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Within This Frame
It comes in the mail—a beautiful invitation that promises humiliation and horror. Unless Maggie Smiley, former child celebrity and now overweight recluse, gets her courage and motivation in check, along with her health.The phone call offering fitness expert Lance Denton a chance to work with Maggie Smiley promises retribution. He messed up a lot as a punk kid on the too-fast road to stardom, and how he treated his co-star never left him. It is that—and a long list of secrets she doesn’t need to know—that has him show up at Maggie’s doorstep.
296 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2015
22 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
About the author
Lindy Zart
25 books1,057 followersLindy Zart is an American USA Today bestselling author who writes across a number of fictional genres such as new adult, contemporary romance, and fantasy. Her rom-com Roomies (2014) was an international bestseller that rose to #1 in Satire Fiction, Romantic Comedy, General Humor, and Humorous, becoming a USA Today bestseller. Lindy currently lives in Wisconsin with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 9, 2015
If you have never read a Lindy Zart book, you are sadly missing out; every time I open a book from this talented woman I am blown away. She writes her characters with so much heart and emotion that they take on a force of their own and pull you into the story. One of my favorite things about Lindy is, you never know what you are going to get with her, and what I mean by that is she is a master magician of writing. She can write love stories that leave you yearning for more, heart-breaking tragedies that gut to the core, funny rom-coms that will keep you laughing all the way through, to real-life situations that complete captivate you , she can write basically write anything and that puts this author in a league of her own.
Within This Frame was a beautifully written story of two people Lance and Maggie, who have fallen from grace, pulling together and rebuilding their lives. Their situations are different, but they are drawn together from their past. Lance and Maggie are both extremely realistic characters that anyone can relate to I am sure there will be the people who don't "get" this book, and just want the typical romance novel, but Lindy is not your typical author and trust me the power of this story is so much more than just a romance... To me, it hit home.
It’s a very original story line that sends a positive message.
5 stars
Reviewed by Tonya Nichols of Eye Candy Bookstore
Within This Frame was a beautifully written story of two people Lance and Maggie, who have fallen from grace, pulling together and rebuilding their lives. Their situations are different, but they are drawn together from their past. Lance and Maggie are both extremely realistic characters that anyone can relate to I am sure there will be the people who don't "get" this book, and just want the typical romance novel, but Lindy is not your typical author and trust me the power of this story is so much more than just a romance... To me, it hit home.
It’s a very original story line that sends a positive message.
5 stars
Reviewed by Tonya Nichols of Eye Candy Bookstore
January 5, 2016
This is the story of two teen television co-stars who fall in love, engage in a whirlwind romance, closely mimicked on their hit show. One can't handle the limelight and one can't handle being open to the hurt that love could bring. Their young love can't handle the pressure and they fail epically and publicly. Over a decade later, Maggie is now an over weight recluse and Lance is now a fitness coach. With an invitation to see many of her old co-stars at a reunion/fundraiser silently mocking her, Maggie agrees to let Lance help her get healthy and slim down before seeing everyone in four months. Their story unfolds through current day workouts, meals and conversation with flashbacks to the 1990s while their show is being filmed and their romance develops. The reasons why it all went so terribly wrong are revealed but will they forgive each other and more importantly themselves? I thoroughly enjoyed this atypical story line and the strong willed and determined heroine.
September 7, 2017
I am marking this DNF because there's a good 60% of it that I can't get through. More than half of this book is flashbacks to 1996 and they are so boring, unoriginal, and cheesy that I can't even make myself skim them.
The parts that take place in present day are interesting, but not enough so that I give a crap about what happened in 1996 to make them so weird around each other.
The parts that take place in present day are interesting, but not enough so that I give a crap about what happened in 1996 to make them so weird around each other.
May 13, 2016
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3.5 stars -- It's official folks, I'm in a slump. The synopsis above is actually not the one I read (I read the one you'll see on Goodreads), but I feel like this one (from Amazon) better represents the story. I had a completely different story in my head when I started this, and it totally affected my initial enjoyment of the story. I was expecting Lance to have been some bully from her past who's back to make amends. And I guess in a way that is still true, but they had a romantic relationship in the past too (which you do get from this updated synopsis), and so it just threw me off. I mean, it's like my favourite analogy -- thinking you're going to drink Coke, but you're actually drinking root beer, and so it tastes bad, even though you like root beer. Expectations suck.
Getting the meh parts out of the way, sometimes I just felt a little lost in the prose. There were so many emotional things going on, and sometimes I had moments where I just honestly lost what the story was trying to tell me. It's hard to explain. I think I'm just having massive brain farts and they're destroying my reading experience. It takes away from the effectiveness of some scenes when you don't know what they're talking about.
OK, onto the good stuff! Even though both characters were royally screwed up to the yin yang, I still enjoyed both characters. I loved the depth that they showed, and Ms. Zart really gets you to feel the angst that they're both experiencing, especially in the past parts from Lance's POV. I also really felt their attraction in the past, and the love that developed there (along with a lot of unhealthy bits). I think in the end I was more affected by Lance's story to be honest. I felt like we got to see what he was going through and what made him who he was. I felt all the depths of his emotions. Maybe b/c we were in Lance's head for all the past segments. In the end only seeing in Maggie's head in the present, I didn't really get to connect with her and all the things she was struggling with. I know she was supposed to be reclusive and bad body image issues, but I just felt like it wasn't really there (maybe it was more prominent in her past), and so it just kind of solved itself rather quickly. I didn't get to see the growth and transition, and I missed that. So for me, Lance was the shining star of this story -- which is funny, b/c he was a mega jerk for quite a bit of it. So I don't usually find myself gravitating towards those characters, but I really believed in his growth and changes.
All in all it was a solid read, but as I seem to be lately, I was left wanting more. I guess I've just turned into a demanding reader or something.
3.5 stars -- It's official folks, I'm in a slump. The synopsis above is actually not the one I read (I read the one you'll see on Goodreads), but I feel like this one (from Amazon) better represents the story. I had a completely different story in my head when I started this, and it totally affected my initial enjoyment of the story. I was expecting Lance to have been some bully from her past who's back to make amends. And I guess in a way that is still true, but they had a romantic relationship in the past too (which you do get from this updated synopsis), and so it just threw me off. I mean, it's like my favourite analogy -- thinking you're going to drink Coke, but you're actually drinking root beer, and so it tastes bad, even though you like root beer. Expectations suck.
Getting the meh parts out of the way, sometimes I just felt a little lost in the prose. There were so many emotional things going on, and sometimes I had moments where I just honestly lost what the story was trying to tell me. It's hard to explain. I think I'm just having massive brain farts and they're destroying my reading experience. It takes away from the effectiveness of some scenes when you don't know what they're talking about.
OK, onto the good stuff! Even though both characters were royally screwed up to the yin yang, I still enjoyed both characters. I loved the depth that they showed, and Ms. Zart really gets you to feel the angst that they're both experiencing, especially in the past parts from Lance's POV. I also really felt their attraction in the past, and the love that developed there (along with a lot of unhealthy bits). I think in the end I was more affected by Lance's story to be honest. I felt like we got to see what he was going through and what made him who he was. I felt all the depths of his emotions. Maybe b/c we were in Lance's head for all the past segments. In the end only seeing in Maggie's head in the present, I didn't really get to connect with her and all the things she was struggling with. I know she was supposed to be reclusive and bad body image issues, but I just felt like it wasn't really there (maybe it was more prominent in her past), and so it just kind of solved itself rather quickly. I didn't get to see the growth and transition, and I missed that. So for me, Lance was the shining star of this story -- which is funny, b/c he was a mega jerk for quite a bit of it. So I don't usually find myself gravitating towards those characters, but I really believed in his growth and changes.
All in all it was a solid read, but as I seem to be lately, I was left wanting more. I guess I've just turned into a demanding reader or something.
March 9, 2017
https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...
Favorite Quote:
He’d felt compelled, spellbound, as if kissing her was the only thing he knew how to do, and not doing so would be detrimental.
First off, this book was very confusing. They both had psychological issues but instead of getting help from a professional, they both decided to cope with them in a physical way. That totally through me for a loop. Like how can you deal with an eating disorder or body dysmorphic disorder by getting a personal trainer? I was pretty flabbergasted when I read that.
And I didn’t understand why she needed a live-in personal trainer to lose a few pounds. It just seemed a bit over the top and honestly like a weak reason to get them in each others lives again.
I did enjoy the switch between past and present perspectives and the added POV of Lance from the past was a nice touch. Although the present chemistry was harder to see and follow because I never really knew how he felt. His actions didn’t jive with what was implied. I was confused whenever they had any ‘moments’. I never truly felt the chemistry between them as adults. It felt very mental and my mind kept getting pulled out of the story because I kept wondering why they were so focused on their physical appearences.
And I couldn’t relate to the female lead. She seemed very self-absorbed and emotionally immature. Everything seemed to be ‘poor me, what am I gonna do’ And she was so stubborn she didn’t even want to take the help that was offered even thought she asked for it in the first place! It just got…tiring to keep reading about. By the time her character evolved it was too late for me.
I would have loved to have read only about their past. That would have been a great book. The present just focused on too many little things.
Favorite Quote:
He’d felt compelled, spellbound, as if kissing her was the only thing he knew how to do, and not doing so would be detrimental.
First off, this book was very confusing. They both had psychological issues but instead of getting help from a professional, they both decided to cope with them in a physical way. That totally through me for a loop. Like how can you deal with an eating disorder or body dysmorphic disorder by getting a personal trainer? I was pretty flabbergasted when I read that.
And I didn’t understand why she needed a live-in personal trainer to lose a few pounds. It just seemed a bit over the top and honestly like a weak reason to get them in each others lives again.
I did enjoy the switch between past and present perspectives and the added POV of Lance from the past was a nice touch. Although the present chemistry was harder to see and follow because I never really knew how he felt. His actions didn’t jive with what was implied. I was confused whenever they had any ‘moments’. I never truly felt the chemistry between them as adults. It felt very mental and my mind kept getting pulled out of the story because I kept wondering why they were so focused on their physical appearences.
And I couldn’t relate to the female lead. She seemed very self-absorbed and emotionally immature. Everything seemed to be ‘poor me, what am I gonna do’ And she was so stubborn she didn’t even want to take the help that was offered even thought she asked for it in the first place! It just got…tiring to keep reading about. By the time her character evolved it was too late for me.
I would have loved to have read only about their past. That would have been a great book. The present just focused on too many little things.
January 13, 2016
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
I think this is Lindy's best novel to date. I could relate so much to this particular novel because of the eating disorders that the protagonist, Maggie, struggles with. Society tells us we have to look a certain way to be considered attractive, successful, or just good to look at. Maggie feels that pressure with the fame she gets from being a child actress.
It doesn't help that her feelings are toyed with as a teenager, and as a result she suffers physically, mentally, and emotionally. The thing with Lindy's stories is that there are always two sides to every story. Lance's story is just as emotionally gut-wrenching as Maggie's, and I'm glad we get to see his side in flashbacks.
This is a story about forgiveness and redemption. Most of all, it is about accepting and loving who we are, regardless of what society and the media tells us is acceptable. I think everyone will be able to relate to Maggie and Lance and the internal demons they both face. I won't lie; I cried. This is a book I needed to read at this point in my life and I'll always be thankful to Lindy for writing it.
5 Platypires to Within this Frame.
Within This Frame Full Review
I think this is Lindy's best novel to date. I could relate so much to this particular novel because of the eating disorders that the protagonist, Maggie, struggles with. Society tells us we have to look a certain way to be considered attractive, successful, or just good to look at. Maggie feels that pressure with the fame she gets from being a child actress.
It doesn't help that her feelings are toyed with as a teenager, and as a result she suffers physically, mentally, and emotionally. The thing with Lindy's stories is that there are always two sides to every story. Lance's story is just as emotionally gut-wrenching as Maggie's, and I'm glad we get to see his side in flashbacks.
This is a story about forgiveness and redemption. Most of all, it is about accepting and loving who we are, regardless of what society and the media tells us is acceptable. I think everyone will be able to relate to Maggie and Lance and the internal demons they both face. I won't lie; I cried. This is a book I needed to read at this point in my life and I'll always be thankful to Lindy for writing it.
5 Platypires to Within this Frame.
Within This Frame Full Review
December 8, 2015
Within This Frame by Lindy Zart is definitely one of my favorite stories by her so far. I know I say this with every one of her books but it’s like she gets in my head and sees the darkness and in her extraordinary way, she brings it to life with her words. This book hits close to home with me because of the main character Maggie Smiley. Maggie suffers from self-doubt and has a negative image of herself due to her time being a star on a television show when she was younger. This is what makes Maggie so relatable. You just want to reassure her that she is perfect the way she is and then you realize that you need to say that about yourself.
Lance and Maggie have a past and before they can work together, they need to communicate about what happened. The way they interact with one another will make you laugh, cry, and scream. There were several moments where I just wanted to slap some sense into them. Lindy Zart knows how to write a book that will break you and heal you by the time you are finished reading it. She combines sarcasm, humor, reality, and perfectly flawed characters that speak to you.
The dialogue was top notch and realistic. The characters showed growth. More importantly I was taught to love myself: flaws and all. Thank you Lindy.
I will recommend this book to others. I give this book 5/5 Platypires.
Lance and Maggie have a past and before they can work together, they need to communicate about what happened. The way they interact with one another will make you laugh, cry, and scream. There were several moments where I just wanted to slap some sense into them. Lindy Zart knows how to write a book that will break you and heal you by the time you are finished reading it. She combines sarcasm, humor, reality, and perfectly flawed characters that speak to you.
The dialogue was top notch and realistic. The characters showed growth. More importantly I was taught to love myself: flaws and all. Thank you Lindy.
I will recommend this book to others. I give this book 5/5 Platypires.
December 15, 2015
For those who have trouble viewing themselves as a person who deserves to be loved and cherished, one who can look in the mirror and see the beauty they possess, this is the story for you. Lance and Maggie's story starts when they are young and not in full control of their emotions. Mistakes are made and both are hurt enough that they don't know how they will ever get over that pain. Then one day a letter arrives and it scares this couple. The love they once felt so strongly still exists but so are the feelings of pain and anger. As they come together through a job Lance now has the anger is still there and it seems difficult to handle the instruction Maggie must endure. The answer will be found, one way or the other, but is it enough for Lance and Maggie to finally reach their happily ever after? To find out, read this amazing story of love, loss, and a second chance.
December 12, 2015
I really loved the dynamic between both the main characters and I liked the jump in time and point of views. But what I appreciated the most is the honesty and raw emotion in which Lindy Zart writes, about the struggles that most of us can relate to.
January 14, 2017
Emotional story
This book crushed me and made me happy all throughout reading it. I love Maggie and sometimes Lance lol. It is a beautiful story about learning to love and accept yourself the way you are.
This book crushed me and made me happy all throughout reading it. I love Maggie and sometimes Lance lol. It is a beautiful story about learning to love and accept yourself the way you are.
October 15, 2015
Inspiring, beautiful, tense, passionate, emotional, real. Powerful message intertwined within a stormy love story. Will write full review closer to release date.
February 5, 2018
Everyone needs to read this book!
FIVE STARS
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Withim This Frame is the first book I've read by Lindy Zart and WOW! WOW! WOW!
Every girl - both teenagers and adults need to read this book! It isn't often I read a book where every girl could connect to the heroine on such a basic level.
The way woman feel about there bodies and how far they go to achieve what today's society says is perfect was the backdrop for our hero and heroine's second chance romance.
I couldn't put this book down - I so wanted Maggie and Lance to get there happily ever after but I wanted Maggie to feel comfortable in her own body and to love herself more!
FIVE STARS
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Withim This Frame is the first book I've read by Lindy Zart and WOW! WOW! WOW!
Every girl - both teenagers and adults need to read this book! It isn't often I read a book where every girl could connect to the heroine on such a basic level.
The way woman feel about there bodies and how far they go to achieve what today's society says is perfect was the backdrop for our hero and heroine's second chance romance.
I couldn't put this book down - I so wanted Maggie and Lance to get there happily ever after but I wanted Maggie to feel comfortable in her own body and to love herself more!
April 22, 2018
❤️
I Really enjoyed the love story between Lance and Maggie, even with all the pain and suffering the went through it was obvious from the beginning that they were it for each other.
I Really enjoyed the love story between Lance and Maggie, even with all the pain and suffering the went through it was obvious from the beginning that they were it for each other.
March 10, 2017
WOULD HAVE LOVED TO GIVE THIS BOOK 4 STARS BUT AT TIMES I JUST FELT IT DRAGGED ON TOO MUCH. WISH SHE WOULD HAVE FOCUSED MORE ON MAGGIE'S PROBLEM
November 11, 2017
Good story
I loved the storyline, the ups and downs of this story , going back and forth from 10 years ago to the present . Lindy Zart spins a wonderful story !
I loved the storyline, the ups and downs of this story , going back and forth from 10 years ago to the present . Lindy Zart spins a wonderful story !
December 7, 2017
one of those stories
December 11, 2015
This and more reviews at The Book Bar.co
Rating: Top Shelf, next to the secret stash of peanut butter cups.
Within This Frame (WTF) is an amalgamation of everything needed to make a great humorous, inspirational, romantic story. Even though the main characters were former teen television sensations, the plot is not unrealistic because their dilemmas stem from very real circumstances. You may even connect to the characters through shared growing pains. Within This Frame is fun and motivational. It inspires you to accept the past for what it was, learn from it, and move forward to a future full of possibilities if you just try.
The storyline was perfectly arranged. We go from present to the past many times, alternating between Lance's progression from their first encounter in the past, and Maggie's perspective of the present(ish). The back and forth build up to the main reason these two characters decided to never see each other again. Every time hop left me wanting more. What horrible thing could young Lance have done? Will adult Maggie give in to Lance and forgive him? Every chapter was like an elevator stop on the story of their relationship and it only kept going up in emotional intensity and suspense.
Maggie is steadfast in her reason to cut Lance out of her life, but Lance is even more convinced that isn't possible. Doing everything he can to show her that he has changed and to apologize for his past is enduring and makes you fall hard for this new book boyfriend. He knows her better than she knows herself and only Lance can help unlock Maggie's hold-ups and help her see what a wonderful, beautiful person she really is. Most romance novels, the female rescues the male, but in Within This Frame both characters help each other make a personal breakthrough, physically and mentally.
It wouldn't be a Lindy Zart book without the fantastic, sarcastic humor. Both characters are quick-witted and this helps when the situation gets too hot or emotional. We have to keep the story going and the dialogue moves at a steady pace and has you reading into twilight hours.
I love this book and it took me forever to write this review; every time I would reference a quote, I ended up rereading the book. It's hard to put down and when you read it again, like me, it's still just as exciting and fun! If you liked Roomies, you're going to love Lance and Maggie in Within This Frame. Now, get up, toss out the sweets hiding in the pantry (the kids old Halloween candy that you can't part with), lace up your shoes and go for a walk/run. Lance and Maggie will be right there with you!
Rating: Top Shelf, next to the secret stash of peanut butter cups.
Within This Frame (WTF) is an amalgamation of everything needed to make a great humorous, inspirational, romantic story. Even though the main characters were former teen television sensations, the plot is not unrealistic because their dilemmas stem from very real circumstances. You may even connect to the characters through shared growing pains. Within This Frame is fun and motivational. It inspires you to accept the past for what it was, learn from it, and move forward to a future full of possibilities if you just try.
"I won't touch you. Much," he added when she narrowed her eyes. "But as soon as the last day of our contract is up, Maggie, either submit, or run."
Within This Frame. Zart. Lindy. 2015. ARC provided by author.
The storyline was perfectly arranged. We go from present to the past many times, alternating between Lance's progression from their first encounter in the past, and Maggie's perspective of the present(ish). The back and forth build up to the main reason these two characters decided to never see each other again. Every time hop left me wanting more. What horrible thing could young Lance have done? Will adult Maggie give in to Lance and forgive him? Every chapter was like an elevator stop on the story of their relationship and it only kept going up in emotional intensity and suspense.
Lance rubbed his jaw. "I don't remember you being this feisty when we were younger."
"That's because I didn't know enough to stay away from you."
He didn't move, but the way he looked at her took all the space between them and crushed it. "You knew."
Within This Frame. Zart. Lindy. 2015. ARC provided by author.
Maggie is steadfast in her reason to cut Lance out of her life, but Lance is even more convinced that isn't possible. Doing everything he can to show her that he has changed and to apologize for his past is enduring and makes you fall hard for this new book boyfriend. He knows her better than she knows herself and only Lance can help unlock Maggie's hold-ups and help her see what a wonderful, beautiful person she really is. Most romance novels, the female rescues the male, but in Within This Frame both characters help each other make a personal breakthrough, physically and mentally.
Lance looked at her, the conviction in his eyes strong enough to force her back a step. "Do it for you. Do everything for you. If you don't, none of it means anything, all right?"
Within This Frame. Zart. Lindy. 2015. ARC provided by author.
It wouldn't be a Lindy Zart book without the fantastic, sarcastic humor. Both characters are quick-witted and this helps when the situation gets too hot or emotional. We have to keep the story going and the dialogue moves at a steady pace and has you reading into twilight hours.
Maggie tried to swallow and found that function no longer available to her. His eyes traveled up and down her frame, mockery clear in them as they stopped on hers. Lance's facial features were sharper than she recalled, and the stubble along his jaw was new as well. She knew he was judging her appearance, him with his schmexy body and her with her not-schmexy body. Well, she was judging too. Sadly, she couldn't come up with any needed improvements on his end.
Within This Frame. Zart. Lindy. 2015. ARC provided by author.
I love this book and it took me forever to write this review; every time I would reference a quote, I ended up rereading the book. It's hard to put down and when you read it again, like me, it's still just as exciting and fun! If you liked Roomies, you're going to love Lance and Maggie in Within This Frame. Now, get up, toss out the sweets hiding in the pantry (the kids old Halloween candy that you can't part with), lace up your shoes and go for a walk/run. Lance and Maggie will be right there with you!
A smile lifted her lips, and it was like the sun deciding to obliterate the night.
Within This Frame. Zart. Lindy. 2015. ARC provided by author.
December 13, 2015
Maggie tries to stay to herself and she does not want or have time for a boyfriend especially Lance Denton. Maggie just another actress with image problems but she fails to see her beauty. Lance was just another child actor who thinks he owns the world but deep hidden inside there’s more to him. Together they are a raging fire that burns too hot to handle and they quickly burn out. When they meet later in life so much has changed and with so many past hurts can they rekindle what they once had?
I have loved every book I have read of Lindy’s. She brings you into every story and each one is different but she still seems to be able to bring it to life along with her characters. She always has very witty loveable characters that you could see yourself being BFF’s and going to get coffee.
At first I thought Maggie was closed off and didn’t want friends she seemed to push them away. To me Lance was someone who was so needy for love but had no clue what to do with it when he had it. He saw something in Maggie he just could not shake and just had to make her his.
This story touches subjects on you see yourself. What people say about you and how that effects how you perceive yourself, no matter how little any act of criticism plant a seed of self doubt. It’s sad to see such beautiful people torn down to shame due to negativity. What we need to see is that when people a critical to you it’s because they deal with issues also. I love how they approach the issue and try to help heal people. This is a excellent story of second chances and self healing.
Merged review:
I was given an ARC for my honest unbiased review.
Maggie tries to stay to herself and she does not want or have time for a boyfriend especially Lance Denton. Maggie just another actress with image problems but she fails to see her beauty. Lance was just another child actor who thinks he owns the world but deep hidden inside there’s more to him. Together they are a raging fire that burns too hot to handle and they quickly burn out. When they meet later in life so much has changed and with so many past hurts can they rekindle what they once had?
I have loved every book I have read of Lindy’s. She brings you into every story and each one is different but she still seems to be able to bring it to life along with her characters. She always has very witty loveable characters that you could see yourself being BFF’s and going to get coffee.
At first I thought Maggie was closed off and didn’t want friends she seemed to push them away. To me Lance was someone who was so needy for love but had no clue what to do with it when he had it. He saw something in Maggie he just could not shake and just had to make her his.
This story touches subjects on you see yourself. What people say about you and how that effects how you perceive yourself, no matter how little any act of criticism plant a seed of self doubt. It’s sad to see such beautiful people torn down to shame due to negativity. What we need to see is that when people a critical to you it’s because they deal with issues also. I love how they approach the issue and try to help heal people. This is a excellent story of second chances and self healing.
I have loved every book I have read of Lindy’s. She brings you into every story and each one is different but she still seems to be able to bring it to life along with her characters. She always has very witty loveable characters that you could see yourself being BFF’s and going to get coffee.
At first I thought Maggie was closed off and didn’t want friends she seemed to push them away. To me Lance was someone who was so needy for love but had no clue what to do with it when he had it. He saw something in Maggie he just could not shake and just had to make her his.
This story touches subjects on you see yourself. What people say about you and how that effects how you perceive yourself, no matter how little any act of criticism plant a seed of self doubt. It’s sad to see such beautiful people torn down to shame due to negativity. What we need to see is that when people a critical to you it’s because they deal with issues also. I love how they approach the issue and try to help heal people. This is a excellent story of second chances and self healing.
Merged review:
I was given an ARC for my honest unbiased review.
Maggie tries to stay to herself and she does not want or have time for a boyfriend especially Lance Denton. Maggie just another actress with image problems but she fails to see her beauty. Lance was just another child actor who thinks he owns the world but deep hidden inside there’s more to him. Together they are a raging fire that burns too hot to handle and they quickly burn out. When they meet later in life so much has changed and with so many past hurts can they rekindle what they once had?
I have loved every book I have read of Lindy’s. She brings you into every story and each one is different but she still seems to be able to bring it to life along with her characters. She always has very witty loveable characters that you could see yourself being BFF’s and going to get coffee.
At first I thought Maggie was closed off and didn’t want friends she seemed to push them away. To me Lance was someone who was so needy for love but had no clue what to do with it when he had it. He saw something in Maggie he just could not shake and just had to make her his.
This story touches subjects on you see yourself. What people say about you and how that effects how you perceive yourself, no matter how little any act of criticism plant a seed of self doubt. It’s sad to see such beautiful people torn down to shame due to negativity. What we need to see is that when people a critical to you it’s because they deal with issues also. I love how they approach the issue and try to help heal people. This is a excellent story of second chances and self healing.
December 13, 2015
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/w...
I'm a big fan of Lindy's, so I pre-ordered this one. I needed it to be on my kindle the day it released, because obviously.
One thing reading a book by Lindy is good at is it always guaranteed to give me feels and relive parts of my past that I've blocked out or don't think of much anymore. This was no exception. Reading her books is like therapy that you didn't know you needed.
Anyway, it took me a wee bit to get into the switch between the times. There's the more current time which is done in the POV of Maggie, then there's the POV from Lance which is done when they're teenagers and working on a television show together. I think they were done pretty well, and I liked how it switched between the two of them. It helped give me a better understanding of what was going on.
I liked how much both characters grew over the years. I don't want to say much, because I don't like to give out spoilers. Lance's POV they're teenagers, in Maggie's they're adults - so they're bound to change some things.
This was a cute story, I enjoyed it. It is inspirational, and I'm glad I read it.
Merged review:
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/w...
I'm a big fan of Lindy's, so I pre-ordered this one. I needed it to be on my kindle the day it released, because obviously.
One thing reading a book by Lindy is good at is it always guaranteed to give me feels and relive parts of my past that I've blocked out or don't think of much anymore. This was no exception. Reading her books is like therapy that you didn't know you needed.
Anyway, it took me a wee bit to get into the switch between the times. There's the more current time which is done in the POV of Maggie, then there's the POV from Lance which is done when they're teenagers and working on a television show together. I think they were done pretty well, and I liked how it switched between the two of them. It helped give me a better understanding of what was going on.
I liked how much both characters grew over the years. I don't want to say much, because I don't like to give out spoilers. Lance's POV they're teenagers, in Maggie's they're adults - so they're bound to change some things.
This was a cute story, I enjoyed it. It is inspirational, and I'm glad I read it.
I'm a big fan of Lindy's, so I pre-ordered this one. I needed it to be on my kindle the day it released, because obviously.
One thing reading a book by Lindy is good at is it always guaranteed to give me feels and relive parts of my past that I've blocked out or don't think of much anymore. This was no exception. Reading her books is like therapy that you didn't know you needed.
Anyway, it took me a wee bit to get into the switch between the times. There's the more current time which is done in the POV of Maggie, then there's the POV from Lance which is done when they're teenagers and working on a television show together. I think they were done pretty well, and I liked how it switched between the two of them. It helped give me a better understanding of what was going on.
I liked how much both characters grew over the years. I don't want to say much, because I don't like to give out spoilers. Lance's POV they're teenagers, in Maggie's they're adults - so they're bound to change some things.
This was a cute story, I enjoyed it. It is inspirational, and I'm glad I read it.
Merged review:
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/w...
I'm a big fan of Lindy's, so I pre-ordered this one. I needed it to be on my kindle the day it released, because obviously.
One thing reading a book by Lindy is good at is it always guaranteed to give me feels and relive parts of my past that I've blocked out or don't think of much anymore. This was no exception. Reading her books is like therapy that you didn't know you needed.
Anyway, it took me a wee bit to get into the switch between the times. There's the more current time which is done in the POV of Maggie, then there's the POV from Lance which is done when they're teenagers and working on a television show together. I think they were done pretty well, and I liked how it switched between the two of them. It helped give me a better understanding of what was going on.
I liked how much both characters grew over the years. I don't want to say much, because I don't like to give out spoilers. Lance's POV they're teenagers, in Maggie's they're adults - so they're bound to change some things.
This was a cute story, I enjoyed it. It is inspirational, and I'm glad I read it.
December 12, 2015
**AN ARC WAS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
4 / 5 stars
Within This Frame was the second book by Lindy Zart I’ve ever read, with Unlit Star being the first. This is a second-chance romance, told in third person, and following the lives of Maggie Smiley and Lance Denton. While Maggie’s scenes focused on the “present”, Lance’s timeline focused on the “past.”
Both Maggie and Lance were costars for a television show that Maggie was the star of. They both ended up on-screen and off-screen lovers. There were things that kept Maggie and Lance from fully committing themselves into their relationship from the first go, which ended up driving the two of them apart instead.
I don’t know how I feel about the book once I’ve read it. On one hand, I really enjoyed it. I am a sucker for young love/true love romance. On the other hand, I’m usually torn between liking or hating second chance romance (especially when the thing that drove them apart would end up grating my nerves). I’ll get to that point later and focus on what I loved first.
Within This Frame was very sweet at times, and I enjoyed Lance and Maggie’s first romance. I could feel the tension between the two of them, and I loved how they used their on-screen characters to “say what they couldn’t say”. I loved the humor that they both shared. I loved how sweet the two of them were. It’s quite clear that they cared about each other a lot.
I really adored the “past scenes” and getting a glimpse of their first relationship with each other. I could get the sense that the both of them really loved and adored each other.
However, I didn’t get the feeling that Lance loved her as much as he thought he did. If he did, he wouldn’t have done some of the things that occurred in the books. I won’t say it for spoiler reasons, but some things just didn’t add up in the book at all.
I liked how creative and original it was, and how the book managed to shine light on such a sensitive issue and how destructive it was. I wished the book was longer and focused more on Lance’s redemption and their second chance at romance rather than what brought them together in the first place and what drove them apart.
Either than that, it was an enjoyable read.
4 / 5 stars
Within This Frame was the second book by Lindy Zart I’ve ever read, with Unlit Star being the first. This is a second-chance romance, told in third person, and following the lives of Maggie Smiley and Lance Denton. While Maggie’s scenes focused on the “present”, Lance’s timeline focused on the “past.”
Both Maggie and Lance were costars for a television show that Maggie was the star of. They both ended up on-screen and off-screen lovers. There were things that kept Maggie and Lance from fully committing themselves into their relationship from the first go, which ended up driving the two of them apart instead.
I don’t know how I feel about the book once I’ve read it. On one hand, I really enjoyed it. I am a sucker for young love/true love romance. On the other hand, I’m usually torn between liking or hating second chance romance (especially when the thing that drove them apart would end up grating my nerves). I’ll get to that point later and focus on what I loved first.
Within This Frame was very sweet at times, and I enjoyed Lance and Maggie’s first romance. I could feel the tension between the two of them, and I loved how they used their on-screen characters to “say what they couldn’t say”. I loved the humor that they both shared. I loved how sweet the two of them were. It’s quite clear that they cared about each other a lot.
I really adored the “past scenes” and getting a glimpse of their first relationship with each other. I could get the sense that the both of them really loved and adored each other.
However, I didn’t get the feeling that Lance loved her as much as he thought he did. If he did, he wouldn’t have done some of the things that occurred in the books. I won’t say it for spoiler reasons, but some things just didn’t add up in the book at all.
I liked how creative and original it was, and how the book managed to shine light on such a sensitive issue and how destructive it was. I wished the book was longer and focused more on Lance’s redemption and their second chance at romance rather than what brought them together in the first place and what drove them apart.
Either than that, it was an enjoyable read.
December 11, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I have been a hardcore fan of Lindy's books ever since I read Unlit Star a year ago and since I have devoured everything she has written. Each of her stories have these characters who are flawed in some way but we fall in love with them anyway and root for them to find the happiness they deserve. But with the characters in Within This Frame she gives us something different. This book is a love story yes much like her other books but the most important love story is becoming in love with yourself. In my opinion in order to be able to love someone else you have to be comfortable with who you are first. Inside and out. Body image issues have taken over our society to a dangerous degree and it's a main part of this story. Making the decision to become healthier and change your life for the better and changing how you think and see yourself in a positive way is a story I think a lot of us need to hear.
It also brings in a classic t.v. component and with the resurgence of shows from our teen years getting new life made a different set up for these characters that I haven't read 100 times before. It was a fresh and new story and one that kept me thinking and pondering the questions it raised along the way. I love the bickering of Maggie and Lance and how he kept telling her no matter what size she is she is beautiful. That's something that people need to hear from the significant others in their lives sometimes. Even if you think they know how you feel don't discount the added bump it gives to their self esteem to know you still find them McSteamy ;)
I love the positive changes and how Maggie changes from the character we saw at the beginning of the book to where she is at the end. I think that her and Lance both needed each other when fate brought them back together. Once again Lindy gives us a story that makes you think, makes you run the battery down on your eReader and have to switch to your phone at 2 am just so you can finish one more chapter, and makes you remember one more time why she is one of the most important voices in the genre.
I have been a hardcore fan of Lindy's books ever since I read Unlit Star a year ago and since I have devoured everything she has written. Each of her stories have these characters who are flawed in some way but we fall in love with them anyway and root for them to find the happiness they deserve. But with the characters in Within This Frame she gives us something different. This book is a love story yes much like her other books but the most important love story is becoming in love with yourself. In my opinion in order to be able to love someone else you have to be comfortable with who you are first. Inside and out. Body image issues have taken over our society to a dangerous degree and it's a main part of this story. Making the decision to become healthier and change your life for the better and changing how you think and see yourself in a positive way is a story I think a lot of us need to hear.
It also brings in a classic t.v. component and with the resurgence of shows from our teen years getting new life made a different set up for these characters that I haven't read 100 times before. It was a fresh and new story and one that kept me thinking and pondering the questions it raised along the way. I love the bickering of Maggie and Lance and how he kept telling her no matter what size she is she is beautiful. That's something that people need to hear from the significant others in their lives sometimes. Even if you think they know how you feel don't discount the added bump it gives to their self esteem to know you still find them McSteamy ;)
I love the positive changes and how Maggie changes from the character we saw at the beginning of the book to where she is at the end. I think that her and Lance both needed each other when fate brought them back together. Once again Lindy gives us a story that makes you think, makes you run the battery down on your eReader and have to switch to your phone at 2 am just so you can finish one more chapter, and makes you remember one more time why she is one of the most important voices in the genre.
December 11, 2015
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
All of the books I have read from Lindy Zart, I have loved. Her writing is fantastic and she is very good at developing her characters and the story line.
Unfortunately, this one wasn't my favorite. The story goes back and forth between 1996 and 2010 (which is present time). I loved hearing about Maggie and Lance's past and I would love to read a book that is 100% about their past. I also loved their story in 2010 and would also love to read a book 100% about their present. Sadly, I didn't like them put together. Every time I started to really get into what was going on, the chapter ended and I was back in another time. Because of that, the main point of the story (Maggie getting in shape and overcoming her insecurities with the help of Lance) was a little lost on me. While I was appreciative of the flashbacks so we could see when/how her insecurities started and also her history with Lance, I wish it didn't happen so frequently.
Thinking of the chapters separately and as a separate story, each story/character was entertaining and well developed. Maggie in 1996 was this very shy, insecure child trying to make it in a world where looks mattered the most. She found refuge and confidence from Lance who then turned around and betrayed her. Mainly because of that she lost her confidence and developed an eating disorder which ruined her career. Maggie in 2010 started out with a lot of the same insecurities, but once again developed more confidence with the HELP of Lance, not BECAUSE of Lance. Which, in my opinion, is the main point of the story. It's important to overcome your insecurities on your own and to love yourself for you and not just because someone else deems you worthy.
Despite the book not being my favorite of hers, I truly loved and appreciated the message. It hit close to home and I think it will with almost everyone. Because of that, I do recommend reading this book.
All of the books I have read from Lindy Zart, I have loved. Her writing is fantastic and she is very good at developing her characters and the story line.
Unfortunately, this one wasn't my favorite. The story goes back and forth between 1996 and 2010 (which is present time). I loved hearing about Maggie and Lance's past and I would love to read a book that is 100% about their past. I also loved their story in 2010 and would also love to read a book 100% about their present. Sadly, I didn't like them put together. Every time I started to really get into what was going on, the chapter ended and I was back in another time. Because of that, the main point of the story (Maggie getting in shape and overcoming her insecurities with the help of Lance) was a little lost on me. While I was appreciative of the flashbacks so we could see when/how her insecurities started and also her history with Lance, I wish it didn't happen so frequently.
Thinking of the chapters separately and as a separate story, each story/character was entertaining and well developed. Maggie in 1996 was this very shy, insecure child trying to make it in a world where looks mattered the most. She found refuge and confidence from Lance who then turned around and betrayed her. Mainly because of that she lost her confidence and developed an eating disorder which ruined her career. Maggie in 2010 started out with a lot of the same insecurities, but once again developed more confidence with the HELP of Lance, not BECAUSE of Lance. Which, in my opinion, is the main point of the story. It's important to overcome your insecurities on your own and to love yourself for you and not just because someone else deems you worthy.
Despite the book not being my favorite of hers, I truly loved and appreciated the message. It hit close to home and I think it will with almost everyone. Because of that, I do recommend reading this book.
December 11, 2015
I was given an ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have come to expect a different type of storyline with each Lindy Zart book. Within This Frame totally delivers...everything! Lindy tells a story that bounces back and forth between the past and the present. This story hooked me immediately and I found myself in love with their past! I love reading about first loves and first kisses...so good! It had some angsty - ugh moments as well as some sweet and tender moments. I LOL at parts too! This is what I love about a good story, a little bit of everything! I think all women struggle with who they are at different times in their life. Readers will fall in love with Maggie whether they've had similar struggles with their body image or not. Self love...that's a hard one.
This is a story about Lance and Maggie. Childhood stars who fall in love...
Lance: “You’re like the pretty flower my dirty hands should never touch.” ~sigh~
Lance was a beautiful boy (a real hottie) who never had the love he deserved growing up and as such forming who he was as a young adult. Love was never something he thought he'd have until he let her in. "He felt dazed in her presence, knowing she was his, for however long he was given—or took."
Maggie was beautiful and talented only didn't see it for herself. She let herself love him with her whole being knowing it would destroy her.
"Maggie had wanted so badly to be pretend she was someone else, and in the end, she got what she wanted. But it was too much. Everything was taken from her. Her image, her privacy, her life."
Lance was it for me! I especially loved who he became. I loved this story hard!
“Constant positivity is the difference between loving yourself and thinking you’re unlovable."
Do yourself a favor, and read this book...in fact, read all her books! You won't regret it! (and that is the honest truth in my opinion.)
I have come to expect a different type of storyline with each Lindy Zart book. Within This Frame totally delivers...everything! Lindy tells a story that bounces back and forth between the past and the present. This story hooked me immediately and I found myself in love with their past! I love reading about first loves and first kisses...so good! It had some angsty - ugh moments as well as some sweet and tender moments. I LOL at parts too! This is what I love about a good story, a little bit of everything! I think all women struggle with who they are at different times in their life. Readers will fall in love with Maggie whether they've had similar struggles with their body image or not. Self love...that's a hard one.
This is a story about Lance and Maggie. Childhood stars who fall in love...
Lance: “You’re like the pretty flower my dirty hands should never touch.” ~sigh~
Lance was a beautiful boy (a real hottie) who never had the love he deserved growing up and as such forming who he was as a young adult. Love was never something he thought he'd have until he let her in. "He felt dazed in her presence, knowing she was his, for however long he was given—or took."
Maggie was beautiful and talented only didn't see it for herself. She let herself love him with her whole being knowing it would destroy her.
"Maggie had wanted so badly to be pretend she was someone else, and in the end, she got what she wanted. But it was too much. Everything was taken from her. Her image, her privacy, her life."
Lance was it for me! I especially loved who he became. I loved this story hard!
“Constant positivity is the difference between loving yourself and thinking you’re unlovable."
Do yourself a favor, and read this book...in fact, read all her books! You won't regret it! (and that is the honest truth in my opinion.)
December 11, 2015
Within this Frame by Lindy Zart is an adult contemporary novel. Lindy is a go to author for me, I know I won't be disappointed when I pick up a book she's written. This is no exception, honestly this one is in my top three now. The main character, Maggie, is a former child star turned recluse with body issues. Her former co-star, Lance, is also her ex-boyfriend and saying their past is complicated would be a massive understatement.
The story unfolds in two timelines, in 1996, when their tv show was in it's heyday and 'current' time of 2010. I really enjoyed getting to see how they came together and fell apart while getting the current story. I could read about these characters forever. I think it would have been easy for Lindy to make this into two books, one focusing on them as teens and then the other picking up their story later on in life. The waiting would have killed me, though, I think, so thank you Lindy for not going that route.
The characters, as always, are richly developed and engaging. The writing is absolutely flawless and the plot moves right along keeping your emotions fully engaged from beginning to end. I ran the emotional gamut while reading it; crying, laughing, gasping--it was a very auditory experience. Lindy tackles a subject that we all deal with from time to time. The way we look at ourselves, that voice in our heads telling us we're not good enough for whatever reason, we have all heard it at one time or another. As someone who has struggled with my weight most of my life, it was very easy for me to relate to Maggie's struggle to love herself.
Within this Frame is a beautiful story of forgiveness, second chances and acceptance and I highly recommend it.
The story unfolds in two timelines, in 1996, when their tv show was in it's heyday and 'current' time of 2010. I really enjoyed getting to see how they came together and fell apart while getting the current story. I could read about these characters forever. I think it would have been easy for Lindy to make this into two books, one focusing on them as teens and then the other picking up their story later on in life. The waiting would have killed me, though, I think, so thank you Lindy for not going that route.
The characters, as always, are richly developed and engaging. The writing is absolutely flawless and the plot moves right along keeping your emotions fully engaged from beginning to end. I ran the emotional gamut while reading it; crying, laughing, gasping--it was a very auditory experience. Lindy tackles a subject that we all deal with from time to time. The way we look at ourselves, that voice in our heads telling us we're not good enough for whatever reason, we have all heard it at one time or another. As someone who has struggled with my weight most of my life, it was very easy for me to relate to Maggie's struggle to love herself.
Within this Frame is a beautiful story of forgiveness, second chances and acceptance and I highly recommend it.
December 13, 2015
ARC of Within This Frame by Lindy Zart received in exchange for an honest and spoiler free review. This will be the toughest review I've had to write so far.
It's safe to say we all have preferences of kinds of books we like to read. Liking a book is subjective and based around personal preferences. What I'm in the mood for at the moment before starting a book. Taste is un disputable. I love to read and to write reviews in order to promote an author and I would never deliberately put them down. What the author writes is what comes out of their creative minds. How can we judge creative art? For some odd reason, I just couldn't get into it. Usually I would have stopped reading a book that does not appeal to me. I continued until the end. I give it a 3 star.
This is the story of Maggie and Lance whom have met while in their teens and fell in love. They were actors/ co-workers. Maggie was quite young. As you may have guessed, things didn't end very well for them. Now years later, Maggie needs to get back in shape and who shows up on her doorstep to help her out? Lance. Together they will learn to forgive the past and move on to get a second chance at an happy ending.
I just didn't relate to the characters and the going back in forth in time, for me I find that distracting. I think a lot of readers will like this book. I've read a few of Lindys book before and they were great. So I think the problem lies with me, not the story.
It's well written and the plot was well thought out. The storyline was good. Great epilogue with a deserving outcome. It's told in a dual POV, that goes back in forth in time. It's a second chance standalone with an HEA . I recommend some of this authors previous titles.
December 14, 2015
Within This Frame did not disappoint. This novel goes between past and present alternatively each chapter, sharing the stories of Maggie Smiley and Lance Denton. I was a little nervous at first because there are few stories that successfully utilize this time flip-flopping technique. I'm happy to report that Zart does it without issue and quite a bit of success. I found myself wondering what the next chapter would bring, in a way a regularly-timed story does not. What would be the next piece in the puzzle? Each chapter became another story as I was reading, building on the previous.
The characters in this book were amazingly well-developed. Maggie and Lance each have their demons and secrets run rampant. There is something to be said about the structure of this story as it plays into the development of the characters within.
The plot is a challenging one, as we have all battled something internal or external. We all have something that makes us second guess ourselves, feel self-conscious, or be fearful of a new day. Our inner demons don't just affect us, they trickle down to those around us. This story was personal and relatable. Maggie and Lance let us in to their struggles, even when they closed off.
Perhaps this is the editor in me, but I love Zart's writing style. The sentence structure is varied and there are no overused phrases. I often find myself picking out the repetitive sentences and cliched statements. Not in this story. This was a welcome relief from those books I've read lately.
Another winner for Lindy Zart.
The characters in this book were amazingly well-developed. Maggie and Lance each have their demons and secrets run rampant. There is something to be said about the structure of this story as it plays into the development of the characters within.
The plot is a challenging one, as we have all battled something internal or external. We all have something that makes us second guess ourselves, feel self-conscious, or be fearful of a new day. Our inner demons don't just affect us, they trickle down to those around us. This story was personal and relatable. Maggie and Lance let us in to their struggles, even when they closed off.
Perhaps this is the editor in me, but I love Zart's writing style. The sentence structure is varied and there are no overused phrases. I often find myself picking out the repetitive sentences and cliched statements. Not in this story. This was a welcome relief from those books I've read lately.
Another winner for Lindy Zart.
December 12, 2015
Maggie's Timeline dated from 2010 and Lance's Timeline dated from 1996-2000 then jumped to 2013.
Maggie was an actress. Maggie was casted the the lead role of a popular tv show. Her character played the love interest of Lance.
Maggie was the only member of her family with weight issues. Maggie had insecurities about her appearance since becoming an actress. With being in the publics eye came heavy criticism regarding her weight and looks.
The story focused on Maggie's insecurities regarding her appearance. While also focusing on an intense love where Lance was not emotionally stable to comprehend.
It's a second chance contemporary romance. The timing for the young love caused pressure for Lance's insecurities.
Maggie was naive and innocent upon entering into a relationship with Lance. Lance was confident, good looking, and determined.
Story was told from the third person perspective. The story switched from the past to the present. Lance in the present seemed to have a new agenda which included reacquainting with Maggie. They met while filming a tv show. Both actors. On screen lovers as well as off screen. Constant public ridicule ruined their relationship.
Maggie tried to hold up her emotional walls around Lance. Lance made his intentions clear but Maggie stay guarded.
Lance needed time to process his feelings and make some long term goals for himself. Lance needed time to figure out what he wanted out of life.
Maggie was an actress. Maggie was casted the the lead role of a popular tv show. Her character played the love interest of Lance.
Maggie was the only member of her family with weight issues. Maggie had insecurities about her appearance since becoming an actress. With being in the publics eye came heavy criticism regarding her weight and looks.
The story focused on Maggie's insecurities regarding her appearance. While also focusing on an intense love where Lance was not emotionally stable to comprehend.
It's a second chance contemporary romance. The timing for the young love caused pressure for Lance's insecurities.
Maggie was naive and innocent upon entering into a relationship with Lance. Lance was confident, good looking, and determined.
Story was told from the third person perspective. The story switched from the past to the present. Lance in the present seemed to have a new agenda which included reacquainting with Maggie. They met while filming a tv show. Both actors. On screen lovers as well as off screen. Constant public ridicule ruined their relationship.
Maggie tried to hold up her emotional walls around Lance. Lance made his intentions clear but Maggie stay guarded.
Lance needed time to process his feelings and make some long term goals for himself. Lance needed time to figure out what he wanted out of life.
December 10, 2015
Top Read 2015!
Maggie Smiley, ex-teen actress of a successful TV show, receives an invitation to a charity benefit where she’ll see some old co-stars from ten years ago. She’s now a frumpy and overweight, virtual recluse. She asks her sister to recommend a personal trainer and the next day, she opens the door to the answer to her prayers. Or not. More like the object of her nightmares. Lance Denton.
Lance was her co-star and love interest on the show. He was also her first kiss, her first love. He was troubled back then. But, so was she. Their relationship spiralled out of control until one night, when everything changed. Lance went off the rails but then picked himself back up and is now a personal fitness trainer with noble ambitions.
This was an intense and emotional read, moving between the present and the past. Bits and pieces of Lance and Maggie’s history, as well as the events leading up to their initial parting, are revealed. In the present, Lance and Maggie begin a tentative reparation of their friendship, and facing the issues in their previous relationship, as well as journey towards forgiveness and a hopeful future.
I absolutely loved this story! It was so moving and well-told. I really liked both characters and I just wanted to hug them tight. Thoroughly recommend it!
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Maggie Smiley, ex-teen actress of a successful TV show, receives an invitation to a charity benefit where she’ll see some old co-stars from ten years ago. She’s now a frumpy and overweight, virtual recluse. She asks her sister to recommend a personal trainer and the next day, she opens the door to the answer to her prayers. Or not. More like the object of her nightmares. Lance Denton.
Lance was her co-star and love interest on the show. He was also her first kiss, her first love. He was troubled back then. But, so was she. Their relationship spiralled out of control until one night, when everything changed. Lance went off the rails but then picked himself back up and is now a personal fitness trainer with noble ambitions.
This was an intense and emotional read, moving between the present and the past. Bits and pieces of Lance and Maggie’s history, as well as the events leading up to their initial parting, are revealed. In the present, Lance and Maggie begin a tentative reparation of their friendship, and facing the issues in their previous relationship, as well as journey towards forgiveness and a hopeful future.
I absolutely loved this story! It was so moving and well-told. I really liked both characters and I just wanted to hug them tight. Thoroughly recommend it!
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
January 12, 2016
*Sigh* 2016 has been a rough reading year for me so far. Originally I had this rated as 3.5, but I decided to drop the 1/2 star and leave it as 3 stars. Why?? Well, let me explain.
It started off great. The premise--child stars that fell in love young and then pushed each other away, only to find themselves back together again--sounded unique and fun with just the right amount of angst. And it was, and I adored it. Lance was the broken jackass that we were rooting for until he f*cked up big time, and even then I was screaming "he didn't mean it Maggie!!!" Maggie was every single person who's ever been self-conscious about their body--not feeling pretty/skinny/good enough--and getting to see her journey to self-acceptance was great.
But there was just too much meaningless FLUFF in between the good parts!!! I almost gave up reading because it felt redundant and boring and as if it was going nowhere I wanted to be.
The ending redeemed the novel a tad, but in the end I was kinda over the story and characters. It was a good premise and held lots of promise but fell flat for me. I don't know if I would recommend it, maybe in between other more interesting books if you have some free time.
It started off great. The premise--child stars that fell in love young and then pushed each other away, only to find themselves back together again--sounded unique and fun with just the right amount of angst. And it was, and I adored it. Lance was the broken jackass that we were rooting for until he f*cked up big time, and even then I was screaming "he didn't mean it Maggie!!!" Maggie was every single person who's ever been self-conscious about their body--not feeling pretty/skinny/good enough--and getting to see her journey to self-acceptance was great.
But there was just too much meaningless FLUFF in between the good parts!!! I almost gave up reading because it felt redundant and boring and as if it was going nowhere I wanted to be.
The ending redeemed the novel a tad, but in the end I was kinda over the story and characters. It was a good premise and held lots of promise but fell flat for me. I don't know if I would recommend it, maybe in between other more interesting books if you have some free time.
December 12, 2015
I received this ARC for an honest review.....I love Lindy! I'm even honored enough to have meet her and have a couple of her books signed.
I thing Lindy out did herself!! I loved this storyline between the present and the past!!
I was hooked the minute I started reading it. I didn't put it down until I finished it. The past I fell in love with right away with the way it was present with first loves and kisses. This story
had a lot of everything I laughter, was stirred by tender moments, I loved a the emotions it created. Maggie who struggled with her inner self and her body image, that touched me. Every women knows what it's like to be there. Then there is Lance who needed to be loved, the gorgeous, hot guy who was lost, but I fell in love with. When these two stars fall in love! One confused and unsure of herself and one who thought he didn't deserve love. It becomes interesting. Lance knows she is his as long as he wants her, yet feeling dazed and light headed when he's around her. Maggie giving all of herself, knowing it could destroy her. It was all to much and Everything was taken. Sometimes wanting something so bad, you can get that and lose it all. Lindy thank you making me apart of this wonderful journey.
I thing Lindy out did herself!! I loved this storyline between the present and the past!!
I was hooked the minute I started reading it. I didn't put it down until I finished it. The past I fell in love with right away with the way it was present with first loves and kisses. This story
had a lot of everything I laughter, was stirred by tender moments, I loved a the emotions it created. Maggie who struggled with her inner self and her body image, that touched me. Every women knows what it's like to be there. Then there is Lance who needed to be loved, the gorgeous, hot guy who was lost, but I fell in love with. When these two stars fall in love! One confused and unsure of herself and one who thought he didn't deserve love. It becomes interesting. Lance knows she is his as long as he wants her, yet feeling dazed and light headed when he's around her. Maggie giving all of herself, knowing it could destroy her. It was all to much and Everything was taken. Sometimes wanting something so bad, you can get that and lose it all. Lindy thank you making me apart of this wonderful journey.
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