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Liquid & Ash
Love was my weakness.
In the light of the truth, no one can hide.
Derek had ignited a spark inside of my heart, a hope for a love I never expected to find. However, our connection lacked the substance it needed to burn. Weakened with resentment, our relationship crumbled under deception, slowly dissolving into ash.
I had sacrificed myself for him and paid the price.
By the time Brandon entered into my life, the longing in my heart had turned cold. But fate was not done with me. His crystal blue eyes and fluid touch revived a wish that had been frozen in time. He gave me hope once again.
Hope is a dangerous thing, especially when you dare to dream.
Warning: This book contains adult content and drug use.
In the light of the truth, no one can hide.
Derek had ignited a spark inside of my heart, a hope for a love I never expected to find. However, our connection lacked the substance it needed to burn. Weakened with resentment, our relationship crumbled under deception, slowly dissolving into ash.
I had sacrificed myself for him and paid the price.
By the time Brandon entered into my life, the longing in my heart had turned cold. But fate was not done with me. His crystal blue eyes and fluid touch revived a wish that had been frozen in time. He gave me hope once again.
Hope is a dangerous thing, especially when you dare to dream.
Warning: This book contains adult content and drug use.
Unknown Binding
First published March 1, 2016
15 people are currently reading
1435 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Abel
8 books578 followersE.M. Abel was born and raised a Marine Corps brat. She spent a large portion of her life moving and living in her mother’s home country, Japan. As a result, she gained independence and a unique perspective on the world. The youngest of three girls, E.M. Abel spent a lot of time alone in her room writing or sketching in her journals and dreaming up stories. Growing up, she wrote poems, short stories and articles for her high school newspaper. She also fell in love with art and discovered her deep need for self-expression.
Now, a Navy wife with two small children of her own, she still loves being creative and most of all translating her stories into novels. E.M. Abel, now referred to as E or Em by her friends and readers, can often be found with her headphones on jamming out to punk rock, in a chair getting tattooed or cooking dinner for her kids and attending gymnastics practice. No matter what she's doing in life, she's always sure to do it her way.
Please feel free to write or send a friend request!
Now, a Navy wife with two small children of her own, she still loves being creative and most of all translating her stories into novels. E.M. Abel, now referred to as E or Em by her friends and readers, can often be found with her headphones on jamming out to punk rock, in a chair getting tattooed or cooking dinner for her kids and attending gymnastics practice. No matter what she's doing in life, she's always sure to do it her way.
Please feel free to write or send a friend request!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
February 19, 2016
5 stars!!!
E.M. Abel has this special quality to her writing that not many authors have. I absolutely love her style. Liquid & Ash is a book that hit me right in the feels. The thing I loved most about this story was not the romance, not the sexy times, but the growth. Penelope’s character is one that all women can relate to at one point or another. Her journey and the direction she took was refreshing. The entire story was refreshing. It’s not the same old romance story and that is something I think most readers will appreciate.
Penelope is at a crossroads in her life right now. She was once a dedicated student who had her hopes set on being a nurse. Then she fell in love with Derek. She devoted her life to him and when things crumbled, she had to find herself again and get back to the root of what she wanted in life.
She never expected someone like Brandon to come along when her life was in ruins. Brandon is someone who Penny can be herself with. Not the person she became after being with Derek so long.
This story is not just a romance. Its focus is not on Brandon and Penelope (at least, it wasn’t for me). This is a story of strength and perseverance. It’s a story about one woman’s growth, rediscovery and her journey of finding her own path again.
This book had a few moments that shook me to my core. It was truly painful at a point- the betrayal felt so real and raw. Everyone knows I love a book that can give me the feels. And this book did just that. I loved that I felt such a connection to the main character. The story was fantastic and the writing was top notch as always. I highlighted so much!
E.M. Abel’s Liquid & Ash is an emotional, original, stunning and truly unforgettable read. 5 stars!
E.M. Abel has this special quality to her writing that not many authors have. I absolutely love her style. Liquid & Ash is a book that hit me right in the feels. The thing I loved most about this story was not the romance, not the sexy times, but the growth. Penelope’s character is one that all women can relate to at one point or another. Her journey and the direction she took was refreshing. The entire story was refreshing. It’s not the same old romance story and that is something I think most readers will appreciate.
I hardly recognized myself anymore. I’d been lost somewhere along the way, and I hated this new woman I’d become.
Penelope is at a crossroads in her life right now. She was once a dedicated student who had her hopes set on being a nurse. Then she fell in love with Derek. She devoted her life to him and when things crumbled, she had to find herself again and get back to the root of what she wanted in life.
She never expected someone like Brandon to come along when her life was in ruins. Brandon is someone who Penny can be herself with. Not the person she became after being with Derek so long.
This story is not just a romance. Its focus is not on Brandon and Penelope (at least, it wasn’t for me). This is a story of strength and perseverance. It’s a story about one woman’s growth, rediscovery and her journey of finding her own path again.
“No promises. No pretending.”With Brandon, Penny knew the score. Or at least, she thought she did. They had a much different relationship than she ever had with Derek. The feelings were different. Brandon is a character that took some time to grow on me. Penelope was very much my favorite character. After some time, I did love them together and I rooted for them both to get what they needed for themselves and as a couple.
When Brandon looked into my eyes, he saw me, not the woman he wanted me to be.
“It’s always meant something. You’ve always meant something to me.”
This book had a few moments that shook me to my core. It was truly painful at a point- the betrayal felt so real and raw. Everyone knows I love a book that can give me the feels. And this book did just that. I loved that I felt such a connection to the main character. The story was fantastic and the writing was top notch as always. I highlighted so much!
E.M. Abel’s Liquid & Ash is an emotional, original, stunning and truly unforgettable read. 5 stars!
February 17, 2016
4 STARS
”Do you think love is like a flame? Just burning through everything until it finally dies out?”
This is my first book by this author and to be honest the first few chapters had me questioning if this story would be for me. Upon meeting the characters, the wife lost in liquor and weed, the cheating military husband, a love interest who is a male model/bartender/drug dealer and a floozy of a best friend all didn’t add up to anything I could relate to and stand behind. They weren’t the most endearing lot at first. However, somewhere along the way the heroine garnered my sympathy and obtained my full respect.
”I threw away everything for you, Derek – my life, my family, my career. I chose you over everything.”
Penelope finds her strength and resurrects the dreams she let fall to the wayside when she agreed to be Derek’s wife. The slow transformation from the broken wife to the strong working woman saving for nursing school was well done and very believable. Her hot dealer becomes her friend and so much more during her path of rediscovery.
Brandon has a slew of his own demons and for the first time ever he feels more for someone. They are very hot and sexy together and I loved how every decision she made she learned to put herself first.
”Brandon was my friend, and yes, we had amazing sex, but we weren’t a couple. I didn’t want a boyfriend. I was supposed to be finding myself again, not looking for someone else to get lost in.”
From Penny’s first interaction with Brandon I had my guard up with him and for me he had a long way to go before I trusted his character. Though over time he earned my trust and I never really truly embraced him as perhaps I should have. It could be the dealer side of him or that to me he's a social media fame whore which just isn’t my style. Still his physical description is yummy and he does say some wonderful things to Penny.
”I’m fucked up, Penelope. I’ve got no right trying to be with anyone. I’m not even sure if I’m capable of being in a healthy relationship…but it’s always meant something. You’ve always meant something to me.”
I loved the path Penny takes and the ending was perfectly played out. Overall, E.M. Abel pulled out an entertaining well written read that I would recommend friends trying!
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
”Do you think love is like a flame? Just burning through everything until it finally dies out?”
This is my first book by this author and to be honest the first few chapters had me questioning if this story would be for me. Upon meeting the characters, the wife lost in liquor and weed, the cheating military husband, a love interest who is a male model/bartender/drug dealer and a floozy of a best friend all didn’t add up to anything I could relate to and stand behind. They weren’t the most endearing lot at first. However, somewhere along the way the heroine garnered my sympathy and obtained my full respect.
”I threw away everything for you, Derek – my life, my family, my career. I chose you over everything.”
Penelope finds her strength and resurrects the dreams she let fall to the wayside when she agreed to be Derek’s wife. The slow transformation from the broken wife to the strong working woman saving for nursing school was well done and very believable. Her hot dealer becomes her friend and so much more during her path of rediscovery.
Brandon has a slew of his own demons and for the first time ever he feels more for someone. They are very hot and sexy together and I loved how every decision she made she learned to put herself first.
”Brandon was my friend, and yes, we had amazing sex, but we weren’t a couple. I didn’t want a boyfriend. I was supposed to be finding myself again, not looking for someone else to get lost in.”
From Penny’s first interaction with Brandon I had my guard up with him and for me he had a long way to go before I trusted his character. Though over time he earned my trust and I never really truly embraced him as perhaps I should have. It could be the dealer side of him or that to me he's a social media fame whore which just isn’t my style. Still his physical description is yummy and he does say some wonderful things to Penny.
”I’m fucked up, Penelope. I’ve got no right trying to be with anyone. I’m not even sure if I’m capable of being in a healthy relationship…but it’s always meant something. You’ve always meant something to me.”
I loved the path Penny takes and the ending was perfectly played out. Overall, E.M. Abel pulled out an entertaining well written read that I would recommend friends trying!
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
March 1, 2016
4.5 liquid love stars
Penelope's once had the perfect plan, then she found the "perfect" man, only to find herself years later living a very imperfect life. Drowning in the death of what she once thought was her greatest love affair, she finds her self alone with only her vices to keep her numb. Knowing she has to fight, for the girl she lost along the way and for the future she could have again.
Brandon was never part of the plan, he is someone who could do more harm than good to her already battered heart, but something about the way he looks at her, touches her, makes her want to give in and just let go.
Liquid & Ash has so much emotion and realness in Penelope's story that I couldn't put it down. This was so much more than a broken marriage, much more than a rebound fling, it was learning to love yourself. I felt so much empathy for Penelope while reading this, her sadness & happiness, her betrayal and her pain, anticipation and desire; as she yelled I cringed knowing how much it took for her to say those words. I have to admit, in the beginning I was scared that the mood of the book would be on the somber side throughout, but as the Penelope's story progressed, I found that there was hope and strength.
I loved Brandon, he comes across as the man who has no cares in the world, but deep down we know that isn't true. He has some scary demons drowning him as well and it takes a woman like Penelope to give him what he's never had. I loved how their story wasn't perfect, how they each stood on their own and not let what they feel overcome what they needed to do for themselves. The book is primarily told from Penelope's POV, but in the end we get a peak into Brandon's thoughts and they just solidify what I felt for him throughout.
Hate to admit that this is my first book from E.M. Abel, but I am a definite fan of her word play. Thank you for this dose of realness and I'd recommend it to any of my friends who is looking for an imperfect book that will make you feel.
ARC kindly provided by the author, via *Sixty First Reads*, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
Penelope's once had the perfect plan, then she found the "perfect" man, only to find herself years later living a very imperfect life. Drowning in the death of what she once thought was her greatest love affair, she finds her self alone with only her vices to keep her numb. Knowing she has to fight, for the girl she lost along the way and for the future she could have again.
Brandon was never part of the plan, he is someone who could do more harm than good to her already battered heart, but something about the way he looks at her, touches her, makes her want to give in and just let go.
“If things ever get to the point where either of us feels the need to fake it, we walk away. Life’s too short to waste it on pretending.”
No expectations. No heartbreak.
“No promises.”
“No pretending.”
Liquid & Ash has so much emotion and realness in Penelope's story that I couldn't put it down. This was so much more than a broken marriage, much more than a rebound fling, it was learning to love yourself. I felt so much empathy for Penelope while reading this, her sadness & happiness, her betrayal and her pain, anticipation and desire; as she yelled I cringed knowing how much it took for her to say those words. I have to admit, in the beginning I was scared that the mood of the book would be on the somber side throughout, but as the Penelope's story progressed, I found that there was hope and strength.
I loved Brandon, he comes across as the man who has no cares in the world, but deep down we know that isn't true. He has some scary demons drowning him as well and it takes a woman like Penelope to give him what he's never had. I loved how their story wasn't perfect, how they each stood on their own and not let what they feel overcome what they needed to do for themselves. The book is primarily told from Penelope's POV, but in the end we get a peak into Brandon's thoughts and they just solidify what I felt for him throughout.
Hate to admit that this is my first book from E.M. Abel, but I am a definite fan of her word play. Thank you for this dose of realness and I'd recommend it to any of my friends who is looking for an imperfect book that will make you feel.
ARC kindly provided by the author, via *Sixty First Reads*, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
March 1, 2016
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It has been a long time since I have read a book that I felt so much empathy and connection with the characters. Liquid & Ash is nothing like Abel’s other series and don’t get me wrong, I love those books. However, Liquid & Ash made me feel so much my soul hurt for these characters.
Penelope didn’t have the easiest life growing up, but she decided early on to learn from her mother’s mistakes. She decided she wasn’t going to rely on a man or look for love, her greatest purpose was to accomplish her goals first. She wanted the security she never had before, but she wanted that security to come from herself.
The story is told in present tense but there are moments of reflection where we get to see her past. The first is seeing Penelope meet Derek. Derek is a sexy Marine who pursues Penelope with everything he has until she gives in. You see these swoon-worthy moments, but know things didn’t work out as planned. It’s ten years later and Penelope discovers Derek has been cheating on her.
First, there is nothing in the world like cheating. It affects people on so many levels and makes them doubt everything they knew. It affects their self-esteem, self-worth and question the trust they thought they had. Penelope’s failing marriage also reminds her of how she gave up her whole life for Derek. Her whole adult life was dedicated to being what he wanted and in the end, it wasn’t enough.
Seeing Penelope struggle and hurt broke my heart. I completely felt for this woman and as the story progressed grew to love her. As I was reading I was her biggest fan. I loved her perseverance, determination, and fire. I love how she had her moments of sadness and pity, how she mourned the loss of the life she thought she would have, but I really loved seeing her move on. Penelope is one of my favorite characters because it would be easier to give up, but she refused. She is a fighter and I admire that so much in characters and people in general.
Liquid & Ash is so much more than a love story to me. It’s more of a story of loving yourself and being the person you are supposed to be. Love shouldn’t make you give up who you are, true love supports your dreams. I love that Penelope was true to herself and I love that she found what she was looking for, peace.
I cannot recommend this story enough because I think this story is just more. It’s more than a sad story, it’s more than a love story, it’s more than a story about loss. It’s a story that reminds you to be true to yourself, to love without condition and love people where they are. This story is an emotional, gut-wrenching read, but the part that truly blows my mind is how absolutely beautifully it is written. Liquid & Ash is one of my all-time favorite reads!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Teasers created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.
It has been a long time since I have read a book that I felt so much empathy and connection with the characters. Liquid & Ash is nothing like Abel’s other series and don’t get me wrong, I love those books. However, Liquid & Ash made me feel so much my soul hurt for these characters.
"...fate has a funny way of tempting you with what you don’t need through something you want."
Penelope didn’t have the easiest life growing up, but she decided early on to learn from her mother’s mistakes. She decided she wasn’t going to rely on a man or look for love, her greatest purpose was to accomplish her goals first. She wanted the security she never had before, but she wanted that security to come from herself.
The story is told in present tense but there are moments of reflection where we get to see her past. The first is seeing Penelope meet Derek. Derek is a sexy Marine who pursues Penelope with everything he has until she gives in. You see these swoon-worthy moments, but know things didn’t work out as planned. It’s ten years later and Penelope discovers Derek has been cheating on her.
"It was my hope that hurt me the most. It was slowly killing me, burning me from the inside out. I’d sold my soul for it. I’d done exactly what I’d sworn I’d never do."
First, there is nothing in the world like cheating. It affects people on so many levels and makes them doubt everything they knew. It affects their self-esteem, self-worth and question the trust they thought they had. Penelope’s failing marriage also reminds her of how she gave up her whole life for Derek. Her whole adult life was dedicated to being what he wanted and in the end, it wasn’t enough.
Seeing Penelope struggle and hurt broke my heart. I completely felt for this woman and as the story progressed grew to love her. As I was reading I was her biggest fan. I loved her perseverance, determination, and fire. I love how she had her moments of sadness and pity, how she mourned the loss of the life she thought she would have, but I really loved seeing her move on. Penelope is one of my favorite characters because it would be easier to give up, but she refused. She is a fighter and I admire that so much in characters and people in general.
“I didn’t see any weaknesses.
What did you see?
I saw honesty. I saw you.
Liquid & Ash is so much more than a love story to me. It’s more of a story of loving yourself and being the person you are supposed to be. Love shouldn’t make you give up who you are, true love supports your dreams. I love that Penelope was true to herself and I love that she found what she was looking for, peace.
I cannot recommend this story enough because I think this story is just more. It’s more than a sad story, it’s more than a love story, it’s more than a story about loss. It’s a story that reminds you to be true to yourself, to love without condition and love people where they are. This story is an emotional, gut-wrenching read, but the part that truly blows my mind is how absolutely beautifully it is written. Liquid & Ash is one of my all-time favorite reads!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Teasers created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.
March 3, 2016
3 Stars
Have you ever read a book that's supposed to be highly emotional and touching, yet you felt...nothing? Like you knew what you were supposed to feel but it was more mechanically going through the steps of those feelings more so than actually feeling them? No? Well that basically sums up how I felt about this book.
Now here's the thing, I'm a big fan of this author. I really loved Saving Jay, and I adore her writing style that's somehow raw and emotional while highly sensual at the same time. When I read the blurb to this book, I knew I had to read it. And while I enjoyed the premise of it, I just never fully connected with the story or the characters.
Penelope is a woman that always put her education and career first, until a man changed everything for her. She fell in love, and now ten years after the fact, she's lost everything including herself. She's lost in a haze of alcohol, xanax and weed. She's a shell of the person she once was, so much so that she doesn't even recognize herself.
Through her struggle of dealing with the inevitable demise of her marriage, she meets an gorgeous, tatted and enigmatic bartender that stirs something in her she hasn't felt in a long while; pure unadulterated lust. Brandon is a successful model by day, bartender and weed dealer by night. He's everything she shouldn't want, and yet she's inexplicably drawn to him.
The story is the journey of a broken woman that's trying to find herself again. A woman dealing with the pain of a failing marriage and maybe the start of something new. It's raw, emotional, and sensual. I also feel like most people will really love this story. Unfortunately there was a number of things working against it for me, and I'll get to that now.
1. The flashbacks
They were all over the place and I didn't find them to be well paced. It would suddenly flash to the past and then come back to the present. I feel the story would have been more gripping if perhaps the first third of the story was told from the past and the rest focused on the present. I didn't feel that the flashbacks added to the story but more distracted me from it. Just as soon as I was feeling more connected to the characters, it would flash to the past and I'd lose my momentum.
2. The heroine
Although I know I was supposed to truly feel for her plight, I never did. I found her to be too...bland. Not because she was, but that's the feeling she gave me. As a matter of fact, i just found the entire book to be...bland. It was good. It was ok. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. There was nothing about it that grabbed me or made me feel. Maybe I'm just dead inside or my cold black heart was feeling even more jaded than usual? Whatever the case was, I just never fully connected to Penelope or her story.
3. The plot.
Meh. You know those middle of the road books? This was simply the case for me. The entire story felt more clinical. Like I was going through the motions but I didn't feel them. Penelope's first "encounter" with Brandon didn't grab me either. It was just...weird and uncomfortable to read.
4. Brandon.
Meh. I think this is what ultimately sealed the deal for my rating. I just felt meh about him. I didn't feel like I had enough of a connection to him as a character and not nearly enough development for me to truly connect to him or to his relationship with Penelope. There's a part of the story where his POV appears for the length of a small chapter and the rest of the story is in Penelope's POV. That just felt random to me. You either have his POV or don't. But having it just be thrown in there for the sake of understanding his thought process at the time? Eh. Didn't work for me.
5. The twist?
It was predictable and cliche in my opinion. I saw it coming a mile away and even remember thinking that with the way the story was going, I'm thinking there was a huge plot twist in store at 75%. I was wrong. It came before that. But it WAS there and I wasn't a fan, sadly.
I also found the ending to be rushed and not as developed as I would have hoped.
Having said all that, I still think that E.M. Abel is an amazing author and I sincerely look forward to whatever she has planned next. I typically really enjoy her books, so I'm writing this off as a fluke of perhaps just not quite being in the right mood for a book like this. You can't love them all, and this book just fell somewhere in the middle for me.
I do believe that most readers will truly enjoy it. It's emotionally charged and beautifully written. Just because it didn't work for me, doesn't mean it won't work for you.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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A woman with a dream of being loved is a danger to herself because she will see it in places it doesn't belong and doesn't exist.
Have you ever read a book that's supposed to be highly emotional and touching, yet you felt...nothing? Like you knew what you were supposed to feel but it was more mechanically going through the steps of those feelings more so than actually feeling them? No? Well that basically sums up how I felt about this book.
Now here's the thing, I'm a big fan of this author. I really loved Saving Jay, and I adore her writing style that's somehow raw and emotional while highly sensual at the same time. When I read the blurb to this book, I knew I had to read it. And while I enjoyed the premise of it, I just never fully connected with the story or the characters.
Penelope is a woman that always put her education and career first, until a man changed everything for her. She fell in love, and now ten years after the fact, she's lost everything including herself. She's lost in a haze of alcohol, xanax and weed. She's a shell of the person she once was, so much so that she doesn't even recognize herself.
Through her struggle of dealing with the inevitable demise of her marriage, she meets an gorgeous, tatted and enigmatic bartender that stirs something in her she hasn't felt in a long while; pure unadulterated lust. Brandon is a successful model by day, bartender and weed dealer by night. He's everything she shouldn't want, and yet she's inexplicably drawn to him.
The story is the journey of a broken woman that's trying to find herself again. A woman dealing with the pain of a failing marriage and maybe the start of something new. It's raw, emotional, and sensual. I also feel like most people will really love this story. Unfortunately there was a number of things working against it for me, and I'll get to that now.
1. The flashbacks
They were all over the place and I didn't find them to be well paced. It would suddenly flash to the past and then come back to the present. I feel the story would have been more gripping if perhaps the first third of the story was told from the past and the rest focused on the present. I didn't feel that the flashbacks added to the story but more distracted me from it. Just as soon as I was feeling more connected to the characters, it would flash to the past and I'd lose my momentum.
2. The heroine
Although I know I was supposed to truly feel for her plight, I never did. I found her to be too...bland. Not because she was, but that's the feeling she gave me. As a matter of fact, i just found the entire book to be...bland. It was good. It was ok. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. There was nothing about it that grabbed me or made me feel. Maybe I'm just dead inside or my cold black heart was feeling even more jaded than usual? Whatever the case was, I just never fully connected to Penelope or her story.
3. The plot.
Meh. You know those middle of the road books? This was simply the case for me. The entire story felt more clinical. Like I was going through the motions but I didn't feel them. Penelope's first "encounter" with Brandon didn't grab me either. It was just...weird and uncomfortable to read.
4. Brandon.
Meh. I think this is what ultimately sealed the deal for my rating. I just felt meh about him. I didn't feel like I had enough of a connection to him as a character and not nearly enough development for me to truly connect to him or to his relationship with Penelope. There's a part of the story where his POV appears for the length of a small chapter and the rest of the story is in Penelope's POV. That just felt random to me. You either have his POV or don't. But having it just be thrown in there for the sake of understanding his thought process at the time? Eh. Didn't work for me.
5. The twist?
It was predictable and cliche in my opinion. I saw it coming a mile away and even remember thinking that with the way the story was going, I'm thinking there was a huge plot twist in store at 75%. I was wrong. It came before that. But it WAS there and I wasn't a fan, sadly.
I also found the ending to be rushed and not as developed as I would have hoped.
Having said all that, I still think that E.M. Abel is an amazing author and I sincerely look forward to whatever she has planned next. I typically really enjoy her books, so I'm writing this off as a fluke of perhaps just not quite being in the right mood for a book like this. You can't love them all, and this book just fell somewhere in the middle for me.
I do believe that most readers will truly enjoy it. It's emotionally charged and beautifully written. Just because it didn't work for me, doesn't mean it won't work for you.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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March 1, 2016
★★★★ 4 Stars ★★★★
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This was my first novel by author E.M Abel and I was extremely impressed with her ability to tell a story that was so deep and touching and with a unique style that stands out from the rest.
For me this was a story that I could relate to, it was a story of coming of age as a woman, when you come to a point in your life where you realise that you are not living the life that you should be living, and are stuck in one that doesn't quite fit.
Penelope married young, and gave up her dreams of becoming a nurse when she traveled with her military husband, and ten years later she is left wondering if this is as good as it gets. Finding out her husband isn't the man she initially thought he was is bitter pill to swallow, and she turns to smoking weed and downing booze and xanax to help her to forget, which in turn, leads her to a man called Brandon.
Brandon is a bartender, model, weed dealer and overall pretty boy and whilst that doesn't sound so great for a potential book boyfriend, there is so much more to him than what first appears and he definitely grew on me as his character developed throughout the book.
What I loved most about this story was the authenticity of it, and the fact that the characters weren't picture perfect or typical.
Told in the present tense from Penelope's point of view, we also get flashbacks from when she first met and fell in love with her husband Derek, which really adds to the overall journey that she takes in order to find herself in a place that she finds true happiness, not only with herself but with a man who really understands her, and loves her for who she is.
A lovely story that was quite poignant at times, but full of hope and empowerment, one I definitely enjoyed reading. I look forward to reading future books by this author.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
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Amazon US | Amazon UK
This was my first novel by author E.M Abel and I was extremely impressed with her ability to tell a story that was so deep and touching and with a unique style that stands out from the rest.
For me this was a story that I could relate to, it was a story of coming of age as a woman, when you come to a point in your life where you realise that you are not living the life that you should be living, and are stuck in one that doesn't quite fit.
"Derek was not the one I'd been waiting for.
I was just the one he'd chosen."
Penelope married young, and gave up her dreams of becoming a nurse when she traveled with her military husband, and ten years later she is left wondering if this is as good as it gets. Finding out her husband isn't the man she initially thought he was is bitter pill to swallow, and she turns to smoking weed and downing booze and xanax to help her to forget, which in turn, leads her to a man called Brandon.
"I knew it was wrong, but I didn't care about right and wrong.
I wanted retribution. I deserved to throw all my morals aside and live in lust."
Brandon is a bartender, model, weed dealer and overall pretty boy and whilst that doesn't sound so great for a potential book boyfriend, there is so much more to him than what first appears and he definitely grew on me as his character developed throughout the book.
What I loved most about this story was the authenticity of it, and the fact that the characters weren't picture perfect or typical.
Told in the present tense from Penelope's point of view, we also get flashbacks from when she first met and fell in love with her husband Derek, which really adds to the overall journey that she takes in order to find herself in a place that she finds true happiness, not only with herself but with a man who really understands her, and loves her for who she is.
"It was perfect and peaceful, a love with no expectation an instant without regret."
A lovely story that was quite poignant at times, but full of hope and empowerment, one I definitely enjoyed reading. I look forward to reading future books by this author.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
March 1, 2016
♥♥ 5 LIQUID LOVE stars ♥♥
When Penelope’s world came crashing down around her, she needed to figure things out and to get a grip on herself, her mind, her heart. She had to find her balance again and take back her power! She never expected to find out that her significant other had cheated on her. She was in shock, her mind was reeling and she was hurting so much. She had given her devotion to only her husband, Derek, but he’d betrayed her. Everything changed when Brandon entered her life. Penelope moved beyond her ex-husband and his betrayals to find trust again.
The writing was so beautiful and the sex was just the right amount of hot and erotic, and eventually became so loving, I felt envious. Brandon and Penelope’s hearts were bound together and I just loved how Penelope slowly became different.
Liquid & Ash had everything! Romance, sweetness, sexiness, anguish, torture, depression but also self-exploration and inner growth. I loved Penelope’s ability to stand up for and love herself. It was such a great love story and was so much about human connection. I will definitely be reading more books by E.M. Abel!!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
When Penelope’s world came crashing down around her, she needed to figure things out and to get a grip on herself, her mind, her heart. She had to find her balance again and take back her power! She never expected to find out that her significant other had cheated on her. She was in shock, her mind was reeling and she was hurting so much. She had given her devotion to only her husband, Derek, but he’d betrayed her. Everything changed when Brandon entered her life. Penelope moved beyond her ex-husband and his betrayals to find trust again.
The writing was so beautiful and the sex was just the right amount of hot and erotic, and eventually became so loving, I felt envious. Brandon and Penelope’s hearts were bound together and I just loved how Penelope slowly became different.
Liquid & Ash had everything! Romance, sweetness, sexiness, anguish, torture, depression but also self-exploration and inner growth. I loved Penelope’s ability to stand up for and love herself. It was such a great love story and was so much about human connection. I will definitely be reading more books by E.M. Abel!!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 29, 2016
4 Liquid Stars****
(ARC kindly provided by author)
This was my first book ever by author E.M Abel and I thought her writing style was totally hypnotic. This was a book with a very relatable and powerful plot. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Liquid & Ash is divided into three parts. In the first part of the book, we meet Penelope, a woman who is at the lowest point in her life. She gambled everything for love and lost, she sacrificed her hopes and dreams after marrying her husband. She wanted to become the woman HE wanted, forgetting completely about her and what she wanted out of life.
Now she's feeling defeated as she's watching her marriage burn to the ground and the wind taking the ashes of what used to be the love of her life.
Penelope wakes up every day and self-medicates in order to avoid the feeling of deep pain that has completely consumed her. Her days go by in a haze of drugs, alcohol, and tears. One day finally tired of flushing her life down the drain Penelope is ready for a change. She's reminded of the love she still has in her life and that sparks the courage she's been searching for, to finally break free and start over.
On the days where she was distracted by the drugs Penelope met a sexy bartender/ drug dealer who fascinated her. Months later she sees him and again and they start a friendship with benefits.
Brandon has had a hard life and he's not one to believe in love. He lives his life without any complications but since the moment he met Penelope he's been unable to stop thinking about her. The heartbreak he saw in her eyes that first time they met did something to him, and now that she's doing so much better, planning big for her life, he's more drawn to her than ever.
Penelope struggles between the old and new feelings she gets from the life she used to have and the future she wants to achieve, but every day she grows stronger and somehow learns to love again but is it the right time for her to try again?
E.M Abel delivers a poignant story about hitting rock bottom and the journey of a woman as she picks up the pieces of her life. It's easy for the reader to relate to this story as we've all been there, we've all traveled the dark paths of disillusionment. Even though the story starts in a hard place, the end delivers a beautiful message of hope and I really enjoyed it!
The only complaint I have would be the epilogue, it felt a little abrupt. I had enjoyed the story so much that I was left parched for more. Hopefully, the author extends the story so we can have a little more...
(ARC kindly provided by author)
This was my first book ever by author E.M Abel and I thought her writing style was totally hypnotic. This was a book with a very relatable and powerful plot. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Liquid & Ash is divided into three parts. In the first part of the book, we meet Penelope, a woman who is at the lowest point in her life. She gambled everything for love and lost, she sacrificed her hopes and dreams after marrying her husband. She wanted to become the woman HE wanted, forgetting completely about her and what she wanted out of life.
Now she's feeling defeated as she's watching her marriage burn to the ground and the wind taking the ashes of what used to be the love of her life.
Penelope wakes up every day and self-medicates in order to avoid the feeling of deep pain that has completely consumed her. Her days go by in a haze of drugs, alcohol, and tears. One day finally tired of flushing her life down the drain Penelope is ready for a change. She's reminded of the love she still has in her life and that sparks the courage she's been searching for, to finally break free and start over.
On the days where she was distracted by the drugs Penelope met a sexy bartender/ drug dealer who fascinated her. Months later she sees him and again and they start a friendship with benefits.
Brandon has had a hard life and he's not one to believe in love. He lives his life without any complications but since the moment he met Penelope he's been unable to stop thinking about her. The heartbreak he saw in her eyes that first time they met did something to him, and now that she's doing so much better, planning big for her life, he's more drawn to her than ever.
Penelope struggles between the old and new feelings she gets from the life she used to have and the future she wants to achieve, but every day she grows stronger and somehow learns to love again but is it the right time for her to try again?
E.M Abel delivers a poignant story about hitting rock bottom and the journey of a woman as she picks up the pieces of her life. It's easy for the reader to relate to this story as we've all been there, we've all traveled the dark paths of disillusionment. Even though the story starts in a hard place, the end delivers a beautiful message of hope and I really enjoyed it!
The only complaint I have would be the epilogue, it felt a little abrupt. I had enjoyed the story so much that I was left parched for more. Hopefully, the author extends the story so we can have a little more...
March 1, 2016
NOW LIVE!!!
*Amazon US*Amazon UK*Barnes & Noble*
Liquid & Ash ended up being way more than a romance book for me, it was the story of a broken woman's determination to make herself whole again. I connected with these characters in a way that I never expected to, and loved them like they were real people.
Penelope's life changed dramatically after she met Derek in college. She put her career and goals on hold to marry the man she thought she would spend her life with, without even thinking twice about it. But years later she realizes it was the worst mistake she ever made. Now she's stuck in a loveless marriage with a husband that's cheating on her. She feels nothing but pain and to numb it she smokes weed, and pops some Xanax each day. That's when she meets Brandon, her dealer, and maybe her savior.
Penelope finally has enough of the life she currently lives, so she leaves. Leaves her home, her marriage, and her past. She reinvents herself to become someone she can stand to look at in the mirror each morning, without wanting to pop a pill to become numb. Months later she see's Brandon again and realizes that he has his own past that he's running from, and that maybe two broken people can actually fix one another.
Honestly I'm not even sure if I would consider this book a romance. Sure, there were romantic aspects in the story but, to me at least, the main focus of it wasn't the relationship between Brandon and Penelope, it was about Penelope finding herself and becoming a better person than she was in her marriage. I really enjoyed getting to know her character and it may be crazy, but I actually really connected with her. I'm young, never been married or in a relationship like hers, and yet I found Penelope's character very relatable. I was rooting for her the whole time and couldn't wait to see her finally become the person she strived to be.
This book broke so many of my rules, went back in time for some passages, didn't have much romance, had drug use...and yet none of that mattered. I was so caught up in the story that nothing that usually bothers me affected me at all. Penelope's journey needed all of that stuff and it all worked with the story, so it didn't change how I felt about the book. I think any author that can write a book with so many things in it that would almost always make me hate a character, or a story, and instead make me love all of those things - that right there is an amazing author.
The reason for my four star rating, instead of five, is because of the ending. The way the story finished didn't seem to fit with the rest of the story, and was a little rushed. I would have liked to see a lot more than what we got at the end, in order to feel like Penelope's journey was complete. It just felt a little too rushed, for me.
Bottom line, this book is a must read. I urge everyone that comes across this book to pick it up and read it, even if it means going out of your comfort zone. Trust me, it is going to be so worth it.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
*Amazon US*Amazon UK*Barnes & Noble*
Liquid & Ash ended up being way more than a romance book for me, it was the story of a broken woman's determination to make herself whole again. I connected with these characters in a way that I never expected to, and loved them like they were real people.
"All my dreams, my life, my love, had been reduced to liquid and ash."
Penelope's life changed dramatically after she met Derek in college. She put her career and goals on hold to marry the man she thought she would spend her life with, without even thinking twice about it. But years later she realizes it was the worst mistake she ever made. Now she's stuck in a loveless marriage with a husband that's cheating on her. She feels nothing but pain and to numb it she smokes weed, and pops some Xanax each day. That's when she meets Brandon, her dealer, and maybe her savior.
Penelope finally has enough of the life she currently lives, so she leaves. Leaves her home, her marriage, and her past. She reinvents herself to become someone she can stand to look at in the mirror each morning, without wanting to pop a pill to become numb. Months later she see's Brandon again and realizes that he has his own past that he's running from, and that maybe two broken people can actually fix one another.
Honestly I'm not even sure if I would consider this book a romance. Sure, there were romantic aspects in the story but, to me at least, the main focus of it wasn't the relationship between Brandon and Penelope, it was about Penelope finding herself and becoming a better person than she was in her marriage. I really enjoyed getting to know her character and it may be crazy, but I actually really connected with her. I'm young, never been married or in a relationship like hers, and yet I found Penelope's character very relatable. I was rooting for her the whole time and couldn't wait to see her finally become the person she strived to be.
This book broke so many of my rules, went back in time for some passages, didn't have much romance, had drug use...and yet none of that mattered. I was so caught up in the story that nothing that usually bothers me affected me at all. Penelope's journey needed all of that stuff and it all worked with the story, so it didn't change how I felt about the book. I think any author that can write a book with so many things in it that would almost always make me hate a character, or a story, and instead make me love all of those things - that right there is an amazing author.
The reason for my four star rating, instead of five, is because of the ending. The way the story finished didn't seem to fit with the rest of the story, and was a little rushed. I would have liked to see a lot more than what we got at the end, in order to feel like Penelope's journey was complete. It just felt a little too rushed, for me.
Bottom line, this book is a must read. I urge everyone that comes across this book to pick it up and read it, even if it means going out of your comfort zone. Trust me, it is going to be so worth it.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2016
US: Link: http://amzn.com/B01A5MPC1O
UK: Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A5MPC1O
AU: Link: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01A5MPC1O
KOBO Link: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
Barnes & Noble Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liqui...
Love was my weakness.
In the light of the truth, no one can hide.
Derek had ignited a spark inside of my heart, a hope for a love I never expected to find. However, our connection lacked the substance it needed to burn. Weakened with resentment, our relationship crumbled under deception, slowly dissolving into ash.
I had sacrificed myself for him and paid the price.
By the time Brandon entered into my life, the longing in my heart had turned cold. But fate was not done with me. His crystal blue eyes and fluid touch revived a wish that had been frozen in time. He gave me hope once again.
Hope is a dangerous thing, especially when you dare to dream.
March 5, 2016
I should never question Abel's direction again. This turned out to be one of her most evocative, down to earth and real stories yet. She is an emotional force. She has the insight and talent to give her readers authenticity without losing the fantasy.
Any time a favorite author of mine begins a new venture, I'm always a bit apprehensive. I shouldn't have been with this lady. Her newest heroine, Penelope, is in a very dark place in her life. At the tail end of a marriage that she once thought fulfilled her every dream, she is on a downward spiral into self pity and self indulgence. Until she decides to pick herself up and not let herself be this person that she is becoming. Isn't that the mark of true bravery? Being scared and alone, but forging on because it's what needs to be done. Penelope is brave.
There are a few chapters of back and forth between past and present. They show some of the beginning of Penelope and Derek's marriage, and some of the inevitable moments of failing. I feel like Abel touched on an issue that a lot of women have when they first get married. Sometimes it's easy to lose yourself in your husband's world. You become something else...not adding on to what you once were, but changing completely. It's hard for young women especially, I think, because they are still learning about themselves. Men have very defined roles in life, but I feel like women's roles are more amorphous. There is no right or wrong, so each woman has to decide for themselves. And Penelope realizes during the first parts of Liquid and Ash how far she has strayed from what used to be her hopes and dreams.
Brandon is the friend of a friend. He's a little bit wild...especially to Penelope. He's a bartender and sells pot, and his lifestyle is one that I initially questioned pretty hard core. It wasn't until later on in the book that I really started falling for this hero. Stay with him, have faith...he ends up being such a great person and exactly what Penelope needs...after she finds herself again.
I felt like yes, the romance was amazing. Sexy as hell, of course. Unique in both the characters and their stations in life. But what comes across the most in this book is growth. Penelope grows so much as a person, as a woman. She discovers the woman that she really is, and she finds a great guy who will support her, love her, and protect her. Finally.
Beautiful story.
Any time a favorite author of mine begins a new venture, I'm always a bit apprehensive. I shouldn't have been with this lady. Her newest heroine, Penelope, is in a very dark place in her life. At the tail end of a marriage that she once thought fulfilled her every dream, she is on a downward spiral into self pity and self indulgence. Until she decides to pick herself up and not let herself be this person that she is becoming. Isn't that the mark of true bravery? Being scared and alone, but forging on because it's what needs to be done. Penelope is brave.
There are a few chapters of back and forth between past and present. They show some of the beginning of Penelope and Derek's marriage, and some of the inevitable moments of failing. I feel like Abel touched on an issue that a lot of women have when they first get married. Sometimes it's easy to lose yourself in your husband's world. You become something else...not adding on to what you once were, but changing completely. It's hard for young women especially, I think, because they are still learning about themselves. Men have very defined roles in life, but I feel like women's roles are more amorphous. There is no right or wrong, so each woman has to decide for themselves. And Penelope realizes during the first parts of Liquid and Ash how far she has strayed from what used to be her hopes and dreams.
Brandon is the friend of a friend. He's a little bit wild...especially to Penelope. He's a bartender and sells pot, and his lifestyle is one that I initially questioned pretty hard core. It wasn't until later on in the book that I really started falling for this hero. Stay with him, have faith...he ends up being such a great person and exactly what Penelope needs...after she finds herself again.
I felt like yes, the romance was amazing. Sexy as hell, of course. Unique in both the characters and their stations in life. But what comes across the most in this book is growth. Penelope grows so much as a person, as a woman. She discovers the woman that she really is, and she finds a great guy who will support her, love her, and protect her. Finally.
Beautiful story.
April 1, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Penelope Baylor was young and madly in love. She sacrificed her independence and individuality for a life with the man she loved. But the love didn't last forever and when it was over, she was left with nothing including her self esteem.
Brandon Cain came into her life like a whirlwind - exciting but dangerous at close range. He was a bad seed that grew into something more. But how far could a relationship go when one tended to burn while the other already left in ashes?
When it comes to stories of broken people, I find it hard to resist. This book is certainly one of them.
Penelope had the short end of her relationship. After years of investing in her marriage, she realized it wasn’t worth holding on too. I was happy that she chose the right directions in her life and willing to take chances.
Brandon didn’t catch my attention when he was first introduced, but I was definitely intrigued by how he would fit into her life.
My favorite thing about this book was how their relationship progressed at a good pace. It wasn’t shoved down reader’s throat. But I wanted to know more about Brandon – his past was just scratching the surface. I also expected her struggles to be more intense. It was a little tame for my liking. But then again, I always prefer when my characters suffered, so maybe it’s just me haha!
Liquid & Ash is an inspiring tale of a woman’s downfall and how she picked up her life and started it all over again.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Penelope Baylor was young and madly in love. She sacrificed her independence and individuality for a life with the man she loved. But the love didn't last forever and when it was over, she was left with nothing including her self esteem.
Brandon Cain came into her life like a whirlwind - exciting but dangerous at close range. He was a bad seed that grew into something more. But how far could a relationship go when one tended to burn while the other already left in ashes?
When it comes to stories of broken people, I find it hard to resist. This book is certainly one of them.
I knew it was wrong, but I didn’t care about right and wrong. I wanted retribution. I deserved to throw all my morals aside and live in lust.
Penelope had the short end of her relationship. After years of investing in her marriage, she realized it wasn’t worth holding on too. I was happy that she chose the right directions in her life and willing to take chances.
Brandon didn’t catch my attention when he was first introduced, but I was definitely intrigued by how he would fit into her life.
I was falling in love with the beautifully broken man lying next to me, and I didn’t know how to stop.
My favorite thing about this book was how their relationship progressed at a good pace. It wasn’t shoved down reader’s throat. But I wanted to know more about Brandon – his past was just scratching the surface. I also expected her struggles to be more intense. It was a little tame for my liking. But then again, I always prefer when my characters suffered, so maybe it’s just me haha!
Liquid & Ash is an inspiring tale of a woman’s downfall and how she picked up her life and started it all over again.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 28, 2016
Title: Liquid and Ash
Series: Standalone
Author: E.M. Abel
Release date: March 1, 2016
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
I've been a big fan of E.M. Abel's writing ever since reading Freeing Asia. She writes memorable characters and distinctive stories. There are some authors that you click with easily, and I do that with her work. This book is much different than her Breaking Free series but no less enjoyable than what I've read in the past. It had a little bit of a grittier feel to it, but that same distinguishing style was still there that's elemental in her stories. I took a risk requesting an arc for this because the synopsis is a little bit ambiguous. It doesn't really clue you in on the events of the story, it's more of a hint at the tone of the book. Grim.
Liquid and Ash easily hooked me from the start. We're met with a woman who's spiraling down into a deep hole of depression and anger. Through bitter flashbacks, we see her compare happier times to her current situation. She cycles through these different emotional stages following a devastating discovery.
"A woman with a dream of being loved is a danger to herself because she will see it in places it doesn't belong and doesn't exist.
Her pain was a very tangible thing, her state of mind precarious at best. Her nine-year marriage is a farce, and she's faced with some hard truths about her life and the choices that she made in order to arrive there. After her father's abandonment of her family in childhood, she swore to never allow a man to dictate the direction her life takes.
She had a plan when she met her husband, to become a nurse and become an independent woman. Through one impulsive choice, she placed all her bets on the love they shared to carry her through a lifetime. Now at thirty years old, she's completely shattered and disillusioned. Which leaves her struggling through pain, confusion, and probably greatest of all anger. Her feelings weren’t always pretty. But they were rawly honest, and I was captivated in her despair.
There was a heaviness throughout the book, a feeling like you were waiting for disaster to strike her again. Because she once again set herself on a path that wasn’t what she should choose. She jumped from one desperate situation to another that had the potential to rip her apart. Her anger propels her right towards Brandon. A bearded, tatted bartender/model who she should be running far away from. The first night she meets him, his actions and side job of selling weed should have been enough of a deterrent. But it was the conflicted emotions that she was dealing with that probably pushed her to test her limits.
Brandon was bad news. And I must admit, I didn't really get much more from him than that through a lot of the book. We find out that his mysterious and aloof veneer he presents is his attempt to keep emotional attachments at a distance. Slowly, we learn through small hints of his tragic childhood, and his service in the war that left its scars on him. Honestly, I really think having dual POV would have helped me understand his character more. I needed to get some clues about what he was thinking and feeling because as well executed at the sexual tension and chemistry were between the two, his emotional depth felt unfinished. Even towards the end of the book, I was questioning his true feelings about the heroine.
The twist that occurred didn't surprise me, it was foreshadowed a little too plainly, but it was an interesting turn in the plot all the same. A tad overly dramatic at times, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. Also, I wished that the epilogue could have been extended more so that the ending wasn't quite so abrupt.
For me, what made this book was the heroine's exploration of her past, finding the strength to put herself first, and becoming the woman who she allowed to slip away as a young woman. It was a true examination of a woman finding strength again after
losing everything. I really loved the honesty in the heroine's depiction, her character had me enthralled until the end. If you're looking for something a little different than the norm, you should give this one a chance.
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February 26, 2016
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"E.M. Abel" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Liquid & Ash
AUTHOR: E.M. Abel
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: March 1st, 2016
MY RATING
Sexy, Raw, Real
THE PAST: Penelope didn’t have the easiest life growing up, but she vowed to make something of herself and not make the same mistakes her mother made..She was adamant that her goals would come first above all else..BUT Derek was relentless in his pursuit of Penelope until he wore her down..They were just two young people in love, it shows us how they met, dated, fell in love, married (A military wife).
But some how she lost herself along the way..
Love was my weakness.
“My mother had warned me not to trust men. My father had taught me that fairy tales never came true, but somehow, I’d still been disillusioned. I still craved love from anyone willing to give it to me”
He was my demise wrapped in camouflage.
TO PRESENT TIME (Ten Years Later) she's discovered he has cheated on her, she numbs her pain by booze, weed and Xanax on a daily basis..Bitterness sets in as she reflects back to the past and how much she gave up to be with Derek, she became someone she vowed she would never be..
“All my dreams, my life, my love had been reduced to liquid and ash”
“I threw away everything for you, Derek—my life, my family, my career. I chose you over everything”
Our relationship crumbled under deception.
THEN WERE INTRODUCED TO BRANDON
Brandon Cain the hot tatted up model/bartender, weed dealer
He had grown up in foster care, experienced war, and lost a friend to drugs, and despite it all, he seemed to lead such a carefree life.
Do you think love is like a flame? Just burning through everything until it finally dies out? “It consumes everything. It’s cozy and warm and hot and painful. It takes no prisoners, and if you neglect it, it just goes away. Like, poof. And you’re left with nothing but ash. - Penelope
No Expectations, No heartbreak, No Promises, No Pretending.
Love isn’t like that. Life is like that. Time is like that. Love is liquid. It never dies. It never goes away. Sometimes, it just changes direction. And, sometimes, if it’s strong enough…It can make time stand still. - Brandon
I began to feel myself changing. No longer the girl seeking acceptance. I was becoming a woman who wore her scars like beauty marks. Brandon had a lot to do with that.
MY THOUGHTS
The beginning of the book had me questioning weither it was for me, her self destruction into her darkness of despair, but I am so glad I persevered, the feels, the quickness I read this, I devoured it in no time, I wanting, needing more..
This was like the life stages of a monarch butterfly, the stages Penelope went through to become a beautiful butterfly in the end..
I wasn't prepared for the infidelity in this book (though it's not a hard limit of mine) it was just so tastefully done, it's not in any detail, it's just stated that he'd had an affair, but don't worry he does get his comeuppance in the end..
* 2 Teasers used are off the Authors page *
"E.M. Abel" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Liquid & Ash
AUTHOR: E.M. Abel
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: March 1st, 2016
MY RATING
Sexy, Raw, Real
THE PAST: Penelope didn’t have the easiest life growing up, but she vowed to make something of herself and not make the same mistakes her mother made..She was adamant that her goals would come first above all else..BUT Derek was relentless in his pursuit of Penelope until he wore her down..They were just two young people in love, it shows us how they met, dated, fell in love, married (A military wife).
But some how she lost herself along the way..
Love was my weakness.
“My mother had warned me not to trust men. My father had taught me that fairy tales never came true, but somehow, I’d still been disillusioned. I still craved love from anyone willing to give it to me”
He was my demise wrapped in camouflage.
TO PRESENT TIME (Ten Years Later) she's discovered he has cheated on her, she numbs her pain by booze, weed and Xanax on a daily basis..Bitterness sets in as she reflects back to the past and how much she gave up to be with Derek, she became someone she vowed she would never be..
“All my dreams, my life, my love had been reduced to liquid and ash”
“I threw away everything for you, Derek—my life, my family, my career. I chose you over everything”
Our relationship crumbled under deception.
THEN WERE INTRODUCED TO BRANDON
Brandon Cain the hot tatted up model/bartender, weed dealer
He had grown up in foster care, experienced war, and lost a friend to drugs, and despite it all, he seemed to lead such a carefree life.
Do you think love is like a flame? Just burning through everything until it finally dies out? “It consumes everything. It’s cozy and warm and hot and painful. It takes no prisoners, and if you neglect it, it just goes away. Like, poof. And you’re left with nothing but ash. - Penelope
No Expectations, No heartbreak, No Promises, No Pretending.
Love isn’t like that. Life is like that. Time is like that. Love is liquid. It never dies. It never goes away. Sometimes, it just changes direction. And, sometimes, if it’s strong enough…It can make time stand still. - Brandon
I began to feel myself changing. No longer the girl seeking acceptance. I was becoming a woman who wore her scars like beauty marks. Brandon had a lot to do with that.
MY THOUGHTS
The beginning of the book had me questioning weither it was for me, her self destruction into her darkness of despair, but I am so glad I persevered, the feels, the quickness I read this, I devoured it in no time, I wanting, needing more..
This was like the life stages of a monarch butterfly, the stages Penelope went through to become a beautiful butterfly in the end..
I wasn't prepared for the infidelity in this book (though it's not a hard limit of mine) it was just so tastefully done, it's not in any detail, it's just stated that he'd had an affair, but don't worry he does get his comeuppance in the end..
* 2 Teasers used are off the Authors page *
February 28, 2016
★★★★4 Figting Stars★★★★
"Perhaps that was all life was-a series of moments and memories. Some of them were good,some of them were bad,but all of them collectively defined who we were."
I have to admit that I was nervous starting this book and even though the blurb is what drew me to this, I was still iffy about it. That being said, I got more than just a story. I got a woman's journey through heartbreak and loss and her eventually finding herself. What started as a downward spiral, ultimately saved her and made her the woman she always knew she could be.
Penny is facing the loss of her marriage. Having met hheher husband Derek in her Senior year of College, she spent the last ten years giving him everything. She gave up her potential career,and put even more distance between her disapproving mother. Everything that she hoped to have was now a distant memory and her marriage will be going along with it.
"Love is liquid. It never dies. It never goes away. Sometimes it just changes direction. And,sometimes,if it's strong enough...." It can make time stand still."
Deciding that it's time to take back her life and make something out of it,she begins her new found freedom. What she wasn't planning on is meeting the sexy bartender/model name Brandon. Determined to not let their attraction get the best of her, she fights her feelings for him. But with a man like Brandon,you could only stay strong for so long and eventually give in to the hot temptation.And I do mean HOT.
"He possessed me,and I knew it was dangerous,but I just didn't care".
Brandon hasn't had an easy childhood. He has scars just like everyone else but his run so much deeper. He's overcome a lot and but the memories are still there just waiting to pop up and give him nighmares. He has a good life now, women whenever he wants, and a fast track modeling career. Meeting Penny was never part of his plan but he saw something in her that made him question everything about his life.
Can two broken people really mend each other?
The begining of this story was really rough for me because I didn't now where it was going. My thoughts were preoccupied with how how Penny is going to get through her situation ls she going to give in and just let the darkness takeover? Or is she going to fight. I loved her growth in this story,and her determination to be better. She put herself first for once and she didn't give up on anything.
I wanted the epilogue to be longer. It felt waaay too rush for my liking and I didn't like that at all. Aside from that, I really enjoyed this one and I hope the author gives us a novella because I want more. Brandon was the best and can I just say that those two together was "WOWZA!.
*Arc kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
"Perhaps that was all life was-a series of moments and memories. Some of them were good,some of them were bad,but all of them collectively defined who we were."
I have to admit that I was nervous starting this book and even though the blurb is what drew me to this, I was still iffy about it. That being said, I got more than just a story. I got a woman's journey through heartbreak and loss and her eventually finding herself. What started as a downward spiral, ultimately saved her and made her the woman she always knew she could be.
Penny is facing the loss of her marriage. Having met hheher husband Derek in her Senior year of College, she spent the last ten years giving him everything. She gave up her potential career,and put even more distance between her disapproving mother. Everything that she hoped to have was now a distant memory and her marriage will be going along with it.
"Love is liquid. It never dies. It never goes away. Sometimes it just changes direction. And,sometimes,if it's strong enough...." It can make time stand still."
Deciding that it's time to take back her life and make something out of it,she begins her new found freedom. What she wasn't planning on is meeting the sexy bartender/model name Brandon. Determined to not let their attraction get the best of her, she fights her feelings for him. But with a man like Brandon,you could only stay strong for so long and eventually give in to the hot temptation.And I do mean HOT.
"He possessed me,and I knew it was dangerous,but I just didn't care".
Brandon hasn't had an easy childhood. He has scars just like everyone else but his run so much deeper. He's overcome a lot and but the memories are still there just waiting to pop up and give him nighmares. He has a good life now, women whenever he wants, and a fast track modeling career. Meeting Penny was never part of his plan but he saw something in her that made him question everything about his life.
Can two broken people really mend each other?
The begining of this story was really rough for me because I didn't now where it was going. My thoughts were preoccupied with how how Penny is going to get through her situation ls she going to give in and just let the darkness takeover? Or is she going to fight. I loved her growth in this story,and her determination to be better. She put herself first for once and she didn't give up on anything.
I wanted the epilogue to be longer. It felt waaay too rush for my liking and I didn't like that at all. Aside from that, I really enjoyed this one and I hope the author gives us a novella because I want more. Brandon was the best and can I just say that those two together was "WOWZA!.
*Arc kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2016
"I'd though, if I had a man's love, everything else in my life would transform, morphing into something closer to what I'd imagined it should be...."
That quote by our heroin, Penelope, set the tone for what would become a beautiful story of one woman's journey of finding self worth within herself .... I've been a fan of E.M's from her first book Saving Asia and her Breaking Free series is still, to this day, an all time favorite of mine. But I must say, this story took her gift for creating a story that sucks you in to a completely different level. This book showed that E.M is not afraid at all to step outside the box and create something that is more than a love story. It turned out to be just as much, if not more, about self love. Once I started, I couldn't put it down and I read through the night turning each page in anticipation of what was going to happen. Penelope was such an endearing character.. Sure, the character of Brandon practically jumped off the pages demanding my attention.. and even dick head Derek managed to make me want more of him.. but honestly, it was Penelope that stole the show for me.
Penelope fell in love young and lost herself in Derek.. a sexy military man that swept her off her feet. She became everything Derek wanted in a wife, and lost herself in the process. Derek took her for granted and wasn't faithful. Penelope spiraled downward... numbing herself with booze and weed, sleeping all day and suffocating in self pity for all that she had given up for the man that gave up nothing for her.. In the beginning of the story we got flashbacks of Penelope and Derek.... what she felt for Derek.. the happier times, the beginning.. all mixed in with the woman that she has become present day..
Xanax, a cup of coffee, and a joint...breakfast of champions ....
Meeting one man that would give her a glimpse of the strength she has buried inside her, and finally getting fed up eating the crap that Derek had been serving her.. Penelope decides to stand up for herself... and meeting Brandon was a big part of that for her. Brandon was a bar tender/ weed dealer. He may not have been what most women would need when trying to find themselves but it turned out that he was EXACTLY what Penelope needed. He didn't expect anything from her, he didn't want to change her.. he just wanted to be there for her. He was as different as night and day from Derek, and he made her feel wanted again... Brandon was the balm she needed... a sexy , tattooed, weed smoking ,manly man.
But as much as Penelope wanted Brandon in her life, and as much as he had become a part of her healing process... she knew she still needed to stand on her own two feet. Penelope needed to know that she was strong.. and she couldn't become another "us" until she was on solid ground just being "her".
I loved this story.. I honestly loved every single thing about it... I loved that Penelope was hurt and distrustful and falling.. but she was still so f'king strong inside. I loved that it wasn't some crazy accident or death that set Penelope's path to sorrow.. but it was a man ; a man she gave it all up for, for the chance at love.
Do not miss this amazing journey of Penelope's ; watch her find herself like I did, cheer her on like I did... watch her become the amazing woman she became, finding herself, loving herself, and maybe even finding that "real" love, along the way.
ARC gifted by the fabulous E.M. Abel
That quote by our heroin, Penelope, set the tone for what would become a beautiful story of one woman's journey of finding self worth within herself .... I've been a fan of E.M's from her first book Saving Asia and her Breaking Free series is still, to this day, an all time favorite of mine. But I must say, this story took her gift for creating a story that sucks you in to a completely different level. This book showed that E.M is not afraid at all to step outside the box and create something that is more than a love story. It turned out to be just as much, if not more, about self love. Once I started, I couldn't put it down and I read through the night turning each page in anticipation of what was going to happen. Penelope was such an endearing character.. Sure, the character of Brandon practically jumped off the pages demanding my attention.. and even dick head Derek managed to make me want more of him.. but honestly, it was Penelope that stole the show for me.
Penelope fell in love young and lost herself in Derek.. a sexy military man that swept her off her feet. She became everything Derek wanted in a wife, and lost herself in the process. Derek took her for granted and wasn't faithful. Penelope spiraled downward... numbing herself with booze and weed, sleeping all day and suffocating in self pity for all that she had given up for the man that gave up nothing for her.. In the beginning of the story we got flashbacks of Penelope and Derek.... what she felt for Derek.. the happier times, the beginning.. all mixed in with the woman that she has become present day..
Xanax, a cup of coffee, and a joint...breakfast of champions ....
Meeting one man that would give her a glimpse of the strength she has buried inside her, and finally getting fed up eating the crap that Derek had been serving her.. Penelope decides to stand up for herself... and meeting Brandon was a big part of that for her. Brandon was a bar tender/ weed dealer. He may not have been what most women would need when trying to find themselves but it turned out that he was EXACTLY what Penelope needed. He didn't expect anything from her, he didn't want to change her.. he just wanted to be there for her. He was as different as night and day from Derek, and he made her feel wanted again... Brandon was the balm she needed... a sexy , tattooed, weed smoking ,manly man.
But as much as Penelope wanted Brandon in her life, and as much as he had become a part of her healing process... she knew she still needed to stand on her own two feet. Penelope needed to know that she was strong.. and she couldn't become another "us" until she was on solid ground just being "her".
I loved this story.. I honestly loved every single thing about it... I loved that Penelope was hurt and distrustful and falling.. but she was still so f'king strong inside. I loved that it wasn't some crazy accident or death that set Penelope's path to sorrow.. but it was a man ; a man she gave it all up for, for the chance at love.
Do not miss this amazing journey of Penelope's ; watch her find herself like I did, cheer her on like I did... watch her become the amazing woman she became, finding herself, loving herself, and maybe even finding that "real" love, along the way.
ARC gifted by the fabulous E.M. Abel
March 1, 2016
”I’m fucked up, Penelope. I’ve got no right trying to be with anyone. I’m not even sure if I’m capable of being in a healthy relationship…but it’s always meant something. You’ve always meant something to me.”
Swoon!
This was an emotional, engaging read that had me flipping the pages fast.
This book is about Penelope a woman who is married to Derek a man who is a cheating bastard, he broke her, she gave up everything to be with him and it all crumbled down to nothing but pain, hurt and lost dreams.
“I threw away everything for you, Derek—my life, my family, my career. I chose you over everything”
She struggled immensely, her pain radiated from the pages I could feel it!
“All my dreams, my life, my love had been reduced to liquid and ash”
She was spiraling down a road filled with booze and Xanax trying to numb her pain. Hitting rock bottom.
Then we’re introduced to Brandon, who is a model, bartender and weed dealer, a pretty cocky boy right? No, he had suffered a tragic childhood, endured war. So he used a façade to keep people at arm’s length.
They came together beautifully, their chemistry was hot, and the sexual tension was so tight you could bounce a quarter off of it.
Penelope struggled a lot, but eventually found her strength, this book was about so much more than a love story, it was Penelope’s story of hitting rock bottom and rising from the ashes.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, it was frustrating at times but I ended up enjoying it, I had trouble connecting with the characters, I wish the epilogue hadn't been so abrupt, but I would recommend it to readers who are looking for an emotional read.
4 stars.
Swoon!
This was an emotional, engaging read that had me flipping the pages fast.
This book is about Penelope a woman who is married to Derek a man who is a cheating bastard, he broke her, she gave up everything to be with him and it all crumbled down to nothing but pain, hurt and lost dreams.
“I threw away everything for you, Derek—my life, my family, my career. I chose you over everything”
She struggled immensely, her pain radiated from the pages I could feel it!
“All my dreams, my life, my love had been reduced to liquid and ash”
She was spiraling down a road filled with booze and Xanax trying to numb her pain. Hitting rock bottom.
Then we’re introduced to Brandon, who is a model, bartender and weed dealer, a pretty cocky boy right? No, he had suffered a tragic childhood, endured war. So he used a façade to keep people at arm’s length.
They came together beautifully, their chemistry was hot, and the sexual tension was so tight you could bounce a quarter off of it.
Penelope struggled a lot, but eventually found her strength, this book was about so much more than a love story, it was Penelope’s story of hitting rock bottom and rising from the ashes.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, it was frustrating at times but I ended up enjoying it, I had trouble connecting with the characters, I wish the epilogue hadn't been so abrupt, but I would recommend it to readers who are looking for an emotional read.
4 stars.
March 7, 2016
My overall reaction:
Liquid and Ash tells the story of Penny. She is in a pretty crappy relationship and tries to find the courage to move on and build herself a new life.
I wanted to like this book so bad, I really did. But when you find you are forcing yourself to read on and have no interest in what happens to the characters, it’s time to mark the book as a dud and move on.
What didn’t work? Firstly, I wasn’t a fan of the multiple flash backs within each chapter. It got confusing to keep up with the present timeline when there were flashbacks happening every few pages. (This did taper off after a while, though.)
Secondly, I found the MC’s voice dull and her personality stiff. I know I was supposed to sympathize with her and her situation, and at some points I did (I’m not a total Ice Queen), but overall I really didn’t care what was going on and forced myself to continue, hoping it would pick up. (As a side note, I actually had to go back and look up the MC’s name while writing this. She was that unmemorable to me.)
Lastly, and most importantly, the whole book/plot to me was just plain old …..boring. Nothing interesting occurred, there were no noteworthy situations or prominent characters that made this book stand out or made me think “Wow, I need to recommend this. Everyone should be reading it.”
I can perhaps see why some people would connect to the storyline, which is why I am giving this 2 stars and not 1. But overall it was lackluster, I completely saw the “twist” coming from a mile away, I did not connect to or believe the relationship between the MC and her “new guy”, and found the storyline predictable – which was the nail in the coffin for me. I feel like I have read similar storylines many times before. And if the storyline is recycled, SOMETHING needs to stand out. SOMETHING needs to grab my attention and keep me interested. A few well written lines here and there isn't enough. Unfortunately this is one of those books that will be a distant memory filed under ‘some book I read but I don’t really remember what happened.’
*An Arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Liquid and Ash tells the story of Penny. She is in a pretty crappy relationship and tries to find the courage to move on and build herself a new life.
I wanted to like this book so bad, I really did. But when you find you are forcing yourself to read on and have no interest in what happens to the characters, it’s time to mark the book as a dud and move on.
What didn’t work? Firstly, I wasn’t a fan of the multiple flash backs within each chapter. It got confusing to keep up with the present timeline when there were flashbacks happening every few pages. (This did taper off after a while, though.)
Secondly, I found the MC’s voice dull and her personality stiff. I know I was supposed to sympathize with her and her situation, and at some points I did (I’m not a total Ice Queen), but overall I really didn’t care what was going on and forced myself to continue, hoping it would pick up. (As a side note, I actually had to go back and look up the MC’s name while writing this. She was that unmemorable to me.)
Lastly, and most importantly, the whole book/plot to me was just plain old …..boring. Nothing interesting occurred, there were no noteworthy situations or prominent characters that made this book stand out or made me think “Wow, I need to recommend this. Everyone should be reading it.”
I can perhaps see why some people would connect to the storyline, which is why I am giving this 2 stars and not 1. But overall it was lackluster, I completely saw the “twist” coming from a mile away, I did not connect to or believe the relationship between the MC and her “new guy”, and found the storyline predictable – which was the nail in the coffin for me. I feel like I have read similar storylines many times before. And if the storyline is recycled, SOMETHING needs to stand out. SOMETHING needs to grab my attention and keep me interested. A few well written lines here and there isn't enough. Unfortunately this is one of those books that will be a distant memory filed under ‘some book I read but I don’t really remember what happened.’
*An Arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2017
”Perhaps that was all life was, a series of moments and memories. Some of them good, some of them bad, but all of them collectively defined who we were. Maybe we had the power to choose the moments that made us. Maybe that power was all we had.”
I’m in love! E.M. Abel has absolutely outdone herself with this book. Liquid & Ash is everything I hoped it would be. This author definitely knows how to pull the emotion out of a reader. I felt things that I rarely do in real life, such as, rage, gut-wrenching sadness, heart-stabbing pain, betrayal, and a sense of just being completely lost. On the flip side, E.M. Abel can write attraction, seduction, passion, and heat like she was born to do it. This book isn’t a laid-back, easy read. It is an emotional rollercoaster that has depth and is worth every second spent reading. I was highly impressed with the writing in this book. I often read and reread sections over and over again just to enjoy the beauty of it. This author is a true artist of words. I’m very selective when I highlight in a book. I ended up highlighting most of this one. This story was original, unlike anything I’ve read before. I was hooked from the very first page and completely engaged until the last word. The ending of this story was perfection, in my opinion. I was blown away by this book. It is by far, my favorite story E.M. Abel has written. I can’t wait to see what she creates next! I highly recommend this one!
”Do you think love is like a flame? Just burning through everything until it finally dies out? …It consumes everything. It’s cozy and warm and hot and painful. It takes no prisoners and if you neglect it, it just goes away. Like poof.” I said, fanning my fingers out like I’d just thrown something into the air. “And you’re left with nothing but ash.”
I’m in love! E.M. Abel has absolutely outdone herself with this book. Liquid & Ash is everything I hoped it would be. This author definitely knows how to pull the emotion out of a reader. I felt things that I rarely do in real life, such as, rage, gut-wrenching sadness, heart-stabbing pain, betrayal, and a sense of just being completely lost. On the flip side, E.M. Abel can write attraction, seduction, passion, and heat like she was born to do it. This book isn’t a laid-back, easy read. It is an emotional rollercoaster that has depth and is worth every second spent reading. I was highly impressed with the writing in this book. I often read and reread sections over and over again just to enjoy the beauty of it. This author is a true artist of words. I’m very selective when I highlight in a book. I ended up highlighting most of this one. This story was original, unlike anything I’ve read before. I was hooked from the very first page and completely engaged until the last word. The ending of this story was perfection, in my opinion. I was blown away by this book. It is by far, my favorite story E.M. Abel has written. I can’t wait to see what she creates next! I highly recommend this one!
”Do you think love is like a flame? Just burning through everything until it finally dies out? …It consumes everything. It’s cozy and warm and hot and painful. It takes no prisoners and if you neglect it, it just goes away. Like poof.” I said, fanning my fingers out like I’d just thrown something into the air. “And you’re left with nothing but ash.”
”No. Love isn’t like that. Life is like that. Time is like that. Love is liquid. It never dies. It never goes away. Sometimes it just changes direction. And sometimes, if it’s strong enough… It can make time stand still."
March 5, 2016
3.5 Stars
It took me quite a while to get this read…life often interrupts…perhaps that is why I didn’t completely connect the way I had hoped with this read. I really love this author’s style and her writing as it is always a bit rough…true and gritty. I was going in completely prepared for angst, passionate drama and tortured love that I know she does so well. Unfortunately, I didn’t find my heart wrenching with the story or with the characters.
I have read through most of the reviews and found them so good, so beautiful with the images and the quotes. I wanted to have the same emotional tug. I wanted to be gutted and put back together as well. I think this is perhaps a complete case of a “ME” issue. Maybe it was the fast fall into a love…the flashbacks of a sweet first love in between the present scenes of pure relationship hell. Just as Penelope and her husband, Derek were struggling, so was I. I felt a bit “numb” to most of the beginning of the book and was desperately waiting for the big moment…the big bad. Not that the loss of a marriage isn’t bad, but it wasn’t unexpected either.
So with a heavy heart, Penelope finally puts herself first and moves on from a marriage of mediocrity and lack of fulfillment. She moves on step by step, building blocks toward a future and along the way develops a relationship all in hope of not losing herself again. Enter Brandon…he looks bad and has the rep to back it up. He may be just as lost as she it. Obviously they connect and they experience more together than either has ever had.
All sounds good and flowing. For me this read was as follows: Failed marriage leads to heartbreak and self-discovery. Journey toward more allows for taking risks and enjoying life. Intimacy is found without the sacrifice of one’s self. The drama and the angst were a bit predictable and easily overcome. Overall, the story was fine with the last 30% becoming so good. I could have stayed in the last half of the book forever! It was a true second chance at having it good. Those lovers of getting right and finding passion again will love Penelope and Brandon....I just wish it was sooner!
It took me quite a while to get this read…life often interrupts…perhaps that is why I didn’t completely connect the way I had hoped with this read. I really love this author’s style and her writing as it is always a bit rough…true and gritty. I was going in completely prepared for angst, passionate drama and tortured love that I know she does so well. Unfortunately, I didn’t find my heart wrenching with the story or with the characters.
I have read through most of the reviews and found them so good, so beautiful with the images and the quotes. I wanted to have the same emotional tug. I wanted to be gutted and put back together as well. I think this is perhaps a complete case of a “ME” issue. Maybe it was the fast fall into a love…the flashbacks of a sweet first love in between the present scenes of pure relationship hell. Just as Penelope and her husband, Derek were struggling, so was I. I felt a bit “numb” to most of the beginning of the book and was desperately waiting for the big moment…the big bad. Not that the loss of a marriage isn’t bad, but it wasn’t unexpected either.
So with a heavy heart, Penelope finally puts herself first and moves on from a marriage of mediocrity and lack of fulfillment. She moves on step by step, building blocks toward a future and along the way develops a relationship all in hope of not losing herself again. Enter Brandon…he looks bad and has the rep to back it up. He may be just as lost as she it. Obviously they connect and they experience more together than either has ever had.
All sounds good and flowing. For me this read was as follows: Failed marriage leads to heartbreak and self-discovery. Journey toward more allows for taking risks and enjoying life. Intimacy is found without the sacrifice of one’s self. The drama and the angst were a bit predictable and easily overcome. Overall, the story was fine with the last 30% becoming so good. I could have stayed in the last half of the book forever! It was a true second chance at having it good. Those lovers of getting right and finding passion again will love Penelope and Brandon....I just wish it was sooner!
March 17, 2016
Liquid & Ash follows the trials and heartbreaking decisions of a woman desperate to right the wrongs in her life. The narration is filled with the kind of authenticity and self-possession you don’t see much in books these days. Penelope is real and lovable, and her problems are easy to sympathize with. Maybe you haven’t experienced the same hardships, but there’s likely someone close to you who has. You’ll feel every faltering yet determined step of her growth and root for her from beginning to end.
This book is really two stories. It opens with Penelope and her husband, putting you in the dregs of their marriage to experience the love they shared and lost. When that chapter of her life closes, a new one begins with a new romance. But Penelope still has a lot of soul-searching to do. Is she ready for new risks? Can she open her heart again?
Em Abel pulls you in with a unique storyline and a powerful narration and holds you tight to Penelope’s journey all the way through. Such an unforgettable book. I highly recommend.
This book is really two stories. It opens with Penelope and her husband, putting you in the dregs of their marriage to experience the love they shared and lost. When that chapter of her life closes, a new one begins with a new romance. But Penelope still has a lot of soul-searching to do. Is she ready for new risks? Can she open her heart again?
Em Abel pulls you in with a unique storyline and a powerful narration and holds you tight to Penelope’s journey all the way through. Such an unforgettable book. I highly recommend.
March 10, 2016
***FIVE EMOTIONALLY PACKED STARS***
Writing cheater stories, and making the reader want to read about that subject, takes a certain knack. Seems to me that not many authors can pull it off these days. That wasn't the case with this story. I loved every second of it. I got sucked right in from the very first page, and I had a hell of a time trying to put this baby down. I've been going through some sad times here with a death in my family, and honestly, just trying to get enthusiasm or even focus to read lately has been impossible for me. But I started this story and I fell absolutely in love. It felt good to get sucked into an amazing story for a little while and make me forget the sadness in my own life.
I adored Penelope. I was a bit worried if I would at first, with her drinking and drug habits, but while reading, I totally understood how she got to the depressed state she was in, and how she needed these crutches to keep herself going. I adored her though. When she decided that life wasn't for her anymore, she picked herself up, dusted herself off, packed her shit, and left her cheating husband to start her life anew. I felt such respect for her, especially the way she just kicked the drugs, wanting better for herself, and not settling for less.
Brandon was almost a little too wild for me initially, but he grew on me. Once I got to know him better in the story, I loved everything about him, even his traumatizing past. This author did an amazing job recreating all those feelings of a new relationship with that new person that Penny experienced with Brandon. The insecurities, the doubts, the thrill, the giddiness and happiness. And Brandon and Penelope had such an amazing chemistry together as well, and then the slow anticipation up to their first sexual encounter was perfection. The sex between these two was phenomenal. Brandon was hot as hell, and he had a bit of a dirty mouth on him that I absolutely fell in love with.
I even loved the drama with Penny's husband Derek and his cheating whore of a side piece, . I loved that even though Penny got a backbone and stopped putting up with Derek's shit, she never gave him another chance to come back again. She moved on without him, but in a friendly way. In the end they didn't absolutely hate each other vehemently. It was perfect for me.
The only thing I felt a tiny big ripped off with this story was the ending with Penny and Brandon's reunion. That ending was just too abrupt and left me wanting more. I really wanted to experience them getting back together again way more fully detailed than we got with this ending.
That being said, this is one of my favorite stories of this year so far, and I'm definitely going to reread this one again.
April 27, 2016
' 5 estrelas liquidas e cinzas' Uau , esse livro é uau.
Eu não dava nada por ele mas Deus ele é lindo.
'Uma mulher com um sonho de ser amada é um perigo para si mesma, porque ela vai vê-lo em lugares que não pertencem e não existem. ' <3
A cada página ficou mais emocionante , lágrimas , ódio , arrependimentos , amor.
"Eu sempre vou te amar Penny, não importa o quanto você me odeie. Isso nunca vai mudar."
E no final tudo era uma mentira.
OMG ,OMG , OMG .. Muitas não deram nada por esse livro. Mas eu estou impressionada. Perfeito <3
"Ele tem um bom coração, mas eu não recomendo tentar reivindicá-lo. Você só vai acabar se machucando."
Eu não dava nada por ele mas Deus ele é lindo.
'Uma mulher com um sonho de ser amada é um perigo para si mesma, porque ela vai vê-lo em lugares que não pertencem e não existem. ' <3
A cada página ficou mais emocionante , lágrimas , ódio , arrependimentos , amor.
"Eu sempre vou te amar Penny, não importa o quanto você me odeie. Isso nunca vai mudar."
E no final tudo era uma mentira.
OMG ,OMG , OMG .. Muitas não deram nada por esse livro. Mas eu estou impressionada. Perfeito <3
"Ele tem um bom coração, mas eu não recomendo tentar reivindicá-lo. Você só vai acabar se machucando."
March 1, 2016
I am a huge fan of this author’s writing! Liquid & Ash is more adult than her earlier books and I loved every emotional moment. Penelope is at a bad place in her life, having found out that her husband has not been honest with her, and feeling emotionally and financially stranded. She is afraid of ending up exactly where her mother did, abandoned and alone. Penny had given up everything to be with her husband and now she is basically adrift.
Her marriage is not what she thought it was. Penny feels as though drugs are her only relief from the stress of her life. She knows she is wasting her talents but she feels trapped. Then she meets sexy bartender/model Brandon and WOW!! These two have fantastic chemistry but Penny is more shut down than ever. How can she trust another man?
“He possessed me,and I knew it was dangerous,but I just didn’t care”.
Brandon has not had it easy and he. too, is untrusting. What I love about this author’s books is that they are about ordinary people, who have real lives and real jobs and real struggles. It is a very refreshing change of pace. Penny and Brandon both struggle with their emotional baggage but Penny really puts her heart on the line and is finally completely honest with Brandon. There’s a lot of drama here with the side characters and all in all, Liquid & Ash is a very fast-paced, very enjoyable story with very engaging characters and just the right amount of angst thrown in.
This is a wonderful story about realizing your full potential and living up to it. It is not always an easy read but E.M Abel is a very talented writer who ultimately delivers a very hopeful and optimistic story. Enjoy!
Favorite quote:
“Love is liquid. It never dies. It never goes away. Sometimes it just changes direction. And,sometimes,if it’s strong enough….” It can make time stand still.”
(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
Her marriage is not what she thought it was. Penny feels as though drugs are her only relief from the stress of her life. She knows she is wasting her talents but she feels trapped. Then she meets sexy bartender/model Brandon and WOW!! These two have fantastic chemistry but Penny is more shut down than ever. How can she trust another man?
“He possessed me,and I knew it was dangerous,but I just didn’t care”.
Brandon has not had it easy and he. too, is untrusting. What I love about this author’s books is that they are about ordinary people, who have real lives and real jobs and real struggles. It is a very refreshing change of pace. Penny and Brandon both struggle with their emotional baggage but Penny really puts her heart on the line and is finally completely honest with Brandon. There’s a lot of drama here with the side characters and all in all, Liquid & Ash is a very fast-paced, very enjoyable story with very engaging characters and just the right amount of angst thrown in.
This is a wonderful story about realizing your full potential and living up to it. It is not always an easy read but E.M Abel is a very talented writer who ultimately delivers a very hopeful and optimistic story. Enjoy!
Favorite quote:
“Love is liquid. It never dies. It never goes away. Sometimes it just changes direction. And,sometimes,if it’s strong enough….” It can make time stand still.”
(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
February 19, 2016
Every once in a while, you come across a book that makes you take a step back to consider how you would handle yourself, if you were in a character’s situation. On the outside, it’s easy to pass judgment, to scoff and say “I would never.” Well, never is a long time, and after all, we're only human. If I were in Penny's position, I too would be tempted to numb my pain.
We embark on this journey when Penelope is at the lowest point in her life. She doesn’t even like herself, so it’s a challenge to like her ourselves. But something truly amazing—and wonderfully human—happens. She finds the courage and strength inside herself to change. After spending enough time in the pits of her own hell, she’s had enough, and does something about it.
While putting herself first, she finds herself suspended in a sense of limbo where love is concerned. In one direction, there’s the burnt-out relationship, all charred foundations, coating her heart in ash, but it’s familiar, routine. In the other direction, the fresh, clear liquid that has the promise of washing her scorched heart clean.
But the most amazing thing is: those aren’t the only directions presented to her. Is this a story of love and romance? Sure. Is it sexy and exciting, filled with swoon-worthy scenes to heat the blood? Absolutely. But, for me, this was a story of a woman who stood up, said “No more!” and walked her own path.
Because she could.
Beautifully written, emotional read. EM Abel teases together words that one can't help but become invested in. Her "characters" aren't just relatable. They feel real.
We embark on this journey when Penelope is at the lowest point in her life. She doesn’t even like herself, so it’s a challenge to like her ourselves. But something truly amazing—and wonderfully human—happens. She finds the courage and strength inside herself to change. After spending enough time in the pits of her own hell, she’s had enough, and does something about it.
While putting herself first, she finds herself suspended in a sense of limbo where love is concerned. In one direction, there’s the burnt-out relationship, all charred foundations, coating her heart in ash, but it’s familiar, routine. In the other direction, the fresh, clear liquid that has the promise of washing her scorched heart clean.
But the most amazing thing is: those aren’t the only directions presented to her. Is this a story of love and romance? Sure. Is it sexy and exciting, filled with swoon-worthy scenes to heat the blood? Absolutely. But, for me, this was a story of a woman who stood up, said “No more!” and walked her own path.
Because she could.
Beautifully written, emotional read. EM Abel teases together words that one can't help but become invested in. Her "characters" aren't just relatable. They feel real.
March 19, 2016
4 Stars!
This was another recommendation from a friend. It's also a first read for me by a new author. I really like her writing style and look forward to reading more by her. While this book had some romance in it, it was more about loss and self discovery to me.
Penny finds herself between a rock and a hard place. She's just found out that her husband of nine years has cheated on her. At first, when she confronts him, he tries to deny it, but eventually admits to it. I couldn't stand him. Penny feels lost because she gave up her dreams and career to become Derek's wife and follow him through his military career.
At first she finds herself self-medicating with vodka and weed. Her neighbor was getting the pot for her, but decides to introduce her to Brandon, the dealer. He's good looking, but she's not in the right headspace to think much about it. Eventually, she decides to clean up her act.
When she and Brandon cross paths again, they decide to be friends. Penny enjoys this because she doesn't have a lot of friends and she doesn't have to pretend with him. She can be herself.
They begin spending time together. He even encourages her o pursue her dreams. He helps her get a better paying job. Eventually flirting turns into more, but Brandon tells her from the beginning that he can't give her the relationship she wants. Will sex be enough? Brandon knows her demons, but she doesn't know his. Can they help each other? Or will she end up giving up her dreams again?
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how strong Penny was and seeing her realize that was one of the best parts. She could have easily wallowed in self pity, but she didn't. I love the choice Penny made. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
This was another recommendation from a friend. It's also a first read for me by a new author. I really like her writing style and look forward to reading more by her. While this book had some romance in it, it was more about loss and self discovery to me.
"A woman with a dream of being loved is a danger to herself because she will see it in places it doesn't belong and it doesn't exist."
Penny finds herself between a rock and a hard place. She's just found out that her husband of nine years has cheated on her. At first, when she confronts him, he tries to deny it, but eventually admits to it. I couldn't stand him. Penny feels lost because she gave up her dreams and career to become Derek's wife and follow him through his military career.
At first she finds herself self-medicating with vodka and weed. Her neighbor was getting the pot for her, but decides to introduce her to Brandon, the dealer. He's good looking, but she's not in the right headspace to think much about it. Eventually, she decides to clean up her act.
"I want my life back. I want to do something with myself, something I can be proud of."
When she and Brandon cross paths again, they decide to be friends. Penny enjoys this because she doesn't have a lot of friends and she doesn't have to pretend with him. She can be herself.
They begin spending time together. He even encourages her o pursue her dreams. He helps her get a better paying job. Eventually flirting turns into more, but Brandon tells her from the beginning that he can't give her the relationship she wants. Will sex be enough? Brandon knows her demons, but she doesn't know his. Can they help each other? Or will she end up giving up her dreams again?
"Love was not cut and dry, never black or white."
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how strong Penny was and seeing her realize that was one of the best parts. She could have easily wallowed in self pity, but she didn't. I love the choice Penny made. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
March 3, 2016
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Preorder available for .99!
http://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Ash-E-M-...
Preorder available for .99!
http://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Ash-E-M-...
February 20, 2016
What happens when a woman's trusts broken. What she had believed in her whole life , turns out to be lie . This is a struggle of Penelope, as her dreams and beliefs shatter like a mirror right in front of her eyes. It's a poignant story , touches upon tender subjects of love & trust.
sadly, it's the truth of life. I personally know of three close friends who went through the same situation in life. It's heartbreaking, soul shattering and belief shaking .
Penelope finds Brandon and there's a real hot sizzling sex there, but Penelope must find herself before she loses herself again.
The writing flows smoothly, there are no grammatical errors, the story stays in track throughout.
It's a story of finding hope, courage and strength to go on when you feel all is finished.
a good book
sadly, it's the truth of life. I personally know of three close friends who went through the same situation in life. It's heartbreaking, soul shattering and belief shaking .
Penelope finds Brandon and there's a real hot sizzling sex there, but Penelope must find herself before she loses herself again.
The writing flows smoothly, there are no grammatical errors, the story stays in track throughout.
It's a story of finding hope, courage and strength to go on when you feel all is finished.
a good book
April 28, 2016
A women with a dream of being loved is a danger to herself because she will see it in places it doesn't belong and doesn't exist.
All my dreams, my life, my love had been reduced to liquid and ash.
I love when E.M. Able writes a new book. She is one of those authors that when I start a book, I know I will get a great story, a unique story.
So, starting this book I was reading to jump into and devour it. I read it pretty quickly since I have been kind of in a book stump lately. Too much Netflix I tell you! LOL. Anyhow, back to starting the book you get a flashback on how Penny meets her husband Derek, I didn't think anything of it besides okay going to get a quick flashback of their introduction and maybe how they feel in love. Then it jumps to the present and you get Penny now. She is a very lost women, broken-hearted and just down. I felt what she was feeling right off the bat. Once you get into more of the story line of what is actually going on with Penny you get these constant flashbacks. I am not a fan of flashbacks at all, sometimes they are needed and I can take a few, but I was getting flashbacks nonstop it seems.
I almost started to just skip them, because once I did not then I could get the feel of the book again, get into the characters heads, feel more. But, BAM another flashback. I start to cringe thinking please no more. I can't take another flashback. That is one of my biggest pet peeves when reading a book. So that took a huge part out of the book for me, and also the way I felt towards the end.
Don't get me wrong, this story has huge plot points and a great story line. If there wasn't so many flashbacks then I would of liked it a lot better. I adored Penny, I got her and understood her, she has given so much of her life away and felt defeated. I felt straight joy when she finally put those broken pieces back together. I could not stand her husband, Derek. He is a huge POS and that is not even the half of it.
Brandon, what can I say about Brandon, he is amazing. It's simply that. I loved those too together. I did have a little issues with the way Penny kept expressing herself. That girl loved to use, "Oh god" a lot! That was probably her number #1 way of expressing her feelings towards Brandon. I just rolled with it.
Overall the book was good. I had some issues like I stated above. The ending felt rushed and when I finally got a POV I was hoping to get since the beginning it fell short for me. I wanted that POV so bad, I wanted it a lot sooner, when I finally got it, it ended with a flashback....... UH! One of the most shocking things that happened, I actually called it from the beginning. I had a feeling about it and sure enough I was right. So that wasn't shocking to me at all. So, don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book, and the characters.
Love was not cut and dry, never black and white.
ARC provided by author exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2016
When you sit down to read a book and don't move until it's finished...yeah, you know it's a good one.
My favorite book of 2016 so far...
**FULL REVIEW**
"A woman with a dream of being loved is a danger to herself because she will see it in places it doesn't belong and doesn't exist."
Penelope is a classic starry-eyed girl with big dreams and even bigger heart. It's no surprise she fell in love young...and changed her entire life because of it.
Love makes you do things you wouldn't normally do, but it's not always for the right reasons. Or even the right kind of love.
"I was still trying to understand how I'd been so blind, how I'd given up on myself for someone else. Love was the only excuse I had. I'd fallen hard and so deep that I wasn't sure I'd ever find my way out."
This story is about love and loss...but not in how you would think. This is about how love can change a person and make them lose themselves. It's about giving yourself over completely, being vulnerable, and forgetting you're your own person in the process. It resonated with me on such a deep level, I can't even explain.
I can't say it's because this is how my life is, because it's not...but I've watched it first-hand how a woman falls so hard and so fast that she's willing to re-route her entire existence...recreate herself, not to contribute, but to conform. It's equally heartbreaking and empowering. It just goes to show the strength and versatility of a woman and how we think when it comes to something as simple as self-worth.
And Penelope's struggle is just that.
When her life hits a crossroads, she can choose to make the same mistakes or take a new path. Problem is, her heart might not be able to handle the fallout.
"I just don't know what I did wrong," I whispered. I opened my eyes and stared at my floor, the pain of my words shooting through me. "Why is it so easy for people to leave? Why doesn't anyone want me?" I choked out before breaking down and sobbing into the phone."
My heart. It died a little reading this book.
I felt it all. Everything. It crushed me. Even reading through what I've highlighted in my notes...the words are blurry through tears that have taken up the space on my lower eyelids.
A broken heart, broken promises...everything. Broken. It was amazingly beautiful in that brokenness...I loved it. I loved it so much, I want to read it again. I want to feel the burn of the agony as it chars my soul, and I want the soothing balm of the forgiveness that weighs heavy on my mind.
These words. Each chapter. This book. Liquid & Ash. It was everything. Everything I could have hoped for and everything I wanted. Because of this book, someone will not give up. Someone will see between the lines. Someone will wake up one day and realize what it's like to love and lose...and yet find everything they've ever wanted or needed in somewhere they least expect. Within themselves.
"I'd loved and I'd lost, but I wasn't lost anymore."
**5+ Ashes Fall Like Rain, Stars**
My favorite book of 2016 so far...
**FULL REVIEW**
"A woman with a dream of being loved is a danger to herself because she will see it in places it doesn't belong and doesn't exist."
Penelope is a classic starry-eyed girl with big dreams and even bigger heart. It's no surprise she fell in love young...and changed her entire life because of it.
Love makes you do things you wouldn't normally do, but it's not always for the right reasons. Or even the right kind of love.
"I was still trying to understand how I'd been so blind, how I'd given up on myself for someone else. Love was the only excuse I had. I'd fallen hard and so deep that I wasn't sure I'd ever find my way out."
This story is about love and loss...but not in how you would think. This is about how love can change a person and make them lose themselves. It's about giving yourself over completely, being vulnerable, and forgetting you're your own person in the process. It resonated with me on such a deep level, I can't even explain.
I can't say it's because this is how my life is, because it's not...but I've watched it first-hand how a woman falls so hard and so fast that she's willing to re-route her entire existence...recreate herself, not to contribute, but to conform. It's equally heartbreaking and empowering. It just goes to show the strength and versatility of a woman and how we think when it comes to something as simple as self-worth.
And Penelope's struggle is just that.
When her life hits a crossroads, she can choose to make the same mistakes or take a new path. Problem is, her heart might not be able to handle the fallout.
"I just don't know what I did wrong," I whispered. I opened my eyes and stared at my floor, the pain of my words shooting through me. "Why is it so easy for people to leave? Why doesn't anyone want me?" I choked out before breaking down and sobbing into the phone."
My heart. It died a little reading this book.
I felt it all. Everything. It crushed me. Even reading through what I've highlighted in my notes...the words are blurry through tears that have taken up the space on my lower eyelids.
A broken heart, broken promises...everything. Broken. It was amazingly beautiful in that brokenness...I loved it. I loved it so much, I want to read it again. I want to feel the burn of the agony as it chars my soul, and I want the soothing balm of the forgiveness that weighs heavy on my mind.
These words. Each chapter. This book. Liquid & Ash. It was everything. Everything I could have hoped for and everything I wanted. Because of this book, someone will not give up. Someone will see between the lines. Someone will wake up one day and realize what it's like to love and lose...and yet find everything they've ever wanted or needed in somewhere they least expect. Within themselves.
"I'd loved and I'd lost, but I wasn't lost anymore."
**5+ Ashes Fall Like Rain, Stars**
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