That Girl

That Girl #1

by H.J. Bellus

**Mature Content Warning** Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content.

This book is about That Girl…

The girl who leaves behind her past, including her name; runs away from home and vows to never let another identity claim her again. Broken dreams, an abusive stepdad and ugly memories from her childhood are the only shattered remnants that have the ability to haunt her.

With no money, an endless blank slate laying ahead of her and no hopes for the future, she sets out to survive at minimum wage jobs, moving from town to town, changing her name with each move and never allowing glimpses of her past to threaten her empty future.

Average in every way, from her looks to her personality and even her style, there is not much to remember about her. When she abandons one town for another, she leaves behind her fake identity in search of the next one, while leaving people asking themselves, “I wonder what ever became of that girl.”

That was her reality until Lincoln Wilks.

The number one defensive player in Denver who finally names…That Girl.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Abuse, Sports, College, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2014

About the author

USA Today Best Selling Author, HJ Bellus is a small town girl who loves the art of storytelling. When not making readers laugh or cry, she's a part-time livestock wrangler that can be found in the middle of Idaho, shot gunning a beer while listening to some Miranda Lambert on her Beats and rocking out in her boots.

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Reviews

[aksana]

DNF at 24%

This books starts with That girl's 18th birthday.
She has planned to run away from home on her 18th birthday.
That girl has a crappy mother who never cared for her and rather filmed porn in her bedroom than feed her own daughter.
Of course that girl experienced violence and abuse. Her only chance is to run away.

The first 20%/ 5 chapters we see how That girl lives in 5 different towns.
She stays only for a short time before she decides to leave again.

1. I didn't understand why she was constantly on the run.
She was already miles away from her mom. Her mom didn't seem to like she would ever search for daughter.
So why not settle down?

2. These are just details. But I found them amusing but not in a good way:

My shopping list is simple: cereal, chips, Lunchables, cookies, and bananas.
Nothing exciting, but enough to get by. Today I’m in desperate need of body soap and shampoo.
I’m always able to sneak a roll of toilet paper from the diner. Not classy, but survival mode has never
been known to be fancy.

I know she has not much money. But stealing toilet paper? Really? How much does toilet paper cost?
Same goes for the cupcakes:

“So, it’s your birthday, and my jackass grandson just broke your wrist.
I think the cupcakes will be on the house today.”
“Oh no, please, I’ve been saving up for this.”

I know she is poor. I don't need such stupid reminders all the time.

3. I was often confused. Not because of the plot but because of
how the story was written. I had problems understanding what was going on.
And I had a hard time following That girl's line of thoughts.
I was often re-reading parts because it felt like I missed a sentence and thats why the whole part wouldn't make sense to me.

And then there were sentences like this:

The second car swoops the bag from my hands before I have a chance to drop it.

Still wondering how this is working. I hope the author meant the passengers in the car.


Needless to say the first 24% were not convincing enough for me to keep on reading.

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY RATING: ☆☆☆☆ Stars - That Girl by H.J. Bellus



☆ Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ☆
~ THANK YOU ~



The beginning of the book just about rips your heart out for the shitty life "That girl" was dealt. Knowing at the age of twelve that as soon as her and her best friend turned eighteen they would leave their home town behind.

MY MIND WAS ONLY FOCUSED ON ONE THING, AND THAT WAS LEAVING

I've survived in the shadows for the last eighteen years

NEVER LET A NAME DEFINE WHO YOU ARE

I loved the characters, the story line I just found it hard connecting with "That Girl" at the beginning I thought yes it's going to be a dark, gritty read which sadly for me it wasn't but that could also mean I've read so much dark shit that I can't see when one is poking me in the face..But other than that I did enjoy this book..And I really hate runners *cringes* I understand why she felt the need to run and leave the past behind her but how much running does one do before they stop looking behind them and makes a stand of fighting back..*Cringes* This is only my opinion and mine only

MY SCARS THRIVE IN THIS PLACE



It's a burn. My momma's boyfrined did it while she watched with a house full of adults. He used the burner on the stove

Looking up into the sky, I spot several stars and wish like hell.
"What did you wish for?"
"To be found, I'm tired of being lost, I say softly.

"Never let a name or circumstances define you. Rise above it and one day you'll realize you're worth fighting for" - That Girl.



And Oh bugga me I'm the first to give this 4 stars..Goes in hiding

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was just kind of "meh" for me. It just didn't ever add up to me and the characters only had the mildest appeal.

The heroine leaves home as soon as she turns 18, moving from town to town and changing her name with each new destination. I'm still trying to figure out why, exactly. The entire reason she left was because her abusive mother couldn't be bothered to are about her, much less trek all over the country to find her!

Enter the Hero, a star football player. He's kind, handsome, and completely smitten with the reclusive girl that works at the local coffee shop and diner. Of course, not everyone is happy to see the popular, hot football player with this unknown girl. Cue the catty-girl competition!

All in all, it didn't do it for me. It was sweet at times, but unbelievable and over the top at other times. I give it 2 1/2 stars.

[Cassia Brightmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Nameless and hopeless. The two possessions I require to survive.” These are the words that “that girl” lives by. Her motto, her mantra. She wraps them around her like a protective shield, never letting them go or letting her guard down. This book is touching, inspirational, a haunting tale that is completely unforgettable. A story of a young girl’s struggle to escape the horror of her upbringing and make a better life for herself. A life without fear and pain. Her story captivated me from the very first pages, gripping and twisting my heart. Books like these are powerful, life-changing even. HJ Bellus has created a masterpiece with just the power of her pen.

On her 18th birthday, that girl makes the courageous decision to run, to get as far from her hometown and the people that have hurt her as her feet will carry her. Wearing her scars like a warrior, she holds fast to the advice from one of the few people that cares about her – “keep your back to the motherfucking wall out in the real world.” Zig-zagging from town to town, her goal is to put as many miles between herself and her past as possible – only relying on herself and odd jobs to get her by. Each town brings a new name, a new identity. HJ Bellus is brilliant in telling her tale. In each place she stops in, she touches someone’s life. She carries a piece of these individuals with her, as they do of her. It truly will touch your heart as she discovers the world beyond the nightmare she’s lived. The most memorable of who she meets are Jeremiah and his grandmother Alice. I fell head over heels in love with them in seconds. A haphazard accident with Jeremiah leaves her with a broken wrist – a reminder of these two characters that always stays with her. They will steal your heart, and clean you out of tissues. Be prepared to love them in a very short amount of time…

Finally stopping in a town for longer than a few months, she adopts the persona – Oakley. Oakley is a waitress, a coffee barista and a girl who keeps to herself. She uses her “routes” to feel safe, remembering to always have her back to the wall and her escape at the ready. Life has taught her to be prepared for anything, but what she doesn’t see coming…is Lincoln.

Lincoln Wilks is a star college football player. Captivated by the new girl in town at the coffee house, he immediately knows he has to get to know her better. Oakley is like no girl he’s ever known before. Resistant to any type of intimacy, he slowly breaks down her walls with affection and love. “You’re beautiful, Oakley, and every time I see you I’m going to tell you that. You are the most beautiful person I’ve ever met.” Oakley’s fears and compulsion to run constantly threaten to tear down the tentative bonds of love they slowly build, but Lincoln is truly her hero. He opens her up to emotions she’s never experienced. His protectiveness are things she starts to crave, his gentleness addicting. I loved the way he took the time to show her love isn’t demanding – its about patience. “I pizza you hard…”words that just completely stole my heart.

This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It would be a 5 star for me, however the ending holds me back. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the ending – but after being so consumed in a book, it just came too fast for me. Tragedy strikes and it is a huge twist. And then the book is over….so here is the part where I am going to beg for a novella! For me, I just need a little something more to the end of their story.

If you love an inspirational tale of love and hope – this is one you aren’t going to want to miss.

**4 Deliciously Wicked Stars**

xo Cassia
deliciouslywickedbooks.com

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed most of this book. Lincoln was very sweet with Oakley and was super patient with her too. Oakley had a terrible childhood and ran away when she was eighteen. She spent time in a number of different places and used a new name each time. We never learn what her real name is. She and Lincoln hit it off and she learns to trust and love him. Lincoln is a hot football player with a witch for an ex girlfriend. Of course his snooty mom wants him to marry the ex and doesn't think Oakley is good enough for him because she is a waitress. I liked the building of their relationship- it was fun to read. The book goes off the rails after Oakley meets Lincoln's parents. This book takes place in Colorado and somehow Lincoln's mom is able to find Oakley's mom and her skeezy boyfriend in Wisconsin. She does this only knowing Oakley's first name- but that isn't her real name and she never gave a last name. How did this happen? Totally unbelievable that she could figure out where Oakley is from using only a fake first name, but whatever. His mom brings Oakley's mom and boyfriend to town to surprise Oakley who takes off running down the street when she sees them and is hit by a car. The doctor says she is barely clinging to life and is in surgery. That is all we get. Then it skips to Lincoln talking about saying goodbye to Oakley and putting all their memories in the past because today is his wedding day. It sounds like Oakley died. Then at the alter he calls the girl Lynlee and she uses an inside joke that Lincoln and Oakley shared so I guess he is marrying Oakley. I get the author trying to shock us into thinking Oakley could have died, but this is the worst and most awkward execution of that type of surprise. I really thought she was dead and was not convinced by one word that it was her and she was alive. It took away from my overall enjoyment. I would have loved to read about her recovery and how long it took her and what they are up to in their lives, but we get nothing and only a strange little hint that it is actually her. Safety gang safe

[Jessica Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished beta reading this book and I cannot even begin to tell y'all how amazing it is! Seriously. I thought Miles was my favorite HJ Bellus book. Not anymore. This absolutely eclipsed Miles. I will write a full review when it's actually released but for now I just have to say that this is a must read. Just sayin' I actually got all teary-eyed and I am NOT a crier. Only one other book and made me cry. Mark your calendars, release date is August 12th?

Okay, so now that we are getting closer to the release date and we've got some ARC readers out there here we go!
So this book is AMAZING! The story is incredibly well written. The characters draw you in, even the secondary characters (I really like Jeremiah and Tiny)
That Girl is what all of us are tempted to become when life just guts you. She comes from an atrocious background and she runs from that life. Not thinking she would become anything, not believing in a future. Just surviving and making as few attachments as possible. This story tells you about her journey of anonymity as "That Girl" and the results of finding someone who accepts her.
I've read this book twice and both times I bawled:)
Highly recommend!

[Helen Power · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel was quite well done, though I believe it was strongest and most unique in the beginning. She goes on the run on her 18th birthday, and she drifts from town to town, changing her name each time. I love how vague the blurb on the back of the book was. The events that occurred in each town were fascinating, and what truly made this book different. Each time she showed up in a new town, I would think that this would be the town she'd end up in. Something strange would happen (once I literally had tears in my eyes, the twist was that good), and then she'd move on, changing her name and putting more distance between herself and her past.
This novel is quite short, and I would have liked for it to have been extended a little in the middle. We have a couple of scenes towards the end from Lincoln's point of view, and it would have been beneficial to have more from his perspective earlier on--especially since he's going through his own personal problems and I would have liked to have seen Oakley through his eyes.
I do love that Oakely changed her name in every town she moved to. The novel is called "That Girl", and she could really be anyone. I love that theme, and it contributed to making this book something special.
I do wish that the issues with her family life had been resolved a little better. Her mother and her mother's boyfriend show up at the end, and instead of a typical confrontation expected in this type of novel, Oakley runs away and nearly dies. I wanted better closure than that, though it did make for an intense climax.

[Vikki ~ *squee* lite ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story in need of some polish. The beginning was hard - it dragged and was confusing in parts. I couldn't quite get why she felt the need to run so far - or how she managed to get so many jobs without identification. There were secondary characters that didn't feel well fleshed out. All that said, Lincoln saved the book for me. Really. I loved him. And I really liked who Oakley was after she met him.

Their courtship was sweet and realistically slow and I enjoyed every second. I would have liked some of the secondary characters in that part to have been more three dimensional as well. They come in and then drop out of the story without warning.

Then there was the ending.... Which was FAST. I thought for sure at one pony we were going to have a major cliffy - but no, we just go from major drama to resolved in a few pages. I know why the author did it a but I'd have rather had slower without the "shock" factor.

Overall it was a good story, with a great hero. Fast read and worth the time to check out.

[Chazarae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a prime example of never letting a name define who you are. It sucked me in from the beginning and held me in a grip so tight that I couldn't breathe right until the very last word. That girl is the epitome of so many girls that are hurt, physically and emotionally, through out life. She's so broken that she runs. From the second her feet hit the pavement she has no intentions to stop. Until he happened that is. Until he takes hold of her and refuses to let go "I'll give you a name you'll be proud of..." Lincoln is everything every girl wants in a man. He's kind, affectionate, passionate...the list is endless. But most of all he fights! He fights for that girl. He fights for her attention, he fights for her heart, he fights for her identity as he sees it! He loves her hard!! I recommend this book!! My words could never give it justice so you'll need to pick it up and see the greatness yourself

[Sophie "Beware Of The Reader" · Rating 3 out of 5]

So sweet my teeth hurt and yet, she's had an awful life so far. Insta love and too perfect boyfriend (can you believe it?). Bonus for the ending, we get a little drama.

If you want sweet love story with a perfect hero, it could be your book

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truth is there are so MANY women who are #ThatGirl but none willing to tell their tale. I was drawn in from page one and found myself on the emotional journey and mile marker tour.

This book displays the mind of a truly wicked (in a great way) woman. If you are NOT hooked on the realness of a character in which HJ Bellus creates you will be. This is a story for WOMEN who have witnessed, endured, and escaped.

[Bela · Rating 3 out of 5]

So let me get this straight.. A girl in a car drives into a girl on a road. The girl in a car gets evicted/thrown out of the car (why?!) and dies ... and the girl on the road survive? WTH!!! Car beats human.. EVERY TIME. Is heroine made of rock?



This was a bad version of "Pinky promise". Same rape of heroine, abusive home, same evil hero's mother , accident in the end etc...

[Tiffany Willams · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

"Everyone has a story, though some hide it well and act as a chameleon like I do. Never really willing to openly be themselves because their true self is ugly, cruel, and worthless."

That Girl.
I know her. You know her. We all know her. But do any of us truly KNOW her?
Well let me tell you...you'll KNOW her now.

Can I tell you that as a reviewer, I look for the greatest points in a story and try to highlight as much as I can without giving the story away. I couldn't do it with this particular book. I could highlight the entire book! Right from the first chapter, I had to know--I needed to know "That Girl".

Her story is not an easy one. So, it's not sugar coated. She was born into cruelty and she was unloved. So, when she turned 18, she knew she had to escape. She ran. She ran to get away from her demons, her pain, and her name. In every place she stopped, she had a different identity. Why let anyone know who you really are? She didn't want to relive it. She didn't want anyone that close to her. So, she kept moving and kept changing her name. Only to be remembered in every town as "That Girl".

"There are days I fight against the voice, and other days I just let it win. If I can live the rest of my life alone and safe, that will be enough. My safety and learning to live easy with my scars wil always be enough...My new enemy is faceless and is always there to bully me. Time."

She kept running for miles until she came to the football town of Fort Collins. It was at 1,014 miles that she stopped. Something finally held her attention. Or should I say someone. Who knew that her world would be changed by a football player whose beautiful eyes not only drew her in, but reflected pain and sadness, as well?

"How in the hell has this man done this to me? Never in my life have I been so taken in by a person."

Lincoln Wilks is a star football player at CSU. He has the looks, the friends, and the love of a small town. But behind his facade, there is a boy who just wants to be accepted by the ones that are supposed to love him the most.
Just when he thought his life wasn't ever going to change, he sees her. He can't seem to get "That Girl" out of his mind. She's a mystery that he wants to solve and he will try everything he can to win her over.

"I get upset when you compliment me, and then I tell you the effed up story behind my scar. Every time you touch it, it erases just a little bit of the pain."
"Then let me touch you all the time."

Lincoln tries to bring her out from behind her mask--from behind her scars, to show her that she is beautiful and she's worth getting to know. She's worth love. But it's not that easy. When your pain runs as deep as hers does, it's not an easy process.

"Baby steps, I'll have to use baby steps to get to the place where 'That Girl' will not control me anymore."

As their love grows, it becomes easier to open up and reveal some of her secrets, but even some things need to stay buried. How long can she keep them from Lincoln? If he finds out, will she loose him forever? When the world seems stacked against them, can they pull through?

"Right now, I feel at home with him, a place where I can be broken if need be, be sad and cry, or crazy happy. He feels like home."

In a journey to get away from herself, she actaully ends up finding her true self. She finds it in the small football loving town of Fort Collins. She finds it in the arms of the guy who accepts her for who she is, not what she comes from.
Does every bad start have a happy ending? Does every broken soul heal with time?

In the end..."It's just pizza."

Like I said at the beginning of this review, I could have highlighted the whole book. I believe I did:) I have read books that have moved me and brought out emotions that I never knew I had. This book hit an emotional chord that I wasn't prepared for. In a weird way, I became "That Girl" and I felt her pain. I wanted to run with her, stand beside her, fight for her, and love her. She breaks your heart and Lincoln mends it. Gahhh!!

I can not express every feel I had...So Many Feels!!

HJ Bellus has a way to draw you into a story from the first page. She can take you to the darkest places and you'll still come out smiling because it's the perfect ending. I applaud her for this amazing book! Trust me when I tell you that you will need tissues and you will want to hug your loved ones when you finish:) Beautiful book!!!

"Life is a funny creature. Once you think you have everything figured out, and clear sailing is all you can see in your future, life thorws you a curveball, and no matter how fast or slow it comes at you, you have to decide in a spli second if you'll catch it or allow it to destroy you."

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

That girl IS NOT defined by a name; in fact, her name doesn’t matter – it’s inconsequential because it shows nothing about her or what she’s been through.

That girl IS defined by her past, by her scars, by the nightmares and demons that threaten to possess her and drag her down on a constant basis.

That girl is broken. That girl is damaged. That girl is a nobody who impacts no one.

That girl is a runner who lets no one in for fear that they will find out the truth and leave her before she can leave them.

That girl is lost, looking to be found, and there’s a boy willing to do it, but she has to let him, which is easier said than done.

This boy’s name is Lincoln Wilks, and he wants that girl because he sees past her scars and wants to be a part of her story.

This boy is passionate, committed, patient, and willing to fight for the both of them.

This boy wants to give that girl a first and last name that mean something – if only to the two of them.

That Girl is a story about how a girl with no identify becomes someone who loves…someone who feels something other than sadness…someone who fights through the darkness because this boy believes in her and wants to give her all the pizza in the world!

The heroine may be a runner and may be afraid of many things, but she’s also a fighter; she had the strength to get herself out of a situation that would more than likely have killed her, and that takes a tremendous amount of courage and determination to continue that path alone.

Every girl deserves a Lincoln Wilks, but he seems to be a pretty rare find. Even though he’s a star football player and the big man on campus, his life, namely his family, is not much of a support system for him. He chose his own path, and his parents don’t support his choice and treat him as a second thought not as the amazing person that he is. Perhaps the heroine traveled all of those miles so that Lincoln finally had someone who saw him as what he truly is.

This book had me at the prologue, and it didn’t release me until I was finished. What makes this story so powerful is that that girl can be any 18 year old girl out there, which is why I’m even more blown away with H.J. Bellus’ presentation of it. Its reach is limitless because the connection to the heroine and the subject matter will relate to a multitude of readers. As a high school teacher, I see that girl in many of my students, and I want to help them find that boy who can give them not only a name worth having but a place to feel safe and loved.

That Girl is a definite must read, and even though I wanted a bit more of the ending explained, I do understand why H.J. Bellus left it that way; I guess I’m just a greedy reader;)

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

[Misha · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 to 3 stars

Ugh. I skimmed the second half of this.

The beginning half was ok. Her survival instincts and adventures along the way were interesting enough and I had hope she’d find a home. Even meeting Lincoln was sweet but then it got a bit awkward. Their banter was a bit confusing. The whole “pizza” code word thing didn’t work for me. It was a bit forced and I felt a bit frustrated about her meek behavior. She alternated between anxiety and sass with him that didn’t really coincide with the girl we met the first half of the book. Plus the swearing in every sentence was unnecessary. I’m not a prude and usually overlook it but it was distracting in this case.

I was absurdly concerned about her wrist. It was broken and she didn’t get it looked at and then later she hurt it again and still didn’t get it checked out. I wanted to yell - go see a doctor!! every time she complained it hurt or had weakness in it. Then at the end when she saw docs for other reasons- I wondered- “Do you think they can check her wrist or at least get an X-ray while she’s there? You know…after she’s out of the worst of it?“ I’m sure the author didn’t mean that to be the focal point of the story but it bugged me. She’s going to get osteoarthritis.

After a while, I just stopped caring about the rest of the story. It felt inevitable. I wanted to ensure a HEA but that’s about it. The ending felt rushed. They drop a bomb and then immediately go into an epilogue. I just finished an over the top novella that hit all the right notes in romance- the H’s behavior was ridiculous but I just loved it. This was like a diluted version that just kind of fizzled. It was an ok story but in the end I felt a bit like I just sat through a super boring math class- I know I should stay till the end but can’t wait to get out of there.

[Jax O · Rating 4 out of 5]

That Girl will break your heart!!! This story is a very powerful read looking at the dark side of life. By the age of eighteen this young girl has endured a life that no one should experience. It is depressingly tragic that such Mother's exist in the world, and my heart poured out to her character over and over again. I don't call her by name, because really she doesn't even have a name. I like how each chapter glimpses into this young girl's life ending with goodbye, name. That was an inventive idea, and excellent at allowing readers to learn her character piece by piece. When she meets Linc the first time I didn't think to much into, but upon their second meeting I was SOLD!!! The fact that he immediately comes to her rescue not made me fall in love with him, but also the entire defensive line of his team. While I might not have been completely comfortable with the pace of somethings in their relationship after what she has endured. I was definitely able to push through, and truly enjoy the story. This was not an instantaneous lovers situation, but I just felt that the length of the story pushed aspects of the relationship and her comfort level a bit quicker than would have been expected in reality. This whole story is emotionally charged and set to melt you to the core. Good or Bad the conclusion gives readers a peace that will allow them to lay the story to rest.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jax~

[Dilinna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the summary I was like I must get this book.. the storyline captivated me. First of all its definitely the best in the series. The beginning part just about lynlee was pretty lengthy but then comes Lincoln and things went uphill! I loved Lincoln because he knew exactly what she needed and was that for her. He was so sweet and understanding and drew her out till she became a confident and happy woman. Pretty weird epilogue but I enjoyed the book

[Janelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt it fell short... it definitely had potential...

[SOROR CH · Rating 2 out of 5]

That girl was a kinda "a go back and read my old fav authors books" and I was Soo disappointed I felt like the book was far like SO FAR away from reality
It's because when you look at the twists and the plot in general you would think
"Oh that sounds interesting" but once I started reading 💔 🙁
Sometimes I think what if I read this book in a different time like a Mounth from now ..would I have the same review or reaction
I LL never know

[Ashleyjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect 5 stars!

If you're looking for a story with amazingly imperfect- perfect characters, a story of how real love should go down, & prime example of why some people just don't deserve the title of "parents," then this is it people!

The female MC has been so hurt, so utterly destroyed and so invisible to anyone that could've, should've helped her that she flees as soon as she can. She's always looking over her shoulder, no matter how far she runs; she's in flight mode 100% of the time. Then, finally, she finds something worth fighting for, someone that won't let her be invisible and slowly unties her running shoes as she experiences what real love & actually living looks like. The question is will she still run, dangling laces and all, as her old wounds collide with her new world?!?

Lincoln is that guy that everyone wants "pizza" with!! He is the fight to her flight. He will go down as one of my favorite book characters. I love my badboys with a secret sweet side, but this IS NOT that book. Lincoln is all beautiful and fierce without a shred of the bastard.

I loved that the author didn't play a bunch of angsty games with these characters. There were plenty of struggles, but no doubts about where the characters stood, no knee jerk reactions, & none of that hiding in a corner pouting and ignoring each other.

The writing had some misplaced words and a few grammar mistakes... Nothing jolting or distracting, though. The story flowed off the pages in a neat, clean cut style. The female MCs voice was spot on. At times, I could hear that innocence, vulnerability and pain that comes from an invisible, neglected childhood and at other times I could hear the strength, resolve, and wisdom that comes from a childhood full of abuses.

The epilogue was exactly what I wanted, but it felt just a tad rushed. I think there needed to be a recovery chapter and possibly a chapter that led up to the epilogue event. Basically, I felt the ends could've been tied a little tighter than the a author tied them, but I was satisfied!!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a 4 star, great book until the really crappy last chapter and Epilogue which were two and one star, respectively.

Girl who goes by multiple names (I'll call her Oakley since that was her primary alias) turns 18 and escapes a completely horrific upbringing (sexual, physical, emotional abuse) and works her way across country to end up in Colorado.

The story of her moving to various stops is really intriguing and is what is the most compelling portion. Then she ends up in Colorado and really likes it and wants to stay. While working at a coffee shop, she meets the college football guys... and Lincoln Wilks... who is pretty damn awesome for a book boyfriend.

We experience their relationship bloom and Oakley come into herself and learn to trust and love. This is all beautiful until the last effing chapter and Epilogue.

Was the author on a deadline?
Were we supposed to intuit WTF that Lincoln was saying in the Epilogue?

SPOILER ALERT......

That his mother would pay for a hit on O makes no sense whatsoever... this is a criminal offense. This isn't something that can just go away. WTF??

And, an 18 yr old can't just runaway. She's legally an adult. So none of that at the end makes sense. So what happened between her getting hit by the car and the epilogue??? WHY WAS THIS LEFT OUT??

What about Jewels and Tiny and their issue? What happened?

And I know this is silly, but what happened to Jazzy, her BFF?

[Big Joe Rossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when girl has lost everything even her name?

I really liked this book a lot.

The story of a girl, who turns eighteen, and runs from her sexual, physical and emotionally abusive home. Running from town to town, further and further away from her hell.

She meets many good people but none to make her feel safe enough to stop running, to escape. Until.... a chance encounter at a drive thru window. Enter Lincoln the all american college football star. The one man to stand up for her.

He allows her to erase the pain of her many scares and begin to see there is more to life than just existing.

HJ Bellus does a great job of pulling you onto the story building characters that you can love our hate. The only reason this isn't five star rating is because I think it needed a little more to the ending it seemed rushed to me. that's not a knock, it is just an opinion obviously like any rating is.

One annoying negative was the inaccuracy of the sports... the amount of interceptions, the number of games etc... but that's just me being a guy. Sorry.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR LOVERS OF NA AND ROMANCE.

[AWB · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got sucked into this book. And stayed that way. I feel like there were a few inconsistencies that caught me up for a few minutes, grammar and such, but I was engrossed in the story so I was able to ignore it.

I loved the premise. I LOVED THE H. He was so amazing. Caring, understanding, and basically perfect. I also loved our h. She was broken, but still brave enough to fight past her past. It was endearing.

I bet you're all wondering why only two stars!?!

Well, that's easy. We had a five star read, with no ending. The way this book ended, was fucking stupid. Yep. Dropped the F bomb. It was THAT BAD. Nothing was finished in this story. Nothing. And then the pages just stop. Oh, there's an epilogue. But it was such a shitty one, it doesn't even bear mentioning.

In the reviews of the second book, people said you get your answers for all the left open questions from this book. But the next book is about different characters. So to me, we should mostly be worried about THEIR story. Not how this one ends. Also, the next book is about a couple of douche bags, and I don't wanna spend my time trying to read their story. So, I'm most likely done with this series.

[Lydia's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook edition: Great storyline by HJ Bellus and fantastic narration by Em Eldrige!

Oakley and Lincoln's story was heartbreaking AND heartwarming all at once. I enjoyed seeing how Oakley slowly came out of her shell with Lincoln's help. He was patient and understanding. He loved her for who she was, scars and all. In fact, I think her scars, emotional and physical, made her more beautiful, unique, and special to him.

I hated his mom and while I figured she'd do something, I never expected she'd do what she did!! My heart ached for Oakley.

The ending had me having a slight PANIC ATTACK and I was just about getting ready to message the author! But, rest assured it all wraps up well and I'm happy with how it concluded. It brought their story full circle and they got everything they deserved. 4.5 Stars!

[☆ Aimetz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este ha sido el primer libro que leo de HJ Bellus.
Me pareció una historia preciosa en cuanto a la busqueda de identidad y el no dejar que un nombre te defina. Hay que apoderarse de él, pelear por él y hacer que valga la pena.
Sin embargo, ¿cuál fue el maldito apuro?
El desenlace del libro solo duró un capitulo más epilogo y me ha dejado un sinsabor de... Hey H, pudiste explorar más esos momentos y sentimientos un par de capitulos más.
Eso querida autora te resto la estrella completa y debido a eso mi puntaje.
Lincoln es sin dura el chico que TODAS queremos tener y disfrute mucho de su presencia en el libro y aún más que una corta parte estuviera desde su punto de vista.

Grata lectura aunque de nuevo, ¿Por qué el apuro a terminar UnU?

[Isha · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.***

I absolutely loved this book. Loved the characters, loved watching their relationship developed. I loved seeing the names of the My Way Girls. I laughed, cried and got seriously pissed, all the elements of a good book.

That girl, what an awesome female character. She's a strong, determined woman. Anytime she got knocked down, she didn't stay down long. She knew what she didn't want out of life, and took the necessary steps to achieve what she did want.

Lincoln, oh Lincoln. Loved, loved, loved him. Enough said, new book boyfriend :)

Oh, Lincoln' s mother, there's a special place for her, right next to Monica.

Great book, HJ Bellus (Heidi)!!!

One last thing, love Cree again!!!

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln rocked! I thought this was a sweet story. Sure there were some minor dramas but not much. Oakley overcame so much and I was proud of how she opened up to Lincoln. And he was just the best.


Update:

Got this on audible and I enjoyed it. It is a different book. A lot of build up before Lincoln is introduced. And they are young. While there are a lot of reminders of how young they are, it did not drive me crazy like a lot of NA does. Probably because Lincoln was a rock!!!

[Cassi Munday · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started out to be an amazing book, I won't lie. However, the book ended at the climax of the story!! I just felt like the author got tired of writing and decided to just wrap up all the loose ends (& there was MANY loose ends) in an epilogue. I think more time should have been spent on finishing the book. Either give it 100% effort or forget about it. Don't publish half finished work..

[JC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, very sweet - I love caring and protective men.
My only regret is that, unlike most times, I was wishing for a continuation book for their story - it ended too abruptly for me.