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Mended
Kassie's life had been hard and unnecessarily so. Her parents divorced when she was a girl, as a result her father took her little brother to live with him and left her with her mother. Her mother became remarried to a man who tried his hardest to seduce Kassie when she was thirteen. By fourteen her mother had thrown her out of the house leaving Kassie to fend for herself. She learned a lesson on the streets that prepared her for life in a way that no one and nothing else could.
In college, she met the man that she thought would be the love of her life and for a while he was. As their careers took off, she was faced with the cold reality of his infidelities, including a child outside of their married. This crushing blow caused her to lose the child she was carrying and brought about the end of her marriage.
Broken, Kassie leaves the luxury apartment she shared with her ex-husband and moves to an upscale neighborhood in Elgin, Illinois. It's here where she meets the man who quickly becomes the game changer.
Timothy Baron is a laid back, carefree, ladies man. He's been divorced for a few years now from his college sweetheart and has a daughter. When Kassie moves in next door he instantly notices her but their first encounter goes less in the way of friendly and more in the way of outright offensive.
The saying 'Love thy neighbor' goes out the window as they spend a year bumping heads. But things change when Kassie and Timothy's Irish Terrier Griffin develop a bond. She also develops a bond with Timothy's daughter, Natalie, who is a big fan of Kassie's work as an illustrator.
Slowly Kassie's wall begins to crumble as her feelings for Tim begin to grow. She starts to see the handsome musician as less of an annoyance and more like someone she could love.
The blinders melt away for Tim too as Kassie's rudeness toward him becomes more kind. When he finds out who she is and what she does for a living he is intrigued and it makes him want to know more about her. Kassie isn't very forthcoming about herself or her past. Tim is determined understand her but the more layers he peels back, the more he realizes why she was so rude and nasty to him and he feels sorry for her.
As they become friends and their feelings change, can they see past their rough start and give in to what is so evident between them? Or will Kassie's fear of pain and reject cause her to shut herself off from ever letting him in?
*** This is the original version before I shortened it. I love this story and enjoyed writing it so much that I didn't want to destroy chapters 29-34. So I left the option open for my readers to decide which version they liked more. Plus this version has the original ending.***
In college, she met the man that she thought would be the love of her life and for a while he was. As their careers took off, she was faced with the cold reality of his infidelities, including a child outside of their married. This crushing blow caused her to lose the child she was carrying and brought about the end of her marriage.
Broken, Kassie leaves the luxury apartment she shared with her ex-husband and moves to an upscale neighborhood in Elgin, Illinois. It's here where she meets the man who quickly becomes the game changer.
Timothy Baron is a laid back, carefree, ladies man. He's been divorced for a few years now from his college sweetheart and has a daughter. When Kassie moves in next door he instantly notices her but their first encounter goes less in the way of friendly and more in the way of outright offensive.
The saying 'Love thy neighbor' goes out the window as they spend a year bumping heads. But things change when Kassie and Timothy's Irish Terrier Griffin develop a bond. She also develops a bond with Timothy's daughter, Natalie, who is a big fan of Kassie's work as an illustrator.
Slowly Kassie's wall begins to crumble as her feelings for Tim begin to grow. She starts to see the handsome musician as less of an annoyance and more like someone she could love.
The blinders melt away for Tim too as Kassie's rudeness toward him becomes more kind. When he finds out who she is and what she does for a living he is intrigued and it makes him want to know more about her. Kassie isn't very forthcoming about herself or her past. Tim is determined understand her but the more layers he peels back, the more he realizes why she was so rude and nasty to him and he feels sorry for her.
As they become friends and their feelings change, can they see past their rough start and give in to what is so evident between them? Or will Kassie's fear of pain and reject cause her to shut herself off from ever letting him in?
*** This is the original version before I shortened it. I love this story and enjoyed writing it so much that I didn't want to destroy chapters 29-34. So I left the option open for my readers to decide which version they liked more. Plus this version has the original ending.***
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2014
20 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 6, 2014
Mended is my first ever read by author Kimberly M. Clayborne, and I must say that I am impressed. I have read hundreds of books by (relatively) unknown authors, and truthfully, they’re like a box of chocolates: You never know what you’re gonna get…
That being said, Mended is aptly titled because it tells the story of a woman who is learning to heal after a failed marriage that ended due to a cheating spouse-the husband, that is. Kassidy, or Kassie, enters the tale a very bitter, disheartened woman. She's grieving more than the loss of her marriage, and all that anger and resentment radiates from her upon sight. As the reader, you're thinking "Oh no...angry black woman..." but no! Read on my friends...
Timothy, or Tim is the gorgeous nerdy-looking dude who lives next door to the house Kassie just purchases after her divorce, and he is immediately attracted to Kassie, but that stank attitude of hers leaves little to be desired although he can't help to be drawn to this woman in the most insatiable way. I must caution you that this story starts off incredibly slow, but then when the ice around Kassie's heart begins to thaw, KA-BOOM-this tale crescendos into something like WHOA...who are these people?!
I overall enjoyed this story very much with exception to the initial slow pace. This was such a sweet read-a broken woman full of self-doubt, not just because a man broke her heart, but because she grew up with a broken heart. As the reader, you have to keep reminding yourself of this throughout the story because Kassie at times can be frustrating. She rejects Tim when things move too quickly or smoothly, and you just want to shake her! The story ending was also kind of lackluster. I'm a big fan of epilogues in romance, and although not required for me to love a story, I felt there was no real conclusion-just an "ending." Also, some of the dialogue is a bit repetitive, especially the use of the word "softly" which I completely lost count of because it was used so often. With that being said, I do recommend. This is a novel-length read with no cliffhangers.
That being said, Mended is aptly titled because it tells the story of a woman who is learning to heal after a failed marriage that ended due to a cheating spouse-the husband, that is. Kassidy, or Kassie, enters the tale a very bitter, disheartened woman. She's grieving more than the loss of her marriage, and all that anger and resentment radiates from her upon sight. As the reader, you're thinking "Oh no...angry black woman..." but no! Read on my friends...
Timothy, or Tim is the gorgeous nerdy-looking dude who lives next door to the house Kassie just purchases after her divorce, and he is immediately attracted to Kassie, but that stank attitude of hers leaves little to be desired although he can't help to be drawn to this woman in the most insatiable way. I must caution you that this story starts off incredibly slow, but then when the ice around Kassie's heart begins to thaw, KA-BOOM-this tale crescendos into something like WHOA...who are these people?!
I overall enjoyed this story very much with exception to the initial slow pace. This was such a sweet read-a broken woman full of self-doubt, not just because a man broke her heart, but because she grew up with a broken heart. As the reader, you have to keep reminding yourself of this throughout the story because Kassie at times can be frustrating. She rejects Tim when things move too quickly or smoothly, and you just want to shake her! The story ending was also kind of lackluster. I'm a big fan of epilogues in romance, and although not required for me to love a story, I felt there was no real conclusion-just an "ending." Also, some of the dialogue is a bit repetitive, especially the use of the word "softly" which I completely lost count of because it was used so often. With that being said, I do recommend. This is a novel-length read with no cliffhangers.
October 4, 2015
I Give
I've never disliked a heroine so much in my life! Maybe it is because I really hate silly people, but Kassie is something else. She's a woman in her mid-thirties who acts like a petulant child. She honestly needs therapy. Also, the Madonna/Whore complex being pushed by the author is just too ridiculous. Labeling other women sluts is just as ridiculous as labeling a woman a prude. And the jump in personalities makes me think she's one step from being Sybil.
The only saving grace is Tim, Griff, and literally every character in the book including the broken gutter and the hard working generator besides the heroine. PS, what's up with the heroine buying such cheap linen? If your ish rips because someone is gripping it in the heat of passion then you have terrible thread count and EXTREMELY poor understanding of quality goods. I can't. I won't. I shan't.
I've never disliked a heroine so much in my life! Maybe it is because I really hate silly people, but Kassie is something else. She's a woman in her mid-thirties who acts like a petulant child. She honestly needs therapy. Also, the Madonna/Whore complex being pushed by the author is just too ridiculous. Labeling other women sluts is just as ridiculous as labeling a woman a prude. And the jump in personalities makes me think she's one step from being Sybil.
The only saving grace is Tim, Griff, and literally every character in the book including the broken gutter and the hard working generator besides the heroine. PS, what's up with the heroine buying such cheap linen? If your ish rips because someone is gripping it in the heat of passion then you have terrible thread count and EXTREMELY poor understanding of quality goods. I can't. I won't. I shan't.
September 20, 2015
I liked this one, but in my opinion, it wasn't a spectacular read. It was a decent read, but not a spectacular read. Despite the fact that I was not captivated by this story, what I did like was the way that the author portrayed the developing relationship between the two characters. I always love it when a couple gets to know each other, before they start to do the "horizontal mambo."
Overall, this was a decent book, and I look forward to more literary efforts produced by this author.
Giving this one: 3 solid stars.
Overall, this was a decent book, and I look forward to more literary efforts produced by this author.
Giving this one: 3 solid stars.
June 3, 2023
Excellent read
Beautifully written book. Great characters, great story. I dreaded seeing the last page. Would love love love to read more about Tim and Kassie.
Beautifully written book. Great characters, great story. I dreaded seeing the last page. Would love love love to read more about Tim and Kassie.
July 30, 2017
Really Good
I was recommended a book by this author that I read in one sitting. I loved it and of course I had to go looking for her work. I found this and loved every word. It was sweet and hot.
I was recommended a book by this author that I read in one sitting. I loved it and of course I had to go looking for her work. I found this and loved every word. It was sweet and hot.
August 21, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Miss Clayborne and I really enjoyed it! I love the hero Tim. He’s a classical musician, wears glasses, and is laid back and sexy. He’s just the kind of guy most women would be drawn to. Our heroine Kassie comes off as a nasty b*tch. No one could blame Tim for running in the opposite direction based on the cold shade Kassie had thrown his way. But despite their beginning, they had a connection that they took the time to develop which blossomed into something more. Kassie was carrying a lot of pain and Tim was just the man to break down those walls of hers and show her what real love is supposed to be!
There is a bit of a slow build between these two characters, and they do NOT jump into bed. I really appreciated that! But once they do give into their feelings… FIRE! LOL. The love scenes were very well written. Hot and sensual. Just the way I like it!! ;)
I highly recommend Mended and any other novel by Kimberly M. Clayborne! :)
There is a bit of a slow build between these two characters, and they do NOT jump into bed. I really appreciated that! But once they do give into their feelings… FIRE! LOL. The love scenes were very well written. Hot and sensual. Just the way I like it!! ;)
I highly recommend Mended and any other novel by Kimberly M. Clayborne! :)
March 12, 2015
VERY PLEASING ROMANTIC FEEL GOOD LOVE STORY. RELATIONSHIPS ARE NEVER EASY AND WHEN YOUR MARRIAGE FAILS ITS NOT EASY TO GO ON AS A SINGLE PERSON. I REALLY LIKED BOTH THE H/h THEY BOTH HAD THEIR FAULTS BUT WERE SO SUITED FOR EACH OTHER. THE STORY LINE HAD A LOT OF WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN RAISING CHILDREN (Kassie was a classic case) I WAS AMAZED AT WHAT HAPPENED TO HER WHILE GROWING UP. STEAMY HOT LOVE SCENES BETWEEN TIM AND KASSIDY WERE SIZZELING HOT, THE DIALOG WAS SO LOL AT TIMES THEN YA NEEDED TISSUES IN OTHERS. GRIFFIN WAS CUTE AND HILAREOUS AND A GREAT BIG SCENE STEALER. I THOUGHT TOWARD THE END IT DID GET A TINY BIT REPETATIVE BUT NOT ENOUGH TO SPOIL THE STORY FOR ME. ;D
November 26, 2014
Superb...I liked this book A Lot, basically for its Simplicity (in a good way), Tim a Classical Violinist and Kassie a successful African-American artist, are neighbors, she moved into the house next door. Tim can't take his eyes off of her, but she is so MEAN to him, so he doesn't like her either. It's a Wonderful story from there. Ms. Clayborne (author), takes great care and time developing the sometimes difficult relationship been these two and Builds on it until it transforms into something BEAUTIFUL. The Love Scenes are NATURAL AND OFF THE CHAIN CRAZY HOT! I would have preferred an EPILOGUE also. Griff was Adorable!!
June 19, 2016
Don't let the mean fool you
I passed this book over a couple of times after reading the sample. I thought that the heroine was an obnoxious, mean idiot. I hadn't read the authors work before but then I read For Always and Loved it! I decided to give Mended a chance, so happy I did. I came to care about both the hero and the heroine as the story developed. I did long for an epilogue but definitely enjoyed the story. Btw, also loved the supporting characters Rosie and Nora. Great writing. I am now a 1-clicker when it comes to Ms. Clayborne.
I passed this book over a couple of times after reading the sample. I thought that the heroine was an obnoxious, mean idiot. I hadn't read the authors work before but then I read For Always and Loved it! I decided to give Mended a chance, so happy I did. I came to care about both the hero and the heroine as the story developed. I did long for an epilogue but definitely enjoyed the story. Btw, also loved the supporting characters Rosie and Nora. Great writing. I am now a 1-clicker when it comes to Ms. Clayborne.
January 3, 2015
This is my first book by this author and I believe this is her first book.
This is Kassie and Tim's story. I loved the couple. I thought it was a romantic read. I loved that Kassie was mean. The book was well written. The pace of the story was a little too slow for me. It took them 2 years to get together.
Please Kimberly you said you wanted to write more mean women, I would love to read about them. Write more stories about mean ladies!!!
A good read!
This is Kassie and Tim's story. I loved the couple. I thought it was a romantic read. I loved that Kassie was mean. The book was well written. The pace of the story was a little too slow for me. It took them 2 years to get together.
Please Kimberly you said you wanted to write more mean women, I would love to read about them. Write more stories about mean ladies!!!
A good read!
February 7, 2017
Really good
Quite unusual, very different from the other books I have read, I really think it deserves at least five stars.
Quite unusual, very different from the other books I have read, I really think it deserves at least five stars.
November 7, 2014
5 Stars.Very good story.
November 7, 2014
Amazing!!!
June 29, 2015
A well written book hit all the good points
Was enough of everything all around to make it a good read
Was enough of everything all around to make it a good read
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews