What do you think?
Rate this book
Bound to the Past
After a terrible motorcycle accident causes Jack Turner total memory loss, discovering what has happened in his past becomes crucial to him.
What is he doing back in Starville, the small Texas town he left behind many years before? And has he really murdered his adoptive father, as everyone seems to believe?
In a world full of doubts and misgivings, Jack's only certainty is Sara.
Novelist Sara Milano has been struggling with writer's block and blames it on her boring existence. The night she rescues mysterious Jack Turner on the road, however, she knows everything is about to change.
Convinced of Jack's innocence and determined to use his turbulent story as an inspiration for her new novel, Sara decides to help him through his journey of discovering the truth.
As Starville's hostility toward Jack turns into hatred, unveiling the real killer's identity becomes a matter of life or death.
What is he doing back in Starville, the small Texas town he left behind many years before? And has he really murdered his adoptive father, as everyone seems to believe?
In a world full of doubts and misgivings, Jack's only certainty is Sara.
Novelist Sara Milano has been struggling with writer's block and blames it on her boring existence. The night she rescues mysterious Jack Turner on the road, however, she knows everything is about to change.
Convinced of Jack's innocence and determined to use his turbulent story as an inspiration for her new novel, Sara decides to help him through his journey of discovering the truth.
As Starville's hostility toward Jack turns into hatred, unveiling the real killer's identity becomes a matter of life or death.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2014
3 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 22, 2014
Bound to the Past by Lauryn Michaels is a 2014 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a light mystery or Romantic Suspense novel featuring Sara and Jack and a small town full of secrets. When Sara goes out on a quick errand her life changes in a moment. A blowout on a dark desolate road, a stranger who stops to help, and then the stranger is in a terrible accident that leaves him with memory loss. Sara is troubled to learn the man who helped her, the man whose life she saved after his accident, has a terrible reputation in Starville, the small Texas town she moved to four years ago.
Jack left town after his arrest for murdering his adoptive father, J.T. After spending three years in jail awaiting trial, the case was thrown out for lack of evidence. Jack left Starville and started his life over, but now he is back and has revenge on his mind... until he meets up with some back luck and loses his memory.
Sara is a struggling author that has up until now lived here life very cautiously. She doesn't take risk and is bored with her life. Once Jack appears in Starville she suddenly finds herself feeling more inspired to get that novel written. But, the shadow of Jack's past cast a pall over the good things happening in Sara's life. Is it possible this wonder man she has fallen in love with could be a murderer? Well, it seems like Sara is the only one in the entire town that believes Jack is innocent, especially when upon his return to Starville, another person is murdered and Jack is a person of interest once more. Will Sara stand by her man? Is he really innocent or could be a cold blooded killer?
Now ladies, you know in real life we would not allow a man we just met, a man accused of murder, to just move right into our homes, with blind faith. While I believe in innocent until proven guilty, one only needs to watch a few episodes of Dateline or 48 Hours Mystery to know in real life caution is a necessity. But, because this is a made up story and we are all adults here and know this is not real life, I think we can skip the lecture.
I did not see a publisher listed so I going to presume this is a self publication and I also believe this is a first novel for this author. So, while the book may have ran just a wee bit too long and there were some plotting issues that could have been tightened up a little, for a debut novel this was a very good start to the series.
I liked Sara's attitude and her reserve of judgment in Jack's case. She had the luxury of remaining neutral because she was unaware of Jack's past and didn't live in Starville when Jack's adoptive father died, so she wasn't tainted by prejudice. What she sees in Jack is something others have perhaps missed all along because of their closed little minds. Just because Jack had a hard start to live didn't make him a murderer.
I think all of us could use a little bit of Sara's type of unwavering support from time to time. It's not always easy to stand up for what you think is right and it's even harder to stick to it when everyone else is convinced you are wrong. So, although Sara thought of herself as being meek and dull, she really had a lot of character and strength.
Jack was a cross between the tough alpha male and the sensitive , smart beta. He is a mystery through out the book because of his loss of memory. This gave him a little added appeal and made him seem vulnerable which may have kicked Sara's nurturing instincts to life. We don't know what happened the night his father died and neither does Jack. But, his return to Starville has certainly stirred up a hornets nest.
The story takes on many twist and turns before the truth is finally revealed once and for all. I do enjoy these kinds of mysteries. A spicy romance and a genuine whodunit with lots of old buried secrets coming to light is a good combination and the ideal type of book to curl up with.
In closing I would say this was a enjoyable read and I will keep my opened for future novels in this series. I think the author has talent is off to an admirable start. This one is 3.5 stars.
This is a light mystery or Romantic Suspense novel featuring Sara and Jack and a small town full of secrets. When Sara goes out on a quick errand her life changes in a moment. A blowout on a dark desolate road, a stranger who stops to help, and then the stranger is in a terrible accident that leaves him with memory loss. Sara is troubled to learn the man who helped her, the man whose life she saved after his accident, has a terrible reputation in Starville, the small Texas town she moved to four years ago.
Jack left town after his arrest for murdering his adoptive father, J.T. After spending three years in jail awaiting trial, the case was thrown out for lack of evidence. Jack left Starville and started his life over, but now he is back and has revenge on his mind... until he meets up with some back luck and loses his memory.
Sara is a struggling author that has up until now lived here life very cautiously. She doesn't take risk and is bored with her life. Once Jack appears in Starville she suddenly finds herself feeling more inspired to get that novel written. But, the shadow of Jack's past cast a pall over the good things happening in Sara's life. Is it possible this wonder man she has fallen in love with could be a murderer? Well, it seems like Sara is the only one in the entire town that believes Jack is innocent, especially when upon his return to Starville, another person is murdered and Jack is a person of interest once more. Will Sara stand by her man? Is he really innocent or could be a cold blooded killer?
Now ladies, you know in real life we would not allow a man we just met, a man accused of murder, to just move right into our homes, with blind faith. While I believe in innocent until proven guilty, one only needs to watch a few episodes of Dateline or 48 Hours Mystery to know in real life caution is a necessity. But, because this is a made up story and we are all adults here and know this is not real life, I think we can skip the lecture.
I did not see a publisher listed so I going to presume this is a self publication and I also believe this is a first novel for this author. So, while the book may have ran just a wee bit too long and there were some plotting issues that could have been tightened up a little, for a debut novel this was a very good start to the series.
I liked Sara's attitude and her reserve of judgment in Jack's case. She had the luxury of remaining neutral because she was unaware of Jack's past and didn't live in Starville when Jack's adoptive father died, so she wasn't tainted by prejudice. What she sees in Jack is something others have perhaps missed all along because of their closed little minds. Just because Jack had a hard start to live didn't make him a murderer.
I think all of us could use a little bit of Sara's type of unwavering support from time to time. It's not always easy to stand up for what you think is right and it's even harder to stick to it when everyone else is convinced you are wrong. So, although Sara thought of herself as being meek and dull, she really had a lot of character and strength.
Jack was a cross between the tough alpha male and the sensitive , smart beta. He is a mystery through out the book because of his loss of memory. This gave him a little added appeal and made him seem vulnerable which may have kicked Sara's nurturing instincts to life. We don't know what happened the night his father died and neither does Jack. But, his return to Starville has certainly stirred up a hornets nest.
The story takes on many twist and turns before the truth is finally revealed once and for all. I do enjoy these kinds of mysteries. A spicy romance and a genuine whodunit with lots of old buried secrets coming to light is a good combination and the ideal type of book to curl up with.
In closing I would say this was a enjoyable read and I will keep my opened for future novels in this series. I think the author has talent is off to an admirable start. This one is 3.5 stars.
August 23, 2014
Bound to the Past by Lauryn Michaels
Review by Jen (BestSellers & BestStellars)
Bound to the Past was such an great story. This book takes you on a journey filled with suspense, mystery, and romance. It was filled with twists and turns, I wasn’t sure what the story was headed. Lauryn Michaels did a great job on her debut novel!
I really liked Sara. She’s the sweetest, most caring person you’ll ever meet. She’s the kind of person that will help you without even knowing who you are. One night while out, she helps Jack Turner when she finds him on the side of the road, and being the sweet woman she is, she takes care of him. From that moment, she knows that things are going to change for her.
Sara lets Jack stay with her until he can get on his feet and discover the truth he came there to find. But, Sara is attracted to Jack and sparks eventually begin to fly between them, even though she knows that’s something that shouldn’t happen.
“And, boy, he felt good. His body was so warm and solid against hers that, once again, she couldn’t help wondering what the heck she was getting herself into.”
As the story progresses, Sara begins a friendship with Jack, and things heat up between them, but now she’s starting to have feelings for him, knowing that he told her that he doesn’t feel that way about her.
“Sadly, though, she knew that Jack had simply put what he felt into words. The bitter truth was, he had never promised her anything more than sex. He was attracted to her, and that attraction had led to the natural decision of sleeping together. They were both adults - two responsible adults who’d decided to sleep together and knew exactly what they were doing. Sex. Nothing else, just as he’d said. No commitment. No strings attached. So... why was she dying inside?”
The more time Sara spends with Jack, the deeper her feelings get for him and soon she finds herself in love with him.
“She really was in love with him. Sara didn’t know how, didn’t know when, but it had happened. Heaven help her, she’d fallen hopelessly in love with Jack Turner, and she was willing to pay the consequences.”
Then we have Jack Turner. He comes back to Starville for something, but an accident late one night leaves him with amnesia. He can’t remember the reason he came back to town, and finds out some things about his past, but he doesn’t know what’s real. Everyone in town seems to hate him for something he did, except for Sara. She’s the only person in Starville that isn’t judging him and is willing to help him. His main priority is to get his memory back and find out about his life. The last thing he expected was to move in with Sara, and he doesn’t understand what it is about her.
“Sara wasn’t pretty. She was beautiful. Well, maybe not in the conventional way or the classic sense of the word, but there was definitely something about her - something he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Maybe it was her natural gentleness, or the warmth she seemed to bring in the air every time she was around. Or maybe that sweet innocence of hers, which made him want to protect her from the evil in the world.”
Jack is attracted to Sara, but he constantly says that they need to be friends and nothing more, because he isn’t staying in town once he figures out his life. But the more time he spends with her, the harder it is to keep their relationship strictly friends. Eventually, Jack gives in to his feelings for Sara.
“I can feel you so much better without anything between us. And I do want to feel you completely, sweetheart. I’m dying to be inside you. You are mine, Sara. You’ve always been.”
As Jack uncovers parts of his past, he realizes that it’s too dangerous for Sara, and he decides that to keep her safe, he needs to stay away from her, even if that’s the last thing he wants to do.
“It was time he put some distance between him and Sara. It was time to let her go. He would never find peace, but she deserved to be happy. In time, everybody in Starville would forget about him again - including Sara. Maybe she’d even find herself another man.”
Jack isn’t used to feeling like this about a girl. He’s the unattached kind of man - casual, no-strings attached sex. But with Sara, he’s different. He feels so much for her, and it’s something so different for him.
“He didn’t need to regain his memory to know it had never been like this with a woman. He knew he’d never felt this way before Sara. The mere thought sucked his breath right out of his lungs. I don’t want to lose you, Sara. Dammit, I love you!”
I really liked this book. The connection between Sara and Jack was amazing. I really enjoy a book that makes me feel so connected to the characters. I loved watching them together and I was hoping that the book ended the way I wanted it to. I loved the mystery and suspense part of the story too, because you didn’t know where the story was going to go.
The quality of writing was great. The story was well-written and very enjoyable to read. This was such a suspenseful and sweet story between two characters that had such an intense attraction and connection to each other. The story kept me interested and I found myself looking forward to the next page. I could not put it down!
5 Diamonds for this suspenseful story!!
Review by Jen (BestSellers & BestStellars)
Bound to the Past was such an great story. This book takes you on a journey filled with suspense, mystery, and romance. It was filled with twists and turns, I wasn’t sure what the story was headed. Lauryn Michaels did a great job on her debut novel!
I really liked Sara. She’s the sweetest, most caring person you’ll ever meet. She’s the kind of person that will help you without even knowing who you are. One night while out, she helps Jack Turner when she finds him on the side of the road, and being the sweet woman she is, she takes care of him. From that moment, she knows that things are going to change for her.
Sara lets Jack stay with her until he can get on his feet and discover the truth he came there to find. But, Sara is attracted to Jack and sparks eventually begin to fly between them, even though she knows that’s something that shouldn’t happen.
“And, boy, he felt good. His body was so warm and solid against hers that, once again, she couldn’t help wondering what the heck she was getting herself into.”
As the story progresses, Sara begins a friendship with Jack, and things heat up between them, but now she’s starting to have feelings for him, knowing that he told her that he doesn’t feel that way about her.
“Sadly, though, she knew that Jack had simply put what he felt into words. The bitter truth was, he had never promised her anything more than sex. He was attracted to her, and that attraction had led to the natural decision of sleeping together. They were both adults - two responsible adults who’d decided to sleep together and knew exactly what they were doing. Sex. Nothing else, just as he’d said. No commitment. No strings attached. So... why was she dying inside?”
The more time Sara spends with Jack, the deeper her feelings get for him and soon she finds herself in love with him.
“She really was in love with him. Sara didn’t know how, didn’t know when, but it had happened. Heaven help her, she’d fallen hopelessly in love with Jack Turner, and she was willing to pay the consequences.”
Then we have Jack Turner. He comes back to Starville for something, but an accident late one night leaves him with amnesia. He can’t remember the reason he came back to town, and finds out some things about his past, but he doesn’t know what’s real. Everyone in town seems to hate him for something he did, except for Sara. She’s the only person in Starville that isn’t judging him and is willing to help him. His main priority is to get his memory back and find out about his life. The last thing he expected was to move in with Sara, and he doesn’t understand what it is about her.
“Sara wasn’t pretty. She was beautiful. Well, maybe not in the conventional way or the classic sense of the word, but there was definitely something about her - something he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Maybe it was her natural gentleness, or the warmth she seemed to bring in the air every time she was around. Or maybe that sweet innocence of hers, which made him want to protect her from the evil in the world.”
Jack is attracted to Sara, but he constantly says that they need to be friends and nothing more, because he isn’t staying in town once he figures out his life. But the more time he spends with her, the harder it is to keep their relationship strictly friends. Eventually, Jack gives in to his feelings for Sara.
“I can feel you so much better without anything between us. And I do want to feel you completely, sweetheart. I’m dying to be inside you. You are mine, Sara. You’ve always been.”
As Jack uncovers parts of his past, he realizes that it’s too dangerous for Sara, and he decides that to keep her safe, he needs to stay away from her, even if that’s the last thing he wants to do.
“It was time he put some distance between him and Sara. It was time to let her go. He would never find peace, but she deserved to be happy. In time, everybody in Starville would forget about him again - including Sara. Maybe she’d even find herself another man.”
Jack isn’t used to feeling like this about a girl. He’s the unattached kind of man - casual, no-strings attached sex. But with Sara, he’s different. He feels so much for her, and it’s something so different for him.
“He didn’t need to regain his memory to know it had never been like this with a woman. He knew he’d never felt this way before Sara. The mere thought sucked his breath right out of his lungs. I don’t want to lose you, Sara. Dammit, I love you!”
I really liked this book. The connection between Sara and Jack was amazing. I really enjoy a book that makes me feel so connected to the characters. I loved watching them together and I was hoping that the book ended the way I wanted it to. I loved the mystery and suspense part of the story too, because you didn’t know where the story was going to go.
The quality of writing was great. The story was well-written and very enjoyable to read. This was such a suspenseful and sweet story between two characters that had such an intense attraction and connection to each other. The story kept me interested and I found myself looking forward to the next page. I could not put it down!
5 Diamonds for this suspenseful story!!
September 29, 2014
★✩★✩★ 5- Mysterious, dangerous, and Sexy -Stars
~Spoiler FREE Review~
~Okay, one super-short, super-evasive, super-vague review coming right up~
“You're one of the bravest people I know.”
“My mom is. You, Nicky, and Brent are. I'm just a girl who's always chosen the easiest path and done her best to live a quiet, tranquil life.”
“Trust me, there's nothing wrong with that.”
“There is, when you realize that all you've been doing is being a spectator to other people's lives but you've never really lived.”
Jack Turner has returned to Starville after ten years only to have a motorcycle wreck steal his memories. The mysteries of his past consume him and fill him with questions ~ What is he doing back here after ten years? Did he really kill his adoptive father all those years ago like everyone believes? And as the bodies start to pile up, the need for answers becomes even more serious as fingers continue to point towards him. Everyone in town is convinced of his guilt, except for Sara Milano; the reclusive novelist who found him on the side of the road that fateful night, saved his life and took him in when everyone else tuned their backs on him. What started out as a way to cure her writers block quickly turns to a genuine desire to help Jack as Sara starts to develop feelings for the suspected murderer. But the further they dig into the truth the more dangerous their investigation becomes as they start to question who exactly in the small town of Starville they can trust.
She didn't care that someone might have seen them. But the fact that she had gotten to the point of considering having sex with him in the middle of a parking lot-only a few feet away from where the whole of Starville was gathered for the fair! -said a lot about the power this man had over her.
I am going to have to be very careful what I say here or I will completely kill the story for anyone who reads this and I just can't do that. This book needs to be read with very little info going in to truly experience the suspense and tension. There are so many secrets and deception, I went through a million and one theories, changed suspects so many times, was kept in rapt anticipation right til the very end; hell, I entered the epilogue with my heart in my throat! The danger lurked in every page but the didn't take away from the love brewing between Jack and Sara even with everything working against them. The chemistry between these two was off-the-charts, sexy time was steamy and heart-felt, the build up of them coming together was insane, and yes there was plenty of angst and drama thrown on top of everything else you experience. It was a crazy ride from start to finish chock full of amazing characters and sure to set your heart-rate through the roof. Lauryn Michaels most definitely won me over with this one and I am dying to see what she brings us next.
“Fuck, you feel so good.”
“Then take me, Jack. Make me yours.”
That did it. A low, feral growl formed in Jack's chest as she felt his restraint break.
“You are mine, Sara. You've always been.”
Click HERE to check out my FULL post @ BookormBetties
Happy Reading xo Jenn
~Spoiler FREE Review~
~Okay, one super-short, super-evasive, super-vague review coming right up~
“You're one of the bravest people I know.”
“My mom is. You, Nicky, and Brent are. I'm just a girl who's always chosen the easiest path and done her best to live a quiet, tranquil life.”
“Trust me, there's nothing wrong with that.”
“There is, when you realize that all you've been doing is being a spectator to other people's lives but you've never really lived.”
Jack Turner has returned to Starville after ten years only to have a motorcycle wreck steal his memories. The mysteries of his past consume him and fill him with questions ~ What is he doing back here after ten years? Did he really kill his adoptive father all those years ago like everyone believes? And as the bodies start to pile up, the need for answers becomes even more serious as fingers continue to point towards him. Everyone in town is convinced of his guilt, except for Sara Milano; the reclusive novelist who found him on the side of the road that fateful night, saved his life and took him in when everyone else tuned their backs on him. What started out as a way to cure her writers block quickly turns to a genuine desire to help Jack as Sara starts to develop feelings for the suspected murderer. But the further they dig into the truth the more dangerous their investigation becomes as they start to question who exactly in the small town of Starville they can trust.
She didn't care that someone might have seen them. But the fact that she had gotten to the point of considering having sex with him in the middle of a parking lot-only a few feet away from where the whole of Starville was gathered for the fair! -said a lot about the power this man had over her.
I am going to have to be very careful what I say here or I will completely kill the story for anyone who reads this and I just can't do that. This book needs to be read with very little info going in to truly experience the suspense and tension. There are so many secrets and deception, I went through a million and one theories, changed suspects so many times, was kept in rapt anticipation right til the very end; hell, I entered the epilogue with my heart in my throat! The danger lurked in every page but the didn't take away from the love brewing between Jack and Sara even with everything working against them. The chemistry between these two was off-the-charts, sexy time was steamy and heart-felt, the build up of them coming together was insane, and yes there was plenty of angst and drama thrown on top of everything else you experience. It was a crazy ride from start to finish chock full of amazing characters and sure to set your heart-rate through the roof. Lauryn Michaels most definitely won me over with this one and I am dying to see what she brings us next.
“Fuck, you feel so good.”
“Then take me, Jack. Make me yours.”
That did it. A low, feral growl formed in Jack's chest as she felt his restraint break.
“You are mine, Sara. You've always been.”
Click HERE to check out my FULL post @ BookormBetties
Happy Reading xo Jenn
August 17, 2014
5 Stars
I am so happy that I decided to read this book. It was just what I needed to get me out of my book funk. It had my head spinning. Right when I would think one thing the story would twist and turn making me think something else. I love when I can't figure out the mystery until the end. Love when my mind has to constantly be on alert for all the small details in the story.
Sara is a kind, sweet woman. She always believes in people. Even when others see the bad in them. She can't help but want to help out Jack. She wants to know why all of a sudden the town is in rambles with Jack arriving. Why does everyone hate him? Can she help save him? Or will he save her? Can they work together?
Jack doesn't remember his life after a tragic accident. He doesn't remember why he came back to Starville. He learns of his past there and doesn't know what to believe, he wants to believe he is a good guy, but with the town saying he is a criminal what will he believe? He doesn't understand why Sara is the only person in town who is willing to be nice to him. He never expected to fall for her, but he also knows he can't have her. He needs to figure out his life and what he knows. Can he figure it all out so he can finally live in peace? Or will he find out that his life has all been a lie and he is a criminal like everyone believes?
This is an amazing mystery story with some romance thrown in. Very well written story that leaves you guessing who is guilty and who is innocent. I cannot wait to read more about the characters in this book. I really hope that Brent and Nicky get a book. Those two deserve a story. Especially Brent. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series!! Great debut novel Lauryn!!!
I am so happy that I decided to read this book. It was just what I needed to get me out of my book funk. It had my head spinning. Right when I would think one thing the story would twist and turn making me think something else. I love when I can't figure out the mystery until the end. Love when my mind has to constantly be on alert for all the small details in the story.
Sara is a kind, sweet woman. She always believes in people. Even when others see the bad in them. She can't help but want to help out Jack. She wants to know why all of a sudden the town is in rambles with Jack arriving. Why does everyone hate him? Can she help save him? Or will he save her? Can they work together?
Jack doesn't remember his life after a tragic accident. He doesn't remember why he came back to Starville. He learns of his past there and doesn't know what to believe, he wants to believe he is a good guy, but with the town saying he is a criminal what will he believe? He doesn't understand why Sara is the only person in town who is willing to be nice to him. He never expected to fall for her, but he also knows he can't have her. He needs to figure out his life and what he knows. Can he figure it all out so he can finally live in peace? Or will he find out that his life has all been a lie and he is a criminal like everyone believes?
This is an amazing mystery story with some romance thrown in. Very well written story that leaves you guessing who is guilty and who is innocent. I cannot wait to read more about the characters in this book. I really hope that Brent and Nicky get a book. Those two deserve a story. Especially Brent. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series!! Great debut novel Lauryn!!!
August 24, 2014
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover and boy are they right. I totally loved this cover of this book who doesn’t love a biker with mystery, from killing to falling in love. I picked up this book and found the cover though it is lovely does not do this book justice. I really wish I could give this book more stars then I am able to. Michaels sure knows how to write a story that keeps you guessing just when you think you have it worked out and who the killer is well she changes that and has you guessing again. I had to slap my finger so I wouldn’t go to the back and read and read the ending to find out the answer. If you want a fast pace mystery romance that will keep your heart in your hand and your head spinning with what is happening next look no farther you have found it.
On Jacks way back home after many years of being gone, he sees a woman alongside the road who needs help. He stops and helps her and wishes he could spend more time with her. He has things he must do and doesn’t have time for a sweet lovely women. He has come HOME to find the killer of his adoptive father and nothing will get in his way. Least does he know his life is about to change when he is in a terrible motorcycle accident that leaves him with total memory loss. He doesn’t know who he is, where he is from all he knows is the pretty lady who is holding his hand when he wakes up makes him feel alive.
Sara is the town’s sweetheart, she lives a boring live. The one thing she does great is writing but she can’t do that anymore either. Either she puts writes a good book or she will lose everything. While out on a drive getting her head back together she gets a flat. Great like she knows anything about fixing a flat. Then she hears the roar of a bike, great someone to help, wow that is a big scary dude, NOPE she doesn’t need any help thank you. He doesn’t listen just goes to work changing her tire. WOW what beautiful green eyes, she finds herself asking him out for ice cream, a drink, anything …just her luck he turns her down. On her way home after ice cream she sees a terrible accident, she stops and OMG it is her dark knight. Then the story takes off, it isn’t an accident. Her knight is Jack the man who spent 3 years in jail for killing his father. What! There is no way this man could be the killer, not her Jack, and who just tried to killing him?
What a shock to them both to find out the whole town hates him and anyone there has a reason to want him death. Seems he might just be the person who killed their beloved neighbor years ago. No evident, nothing to tie him to the murder but that doesn’t change the fact that he is the killer in their eyes. They are in a race against time to find who is the real killer before more bodies fall and it is all pined on Jack, no matter what anyone said he didn’t do it she is sure, he isn’t so sure. The author even has you thinking could it be Jack, no way could that be but it sure looks like it might be.
The characters in this book are outstanding, there really any one character that you dislike. They are all heartwarming and caring people, some misguided but all want what is best. A few have some secrets that they don’t want found out and the killer sure doesn’t want to be found out. Wonderful people are falling like flies with everyone guess who could it be, and everyone sure it has to be Jack. Heck even Jack thinks it’s Jack….
I found this book to be well written, with just enough twist and turns to keep me happy. The author keeps you guessing right to the end. Oh what an ending, the author still keeps you guessing even after you know who the bad guy is. I feel it was my lucky day with I found this author, I can’t wait for book 2 to come out. I am so glad this author as picked the character that she did for it, it sure looks to be as interesting with many twist and turns as this one.
I highly recommend this new author for anyone who loves a mystery with a little romance. I am sure this author will be a hit with many readers. For me she is going on my list of favorites.
On Jacks way back home after many years of being gone, he sees a woman alongside the road who needs help. He stops and helps her and wishes he could spend more time with her. He has things he must do and doesn’t have time for a sweet lovely women. He has come HOME to find the killer of his adoptive father and nothing will get in his way. Least does he know his life is about to change when he is in a terrible motorcycle accident that leaves him with total memory loss. He doesn’t know who he is, where he is from all he knows is the pretty lady who is holding his hand when he wakes up makes him feel alive.
Sara is the town’s sweetheart, she lives a boring live. The one thing she does great is writing but she can’t do that anymore either. Either she puts writes a good book or she will lose everything. While out on a drive getting her head back together she gets a flat. Great like she knows anything about fixing a flat. Then she hears the roar of a bike, great someone to help, wow that is a big scary dude, NOPE she doesn’t need any help thank you. He doesn’t listen just goes to work changing her tire. WOW what beautiful green eyes, she finds herself asking him out for ice cream, a drink, anything …just her luck he turns her down. On her way home after ice cream she sees a terrible accident, she stops and OMG it is her dark knight. Then the story takes off, it isn’t an accident. Her knight is Jack the man who spent 3 years in jail for killing his father. What! There is no way this man could be the killer, not her Jack, and who just tried to killing him?
What a shock to them both to find out the whole town hates him and anyone there has a reason to want him death. Seems he might just be the person who killed their beloved neighbor years ago. No evident, nothing to tie him to the murder but that doesn’t change the fact that he is the killer in their eyes. They are in a race against time to find who is the real killer before more bodies fall and it is all pined on Jack, no matter what anyone said he didn’t do it she is sure, he isn’t so sure. The author even has you thinking could it be Jack, no way could that be but it sure looks like it might be.
The characters in this book are outstanding, there really any one character that you dislike. They are all heartwarming and caring people, some misguided but all want what is best. A few have some secrets that they don’t want found out and the killer sure doesn’t want to be found out. Wonderful people are falling like flies with everyone guess who could it be, and everyone sure it has to be Jack. Heck even Jack thinks it’s Jack….
I found this book to be well written, with just enough twist and turns to keep me happy. The author keeps you guessing right to the end. Oh what an ending, the author still keeps you guessing even after you know who the bad guy is. I feel it was my lucky day with I found this author, I can’t wait for book 2 to come out. I am so glad this author as picked the character that she did for it, it sure looks to be as interesting with many twist and turns as this one.
I highly recommend this new author for anyone who loves a mystery with a little romance. I am sure this author will be a hit with many readers. For me she is going on my list of favorites.
October 26, 2014
Overall Rating: 4.5 Rockin’ ★★★★☆
A chance meeting on a deserted country road, a flat tire and then a connection between two people is the beginning of this first book in Ms. Michaels’ series Starville. It is a community of caring, helpful people that only boast a population of a little over three thousand. Starville is the perfect place to put down roots, make friends and live the American Dream. Or is it? Is it really what is seems to be from the outside looking in? Does it hold a mystery, an unsolved murder? This is the story of two of Starville’s residents. One that is new to town and one that is a returning son with a murky past.
Amnesia, a loss of whom you are and all that you know, it is a terrifying thing to wake up too! The only thing that Jack Turner has to hold on to is the woman he awakes to find at his side in the hospital, Sara. It seems someone had tried to kill him as he returned to his hometown after ten years of self-imposed exile. Sara explains that she had met him when he stopped to help her change a flat tire on a deserted country road. Then when she was returning home later she had found him beside the road almost dead beside his motorcycle. The residents of Starville’s hatred towards Jack are ominous, disturbing and confusing to him. He has no one but Sara and her kindness to help him heal and regain his memory. Will whoever tried to kill him try again? Who is Jack really? Why is he not welcomed back?
Sara has lived in Starville for the past four years. She has a comfortable home, supportive friends and a promising career, so why does she feel so restless? Sara decided to take a break from writing and go into town for ice-cream. While on the way, she has a flat tire on an isolated cutoff to town. She meets a tall, handsome, dark knight that stops to assist her and changes her tire. Sara is instantly drawn to this stranger even though she does not know anything about him, not even his name. The life she thought she was living was changed from that moment. On her way home she finds her dark knight almost dead by the side of the road and calls 9-1-1 for help. He asks her not to leave him and she finds that she cannot leave his side. While keeping vigil at the hospital she discovers that people in Starville are not happy that Jack Turner has returned. Is the town she thought she lived in really what she had believed it was? Who is Jack Turner? Why does everyone hate him?
Sara and Jack work together to help him regain his memory and find out who tried to kill him. She opens her home and her heart to him and they begin their journey to solve this mystery. Who really killed his father and why was Jack blamed? Will Jack regain his memory and unravel the mystery of his past? Read this novel and find out about Sara and Jack’s journey to find their HEA and the answers to his past!
Hero – Jack Turner 4.5 stars
Heroine – Sara Milano 4.5 stars
Steam: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes! If you want to read a sexy mystery romance, then this is a must read for you! It has it all, hot sex, mysterious sexy male, murder and love at first sight! What’s not to love in this amazing read!
Would I recommend this author: Yes! This is the first book by this remarkable author and it reads like an experienced writer’s work! I cannot wait to read the next installment in the Starville series.
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Bound to the Past Lauryn Michaels
A chance meeting on a deserted country road, a flat tire and then a connection between two people is the beginning of this first book in Ms. Michaels’ series Starville. It is a community of caring, helpful people that only boast a population of a little over three thousand. Starville is the perfect place to put down roots, make friends and live the American Dream. Or is it? Is it really what is seems to be from the outside looking in? Does it hold a mystery, an unsolved murder? This is the story of two of Starville’s residents. One that is new to town and one that is a returning son with a murky past.
Amnesia, a loss of whom you are and all that you know, it is a terrifying thing to wake up too! The only thing that Jack Turner has to hold on to is the woman he awakes to find at his side in the hospital, Sara. It seems someone had tried to kill him as he returned to his hometown after ten years of self-imposed exile. Sara explains that she had met him when he stopped to help her change a flat tire on a deserted country road. Then when she was returning home later she had found him beside the road almost dead beside his motorcycle. The residents of Starville’s hatred towards Jack are ominous, disturbing and confusing to him. He has no one but Sara and her kindness to help him heal and regain his memory. Will whoever tried to kill him try again? Who is Jack really? Why is he not welcomed back?
Sara has lived in Starville for the past four years. She has a comfortable home, supportive friends and a promising career, so why does she feel so restless? Sara decided to take a break from writing and go into town for ice-cream. While on the way, she has a flat tire on an isolated cutoff to town. She meets a tall, handsome, dark knight that stops to assist her and changes her tire. Sara is instantly drawn to this stranger even though she does not know anything about him, not even his name. The life she thought she was living was changed from that moment. On her way home she finds her dark knight almost dead by the side of the road and calls 9-1-1 for help. He asks her not to leave him and she finds that she cannot leave his side. While keeping vigil at the hospital she discovers that people in Starville are not happy that Jack Turner has returned. Is the town she thought she lived in really what she had believed it was? Who is Jack Turner? Why does everyone hate him?
Sara and Jack work together to help him regain his memory and find out who tried to kill him. She opens her home and her heart to him and they begin their journey to solve this mystery. Who really killed his father and why was Jack blamed? Will Jack regain his memory and unravel the mystery of his past? Read this novel and find out about Sara and Jack’s journey to find their HEA and the answers to his past!
Hero – Jack Turner 4.5 stars
Heroine – Sara Milano 4.5 stars
Steam: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes! If you want to read a sexy mystery romance, then this is a must read for you! It has it all, hot sex, mysterious sexy male, murder and love at first sight! What’s not to love in this amazing read!
Would I recommend this author: Yes! This is the first book by this remarkable author and it reads like an experienced writer’s work! I cannot wait to read the next installment in the Starville series.
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Bound to the Past Lauryn Michaels
September 29, 2014
★✩★✩★ 5- Mysterious, dangerous, and Sexy -Stars
~Spoiler FREE Review~
~Okay, one super-short, super-evasive, super-vague review coming right up~
“You're one of the bravest people I know.”
“My mom is. You, Nicky, and Brent are. I'm just a girl who's always chosen the easiest path and done her best to live a quiet, tranquil life.”
“Trust me, there's nothing wrong with that.”
“There is, when you realize that all you've been doing is being a spectator to other people's lives but you've never really lived.”
Jack Turner has returned to Starville after ten years only to have a motorcycle wreck steal his memories. The mysteries of his past consume him and fill him with questions ~ What is he doing back here after ten years? Did he really kill his adoptive father all those years ago like everyone believes? And as the bodies start to pile up, the need for answers becomes even more serious as fingers continue to point towards him. Everyone in town is convinced of his guilt, except for Sara Milano; the reclusive novelist who found him on the side of the road that fateful night, saved his life and took him in when everyone else tuned their backs on him. What started out as a way to cure her writers block quickly turns to a genuine desire to help Jack as Sara starts to develop feelings for the suspected murderer. But the further they dig into the truth the more dangerous their investigation becomes as they start to question who exactly in the small town of Starville they can trust.
She didn't care that someone might have seen them. But the fact that she had gotten to the point of considering having sex with him in the middle of a parking lot-only a few feet away from where the whole of Starville was gathered for the fair! -said a lot about the power this man had over her.
I am going to have to be very careful what I say here or I will completely kill the story for anyone who reads this and I just can't do that. This book needs to be read with very little info going in to truly experience the suspense and tension. There are so many secrets and deception, I went through a million and one theories, changed suspects so many times, was kept in rapt anticipation right til the very end; hell, I entered the epilogue with my heart in my throat! The danger lurked in every page but the didn't take away from the love brewing between Jack and Sara even with everything working against them. The chemistry between these two was off-the-charts, sexy time was steamy and heart-felt, the build up of them coming together was insane, and yes there was plenty of angst and drama thrown on top of everything else you experience. It was a crazy ride from start to finish chock full of amazing characters and sure to set your heart-rate through the roof. Lauryn Michaels most definitely won me over with this one and I am dying to see what she brings us next.
“Fuck, you feel so good.”
“Then take me, Jack. Make me yours.”
That did it. A low, feral growl formed in Jack's chest as she felt his restraint break.
“You are mine, Sara. You've always been.”
Click HERE to check out my FULL post @ BookormBetties
Happy Reading xo Jenn
~Spoiler FREE Review~
~Okay, one super-short, super-evasive, super-vague review coming right up~
“You're one of the bravest people I know.”
“My mom is. You, Nicky, and Brent are. I'm just a girl who's always chosen the easiest path and done her best to live a quiet, tranquil life.”
“Trust me, there's nothing wrong with that.”
“There is, when you realize that all you've been doing is being a spectator to other people's lives but you've never really lived.”
Jack Turner has returned to Starville after ten years only to have a motorcycle wreck steal his memories. The mysteries of his past consume him and fill him with questions ~ What is he doing back here after ten years? Did he really kill his adoptive father all those years ago like everyone believes? And as the bodies start to pile up, the need for answers becomes even more serious as fingers continue to point towards him. Everyone in town is convinced of his guilt, except for Sara Milano; the reclusive novelist who found him on the side of the road that fateful night, saved his life and took him in when everyone else tuned their backs on him. What started out as a way to cure her writers block quickly turns to a genuine desire to help Jack as Sara starts to develop feelings for the suspected murderer. But the further they dig into the truth the more dangerous their investigation becomes as they start to question who exactly in the small town of Starville they can trust.
She didn't care that someone might have seen them. But the fact that she had gotten to the point of considering having sex with him in the middle of a parking lot-only a few feet away from where the whole of Starville was gathered for the fair! -said a lot about the power this man had over her.
I am going to have to be very careful what I say here or I will completely kill the story for anyone who reads this and I just can't do that. This book needs to be read with very little info going in to truly experience the suspense and tension. There are so many secrets and deception, I went through a million and one theories, changed suspects so many times, was kept in rapt anticipation right til the very end; hell, I entered the epilogue with my heart in my throat! The danger lurked in every page but the didn't take away from the love brewing between Jack and Sara even with everything working against them. The chemistry between these two was off-the-charts, sexy time was steamy and heart-felt, the build up of them coming together was insane, and yes there was plenty of angst and drama thrown on top of everything else you experience. It was a crazy ride from start to finish chock full of amazing characters and sure to set your heart-rate through the roof. Lauryn Michaels most definitely won me over with this one and I am dying to see what she brings us next.
“Fuck, you feel so good.”
“Then take me, Jack. Make me yours.”
That did it. A low, feral growl formed in Jack's chest as she felt his restraint break.
“You are mine, Sara. You've always been.”
Click HERE to check out my FULL post @ BookormBetties
Happy Reading xo Jenn
September 30, 2014
Original Post:eARC Review Tour: Bound to the Past (Starville #1) by Lauryn Michaels
For many readers, including myself, what goes on in a writer's mind and life during the completion of a novel is a fascinating puzzle, hence my interest in Bound to the Past, where Lauryn Michaels focuses on an author afflicted with writer's block. Although the author-y stuff is still mostly a big question mark to me, the storyline and accompanying mystery made themselves just as fascinating in this intriguing stand-alone novel in the Starville series.
Sara Milano is a relative newcomer to the tiny town of Starville, the perfect place for her to do both her day job as an English Literature teacher and her secret one as a steamy romance author. Under pressure because of an approaching deadline, she finally makes a breakthrough with an unforeseen incident: she rescues a victim of a hit-and-run. She is hard pressed to answer a few questions, though. How much of what she is writing is her imagination and how much is an autobiography? Is what she is feeling for Jack real or brought about by her book?
Jack is every romance novel's dream. He's dark, brooding, and hot, with one complication. The accident left him with amnesia and he can't remember why he's back in a town where everyone apparently hates him enough to end his life. Neither can he understand why he's accused of murdering his adoptive father when he was the only one who showed any care.
Almost the whole citizenry of Starville falls suspect when Jack is alternately taunted, heckled, and attacked. No one has any proof to tie him to the murder and nobody wants to prove otherwise. It's up to him and Sara to get to the bottom of all the hate.
This beautifully written novel has just the right balance of romance, mystery, and light comedy. I especially like that while there is a sexual tension and an erotic tug between the two main characters, it's simply a part of the story and not the main basis for it. More emphasis is placed on the workings of the citizens of a small town and a concerted witch hunt centered on one man who's still being treated as guilty despite his vindication from the accusations hurled on him. And, it's a refreshing twist that the hero is the one being threatened and looking to the heroine for help and protection.
While these two certainly were h-o-t, the ones that stole the scenes for me were the menagerie of animals, especially Lancelot, Sara's dog. Those puppy eyes would get me every time! And I want to read more about what's brewing between Nicky and Brent, despite the teaser that Grace and Carson's story is coming out next. I'm sure, though, that's a tearjerker right there!
Jack and Sara prove that no one is Bound to the Past, no matter what other people may say or do. Every choice is yours to make and no past doings can control your future's outcome. It's a beautiful lesson I hope Lauryn Michaels will touch on in the next installment.
For many readers, including myself, what goes on in a writer's mind and life during the completion of a novel is a fascinating puzzle, hence my interest in Bound to the Past, where Lauryn Michaels focuses on an author afflicted with writer's block. Although the author-y stuff is still mostly a big question mark to me, the storyline and accompanying mystery made themselves just as fascinating in this intriguing stand-alone novel in the Starville series.
Sara Milano is a relative newcomer to the tiny town of Starville, the perfect place for her to do both her day job as an English Literature teacher and her secret one as a steamy romance author. Under pressure because of an approaching deadline, she finally makes a breakthrough with an unforeseen incident: she rescues a victim of a hit-and-run. She is hard pressed to answer a few questions, though. How much of what she is writing is her imagination and how much is an autobiography? Is what she is feeling for Jack real or brought about by her book?
Jack is every romance novel's dream. He's dark, brooding, and hot, with one complication. The accident left him with amnesia and he can't remember why he's back in a town where everyone apparently hates him enough to end his life. Neither can he understand why he's accused of murdering his adoptive father when he was the only one who showed any care.
Almost the whole citizenry of Starville falls suspect when Jack is alternately taunted, heckled, and attacked. No one has any proof to tie him to the murder and nobody wants to prove otherwise. It's up to him and Sara to get to the bottom of all the hate.
This beautifully written novel has just the right balance of romance, mystery, and light comedy. I especially like that while there is a sexual tension and an erotic tug between the two main characters, it's simply a part of the story and not the main basis for it. More emphasis is placed on the workings of the citizens of a small town and a concerted witch hunt centered on one man who's still being treated as guilty despite his vindication from the accusations hurled on him. And, it's a refreshing twist that the hero is the one being threatened and looking to the heroine for help and protection.
While these two certainly were h-o-t, the ones that stole the scenes for me were the menagerie of animals, especially Lancelot, Sara's dog. Those puppy eyes would get me every time! And I want to read more about what's brewing between Nicky and Brent, despite the teaser that Grace and Carson's story is coming out next. I'm sure, though, that's a tearjerker right there!
Jack and Sara prove that no one is Bound to the Past, no matter what other people may say or do. Every choice is yours to make and no past doings can control your future's outcome. It's a beautiful lesson I hope Lauryn Michaels will touch on in the next installment.
September 16, 2014
SEXY DANGEOUS JACK loses his memory and finds SMART SWEET SARA :-)
Sara is happy with her small town life. In Starville she can write her books without anyone knowing her true career, can enjoy quiet country living and take silly escapes of boredom to get ice cream. Everything safe and sweet changes the moment she meets Jack Turner. He is the most dangerous man she has ever met. Dark, sexy, and the poor man cannot remember anything about his past or why he returned to Starville. But when Sara discovers that years ago, Jack was accused of murdering his father, JT... she knows in her heart that it is a lie. Jack would not hurt JT. He loved him too much.
Jack may be broodingly dangerous looking and his past has many questions, but Sara knows he is a good man, inside. He wins her heart, where so many others have failed. But the murderous past has returned to haunt Jack and old secrets are uncovered. He can't trust anyone. The entire town seems to turn against him. Someone knows what really happened, but finding that truth might destroy everything. When new murders start happening and Jack is accused, Sara doesn't doubt his innocence. But proving it proves to be even more risky. Someone wants to hurt Sara. What will Jack do?
The story moves at a good pace, always having one more intriguing mystery to solve. The heat between Jack and Sara is beautifully written, giving plenty of hot moments that give the story spark. The supporting cast is really good, with her best friends being two of the local cops. They add depth to the story, credibility to Jack, and help to uncover details about his past. The whole town seems to come to life in the pages; from the local hangout "The Cove" where everyone seems to go, to the local ranching family that open their arms to take Sara in, there are plenty of characters with motive. By the end you suspect them all!
A great read. Highly recommend!
Sara is happy with her small town life. In Starville she can write her books without anyone knowing her true career, can enjoy quiet country living and take silly escapes of boredom to get ice cream. Everything safe and sweet changes the moment she meets Jack Turner. He is the most dangerous man she has ever met. Dark, sexy, and the poor man cannot remember anything about his past or why he returned to Starville. But when Sara discovers that years ago, Jack was accused of murdering his father, JT... she knows in her heart that it is a lie. Jack would not hurt JT. He loved him too much.
Jack may be broodingly dangerous looking and his past has many questions, but Sara knows he is a good man, inside. He wins her heart, where so many others have failed. But the murderous past has returned to haunt Jack and old secrets are uncovered. He can't trust anyone. The entire town seems to turn against him. Someone knows what really happened, but finding that truth might destroy everything. When new murders start happening and Jack is accused, Sara doesn't doubt his innocence. But proving it proves to be even more risky. Someone wants to hurt Sara. What will Jack do?
The story moves at a good pace, always having one more intriguing mystery to solve. The heat between Jack and Sara is beautifully written, giving plenty of hot moments that give the story spark. The supporting cast is really good, with her best friends being two of the local cops. They add depth to the story, credibility to Jack, and help to uncover details about his past. The whole town seems to come to life in the pages; from the local hangout "The Cove" where everyone seems to go, to the local ranching family that open their arms to take Sara in, there are plenty of characters with motive. By the end you suspect them all!
A great read. Highly recommend!
September 24, 2014
4.5 stars
Wow what a great debut novel! This story most definitely kept me guessing the whole way through- I didn't want to put it down!
Bound to the Past is heavy on the mystery with romance added in but there were definitely some great hot moments along the way. When Sara first meets Jack, she has no idea what his name is- he sees on the side of the road with a flat tire late at night on a deserted road and pulls over to help her. A few hours later she is on her way home and finds him bleeding on the side of the road after what appears to be a motorcycle accident. Everyone in Starville is quick to condemn him for his past even though he was cleared of murder charges more than 10 years ago. Now after his accident, he has no memory of his past or why he decided to come back to town.
Sara loved Starville for its idyllic setting but she begins to feel like she doesn't really know the town or the people in it anymore after she finds out about Jack's history. The townspeople start to turn on her for taking him in when he had nowhere to go and for giving him the benefit of the doubt for past actions he was never convicted of.
I felt for Jack- in the present, he has no recollection of any of the things he was accused of and is not really a bad guy. He was wonderful for Sara and I was rooting for him to come out ahead of his past in end. Sara was a bit of a dreamer but looking for a safe existence for the most part after moving all over the world with her mom as a child . But she starts to realize that she has had a pretty boring existence and is determined to change that- starting with helping this man she is drawn to more every day.
There were some great supporting characters in Brent, Nicky and Carson just to name a few, and the author definitely kept me guessing about who was really behind Jack's troubles. I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the author's next one!
Wow what a great debut novel! This story most definitely kept me guessing the whole way through- I didn't want to put it down!
Bound to the Past is heavy on the mystery with romance added in but there were definitely some great hot moments along the way. When Sara first meets Jack, she has no idea what his name is- he sees on the side of the road with a flat tire late at night on a deserted road and pulls over to help her. A few hours later she is on her way home and finds him bleeding on the side of the road after what appears to be a motorcycle accident. Everyone in Starville is quick to condemn him for his past even though he was cleared of murder charges more than 10 years ago. Now after his accident, he has no memory of his past or why he decided to come back to town.
Sara loved Starville for its idyllic setting but she begins to feel like she doesn't really know the town or the people in it anymore after she finds out about Jack's history. The townspeople start to turn on her for taking him in when he had nowhere to go and for giving him the benefit of the doubt for past actions he was never convicted of.
I felt for Jack- in the present, he has no recollection of any of the things he was accused of and is not really a bad guy. He was wonderful for Sara and I was rooting for him to come out ahead of his past in end. Sara was a bit of a dreamer but looking for a safe existence for the most part after moving all over the world with her mom as a child . But she starts to realize that she has had a pretty boring existence and is determined to change that- starting with helping this man she is drawn to more every day.
There were some great supporting characters in Brent, Nicky and Carson just to name a few, and the author definitely kept me guessing about who was really behind Jack's troubles. I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the author's next one!
September 30, 2014
Sara Milano is a novelist. She moved 4 years ago to Starville, Texas. She’s keeping to herself enjoying her life as a writer and taking the occasional drive to the store to get ice cream. It all changes one night when she saves Jack Turner’s life. The town hates him and blames him for a murder he didn’t commit and they try to prove that he’s innocent and help him recover memory after his accident. All of this helps Sara with her writer’s block but most importantly, finding the truth.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I loved this story. It moves at a good pace, always giving you more details about who did what to solve and keeps you on your toes. The spark between Jack and Sara is amazing, giving us a lot of hot moments! Sara’s best friends being cops, they help adding to the story, giving Jack credibility and helping unsolved the mystery. The whole town comes together and comes alive. They all add to the story which is amazing, gives it a lot of depth. The story has many twists and turns. When you think they finally solved one thing another thing comes into play and you witness the characters go through it all, be it the main characters or the supporting ones. Everybody plays an important role in the story and help it develop into this amazing book.
Sara is a sweet young woman who’s the only one willing to give Jack a chance and help him remember why he’s back in Starville and what happened in the past. What happens when he’s faced with the facts about his life before losing memory? He needs to figure out his life and what he knows about what happened but his feelings for Sara come into the equation. Can he figure things out and live a peaceful life or will he find out he’s what everybody suspects him to be?
Amazing mystery novel, very well written and amazing debut novel. Can’t wait to read the next book in this serie and what happens to the other characters.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I loved this story. It moves at a good pace, always giving you more details about who did what to solve and keeps you on your toes. The spark between Jack and Sara is amazing, giving us a lot of hot moments! Sara’s best friends being cops, they help adding to the story, giving Jack credibility and helping unsolved the mystery. The whole town comes together and comes alive. They all add to the story which is amazing, gives it a lot of depth. The story has many twists and turns. When you think they finally solved one thing another thing comes into play and you witness the characters go through it all, be it the main characters or the supporting ones. Everybody plays an important role in the story and help it develop into this amazing book.
Sara is a sweet young woman who’s the only one willing to give Jack a chance and help him remember why he’s back in Starville and what happened in the past. What happens when he’s faced with the facts about his life before losing memory? He needs to figure out his life and what he knows about what happened but his feelings for Sara come into the equation. Can he figure things out and live a peaceful life or will he find out he’s what everybody suspects him to be?
Amazing mystery novel, very well written and amazing debut novel. Can’t wait to read the next book in this serie and what happens to the other characters.
September 30, 2014
Sara is a writer suffering from writer's block. Her life starts to get interesting when a mysterious stranger comes into town and helps her out when he car breaks down. Later that evening she finds that same stranger wrecked and beaten on the side of the road. Jack awakes from his accident with no memory of who he is or why he was retiring to Starville. It turns out the people of the town know him as he was the number one suspect in the murder of his adoptive father. Sara decides to try and help Jack because she feels that he is innocent, and also because she suspects he might be just the inspiration she needs to finish her novel.
This book definitely hooked me and kept me engaged throughout. Throughout the book it was hard to tell who to trust. Sara believes in Jack, and as they grow closer and explore their attraction to one another it is hard to believe that he could really be a killer. Jack and Sara have some pretty strong chemistry, and through all the terrible things going on in the town, I was really hoping that the two of them would make it through and figure out a way to be together. Jack is a tough character to stand by at times. We the reader are in the same place as Sara in that we don't know Jack before his amnesia. it is hard to decide whether he is who he seems to be, or if he is who other people in the town say he is. I had a lot of theories throughout my reading, but I was kept guessing until the end. I enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic suspense. 3.5 stars.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
This book definitely hooked me and kept me engaged throughout. Throughout the book it was hard to tell who to trust. Sara believes in Jack, and as they grow closer and explore their attraction to one another it is hard to believe that he could really be a killer. Jack and Sara have some pretty strong chemistry, and through all the terrible things going on in the town, I was really hoping that the two of them would make it through and figure out a way to be together. Jack is a tough character to stand by at times. We the reader are in the same place as Sara in that we don't know Jack before his amnesia. it is hard to decide whether he is who he seems to be, or if he is who other people in the town say he is. I had a lot of theories throughout my reading, but I was kept guessing until the end. I enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic suspense. 3.5 stars.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
September 6, 2014
Who doesn’t love a bit of suspense and romance? Sara Milano is a writer and she is suffering from a serious writers block. Living in the small town of Starville, not much goes on that is until a flat tire changers her life.
Jack Turner LOATHES Starville. He has unfinished business he needs to address before he leaves that town FOREVER. Unfortunately, he has a bit of an accident. One that causes him to lose his memory.
Sara doesn’t believe the rumors about Jack and she will do everything she can to prove his innocence, what she wasn’t counting on was falling in love with Jack. Jack may not remember why he is in town but all he knows is he has NEVER felt this way about anyone before in his life. He knows deep down that Sara is the one and only.
Jack’s past haunts his future and with the town already loathing him, their feelings become dangerous not only to himself but to Sara as well.
Without giving too much away, I LOVED the suspense in this book. While I was reading, I kept thinking…Ooh the killer is him, ok- never mind the killer is that person, just kidding it is them.
The romance in this book was fantastic. The characters were well developed. My only negative thing is I am not a fan of the cover. It does not do anything for this book at all. As the saying goes, don't judge a book by it's cover. I was able to get into this book right away.
Lauryn Michaels did a fantastic job with the romance, suspense and mystery aspects of this story. It will keep you on edge the entire time! Be prepared for steamy sex, angsty and some mystery!!
A must read!
November 19, 2014
This debut novel had me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last!
It was a sexy, well written story that actually made you think. The narrator took you into everyone's head, telling you just enough to make you suspicious. Does Jack deserve the hatred from the small Texas town of Starville, or was he set up? Is he going to hurt Sara? Who is out to get them both? The story grabs you quickly and I had a ton of theories throughout the book. I loved how it kept me guessing.
Whatever Jack was, he made me swoon big time! The sexy "dark knight" gave Sara the much needed inspiration to come out of her repressed shell, and she turned out to be the toughest cookie in the entire town.
I can't wait for the next book!
It was a sexy, well written story that actually made you think. The narrator took you into everyone's head, telling you just enough to make you suspicious. Does Jack deserve the hatred from the small Texas town of Starville, or was he set up? Is he going to hurt Sara? Who is out to get them both? The story grabs you quickly and I had a ton of theories throughout the book. I loved how it kept me guessing.
Whatever Jack was, he made me swoon big time! The sexy "dark knight" gave Sara the much needed inspiration to come out of her repressed shell, and she turned out to be the toughest cookie in the entire town.
I can't wait for the next book!
August 28, 2014
wow I love books that keep you on your toes and this book certainly dose! lauryn has done a wonderful job keeping you guessing, if your looking for romance, , suspense and a whole lot of mystery this is the book for you. lauryn has described character and locations very well, we all love a romance but with a little murder and bikes involved wow, this stand alone novel is fantastic and I certainly will be watching out for more novels written by lauryn, well deserved 5 stars as you kept me guessing all the way through
September 25, 2014
Amazing love story! Filled with mystery, unexpected twists, passion and acceptance. This book had me at the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.
Jack has come back to a town he hates when he gets into an accidents and get amnesia. Now being in a place where he is hated, for reasons unknown to him he finds that he has only one champion Sara. Sparks fly as their friendship becomes more and the twists and turns come faster and faster. The suspense was killing me as I continued to read on, to an ending that had me breathing a happy sigh and joy in my heart. A must read for everyone!
Jack has come back to a town he hates when he gets into an accidents and get amnesia. Now being in a place where he is hated, for reasons unknown to him he finds that he has only one champion Sara. Sparks fly as their friendship becomes more and the twists and turns come faster and faster. The suspense was killing me as I continued to read on, to an ending that had me breathing a happy sigh and joy in my heart. A must read for everyone!
October 1, 2014
So sad, Jack has lost his memory in a accident , he has a dangerous past and meets the goodie Sara. She loves her little town, she writes books , but does not anyone knowing her business. Then one day, she meets Jack and her whole life turns upside down. She halls for Jack , but learns his troubled past .
Sara trusts Jack when weird things start happening in the town and fingers are pointed at him. Sara, in her heart trust him and will fight for him.
You will love their connection between the two and the trust that Jack finally builds....
Great story!!
Sara trusts Jack when weird things start happening in the town and fingers are pointed at him. Sara, in her heart trust him and will fight for him.
You will love their connection between the two and the trust that Jack finally builds....
Great story!!
September 29, 2014
This is a really great debut novel. I love a good story full of mystery and romance and this hit the spot. The twists and turns had me gripped.
Sara's an author content with her quiet life in Starville. She's a lovely character and always ready to help others. She helps Jack when he's had an accident and loses his memory. He's hated in town and also trying to find out why he's back in Starville.
As I keep reading the plot thickens.
Great read. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
Sara's an author content with her quiet life in Starville. She's a lovely character and always ready to help others. She helps Jack when he's had an accident and loses his memory. He's hated in town and also trying to find out why he's back in Starville.
As I keep reading the plot thickens.
Great read. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
September 14, 2014
I absolutely LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down, I was caught up in the mystery immediately and remained intrigued until the very end. The characters and the town they lived in were brought to life with such amazing detail and skill. Sara and Jack's story was the perfect blend of angst, suspense, and steamy romance.
September 30, 2014
This book has EVERYTHING! Drama, romance, mystery are all throughout this book. Think you know who the killer is? Think again. The end of this book is shocking. I loved every page of this. It is a MUST READ! Go out and get it now. I spoke to the author and found out that this is book one of the series, but they are all stand alone so don't worry about a cliffie at the end! Go read and enjoy!!!
October 29, 2014
Five Mystery Filled Stars! This one kept me guessing until the very end, and I love that! In addition to an intriguing mystery, Bound to the Past was also a touching love story between Sara, the sweet small town girl, and Jack, the sexy, dark knight who comes to town seeking redemption. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait until the Carson's book is released. Soon, please???
November 4, 2014
Anxiously Awaiting the Next One...
It's been a few months since I've read a book that was so good that I've wanted to hurriedly finish it, yet I kept going back and re-reading portions because it was SO GOOD!!! I loved ALL of the characters and the storyline, this book was truly well written. I definitely recommend it to anyone, and I can't wait for book #2.
It's been a few months since I've read a book that was so good that I've wanted to hurriedly finish it, yet I kept going back and re-reading portions because it was SO GOOD!!! I loved ALL of the characters and the storyline, this book was truly well written. I definitely recommend it to anyone, and I can't wait for book #2.
January 2, 2015
What happens when the town bad boy decides to roll back in?
Writer Sara Milano takes up residence in the small, friendly quaint town of Starville. Here she writes under an anonymous name so as not to be ridiculed by the town folks because of the spicy nature of her work.
Starvilles bad boy from the past makes a return to the town that once turned their backs on him when he needed them most. Only after an accident that happens the first night he is in town, Jack can no longer remember what brought him back there in the first place. Once seeking redemption Jacks hard edged way of living and cold demeanor change as he opens himself up to feelings that have stayed buried.
When the past and present collide for these two- things get heated up pretty quick. Sara cannot seem to stop having thoughts of what it would feel like to be in Jacks arms, or under his body for that matter. Jack fights his feelings for Sara every step of the way, with so much hinging on his past and accusations made- he is left wondering if he can ever be good enough for someone as sweet as Sara. But eventually those sparks ignite and even Jack can no longer hold back on need for Sara.
“I can feel you so much better without anything between us. And I do want to feel you completely, sweetheart. I’m dying to be inside you. You are mine, Sara. You’ve always been.”
Lauryn Micheals gave me just what I love in a book. A lot of Romance, a dash of sexy and a heaping scoop of Mystery. This book kept my heart pumping with a ton of twists and turns that completely took me off guard. Moving along at a good pace, the author continuously kept me on my toes wondering in what direction the story would head next.
Writer Sara Milano takes up residence in the small, friendly quaint town of Starville. Here she writes under an anonymous name so as not to be ridiculed by the town folks because of the spicy nature of her work.
Starvilles bad boy from the past makes a return to the town that once turned their backs on him when he needed them most. Only after an accident that happens the first night he is in town, Jack can no longer remember what brought him back there in the first place. Once seeking redemption Jacks hard edged way of living and cold demeanor change as he opens himself up to feelings that have stayed buried.
When the past and present collide for these two- things get heated up pretty quick. Sara cannot seem to stop having thoughts of what it would feel like to be in Jacks arms, or under his body for that matter. Jack fights his feelings for Sara every step of the way, with so much hinging on his past and accusations made- he is left wondering if he can ever be good enough for someone as sweet as Sara. But eventually those sparks ignite and even Jack can no longer hold back on need for Sara.
“I can feel you so much better without anything between us. And I do want to feel you completely, sweetheart. I’m dying to be inside you. You are mine, Sara. You’ve always been.”
Lauryn Micheals gave me just what I love in a book. A lot of Romance, a dash of sexy and a heaping scoop of Mystery. This book kept my heart pumping with a ton of twists and turns that completely took me off guard. Moving along at a good pace, the author continuously kept me on my toes wondering in what direction the story would head next.
September 30, 2014
OMG, this book was SOOO GOOD!!! The mystery in the story was amazing, I had so many thories about who the killer might be, but I never would have expected such an ending. It was BREATHTAKING!
The romance between Jack and Sara was one of the best I've ever read - steaming hot and romantic at the same time. And Jack... *swoons* Hot, sexy biker doesn't even begin to describe him!
The supporting characters were incredibly real. I got so attached to them all that I felt really sad when the book ended and I was happy to learn that some of them are going to have their own story in the future. I can't believe this is Lauryn Michaels' debut novel and I can't wait for the next book in the series! Highly recommended!
The romance between Jack and Sara was one of the best I've ever read - steaming hot and romantic at the same time. And Jack... *swoons* Hot, sexy biker doesn't even begin to describe him!
The supporting characters were incredibly real. I got so attached to them all that I felt really sad when the book ended and I was happy to learn that some of them are going to have their own story in the future. I can't believe this is Lauryn Michaels' debut novel and I can't wait for the next book in the series! Highly recommended!
May 29, 2015
It's been awesome week with all the new books and authors. And this awesome book is one of them. I love this book!! I couldn't put it down whole day and had to finish approx 400 pages in a day. I love long books!I love Sara, she is so sweet and cute and adorable. She asked him to come have ice-cream with her lol!! Love it. The whole suspense who was the real criminal. Towards end I suspected who it could be and yay! my suspicion was right. The plot was really good. Looking forward to read next books in the series!
I was given the book in exchange of an honest review.
I was given the book in exchange of an honest review.
December 27, 2014
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this story. This story hooked me from the beginning and kept me turning the pages. It was a book where I would tell myself that I would stop reading after one more chapter and then one more chapter turned into the final page!
Loved the characters and how the story developed between Jack and Sara. Loved the mystery of this story and how easily the romance was woven in. Great job Lauryn! I can't wait to read the next book!
I really enjoyed this story. This story hooked me from the beginning and kept me turning the pages. It was a book where I would tell myself that I would stop reading after one more chapter and then one more chapter turned into the final page!
Loved the characters and how the story developed between Jack and Sara. Loved the mystery of this story and how easily the romance was woven in. Great job Lauryn! I can't wait to read the next book!
October 2, 2014
5 keep you guessing til the very end stars!!!
November 10, 2014
Wonderful story with characters you root for from the beginning.
December 31, 2014
4.5 stars
December 10, 2014
Thank you all so much for reading Bound to the Past! :)
Hope you'll fall in love with Jack and Sara the same way I did and enjoy following them through their adventures!
***Author's Note*** Although it is the first book of the Starville Series, Bound to the Past is a stand-alone novel, and the other books in the series need not to be read to enjoy it.
Hope you'll fall in love with Jack and Sara the same way I did and enjoy following them through their adventures!
***Author's Note*** Although it is the first book of the Starville Series, Bound to the Past is a stand-alone novel, and the other books in the series need not to be read to enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews