Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Love Me Steady

Rate this book
Penelope ‘Nellie’ Brennan has finally had it! Tired of her health problems holding her back, Nellie is determined to do just whatever she wants to do and no one is going to stop her. First item on the list for the determined 17-year old: secure a date to her first school formal dance. Second: find the perfect dress.

Brian Moss has agreed to a favor for his Mama: take her friend’s daughter to the girl’s first formal dance. All it took was a glance at Nellie for Brian’s interest to be piqued. He needed to know more.

What started out as a half-blind date, soon became so much more when Brian learns of Nellie’s big secret. Even after discovering the truth, Brian doesn’t run from her. Nellie is as surprised as those near and dear to her. But can Nellie trust him to stay? Will Brian be able to handle things when they get even harder? Can their quickly-deepening relationship survive the truth?

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 28, 2014

3 people are currently reading
141 people want to read

About the author

Elle Vanzandt

3 books34 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
23 (53%)
4 stars
15 (34%)
3 stars
4 (9%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Lena Black.
Author 14 books313 followers
January 21, 2015
What can I say about this book that will do it justice? Honestly, nothing, because this novel is beyond words, but I'm sure going to try. It is a breathtaking story about the power of love, inner strength, and hope. It deals with issues that most will never truly understand unless they experience it for themselves. However, it's relatable and captivating. We all have struggles in which we must overcome, and for Nellie and Brian, this is no different. We follow these two on their emotional journey through lives that are anything but steady. Yet through their turbulent waters, they find salvation and strength within each other, finding a love most will never know. This was written by first time author Elle Vanzandt, but you'd never know it. The way she manages to suck you in and keep you glued to the pages is nothing short of genius! This is a extremely well-written story with fabulous characters that you root for with everything you have. Filled with turmoil, laughs, and hope, Love Me Steady is a MUST READ for anyone who believes in the power of true love.

description
Profile Image for Crina | booktwist_.
609 reviews285 followers
January 6, 2015
Original post on http://readingadd.blogspot.ro/ as part of the blogtour.

I keep reading this genre because sometimes I find some gems that otherwise I wouldn't have found, but now wasn't the case. I've no idea what I was expecting when I started reading this but surely not the same old story.

The only original thing that this book had was the girl had some health problems, but just that. And I don't know if I'm the only one, cause I didn't check other reviews, but for me neither that was used well. I mean, at the beginning it was and that made me think that the novel is going to be good and different and etc. But it wasn't...

For me this book was you typical teenage drama novel with just a slightly different tone and maybe the male character a bit more individualized. But didn't blew my mind, I almost felt nothing through out the story and I think from the first half I was just stading there and waiting for the happy ending.

It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good. I think the whole thing (characters, idea, plot, description, action) was just enjoyable and nice but nothing too remember or too much feelings. Yes, the story is touching and I simpathized with Nellie, I wished her to be happy and all that stuff but... for me missed a lot. It wasn't that gem.

But maybe for you will be and you're not as perfectionist and critic as me.
Profile Image for Julie Cameron.
8 reviews
December 25, 2014
What a debut for Elle Vanzandt! Love Me Steady is a beautiful love story, brilliantly written by a brand new author. Elle tells the story of love, heartbreak and strength in such a way that I felt as if I was part of the story. She has a way of drawing you in that makes you feel the pain, the sadness and the joy of the two main characters, Brian and Nellie. This is not your typical love story, however. It's full of twists and turns, nothing that you could ever predict...just as Brian and Nellie seem to settle into their relationship and themselves, life tosses another curveball. The secondary characters are fantastic and add another dimension to the story. I highly recommend this book and this author...I can't wait to read more from this rising star! Way to go, Elle!
Profile Image for P. Marie.
Author 4 books186 followers
December 26, 2014
Great Read⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Every once in a while you have the privilege of ARC reading a story that you feel every emotion from heartache to triumph and this book was it for me! Nellie is a girl that has to overcome so many obstacles that her strength and willpower alone give you the strength to move over obstacles in your own life because she could. Brian is a boy who has to become a man to quickly and has to make a choice in his life that no one should ever have to make. This book had so many FEEL GOOD moments and it made you Smile, Laugh, Cry and it had you wanting more! Elle Vandzandt nailed it and for her first release I know there is even more great books to come!
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,399 reviews119 followers
February 13, 2015
Sweet N Sassy Book A Holics Rating: 4.8

~~~~~~~~~~Doris's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Nellie is a strong willed 17 year old girl. She is stubborn and strong. She has to be, she has epilepsy. This can be a very debilitating disease, but she is tough minded enough not to be controlled by this. She wants to live her life. And, what she wants right now is date for her school formal! What's a girl to do? She hasn't been asked by anyone. So, she does the next best thing. She calls one of the boys who she knows doesn't have a date and asks him instead. It doesn't go as planned and he offers a lame excuse as to why he can't go. The second boy she calls says, yes! She is so excited, and immediately sets out with her mom to find a formal gown. When she returns home, she calls her date to tell him the color of her dress. He informs her that he is sorry but he will not be able to go to the dance with her. Nellie is sad, but understands that the guy probably just remembered she is the girl with epilepsy, and doesn't want to be seen with her. Her mother steps in and tells her she has the perfect date. The son of a friend. His name is Brian. Nellie is not really happy about a blind date to her formal, but she acquiesced because she just spent a lot of money on a dress. Her and Brian text over the week. Nellie discovers they have the same sort of sarcastic humor, so she is intrigued to meet him. The night of the formal when she meets Brian, she can hardly believe her eyes. He is the most handsome young man she has ever seen. He had beautiful green eyes, a captivating smile and gorgeous brown hair.

So starts the poignant love story of Nellie and Brian. This a heart rending story of relationships, hardships, promises and betrayals.

This book is hard to put down because you want to know what happens next. Masterfully crafted by an artistic author, Danielle Vanzandt. She knows how to reach out and touch your heart. I was given a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. I give this great read 5 stars!

~~~~~~~~~~Katheryn's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This book right here, I am telling you gets you right in your heart! It really makes you think about what people that have disabilities go through. I watched my baby sis go through seizures when she was very little and it was very scary for all us, especially my sis. Reading this from the viewpoint of someone who has epilepsy and is dealing with these very scary grand mal seizures and trying to live a normal life as a young girl and then as a teen is very touching and enlightening. Add in the fact that she wants to date and go to dances, wow just makes you feel for her and really hurts your heart that she is having such a tough time with all of this. It was great to see she has such a good friend in Andy, because kids can be so cruel when a peer is different from them, and a lot of them go out of their way to make these individuals miserable. Nellie was such a strong person to survive not only epilepsy but the cruelty of some people she came across during her seizures.

I love the way Brian handled Nellie's seizures, yeah he was scared at first but he really manned up. Brian had a lot on his plate also, what with him mom and MS and wanting him to hide it from everyone. This book was so well written and was such a page turner, it really made you think. It also reminded me of what my oldest son went through when we found out he was (and still is) hearing impaired in both ears. He really struggled with that and I am so proud of the man he has become despite all he dealt with. This book was a reminder of that and I am glad I read it. I give it 5 stars and would give it 10 if I could!!!!! It really makes you think :-) and that is a good thing.


~~~~~~~~~~Sara's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Elle is this really your first book? No way that you are a new author. This book had me so held that I couldn't put this book down. It is an emotional Love story. Nellie and Brian have their issues Nellie has Seizures and Brian is taking care of his mother with MS. When their worlds seem like they have no control they look to each other for strength and support. Their Love is so true and genuine. I was crying, laughing and rooting for them the entire story. Great Job Elle 5 stars!

~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Loved this lovely story of falling in love, meeting tremendous challenges head on and remaining steadfast to their hearts desire. Nellie and Brian are two very sweet and kind people that fate brings together for a special night in high school. As their relationship strengths, they meet the challenges of Epilepsy. There was a lot of helpful information about this condition; it provided an awareness of the stress that a patient must deal with in their life. A whole host of complications health wise plus accelerated college classes, a long distance relationship and a few other events put incredible strain on their lives and their love. It was a joy to see their love survive through all the tests. Loved the simple goodness of the characters involved. The plot moved at a nice pace, the reactions of the main couple was realistic and the entire reading experience was most enjoyable. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. Five Stars.

~~~~~~~~~~Sharlene's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

To be honest, I wasn't expecting much when I started this read. I'm not usually a fan of YA romance. However, Elle Vanzandt definitely surprised me with this one. Told in dual POV, the two main characters were not your typical immature teenagers. Due to circumstances out of their control they have both had to "grow up" early. Once they saw each other, they knew that they were meant for each other. I fell in love with Nellie and Brian from the start. Nellie makes you feel for her and want to help her and protect her. Brian is just the sweetest thing ever. He is very patient and kind and understanding but certainly not a push over. If I had to do high school over again, I would definitely want a Brian in my life. He's the type of boy/man that I hope my daughter finds.

The author takes you on a journey of growing up, college life, medical/health situations and getting to know your first love. Extremely well written and easy to follow. If I could give this a a half star, I would bump this up to a 4.5 star. Just a wonderful, sweet read. This is a stand alone and definitely has an HEA.
Profile Image for Amber.
164 reviews13 followers
January 5, 2015
4 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a great book to start 2015 with!

"Sometimes the things we have to handle become too much. It makes us doubt ourselves and our ability to do what we want to do. Dreams get set to the side. Wishes aren't made. Sacrifices become the only way to make it through."


This story was so compelling, real, honest and funny. I was hooked right away. It's a powerful journey of love that touched me so deeply. Nellie and Brian faced so many obstacles and endured many things, including being without each other, but still deeply loved and enjoyed one another. They were like two halves of one whole. The book flowed through the story in such a way that I really grasped what I needed to gain from each situation and the beautiful and witty writing tied it all in superbly.

Nellie was not your typical heroine. She was fighting to just control her own body, much less the thoughts and actions of those around her. Her family, while supportive and loving, could only sympathize with her. Nellie was the one who had to fight and continue on. She was so strong, and very brave. I enjoyed her immensely.

"Only a man would be dumb enough to to try to guess what a woman is thinking; a woman knows better and just asks." ~Nellie


It was written mostly in Nellie's first person POV but, as if Ella just knew that getting into Brian's head would complete the story and help me understand everything she sprinkled his POV throughout and I was beyond excited about it. Brian was a wonderful character. He wasn't perfect but he had heart and character. He was honorable and respectable, kind and adventurous and most of all compassionate. Maybe a bit too hard on himself at times but that just made him so much more loveable.

"It's like I told you, you are mine. Maybe what I should have added was I am yours, too."

"I love sharing new things with you. You make me feel alive and force me to be present."
~Brian


My 2 critisism:
I really enjoyed that interspersed throughout we got snippets of Brian's POV. It was nice to see his side, what he was thinking and it added an extra element that just made this story better. My critique is that sometimes it was labeled when it changed from one POV to the other and sometimes it wasn't. I would have preferred it to be one or the other, but not both. I don't know if this was done intentionally or not, and I try not to critique too much on editing but it could have used a bit more. (Also, for a very brief page we got Cam's POV. It wasn't labeled.)

My other criticism was the use of pet names. Everyone was always using one and they were used constantly throughout the book. It was a bit of an overuse, in my opinion, and took away from the endearment at times.

Overall, this was a mighty story full of strength, intensity and many forms of love.

"…if that's what you call wrong then please never, EVER, be right."

Profile Image for Jamie.
41 reviews21 followers
February 16, 2015
***Possible Spoiler***

The main character, Nellie, is one tough chick with a crappy life circumstance - a seizure disorder that started at the age of 10. Even at a young age she had to deal with going from popular to outcast and bullied for something she had no control over.

She set goals in her life to be someone better and get past the pettiness of high school tormentors, with help from her best friend Andy. When it came to high school goals it was a tough go though, especially for things that involved others that are male and not Andy. When she has her prom date bail and her mom sets her up with a friend's son from another school...

Brian has to meet this beautiful girl that can't get a prom date and he knows that he just has to meet her. He is a true gentleman to her all through the book. Unfortunately, for both, he learns of Nellie's epilepsy really quick. I will hand it to him too - he sticks by her side through a lot and then one day he doesn't. But the reason he chooses not to will surprise you.

Nellie decides to move forward with her goals without Brian but both are suffering from lonely broken hearts. Will they ever resolve their issues or let the truth be known between them fully? Will it keep them apart always? Can they forgive?

I fully sympathized with both Nellie and Brian and loved their story overall. Brian's choices kinda ticked me off but, honestly as a fresh out of high school teen, who doesn't make a stupid choice here and there? Nellie, is definitely a girl that stays strong with a lot of family support. I didn't particularly care for some of the internal dialogue that was written - I felt like it was just a touch too much and wasn't needed. It did help give a sense of her personality and such but not all of it was needed. The song and book references definitely were meant for today's time frame and I truly appreciated getting these in the story but too many can bog down a story. In this case, I love all of the authors referenced but it bordered on almost too many for me.

Overall, I thought this story brought to light several issues a YA generation would get and relate to, along with fitting into the now time frame. It's a sweet and realistic read of two young people given circumstances out of their control and still trying to find love and their way in the world.
Profile Image for N Swaffar.
859 reviews27 followers
January 16, 2015
*A copy provided by author, in return for an honest review.*

☆☆☆☆ 4.5 Forever Love ☆☆☆☆

This book is an emotional roller coaster ride, but beautiful at the same time.

Nellie had been with health problems since she was 10 yrs old. The first day she had an episode, was also the day she lost the people she thought were her friends. That’s also the same day she met Andy..the friend that will be with her always.

At 17 Nellie was determined to go to her first formal school dance with a date and to find that perfect dress. She wasn’t going to let anyone or anything stop her. Being who she is, she was looked at as the “weird girl” in school and no guy would even look her way..worried of the wrath of what the people at school would do. Because Nellie’s mom is so great, she made a Plan B with the name of Brian. Brian agreed to take Nellie to the dance as a favor to his Mama. His Mama who is friend’s with Nellie’s mom.

 photo photo1.jpg

All it took was a glance and Bryan was hooked. On that night while dancing, Brian found out Nellie’s big secret. Instead of him running for the hills like others would, Brian stayed. All it did was make him want to know Nellie more. Nellie was surprised and so was her friend Andy. Brian was so much more than she thought. He was sweet, caring and a hunk of a man, that’s why Nellie’s friend Andy calls him man meat.

Brian was the sweetest and he would do anything for Nellie. They got along great and understood each other. They had fun and cared for each other. But with Nellie’s health issue, taking the toll on her and her life, Will they be strong enough to stay together? Knowing what they feel for each other is worth all the risk. Read and find out.

This book is full of sad moments and full of love. Be ready with your tissues, because this book might just make you cry…but in the end it will be all worth it.

:::REVIEW IS ALSO ON FOUR CHICKS FLIPPING PAGES:::
http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,680 reviews341 followers
January 5, 2015


When Nellie was ten years old , she had an accident which caused her to discover that she had epilepsy and unlike most of the common forms of epilepsy , hers was unable to medically controlled. Growing up, this put a damper on her social life and making friends as with one wrong move and a seizure would occur - it made people look at her like she was a freak , the odd one out and not alot of people could handle it. However, during the end of school came her school dance and she was without a date , until her mother's friend's son Brian stepped in. At first, Nellie was wary but as the story went along - we discovered that Brian was in fact , a sweet and geniune guy who actually cared alot for Nellie. This I really liked, as he accepted her wholeheartedly a 100% and when things got tough - though he bailed for a short time, he came back and asked for her forgiveness and swore never to leave her side again. The story then continues with Nellie , heading off to College and though miles apart - Nellie and Brian try to keep their relationship going with a long distance romance. In this book we read about how Brian is tested and whether long -distance romances actually work ? Brian has already asked forgiveness once, can he get another chance or do they need to come to terms that their relationship is not destined to work ?

Find out in Love Me Steady by Elle Vanzandt. If you know someone with Epilepsy and have often wondered how it affects their lives and those around them, then this is the book for you. I also have to say in terms of guys, right throughout this book despite the down's - I had a soft spot for Brian and thought that he really was one of the "nice guys".
Profile Image for White Hot Reads.
347 reviews27 followers
January 12, 2015
Love Me Steady is a true, simple love story. Though really there is nothing simple about the subject of two young souls dealing with adult issues of life. Nellie and Brian find love in high school not unlike so many. But unlike most, both Nellie and Brian are dealing with Nellie's illness. Nellie doesn't believe Brian can really love her and all Brian see's is the light in Nellie's eyes and her sense of adventure. Elle Vanzandt takes you on a journey of love, life, heartache and never losing your sense of adventure and wonder. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and take that leap of faith! Let me tell you a secret... I cried. I cried like a baby from the very beginning of the book. I put it down and could hardly pick it back up. But, I thought about it for days, and realized, I needed to know what happened. I didn't put the book down because it was bad, but the exact opposite, because it was wonderful. Also, because the topic was so close to my heart. I read because I love it. I also try to find something amazing in each book. Maybe it is a line, a scene or just a couple words. In this case, Elle reminded me, that no matter what, take a chance, have an adventure, allow yourself to be loved.
Profile Image for Heather Moss.
42 reviews20 followers
January 9, 2015
I received this book as a gift for a fair and honest review. I'll start by saying, this book will touch your heart and stay with you. I fell in love! This is the first time I've read anything by this author, and I can honestly say I'm a fan! The book is written in a way, that you really feel the characters and their struggles. What started off as a blind date, with Brian Moss, doing a favor by taking Nellie to her dance, turned into true love. I absolutely love the emotion in this book and all the emotions the author takes you through. I laughed, I cried and again just fell in love. Nellie shows such determination to live, and not let the accident when she was ten and the discovery of epilepsy hold her back. Brian finds himself falling for Nellie despite the fact, she has this disorder. This book is true love at it's finest! One-click today and see if Nellie and Brian's love can survive the bumpy road its on. I highly recommend Love Me Steady, it will leave you with goose bumps. - Heather MNP Reviewer
Profile Image for Nikki Marchenkoff.
42 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2015
SUCH a good book!! And pretty darn great for a debut novel! I've never really read anything like a book showing how medical issues can affect a person's life. Some changing everything, and others not letting totally control it. It was sweet and had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going on! I would LOVE to read a bit more on Andy's story if Elle decides to do a sequel or novella on her. :)
Profile Image for Alwaysreadingbooks - Reading Drinking and Relaxing.
661 reviews15 followers
January 7, 2015
This was a wonderful story about living life to the fullest and truly appreciating what you have. This was a story about hope and never giving up. I was caught up with Nellie and Brian and everything that was going on that I hated when this story ended. I loved the awareness that it brought forth and I can say that I learned what a real fighter is about.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,469 reviews51 followers
January 13, 2015
An amazing love story!! I can't always get into romance books, but this one took me by surprise! The storyline is fantastic! The emotions you will feel will run high and leaving you with a heart filled with joy once you complete this book! This will be one of 2015 most read books!

*Received for an honest review*
7 reviews
April 24, 2017
Rush's CRC Review

Elle, this was a frantic read. I loved the love between Nellie and Brian, I loved the education on Epilepsy and MS. If this is your love story it brought me to happy tears often from all the love from mom -daughter, siblings, and friends. I love the motivation in story to never give up.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
1,023 reviews
February 16, 2015
it was a great book. I had seizure until I was 13 an I remember nurse had to do class talks it was so embarrassing. I enjoyed love story. BUT can honestly say I didn't like that they got together. i liked everything until end
Profile Image for Deniz.
85 reviews5 followers
January 7, 2015
Wow.

This book was great. It was a story of two lovers that struggle with the things that life throws at them.

Wow... this book was great. It was cute and gave you a fresh, light-hearted read, but had its serious moments as well. LOVED this book! Would totally recommend!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.