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Taking Connor
There’s a stereotype for how a convicted felon appears to the public.
Connor Stevens fit that bill.
His reputation preceded him. With a hard body and vivid tattoos dispersed across his flesh, he certainly drew the judgmental eyes of conservative tight-asses. Even I had those same thoughts…regardless of how highly Blake spoke of him.
But those opinions were about to be challenged.
I’d promised to pick Connor up from prison—where he’d served eight years for manslaughter. When Blake passed away, I had every intention of honoring our agreement. Taking Connor home would be my ultimate show of gratitude. Blake never disclosed why Connor killed a man, and I never had the guts to ask. Ever daunted, and against my better judgment, I soon grew to feel close to Connor, in spite of how perverse it was. Still, I vowed to brush off those feelings at all costs.
At least I thought I would. Until all hell broke loose…
Diving head-first, I relished in the time spent in Connor’s damnation. But when he was thrust into hell, it didn’t matter how wrong it was to love him. It was immaterial what he’d done…or why. I came out swinging and clawing, and submerged into the inferno with him, refusing to leave until we both walked out hand in hand. My instinct was to fight.
Connor wouldn’t burn alone.
I would save him.
Or turn to ash right beside him.
Connor Stevens fit that bill.
His reputation preceded him. With a hard body and vivid tattoos dispersed across his flesh, he certainly drew the judgmental eyes of conservative tight-asses. Even I had those same thoughts…regardless of how highly Blake spoke of him.
But those opinions were about to be challenged.
I’d promised to pick Connor up from prison—where he’d served eight years for manslaughter. When Blake passed away, I had every intention of honoring our agreement. Taking Connor home would be my ultimate show of gratitude. Blake never disclosed why Connor killed a man, and I never had the guts to ask. Ever daunted, and against my better judgment, I soon grew to feel close to Connor, in spite of how perverse it was. Still, I vowed to brush off those feelings at all costs.
At least I thought I would. Until all hell broke loose…
Diving head-first, I relished in the time spent in Connor’s damnation. But when he was thrust into hell, it didn’t matter how wrong it was to love him. It was immaterial what he’d done…or why. I came out swinging and clawing, and submerged into the inferno with him, refusing to leave until we both walked out hand in hand. My instinct was to fight.
Connor wouldn’t burn alone.
I would save him.
Or turn to ash right beside him.
ebook
First published October 27, 2015
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About the author
B.N. Toler
16 books1,606 followersWords.
Books.
Reading.
Writing.
These are a few of my favorite things.
You can find me under B N Toler or
Author B N Toler most places.
Email is bntoler@bntoler.com
If you're a book blogger and you're interested in joining my master list, please use the link below.
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Books.
Reading.
Writing.
These are a few of my favorite things.
You can find me under B N Toler or
Author B N Toler most places.
Email is bntoler@bntoler.com
If you're a book blogger and you're interested in joining my master list, please use the link below.
https://forms.gle/z1zbr7DfEo56EYjZ7
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
October 26, 2015
I really liked the first 75 percent of this story. Even though I was getting antsy from the anticipation of Demi and Connor finally getting together, it was going very well for me. I was enjoying the wait and had high hopes for when these two finally would get together. Instead, the last 25 percent is a whole plot that I didn't care for nor need.
I think the author should have kept the ending of this story about the couple instead of throwing in all that craziness that occurs from 80 percent to the end Too much drama when all I wanted to know all along was Connor's background and enjoy some epic couple scenes.
I think the author should have kept the ending of this story about the couple instead of throwing in all that craziness that occurs from 80 percent to the end Too much drama when all I wanted to know all along was Connor's background and enjoy some epic couple scenes.
December 18, 2015
Amazing book...
Fucking powerful and gripping story...
I need to sleep on it...and review later...
5 gripping stars
the beginning of the blurb goes like this:
„There’s a stereotype for how a convicted felon appears to the public.Connor Stevens fit that bill. His reputation preceded him. With a hard body and vivid tattoos dispersed across his flesh, he certainly drew the judgmental eyes of conservative tight-asses.
But those opinions were about to be challenged.“
And B. N. Toler did it again…
She CHALLENGED me…again…
She pulled me into the story so strong that I didn't have the time to visualise my HERO or my HEROINE, cause that is what they both are to me in true CAPITAL letters and in true meaning of the word!
The story starts off with a slow pace making you relaxed and comfortable when Demi Stevens comes to pick up Connor Stevens her late husband's cousin from prison to take him back home, as a promise to fulfill to her husband's dying wish.
What starts off as a mere encounter of two people who don't know each other BUT know OF each other evolves into a story of second chances in forgivness, redemption, trust and love! and you get one true emotional ride.
Demi is helping Connor to come back into the society as Blake (his cousin and Demi's late husband of two years) set the starting point for him after his release from prison…
There is a huge feeling of obligation and gratitude surrounding Connor but he's a man of few words and high, rough posture with an enormous heart. His actions speaks volume and his composture and patience with a sentiment expressions only make him more of a walking contradictionto the judgemental community's opinions about him BUT Demi is determined to see her „promise“ through and help him each step of the way, silently fighting the subtle attraction and growing feelings towards Connor along the way…
Connor is holding on to his secret and the reason of his endured prison sentence BUT his actions show and prove he's more than an ex-con and whenDemi is thrown on the path of life altering events that are threatning to destroy more lives of the people she loves… and she is faced with the same crucial judgemental and questionably justified actions in order to protect those lives…
YET Connor will prove once more that he will sacrifice everything all over again…for her
The events will make them both fighting for each other while protecting who they love and cherish…
Will the events set the course on making them damned to hell or bringing them close to salvation, to their chance of happiness…
I really admired both of the main characters, Demi had those subtle, gentle qualities that made her on the shy front at the first glance BUT she showed a beating heart of a fighter and a woman who won't stop at nothing to save and protect the people she loves (so, I could relate with her on that part), and Connor proved to be the man, the real man, who would sacrifice everything he owns including his life to do the right thing even if it's initially wrong. BUT the purity of his heart only makes it more clear that you could justify the wrong doing if it's rightfully justified and that it what makes him redeemable all over again.
And the relationship between Connor and Demi is one of the most realistically presented emotional link between two people – from ups and downs, build up, tension, angst, fear, denial, attraction, subtle love leading to passion…it was that visible and palpable
B.N.Toler has a way of implementing so many hard subjects into the story and she leads you through it with a lump in your throat, expecting, dreading and anticipating…
then she shows you the light at the end of the tunnel and you start running towards it, only so B.N. could make you second guess your way towards that light, making you twist in your stomach once more before she really shows you the freedom…
and everything you NEED to see, feel in order to pull through.
Yeah, that's what she does with her words, ideas and thoughts…
BUT you go on a journey with B.N. cause during the journey she still makes you feel safe, she gives you comfort through out the strenghts of her characters, their human imperfections are perfect in their purity and straight forwardness, there's no bullshit and false pretense…
the characters are sinfuly human, they are beings with flaws and even bigger hearts…
Again, for me, this one too goes onto the “ ONE of the BEST books of the year“ shelf!
Fucking powerful and gripping story...
I need to sleep on it...and review later...
5 gripping stars
the beginning of the blurb goes like this:
„There’s a stereotype for how a convicted felon appears to the public.Connor Stevens fit that bill. His reputation preceded him. With a hard body and vivid tattoos dispersed across his flesh, he certainly drew the judgmental eyes of conservative tight-asses.
But those opinions were about to be challenged.“
And B. N. Toler did it again…
She CHALLENGED me…again…
She pulled me into the story so strong that I didn't have the time to visualise my HERO or my HEROINE, cause that is what they both are to me in true CAPITAL letters and in true meaning of the word!
The story starts off with a slow pace making you relaxed and comfortable when Demi Stevens comes to pick up Connor Stevens her late husband's cousin from prison to take him back home, as a promise to fulfill to her husband's dying wish.
What starts off as a mere encounter of two people who don't know each other BUT know OF each other evolves into a story of second chances in forgivness, redemption, trust and love! and you get one true emotional ride.
Demi is helping Connor to come back into the society as Blake (his cousin and Demi's late husband of two years) set the starting point for him after his release from prison…
There is a huge feeling of obligation and gratitude surrounding Connor but he's a man of few words and high, rough posture with an enormous heart. His actions speaks volume and his composture and patience with a sentiment expressions only make him more of a walking contradictionto the judgemental community's opinions about him BUT Demi is determined to see her „promise“ through and help him each step of the way, silently fighting the subtle attraction and growing feelings towards Connor along the way…
Connor is holding on to his secret and the reason of his endured prison sentence BUT his actions show and prove he's more than an ex-con and whenDemi is thrown on the path of life altering events that are threatning to destroy more lives of the people she loves… and she is faced with the same crucial judgemental and questionably justified actions in order to protect those lives…
YET Connor will prove once more that he will sacrifice everything all over again…for her
„Return good for good;
return evil with justice“
The events will make them both fighting for each other while protecting who they love and cherish…
Will the events set the course on making them damned to hell or bringing them close to salvation, to their chance of happiness…
I really admired both of the main characters, Demi had those subtle, gentle qualities that made her on the shy front at the first glance BUT she showed a beating heart of a fighter and a woman who won't stop at nothing to save and protect the people she loves (so, I could relate with her on that part), and Connor proved to be the man, the real man, who would sacrifice everything he owns including his life to do the right thing even if it's initially wrong. BUT the purity of his heart only makes it more clear that you could justify the wrong doing if it's rightfully justified and that it what makes him redeemable all over again.
And the relationship between Connor and Demi is one of the most realistically presented emotional link between two people – from ups and downs, build up, tension, angst, fear, denial, attraction, subtle love leading to passion…it was that visible and palpable
"More Than Words"
Saying "I love you" Is not the words I want to hear from you
It's not that I want you not to say but if you only knew
How easy it would be to show me how you feel
More than words is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
cause I'd already know
What would you do? If my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel that your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldn't make things new,just by saying "I love you"
More than words, more than words
Now that I've tried to talk to you and make you understand
All you have to do is close your eyes and just reach out your hands
And touch me hold me close don't ever let me go
More than words is all I ever needed you to show
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
cause I'd already know…
By Extreme
B.N.Toler has a way of implementing so many hard subjects into the story and she leads you through it with a lump in your throat, expecting, dreading and anticipating…
then she shows you the light at the end of the tunnel and you start running towards it, only so B.N. could make you second guess your way towards that light, making you twist in your stomach once more before she really shows you the freedom…
and everything you NEED to see, feel in order to pull through.
Yeah, that's what she does with her words, ideas and thoughts…
BUT you go on a journey with B.N. cause during the journey she still makes you feel safe, she gives you comfort through out the strenghts of her characters, their human imperfections are perfect in their purity and straight forwardness, there's no bullshit and false pretense…
the characters are sinfuly human, they are beings with flaws and even bigger hearts…
Again, for me, this one too goes onto the “ ONE of the BEST books of the year“ shelf!
October 26, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
“It was you, Demi. You…feel like home. I knew it the moment I saw you. You’re a pillar, a rock. And it’s all I ever wanted.”
Taking Connor was just beautiful. Just simply, beautiful. I even choked up during it near the ending. Just sayin.’
It was about taking risks and second chances that you don't get so easily in life.... It was about paying homage and honoring the wishes of your loved ones.... And most importantly, it was about family-- and the unconditional and unwavering love, bonds, and sacrifices you would pay to protect them.
Author B.N. Toler, covers a different array of invoking and emotional topics, that will certainly tug at your heartstrings. While I won’t go into specifics of what they are, while reading, some I could already see forthcoming. It was just a hunch I had, and I turned out to be sadly correct.
Demi, man, she had to be one of the strongest, most unbias and selfless woman protagonists I have ever read. How she honored her late husband’s wishes, and gave his ‘brother’ a second chance at life, and accepted him when most society wouldn’t.
And Connor. Let me first say, that this fine young man is one of my new book boyfriends. Connor loves hard and fights passionately. No, I am in no way stating that he is an actual fighter in any way, but, the man will love you with all that he has if you really and truly give him the chance, and will also fight in your corner with all of his being or die trying.
He and Demi are a great pair, as they give an aura of morality, integrity, justice, and utter redemption for the other and those around them. My heart bled for them when they were at their lowest and it soared when they triumphed against all opposition.
I was a little sad though for Demi at how her reputation within her community was tainted, although, I was ecstatic with how she and Connor finally found peace and solace admist the vapid noise in their lives.
They deserved that shred of happiness.
I really hope BN will consider writing a sequel, with perhaps Dusty and Lexi *pretty please!!* getting on in the action, and peaks here and there of our favorite star-crossed lovers. But that's just ramblings of an obsessed reader. And a delusional one at that. *haha!*
Anyway, all I can say is, MORE Ms. Toler, MORE.
I haven’t known the author from the beginning, but I do remember long ago her messaging me and asking me to take a chance on her debut novel, Healer, and my thoughts on the cover art. I've been with her ever since, faithfully reading everything she has ever thrown at me, biding the time to get my grabby hands on her next work of art.
BN never fails to write compelling stories with heart and that always have a moral compass to it. It isn’t just to entertain you.
I guess, in a way, that is what transcends and perhaps, touches me the most about her writing.
Thank you, BN, I really appreciate you always reaching out and extending the opportunity for bloggers and readers like me to be exposed and immersed in the world of your awesomeness!!
Much love,
“It was you, Demi. You…feel like home. I knew it the moment I saw you. You’re a pillar, a rock. And it’s all I ever wanted.”
Taking Connor was just beautiful. Just simply, beautiful. I even choked up during it near the ending. Just sayin.’
It was about taking risks and second chances that you don't get so easily in life.... It was about paying homage and honoring the wishes of your loved ones.... And most importantly, it was about family-- and the unconditional and unwavering love, bonds, and sacrifices you would pay to protect them.
Author B.N. Toler, covers a different array of invoking and emotional topics, that will certainly tug at your heartstrings. While I won’t go into specifics of what they are, while reading, some I could already see forthcoming. It was just a hunch I had, and I turned out to be sadly correct.
Demi, man, she had to be one of the strongest, most unbias and selfless woman protagonists I have ever read. How she honored her late husband’s wishes, and gave his ‘brother’ a second chance at life, and accepted him when most society wouldn’t.
And Connor. Let me first say, that this fine young man is one of my new book boyfriends. Connor loves hard and fights passionately. No, I am in no way stating that he is an actual fighter in any way, but, the man will love you with all that he has if you really and truly give him the chance, and will also fight in your corner with all of his being or die trying.
He and Demi are a great pair, as they give an aura of morality, integrity, justice, and utter redemption for the other and those around them. My heart bled for them when they were at their lowest and it soared when they triumphed against all opposition.
I was a little sad though for Demi at how her reputation within her community was tainted, although, I was ecstatic with how she and Connor finally found peace and solace admist the vapid noise in their lives.
They deserved that shred of happiness.
I really hope BN will consider writing a sequel, with perhaps Dusty and Lexi *pretty please!!* getting on in the action, and peaks here and there of our favorite star-crossed lovers. But that's just ramblings of an obsessed reader. And a delusional one at that. *haha!*
Anyway, all I can say is, MORE Ms. Toler, MORE.
I haven’t known the author from the beginning, but I do remember long ago her messaging me and asking me to take a chance on her debut novel, Healer, and my thoughts on the cover art. I've been with her ever since, faithfully reading everything she has ever thrown at me, biding the time to get my grabby hands on her next work of art.
BN never fails to write compelling stories with heart and that always have a moral compass to it. It isn’t just to entertain you.
I guess, in a way, that is what transcends and perhaps, touches me the most about her writing.
Thank you, BN, I really appreciate you always reaching out and extending the opportunity for bloggers and readers like me to be exposed and immersed in the world of your awesomeness!!
Much love,
October 26, 2015
**༻Complimentary Copy༺** Provided by the author "B.N. Toler" in exchange for an honest review..
Thank you!!
TITLE: Taking Connor
AUTHOR: B.N. Toler
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: October 27th, 2015
MY RATING: 5 SIT ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT STARS
So many times my heart would be breaking and my mind would be yelling no no no at the curve balls the author kept throwing at me, I was not prepared for any of them so for that I give this book 5 stars..
I've only read one other by this author and I really really enjoyed that so here's hoping I'm going to love this also..
Sometimes the hardest forgiveness to earn is forgiveness from ourselves. Clearly he thinks he's undeserving, and that luck just fell upon him.
My lazy Sunday has pretty much revolved around this book, once I started it I got so absorbed in the story I forgot to eat breakfast, lunch comes around and goes, it just pulls you in within its grip and won't release you..prays to the food gods to just shove dinner in my mouth for me lol
Easy to get into, bloody hard to put down..I freaking LOVE Connors character in this book, he's had me swooning throughout..
I'm so tired of feeling so...alone. I want to be touched, I want to be loved, I want to ache for someone so I can feel that moment when they ease it from me.
He's a convicted felon. but I wish for a second he could see what I see; the kind heart and easy attitude underneath the hard exterior.
What I loved the most about this book is that it's not focused on that insta love feeling, this is a slow burning undeniable attraction that they both try to fight..
You love blindly, Demi. I'm a bad man, I've done bad things.
How far would you go to protect the ones you love?
Thank you!!
TITLE: Taking Connor
AUTHOR: B.N. Toler
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: October 27th, 2015
MY RATING: 5 SIT ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT STARS
So many times my heart would be breaking and my mind would be yelling no no no at the curve balls the author kept throwing at me, I was not prepared for any of them so for that I give this book 5 stars..
I've only read one other by this author and I really really enjoyed that so here's hoping I'm going to love this also..
Sometimes the hardest forgiveness to earn is forgiveness from ourselves. Clearly he thinks he's undeserving, and that luck just fell upon him.
My lazy Sunday has pretty much revolved around this book, once I started it I got so absorbed in the story I forgot to eat breakfast, lunch comes around and goes, it just pulls you in within its grip and won't release you..prays to the food gods to just shove dinner in my mouth for me lol
Easy to get into, bloody hard to put down..I freaking LOVE Connors character in this book, he's had me swooning throughout..
I'm so tired of feeling so...alone. I want to be touched, I want to be loved, I want to ache for someone so I can feel that moment when they ease it from me.
He's a convicted felon. but I wish for a second he could see what I see; the kind heart and easy attitude underneath the hard exterior.
What I loved the most about this book is that it's not focused on that insta love feeling, this is a slow burning undeniable attraction that they both try to fight..
You love blindly, Demi. I'm a bad man, I've done bad things.
How far would you go to protect the ones you love?
October 20, 2017
"Return good for good; return evil with justice."
Wow... This is such an important message, at least for me... and especially nowadays, when I really need it!
Despite a few of its flaws, I loved this book, it was quite good. It is 4 stars out of 3,75 for me.
THE PLOT:
Demi promised to her "now-dead" husband that she would pick his cousin Connor up from prison, where he had served 8 years for manslaughter. Her husband Blake never disclosed why Connor killed a man, but Demi knows that Blake would never put her in harm’s way. So she keeps her promise and she goes to the prison to take Connor back home, where Blake has arranged everything for him to a T.
Connor looks like the typical convict with his broad shoulders, muscled body and tattoos everywhere but all through the book, you don’t see his alpha or tough side. What we see is how wonderful a person he actually is and how impossible it is not to love him!
So, if you need a bad boy, this is not the book for you. Connor is the good boy! Although he cannot forgive himself for many things, he has a good heart and good intentions.
I’ve learned in life, sometimes the hardest forgiveness to earn is forgiveness from ourselves.
***
Sometimes, something happens that completely blows you away. Like witnessing a freak accident, how it sucks the breath from your lungs, your body frozen, unable to even contemplate breathing for a long moment. Or when you get that tingly feeling all over as the adrenaline sets in.
Well, that’s how it feels to witness Connor Stevens cry. It’s sad and dark, yet beautiful and soft all at once.
“I don’t know how to explain what it was like to walk out of that fucking prison and see you standing there. It almost felt like a cruel joke, ya know? I go from being surrounded by stinky-ass men, to find this goddamn bombshell waiting for me to take me home.”
Demi and Connor are attracted to each other at first sight but (although it is a 1st person narrative, we feel that) both of them are trying hard to stop feeling that way.
They first become friends, trying to avoid this forbidden feeling. Besides, Demi starts to go out with another guy. However, what she really wants is Connor.
Demi and Connor slowly get closer to one another and then, one day they understand that they cannot brush off these feelings anymore.
So, let me reiterate: There are two men before Connor. The dead husband, Blake, who was Connor's cousin and the new boyfriend Vick, whom she meets a few days after she has taken Connor back home.
I am happy that the writer doesn’t turn the beloved husband into a cheater so that Demi and Connor feel good about being together. Blake’s memory is never tainted.
However, I was really pissed at how the writer makes us . This is my biggest criticism about the book.
My second criticism is about the last quarter of the book. After Demi and Connor confess their feelings to each other, I was expecting some good times between them, but then, the story turns into a psycho thriller for a while where people are murdered, convicted etc.
Personally, I didn’t need that drama. I needed happy times between Demi and Connor. And if there had to be some drama, it could have been about them - about their struggle in this relationship - not about some crazy neighbors!
Also, the writer draws attention to autism in this book, which I think was another important topic wasted, as there were already enough issues in the book. To be able to solve the autism issue in the family of their friends and later, to be able to solve the mystery about the crazy neighbors, the growing relationship between Connor and Demi was not given enough importance, or not as much as I needed and wanted. I would have preferred some epic couple scenes instead of all that craziness. Besides, the mystery about the neighbors was easily foreseen – not a good mystery.
Despite my criticisms, I don’t regret reading this book because I really loved Connor & Demi together. Maybe, the following quotes will give you a better insight to their beautiful connection...
These feelings are insane. I shouldn’t want him this way. It’s wrong. I know it is. And I realize now, maybe I am in need of physical contact. Maybe I do need to feel a man intimately, and somehow in my desperation, I’ve warped thoughts into a fantasy that Connor is that man.
Lying back down, I take a deep breath. Vick is amazing. He’s incredibly handsome and funny. Maybe I’m not in love with him... yet, but that might come with time. And so what if it doesn’t? I’m not a mutant. We all need sex. Would it be so terrible to share that with Vick knowing he may not be my next great love? I don’t think so.
And maybe, just maybe, he could sate me; scratch that itch. Maybe if I make love to Vick, just maybe I will stop wishing I could make love to Connor.
***
He raises his head to the ceiling and clenches his eyes closed, but when he looks at me again, I see something I haven’t before. He drops the wall. That wall where he talks to me like I’m his cousin’s quiet and sweet widow. That wall where he works so hard to be respectable.
But I’m not afraid to hear his answer. I want to know, and I refuse to back down or shy away. “If I tell you, will you tell me?” he asks.
When he looks up at me, his eyes hooded, filled with lust. “Slow, Demi,” he orders me. “Go so painfully slow. I want to memorize and remember every single millisecond of this.”
***
"He didn’t just send me for you", I whispered. "He sent us to each other."
SAFETY TIPS:
OM/OW issue:
Violence: There is a past scene about a , but it is not graphic or descriptive.
Wow... This is such an important message, at least for me... and especially nowadays, when I really need it!
Despite a few of its flaws, I loved this book, it was quite good. It is 4 stars out of 3,75 for me.
THE PLOT:
Demi promised to her "now-dead" husband that she would pick his cousin Connor up from prison, where he had served 8 years for manslaughter. Her husband Blake never disclosed why Connor killed a man, but Demi knows that Blake would never put her in harm’s way. So she keeps her promise and she goes to the prison to take Connor back home, where Blake has arranged everything for him to a T.
Connor looks like the typical convict with his broad shoulders, muscled body and tattoos everywhere but all through the book, you don’t see his alpha or tough side. What we see is how wonderful a person he actually is and how impossible it is not to love him!
So, if you need a bad boy, this is not the book for you. Connor is the good boy! Although he cannot forgive himself for many things, he has a good heart and good intentions.
I’ve learned in life, sometimes the hardest forgiveness to earn is forgiveness from ourselves.
***
Sometimes, something happens that completely blows you away. Like witnessing a freak accident, how it sucks the breath from your lungs, your body frozen, unable to even contemplate breathing for a long moment. Or when you get that tingly feeling all over as the adrenaline sets in.
Well, that’s how it feels to witness Connor Stevens cry. It’s sad and dark, yet beautiful and soft all at once.
“I don’t know how to explain what it was like to walk out of that fucking prison and see you standing there. It almost felt like a cruel joke, ya know? I go from being surrounded by stinky-ass men, to find this goddamn bombshell waiting for me to take me home.”
Demi and Connor are attracted to each other at first sight but (although it is a 1st person narrative, we feel that) both of them are trying hard to stop feeling that way.
They first become friends, trying to avoid this forbidden feeling. Besides, Demi starts to go out with another guy. However, what she really wants is Connor.
Demi and Connor slowly get closer to one another and then, one day they understand that they cannot brush off these feelings anymore.
So, let me reiterate: There are two men before Connor. The dead husband, Blake, who was Connor's cousin and the new boyfriend Vick, whom she meets a few days after she has taken Connor back home.
I am happy that the writer doesn’t turn the beloved husband into a cheater so that Demi and Connor feel good about being together. Blake’s memory is never tainted.
However, I was really pissed at how the writer makes us . This is my biggest criticism about the book.
My second criticism is about the last quarter of the book. After Demi and Connor confess their feelings to each other, I was expecting some good times between them, but then, the story turns into a psycho thriller for a while where people are murdered, convicted etc.
Personally, I didn’t need that drama. I needed happy times between Demi and Connor. And if there had to be some drama, it could have been about them - about their struggle in this relationship - not about some crazy neighbors!
Also, the writer draws attention to autism in this book, which I think was another important topic wasted, as there were already enough issues in the book. To be able to solve the autism issue in the family of their friends and later, to be able to solve the mystery about the crazy neighbors, the growing relationship between Connor and Demi was not given enough importance, or not as much as I needed and wanted. I would have preferred some epic couple scenes instead of all that craziness. Besides, the mystery about the neighbors was easily foreseen – not a good mystery.
Despite my criticisms, I don’t regret reading this book because I really loved Connor & Demi together. Maybe, the following quotes will give you a better insight to their beautiful connection...
These feelings are insane. I shouldn’t want him this way. It’s wrong. I know it is. And I realize now, maybe I am in need of physical contact. Maybe I do need to feel a man intimately, and somehow in my desperation, I’ve warped thoughts into a fantasy that Connor is that man.
Lying back down, I take a deep breath. Vick is amazing. He’s incredibly handsome and funny. Maybe I’m not in love with him... yet, but that might come with time. And so what if it doesn’t? I’m not a mutant. We all need sex. Would it be so terrible to share that with Vick knowing he may not be my next great love? I don’t think so.
And maybe, just maybe, he could sate me; scratch that itch. Maybe if I make love to Vick, just maybe I will stop wishing I could make love to Connor.
***
He raises his head to the ceiling and clenches his eyes closed, but when he looks at me again, I see something I haven’t before. He drops the wall. That wall where he talks to me like I’m his cousin’s quiet and sweet widow. That wall where he works so hard to be respectable.
But I’m not afraid to hear his answer. I want to know, and I refuse to back down or shy away. “If I tell you, will you tell me?” he asks.
When he looks up at me, his eyes hooded, filled with lust. “Slow, Demi,” he orders me. “Go so painfully slow. I want to memorize and remember every single millisecond of this.”
***
"He didn’t just send me for you", I whispered. "He sent us to each other."
SAFETY TIPS:
OM/OW issue:
Violence: There is a past scene about a , but it is not graphic or descriptive.
just-not-for-me-stay-away-hell-no
March 30, 2016Note to Self: h is H's late cousins wife. If that isn't bad enough she hears H with OW having sex making moaning noises and bed banging! yuck! THIS is not for me!
July 22, 2020
Summed up in four simple words: What a beautiful man! *sigh*
November 2, 2015
I thought that the hero in this book was all bad-boy, but underneath he was just a sweetheart of a man. Yes, he was in prison at one time, and yes, he had a shit-load of tattoos, but it was him defending his deceased cousin’s honor that made me swoon for the guy. He was one impressive male with all those muscles and that hard edge that drove his cousin’s wife to lust after him. And, he drove a motorcyle too. Damn!!
Demi hadn’t been with a man in three years, and with Connor living in the extra apartment over her garage, she couldn’t help but be attracted to him. But, he was Blake’s cousin. They had been like brothers. How would Blake feel if they were together? Probably happy because he had loved his cousin, and he had loved his wife fiercely. That’s just the type of guy Blake was. When a horrible act is committed and secrets are revealed, it is devastating for all, including Demi’s best friend’s family as well. Within this story the reader also sees the spectrum disorder autism touched on with awareness and eventually acceptance. It’s believable and honest.
From the beginning the author pulls the reader right into the story. She weaves emotions and drama into the story as every page is turned. The love story was incredible! So much happens for them to get together, and it’s not until maybe three-quarters in, that they finally submit to their feelings. I love a book that creates all that sexual tension! It’s the anticipation of the first time that has me so engrossed in their story. Ms. Toler had me interested the whole time, and I won’t hesitate to pick up another of her books...
Demi hadn’t been with a man in three years, and with Connor living in the extra apartment over her garage, she couldn’t help but be attracted to him. But, he was Blake’s cousin. They had been like brothers. How would Blake feel if they were together? Probably happy because he had loved his cousin, and he had loved his wife fiercely. That’s just the type of guy Blake was. When a horrible act is committed and secrets are revealed, it is devastating for all, including Demi’s best friend’s family as well. Within this story the reader also sees the spectrum disorder autism touched on with awareness and eventually acceptance. It’s believable and honest.
From the beginning the author pulls the reader right into the story. She weaves emotions and drama into the story as every page is turned. The love story was incredible! So much happens for them to get together, and it’s not until maybe three-quarters in, that they finally submit to their feelings. I love a book that creates all that sexual tension! It’s the anticipation of the first time that has me so engrossed in their story. Ms. Toler had me interested the whole time, and I won’t hesitate to pick up another of her books...
December 21, 2015
'4.5 Connor stars'
"You were like an angel that day."
"What day?"
"The day I got out. It was like walking straight out of hell and finding an angel waiting for me on the other side. My redemption."
"He didn't just send me for you, I whispered. He sent us to each other."
This book was about accepting a person as they are despite the baggage they have to carry of there past. It is about second chance in love. It is about believing in yourself and the other person. It is about finding redemption. It is about unconditional and undying love which one has for their families and they are going to do everything in there power to save them no matter the consequences. This was my first book by the author and I'm looking for the other books around. Overall I enjoyed reading it.
"You were like an angel that day."
"What day?"
"The day I got out. It was like walking straight out of hell and finding an angel waiting for me on the other side. My redemption."
"He didn't just send me for you, I whispered. He sent us to each other."
This book was about accepting a person as they are despite the baggage they have to carry of there past. It is about second chance in love. It is about believing in yourself and the other person. It is about finding redemption. It is about unconditional and undying love which one has for their families and they are going to do everything in there power to save them no matter the consequences. This was my first book by the author and I'm looking for the other books around. Overall I enjoyed reading it.
October 29, 2015
I mean literally...PER-FECT!!
This story gave me so much feels and thrills, I'm debating giving it another round because Connor and Demi?
I. Need. More.
I need a novella to tell us how they hell these two are fairing today. I don't care if it's 20 pages long...I just need IT!!!!
August 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. It was a whole new angle and I have not read anything like it before. It's a slow burn with lots of intrigue and some really interesting reveals and unexpected action.
The heroine is fulfilling her dead husbands wishes by helping out his cousin when he is released from prison. What she did not expect was for him to be so attractive and nice. But she's a good person and doesn't go overboard thinking hot thoughts about him. She hasn't been on the dating market for years and has ignored that part of life since having met her husband. But the feelings this hot cousin evokes in her forces her to go try dating. And she does... But it ends up being another dude she meets at the supermarket. And the rest? Well, you need to read it. It's damn good. And like I said, not the usual trope any any way.
So much happens in the story and i really enjoyed all of it. From the happy moments to the sad ones and the crazy ones. Thanks Shawnee for the recommendation!!!
The heroine is fulfilling her dead husbands wishes by helping out his cousin when he is released from prison. What she did not expect was for him to be so attractive and nice. But she's a good person and doesn't go overboard thinking hot thoughts about him. She hasn't been on the dating market for years and has ignored that part of life since having met her husband. But the feelings this hot cousin evokes in her forces her to go try dating. And she does... But it ends up being another dude she meets at the supermarket. And the rest? Well, you need to read it. It's damn good. And like I said, not the usual trope any any way.
So much happens in the story and i really enjoyed all of it. From the happy moments to the sad ones and the crazy ones. Thanks Shawnee for the recommendation!!!
January 25, 2016
2 stars
This was just a waste of reading hours. It wasn't the OW, it was the whole yawn fest and subpar writing/plotting. It was too vanilla-sweet for me.
OW the night he gets out of prison. The h picks him up and he's so attracted to her and she's so off-limits as his "brother's" widow...he needs distraction, remember, just released from prison. Granted it wasn't graphic, but it was obnoxious for the h.
Other than that. There are no other OW, despite appearances, drama, and the h's kinda OM.
The plot was simple with a few twists, the OW understandable but not palatable enough to bother reading this for the safety gang. It was really pretty light and fluffy all things considered.
Me, I read it because...sis-in-laws.
This was just a waste of reading hours. It wasn't the OW, it was the whole yawn fest and subpar writing/plotting. It was too vanilla-sweet for me.
OW the night he gets out of prison. The h picks him up and he's so attracted to her and she's so off-limits as his "brother's" widow...he needs distraction, remember, just released from prison. Granted it wasn't graphic, but it was obnoxious for the h.
Other than that. There are no other OW, despite appearances, drama, and the h's kinda OM.
The plot was simple with a few twists, the OW understandable but not palatable enough to bother reading this for the safety gang. It was really pretty light and fluffy all things considered.
Me, I read it because...sis-in-laws.
August 3, 2017
This is an emotional read for the second half. It is about accepting one's past and ugly self. I did not expect such heart gripping story with this book but I should have expected it seeing it is BN Toler!
If you are looking for a alpha arrogant male, then look the other way please. This IS NOT your typical bad boy. Yeas, they are all hard muscles, heavily tattooed and eyes so intense you could roast a duck but, don't judge book by its cover. Connor is A PERFECT GENTLEMAN. Even Dusty! Man, that said a lot!
The side characters are all enjoyable, especially Lexi. Damn, I wish there will be future story of her (and Dusty).
Totally an enjoyable (and intense heart wrenching) read for me and would recommend it to anyone who's up for more than a romance story ❤️
If you are looking for a alpha arrogant male, then look the other way please. This IS NOT your typical bad boy. Yeas, they are all hard muscles, heavily tattooed and eyes so intense you could roast a duck but, don't judge book by its cover. Connor is A PERFECT GENTLEMAN. Even Dusty! Man, that said a lot!
The side characters are all enjoyable, especially Lexi. Damn, I wish there will be future story of her (and Dusty).
Totally an enjoyable (and intense heart wrenching) read for me and would recommend it to anyone who's up for more than a romance story ❤️
February 7, 2017
3.75 Stars!
Want to read
March 8, 2021i added like 7 romance books to my tbr
AND IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF RIS
this is my documentation of this phenomenon
AND IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF RIS
this is my documentation of this phenomenon
October 27, 2015
What can I say?! I'm never disappointed with BN's books and this one was way up there for me, I devoured it in more or less one sitting. BN touches on topics that are hard hitting and close to home for many, and handles them in the best way. With honest to god feelings. She throws a few shockers in there and I won't lie, I near enough called her bad names towards the end! I did also tell her this! But I quickly forgave her, I love how this book ended.
I love the characters and the relationships built over the book. And Connor, oh Connor!!
Overall another scorcher from BN and I can't wait to see what she has for us next!
I love the characters and the relationships built over the book. And Connor, oh Connor!!
Overall another scorcher from BN and I can't wait to see what she has for us next!
January 6, 2016
Simply Amazing.....10 Stars!
This well written books packs one hell of a punch. From the diverse and well thought out characters, to the plot, chemistry between Connor and Demi and of course the subject mattered discussed. I was immediately hooked from the very start and I can honestly say that I loved everything about the book from start to finish. This is definitely a must read!
This well written books packs one hell of a punch. From the diverse and well thought out characters, to the plot, chemistry between Connor and Demi and of course the subject mattered discussed. I was immediately hooked from the very start and I can honestly say that I loved everything about the book from start to finish. This is definitely a must read!
November 26, 2015
I actually really liked this book in the begininng but man the last 85% of the book was full of drama way too much for my liking it was one problem after another i didnt really get to enjoy the two MC get together
February 23, 2016
EL final del desenlace y el final, propiamente dicho... como que no lo supo "comandar"!
Me dio pena/ternura la situación de Connor... y por momentos mucha impotencia. Malditos hijos de puta.
Lectura rápida.
Me dio pena/ternura la situación de Connor... y por momentos mucha impotencia. Malditos hijos de puta.
Lectura rápida.
February 5, 2016
Me ha encantado!! Me ha tenido intrigada desde la primera página y el personaje de Connor es estupendo (¡los hombres tambien lloran!) Hay ciertas partes que me han gustado muchisimo pero haría spoiler... y por ultimo decir que lloré muchisimo tanto con el ultimo capitulo como en el epilogo.
December 12, 2021
Good story
January 9, 2016
B.N Toler is slowly becoming on of my favorite authors
May 24, 2020
3.5*
Would have rated it higher had it not been for all that unnecessary drama towards the end!
Would have rated it higher had it not been for all that unnecessary drama towards the end!
February 14, 2023
A fairly solid offering in the dark and broody contemporary genre. Noble ex-convict H with a good backstory. Triggery for some. I love the author, and this one has been on my Kindle TBR pile for ages.
December 31, 2015
I got 31% into this book and emailed the author, praising her for a specific line in the story which almost had me in tears. It isn't a line which is hugely important to the story, but it hit a chord with me as I totally get the meaning behind it, and because it applies to me as well.
"I hate that women are made to feel like they can't mourn the loss of a baby they miscarried early on."
To be affected by a single line in a story is quite something, especially when it is a line which is such a minor part in said story! Hats off to the author for putting this into the story.
Onto the story itself! Demi Stevens is fulfilling a wish on behalf of her husband, Blake, who sadly passed away before being able to fulfil it himself. She finds herself outside a prison, collecting a man she doesn't know. This man has served time for manslaughter, but that is all Demi knows. She trusted her husband and therefore is trusting that he knew best when it comes to Connor.
Over time Demi and Connor learn to trust each other. However misunderstandings ensue, feelings get tangled, and eventually everything starts to unravel. Can they stick together when it really matters, or will past mistakes come back to haunt them?
I was shocked when everything finally came out, although I did guess one part of it when it was first mentioned. And just when you think everything is over the author throws another spanner in the works.
I am a fan of this author and couldn't wait to see what this story would bring. I was not disappointed. This is a well written story, with twists and turns throughout. The characters are all well written and they work well together. I love the dynamics between Demi and her sisters especially. I would love to read more, in particular, about her younger sister Lexi. Lexi is quite a character and I particularly loved when she was talking to Demi about her new boyfriend, Bob!
This was a great read, romance and intrigue combined.
Thanks to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"I hate that women are made to feel like they can't mourn the loss of a baby they miscarried early on."
To be affected by a single line in a story is quite something, especially when it is a line which is such a minor part in said story! Hats off to the author for putting this into the story.
Onto the story itself! Demi Stevens is fulfilling a wish on behalf of her husband, Blake, who sadly passed away before being able to fulfil it himself. She finds herself outside a prison, collecting a man she doesn't know. This man has served time for manslaughter, but that is all Demi knows. She trusted her husband and therefore is trusting that he knew best when it comes to Connor.
Over time Demi and Connor learn to trust each other. However misunderstandings ensue, feelings get tangled, and eventually everything starts to unravel. Can they stick together when it really matters, or will past mistakes come back to haunt them?
I was shocked when everything finally came out, although I did guess one part of it when it was first mentioned. And just when you think everything is over the author throws another spanner in the works.
I am a fan of this author and couldn't wait to see what this story would bring. I was not disappointed. This is a well written story, with twists and turns throughout. The characters are all well written and they work well together. I love the dynamics between Demi and her sisters especially. I would love to read more, in particular, about her younger sister Lexi. Lexi is quite a character and I particularly loved when she was talking to Demi about her new boyfriend, Bob!
This was a great read, romance and intrigue combined.
Thanks to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2016
This was a sweet book. Demi is a widow and vows to her husband, Blake, before he passes away that she will help his cousin, Connor, after he is released from prison. Connor and Blake were like brothers and Demi decides to trust that Connor is a good man even though she does not know why he was in prison. Although they both feel an attraction to one another, they both fight it. They learn to be friends and eventually, they give into their desires. I really enjoyed watching them fall in love. Connor was such a good man and I just loved how kind he was. Demi was such a strong and kind-hearted person as well. I felt good about how she and Connor fell in love. Blake was portrayed as such a wonderful person and even though he passed away at the start of the book, I really liked him. I liked him so much that I was afraid I would feel upset that Demi would betray him by being with Connor. However, Demi has so much love for Blake and she devoted herself to him. Her kindness and love shine through and I ended up wanting her to find true happiness. I think Demi and Connor started their relationship in a tactful and respectful way and I was happy to see them find one another. I admired how Demi was so trusting of Connor. I’m not sure many people could have that kind of trust and faith. It’s a beautiful love.
“The day I got out. It was like waking straight out of hell and finding an angel waiting for me on the other side….My redemption.”
The book touches on some very difficult subjects for me. I have a very hard time with stories that deal with child molestation and I almost stopped reading several times, because I could see where the book was going with some of the issues. I was relieved the book doesn’t go into too many details about the issue. Some terrible things happen, but I feel justice prevails in the end. Overall, it’s a cute and easy read. Enjoy!
“The day I got out. It was like waking straight out of hell and finding an angel waiting for me on the other side….My redemption.”
The book touches on some very difficult subjects for me. I have a very hard time with stories that deal with child molestation and I almost stopped reading several times, because I could see where the book was going with some of the issues. I was relieved the book doesn’t go into too many details about the issue. Some terrible things happen, but I feel justice prevails in the end. Overall, it’s a cute and easy read. Enjoy!
January 9, 2016
I'd like to start off by saying that I am a sucker for any character who is more than the skin they wear. This author gave us some depth and I am thoroughly appreciative of that. Connor was hotness personified!! Tatted? Check. Criminal history? Check. Brooding? Check. Heart of gold? Mother-effin check!! That scene where he hustles Demi at pool and they share what they want from a significant other (what they want from each other) was so hot. Proof that sex doesn't have to be involved for the scene to be sizzling. I think Demi was a great character as well. Yeah, in the first half she was in denial because she thought it was taboo to want Connor but she stepped up and had his back. Loved that. And I especially loved the way that Connor handled her. He was there for her from the start and I think it may have been because of Ethan to begin with, but his loyalty was to her.
Speaking of Ethan... My word I felt so sad for this character. The bull he went through, especially when he just survived death's door was heart rending. He and Connor had to put up with too much. I'm glad this was written in a way that you could tell that they had each other. And there's no denying that because of the lengths Connor went to to have Ethan's back. Eight years in prison ain't a joke.
In the last 20% of the book, the story took I turn I didn't expect. So much was happening. Murder. Trial. But there's a pretty sweet HEA so I can't complain. Overall, a very sweet book with some sexy tension and scenes.
Speaking of Ethan... My word I felt so sad for this character. The bull he went through, especially when he just survived death's door was heart rending. He and Connor had to put up with too much. I'm glad this was written in a way that you could tell that they had each other. And there's no denying that because of the lengths Connor went to to have Ethan's back. Eight years in prison ain't a joke.
In the last 20% of the book, the story took I turn I didn't expect. So much was happening. Murder. Trial. But there's a pretty sweet HEA so I can't complain. Overall, a very sweet book with some sexy tension and scenes.
October 24, 2015
*I received an ARC from the author and am providing my honest review.*
Let it be known that I love tattooed guys, so Connor Stevens had me from the very beginning. BN Toler has gone beyond stereotypes in this story about Demi, who is mourning her late husband, and Connor, who is trying to start fresh.
Taking Connor touches on a lot of emotions -- learning to love and trust after a loss, being a good friend even when that means you have to talk about hard topics, and whether something labeled inherently "wrong" was actually the right choice.
These characters are very relatable, which allows the reader to sink deep into the plot. BN Toler masterfully brings a few plot twists that will grab your heart and twist it around before putting it back again.
This was the first book I've read by BN Toler, but it certainly won't be the last!
(And to the parents out there: have some snacks for the kids handy so you can read semi-uninterrupted! You won't want to put this book down.)
Let it be known that I love tattooed guys, so Connor Stevens had me from the very beginning. BN Toler has gone beyond stereotypes in this story about Demi, who is mourning her late husband, and Connor, who is trying to start fresh.
Taking Connor touches on a lot of emotions -- learning to love and trust after a loss, being a good friend even when that means you have to talk about hard topics, and whether something labeled inherently "wrong" was actually the right choice.
These characters are very relatable, which allows the reader to sink deep into the plot. BN Toler masterfully brings a few plot twists that will grab your heart and twist it around before putting it back again.
This was the first book I've read by BN Toler, but it certainly won't be the last!
(And to the parents out there: have some snacks for the kids handy so you can read semi-uninterrupted! You won't want to put this book down.)
November 1, 2015
Okay, that's it. B.N Toler is now firmly planted as one of my top favourite authors. Jesus I love this woman's writing skill. She doesn't just bring a romance she knocks your block off with it.
Nothing ordinary comes from her mind I don't think. She weaves a story that can have you a bit alarmed, a bit angry at things, then understanding of them. Then crying your friggin eyes out over something else.
B.N Toler writes emotion on steriods, both books I've now read of hers, she's blown my socks off with where she takes some scenes.
Honestly, I bloody loved this, I loved Connor, I loved Demi, I loved the secondary characters and I loved the plot. I could visualise absolutely everything and I felt absolutely everything.
Bravo, top class read again for me from the mind of B.N Toler.
I received a copy of Taking Connor (and even with its advanced reader copy errors this still is a 5 star read). My reviews are my own and 100% honest.
Nothing ordinary comes from her mind I don't think. She weaves a story that can have you a bit alarmed, a bit angry at things, then understanding of them. Then crying your friggin eyes out over something else.
B.N Toler writes emotion on steriods, both books I've now read of hers, she's blown my socks off with where she takes some scenes.
Honestly, I bloody loved this, I loved Connor, I loved Demi, I loved the secondary characters and I loved the plot. I could visualise absolutely everything and I felt absolutely everything.
Bravo, top class read again for me from the mind of B.N Toler.
I received a copy of Taking Connor (and even with its advanced reader copy errors this still is a 5 star read). My reviews are my own and 100% honest.
January 25, 2016
2 stars
This was just a waste of reading hours. It wasn't the OW, it was the whole yawn fest and subpar writing/plotting. It was to vanilla-sweet for me.
OW the night he gets out of prison. The h picks him up and he's so attracted to her and she's so off-limits as his "brother's" widow...he needs distraction, remember, just released from prison. Granted it wasn't graphic, but it was obnoxious for the h.
Other than that. There are no other OW, despite appearances, drama, and the h's kinda OM.
The plot was simple with a few twists, the OW understandable but not palatable enough to bother reading this for the safety gang. It was really pretty light and fluffy all things considered.
Me, I read it because...sis-in-laws.
This was just a waste of reading hours. It wasn't the OW, it was the whole yawn fest and subpar writing/plotting. It was to vanilla-sweet for me.
OW the night he gets out of prison. The h picks him up and he's so attracted to her and she's so off-limits as his "brother's" widow...he needs distraction, remember, just released from prison. Granted it wasn't graphic, but it was obnoxious for the h.
Other than that. There are no other OW, despite appearances, drama, and the h's kinda OM.
The plot was simple with a few twists, the OW understandable but not palatable enough to bother reading this for the safety gang. It was really pretty light and fluffy all things considered.
Me, I read it because...sis-in-laws.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews