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Found by You #2
Loved by You
The world moves with him…
Griffin Chandler.
He’s on his own wavelength, creator of his own destiny. He took that drive and accomplished his dreams on the court. He made the world see him, adore him as much as I do.
And he adores me too. He does so through the good, the bad, and even the very worst that causes me to lose myself. He found me once, though. In a way, I also found him too, but am I strong enough to keep him?
Is he strong enough to keep me?
LOVED BY YOU is a new adult contemporary romance.
Griffin Chandler.
He’s on his own wavelength, creator of his own destiny. He took that drive and accomplished his dreams on the court. He made the world see him, adore him as much as I do.
And he adores me too. He does so through the good, the bad, and even the very worst that causes me to lose myself. He found me once, though. In a way, I also found him too, but am I strong enough to keep him?
Is he strong enough to keep me?
LOVED BY YOU is a new adult contemporary romance.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2015
176 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Victoria H. Smith
51 books516 followersVictoria H. Smith has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. She puts it to good use writing romance all day. She resides in the Midwest with her Macbook on her lap and a cornfield to her right. She often draws inspiration for her stories from her own life experiences, and the characters she writes give her an earful about it.
In her free time, she enjoys extreme couponing, reading, watching Scandal, and general geekery in the form of Sherlock and DC Comics. She’s a bestselling author and the 2014 Swirl Award winner for Best New Adult Romance, as well as the recipient of the 2015 AMB Ovation Award for her new adult romance FOUND BY YOU. She writes both new adult and adult fiction in many genres, but mainly focuses in contemporary interracial and multicultural romances.
To be notified about my latest releases, sign up for my newsletter! - http://eepurl.com/MxQMj
In her free time, she enjoys extreme couponing, reading, watching Scandal, and general geekery in the form of Sherlock and DC Comics. She’s a bestselling author and the 2014 Swirl Award winner for Best New Adult Romance, as well as the recipient of the 2015 AMB Ovation Award for her new adult romance FOUND BY YOU. She writes both new adult and adult fiction in many genres, but mainly focuses in contemporary interracial and multicultural romances.
To be notified about my latest releases, sign up for my newsletter! - http://eepurl.com/MxQMj
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 6, 2015
RATING: 4.5 STARS (ARC received in exchange for honest review)
The saga of Roxie and Griffin (or is it Griffin and Roxie?) continues! The story picks right up where book 1, Found By You leaves off. Grixie (as I've dubbed them) are basking in the glow of their recent engagement and their "adult" life in Florida where Griff now plays basketball professionally. This could have easily been a sappy story of how Grixie lives happily ever after, and in some ways, this was the case, but I appreciate it when the author makes the couple work for that true HEA because life just ain't no crystal stair...
I especially loved reading about Grixie's maturation process both individually and as a couple. Shit got thick in some areas, and truly loving one another and having a good support system of friends and family truly helped them overcome the obstacles. Admittedly, the story read slowly for me at times, and Roxie tried my patience more than once, but we women, no matter how others perceive us to be so "perfect" or "well-rounded", will always have our own personal insecurities, but I'm glad she got it together. And it's okay to need the love and support of a good man who loves us unconditionally, and it's okay to depend on that love and support to get us through shit when we need him to.
If you haven't read Grixie's story, I encourage you to first read Found By You to get the background of this super couple. In a word (or two): Click-it-up!
The saga of Roxie and Griffin (or is it Griffin and Roxie?) continues! The story picks right up where book 1, Found By You leaves off. Grixie (as I've dubbed them) are basking in the glow of their recent engagement and their "adult" life in Florida where Griff now plays basketball professionally. This could have easily been a sappy story of how Grixie lives happily ever after, and in some ways, this was the case, but I appreciate it when the author makes the couple work for that true HEA because life just ain't no crystal stair...
I especially loved reading about Grixie's maturation process both individually and as a couple. Shit got thick in some areas, and truly loving one another and having a good support system of friends and family truly helped them overcome the obstacles. Admittedly, the story read slowly for me at times, and Roxie tried my patience more than once, but we women, no matter how others perceive us to be so "perfect" or "well-rounded", will always have our own personal insecurities, but I'm glad she got it together. And it's okay to need the love and support of a good man who loves us unconditionally, and it's okay to depend on that love and support to get us through shit when we need him to.
If you haven't read Grixie's story, I encourage you to first read Found By You to get the background of this super couple. In a word (or two): Click-it-up!
April 28, 2015
I’ve been waiting anxiously for this sequel to
and it didn’t disappoint.
Loved By You picks up where book one left off: Roxie and Griffin are now engaged and are living in Miami. Griffin is all consumed with his professional basketball career while Roxie is keeping house and planning their wedding.
I must say, that part of the story bugged me: Roxie was supposed to be going places too. While they were in college (in Found by You) Roxie had big plans for after she graduated but now, all of a sudden, she was content with cooking for her man and taking care of the house and occasionally go to his games and attend functions with him.
The rest of her time she was preparing for a wedding. Ugh, there surely is more to life than this for such an intelligent young woman, isn’t there?
I wanted to dislike this version of Roxie, but while reading along I understood why Victoria has chosen this path for her. It made sense after all.
I loved Roxie and Griffin as a couple. They were so in sync with each other, at least, in the beginning they were. They were certainly a YA couple done right: they were very mature, they faced issues head on, figured stuff out together and communication was never a problem until circumstances dictated otherwise.
Of course, them being apart a lot (Griffin was gone most of the time), insecurities (Roxies), meddling (conniving) reps and assistants and jealousy from the outside world started to put some major pressure on the relationship. The bond they shared was now cracking, leaving them disconnected and the way they dealt was by keeping things to themselves.
The struggle to get back on track and to find their way back to each other and the safe place their relationship used to be was beautifully written by Victoria. I couldn’t put the book away and I’ve read all through the night.
(And as from now, Griffin is my new book boyfriend.)
and it didn’t disappoint. Loved By You picks up where book one left off: Roxie and Griffin are now engaged and are living in Miami. Griffin is all consumed with his professional basketball career while Roxie is keeping house and planning their wedding.
I must say, that part of the story bugged me: Roxie was supposed to be going places too. While they were in college (in Found by You) Roxie had big plans for after she graduated but now, all of a sudden, she was content with cooking for her man and taking care of the house and occasionally go to his games and attend functions with him.
The rest of her time she was preparing for a wedding. Ugh, there surely is more to life than this for such an intelligent young woman, isn’t there?
I wanted to dislike this version of Roxie, but while reading along I understood why Victoria has chosen this path for her. It made sense after all.
I loved Roxie and Griffin as a couple. They were so in sync with each other, at least, in the beginning they were. They were certainly a YA couple done right: they were very mature, they faced issues head on, figured stuff out together and communication was never a problem until circumstances dictated otherwise.
Of course, them being apart a lot (Griffin was gone most of the time), insecurities (Roxies), meddling (conniving) reps and assistants and jealousy from the outside world started to put some major pressure on the relationship. The bond they shared was now cracking, leaving them disconnected and the way they dealt was by keeping things to themselves.
The struggle to get back on track and to find their way back to each other and the safe place their relationship used to be was beautifully written by Victoria. I couldn’t put the book away and I’ve read all through the night.
(And as from now, Griffin is my new book boyfriend.)
May 6, 2015
I loved it.
April 27, 2015
I enjoyed book 1 of this series, FOUND BY YOU, but I loved LOVED BY YOU. With that being said, I will now attempt to review this book without even mild spoilers. But it's going to be difficult for me, but here we go.
The way that Smith transitions Griff and Roxie from college into adult life complicated by fame, family, and growing up in general is wonderful. There are very few New Adult romance series that hook me in and keep me because I am not into self inflicted angst and that is what I have mostly run into in this genre. However Smith takes two very likable and believable characters, gives them flaws, strengths, secrets, and complications that are relatable and then proceeds to weave an engrossing story around them.
In LOVED BY YOU we get a wonderful example of how family, even those members of your family who don't share blood with you, will be there to support and encourage you when things get hard. Even when Griff isn't quite living up to what he can be with Roxie she isn't alone and is supported. Roxie's issues are deep and long reaching and she is struggling to get a hold on who she is, what she wants to be, and how she will grow into her role as an independent and capable woman in an environment that doesn't necessarily support that.
The secondary characters are so important as well as entertaining in LOVED BY YOU. I really hope Griff's brother's get their own books as well. Because yeah, that's some entertainment just waiting to happen right there! Although Griff and Roxie are the center of LOVED BY YOU their family and friends are just as interesting. Griff's father and brothers, Roxie's mother and her struggles, as well as Roxie's and Griff's own personal struggles are all blended together to make for a great story. Boy, I came close to spoilers there but I made it through without one!
LOVEDBY YOU will be going on my favorites list. I can definitely see myself rereading this series. LOVED BY YOU embodies everything that I want in a satisfying read. Well developed characters with realistic problems along with a storyline that will take the reader through a gamut of emotions are all found in this series. Quality writing and endearing characters that I can't help but care about makes this one an all out winner for me.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
The way that Smith transitions Griff and Roxie from college into adult life complicated by fame, family, and growing up in general is wonderful. There are very few New Adult romance series that hook me in and keep me because I am not into self inflicted angst and that is what I have mostly run into in this genre. However Smith takes two very likable and believable characters, gives them flaws, strengths, secrets, and complications that are relatable and then proceeds to weave an engrossing story around them.
In LOVED BY YOU we get a wonderful example of how family, even those members of your family who don't share blood with you, will be there to support and encourage you when things get hard. Even when Griff isn't quite living up to what he can be with Roxie she isn't alone and is supported. Roxie's issues are deep and long reaching and she is struggling to get a hold on who she is, what she wants to be, and how she will grow into her role as an independent and capable woman in an environment that doesn't necessarily support that.
The secondary characters are so important as well as entertaining in LOVED BY YOU. I really hope Griff's brother's get their own books as well. Because yeah, that's some entertainment just waiting to happen right there! Although Griff and Roxie are the center of LOVED BY YOU their family and friends are just as interesting. Griff's father and brothers, Roxie's mother and her struggles, as well as Roxie's and Griff's own personal struggles are all blended together to make for a great story. Boy, I came close to spoilers there but I made it through without one!
LOVEDBY YOU will be going on my favorites list. I can definitely see myself rereading this series. LOVED BY YOU embodies everything that I want in a satisfying read. Well developed characters with realistic problems along with a storyline that will take the reader through a gamut of emotions are all found in this series. Quality writing and endearing characters that I can't help but care about makes this one an all out winner for me.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
April 30, 2015
So glad Roxie and Griffin are back! I really loved this book and was so excited to know that Griffin's brother, Brody, is getting a book!!!
April 20, 2015
From college drama to Real Life Issues (Received ARC)
Victoria H. Smith astounded me with this dramatic romance. Griffin and Roxie begin their fairytales lives and soon realize LIFE IS NOT A FAIRYTALE. Roxie and Griffin struggle with balancing Griffin’s new found fame as a first draft pick, THROUGH IN A MONEY HUNGRY AGENT AND PUBLICSTS poor Griffin can slow down long enough to see Roxie is in trouble. Miami is a far cry from the Mid-Western State’s; Roxie is not the cookie cutter NBA wife. Fiancée “image” on the outside that is. She tries to be supportive to Griffin but she is eaten alive by her new life until she literally withers away. Griffin can’t slow down long enough to actually see her, but thank the Lord they have family and friends. I give this book 5 stars.
Victoria H. Smith astounded me with this dramatic romance. Griffin and Roxie begin their fairytales lives and soon realize LIFE IS NOT A FAIRYTALE. Roxie and Griffin struggle with balancing Griffin’s new found fame as a first draft pick, THROUGH IN A MONEY HUNGRY AGENT AND PUBLICSTS poor Griffin can slow down long enough to see Roxie is in trouble. Miami is a far cry from the Mid-Western State’s; Roxie is not the cookie cutter NBA wife. Fiancée “image” on the outside that is. She tries to be supportive to Griffin but she is eaten alive by her new life until she literally withers away. Griffin can’t slow down long enough to actually see her, but thank the Lord they have family and friends. I give this book 5 stars.
February 25, 2018
Another for the win! 🙌🏾
Griffin & Roxie give me ALL the FEELS!
Griffin & Roxie give me ALL the FEELS!
April 30, 2015
Received this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Loved by You picks up not too far from where Found by You left off.
Roxie and Griffin have matured not just physically but mentally as well. In love and engaged, we now see them enjoying their post college life with Griffin signed to an official basketball team in Miami and Roxie holding things down as the future Mrs. Chandler. A chance injury to a fellow team mate throws Griffin in the spotlight rather suddenly as he seems to become a media favorite overnight.
But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Griffin’s job (and now major endorsements deals) take him away from the one person he loves the most for longer periods of time and Roxie, is left waiting on her loves return while simultaneously throwing herself into the planning of their wedding.
Gone are the easier days of derby and basketball practice and the occasional ex-girlfriend drama….. Instead, Roxie and Griffin are now facing forces that are even greater than that, all of which are playing out in the court of public opinion…. A court which is not being altogether kind to our girl Roxie. Try as they might Roxie and Griffin are almost ill prepared for their now very public life and Roxie starts coping with old insecurities in some drastic ways. Griffin wants to be there for the woman he loves, but obligations and the people thrown into their world seem set to rip our power couple apart. The help Roxie needs may come in a way that no one would have expected, as the healing of old wounds and present hurts have both Roxie and Griffin taking a good hard look at not just themselves but their love for one another.
Can they find themselves like they did once before or are the machinations of the world around them going to doom their love? You’ll have to read to find out!
Now… for my personal opinion!
I honestly liked the sequel better than I did the first book! Roxie and Griffin have grown by leaps and bounds. Instead of a budding romance like we saw in “Found by You”, we see a more secure relationship, built on a stout, more devout love between the two, and laced with passion and fire that only these two can bring. Roxie and Griffin are the type of couple that face things together, like a team, but even the best team mates can lose focus and drop the ball every now and then. I think this only endeared them to me even more. Too often you read about these new adult characters with high school level issues and I can’t help but think to myself “Really? THAT’S what you call a “problem”?
Roxie has never been the kind of girl that seemed to make a lot of friends outside of her fellow derby girls, so it was nice to see her branch out a little and open up to more people. She has trust issues we know… but it hasn’t completely closed her off to people which is good. She handles some things with great maturity, while other things, not so much, but she still handles them. There were times I wanted to deck her just to snap her out of her tunnel vision, but she does come to some pretty stark realizations on her own, and then you can’t help but love her all over again.
Griffin kind of blew up overnight and it was interesting to read how he tried to adjust to that. But having you life turned around overnight can almost always guarantee that there are going to be mistakes along the way… growing pains as you adjust to the newness of everything and Griffin is no different. I loved that even through all the changes (the overnight stardom, the media pressure, and the time away from Roxie) one thing that DIDN’T change was his commitment and love to Roxie. Most would bend even if slightly from things like that (if not crumble completely!), but not Griffin and I think THAT is what makes him such a great character.
All in all the book was really good! And I hope to hear more from these two in the future!
Loved by You picks up not too far from where Found by You left off.
Roxie and Griffin have matured not just physically but mentally as well. In love and engaged, we now see them enjoying their post college life with Griffin signed to an official basketball team in Miami and Roxie holding things down as the future Mrs. Chandler. A chance injury to a fellow team mate throws Griffin in the spotlight rather suddenly as he seems to become a media favorite overnight.
But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Griffin’s job (and now major endorsements deals) take him away from the one person he loves the most for longer periods of time and Roxie, is left waiting on her loves return while simultaneously throwing herself into the planning of their wedding.
Gone are the easier days of derby and basketball practice and the occasional ex-girlfriend drama….. Instead, Roxie and Griffin are now facing forces that are even greater than that, all of which are playing out in the court of public opinion…. A court which is not being altogether kind to our girl Roxie. Try as they might Roxie and Griffin are almost ill prepared for their now very public life and Roxie starts coping with old insecurities in some drastic ways. Griffin wants to be there for the woman he loves, but obligations and the people thrown into their world seem set to rip our power couple apart. The help Roxie needs may come in a way that no one would have expected, as the healing of old wounds and present hurts have both Roxie and Griffin taking a good hard look at not just themselves but their love for one another.
Can they find themselves like they did once before or are the machinations of the world around them going to doom their love? You’ll have to read to find out!
Now… for my personal opinion!
I honestly liked the sequel better than I did the first book! Roxie and Griffin have grown by leaps and bounds. Instead of a budding romance like we saw in “Found by You”, we see a more secure relationship, built on a stout, more devout love between the two, and laced with passion and fire that only these two can bring. Roxie and Griffin are the type of couple that face things together, like a team, but even the best team mates can lose focus and drop the ball every now and then. I think this only endeared them to me even more. Too often you read about these new adult characters with high school level issues and I can’t help but think to myself “Really? THAT’S what you call a “problem”?
Roxie has never been the kind of girl that seemed to make a lot of friends outside of her fellow derby girls, so it was nice to see her branch out a little and open up to more people. She has trust issues we know… but it hasn’t completely closed her off to people which is good. She handles some things with great maturity, while other things, not so much, but she still handles them. There were times I wanted to deck her just to snap her out of her tunnel vision, but she does come to some pretty stark realizations on her own, and then you can’t help but love her all over again.
Griffin kind of blew up overnight and it was interesting to read how he tried to adjust to that. But having you life turned around overnight can almost always guarantee that there are going to be mistakes along the way… growing pains as you adjust to the newness of everything and Griffin is no different. I loved that even through all the changes (the overnight stardom, the media pressure, and the time away from Roxie) one thing that DIDN’T change was his commitment and love to Roxie. Most would bend even if slightly from things like that (if not crumble completely!), but not Griffin and I think THAT is what makes him such a great character.
All in all the book was really good! And I hope to hear more from these two in the future!
September 26, 2017
This book was like a lesson experience for Griffin and Roxie, never lose sight of what or who, is really important.
We see the couple now in Miami, Griffin is in his first rookie year with a new team. He now has an agent and obligations to fulfill and Roxie, well Roxie has...........
Yes, she kind of left in a hurry, she didn't have time to set things up for herself. That's kind of where the story starts. We see Griffin going to practice and then fulfilling his agent demands of appearances here and there etc etc. Then we see Roxie, spending her time cleaning, making Griffin his fav dish.
Time goes by we see Griffin spending a lot of time away, we see Roxie at first, taking time out to meet the wedding planner, then we see her meeting up with the other wives for gym. More time goes by and we sort of see that Griffin is hardly at home, that it's regular for Roxie to spend weeks at home by herself. She's pulled out of meeting with the wedding planner and only communicates with him by phone, she hardly ever meets up with anybody.
Griffins Pop and brother are in town, they spend a night in Roxie's company and go to dinner, Griffin is not at home, this is his wake up call, because Griffin's pop pays attention to the little details. Griffin gets an opportunity to meet with family, he decides to take time off to spend with them, it's at this time that he meets up with pop, his pop says something to him that gets the ball rolling in his mind about Roxie.
This is where Griffin steps up as a man. He takes ownership for his part and tries to do what he can to help.
This is all I'm going to say, it's a good book, can pull on the emotions a bit if you're that sort of person.
Waited 2 years to read this, waited cause I hate cliffhangers, so when I saw book 3 finale was out, I was over the moon.
Happy reading folks
Ps - forgot to mention Griffin Chandler has a wonderful big family
We see the couple now in Miami, Griffin is in his first rookie year with a new team. He now has an agent and obligations to fulfill and Roxie, well Roxie has...........
Yes, she kind of left in a hurry, she didn't have time to set things up for herself. That's kind of where the story starts. We see Griffin going to practice and then fulfilling his agent demands of appearances here and there etc etc. Then we see Roxie, spending her time cleaning, making Griffin his fav dish.
Time goes by we see Griffin spending a lot of time away, we see Roxie at first, taking time out to meet the wedding planner, then we see her meeting up with the other wives for gym. More time goes by and we sort of see that Griffin is hardly at home, that it's regular for Roxie to spend weeks at home by herself. She's pulled out of meeting with the wedding planner and only communicates with him by phone, she hardly ever meets up with anybody.
Griffins Pop and brother are in town, they spend a night in Roxie's company and go to dinner, Griffin is not at home, this is his wake up call, because Griffin's pop pays attention to the little details. Griffin gets an opportunity to meet with family, he decides to take time off to spend with them, it's at this time that he meets up with pop, his pop says something to him that gets the ball rolling in his mind about Roxie.
This is where Griffin steps up as a man. He takes ownership for his part and tries to do what he can to help.
This is all I'm going to say, it's a good book, can pull on the emotions a bit if you're that sort of person.
Waited 2 years to read this, waited cause I hate cliffhangers, so when I saw book 3 finale was out, I was over the moon.
Happy reading folks
Ps - forgot to mention Griffin Chandler has a wonderful big family
November 17, 2015
Received an ARC of Loved by You for an honest review, and I loved it. This was really a new step in Roxie and Griffin's relationship in that they've both graduated from college and are off working at being young professionals, with Griffin playing on a pro-team and Roxie finding her groove planning a wedding.
I loved the amount of growth Roxie went through over the course of the novel. She had to confront demons from her past, something that I thought was never explored too deeply in Found by You, and it wasn't easy. However, she got the help and support that she needed lacked when she was younger that helped her make some big progress this time around.
All in all, it was a fantastic read in what was next for Roxie and Griffin in this installment and I can only hope there's some more to their story in the future.
I loved the amount of growth Roxie went through over the course of the novel. She had to confront demons from her past, something that I thought was never explored too deeply in Found by You, and it wasn't easy. However, she got the help and support that she needed lacked when she was younger that helped her make some big progress this time around.
All in all, it was a fantastic read in what was next for Roxie and Griffin in this installment and I can only hope there's some more to their story in the future.
May 4, 2015
Follow up story for Roxie and Griffin. One of my fav couples.
I enjoyed the story but I could not believe that even though Griffin loves Roxie he got so caught up in promoting himself and his career that he missed what was happening to Roxie. I was annoyed at Roxie for not not calling Griffin out on this, even though she wanted to support his career.
I would recommend this read.
I enjoyed the story but I could not believe that even though Griffin loves Roxie he got so caught up in promoting himself and his career that he missed what was happening to Roxie. I was annoyed at Roxie for not not calling Griffin out on this, even though she wanted to support his career.
I would recommend this read.
October 21, 2023
4 🌟
I really enjoyed this one, much more then the first. I still loved Griffin (H) and Roxie (h). 💟
I did think Griffin (H) was being so dense at times about the dodgy things that his publicist was doing around him, it was so obvious but he was so oblivious. But besides that, loved this. 💗💗💗
I really enjoyed this one, much more then the first. I still loved Griffin (H) and Roxie (h). 💟
I did think Griffin (H) was being so dense at times about the dodgy things that his publicist was doing around him, it was so obvious but he was so oblivious. But besides that, loved this. 💗💗💗
November 13, 2021
Lots of misunderstandings and naivety. I couldn’t connect to Roxie. Not only was she weak but her reactions were confusing and unnatural. However, i still love the couple.
January 20, 2024
Like the first one, it was an ok read and fast paced, definitely lengthy then the first with a little bit more drama in it.
April 24, 2016
Kind of torn between 2 and 3 stars; 2 because it wasn't my favorite, but 3 because the writing was still fine, and I'd still read this author's other works.
==========
Sadly, I'm not entirely sure this sequel was necessary. For sticklers, there were a lot more typos in this than this author's other books, but that's not really my major concern. My issue is a bit harder to articulate. It had both too much realism, and not enough realism. I thought this story was headed down a direction that I did not like; I saw these two young, inexperienced college grads striking out on their own with more money than they knew how to handle, and I thought, "OH NO YOU'RE GONNA LOSE YOUR MONEY" via some kind of extortion/swindle by devious agents and poor life choices. It didn't actually happen the way I thought it would, so that was interesting (but disappointing that these kiddies didn't at all deal/care about finances. Griffin's lack of attention should have bitten him in the butt). But I was still peeved because both of the main characters became frustrating in a way they weren't in the previous book.
In the end, I think Griffin and Roxie both became people who weren't very attractive to me anymore. Still, the writing and scenarios are solid enough for an undemanding read.
----
ETA 3/23/16: I stumbled across this great Captain Awkward post that nicely describes the issues I felt concerning Griffin's insistence that Roxie is sooo strong throughout this novel:
http://captainawkward.com/2012/02/06/...
==========
Sadly, I'm not entirely sure this sequel was necessary. For sticklers, there were a lot more typos in this than this author's other books, but that's not really my major concern. My issue is a bit harder to articulate. It had both too much realism, and not enough realism. I thought this story was headed down a direction that I did not like; I saw these two young, inexperienced college grads striking out on their own with more money than they knew how to handle, and I thought, "OH NO YOU'RE GONNA LOSE YOUR MONEY" via some kind of extortion/swindle by devious agents and poor life choices. It didn't actually happen the way I thought it would, so that was interesting (but disappointing that these kiddies didn't at all deal/care about finances. Griffin's lack of attention should have bitten him in the butt). But I was still peeved because both of the main characters became frustrating in a way they weren't in the previous book.
In the end, I think Griffin and Roxie both became people who weren't very attractive to me anymore. Still, the writing and scenarios are solid enough for an undemanding read.
----
ETA 3/23/16: I stumbled across this great Captain Awkward post that nicely describes the issues I felt concerning Griffin's insistence that Roxie is sooo strong throughout this novel:
http://captainawkward.com/2012/02/06/...
April 27, 2015
There is just something about Griffin and Roxie that I absolutely love. Griffin is such a sweetheart and Roxie is someone I find relatable in many aspects. Loved By You is book #2 in the Found By You series and continues Griffin and Roxie’s story.
Griffin and Roxie are engaged and living in Miami where Griffin is playing professional basketball. They are entering another stage in their relationship. College basketball and professional basketball are two different worlds. This is now his career which includes grueling practices and lots of traveling. This leaves Roxie alone a lot in a new town.
Loved by You continues to explore this new and fresh relationship but now with even more added pressures. I loved the sexy and playfulness between Griffin and Roxie. Although Griffin is extremely busy with his new career he always thinks of Roxie’s well being and makes sure that she’s doing ok with the new found fame that comes with being involved with a professional athlete. This is a young sweet couple who are really doing all the right things.
What I loved the most about this story is the freshness of Roxie and Griffin’s characters. They aren't perfect at all and tackle some tough situations personally and as a couple. The growth of both characters portrayed was great. They still feel like the same people we were first introduced to in the prior book, but now more mature.
As Griffin takes on a greater role with the team, Roxie begins to struggle with balancing it all including some of her own added insecurities. With Griffin being away, there are changes in Roxie that he doesn't see and notice. They go through some ups and downs, but you really can’t help but love them throughout.
This story was enjoyable and engaging. It takes us on a ride with this sweet couple, but also shows them surpassing those struggles of careers, perceptions, images, physical insecurities and finding that balance. It’s always a good thing when you want even more of the story after the ending.
Griffin and Roxie are engaged and living in Miami where Griffin is playing professional basketball. They are entering another stage in their relationship. College basketball and professional basketball are two different worlds. This is now his career which includes grueling practices and lots of traveling. This leaves Roxie alone a lot in a new town.
Loved by You continues to explore this new and fresh relationship but now with even more added pressures. I loved the sexy and playfulness between Griffin and Roxie. Although Griffin is extremely busy with his new career he always thinks of Roxie’s well being and makes sure that she’s doing ok with the new found fame that comes with being involved with a professional athlete. This is a young sweet couple who are really doing all the right things.
What I loved the most about this story is the freshness of Roxie and Griffin’s characters. They aren't perfect at all and tackle some tough situations personally and as a couple. The growth of both characters portrayed was great. They still feel like the same people we were first introduced to in the prior book, but now more mature.
As Griffin takes on a greater role with the team, Roxie begins to struggle with balancing it all including some of her own added insecurities. With Griffin being away, there are changes in Roxie that he doesn't see and notice. They go through some ups and downs, but you really can’t help but love them throughout.
This story was enjoyable and engaging. It takes us on a ride with this sweet couple, but also shows them surpassing those struggles of careers, perceptions, images, physical insecurities and finding that balance. It’s always a good thing when you want even more of the story after the ending.
April 27, 2015
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
What can I say, Victor Smith has done it again. I love this couple, I loved that you got to hear thoughts from the H and h. In this sequel (which I did not want to end) you get to see how Griffin shows his love once again and his support of Roxie. This book was challenging for the new couple because it showed how venerable Roxie was underneath her tough exterior and how even though she is dealing with things, she couldn't see what was happening to her. She couldn't see that she was hurting herself (but I wonder about that since she always wanted to wear a sweater or something). I loved how Pops stepped up and asked Griffin "when was the last time you saw Roxie, really saw her". This book took me through so many emotions, I laughed, I cried (ugly tears), I got mad, really mad, I cried, was sad and then I was happy crying. Some of the secondary characters in this book I wanted to kill or have Griffin kill and I was very happy when Griffin finally opened up his eyes (even though it was a case of a little to late) and handled his business. In the end I got what I wanted and was greatly satisfied even though I did not want this book to end. I hope to see more of this couple, but I want to see a couple of others before Ms. Smith closes out Griffin and Roxie's story. I can't wait to read about Brody. But would also like to read a story about Pops and his nurse (hint)!!
What can I say, Victor Smith has done it again. I love this couple, I loved that you got to hear thoughts from the H and h. In this sequel (which I did not want to end) you get to see how Griffin shows his love once again and his support of Roxie. This book was challenging for the new couple because it showed how venerable Roxie was underneath her tough exterior and how even though she is dealing with things, she couldn't see what was happening to her. She couldn't see that she was hurting herself (but I wonder about that since she always wanted to wear a sweater or something). I loved how Pops stepped up and asked Griffin "when was the last time you saw Roxie, really saw her". This book took me through so many emotions, I laughed, I cried (ugly tears), I got mad, really mad, I cried, was sad and then I was happy crying. Some of the secondary characters in this book I wanted to kill or have Griffin kill and I was very happy when Griffin finally opened up his eyes (even though it was a case of a little to late) and handled his business. In the end I got what I wanted and was greatly satisfied even though I did not want this book to end. I hope to see more of this couple, but I want to see a couple of others before Ms. Smith closes out Griffin and Roxie's story. I can't wait to read about Brody. But would also like to read a story about Pops and his nurse (hint)!!
April 27, 2015
I was given an ARC for a honest review. Found by You was the first book that introduced us to Griffin and Roxie. This is their follow up story Loved by You. This book was about so many different things that professional athletes have to face especially when their are young in the business. I must say the second book is the bomb and in my opinion much better than the first. I think when a author decides to do a sequel they sometimes fall short. NOT THIS AUTHOR HERE!!! I love the couple that is Roxie and Griff. The story focuses on some major issues like depression, body image and self esteem, treachery and lastly the power and love of family. Griffin commitment to take care of Roxie allowed for him to lose sight of the woman Roxie is/was before fortune. Roxie lost sight of herself by perceiving what kind of woman should be with a man in Griffin position and not talking to each other about their fears and feelings. Ultimately the book is about home. Home is safe no judgement but truth is told. Home is where you can see clearly and find your self worth with family who has their arms open to receive all that is lost and then found. Ms. Smith you put your foot all up in it. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.
April 19, 2015
I received this ARC for a completely honest review so here it is....
Seriously, I didnt want to stop reading this. I smiled so much. Roxie is one of those characters that you just have to like. The author did a really great job painting this verbal picture of Roxie and Griffin and their friends-families-and enemies. I felt like I was there. This story will make you laugh, cry, roll your eyes and smile a few times while reading. You see them both grow throughout this book as individuals as well as together as a couple. Roxie's strength will make you smile(well, it made me smile anyway)because it wasn't easy but she stuck with it with the help and support of those close to her. I loved it. I love them and I am definitely a fan now more than ever of Victoria H. Smith. OMG, if you haven't already, do yourself a favor and read about Roxie and Griffin!
Seriously, I didnt want to stop reading this. I smiled so much. Roxie is one of those characters that you just have to like. The author did a really great job painting this verbal picture of Roxie and Griffin and their friends-families-and enemies. I felt like I was there. This story will make you laugh, cry, roll your eyes and smile a few times while reading. You see them both grow throughout this book as individuals as well as together as a couple. Roxie's strength will make you smile(well, it made me smile anyway)because it wasn't easy but she stuck with it with the help and support of those close to her. I loved it. I love them and I am definitely a fan now more than ever of Victoria H. Smith. OMG, if you haven't already, do yourself a favor and read about Roxie and Griffin!
April 14, 2015
I was given an ARC for an honest review. This is book 2 in the Found by You series. I love how the author let's us take a deeper look in Roxie and Griffin relationship as they deal with Griffin's new career and prepare for their wedding. I love how the author shows how everyday events an circumstances can lead to problems in their relationship. The issue of depression is brought up and it is great that the author can give the reader a glimpse of what can go on to those who suffer from that condition. Victoria Smith keep up the good work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2017
2.75☆
2017 reread
I just didn't like this one that much
I had trouble with even liking Roxie in this one because instead of having a conversation with her fiance about some of the issues and worries she's been having she just freezes him out and pretends that everything is fine which it wasn't
and the whole thing with the prenup could have been easily dealt with if they just took the time to sit and talk about it .
the story was also too long for my taste
after a while it became slighty boring for me .
2017 reread
I just didn't like this one that much
I had trouble with even liking Roxie in this one because instead of having a conversation with her fiance about some of the issues and worries she's been having she just freezes him out and pretends that everything is fine which it wasn't
and the whole thing with the prenup could have been easily dealt with if they just took the time to sit and talk about it .
the story was also too long for my taste
after a while it became slighty boring for me .
April 28, 2015
I received an ARC for an honest review, and I can honestly say I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I had this sappy grin on my face during the first part, then I next had this feeling of dread (my eyes got big!), then I cried, then came the sappy grin again! The second installment of Roxie and Griffin played out beautifully, surpassing the original story. Thanks for a great read and keep them coming!
January 11, 2015
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April 14, 2015
Received an ARC...... flipping fantastic continued storyline so much depth and compassion.
December 7, 2016
First of all, I would like to thank Victoria for granting me the opportunity to recieve an ARC. This book had my emotions (happy, sad, frustrated, mad enough to snort fire, love, hope, eagerness, disappointment, humbleness and etc.) on overload to say the least. If you are an avid reader looking for a story that can relate to your personal struggles, even if you do not want to admit to anyone else, pick up the first book while awaiting the second book and explore Griffin & Roxie's World. This story pertains to all the demons/self-crimination we face on a daily basis (Society & Mayhem). Okay a little about the story! Griffin and Roxie are away in Miami and adjusting (used to a more laid back atmosphere). Griffin has been granted an opportunity for the starting role, he dives in head first and gets caught up in the world of professional sports. Meanwhile Roxie is still trying to find her footing. She chooses to stay in the confines of their apartment (with the exception of attending games to support Griffin), where she feels safe. As many of you know, to say that we still live in a world where interracial couples are still heavily frowned upon is an understatement. To ensure Roxie of her place in his world, Griffin proposes at half-time trying to ward off the groupies, jump-offs and those with malicious intent. Victoria has brought interracial dating to the forefront and reveal the different phases a couple may face if he/she chooses to walk the path to conform to society as opposed to being strong enough to stand on his/her own. Griffin encounters an under-handed agent only after making money by any means necessary. Roxie encounters a Bridal Consultant Assistant from hell. Will Griffin and Roxie allow the outside influencers to regulate how they should live? Sorry, but you will have to read to get that question answered. It is so worth the read!
September 9, 2018
What one will endure for love....
...at the expense of one's own mental health. Roxie Peterson gave up a lot to be with her love, Griffin Chandler, the rookie MVP basketball player in Miami. The rat race of the publicity side of the pro athletics business caused a split in their relationship along with unscrupulous management and publicity agents coupled with being in the mind's eye of pop culture and social media. Griffin was spending more and more time away from his lady love, not noticing the change she was going through both physically and mentally. The straw that broke the camel's back was an old secret of Roxie's was publicized and forced her to take a good hard look at herself and run to the one person she had already alienated herself from, not knowing that that person was desperate to re-establish a relationship with her and was afraid of losing her again.
Victoria wrote a sweet love story about the affects surrounding the life of pro athletes can have on a young couple just coming into their own. My heart just broke for Roxie when her Masked Diva came out. Despite it all, she and Griffin grew to realize that they are better together than apart. Roxie gained the love of a whole new family along with repairing her relationship with her father. I loved the way they fooled the paparazzi for their wedding. Also Griff's father Blake seems very interesting. I want to know exactly what happened to he and his wife. I have a feeling it was more than just being poor.
...at the expense of one's own mental health. Roxie Peterson gave up a lot to be with her love, Griffin Chandler, the rookie MVP basketball player in Miami. The rat race of the publicity side of the pro athletics business caused a split in their relationship along with unscrupulous management and publicity agents coupled with being in the mind's eye of pop culture and social media. Griffin was spending more and more time away from his lady love, not noticing the change she was going through both physically and mentally. The straw that broke the camel's back was an old secret of Roxie's was publicized and forced her to take a good hard look at herself and run to the one person she had already alienated herself from, not knowing that that person was desperate to re-establish a relationship with her and was afraid of losing her again.
Victoria wrote a sweet love story about the affects surrounding the life of pro athletes can have on a young couple just coming into their own. My heart just broke for Roxie when her Masked Diva came out. Despite it all, she and Griffin grew to realize that they are better together than apart. Roxie gained the love of a whole new family along with repairing her relationship with her father. I loved the way they fooled the paparazzi for their wedding. Also Griff's father Blake seems very interesting. I want to know exactly what happened to he and his wife. I have a feeling it was more than just being poor.
December 20, 2017
4.25 stars. The author's story was great as well as the narration by Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott. There is no time jump between book #1 and this book; but the character's attitudes and ambitions changed some: Roxie seems to loose purpose and is not motivated to pursue her career goals and Griffith looses some of his thoughtfulness and becomes more self-absorbed. Roxie as been reduced to an unhappy home making wedding planner. She's insecure about appearance and she's indecisive about things regarding the wedding and believes herself to be a burden to Griffith. Griffith's agent hires a publicist to drive a wedge between Griffith and her. The publicist adds insult to injury by stealing Roxie's laptop and releases those provocative videos from her college days. The agent keeps Griffith away and busy and gets him to believe that this is to further his career. I expected some angst or drama to proceed their happy ever after, I just didn't expect it to be so devastating for Roxie. She gets counseling for depression makes amends with her father and she and Griffith get couple's counseling and a wedding at the Chandler ranch with family and friends.
June 27, 2019
So Amazing
OMG this book had me all in my feelings. Griffin put his trust in people thinking they had his back especially Mickey his agent and thru that trust he trusted Rich his publicist. Unknown to Griffin, Mickey didn't have his best interest at heart. He didn't want Griffin with Roxie either. Rich created space and distance between Griffin and Roxie disguised as work. Roxie didn't take the distance as well as she thought even though she had started filling the time apart with wedding preparations. She to encountered people working against them. Mickey, Rich and Stasha, her wedding planner Troy's assistant. Roxie started an unhealthy workout to lose weight. I'm glad that they finally got back on track and Griffin found out who the real puppet master. Can't wait to read Brody's story.💖💙
OMG this book had me all in my feelings. Griffin put his trust in people thinking they had his back especially Mickey his agent and thru that trust he trusted Rich his publicist. Unknown to Griffin, Mickey didn't have his best interest at heart. He didn't want Griffin with Roxie either. Rich created space and distance between Griffin and Roxie disguised as work. Roxie didn't take the distance as well as she thought even though she had started filling the time apart with wedding preparations. She to encountered people working against them. Mickey, Rich and Stasha, her wedding planner Troy's assistant. Roxie started an unhealthy workout to lose weight. I'm glad that they finally got back on track and Griffin found out who the real puppet master. Can't wait to read Brody's story.💖💙
May 30, 2018
This was part 2 of Griffin and Roxie's love story and although well-written, I didn't get sucked into it so much as the first book. I found it to be a little dry, I don't know. So it took me longer than normal to get through it. I even had to skip some parts. I think maybe it substantially being about the wedding planning put me off because it reminded me of the stress of planning my own lol I think it was a good deep dive into the relationship of these two though and I did like the author touching upon Roxie's body issues and eating issues. That was well done for sure. Griffin comes out as a saint as usual though. I am not sure they make men like that! Geez. Anyway, decent book but not super juicy.
April 25, 2022
From the first book I was so happy to see the bigger active girl representation because newsflash we exist. And the struggle Roxie goes through in this book with ED and depression is something that I struggle with daily. There’s the desire to lose weight but that coupled with the fear of overdoing it, how will my body change etc.
So happy to see everyone around her picked up on the drastic changes in her habits quickly.
Roxie and Grif just solidified my love for them in this second instalment of their story. I had fears of OW drama with griffin heading to the big leads but he loves our girl exponentially.
So happy to see everyone around her picked up on the drastic changes in her habits quickly.
Roxie and Grif just solidified my love for them in this second instalment of their story. I had fears of OW drama with griffin heading to the big leads but he loves our girl exponentially.
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