newyorkese aggiunge un tocco glamour alla storia anche se gran parte si svolge nell’appartamento delle ragazze o nel loft che Colin sta restaurando e di conseguenza vediamo poco della grande mela che passa completamente in secondo piano rispetto alla vita di Emmie.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Un rossetto rosso.
Incredibilmente romantica questa storia deve essere letta da tutti quelli che amano le romance, non importa quante ne abbiano letto. Vi posso assicurare che Colin vale la pena lo sforzo.
Buona lettura guys!
Ringrazio immensamente Tess from My pathway to books tours per avermi dato l’occasione di partecipare a questo Blog Tour e leggere un ARC del libro. Grazie!
April 15, 2025
The story started really good and had good premise.
I had a hard time with the FMC Emmie. She was very annoying. I get she went through trauma, and i feel terribly sorry for her, but her attitude all the time at the beginning with Colin was kinda annoyed.
Wasn’t terrible, just not for me. I was happy they got a happy ending though.
I had a hard time with the FMC Emmie. She was very annoying. I get she went through trauma, and i feel terribly sorry for her, but her attitude all the time at the beginning with Colin was kinda annoyed.
Wasn’t terrible, just not for me. I was happy they got a happy ending though.
kindle-free-self
July 3, 2023Different cover is not listed. Has to be the most un-lovely cover of any book I have ever seen in my entire life.
March 7, 2014
**JOSIE'S REVIEW**
This story was empowering. The prologue was a chilling one. This story is about Clementine and how a tragic event forever changed her life. Ashton was all Emmie knew. She gave up everything to be with him, including her. When she had enough, she thought it would be easy to walk away, but Ashton was not going to make it easy for her. He never did and this time was anything but different. Emmie was broken and this story is about her journey to finding happiness, peace and love. My heart broke for Emmie, her past was heart wrenching but watching her pull herself back together was awe inspiring.
Emmie was left feeling worthless, guilty, and depressed about love. Emmie gave up her dream of going to school in New York City to pursue her degree in Art to be with Ashton. When things ended she takes back her life and her dreams and goes back to New York. On her first day there, she meets Paige and things start to look up. Along the way to forgiveness, she has a support system and they have given her the strength to be Emmie again.
In comes Collin. Collin is everything Emmie fears, which is another broken heart. She does not want to date and just wants to concentrate on school. But Collin sees something in Emmie that he's never seen in another woman. Emmie goes from not wanting to date to having two guys interested in her, Collin and Stryker (I HATE STRYKER). Collin, God is so hot and swoony worthy.
“I’ve never felt anything like this, Em. I’m not looking for just sex. I want to be with you, and I want you to only be with me.”
“Collin, I’m broken. I don’t want to be with you because if I was, you would end up just as broken as me. I can’t hurt you too.”
"Who else have you hurt, sweetie. I see you baby, all of you, so please let me at least try.”
Together they both embark on a journey of love and forgiveness. I loved how they connected. Emmie could not tell Collin her past, she was afraid he would not want her anymore. This story was believable because the relationship between Collin and Emmie was not instant. They started as friends that slowly turned into a romance. Collin is patient. He knows there is something in Emmie’s past that keeps her scared and nervous at times. Emmie is too hard on herself at times. She really believed that she would be the one to hurt Collin because she was cursed.
“You don’t understand…I’m cursed. If you’re with me you will mean only end up getting hurt.”
“Listen to me. My life started when you gave us a chance. Don’t take that away from either of us.”
I had several moments in this book that I cried. I cried out of happiness, I cried cheering Emmie on and cried for all she endured. For me this story was about self-journey, and it will get you thinking. I enjoyed this story. I have not read a book by Wendy Owens, but I fully intend to read the second book in this series. She did an amazing job. The story flowed, it was not rushed and as reader you are connected with the characters. I felt everything Emmie was feeling and for me that is what made the story a good read.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story was empowering. The prologue was a chilling one. This story is about Clementine and how a tragic event forever changed her life. Ashton was all Emmie knew. She gave up everything to be with him, including her. When she had enough, she thought it would be easy to walk away, but Ashton was not going to make it easy for her. He never did and this time was anything but different. Emmie was broken and this story is about her journey to finding happiness, peace and love. My heart broke for Emmie, her past was heart wrenching but watching her pull herself back together was awe inspiring.
Emmie was left feeling worthless, guilty, and depressed about love. Emmie gave up her dream of going to school in New York City to pursue her degree in Art to be with Ashton. When things ended she takes back her life and her dreams and goes back to New York. On her first day there, she meets Paige and things start to look up. Along the way to forgiveness, she has a support system and they have given her the strength to be Emmie again.
In comes Collin. Collin is everything Emmie fears, which is another broken heart. She does not want to date and just wants to concentrate on school. But Collin sees something in Emmie that he's never seen in another woman. Emmie goes from not wanting to date to having two guys interested in her, Collin and Stryker (I HATE STRYKER). Collin, God is so hot and swoony worthy.
“I’ve never felt anything like this, Em. I’m not looking for just sex. I want to be with you, and I want you to only be with me.”
“Collin, I’m broken. I don’t want to be with you because if I was, you would end up just as broken as me. I can’t hurt you too.”
"Who else have you hurt, sweetie. I see you baby, all of you, so please let me at least try.”
Together they both embark on a journey of love and forgiveness. I loved how they connected. Emmie could not tell Collin her past, she was afraid he would not want her anymore. This story was believable because the relationship between Collin and Emmie was not instant. They started as friends that slowly turned into a romance. Collin is patient. He knows there is something in Emmie’s past that keeps her scared and nervous at times. Emmie is too hard on herself at times. She really believed that she would be the one to hurt Collin because she was cursed.
“You don’t understand…I’m cursed. If you’re with me you will mean only end up getting hurt.”
“Listen to me. My life started when you gave us a chance. Don’t take that away from either of us.”
I had several moments in this book that I cried. I cried out of happiness, I cried cheering Emmie on and cried for all she endured. For me this story was about self-journey, and it will get you thinking. I enjoyed this story. I have not read a book by Wendy Owens, but I fully intend to read the second book in this series. She did an amazing job. The story flowed, it was not rushed and as reader you are connected with the characters. I felt everything Emmie was feeling and for me that is what made the story a good read.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2015
Okay. I've just finished the book a few minutes ago, and... my heart is a mess!
I can't put or place what I feel right now after reading this book into words! But I'll try...
Stubborn Love by Wendy Owens is an amazing book! I loved it. Completely loved it. I don't want to say much in this review 'cause I don't want to spoil anyone or anything, so I'll give my best shot.
Stubborn Love is about a girl named Clementine who goes by the name Emmie by the way, and she was married off to this dude named Ashton who was apparently the popular bad boy in school. Long story-short, she married him right after high school and their life was good and all at first during the first year but everything went haywire after that. The guy couldn't keep a job he was good at and he threw all these tantrums and was kinda abusive to Emmie. Emmie left and the guy committed suicide for her leaving him.
Three and a half years later, Emmie has moved in to New York to finish her degree in college and has settled in an apartment with a girl named Paige. Paige has a boyfriend named Christian who has an older brother named Colin who is also in fact the landlord.
Now, I love the chemistry going on with Emmie and Colin. I get that Emmie has this guilt weighting her down for the past three years and she just wants to move on and finish college which she never had because of Ashton. Colin was drop dead gorgeous! I can't stand nor resist him! He was just stubborn and I loved that part about him and he was relentless. The two had a really hard time at first and I'm sure the readers will too, but just bear reading the book until getting through the middle of it and I'm sure that the first parts wouldn't be boring or whatever. It's a pretty great book you guys!
The ending was phenomenal and I loved it! I can't wait to see their lives in the next book, even though it isn't about them, but I think we'll be seeing them here and there.
I rated this book a perfect 5 STARS in Goodreads, I mean, who wouldn't? and if I ever had to rate this in a scale of one to ten, the book would be a 9 'cause I wanted more! more! more! more! I wanted to see their lives at the ending! I want an epilogue! LOL. But there still will be at the sequel.
Happy reading you guys! ;)
I can't put or place what I feel right now after reading this book into words! But I'll try...
Stubborn Love by Wendy Owens is an amazing book! I loved it. Completely loved it. I don't want to say much in this review 'cause I don't want to spoil anyone or anything, so I'll give my best shot.
Stubborn Love is about a girl named Clementine who goes by the name Emmie by the way, and she was married off to this dude named Ashton who was apparently the popular bad boy in school. Long story-short, she married him right after high school and their life was good and all at first during the first year but everything went haywire after that. The guy couldn't keep a job he was good at and he threw all these tantrums and was kinda abusive to Emmie. Emmie left and the guy committed suicide for her leaving him.
Three and a half years later, Emmie has moved in to New York to finish her degree in college and has settled in an apartment with a girl named Paige. Paige has a boyfriend named Christian who has an older brother named Colin who is also in fact the landlord.
Now, I love the chemistry going on with Emmie and Colin. I get that Emmie has this guilt weighting her down for the past three years and she just wants to move on and finish college which she never had because of Ashton. Colin was drop dead gorgeous! I can't stand nor resist him! He was just stubborn and I loved that part about him and he was relentless. The two had a really hard time at first and I'm sure the readers will too, but just bear reading the book until getting through the middle of it and I'm sure that the first parts wouldn't be boring or whatever. It's a pretty great book you guys!
The ending was phenomenal and I loved it! I can't wait to see their lives in the next book, even though it isn't about them, but I think we'll be seeing them here and there.
I rated this book a perfect 5 STARS in Goodreads, I mean, who wouldn't? and if I ever had to rate this in a scale of one to ten, the book would be a 9 'cause I wanted more! more! more! more! I wanted to see their lives at the ending! I want an epilogue! LOL. But there still will be at the sequel.
Happy reading you guys! ;)
November 10, 2013
4 Star Review by Annie
Wow. From page one this book held my attention. This story was about letting go of the past and learning to move on to the future. Stubborn Love started off with heartache, but ended with love!
Emmie has been in love with Ashton for as long as she can remember. She thought he was her one and only love, but things change. A selfish decision he makes one fateful afternoon not only ruins his life, but Emmie’s life too.
Trying to pick up the pieces Emmie decides to start fresh and moves to New York City to finish up her college. In the search of finding a place to live she ends up meeting Paige. Paige not only becomes her roommate, but quickly becomes her friend. What Emmie didn’t expect is for their landlord to be a walking sex pot. Can Emmie overcome the past or does it finally catch up to her and bring her down with it?
Colin has spent his whole life taking care of everyone else and not taking care of himself. He has never had time to invest in a relationship and basically is just going through the motions of life. He was all work and no play, basically owning the whole entire block. That is until his baby brothers girlfriend brings Emmie, her new roommate over. He couldn’t seem to escape Emmie, because not only was she hanging around with his brother she was also his new tenant. Emmie was a bit of a challenge. Not only was she hot but she was spunky as well. Is Colin finally ready for a relationship or does he go back into his old ways?
Wendy Owens did an amazing job. The characters in this book were realistic and likable. I felt as if I knew them on a personal level. This book moved at a fast pace, but did not miss any key points.
The only negative is that I wish we could have explored the relationship between the two leads more. I felt like we needed more passion and a little bit more romance. I would give this book 4 stars.
Wow. From page one this book held my attention. This story was about letting go of the past and learning to move on to the future. Stubborn Love started off with heartache, but ended with love!
Emmie has been in love with Ashton for as long as she can remember. She thought he was her one and only love, but things change. A selfish decision he makes one fateful afternoon not only ruins his life, but Emmie’s life too.
Trying to pick up the pieces Emmie decides to start fresh and moves to New York City to finish up her college. In the search of finding a place to live she ends up meeting Paige. Paige not only becomes her roommate, but quickly becomes her friend. What Emmie didn’t expect is for their landlord to be a walking sex pot. Can Emmie overcome the past or does it finally catch up to her and bring her down with it?
Colin has spent his whole life taking care of everyone else and not taking care of himself. He has never had time to invest in a relationship and basically is just going through the motions of life. He was all work and no play, basically owning the whole entire block. That is until his baby brothers girlfriend brings Emmie, her new roommate over. He couldn’t seem to escape Emmie, because not only was she hanging around with his brother she was also his new tenant. Emmie was a bit of a challenge. Not only was she hot but she was spunky as well. Is Colin finally ready for a relationship or does he go back into his old ways?
Wendy Owens did an amazing job. The characters in this book were realistic and likable. I felt as if I knew them on a personal level. This book moved at a fast pace, but did not miss any key points.
The only negative is that I wish we could have explored the relationship between the two leads more. I felt like we needed more passion and a little bit more romance. I would give this book 4 stars.
June 26, 2013
When Dani passed me this book for us to review I was excited because it sounded interesting. I was in love with it as soon as I met Colin. Well okay let me take that back. Till I met Paige! But first let me take you back. The book starts with Emmie (Clementine) and her story about marrying the love of her life, Ashton, She moved in with him and his family who were very well off. Their relationship was not the best. She gave up everything, school and what not to be what he wanted. Ashton was not the ideal. She threatened to leave him and then her world blew up!
Emmie moved away with her mom to start a new life. When she was ready she moved to a school in New York, where she had to find housing. This was a HUGE change from what she was used to. Bring in PAIGE! Love this girl. She is so funny. Wendy Owens created such a funny character in Paige. Paige invites Emmie to view her loft. Well Were she ends up is not Paige's place but her boyfriends. Emmie meets Colin! OH MY WORD! At first he is rude. Emmie is put off and angry by him. She soon learns that he dated Paige's former roommate and that it did not end well. They set ground rules that she would not do that. Well she cant help it if COLIN is the one attracted! Emmie is set on not dating but when a guy at school approaches her she goes on one. AND WOW that was a mistake. He is NOT who he says he is and is out to cause her trouble.
When Colin makes his move, and Paige encourages Emmie to Take a shot she does. Can she let go of her guilt with Ashton and find love with Colin? You have to read this story to find out. Colin is just AMAZING. I fell in love with him. Wendy Owens has created the next hot boy boyfriend! Give Stubborn Love a chance! I am so glad I did! It was a great read!
Emmie moved away with her mom to start a new life. When she was ready she moved to a school in New York, where she had to find housing. This was a HUGE change from what she was used to. Bring in PAIGE! Love this girl. She is so funny. Wendy Owens created such a funny character in Paige. Paige invites Emmie to view her loft. Well Were she ends up is not Paige's place but her boyfriends. Emmie meets Colin! OH MY WORD! At first he is rude. Emmie is put off and angry by him. She soon learns that he dated Paige's former roommate and that it did not end well. They set ground rules that she would not do that. Well she cant help it if COLIN is the one attracted! Emmie is set on not dating but when a guy at school approaches her she goes on one. AND WOW that was a mistake. He is NOT who he says he is and is out to cause her trouble.
When Colin makes his move, and Paige encourages Emmie to Take a shot she does. Can she let go of her guilt with Ashton and find love with Colin? You have to read this story to find out. Colin is just AMAZING. I fell in love with him. Wendy Owens has created the next hot boy boyfriend! Give Stubborn Love a chance! I am so glad I did! It was a great read!
August 9, 2013
For Emmie Hayes everything happens very quickly. She falls in love early, gets married early and then at 26 she finds herself as a widow. She had given up her dreams and the best years of her life to Ashton and in return all she had was an abusive relationship. She had finally had the courage to walk out on Ashton with him threatening her to kill himself. What she hadn’t expected was Ashton to follow through. And now she feels the burden of it all – the lost years, the abuse and the suicide. Finally she decides that it was time for her to try and move on, and so she moves to New York to follow her dream of finishing art school from there. She is determined and focused about what she wants and doesn’t want in her new life till she meets Collin Bennet!
Emmie is a character that is both annoying and admirable. She shows great strength by walking out of an abusive relationship on her own. It is a very difficult thing to do and she did it with her head held high. But then the rest of the story takes over and she starts to be annoying. I understand that it is impossible to walk out of such a situation without some emotional scars and initially I did feel for her. But then with time when she continues to refuse to believe in the people around her who try to help and convince her that Ashton’s death wasn’t her fault she starts to irritate me. After a point it even feels like Emmie actually enjoys pitying herself and wallowing nature. Colin on the other hand is what every girl dreams of… Handsome, caring, patient and not a nonsensical bone in his body. I loved how he was always direct about everything. The characters compliment the plot which pretty simple and straightforward. The author’s style of narration is pretty easy to like.
Overall, it was an entertaining read!
Emmie is a character that is both annoying and admirable. She shows great strength by walking out of an abusive relationship on her own. It is a very difficult thing to do and she did it with her head held high. But then the rest of the story takes over and she starts to be annoying. I understand that it is impossible to walk out of such a situation without some emotional scars and initially I did feel for her. But then with time when she continues to refuse to believe in the people around her who try to help and convince her that Ashton’s death wasn’t her fault she starts to irritate me. After a point it even feels like Emmie actually enjoys pitying herself and wallowing nature. Colin on the other hand is what every girl dreams of… Handsome, caring, patient and not a nonsensical bone in his body. I loved how he was always direct about everything. The characters compliment the plot which pretty simple and straightforward. The author’s style of narration is pretty easy to like.
Overall, it was an entertaining read!
August 7, 2013
Where to begin with this review.... Lord Have Mercy is what comes to mind. Have you ever been in a relationship and it was one sided? You give your all and the other person gives nothing just sitting back and taking and taking and never giving. This is a story about a girl who loved so hard it dam near killed her. Can she wake up and smell reality before it is to late.
Emmie Hayes has always loved Ashton Stirling. He is her world and she would be lost without him. Ashton treats Emmie like property instead of a girlfriend. But Emmie is okay with that because she is so blinded by her love for him that she can only see what she wants and not what is happening right in front of her. But Emmie has finally woken up and decided she has had enough and she moves on with her life returning to art school to finish her degree.
Once she gets to New York she is in her element. She has a cool roommate Paige and she is excited to finally move past her past and start something new. One day Paige introduces Emmie to her friend Colin. Colin is smitten with Emmie right away and wants her but Emmie's heart is closed off and she does not want to ever love again. She has been so hurt by Ashton that she refuses to give her heart again. But Ashton is determined not to let Emmie go and he tries to come back into her life but I got to give it to Colin because he does not give up. Colin wants to be with Emmie and he will stop at nothing to have her.
Will Emmie let go of her past and move on? Will Colin win her heart? This is a must read!
Emmie Hayes has always loved Ashton Stirling. He is her world and she would be lost without him. Ashton treats Emmie like property instead of a girlfriend. But Emmie is okay with that because she is so blinded by her love for him that she can only see what she wants and not what is happening right in front of her. But Emmie has finally woken up and decided she has had enough and she moves on with her life returning to art school to finish her degree.
Once she gets to New York she is in her element. She has a cool roommate Paige and she is excited to finally move past her past and start something new. One day Paige introduces Emmie to her friend Colin. Colin is smitten with Emmie right away and wants her but Emmie's heart is closed off and she does not want to ever love again. She has been so hurt by Ashton that she refuses to give her heart again. But Ashton is determined not to let Emmie go and he tries to come back into her life but I got to give it to Colin because he does not give up. Colin wants to be with Emmie and he will stop at nothing to have her.
Will Emmie let go of her past and move on? Will Colin win her heart? This is a must read!
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