What do you think?
Rate this book
Crazy Stupid #1
Crazy Stupid Love
I want him...
Unlike I have ever wanted anything before in my entire life.
I knew it from the very moment his eyes met mine; the way my skin burned under his dark gaze.
I knew nothing would ever be the same again.
Decklan Taylor isn’t just tempting, he’s dangerous; a storm who destroys everything in his wake. But even as I stand in the path of his force, I can’t turn away.
While he may be the very thing that breaks me, he’s also the only thing that has ever made me feel alive.
Sometimes falling in love is more than just crazy, it's downright stupid...
Crazy Stupid Love is the first of three standalone novels in the Crazy Love series. A spicy new adult romance that follows the story of a young college student and a motorcycle riding bad boy.
Crazy Stupid Love is intended for mature audiences and NOT recommended for readers under the age of 18.
Unlike I have ever wanted anything before in my entire life.
I knew it from the very moment his eyes met mine; the way my skin burned under his dark gaze.
I knew nothing would ever be the same again.
Decklan Taylor isn’t just tempting, he’s dangerous; a storm who destroys everything in his wake. But even as I stand in the path of his force, I can’t turn away.
While he may be the very thing that breaks me, he’s also the only thing that has ever made me feel alive.
Sometimes falling in love is more than just crazy, it's downright stupid...
Crazy Stupid Love is the first of three standalone novels in the Crazy Love series. A spicy new adult romance that follows the story of a young college student and a motorcycle riding bad boy.
Crazy Stupid Love is intended for mature audiences and NOT recommended for readers under the age of 18.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2016
203 people are currently reading
1862 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Toppen
55 books1,816 followersMelissa Toppen is a USA Today Bestselling Author who specializes in New Adult and Contemporary Romance. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read.
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
August 3, 2016
A drunk and a doormat find true love.
November 21, 2017
3.5 Stars
I’m sad to say I didn’t feel the love between these two but I still liked the book.
I’m sad to say I didn’t feel the love between these two but I still liked the book.
April 26, 2016
Loved Decklan and Kimber’s love story! Such an emotional ride. You have to really feel for both main characters. Their lives were not their own. Both plagued with decisions that could change everything. Decklan’s was more heartbreaking, while Kimber’s was more about acceptance. When they first meet Decklan is attracted to Kimber. She’s definitely different than her flashy friends. She has an innocence that captures Decklan’s attention. But, Deck can’t get involved. His life is just all over the place. He’s not good for her. And, throughout their relationship he tells her this over and over again. Kimber doesn’t care what he has to say. She wants him. She needs him. He’s it for her. As Decklan’s life spins out of control, Kimber is there for him in the most loyal and compassionate way even though Deck tries to turn her away so many times. His life is spiraling downwards with his dependency for alcohol to numb away the pain. The pain that he seems to think he causes everyone that he loves.
Oh, man, you just have to feel this guy’s anguish. He’s so hard on himself. Thinking that an accident, and that’s exactly what it was, “an accident”, was all his fault. So many tears. So much heartache. So much guilt. It just ate him up inside. And, Kimber, her life is not as easy as it looks either. With two parents who just need to control her life and don’t think she’s old enough to be on her own, she decides to trek all the way across the country to Oregon for college to major in art. She’s responsible. Hard-working. And, confident in what she does. But, having Decklan in her life now is somewhat of a complication when it comes to her parents. They would never accept him. With an ex-boyfriend that just won’t leave her alone, texting and calling constantly, Deck becomes to mean more to her than she’s ever experienced before. But, what will happen when he pushes her away when she knows he needs her the most??? This was some tearfully poignant book! My heart hurt for both of them. What do you do when the love of your life is hurting? How do you get them to let you in? They were both such great characters as they tried to hide their hearts from pain. Both were so wounded from life’s hard-knocks. But, together I believed that they had half a chance to salvage their relationship and have a life that was meant to be with each other. What a moving love story!! It was passionate. Tender. And, loving. Intimate. Sweet. And, caring. I just wish that it was a little longer. I so loved this couple’s story, and I was sorry to see it end. Looking forward to catching up with them when Gavin’s story is released! Beautiful story!!!
Oh, and did I say that Deck rides a motorcycle??? swoon...
Oh, man, you just have to feel this guy’s anguish. He’s so hard on himself. Thinking that an accident, and that’s exactly what it was, “an accident”, was all his fault. So many tears. So much heartache. So much guilt. It just ate him up inside. And, Kimber, her life is not as easy as it looks either. With two parents who just need to control her life and don’t think she’s old enough to be on her own, she decides to trek all the way across the country to Oregon for college to major in art. She’s responsible. Hard-working. And, confident in what she does. But, having Decklan in her life now is somewhat of a complication when it comes to her parents. They would never accept him. With an ex-boyfriend that just won’t leave her alone, texting and calling constantly, Deck becomes to mean more to her than she’s ever experienced before. But, what will happen when he pushes her away when she knows he needs her the most??? This was some tearfully poignant book! My heart hurt for both of them. What do you do when the love of your life is hurting? How do you get them to let you in? They were both such great characters as they tried to hide their hearts from pain. Both were so wounded from life’s hard-knocks. But, together I believed that they had half a chance to salvage their relationship and have a life that was meant to be with each other. What a moving love story!! It was passionate. Tender. And, loving. Intimate. Sweet. And, caring. I just wish that it was a little longer. I so loved this couple’s story, and I was sorry to see it end. Looking forward to catching up with them when Gavin’s story is released! Beautiful story!!!
Oh, and did I say that Deck rides a motorcycle??? swoon...
March 29, 2016
Title:Crazy Stupid Love
Author:Melissa Toppen
Series:
Publisher:Draft Empire
Release Date:April 19, 2016
Genre(s):Contemporary Romance
Page Count:350
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
“She sinks down onto the bench and looks up to meet my stare, her crisp blue eyes burning into mine. Those dmn blue eyes that seem to see through me so clearly.”
5 bad boy stars!! Another great book by Melissa Toppen!!
We all fall for the bad boy….I know I’m guilty of it. But Kimber doesn’t just fall for Decklan, she eats it….scrapes her knees and tumbles for him! And he’s a dark storm cloud, but she’s determined to make him notice her. He makes her feel something that she never thought she’d feel and he’s a force to be reckoned with! This book is beautiful and so well written, like all of Melissa’s books!! So worth the read!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author:Melissa Toppen
Series:
Publisher:Draft Empire
Release Date:April 19, 2016
Genre(s):Contemporary Romance
Page Count:350
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Crazy Stupid Love
A Bad Boy Romance Novel
I want him…
Unlike I have ever wanted anything before in my entire life.
I knew it from the very moment his eyes met mine; the way my skin burned under his dark gaze.
I knew nothing would ever be the same again.
Decklan Taylor isn’t just tempting, he’s dangerous; a storm who destroys everything in his wake. But even as I stand in the path of his force I can’t turn away.
While he may be the very thing that breaks me, he’s also the only thing that has ever made me feel alive.
Review:
“She sinks down onto the bench and looks up to meet my stare, her crisp blue eyes burning into mine. Those dmn blue eyes that seem to see through me so clearly.”
5 bad boy stars!! Another great book by Melissa Toppen!!
We all fall for the bad boy….I know I’m guilty of it. But Kimber doesn’t just fall for Decklan, she eats it….scrapes her knees and tumbles for him! And he’s a dark storm cloud, but she’s determined to make him notice her. He makes her feel something that she never thought she’d feel and he’s a force to be reckoned with! This book is beautiful and so well written, like all of Melissa’s books!! So worth the read!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
June 16, 2016
Crazy Stupid Love, follows Kimber and Decklan. They're total opposites. Kimber is trying to get away from a life that she feels isn't right. Decklan is beating himself up every day because of an accident that caused turmoil in the family.
I really didn't like Decklan. He was really stubborn. He felt because of one terrible accident, that everything was to blame on him. He carried that with relationships. Sleeping with a girl and moving on. Over and over. He is a bit of a Jerk. But of course he meets Kimber. Who's different, and isn't willing to give him up. But this was a constant theme throughout the story. I really wanted to slap him a couple times and tell him to stop being so stupid.
Their instant connection was believable but still I felt something was missing between them. I wasn't fully engrossed in the story. The characters, I really didn't have a connection with. So if really felt like I was watching them, not really in their heads. If that makes sense? There were a lot of emotional moments but didn't crossover on the page.
Overall, I feel this is a good story about being lost but being able to find love. Finding someone that can really see who you are. That's not willing to just let go, when it gets rough. I give this story Three Boundless Stars!...Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
I really didn't like Decklan. He was really stubborn. He felt because of one terrible accident, that everything was to blame on him. He carried that with relationships. Sleeping with a girl and moving on. Over and over. He is a bit of a Jerk. But of course he meets Kimber. Who's different, and isn't willing to give him up. But this was a constant theme throughout the story. I really wanted to slap him a couple times and tell him to stop being so stupid.
Their instant connection was believable but still I felt something was missing between them. I wasn't fully engrossed in the story. The characters, I really didn't have a connection with. So if really felt like I was watching them, not really in their heads. If that makes sense? There were a lot of emotional moments but didn't crossover on the page.
Overall, I feel this is a good story about being lost but being able to find love. Finding someone that can really see who you are. That's not willing to just let go, when it gets rough. I give this story Three Boundless Stars!...Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
Want to read
January 30, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (6/15/2019)! 🎁
July 13, 2025
This love story is really sweet. His life story is really sad and no wonder why he is so closed off to everyone. Still a really good book
March 24, 2016
Crazy Stupid Love
Melissa Toppen
5 stars
This is NOT my typical read and I absolutely LOVED it. What a fabulous cast of characters, a wonderful story and a great set up for book two due out in July. This is a standalone but you are going to want to grab the next one up the day its available.
From the prologue you are swept into Decklan's world; tormented as it is. Tragedy keeps him from opening himself up and he believes he is perfectly happy that way. His relationship with his mother is on shaky ground and his brother Trey ... well there is no relationship there at all unless you consider hate a relationship. Gavin is the only brother he knows. Thank goodness his parent took him in all those years ago. Decklan Taylor is walking through life barely surviving. On the outside he looks calm and somewhat collected having women of his choice and disposal but on the inside he is a mess. Nothing will change that horrific day -- nothing. Decklan has Gavin and their club Deviants to keep him among the living but he isn't doing it well.
Kimber James is way out of her league at Deviants. She never should have let Harlee and Angel talk her into coming here but on the flip side, leaving home and getting away from her overbearing parents and controlling ex Garrett is what she is supposed to be doing. Being the good girl has proved difficult; meaning making choices about her life based on what her parents and he wanted; not what she wanted. She is sick of being Kimber Lynn James, the sweet and privileged girl -- she wants to be Kimber, the woman who chose her own path. Attending the University of Oregon, living with her two friends, and her great job at Lovett's should be setting her future in motion yet something is missing. She doesn't know how to cut lose so sitting at the bar while her friends get wild and crazy is about all she knows to do.
Decklan and Kimber's worlds come crashing into each other by way of chance. I absolutely LOVED the sassy girl that Kimber became and found it invigorating that her character grew by leaps and bounds throughout the pages. I also love the fact that she, only being 19, and Decklan being twenty five, she wasn't written as a dim-witty teenager. Brilliant! There are some very independent and awesome young adults out there in the real world and I'm so happy to see one on the pages of a book. I cant say there was drama but there was "life" happening throughout the story line. It wasn't over zealously done either. There is a scene that became my favorite and it has to do with an Art Gallery and the next day. You go Kimber girl! Instead of a mousey crying female lead we get a woman with spunk and who definitely knows what she wants. Soooo fantastic! Excellent secondary characters as well! Loved it.
I highly recommend this book -- there is no cliffhanger but you will want to the next release.
Make sure you stay tuned for Gavin's story -- I think its going to be a good one considering he has met his match with Harlee. We also get to continue with Kimber and Decklan's story. I cant wait! Crazy Stupid Obsession will be out July 12th -- just in time to carry along to the beach!
Thank you for the ARC Melissa! I loved the characters, story and everything about this read.
Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
Melissa Toppen
5 stars
This is NOT my typical read and I absolutely LOVED it. What a fabulous cast of characters, a wonderful story and a great set up for book two due out in July. This is a standalone but you are going to want to grab the next one up the day its available.
From the prologue you are swept into Decklan's world; tormented as it is. Tragedy keeps him from opening himself up and he believes he is perfectly happy that way. His relationship with his mother is on shaky ground and his brother Trey ... well there is no relationship there at all unless you consider hate a relationship. Gavin is the only brother he knows. Thank goodness his parent took him in all those years ago. Decklan Taylor is walking through life barely surviving. On the outside he looks calm and somewhat collected having women of his choice and disposal but on the inside he is a mess. Nothing will change that horrific day -- nothing. Decklan has Gavin and their club Deviants to keep him among the living but he isn't doing it well.
Kimber James is way out of her league at Deviants. She never should have let Harlee and Angel talk her into coming here but on the flip side, leaving home and getting away from her overbearing parents and controlling ex Garrett is what she is supposed to be doing. Being the good girl has proved difficult; meaning making choices about her life based on what her parents and he wanted; not what she wanted. She is sick of being Kimber Lynn James, the sweet and privileged girl -- she wants to be Kimber, the woman who chose her own path. Attending the University of Oregon, living with her two friends, and her great job at Lovett's should be setting her future in motion yet something is missing. She doesn't know how to cut lose so sitting at the bar while her friends get wild and crazy is about all she knows to do.
Decklan and Kimber's worlds come crashing into each other by way of chance. I absolutely LOVED the sassy girl that Kimber became and found it invigorating that her character grew by leaps and bounds throughout the pages. I also love the fact that she, only being 19, and Decklan being twenty five, she wasn't written as a dim-witty teenager. Brilliant! There are some very independent and awesome young adults out there in the real world and I'm so happy to see one on the pages of a book. I cant say there was drama but there was "life" happening throughout the story line. It wasn't over zealously done either. There is a scene that became my favorite and it has to do with an Art Gallery and the next day. You go Kimber girl! Instead of a mousey crying female lead we get a woman with spunk and who definitely knows what she wants. Soooo fantastic! Excellent secondary characters as well! Loved it.
I highly recommend this book -- there is no cliffhanger but you will want to the next release.
Make sure you stay tuned for Gavin's story -- I think its going to be a good one considering he has met his match with Harlee. We also get to continue with Kimber and Decklan's story. I cant wait! Crazy Stupid Obsession will be out July 12th -- just in time to carry along to the beach!
Thank you for the ARC Melissa! I loved the characters, story and everything about this read.
Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
April 4, 2016
ARC provided for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
19 year old Kimber Lynn James is currently attending University of Oregon. She's escaped the influence of her parents and ex-boyfriend, where she's studying and living the life she wants, not the one her parents have set up for her. But Kimber is also realizing how different her life has been and trying to figure out who she really is... That is if her family and ex will let her.
25 year old Decklan Taylor is barely living a life filled only with one-night stands and drinking while running the bar he co-owns with his best friend and brother-from-another-mother, Gavin.
When Kimber and Decklan first see each other, it's electric. Neither of them is prepared for the chemistry that results. They both have things in their pasts that will influence how their connection the relationships progresses. But will they end up together?
I liked this book. This was my first reading of this author. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment and what happens between Gavin and Harlee.
3.5 Stars
19 year old Kimber Lynn James is currently attending University of Oregon. She's escaped the influence of her parents and ex-boyfriend, where she's studying and living the life she wants, not the one her parents have set up for her. But Kimber is also realizing how different her life has been and trying to figure out who she really is... That is if her family and ex will let her.
25 year old Decklan Taylor is barely living a life filled only with one-night stands and drinking while running the bar he co-owns with his best friend and brother-from-another-mother, Gavin.
When Kimber and Decklan first see each other, it's electric. Neither of them is prepared for the chemistry that results. They both have things in their pasts that will influence how their connection the relationships progresses. But will they end up together?
I liked this book. This was my first reading of this author. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment and what happens between Gavin and Harlee.
January 1, 2017
Gifted a copy for an honest review.
Bad boy who likes to drink too much, only sleeps with a girl once - no repeats - on the road to destruction due to events years ago. Girl who goes to college half way across the country to get away from her controlling and overbearing parents, trying to find out who she really is.
These two have nothing in common right? Wrong! They meet and you can guess that they form a connection. It takes Decklan a while to realise what he is feeling and continually pushes Kimber away. But Kimber is all about finding her true self and not what her parents want her to be - she wants Decklan and is going to make him understand - she will not back down.
I really enjoyed this and have 1-clicked the second one as I want to see Gavin brought to his knees! It was refreshing to see a h say exactly how she felt and what she wanted rather than have tons of internal dialogue. A good read that was difficult to put down.
Bad boy who likes to drink too much, only sleeps with a girl once - no repeats - on the road to destruction due to events years ago. Girl who goes to college half way across the country to get away from her controlling and overbearing parents, trying to find out who she really is.
These two have nothing in common right? Wrong! They meet and you can guess that they form a connection. It takes Decklan a while to realise what he is feeling and continually pushes Kimber away. But Kimber is all about finding her true self and not what her parents want her to be - she wants Decklan and is going to make him understand - she will not back down.
I really enjoyed this and have 1-clicked the second one as I want to see Gavin brought to his knees! It was refreshing to see a h say exactly how she felt and what she wanted rather than have tons of internal dialogue. A good read that was difficult to put down.
January 5, 2017
COPY RECEIVED THROUGH BOOK ENTHUSIASTS FOR REVIEW
This was a quick but entertaining read. Decklan is fighting demons from his pasts. They take over his life and are reflected in his behavior. He drinks a lot and does not do relationships. That includes with women or his family. That is until he meets Kimber. She is "different". In the beginning, Kimber is shy, quiet and unassuming.She is a good girl who was basically controlled by her parents. She had to move clear across the country to break away. That was the start of shedding Kim and becoming Kimber. Once she meets her new friends and Decklan she continues to comes into herself. She starts to fight for what she wants and what she wants is Decklan. This was quite a journey for both characters. It was very emotional at the end. I am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series.
This was a quick but entertaining read. Decklan is fighting demons from his pasts. They take over his life and are reflected in his behavior. He drinks a lot and does not do relationships. That includes with women or his family. That is until he meets Kimber. She is "different". In the beginning, Kimber is shy, quiet and unassuming.She is a good girl who was basically controlled by her parents. She had to move clear across the country to break away. That was the start of shedding Kim and becoming Kimber. Once she meets her new friends and Decklan she continues to comes into herself. She starts to fight for what she wants and what she wants is Decklan. This was quite a journey for both characters. It was very emotional at the end. I am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series.
April 19, 2016
I'm a huge fan of Melissa's writing. She has made me laugh, cry, want to punch characters. But this story was just wow. This book made feel for the characters. Decklan's story was heartbreaking. The passion is off the charts!
February 3, 2017
***4 Stars***
There are a multitude of reactions when I read a description that range from “Oooohhhh. Gimme. Gimme” to “Huh? Mmmmm Maybe….” to “Meh. Nope” and all kinds of messy combos in between and I will be honest that Crazy Stupid Love fell into the middle grouping. I was intrigued but didn’t know if I was ready to read about a girl going all insta-twitterpatted over a guy and tripping over herself to get him. But after seeing the cover, which I really like, and checking out a cross section of the reviews, I decided to give it a go and found that while there was a good dose of insta-ness and angsty-ness going on, it was an engaging and quick read with interesting characters and a lot of heart.
I’ll admit that I judged a book by it’s cover, or the blurb in this case, when it came to Kimber and will say that I was wrong. She’s a young woman who has finally broken the bonds of a very controlling family and trying to find out who she really wants to be. She isn’t taking extreme risks, just following her heart and her gut and seeing where it leads. I must say that I loved Kimber and found her to be extremely determined, realistic and kind. Despite her upbringing she is not naive I loved seeing her stand her ground on the issues that were important to her.
A tragic accident has taken Decklan down a dark path where he is simply existing. He indulges in excess and is relentless about his own culpability over what happened all those years ago and refuses to allow any happiness and light into his life. Decklan. Beautiful, broken boy. His self hatred is potent, smexyness undeniable, but there is a compassionate heart that beats beneath it all that, when allowed to come out to play, is a sight to behold. His journey to forgiveness was painful, but entirely worth it to see him finally start to heal.
Their journey to their HEA was a bumpy one filled with quite a bit pushing/pulling going on and yet it wasn’t as angsty as I thought it would be. Oh, there’s angst and there were times when I wanted to shake some sense into both of them, but it was real and they were fun to watch as the danced around their attraction. Decklan’s belief that he only wreaks havoc on those he loves causes him to switch from hot to cold with such frequency that I got whiplash, even though I could empathize with his reasoning if not fully agree with his methods, thankfully Kimber evened things out. She was very much a newly become 19 year old with her doubts and insecurities, but I loved how she fought for what her heart wanted, and put herself out there, without stripping herself of her sense of self that helped to even things out. Things between them do happen quickly, but it’s not an insta-love situation. They go through the stages of attraction, lust and all the fun stuff in between to finally get to a place where love could be a reality.
Crazy Stupid Love is my first read by Ms. Toppen and I really enjoyed it. The writing was engaging, the pacing good and the dual 1st person POV was well done. There were a couple of secondary issues that I’d’ve liked a bit of closure on when it came to Decklan and Kimber, but nothing major in the big scheme of things. And I enjoyed Decklan and Kimber’s friends. They were well written and peaked my curiosity as to what their backgrounds are and just what their futures hold, especially Harlee and Gavin whose rocky relationship began in this book and have me wanting to see how things play out between them.
~ Copy provided by Book Enthusiast Promotions ~
There are a multitude of reactions when I read a description that range from “Oooohhhh. Gimme. Gimme” to “Huh? Mmmmm Maybe….” to “Meh. Nope” and all kinds of messy combos in between and I will be honest that Crazy Stupid Love fell into the middle grouping. I was intrigued but didn’t know if I was ready to read about a girl going all insta-twitterpatted over a guy and tripping over herself to get him. But after seeing the cover, which I really like, and checking out a cross section of the reviews, I decided to give it a go and found that while there was a good dose of insta-ness and angsty-ness going on, it was an engaging and quick read with interesting characters and a lot of heart.
I’ll admit that I judged a book by it’s cover, or the blurb in this case, when it came to Kimber and will say that I was wrong. She’s a young woman who has finally broken the bonds of a very controlling family and trying to find out who she really wants to be. She isn’t taking extreme risks, just following her heart and her gut and seeing where it leads. I must say that I loved Kimber and found her to be extremely determined, realistic and kind. Despite her upbringing she is not naive I loved seeing her stand her ground on the issues that were important to her.
A tragic accident has taken Decklan down a dark path where he is simply existing. He indulges in excess and is relentless about his own culpability over what happened all those years ago and refuses to allow any happiness and light into his life. Decklan. Beautiful, broken boy. His self hatred is potent, smexyness undeniable, but there is a compassionate heart that beats beneath it all that, when allowed to come out to play, is a sight to behold. His journey to forgiveness was painful, but entirely worth it to see him finally start to heal.
Their journey to their HEA was a bumpy one filled with quite a bit pushing/pulling going on and yet it wasn’t as angsty as I thought it would be. Oh, there’s angst and there were times when I wanted to shake some sense into both of them, but it was real and they were fun to watch as the danced around their attraction. Decklan’s belief that he only wreaks havoc on those he loves causes him to switch from hot to cold with such frequency that I got whiplash, even though I could empathize with his reasoning if not fully agree with his methods, thankfully Kimber evened things out. She was very much a newly become 19 year old with her doubts and insecurities, but I loved how she fought for what her heart wanted, and put herself out there, without stripping herself of her sense of self that helped to even things out. Things between them do happen quickly, but it’s not an insta-love situation. They go through the stages of attraction, lust and all the fun stuff in between to finally get to a place where love could be a reality.
Crazy Stupid Love is my first read by Ms. Toppen and I really enjoyed it. The writing was engaging, the pacing good and the dual 1st person POV was well done. There were a couple of secondary issues that I’d’ve liked a bit of closure on when it came to Decklan and Kimber, but nothing major in the big scheme of things. And I enjoyed Decklan and Kimber’s friends. They were well written and peaked my curiosity as to what their backgrounds are and just what their futures hold, especially Harlee and Gavin whose rocky relationship began in this book and have me wanting to see how things play out between them.
~ Copy provided by Book Enthusiast Promotions ~
August 15, 2016
This was my 1st story by Melissa Toppen. In this story Decklan meets Kimber the night she comes into his bar with her friends. While the interest and attraction is instant, the two exchange nothing but words that 1st night. But soon after they cross each other’s paths again and with every meeting they learn more about each other and ultimately give in to their attraction. However Decklan has been devastated by a loss and has closed himself off to any hopes of love or a future. He lives only for the here and now. Kimber says she’s ok with that. The two begin a relationship with the knowledge that their situation is just supposed to be fun and temporary. Then the fun starts feeling serious and the temporary doesn’t feel like enough. Decklan will have to decide if he will open his heart and Kimber will have to decide if she is will stay or walk away if he doesn’t.
For me, Decklan was a sexy leading man with a cocky attitude that made him fun to read about and knowing what was going on with him and what he was suffering through made it easy for me to look for his good sides despite his poor behavior choices at times. And with Kimber I loved the fact that she was willing to strike out on her own and search for her own happiness regardless of the lack of support from her loved ones. She made some hard choices but I felt they were the right ones. My only complaint in all this was that I sometimes felt that Kimber went from constantly giving and making concessions in one aspect of her life, to doing the same for another. She chased after Decklan even when his behavior wasn’t deserving of it and she didn’t even know why he was acting the way that he was. Obviously I wanted things to work out for them because as individual characters I really liked them. But I just sometimes felt Kimber was the only one giving or chasing and trying to fight for the relationship and Decklan was the one who kept screwing it up. I would have liked to see Decklan doing a bit more chasing to prove he deserved Kimber. And I wonder if things would have worked out for them at all if Kimber had decided she’d simply had enough and she wouldn’t keep going to him to make things right.
That being said I did really enjoy this story. The writing was good. The storyline was interesting. The individual characters were well written. There were good, entertaining secondary characters. The steamy moments were just enough and very hot. I just struggled with the one sided pursuit. I wanted more from Decklan in the romance and relationship department. I definitely saw his attraction. I also saw a few sweet moments on his side that showed his feelings were growing for her and he was starting to let her in. In the end I just thought Kimber was the only one who really fought for them.
July 12, 2016
The opening prologue snared me in right away. I was determined to move forwards and get more of the story from there. As the story proceeded bits and pieces seeped out but not until just about the very ends does it all come out.
Kimber and Decklan have much to contend with aside from their intense need to be with each other. Each have themselves to deal with. Kimber was on a mission to discover who she was outside of the life her family forced upon her. Decklan was on a crash course of self destruction.
This new adult romance gave pain, pleasure, stress, emotion, and the all so present family drama. There was someone to represent most everyone. Trey was a pompus ass. Harlee was more than could be seen from the perspective given. Gavin was a solid friend. There were others. Kimber became more as things progressed. She became herself. Watching this happen was beautiful to see. I really love that fact that by the end there was no instant cure all and everything was all of a sudden HEA forever. There was a good resolve with growth, wisdom, and time.
A disappointment of having paid for a copy that had so many grammar and typo errors.
Kimber and Decklan have much to contend with aside from their intense need to be with each other. Each have themselves to deal with. Kimber was on a mission to discover who she was outside of the life her family forced upon her. Decklan was on a crash course of self destruction.
This new adult romance gave pain, pleasure, stress, emotion, and the all so present family drama. There was someone to represent most everyone. Trey was a pompus ass. Harlee was more than could be seen from the perspective given. Gavin was a solid friend. There were others. Kimber became more as things progressed. She became herself. Watching this happen was beautiful to see. I really love that fact that by the end there was no instant cure all and everything was all of a sudden HEA forever. There was a good resolve with growth, wisdom, and time.
A disappointment of having paid for a copy that had so many grammar and typo errors.
March 24, 2016
All I can say is wow!! I started reading this story and I just couldn't put it down. I read it almost in one sitting. I was sucked right in to the story right from the beginning. It made me laugh and cry and have a heart ache for the characters in the story. Crazy, stupid incredible, life altering love, need I say any more. I believe Melissa Toppen is a very talented Author who hit the nail on the head with this story!!
Read
April 24, 2016**3 Stars** Full Review and Rating will be up on Boundless Book Reviews
December 1, 2016
I love this book. The couple is so different yet perfectly matches. There are some issues but time is their friend....or is it? a must read!!
February 13, 2023
A true young adult love story
Declan is a young man fighting demons after a tragic accident involving his younger brother. He can't commit to a relationship and has to many one night stands until he meets Kimber.
They quickly become besotted with one another yet his demons keep making him push the one beautiful and right thing in his life, away.
Kimber doesn't give up that easily and fights for their love and passion.
A well written story and a good case to show that you can forgive yourself for things you believe were your fault. I rated this a four because for me as well written as the book is, and a lovely romance, the amount of swearing was too much. I respect the characters in real life would do so, but for me nonetheless it was too much. Some isn't a problem but in this story the use of swearing was particularly high.
Kerry Kennedy Author
Declan is a young man fighting demons after a tragic accident involving his younger brother. He can't commit to a relationship and has to many one night stands until he meets Kimber.
They quickly become besotted with one another yet his demons keep making him push the one beautiful and right thing in his life, away.
Kimber doesn't give up that easily and fights for their love and passion.
A well written story and a good case to show that you can forgive yourself for things you believe were your fault. I rated this a four because for me as well written as the book is, and a lovely romance, the amount of swearing was too much. I respect the characters in real life would do so, but for me nonetheless it was too much. Some isn't a problem but in this story the use of swearing was particularly high.
Kerry Kennedy Author
February 28, 2023
Definitely entertaining. On a side note, I was able to easily put the book down and forget about it 🤷🏼♀️. Not a lot of excitement to read. Decklan was mysterious and drowned himself in the bottom of a bottle to surpass his sorrows. Kimber reminded me of myself when I first fell in love with someone who was broken. It didn't work out for he had too many demons and played the victim for too long. Kimber was an innocent enigma to Decklan that he couldn't get enough of her. Naturally, Kimber became Decklans drug of choice. There seemed to be a piece of the story untouched between Declan and his older brother?... Though no tears were shed, still a touching story. Many times my anger would have got the best of me had I been in Kimvers shoes. 😬
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2017
I loved this book. Everything about it. The characters were amazing and the story was absolutely fantastic.
This is one awesome start to a series I plan on reading every book in.
Kimber and Decklan have an unbelievable story to share and you won’t regret clicking this book to find out why.
This has so many crazy, ups and downs. It makes you fly through each page. Just when you think it’s smooth sailing, something totally blindsides you.
I loved it. I can’t wait to read the second book and I will for surely be doing that as soon as I can.
Highly recommend this one.
5/5 Stars
A
T&A Book Blog
This is one awesome start to a series I plan on reading every book in.
Kimber and Decklan have an unbelievable story to share and you won’t regret clicking this book to find out why.
This has so many crazy, ups and downs. It makes you fly through each page. Just when you think it’s smooth sailing, something totally blindsides you.
I loved it. I can’t wait to read the second book and I will for surely be doing that as soon as I can.
Highly recommend this one.
5/5 Stars
A
T&A Book Blog
January 17, 2017
Never judge a book for the cover! At first I thought this was some kind of dark romance or that it at least involved suspense or blood somehow, than I read the blurb and it caught my interest.
So glad I did! A love story that takes you to a path of forgiveness and so much love involved even if you don't want it.
Limber is such a strong woman with a heart and a mind to look up too, Deck is a broken man that is going catch your heart with but emotion and hotness.
I LOVED this book and strongly recommend it!
So glad I did! A love story that takes you to a path of forgiveness and so much love involved even if you don't want it.
Limber is such a strong woman with a heart and a mind to look up too, Deck is a broken man that is going catch your heart with but emotion and hotness.
I LOVED this book and strongly recommend it!
April 12, 2018
Decklan is the bad boy who is struggling with something that happened many years ago. He is drowning in a bottle and finding no way out.
Kimber is running from her family who are trying to make her into someone that they can control. Her ex doesn't understand that they are over.
Decklan and Kimber are an unlikely pair but they can't keep away from each other.
He keeps pushing her away but she isn't going easily without a fight for what she wants.
Good book, interesting story and the only draw back was a few errors that were distracting from the story.
Kimber is running from her family who are trying to make her into someone that they can control. Her ex doesn't understand that they are over.
Decklan and Kimber are an unlikely pair but they can't keep away from each other.
He keeps pushing her away but she isn't going easily without a fight for what she wants.
Good book, interesting story and the only draw back was a few errors that were distracting from the story.
February 8, 2023
Love is crazy and stupid
Wow this book! It was really good. So there are some things I would have written differently, Decs brother is an ass and I would have added a little more to that area. I love Gavin and Decklans relationship as brothers friends and truth tellers. I may have shed a tear when the truth came out and how we do love and want to take our loved ones pain away. Yep, definitely a good book.
Wow this book! It was really good. So there are some things I would have written differently, Decs brother is an ass and I would have added a little more to that area. I love Gavin and Decklans relationship as brothers friends and truth tellers. I may have shed a tear when the truth came out and how we do love and want to take our loved ones pain away. Yep, definitely a good book.
June 2, 2023
Kimber is only 19. Exaclty how is she in a bar so much. I had a fake ID when I was 19 but no mention of that to get her into the bars, not to mention bar tenders and owners of bars serving her. I believed their instant connection but not how Declan drags it out. Just never liked or connected with the characters and the sex was very vanilla with the author telling me how much the characters liked it but never really showing me.
January 1, 2017
**I voluntarily received an Advance Reader Copy of this book**
This is a wonderful story. This is definitely a story, that shows the right persons love can really move mountains. It was very inspiring. I am looking forward to book two in this series. There are other characters in this story that could use the right persons support.
This is a wonderful story. This is definitely a story, that shows the right persons love can really move mountains. It was very inspiring. I am looking forward to book two in this series. There are other characters in this story that could use the right persons support.
August 11, 2021
Well written, well edited and I enjoyed the premise - bad boy, haunted by demons from his past, meets good girl looking to break free from the mould her parents have tried to force her into. Lots of explosive heat between Decklan and Kimber, some very emotional moments and some heartwarming growth for both MC’s.
January 30, 2018
Crazy Stupid Love
Kimber moved across state to get away from her controlling parents and ex boyfriend. So when she goes to a bar with her roommate and friend she meets Decklen. Decklen has a very sad past that makes him push people away. Will Kimber be enough?
Kimber moved across state to get away from her controlling parents and ex boyfriend. So when she goes to a bar with her roommate and friend she meets Decklen. Decklen has a very sad past that makes him push people away. Will Kimber be enough?
February 12, 2018
Crazy Stupid Love was my first read by Melissa Toppen. It follows the story of Kimber and Decklan. I loved the broken bad boy falling for the complete opposite girl story line.
I will be reading the rest of this series. It's a great first read from a new-to-me author.
I will be reading the rest of this series. It's a great first read from a new-to-me author.
March 19, 2018
I absolutely adored this book. I fell in love with Decklan immediately. The pain he was living daily was worse than death. I didnt really connect with Kimber. That was the hard part. I couldn't see what was really beneath her true self.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews