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Friends #3
Something Real
Olivia Grant’s husband left her and their two children without even a backward glance. In an attempt to find herself, she turns to an old love. Writing.
Publishing erotic novels in secret, she finds a muse in her neighbour and friend, Logan. She’s not his type, but Logan makes her burn with the desire she conveys in her novels. When her secret is exposed, Logan feels betrayed and used. More than anything, Olivia needs to regain his trust and prove to him that what they have is something real.
Features characters from the first two books in the series, but is a standalone.
Publishing erotic novels in secret, she finds a muse in her neighbour and friend, Logan. She’s not his type, but Logan makes her burn with the desire she conveys in her novels. When her secret is exposed, Logan feels betrayed and used. More than anything, Olivia needs to regain his trust and prove to him that what they have is something real.
Features characters from the first two books in the series, but is a standalone.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
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284 people want to read
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April 5, 2015
See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.
My Thoughts:
When you pick up a book after reading the synopsis, you expect the story to stick to it for the most part. Sure, there may be some slight variations, or a twist thrown in there, but you anticipate a certain kind of story. So when you read the book and it doesn't have the conflict you expect, it kinda causes a little bit of confusion.
While Olivia does write and publish books and Logan finds out about it, that isn't the story. There is barely any "conflict" in the story... it's more like an extended love story with a couple speedbumps along the way. I don't want to be all spoilery, but I feel like I have to explain this since it's my main concern. They meet, become friends, they flirt, her secret is revealed, he's upset... then they talk and it becomes a love story. Literally the last half is their love story. There's no real complications along the way, aside from run-ins with her husband (they couldn't get divorced right away), and seeing her mom for the first time since she was kicked out after getting pregnant.
Something Real was a sweet story. I liked it, don't get me wrong, but I feel sort of thrown because the synopsis left so much out. It was nice that it wasn't full of angst or unnecessary drama. I wish that there was more build-up, not that there had to be conflict, it just felt like something was missing. Everything fell together almost too perfectly, too easily, if that makes any sense. Still a good story for those who love to read love stories with little conflict.
My Rating: Pretty Good
My Thoughts:
When you pick up a book after reading the synopsis, you expect the story to stick to it for the most part. Sure, there may be some slight variations, or a twist thrown in there, but you anticipate a certain kind of story. So when you read the book and it doesn't have the conflict you expect, it kinda causes a little bit of confusion.
While Olivia does write and publish books and Logan finds out about it, that isn't the story. There is barely any "conflict" in the story... it's more like an extended love story with a couple speedbumps along the way. I don't want to be all spoilery, but I feel like I have to explain this since it's my main concern. They meet, become friends, they flirt, her secret is revealed, he's upset... then they talk and it becomes a love story. Literally the last half is their love story. There's no real complications along the way, aside from run-ins with her husband (they couldn't get divorced right away), and seeing her mom for the first time since she was kicked out after getting pregnant.
Something Real was a sweet story. I liked it, don't get me wrong, but I feel sort of thrown because the synopsis left so much out. It was nice that it wasn't full of angst or unnecessary drama. I wish that there was more build-up, not that there had to be conflict, it just felt like something was missing. Everything fell together almost too perfectly, too easily, if that makes any sense. Still a good story for those who love to read love stories with little conflict.
My Rating: Pretty Good
October 18, 2020
The one who stayed and truly loved.
Love the lessons of this story. She married a frog who used, abused her love then neglected her and her children. Abandoned and betrayed by her husband and best friend. Emotionally and financially struggling but did her best to get things together despite going through it along with 2 of her young children. Then finally met someone who values and cherish her as a woman and as a mother. Such a lovely story of hope and survival and second chance in love and life. Worth reading.
Love the lessons of this story. She married a frog who used, abused her love then neglected her and her children. Abandoned and betrayed by her husband and best friend. Emotionally and financially struggling but did her best to get things together despite going through it along with 2 of her young children. Then finally met someone who values and cherish her as a woman and as a mother. Such a lovely story of hope and survival and second chance in love and life. Worth reading.
December 2, 2018
I have come to really love this author's work! Liv and Logan are the perfect example of second chances coming together as soulmates. I can't wait to read the next book of the series.
March 17, 2016
I could not put this book down... I have read a lot of books and this is the BEST by far... LOVE IT!!!!!!
June 22, 2018
Sweet
Something Real is a super sweet love story about recently separated Liv & her super hot neighbor Logan. This story has a lot of healing and self-discovery in addition to a whole lot of love. The characters are all great!
Overall, I’m giving this one a 3.5
The story was sweet and the characters were well developed for the most part but I had some issues with the pacing. The beginning felt rushed and I felt like the “I love yous” came without enough build up. The end of the book seemed to drag on and on with minor problems sprinkled in that didn’t really add to the story at all. I will definitely read another book by this author despite the small issues o had with this one though!
Something Real is a super sweet love story about recently separated Liv & her super hot neighbor Logan. This story has a lot of healing and self-discovery in addition to a whole lot of love. The characters are all great!
Overall, I’m giving this one a 3.5
The story was sweet and the characters were well developed for the most part but I had some issues with the pacing. The beginning felt rushed and I felt like the “I love yous” came without enough build up. The end of the book seemed to drag on and on with minor problems sprinkled in that didn’t really add to the story at all. I will definitely read another book by this author despite the small issues o had with this one though!
April 20, 2018
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, so I’m reviewing this as a stand-alone.
I liked the characters of Olivia and Logan, but I didn’t love them. Logan seems a bit too good to be true, all understanding of Olivia’s situation and readily stepping into the insta-Dad role. Olivia’s secondary career as a romance writer was glossed over and not explored in as much depth as I’d like, even though it was used as the reason for a particular plot line.
I think I should have read the first two books in the series before starting this; perhaps it would have given me a better perspective of the placing of this book. It’s a good book, don’t get me wrong, but I wish it had been great.
I liked the characters of Olivia and Logan, but I didn’t love them. Logan seems a bit too good to be true, all understanding of Olivia’s situation and readily stepping into the insta-Dad role. Olivia’s secondary career as a romance writer was glossed over and not explored in as much depth as I’d like, even though it was used as the reason for a particular plot line.
I think I should have read the first two books in the series before starting this; perhaps it would have given me a better perspective of the placing of this book. It’s a good book, don’t get me wrong, but I wish it had been great.
April 18, 2018
A sweet slow burn
This is my first book by this author. It was a beautifully written story and very real life in many many ways. I loved how Logan just loved Olivia from the first moment feeling part of a family.
This story wasn't as thrilling as normally like, and in places I found it allow for my taste, but I couldn't fault the writing, depth and feeling that was poured into the story.
I would definitely try another book by This author when I'm looking for a sweet slow burn romance.
This is my first book by this author. It was a beautifully written story and very real life in many many ways. I loved how Logan just loved Olivia from the first moment feeling part of a family.
This story wasn't as thrilling as normally like, and in places I found it allow for my taste, but I couldn't fault the writing, depth and feeling that was poured into the story.
I would definitely try another book by This author when I'm looking for a sweet slow burn romance.
June 25, 2018
Good book
I like this book. It kept me interested in the story, had great description, so you could picture the scene. However it just need a little more. The time line at the begin was a little rushed, they feel in love quiet quickly, had a happy ever after fairly quickly without spend much time together or going out together until the end of the story. I would recommend this to anyone.
I like this book. It kept me interested in the story, had great description, so you could picture the scene. However it just need a little more. The time line at the begin was a little rushed, they feel in love quiet quickly, had a happy ever after fairly quickly without spend much time together or going out together until the end of the story. I would recommend this to anyone.
August 6, 2017
Ok read.
This book was ok. It's about a divorcee who gets a second chance at love. Storyline was just ok. I struggled with believing that someone could fall madly in love after one semi date and not even kissed yet. I expected to have some drama with the ex but even that was very minimal.
This book was ok. It's about a divorcee who gets a second chance at love. Storyline was just ok. I struggled with believing that someone could fall madly in love after one semi date and not even kissed yet. I expected to have some drama with the ex but even that was very minimal.
May 31, 2018
I liked this book and the characters. A strong heroine is what every book needs. Even though Olivia seems like a woman who isn't really strong, that is definitely not her at all. She carries herself and her family when she's left alone.
Logan is just perfect!!! I liked his easiness, and the ability to love. What a great character. This book is so worth the read.
Logan is just perfect!!! I liked his easiness, and the ability to love. What a great character. This book is so worth the read.
August 24, 2017
Amazing
My first but not last read from this author I loved this book I laughed cried and kept turning the pages
I felt her happiness and her heart break looking forward to another read soon
My first but not last read from this author I loved this book I laughed cried and kept turning the pages
I felt her happiness and her heart break looking forward to another read soon
March 24, 2018
It was a sweet story. The characters were there. The whole story was there except for the conflict. I wish there was more conflict in the story, but other than that it was cute with believable characters.
January 24, 2018
This was a really great book a little slow at first but then it started to pick up.
March 26, 2018
Sweet and loving
I wasnt sure what to expect but I was blown away! Aa a new to me author I was apprehensive but I was delivered an amazing storyline with well developed characters
I wasnt sure what to expect but I was blown away! Aa a new to me author I was apprehensive but I was delivered an amazing storyline with well developed characters
April 9, 2018
Awesome
Very romantic and a real sweet love story with kids involved. Couldn't put it down. Loved it!!!
Great book to read.
Very romantic and a real sweet love story with kids involved. Couldn't put it down. Loved it!!!
Great book to read.
May 28, 2018
3.5 stars!
July 29, 2018
Great love story
This book keeps you engaged. The story of a broken woman and how she found love again was amazing . Love it
This book keeps you engaged. The story of a broken woman and how she found love again was amazing . Love it
September 1, 2019
Confused
There seems to be some pieces of this puzzling story missing. However much I would have liked to finish reading this book I cannot continue.
There seems to be some pieces of this puzzling story missing. However much I would have liked to finish reading this book I cannot continue.
July 31, 2016
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I devoured this book. When I read the synopsis I knew that I would enjoy it, I just didn't think I would finish it in one afternoon.
Olivia's husband has left her. While their marriage was never great, him packing up and leaving was very unexpected. Olivia now has to provide for her two sons, while trying to put her life back together. It doesn't take long for her to realize that she needs to downsize her life and she moves into a nearby apartment complex with her two young sons.
Logan Mitchell lives in that apartment complex and is Olivia's next door neighbor. I just want to say this....I read a lot of books and there are a lot of authors out there who know how to write a swoonworthy hero, but Logan may be the swooniest I have read in a long time. He befriends Olivia soon after she moves in and immediately forms a bond with her two boys. By the middle of the book he essentially becomes the father figure in their life and it is absolutely adorable.
Logan and Olivia start off as friends, but Logan makes it perfectly clear that he wants more. Olive needs a little encouragement but she eventually says yes when Logan asks her out. From that point on Logan does everything he can to show Olivia just how special she is. Their first date is basically perfect and Logan takes wonderful care of Olivia when she comes down with the flu. And that comes at a time when they aren't speaking because he discovered that she had been using him as inspiration for her books. He is exactly what Olivia needs to move past all the hurt her husband had caused. Not to mention Logan looks like this:
(Side note: When I went through the book to grab these quotes and I ended up rereading large chunks of the book.)
While I wouldn't say the synopsis for this book is misleading, I will say that there is so much more to this book than the synopsis lets on. The erotic novel part is present, but it is definitely a secondary storyline. It serves as more of a vehicle to allow Olivia to move on. This is a wonderful story about starting over and learning to love again. While this is a stand alone novel, it is part of a series and I will definitely be going back to read the two previous books.
I devoured this book. When I read the synopsis I knew that I would enjoy it, I just didn't think I would finish it in one afternoon.
Olivia's husband has left her. While their marriage was never great, him packing up and leaving was very unexpected. Olivia now has to provide for her two sons, while trying to put her life back together. It doesn't take long for her to realize that she needs to downsize her life and she moves into a nearby apartment complex with her two young sons.
Logan Mitchell lives in that apartment complex and is Olivia's next door neighbor. I just want to say this....I read a lot of books and there are a lot of authors out there who know how to write a swoonworthy hero, but Logan may be the swooniest I have read in a long time. He befriends Olivia soon after she moves in and immediately forms a bond with her two boys. By the middle of the book he essentially becomes the father figure in their life and it is absolutely adorable.
Logan and Olivia start off as friends, but Logan makes it perfectly clear that he wants more. Olive needs a little encouragement but she eventually says yes when Logan asks her out. From that point on Logan does everything he can to show Olivia just how special she is. Their first date is basically perfect and Logan takes wonderful care of Olivia when she comes down with the flu. And that comes at a time when they aren't speaking because he discovered that she had been using him as inspiration for her books. He is exactly what Olivia needs to move past all the hurt her husband had caused. Not to mention Logan looks like this:
He was tall, and I raised my eyes, taking in his T-shirt which barely hid his chest muscles. His biceps were huge, and he had a tattoo on one arm peeping out from under a sleeve. At the top were these chocolate-brown eyes, the type you just want to melt into.And says things like this:
Stubble covered his chin and cheeks, meeting his thick dark hair by his ears. He was tough, but so beautiful. And he had one of those grins on his face that just screamed that he thought he was onto something. Hopefully me.
"It’s you, Liv. It’s you, and Jack, and Thomas. You’re the ones I give all my promises too now, and I’ll keep every single one. I know there’s still so much to learn about one another, but you’re the one I want to spend my life with. That much is so clear.”See? SWOON WORTHY.
(Side note: When I went through the book to grab these quotes and I ended up rereading large chunks of the book.)
While I wouldn't say the synopsis for this book is misleading, I will say that there is so much more to this book than the synopsis lets on. The erotic novel part is present, but it is definitely a secondary storyline. It serves as more of a vehicle to allow Olivia to move on. This is a wonderful story about starting over and learning to love again. While this is a stand alone novel, it is part of a series and I will definitely be going back to read the two previous books.
March 5, 2017
This one was my favourite one of the series
March 1, 2015
This is a nice enough, fairly enjoyable contemporary romance with a heroine whose life keeps going all wrong, and a hero who at times is definitely too good to be true. It was an easy read, but longer than it needed to be. It’s also not quite as clear cut as the blurb makes it out to be, since her novel-writing doesn’t really come into things much.
It’s hard not to feel for Olivia in the first few chapters when her husband leaves her. Not that it’s much of a loss, since she’s always been the earner in the family and the one who looks after the children and the house. I have to admit I expected her writing career to be a major plot point, one that helped her not only get over her abandonment, but also take away some of the strain of being a single parent. Instead it’s a bit of a hobby that comes and goes throughout the book to conveniently coincide with certain points.
Need Olivia to make friends? Cue her boss catching a peek of her writing and loving it. Need an awkward yet sexy conversation with Logan? Cue book research question. Need a spanner in the works of their relationship? Well… you get the idea. Part of me was pleased that her writing career didn’t take off out of nowhere and propel her to instant stardom and riches, but instead it’s just another thing that hangs around in the background while Olivia makes adjustments and takes forever to get together with Logan.
I think what I was hoping for from this book was something a bit fluffy, a lot fun and with a nice romance at heart. That’s not quite what I got. There are funny moments and Olivia’s boys are sweet, there is a bit of fluffiness, especially when she and Logan get together (so many declarations of love), but mostly it’s just drags on. It’s understandable that Olivia is a little hesitant to start anything with Logan, but he doesn’t make a move for ages either, then there’s a bit of drama before things settle down and I just wanted them to get on with it.
For the whole last third I was constantly waiting for something bad to happen – or well, anything to happen – but there really isn’t anything. Well, a couple of repetitive scenes where Olivia loses confidence in their relationship, none of which actually go anywhere interesting. The rest of the time it’s all nice and perfect – and boring. Seeing a happy ever after is nice, I suppose, but not when it drags on and on without any real plot beyond happiness. Not that I have anything against happiness, but it’s not very interesting to read. I genuinely read on waiting for something bad to disrupt everything and make the general loveliness have a point.
Not that I’m cynical, but I read a lot of romances so I need something to make them stand out, to make me remember them and want to read them again. This had nothing. Which is a shame, because there are bits which were fun and sweet and I enjoyed, I just think it needs to be shorter.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
It’s hard not to feel for Olivia in the first few chapters when her husband leaves her. Not that it’s much of a loss, since she’s always been the earner in the family and the one who looks after the children and the house. I have to admit I expected her writing career to be a major plot point, one that helped her not only get over her abandonment, but also take away some of the strain of being a single parent. Instead it’s a bit of a hobby that comes and goes throughout the book to conveniently coincide with certain points.
Need Olivia to make friends? Cue her boss catching a peek of her writing and loving it. Need an awkward yet sexy conversation with Logan? Cue book research question. Need a spanner in the works of their relationship? Well… you get the idea. Part of me was pleased that her writing career didn’t take off out of nowhere and propel her to instant stardom and riches, but instead it’s just another thing that hangs around in the background while Olivia makes adjustments and takes forever to get together with Logan.
I think what I was hoping for from this book was something a bit fluffy, a lot fun and with a nice romance at heart. That’s not quite what I got. There are funny moments and Olivia’s boys are sweet, there is a bit of fluffiness, especially when she and Logan get together (so many declarations of love), but mostly it’s just drags on. It’s understandable that Olivia is a little hesitant to start anything with Logan, but he doesn’t make a move for ages either, then there’s a bit of drama before things settle down and I just wanted them to get on with it.
For the whole last third I was constantly waiting for something bad to happen – or well, anything to happen – but there really isn’t anything. Well, a couple of repetitive scenes where Olivia loses confidence in their relationship, none of which actually go anywhere interesting. The rest of the time it’s all nice and perfect – and boring. Seeing a happy ever after is nice, I suppose, but not when it drags on and on without any real plot beyond happiness. Not that I have anything against happiness, but it’s not very interesting to read. I genuinely read on waiting for something bad to disrupt everything and make the general loveliness have a point.
Not that I’m cynical, but I read a lot of romances so I need something to make them stand out, to make me remember them and want to read them again. This had nothing. Which is a shame, because there are bits which were fun and sweet and I enjoyed, I just think it needs to be shorter.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
April 11, 2024
So very much more than just a simple tale of love and romance
Something Real, by Ariadne Wayne, is a finely crafted and beautifully written contemporary romance. Written in first person from Olivia, the heroine's, POV it held my attention and took me on a wonderful journey. Whilst it is Book #3 of the Friends series, and Logan briefly features in Book #2, it can easily be read as a stand alone. I came across the first book in the series as a 'freebie' on Amazon, and have been a fan of the author ever since.
The author writes so much more than just 'boy meets girl, they fall in love, they break up and they reunite'. Her books are almost akin to a family saga, though they tend to focus only on the one couple, and extend well beyond the establishment of their relationship. I knew I would get so much more than just the story of Logan and Olivia falling in love. I also knew that the plot and characters would be imbued with a sense of "realness". The problems and curve balls life throws at them are the issues that we all face in our lives and relationships.
Olivia was disowned by her own mother when she fell pregnant as a teenager. She is now is a hard working mother of 2 and hopeful that things are on the up in her marriage. Imagine her shock to get home from work and find her husband has just gone, not only abandoning her but also their two sons. Eventually Olivia is forced to take her boys and leave the home they love, moving into a small apartment. If it wasn't for her incredibly kind, and somewhat sexy, neighbour, life would be much harder. However years of being lied to and mistreated by her absent husband have left Olivia unwilling to trust in any man, or in the promise of love.
Olivia and Logan are not only likeable but also very believable characters. As the book is written only from Olivia's POV, it was harder to get a true picture of Logan. As a result he sometimes felt a little too perfect, and I would have preferred at least a few chapters from his perspective. The pace of the story is good, with plenty of stumbles and missteps along the way. One thing I really like is the realistic time frame this story, like so many by the author, covers several years. This helps make the events that take place within it seem even more believable.
There are several fairly steamy scenes, though not too graphic nor crude. For me they felt a natural part of the story and the romance. I didn't notice any bad language, if it was there it was minimal, and the story doesn't involve any violence.
Something Real, by Ariadne Wayne, is a finely crafted and beautifully written contemporary romance. Written in first person from Olivia, the heroine's, POV it held my attention and took me on a wonderful journey. Whilst it is Book #3 of the Friends series, and Logan briefly features in Book #2, it can easily be read as a stand alone. I came across the first book in the series as a 'freebie' on Amazon, and have been a fan of the author ever since.
The author writes so much more than just 'boy meets girl, they fall in love, they break up and they reunite'. Her books are almost akin to a family saga, though they tend to focus only on the one couple, and extend well beyond the establishment of their relationship. I knew I would get so much more than just the story of Logan and Olivia falling in love. I also knew that the plot and characters would be imbued with a sense of "realness". The problems and curve balls life throws at them are the issues that we all face in our lives and relationships.
Olivia was disowned by her own mother when she fell pregnant as a teenager. She is now is a hard working mother of 2 and hopeful that things are on the up in her marriage. Imagine her shock to get home from work and find her husband has just gone, not only abandoning her but also their two sons. Eventually Olivia is forced to take her boys and leave the home they love, moving into a small apartment. If it wasn't for her incredibly kind, and somewhat sexy, neighbour, life would be much harder. However years of being lied to and mistreated by her absent husband have left Olivia unwilling to trust in any man, or in the promise of love.
Olivia and Logan are not only likeable but also very believable characters. As the book is written only from Olivia's POV, it was harder to get a true picture of Logan. As a result he sometimes felt a little too perfect, and I would have preferred at least a few chapters from his perspective. The pace of the story is good, with plenty of stumbles and missteps along the way. One thing I really like is the realistic time frame this story, like so many by the author, covers several years. This helps make the events that take place within it seem even more believable.
There are several fairly steamy scenes, though not too graphic nor crude. For me they felt a natural part of the story and the romance. I didn't notice any bad language, if it was there it was minimal, and the story doesn't involve any violence.
June 26, 2016
After reading the book synopsis, I just had to request Something Real by Ariadne Wayne. What an enjoyable read! This is an affecting love story with a diversified cast of characters and an engaging plot. The first chapter is startling, which immediately drew me into this courageous and loving book.
Olivia Grant is the heroine of this story and her new life begins when she accidentally gets pregnant at a very young age. As a result, her single mom immediately disowns her and she ends up marrying Evan, her boyfriend and the father of her child. Their life together is dulls-ville, with Olivia supporting him and their two young children. Evan is beyond lazy and the only thing he does to help Olivia out is pick-up the children from school and daycare. Olivia's situation worsens, when she arrives home from work and finds the police on her doorstep, minding her kids. Evan did not pick up the kids that day, instead he cleaned out his belongings and left her for her best friend Donna. Needless to say, Evan is contemptible!
Logan Mitchell is Olivia's new, gorgeous, apartment neighbor. He adds some much needed fun to Olivia's situation and he adores her kids. They share a mutual attraction which evolves into something real and life changing. In addition, as Olivia dabbles into the world of writing erotica in order to earn some extra money, Logan becomes her muse, unknowingly of course.
This is both a hot and sweet love story. Olivia and Logan have amazing chemistry and Ms. Wayne develops their relationship very thoughtfully. The story is nicely-written and sexy, with a feeling of hope running through it. Ms. Wayne creates wonderful, realistic characters that are both interesting and engaging. I really liked this story and plan to read more from this "new to me" author.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Olivia Grant is the heroine of this story and her new life begins when she accidentally gets pregnant at a very young age. As a result, her single mom immediately disowns her and she ends up marrying Evan, her boyfriend and the father of her child. Their life together is dulls-ville, with Olivia supporting him and their two young children. Evan is beyond lazy and the only thing he does to help Olivia out is pick-up the children from school and daycare. Olivia's situation worsens, when she arrives home from work and finds the police on her doorstep, minding her kids. Evan did not pick up the kids that day, instead he cleaned out his belongings and left her for her best friend Donna. Needless to say, Evan is contemptible!
Logan Mitchell is Olivia's new, gorgeous, apartment neighbor. He adds some much needed fun to Olivia's situation and he adores her kids. They share a mutual attraction which evolves into something real and life changing. In addition, as Olivia dabbles into the world of writing erotica in order to earn some extra money, Logan becomes her muse, unknowingly of course.
This is both a hot and sweet love story. Olivia and Logan have amazing chemistry and Ms. Wayne develops their relationship very thoughtfully. The story is nicely-written and sexy, with a feeling of hope running through it. Ms. Wayne creates wonderful, realistic characters that are both interesting and engaging. I really liked this story and plan to read more from this "new to me" author.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
February 27, 2015
I received a copy of this story through NetGalley from the author/publisher for an honest review (thank you!). The story is told solely from Oliva's point of view. Although it's part of the Friends series (book 3), it can easily be read as a standalone. I really was pulled into this book from the synopsis/description.
What I really liked: Immediately the story jumps into Olivia's husband abandoning her and their children and your heart goes out to her and how they got to this place. I liked the introduction of Logan and how he immediately took to Olivia's children. I also really like Olivia's boss, Rebecca. If only we could all have such a supportive and understanding (that was a lot of sick days!) boss. I loved how she encouraged Liv to independently publish her stories. Plus, due to the number of independent authors in the market now, it was interesting to read a little how one goes about the process.
What didn't really click for me personally: Although I liked how Logan supported, protected and cared for the boys, his immediate and direct flirting with Liv put me off at first. Fortunately, this definitely lessens as they get to know each other Their relationship seems to move at warp speed because the next thing you know they both declare their love for each other and I felt like they barely knew each other. I think I had in my mind the two would be carrying on a physical relationship that would be used for her books (and why he felt used) and that wasn't really the case except a scene where he talked about what he might do to her.
I liked the story, but it didn't fully click with me. I've read the descriptions for the other books in the series and am anxious to try those out. I would recommend giving this one a try as we all take away something different from each story and it might be just what you're looking for.
What I really liked: Immediately the story jumps into Olivia's husband abandoning her and their children and your heart goes out to her and how they got to this place. I liked the introduction of Logan and how he immediately took to Olivia's children. I also really like Olivia's boss, Rebecca. If only we could all have such a supportive and understanding (that was a lot of sick days!) boss. I loved how she encouraged Liv to independently publish her stories. Plus, due to the number of independent authors in the market now, it was interesting to read a little how one goes about the process.
What didn't really click for me personally: Although I liked how Logan supported, protected and cared for the boys, his immediate and direct flirting with Liv put me off at first. Fortunately, this definitely lessens as they get to know each other Their relationship seems to move at warp speed because the next thing you know they both declare their love for each other and I felt like they barely knew each other. I think I had in my mind the two would be carrying on a physical relationship that would be used for her books (and why he felt used) and that wasn't really the case except a scene where he talked about what he might do to her.
I liked the story, but it didn't fully click with me. I've read the descriptions for the other books in the series and am anxious to try those out. I would recommend giving this one a try as we all take away something different from each story and it might be just what you're looking for.
March 16, 2015
I've never read from this author, and this book will hook me up for more.
The story start with Olivia comes home and found a police car in front of her house (evry mother's nightmare) and she assumed the worst alas, what happened not even begin to be the worst. Her husband left her along with the remaining of her saved up money and jewellery and leaving his two boys alone without supervision. On top of that, he left with her BFF of whom the one who warned her time by time to leave her no-good husband. What girl to do, with mounting bills to pay, and pity paid jobs, she sold her house, take a two bedroom apartment who happened to be a neighbour of a sexy younger man (not by much). Logan, a self-made man owned a successful business, cute a coop for his age but tired to be an emotional anchor again and again by his addict ex. He is ready to be a family man an have a women by he side as a supporter. what he feels towards Olivia not just protective to his boys but possessiveness to her and her independent nature. After, her erotic novel (with him as her muse) hit the web, he feels use, and it is up to Olivia to regain back his trust. Can they both overcome obstacles upon them and finally have their own HEA?
My opinion?, I loved Olivia sons, they both much older then their age and so protective towards their mother. I loved both the main characters so much and can't help of rooting them to have their happiness that their deserved. As for the supporting characters, They are good addition, and like to kick the crappy hubby in the *ss so much for being a human being. A good job for the author 5 stars. ARC given by netgalley for an honest review
The story start with Olivia comes home and found a police car in front of her house (evry mother's nightmare) and she assumed the worst alas, what happened not even begin to be the worst. Her husband left her along with the remaining of her saved up money and jewellery and leaving his two boys alone without supervision. On top of that, he left with her BFF of whom the one who warned her time by time to leave her no-good husband. What girl to do, with mounting bills to pay, and pity paid jobs, she sold her house, take a two bedroom apartment who happened to be a neighbour of a sexy younger man (not by much). Logan, a self-made man owned a successful business, cute a coop for his age but tired to be an emotional anchor again and again by his addict ex. He is ready to be a family man an have a women by he side as a supporter. what he feels towards Olivia not just protective to his boys but possessiveness to her and her independent nature. After, her erotic novel (with him as her muse) hit the web, he feels use, and it is up to Olivia to regain back his trust. Can they both overcome obstacles upon them and finally have their own HEA?
My opinion?, I loved Olivia sons, they both much older then their age and so protective towards their mother. I loved both the main characters so much and can't help of rooting them to have their happiness that their deserved. As for the supporting characters, They are good addition, and like to kick the crappy hubby in the *ss so much for being a human being. A good job for the author 5 stars. ARC given by netgalley for an honest review
August 7, 2015
Thanks to Netgalley for the copy.
This sweet story about Olivia finding her true love.
Olivia was married with two children. She loved her children more than anything in the world. One day, she comes home to find a cop brought her children from day care and school. She finds out her husband Evan left her without a word.
She did not know what was happening to her marriage... Later, she finds out her husband left her for her best friend. finally, she had to sell her house and move into an apartment. She was thankful her husband never wanted to take her boys. She moves into new apartment and meets her neighbor Logan. He flirts with her from day one.. But she did not know if he was interested on her.. Olivia never knew her marriage to Evan was bad until she started writing about her life. Instead of feeling sad for herself, she started writing and started to publish her work. Logan was super sweet looking after kids and her. He became her muse and one of her book became big and it created more problems for her. What will she do to? will she give up on Logan or fight for her for once in her life.
this story was easy to read and to relate. It was super sweet to read about Logan and Olivia and their relationship blossom. They had such a strong bond to each other and love for each other.. I love the fact Logan really loved her whole package and always reassuring her his love.
It was lovely story about two people who were meant to be together.
This sweet story about Olivia finding her true love.
Olivia was married with two children. She loved her children more than anything in the world. One day, she comes home to find a cop brought her children from day care and school. She finds out her husband Evan left her without a word.
She did not know what was happening to her marriage... Later, she finds out her husband left her for her best friend. finally, she had to sell her house and move into an apartment. She was thankful her husband never wanted to take her boys. She moves into new apartment and meets her neighbor Logan. He flirts with her from day one.. But she did not know if he was interested on her.. Olivia never knew her marriage to Evan was bad until she started writing about her life. Instead of feeling sad for herself, she started writing and started to publish her work. Logan was super sweet looking after kids and her. He became her muse and one of her book became big and it created more problems for her. What will she do to? will she give up on Logan or fight for her for once in her life.
this story was easy to read and to relate. It was super sweet to read about Logan and Olivia and their relationship blossom. They had such a strong bond to each other and love for each other.. I love the fact Logan really loved her whole package and always reassuring her his love.
It was lovely story about two people who were meant to be together.
March 21, 2015
I really enjoyed this novel. It wasn’t a typical romance story right off the bat, meaning that the reader is given more of a background story of the main character, Olivia, before we are even introduced to another character she may have a romantic interest for. I thought this book was really well written, as were the characters. They all seemed like real people to me, not just characters in a book. Olivia especially seemed like such a relatable character in my opinion, she has been through all these hardships, but at the same time she’s a mom first and she is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure her children remain happy and healthy. I adored the characters of Olivia’s children, they seemed so real to me, and I could picture them very vividly. I couldn’t help but love these children as if they were a friend of the family. I was instantly hooked once Logan was introduced into Olivia and her children’s lives. Olivia and Logan have such a strong chemistry, which made their love feel so pure and natural. There were sections of the book where conflict was involved and I felt they were brilliantly written, I just wish there would have been one or two more scenes like this, to keep me guessing and sitting on the edge of my seat. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anyone who likes love stories that have a very natural feel.
March 6, 2016
Well, it wasn't quite what I expected. I thought there would be a lot more daddy drama, just based on the description, but it was very brief whenever Evan was in the story. I'm pretty sure the biggest scene with Evan was a flashback sequence. That isn't to say that I didn't like the book, it was definitely interesting and I rather enjoyed the characters banter. That being said, I did have a few issues. I noticed, at times, that the story was a little slow but it could have been more noticeable to me because of the shorter, more action packed books I'd been reading lately. The thing that really irked me when reading this though was how characters could be there then disappear, they seemed a little flat, and there was a bit of repetition in some of the dialogue. There were times when I just couldn't really sit still because I wanted a character to show up again, who was present for a good chunk beforehand, or for a character to do something new or say something they hadn't said on the last page. I know that people do pick phrases that they say quite often but this was just painfully obvious when there could have been other word choices. Overall I did enjoy the book and will be going back and reading the other two shortly.
June 28, 2017
Something Real
This is a down in the dumps, bad day book. Have you had a bad day and need to escape a little? This book will lift you up. It's a great story about a single mom, with a jerk of an ex, and a sweet guy falling in love. Olivia gets a shock when her husband leaves her and her two boys, she can't afford her house anymore so she sells it and moves into an apartment where she meets Logan. Logan is a sweet guy and immediately starts a friendly relationship with her and her two boys. He is an amazing father figure to her boys, especially since their dad has nothing to do with them. I felt like this was a genuine love story, something that a friend would be telling me how her and her husband met. Olivia and Logan are very relatable. The pace was just right, the love was just right. I couldn't put this book down even when I was mad at Logan. They run into a bump in the road but recover quickly. I can't recommend this pick me up book enough! I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future!
This is a down in the dumps, bad day book. Have you had a bad day and need to escape a little? This book will lift you up. It's a great story about a single mom, with a jerk of an ex, and a sweet guy falling in love. Olivia gets a shock when her husband leaves her and her two boys, she can't afford her house anymore so she sells it and moves into an apartment where she meets Logan. Logan is a sweet guy and immediately starts a friendly relationship with her and her two boys. He is an amazing father figure to her boys, especially since their dad has nothing to do with them. I felt like this was a genuine love story, something that a friend would be telling me how her and her husband met. Olivia and Logan are very relatable. The pace was just right, the love was just right. I couldn't put this book down even when I was mad at Logan. They run into a bump in the road but recover quickly. I can't recommend this pick me up book enough! I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future!
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