Too much of my life had already been taken from me by a man that should have protected me. At the hands of pure evil I have lived in fear. When most young women were learning to love, I was fighting to live.
I had broken free of the hate.
Finally getting the chance to feel what real love was, but with all good things, bad times seem to follow. At least for me it does. My name is Payton Walters and I refused to allow them anymore of my freedom.
I feel like I say this a lot, but I mean it: I really wanted to like this book! I love romances that are complicated and perhaps a bit (or more than a bit) dark; I love heroines (and heroes!) who have been abused as children and yet somehow manage to create a relationship that is healthy, supportive, and strong. So I went into this book fully prepared to at least like it a lot, especially with all of the stellar reviews.
And I didn't.
This book is literally full of cliches; as soon as one was introduced, another one was lined up and ready to go. There's the ever popular instalove, fueled by interest by another party (and the other party is a slimeball, but only the hero is aware of this), for example. Dylan has always been sort of protective of Payton, but he's never showed any interest beyond brotherly before Todd (who is the aforementioned slimeball) comes into the picture. Then Dylan is all over Payton, who has loved him for years and years, and their relationship snowballs at an incredible pace.
Jesus. See what I mean about the ridiculous pile of cliches packed into this book?
The sex wasn't good, the romance is rushed and not believable, and I never identified with ANY of the characters in the book.
A new twist on an old theme. One thing I like about this book is that Payton has been in love with Dylan since she was a kid. In present day, they fall into a relationship and in love very quickly, within the first 35% of the book, which is both a strength and a weakness in the plot. They didn't have any of that "Will they/won't they" crap that you sometimes have to endure in new adult romances like these. However, I would have liked to have seen more of Dylan realizing that he views her as more than his little sister's best friend. Maybe a few more chapters of them flirting around their newfound (at least on Dylan's side) attraction. All that said, it was super cute how everyone kept saying "Well, it took you two long enough" whenever they told people about their relationship. The plot is quite engaging, and there are some great twists throughout. I did take issue with one of them - I shall rant under the spoiler tag While the book says that this is "Payton's Heart #1", there are no other books in the series (yet), and the plot wraps up nicely at the end. I think that might just be a mistake on Goodreads' end. So if you're looking for a standalone romance with hints of suspense, this definitely fits the bill! 3.5 stars
Payton's life is pure hell. Her mother took off years ago and left her with her father. John Waters is a drunk, sadistic monster. When his wife left he was without a punching bag so he turned his attentions to Payton. Broken ribs, bones, bruises and cuts instead of hugs and kisses made up her childhood. Her only relief is her best friend Casey Andrews and her family. Casey's older brother, Dylan has been the subject of Payton's fantasies for years.
"You've been drooling over him since we were thirteen. Don't you think it's time to say something to him?"
As sick as John is, he ups his game and decides one of his friends can sample his daughter. But this night of terror leads to John being removed from her life. Payton moves in with Casey's family and has her first experience of living in a loving home. Dylan has moved out and is in college. Payton tries to ignore the number of girls he goes through. HIs frat house is party central. She knows he could never go for someone like her. He'll never stop thinking of her like a little sister who needs his protection.
Payton is a beautiful girl and it's only a matter of time until someone sets out to grab her attention. Will that stir protective feelings in Dylan or will he find that what he feels for Peyton is far from brotherly affection?
"I didn't ask you to leave, I'm telling you." It was her pain speaking for her, I knew that, but it still hit me low in the gut. "I'm telling you I'm not leaving you alone. Whether you want me here or you want me gone, I am fucking staying."
Clash has some nice drama and turmoil in it. There are a ton of misunderstandings and compromising positions. Dylan is a nice guy, but sometimes a little dense. But he redeems himself pretty quickly.
"So you're blaming your cheating on the alcohol you consumed." "Payton..." I started to say, taking a seat at her side once more. "Did you sleep with her?" she asked.
The parts with Payton's father are hard to swallow. His abuse is sickening. But Payton is a strong character who has survived things that would have crushed most people. The road to happiness is full of bumps and curves for Dylan and Payton, but definitely worth the trip!
"I don't think I could ever be happier than I am right now."
I was super torn with this book... Being a fan of C.A. Harms, I've come to expect a certain style when I read a piece of hers, and I found myself disappointed in this particular story -- on the writing front. I found many thoughts and dialogue pieces to be choppy and lacking the fullness I need for a flowing story line.
However, on the other hand? The subject matter that Ms. Harms chose was gripping; the emotion was most certainly there. The things that Payton lived through were disgusting and I found that her characterization was truly on par with the events she had been through. This was not a girl/woman who could easily get over the things of her past, and true to form, it took a lot of growth (and trust) on her part. I also enjoyed Dylan and his need to stand up for Payton again and again. I found it comical that the only ones who thought Dylan's sister/Payton's bff Casey was going to have a problem with them together was, well.. them. Dylan was a stand-up guy again and again in the story.
On a character front, this was a solid piece. The characterization and growth of Dylan and Payton were great; I would have maybe liked to see more true flaws in Dylan, but it all worked regardless. On a plot level, this was a solid piece. The progression from beginning to end was done well. It was simply the writing style that negated everything for me, knowing some really great pieces from this author.
Payton's mum left her with her with her abusive father when she was 11 years old and over the years her fathers mental and physical abuse has gotten worse, she has very low self-esteem but she has her best friend Casey to rely on. Payton has loved Casey's older brother Dylan for years but she think he looks at her as a little sister.
This is a very powerful emotional read I found myself crying on and off through the whole book .
I really like Dylan but feel he needs a kick up the bum, he is really stubborn but after I got to know him a bit better I found him to be adorable. I loved Casey too she is a really loyal friend to Payton and is always there for her. Payton has been through so much and I really feel for her having to put up with it all this time.
I really enjoyed reading it and its very well written
There is a little cliffhanger at the end but its really not too bad. This is a short story but even though it is short I felt that I really got to know the characters very well and got into the story.
There is no doubt that I will be reading the next book in the series!
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Payton is a young girl living in a nightmare. Her mother took off and left her with her abusive father. Actually abusive is too good of a word for him. He breaks this girl, his daughter in more ways then one. I found myself cringing and being filled with pure rage at the things he did and said to her. Tough to read at times.
She does however have one spark of light which is her best friend and her family. Thank god for them! Only her best friend knows the abuse but her family loves having Payton around so she spends alot of time there.
Her best friend also has two brothers, one of which she has a huge, huge crush on but he is much older. I dont want to give too many details but there comes a time when not only does Payton have to live with them but her true feelings come out about Dylan.
To top it off, Dylan lets his feelings be known about Payton as well. Its a good love story although a few times there were things not really believable it was still good. Not exactly racy sex scenes but there are some. The building up of their relationship dragged a little but picked up by the end and there is drama when her father gets back in the picture. Its a quicker read and all loose ends are tied up by the end.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, abuse, twists & turns, and heartbreak.
This is Payton and Dylan’s story. Payton has been living with her father after her mother ran out on them. Her father is abusive and when one night is gets worst then it ever was. She runs and gets help from her best friend’s family. Her best friend’s brother Dylan helps her the most. She starts staying with her friend’s family. Once time goes on Dylan and Payton look at each other differently. Can she have a relationship when she knows that she might have to deal with her father in the future? What is he comes for her? Will she have the support and protection she needs with Dylan? Or will she have to run from everything she loves to get away?
I loved these characters and also the side characters. There are some tear filled moments and some anger filled moments in this story. But all in all I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
Payton has gone through allot since her mother left when she was 11 leaving her with an alcoholic abusive father. Six years later after trying to hide her horrible home life for so long things finally come out in the open. She goes to live with hey best friend and her family, which includes her older brother Dylan, whom she has been in love with since she was 13. Dylan is finally seeing Payton as the amazing young woman she is and now he needs to figure out how to stop being an ass and tell her how he feels. With a twist at the end that leaves you clamoring to read the next book in this series. I enjoyed seeing Payton come into her own and stop being afraid of hey own shadow. Harms does it again with this great novel!
WOW.... I love reading CA Harms, but this book. WOW.... I loved that John got what he did in the end but I just wished he meet up with a few 2x4's or pipes on the way down. What a cruel bastard. I am glad that the h did not wait around for the H. yes she was trying to get better and get on with her life but I hated that she had to see the procession of women in the H's life. But when he got his head out of his bum... he was amazing. My only complaint is I wished something bad and awful had happened to Todd.... what a creeper.
Book 2 picks up exactly where book 1's slight cliffhanger ending ends. The continuing story of Payton a girl who's mother walked out and left her with her abusive father. She is taking in with her best friend Casey's mum and family. Payton's mother gets back in touch and her relationship with Dylan doesn't go as planned.
This is a amazing read I can't believe I have just found this books!
I cried reading this one too (a lot) its a very heart breaking and emotional read. I enjoyed reading it immensely, the characters just keep on developing and I now feel that I know them really well. Dylan is still a bit of an ass in this one but without it the book wouldn't have had the depth it has. A well written book with a few sex scenes that were descriptive and was not over the top.
The characters are all very likeable and I feel very proud of whom Peyton become and how she has coped with everything. I still really like Dylan he is still hot but he is still a bit of an ass but he is a loveable guy. I would really like to read Casey's story continuing from where book 2 has ended. I also think that there could be more books in this series because there is so much to tell.
A fantastic read, I loved reading. I will be certainly going onto read more of C.A Harms books.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Clash is a captivating, soul crushing read that broke my heart but also made it swell. The shocking and traumatic base to this story is overwhelming. Leaving in its wake a heartbreaking read that is pure perfection. CA Harms' writing in this book is beautiful, raw, painful and soul destroying. Payton's back story is gutting. The traumatic abuse she suffers cut me apart piece by piece, slashing my heart and soul. I felt so much pain for Payton willing, hoping for her to fight and survive. Her escape was hard to read, but it was the strength of those around her that built up the story filled with power and excellence. Dylan was the perfect person for Payton. I have claimed him as my own. He is stunning, sexy and so hot. His love for Peyton shone brightly throughout the story and helped ease my own aching heart as well as Payton's. The twists and turns that CA throws into Clash are gripping and left me sat on the edge of my seat, pumping with adrenaline, reading as quick as possible. By no means is this book a breeze to read, it's devastating in parts and wonderful in others, but together it's a perfect mix, a beautiful balance of light and dark and a stunning 5 star read.
This is such a good story. I really enjoyed reading it. I loved Payton. I was so proud of her and felt for her from the beginning of the story. Casey was awesome!! Such a good best friend. I liked Dylan but he got on my nerves or the way he kept acting around Payton for most of the story. I was so glad that Payton had the family that she did to lean on. The whole time I was reading I didn't want to put the book down and stop reading because I wanted to find out what was going to happen next and how Payton was going to get her happily ever after or at least the beginning to one. The characters were completely engaging. This story focuses on the characters and emotions more than action. There is definitely enough to keep the reader's attention but if you are looking for an action packed book this is not it. If you are looking for a character based book, full of emotions this is it. And there is a bit of a cliff hanger, not bad and Payton is still in a good place but I can't wait to read the next one. I received this book for an honest review.
I have been a fan of C.A. Harms for a while now and this book is totally different than anything she has ever written. I was hooked from the beginning.
Payton has had a life no young child should ever have to live through. Her mother leaves when she is young and her father turns his abuse to her. She suffers both physical and mental abuse at the hands of her father. Her saving grace is her best friend Casey and her family. They take her in and treat her as their own. Payton has always had a crush on Casey older brother Dylan but he treats her as a friend only.
Dylan finally has his eyes opened one day in his senior year of college and falls in love with Payton. The love story between these two is so sweet and I fell in love more in love with Dylan after every page. These two are so perfect for each other.
I don't want to give to much away but what follows is a beautiful love story between these two. Of obstacles are thrown in their way and you are going to be rooting for a HEA for these two.
Received for a honest review*** this is part 2 of Payton's story and we start right where we left off. Payton & Dylan have finally found each other and Payton is now living with her adopted family. With her father now in jail, Payton feels things are finally going good, until her long missing mother reruns. Payton still feels angry and abandoned. She feels she is not good enough for anyone to love. Dylan tries to help but being young himself and new at this love thing, jealousy is something he can't control. Making mistakes and learning to forgive is the key in this story. Can Payton and Dylan make it? I really like this series but I do wish it was just one book instead of two. A short quick lovely read!
I loved this book. I read it from start to finish, I would highly recommend this book to everyone I know and let me tell you why. This book dealt with real life issues. I was so heartbroken reading Payton's story, I was almost in tears reading this book. For me that's how I know I have a good book, when I get so much into it that the characters become real people. I am getting ready to read book #2 and I can't wait. Great job...I am excited to keep reading the rest of your books and to see what else you have in store
I was given the chance to read & review this story by the author. I love this story. It deals with a lot of emotions from all the characters. Peyton is a HS student that has a drunk and abusive father. Her best friend Casey is always there no matter what without judgment. Dylan is Casey's brother. Dylan is attracted to Peyton but doesn't want to make a big deal about it because of their age difference. After a confrontation they realize they both want each other.
Another wonderful story by C. A. Harms! This story grabs you from the very beginning & won't let you go. You'll fall in love with, Payton, the main character & want to keep reading to find out what happens & why. But readers beware, it's a cliff hanger & you'll be dying to get to book #2' Never Forgotten.
*I was given this in exchange for a honest review*
WOW, Where to begin. I'm not a fan of abuse, in any form. But C.A.Harms told this with such delicacy and honesty that I literally could not stop reading. Then out of such drama comes the sweetest love story of Payton and Dylan. So unexpected and incredibly heartwarming. Cannot wait to read book two.
I really liked this story cannot wait for the conclusion of her paytons story to see how she will have a relationship with her mother or she will never forgive i cannot wait to jump in for the next book!!!!
Hm, not her best. The h was a bit of a doormat and she endured ridiculous abuse and heart break. The H needed to work a little harder to get her and to grovel a bit when he made a poor choice.
CA Harms delivers a story that stays with you long after you've read the last page!
Once again CA Harms delivers an emotionally charged story. From the beginning of this book my heart broke for Payton, as she suffered at the hands of her sadistic father. The words that CA Harms used as she wrote of the darkness had my heart hurting right along with Payton. FYI this book is not all rainbow and sunshine; it is a dark, traumatic and beautiful story of a young girl who fought for her life. I loved seeing Payton become a strong, beautiful young woman, who fought for what she wanted. Watching the friendship between Payton and Dylan grow into love was an amazing journey! Once again CA Harms delivers an emotional, raw story that stays with you long after you've read the last page!
I liked the book. I think the pacing was a bit fast. It felt like major events happened like every other chapter. ***** (SPOILERS)***** And I know Payton and Dylan knew each other for years and (apparently) had a mutual crush for much of that time. That considered, their relation ship moved incredibly fast. 1/3 of the book in, they had already professed their I love yous and by halfway through the book Dylan had proposed and by the end, Payton was pregnant. In a well balanced and sufficiently long book, this can happen and still make sense. But here, in less than 200 pages, it felt rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book really kept me interested. Payton had been through so much and it seemed like she kept getting stuff thrown at her. So glad she had Casey and her family to help her. Casey's brother, Dylan, finally admitted his feelings for her and just when you thought things were turning around more stuff happens.
Holy wow! You know when you first start a book and you know from page one, it's going to be amazing? This, this is that story! I've enjoyed so many books from this author and she never ceases to amaze me with her words, and ability to draw you in. You don't just read, you live her stories!
Payton is such a strong young woman. After having suffered the abuse feom her father, she still tries to lead a happy and normal life. I'm so happy that Dylan came to his senses. All along she was right there and he didn't realize it. I love stories like this.
This is a heart wrenching and heart warming story of love. Payton has yearned after Dylan for most of her life, but has never acted due to the abuse of her father...that is until college, when one accidental walk in changed everything