Heavy: A Contemporary Romance

by J.C. Mells

HEAVY is a Contemporary New Adult Romance (does NOT take place in a college setting). Recommended for readers 18+ for mature content

Description:

When hot shot tattoo artist, Thatch Reston, went to do a private ink job at a hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, he never expected to meet the girl of his dreams.

And he didn't.

Instead, he met California Huntington.

According to the tabloid press, she's a self-absorbed, over-privileged socialite with a drug and alcohol problem. In other words, she's everything Thatch is NOT looking for in a potential soul mate. If he were looking for one at all, that is.

California has a secret she's ashamed of. She perpetuates the media image of party-girl-gone-wild, only because it covers the real and ugly truth. Yes, she abuses drugs, but it's less addiction and more a side effect of what her real issue is. Cali is bulimic, and has been since she was fifteen. In her world, drugs and alcohol are glamorous, while an eating disorder is something sordid and dirty and should never be discussed in public. She realizes she needs to seek help before she falls deeper into that rock bottom she's hovering on the edge of.

It takes one intense night with Thatch to change her life forever. If only she could convince him that, despite her past, she's worth taking a chance on.

Scroll up and grab a copy today.

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

I have had every job from an ice cream truck driver to chocolate factory worker to waiting tables in a Las Vegas casino.

I grew up in the Middle East (Abadan, Iran) and Spain (Fuengirola, Costa Del Sol) and finally ended up finishing High School in England (Weymouth, Dorset). I emigrated to the United States in 1990, and returned to school at the ripe old age of 28, where I obtained a BA and then two MA degrees – all in New York, NY. (Hunter College, NYU and Columbia, respectively)

I have traveled extensively, including a 3 month stay in India, but have settled in Las Vegas, NV of all places where I have been living for the last 7 years with my two “babies” Alabama Worley Mells and Persephone Jayne Mells. (Yes, I have been called the Crazy Cat Lady).

Oh, and although I do share a love of Trance music and reality T.V. with my main character, I can’t cook to save my life!

JCM

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you express your thoughts and feelings about a book/story that hits so deep? Although this is a NA Romance, I have to admit that there were a couple of subject matters that I'm passionate about. Kids and eating disorders.

Of course, I'm a Mother, so anything having to do with kids and I'm a sucker. But I know and have known many people who have suffered from Anorexia or Bulimia. At first, I didn't think that I'd be able to handle the subject matter, but JC tackles it with such class that it didn't become my focus, the love story and other relationships did.

I'm pretty such I wanted to scoop Cali up, hug her and not let go before I completed the 1st Chapter. Thatch, oh Thatch. You had me at "hi". I mean, damn. Are you sure these characters aren't real because I'm totally down for a trip to Vegas for a new tattoo.

I digress. JC, you're brilliant! I've never experienced a book that incorporates a young female/male love story, a bisexual male friend and a homosexual couple with a young daughter. Did I say brilliant???? And to top it off, I fell in love with each character...all of them!!!!!

If you don't pick up this book, you're truly missing out people!!!!

On a side note....everyone could use a Pop Pop in their lives ;)

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book – Heavy
Author – J.C. Mells
Publication Date – August 31, 2014
Genre – Romance/New Adult
Type – Stand-Alone
Cliffhanger - No
Rating – 4 1/2 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.



My Thoughts - Story
Wow….just….WOW – it has taken me days to come to terms with this book.  Within the first few chapters, I was fucking hooked!  I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED Cali – especially after her bout in rehab.

Now to be honest, there was a time I did get pissed at Thatch for the way he treated Cali, especially without knowing everything that was going on.  I quickly got over it though and absolutely loved the character development of these two.



The secondary characters also tugged at my heartstrings – being Thatch’s son, his dad and Cali’s dad.

I can’t say enough about this book and how this story gripped me.

My Thoughts – Writing Style
Ms. Mells definitely did her homework when writing this book – she got the “bulimic/drug” correlation perfect and the personality of Cali while struggling with her addiction and her battle with controlling her own life.

I found myself tearing up with the author’s choice of details and the words used to describe the battle Cali was facing.  And then again with this girl’s strength to overcome her addiction and battle to break free from her old lifestyle.



No plot holes – the writing was smooth – the story flowed from beginning to end – just a bit of a rushed feeling at the end to take away a bit of stars.

Re-Cap
Cali has grown up a spoiled rich kid battling with drug addiction and bulimia – her controlling stepmother and stepsister like having Cali in the state that she is and don’t want to let her go. 

One night in a hotel room, Cali opens up to Thatch and from there the two of them are obsessed mentally with each other. Thatch knows he doesn’t have the room for drama and addiction in his life so works on getting this girl out of his mind.  While Cali seeks help for her problems and decides to take her life into her own hands and break free of ropes tying her down.



First order of business for Cali is to seek forgiveness from Thatch but a busy tattoo shop, an angel of a father and the innocence of a child take Cali on a different route.  She is immediately enfolded into the family….until Thatch gets home and realizes who it is, his son can’t stop talking about.

Will Thatch open up his heart again?  Why is addiction such a taboo to him?

Reason for Reading – Author request
Story – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Steam – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars
Told In – Dual POV
Heroine/Personality – California/Self Absorbed…but develops into unselfish and loving woman
Hero/Personality – Thatch/Hot…awesome dad…tattoo artist…troubled…unforgiving
HEA (Spoiler) - Yes
Would Read More from Author? Definitely
Recommend To – Readers who like a like to read about characters struggling with problems and changing their lives for the better.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[❃**✿【Yasmine】✿**❃ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Cover: 4/10
Writing: 4/10
Heroine: 7/10
Hero: 6/10
Humour: 1/10
Hotness: 6/10
Romance: 7/10
Extra book Details: Heroine & Hero POV; 1st person. Stand-alone. Approx 267 Kindle pages.

Thatch Reston is a new, up-and-coming hot shot in the tattoo world. After meeting rock-legend Max, on the offchance he goes to do a private ink job for him.

Unexpectedly he meets California Huntington at Max's suite. Cali is portrayed by the press as a rich, self-absorbed, over-privileged socialite with a drug and alcohol dependency.

Because of his past, Thatch cannot deal with druggies, but his connection to Cali is something deep.

Cali feels the same, and after one intense night with Thatch, a stranger who she’s just met, she is determined to change her life. If only she could convince him that despite her past, she’s worth taking a chance on.



I loved the beginning, though slow & with 'insta-connection', the beginning reminded me of Pam Godwin's Beneath the Burn. I also liked the characters, Thatch's demeanor and Cali's brazen-ness.

It went downhill from the 25% mark, it took a lot of time for them to see each other again. It dragged. The interactions between Cali and her new neighbors was uninteresting and felt unnecessary. There felt like there was a lot of backstory and angst over the past, which wasn't just relayed to the reader as inner-monologue but in the dialogue too.

2.5 stars means a less than average read for me, and what knocked it down that far, apart from the above, is the fact that a lot of the dialogue felt false.

I really liked both of the characters personalities and the hot sex. But it wasn't enough.

[Meka Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS
4 FLAMES

*Okay just wow. This book had all my emotions going at once. I absolutely could not put this book down. So here we go...*

***First off the chemistry was crazy intense like they seriously could not keep there hands to themselves even when they had all intentions to. And can I say OMG! No it was not all just sex either. The story was intense. Cali and Thatch were both struggling with their own demons. Cali coming from a home with a famous father and endless money supply for starters. Then add drugs, alcohol, bulimia, depression and sex and that sums up Cali before meeting Thatch. Thatch is a tattoo artist thats hit it big so to speak. With his own problems waiting at home. Thatch's dad is a recovering alcoholic. He has a dark past with a alcoholic mother and EX. So the last thing Thatch wants is to get involved with another drug addicted party girl. The media is always correct...Right? No... I felt for Cali right from the beginning. She was so real. She was struggling and no one sees her. Or they over look it. When Cali stepped up and started making decisions to better herself I did a little cheer. I hated her stepmother and her stepsister.(I mean seriously WTF) Cali fought for Thatch and at every turn Thatch would bat her down. He did have his reasons and I get that. That is why I still rooted for a HEA. Cali and Thatch really grow into great people both together and on there own. I cried, I laughed and I got very angry!! Did I mention I loved this book! I could go on and on...but no spoilers so...Read this book. I will read it again.

*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review.

[J.C. Mells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woot! Thank you Night Owl Reviews!

[Jacque · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a reader, not a writer and sometimes I struggle to put into words my opinion of what I think of when it comes to writing a reviews. It's so much easier to tell someone “OMG. I loved this book. You need to read it!” than it is to convey in written word why I think this is a book you should read. And for me, the emotional ones that touch my heart are the hardest ones. That is the case with Heavy

Heavy is author J.C. Mells first venture in creating a New Adult romance and let me tell you she has created a masterpiece. First impression for me was...confusion? Beginning of the prologue - seriously I thought I had started reading the wrong book. I had to check three times. This beginning certainly wasn't what I expected and it kind of threw me for a loop. By the time I finished the prologue, I thought WOW! where are we going here. Eventually, as the story unfolds, the light bulb in my brain clicks on. Yes people that is a importance puzzle piece so do try to remember it. There are highs and lows thorough the whole book. Some had me laughing out loud, others tear of sorrow. And then there's a moment with a walk on character, just a few pages really, that just killed me. I had to put Heavy down and take a moment to gather myself to continue on. Eventually I do end with a smile on my face and a deep sigh. Yeah I really enjoyed this book.

So what is it that makes Heavy so special? What else but the characters! California...what a name. SMH I digress. Cali is quite the star here. Rich, socialite. Did I expect her to be a brat? No not really but I didn't expect her story to be so emotional. You can't help but feel for Cali as her story comes to light. Thatcher, him I expected to be smug and cocky with the hot tattoo artist thing. Oh no, he's warm and emotional. His story got to me, too. He has a few secrets I anticipated (But won't divulge) that endeared him to me. The connection from them is palatable from the beginning but what would a love story be without some angst. The sex between Cali and Thatch is most definitely HAWT yet it is not so detailed that I'm going to be hiding my Kindle from prying eyes but enough that I'll be smirking and having dirty thought surrounded by people. However I have come to realize, the sex is just the outer top layer. There's a deep and emotional story on the inside that I am slowly discovering.

Now on to the secondaries. Let me start with I LOVE ZAK! I want a Zak of my very own. Each one of the secondaries are rich and fulfilling additions to the story. No air fillers here. They are deep and meaning full characters that are more than just story fillers. The breath air into the emotions of the story and while they are not the center of the story, without them Heavy would not give me the rush that it did.

Once again author J.C. Mells has created a book that I have fallen in love with. The beauty of Heavy and the many characters within just lingers in my mind. Seriously, I just finished the book and I'm ready to read it again. Of course, two things will happen when you read Heavy. 1). You'll be smiling at the end. 2). With that smile you'll sigh then promptly want to tell all your friends they need to read it. So go now, pick yourself up a copy of Heavy and tell a friend. What are you waiting for? You're gonna love it!

I received this book from the author for the express purposes of my honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.

Stars – 5 Flames - 3

[Jos · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Emotional, Hot and Very Sexy and Very Sweet Stars

OK, so I saw this book promoted on FB today and thought hmmmm this seems pretty unique so let me try it out. What a very pleasant surprise, it was GREAT!!!!!!!

This story had me feeling so many emotions and Thatch and Thaddeus, Oh MY, was I in double LOVE!!!!!!! I absolutely adored Cali, she was just so truly wonderful and beautiful and my heart broke for both of these wonderful characters as they had both been through so much at a young age. I loved that they both were able to overcome their sad past and form a very special bond, one filled with trust and love and honesty!!!! Oh and can I say how much I LOVED the side characters especially Thatch's dad, oh what a total freaking sweetheart:)

This was a great fast paced read and the storyline was unique and yet dealt with everyday issues that we don't normally read about! I LOVED this story and would recommend it for sure!

Congrats J.C. Mells on a really wonderful heartfelt story..... Absolutely terrific:)

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavy......when the symbolism of that word was finally revealed, I cried like a baby! Cried, I tell you!

This is my first read by JC and it was wonderful! She tackles a subject that I have never read before. She does it with sensitivity and class. With the very first page, I found myself rooting for the mains and that almost never happens.

I could go on and on and on and on but I will just say, I loved it! I can't wait to read more work from JC!

[Sugarbear396 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavy.. Well, the name absolutely fits! (Not just what it's for inside the story) It also fits the story as a whole! I started reading this book thinking that Cali was a spoiled wench who needed to get her crap together. Low and behold she runs into Thatch who's a Hottie, but has a horrible attitude towards Cali and her lifestyle. Talk about a Heavy past for them both to overcome, and both are dealing with issues as they can't stop the attraction they feel towards each other. Although they are dealing with their seriously messed up pasts, things go wrong and wow, just wow at the emotion Cali begins to show to help her move on from past troubles and Thatch is still struggling and can't let it go. I got mad, And I cried. Then I got happy and laughed and then I sat on the edge of my seat for a while there rushing through the pages trying to find out what is gonna happen. I love JC's books. She always reels me in and does NOT let me go! The Love scenes are few, but oh! They are HAWT!!

I love the characters, Thaddeus is so sweet, and Bellamy is a major supporting character too who helps both characters, and I really hope there is a story about Zak! I loved reading about these characters and this awesome story could do exactly like Pierced series and just keep expanding and reeling me in deeper! If you have not read this book, do it! I highly recommend!

Also, as a side note, if you have not read her Pierced series, you are missing out!! There are so many twists and J.C. Mells masters the art of keeping you with the characters emotions.


5 stars from this girl!!

[Katzkeeper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, J. C. Mells has managed to weave together a cast of unlikely characters in a tale of love and loss, addiction and redemption, and good and truly evil. Not your typical "contemporary romance," HEAVY is so much more. The story begins with a most unexpected scene and rapidly spins into a complex and surprising story involving the wealthy and somewhat spoiled daughter of a film star and a talented and handsome tattoo artist. The secondary characters in this story are not secondary at all. In true "J. C. Mells" fashion, these characters are well fleshed out with strong and compelling backstories that make the reader instantly connect with each of them. Although not necessarily revealed, the reader gets the strong impression that the author has a complete and thorough history for each and every one, leaving us hopeful we will see more of these intriguing characters in a future offering. But the true stars of this story are Cali and Thatch, and boy do they shine!

HEAVY takes a contemporary romance and stands it on it's head by giving us surprising depth and heart with tons of intrigue and, oh yes, hot and steamy romance! Like Ms. Mells previous offerings in her PIERCED series, she comes through for the reader with a terrific story and amazing characters that leave us holding our breath in anticipation of her next release. I can't wait to see what she brings us next!

[Laura Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to J.C. Mells through our book club online. This book was chosen as our monthly read. Going in Blind as far as never having heard of this author, I didnt know what to expect. This book was very well written! I like when the author takes enough time to get you familiar with all the characters and this book hit it with that. Loved how a person suffering from an addiction was addressed here in a very good way. I finished this book in 1 Day... I dont know why I hadnt read any of J. C. Mells books before. But rest assured after reading this one, I will read more! Thank you for writing such a great story!

[Evanne Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a while to get into the story. It's first person and NA, neither are popular choices for me. There were minor irritations that would've been cleaned up by a decent editor, but they didn't detract from a strong story and characters that touched me.

[Tish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure if 5 stars are enough for this one!! JC Mells is a literary master and has exceeded all of my expectations with Heavy!! This is hands down my favorite book so far this year!! Bravo girl!! Cannot wait to read your next masterpiece!!

[Sandy Gatto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read book for everyone. I really loved this book. I was so quick to judge Cali and I shouldn't have. Spoiled rich girl but wow there was so much to her story. And Cali and Thatch are great. I just love Thatch. Their journey is amazing. Read it!!!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down... Loved It!

[Jessica Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw this recommended on a book blog and it was a pleasant suprise. Loved it. Stayed up until the wee hours of the night to finish it ! Once I started it I could not put it down until I finished!

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

California dancing alone in a rockstar`s hotel room may have been the best performance of her life! Her audience of one, Thach the hot tattoo artist, is very appreciative of her show.

Growing up the daughter of a world famous Actor, Cali led a privledged life. She was used to seeing her life on display in the Hollywood press, her every stumble, foible and bad idea plastered all over the tabloids. She is also a target of exploitation by those she trusts and loves. As her model perfect stepsister`s “wingman”, Cali makes some seriously bad choices when it comes to men.

Dealing with the affter affects of her botched kidnapping and her own poor decisions eventually lead her to internalizing her pain. Cali turns to bulimia and drugs to cope with her fear and self loathing.

Thatch is THE tattoo artist to the rockers and becoming well known and in demand for his ink. But Thatch has a private life and he struggles to keep himself and his family on the straight and narrow. There is no room in his world for the devistation that comes with drugs and partying hard.

What happens when Thatch first sees Cali is explosive. Their intense desire for one another is palpable. Just a look from Cali has Thatch aching to take himself in hand and release his tensions. Cali instantly knows Thatch will be her reason to move forward, to get her s*it together and grow up. The only problem is, Thatch has no place in his life for the demons that haunt Cali.

Once Cali finds her way into Tatches life, she makes herself indispensible. Now it`s Cali that holds Thatches whole world in her hands. Can she do it, can she live up to his lofty expectations?

J.C.Mells has done a great job of infusing love and hot sex with heart ache and pain. I only wish the Details of the botched kidnappng were a little more seedy. If you`re looking for a “pick yourself up by your boot straps heroine”, you`ll find her in Cali.

***I received an ARC of HEAVY from the author.

#tastywordgasms

[Embrace Your Book Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know you have a really good book in your hands when you finish a 260 page book in about three hours in the wee hours of the morning. I kept telling myself only one more page then bed. But I was completely enthralled by all the different characters and scenarios I had to see what was going to happen next. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

My husband always tells me he loves to watch me read (creepy huh but I find cute), reason being because he can tell when it is a awesome book by the expressions on my face. He told me he saw it all on my face while reading Heavy. Sadness, anger, happiness,laughter, excitement, and he could even tell when I was reading a particularly naughty part. And boy does JC deliever on the steam in this book.

Thatch and Cali were completely perfect for each other in every way. The chemistry between them will surely burn up the sheets. There pasts are far from perfect but they compliment each other without totally losing who they were. I was happy to see the growth Cali had and that she was doing it for herself and nobody else. I am glad JC hit on issues so many people stuggle with, I think Cali was a babe ;) and Thatch, while he had to grow up early it actually saved his life. Plus he is a total fox!

JC, can you please find me some gay friends? Preferably like Zak? I love him to pieces and he is the perfect person to keep fighting for Thatch even if she has to fight him to see his own feelings. Rufus and Max were hilarious and total casanovas while Bellamy was the voice of wisdom. Thad melted my heart every time he spoke and was so mature for his age. I wanted to kick Lake and Tally asses! I am so glad they got what they deserve.

I have a huuuuge book hangover and I don't know what to do about it. I was given a copy of Heavy for my honest review and I was in no way compensated.

★Harlie★

[Kimothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book is good. The beginning of the book starts and we are thrust right into the action, and then from there we are moved to another time and place with no explanation as to why such an event occurred. Was it a nightmare, a figment of a delusional persons imagination? All we know is California (Cali) has issues and as we progress through the book we see where these issues arise from her evil step monster and step sister who are vile. When Cali and Thatch meet it is beautiful and different from so many other novels i have read, also i will never listen to Lana Del Rey the same way. Thatch is a tattooed hunk of a man, and hunk is not even the right word, he has so much going on in his life and to deal with you totally understand as a reader why he says and does certain things.
This is a story about addiction, redemption from your past be it that which you directly played a part in, and your past which you had no influence over and the events that occurred. When Cali and Thatch meet sparks fly, emotions are on overload and it is brilliant. All the supporting characters are so fun and witty, and provide the perfect support and push to Cali and Thatch and their story. This book makes you look at your life and decisions you make based on the people in it, however it also makes you realise you only have so much of a part in the decisions you take in your life, some things are out of your control. But this story makes you realise that you can go back and try and repair situations if you feel you need to or you can tread a new path.
I have since reading this book looked on goodreads and have seen that she has other books, that i will most certainly be looking into :)

[JadeShea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heavy begins when Thatch Reston has to do a tattoo on a friend of his who is in a famous band. He never expected to meet a girl who would knock him off his perfect world he was living, but that's exactly what happened when he met California. She's a rich, spoiled daughter of a famous actor, and she's constantly in the papers due to her partying and drug use. Thatch wants nothing to do with that, so after a one night stand between them he thinks he will never see her again, even though he can't get her out of his head. Cali on the other hand knows that Thatch is different, and he's part of the reason why she wants to get better. You see she doesn't just party to party she's just playing a role and trying to hide what's really wrong with her.. But after Thatch she wants to change, and she's determined to prove to him she can.


This was a beautiful story about two people who have been through a world of hurt trying to come out better in the end. I really liked Cali a whole lot. I felt she was really brave, and wasn't as spoiled as everyone thought her to be, she was actually a very sweet person with a kind heart. The book was very good. It dealt with a very serious issue, but it also had lots of humor in the book that didn't take away from the seriousness of it either. And I really enjoyed the main characters as well. However, I felt Thatch was very quick to judge things he knew nothing about, and htat kind of got annoying. Other than that I loved the book!

[Lisa Cullinan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great!!!! When I first started reading it, I wasn't sure exactly what direction this story was heading. Boy was I happily surprised!!! I'm not sure which character I loved the most! I could pick Reston, the awesome, hot dad, tattoo artist and Ninja Warrior to his son ...! Or California, the spoiled, rich, misunderstood daughter of a Hollywood movie star ...! Or Thaddeus, Thatch's adorable 5 year old son who completely stole my heart ...! Besides the fact that all the supporting characters were AMAZING!!!!! I'm picking California, Cali for short!! Hands down!!! What this girl did to overcome her eating disorder and bravely facing a a nightmare incident, how she stayed away from the limelight to protect Reston and Thaddeus, how she realized the life she lead in Hollywood wasn't even a life, just, all the crap that came along with being surrounded with only entitled, rich, self centered and/or drug induced people to her amazing heroics towards the end of this book, makes me nominate her not just the hero of this book, but she's is the best female character of 2014!!!! This is a must read!!!! I can't wait to read more by J.C. Mells ...

[Lita Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavy by J.C.Mells is the story of a troubled rich girl who finds love, acceptance and herself after meeting a tattoo artist. California is the daughter of a famous actress and her step mother was a famous model. She is pegged as a real party girl but she has a secret that she has been keeping from everyone. Thatch is an up and coming tattoo artist. He also is training for an athletic competition show. When at a hotel to do another tattoo for a famous rocker he runs into California. There is an instant connection but there is a problem. Thatch walked in on California drinking and doing cocaine. Theirs is a story of two people trying to get their life back on track after experiencing trauma in their lives. Thatch has been a father since he was a kid and know he is a single father who is getting his life back on track after a tragic accident. The story of Cal and Thatch is one of ups and down, heartache and betrayal. This is a loving story of two people who find each other and are able to find love and acceptance after being hurt by the ones they love. I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. I give this story 4.5 stars

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read. Not at all what I had originally expected. It is something that I think young girls should read about and be aware of. I love the characters. Cali, Thatcher,Thaddeus,Zak, Tony.

California(Cali) is the daughter of a famous actor and has basically been neglected. With her father always travelling and a bitch of a stepmother with
F'ed-up beliefs and evil stepsister Lake, Cali struggled with her self image and weight leading to the uses of other substances to managed the shame.

It was not until one random evening while she is staying at Lake's famous Father's hotel that she meets a tattoo artist Thatch. From the moment they make eye contact, there is a charge between them. The entire time Thatch is working on the tattoo for Max, the sexual tension is skyrocketing and they eventually embark on an intense one night stand. Its then that Cali realize she needs to make changes in her life and the next day goes to rehab.


still working on this sorry not finished with the complete review

[Sharlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

California Huntington and Thatch Reston

California ( Cali) is the daughter of a famous actor who is married to a vile woman who has made Cali's life a misery. Cali is hiding away in a party when Thatch turns up to do a tattoo for Max.
Thatch is let into a room to wait for Max and sees Cali dancing away in a world of her own.
Cali and Thatch eye each other up all the time Thatch is doing Max's tattoo and afterwards when Max has left they have hot and steamy sex!
Cali's stepsister Lake turns up and everything falls apart. Cali decides enough is enough and that she has to change the way her life is going if she is ever to find peace and happiness.
Thatch is disgusted by what he sees and wants nothing more to do with Cali or her family.

A great story where they each learn to open up and deal with their emotional problems.

I won this story in a J.C Mells competition , if I hadn't I would have bought this book anyway. I would highly recommend this book!

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with California (Cali) & Thatch's story. Heavy was a nickname that Cali was given by a friend because of her battle with Bulimia and a friend that was trying to make her feel good about herself. And her wicked stepmother (okay not wicked but, definitely b*tchy) keeps making comments about Cali's weight, in which Cali isn't heavy. I think Cali is a very strong woman I can't really go into details because I don't do spoilers but, you can find out when you read Heavy! And, sexy Thatch is perfect for Cali but, is gun shy. Heavy does have an HEA and that is what I want with all my books!

[GTR33GURL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book this journey was emotional and beautiful and inspiring what California went through was something a lot of young girls go through and its a chain reaction to this which can spiral outta control she meets Thatcher and wow do sparks fly but thatch has issues as well and he's got walls up to protect himself they were not easy to tear down but this connection that they have is a strong one and he is no match loved Bellemy and Thaddeus they were so wonderful I loved the epilogue beautiful HEA!!!!!

[Hayley T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! Loved the storyline, so clever and touching it was unputdownable!! I always enjoy JC Mells characters, they are so well described you feel you know them personally. What I love about her books as well is the use of both points of view, it's just brilliant and makes the story come alive. I was gripped from the start, it's touching, emotional, funny and very sexy, PERFECT adult romance!!

[FiFi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I'm just all warm and fuzzy on the inside after reading Heavy! I literally could not and did not even want to put this book down. I was so wrapped up in the characters it was as if I was there with them...like I was their friend. It was really interesting to see inside the life of people struggling with addictions yet realizing how much support they really need. You have to read this book! You will not be disappointed at all!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars for me!

I loved this book. I went in kinda blind, not remembering the blurb when I bought it, but knowing I don't buy books unless I'm really intrigued. The characters were well written, the plot good and the story just sweet. I did see the twist coming a mile away, but I didn't care, it was still great.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and intriguing love story! I loved how the main characters were from totally different worlds, but their chemistry was so strong they couldn't deny the pull. This book had a great storyline and an excellent plot right untill the finish. I fell in love with Thach!! Oh what a man! <3