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Loving Ellie
Ellie Sanders is pregnant and alone. Carrying a child she’d conceived the one and only time she’d lain with her closest friend, Jarrett Tanner. A man she’d agreed to marry for the sake of their child. A man she’d loved, but not as he’d deserved. And now he was gone.
Lucas Tanner returns home to settle his younger brother Jarrett’s estate only to discover his brother left behind a very pregnant fiancée. Having lost his own wife and their baby she’d been carrying years before, he’s bound and determined to stick around and make sure Ellie’s child makes it safely into the world. Even if it means facing the ghosts of his past.
Struggling financially and emotionally, Ellie is torn between keeping her baby and giving it up for adoption. She wants to give her child the chance she never had - to be raised by two loving parents. If only she could make Lucas understand. And, if only she wasn’t falling for a man with no heart left to give.
Lucas finds himself wanting more. Wanting Ellie. But what if he gives in to his deepening feelings and loses her, too?
One fears abandonment. The other fears loss. Can Ellie and Lucas put their painful pasts behind them and finally find true happiness? Or are the emotional walls they’ve built up around their hearts too strong to tear down?
Lucas Tanner returns home to settle his younger brother Jarrett’s estate only to discover his brother left behind a very pregnant fiancée. Having lost his own wife and their baby she’d been carrying years before, he’s bound and determined to stick around and make sure Ellie’s child makes it safely into the world. Even if it means facing the ghosts of his past.
Struggling financially and emotionally, Ellie is torn between keeping her baby and giving it up for adoption. She wants to give her child the chance she never had - to be raised by two loving parents. If only she could make Lucas understand. And, if only she wasn’t falling for a man with no heart left to give.
Lucas finds himself wanting more. Wanting Ellie. But what if he gives in to his deepening feelings and loses her, too?
One fears abandonment. The other fears loss. Can Ellie and Lucas put their painful pasts behind them and finally find true happiness? Or are the emotional walls they’ve built up around their hearts too strong to tear down?
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2014
236 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Brookes
18 books148 followersRomance author Lindsey Brookes grew up reading romance novels. She penned her first romance, a historical, at the age of seventeen. From there she went on to join Romance Writers of America where she learned the ins and outs of the publishing business and ways to hone her craft. She switched to writing contemporary romance and has finalled in/or won more than 75 RWA chapter sponsored contests with over a dozen different manuscripts. She is also a three time RWA Golden Heart finalist as well as a past American Title III finalist. She's married to her childhood sweetheart, her hero, with whom she has two beautiful daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 19, 2014
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The gist: Ellie and her friend, Jarrett, had sex one time and it resulted in a pregnancy. They agreed to get married and raise the baby together. Then Jarrett died in a car accident before the baby was born and before they could get married. Jarrett’s brother, Lucas, returns to the family ranch to settle his brother’s estate and discovers a very pregnant Ellie. Ellie has decided to give her baby up for adoption because she thinks it would best for the baby to be raised by two loving parents instead of by a single mom. Lucas wants to raise his brother’s baby because the baby is his only blood relative left. Ellie and Lucas have a sort of battle of wills on the topic of adoption as they grow to depend on each other.
Ellie was a mess. She has zero ability to trust completely. While I SORT OF understood based on her backstory, it was a little bit ridiculous and annoying also. She’s also pretty well put together for someone with so many emotional issues. Plus, she’s from California and evidently just left her life in California and somehow ended up in this small town in Montana. Then, my understanding is that right after she got to the town, she opened a coffee shop. That seems awful risky for someone who doesn’t seem to take chances. She’s also sort of bewitched the elderly residents of the town because they all seem to really love her, even though she’s not exactly open and friendly. There also seem to be an awful lot of elderly people in the town, or at least the majority of her customers seem to be elderly people. The weird thing about that is that it’s Montana in the winter and even in snowstorms the elderly folks seem to drive into town quite often just for coffee. Anyway…
Lucas seems to be a victim of a personality disorder. He’s deeply wounded emotionally and one day he’s all but wallowing in self-pity, grief, and anger and the next he’s happy-go-lucky, flirtatious, and proposing to Ellie. He also moved to Brazil and was a ranch hand (or something along those lines, it’s not really clear what he actually did in Brazil other than working for a businessman/rancher) and that evidently pays REALLY well down there because he’s basically financially set for life.
The story’s concept is good and I was looking forward to reading it. I was less than impressed with the story though. First of all, the details seemed bizarre and unrealistic. A couple examples of this are: Winter sticks around in Montana later in the year than it does in other parts of the country. That didn’t seem to really be a factor in this story. Admittedly, I’ve never been to Montana and maybe I’d be pleasantly surprised by the diligence of the road crews there. I have, however, been in the Rockies of Colorado in December and even there, where snow is a way of life, the roads weren’t passable for a car without snow chains. And that was in town. The characters in this book live on a large ranch outside of a small town. I equate this with a rural area. The roads would NOT be navigable in a car without snow tires, ESPECIALLY during a raging snow storm. And I’ve never been to a “ranch” but I have been to many farms since I do live in a rural area and the houses on these large farms aren’t right next to the road. Maybe the ranches in this story are exceptions, can only assume. I did, however, bother me that at one point, cows got out at one ranch and were in the roadway. The sheriff is called to help wrangle the cows back into the pasture and the homeowner steps onto the front porch and had a conversation with the sheriff while he was in the road dealing with the cows. I mean, that’s pretty damn far-fetched even for a neighborhood, but ESPECIALLY for a large ranch. Then again, I’m a weirdo and analyze details like this WAY TOO MUCH. Even though I know this about myself, can’t seem to stop doing it or even be able to just let it go. I also have to mention her labor and delivery for a quick second. This is her first pregnancy and yes, every woman is different and every pregnancy is different. Ellie’s labor and delivery was a REALLY bad indie movie representation of labor and delivery though… She had some back pains for a while. Okay, I can go with that. Then, her water breaks. I’m still with it at this point. Literally ten minutes later, she’s holding her baby and it’s all over and the paramedics are coming in and taking her and the baby to the hospital. No placenta, no umbilical cord, no cleaning up any messes. (No, I don’t need all THOSE details, but it could have at least been stressful and messy and it could have taken more than ten goddamn minutes!) Lucas doesn’t even call 911. He calls the sheriff and asks him to call an ambulance and then just delivers this baby. He’s not a doctor and yes, he’s helped birth livestock, but that is SO NOT THE SAME THING!!! It was just TOTALLY UNBELIEVABLE!
My biggest issue was that the story was a series of “scenes” loosely strung together. That just irritates me. There was also A LOT of repetition going on. I don’t even know how many times Ellie struggled with her decision to give her baby up for adoption. I don’t know how many times Lucas dwelled on the details about his troubled past. I just started rolling my eyes and skimming.
I WAS pulling for Ellie and Lucas to work through their issues. The conclusion felt a bit rushed to me also. It wasn’t the WORST book I’ve read, but it was far from good also.
The gist: Ellie and her friend, Jarrett, had sex one time and it resulted in a pregnancy. They agreed to get married and raise the baby together. Then Jarrett died in a car accident before the baby was born and before they could get married. Jarrett’s brother, Lucas, returns to the family ranch to settle his brother’s estate and discovers a very pregnant Ellie. Ellie has decided to give her baby up for adoption because she thinks it would best for the baby to be raised by two loving parents instead of by a single mom. Lucas wants to raise his brother’s baby because the baby is his only blood relative left. Ellie and Lucas have a sort of battle of wills on the topic of adoption as they grow to depend on each other.
Ellie was a mess. She has zero ability to trust completely. While I SORT OF understood based on her backstory, it was a little bit ridiculous and annoying also. She’s also pretty well put together for someone with so many emotional issues. Plus, she’s from California and evidently just left her life in California and somehow ended up in this small town in Montana. Then, my understanding is that right after she got to the town, she opened a coffee shop. That seems awful risky for someone who doesn’t seem to take chances. She’s also sort of bewitched the elderly residents of the town because they all seem to really love her, even though she’s not exactly open and friendly. There also seem to be an awful lot of elderly people in the town, or at least the majority of her customers seem to be elderly people. The weird thing about that is that it’s Montana in the winter and even in snowstorms the elderly folks seem to drive into town quite often just for coffee. Anyway…
Lucas seems to be a victim of a personality disorder. He’s deeply wounded emotionally and one day he’s all but wallowing in self-pity, grief, and anger and the next he’s happy-go-lucky, flirtatious, and proposing to Ellie. He also moved to Brazil and was a ranch hand (or something along those lines, it’s not really clear what he actually did in Brazil other than working for a businessman/rancher) and that evidently pays REALLY well down there because he’s basically financially set for life.
The story’s concept is good and I was looking forward to reading it. I was less than impressed with the story though. First of all, the details seemed bizarre and unrealistic. A couple examples of this are: Winter sticks around in Montana later in the year than it does in other parts of the country. That didn’t seem to really be a factor in this story. Admittedly, I’ve never been to Montana and maybe I’d be pleasantly surprised by the diligence of the road crews there. I have, however, been in the Rockies of Colorado in December and even there, where snow is a way of life, the roads weren’t passable for a car without snow chains. And that was in town. The characters in this book live on a large ranch outside of a small town. I equate this with a rural area. The roads would NOT be navigable in a car without snow tires, ESPECIALLY during a raging snow storm. And I’ve never been to a “ranch” but I have been to many farms since I do live in a rural area and the houses on these large farms aren’t right next to the road. Maybe the ranches in this story are exceptions, can only assume. I did, however, bother me that at one point, cows got out at one ranch and were in the roadway. The sheriff is called to help wrangle the cows back into the pasture and the homeowner steps onto the front porch and had a conversation with the sheriff while he was in the road dealing with the cows. I mean, that’s pretty damn far-fetched even for a neighborhood, but ESPECIALLY for a large ranch. Then again, I’m a weirdo and analyze details like this WAY TOO MUCH. Even though I know this about myself, can’t seem to stop doing it or even be able to just let it go. I also have to mention her labor and delivery for a quick second. This is her first pregnancy and yes, every woman is different and every pregnancy is different. Ellie’s labor and delivery was a REALLY bad indie movie representation of labor and delivery though… She had some back pains for a while. Okay, I can go with that. Then, her water breaks. I’m still with it at this point. Literally ten minutes later, she’s holding her baby and it’s all over and the paramedics are coming in and taking her and the baby to the hospital. No placenta, no umbilical cord, no cleaning up any messes. (No, I don’t need all THOSE details, but it could have at least been stressful and messy and it could have taken more than ten goddamn minutes!) Lucas doesn’t even call 911. He calls the sheriff and asks him to call an ambulance and then just delivers this baby. He’s not a doctor and yes, he’s helped birth livestock, but that is SO NOT THE SAME THING!!! It was just TOTALLY UNBELIEVABLE!
My biggest issue was that the story was a series of “scenes” loosely strung together. That just irritates me. There was also A LOT of repetition going on. I don’t even know how many times Ellie struggled with her decision to give her baby up for adoption. I don’t know how many times Lucas dwelled on the details about his troubled past. I just started rolling my eyes and skimming.
I WAS pulling for Ellie and Lucas to work through their issues. The conclusion felt a bit rushed to me also. It wasn’t the WORST book I’ve read, but it was far from good also.
May 27, 2014
*free copy provided by the publisher via netgalley*
I felt really disconnected throughout this novel. I feel that the author didn’t give us any real interaction, anything to make us believe or even think that Lucas loved Ellie, or that Ellie loved Lucas. All these sudden realizations are really sudden, but not in a good way – there’s no insight to Lucas’ and Ellie’s, minds, their hearts. We know nothing of their thoughts, their inner feelings, so when Lucas suddenly declared his love in chapter 10, my reaction was “Say what? Since when? But nothing happened!” Where’s the attraction? Where are the sparks? Where’s the plot? Anything?
And then, in chapter 15, it happens again: Bam! Ellie loves Lucas. Really? Sooo not feeling it. Not feeling it at all. That’s probably one of the biggest reasons why I felt so disconnected to the story and the characters.
We’re told only about what happens on the outside, with the ranch, the café, their daily lives, but there’s no inner turmoil, nothing…deeper, that could possibly make us connect to the authors, and thus, to the story.
I found myself skimming through the pages, skipping bits altogether or reading diagonally, waiting for something…more.
also, I find it really hard to swallow that a woman could give up her child in the possibility that she might screw up something. Every parent is afraid for their child, afraid of doing the wrong thing, of not doing enough, but that doesn’t mean everyone haa to abandon their kids. Considering her past, her family, I would have expected her to be even more determined to keep her son and make damn sure he’d have a perfect life – at least emotionally, if not financially. Her argument about having a crappy childhood is not at all convincing – there’s people with problems a lot bigger than hers that still find the way to make it work. Again, for me, the author fell a bit short. If she wanted to give us a reason for giving up a baby, at least she could’ve made up a better one.
The one thing I did like was the Blaine and Victoria love line. I actually liked their story better, short and unfinished as it was. Even so, for a moment there, I felt like the two couples were written by two different people.
I felt really disconnected throughout this novel. I feel that the author didn’t give us any real interaction, anything to make us believe or even think that Lucas loved Ellie, or that Ellie loved Lucas. All these sudden realizations are really sudden, but not in a good way – there’s no insight to Lucas’ and Ellie’s, minds, their hearts. We know nothing of their thoughts, their inner feelings, so when Lucas suddenly declared his love in chapter 10, my reaction was “Say what? Since when? But nothing happened!” Where’s the attraction? Where are the sparks? Where’s the plot? Anything?
And then, in chapter 15, it happens again: Bam! Ellie loves Lucas. Really? Sooo not feeling it. Not feeling it at all. That’s probably one of the biggest reasons why I felt so disconnected to the story and the characters.
We’re told only about what happens on the outside, with the ranch, the café, their daily lives, but there’s no inner turmoil, nothing…deeper, that could possibly make us connect to the authors, and thus, to the story.
I found myself skimming through the pages, skipping bits altogether or reading diagonally, waiting for something…more.
also, I find it really hard to swallow that a woman could give up her child in the possibility that she might screw up something. Every parent is afraid for their child, afraid of doing the wrong thing, of not doing enough, but that doesn’t mean everyone haa to abandon their kids. Considering her past, her family, I would have expected her to be even more determined to keep her son and make damn sure he’d have a perfect life – at least emotionally, if not financially. Her argument about having a crappy childhood is not at all convincing – there’s people with problems a lot bigger than hers that still find the way to make it work. Again, for me, the author fell a bit short. If she wanted to give us a reason for giving up a baby, at least she could’ve made up a better one.
The one thing I did like was the Blaine and Victoria love line. I actually liked their story better, short and unfinished as it was. Even so, for a moment there, I felt like the two couples were written by two different people.
January 16, 2016
Ellie Sanders is struggling with what she should do about the baby she is about to have now that her fiancee has died. She loved Jarrett Tanner as her best friend but wasn't IN love with him. His brother, Lucas, came home to settle his affairs, not knowing about Ellie and her pregnancy. Lucas had his own problems. He lost his wife and baby, feeling guilty about it even though it wasn't his fault. Because of his loss, he never wanted to come home again but he didn't have any choice in the matter. Both had demons from their pasts that they couldn't overcome so they found the attraction they felt for each other hard to deal with.
I enjoyed this well written story with it's issues that actually happen to people in real life. There were some sad scenes but lots of happy ones too. Both the main characters had many problems to overcome with trust being a major one.
I liked Lucas and felt sorry for what he went through losing his wife and baby. The guilt he felt following that was heart breaking. Ellie was a pretty strong woman who had a rough childhood but grew up to be independent. I didn't like her feeling like she was worthless and nobody loved her or would stay around though. It was too negative.
One thing I didn't like was the scene when she delivered the baby. It just wasn't believable. We were told she was having a really big baby so how did she handle it without an epidural and such a fast delivery?
I enjoyed this well written story with it's issues that actually happen to people in real life. There were some sad scenes but lots of happy ones too. Both the main characters had many problems to overcome with trust being a major one.
I liked Lucas and felt sorry for what he went through losing his wife and baby. The guilt he felt following that was heart breaking. Ellie was a pretty strong woman who had a rough childhood but grew up to be independent. I didn't like her feeling like she was worthless and nobody loved her or would stay around though. It was too negative.
One thing I didn't like was the scene when she delivered the baby. It just wasn't believable. We were told she was having a really big baby so how did she handle it without an epidural and such a fast delivery?
October 8, 2015
More of a romance than an erotic read, but I enjoyed the story and loved the HEA.
October 18, 2016
Loving Ellie is a book about heartbreak and loss, learning to love and trust again, and learning to let go. Lucas and Ellie were great characters, both dealing with issues from their past, and both trying to figure out how to move on after their worlds have once again been torn apart with the loss of Jarrett – Lucas’s brother and Ellie’s fiancé.
I just loved Lucas and my heart went out to him with the losses he has suffered. Ellie was great as well, but she did get me a bit frustrated at times when it came to her pregnancy, but I think that was more of a personal philosophy issue for me. Their love story starts slow and simmers through the book. The story focuses on their connection emotionally and the healing process they must both go through, so if you are looking for a steamy romance read, this is not it. What you will get is a very touching story of two people who learn to love and trust each other while trying to come to terms with their pasts, and helping each other heal in the process.
I also enjoyed the secondary story in this book surrounding the Sheriff, Blaine, and the girl he fell for years ago, Victoria. It was wonderful to have that little sub-plot happening, and I really enjoyed how Blaine and Victoria’s story was used as a way to add depth to the relationship between Lucas and Ellie.
This was a very nice read with lots of emotion and sweet romance.
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I just loved Lucas and my heart went out to him with the losses he has suffered. Ellie was great as well, but she did get me a bit frustrated at times when it came to her pregnancy, but I think that was more of a personal philosophy issue for me. Their love story starts slow and simmers through the book. The story focuses on their connection emotionally and the healing process they must both go through, so if you are looking for a steamy romance read, this is not it. What you will get is a very touching story of two people who learn to love and trust each other while trying to come to terms with their pasts, and helping each other heal in the process.
I also enjoyed the secondary story in this book surrounding the Sheriff, Blaine, and the girl he fell for years ago, Victoria. It was wonderful to have that little sub-plot happening, and I really enjoyed how Blaine and Victoria’s story was used as a way to add depth to the relationship between Lucas and Ellie.
This was a very nice read with lots of emotion and sweet romance.
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
August 2, 2014
This was such a sweet story. It has loss and tragedy and heartwarming and touching. Jarrett and Ellie are having a baby after just one night together. Unfortunately that happens alot. After Jarrett dies it bring Ellie at a loss in their house together. She is by herself taking care of her shop. She loved Jarrett as a friend she never fell in love with him. I have never lost a friend so it would be hard for me to describe that, but for them and their story its heartbreaking.
Lucas Tanner Jarretts brother. He is very mysterious. He came home to settle his estate. Little did he know that Ellie will be there. Also he didnt know she was pregnant. 2 shocks in 1. He came into the story with a tragedy of his own. Losing his wife and his son. I have never lost my significant other so that is hard for me to imagine. Never lost a child so this is very heartbreaking. Lucas is a good man wanting to stay until Ellie gives birth.
Ellie thinking about adoption or keeping the baby, Im glad she didnt consider abortion because Im completely against it. Adoption seemed the safest option due to her not being financially stable. Ellie is afraid she will not be a good mother. Because of how she was raised. I think that would make a person so much better if your raised wrong. This was a very touching story, such tragedy and loss and heartwarming.
Lucas Tanner Jarretts brother. He is very mysterious. He came home to settle his estate. Little did he know that Ellie will be there. Also he didnt know she was pregnant. 2 shocks in 1. He came into the story with a tragedy of his own. Losing his wife and his son. I have never lost my significant other so that is hard for me to imagine. Never lost a child so this is very heartbreaking. Lucas is a good man wanting to stay until Ellie gives birth.
Ellie thinking about adoption or keeping the baby, Im glad she didnt consider abortion because Im completely against it. Adoption seemed the safest option due to her not being financially stable. Ellie is afraid she will not be a good mother. Because of how she was raised. I think that would make a person so much better if your raised wrong. This was a very touching story, such tragedy and loss and heartwarming.
September 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. The story was about Learning to live again, and open your heart to love after losing someone you loved. The story took place in a small town setting, and I loved the warmth of the townspeople. Ellie owned a coffee shop, and worked long hours to pay the bills. She was pregnant, and her fiancé had just passed away. She loved her fiancé, but more in a friendship way. He wanted to marry her because of the baby.
Lucas couldn't stay in the small town after he lost his wife, and unborn child. Every store, or friendly face reminded him of moments spent with his wife. He left and never looked back. Now he is back to settle his brother's estate. He can't believe his brother has died too. He walked into his brother's house, and found someone sleeping on his brothers couch. He demanded to know who she was, and what she was doing in his brother's house. He was shocked to find out his brother was engaged and didn't tell him. He was more shocked to find out Ellie was pregnant with his brother's son. Her child was his last remaining family he had left in the world. He would do anything to protect Ellie, and the child she carried.
This story warmed my heart. Two hearts healed, and Lucas, and Ellie found love.
Lucas couldn't stay in the small town after he lost his wife, and unborn child. Every store, or friendly face reminded him of moments spent with his wife. He left and never looked back. Now he is back to settle his brother's estate. He can't believe his brother has died too. He walked into his brother's house, and found someone sleeping on his brothers couch. He demanded to know who she was, and what she was doing in his brother's house. He was shocked to find out his brother was engaged and didn't tell him. He was more shocked to find out Ellie was pregnant with his brother's son. Her child was his last remaining family he had left in the world. He would do anything to protect Ellie, and the child she carried.
This story warmed my heart. Two hearts healed, and Lucas, and Ellie found love.
July 28, 2014
It's never been a smooth paved road for Ellie. She has had to fight for everything she has and where she has gotten in life. Ellie finally finds someone she can envision a future with but an icy winter day changes everything again. Lucas is a man with a shattered heart and spirit after losing everything that mattered to him. Returning to his hometown to help settle his brothers affairs, he is faced with a past that cuts him deep. When Lucas's path collides with Ellie, there is undeniable chemistry between them. Can Lucas overcome his tragic past and open his heart again? Or will Ellie refuse to see what's in front of her and run?
This was a terrific romance that had me cheering for not just one couple, but two! I love how Lindsey Brookes rounded out the book by including strong supporting characters! I didn't like the slow build up and then almost lack of climax of Lucas and Ellie relationship. Slightly too predictable in how the end comes about. Other than that I adored this book and highly recommend it as a great light romance. Although heavy issues are discussed, the author has a talent for keeping things happy and smile-filled!
This was a terrific romance that had me cheering for not just one couple, but two! I love how Lindsey Brookes rounded out the book by including strong supporting characters! I didn't like the slow build up and then almost lack of climax of Lucas and Ellie relationship. Slightly too predictable in how the end comes about. Other than that I adored this book and highly recommend it as a great light romance. Although heavy issues are discussed, the author has a talent for keeping things happy and smile-filled!
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September 27, 2015There were several WTF?? moments in this book, places where I wondered if it had been proofread or edited.
In the end, I decided not to rate.
In the end, I decided not to rate.
July 21, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."
This lovely read has two appealing characters at its heart, but a whole town's worth of extras that add to the story. Ellie, wounded by her parents' disregard for her, is flighty to say the least, when it comes to love. When her fiancé dies in a crash and his brother returns to town, it is inevitable that many truths will surface, but can they get passed the past?
Although I read this in the heat of summer, I think this is one that I will pull out again when it is cold and dark and I need some cosy romance.
This lovely read has two appealing characters at its heart, but a whole town's worth of extras that add to the story. Ellie, wounded by her parents' disregard for her, is flighty to say the least, when it comes to love. When her fiancé dies in a crash and his brother returns to town, it is inevitable that many truths will surface, but can they get passed the past?
Although I read this in the heat of summer, I think this is one that I will pull out again when it is cold and dark and I need some cosy romance.
October 12, 2015
This is a sweet love story. I can so totally relate to how Ellie is feeling. One night of drinking and BAM you are having a baby with your best friend. You decide to get married because folks will look down on you. Then the unspeakable happens..... Jarrett dies.
We get to see the struggle that Ellie goes thru as a single pregnant mom, keeping the ranch and bakery going. We see Lucas as he come home to discover no only was his brother engaged but had left a very pregnant fiancee. We watch them fight their attraction and finally giving in.
I love this book it has all the makings of a great love story.
We get to see the struggle that Ellie goes thru as a single pregnant mom, keeping the ranch and bakery going. We see Lucas as he come home to discover no only was his brother engaged but had left a very pregnant fiancee. We watch them fight their attraction and finally giving in.
I love this book it has all the makings of a great love story.
December 17, 2014
This is such a beautiful story. Really loved the characters within this book. The past had a great effect on everyone involved, but yet the past was also the binding factor that made this a beautiful love story from beginning to end.
Loving Ellie is a great love story with all the elements to make it a quick and easy read. An emotional read that grips your heart making this a very believable read with a wonderful flow that just kept you going till the end.
Loving Ellie is a great love story with all the elements to make it a quick and easy read. An emotional read that grips your heart making this a very believable read with a wonderful flow that just kept you going till the end.
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May 6, 2014
Loving Ellie by Lindsey Brookes is a well-written book about love, loss and trust. It’s a very moving story about coffee shop owner Ellie Sanders and Lucas Tanner who is a successful rancher. They are brought together due to the tragic death of Ellie’s fiancée and Lucas’s brother.
Ellie is pregnant and alone after Jarrett, her fiancée dies in an automobile accident and she feels lost without him and all alone. She is left to run her coffee shop along with Jarrett’s ranch all on her own. Until “HE” shows up and threatens to call the cops because she is trespassing on his brothers property, only to find out that she was his brothers fiancée.
Lucas left home three-years-ago after the death of this wife and baby, because he blames himself for their deaths. He is still grieving their deaths when he finds out his brother, Jarrett, has died in a car accident. Lucas returns home to settle his brothers estate, only to find his dead brothers pregnant fiancée which he didn’t know about.
Due to Ellie’s life growing up, she is convinced she won’t be a good mother and is going to give her baby up for adoption, so that he can have the live that he deserves. Lucas and Ellie are both struggling with issues from their past, dealing with the thoughts of Ellie giving up her baby for adoption, and fighting the attraction that is growing between them. I think the hardest scene for me was when the will was read at the lawyer’s office and Jarrett’s letters to both Ellie and Lucas were read. They begin to depend on each other for emotional support and friendship and Lucas’ need to protect Ellie. Overtime they fall in love and only after a few emotional demons and barriers have been brought up and tore do they give into their feelings.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book from Lindsey Brookes & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ellie is pregnant and alone after Jarrett, her fiancée dies in an automobile accident and she feels lost without him and all alone. She is left to run her coffee shop along with Jarrett’s ranch all on her own. Until “HE” shows up and threatens to call the cops because she is trespassing on his brothers property, only to find out that she was his brothers fiancée.
Lucas left home three-years-ago after the death of this wife and baby, because he blames himself for their deaths. He is still grieving their deaths when he finds out his brother, Jarrett, has died in a car accident. Lucas returns home to settle his brothers estate, only to find his dead brothers pregnant fiancée which he didn’t know about.
Due to Ellie’s life growing up, she is convinced she won’t be a good mother and is going to give her baby up for adoption, so that he can have the live that he deserves. Lucas and Ellie are both struggling with issues from their past, dealing with the thoughts of Ellie giving up her baby for adoption, and fighting the attraction that is growing between them. I think the hardest scene for me was when the will was read at the lawyer’s office and Jarrett’s letters to both Ellie and Lucas were read. They begin to depend on each other for emotional support and friendship and Lucas’ need to protect Ellie. Overtime they fall in love and only after a few emotional demons and barriers have been brought up and tore do they give into their feelings.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book from Lindsey Brookes & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2014
This is a story of loss, trust and love. Ellie has been left pregnant and alone after the death of her fiance. Ellie is struggling with the decision whether to keep her child or give the baby up for adoption, she wants this baby to have a better life than she did growing up. Her dead fiance's brother returns to settle his brother's estate finds Ellie living on his brother's ranch. Lucas is still dealing with his own emotional upheaval after the loss of his wife and unborn child years earlier. Can two people with such tragic backgrounds overcome their fears and allow the feelings for each other to surface and come together. You can sense the attraction and feelings these two have for each other, the H/h just need to admit their feelings that yes they can have a loving, happy life. If you are look for steamy sexy chapters you are not going to find them in this book. You will find a story where two people deserving to have happiness and love in their life find that and more. Sometimes we all just need to read a book and cheer on the Hero/heroine and feel good after reading it. You'll find that by reading Loving Ellie
April 21, 2016
This is the second romance I've read by this author. While I appreciated that it was a sweet romance, I could not help but shake my head at all the unlikely aspects of the storyline. This author is apparently fond of having her heroes carry their heroines around (due to their recently having fainted, or being in danger of doing so) or otherwise hovering over them. But my biggest annoyance is the grammar issue that occurs numerous times in each book, where the author uses "of" inappropriately in constructs like "hadn't of done" (it's "hadn't done"). I really wish a good editor would intervene.
June 24, 2017
While this book holds a good storyline, it just wasn't great. Editing errors were distracting. The negativity was almost overwhelming, "frown / frowned" appeared countless times, most of which weren't necessary. Several negative scenes should have been rewritten. The quick back & forth of the main characters "shutting out" each other then loving each other was exhausting. As a whole, there could've been a lot of changes but The concept of the storyline was good,.
November 5, 2025
Lucas Tanner left his own town over three years ago. He’s forced to return when re receives a letter informing him that his brother has died. He must return to sort out the estate. But when he does, he discovers Jarrett has left behind a pregnant fiancé.
Ellie’s life is complicated, Lucas is still raw from losing his wife and their unborn child, but determined to look after Ellie, they navigate some very choppy waters.
Ellie’s life is complicated, Lucas is still raw from losing his wife and their unborn child, but determined to look after Ellie, they navigate some very choppy waters.
June 10, 2018
Ellie & Lucas
Elle Sanders is trying to survive her fiancee Jarrett's death and her pregnancy. His brother Lucas finally returns from Brazil after the funeral. He had left Eagle Ridge after the death of his pregnant wife and had never returned.
Excellent plotting and characterization.
Elle Sanders is trying to survive her fiancee Jarrett's death and her pregnancy. His brother Lucas finally returns from Brazil after the funeral. He had left Eagle Ridge after the death of his pregnant wife and had never returned.
Excellent plotting and characterization.
November 26, 2017
Romance
Ellis was such a strong woman who had to work through all that life had given her . The pain and loss the two of them felt seemed overwhelming but it all worked out.
Ellis was such a strong woman who had to work through all that life had given her . The pain and loss the two of them felt seemed overwhelming but it all worked out.
May 7, 2017
This was a very good book pulls on your heart strings! Really liked it
May 14, 2017
Sweet story
Very sweet story. A romance that has you shedding tears and laughing. Story line could've went a little longer. Lindsey Brookes makes it work.
Very sweet story. A romance that has you shedding tears and laughing. Story line could've went a little longer. Lindsey Brookes makes it work.
June 4, 2017
I really enjoyed Lucas and Ellie's story! It was such a sweet insta love that got me out of my book funk!
October 24, 2017
Predictable
I had high hopes for this book, but it was so predictable it spoilt it. And the end was rushed too,which didn't help
I had high hopes for this book, but it was so predictable it spoilt it. And the end was rushed too,which didn't help
March 4, 2025
Starting was good. As story went on, scenes kept jumping abruptly. All characters kept annoying and irritating me.
April 28, 2015
4 Stars!!!
Loving Ellie was a heart-wringing story. I say wringing because I felt like my heart was being squeezed between two giant hands and the hands were wringing out all my emotions. I love it when a book can do this for me it shows the power of great writing.
In this story we have the two main characters Lucas and Ellie. Ellie is a strong gal that has a lot of decisions to make that are really weighing her down. Pregnant, running a diner and ranch is flat out taking all she has. To top it all off the man that was suppose to be her partner died. Ellie and Jarrett had one night together and Ellie got pregnant. Ellie loved Jarrett as a dear friend and with his death it brings up many feelings from her childhood that complicate everything leading to wanting to give the baby up for adoption. Then we meet Lucas, Jarrett’s estranged brother. Lucas finds out about Jarrett’s death and returns home to his own demons. Lucas lost his wife and son and has not returned since. Lucas finds Ellie at the ranch and an odd relationship begins.
The angst in the book is kindle-throwing stuff. I wanted to shout at someone one minute and clap my hands with happiness the next. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I loved Lucas! He was a standup, strong and loyal guy. Ellie got on my last nerve (but in a good way) she was complex with a strong willed personality. They were two stubborn people looking for love and didn’t even know it. Read it to find out if they get their HEA.
This is the first book that I have read in a long time with no sex in it. You can feel the couple’s sexual tension and it is a blazing fire but only a simple kiss. It was refreshing for a change. I would recommend this book to all. I would let my 16 year old daughter read it with no problem. I will be checking out more books by Lindsey in the future.
My Favorite Quotes:
“You could use a woman like Ellie in your life to teach ou how to laugh again. I’m telling you, Lucas, being around her is like catching a falling star. She’ll make your life so much brighter when she’s in it.”
“Fear can make thing seem more complicated than they really are. That’s when you need to listen to your heart and trust it to guide you in the right direction.”
December 19, 2014
*** I Love Story Time was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review ***
3.5 Stars!
Ellie has not had the easiest life growing up. Everyone that should have loved her, left her feeling all alone. Because of this, Ellie has always felt like she would never be able to truly love anyone. Ellie is pregnant and trying to move on after the loss of her fiance, Jarrett.
Lucas has just found out that his brother Jarrett has passed away and now has to return to the one place he has been trying to stay away from. Since the loss of his own wife, Lucas has not been to his home town for years. Lucas knows that being back will just bring back all the memories that he has been working so hard to keep locked away.
When Lucas gets to Jarrett's ranch, the last thing he expected was to find out that his brother was engaged with a baby on the way. At this point, Lucas realizes that while he was busy keeping his past away, he missed so much of the present. From that moment, Lucas tells himself that he can't keep on living the way he has been and promises his brother that he will do everything he can to help raise his son.
Ellie and Lucas were cute together. Ellie always has her walls up and Lucas does everything he can to break them down. Their relationship starts as friends but eventually their feelings start to change. Although Ellie is really stubborn, Lucas can't seem to be without her. I really liked Lucas. His personality was cute and the way he talked about Ellie was cute. One of my favorite parts that shows Lucas' personality is when Ellie is asking him how much he weighed when he was born.....
"Just over ten."
"Ten pounds!" she gasped. " "That's like giving birth to a boulder."
"Guess that's why I grew up to be so rock hard."
Lucas has some great one liners throughout this story! I really enjoyed seeing him come around finding happiness again. I did like this story but I felt like I also needed more from both characters. I would have liked to have had a better connection with them as well. Sometimes when stories are narrated, I feel like I'm not able to connect with the characters as much as I would have if the stories are told in the characters P.O.V. However, I felt that this was a good story about loss, trust and moving on.
~Juls
December 19, 2014
*** I Love Story Time was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review ***
3.5 Stars!
Ellie has not had the easiest life growing up. Everyone that should have loved her, left her feeling all alone. Because of this, Ellie has always felt like she would never be able to truly love anyone. Ellie is pregnant and trying to move on after the loss of her fiance, Jarrett.
Lucas has just found out that his brother Jarrett has passed away and now has to return to the one place he has been trying to stay away from. Since the loss of his own wife, Lucas has not been to his home town for years. Lucas knows that being back will just bring back all the memories that he has been working so hard to keep locked away.
When Lucas gets to Jarrett's ranch, the last thing he expected was to find out that his brother was engaged with a baby on the way. At this point, Lucas realizes that while he was busy keeping his past away, he missed so much of the present. From that moment, Lucas tells himself that he can't keep on living the way he has been and promises his brother that he will do everything he can to help raise his son.
Ellie and Lucas were cute together. Ellie always has her walls up and Lucas does everything he can to break them down. Their relationship starts as friends but eventually their feelings start to change. Although Ellie is really stubborn, Lucas can't seem to be without her. I really liked Lucas. His personality was cute and the way he talked about Ellie was cute. One of my favorite parts that shows Lucas' personality is when Ellie is asking him how much he weighed when he was born.....
"Just over ten."
"Ten pounds!" she gasped. " "That's like giving birth to a boulder."
"Guess that's why I grew up to be so rock hard."
Lucas has some great one liners throughout this story! I really enjoyed seeing him come around finding happiness again. I did like this story but I felt like I also needed more from both characters. I would have liked to have had a better connection with them as well. Sometimes when stories are narrated, I feel like I'm not able to connect with the characters as much as I would have if the stories are told in the characters P.O.V. However, I felt that this was a good story about loss, trust and moving on.
~Juls
October 21, 2014
3-1/2 stars. Very emotional and drama-filled story. Dragged out the angst and rushed the ending. Disappointing because I love this author's other works. All I could think of after hearing about so many unplanned pregnancies, was "Does anyone in this town know about birth control?" Of course, we know that Lucas does because he laments that if he knew Anna was advised not to get pregnant he would have used protection. Maybe he needs to let the women in the story (i.e. Ellie, Ellie's mom, Victoria, Alice) in on that marvelous secret. Was worth the Prime borrow I used on it but glad I did not purchase because it was a 1-time read for me.
Quotes:
“Have you always been this stubborn?”
“Your brother used to think so,” she answered with a wistful smile. “In fact, he threatened to name his next mule after me.”
“First of all,” Blaine said, “a man should never lay a hand on a woman in anger – ever.” He fought to keep his emotions in check. “Secondly, not all men know how to love and it sounds like your dad is one of them. Your mom did the right thing in leaving him and it’s time you stop punishing her for it. You’re the man of the house now. You need to start acting like it.”
Lucas, I need you to put the past behind you and come home for good. My son is going to need to have his uncle around to teach him the things I would have if I had been here to do it. And you could use a woman like Ellie in your life to teach you how to laugh again. I’m telling you, Lucas, being around her is like catching a falling star. She’ll make your life so much brighter when she’s in it.
“Before you go,” he said, his voice low, keeping their conversation private, “I want you to remember one thing. Fear can make things seem more complicated than they really are. That’s when you need to listen to your heart and trust it to guide you in the right direction.”
“But I thought you were home to stay,” she said, exhaustion clear in her voice.
“Ellie, you were my home.” He looked down at the sleeping infant. “But I can’t stick around and watch you make the biggest mistake of your life.”
Quotes:
“Have you always been this stubborn?”
“Your brother used to think so,” she answered with a wistful smile. “In fact, he threatened to name his next mule after me.”
“First of all,” Blaine said, “a man should never lay a hand on a woman in anger – ever.” He fought to keep his emotions in check. “Secondly, not all men know how to love and it sounds like your dad is one of them. Your mom did the right thing in leaving him and it’s time you stop punishing her for it. You’re the man of the house now. You need to start acting like it.”
Lucas, I need you to put the past behind you and come home for good. My son is going to need to have his uncle around to teach him the things I would have if I had been here to do it. And you could use a woman like Ellie in your life to teach you how to laugh again. I’m telling you, Lucas, being around her is like catching a falling star. She’ll make your life so much brighter when she’s in it.
“Before you go,” he said, his voice low, keeping their conversation private, “I want you to remember one thing. Fear can make things seem more complicated than they really are. That’s when you need to listen to your heart and trust it to guide you in the right direction.”
“But I thought you were home to stay,” she said, exhaustion clear in her voice.
“Ellie, you were my home.” He looked down at the sleeping infant. “But I can’t stick around and watch you make the biggest mistake of your life.”
July 17, 2015
This was a book from Netgalley. First off, I did like sort of the role reversal we got here for the two main characters. A lot of times in the romantic fiction I've read, it's more the woman fighting for the relationship and to keep the child, so on and etc. In this, we had the man playing that role and it was a bit refreshing. I do like that we get an overall cast of characters, that this isn't just the Ellie and Lucas show. However, I found most of the book quite repetitive. They have the two same arguments throughout the book at least half a dozen times a piece. And how the argument plays out is so similar to how it played the time before, I could practically shut my eyes and know exactly what was going to be said. There was also the issue of time jumps, I'll call it. It seems like at times, when Ellie and Lucas are fighting, Brookes decides to jump time forward to get over the messy bits. While a couple of times this works fine for the plot, near the end it made things very disjointed. They were at Mrs. Murloney's and all the sudden, with no explanation of the hour they were trapped, they're home. They're fighting but all the sudden everything is all better after the time jump and Lucas is proposing. To be perfectly honest, it felt a bit like lazy writing. Like "Hey, I don't really feel like writing this scene or this conversation, so I am just gonna jump time forward." As a reader, it made me a bit confused and made me feel a little cheated. I really think if Brookes had spent more time trying to develop the characters and told some more of their back story that it would have helped the reader create a stronger connection with the characters. We know Ellie had a bad past, but we don't know a lot about it beyond her not really feeling wanted and getting shuffled around a lot. I think seeing Lucas and Jarrett together in a flashback would have been interesting too. It would have given us a connection to Jarrett that was sadly lacking. Overall though, this was an okay story, but it needed some work.
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