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AnguiSH #1
Until She Walked In
Anguish was the status quo, until she walked in.
Breaker James Collins is confined in a prison of his own making. Scarred doesn’t begin to define his hell since finding out his girlfriend had cheated, stolen, and lied two years ago. It led to a single event—one that would blacken his days and his nights from then on. Since then, he hasn’t left his house, crippled by fear of people and any social interaction.
Ashland talks too much and has the voice of a meth-laden prairie dog, or so she’s always been told. She’s been called annoying and irritating all of her life and gave up on having friends for a long time. College has given her a new lease on a social life and she’s embraced who she is. But now she’s waiting for the one guy who can take her breath away and put up with her antics.
A simple note pinned to a corkboard will lead Ash right to Breaker’s solitary world and she will learn that just because a guy doesn’t fit her ideal, doesn’t mean she won’t fall head over feet in love.
Breaker James Collins is confined in a prison of his own making. Scarred doesn’t begin to define his hell since finding out his girlfriend had cheated, stolen, and lied two years ago. It led to a single event—one that would blacken his days and his nights from then on. Since then, he hasn’t left his house, crippled by fear of people and any social interaction.
Ashland talks too much and has the voice of a meth-laden prairie dog, or so she’s always been told. She’s been called annoying and irritating all of her life and gave up on having friends for a long time. College has given her a new lease on a social life and she’s embraced who she is. But now she’s waiting for the one guy who can take her breath away and put up with her antics.
A simple note pinned to a corkboard will lead Ash right to Breaker’s solitary world and she will learn that just because a guy doesn’t fit her ideal, doesn’t mean she won’t fall head over feet in love.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2013
21 people are currently reading
989 people want to read
About the author
Lila Felix
62 books857 followersLila Felix is full of antics and stories. She refused to go to Kindergarten after the teacher made her take a nap on the first day of school. She staged her first protest in middle school. She almost flunked out of her first semester at Pepperdine University because she was enthralled with their library and frequently was locked in. Now her husband and three children have to put up with her rebel nature in Louisiana where her days are filled with cypress trees, crawfish, and of course her books and writing. She writes about the ordinary people who fall extraordinarily in wild, true love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
September 16, 2017
“That’s the best kind. The love you didn’t plan on.”
Another fabulously sweet YA read by the talented Lila Felix!
AnguiSH is about two people- Breaker James and Ashland. Breaker has some issues. After a crazy debacle with a psycho ex- girlfriend, which led to him having a massive panic attack, Breaker James hasn’t left the house in over two years. Not at all.
Ashland ‘Ash’ Cormeir is a college student. She talks too much, has a high pitched voice, and doesn’t make friends very easily, but she is a sweet girl with a good heart.
She is starting to fall hard for him. He finds her quirks endearing.
And Ash is able to get through to Breaker in a way no one else has been able to in over two years.
Breaker and Ash are great together, but Breaker still has to heal. He still has a lot to overcome.
“Breaker, I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. I’m here, loving you while you get better. No matter how long it takes.”
Ash is a funny and spunky character- she could be such a talker and a smart -ass, but she was also kind, caring, and understanding. She was there for Breaker when he needed her, and she was willing to make sacrifices to do what was best for him.
Breaker James- I just adored Breaker! He was a little bit of a jerk in the beginning, he had his reasons, but he quickly became one of Lila’s incredible and swoony male leads. I loved that he wasn’t perfect, he had issues, but he found the courage to overcome them.
These two together were just perfect! I’ve read all of Lila Felix’s books and I’ve enjoyed every one. She is just one of those authors, if I need a good/sweet ya book, I won’t be let down! This one gets 4-4.5 stars from me!
Another fabulously sweet YA read by the talented Lila Felix!
AnguiSH is about two people- Breaker James and Ashland. Breaker has some issues. After a crazy debacle with a psycho ex- girlfriend, which led to him having a massive panic attack, Breaker James hasn’t left the house in over two years. Not at all.
If I were a regular person, I could actually walk out of this prison- house, it’s a house.
Ashland ‘Ash’ Cormeir is a college student. She talks too much, has a high pitched voice, and doesn’t make friends very easily, but she is a sweet girl with a good heart.
Annoying- that was the word most often used to describe me.The only family Ash has is her father. He is having financial difficulties with his company, so Ash is going to get a job to help pay for college/living expenses. She sees a flyer for a live in maid and she thinks all her problems have been solved. She is shocked when she gets to the house and finds Breaker. Breaker doesn’t want Ash there, he doesn’t want anyone there, but for some reason, she is able to break down some of his walls.
No, I don’t go anywhere. But you make me want to again, so thats something.Ash and Breaker start to care for one another. Ash wants nothing more than to help Breaker overcome this.
She is starting to fall hard for him. He finds her quirks endearing.
“You are so strange in the best way.”
I loved to hear her talk about nothing- her voice was my everything.
And Ash is able to get through to Breaker in a way no one else has been able to in over two years.
“Until you showed up, I was satisfied with the status quo- I was satisfied with living in anguish. But you came in with so much life. I feel like I’m alive again when I’m with you.”
Breaker and Ash are great together, but Breaker still has to heal. He still has a lot to overcome.
“Breaker, I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. I’m here, loving you while you get better. No matter how long it takes.”
Ash is a funny and spunky character- she could be such a talker and a smart -ass, but she was also kind, caring, and understanding. She was there for Breaker when he needed her, and she was willing to make sacrifices to do what was best for him.
Breaker James- I just adored Breaker! He was a little bit of a jerk in the beginning, he had his reasons, but he quickly became one of Lila’s incredible and swoony male leads. I loved that he wasn’t perfect, he had issues, but he found the courage to overcome them.
These two together were just perfect! I’ve read all of Lila Felix’s books and I’ve enjoyed every one. She is just one of those authors, if I need a good/sweet ya book, I won’t be let down! This one gets 4-4.5 stars from me!
June 21, 2013
***3.5 AnguiSH stars***
This book is a change of pace from the normal books about anxiety where it has the main character be a girl who suffers from panic attacks. This is a story of a guy, Breaker, who after a traumatic event begins to suffer from panic attacks. To deal with his anxiety he locks himself up in his house and pushes the world away.
Ash is hired to be his 'live in maid' and in the process they develop a friendship. Through their friendship he learns to deal with reality.
Macklemore & Mary Lambert - Same Love. This song kept running through my head as I read this book. Especially when his former girlfriend called him names and made him feel effeminate for his love of gardening.
This book is a change of pace from the normal books about anxiety where it has the main character be a girl who suffers from panic attacks. This is a story of a guy, Breaker, who after a traumatic event begins to suffer from panic attacks. To deal with his anxiety he locks himself up in his house and pushes the world away.
Ash is hired to be his 'live in maid' and in the process they develop a friendship. Through their friendship he learns to deal with reality.
Macklemore & Mary Lambert - Same Love. This song kept running through my head as I read this book. Especially when his former girlfriend called him names and made him feel effeminate for his love of gardening.
June 18, 2013
This read more like a YA even though the 2 main characters were 21 but It was a nice sweet story.
Breaker James is agoraphobic and at the insistence of his mother he ends up getting a live in maid. Enter Ashton, a self confessed babbler. Known to be a bit clingy and a tad annoying she doesn't have many friends but has a heart of gold and befriends Breaker, even though he's a bit of a grump.
They become very close and she helps him to make baby steps in recovering from his fears of going out but all too soon they realise that he is becoming dependant on her.
This is a story of learning how to help yourself and doing the right thing even if it is hard to do.
Breaker James is agoraphobic and at the insistence of his mother he ends up getting a live in maid. Enter Ashton, a self confessed babbler. Known to be a bit clingy and a tad annoying she doesn't have many friends but has a heart of gold and befriends Breaker, even though he's a bit of a grump.
They become very close and she helps him to make baby steps in recovering from his fears of going out but all too soon they realise that he is becoming dependant on her.
This is a story of learning how to help yourself and doing the right thing even if it is hard to do.
June 7, 2013
Breaker James (adorable name right?) has been living in a constant state of anguish for 2 years...ever since he found out his girlfriend had been cheating on him and cleaning him out of his money. After that horrible revealing news, Breaker had a break down and can't leave his house. He found solitude there and has no reason to leave. In the comforts of his home he can't be used, he can't be made a fool, and he can't have his heart broken. Or can he?
Enter Ashland. She is like a wild fire that has come crashing down on him and he honestly wouldn't want it any other way. She thinks that she talks to much and her voice is offensive to others. But Breaker thinks it is heaven to his ears. He slowly finds that he wants to leave his confines and be with her and do normal things. But is he really healing? Or is Ashland just masking the ugly truth...that he really isn't better? Some tough love will be his only way to find out if he is getting better or just covering a festering wound.
My oh my!! Felix has done it again and given us lucky readers yet another fabulous book. I had happy tears when the story was over and I had to revel in the goodness of it all for a few minutes. I flew through this one like I have all her books. And when I finished it was easy to see why she is my favorite author. She writes a book that has me hooked from the beginning and I never want to leave the fictional worlds she creates. I would be one happy lady to live in them forever. The real world is so overrated, right?
I am so in love with Breaker James it is not even funny. Want to know what is funny? Every time I read his name I would read it as Beaker from The Muppets. Stupid right? But seriously. I am so gaga over this dude I could scream. Yeah he was a total jerk wad in the beginning but it was just his defense mechanism. Because deep down he is a great guy with such a loving heart. But lord help me, this guy is dangerous and in such a wonderful way. He will have the ladies swooning when all is said and done. Just trust me on this one.
Ashland is a trip. The girl is a riot and full of the sarcasm. Never one to be outdone by someone, she always makes sure she always has the last word. And dear readers, know that when you read Felix's witty banter coming across with her characters, that that is her to a T. She is just as funny as the people in her books. And she always, always has me rolling.
The story is a great one, although not a fluff one. Not that Felix's books are ever fluff. Because they are not. But the plot to this story is based on a guy with some mental issues. The title, ANGUISH, should say it all. No, it is not just another love story. Breaker James has some serious issues that he needs to work through and it won't be an easy feat. That is where the tough love will come in to play. It will be a slap in his face but one that he will have to endure if he wants to get better.
I will say that Felix amped up the frisky business in this one. I thought that the make out scenes got a little more heated than what we are used to from her. But in true Felix style she kept it clean and made us want for more. That right there is how romance is done. Imagination people...sometimes it’s all about imagination.
I recommend this to you readers out there that love a great romantic story about a guy and girl who are both in search of something and someone to love. Yes there will be obstacles for both but the fight to be together makes it all worth it in the end. I am absolutely adding this to my Must Read Again book shelf. And I am absolutely adding Breaker James to my Book Boyfriend list too. Oh yes, he is giving Falcon Black (LOVE AND SKATE Series) a little friendly competition.
Enter Ashland. She is like a wild fire that has come crashing down on him and he honestly wouldn't want it any other way. She thinks that she talks to much and her voice is offensive to others. But Breaker thinks it is heaven to his ears. He slowly finds that he wants to leave his confines and be with her and do normal things. But is he really healing? Or is Ashland just masking the ugly truth...that he really isn't better? Some tough love will be his only way to find out if he is getting better or just covering a festering wound.
My oh my!! Felix has done it again and given us lucky readers yet another fabulous book. I had happy tears when the story was over and I had to revel in the goodness of it all for a few minutes. I flew through this one like I have all her books. And when I finished it was easy to see why she is my favorite author. She writes a book that has me hooked from the beginning and I never want to leave the fictional worlds she creates. I would be one happy lady to live in them forever. The real world is so overrated, right?
I am so in love with Breaker James it is not even funny. Want to know what is funny? Every time I read his name I would read it as Beaker from The Muppets. Stupid right? But seriously. I am so gaga over this dude I could scream. Yeah he was a total jerk wad in the beginning but it was just his defense mechanism. Because deep down he is a great guy with such a loving heart. But lord help me, this guy is dangerous and in such a wonderful way. He will have the ladies swooning when all is said and done. Just trust me on this one.
Ashland is a trip. The girl is a riot and full of the sarcasm. Never one to be outdone by someone, she always makes sure she always has the last word. And dear readers, know that when you read Felix's witty banter coming across with her characters, that that is her to a T. She is just as funny as the people in her books. And she always, always has me rolling.
The story is a great one, although not a fluff one. Not that Felix's books are ever fluff. Because they are not. But the plot to this story is based on a guy with some mental issues. The title, ANGUISH, should say it all. No, it is not just another love story. Breaker James has some serious issues that he needs to work through and it won't be an easy feat. That is where the tough love will come in to play. It will be a slap in his face but one that he will have to endure if he wants to get better.
I will say that Felix amped up the frisky business in this one. I thought that the make out scenes got a little more heated than what we are used to from her. But in true Felix style she kept it clean and made us want for more. That right there is how romance is done. Imagination people...sometimes it’s all about imagination.
I recommend this to you readers out there that love a great romantic story about a guy and girl who are both in search of something and someone to love. Yes there will be obstacles for both but the fight to be together makes it all worth it in the end. I am absolutely adding this to my Must Read Again book shelf. And I am absolutely adding Breaker James to my Book Boyfriend list too. Oh yes, he is giving Falcon Black (LOVE AND SKATE Series) a little friendly competition.
September 3, 2015
The story started out very interesting to me. The hero may be submissive to his ex-girlfriend. The ex was using the hero's money and paying for her lover's rent, etc. When he saw his ex having sex with this guy, he lost it and became a hermit for 2 years. That is until Ashland is hired by Breaker's mother as a live-in maid.
I usually do not care for submissive heroes but I found this story interesting. The hero was suffering from panic attacks and I just wanted to know how things would progress and change for him once Ashland moved in.
I was enjoying the story until 52% and then the story lost me.
This is my perception of the story. Yours may be different.
The ending did not have that wow I love in my stories either. I guess I did not believe the love in the end even with the dual POVs.
I usually do not care for submissive heroes but I found this story interesting. The hero was suffering from panic attacks and I just wanted to know how things would progress and change for him once Ashland moved in.
I was enjoying the story until 52% and then the story lost me.
This is my perception of the story. Yours may be different.
The ending did not have that wow I love in my stories either. I guess I did not believe the love in the end even with the dual POVs.
June 23, 2013
Sweet romance.
Breaker hasn't been outside for over 2 years. He was betrayed by his ex-girlfriend and had a massive panic attack which left him terrified to leave the house. Ashland is a college student who finds it hard to make friends because she has a constant case of verbal diarrhoea mouth and a squeaky voice. Breaker's mother decides to hire a live in maid due to Breaker's disgustingly messy ways and Ashland get the job.
The pair slowly get to know each other and become friend. For Breaker, Ashland is a lifeline, he starts to leave the house again with her and become his old self again. Ashland finds a person who accepts her as she is and doesn't find her constant ramblings annoying. The friendship turns to romance but if they are to truly be together Breaker has to overcome his fears without Ashland's help.
Both characters were very likable, they had good chemistry and banter. There is no sex, a couple of make out but very YA. It is a short read and I would recommend it just to so you can meet Breaker and Ashland.
Breaker hasn't been outside for over 2 years. He was betrayed by his ex-girlfriend and had a massive panic attack which left him terrified to leave the house. Ashland is a college student who finds it hard to make friends because she has a constant case of verbal diarrhoea mouth and a squeaky voice. Breaker's mother decides to hire a live in maid due to Breaker's disgustingly messy ways and Ashland get the job.
The pair slowly get to know each other and become friend. For Breaker, Ashland is a lifeline, he starts to leave the house again with her and become his old self again. Ashland finds a person who accepts her as she is and doesn't find her constant ramblings annoying. The friendship turns to romance but if they are to truly be together Breaker has to overcome his fears without Ashland's help.
Both characters were very likable, they had good chemistry and banter. There is no sex, a couple of make out but very YA. It is a short read and I would recommend it just to so you can meet Breaker and Ashland.
June 11, 2013
***ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review**
I was given the great honor of reading AnguiSH from Lila. I love all her books and this one was no different. I loved the story line in this book. It was great to see a male character be the one who was the one with the issues. Breaker James was a great male lead character. Even though he was messed up he was still lovable and totally swoon worthy. I enjoyed watching him grow through the course of the story. Ashland was such a strong female character. She too had some issues but I was glad to see she didn't let people get to her. I also loved that she could see past Breakers issues and see the real person inside. They truly make a great couple.
Again if you are looking for a sweet love story without all the extra outside drama....then this is the book for you. I was enthralled with the story and characters all the way through.
I was given the great honor of reading AnguiSH from Lila. I love all her books and this one was no different. I loved the story line in this book. It was great to see a male character be the one who was the one with the issues. Breaker James was a great male lead character. Even though he was messed up he was still lovable and totally swoon worthy. I enjoyed watching him grow through the course of the story. Ashland was such a strong female character. She too had some issues but I was glad to see she didn't let people get to her. I also loved that she could see past Breakers issues and see the real person inside. They truly make a great couple.
Again if you are looking for a sweet love story without all the extra outside drama....then this is the book for you. I was enthralled with the story and characters all the way through.
June 18, 2013
What I liked about this book:
1. Fast read
2. Short lived drama
3. No outside forces to jack with the couple
4. Dual POV
5. The sweet things Breaker would say to Ashland
6. Ashland was a strong heroine
7. Pretty clean read
8. Kept me interested the whole time
9. Kissing scenes
10. Ashland and Breaker tried to be brutally honest with each other pretty much the whole time. The honesty is my favorite part about these two.
11. Their playful fun times and banter
1. Fast read
2. Short lived drama
3. No outside forces to jack with the couple
4. Dual POV
5. The sweet things Breaker would say to Ashland
6. Ashland was a strong heroine
7. Pretty clean read
8. Kept me interested the whole time
9. Kissing scenes
10. Ashland and Breaker tried to be brutally honest with each other pretty much the whole time. The honesty is my favorite part about these two.
11. Their playful fun times and banter
August 13, 2013
First of all I love the play on letters with the title.
When I opened up the book, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. I had read a couple of teasers but never read the synopsis or anything. The title alone made me want to read this. I tend to like the ‘squeeze my heart that it hurts but I love this book’ kind of reads. Right from the first words, this book with its quirky dialogue, witty sarcasm and poetic descriptions captivated me. This was one of the things I most noticed about Lila Felix’s writing style—it’s different from everything else that is out there. I found myself stopping to just absorb her words and think about the combination of words she used. Love it!!!
Breaker James has become a recluse when he should be out enjoying girls, friends, and college life—all of it is just too overwhelming!!!
Ava is unique, talks too much and people think she tries too hard. Her heart longs for family life and relationships that she thinks are out of her reach. She just wants to live happy and free from judgment.
Together the two find strength and understanding about what they are capable of and how truly good and loving they are as individuals. That their giving and generous hearts aren’t a fault but a strength that will bring each other out of the thoughts that bind them. Through each other they find way to express their strengths and show what a gift they are in each other’s life.
I loved the humor in Anguish because it was playful and easy yet so significant in both Breaker and Ava seeing what mattered. The two were so candid and free with one another. They didn’t need to hide behind their insecurities.
"You ruined our first date."
"You ruined my attempt at not loving you. Get over it."
Lila Felix’s story development was absolutely amazing. She created these two characters brought together by coincidental circumstance. There is incredible chemistry between Breaker and Ava. Felix continually, page after page, built the connection between the two yet not once was I ever thinking, I wish these two would hurry up and get it over and done with- just sleep together already. The sexual tension was crazy good. Don’t get me wrong I was constantly rooting for Breaker and Ava but the two having sex was not at the forefront of the story. I wanted Breaker and Ava to build on their feelings, build on their heart and build on their fear that both had of opening their heart to true love—because both felt somewhat undeserving of it. Lila Felix rocked this story without gratuitous sex scenes. She made Breaker and Ava’s love so much more than the physical and even the emotional. It was mental healing as well—knowing you are not to blame or you are worth it is different than accepting it and living it. Anguish was about this journey. This is one of the best books this year that I have read about living for you and finding inner understanding and acceptance. This is an absolute 5 star read!!!
"Finally Breaker James, finally, I knocked and you answered the door."
"I wasn't listening before. i will listen for your knock from now on-- I promise."
D 5/5
When I opened up the book, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. I had read a couple of teasers but never read the synopsis or anything. The title alone made me want to read this. I tend to like the ‘squeeze my heart that it hurts but I love this book’ kind of reads. Right from the first words, this book with its quirky dialogue, witty sarcasm and poetic descriptions captivated me. This was one of the things I most noticed about Lila Felix’s writing style—it’s different from everything else that is out there. I found myself stopping to just absorb her words and think about the combination of words she used. Love it!!!
Breaker James has become a recluse when he should be out enjoying girls, friends, and college life—all of it is just too overwhelming!!!
Ava is unique, talks too much and people think she tries too hard. Her heart longs for family life and relationships that she thinks are out of her reach. She just wants to live happy and free from judgment.
Together the two find strength and understanding about what they are capable of and how truly good and loving they are as individuals. That their giving and generous hearts aren’t a fault but a strength that will bring each other out of the thoughts that bind them. Through each other they find way to express their strengths and show what a gift they are in each other’s life.
I loved the humor in Anguish because it was playful and easy yet so significant in both Breaker and Ava seeing what mattered. The two were so candid and free with one another. They didn’t need to hide behind their insecurities.
"You ruined our first date."
"You ruined my attempt at not loving you. Get over it."
Lila Felix’s story development was absolutely amazing. She created these two characters brought together by coincidental circumstance. There is incredible chemistry between Breaker and Ava. Felix continually, page after page, built the connection between the two yet not once was I ever thinking, I wish these two would hurry up and get it over and done with- just sleep together already. The sexual tension was crazy good. Don’t get me wrong I was constantly rooting for Breaker and Ava but the two having sex was not at the forefront of the story. I wanted Breaker and Ava to build on their feelings, build on their heart and build on their fear that both had of opening their heart to true love—because both felt somewhat undeserving of it. Lila Felix rocked this story without gratuitous sex scenes. She made Breaker and Ava’s love so much more than the physical and even the emotional. It was mental healing as well—knowing you are not to blame or you are worth it is different than accepting it and living it. Anguish was about this journey. This is one of the best books this year that I have read about living for you and finding inner understanding and acceptance. This is an absolute 5 star read!!!
"Finally Breaker James, finally, I knocked and you answered the door."
"I wasn't listening before. i will listen for your knock from now on-- I promise."
D 5/5
June 20, 2013
AnguiSH is a wonderfully written, witty story about a relationship between a guy hurt and ridiculed so badly by a former girlfriend it results in him becoming afraid to be outside in public for fear of panic attacks. His mother hires a female student (who doesn't have much faith in herself or her social skills) to clean and cook for him and secretly to try and get him out of the house and gain back his self confidence. The story is the two of them developing a relationship, her helping him and him helping her, and both of their realizations that he will never be any better as long as he has her to cling to. So they part...for awhile.
The only criticism I have would be a little more "steam" in the relationship. There is lots of innuendo and kisses and I do like that the entire book focuses on their relationship, no triangles or such. But, its probably my problem in that so many of the books I read nowadays are so full of steam that its hard to read just a regular relationship novel. But, I really liked this one and gladly recommend it others.
The only criticism I have would be a little more "steam" in the relationship. There is lots of innuendo and kisses and I do like that the entire book focuses on their relationship, no triangles or such. But, its probably my problem in that so many of the books I read nowadays are so full of steam that its hard to read just a regular relationship novel. But, I really liked this one and gladly recommend it others.
January 17, 2014
This is a fantastic book! I felt for the characters and went through everything right along with them. The storyline is fresh and pulls you in from the beginning. I love that the main girl character was strong from facing her own demons. I honestly kept putting it off and I have no idea why. I wish I had read it sooner. I highly recommend!
July 14, 2013
“That’s the best kind. The love you didn’t plan on.”
I cannot believe that this was my first book by Lila Felix! I devoured this book! It was absolutely amazing! I wasn't really sure about it before I started reading it, but I soon discovered to never judge a book before you have read it! I thought that the plot of this book was quite unique! I haven't read another book where one of the main characters doesn't leave the house before! I found it really interesting to go inside someone's head like that! The plot just kept getting better and better and I quickly found myself completely absorbed in it! It continued to blow me away and I fell completely in love with it! The plot itself was about letting go and about learning how to move on and let yourself be free! The characters were just as amazing as the plot! Breaker was one of the main characters and I just adored him! He had been through a tough time and didn't leave the house which I thought was strange when I first read it in the book, but I could sort of understand why he didn't! After I had read the synopsis I thought that the reason why he didn't leave the house was maybe a bit over exaggerated as well, but after I read the story I could understand it better! Breaker was so hot and he was a character that needed someone to be there for him and he found that in Ash! Ashland "Ash" was a character that completely surprised me! She took on quite a lot when she took the job at Breaker's house, but it quickly paid off as her relationship with him developed! Ash helped Breaker so much! She basically set him free again and she showed him that there is so much more to life after what he had been through! Ash and Breaker as a couple are one of my favourites! They were such a cute couple and I could really see that they both loved each other! I loved their relationship development as well! I loved that this book was written from both Ash and Breaker's point of view as this way I was able to connect with the two of them more and I enjoyed going into both of their heads! I'm quite sad that this book is a standalone but, I will definitely be checking out Lila's other books after reading this book as I'm hoping that they are just as amazing as this one! The cover is stunning! The models definitely suit the characters of Breaker and Ashland! Big thank you to Book Hustlers Tours for having me on the Blog Tour!
I cannot believe that this was my first book by Lila Felix! I devoured this book! It was absolutely amazing! I wasn't really sure about it before I started reading it, but I soon discovered to never judge a book before you have read it! I thought that the plot of this book was quite unique! I haven't read another book where one of the main characters doesn't leave the house before! I found it really interesting to go inside someone's head like that! The plot just kept getting better and better and I quickly found myself completely absorbed in it! It continued to blow me away and I fell completely in love with it! The plot itself was about letting go and about learning how to move on and let yourself be free! The characters were just as amazing as the plot! Breaker was one of the main characters and I just adored him! He had been through a tough time and didn't leave the house which I thought was strange when I first read it in the book, but I could sort of understand why he didn't! After I had read the synopsis I thought that the reason why he didn't leave the house was maybe a bit over exaggerated as well, but after I read the story I could understand it better! Breaker was so hot and he was a character that needed someone to be there for him and he found that in Ash! Ashland "Ash" was a character that completely surprised me! She took on quite a lot when she took the job at Breaker's house, but it quickly paid off as her relationship with him developed! Ash helped Breaker so much! She basically set him free again and she showed him that there is so much more to life after what he had been through! Ash and Breaker as a couple are one of my favourites! They were such a cute couple and I could really see that they both loved each other! I loved their relationship development as well! I loved that this book was written from both Ash and Breaker's point of view as this way I was able to connect with the two of them more and I enjoyed going into both of their heads! I'm quite sad that this book is a standalone but, I will definitely be checking out Lila's other books after reading this book as I'm hoping that they are just as amazing as this one! The cover is stunning! The models definitely suit the characters of Breaker and Ashland! Big thank you to Book Hustlers Tours for having me on the Blog Tour!
August 24, 2014
ARC Review:
This is one of the most powerful, beautiful life lessons disguised as a story that I have ever read! Lila Felix is ever the master storyteller. She skillfully & purposefully weaves the lives of realistic characters you can't help but fall in love with & carry with you long after the story is done. Now let's discuss Lila's latest, sexy male lead Breaker James Collins (love that name).
Breaker is a wounded soul, trapped in a self induced prison bound by fear. Two years ago, Breaker discovered his then girl friend not only cheated on him, but also cleaned out his bank account. Now he spends his days inside too emotionally paralyzed to venture out his own front door.
Ashland (Ash) is vivacious, positive and very broke college student in desperate need of a job. The day Ash answers a handwritten want ad for a live in maid, her life changes forever! Ash makes it her mission to slowly immerse Breaker back into the real world & shatter his solitude. As Breaker grows more confident, he finds himself falling more in love with Ash. Can Breaker escape his anguish & live a normal life with Ash? You'll WANT to read to find out!!
What I thought:
Where do I even begin??!! There are so many beautiful lessons tucked away in this story. Breaker had no idea just how strong he was until he was cracked open, venerable, raw & forced to see just what he could loose if he didn't begin to put himself together again. I loved that Ash was merely the catalyst for Breaker to want to change NOT the reason. Through Ash, Breaker begins to realize that he has become a prisoner of his fear. I never once felt annoyed or sorry for Breaker, instead I laughed & cried right along with him. This is such an awe-inspiring love story that will reignite your belief in the power of self reliance. The lesson I'm holding close to my heart comes from Ash while reminding Breaker to embrace the small things as big accomplishments. "Take a step back and see the glory."
This is one of the most powerful, beautiful life lessons disguised as a story that I have ever read! Lila Felix is ever the master storyteller. She skillfully & purposefully weaves the lives of realistic characters you can't help but fall in love with & carry with you long after the story is done. Now let's discuss Lila's latest, sexy male lead Breaker James Collins (love that name).
Breaker is a wounded soul, trapped in a self induced prison bound by fear. Two years ago, Breaker discovered his then girl friend not only cheated on him, but also cleaned out his bank account. Now he spends his days inside too emotionally paralyzed to venture out his own front door.
Ashland (Ash) is vivacious, positive and very broke college student in desperate need of a job. The day Ash answers a handwritten want ad for a live in maid, her life changes forever! Ash makes it her mission to slowly immerse Breaker back into the real world & shatter his solitude. As Breaker grows more confident, he finds himself falling more in love with Ash. Can Breaker escape his anguish & live a normal life with Ash? You'll WANT to read to find out!!
What I thought:
Where do I even begin??!! There are so many beautiful lessons tucked away in this story. Breaker had no idea just how strong he was until he was cracked open, venerable, raw & forced to see just what he could loose if he didn't begin to put himself together again. I loved that Ash was merely the catalyst for Breaker to want to change NOT the reason. Through Ash, Breaker begins to realize that he has become a prisoner of his fear. I never once felt annoyed or sorry for Breaker, instead I laughed & cried right along with him. This is such an awe-inspiring love story that will reignite your belief in the power of self reliance. The lesson I'm holding close to my heart comes from Ash while reminding Breaker to embrace the small things as big accomplishments. "Take a step back and see the glory."
June 19, 2013
A pretty YA Romance with uniqueness.
After Breaker Collins experiences his worst panic attack ever, he caught his non-loving, money-using, lying girlfriend cheating on him. Breaker is scarred. He confines himself to a life of solitude. For two years he has been housebound, he's refused to leave, he panics if he sets foot outside his home, he's wasting away, he says he's crippled by fear of people and any social interaction.
Ashland has lived her life hating herself, she knows she talks too much, has a terrible voice, she's annoying and irritating, she has just one friend. But for a while now, she has accepted who she is, embraced it even, but she is still lonely.
After replying to an Ad for a live in house maid Breaker and Ashland meet for the first time. Breaker knows he's out of touch with people and he struggles to face his feelings towards Ashland. Can she ever fall for him when he can never leave his house? Is she just taking pity on him? Is he relying on Ashland too much?
I enjoyed this book a lot, it's got unique characters and a unique situation. It's lovely and interesting. I've marked it down a star because it has a dozen grammar mistakes, and because it should have been a lot more New Adult, the characters were 20 and 21years old, yet they never swore, groped or even had sex, in my eyes, if it is a romance with characters above 18 then it should include NA aspects.
Writing style: 9/10
Humour: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Romance: 8/10
Ending: 8/10
My star ratings:
1* Complete trash
2* Waste of time really, but I carried on for some reason
3* Half decent, usually down to personal preferences
4* Could read this again, only a little thing is missing, maybe more humour or romance etc...
5* Would read this again and again, unique story, adore this author
After Breaker Collins experiences his worst panic attack ever, he caught his non-loving, money-using, lying girlfriend cheating on him. Breaker is scarred. He confines himself to a life of solitude. For two years he has been housebound, he's refused to leave, he panics if he sets foot outside his home, he's wasting away, he says he's crippled by fear of people and any social interaction.
Ashland has lived her life hating herself, she knows she talks too much, has a terrible voice, she's annoying and irritating, she has just one friend. But for a while now, she has accepted who she is, embraced it even, but she is still lonely.
After replying to an Ad for a live in house maid Breaker and Ashland meet for the first time. Breaker knows he's out of touch with people and he struggles to face his feelings towards Ashland. Can she ever fall for him when he can never leave his house? Is she just taking pity on him? Is he relying on Ashland too much?
I enjoyed this book a lot, it's got unique characters and a unique situation. It's lovely and interesting. I've marked it down a star because it has a dozen grammar mistakes, and because it should have been a lot more New Adult, the characters were 20 and 21years old, yet they never swore, groped or even had sex, in my eyes, if it is a romance with characters above 18 then it should include NA aspects.
Writing style: 9/10
Humour: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Romance: 8/10
Ending: 8/10
My star ratings:
1* Complete trash
2* Waste of time really, but I carried on for some reason
3* Half decent, usually down to personal preferences
4* Could read this again, only a little thing is missing, maybe more humour or romance etc...
5* Would read this again and again, unique story, adore this author
January 7, 2014
Lila Lila LILA FELIX.
This is one of the books I've started by peeking at the beginning before I should have. The images left in my mind of a broken hearted Breaker James are the images that are ruining my goals for my laundry, my kitchen, my bills, my own work, and I'm about to resort to feeding my kid Cheerios for dinner to get to the next few chapters!
Breaker James and Ash... I love how Lila can figure out just the right combination of people and make us all see how they are perfect for each other. Yes, I want Breaker James for a book boyfriend (just like MY Falcon) but what Lila does is make me love the couples. The friendships she builds between the couples are so real. The people around those friendships that draw the couples closer together--that is where her magic is centered. She draws the reader in to the heart of a community and family--even if that family is blood related or not, she gets what it means and let's us be part of that in her stories. I've read a few of Lila's books now, and when I read her stuff I know I'm going to get this slow burn and a longing effect where I find myself looking for the emotion page after page. She's a master at making my heart ache and fly. She is also great at writing a sexy, protective hero you can't forget. Her New Adult stories are 'clean' in that there are adult and college situation and settings but there is no graphic sex in AnguiSH.
Broken hearted characters who have to learn how to trust someone to finally love again are my favorites--that is what this hero is all about. Breaker James is that broken...and Ash is so cute and adds the comedy and she has the vulnerability and empathy needed to draw this guy out. I'm only 1/4 way done--keep you posted on the ending...love Lila, how hard she works, how she loves her genre and her writer pals and I love her books.
This is one of the books I've started by peeking at the beginning before I should have. The images left in my mind of a broken hearted Breaker James are the images that are ruining my goals for my laundry, my kitchen, my bills, my own work, and I'm about to resort to feeding my kid Cheerios for dinner to get to the next few chapters!
Breaker James and Ash... I love how Lila can figure out just the right combination of people and make us all see how they are perfect for each other. Yes, I want Breaker James for a book boyfriend (just like MY Falcon) but what Lila does is make me love the couples. The friendships she builds between the couples are so real. The people around those friendships that draw the couples closer together--that is where her magic is centered. She draws the reader in to the heart of a community and family--even if that family is blood related or not, she gets what it means and let's us be part of that in her stories. I've read a few of Lila's books now, and when I read her stuff I know I'm going to get this slow burn and a longing effect where I find myself looking for the emotion page after page. She's a master at making my heart ache and fly. She is also great at writing a sexy, protective hero you can't forget. Her New Adult stories are 'clean' in that there are adult and college situation and settings but there is no graphic sex in AnguiSH.
Broken hearted characters who have to learn how to trust someone to finally love again are my favorites--that is what this hero is all about. Breaker James is that broken...and Ash is so cute and adds the comedy and she has the vulnerability and empathy needed to draw this guy out. I'm only 1/4 way done--keep you posted on the ending...love Lila, how hard she works, how she loves her genre and her writer pals and I love her books.
December 4, 2013
This was a wonderful surprise! I couldn't help but just adore Breaker. Even though you are reminded throughout the book of his condition, it isn't shoved in your face. It isn't like "poor me, pity me. eye-roll". No, it was just like you wanted to wrap him and bring him outside and never let him go.
Then there's Ash. Geez, that girl. I can't imagine some Minnie Mouse non-stop talking girl in your face and actually liking her. Because in other stories, a character like that really is annoying. BUT Breaker was able to not even NEED to look past it. He loved it all right away. Which made me absolutely love it right way.
I enjoyed the pacing of their relationship. He wanted it to so bad to just be with her, but just couldn't let himself. And despite her determination to help him, she did not take any of his assholery. Their banter and sexual innuendos were funny as heck.
AND OMG when he transformed.. OOWEE *fans face* Total package. I have to say (because I'm a little racy) I would have liked a love scene. But at least for me, it didn't hurt the story without it. The foreplay, kissing, aching scenes were sufficient enough.
Of course there were grammatical errors and such. And the cover didn't do anything for me. But the story was really unique to me. A guy going into panic attacks? And does not have a military background? Sure! I rarely just jump into a story without reading some background on it first. But I just thought what the hell, sure. I think that's why I was surprised with it. It's a pretty straight forward read so I recommend it to those who are looking for something without hidden mysteries and earth-shattering secrets. 4.5 stars!
Then there's Ash. Geez, that girl. I can't imagine some Minnie Mouse non-stop talking girl in your face and actually liking her. Because in other stories, a character like that really is annoying. BUT Breaker was able to not even NEED to look past it. He loved it all right away. Which made me absolutely love it right way.
I enjoyed the pacing of their relationship. He wanted it to so bad to just be with her, but just couldn't let himself. And despite her determination to help him, she did not take any of his assholery. Their banter and sexual innuendos were funny as heck.
AND OMG when he transformed.. OOWEE *fans face* Total package. I have to say (because I'm a little racy) I would have liked a love scene. But at least for me, it didn't hurt the story without it. The foreplay, kissing, aching scenes were sufficient enough.
Of course there were grammatical errors and such. And the cover didn't do anything for me. But the story was really unique to me. A guy going into panic attacks? And does not have a military background? Sure! I rarely just jump into a story without reading some background on it first. But I just thought what the hell, sure. I think that's why I was surprised with it. It's a pretty straight forward read so I recommend it to those who are looking for something without hidden mysteries and earth-shattering secrets. 4.5 stars!
July 17, 2013
Whyever did I wait so long tomread this book?
Maybe it's because the title speaks of sadness and I'm really not up for that. However, this novel didn't really have anguish in it (in my opinion). It had struggles, challenges, drastic changes, determination and promise.
I am so happy because I got to read about he kind of hero that I don't normally see in novels nowadays. This hero is between the softer kind and the alpha kind. Imagine a hero that loves gardening, simulation games, and still can drive a Harley. That's something special.
I am in love with Breaker's character because even though he couldn't go out because of his fear, he still found it in him to be sweet to our heroine. I thought people with this kind of a phobia didn't really talk to other people, but I guess I'm wrong because Breaker was really talkative with Ash. I love how he really fell in love with Ash and complimented her in every way. He found it in himself to want to change things for her and ultimately, for himself.
Ashland on the other hand, is a very caring girl. I swear, I always love characters who talk a lot and Ash is not an exception. Her character led Breaker out of the shield that he created for himself. It was cute what she did. Cute and very very considerate. I love how patient she is with him. I also love how she was able to do the hardest thing near the end. I commend her for that.
Their love story is pretty predictable, really, even with the drama and complication... And yet, it's heartfelt and lovable. I wish everyone reads this.
Maybe it's because the title speaks of sadness and I'm really not up for that. However, this novel didn't really have anguish in it (in my opinion). It had struggles, challenges, drastic changes, determination and promise.
I am so happy because I got to read about he kind of hero that I don't normally see in novels nowadays. This hero is between the softer kind and the alpha kind. Imagine a hero that loves gardening, simulation games, and still can drive a Harley. That's something special.
I am in love with Breaker's character because even though he couldn't go out because of his fear, he still found it in him to be sweet to our heroine. I thought people with this kind of a phobia didn't really talk to other people, but I guess I'm wrong because Breaker was really talkative with Ash. I love how he really fell in love with Ash and complimented her in every way. He found it in himself to want to change things for her and ultimately, for himself.
Ashland on the other hand, is a very caring girl. I swear, I always love characters who talk a lot and Ash is not an exception. Her character led Breaker out of the shield that he created for himself. It was cute what she did. Cute and very very considerate. I love how patient she is with him. I also love how she was able to do the hardest thing near the end. I commend her for that.
Their love story is pretty predictable, really, even with the drama and complication... And yet, it's heartfelt and lovable. I wish everyone reads this.
July 12, 2013
★★★★
Lila Feliz delivers again! With an angsty love story that’ll sure to have all your hearts melting.
This book is told in alternating POVs of Breaker and Ashland. It tells the story of how the broken, beaten-down Breaker comes back to life with the help of loud and outspoken, Ashland. It was incredibly well-written.
The main reason why I loved this book is because the roles are reversed. Let me explain, there are so many books out there right now about the broken girl who meets a great guy then end up falling in love. Essentially a damsel in distress finding her prince charming. This book is the complete opposite. This time around, the guy is the one suffering from a traumatic event and is left completely trampled. I hated to see Breaker’s pain, but I loved that the heroine, Ashland, gets to pick up the pieces. It was just great to read something completely opposite from the norm.
Plot aside, both Breaker and Ashland were great characters with focused personalities. Both of them had straight-forward traits that didn’t leave you guessing what their deals were. Ashland was strong the entire way through and really held her own against Breaker. It was interesting to see weakness and pain from a guy’s perspective and even though Breaker feels a lot of that, he was a solid guy.
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. Definitely going to start reading some more Lila Felix books!!
Lila Feliz delivers again! With an angsty love story that’ll sure to have all your hearts melting.
This book is told in alternating POVs of Breaker and Ashland. It tells the story of how the broken, beaten-down Breaker comes back to life with the help of loud and outspoken, Ashland. It was incredibly well-written.
The main reason why I loved this book is because the roles are reversed. Let me explain, there are so many books out there right now about the broken girl who meets a great guy then end up falling in love. Essentially a damsel in distress finding her prince charming. This book is the complete opposite. This time around, the guy is the one suffering from a traumatic event and is left completely trampled. I hated to see Breaker’s pain, but I loved that the heroine, Ashland, gets to pick up the pieces. It was just great to read something completely opposite from the norm.
Plot aside, both Breaker and Ashland were great characters with focused personalities. Both of them had straight-forward traits that didn’t leave you guessing what their deals were. Ashland was strong the entire way through and really held her own against Breaker. It was interesting to see weakness and pain from a guy’s perspective and even though Breaker feels a lot of that, he was a solid guy.
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. Definitely going to start reading some more Lila Felix books!!
September 16, 2013
Anguish was a bit different than the other books I've read by this author, it was darker in a lot of ways.
The darkness in this book made sense though, because of the more serious content in the form of Breaker's anxiety disorder, and because it was a very well done retake on Beauty and the Beast.
I could go on and on about all of the things I loved about the main characters and their relationship with one another, but since Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairytale of all time, and I'm always on the lookout for a good retelling I think I'll gush about that.
The similarities between this story and Beauty an the Beast weren't obvious, and I really appreciated the authors willingness to mix things up a bit.
Breaker wasn't beastly to look at, he just wasn't as healthy and vibrant looking as he used to be.
He didn't act like a beast and say mean and hurtful things, but he was definitely difficult to deal with at times. And the curse in this story didn't come from magic, it came from the cruel actions of an ex girlfriend and an anxiety disorder. If I were to go any deeper into the comparisons I would ruin some of the plot, but I don't think I'd be ruining it by saying that if you love Beauty and the Beast, great chemistry between the main characters, witty banter, and a great epilogue you will love this book.
The darkness in this book made sense though, because of the more serious content in the form of Breaker's anxiety disorder, and because it was a very well done retake on Beauty and the Beast.
I could go on and on about all of the things I loved about the main characters and their relationship with one another, but since Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairytale of all time, and I'm always on the lookout for a good retelling I think I'll gush about that.
The similarities between this story and Beauty an the Beast weren't obvious, and I really appreciated the authors willingness to mix things up a bit.
Breaker wasn't beastly to look at, he just wasn't as healthy and vibrant looking as he used to be.
He didn't act like a beast and say mean and hurtful things, but he was definitely difficult to deal with at times. And the curse in this story didn't come from magic, it came from the cruel actions of an ex girlfriend and an anxiety disorder. If I were to go any deeper into the comparisons I would ruin some of the plot, but I don't think I'd be ruining it by saying that if you love Beauty and the Beast, great chemistry between the main characters, witty banter, and a great epilogue you will love this book.
June 12, 2013
Lila Felix + a keyboard= literary magic! There are authors and books that will stay with a reader. Books that will cause a reader to have thoughts and memories at any given moment. AnguiSH is one of those books and Lila is one of those authors.
Breaker James is a loving, giving and adorable and a hot man! ;) Breaker went through a tragic heart break and his trust in others and himself, causes him to have a break down, that is a cause for his life to spiral out of his control.
Ashland Cormeir is a girl who is loving, giving, adorable and people say she talks to much and that her voice causes their ears to bleed. This makes her feel awkward and makes it hard for to feel like fits in and make the kind of friends that she needs.
Bring Breaker and Ashland together and they become for each other, what the other needs. But, still it's not enough for either of them. This book is about personal trials, courage, acceptance and breaking down to build yourself back up.
I kept looking at how Lila spelt AnguiSH and finally saw that the capitalized letters are Ashland's name shorted to ASH. Well done my lovely Lila! Well done, once again.
Breaker James is a loving, giving and adorable and a hot man! ;) Breaker went through a tragic heart break and his trust in others and himself, causes him to have a break down, that is a cause for his life to spiral out of his control.
Ashland Cormeir is a girl who is loving, giving, adorable and people say she talks to much and that her voice causes their ears to bleed. This makes her feel awkward and makes it hard for to feel like fits in and make the kind of friends that she needs.
Bring Breaker and Ashland together and they become for each other, what the other needs. But, still it's not enough for either of them. This book is about personal trials, courage, acceptance and breaking down to build yourself back up.
I kept looking at how Lila spelt AnguiSH and finally saw that the capitalized letters are Ashland's name shorted to ASH. Well done my lovely Lila! Well done, once again.
June 13, 2013
Loved.
Emerge is still my favorite Lila Felix book, but Anguish is a seriously close second.
Ash and Breaker were both so broken and sweet. Everything was tied nicely together and the ending was good and finished, but everything wasn't as honky-dory and peaches and cream as some endings. There were still things going on that needed to be worked on and it was a nice change of pace to have a happy ending that still showed that things were real and weren't going to be perfect.
Lila's writing gets better with every book and this one was no exception.
Breaker was a great character. When he decided to pursue her it was all bets off. It was nice to be in his head. He was sweet and determined. I do wish he'd given her one of those whiplash make-out kisses when they 'reunited' but it was still sweet :)
6 out of 5 stars from me!
Emerge is still my favorite Lila Felix book, but Anguish is a seriously close second.
Ash and Breaker were both so broken and sweet. Everything was tied nicely together and the ending was good and finished, but everything wasn't as honky-dory and peaches and cream as some endings. There were still things going on that needed to be worked on and it was a nice change of pace to have a happy ending that still showed that things were real and weren't going to be perfect.
Lila's writing gets better with every book and this one was no exception.
Breaker was a great character. When he decided to pursue her it was all bets off. It was nice to be in his head. He was sweet and determined. I do wish he'd given her one of those whiplash make-out kisses when they 'reunited' but it was still sweet :)
6 out of 5 stars from me!
August 16, 2013
I can see why everyone has been telling me to read this book. While it tackles some pretty serious issues, it is a sweet love story and does not dwell in darkness too long, as many books that deal with these kinds of topics do. Ash and Breaker were both easy to like and quirky. There are a couple of things about the way the author handled the topic that made me super happy, but would be spoilery if I shared them. I will say that she could have taken the insta love fixes all route and made a much better choice instead, in my opinion. Overall I found it a good read. If mental illness is a trigger topic for you, this book probably is not for you because it does deal with Breaker’s issues head on. I will be reading more by this author.
July 16, 2013
I absolutely love Anguish. I never thought I would say those words!lol
I loved everything about this book. It grabbed me from the start of the book and captivated me with intrigue and laughter. I loved the broken character of Breaker James and how even though he was so pathetic, the author had you rooting for his success every step of the way. Ashland was a total Joy and her character reminded me of my favorite character, Pippi Longstocking, that I read as a child. I loved every unconventional thing about this book including the ending. I am in love with this author and I'm going to download all of her books for future reading pleasures.
I loved everything about this book. It grabbed me from the start of the book and captivated me with intrigue and laughter. I loved the broken character of Breaker James and how even though he was so pathetic, the author had you rooting for his success every step of the way. Ashland was a total Joy and her character reminded me of my favorite character, Pippi Longstocking, that I read as a child. I loved every unconventional thing about this book including the ending. I am in love with this author and I'm going to download all of her books for future reading pleasures.
June 13, 2013
2.3-3 stars
I liked the story concept but what i found lacking was the execution. I found it too rushed most of the times, which made it hard to connect with Ash n Breaker.
Maybe with a lil more editing n polishing, the story would have turned out great.
Though its my first book of this author, looking forward to reading her other works.
I liked the story concept but what i found lacking was the execution. I found it too rushed most of the times, which made it hard to connect with Ash n Breaker.
Maybe with a lil more editing n polishing, the story would have turned out great.
Though its my first book of this author, looking forward to reading her other works.
March 23, 2015
Jillian - I have to start by saying I have never instantly wanted to jump through my kindle and cuddle a character as much as Breaker. My heart broke for him.
Saffron - Honestly, given all the books we've read lately I thought this was gonna be all about sex and hot sex and it so wasn't! It was such a good romantic story about two people really trying to feel things out.
Noemi - It was a wonderful romantic read. Lila Fox really can write a good romance with depth.
Jillian - There was so much emotion in this book and with these characters...I was hooked instantly.
Noemi - I know right from the start I fell in love with Breaker.
Jillian - He is a man with a true heart
Noemi -I really wanted to jump in my Kindle and get my hands on Holly. How someone can be so cruel to someone like Breaker is beyond me.
Saffron - Breaker was really written well as someone you wanted to know more and more about. And even Ash had me wondering and wanting to read more. And Holly, oh yeah, talk about a huge bitch
Jillian - How could she use him like that and then laugh at him like it was no big deal? What a Bitch!
Saffron - Karma baby! She needs to meet up with karma!
Jillian - Ashland was so adorable and she was a legit good person.
Noemi - Ya karma brought Ashland into Breaker's life.
Jillian - When she accepted the job to be the live in housekeeper I was super excited to see what was going to happen with than considering Breaker didn't do well with people after the "incident"
Saffron - She fit right in with him though and drew him back to his old self. She didn't walk on eggshells around him.
Noemi -The situation gave them both what they needed.
Jillian - It's so funny that he would creep around and watch her clean and thought she didn't notice.
Noemi - I know that his family was trying to help but I didn't feel like what they were doing was helping him. Hiring Ash was the best thing they did for him
Jillian - I felt they were being kind of mean to him by not coming by and spending time with him. Just because he couldn't leave the house doesn't mean they needed to cast him aside.
Saffron - Yeah, I'm not sure what I would do in that situation. He had options though and they didn't force a lot of those options on him.
Jillian - I agree. Ashland was the best thing that could have happened to him. She pushed him to better do things outside of his comfort zone but she would still do sweet things for him.
Saffron - The Dr kinda annoyed me when he first mentioned Ash to her.
Noemi - She was very condescending. I really wondered if she had his best interest in mind.
Jillian - Yeah I agree. She always made Ash out to be someone that didn't matter
Noemi - Just goes to show that you shouldn’t underestimate people.
Jillian - It's so cute how he would clean the house after Ash came along, even though that was her job. You for sure shouldn't underestimate people.
Saffron - He was starting to do some normal things and helping her clean. It was a big step!
Noemi - He really saw that he was missing living. Ash showed him that which was great.
Jillian - The biggest step was when they mowed the grass.
Saffron - The backyard jungle!? LOL
Jillian - Yes the jungle lol
Noemi - The greenhouse......sigh.
Saffron - I need a greenhouse
Jillian - You mean you need a Breaker and a Greenhouse... The kiss in the Greenhouse...woweee!
Saffron - Wellll.... can he.... nevermind!!! lol
Jillian - You know it gets steamy in those greenhouses. Then you add Breaker.....Hot!
Noemi - Um...I think we're getting off track lol.
Jillian - .......and we're back
Saffron - But it was such a good part of the book! *sigh*. I like their first date too
Jillian - Their date was so cute!
Noemi - The date was so great.
Jillian - Also makes you hate Holly even more for doing that to such an amazing guy!
Noemi - Let's not forget his "friend" Memphis. UGH.
Saffron - OMG when Memphis showed up, what the hell was that!? Ash totally saw right through his dumb ass!
Jillian - That guy is a real piece of work. When he showed up acting like an ass and Ash put him in his place I was so happy!
Noemi - Loved that Ash didn't back down to him.
Jillian - She knew he wasn't good for Breaker.
Noemi - Another thing that showed how well they fit together was that they could both see the "elephant in the room", the issue they both see coming.
Jillian - Yes, even though everyone hated to admit it. They became very attached and dependent on each other.
Saffron - Everything worked out in the end though!
Noemi - That it did. I was so proud of Breaker.
Jillian - He worked so hard and he did it for himself which was so much better!
Noemi - They both worked hard for the lives they wanted.
Saffron - And it wasn't a cheesy ending either! It worked out for everyone in the book.
Jillian - I loved the ending to this book!
Saffron - I give it 5 stars. I was surprised by so much in this book and it was just such a sweet read.
Jillian - I really loved this book. I really liked the characters and the story. I give this book 5 Stars
Noemi - It's 5 stars from me also. I really loved this story. Lila Felix is becoming one of my favorite authors. I really love her Love &
Skate series.
Saffron - Honestly, given all the books we've read lately I thought this was gonna be all about sex and hot sex and it so wasn't! It was such a good romantic story about two people really trying to feel things out.
Noemi - It was a wonderful romantic read. Lila Fox really can write a good romance with depth.
Jillian - There was so much emotion in this book and with these characters...I was hooked instantly.
Noemi - I know right from the start I fell in love with Breaker.
Jillian - He is a man with a true heart
Noemi -I really wanted to jump in my Kindle and get my hands on Holly. How someone can be so cruel to someone like Breaker is beyond me.
Saffron - Breaker was really written well as someone you wanted to know more and more about. And even Ash had me wondering and wanting to read more. And Holly, oh yeah, talk about a huge bitch
Jillian - How could she use him like that and then laugh at him like it was no big deal? What a Bitch!
Saffron - Karma baby! She needs to meet up with karma!
Jillian - Ashland was so adorable and she was a legit good person.
Noemi - Ya karma brought Ashland into Breaker's life.
Jillian - When she accepted the job to be the live in housekeeper I was super excited to see what was going to happen with than considering Breaker didn't do well with people after the "incident"
Saffron - She fit right in with him though and drew him back to his old self. She didn't walk on eggshells around him.
Noemi -The situation gave them both what they needed.
Jillian - It's so funny that he would creep around and watch her clean and thought she didn't notice.
Noemi - I know that his family was trying to help but I didn't feel like what they were doing was helping him. Hiring Ash was the best thing they did for him
Jillian - I felt they were being kind of mean to him by not coming by and spending time with him. Just because he couldn't leave the house doesn't mean they needed to cast him aside.
Saffron - Yeah, I'm not sure what I would do in that situation. He had options though and they didn't force a lot of those options on him.
Jillian - I agree. Ashland was the best thing that could have happened to him. She pushed him to better do things outside of his comfort zone but she would still do sweet things for him.
Saffron - The Dr kinda annoyed me when he first mentioned Ash to her.
Noemi - She was very condescending. I really wondered if she had his best interest in mind.
Jillian - Yeah I agree. She always made Ash out to be someone that didn't matter
Noemi - Just goes to show that you shouldn’t underestimate people.
Jillian - It's so cute how he would clean the house after Ash came along, even though that was her job. You for sure shouldn't underestimate people.
Saffron - He was starting to do some normal things and helping her clean. It was a big step!
Noemi - He really saw that he was missing living. Ash showed him that which was great.
Jillian - The biggest step was when they mowed the grass.
Saffron - The backyard jungle!? LOL
Jillian - Yes the jungle lol
Noemi - The greenhouse......sigh.
Saffron - I need a greenhouse
Jillian - You mean you need a Breaker and a Greenhouse... The kiss in the Greenhouse...woweee!
Saffron - Wellll.... can he.... nevermind!!! lol
Jillian - You know it gets steamy in those greenhouses. Then you add Breaker.....Hot!
Noemi - Um...I think we're getting off track lol.
Jillian - .......and we're back
Saffron - But it was such a good part of the book! *sigh*. I like their first date too
Jillian - Their date was so cute!
Noemi - The date was so great.
Jillian - Also makes you hate Holly even more for doing that to such an amazing guy!
Noemi - Let's not forget his "friend" Memphis. UGH.
Saffron - OMG when Memphis showed up, what the hell was that!? Ash totally saw right through his dumb ass!
Jillian - That guy is a real piece of work. When he showed up acting like an ass and Ash put him in his place I was so happy!
Noemi - Loved that Ash didn't back down to him.
Jillian - She knew he wasn't good for Breaker.
Noemi - Another thing that showed how well they fit together was that they could both see the "elephant in the room", the issue they both see coming.
Jillian - Yes, even though everyone hated to admit it. They became very attached and dependent on each other.
Saffron - Everything worked out in the end though!
Noemi - That it did. I was so proud of Breaker.
Jillian - He worked so hard and he did it for himself which was so much better!
Noemi - They both worked hard for the lives they wanted.
Saffron - And it wasn't a cheesy ending either! It worked out for everyone in the book.
Jillian - I loved the ending to this book!
Saffron - I give it 5 stars. I was surprised by so much in this book and it was just such a sweet read.
Jillian - I really loved this book. I really liked the characters and the story. I give this book 5 Stars
Noemi - It's 5 stars from me also. I really loved this story. Lila Felix is becoming one of my favorite authors. I really love her Love &
Skate series.
June 28, 2021
A great book, I loved it
July 21, 2013
4.5 Stars!!!
I first heard of this book through another blog who posted that anyone who suffers from panic attacks HAD to read this book. Being that I get frequent panic attacks, I decided to bump this up to the top of my TBR list. I was a little unsure of how I felt about this book when I first started reading it. In the beginning, the writing seemed a little “basic” for a lack of a better description. But the further I read, the more I realized that my first impression was wrong! As you read, you cannot help but fall in love with the two main characters, Ashland and Breaker. Breaker is a boy who has had his heart ripped out of his chest, and then stomped on. He walked in on his girlfriend having sex with another man at a party, and thus triggered the beginning of his anxiety and panic attacks, causing him to become socially inept. Since that night, Breaker has spent 2 years holed up in his house alone. He is unable to go out in public, and can barely bring himself to talk to anyone other than his therapist and family. Enter Ashland, a college student who hasn’t had the best of luck in the friend and boyfriend department in the past, but whom has a heart of gold. Ashland’s father owns a commercial cleaning business, so when she comes across a “help wanted ad” for a live in maid, she feels it is the perfect opportunity for her. She finds out that not only is this a job to keep the house clean for an amazingly hot guy, but its also for her to try and help him break out of this brick wall he has put around himself. This is when her and Breaker meet.
The chemistry between Breaker and Ashland is instant however, Breaker’s past, along with his present, causes him to try and push those feelings back which causes an emotional rollercoaster of up’s and down’s between the two of them in the beginning. One minute he’s hot, the next minute he’s cold, which drives Ashland crazy…what girl wouldn’t go out of her mind dealing with that??? At one point he finally pushes away too far and Ashland decides to go on a date with the guy who has been crushing on her from the coffee shop. Needless to say, the date did not go well, and upon returning back to the house, she finds Breaker sitting on the couch waiting.
““Did he tell you how beautiful you look tonight? Did he tell you that this red,” he worked a piece of my shirt between his thumb and his finger “really sets off your eyes? Did he hold your hand? Did he bring you to the door and make you wish you were the kind of girl that would invite him in?”… “I wish you’d been there with me tonight. I would’ve made sure you knew how beautiful you are.””
::Sigh:: and that was the first time that Breaker made me completely swoon. It was also the turning point in their relationship.
“I pressed my lips to her warm salty skin and let them linger there. I felt as her hands clasped the front of my shirt and she gasped.”
The rest of the book isn’t simply just your typical sweet romance story. While it did have some unbelievably sweet and romantic parts (actually, quite a few), it also focused on Breaker’s anxiety of the outside world, and the panic attacks that he would get as he tried to push out of his comfort zone. This is where I can completely relate to his character. The way the author went on to describe the way his mind and body reacted during one of these panic attacks really hit me hard. As I was reading, all I could think was “this is exactly what happens to me when I get these attacks”, and it definitely stirred up a bunch of emotions inside me. My heart would break for his character over and over throughout the story. I know how hard it is to get yourself to leave your comfort zone when you suffer from this level of anxiety. In reality, it is very difficult for someone who has not personally experienced going through a panic attack to understand what it is like, or how to help someone who is in the midst of having one. Lila Felix did a wonderful job putting into words what most cannot, and really made it so that people could understand what it is like for those of us who go through this day to day…that all it takes is one event, one attack, to cause a life long struggle.
“Drums beat in my ears, a creature clawed to get out of the confines of my chest, organs somersaulted, menacing salty waves clanged against my eyelids. The density of the air changed and I sucked in molasses instead of air into my lungs…”
I do not want to go into detail with the rest of the story as it would spoil it for those of you who have not yet read it, but let me just say that the story of Ashland and Breaker is not one you want to miss!!!!
check out our other reviews at www.blogspot.com/mommyslatenightbookup
I first heard of this book through another blog who posted that anyone who suffers from panic attacks HAD to read this book. Being that I get frequent panic attacks, I decided to bump this up to the top of my TBR list. I was a little unsure of how I felt about this book when I first started reading it. In the beginning, the writing seemed a little “basic” for a lack of a better description. But the further I read, the more I realized that my first impression was wrong! As you read, you cannot help but fall in love with the two main characters, Ashland and Breaker. Breaker is a boy who has had his heart ripped out of his chest, and then stomped on. He walked in on his girlfriend having sex with another man at a party, and thus triggered the beginning of his anxiety and panic attacks, causing him to become socially inept. Since that night, Breaker has spent 2 years holed up in his house alone. He is unable to go out in public, and can barely bring himself to talk to anyone other than his therapist and family. Enter Ashland, a college student who hasn’t had the best of luck in the friend and boyfriend department in the past, but whom has a heart of gold. Ashland’s father owns a commercial cleaning business, so when she comes across a “help wanted ad” for a live in maid, she feels it is the perfect opportunity for her. She finds out that not only is this a job to keep the house clean for an amazingly hot guy, but its also for her to try and help him break out of this brick wall he has put around himself. This is when her and Breaker meet.
The chemistry between Breaker and Ashland is instant however, Breaker’s past, along with his present, causes him to try and push those feelings back which causes an emotional rollercoaster of up’s and down’s between the two of them in the beginning. One minute he’s hot, the next minute he’s cold, which drives Ashland crazy…what girl wouldn’t go out of her mind dealing with that??? At one point he finally pushes away too far and Ashland decides to go on a date with the guy who has been crushing on her from the coffee shop. Needless to say, the date did not go well, and upon returning back to the house, she finds Breaker sitting on the couch waiting.
““Did he tell you how beautiful you look tonight? Did he tell you that this red,” he worked a piece of my shirt between his thumb and his finger “really sets off your eyes? Did he hold your hand? Did he bring you to the door and make you wish you were the kind of girl that would invite him in?”… “I wish you’d been there with me tonight. I would’ve made sure you knew how beautiful you are.””
::Sigh:: and that was the first time that Breaker made me completely swoon. It was also the turning point in their relationship.
“I pressed my lips to her warm salty skin and let them linger there. I felt as her hands clasped the front of my shirt and she gasped.”
The rest of the book isn’t simply just your typical sweet romance story. While it did have some unbelievably sweet and romantic parts (actually, quite a few), it also focused on Breaker’s anxiety of the outside world, and the panic attacks that he would get as he tried to push out of his comfort zone. This is where I can completely relate to his character. The way the author went on to describe the way his mind and body reacted during one of these panic attacks really hit me hard. As I was reading, all I could think was “this is exactly what happens to me when I get these attacks”, and it definitely stirred up a bunch of emotions inside me. My heart would break for his character over and over throughout the story. I know how hard it is to get yourself to leave your comfort zone when you suffer from this level of anxiety. In reality, it is very difficult for someone who has not personally experienced going through a panic attack to understand what it is like, or how to help someone who is in the midst of having one. Lila Felix did a wonderful job putting into words what most cannot, and really made it so that people could understand what it is like for those of us who go through this day to day…that all it takes is one event, one attack, to cause a life long struggle.
“Drums beat in my ears, a creature clawed to get out of the confines of my chest, organs somersaulted, menacing salty waves clanged against my eyelids. The density of the air changed and I sucked in molasses instead of air into my lungs…”
I do not want to go into detail with the rest of the story as it would spoil it for those of you who have not yet read it, but let me just say that the story of Ashland and Breaker is not one you want to miss!!!!
check out our other reviews at www.blogspot.com/mommyslatenightbookup
September 27, 2013
I really enjoyed this book and more importantly, I enjoy these types of books. The type of books where the girl comes into the guy's life and makes it better. I love the message this book brings and I realized what the message was from the beginning. The message is that even though no matter how bad things can get, there is always hope out there that things will get better. This story is about a guy named Breaker and in the prologue, you see what happens to him that makes him stay in the house for at least 2 years or so, not stepping outside ever again. His girlfriend basically uses him for his money and she cheats on him and Breaker ends up going into this deep depression and basically shutting himself off from the outside world. His mother decides to hire a live in maid and she puts up ads and a few people answer the ads. In the end, they end up hiring Ashland, who isn't that much older then Breaker. In the beginning, it was a little rough between the two, but they started spending more time together and I loved seeing their friendship and eventually, love form. Ashland is that light at the end of the tunnel for Breaker, that sliver of hope to get his life back on track. She does convince him to go out of the house once in a while and they take baby steps, such as the first time was to drive around in the car and then they start moving up to actually being in public places, so it was interesting to see him slowly getting his life back together. Of course, when it comes to romances and books like these, there are always obstacles they must face. This story alternates between Ashland and Breaker's point of view, and I love seeing in the male's head because in real life, just as they think girls are hard to read, so are guys. We don't ever know what they're thinking. Most books that I read have a girl as a main character and we see in her point of view the entire time, so it's nice to see into the male's head once in a while. I loved the ending, it was an epilogue where it showed Breaker and Ashland a few years into the future and all I will say is that it was beautiful. I love these types of epilogues, where it shows the characters a few years into the future, especially if they get married or have children, or some type of happy ending!
THE CHARACTERS:
Ashland- I don't really have an opinion on Ashland, it doesn't mean I like her or hate her. When she meets Breaker, even though he shuts her out, she still tries to get through to him and she has that quality where she wants to save him and to help him piece his life back together. She's a strong girl that can take care of herself. I also love how her full name is Ashland Hope, it sort of ties into the message of the book and how Ashland is that one girl who gives Breaker hope that everything will be okay.
Breaker- In the beginning, Breaker tries to scare Ashland off by being a jerk to her, but Ashland doesn't give up on him and as much as Ashland tries to keep out of his way, some interactions were inevitable and they start to get to know each other more and etc. Breaker, at points, does try to sometimes step out of the house by his own when Ashland isn't home, he wants to prove to himself and to Ashland that he could do this on his own and that he doesn't need her to hold his hand. He beats himself up pretty badly about it when he couldn't do it. It takes a while for him to be able to do things on his own, but he wants to do it for himself and for Ashland. There are moments where Breaker is a jerk for a reason to Ashland because he sometimes feels he's not good enough for her since he can't even step outside of the house and he believes she deserves better then that. It is frustrating to see a character demoralize himself like that, but sometimes they have to do that in order to see how great they really are in the end.
You meet a whole bunch of other people as well, such as Breaker's "friend", Ashland's friend/former roommate, Breaker's mother, Ashland's father, so mainly the friends and family in both of their lives.
OVERALL: I give this book 5 stars because the message that it comes across is very touching, to me. No matter how bad things get, there is always hope that it will get better. Whether someone in your life comes along to help you dig yourself out of that rut or if you dig yourself out of that rut, things will get better and that's what made this book all the more amazing. I loved seeing Breaker and Ashland's relationship form and how Breaker puts his life back together. I highly recommend this book for fans of Lila Felix or if you just love romance books like I do!
THE CHARACTERS:
Ashland- I don't really have an opinion on Ashland, it doesn't mean I like her or hate her. When she meets Breaker, even though he shuts her out, she still tries to get through to him and she has that quality where she wants to save him and to help him piece his life back together. She's a strong girl that can take care of herself. I also love how her full name is Ashland Hope, it sort of ties into the message of the book and how Ashland is that one girl who gives Breaker hope that everything will be okay.
Breaker- In the beginning, Breaker tries to scare Ashland off by being a jerk to her, but Ashland doesn't give up on him and as much as Ashland tries to keep out of his way, some interactions were inevitable and they start to get to know each other more and etc. Breaker, at points, does try to sometimes step out of the house by his own when Ashland isn't home, he wants to prove to himself and to Ashland that he could do this on his own and that he doesn't need her to hold his hand. He beats himself up pretty badly about it when he couldn't do it. It takes a while for him to be able to do things on his own, but he wants to do it for himself and for Ashland. There are moments where Breaker is a jerk for a reason to Ashland because he sometimes feels he's not good enough for her since he can't even step outside of the house and he believes she deserves better then that. It is frustrating to see a character demoralize himself like that, but sometimes they have to do that in order to see how great they really are in the end.
You meet a whole bunch of other people as well, such as Breaker's "friend", Ashland's friend/former roommate, Breaker's mother, Ashland's father, so mainly the friends and family in both of their lives.
OVERALL: I give this book 5 stars because the message that it comes across is very touching, to me. No matter how bad things get, there is always hope that it will get better. Whether someone in your life comes along to help you dig yourself out of that rut or if you dig yourself out of that rut, things will get better and that's what made this book all the more amazing. I loved seeing Breaker and Ashland's relationship form and how Breaker puts his life back together. I highly recommend this book for fans of Lila Felix or if you just love romance books like I do!
July 4, 2013
Lila Felix has done it again! Man she never ceases to amaze me by her writing. I swear with each book she gets better and better because I open up to the first page and I am instantly HOOKED! My heart starts pumping fast the adrenaline kicking into over drive because I know I am in for one hell of a roller coaster ride! In AngiSH we get to see a love story unfold right before your eyes. You get the good the bad and the ugly and then the ultimate is the ending which I will not say because HOLY BREAKER JAMES you are the man! I give kudos to Lila for AnguiSH because she did something very unique with this story and that is the main character is a guy who is the broken one to the point where he can't see straight. I loved how Lila introduces us in the prologue to Breaker and everything that happened to him to make him who he is and why. God I just loved it because you don't get to see the breakdown of a guy often because it is always skimmed over but no way Lila brought it to the front and proceeded to bring it home!
Breaker James is broken. He was in a relationship that he thought was going good and then went south really fast. The girl broke his heart and in his anger he had a massive panic attack. He had been having them all along but small ones so he thought it was just stress until he found out the truth about his then girlfriend Holly. Once Breaker had the massive panic attack and landed in the hospital he stopped going out. As a matter of fact Breaker stopped living. He no longer went outside or went to school or went out with friends. He started doing everything from the confines of this house. His mother feed up with his antics decides he needs a maid because the house is a mess and it is not helping him. So she puts up an add on campus to see if she can get a live in maid for Breaker. At least that way he can live in a clean house instead of the filth he is living in not helping his panic attacks.
Ashland is not your average college girl. She has suffered some things in her life and she is an awkward girl. She talks to much and she annoys the hell out of people. Her only true friend is her roommate whom she is going to have to leave soon because her father's business is not doing well so she has to move out of the dorms. Desperate to find an apartment Ash looks for a job and stumbles across the add for a live in maid. She is excited because she will be able to save money if she gets the job and still stay in school. Her dream is to be a Veterinarian and she is determined to see it through. When she goes to the interview Breaker does not open the door for her at first and his mother threatens him to open the door. When he first sees her he is captivated by her looks and her smell. But he is weary because of his panic attacks. He knows no good can come from liking a girl like Ash but he has his fantasies.
At first when Ash starts her job Breaker is a total ass to her and she takes it in strides. Soon Ash is breaking down all the walls Breaker has put up and he slowly starts to see that the panic attacks can be minimal. As their friendship grows so does their love for each other and what unfolds in this book is the most beautiful love story I have ever read. Lord I cried like someone died that is how much I loved loved this story! Thank you Lila for giving us Breaker James! He is the man!
Breaker James is broken. He was in a relationship that he thought was going good and then went south really fast. The girl broke his heart and in his anger he had a massive panic attack. He had been having them all along but small ones so he thought it was just stress until he found out the truth about his then girlfriend Holly. Once Breaker had the massive panic attack and landed in the hospital he stopped going out. As a matter of fact Breaker stopped living. He no longer went outside or went to school or went out with friends. He started doing everything from the confines of this house. His mother feed up with his antics decides he needs a maid because the house is a mess and it is not helping him. So she puts up an add on campus to see if she can get a live in maid for Breaker. At least that way he can live in a clean house instead of the filth he is living in not helping his panic attacks.
Ashland is not your average college girl. She has suffered some things in her life and she is an awkward girl. She talks to much and she annoys the hell out of people. Her only true friend is her roommate whom she is going to have to leave soon because her father's business is not doing well so she has to move out of the dorms. Desperate to find an apartment Ash looks for a job and stumbles across the add for a live in maid. She is excited because she will be able to save money if she gets the job and still stay in school. Her dream is to be a Veterinarian and she is determined to see it through. When she goes to the interview Breaker does not open the door for her at first and his mother threatens him to open the door. When he first sees her he is captivated by her looks and her smell. But he is weary because of his panic attacks. He knows no good can come from liking a girl like Ash but he has his fantasies.
At first when Ash starts her job Breaker is a total ass to her and she takes it in strides. Soon Ash is breaking down all the walls Breaker has put up and he slowly starts to see that the panic attacks can be minimal. As their friendship grows so does their love for each other and what unfolds in this book is the most beautiful love story I have ever read. Lord I cried like someone died that is how much I loved loved this story! Thank you Lila for giving us Breaker James! He is the man!
August 4, 2013
********ARC received in exchange for an honest review********
What! A! Book! Lila Felix has found a new fan in me after reading this and hopefully in all of you too. I loved this book so hard that it has instantly worked it’s way on to my list of favourite reads of 2013 and without a doubt I will be reading this again. My plan when I started reading AnguiSH was to split it over two days but I just couldn’t put it down and was finished in one sitting, left desperate for more.
I want to point out that I love the play on words with the title (AnguiSH – the main character is ASH), and as I read the book I loved more and more of what I was reading. Breaker had a bad experience which caused him to be afraid of being around people and so refused to leave his house for two years. Ash was known for being a loner that talked a lot and had a voice that annoyed everyone that heard it. Apart, people tried to tear them down. But together, they built each other up in to something beautiful.
Breaker James may not be your typical book boyfriend but he sure has me dreaming about him! Due to lack of exercise and not eating properly, he was pretty skinny but still managed to keep his abs. Add in dark hair, smokey eyes and the most caring, trustworthy heart and we’ve got a winner! Breaker was so sweet I was awwwww-ing and swooning all over the place. Seriously, it’s not possible to do anything but love that guy! I hated watching him struggle with his condition especially when there were people trying to purposely keep him ill and basically ruin his life!!!
Ashland was actually really cool for a loner! I loved her personality and her dry sense of humour, and I found myself constantly laughing at her thoughts and conversations with Breaker. I’m going to buy the actual ebook and I’m pretty sure that when I’ve read it again, about half of it will end up highlighted from all my favourite quotes (because trust me, there are a lot). I thought she was a really strong character, especially considering everything she had been through, and that’s what we all want in a female main character, right? She was quirky and so cool that I would absolutely want her as my BFF. You know, if she wasn’t fictional . . .
Breaker and Ashland’s personalities bounced of each other and it created a truly captivating story. There was literally only one thing in the entire book that slightly got to me and that was the fact that Breaker went from not being able to leave the house without Ash (but still having attacks) to going to the store, for dinner, out on his bike and to his doctors office all without her in space of 24 hours. It just didn’t seem believable BUT that was only tiny and without it the book would be too good to be true!
I honestly can’t tell you all enough how much I love AnguiSH. It’s a story I would tell everyone to read and I wouldn’t even bother putting it on your TBR list. It needs to go straight to Currently Reading because trust me, if not you will be kicking yourself, wishing you had read it sooner. Lila Felix is a fantastic author and I will definitely be looking out for her in the future.
What! A! Book! Lila Felix has found a new fan in me after reading this and hopefully in all of you too. I loved this book so hard that it has instantly worked it’s way on to my list of favourite reads of 2013 and without a doubt I will be reading this again. My plan when I started reading AnguiSH was to split it over two days but I just couldn’t put it down and was finished in one sitting, left desperate for more.
I want to point out that I love the play on words with the title (AnguiSH – the main character is ASH), and as I read the book I loved more and more of what I was reading. Breaker had a bad experience which caused him to be afraid of being around people and so refused to leave his house for two years. Ash was known for being a loner that talked a lot and had a voice that annoyed everyone that heard it. Apart, people tried to tear them down. But together, they built each other up in to something beautiful.
Breaker James may not be your typical book boyfriend but he sure has me dreaming about him! Due to lack of exercise and not eating properly, he was pretty skinny but still managed to keep his abs. Add in dark hair, smokey eyes and the most caring, trustworthy heart and we’ve got a winner! Breaker was so sweet I was awwwww-ing and swooning all over the place. Seriously, it’s not possible to do anything but love that guy! I hated watching him struggle with his condition especially when there were people trying to purposely keep him ill and basically ruin his life!!!
Ashland was actually really cool for a loner! I loved her personality and her dry sense of humour, and I found myself constantly laughing at her thoughts and conversations with Breaker. I’m going to buy the actual ebook and I’m pretty sure that when I’ve read it again, about half of it will end up highlighted from all my favourite quotes (because trust me, there are a lot). I thought she was a really strong character, especially considering everything she had been through, and that’s what we all want in a female main character, right? She was quirky and so cool that I would absolutely want her as my BFF. You know, if she wasn’t fictional . . .
Breaker and Ashland’s personalities bounced of each other and it created a truly captivating story. There was literally only one thing in the entire book that slightly got to me and that was the fact that Breaker went from not being able to leave the house without Ash (but still having attacks) to going to the store, for dinner, out on his bike and to his doctors office all without her in space of 24 hours. It just didn’t seem believable BUT that was only tiny and without it the book would be too good to be true!
I honestly can’t tell you all enough how much I love AnguiSH. It’s a story I would tell everyone to read and I wouldn’t even bother putting it on your TBR list. It needs to go straight to Currently Reading because trust me, if not you will be kicking yourself, wishing you had read it sooner. Lila Felix is a fantastic author and I will definitely be looking out for her in the future.
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