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Alexander & Maya #1
Lost Prelude
My name is Maya, and I'm not the same girl I was a month ago.
There is an emptiness I carry around in my chest now. A broken heart caused by grief.
There are also dark nights where I have trouble breathing as I feel the heavy weight of loss rushing through my veins, painful moments where I can remember my entire being scream in agony as I held onto my father's cold, lifeless hand.
Then there is always a hero to every story, isn't there? A hero who I despised from the moment he opened his mouth.
His name is Alexander. He is my inevitable I never expected to find. The one my broken heart leads me to. His existence, his touch, everything he did to make my pain bearable will leave a mark on me forever.
Yet, I know that when I'm gone, he'll only remember me as a fading memory.
There is an emptiness I carry around in my chest now. A broken heart caused by grief.
There are also dark nights where I have trouble breathing as I feel the heavy weight of loss rushing through my veins, painful moments where I can remember my entire being scream in agony as I held onto my father's cold, lifeless hand.
Then there is always a hero to every story, isn't there? A hero who I despised from the moment he opened his mouth.
His name is Alexander. He is my inevitable I never expected to find. The one my broken heart leads me to. His existence, his touch, everything he did to make my pain bearable will leave a mark on me forever.
Yet, I know that when I'm gone, he'll only remember me as a fading memory.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2015
90 people are currently reading
3194 people want to read
About the author
Ella Maise
14 books11k followersWriting has become my world and I can’t imagine myself doing anything other than giving life to new characters and new stories. You know how some things simply makes your heart burst with happiness? A really good book, a puppy, hugging someone you’ve been missing like crazy? That’s what writing does to me. And all the hard work, all the sleepless nights, all the anxiety…everything is worth it at the end. And I'm hoping that reading my books will leave you with that same happy feeling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
August 29, 2021
2 stars?
A pathetic doormat heroine alert!
This book was NOT what I'd expected it to be.
And not in a good, positively surprising way.
Na-ah.
A LOT OF RANT & SPOILERS ALONG THE WAY SO BEWARE!
First off, the synopsis is very vague. And after reading it, I got the impression it would be some sorta second-chance, enemies-to-lovers kinda read, definitely an antihero.
Well, it wasn't.
Or at least not in the way I'd imagined it in my head.
Secondly, the mentioned emptiness and loss that Maya, our heroine, carries in her heart is the aftermath of her father dying of cancer. And not some horrible shit our hero did, just as I had initially thought.
The book has a very sad undertone and I actually liked it. However, most of this book is our heroine crying after her dad, listening to his music (he was a pianist), bringing back some memories of her dad, having her breakdowns and, last but not least, playing kinky hot and cold with our hero.
Enter Alexander.
Honestly? I didn't like him.
He was a jerk most of the time. And I mean jerky jerk-jerk.
Plus, a major manwhore.
She meets him right away, drools a bit over his looks, says hi to him and he scowls at her. Then she sees him playing some hot tonsil tennis with some bimbo in a hotel lounge, then all of them taking the same elevator, with these two more than ready to play the devil's tango.
Then some time later she sees him with a different bimbo, a similar situation. Then it turns out they are staying next door, he helps her when she has a panic attack and rescues her from a guy who doesn't understand the word 'no'.
Then he kisses her but only to get rid of yet another bimbo who is ready for some hot sex with him. Then they argue only for us to to find out that he's the owner of this hotel.
Oh, and the next day she can hear him through the wall banging yet another girl.
Nice, huh?
But that was the point my interest actually peaked. Because I really hoped she would simply grow some balls and avoid him since he showed zero interest in her, at least none other as yet another easy fuck.
And what does Maya do?
Yup, you guessed it. She sleeps with him.
And then she meets his ex-wife and is absolutely convinced he still loves her.
And instead of finding a dictionary and learning what self-respect means, she sleeps with him again.
And again.
And then some more.
And at that point I was was so stupefied, I was like:
And after a week of fucking like rabbits, she believes she is in love with him. LOL.
And lemme tell ya all, I understand that hot sex with a nice piece of hunk might be a perfect distraction you think u need when going through a major shit in your life, I really do get that.
But never EVER lose your self-respect.
If a guy treats you like an easy cheap fuck, the middle finger is a much better choice than actually proving him right.
So, apart from that sad and apparently very weak excuse for a heroine, a few things need to be added.
*I didn't see any reason why these two should be together.
*I didn't feel the chemistry at all.
*I got really bored with all the long-ass memories (written in italics!) about her and her father which brought absolutely zero to the story.
*A lot of stupid forced drama and a lot of immaturity from both characters didn't help things, either.
*The whole point of her getting her peace by coming to NYC was somehow swept under a rug and the dirty sex was actually the major plot in this book.
And that's why I didn't enjoy this book.
To be fair, she does leave (despite his pleads to stay for another week of nice fucking). This book is a novella and it all happens within 9 days or so. It did hold my interest for a short while and it started off really well. But the rest is just a big fat nope.
I'm currently on book 2 because I bought them together. And I hope it will get better but if I'm to be honest, so far things are not looking good.
But we'll see.
I'm still hoping.
A pathetic doormat heroine alert!
This book was NOT what I'd expected it to be.
And not in a good, positively surprising way.
Na-ah.
A LOT OF RANT & SPOILERS ALONG THE WAY SO BEWARE!
First off, the synopsis is very vague. And after reading it, I got the impression it would be some sorta second-chance, enemies-to-lovers kinda read, definitely an antihero.
Well, it wasn't.
Or at least not in the way I'd imagined it in my head.
Secondly, the mentioned emptiness and loss that Maya, our heroine, carries in her heart is the aftermath of her father dying of cancer. And not some horrible shit our hero did, just as I had initially thought.
The book has a very sad undertone and I actually liked it. However, most of this book is our heroine crying after her dad, listening to his music (he was a pianist), bringing back some memories of her dad, having her breakdowns and, last but not least, playing kinky hot and cold with our hero.
Enter Alexander.
Honestly? I didn't like him.
He was a jerk most of the time. And I mean jerky jerk-jerk.
Plus, a major manwhore.
She meets him right away, drools a bit over his looks, says hi to him and he scowls at her. Then she sees him playing some hot tonsil tennis with some bimbo in a hotel lounge, then all of them taking the same elevator, with these two more than ready to play the devil's tango.
Then some time later she sees him with a different bimbo, a similar situation. Then it turns out they are staying next door, he helps her when she has a panic attack and rescues her from a guy who doesn't understand the word 'no'.
Then he kisses her but only to get rid of yet another bimbo who is ready for some hot sex with him. Then they argue only for us to to find out that he's the owner of this hotel.
Oh, and the next day she can hear him through the wall banging yet another girl.
Nice, huh?
But that was the point my interest actually peaked. Because I really hoped she would simply grow some balls and avoid him since he showed zero interest in her, at least none other as yet another easy fuck.
And what does Maya do?
Yup, you guessed it. She sleeps with him.
And then she meets his ex-wife and is absolutely convinced he still loves her.
And instead of finding a dictionary and learning what self-respect means, she sleeps with him again.
And again.
And then some more.
And at that point I was was so stupefied, I was like:
And after a week of fucking like rabbits, she believes she is in love with him. LOL.
And lemme tell ya all, I understand that hot sex with a nice piece of hunk might be a perfect distraction you think u need when going through a major shit in your life, I really do get that.
But never EVER lose your self-respect.
If a guy treats you like an easy cheap fuck, the middle finger is a much better choice than actually proving him right.
So, apart from that sad and apparently very weak excuse for a heroine, a few things need to be added.
*I didn't see any reason why these two should be together.
*I didn't feel the chemistry at all.
*I got really bored with all the long-ass memories (written in italics!) about her and her father which brought absolutely zero to the story.
*A lot of stupid forced drama and a lot of immaturity from both characters didn't help things, either.
*The whole point of her getting her peace by coming to NYC was somehow swept under a rug and the dirty sex was actually the major plot in this book.
And that's why I didn't enjoy this book.
To be fair, she does leave (despite his pleads to stay for another week of nice fucking). This book is a novella and it all happens within 9 days or so. It did hold my interest for a short while and it started off really well. But the rest is just a big fat nope.
I'm currently on book 2 because I bought them together. And I hope it will get better but if I'm to be honest, so far things are not looking good.
But we'll see.
I'm still hoping.
Read
May 22, 2019<3
FREE for a limited time:
Book One ➜ http://amzn.to/1ymvpRF
Book Two is also LIVE now!
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FREE for a limited time:
Book One ➜ http://amzn.to/1ymvpRF
Book Two is also LIVE now!
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June 16, 2017
***** 5 AMAZING STARS *****
Wow... I'm speechless.
I feel like I found a hidden gem. This book was written beautifully. It was so moving and breathtaking. Tears fell when I was only a few chapters in.
Maya goes to New York to fulfill her father's last wish. This wish was to contact her uncle. In New York, she stayed in her father's favorite hotel, which had a piano in the lobby full of beautiful memories. A panic attack came over Maya as a song played. A song that was played by her father every day in memory of her mother.
Alexander noticed the pain in Maya and helped her during her panic attack. He had his own demons with his ex-wife. The story doesn't explain what exactly happened between the two, but it was obvious that he was still struggling.
The chemistry between Maya and Alexander was inevitable. They comforted each other and made each other stronger. I can't wait to continue their story.
Wow... I'm speechless.
I feel like I found a hidden gem. This book was written beautifully. It was so moving and breathtaking. Tears fell when I was only a few chapters in.
Maya goes to New York to fulfill her father's last wish. This wish was to contact her uncle. In New York, she stayed in her father's favorite hotel, which had a piano in the lobby full of beautiful memories. A panic attack came over Maya as a song played. A song that was played by her father every day in memory of her mother.
Alexander noticed the pain in Maya and helped her during her panic attack. He had his own demons with his ex-wife. The story doesn't explain what exactly happened between the two, but it was obvious that he was still struggling.
The chemistry between Maya and Alexander was inevitable. They comforted each other and made each other stronger. I can't wait to continue their story.
January 6, 2016
It was too short to be believable.
They hated each other for no reason, than they were nice to each other for no reason and than they slept together. I didn't really feel the connection especially from the hero's side. He slept with different women every night end even the heroine knew it because she was in the hotel room right next to his. It just seemed too unbelievable for him to suddenly change that just after 4 or 5 days that he knew the heroin. It works in some books but it didn't feel believable in this one to me.
What I liked was how believable the grieving process was and how the heroine was or wasn't dealing with her dad passing. It gave the book quite a depressing tone but I could really see how much the heroine loved her father.
Overall I liked this book although it wasn't anything special. I will pick up other books by this author.
They hated each other for no reason, than they were nice to each other for no reason and than they slept together. I didn't really feel the connection especially from the hero's side. He slept with different women every night end even the heroine knew it because she was in the hotel room right next to his. It just seemed too unbelievable for him to suddenly change that just after 4 or 5 days that he knew the heroin. It works in some books but it didn't feel believable in this one to me.
What I liked was how believable the grieving process was and how the heroine was or wasn't dealing with her dad passing. It gave the book quite a depressing tone but I could really see how much the heroine loved her father.
Overall I liked this book although it wasn't anything special. I will pick up other books by this author.
June 23, 2019
It was just so-so. Nothing special about either. Rather, there was a whole lot of rush in the built-up of lust and interest from both sides.
April 4, 2015
Review by Natasha Gentile
This book came at me, surprising me. I had no idea that this author was even writing another book. So imagine my joy that it was amazing. I can’t wait for more.
My name is Maya, and I'm not the same girl I was a month ago.
Meet Maya, a twenty-five year old girl, suffering from the most heartbreaking loss of her life. She has just lost her father, not only was he her father but he was her whole world. They only had each other and they were both okay with that. It was a love so pure it could never end.
Until he left her.
I let myself go and welcomed the free-fall.
As clear as the day, I saw my dad play for his lost love, and I allowed my heart to shatter into a million pieces.
At the end what did me in was remembering his face as he turned around and gave me the most heart-breaking smile; filled with so much pain, love and sorrow.
Then the world disappeared in front of my eyes.
She is now in New York City with emptiness in her chest. An ache in her soul. She has trouble just breathing minute to minute but she has to be there. She made her father a promise and she was going to make sure that she carried it out.
While her days are spent searching for the missing piece for her father the nights are spent dark and lonely with the most painful memories of holding her father’s lifeless hand.
Then there is always a hero to every story, isn't there? A hero who I despised from the moment he opened his mouth.
Meet the man who will want you to climb in your kindle and ball kick him all the way to the moon, Alexander.
It was his eyes that had struck something inside me first, though. They were a beautiful shade of haze, blue with brown specks around the iris. It was extraordinary, so vibrant, as if they had a life of their own. There was a different kind of power behind them, a power that could easily render you speechless. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a beautiful smile to match the eyes. Forget about a beautiful one, he didn’t have one at all.
He is in her path every step of the way. Berating, arguing, snapping and being the condescending ass that he is. But no matter how much he pushes her buttons, he also sparks her life. He makes her forget. He makes he want to wake up tomorrow instead of drowning today.
“Who said we were playing?”
“I’m pretty sure that your life is a never-ending play, Alexander. Every move, every decision you make is carefully planned. I doubt you do something without knowing the outcome.” I discreetly glanced at him and saw his body stiffen at my remark. I didn’t want to ruin his night, too, when he was being nice to me on his own, so I changed the subject.
She has five days left in New York, five days till she goes back home to her emptiness. She finally gives into him, tries to feel, hopes to feel.
He is my inevitable I never expected to find. The one my broken heart leads me to. His existence, his touch, everything he did to make my pain bearable will leave a mark on me forever.
The question is what happens when she leaves? Will he let her leave after five days, or will everything be lost in the prelude?
I can’t wait for the second part of this story.
This book came at me, surprising me. I had no idea that this author was even writing another book. So imagine my joy that it was amazing. I can’t wait for more.
My name is Maya, and I'm not the same girl I was a month ago.
Meet Maya, a twenty-five year old girl, suffering from the most heartbreaking loss of her life. She has just lost her father, not only was he her father but he was her whole world. They only had each other and they were both okay with that. It was a love so pure it could never end.
Until he left her.
I let myself go and welcomed the free-fall.
As clear as the day, I saw my dad play for his lost love, and I allowed my heart to shatter into a million pieces.
At the end what did me in was remembering his face as he turned around and gave me the most heart-breaking smile; filled with so much pain, love and sorrow.
Then the world disappeared in front of my eyes.
She is now in New York City with emptiness in her chest. An ache in her soul. She has trouble just breathing minute to minute but she has to be there. She made her father a promise and she was going to make sure that she carried it out.
While her days are spent searching for the missing piece for her father the nights are spent dark and lonely with the most painful memories of holding her father’s lifeless hand.
Then there is always a hero to every story, isn't there? A hero who I despised from the moment he opened his mouth.
Meet the man who will want you to climb in your kindle and ball kick him all the way to the moon, Alexander.
It was his eyes that had struck something inside me first, though. They were a beautiful shade of haze, blue with brown specks around the iris. It was extraordinary, so vibrant, as if they had a life of their own. There was a different kind of power behind them, a power that could easily render you speechless. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a beautiful smile to match the eyes. Forget about a beautiful one, he didn’t have one at all.
He is in her path every step of the way. Berating, arguing, snapping and being the condescending ass that he is. But no matter how much he pushes her buttons, he also sparks her life. He makes her forget. He makes he want to wake up tomorrow instead of drowning today.
“Who said we were playing?”
“I’m pretty sure that your life is a never-ending play, Alexander. Every move, every decision you make is carefully planned. I doubt you do something without knowing the outcome.” I discreetly glanced at him and saw his body stiffen at my remark. I didn’t want to ruin his night, too, when he was being nice to me on his own, so I changed the subject.
She has five days left in New York, five days till she goes back home to her emptiness. She finally gives into him, tries to feel, hopes to feel.
He is my inevitable I never expected to find. The one my broken heart leads me to. His existence, his touch, everything he did to make my pain bearable will leave a mark on me forever.
The question is what happens when she leaves? Will he let her leave after five days, or will everything be lost in the prelude?
I can’t wait for the second part of this story.
January 3, 2016
I don't really know why I read this book.
I haven't read this kind of thing in years, and it's not like I felt a particular urge to go back to it last night. I just saw it and my brain went Hey, this is a thing people read, reading is fun, let's read it.
It's... okay, it's not a good book. I didn't exactly have the time of my life reading it - I just kind of floated through it until the end and then found myself not really knowing how to feel about it.
On one hand, it's got some originality to it, something that doesn't feel like it's been done over and over again, even though it has a fairly typical structure. The fact that Maya, the protagonist, meets Alex just as she is trying to get over her father's death allows for an interesting exploration of the way an intense crush and overwhelming grief can interact (although it could've been explored a lot better). Also, the atmosphere the author created - that feeling of being in a luxury hotel surrounded by people who are used to being in a luxury hotel, Maya's utter loneliness, her perceived lack of control over herself and everything surrounding her - is very well done.
On the other hand, this is vaguely 50SoG-y, and that doesn't really work in its favor as far as I'm concerned. Alex is domineering, insistent and slightly creepy, and even though his mysteriousness makes me curious to know more, I would also very much like to slap him in the face. He's incredibly attractive, thanks, I get that, but I can't really perceive his charm, the things about his personality that make him attractive, other than the fact that he can take full control just when Maya needs it. The problem is the fact that he also does it when Maya really doesn't need it, and although she talks a big game, when it comes down to it she's pretty spineless, except for her final decision at the end, which is obviously just a big reader-torturing ploy.
Furthermore, her relationship with her father kind of weirded me out. I have parents, I get parental love, I'm not some heartless robot. I understand her pain. But at the same time, the fact that she was completely dependent on him and still considers him, and I quote, her whole world is vaguely unsettling. Now, if the author were willing to explore this as a potential issue, something that Maya might need to work through and fully understand herself, that'd be crazy cool. But let's be realistic here - that's not gonna happen.
Meh.
I haven't read this kind of thing in years, and it's not like I felt a particular urge to go back to it last night. I just saw it and my brain went Hey, this is a thing people read, reading is fun, let's read it.
It's... okay, it's not a good book. I didn't exactly have the time of my life reading it - I just kind of floated through it until the end and then found myself not really knowing how to feel about it.
On one hand, it's got some originality to it, something that doesn't feel like it's been done over and over again, even though it has a fairly typical structure. The fact that Maya, the protagonist, meets Alex just as she is trying to get over her father's death allows for an interesting exploration of the way an intense crush and overwhelming grief can interact (although it could've been explored a lot better). Also, the atmosphere the author created - that feeling of being in a luxury hotel surrounded by people who are used to being in a luxury hotel, Maya's utter loneliness, her perceived lack of control over herself and everything surrounding her - is very well done.
On the other hand, this is vaguely 50SoG-y, and that doesn't really work in its favor as far as I'm concerned. Alex is domineering, insistent and slightly creepy, and even though his mysteriousness makes me curious to know more, I would also very much like to slap him in the face. He's incredibly attractive, thanks, I get that, but I can't really perceive his charm, the things about his personality that make him attractive, other than the fact that he can take full control just when Maya needs it. The problem is the fact that he also does it when Maya really doesn't need it, and although she talks a big game, when it comes down to it she's pretty spineless, except for her final decision at the end, which is obviously just a big reader-torturing ploy.
Furthermore, her relationship with her father kind of weirded me out. I have parents, I get parental love, I'm not some heartless robot. I understand her pain. But at the same time, the fact that she was completely dependent on him and still considers him, and I quote, her whole world is vaguely unsettling. Now, if the author were willing to explore this as a potential issue, something that Maya might need to work through and fully understand herself, that'd be crazy cool. But let's be realistic here - that's not gonna happen.
Meh.
April 10, 2015
I really don't think, I have ever been moved more, by a book, than I was by Lost Prelude. Ella Maise is a rising star, in the book world, Lost Prelude is only her second book. Her writing flowed smoothly and this was so original. It was deep, emotional and conveyed everything I felt when I lost someone who meant everything to me.
This is not only an epic love story between Maya and Alexander but, this is also about Maya losing a part of herself. When the book opens up, Maya is in New York, preparing to meet her uncle. She was worn completely out, had to change hotel rooms twice, and she was without the only person she cared about. She was losing herself in grief.
Maya had lost her only person. The one person she had, that was hers. She was an only child, her mother died during childbirth and her father never remarried. He was all that she had. The scene that Ella wrote between Maya and her father took me right back to when I lost my grandmother 5 years ago, she was my person. That emptiness in the pit of my stomach and the tears, she brought it all back. I couldn't sleep last night and I wasn't sure I would be able to finish the book. Thankfully Ella transitioned well and got back with the love story and I was able to get myself back together. When I think back on that now, that is a sign of a truly good book. She provoke the feeling, and the she transitioned to the next topic.
The love story was an unique one, it was lovely. I loved how Maya held herself back just a little, not to let herself get hurt. She didn't give herself fully, even when she needed him desperately to take away all the pain. This was just so beautiful.
This book was different and I would love feed back on what other think. This would be a great book for book clubs, I can see so many discussion questions. I so hope Ms. Maise will join Waking Up Indie, so we can do the author discussion with her. This book needs to be read and shared.
5 stars!
This is not only an epic love story between Maya and Alexander but, this is also about Maya losing a part of herself. When the book opens up, Maya is in New York, preparing to meet her uncle. She was worn completely out, had to change hotel rooms twice, and she was without the only person she cared about. She was losing herself in grief.
Maya had lost her only person. The one person she had, that was hers. She was an only child, her mother died during childbirth and her father never remarried. He was all that she had. The scene that Ella wrote between Maya and her father took me right back to when I lost my grandmother 5 years ago, she was my person. That emptiness in the pit of my stomach and the tears, she brought it all back. I couldn't sleep last night and I wasn't sure I would be able to finish the book. Thankfully Ella transitioned well and got back with the love story and I was able to get myself back together. When I think back on that now, that is a sign of a truly good book. She provoke the feeling, and the she transitioned to the next topic.
The love story was an unique one, it was lovely. I loved how Maya held herself back just a little, not to let herself get hurt. She didn't give herself fully, even when she needed him desperately to take away all the pain. This was just so beautiful.
This book was different and I would love feed back on what other think. This would be a great book for book clubs, I can see so many discussion questions. I so hope Ms. Maise will join Waking Up Indie, so we can do the author discussion with her. This book needs to be read and shared.
5 stars!
September 6, 2016
This author keeps on reminding me that why I love her so damn much.
It is amazing to see an author outdoing herself with every book I get hands on.
So Lost Prelude is a small read but that does not mean that it is not intense and full of a ride that you just might drown in.
Beautifully written and magnificently executed, the book reveals just enough and leaves enough mystery for the reader to get hooked onto the second book.
I'm actually itching to start the next one.
I liked the characters a lot. I think individually and together, Alexander and Maya were pretty good and beautifully portrayed by the author.
I can't keep writing this.
I need to start the next part.
Guys, give this a try. :)
It is amazing to see an author outdoing herself with every book I get hands on.
So Lost Prelude is a small read but that does not mean that it is not intense and full of a ride that you just might drown in.
Beautifully written and magnificently executed, the book reveals just enough and leaves enough mystery for the reader to get hooked onto the second book.
I'm actually itching to start the next one.
I liked the characters a lot. I think individually and together, Alexander and Maya were pretty good and beautifully portrayed by the author.
I can't keep writing this.
I need to start the next part.
Guys, give this a try. :)
January 7, 2016
Enjoyed this story. Both characters are intriguing. For some reason Maya won't tell Alexander where she is from and he can't place her accent. I found it odd Maya had given the hotel where they meet a fake American address.
Alexander is mysterious. He also has an interfering ex wife. Maya and Alex begin a sexual relationship but she has made it clear she is leaving in ten days. Ends on a small cliff hanger but concluding book is already published. I read this for free on Kindle Unlimited after enjoying another book by this author 'To Love Jason Thorn', which was good.
Alexander is mysterious. He also has an interfering ex wife. Maya and Alex begin a sexual relationship but she has made it clear she is leaving in ten days. Ends on a small cliff hanger but concluding book is already published. I read this for free on Kindle Unlimited after enjoying another book by this author 'To Love Jason Thorn', which was good.
August 15, 2015
Title: Lost Prelude
Author: Ella Maise
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Series (Alexander & Maya #1)
Rating: ★★★★★
Review
This book took me by surprise.
Having never read this author before, I had no idea what I was going to be in for when I started to read, only going strictly based on the pull of the cover and the story of a girl desperately in need of healing, after losing one of the most important people in her life.
By the time I finished the story, I had gotten that and so much more.
The memories were by far the hardest for me to get through while reading. Not because they weren’t written well, because they were, but because I could see myself in them instead of Maya.
The relationship that she has with her father, the undying love and devotion and the loss she experiences when he passes away, I could easily put myself in her shoes, be her because I have that same regard for my own father. There are times where I can’t even imagine breathing again once he’s gone, even though I’m aware that at some point we all have to move on. Just the fear alone of losing him, let alone living after scares me to death and it’s this feeling that made Maya such an incredibly moving character.
Enter Alexander. (Yeah I’m gonna be as stubborn about it as Maya was lol). I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of him from the first moment he appears. In fact, there is this air about him throughout most of this book that screams complicated, screams backstory, but you’re kept away from the curtain that would expose it fully. It wasn’t enough to disconnect me though. It was enough to intrigue me. To need to know more.
Where at times he comes across as the typical fictional alpha male, there were these other moments throughout where he just melted my damn heart. He cared about Maya despite being unable to completely understand why. He wanted to help her. Heal her. Be there for her. Bring beauty back into her life and by the time I turned the last page, I can say that he did that, even if it was only for a brief period.
This story had its fair share of steamy scenes, but what I enjoyed about them more than the steam factor was how they blended into the story and each scene, while raw and sometimes even animalistic with the need presented in it, had it’s place. Every time they were together, it wasn’t just sex. It was feeling and healing and romantic.
This is not a happily ever after. In order to get that, I do believe you’re going to need to read both books (which I am now after this review off to do), but it does have epic moments of romance, of love (though not spoken, just clearly visible), and also pain and agony. It’s a combination of the best and worst parts of life and relationships, which for this reader makes it one hell of a read.
It wasn’t a pretty book, but it was a beautiful book and I am so glad I took the chance and read it. Now I need to go grab some tissues, have a good cry and attempt to get Maya out of my head.
August 22, 2015
This book had it moments.
However, I thought that the heroine could be a bit of a b***h at times. I like when a heroine does not give in to the hero right away and knows a player when she sees one. However, her attitude was a bit obnxious sometimes. When Alexander wanted to take her out (piano scene) and she assumed the worst, well I started to assume the worst about her.
The flashbacks were unnecessary with Maya's father. I found myself skimming them. Boring. I already got it. She loved and missed her father. Those flashback scenes felt like fillers. Also, the sex scenes were too long. However, I did like the last 20% so I am going to read book 2.
I am all about the cliffy/ending. Also, I love when the hero owns the hotel and I do love ex drama.
However, I thought that the heroine could be a bit of a b***h at times. I like when a heroine does not give in to the hero right away and knows a player when she sees one. However, her attitude was a bit obnxious sometimes. When Alexander wanted to take her out (piano scene) and she assumed the worst, well I started to assume the worst about her.
The flashbacks were unnecessary with Maya's father. I found myself skimming them. Boring. I already got it. She loved and missed her father. Those flashback scenes felt like fillers. Also, the sex scenes were too long. However, I did like the last 20% so I am going to read book 2.
I am all about the cliffy/ending. Also, I love when the hero owns the hotel and I do love ex drama.
November 6, 2017
A bit on the drama side but it was a nice and easy read.
September 9, 2023
Nope.
July 9, 2015
ARC was given via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Lost Prelude is an heartbreaking, sexy, short read. It's a different story than what I'm used to reading, this heroine was broken and when a guy came barreling into her life she wanted nothing to do with him, though granted he was very much an asshole at the start of the book.
In Lost Prelude we meet a twenty-five year old woman named Maya who is suffering the most devastating loss of her life. Her mother died during child birth, and she has no other family. And now she has just lost her father. Maya and her father had a bond like no other. They had a love that was pure and real. They only had each other in the world...and then he leaves.
"My dad...I lost my dad."
My voice broke, and hot tears rolled down my face, yet again.
"Oh, sweetheart..." he murmured and sighed, pulling my head into his chest. I hung on to him like he was my lifeline, like he was the only person anchoring me to the earth.I gripped his white shirt tighter-staining it with my tears-in my fists and he let me cry my heart out for the most amazing man I'd lost."
Next we meet the hero. His name is Alexander. And he is an asshole, plain and simple.
"It was his eyes that had struck something inside me first, though. They were a beautiful shade of haze, blue with brown specks around the iris. It was extraordinary, so vibrant, as if they had a life of their own. There was a different kind of power behind them, a power that could easily render you speechless."
Alex is somehow always around where Maya is and he always has to have a say in everything. He literally has no filter between his brain and his mouth and that made me want to kill him. But I also loved him for his non-existent filter because whatever he said always rose a reaction out of Maya and she forgot about her father for a split second. Alex made Maya forget, he made her feel like she wasn't grieving for a moment or two.
The two start off hating one another, to being low key friends, to being friends with benefits. You think you know where this is leading? If you guessed they fall for each other, you're right. But the thing is she's visiting New York for a few days and then she'll be gone.
These two characters were deep, and developed well for a novel this short. It was a beautiful read full of flashbacks of Maya with her father, and her grieving process. Every little bit of this book reached my heart and slowly crushed it. I loved every moment of it. There were some pretty funny one-liners in this novel too such as...
"A penis couldn't act like a magic wand and erase my grief completely."
My Rating: 5 wonderful stars.
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Lost Prelude is an heartbreaking, sexy, short read. It's a different story than what I'm used to reading, this heroine was broken and when a guy came barreling into her life she wanted nothing to do with him, though granted he was very much an asshole at the start of the book.
In Lost Prelude we meet a twenty-five year old woman named Maya who is suffering the most devastating loss of her life. Her mother died during child birth, and she has no other family. And now she has just lost her father. Maya and her father had a bond like no other. They had a love that was pure and real. They only had each other in the world...and then he leaves.
"My dad...I lost my dad."
My voice broke, and hot tears rolled down my face, yet again.
"Oh, sweetheart..." he murmured and sighed, pulling my head into his chest. I hung on to him like he was my lifeline, like he was the only person anchoring me to the earth.I gripped his white shirt tighter-staining it with my tears-in my fists and he let me cry my heart out for the most amazing man I'd lost."
Next we meet the hero. His name is Alexander. And he is an asshole, plain and simple.
"It was his eyes that had struck something inside me first, though. They were a beautiful shade of haze, blue with brown specks around the iris. It was extraordinary, so vibrant, as if they had a life of their own. There was a different kind of power behind them, a power that could easily render you speechless."
Alex is somehow always around where Maya is and he always has to have a say in everything. He literally has no filter between his brain and his mouth and that made me want to kill him. But I also loved him for his non-existent filter because whatever he said always rose a reaction out of Maya and she forgot about her father for a split second. Alex made Maya forget, he made her feel like she wasn't grieving for a moment or two.
The two start off hating one another, to being low key friends, to being friends with benefits. You think you know where this is leading? If you guessed they fall for each other, you're right. But the thing is she's visiting New York for a few days and then she'll be gone.
These two characters were deep, and developed well for a novel this short. It was a beautiful read full of flashbacks of Maya with her father, and her grieving process. Every little bit of this book reached my heart and slowly crushed it. I loved every moment of it. There were some pretty funny one-liners in this novel too such as...
"A penis couldn't act like a magic wand and erase my grief completely."
My Rating: 5 wonderful stars.
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August 17, 2015
This is a combo review for both Lost Prelude and Lost Heartbeats. No spoilers give but I must state a proclaimer!!....
Lost Prelude MUST be read prior to Lost Heartbeats. They go hand in hand.
“I still feel it. Do you?”
I choose to read this series by the covers alone. I didn’t pay any attention to the synopsis before I quickly clicked buy and buy. I started reading instantly forgetting my list of reads I try to stick with. I could tell with in the first chapter that I would be telling my bookies to read this series and come the end of book one I was do that exact thing.
“Maybe at another time this could’ve turned into something.”
“I believe it’s already something, Maya”
I enjoyed the cat and mouse game. I enjoyed that Maya was strong but when that wall crashed I was thrilled Alexander was there. Lost Prelude was just the kind of start two characters need to hook you so you continue reading. Yes, Lost Prelude is exactly as it sounds, prelude…don’t expect a marriage proposal. But expect a ride that will have you smiling and gripping your legs!
“So you aren’t like how you are with me with other people?”
“Definitely not.”
“God, I like that.”
Something that I am fond of beside the connection as the characters fall is angst. I love feeling their love and their power behind it but I also LOVE to feel other things. The angst given, it starts in Lost Prelude but the majority you see in Lost Heartbeats had me one happy camper. Even though I was upset with Alexander at one of the monumental times in his relationship with Maya I loved it all the same. The torn feeling for doing something he had to do compared to what he should have done was felt so vividly. It’s all about the old and new. How to make it work. How to make one the priority.
“I missed you. I’m here because of you, and I want to stay because of you. Since the first day I saw you, I’ve been slowly falling for you, and I’ve decided that I’m going to keep you.”
Having Alexanders POV in Lost Heartbeats was a prize for me. I had wished for it in Lost Prelude just because I was a greedy reader and wanted in his head. But, now being finished with both, if we had his POV in Prelude the elusiveness of his character wouldn’t have impacted the storyline as it did. I really didn’t want ALL of those answers so quickly.
I hate long series about the same couple because 90% of the time book after book after book you lose why you love and fell for those characters and your love for the story is lessoned. I 100% believe with the fantastic writing, the incredibly built characters, and the distinctive falling type of love they have that I really could read more and more of Alexander and Maya. I loved how it all concluded and pleased with how their life has been fulfilled, I just want more. Plain and simple and I must say wanting more rather than screaming make it stop is a huge plus. I fell hard for these characters and their story, I fell for the unique storyline and I fell for the writing that sucked me in.
I’m falling for you a little more every time you give me your smile, sweetheart
Unforgettable 5 stars!!!!
Lost Prelude MUST be read prior to Lost Heartbeats. They go hand in hand.
“I still feel it. Do you?”
I choose to read this series by the covers alone. I didn’t pay any attention to the synopsis before I quickly clicked buy and buy. I started reading instantly forgetting my list of reads I try to stick with. I could tell with in the first chapter that I would be telling my bookies to read this series and come the end of book one I was do that exact thing.
“Maybe at another time this could’ve turned into something.”
“I believe it’s already something, Maya”
I enjoyed the cat and mouse game. I enjoyed that Maya was strong but when that wall crashed I was thrilled Alexander was there. Lost Prelude was just the kind of start two characters need to hook you so you continue reading. Yes, Lost Prelude is exactly as it sounds, prelude…don’t expect a marriage proposal. But expect a ride that will have you smiling and gripping your legs!
“So you aren’t like how you are with me with other people?”
“Definitely not.”
“God, I like that.”
Something that I am fond of beside the connection as the characters fall is angst. I love feeling their love and their power behind it but I also LOVE to feel other things. The angst given, it starts in Lost Prelude but the majority you see in Lost Heartbeats had me one happy camper. Even though I was upset with Alexander at one of the monumental times in his relationship with Maya I loved it all the same. The torn feeling for doing something he had to do compared to what he should have done was felt so vividly. It’s all about the old and new. How to make it work. How to make one the priority.
“I missed you. I’m here because of you, and I want to stay because of you. Since the first day I saw you, I’ve been slowly falling for you, and I’ve decided that I’m going to keep you.”
Having Alexanders POV in Lost Heartbeats was a prize for me. I had wished for it in Lost Prelude just because I was a greedy reader and wanted in his head. But, now being finished with both, if we had his POV in Prelude the elusiveness of his character wouldn’t have impacted the storyline as it did. I really didn’t want ALL of those answers so quickly.
I hate long series about the same couple because 90% of the time book after book after book you lose why you love and fell for those characters and your love for the story is lessoned. I 100% believe with the fantastic writing, the incredibly built characters, and the distinctive falling type of love they have that I really could read more and more of Alexander and Maya. I loved how it all concluded and pleased with how their life has been fulfilled, I just want more. Plain and simple and I must say wanting more rather than screaming make it stop is a huge plus. I fell hard for these characters and their story, I fell for the unique storyline and I fell for the writing that sucked me in.
I’m falling for you a little more every time you give me your smile, sweetheart
Unforgettable 5 stars!!!!
April 15, 2015
I saw the blurb for this book and was intrigued. The last few weeks I have come across some awesome blurbs but then when I download the sample the book falls flat.
So I downloaded the sample, one-clicked and devoured in 2 hours. No lie.
I am not a fan of cliffhangers...at all. I avoid them like the plague. HOWEVER, I do make the occasional exception and this is one of them. I promise you won't be disappointed.
That being said...here's my review.
Ella Maise wrote Maya and Alex as these deep, complex characters. You have NO idea where this story is going or how you will get there because she leaves you these breadcrumbs along the way that keep you wanting more. We start off with this overwhelming grief that Maya has. We aren't sure what or who caused the grief, just that she is drowning in it. My heart hurt for her and broke for her and somehow through this writing, Ella made sure that Maya didn't come off as whiny or pathetic. Maya came off as just a lonely person trying to sort through the aftermath of her loss. I loved her and desperately wanted to save her.
Alexander Ross is an enigma. We have nothing to go by on him except Maya's perception of him which happens to be spot on for the most part. He is aloof, wealthy and a playboy. We learn that he too is damaged but we have no idea to what extent. What we do see by the end of this book is that he cares about Maya in some way, shape or form. He just doesn't know it or want to admit it. At first I wanted to dislike him but Ella Maise slowly made me love him too.
After all the feels, the love and the heartbreak we are left with a sense that Maya did the right thing to save her heart and herself. It did leave me deeply wounded and wanting more and if this book is any indication, we are in for a LOT more feels.
So I downloaded the sample, one-clicked and devoured in 2 hours. No lie.
I am not a fan of cliffhangers...at all. I avoid them like the plague. HOWEVER, I do make the occasional exception and this is one of them. I promise you won't be disappointed.
That being said...here's my review.
Ella Maise wrote Maya and Alex as these deep, complex characters. You have NO idea where this story is going or how you will get there because she leaves you these breadcrumbs along the way that keep you wanting more. We start off with this overwhelming grief that Maya has. We aren't sure what or who caused the grief, just that she is drowning in it. My heart hurt for her and broke for her and somehow through this writing, Ella made sure that Maya didn't come off as whiny or pathetic. Maya came off as just a lonely person trying to sort through the aftermath of her loss. I loved her and desperately wanted to save her.
Alexander Ross is an enigma. We have nothing to go by on him except Maya's perception of him which happens to be spot on for the most part. He is aloof, wealthy and a playboy. We learn that he too is damaged but we have no idea to what extent. What we do see by the end of this book is that he cares about Maya in some way, shape or form. He just doesn't know it or want to admit it. At first I wanted to dislike him but Ella Maise slowly made me love him too.
After all the feels, the love and the heartbreak we are left with a sense that Maya did the right thing to save her heart and herself. It did leave me deeply wounded and wanting more and if this book is any indication, we are in for a LOT more feels.
January 11, 2016
What I initially loved about Lost prelude was if you had read To Love Jason Thorn by Ella Maise you will have read about the newer book Olive was writing about Alexander and Maya. You don't need to have read To Love Jason Thorn, but it was kinda cool and original to start Lost Prelude and already have a 'slight clue'. Very clever!
I should also add that Lost Prelude is nothing like To Love Jason Thorn. If you are looking for unicorns, rainbows and all things happy, this book is probably not for you. At times its heart wrenching. I felt so much pain for Maya and as for Alexander and his past too... Well, I did well up a few times. The worst of it, the damn end! Seriously Ella Maise, what are you trying to do to us!
I consumed this book on my birthday, it was beautiful and hard to read at times. I just wanted to dive into the book and make everything better for Maya. The story is so sweet and depressing, the characters in depth and enticing and that stories pace, although slow at times, it was also just right.
I loved this book even if it did sadden me so much. In comparison to To Love Jason Thorn, they are nothing alike. However, the writing style and detail put into this book cannot be ignored. I am a huge fan of Ella Maise now and definitely will continue to read her work. This was also another free read as its currently available on Amazon Unlimited for Kindle. Highly recommended 4 stars.
I should also add that Lost Prelude is nothing like To Love Jason Thorn. If you are looking for unicorns, rainbows and all things happy, this book is probably not for you. At times its heart wrenching. I felt so much pain for Maya and as for Alexander and his past too... Well, I did well up a few times. The worst of it, the damn end! Seriously Ella Maise, what are you trying to do to us!
I consumed this book on my birthday, it was beautiful and hard to read at times. I just wanted to dive into the book and make everything better for Maya. The story is so sweet and depressing, the characters in depth and enticing and that stories pace, although slow at times, it was also just right.
I loved this book even if it did sadden me so much. In comparison to To Love Jason Thorn, they are nothing alike. However, the writing style and detail put into this book cannot be ignored. I am a huge fan of Ella Maise now and definitely will continue to read her work. This was also another free read as its currently available on Amazon Unlimited for Kindle. Highly recommended 4 stars.
August 20, 2015
The book was actual hard to get into for me. I don't know if it was the depressing tone, the very long flashbacks or that I just didn't feel any connection between the main characters. Every time Maya seen Alex she acted disappointed and every time Alex seen Maya he acted like she was beneath him. I never felt lust or even attraction. Then about half way they had sex and I for once seen some vulnerability with Alex and my interest was perked. But Maya was too sad, mad and gloomy character to enjoy or even want to continue reading about. All gloom and doom. But Alex, his brother and his ex made it pretty lively. I think I even think that assistant Adam was more interesting. I read reviews about other readers complaining Alex didn't chase Maya. He let her go. I for one disagree. He begged her to stay, he demanded, he sent his assistant to babysit and he went to the airport. What more did she want from the man?! After 10 days if she was expecting him to give his undying love that's insane. I know she had to leave. I get that but I think her expectations on how he should act were too high. Even for Prince Charming! But again the gloom and doom. But I like Alex and I am hoping he gets a hea so off to the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2015
This book was different from all others and that's a good thing. It's not a long story but packs a powerful punch. You have Maya who visits NYC to finish something for her dad who passed away recently. She meets Alexander who pushes all her buttons the wrong way. They finally give in to each other but she is only there for a few days so will she stay or go? We are left needing more and only getting Maya's side, I hope we get some Alexander POV in the next one!
May 2, 2025
gut wrenching and beautiful
November 28, 2023
When I read marriage by one ... I was excited to read more by Ella. Lost Prélude is just okey.. little bit rushed plot.... Rushed love is not my fav. I am reading the second book though 😂
July 19, 2024
Maya comes to New York to find her Uncle and deliver him the letter her late dad wrote. She is still grieving the loss of her dad and she found someone who helped her through this during her stay in New York.
When it is time for her to go back, he wants her to stay and so does but does she stay?
This book annoyed me multiple times, at the start it was the scenes where she had to witness him being with other women one after another and I couldn't understand how she still felt comfort in his presence or dared to count on him for anything. Anyway, things did go ahead and it got better when other women stayed out of the story and he was committed to her. After all that I was a bit upset when she decided at the end, I understand her thought process but it doesn't help with accepting her decision.
I made a mistake before starting this book, I read negative reviews and believed I probably wouldn't like the book. However, the book was better than what I had prepared myself for. I wouldn't say I enjoyed the journey of this book. I had happy moments and moments where I was annoyed at the characters for acting stupid and all of that didn't lead to a Happy ending at the end so I am just frustrated right now.
When it is time for her to go back, he wants her to stay and so does but does she stay?
This book annoyed me multiple times, at the start it was the scenes where she had to witness him being with other women one after another and I couldn't understand how she still felt comfort in his presence or dared to count on him for anything. Anyway, things did go ahead and it got better when other women stayed out of the story and he was committed to her. After all that I was a bit upset when she decided at the end, I understand her thought process but it doesn't help with accepting her decision.
I made a mistake before starting this book, I read negative reviews and believed I probably wouldn't like the book. However, the book was better than what I had prepared myself for. I wouldn't say I enjoyed the journey of this book. I had happy moments and moments where I was annoyed at the characters for acting stupid and all of that didn't lead to a Happy ending at the end so I am just frustrated right now.
May 1, 2015
as an amateur storyteller myself, i know how very precious and scary it can be to put your words out for the masses to read. these characters and their lives have become such a vital part of your everyday that you worry about the hands that will now help shape their future. in some ways, it is offering a bit of yourself up for scrutiny and it is therefore tantamount to help support author’s just beginning their careers.
i was lucky enough to get a change to read ella maise’s first novel, lost prelude. i was hopeful that this story and its author would connect with my heart; and while it was a bit of bumpy start it did not take long for maya to have tears streaming down my face. this is a story of loss and love so profound that you are never sure you will find a way to pick up the pieces. i lived part of maya’s story so vividly that i was easily back to being that lost and broken 16-year old.
this is not light summer romance but one of depth and complexity that come with living and scars. i was immersed in the give and take of alexander and maya and i can hardly wait to see what the next portion of their journey entails. my only complaint, as it were, was bits of eluded background that were never addressed. i wanted to know more about alex’s sleazy brother and what occurred in his past relationship that seemed to make him incapable of trusting or moving on. i really hope that when we visit these characters again these questions will be more fully answered.
i think ella maise is going to have a long career as she writes stories that eviscerate the very essence of your heart. if such complex characters are her introduction, i am eager to see how each new story will grow and strengthen her voice as a storyteller.
as always, these are my own personal opinions and preferences as a reader.
i was lucky enough to get a change to read ella maise’s first novel, lost prelude. i was hopeful that this story and its author would connect with my heart; and while it was a bit of bumpy start it did not take long for maya to have tears streaming down my face. this is a story of loss and love so profound that you are never sure you will find a way to pick up the pieces. i lived part of maya’s story so vividly that i was easily back to being that lost and broken 16-year old.
this is not light summer romance but one of depth and complexity that come with living and scars. i was immersed in the give and take of alexander and maya and i can hardly wait to see what the next portion of their journey entails. my only complaint, as it were, was bits of eluded background that were never addressed. i wanted to know more about alex’s sleazy brother and what occurred in his past relationship that seemed to make him incapable of trusting or moving on. i really hope that when we visit these characters again these questions will be more fully answered.
i think ella maise is going to have a long career as she writes stories that eviscerate the very essence of your heart. if such complex characters are her introduction, i am eager to see how each new story will grow and strengthen her voice as a storyteller.
as always, these are my own personal opinions and preferences as a reader.
October 3, 2015
4 heartbreaking stars
I came across this book by accident and totally fell in love with the cover- so I started reading it yesterday. And oh my....I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
I've always been a Daddy's girl.
He was my world.
I was 27 years old when I lost my Dad to AML. And on the day he left, my whole world turned around on its axis, it totally fell apart and I was suddenly drowning in pain, a pain I don't think I'd ever be able to survive again, a pain, that after 4 years is still present every single day.
I was lucky, because only a couple of weeks after my Dad's passing, I met the love of my life. He helped me- not to heal, because I don't think that's even possible- but to move on, embrace life and not give up. He brought the sun back into my life. And for this I will forever be grateful.
Having said this, Lost Prelude read like a diary to my own life. There were so many similarities and Ella Maise found the perfect words to describe what a daughter feels in these times of sorrow.
Suffice to say, I connected to this story 1000%. Reading this almost felt like therapy- God, I've cried so much. It was beautiful, yet bittersweet.
I will gladly read the sequel, hoping for Maya to not only find, but welcome the sun back into her life...
I came across this book by accident and totally fell in love with the cover- so I started reading it yesterday. And oh my....I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
I've always been a Daddy's girl.
He was my world.
I was 27 years old when I lost my Dad to AML. And on the day he left, my whole world turned around on its axis, it totally fell apart and I was suddenly drowning in pain, a pain I don't think I'd ever be able to survive again, a pain, that after 4 years is still present every single day.
I was lucky, because only a couple of weeks after my Dad's passing, I met the love of my life. He helped me- not to heal, because I don't think that's even possible- but to move on, embrace life and not give up. He brought the sun back into my life. And for this I will forever be grateful.
Having said this, Lost Prelude read like a diary to my own life. There were so many similarities and Ella Maise found the perfect words to describe what a daughter feels in these times of sorrow.
Suffice to say, I connected to this story 1000%. Reading this almost felt like therapy- God, I've cried so much. It was beautiful, yet bittersweet.
I will gladly read the sequel, hoping for Maya to not only find, but welcome the sun back into her life...
February 24, 2016
2.5 stars rounded to 3.
This book was a surprising reading experience. It was just so darn readable! I stayed up until way too late to finish this.
What I liked:
1) Even though Maya is grieving and she does have some major sad inner monologues, she still manages to be a kind person. She doesn't feel the need to impress people with anything other than her kindness.
2) The plot. It isn't overly complicated. Daughter tries to fulfill her father's dying wish. She meets a man who's a jerk and a total playboy. She needs help to overcome her grief.
3) Maya isn't your typical, insecure NA heroine. She's going through some major grief, but she's not socially awkward or odd. I'm glad that she
What I didn't like:
1) Alex. I found him to be jerk, arrogant, selfish and gross. Yes, I know that it mentions that he's a manwhore in the blurb, but per the high rating this book received, I took a chance that maybe this was exaggerated? It wasn't. If anything, he was worse than what I was expecting. I don't care about the reason he's like that. I just don't like reading about those kinds of characters. So trigger warning to those of you who are like me in this regard.
2) The cliffhanger. Thank goodness I already had the next book downloaded to my Kindle.
This book was a surprising reading experience. It was just so darn readable! I stayed up until way too late to finish this.
What I liked:
1) Even though Maya is grieving and she does have some major sad inner monologues, she still manages to be a kind person. She doesn't feel the need to impress people with anything other than her kindness.
2) The plot. It isn't overly complicated. Daughter tries to fulfill her father's dying wish. She meets a man who's a jerk and a total playboy. She needs help to overcome her grief.
3) Maya isn't your typical, insecure NA heroine. She's going through some major grief, but she's not socially awkward or odd. I'm glad that she
What I didn't like:
1) Alex. I found him to be jerk, arrogant, selfish and gross. Yes, I know that it mentions that he's a manwhore in the blurb, but per the high rating this book received, I took a chance that maybe this was exaggerated? It wasn't. If anything, he was worse than what I was expecting. I don't care about the reason he's like that. I just don't like reading about those kinds of characters. So trigger warning to those of you who are like me in this regard.
2) The cliffhanger. Thank goodness I already had the next book downloaded to my Kindle.
February 10, 2019
How can you find someone when you are at your worst? How can you believe in a happily ever after after all that you loved is taken from you? The answer is YOU NEED SOMEONE LIKE ALEXANDER ROSS. The brooding asshole who got into Maya's life and changed it. Became her inevitable.
P.S: Is this the book that Olive was writing in Ella Maise To love Jason Thorne?
I now want to know what Alex has to say to this. What his motives and his life is about in the next book
P.S: Is this the book that Olive was writing in Ella Maise To love Jason Thorne?
I now want to know what Alex has to say to this. What his motives and his life is about in the next book
August 17, 2015
about 2 hours... that was how long it took me to devour this book.
half a box of kleenex was required to get me through it.
WOW!! Ella Maise is a newer author and certainly new to me.
The Book Nuts told me too - it's all Kelley's fault.... and while I am glad she did, she'll be getting a bill for a box of kleenex.
Okay so enough about the tears and....yup more tears...
I could relate to this book. Though I didn't have quite the emotional attachment to my father as Maya did, it wasn't all that long ago that I experienced something very similar, but MAN, what a way to cope.
I don't like spoilers... so I won't give you any.
This book made me laugh, cry, roll my eyes a few times and even shiver with anticipation of what crazy nonsense Alexander was going to pull next. The Author delivered a magnificent story that had me hooked from 6% going forward and I highly recommend this book to anyone.
Oh - yeah there is a cliffhanger - thank god book 2 was out.. because yeah, I stayed up til 2:30 in the morning reading both books!
Well Done Ella - you're well on your way!
half a box of kleenex was required to get me through it.
WOW!! Ella Maise is a newer author and certainly new to me.
The Book Nuts told me too - it's all Kelley's fault.... and while I am glad she did, she'll be getting a bill for a box of kleenex.
Okay so enough about the tears and....yup more tears...
I could relate to this book. Though I didn't have quite the emotional attachment to my father as Maya did, it wasn't all that long ago that I experienced something very similar, but MAN, what a way to cope.
I don't like spoilers... so I won't give you any.
This book made me laugh, cry, roll my eyes a few times and even shiver with anticipation of what crazy nonsense Alexander was going to pull next. The Author delivered a magnificent story that had me hooked from 6% going forward and I highly recommend this book to anyone.
Oh - yeah there is a cliffhanger - thank god book 2 was out.. because yeah, I stayed up til 2:30 in the morning reading both books!
Well Done Ella - you're well on your way!
May 2, 2021
Ella Maise truly surprised me with this one- it was a really beautiful story.
Although it was a very quick read, it did nothing but impress. I loved the way that the emotion was conveyed within the book- there were truly some beautiful scenes. I, however, would have loved to had a longer book- just to ensure that the connection between the two characters was properly shown, as it did feel a bit rushed- but I do think that it ultimately worked in their favor. I also would have loved to had more of an insight into Alexander's character- to just generally know more about him- but I'm hoping we'll get all the good stuff in the next book.
Overall, this was just a very enjoyable, quick read. I loved the quick pacing, and easy-to-follow storyline (and I loved the spice)- so I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next one.
Although it was a very quick read, it did nothing but impress. I loved the way that the emotion was conveyed within the book- there were truly some beautiful scenes. I, however, would have loved to had a longer book- just to ensure that the connection between the two characters was properly shown, as it did feel a bit rushed- but I do think that it ultimately worked in their favor. I also would have loved to had more of an insight into Alexander's character- to just generally know more about him- but I'm hoping we'll get all the good stuff in the next book.
Overall, this was just a very enjoyable, quick read. I loved the quick pacing, and easy-to-follow storyline (and I loved the spice)- so I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next one.
January 24, 2016
This was a decent read. It follows a young woman named Maya, who is grieving the death of her father. He was the only family she had. She goes to New York and runs into Alexander. They do not see eye to eye in the beginning, but Alexander soon realizes that she is different. He helps mend her broken heart. The story was a bit confusing at times and I thought it lacked in a lot of parts throughout the book.
There was no characterization of who the characters actually are. I would like to know more about Maya and Alexander, which made them flat and not interesting at times. However, I still want to find out if they have a chance at a HEA, so I am ready for Lost Heartbeats, book 2! Overall, an okay book.
There was no characterization of who the characters actually are. I would like to know more about Maya and Alexander, which made them flat and not interesting at times. However, I still want to find out if they have a chance at a HEA, so I am ready for Lost Heartbeats, book 2! Overall, an okay book.
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