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Cruel Fate

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Life is about choices, and every choice we make sets in motion a series of events that will change our lives forever...

That’s what Brennan Cole discovers when he finds an eviction notice stuck to his apartment door. Desperate, and in need of money he makes a single decision that aligns his path with Neddie Waters; a woman he never knew he was looking for.

But what happens when the one person that can heal you also has the power to destroy you?

Previously titled 'Love Me To Death'

368 pages, Paperback

Published February 9, 2016

2 people are currently reading
526 people want to read

About the author

Sharlay

9 books222 followers
I’m an avid reader, professional daydreamer, and chocolate addict. When life gets too much, I escape to the safety of my laptop and type away for hours. My characters are my friends, and my family are cool, too...I guess. Writing is my passion, and I love my readers. If you want to know what the voices in my head are talking about then pick up one of my books and find out. I will warn you that some of my stories will cause you to ugly cry but if you can get through that then you’ll make it through to the happily-ever-after that you’ll need.

Website: www.sharlayauthor.com
Twitter: @sharlay88
Instagram: @sharlayauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharlay.author

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5 stars
67 (46%)
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41 (28%)
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23 (15%)
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9 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,548 reviews1,681 followers
May 20, 2019
Looking at the title and having read the blurb, I initially thought this would be a depressive reading experience but it was, on the contrary, a very heart-warming story of two likable characters.

I can even call this book a romantic comedy, believe me. I had such a good time reading it. There was this big smile on my face most of the time and every now and then, I was laughing out loud. The characters, Neddie (Ned) and Brennan (Cole) are heart-meltingly cute and their dialogues are very sweet.



The story is told by the male point of view. Cole’s inner monologues are one of a kind. His sense of humor is so good. He is so charming, despite all his flaws. I kind of fell in love with him myself, as well :)



OK, of course, there were bitter moments but they were not like what I expected. The characters in the book were out of the ordinary, so the way they dealt with this situation was different from my expectations and these beautiful characters made the book different for me from most other books dealing with terminal illnesses.



I read this book as a buddy read with my goodreads friend Bookylicious and we chatted every few chapters, discussing how it might end. And I must say that the ending was just perfect – we weren’t expecting it, believe me, it caught both of us by surprise, but we loved it. We were thinking of some possibilities but not this one. In this way, it was just a perfect ending for such a beautiful journey.

When you read this book, please read the writer’s note at the end to learn how her real life inspired this novel. You shouldn’t miss reading it because it then makes more sense. It really touched my heart even more when I learnt about the source of inspiration for this novel.

I am so glad that I have read this beautiful book and I highly recommend it whenever you feel like reading a story that will capture you, warm your heart and bring out many emotions at the same time.

With this book, I have, once more, understood that whatever the plot is, the way it is dealt with, the way it comes into existence with the words of the writer is the big deal and here, dear Sharlay makes an excellent job of dealing with a sensitive subject such as “falling in love with a woman having a terminal illness” and she has created amazing characters with witty and inspiring dialogues.

This book is definitely worth a few re-reads....

My book is full of highlights :) So, let me give you some examples... Here are a few quotations from the novel:

“Then the door opens. OH.MY.GOSH. Ned is … I have no words. I’m pretty sure my jaw just hit the oak table. If the women of this world have Christian Grey, then I think I just found Christina Grey for the entire male population. Please handcuff me now!"



Yup, I was right, I definitely just read what I thought I read. I look up at Ned in confusion. “What the hell is this?”
“A contract. It is a legally binding contract.”
Again … Christina freaking Grey.

***

Texting:
Me: If you don’t tell that jerk to move his arm I’m going to come down there and break it.
Ned: I am not. And his arm stays! It has nothing to do with you! You will NOT break it!
Me: I promise you, I WILL break it, babe. And it has everything to do with me.
Ned: How the hell did you reach that twisted conclusion?
Me: Because I just book boyfriended the hell out of you by flying for 6 hours just to tell you that I am in love with you. So either you get rid of his arm or I do. The choice is yours?




Ok, if she wants poetry then poetry is what she’ll get. I sit staring at her for a moment before clearing my throat.
Right here we go …
"I love your thighs and I love your knees, open your legs so I can enter, please.”
She howls with laughter and covers her face. “Oh my gosh, my boyfriend literally has no filter,” she says as she giggles.

***

“On a scale of one to ten how mad are you?”
“Eleven.”

***

So, I never look back and instead take direct and fast steps in the direction of my apartment. It’s over twenty minutes away by train, but I don’t care. I need all the air I can get right now because Ned just stole a ton of it when I held her in my arms.

***

“I’m not giving up on you, Ned.”
“I don’t want you to.”
“I won’t. Not ever. Not in this life or the next. I will always find you."
“I will always be waiting.”


P.S. I read the "Love me to death" version of it and now it is released with a new cover & title, which is more awesome than the first one...
Profile Image for Hulya Kara Yuksel.
1,095 reviews1,306 followers
October 1, 2018


Ahhhhh I just finished another fantastic book! :D Brennan & Neddie were so great together. I loved them so much and their chemistry were soooooo hot! ;)

Long story short, I highly recommend this book to you. You'll laugh, you'll cry but trust me it will worth of your time. Because this book was really wonderful! <3

Ps. Dilek, my sweet friend. Thank you much for recommending this book to me. :) You can read her beautiful review with this link. <3
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,622 reviews10.9k followers
February 12, 2016
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"Sharlay" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!

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TITLE: Love Me To Death
AUTHOR: Sharlay
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: 12th February, 2016

MY RATING
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5 Fakelationship Stars.

This will be my first time reading anything by this author so at this stage I don't know what to expect, love the cover (hot fella - win win) and the synopsis is what got me requesting this arc..

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The is Brennan and Neddie’s story told in Brennan’s POV.
He landed the biggest acting job of his career "fake boyfriend" for one year.

Brennan is a down on his luck actor who is on the verge of being evicted from his apartment by his disgruntled landlord. Neddie is a top ring designer, who is suffering from a terminal illness and only has 1 year to live.

The job I want to offer you is not your everyday acting job. I am terminally ill. The doctors believe that I have a year to live - if I'm lucky. My mother seems to think I need to fall in love before that time comes to an end. I disagree, but I am not in the habit of disappointing my mother. So I need to hire someone to play my "lover."

Five thousand dollars a month = Sixty Thousand Dollars to pretend to be Neddie's boyfriend, for a year

If I keep seeing five thousand dollars deposited into my account every month. I'll be the best damn fake lover she has ever had.

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BUCKET LIST:
1: Skydiving
2: Visit an art gallery
3: Learn to swim
4: Hold a baby in my arms
5: Skiing


I can just tell that this is going to be a fugly emotional read, Brennan (Cole as Neddie calls him) is a man whore, his bed is like a revolving door, until he accepts Neddie's proposition, he has to act the part of a man in love, be celibate, no drinking, he thinks he has it in himself to accept the challenge..

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One vital rule: Do not fall in love..This binding contract these two have is so going to back fire!!

The back and forwards banter between these two is heart meltingly cute, slowly you can see lines becoming blurred where he's not really acting the part of the fake boyfriend but of a man that is developing feelings.
I've caught myself on numerous occasions giggling as they try to out play the other..

"Babe, you’re wearing the floss panties.”
“What?” She says drowsily.
“I take back everything I said, we are not taking these back for a refund. Ever. I forbid it. In fact, we need to get more … lots more.”
I look back down at the panties.
"I think we should go today. These are the sexiest pair of panties I have ever seen. I think they just became my favorite,” I whisper.
"Ned?”
“What, Cole?"
“Oh gee, I think I just found a string”


No matter what happens, no matter how long we have left, you will always be my forever, Neddie Cole.

MY THOUGHTS: This book is intoxicating, humorous, sexy, light hearted and brings out all those mushy feels.
Cole aka Brennan really creeps his way into your heart, he has so many layers to him, he's verbally abused and put down by his father constantly, his way of blocking out all the hurtful words and trying to not be the kind of man his father says he is, is where the revolving door of females comes into it. But when he meets Ned we see another side of Brennan come through, the jokester side is forever making it's appearance, the affectionate side that wants/needs more than he's ever needed wanted before in his life, she's good for him and I think vice versa, this had me hooked right from the start, it's uniqueness just grabs a hold of you..
Profile Image for FMABookReviews.
637 reviews400 followers
March 8, 2016
Love Me To Death is a sweet, humorous love story.

Brennen “Cole" is an out of work actor, on the verge of being kicked out of his apartment when he spies an ad for an actor on the community boards of his favorite coffee joint. He is the typical self-centered, manwhore, who wants to live life having fun, which he continues to do, even though he hasn’t any money…

enter Neddie “Ned” Waters, who has one year left to live and has a mother who wishes her daughter to fall in love before she dies…

Ned is a wealthy jewelry designer to whom, money is no object. So she hires Cole to be her fake boyfriend to appease her mother. Ned’s rules are that the two not fall in love with each other, not have sex and not tell anyone about the arrangement.

This is the first time I have read a book penned by this author. I found her writing to be solid, and the characters were well-developed.

I did have a few issues with the plot. While this is fiction unless I am reading PNR/Fantasy, I have to have believability in the books I read, for example, 1) Who carries a pen and paper with them while snow skiing? Whether you are a person who wants to chronicle all of life’s events, that isn’t going to happen. I can’t see someone stopping in the middle of the slope to write what was on their mind. 2) Our heroine has a life-threatening disease, which could easily be managed if she followed her doctor’s orders. I still don’t understand why she didn’t want to. Finally, it was a little too sweet and predictable for me.

There are several 4 and 5-star reviews for Love Me To Death, so perhaps I am just picky. Like I said, I did like the author’s writing style, and the premise was good.

*ARC provided in exchange for review*

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Profile Image for Miss Rail.
502 reviews82 followers
May 3, 2016
This read was very disappointing for me.
Even if I loved Ned & Cole's banters and their sense of humor, I couldn't ignore all the absurdities and inconsistencies of the plot.

SPOILERS AHEAD, BE WARNED.

I read the author's note where she shares with her readers that this book was inspired by her father's heart condition diagnosis and miraculous recovery.
I think there's a very significant difference with Ned's situation though.
The author's father fought for his life and his family fought alongside him.
[...] My dad was a little less rebellious than Neddie and he did take his medicine [...]

Ned gives up right from the start and even after falling in love with her, Cole doesn't question her decision, NOT ONCE.
I loved the author's message in that note but I can't say the same about her book.

Ned is a successful young woman recently diagnosed with a severe heart condition.
She says she's lived a very happy and fulfilling life and she refuses treatment because she doesn't want to take the risk of barely surviving weakened by her heart condition or worse, dying on the operating table during a heart trasplant.
Falling in love with Cole doesn't change her mind.
I understand it's Ned's life and it's her choice but...
who doesn't fight to have a minute more with their loved ones?
What kind of man in love doesn't even try to convince her to do whatever it takes to stay alive?
I had serious trouble accepting these characters' way of thinking.
Ned's reasoning is very much absurd.
She is madly in love with Cole, she says she hates the thought of leaving him but still...she keeps refusing to actually do anything to avoid certain death.
--Why does she even bother saying that kind of things if she's determined to choose death over the hope to live and love?--

As I said this story wasn't a "win" for me.
Here are a few other things that really bothered me:
Cole is supposed to be an "actor wannabe" tirelessly pursuing his dream but how does he spend his days?
Drinking and screwing around.
Prior to his commitment to Ned, the only thing he works hard for is having fun.
Ned is supposed to suffer from a severe heart condition that will be soon fatal and she has no symptoms whatsoever until the 78% mark.
▪ Cole "plays therapist" to help Ned overcome a TERRIBLE trauma.
Seriously. WTF???? O_O
▪ Ned doesn't ask Cole for protected sex (even if he's been a certified and proud manwhore) and she doesn't spare a thought to the possibility of getting pregnant.
Obviously...
...she does get pregnant and even more absurdities are spouted.
As if the story needed more crappy drama:
"..There’s a life inside of here,” she says touching her stomach in shock for a moment. “There’s a life and you’re asking me to weigh it up and choose mine as the more important one. Who am I to make that decision?”
“Someone who actually gives a damn about their own life. Someone who wants to live,” I growl.
“I do want to live! Don’t you think I want that, damn it! Do you honestly think I want to leave behind everything and everyone that I love? Do you truly believe that if I had a chance to live I wouldn’t take it? Do you? I don’t want to die”

REALLY Ned?
You were ready to live your last days doing NOTHING to try to preserve your life.
YOU HAD OPTIONS AND YOU CHOSE TO DO NOTHING and now...this?
HAVE YOU GONE COMPLETELY MAD??

I had more than a few LOL moments that made this book an "Ok read" but, in my opinion, Ned&Cole funny conversations are not enough for a higher rating.
☆2 stars☆
Profile Image for Gökçe.
Author 4 books73 followers
March 27, 2018
I absolutely love love love loved this book! Thank you so much Dilek!

***
22.10.2017 tarihinde tekrar okudum. Yine güldüm, yine ağladım, çok sevdiğimi hatırladım.
***

Son zamanlarda hiç güzel kitaplara denk gelemiyordum, Dilek'in önerisiyle kitaba başladım ve bum! Hayatımda ilk defa kaldığım sayfaya bakıp "Ne çabuk 100. sayfaya geldik ya?" diye şaştım kaldım. O kadar akıcı, o kadar güzel yazılmış, her şeyiyle bize her duyguyu yaşatan, konusu öyle tatlı, karakterleri öyle sevimli bir kitaptı ki! Kitabın arka kapağını okudum, eğlenceli geldi ama bu kadar seveceğimi hakikaten tahmin etmedim. Başlarda çok güldüm. Çok eğlenceli buldum. Zaten erkek bakış açısıyla yazılmış kitapları çok seviyorum. Sonra öyle yerler geldi ki... Ağladım! Hem de ne ağladım! Ve kimse kusura bakmasın arkadaşlar ama ben sonuna baktım! Benim kalbim almıyor böyle şeyleri valla :D

Kitabın sonunda yazar kendi hikayesini anlatmış. Ben en önce kitapların ek teşekkür kısımlarını okurum. Burayı da kitaptan önce okumuş bulundum ve bence çok iyi oldu. True story olduğunu söylemese kitabı cheesy bulurdum, mucizelere pek inanmam çünkü.

Neyse işte, bu kadar methiye düzdüm konusunu da anlatayım. Brennan 25 yaşında oyuncu olma düşüncesindeki ama ipsiz sapsız beş parasız oğlanımız. Nerede akşam orada sabah bir adam. Ned ise doktorlar tarafından kendisine en fazla 1 yıl ömür biçilmiş kızımız. Ned annesinin mutlu olması için kendine bir erkek arkadaş bulmak istiyor, ama öleceği için kimseyi sevmek de kimsenin onu sevmesini de istemiyor. End, enter Brannen :D Yolları kesişiyor Bayan Christina Grey'imiz gizlilik sözleşmesi okutuyor (bu kısımlar harikaydı ya :D) ve çiftimizin sahte ilişkisi başlıyor! Normalde erkeklerin kadın parası yemesi falan beni rahatsız edebilecek bir şeyken bu kitap öyle güzel koydu ki önüme laf edemedim. Ned'in çok güçlü oluşu, cesur kararları... Hatalar yaptılar ama o hatalarıyla kendilerini sevdirdiler. Ne Ned mükemmeldi (Bkz: Jerkson) ne de Brannen. Ama birbirleri için mükemmellerdi.

Ben çok sevdim, siz de size her duyduyu yaşatacak tatlı bir kitap okumak isterseniz mutlaka öneririm ❤️


“That is the first time you’ve genuinely smiled since I got here, which tells me that she’s the reason you’re sitting in here right now with that miserable look on your face. Fix it, Bren. If she has the power to get you to even utter the word girlfriend then she’s worth fighting for. So stop feeling sorry for yourself and go call her.”



“That’s exactly the way I feel about you. I can’t explain the reason that I love you. It’s like asking me why I breathe … I do it to survive.”



“Because I just book boyfriended the hell out of you by flying for 6 hours just to tell you that I am in love with you.”

Profile Image for Halime   Yazıcı Mimaroğlu .
758 reviews54 followers
August 23, 2019
Bu kitap hakkında neler yazılmaz ki!!! komik, eğlenceli, arasıra hüznüyle yoklayan, ben olsaydın Cole ya da Ned yerinde olsam acaba napardım diye düşünmeden edemedim. Çok cesurlar. Oğlanın dili dahil her yeri fena çalışıyor. Zeki, eğlenceli, hassas, bir o kadar vefakar. Her ne kadar sorumsuz ya da vurdumduymaz görünse de arkasında haksız yere kendine yöneltilen öfke ve yalnızlık var!
Bir kontrat evet yanlış duymadınız kelimesi kelimesine uyulması gereken bir antlaşma. Gizliliği kendisi için çok önemli olan hastalığı sebebiyle çok zamanı kalmayan güzeller güzeli Ned ile neredeyse kontratı sil baştan yazan yani herkuralını en az bir kere çiğneyen Cole aslında Brennan.

kitap kesinlikle sürekli eğlenceli diyaloglarla ilerliyor. eğlenceli dedikse duygusal boyutu da yoğun. aile ilişkisini hayatı tiye almak ile ciddiye almak arasında gidip gelen bir deneyimi görüyorsunuz. sonunda yazar size neden bu kitabı yazdığını açıkladığınızda ise bu kitabın mucizesinin aslında gerçek hayattan alındığını gördüğünüz de ise değmeyin keyfinizr. Evet o gözlerinizdeki umut parıltısı ben de de olmuştu.

Must read immediately because it smells fun, sometimes pain but absolutelly from real life. Characters were amazing and story stole my heart. Cole Oh God Can you arrange same man copy of Brennanfor me. Just please!!!!

Neddy You want to cuddle with her. Because she is brave and fearless but hopefull for life.

and that bucket list. I fell in love wit it. Please Read this!!!
It changes at least something in your life!!!!!
Profile Image for Sharlay Author.
Author 9 books222 followers
March 19, 2016
"This book is intoxicating, humorous, sexy, light hearted and brings out all those mushy feels. " - Kitty Kat's Crazy About Books

"You are guaranteed an ugly cry and your heart will go into palpitations." - MAustin, Alpha Book Club

"It was the perfect combination of sweetness, laugh-out-loud moments and heartbreaking situations." - Romance Between the Sheets

"I knew going into Love me to Death that it was going to be an emotional read, but nothing could have prepared me for how amazing this book truly is." - Lunaland Books

"I highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a laugh out loud, sweet story. You will also need some tissues because it is bound to make you cry as well." - Juls, I love Story Time

"This was a great story and one I'll be recommending for quite some time." - Kim, Author Groupies

"Love Me to Death is a MUST read and my favorite book of 2016 so far! " - Jessica, Bottles & Books Reviews

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Profile Image for Katie.
634 reviews168 followers
February 22, 2016
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

To me, this author definitely knows how to write a book that is emotional to read. This was the second book that I have read by this author, both of which I have now cried at.

I knew before I even began this book, just from having read the synopsis, that I was going to cry while reading it. The story didn't get really emotional until much latter on in the book, but cry I did. A lot.

I thought the book was well written and was enjoyable to read. It had a good storyline that kept my interest all the way through. The whole story is told from Brennan's POV (the main male character) which although I did love, I think at times I would have maybe liked to have known what was going through Neddie's head (the main female character).

There were a few unexpected surprises towards the end of the book which I liked. The story didn't go as I initially expected it would but I was glad about that. I loved the ending even though it wasn't one I expected this story would have - to be honest the ending made me cry a hell of a lot (both happy and sad tears). The ending was, I think, one of my favourite parts of the story.

I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
Profile Image for Selin'.
101 reviews15 followers
February 25, 2016
PRETTY PLEASE READ BELOW

I'm going to be pretty passionate for a minute so y'all better read it to the end

So, here's the deal

Anybody who follows me or knows me, knows how i'm a romance obsessed girl. Give me a HEA and i'll give you my soul (Yes really)

So, I saw this book and read the blurb and was like 'Ok, have to read this'

Not only for the hot cover but because it really captured my attention

So I started this book and all I can say is: BEST ROMCOM I HAVE EVER READ IN MY WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE, HANDS DOWN maybe even best romance idk

I've read so many books, and I say 'I love this book so much it's my favorite' maybe every book? #dontjudgeme but is it still my favorite book on the following weeks? NO

But this book pretty much stole my heart and showed me again why I love reading books so much

This was so refreshing because it was out of the box. Not all alpha male, sex, trouble, heartbreak, jealous ex, stupid family and so much more every book contains nowadays

I feel like all the books we read now are the same. Always that sexy alpha male who wants to dominate the naive girl, steamy sex scenes but NO STORYLINE

Well, this story shows you that is not all a story needs to be 'succesful'
I laughed out loud more than I should (trust me, got a lot of weird looks), I cried like a baby, I hurt with the characters and I screamed some sense into them (not that they heard)

And i'm praising this book because I really want people to read this book! Saying it's good is putting it mildly. Page - turner until the very end.

So if you scrolled past me without reading: SHAME ON YOU
If you read it: THANK YOU AND CHECK IT OUT
Profile Image for ✿kawehi.reviews.
1,453 reviews428 followers
February 22, 2016
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆

Ooh, this one gave me the feels.
I was intrigued, and yet, I was reeling on how this one would end. Luckily, it does not leave you morbidly depressed and wanting to paint everything a bleak black and white.

Love Me to Death touches on sensitive and universal topics that we all face in our lives: the bliss and anguish of love &&& the fragility of mortality.

After reading the story and then reading the author's message at the end, it really came full circle to me, as to how much people take their lives for granted and how those who actually want to live get not necessarily the short end stick....but, I feel like they actually cherish and notice things a lot more and therefore make every second count.

What really highlighted this story for me were the two leads: Brendan and Neddie. I feel as if their courtship was one of those backed by the gods of destiny. They were not looking for one another, more less, love and in the end they came out with so much more.

I also liked aside from the obvious of what this book was about, there was some unexpected twists thrown in that they have to experience throughout and seeing them battle on through it with the open ended questions of: how much time? and is their love really worth the distance?

An emotionally packed read with beautiful poignant lessons that will tug at your heartstrings and never let go!

Kawehi
Profile Image for Bookylicious.
82 reviews36 followers
March 29, 2016
First of all I want to say that I hate illness topic in a book. But that illness side of the story wasn't that disturbing at all. So if u have hasitations about that please keep that in mind!!!
It was totally a beautiful story. Ned our h is a succesful jewelery designer and has a heart failure. Her mother wants her to fall in love before she dies and She wants her mother to be happy. So finds an actor (brennan cole -H) for to play her boyfriend. They fall in love immediately but that wasn't cheesy that much. I hate sudden love topic but their situation wasn't that cheesy. I loved their chemisry together. They were a really funny couple. It was a fast read. There weren't any unnecessary sentences all through the book. There were times while reading I felt (at %50) ohhh this book is too predictable. I can already see the ending here. Ohh I was really stupid and confident myself:)) the ending was perfect and I cried alot and it was nothing I expected. Yeah it was predictable in someway but if given the chance for me to write this book I'd totally write the ending the same.
I totally happy cried in the end:))) that much spoiler is enough for thoose seeking info:))
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
July 22, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/5/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Jesey ~ Schmexy GIrl~.
404 reviews744 followers
March 12, 2016
4.5 stars

Love Me To Death by Sharlay has been sitting on my kindle for quite some time…just begging me to read it and I’m so glad that I finally got the chance to do so! Brennan Cole and Neddie (aka Ned) Waters were a breath of fresh air. This story is heavy and light at the same time. It is funny and sadness all rolled into one.

I’ll be honest, when I first started reading I wasn’t sure how I was going to like it. I knew from the synopsis that Neddie was hiring someone to play her “lover”. I was surprised at how it happened and what was actually going to be involved. I didn’t think Brennan (aka Cole to Neddie) was going to have it in him to follow through and complete this job. My first impression of him was PLAYER…new girl every night, no repeat kind of guy. I just did not know how he was going to do with this task!

I kept reading and that’s when the feels started. There were parts of this story that made me laugh out loud…

~Ned “Then you are you comparing me to?”

~Cole “Babe, there are multiple personalities inside that hot little body of yours, I’m comparing you to yourself…all of you.”

~and~

“I’m an actor.”

“Oh, that’s fantastic, have you been in anything, recently, that I might now?” he asks in a patronizing tone.

“Other than Ned, probably not” I hear Ned start to choke on her food, I pat her back but she swats my hand away while giving me a look of death.

I think I actually spat coffee out of my mouth at that, then quickly called my husband to read him that line! But then I swooned when this happened…

Neither of us says a word as we listen to the sound of each other’s breathing in the still of the night. We fall asleep in silence. Both saying nothing and saying everything.

And it just keeps getting better and better. Their relationship evolves quickly…I guess when you need to learn all about someone fast you get all the getting to know you business out of the way. Neddie is strong willed and she thought she knew what her plan was. Cole just wanted a job and to be able to pay his rent. What they find ends up being so much more…cue the waterworks…

“I’m not giving up on you, Ned.”

“I don’t want you to.”

“I won’t. Not ever. Not in this life or the next. I will always find you.:

“I will always be waiting.”

I’m sure you will be sucked in just as I was….beautifully written and full of emotion!
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,421 reviews241 followers
February 23, 2016
"Passion validates you, not money."

Love me to Death follows Brennan, a ladies man who is notorious for his one night stands. Brennan is a struggling actor who refuses to give up on his dream despite his lack of success. One day he finds a role that will change the way he sees the world, other people, and himself. In other words, it changes his entire life. His role is to pretend to be a boyfriend to a dying woman, Neddie, who wants nothing more than to fulfill her mother's desire for her to fall in love before she dies.

Forbidden romances are always a pleasure to read and Love me to Death is no exception. However, this story offers more than just a simple, cut and dry romance. It offers a refreshing perspective on life, which can only be reached through personal experience. This personal experience shines through the writing creating a visceral and real story.

The entire story is told from Brennan's perspective, which is rare for romance novels. Having only a male perspective for a typically female story is both interesting and unique. His character is flawed, emotional, quick-witted, and full of charm and swagger.

"'So, what is it you do, Cole?' Jackson asks. I try not to scroll.
'I'm an actor.'
'Oh, that's fantastic, have you been in anything recently, that I might know?' he asks in a patronizing tone.
'Other than Ned, probably not.'"

Finally, the most interesting aspect of this book is its similarity/feel to Fifty Shades of Grey. At first glance this may seem like a criticism rather than a compliment, however I intend it as a compliment because of what Sharlay does with the material. The beginning of the book has a similar vibe as Fifty Shades, but with genders reversed. Both stories head in different directions, but it was fun and interesting seeing the role reversal.


Overall, Love me to Death is an inspiring romance with a twist, fantastically developed characters, and a personal touch that shines through the writing. If you're looking for a change of pace with romance than look no further.


**I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,833 reviews45 followers
February 11, 2016
Title:Love Me To Death
Author: Sharlay
Release Date: 2-12-16
Genre(s): Romance
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
description

Love Me To Death by Sharlay was a 5 star read.
Romance, Humor, Ugly Cry, Finding your true love, Hot Alpha

Wow, what a read, I’m emotionally exhausted. Loved the humor in a very heartwarming story.

The is Brennan and Neddie’s story told in Brennan’s POV.
Brennan is an actor who is on the verge of being evicted from his apartment.
Neddie is a ring designer, who only has 1 year to live. Neddie hires Brennan to portray her boyfriend to make her mothers wish for her to find true love before she’s gone come true.
I loved it when Brennan went through Neddies closet and drawers. Someone actually created butt floss and you bought it? What’s their slogan, ‘reaching the cracks you can’t’?”

It was fun watching these two teeter totter with their contract rules and true feelings. Where did one end and the other begin? Loved when Brennan takes his sister to the same restaurant Neddies at with Jackson. That was a great scene. “So, what is it you do, Cole?” Jackson asks. “I’m an actor.” “Oh, that's fantastic, have you been in anything, recently, that I might know?” he asks in a patronizing tone. “Other than Ned, probably not.”

Neddie shares with Brennan that she has heart failure and needs to have a heart transplant.
Neddie is refusing treatment. “I love my life. I want to die living it the way that I want. No restrictions and no rules but my own.” Brennan encourages Neddie to create a bucket list of things to do before she can’t do them. (So sweet)

There is a twist that sends Brennan’s life into a spiral. We see into his family life, his father is so cruel. Neddie tries to be there for him but something happens that causes Neddie to run. Will Brennan realize what he has lost before it’s too late? Can he get Neddie back?

I don’t care who is watching or who is judging me, my heart just got ripped out of my chest because deep down I know the truth. I just lost her...I lost Ned.

And of course there are two huge twists that I definitely did not see coming, wow.
You are guaranteed an ugly cry and your heart will go into palpitations.The journey that Brennan and Neddie take is so heartwarming and makes you realize how important life is. Love me to Death by Sharlay was a great read, 1-click today for a great emotional rollercoaster of a ride.

Alpha Book Club
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

SCORES
PLOT: 5
CHEMISTRY:5
PACING:5
ENDING:5+
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5
Profile Image for Jenia.
Author 1 book46 followers
February 29, 2016
Brennan Cole...


Is a player. He sleeps with women at night and kicks them out of his bed by morning. NO strings. NO attachments. And NO falling in love.

But not even his good looks, hot body or sexy way with words can get him out of the eviction notice stuck on his door.

Desperate for money and running out of time he finds himself signing a contract for an acting job that is about to break every rule that he’s ever made...


Neddie Waters...

Is dying. With only a year left to live, falling in love is the last thing that she wants to do.

But with a mother desperate to see her find her one true love before her final days and an inability to say no to the one woman that she loves more than anything in the world, Neddie sets herself a simple task...



~ A E Copy was provided to me, by the author, Sharlay in exchange of honest review. Thank you! ~

LOVE ME TO DEATH is the second book that I have read by this author and it won’t be the last. I knew that this book was going be an emotional read when I read synopsis of the book, when Sharlay told me about her new book, but I wasn’t prepared how emotional it would be. On multiple occasions while reading this book I had teared up. From moment that I found that Neddie was sick, I found myself wondering what would happen to her, would she make it through the year? Would she fall in love? Thought at first I felt like Brennan would be the last person that I thought she would fall for, considering how different they were and that he was a player. It wasn’t long before my opinion changed. What I loved about this story was fact that it did have some humor added in mix as well, and there were some things that Brennan said that had me laughing as well, mostly because I couldn’t believe that he just said that. LOVE ME TO DEATH is impossible to not love. I was hooked from start and I actually was sad to see it come to end. To me, both Brennan and Neddie became my friends, the story felt real.





Neddie & Brennan: The relationship between the two of them is unlike any relationship that you read about, most of all because it was a fake one, at least in the beginning. But right from start, from moment that the two of them met, I could feel the tension between them and I knew that Brennan was attracted to Neddie from start. In beginning I wasn’t biggest fan of Brennan because of how big player he was and I felt like he would end up hurting Neddie and I loved her right from start. It wasn’t long before I realized how much he cared for her and even if she wouldn’t admit it, so did she. I believe that’s why she ended the agreement so fast because she was scared of those feelings. Neddie changed Brennan and turned him into a guy that you can’t help but love. He went all way to Paris just so he could tell her that he loved her and I loved that scene, it had me smiling. The way that the two of them took care of each other, you knew that it was love and you couldn’t help but root for the two of them. I was hoping they get their happily ever after since middle of the book.

I loved how realistic the book is. I feel that what Neddie went through is something a lot people can relate to. I was never sick like Neddie did, but I did have grandmother who died from breast cancer in 2003, who as Neddie, refused treatment after certain point. I remember how hard that was for me, how hard it was watch someone you love get that sick, not knowing where it be last time you see them. I felt like Brennan did when Neddie got sick again all sudden and got send to hospital. In a way, I could relate to pain and fear that they were feeling. It’s heartbreaking. I also loved how different the family relationship was in Brenna’s family and Neddie’s. Of course I loved the title and the cover, it was stunning and fit the story beautifully. If I could give this story more than 5 stars, I would. A story I found myself thinking afterwards, after I reached the end.

LOVE ME TO DEATH is a must read for 2016. A love story about love, grief, friendship, second chances and hope. I can’t wait to see what story Sharlay will come up with next, but I am sure it be as beautiful as this one.
Review To Come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Romance Between The Sheets.
1,175 reviews66 followers
June 21, 2016
Please note this review may contain spoilers.

So lately I’ve been in a bit of a book funk. You know what it’s like. You read a book. You like it, but you don’t love it. Then when you finish it, you think more about what you didn’t like about it instead of what you did like about it. Then you pick up another book and start the process again. You wonder “Is it the books, or *gasp*, is it me?”. Then finally, it happens. You pick up a book that has you hooked from the start and you just can’t put it down. You need to put dinner in the Crock-Pot? Screw it, there’s cereal in the cupboard. You need to hang out that load of washing? It can wait. You need to pick up your child/ren from school? Ok, that can’t wait, so you better hurry your arse up and finish this book. LOVE ME TO DEATH was that book.

Brennan is rude, cocky and a manwhore, so you’d think you’d hate him. But he’s also attentive, cheeky, cheesy and very playful, and when you put it all together it creates one very charming package. I liked that he was not afraid to break some of the contract terms because it showed that he’s not one to blindly follow the rules, and I think that’s exactly what Neddie needed. He does occasionally act like a spoilt child, but he is only 25, so I guess that’s to be expected sometimes. Neddie is an incredibly brave woman. She’s also only 25, but she has a maturity about her that makes her seem older. She knows she’s dying and while it terrifies her, she’s not going to let her impending death ruin whatever future she may have left. She plans to live her life and live it well. In short, Brennan and Neddie are perfect for each other. He gives her a reason to laugh and have fun, while she helps him to grow up a little.

I absolutely loved LOVE ME TO DEATH and I couldn’t put it down. It was the perfect combination of sweetness, laugh-out-loud moments and heartbreaking situations. And sometimes you just need to read a book that has you reaching for the tissues. But be warned, the ending will rip. Your. Heart. Out.

For more reviews, please visit our website: www.romancebetweenthesheets.com

I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for LunalandBooks.
99 reviews27 followers
October 6, 2016
I received an ARC of Love Me To Death by Sharlay in exchange for an honest review.

This book had me ugly crying at 2 o'clock in the morning as i could not put this book down. I knew going into Love me to Death that it was going to be an emotional read, but nothing could have prepared me for how amazing this book truly is.

Brennan and Neddie's journey is such a joy to experience. They really do Love each other and the rollercoaster they take is breathtaking. I adore how this is told from Brennan's Point of view because his emotional depth for a character was extraordinary.

There are two major twists in this book and i was kept literally on the edge of my seat when reading them both.
You really couldn't ask for more in a book as there is romance, humour, heartbreak and a hot Alpha Male to top it all off.

I definitely recommend this stunning book that is beautifully written by the equally stunning Sharlay.
Profile Image for Digital Book Freak.
159 reviews8 followers
June 18, 2016
She wanted a fake boyfriend, he wanted money...but they didn’t bargain for what they got in the end...

Review Rating: 5 stars!

Big thank you to the author, Sharlay, for providing me with an advance reader copy of Love Me to Death for a fair and honest review. This is my first novel by Sharlay and my best romance read for 2016 so far!

What this book is about

description

Sweet Neddie: she has only one year left to live due to a serious heart problem. Her mom’s greatest wish is that Neddie experiences falling in love before she dies.

Brennan: Sexy, sassy, party animal. Out-of-work actor. Brennan finally gets an interview, with no other than Neddie, expecting an acting job…what he gets instead is...blown away!

My thoughts on this book

Title & cover: YUMMY! Yes! Very nice! Read this in two sittings.
The characters: Well-developed. The story line is to die for (pardon the pun)!

I can’t remember the last time I laughed or cried so hard reading a book. This left me quite emotional! (I’m a softie, I know).

Quotes from Love Me to Death

"Blonde hair is draped completely over the pillow next to mine, and other than a thin, pale arm lying diagonally on my mattress; the rest of the unknown body is covered in sheets. Either I killed someone last night, or I’ve been a really naughty boy."

"Seriously, it’s Saturday! Doesn’t this dude know that Saturdays are my hangover recovery days? So inconsiderate."

"If I wasn’t so terrified that she’d castrate me, I might have gone for round two before sending her on her way, but I never put my best guy in danger. Never."

Brennan Cole

"Happy. I want people to be happy knowing that they were a part of my life. My life has been beautiful despite the ups and downs and that’s what I want people to remember. I want them to know that they should keep living. They should enjoy every second of life and never waste it because some people don’t get the warning that I’ve been blessed with. I never wanted misery for anyone in life, so why would I want it for them in death."
Neddie Waters

This is really a good read and I would recommend this for everyone!
Profile Image for Adriana.
1,324 reviews148 followers
February 25, 2016
Firstly I would like to thank Sharlay for giving me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

This is not the first book i have read from Sharlay but it is by far my favourite so far. Brennan is a typical player, ladies man and has never been into relationships. when desperate times call for desperate measures, Brenann sees an advertisement asking for URGENT MALE ACTOR NEEDED he applies for it straight away, but it isn't what he expected. When he first meets Neddie the attraction is instant, he even referred to her as the female Christian Grey lol and then she pulls out a contract which reminded me of 50 shades but its not that kind of contract, the reason for the contract is that Neddie is dying and needs someone to play her lover to show her mother she fell in love before she passes. i loved this contract because there was so many terms of the contract that were not to be broken that were broken right from the start.

The relationship between Neddie and Brennan is amazing there banter is so funny , there relationship was just supposed to be an act, but when you can't help the chemistry you have with someone what are you supposed to do? Will they have a happy ever after ? Will Neddie pass before she tells Brennan how she really feels? Will Neddie push Brennan away once she relises she is in to deep? Will Brennan change his ways and finally stick to just one woman? well you will have to read it and find out. Its a standalone so i suggest YOU READ THIS BOOK. It was an emotional ride, but loved every second of it.

Cant wait to read what you write next Sharlay!!!

Profile Image for Julie Reveles (Juls ~ ILST BLOG).
852 reviews11 followers
February 12, 2016

5 Stars!


“The books I read are like a roller coaster ride. They are filled with conflicts, pain, and heartbreak but in the end, they give you something that life can’t always offer … a happily ever after.”


I love that quote because it's so true! No matter what's going on, there is always a happily ever after. I also love the way that I can get lost while reading. The world around me just blurs, and I have no idea what is going on outside of my book. Then once I'm done, and the fog clears, I feel like I just stepped out of someone elses life. I love it, and I loved this story because it did exactly that to me. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Soon, I realized that I spent most of my day living through Brennan and Neddie's lives. I loved every minute of it! Brennan is seriously a book boyfriend that will stay with me forever. I loved his playfulness and the way he always gave Ned a hard time about her floss...


“I promise not to embarrass you by telling everyone that you wear floss for panties. It’ll be our little secret.”


LOL! He was forever bringing up those panties, and I laughed out loud every single time! I can go on and on and quote every line that I loved, but I would prefer for everyone to enjoy this story just as much as I did. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a laugh out loud, sweet story. You will also need some tissues because it is bound to make you cry as well.


~Juls
Profile Image for Kim Howlett.
839 reviews
February 12, 2016
Wow wow wow
This story has totally taken over my heart. I can't fault anything about the book or the characters. I got completely lost in the story right from the very start.
The story was completely heartbreaking, but it was also a little bit cheeky and comical in places with a bit of sexiness to.
Brennan Cole is totally my new book boyfriend. I love that he was your typical book hero who is very easy on the eye, loves the ladies and one night stands, going out and drinking with his friends but as a down and out actor he has no money.
He ends up desperate for money and that's how he meets Neddie.
Neddie is terminal I'll and wants to find someone to be her "lover" to make her mums wish for her of finding love before she passes come true.
Enter Brennan who then takes on the acting job of his life.
I love Neddie. Her proposition to Brennan pretty much will change his life and his ways, as he has to be celibate, stop drinking, be at her beck and call, but the biggest ask is For either of them to actually fall in love!
I loved the banter that went in between the couple. They really had a great chemistry and friendship. That's until the lines actually started getting blurred.
The author keeps the story going at a good pace and also gave the characters hidden troubles, especially Brennan.
This was a great story and one I'll be recommending for quite some time.
Profile Image for Lora.
1,295 reviews14 followers
February 16, 2016
5 out of 5 stars

I love the playfulness of this book. I love the witty characters and the hidden truths. I love the emotions and the love that is show throughout the book...as well as the love and emotions it brought out in my as a reader.

Brennan Cole and Neddie Waters really held a place in my heart. I didn’t know what to expect from this novel, but it overdelivered! Brennan was an unemployed cocky, playboy. Neddie was a successful business woman. There really was nothing that should have brought them together and yet fate led them to each other and gave them everything they didn’t know they needed.

I only highlighted two passages in the book this time, but they are both quotes from Brennan, and they are so very much what this book was for me.

“I was a player. I am now taken. My penis belongs to one woman.”

“No, that’s love. It makes you lose your balls and get all poetic.”

One of the things I liked most is that you didn't concentrate so much on the heavy issue of her impending situation and she was beautiful with words about death and life. This book really made me stop and think about what people think about when they think about death...most definitely I have a different feeling now than I did before reading.
I cried a little. I laughed a lot. This book is something I would highly recommend everyone read!
Profile Image for Crissy.
2,801 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2016
I was very excited to read this book because I had never heard of this author until a blog posted this book. I was excited to see what was in store and the blurb for this story definitely had me wanting more. I absolutely fell in love with this story. This author did such an amazing job; not only was this book heartfelt, funny and sexy, but Brennan and Ned’s story will leave you with the widest smile on your face. Ned has the most amazing family and friends, her family went through a tragic experience and it brought them closer together and her family is preparing to face another. Brennan’s family went through their own tragic experience that tore his family apart and still affects his family, but their love for each other is still there buried under all of the hurt. Two people on two completely different paths form and unbreakable bond that will be tested and it all started with a contract and no plans of falling in love. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fantastic romance read that will pull at your heart and make you laugh along the way. I’m actually looking forward to reading more books from this author.
Profile Image for Paige Rook.
144 reviews7 followers
February 19, 2016
*ARC exchanged for an honest review*
Wow.
This book was intense. It's where a reality meets a dream. This book is both funny and emotionally investing, it really makes you realise what you take for granted in life. The end of the book is what really got me. It is such a twist it will make you love and hate the author all at the same time. But there is a reason behind this beautiful story and it really is worth a read.
This Author is fantastic so read all of her books, they will hold you in their papery clutches from the first paragraph.
Thank you Sharlay. I hope everyone gets as much pleasure reading this as I have
Profile Image for Alexandra G..
928 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2016
4 stars
Oh....this book. It started like a nice, easy read. I figured I knew how it was going to end. But then....

I have to admit you almost got me there at the end. I seriously thought that I will go through another John Green moment.

But I really enjoyed this book and I happily recommend it.

Profile Image for Marika.
4,851 reviews100 followers
February 13, 2016
This story has everything I love in a book.. I laughed, I cried , I swooned..
It's sweet and funny, but the subject is serious too..
It's just so easy to lose yourself in a story like this and I swear I didn’t want it to end..
Neddie and Brennan will stay with me for a long time!
Amazing story.. it's unique and there are enough twists to keep you on edge..While cheering all the way for love to win!
Profile Image for DP.
38 reviews
February 17, 2016
I really like all Sharlay's work but this one is my favorite. It's a movie-worthy story! It's well written and you can really feel the emotions of the characters. Reading this book is like expecting to get your heart broken but still continue anyway cause you know it's all worth it. Overall It's is beautiful and Inspiring!
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