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Choices #1
A Beautiful Kind of Love
Every choice has a consequence.
I believe in soul mates. Why? Because I have one and his name is Jax Porter.
I have known Jax my whole life and I have loved him with every breath I’ve ever taken. The fact that we were born a mere month apart to mothers that are best friends has made us inseparable since birth.
What we have is so rare, one would think our story would be written, our fate sealed. But, unfortunately that’s not how life works. Life offers us many choices that can turn destiny into chance.
I now find myself heading toward a destination that I could have never imagined and I have to figure out where to go from here.
Will the choices that have been made change our path forever or will fate find its way?
I believe in soul mates. Why? Because I have one and his name is Jax Porter.
I have known Jax my whole life and I have loved him with every breath I’ve ever taken. The fact that we were born a mere month apart to mothers that are best friends has made us inseparable since birth.
What we have is so rare, one would think our story would be written, our fate sealed. But, unfortunately that’s not how life works. Life offers us many choices that can turn destiny into chance.
I now find myself heading toward a destination that I could have never imagined and I have to figure out where to go from here.
Will the choices that have been made change our path forever or will fate find its way?
342 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2015
381 people are currently reading
2657 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Wade
44 books1,118 followersEllie Wade resides in southwest Michigan with her husband, three young children, and two dogs. She has a Master’s degree in education from Eastern Michigan University and is a huge University of Michigan sports fan. She loves the beauty of her home state, especially the lakes and the gorgeous autumn weather. When she is not writing, you will find her reading, snuggled up with her kids, or spending time with family and friends. She loves traveling and exploring new places with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
May 14, 2015
1.5 frustrating stars!
A Beautiful Kind of Love is one of those books that based on the blurb and the way most of my GR friends loved it, was going to be a sure winner for you. Or so I thought.
Unfortunately, it didn't quite happen that way. I didn't hate it all the way through. For one, I was unable to put it down once the story picked up. Two, I liked their friendship. They have history. And it was established early on that Jax and Lilly are soul mates, which made their subsequent decisions all the more unbelievable and contrived.
***WARNING: There will spoiler-rage ahead!**
Jax and Lilly have been best friends since forever. Their moms were besties and got pregnant together, so it wasn't surprising why Jax and Lilly became best friends as well. It was in high school where their relationship changed from purely platonic into something romantic. They were in love and in their heart of hearts, it's forever.
Until about 45% in. Suddenly, Jax, out of nowhere, just dropped a bomb on Lilly right after
Hey, Jax
It didn't make any sense at all. His reasons were lame. And frankly, he came off as a whiny entitled ass in his POV. I just didn't understand. It didn't make any sense. I'm all for angst but it has to come from a place where you understand the motivation behind it.
The second half of the book got even more convoluted than the first part with Jax and Lilly trying to outdo each other in the stupidity department. I didn't get soul reaching angst. More like frustration and rage. If I were to rate this book based on that alone, heck, this is five stars all the way. But I won't because there were other things that niggled at me.
One. Jax and Lilly were very underdeveloped as characters. If they were then I would have understood their decisions better. They are best friends and they knew each other so well but holy dear lord in heaven, these two had no idea how to communicate. None. It would have been okay if they were a new couple who didn't have a lot of history together but they were. Their families are close. They live next to each other and somehow they still couldn't communicate to save their lives -- or in this case, their relationship.
Two. The secondary characters were not developed as well. They're just there to serve as filler and to add even more drama to the story. I'm looking at you Tabitha and Trenton. Jax biggest reason The problem is, apart from Jax, inner monologue and a few dialogue with Lilly, we don't see that in the story. It was all in the background, which is why I didn't buy Jax's half-ass reason in the first place.
Three. The timeline or the lack thereof. Yeah, I may just be nitpicking here but it bothered me. The story started from what I presumed as the past since that's how our brain works. Unless we're reading a historical novel or a novel set on a certain time period, our brain automatically puts things in order. The book opened while Jax and Lilly are both 12 years old and you'd read references to iPods and Kindles and movies. But then as the book moves along to what I assumed to be the present, which made everything weird because it's like the technology is the same. And I don't want to be a nitpicky bitch but it threw me off and took me out of the story, to be honest.
Four. That last part was just...
Again, that was the stupidest thing ever. It didn't make a lot of sense. And oh, the fact that made me dislike him even more. And Lilly...I mean, come on, I get that he's your best friend but you have got to be kidding me with the doormat act.
But I reserve the bulk of my ire and ragey feels for Jax.
Hey, Jax
So I'm sorry my GR friends who loved this book. I wish I could love this as much as you guys did but no dice. The only reason I'm even entertaining the thought of reading book two right now is that I need some answers. And it better not be what I think it is because that would just be another clusterfuck.
Thanks to Lana and Lisa Jayne for the BR.
A Beautiful Kind of Love is one of those books that based on the blurb and the way most of my GR friends loved it, was going to be a sure winner for you. Or so I thought.
Unfortunately, it didn't quite happen that way. I didn't hate it all the way through. For one, I was unable to put it down once the story picked up. Two, I liked their friendship. They have history. And it was established early on that Jax and Lilly are soul mates, which made their subsequent decisions all the more unbelievable and contrived.
***WARNING: There will spoiler-rage ahead!**
Jax and Lilly have been best friends since forever. Their moms were besties and got pregnant together, so it wasn't surprising why Jax and Lilly became best friends as well. It was in high school where their relationship changed from purely platonic into something romantic. They were in love and in their heart of hearts, it's forever.
Until about 45% in. Suddenly, Jax, out of nowhere, just dropped a bomb on Lilly right after
Hey, Jax
It didn't make any sense at all. His reasons were lame. And frankly, he came off as a whiny entitled ass in his POV. I just didn't understand. It didn't make any sense. I'm all for angst but it has to come from a place where you understand the motivation behind it.
The second half of the book got even more convoluted than the first part with Jax and Lilly trying to outdo each other in the stupidity department. I didn't get soul reaching angst. More like frustration and rage. If I were to rate this book based on that alone, heck, this is five stars all the way. But I won't because there were other things that niggled at me.
One. Jax and Lilly were very underdeveloped as characters. If they were then I would have understood their decisions better. They are best friends and they knew each other so well but holy dear lord in heaven, these two had no idea how to communicate. None. It would have been okay if they were a new couple who didn't have a lot of history together but they were. Their families are close. They live next to each other and somehow they still couldn't communicate to save their lives -- or in this case, their relationship.
Two. The secondary characters were not developed as well. They're just there to serve as filler and to add even more drama to the story. I'm looking at you Tabitha and Trenton. Jax biggest reason The problem is, apart from Jax, inner monologue and a few dialogue with Lilly, we don't see that in the story. It was all in the background, which is why I didn't buy Jax's half-ass reason in the first place.
Three. The timeline or the lack thereof. Yeah, I may just be nitpicking here but it bothered me. The story started from what I presumed as the past since that's how our brain works. Unless we're reading a historical novel or a novel set on a certain time period, our brain automatically puts things in order. The book opened while Jax and Lilly are both 12 years old and you'd read references to iPods and Kindles and movies. But then as the book moves along to what I assumed to be the present, which made everything weird because it's like the technology is the same. And I don't want to be a nitpicky bitch but it threw me off and took me out of the story, to be honest.
Four. That last part was just...
Again, that was the stupidest thing ever. It didn't make a lot of sense. And oh, the fact that made me dislike him even more. And Lilly...I mean, come on, I get that he's your best friend but you have got to be kidding me with the doormat act.
But I reserve the bulk of my ire and ragey feels for Jax.
Hey, Jax
So I'm sorry my GR friends who loved this book. I wish I could love this as much as you guys did but no dice. The only reason I'm even entertaining the thought of reading book two right now is that I need some answers. And it better not be what I think it is because that would just be another clusterfuck.
Thanks to Lana and Lisa Jayne for the BR.
May 12, 2015
"Every choice you make in this life has a consequence, and regardless of what you choose... you need to be prepared for the effect it will have on your life."
This a story about Jax and Lily, who has known each other forever, raised practically together, they are best friends since birth. They are inseparable, but never cross that friendship line, that is until the day of Lily's prom, when they share their first kiss. Since being together was inevitable, they turn from friends to lovers, and I loved how that transition was made. Their romantic relationship was beautiful, thanks to the fact that they were true friends long before.
Life goes on and Jax is off to college, while Lily stays to attend community one, they keep long distance relationship and are still happy. When Lily is ready to go off to college to study photography, she doesn't choose the one that Jax attends, though he begs her to. She wants to find herself, to become independent, to be strong without Jax.
Was that a bad decision? Yes and no.
Jax is overwhelmed by the amount of responsibilities he has, football, classes, his father's expectations, it all becomes too much. He feels like he can't give Lily his full attention and decides to go back to being just friends, until the time he will be able to put her first again.
Was that a bad decision? Yes and no.
And every decision has consequences. After that point in the book, they make a lot of them, wrong ones too. That's where the shit goes down. And while I understood their decisions, though they pissed me off to no end, I couldn't understand why they didn't tell each other everything, why they didn't share the reasons behind those decisions. But I guess we wouldn't have a story if the mistakes weren't made, would we?
"You should have told me all of this. You should have been clearer. You should have let me in. It's too late, Jax. Don't you see that?"
"It's not too late. It will never be too late for us. We all have choices to make, Lily. Sometimes, we don't. But you have a choice."
I know, how I like to say a lot that I like this trope in a book, and this one and that one, what can I say? I love a lot of them in my romances. What I love the most though is when a book makes me feel, and it doesn't matter whether these are happy or sad or angry emotions, I just want to feel. And damn, this book delivered. It will make you smile and it will make you want to throat punch someone, it will make you swoon and it will make you want to throw your kindle against the wall. And in the end it will leave you emotionally exhausted. But it hurts oh so good!
So, if you want your blood pressure increased, if you want the book to bring out emotions, if you are an angst junkie like me, DO READ THIS BOOK, you won't regret. Highly recommended!
Thank God, book 2 comes out in two weeks time, because I might go crazy with wanting to know what happens next. I can't wait to get my hands on it. I refuse to believe they won't have their HEA, I trust the author though, I am just curious how their story will go.
May 7, 2015
4.5 ANGSTY STARS
”Best friends isn’t even a title that begins to sum up the importance of our relationship. I don’t know what title would. The closet I can think of is soul mates…”
[image error]
Have you gotten a good look at the beautiful cover for this story? Aw it’s so sweet and lovely and TOTALLY doesn’t hint that the story within contains high levels of angst, heartbreak and rage inducing moments for a reader... just my type of story!
Jax and Lil…where do I to begin? Family friends, neighbors the very best of friends are some titles for these two. When they both want to try a relationship a promise is made…
”We just have to promise to each other that, if a relationship doesn’t work out, we’ll go back to being friends. I can promise you that. Can you?”
“Yes Definitely.”
-“our entire life together has been perfect. We had eighteen years of foreplay. I don’t need candles or flowers. I need you. Take me to be and make me yours in the only way that I’m not.”
His eyes go wide. “Holy fuck, Lily.”
[image error]
Jax is the big football star at their high school and heads off to college while Lil goes to the local community college and they do the long distance thing. Lil gets accepted to a photography program and is excited to be on her own outside of being connected to Jax. They are still the perfect couple and oh so in love with one another until one of them wants to go back to that promise and go back to being friends.
As the story progresses the edge of your seat feelings (a.k.a. knot in your stomach) always remains till the last sentence of this roller coaster of a story. Lily has a group of friends in college while Jax is achieving his degree and winning on the field. They hold onto their connection in whatever form it is and the frigging ANGST is palpable! Most of the shocking scenes in this story were pretty predictable STILL they packed the required punch and I’m so glad that book two is due to release May 25th because I’m all ready to one click that bitch!
”Love you more.”
”Best friends isn’t even a title that begins to sum up the importance of our relationship. I don’t know what title would. The closet I can think of is soul mates…”
[image error]
Have you gotten a good look at the beautiful cover for this story? Aw it’s so sweet and lovely and TOTALLY doesn’t hint that the story within contains high levels of angst, heartbreak and rage inducing moments for a reader... just my type of story!
Jax and Lil…where do I to begin? Family friends, neighbors the very best of friends are some titles for these two. When they both want to try a relationship a promise is made…
”We just have to promise to each other that, if a relationship doesn’t work out, we’ll go back to being friends. I can promise you that. Can you?”
“Yes Definitely.”
-“our entire life together has been perfect. We had eighteen years of foreplay. I don’t need candles or flowers. I need you. Take me to be and make me yours in the only way that I’m not.”
His eyes go wide. “Holy fuck, Lily.”
[image error]
Jax is the big football star at their high school and heads off to college while Lil goes to the local community college and they do the long distance thing. Lil gets accepted to a photography program and is excited to be on her own outside of being connected to Jax. They are still the perfect couple and oh so in love with one another until one of them wants to go back to that promise and go back to being friends.
As the story progresses the edge of your seat feelings (a.k.a. knot in your stomach) always remains till the last sentence of this roller coaster of a story. Lily has a group of friends in college while Jax is achieving his degree and winning on the field. They hold onto their connection in whatever form it is and the frigging ANGST is palpable! Most of the shocking scenes in this story were pretty predictable STILL they packed the required punch and I’m so glad that book two is due to release May 25th because I’m all ready to one click that bitch!
”Love you more.”
May 14, 2015
TWO LOST LOVE STARS.
You already lost me. I just didn't know it.
I've seen so much positive 'talk' about this book from other readers that I immediately wanted to jump on the bandwagon and go head first into this latest 'friends to soul mates' soirée. The buzz around this novel was unmissable and there was plenty of excited readers with nothing but fabulous things to say about this book. So as you can imagine I was more than a little eager to jump into a fabulous buddy read with my 'book girls'. And so my journey with this book began ... I was fired up and ready to fall in love with this book and from the sound of things; get my heart broken along the way. Admittedly, I had huge expectations that this book would blow me away but sadly this was not the case and as conflicted as I feel about rating this book I've come to the firm conclusion that as the old cliche says this was a huge case of "it's not you, it's probably me."
What did I like?
One of my biggest conflict of feelings over reviewing this book was simply the fact that I could not put this book down. However frustrating or misguided I found the characters I needed to get to the end and satisfy my curiosity of what this author would deliver. From the beginning I was hoping for this book to grab my attention as much as it had with some of my fellow addicts, and although it never pushed my buttons (in a good way) I can appreciate that this is a book that although wasn't fully to my tastes it certainly kept me guessing (and on my toes) from chapter to chapter. My overall reaction to this book was messy, irritating frustration but undoubtably this author had me hooked regardless of whether I enjoyed the ride or not. I did love the premise of the story; The friends for life, turned soul mates who have the seemingly perfect future mapped out for them and I would have loved to have been sold by the story but sadly it was not meant to be. I did however appreciate that this author had her own story to tell and I'm sure that many others will be hooked by this novel but for myself this time around I barely fell into like, much less love.
Why not five?
I really wanted to enjoy the angst in this book, but unfortunately when it came down to it I had a lack of connection with the characters, which in turn made the drama feel unnecessary and over the top. The first 40% was sweet enough but dare I say I felt a little on the bored side and then when it came time for the story line to throw it's drama into the mix I struggled to then care enough about what was going on. Overall this book was not totally unlikeable, but sadly I was too frustrated and sometimes uninterested to really fall in love with this story and it's characters. What I was hoping for was was an epic love story that had that gripping unforgettable angst, but as much as I saw potential in this book it didn't quite meet my expectations.
Final thoughts ...
Don't let old misery over here deter you from what may just be your next five star read. I see from other reviews that I'm a little in the minority and what I find lacked in this book may just be what you have been craving for. If you are looking for a crazy roller coaster ride with some nonsensical decision making then id gladly point you in this books direction. As for myself well I'm now left with a heap of frustration directed at two characters that really should have just been happily in love. Will I forget about this book anytime soon? Probably not. Will I read work from this author in the future? Most definitely yes. (I'm hoping the next book along makes me fall gloriously in love). Until then readers, enjoy ... Kisses.
You already lost me. I just didn't know it.
I've seen so much positive 'talk' about this book from other readers that I immediately wanted to jump on the bandwagon and go head first into this latest 'friends to soul mates' soirée. The buzz around this novel was unmissable and there was plenty of excited readers with nothing but fabulous things to say about this book. So as you can imagine I was more than a little eager to jump into a fabulous buddy read with my 'book girls'. And so my journey with this book began ... I was fired up and ready to fall in love with this book and from the sound of things; get my heart broken along the way. Admittedly, I had huge expectations that this book would blow me away but sadly this was not the case and as conflicted as I feel about rating this book I've come to the firm conclusion that as the old cliche says this was a huge case of "it's not you, it's probably me."
What did I like?
One of my biggest conflict of feelings over reviewing this book was simply the fact that I could not put this book down. However frustrating or misguided I found the characters I needed to get to the end and satisfy my curiosity of what this author would deliver. From the beginning I was hoping for this book to grab my attention as much as it had with some of my fellow addicts, and although it never pushed my buttons (in a good way) I can appreciate that this is a book that although wasn't fully to my tastes it certainly kept me guessing (and on my toes) from chapter to chapter. My overall reaction to this book was messy, irritating frustration but undoubtably this author had me hooked regardless of whether I enjoyed the ride or not. I did love the premise of the story; The friends for life, turned soul mates who have the seemingly perfect future mapped out for them and I would have loved to have been sold by the story but sadly it was not meant to be. I did however appreciate that this author had her own story to tell and I'm sure that many others will be hooked by this novel but for myself this time around I barely fell into like, much less love.
Why not five?
I really wanted to enjoy the angst in this book, but unfortunately when it came down to it I had a lack of connection with the characters, which in turn made the drama feel unnecessary and over the top. The first 40% was sweet enough but dare I say I felt a little on the bored side and then when it came time for the story line to throw it's drama into the mix I struggled to then care enough about what was going on. Overall this book was not totally unlikeable, but sadly I was too frustrated and sometimes uninterested to really fall in love with this story and it's characters. What I was hoping for was was an epic love story that had that gripping unforgettable angst, but as much as I saw potential in this book it didn't quite meet my expectations.
Final thoughts ...
Don't let old misery over here deter you from what may just be your next five star read. I see from other reviews that I'm a little in the minority and what I find lacked in this book may just be what you have been craving for. If you are looking for a crazy roller coaster ride with some nonsensical decision making then id gladly point you in this books direction. As for myself well I'm now left with a heap of frustration directed at two characters that really should have just been happily in love. Will I forget about this book anytime soon? Probably not. Will I read work from this author in the future? Most definitely yes. (I'm hoping the next book along makes me fall gloriously in love). Until then readers, enjoy ... Kisses.
July 15, 2015
1.5 Stars
Being the absolute angst whore that I am and after seeing many friends rave about this book and how emotional and angsty it was and seeing it all over my feed, reading it was a no brainer for me. I was practically salivating after the synopsis alone.
Now that I finished?
And not for the reasons that you'd think. In all honesty, I found absolutely nothing angsty about this book. Nothing. Even when there was an "angsty" situation, there was just not enough backstory or development given with it to make me even slightly care about the characters or their plight. None.
It started out great. There's only one thing that I love more than a friends to lovers romance, and that's a second chance romance. Unfortunately, I never clicked with either characters or their romance.
So what exactly didn't work for me? Almost everything....
The writing
The lack of contractions in this book drove me up the wall crazy. I'm talking eye-twitching, hand itching to reach through my kindle and add an apostrophe myself sort of crazy. It got to the point that every time I saw it, I began to channel my inner Austin Powers.
I do not know of any teenagers that talk this way. It is highly annoying. I do not like it.
Weird timeline
The book starts off with both Jax and Lily at age twelve, but it doesn't give a year. It refers to The Bodyguard as being one of Lily's mom's old movies. How old was her mom when she had her? Twelve? It was made in 1992. If this is based a number of years ago (considering at the end Jax and Lily are 21 going on 22), then by method of deduction it would be 2005 when they're 12 and 1992 movie would NOT be old. Then when they're 17, kindles and iPods are referenced. Then Katy Perry just a couple years later. It just didn't add up. Perhaps if the author dated the time frames and put a year with the chapters it would have helped.
Miscommunication
Considering that these two are supposed to be best friends, they had so much miscommunication between them it was like they were playing a game of broken telephone. The amount of stupid decisions that were made that could have easily been avoided with a question or simple talk was ridiculous. Yes, I get that they're teenagers but c'mon. They're supposed to be BFFs. And it's like they spent the entire book misreading this or assuming that...
Jax
Here's an MC I'm supposed to be swooning over and falling for. Yet the only thing I felt for him was....rage. Pure frustrated rage.
There's a decision that Jax makes that is the catalyst for all the fuckery that takes place in this book. But here's the thing...I didn't get it. Why? How? And most importantly, why? There was a reason given, but it was weak. Oh so weak. It was almost like it was thrown in there as a 'by the way' sort of thing, just to explain it. Or try to explain it anyway. But it didn't explain it. At all. If anything, it just frustrated me more. Perhaps if there was more background, more backstory and more development for it, I could have understood. But as it was, I found the reason to be stupid. So stupid it actually made me dislike him as a character.
Secondary characters
You know what I love in my books? Things and situations that manage to take me by surprise. Nothing better than a good plot twist. I found the set up with the secondary characters so predictable, it was eye roll inducing. I knew from the very second that was introduced, what would happen. And I was right. I don't think it could have been made any more obvious. Perhaps that was the point? But as it was...
Lily
I'm a picky bitch when it comes to my heroines, it's true. But could Lily have been more of a wet blanket? Gawd. I really felt for her at first, but then her constant back and forth and forgiving of Jax's douchebaggary made me completely lose respect for her. And then that ending? Are you freaking kidding me?!!! No really. Are you FREAKING kidding me? OMG!
I had to take a day to sleep on my thoughts after finishing this book because had I posted a review immediately after, it probably would have been a 2 page rant. I hate leaving bad reviews, especially when I seem to be one of the VERY few that doesn't connect with the story, but I couldn't think of one thing I liked about this book. Not one. And that seriously hurts my heart because I had such high hopes for it. Will I read the second book? Probably not. I just don't care enough for the characters to want to know where the journey takes them. Unless I'm hit by some masochistic curious urge, I doubt I'll continue.
I realize I'm in the extreme minority with my thoughts, but before you throw stones and rotten tomatoes, just remember
So don't let my asshole opinion deter you from reading it. Try it yourself and see. Who knows? You just may love it.
For more reviews visit
Being the absolute angst whore that I am and after seeing many friends rave about this book and how emotional and angsty it was and seeing it all over my feed, reading it was a no brainer for me. I was practically salivating after the synopsis alone.
Now that I finished?
And not for the reasons that you'd think. In all honesty, I found absolutely nothing angsty about this book. Nothing. Even when there was an "angsty" situation, there was just not enough backstory or development given with it to make me even slightly care about the characters or their plight. None.
It started out great. There's only one thing that I love more than a friends to lovers romance, and that's a second chance romance. Unfortunately, I never clicked with either characters or their romance.
So what exactly didn't work for me? Almost everything....
The writing
The lack of contractions in this book drove me up the wall crazy. I'm talking eye-twitching, hand itching to reach through my kindle and add an apostrophe myself sort of crazy. It got to the point that every time I saw it, I began to channel my inner Austin Powers.
I do not know of any teenagers that talk this way. It is highly annoying. I do not like it.
Weird timeline
The book starts off with both Jax and Lily at age twelve, but it doesn't give a year. It refers to The Bodyguard as being one of Lily's mom's old movies. How old was her mom when she had her? Twelve? It was made in 1992. If this is based a number of years ago (considering at the end Jax and Lily are 21 going on 22), then by method of deduction it would be 2005 when they're 12 and 1992 movie would NOT be old. Then when they're 17, kindles and iPods are referenced. Then Katy Perry just a couple years later. It just didn't add up. Perhaps if the author dated the time frames and put a year with the chapters it would have helped.
Miscommunication
Considering that these two are supposed to be best friends, they had so much miscommunication between them it was like they were playing a game of broken telephone. The amount of stupid decisions that were made that could have easily been avoided with a question or simple talk was ridiculous. Yes, I get that they're teenagers but c'mon. They're supposed to be BFFs. And it's like they spent the entire book misreading this or assuming that...
Jax
Here's an MC I'm supposed to be swooning over and falling for. Yet the only thing I felt for him was....rage. Pure frustrated rage.
There's a decision that Jax makes that is the catalyst for all the fuckery that takes place in this book. But here's the thing...I didn't get it. Why? How? And most importantly, why? There was a reason given, but it was weak. Oh so weak. It was almost like it was thrown in there as a 'by the way' sort of thing, just to explain it. Or try to explain it anyway. But it didn't explain it. At all. If anything, it just frustrated me more. Perhaps if there was more background, more backstory and more development for it, I could have understood. But as it was, I found the reason to be stupid. So stupid it actually made me dislike him as a character.
Secondary characters
You know what I love in my books? Things and situations that manage to take me by surprise. Nothing better than a good plot twist. I found the set up with the secondary characters so predictable, it was eye roll inducing. I knew from the very second that was introduced, what would happen. And I was right. I don't think it could have been made any more obvious. Perhaps that was the point? But as it was...
Lily
I'm a picky bitch when it comes to my heroines, it's true. But could Lily have been more of a wet blanket? Gawd. I really felt for her at first, but then her constant back and forth and forgiving of Jax's douchebaggary made me completely lose respect for her. And then that ending? Are you freaking kidding me?!!! No really. Are you FREAKING kidding me? OMG!
I had to take a day to sleep on my thoughts after finishing this book because had I posted a review immediately after, it probably would have been a 2 page rant. I hate leaving bad reviews, especially when I seem to be one of the VERY few that doesn't connect with the story, but I couldn't think of one thing I liked about this book. Not one. And that seriously hurts my heart because I had such high hopes for it. Will I read the second book? Probably not. I just don't care enough for the characters to want to know where the journey takes them. Unless I'm hit by some masochistic curious urge, I doubt I'll continue.
I realize I'm in the extreme minority with my thoughts, but before you throw stones and rotten tomatoes, just remember
So don't let my asshole opinion deter you from reading it. Try it yourself and see. Who knows? You just may love it.
For more reviews visit
May 13, 2015
“A Beautiful kind of love” was a fantastic, unique story, beautifully written about life, love, destiny and so much more. It’s an emotional childhood best friends to lovers story that for sure it will make you feel. We all know how complicate life can be and how every decision you make has its own consequences and this story it’s exactly about that.
"Every choice you make in this life has a consequence, and regardless of what you choose... you need to be prepared for the effect it will have on your life."
Jax and Lily know each other since forever. Their mothers are best friends living next to each other, so they practically grew up together. They were inseparable best friends since they were kids, but their relationship status change the day of Lily’s prom, when with one kiss they realized they want more, that they are made for each other.
As the years pass, Jax and Lily’s relationship is stronger than ever. Jax is off to college, but Lily doesn’t know exactly what she wants to do with her life. For two years she stays home, attending the Community College taking the basics. She settles on a degree in photography and she decides to go to another college than Jax. She needs to know she can do it on her own, that she can be strong and independent.
For a while they stay strong, they are in love and everything is perfect, but Jax is under the weight of obligations and responsibilities. He feels he is not giving enough to Lily, he doesn’t want to drag her down with him, so he decides for both of them that is better they take a break from each other.
What a roller coaster of emotions this one was! And what a beautiful story! Very emotional and gripping from the beginning I have to say I couldn’t put it down. This story was so intense and it will definitely make you feel. I loved Jax and Lily from the beginning, individually, as friends and of course as lovers. Jax was amazing. He is loyal and kind, caring and protective and he’s ready to do anything for the girl he loves so much. Lily is sweet and kind hearted and I really liked her. While I liked both main characters I have to say they frustrated me beyond words. Needless to say I didn't agree with their decisions at times or how they handled certain situations. I was so angry with them at times...ugh! While I liked them, I would have liked more character development for both of them.
I also loved how their relationship evolved from friends to lovers, how they learn together to be more. I loved how they interacted with each other and how sweet they are as friends. However, I absolutely hated the fact they don’t communicated enough with each other as lovers. And this aspect of the story created a little unnecessary drama, IMO. For some reason this time I was ok (kind of) with it.
Overall this was fantastic, angst filled story, predictable at times, yet entertaining, that for sure will capture your attention from beginning to end! Can’t wait for the next book!
May 8, 2015
That quote right there sums up this book perfectly.
.
.
.
A Beautiful Kind of Love was a quick, nausea inducing read, that has me anxious to get my hands on the next book. There was angst all over the place. And while it is a predictable story, I still found myself deeply invested in these characters.
Lil and Jax have spent their lives together, best friends from the beginning. In high school, friendship turns into romance. They are the perfect couple and deeply in love. Jax goes away to college, and two years later, Lil decides she too wants the full college experience, a time to find a little independence. Everything seems to be going smoothly until one of them decides they should go back to being friends.
Yep. And the ride on the angst train begins! All aboard! Stomach knots straight ahead. Will Lil and Jax find a way to be just friends again, is there a light at the end of the tunnel?
May 13, 2015
★★ 2.5 Stars ★★
I have been in a major book slump for the last week, so when I saw this book all over my newsfeed with the words angsty and beautiful flying about I though to myself, this is perfect, I love books like this. Even the cliffhanger warnings didn't put me off, I just needed a book that was going to make me feel like reading again.
For the first 40% or so, I have to admit that I was scratching my head wondering where all the love for this book was coming from. I was underwhelmed with the development between the two main characters. I felt like I was being told that they were soul mates without really feeling it for myself.
Jax and Lily have been best friends forever, their mothers were besties and therefore they had spent a lot of time together growing up. The book starts off in the past, when they are twelve and then we fast forward 3 years to when they are finishing their junior year in high school. Unfortunately for me, I just didn't connect to their feelings for each other at this point so when they decided to move their relationship forward to a romantic one, I was just wishing for something exciting to hurry up already.
Nothing could have prepared me for the stupid decisions BOTH these characters made throughout the rest of the book. I'm all for drama and mistakes and all that but I just didn't get it! Why the heck? What? .
We get 3 chapters from Jax's POV, but they weren't enough, he claims his father was a big motivation for being a shitbag to Lily, but it is never explained why. I know there is a book 2, but the reader needed something big in this book for us to have an understanding of his actions. I didn't feel any empathy towards him at all.
And then after pining for him all this time, Lily takes a leaf out of Jax's stupid book and pushes him away. .
And the ending!!! What?? Gah, as much as this book frustrated me and made me angry, I will definitely be reading A Forever Kind of Love because there are so many unanswered questions.
I just felt that they didn't fight for each other enough, and for best friends who could talk to each other about anything, they did a crap job of communicating about their feelings.
Anyway, it's safe to say I am officially out of my book funk, so for that I am grateful. Special thanks to Lisa Jayne for letting me let off steam whilst reading it Xx
First in a duet, told predominantly from Lily's POV.
I have been in a major book slump for the last week, so when I saw this book all over my newsfeed with the words angsty and beautiful flying about I though to myself, this is perfect, I love books like this. Even the cliffhanger warnings didn't put me off, I just needed a book that was going to make me feel like reading again.
For the first 40% or so, I have to admit that I was scratching my head wondering where all the love for this book was coming from. I was underwhelmed with the development between the two main characters. I felt like I was being told that they were soul mates without really feeling it for myself.
Jax and Lily have been best friends forever, their mothers were besties and therefore they had spent a lot of time together growing up. The book starts off in the past, when they are twelve and then we fast forward 3 years to when they are finishing their junior year in high school. Unfortunately for me, I just didn't connect to their feelings for each other at this point so when they decided to move their relationship forward to a romantic one, I was just wishing for something exciting to hurry up already.
Nothing could have prepared me for the stupid decisions BOTH these characters made throughout the rest of the book. I'm all for drama and mistakes and all that but I just didn't get it! Why the heck? What? .
We get 3 chapters from Jax's POV, but they weren't enough, he claims his father was a big motivation for being a shitbag to Lily, but it is never explained why. I know there is a book 2, but the reader needed something big in this book for us to have an understanding of his actions. I didn't feel any empathy towards him at all.
And then after pining for him all this time, Lily takes a leaf out of Jax's stupid book and pushes him away. .
And the ending!!! What?? Gah, as much as this book frustrated me and made me angry, I will definitely be reading A Forever Kind of Love because there are so many unanswered questions.
I just felt that they didn't fight for each other enough, and for best friends who could talk to each other about anything, they did a crap job of communicating about their feelings.
Anyway, it's safe to say I am officially out of my book funk, so for that I am grateful. Special thanks to Lisa Jayne for letting me let off steam whilst reading it Xx
First in a duet, told predominantly from Lily's POV.
July 5, 2016
♦ ETA: Free for the next five days....7/5/16♦
4-4.5 ★'s
Jax and Lily grew up together, born a month apart to Moms that are best friends and neighbors. They know everything about each other and enjoy being together all the time.
We start off getting to know them as twelve year olds. You can tell even then that Jax wants more and it's really apparent when time moves forward five years.
The inevitable kiss happens and then they can't quit thinking about each other and more. Naturally, they decide to have a relationship much to the surprise of no one.
Things go along swimming even with Jax going away to college until Lily is ready to move away but she decides to go to another college so she can experience some things on her own. Well, she certainly gets her wish.
The interesting thing about this book is that no one is out to kill them and there's no crazy plots. No one is on drugs or an alcoholic. There is no abuse. It's really just a story about two people trying to have a relationship.
One of the problems is that there are a lot of clichés. You can almost guess everything that's going to happen. But for some reason, that didn't bother me. Also, I thought the beginning was dragged out. I had thought this was a standalone book so I was really anxious to get to "the good stuff".
Thank goodness it's not a standalone book! I almost threw my kindle when I got to the end. I'm so happy that I turned the page!
The Good Stuff:
Dual Pov's? Mostly Lily's POV but we do get a few chapters of Jax's.
Steam Factor? (Scale 1 - 5) Pretty decent 3.5
Angst? (Scale 1 - 5) 5+++++ soooo much angst! I loved it!
Next book? Yes, thank goodness. A Forever Kind of Love comes outMay 25, 2015...pushed back a few days.
Favorite quotes:
♥ "You are my walking dream."
♥ “I love feisty Lily.”
♥ “Would you rather spend your time with the love of your life or a stuck-up douche bag?”
4-4.5 ★'s
Jax and Lily grew up together, born a month apart to Moms that are best friends and neighbors. They know everything about each other and enjoy being together all the time.
We start off getting to know them as twelve year olds. You can tell even then that Jax wants more and it's really apparent when time moves forward five years.
The inevitable kiss happens and then they can't quit thinking about each other and more. Naturally, they decide to have a relationship much to the surprise of no one.
Things go along swimming even with Jax going away to college until Lily is ready to move away but she decides to go to another college so she can experience some things on her own. Well, she certainly gets her wish.
The interesting thing about this book is that no one is out to kill them and there's no crazy plots. No one is on drugs or an alcoholic. There is no abuse. It's really just a story about two people trying to have a relationship.
One of the problems is that there are a lot of clichés. You can almost guess everything that's going to happen. But for some reason, that didn't bother me. Also, I thought the beginning was dragged out. I had thought this was a standalone book so I was really anxious to get to "the good stuff".
Thank goodness it's not a standalone book! I almost threw my kindle when I got to the end. I'm so happy that I turned the page!
The Good Stuff:
Dual Pov's? Mostly Lily's POV but we do get a few chapters of Jax's.
Steam Factor? (Scale 1 - 5) Pretty decent 3.5
Angst? (Scale 1 - 5) 5+++++ soooo much angst! I loved it!
Next book? Yes, thank goodness. A Forever Kind of Love comes out
Favorite quotes:
♥ "You are my walking dream."
♥ “I love feisty Lily.”
♥ “Would you rather spend your time with the love of your life or a stuck-up douche bag?”
December 16, 2015
I am little conflicted about it, I liked the story, but I was annoyed with the characters.
May 30, 2015
1.5
I. H.A.T.E. E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. A.B.O.U.T. T.H.I.S. B.O.O.K.
EVERYTHING.
Every character, every moment, every sentence, the writing style, the story.
A.L.L. O.F. I.T.
I rolled my eyes so much I got dizzy.
But honestly, I could not put it down. And yes, I will read the sequel, because I just have to see how stupid will they be again.
I. H.A.T.E. E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. A.B.O.U.T. T.H.I.S. B.O.O.K.
EVERYTHING.
Every character, every moment, every sentence, the writing style, the story.
A.L.L. O.F. I.T.
I rolled my eyes so much I got dizzy.
But honestly, I could not put it down. And yes, I will read the sequel, because I just have to see how stupid will they be again.
May 8, 2015
Gahhhhhhh!!!!!!
I've read books like this before. They are never easy. The what ifs and the lets be friends and the you are the love of my life.....gaaahhhhh!!!! This was so good but so frustrating. I need the next book !! NOW
I'm off to stalk the author and I need to count how many sleeps til the next book !!!
Hold on Little Love..... He's gonna fix this !!!!!
I've read books like this before. They are never easy. The what ifs and the lets be friends and the you are the love of my life.....gaaahhhhh!!!! This was so good but so frustrating. I need the next book !! NOW
I'm off to stalk the author and I need to count how many sleeps til the next book !!!
Hold on Little Love..... He's gonna fix this !!!!!
July 29, 2016
2 Frustrated Stars!!!!
Wow!!! This book hit way too close to home. It reminded me of my first love and how the timing was never right when we tried to be together after breaking up. One of us always ended up hurt and it was more on my end. So I can related to Lily so much. I get it!! :(
I do feel like both characters were really immature throughout the book and the things that happened could've easily been avoided.
Ugh!!!! Time to read a happy book!! I just can't think about this one anymore...
Wow!!! This book hit way too close to home. It reminded me of my first love and how the timing was never right when we tried to be together after breaking up. One of us always ended up hurt and it was more on my end. So I can related to Lily so much. I get it!! :(
I do feel like both characters were really immature throughout the book and the things that happened could've easily been avoided.
Ugh!!!! Time to read a happy book!! I just can't think about this one anymore...
July 17, 2020
This author is going on my “never again” list! Every so often you read a book so bad that you ask the book Gods “why, why me? Why did you send me the awful mistake of a book” so they answer you with this kind of monstrosity to let you know that it can always get worse... it’s my fault honestly... it was like being a nurse in an ER where nothing has happened all night and suddenly uttering the phrase “it sure is quiet in here” I brought it upon myself.
This guy is my least favorite kind of “hero” the Lind where he is a colossal douchebag but everyone thinks is such a great guy! He claims to love his “soulmate” yet dumps her for no reason (he needed to be apart from her and NOT in a relationship to focus on football). Then he has already dating and sleeping with someone right away. He has “fallen in love” and is ready to marry someone else within 6 months. THE SAME SOMEONE THAT HAD WANTED HIM FOR 3 YEARS while he ignored his “soulmates” feelings and kept her as a close friend... Spoiler alerts. He actually marries her and the second book is devoted to them as a couple. Bonus points: the heroine gets to be their wedding photographer... Then she dies and become the beloved perfect dead wife for the supposed heroine to compete with, in her own story about “her soulmate” I have never rolled my eyes so much and just said “wtf?” so much in my life. You’ve been warned.
Here is a quote of the “hero” having sex with the woman he marries who is NOT the heroine
“I break the kiss. I turn off the water, and we dry off before heading to her bedroom. We drop our towels and stand there, looking at one another. We stand like this, motionless, and stare into each other’s eyes, searching for answers where there are none. The anguish filling the air is so tangible that I can feel it against my every pore. “I love you, Stella.” “I love you, Jax.” Our bodies come together, and I lay her down on her bed. I take my time loving her body with my hands and mouth. The rest of the world has fallen away, and it is just Stella and me in our own universe. We are able to focus solely on one another, and for this small moment in time, nothing else matters. In our world, there is no pain, and there is no death. There is only love, and it is a gift.”
The author actually forgot who her heroine is. While Stella was manipulative and not a good person, she was portrayed as if she was. So, again, omehow this author made the heroine (Lily) come second in a duet about her own relationship with her soulmate since birth... what in the actual hell? Does this author just not get what phrases like “in love” and “soul mate” actually mean?
Here is a review I saw on Amazon while trying to figure out this mess. It summed up things better than I can right now. Unless you love books where the heroine always comes second and no one actually gives a crap about her (including the “hero”) leave now and save yourself!
Amazon
“Spoilers*****This series would have to be a fairytale because it sure would not be real life. I love books. I love book series. Books are my happy place. I had recently been rereading some of my book series because additions had been added, enjoyed every minute. So, I decided I needed to read something new, maybe a new author. That is the reason I read this series over the 4th of July weekend. Little did I know what I was in for. First, I wish I had read the reviews for both books before I purchased them. This series made me want to throw my kindle up against a wall. Or just break something to release some of the frustration caused from reading this series. Ellie Wade, you truely know how to make a reader hate your characters.
Saint Stella takes the honor of most hated character in this series for me. The first time Stella showed up in book 1 I knew she was going to be a problem. Stella chased Jax all through college until his stupidity allowed her to catch him. Lily was right to have uneasy feelings about Stella as soon as she met her. Ellie Wade tries to use smoke and mirrors to make Stella appear as pure as the driven snow. I never bought into that. Stella always had and ulterior motive where Jax was concerned. She was a munipulative little b*tch! She deliberately took Jax, when she knew he was in love with Lily. But, she didn't care because she wanted him. Wow! She was angry because she wasn't going to get her HEA, so she took Lily's. "But if a dying woman cannot be selfish, who can?" Stella, sweetheart, everyone is dying from the day they are born. So that just makes you a selfish b*tch! So you had cancer. I did not care! That says a lot about how strongly I disliked this character. I wish you would have died before you got engaged to Jax. You took, through guilt, Jax from Lily. You married him in the fall just like Lily wanted to do. You had Lily & Jax song played at your wedding. Ellie Wade wants readers to believe you are this good, sweet, and wonderful person. NO YOU ARE NOT! I could not read the Jax and Stella love fest. I skimmed over them. Which meant I did not read a large portion of book 2 due to the fact that it all about Jax and Stella. Ellie Wade you love Stella so much and it is obvious. You should have done what other authors have done. They write their books. They include their, "I cause problems for the main couple (Lily & Jax) girl" (Stella). The author lets the main couple get back together. If the author still has not gotten over their love affair with "I cause problems of the main couple girl", then the auther writes a novella about this character. No one reads this novella because they hated this character to begin with. But the author is happy because her beloved character got her own story. Oh wait, Stella did get her book, it's "A Forever Kind of Love."
Jax is a character I grew to detest. He obviously does not understand soul mate. Soul Mate: Noun. A romantic partner with the implication of an EXCLUSIVE life long bond. I hate the way he treats Lily after he went to college. He is a total hypocrite. He would treat Lily one way and then turn around and do the opposite with Stella. It gives you whiplash. Jax is just plain stupid a lot of the series. Another reviewer wrote that they kept reminding themself that he was only 21 over and over. I kept reminding myself that he was stupid over and over. Jax only got engaged and married Stella after he found out about the cancer. He loved her like a friend. He was in love with Lily, big difference. After Stella dies he goes on his guilt trip for about as long as he was married to her, which was maybe six months. What part of "til death us do part" did Jax not get? Jax knew Stella only had a year to six months to live. They waited six months from learning the news to get married. It took a letter from Stella to give him a kick in the seat of the pants to get him to move on. Really? That letter should have pissed Jax totally off. It proved how selfish Stella was. I started to wonder if Lily had died would it have fazed Jax at all.
Lily is the poor dog that Jax keeps kicking throughout the series. And Lily keeps coming back for more over and over. I cried for Lily everytime I had to read about Lily's heartbreak at Jax hands. I wanted Lily to find her a guy who would love her like she deserved to be loved, but Ellie would not allow that to happen. I had high hopes for Rob. Lily was an afterthought in book 2. Strange considering she is one half of the soul mate couple.
I did like the way Jax proposed to Lily. Why didn't we get to see their wedding?
The Epilogue was too little to late.
This series could have been epic.”
This guy is my least favorite kind of “hero” the Lind where he is a colossal douchebag but everyone thinks is such a great guy! He claims to love his “soulmate” yet dumps her for no reason (he needed to be apart from her and NOT in a relationship to focus on football). Then he has already dating and sleeping with someone right away. He has “fallen in love” and is ready to marry someone else within 6 months. THE SAME SOMEONE THAT HAD WANTED HIM FOR 3 YEARS while he ignored his “soulmates” feelings and kept her as a close friend... Spoiler alerts. He actually marries her and the second book is devoted to them as a couple. Bonus points: the heroine gets to be their wedding photographer... Then she dies and become the beloved perfect dead wife for the supposed heroine to compete with, in her own story about “her soulmate” I have never rolled my eyes so much and just said “wtf?” so much in my life. You’ve been warned.
Here is a quote of the “hero” having sex with the woman he marries who is NOT the heroine
“I break the kiss. I turn off the water, and we dry off before heading to her bedroom. We drop our towels and stand there, looking at one another. We stand like this, motionless, and stare into each other’s eyes, searching for answers where there are none. The anguish filling the air is so tangible that I can feel it against my every pore. “I love you, Stella.” “I love you, Jax.” Our bodies come together, and I lay her down on her bed. I take my time loving her body with my hands and mouth. The rest of the world has fallen away, and it is just Stella and me in our own universe. We are able to focus solely on one another, and for this small moment in time, nothing else matters. In our world, there is no pain, and there is no death. There is only love, and it is a gift.”
The author actually forgot who her heroine is. While Stella was manipulative and not a good person, she was portrayed as if she was. So, again, omehow this author made the heroine (Lily) come second in a duet about her own relationship with her soulmate since birth... what in the actual hell? Does this author just not get what phrases like “in love” and “soul mate” actually mean?
Here is a review I saw on Amazon while trying to figure out this mess. It summed up things better than I can right now. Unless you love books where the heroine always comes second and no one actually gives a crap about her (including the “hero”) leave now and save yourself!
Amazon
“Spoilers*****This series would have to be a fairytale because it sure would not be real life. I love books. I love book series. Books are my happy place. I had recently been rereading some of my book series because additions had been added, enjoyed every minute. So, I decided I needed to read something new, maybe a new author. That is the reason I read this series over the 4th of July weekend. Little did I know what I was in for. First, I wish I had read the reviews for both books before I purchased them. This series made me want to throw my kindle up against a wall. Or just break something to release some of the frustration caused from reading this series. Ellie Wade, you truely know how to make a reader hate your characters.
Saint Stella takes the honor of most hated character in this series for me. The first time Stella showed up in book 1 I knew she was going to be a problem. Stella chased Jax all through college until his stupidity allowed her to catch him. Lily was right to have uneasy feelings about Stella as soon as she met her. Ellie Wade tries to use smoke and mirrors to make Stella appear as pure as the driven snow. I never bought into that. Stella always had and ulterior motive where Jax was concerned. She was a munipulative little b*tch! She deliberately took Jax, when she knew he was in love with Lily. But, she didn't care because she wanted him. Wow! She was angry because she wasn't going to get her HEA, so she took Lily's. "But if a dying woman cannot be selfish, who can?" Stella, sweetheart, everyone is dying from the day they are born. So that just makes you a selfish b*tch! So you had cancer. I did not care! That says a lot about how strongly I disliked this character. I wish you would have died before you got engaged to Jax. You took, through guilt, Jax from Lily. You married him in the fall just like Lily wanted to do. You had Lily & Jax song played at your wedding. Ellie Wade wants readers to believe you are this good, sweet, and wonderful person. NO YOU ARE NOT! I could not read the Jax and Stella love fest. I skimmed over them. Which meant I did not read a large portion of book 2 due to the fact that it all about Jax and Stella. Ellie Wade you love Stella so much and it is obvious. You should have done what other authors have done. They write their books. They include their, "I cause problems for the main couple (Lily & Jax) girl" (Stella). The author lets the main couple get back together. If the author still has not gotten over their love affair with "I cause problems of the main couple girl", then the auther writes a novella about this character. No one reads this novella because they hated this character to begin with. But the author is happy because her beloved character got her own story. Oh wait, Stella did get her book, it's "A Forever Kind of Love."
Jax is a character I grew to detest. He obviously does not understand soul mate. Soul Mate: Noun. A romantic partner with the implication of an EXCLUSIVE life long bond. I hate the way he treats Lily after he went to college. He is a total hypocrite. He would treat Lily one way and then turn around and do the opposite with Stella. It gives you whiplash. Jax is just plain stupid a lot of the series. Another reviewer wrote that they kept reminding themself that he was only 21 over and over. I kept reminding myself that he was stupid over and over. Jax only got engaged and married Stella after he found out about the cancer. He loved her like a friend. He was in love with Lily, big difference. After Stella dies he goes on his guilt trip for about as long as he was married to her, which was maybe six months. What part of "til death us do part" did Jax not get? Jax knew Stella only had a year to six months to live. They waited six months from learning the news to get married. It took a letter from Stella to give him a kick in the seat of the pants to get him to move on. Really? That letter should have pissed Jax totally off. It proved how selfish Stella was. I started to wonder if Lily had died would it have fazed Jax at all.
Lily is the poor dog that Jax keeps kicking throughout the series. And Lily keeps coming back for more over and over. I cried for Lily everytime I had to read about Lily's heartbreak at Jax hands. I wanted Lily to find her a guy who would love her like she deserved to be loved, but Ellie would not allow that to happen. I had high hopes for Rob. Lily was an afterthought in book 2. Strange considering she is one half of the soul mate couple.
I did like the way Jax proposed to Lily. Why didn't we get to see their wedding?
The Epilogue was too little to late.
This series could have been epic.”
May 12, 2015
Wow, just wow. I started reading this in the afternoon and could not put it down..OUTSTANDING. You cannot help but feel all the feelings that Lily goes through. Her heart breaking and trying to mend, thinking that her true love would actually be there when she really needed him. And Jax, what the hell, he does, he doesn't, I'm rather glad to see how in the end of this book she finds the courage to move on, to be herself..Can't wait for the next one.
May 13, 2015
I think of a boy and a girl who spent seventeen years of their lives falling in love and not just ordinary love but a beautiful kind of love. This kind is unique. It’s special. It’s a love that gives, a love that sacrifices, a love that cherishes. It is never taken for granted, and it is never to be duplicated ♥
Arghhhh I need the next book and I need it now!!!! Hurry up 25th May!!!!
Arghhhh I need the next book and I need it now!!!! Hurry up 25th May!!!!
May 7, 2015
My dear friend Jodi turned me on to this book and I must give her a monumental hug - this book rocked me to my core. I was balling and clutching my chest. With any book I read, I want it to illicit a reaction, make me feel something. Well I got what I asked for and then some. Jax and Lil are the best of friends – womb to tomb. Born a month apart, mothers are best friends, they were destined an integral part of the others life. This is an EPIC love story but is also a story about fate, and the how the choices we make set certain things in motion. How one decision can change the course of your existence. We get a chance to see how Lil & Jax came to be. How that irrevocable bond that binds them together was forged. Nothing comes between these two, they are two halves of the same whole. Once they reach high school though, something changes, feelings intensify and lines are blurred. One kiss sets them on the course to what will be the ONE TRUE LOVE of their life. THE FEELS, I am a helpless romantic and could not stop myself from falling in love right along with them. (Clutches chest) Poignant, sweet, and beautiful they discover another layer to themselves, a deep dive into the abyss of first love. Then reality steps in – adulthood, college, distance life altering choices present obstacles to their relationship – but there is nothing they cannot over come together…. or so they thought. Fate intervenes, choices are made and consequences are faced. MY HEART ACHES, there were moments – I felt as though I too was being ripped in two. All the while I am screaming internally HOW can this happen – NOOOOOOOOO. I am still reeling, going over each detail in my head and having discussions & theorizing with my gals. To say that I am anxiously awaiting book 2 is a gross understatement. The countdown is on!!!!
May 9, 2015
4.5 stars.
This is my first book by Ellie Wade and I can easily say that it will not be my last. I absolutely loved this book. It has everything I enjoy, it's angsty and emotional but sweet and at it's heart, very real. There's some real ups and downs within this story and I really just couldn't get enough!
It's about two childhood best friends Lily and Jax. As the story evolves you "age" with our characters through college life to just after. I love stories like that.
It's told mostly from Lily's POV but there is a few chapters from Jax too which was fantastic to see because having his thoughts were necessary at certain points and milestones throughout.
Storywise, it's one of those reads where it all starts out sweet and slowly as you go along the journey you start to feel your guts twisting with anxiety, but I am one of those readers that eats that feeling up! the chemistry and build up is intense and the pacing of the story is near perfect. Ellie Wade has done an excellent job with this story, she has written two incredibly believable characters here.
Friends & soulmates.. I mean, who can can say no to that? I would definitely recommend this one to others. I think it's best to just jump in, to not read too many reviews, simply experience it yourself without knowing too much. You'll appreciate it all the more.
The sequel (part #2) releases May 25th & THANK GOD! BECAUSE I NEED IT SO. BLOODY. BAD.
This is my first book by Ellie Wade and I can easily say that it will not be my last. I absolutely loved this book. It has everything I enjoy, it's angsty and emotional but sweet and at it's heart, very real. There's some real ups and downs within this story and I really just couldn't get enough!
It's about two childhood best friends Lily and Jax. As the story evolves you "age" with our characters through college life to just after. I love stories like that.
It's told mostly from Lily's POV but there is a few chapters from Jax too which was fantastic to see because having his thoughts were necessary at certain points and milestones throughout.
Storywise, it's one of those reads where it all starts out sweet and slowly as you go along the journey you start to feel your guts twisting with anxiety, but I am one of those readers that eats that feeling up! the chemistry and build up is intense and the pacing of the story is near perfect. Ellie Wade has done an excellent job with this story, she has written two incredibly believable characters here.
Friends & soulmates.. I mean, who can can say no to that? I would definitely recommend this one to others. I think it's best to just jump in, to not read too many reviews, simply experience it yourself without knowing too much. You'll appreciate it all the more.
The sequel (part #2) releases May 25th & THANK GOD! BECAUSE I NEED IT SO. BLOODY. BAD.
May 21, 2015
5 WOULD YOU RATHER STARS
I really enjoyed and suffered thru this story. BFF since birth, they were soulmates, forever love or so they thought. Well, the choices you make come with consequences and maybe fate or who you think your forever love is, really isn't. I'm beyond sad, but most very angry of the turn of events that took place and ruined a beautiful relationship. I will hold final judgement in the second installment of this series.
Ok, so I've had sometime to think and calm down, slept a few hours. The author did a great job at developing these characters that you felt every single thing they were going thru, the writing was fantastic. A very angst filled story. Jax & Little always and forever!
I really enjoyed and suffered thru this story. BFF since birth, they were soulmates, forever love or so they thought. Well, the choices you make come with consequences and maybe fate or who you think your forever love is, really isn't. I'm beyond sad, but most very angry of the turn of events that took place and ruined a beautiful relationship. I will hold final judgement in the second installment of this series.
Ok, so I've had sometime to think and calm down, slept a few hours. The author did a great job at developing these characters that you felt every single thing they were going thru, the writing was fantastic. A very angst filled story. Jax & Little always and forever!
October 27, 2015
ARGH! My head might just explode from all the frustration and gut-wrenching emotions this book made me feel. I like books like these. I don't know why, but I do. I must be a glutton for punishment.
The story goes like this: Boy and girl grow up together as best friends. Boy and girl finally figure out they're in love and start dating in high school. Then, they go off to college where their lives are changed forever.
This story kept me on the edge of my seat with all the emotionally, heartbreaking drama and the NEED for the hero and heroine to be together. I was wholly engrossed yet found the story hard to read at times. My emotions were twisted up and my stomach was in knots. I had fits of frustration towards the main characters. They make so many mistakes that will make you want to scream at them. Don't even get me started on the killer cliffhanger... Whyyyyyy???!!!!
But, even with all that said, I can honestly say I really did love this book. The writing is wonderfully addictive. I need the next book PRONTO!
April 12, 2016
Loved the book. Hated the ending. F*ck. I'm a mess right now.
Another emotional distressing book that started all chummy and perfect then slowly went to hell.
Two best friends born a month apart and stuck together like peanut butter and jelly. They're soulmates in the most beautiful kind of way. Their friendship turned into romance was so perfect. Jax and Lily just fit. But all stories have their complications.
I just really didn't see that end coming.
I'm begging for the next book now!
not-interested
October 1, 2017https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My love for a stranger is deeper than the soul mates in this book. What a way to show love. LOL
My love for a stranger is deeper than the soul mates in this book. What a way to show love. LOL
April 25, 2015
SO MUCH ANGST!
I feel like I got punched in the stomach repetitively!
NEED ALCOHOL STAT!
This review is going to be purely emotional and mostly directed to Ellie. So if you don't want to know how it will probably make you feel please don't continue on reading.
A Beautiful Kind Of Love honestly this should be called A Beautiful Kind Of Heartache because let me tell you Ellie, that is pretty much how you made me feel throughout this book.
I'm devastated, completely gutted. My heart started to ache early on and the whole time I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. I just knew something bad had to happen because there is no way you were going to start this book off with so much innocence and love not to break my heart at some point.
And once the ache begun it just kept on going from there. I love angst but give a girl some hope too. Oh yeah you probably are saying but there was some.. Oh ya, there was some but only to have it ripped from me again and again.
I can't even tell you how pissed off I was so many times throughout this book. I'm just utterly crushed.
But like some very smart women I know say, if a book has invoked this strong of a reaction from you then it has to be amazing.
Oh it definitely is amazing. It was actually very brilliantly written. I loved Jax and Lilly's relationship. I loved watching it grow from this beautiful, strong friendship into a love that was true and pure. These two people were definitely made for each other and that came across in great depths.
So, I will give this book 4.5 stars and I need the next book like 2 hours ago because I honestly need to know what happens in the next chapter of their lives.
Now I shall take some breathers, need to drink something stronger and calm down.
I just can not believe it!
May 16, 2015
OMG! I begged and cried for Jax and Lily to get on the same timetable and settle the mess they've made of their lifetime relationship. But to not avail, they didn't listen and only sank deeper into the angst and madness. I only wish I could say I didn't enjoy ever minute of the time spent reading all about each flub and screw up these two made of things. I loved it!!! But what I don't love is the fact that I have to wait with miserable uncertainties for the second installment on May 25th. Things aren't looking real good at this point in time for my chosen couple. Too many slip ups and hurt feelings have caused them to take separate paths that may lead them farther apart than ever and eliminate a never never ever happily-ever-after for the two of them.
Meanwhile, I'm hoping Stella drops off the face of the earth and some how, some way Jax and Lily find their way back to each other. Please Ellie Wade -- please right the wrongs and write them back on the same page -- with an ending that leaves me smiling ear-to-ear -- PLEASE!
Meanwhile, I'm hoping Stella drops off the face of the earth and some how, some way Jax and Lily find their way back to each other. Please Ellie Wade -- please right the wrongs and write them back on the same page -- with an ending that leaves me smiling ear-to-ear -- PLEASE!
September 27, 2016
This one was pretty bad. There was no epic love just a kiddie relationship. This cliche book also falls prey to my pet peeve: a simple misunderstanding due to lack of communication between best friends/soul mates etc
I already know where this cliffy novel is headed so I'll not bother with book 2. I've read this type of book before...lots of times
I already know where this cliffy novel is headed so I'll not bother with book 2. I've read this type of book before...lots of times
April 7, 2020
oh this one brought me back to those days when I read that super angsty new adult books...oh men...
so stupid, filled with the really unexplained reason for behaving immaturely and not communicating...these characters are driving me up the wall..
and that ending...
wth...
excuse me while I go and check out book two...
so stupid, filled with the really unexplained reason for behaving immaturely and not communicating...these characters are driving me up the wall..
and that ending...
wth...
excuse me while I go and check out book two...
avoid
August 26, 2021Note to self avoid this author. This author has no fucking clue about soulmates and what it means.
Cheating and falling in love with the ow drama in book 2.
Cheating and falling in love with the ow drama in book 2.
April 17, 2015
4.5 Fantastic Stars!
Review by Jen Hagen
Picture this – 2 adult women-- one sitting in her chair rocking, the other lying on the floor flailing her arms throwing a temper tantrum. That’s not a picture, that’s real life and it is what happened after we had finished the book minutes within each other. Right now I wish somebody would swaddle me and tell me “shhh…everything’s going to be all right” but instead I’m sitting here with my stomach acid at its ultimate high level. If you love angst, then you will be delighted to know that this will fulfill your wants and needs. Sometimes I curse reviews because I’ll be purposefully looking for a spoiler and can’t find one, and this book was one of those I was desperately trying to find out what was making people cry and throw their kindles. Now I know and I’m going to try really, really hard to not tell you too much.
Jax and Lily have been together since they were babies. Jax and Lily functioned as one unit in their childhood years. Things began to change slightly in their teenage years when Jax discovered the world of dating, but at their junior prom he realized what he wanted was right in front of his eyes. Are they willing to risk their friendship in exchange for a chance at being something more? They promise that no matter what happens that they will always go back to being friends. They have a strong foundation to build upon and it just seems like the next progression in their blended lives.
Everything with Jax was always effortless. It was never a discussion. It was pure. It was special. It was perfect. We were the perfect pair.
It’s now time for college. They have had a little over a year together as a couple and things are going to change. Jax is heading to college to play football and Lily is staying at home attending community college while she decides what studies she wants to pursue. Between daily phone calls, texting, and their visits back and forth they are able to make it work for 2 years. Lily has finally decided on a photography major and makes a decision to move in the opposite direction of Jax. This transition is difficult for her as she has never had a chance to experience independency.
I’m Jax’s Lily.
I love that.
I do.
But I think, as much as it hurts my heart, that just for once, for a small amount of time, I need to be Lily.
Just Lily.
The book starts out when Jax and Lily are 12 and skips to age 17. Up until this point it’s been sweet and heartwarming that these best friends can be so beautiful together. Well hold on because BAM! At 40% it will start to take you on a wild ride and you will not be able to release any of that tension until long after the book is over and you’ve accepted that you need to move on until the sequel releases.
It’s the four words no person in a relationship wants to hear…"We need to talk." And nothing after this point will ever be the same again. I wanted to punch Jax in the junk and I wanted to slap Lily up side the head because they both made poor decisions that have consequences that lead to the mother of all endings.
I couldn’t decide which quote to leave you hanging with, so I included one from both Jax and Lily without telling you who said what. The story is told mainly from Lily’s point of view, but there are a couple chapters from Jax.
“Listen to me when I tell you this. I love you. I will love you forever. This isn’t something that I planned…You are the love of my life. That will never change.”
“Everything I have ever wanted and every dream that I’ve had for my life have just died. I don’t how I’m going to recover from this.”
Just to be clear – nobody dies, well unless you count your heart stopping because of that ending. Have I mentioned the ending?? Oh my Lord… I had tears in my eyes, I was flailing, I went back to reread words that were spoken to see if I could change the ending in my head.
I have not read any previous works by this author, but while I wait for the sequel I think I will check out her other works. This was a quick, angst-filled read. The writing did not provide a lot of layers, but it gave us what we needed to know. But Holy Angst…That is why I had to give it 4.5 stars. You don’t find angst like this very often and believe me, I search high and low for angst. To get grown adult women babbling, rocking in their chairs, chanting to each other “you should have warned me” – it has to be good!!
Review by Jen Hagen
Picture this – 2 adult women-- one sitting in her chair rocking, the other lying on the floor flailing her arms throwing a temper tantrum. That’s not a picture, that’s real life and it is what happened after we had finished the book minutes within each other. Right now I wish somebody would swaddle me and tell me “shhh…everything’s going to be all right” but instead I’m sitting here with my stomach acid at its ultimate high level. If you love angst, then you will be delighted to know that this will fulfill your wants and needs. Sometimes I curse reviews because I’ll be purposefully looking for a spoiler and can’t find one, and this book was one of those I was desperately trying to find out what was making people cry and throw their kindles. Now I know and I’m going to try really, really hard to not tell you too much.
Jax and Lily have been together since they were babies. Jax and Lily functioned as one unit in their childhood years. Things began to change slightly in their teenage years when Jax discovered the world of dating, but at their junior prom he realized what he wanted was right in front of his eyes. Are they willing to risk their friendship in exchange for a chance at being something more? They promise that no matter what happens that they will always go back to being friends. They have a strong foundation to build upon and it just seems like the next progression in their blended lives.
Everything with Jax was always effortless. It was never a discussion. It was pure. It was special. It was perfect. We were the perfect pair.
It’s now time for college. They have had a little over a year together as a couple and things are going to change. Jax is heading to college to play football and Lily is staying at home attending community college while she decides what studies she wants to pursue. Between daily phone calls, texting, and their visits back and forth they are able to make it work for 2 years. Lily has finally decided on a photography major and makes a decision to move in the opposite direction of Jax. This transition is difficult for her as she has never had a chance to experience independency.
I’m Jax’s Lily.
I love that.
I do.
But I think, as much as it hurts my heart, that just for once, for a small amount of time, I need to be Lily.
Just Lily.
The book starts out when Jax and Lily are 12 and skips to age 17. Up until this point it’s been sweet and heartwarming that these best friends can be so beautiful together. Well hold on because BAM! At 40% it will start to take you on a wild ride and you will not be able to release any of that tension until long after the book is over and you’ve accepted that you need to move on until the sequel releases.
It’s the four words no person in a relationship wants to hear…"We need to talk." And nothing after this point will ever be the same again. I wanted to punch Jax in the junk and I wanted to slap Lily up side the head because they both made poor decisions that have consequences that lead to the mother of all endings.
I couldn’t decide which quote to leave you hanging with, so I included one from both Jax and Lily without telling you who said what. The story is told mainly from Lily’s point of view, but there are a couple chapters from Jax.
“Listen to me when I tell you this. I love you. I will love you forever. This isn’t something that I planned…You are the love of my life. That will never change.”
“Everything I have ever wanted and every dream that I’ve had for my life have just died. I don’t how I’m going to recover from this.”
Just to be clear – nobody dies, well unless you count your heart stopping because of that ending. Have I mentioned the ending?? Oh my Lord… I had tears in my eyes, I was flailing, I went back to reread words that were spoken to see if I could change the ending in my head.
I have not read any previous works by this author, but while I wait for the sequel I think I will check out her other works. This was a quick, angst-filled read. The writing did not provide a lot of layers, but it gave us what we needed to know. But Holy Angst…That is why I had to give it 4.5 stars. You don’t find angst like this very often and believe me, I search high and low for angst. To get grown adult women babbling, rocking in their chairs, chanting to each other “you should have warned me” – it has to be good!!
April 26, 2015
Panty Scorching-3
Storyline-5
Angst- 5+
Tissues-4 (if I was a crier)
Value-5
Overall Rating- 4.5
OMG… Just rip my heart out you why don’t you… that is what this story does.
It is such a wonderfully written love story between Jax and Lily with a bunch, and I mean a bunch, of ANGST!
I usually don’t like angst, but this was so well written it kept me coming back for more.
Jax and Lily have been best friends since they can remember. They have been best friends that moved up to more, even though they tried to resist it. Knowing that once you move past the “just friends” level, can you ever go back?
Well with this rollercoaster ride of emotions that I still feel in my chest, you have got to read this to find out if they can go back and what they go through during the stages of their friendship.
College is a tough time for everyone, but for Jax and Lily, it is even tougher.
Now I am more of an “erotic” story reader, but let me tell you…when there are scenes of sex in this story, they are HOT! So I enjoyed it all!
I highly recommend this story if you are in the mood for a beautiful love story with a lot of angst. I can’t wait to see how this story will end, so I am SO looking forward to the next “A Forever Kind of Love” that is expected to be out in May 2015.
Storyline-5
Angst- 5+
Tissues-4 (if I was a crier)
Value-5
Overall Rating- 4.5
OMG… Just rip my heart out you why don’t you… that is what this story does.
It is such a wonderfully written love story between Jax and Lily with a bunch, and I mean a bunch, of ANGST!
I usually don’t like angst, but this was so well written it kept me coming back for more.
Jax and Lily have been best friends since they can remember. They have been best friends that moved up to more, even though they tried to resist it. Knowing that once you move past the “just friends” level, can you ever go back?
Well with this rollercoaster ride of emotions that I still feel in my chest, you have got to read this to find out if they can go back and what they go through during the stages of their friendship.
College is a tough time for everyone, but for Jax and Lily, it is even tougher.
Now I am more of an “erotic” story reader, but let me tell you…when there are scenes of sex in this story, they are HOT! So I enjoyed it all!
I highly recommend this story if you are in the mood for a beautiful love story with a lot of angst. I can’t wait to see how this story will end, so I am SO looking forward to the next “A Forever Kind of Love” that is expected to be out in May 2015.
May 24, 2016
Nope. I did not like this book. I skimmed a lot because there was a lot of repeated material coming from lily's inner dialogue that she also voiced out loud. I also really didn't like lily-she was a really weak character who took forever to grow up and she never really fully voiced her thoughts. The only time I thought she spoke up for herself was when she cursed Trenton at the end. The whole relationship with Trenton was a waste of time. She knew it and the reader knew it..yet it seemed like she didn't want to b alone? She is a wet noodle character. She goes with whatever happens and doesn't have a back bone. Until the end. Then jax pisses me off with that ending. Seriously? Already jumping into marriage with Stella after 6 months?? After he knows he's still in love with lily?! And wat the heck is wrong with Stella? She can't possibly believe he will actually end up with her (re:book 2). Whatever. I read this book thinking I was going to get a happy ending but now I really just want to chuck my kindle at the wall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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