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Collared
From New York Times Bestselling Author, Nicole Williams:
When a seventeen-year-old girl vanishes,
A community is shaken.
Parents turn desperate.
Friends hold vigils.
And the boy who loves her searches.
When a year goes by,
The community is recovering.
Parents feel hopeless.
Friends feel helpless.
And the boy who loves her continues his search.
When ten years go by,
The community has forgotten.
Parents cling to the past.
Friends move toward the future.
And the boy who loves her . . .
Brings her home.
Jade Childs spent ten years in captivity, but now that she’s back, the real battle for survival begins. The media shadows her. Flashbacks haunt her. Her old life evades her. Her so-called new life rejects her. She spent too many years in the dark to recognize the light. She spent too long repressing her feelings to remember how to express them. She spent a decade abandoning hope and cannot dare letting it back into her life. Jade’s not just defined by what happened to her—she’s collared to it.
When the twenty-seven-year-old woman is found,
A community wants to know the story,
Parents want to forget the story,
Friends want to be a part of the story,
And the man who still loves her faces the greatest challenge yet: letting her go.
***This is a standalone novel***
When a seventeen-year-old girl vanishes,
A community is shaken.
Parents turn desperate.
Friends hold vigils.
And the boy who loves her searches.
When a year goes by,
The community is recovering.
Parents feel hopeless.
Friends feel helpless.
And the boy who loves her continues his search.
When ten years go by,
The community has forgotten.
Parents cling to the past.
Friends move toward the future.
And the boy who loves her . . .
Brings her home.
Jade Childs spent ten years in captivity, but now that she’s back, the real battle for survival begins. The media shadows her. Flashbacks haunt her. Her old life evades her. Her so-called new life rejects her. She spent too many years in the dark to recognize the light. She spent too long repressing her feelings to remember how to express them. She spent a decade abandoning hope and cannot dare letting it back into her life. Jade’s not just defined by what happened to her—she’s collared to it.
When the twenty-seven-year-old woman is found,
A community wants to know the story,
Parents want to forget the story,
Friends want to be a part of the story,
And the man who still loves her faces the greatest challenge yet: letting her go.
***This is a standalone novel***
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2016
110 people are currently reading
6646 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Williams
52 books9,593 followersNicole is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author who got her humble start dictating books to her parents at the age of three and her big break nearly three decades later when she signed her first publishing deal. She grew up an avid reader and writer who majored in Economics because a Creative Writing degree was lofty and impractical, not to mention a pipe dream. Irony, you wily fiend.
When she isn’t embroiled in a book, she spends her time playing wife and mom to her two favorite people in the world, and referee to their three rescue pets/wildlings. Nicole lives in the Evergreen State on the quieter side, ideal for an admitted recluse who enjoys the diversity of outdoor endeavors the Great Northwest offers.
Nicole loves hearing from her readers. You can connect with her on:
Facebook: Author Nicole Williams
Instagram: author_nicole_williams
Twitter: nwilliamsbooks
When she isn’t embroiled in a book, she spends her time playing wife and mom to her two favorite people in the world, and referee to their three rescue pets/wildlings. Nicole lives in the Evergreen State on the quieter side, ideal for an admitted recluse who enjoys the diversity of outdoor endeavors the Great Northwest offers.
Nicole loves hearing from her readers. You can connect with her on:
Facebook: Author Nicole Williams
Instagram: author_nicole_williams
Twitter: nwilliamsbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 712 reviews
May 24, 2016
I thought this book was great. (Insert sentence with big words here.) I'm not sure I've been this shocked by a twist since Flat-Out-Love by Jessica Park. (Pretend there are a few paragraphs here that beautifully describe the contents of Collared by Nicole Williams.)
I highly recommend this book for people who will like this book.
Reviews are not my strong point.
I don't have many strong points.
I highly recommend this book for people who will like this book.
Reviews are not my strong point.
I don't have many strong points.
March 15, 2016
::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED ::::
WOW!! What an incredibly unique and powerful romance!! When I first read the blurb, it gave me chills and I just knew that I had to read this book... and from the first chapter, I was unable to put it down. If you’re looking for a love story that is totally different than the norm, but absolutely additive and achingly beautiful, then you definitely have to read this!! I LOVED IT!!
Chills, right? THAT BLURB. Totally and completely hooked me on the book!
I actually feel very strongly that you should go into this book knowing as little as possible about it and as such, this will be a shorter review. I know some of you are happy to do that, and others would like some reassurances, so I'm going to hopefully give you just that without giving away any of the story.
First, obviously since the heroine was kidnapped, there are some darker elements but I want to really stress that this is not a dark read. The story is about what happens after she is rescued. There is no sexual abuse involved, and very little time is focused on when she was captive. This is a story of what happens after - after the years of searching, of never losing hope, of continuing to search when everyone else had given up... what happens when the girl he loves comes home.
Second, the title of the book is very, very clever. You think it's one thing but it's so much more.
We often think of disappearances in a larger context. Something big must have happened -- some grand kidnapping scheme. But the most eye-opening thing to realize is that they can also happen in the blink of an eye and the most normal places. One minute you're there, the next minute you're gone. It's chilling.
Upon her return, I felt that Jade had such understandable and realistic concerns and fears. I loved her mix of vulnerability and strength. And Torrin... Oh my, Torrin was dreamy. His devotion and unending love for her made my heart ache. This man was quite literally willing to give up everything for her. I loved his practicality and down-to-earth, no-bullshit attitude and I loved the way he never stopped loving her.
There is a TWIST to this story that I'm purposefully not mentioning that, as soon as you read it, you'll understand the emotional impact it has on everything. It made their reunion that much more intense, but the way they found their way back to being them was so incredibly powerful. I actually cried near the end because it was that beautiful! You'll know when you get to that scene. I have the whole page highlighted!
The emotions in this story tugged all my heart strings. While the whole world either wanted something from Jade, or didn't know how to act around her anymore, Torrin remained her constant. He was her light, her savior, so much more than a friend or lover. He was there - always - and you could feel how unbreakable their bond was.
Equal parts heart-wrenching and hopeful, this is the kind of book I spend all my time searching for -- a book that tells a unique, compelling story with beautiful writing and a powerful romance at its heart. This is a book about breaking free, being true to yourself, and choosing to follow your heart. It's about choices, about never giving up hope, and more importantly, about never giving up on love.
I highly recommend this book for all fans of romance! It's a new top favorite of mine!
Rating: 4.5 stars! Standalone romance.
Pre-order COLLARED (Kindle)
__________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Twitter
✦ Subscribe by email
“I’ll never finish falling in love with you.”
WOW!! What an incredibly unique and powerful romance!! When I first read the blurb, it gave me chills and I just knew that I had to read this book... and from the first chapter, I was unable to put it down. If you’re looking for a love story that is totally different than the norm, but absolutely additive and achingly beautiful, then you definitely have to read this!! I LOVED IT!!
When a seventeen-year-old girl vanishes,
A community is shaken.
Parents turn desperate.
Friends hold vigils.
And the boy who loves her searches.
When a year goes by,
The community is recovering.
Parents feel hopeless.
Friends feel helpless.
And the boy who loves her continues his search.
When ten years go by,
The community has forgotten.
Parents cling to the past.
Friends move toward the future.
And the boy who loves her . . .
Brings her home.
When the twenty-seven-year-old woman is found,
A community wants to know the story,
Parents want to forget the story,
Friends want to be a part of the story,
And the man who still loves her faces the greatest challenge yet: letting her go.
Chills, right? THAT BLURB. Totally and completely hooked me on the book!
I actually feel very strongly that you should go into this book knowing as little as possible about it and as such, this will be a shorter review. I know some of you are happy to do that, and others would like some reassurances, so I'm going to hopefully give you just that without giving away any of the story.
First, obviously since the heroine was kidnapped, there are some darker elements but I want to really stress that this is not a dark read. The story is about what happens after she is rescued. There is no sexual abuse involved, and very little time is focused on when she was captive. This is a story of what happens after - after the years of searching, of never losing hope, of continuing to search when everyone else had given up... what happens when the girl he loves comes home.
“Find an emotional tether. Someone you trusted before and someone you can trust now. A person who can connect you to your past but can pilot you into your future. Someone who can pull you back from the ledge when you find it and from the dark when it finds you. Find that person, hold on tight, and don’t let go.”
Second, the title of the book is very, very clever. You think it's one thing but it's so much more.
We often think of disappearances in a larger context. Something big must have happened -- some grand kidnapping scheme. But the most eye-opening thing to realize is that they can also happen in the blink of an eye and the most normal places. One minute you're there, the next minute you're gone. It's chilling.
“It’s ten o’clock,” I say, blinking. “I live half a block away. We live in one of the safest cities in the country. What are you afraid’s going to happen?”
He scans the neighborhood around us like there are things I can’t see. “What I’ve been afraid of from the first day I knew I loved you.” His hand tightens around mine. “That I was going to lose you.”
Upon her return, I felt that Jade had such understandable and realistic concerns and fears. I loved her mix of vulnerability and strength. And Torrin... Oh my, Torrin was dreamy. His devotion and unending love for her made my heart ache. This man was quite literally willing to give up everything for her. I loved his practicality and down-to-earth, no-bullshit attitude and I loved the way he never stopped loving her.
His strong hand grips the side of my neck, and he aligns his eyes with mine. “I’ve been sure about you since I was fifteen years old. And I’ll be sure about you for the rest of my life.”
There is a TWIST to this story that I'm purposefully not mentioning that, as soon as you read it, you'll understand the emotional impact it has on everything. It made their reunion that much more intense, but the way they found their way back to being them was so incredibly powerful. I actually cried near the end because it was that beautiful! You'll know when you get to that scene. I have the whole page highlighted!
The emotions in this story tugged all my heart strings. While the whole world either wanted something from Jade, or didn't know how to act around her anymore, Torrin remained her constant. He was her light, her savior, so much more than a friend or lover. He was there - always - and you could feel how unbreakable their bond was.
Equal parts heart-wrenching and hopeful, this is the kind of book I spend all my time searching for -- a book that tells a unique, compelling story with beautiful writing and a powerful romance at its heart. This is a book about breaking free, being true to yourself, and choosing to follow your heart. It's about choices, about never giving up hope, and more importantly, about never giving up on love.
I highly recommend this book for all fans of romance! It's a new top favorite of mine!
Rating: 4.5 stars! Standalone romance.
Pre-order COLLARED (Kindle)
__________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Subscribe by email
November 13, 2016
When I picked up 'Collared', I had absolutely no idea of how much I would love this story. I expected a dark romance with a captivity theme, but had anticipated a storyline centered on sexual slavery, BDSM, and trafficking. Although the heroine was abducted and held captive for ten years, it was -lucky for her - not for those reasons. Nonetheless, she suffers greatly, as does everyone that loves her.
The story begins with a seventeen year-old Jade, head over heels in love with the boy next door, Torrin Costigan. I immediately fell right into her happy, carefree teenage life. With loving, protective parents, Jade's biggest concern was trying to avoid getting in trouble for breaking curfew when she stole a few extra minutes to make out with Torrin.
That all ends one night when Jade is kidnapped, only feet from her front door. Nothing will ever be the same. She is thrust into a bleak new existence, eventually adopting her assigned identity and pushing memories of her own life to the back of her mind in order to survive.
Ten years later, Jade is rescued. Only, she feels less like Jade than the girl she was forced to become. Thrust into a world that is now strange and overwhelming to her, she struggles to find her place among the people she once felt closest to. She wakes up in a world that has moved on without her.
As Jade tries to find her way, she once again finds herself gravitating toward Torrin. He is there for her every step of the way. Only, despite their undying love, their circumstances have greatly changed in Jade's absence.
After so many years without her, Torrin had to move on with his life. He never gave up hope, but he couldn't keep sitting around waiting for Jade to be found. His life needed direction and purpose.
Torrin and Jade's love story was heartbreakingly beautiful and deeply emotional. I could not put this one down. Even scenes that I thought would be "filler" ended up bringing me to tears. I literally cried like a baby after one scene where Torrin takes Jade on an outing to the zoo.
Although I loved every minute of this story, I do wish it ended differently. It isn't a bad or unhappy ending exactly, but I wanted things to play out differently. At the same time, it was a very fitting ending in so many ways. Regardless, I loved this book!
The story begins with a seventeen year-old Jade, head over heels in love with the boy next door, Torrin Costigan. I immediately fell right into her happy, carefree teenage life. With loving, protective parents, Jade's biggest concern was trying to avoid getting in trouble for breaking curfew when she stole a few extra minutes to make out with Torrin.
That all ends one night when Jade is kidnapped, only feet from her front door. Nothing will ever be the same. She is thrust into a bleak new existence, eventually adopting her assigned identity and pushing memories of her own life to the back of her mind in order to survive.
Ten years later, Jade is rescued. Only, she feels less like Jade than the girl she was forced to become. Thrust into a world that is now strange and overwhelming to her, she struggles to find her place among the people she once felt closest to. She wakes up in a world that has moved on without her.
As Jade tries to find her way, she once again finds herself gravitating toward Torrin. He is there for her every step of the way. Only, despite their undying love, their circumstances have greatly changed in Jade's absence.
After so many years without her, Torrin had to move on with his life. He never gave up hope, but he couldn't keep sitting around waiting for Jade to be found. His life needed direction and purpose.
Torrin and Jade's love story was heartbreakingly beautiful and deeply emotional. I could not put this one down. Even scenes that I thought would be "filler" ended up bringing me to tears. I literally cried like a baby after one scene where Torrin takes Jade on an outing to the zoo.
Although I loved every minute of this story, I do wish it ended differently. It isn't a bad or unhappy ending exactly, but I wanted things to play out differently. At the same time, it was a very fitting ending in so many ways. Regardless, I loved this book!
March 22, 2016
5 + STARS
”Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
This is hands down Nicole Williams’ BEST WORK! I cried, yes this meanie's got a box of tissues next to her and I’m smiling the biggest mega watt smile over this story.
The journey of Jade Childs and Torrin Costigan is epic I tell you!
Jade Childs and her boyfriend Torrin went from friends and neighbors to the ‘it’ couple through their high school years. At seventeen years old, they are both fully committed to one another until something so horrific happens that takes Jade away from him and her family for ten terrifying years.
Jade’s been robbed of so much and the struggle to acclimate herself back with her family and the world is a hard road. To her shock, Torrin is one of the first eager to see her and unlike the collar that bound her to her captor’s home, Torrin too wears a collar now, just one to a higher calling. Jade realizes that all the time in the world could pass and Torrin will always be the one she is tethered to. He can make her smile, ease her fears and he simply gets her even when she’s not sure what she’s feeling.
"I'm so damaged all I remember about love is how to spell it."
This story tugs on your heartstrings, while the public is hungry for information about Jade and her siblings have all grown she in some ways remains suck at seventeen. Torrin remains her light and their connection and love even all these years later was extraordinary.
I have read so many different types of stories by this author and this book is so very special and I can only guess how very emotional it must have been to write. This book will hold a spot on my favorites of the year list and of all time. It’s an unforgettable, heartbreaking, hopeful and one very heavy highlighted book.
**ARC provided the author in exchange for an honest review**
”Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
This is hands down Nicole Williams’ BEST WORK! I cried, yes this meanie's got a box of tissues next to her and I’m smiling the biggest mega watt smile over this story.
The journey of Jade Childs and Torrin Costigan is epic I tell you!
Jade Childs and her boyfriend Torrin went from friends and neighbors to the ‘it’ couple through their high school years. At seventeen years old, they are both fully committed to one another until something so horrific happens that takes Jade away from him and her family for ten terrifying years.
Jade’s been robbed of so much and the struggle to acclimate herself back with her family and the world is a hard road. To her shock, Torrin is one of the first eager to see her and unlike the collar that bound her to her captor’s home, Torrin too wears a collar now, just one to a higher calling. Jade realizes that all the time in the world could pass and Torrin will always be the one she is tethered to. He can make her smile, ease her fears and he simply gets her even when she’s not sure what she’s feeling.
"I'm so damaged all I remember about love is how to spell it."
This story tugs on your heartstrings, while the public is hungry for information about Jade and her siblings have all grown she in some ways remains suck at seventeen. Torrin remains her light and their connection and love even all these years later was extraordinary.
I have read so many different types of stories by this author and this book is so very special and I can only guess how very emotional it must have been to write. This book will hold a spot on my favorites of the year list and of all time. It’s an unforgettable, heartbreaking, hopeful and one very heavy highlighted book.
**ARC provided the author in exchange for an honest review**
March 16, 2016
5 stars!
I’ve read several books by Nicole Williams but none of them have effected me like this. None of them have blown me away. This one, though… this book was powerful, moving and one of the most EPIC romances I’ve ever read. The connection between these two characters… the love, the sacrifice. It’s epic. I have no other word.
Jade and Torrin were two teenagers in love. They were each others one and only and planned to stay that way forever. Then something tragic happened and Jade was taken. Kidnapped. Away from her friends and family for ten years. Can you imagine? Being away from everything you know and love for a decade? But on the other side… can you imagine the girl you love with your whole heart being stolen from you for that long?
There is a twist in this love story, and one I didn’t see coming. To me, that twist made this story that much more special and intense. It was a powerful thing. One I won’t share in my review, but one that really showed just how much Torrin loved Jade and how much he could never ever see a life without her in it.
“I would have waited for you no matter how long you took. A month, a year, an eternity. I would have waited.”
I’ve read several books by Nicole Williams but none of them have effected me like this. None of them have blown me away. This one, though… this book was powerful, moving and one of the most EPIC romances I’ve ever read. The connection between these two characters… the love, the sacrifice. It’s epic. I have no other word.
Jade and Torrin were two teenagers in love. They were each others one and only and planned to stay that way forever. Then something tragic happened and Jade was taken. Kidnapped. Away from her friends and family for ten years. Can you imagine? Being away from everything you know and love for a decade? But on the other side… can you imagine the girl you love with your whole heart being stolen from you for that long?
I have to look away. It hurts too much. Seeing what my future could have been only to realize it never will be makes everything inside me feel like it’s atrophying. Withering. Dying slowly.
There is a twist in this love story, and one I didn’t see coming. To me, that twist made this story that much more special and intense. It was a powerful thing. One I won’t share in my review, but one that really showed just how much Torrin loved Jade and how much he could never ever see a life without her in it.
“Time, circumstances, tragedy- nothing can change that. You and me, there isn’t an over for us.”I love unconventional romances. I love books that make me think, feel and cry. This story hooked me from the start and as painful as it was, I loved every minute. I thought the ending was perfect for this couple, even though I would like to see a little farther in the future to see where these two end up… A wonderful 5 star read! Highly recommend!!!
He’s not supposed to be the one… but he’s always been The One.
March 31, 2016
5 Stars!!
It’s been three days since I finished this book and I’m still at a loss for words. Nicole Williams surprised me in such a good way with this book, especially since it was my first book by her. 'Collared' is a very consuming, emotional read, beautifully written that touched me so, so much. I don’t have words to tell you how much this story affected me. This author delivered not only a powerful love story, but also a wonderful story about survival, learning to move on, sacrifice, hope and healing.
Jade and Torrin are young and in love. Neither of them expected their relationship to become something more after they became friends, but now after two years they are deeply in love, looking forward to be together for the rest of their lives. Their happiness is short lived when Jade is taken away from Torrin. She is kidnapped. Just several feet from her front door. For ten years.
For ten years Torrin never stopped looking for Jade, never stopped hopping. He tried to find her even if the chance to find the girl he loved with all his heart were slim to none. He hoped when everyone else gave up.
Jade is broken. Having every day several anxiety attacks she struggles with everything in her ‘new’ life. She feels she doesn’t know the people who once upon a time used to mean so much to her. Since she pretended to be someone else for ten years she doesn’t know who she is anymore. When everyone seems to not understand that she’s not the same Jade she used to be, Torrin feels like the one who can see that. He’s still the only one who knows her better than anyone else, who keeps her sane, who knows how to comfort her when everyone else doesn’t.
I loved this book! Everything about it was done to perfection IMO. Jade and Torrin’s story touched me to the core. It was so beautiful, heartbreaking (most of the time), but also heartwarming and hopeful. Their story was from start to finish epic and it will make you reflect and truly believe in real love, in soul-mates. It made me smile and cry, it gave me goosebumps, it made me hope.
The entire story is told from Jade’s point-of-view and let me tell you Nicole did a wonderful job with it. Jade’s POV was real, honest and most of the time heartbreaking. Being in her head, reading her thoughts was very hard at times, because I felt everything she felt –fear, pain, despair, love, acceptance and everything in between. In some way I experienced everything she experienced. My heart broke for this woman who practically forgot who she is. Her journey was gut-wrenching at times and her tries to understand and ACCEPT that everything changed were so realistically done. I loved how well developed her character is. She’s a remarkably heroine I truly admired for so many reasons. She’s survivor, but most of all, she’s a fighter.
Torrin’s character was well written as well. He was simply wonderful and a real hero in this story. I really would have wanted to read at least one chapter from his POV, because at some point I really wished to know how he felt about some things.
Even if the story doesn’t focused on Jade and Torrin’s relationship/romance I found their love story to be very inspiring, beautiful and so emotional. I loved their connection, the familiarity between them after so many years and the love they still feel for each other. Torrin's tenderness towards Jade melt my heart. The way he was with her, his gentleness and the way he loves her were simply beautiful.
As for the big twist that everyone talks about…wow…it blew me away. To be honest I expected something to happen, but I didn’t expect to be left with my mouth hanging open or to be left…ugh…frustrated a little (because I knew everything will change for these characters).
In my opinion the story ended perfectly for these characters in a very realistic, believable way. It’s not the “perfect” ending, but it’s the perfect ending for Jade and Torrin.
All in all, 'Collared' was an amazing read for me, one that I highly recommend if you want to read an emotional, unconventional, epic love story.
It’s been three days since I finished this book and I’m still at a loss for words. Nicole Williams surprised me in such a good way with this book, especially since it was my first book by her. 'Collared' is a very consuming, emotional read, beautifully written that touched me so, so much. I don’t have words to tell you how much this story affected me. This author delivered not only a powerful love story, but also a wonderful story about survival, learning to move on, sacrifice, hope and healing.
“You’re the boy next door, Torrin. My boy next door.”
Jade and Torrin are young and in love. Neither of them expected their relationship to become something more after they became friends, but now after two years they are deeply in love, looking forward to be together for the rest of their lives. Their happiness is short lived when Jade is taken away from Torrin. She is kidnapped. Just several feet from her front door. For ten years.
“When you love someone, you love them. You can’t “slow that down” or portion out whatever “healthy” doses your peers deem acceptable.
You love them as hard as you can, as best you can.”
For ten years Torrin never stopped looking for Jade, never stopped hopping. He tried to find her even if the chance to find the girl he loved with all his heart were slim to none. He hoped when everyone else gave up.
Jade is broken. Having every day several anxiety attacks she struggles with everything in her ‘new’ life. She feels she doesn’t know the people who once upon a time used to mean so much to her. Since she pretended to be someone else for ten years she doesn’t know who she is anymore. When everyone seems to not understand that she’s not the same Jade she used to be, Torrin feels like the one who can see that. He’s still the only one who knows her better than anyone else, who keeps her sane, who knows how to comfort her when everyone else doesn’t.
“He’s the one I’d tie myself to, but I don’t feel like I have anything left to be bound with. How can he tether me when vapor has more substance than I do?”
“You brought me back . . . when everyone else just kind of left me behind.”
I loved this book! Everything about it was done to perfection IMO. Jade and Torrin’s story touched me to the core. It was so beautiful, heartbreaking (most of the time), but also heartwarming and hopeful. Their story was from start to finish epic and it will make you reflect and truly believe in real love, in soul-mates. It made me smile and cry, it gave me goosebumps, it made me hope.
The entire story is told from Jade’s point-of-view and let me tell you Nicole did a wonderful job with it. Jade’s POV was real, honest and most of the time heartbreaking. Being in her head, reading her thoughts was very hard at times, because I felt everything she felt –fear, pain, despair, love, acceptance and everything in between. In some way I experienced everything she experienced. My heart broke for this woman who practically forgot who she is. Her journey was gut-wrenching at times and her tries to understand and ACCEPT that everything changed were so realistically done. I loved how well developed her character is. She’s a remarkably heroine I truly admired for so many reasons. She’s survivor, but most of all, she’s a fighter.
“There’s no past and no future when he looks at me like that—there’s only right now.”
Torrin’s character was well written as well. He was simply wonderful and a real hero in this story. I really would have wanted to read at least one chapter from his POV, because at some point I really wished to know how he felt about some things.
Even if the story doesn’t focused on Jade and Torrin’s relationship/romance I found their love story to be very inspiring, beautiful and so emotional. I loved their connection, the familiarity between them after so many years and the love they still feel for each other. Torrin's tenderness towards Jade melt my heart. The way he was with her, his gentleness and the way he loves her were simply beautiful.
As for the big twist that everyone talks about…wow…it blew me away. To be honest I expected something to happen, but I didn’t expect to be left with my mouth hanging open or to be left…ugh…frustrated a little (because I knew everything will change for these characters).
In my opinion the story ended perfectly for these characters in a very realistic, believable way. It’s not the “perfect” ending, but it’s the perfect ending for Jade and Torrin.
All in all, 'Collared' was an amazing read for me, one that I highly recommend if you want to read an emotional, unconventional, epic love story.
“I’ll never finish falling in love with you.”
March 22, 2016
*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I let myself get carried away by that moment. I let myself feel the only joy I’ve felt in ten years. I let myself feel it…then I take an imaginary pin and pop it. That life died the night I died to the world. That life is gone.
Jade Childs is just an ordinary seventeen-year-old girl. She has a loving family, good friends, and is in love with the boy next door. On a night when she is floating on cloud nine because her boyfriend has promised her a forever with him, her world gets totally flipped on its axis. She goes from living a teenager’s dream to being thrown into everyone’s worst nightmare. Jade is abducted just several feet away from her front door. She will not return home until TEN YEARS later!!!
This was definitely what I would categorize as a ”dark” read, but the subject matter never got too intense. We meet Jade during one of the happiest times of her young life and then we see that it only takes just a few seconds to turn someone’s world upside down, immersing them into the deepest pits of despair. However, we don’t spend too much time in Jade’s years of captivity. The story flashes forward to ten years later rather quickly and for the most part, we stay in present day with her while we get little snippets of her life in captivity through a few flashbacks. I will say that what she went through was far from pretty but thankfully she was not raped!! Phew!!! I really don’t enjoy reading rape scenes so I was very thankful for that.
Jade was broken down mentally by her captor. He was so persistent and quite sinister with his methods of mind control. For ten years she was forced to be someone else, so now when she is rescued and returned back to her family, she finds it hard to resume her old life and her true identity. Of course, she suffers from severe anxiety and has difficulty socializing with other people, including her family, but there is one person who is able to keep her calm and who has become her tether, Torrin Costigan.
Torrin is Jade’s old boyfriend. The one she dreamed about so many nights while hanging on by a thin thread. He never stopped giving up hope that she would be found. He did everything he could to help with the police department’s search efforts. But now things are so complicated because of the path he chose to take in adulthood. Whenever they spend time together it becomes clear to the both of them that their feelings for each other still remain pretty strong. It’s hard not to swoon over and fall madly in love with this man.
I really got swept away by this story and had such high hopes that it was going to end a certain way, so when it didn’t it went from a “Five Star” to a “Four Star” read for me. I know that there were very good reasons to end it the way it did, but I just wanted MORE!! I have read other books by Nicole Williams and she has proven yet again, to be a truly gifted story teller!
I highly recommend this one. Don’t let my little complaint scare you away from this one. It was a very well written and highly fascinating story.
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I let myself get carried away by that moment. I let myself feel the only joy I’ve felt in ten years. I let myself feel it…then I take an imaginary pin and pop it. That life died the night I died to the world. That life is gone.
Jade Childs is just an ordinary seventeen-year-old girl. She has a loving family, good friends, and is in love with the boy next door. On a night when she is floating on cloud nine because her boyfriend has promised her a forever with him, her world gets totally flipped on its axis. She goes from living a teenager’s dream to being thrown into everyone’s worst nightmare. Jade is abducted just several feet away from her front door. She will not return home until TEN YEARS later!!!
This was definitely what I would categorize as a ”dark” read, but the subject matter never got too intense. We meet Jade during one of the happiest times of her young life and then we see that it only takes just a few seconds to turn someone’s world upside down, immersing them into the deepest pits of despair. However, we don’t spend too much time in Jade’s years of captivity. The story flashes forward to ten years later rather quickly and for the most part, we stay in present day with her while we get little snippets of her life in captivity through a few flashbacks. I will say that what she went through was far from pretty but thankfully she was not raped!! Phew!!! I really don’t enjoy reading rape scenes so I was very thankful for that.
Jade was broken down mentally by her captor. He was so persistent and quite sinister with his methods of mind control. For ten years she was forced to be someone else, so now when she is rescued and returned back to her family, she finds it hard to resume her old life and her true identity. Of course, she suffers from severe anxiety and has difficulty socializing with other people, including her family, but there is one person who is able to keep her calm and who has become her tether, Torrin Costigan.
Torrin is Jade’s old boyfriend. The one she dreamed about so many nights while hanging on by a thin thread. He never stopped giving up hope that she would be found. He did everything he could to help with the police department’s search efforts. But now things are so complicated because of the path he chose to take in adulthood. Whenever they spend time together it becomes clear to the both of them that their feelings for each other still remain pretty strong. It’s hard not to swoon over and fall madly in love with this man.
I really got swept away by this story and had such high hopes that it was going to end a certain way, so when it didn’t it went from a “Five Star” to a “Four Star” read for me. I know that there were very good reasons to end it the way it did, but I just wanted MORE!! I have read other books by Nicole Williams and she has proven yet again, to be a truly gifted story teller!
I highly recommend this one. Don’t let my little complaint scare you away from this one. It was a very well written and highly fascinating story.
dnf
September 1, 2020DNF @ 47%
I like it...but I’m also simply not that into it. I think part of it is that I just don’t feel like people would treat a or react to a kidnap victim the way friends and family are treating/reacting to Jade. People wouldn’t be like, “Hey, I haven’t seen you in 10 years and I just ran into you at Nordstrom. And, yeah, so like, I know you know were, like, held captive or whatever for, like, the whole time, but hey, I’ve got this hot friend I reaaaally want to hook you up with.”
I have REALLY low expectations in regards to people and common courtesy these days, but even I have faith that most people would be a little more sympathetic and understanding.
I don’t know. I’m just not buying in. I think I would have liked this more if I had read it several years ago...But I’m probably reading it wrong, so take this review with a grain of salt.
Regardless. Oh well. Onward.
I like it...but I’m also simply not that into it. I think part of it is that I just don’t feel like people would treat a or react to a kidnap victim the way friends and family are treating/reacting to Jade. People wouldn’t be like, “Hey, I haven’t seen you in 10 years and I just ran into you at Nordstrom. And, yeah, so like, I know you know were, like, held captive or whatever for, like, the whole time, but hey, I’ve got this hot friend I reaaaally want to hook you up with.”
I have REALLY low expectations in regards to people and common courtesy these days, but even I have faith that most people would be a little more sympathetic and understanding.
I don’t know. I’m just not buying in. I think I would have liked this more if I had read it several years ago...But I’m probably reading it wrong, so take this review with a grain of salt.
Regardless. Oh well. Onward.
September 2, 2020
wow. this story was completely not what i was expecting. i was imagining something along the lines of
‘the cellar,’
a story very much focused on a girl trying to survive a kidnapping. but jade is kidnapped and returned all by chapter 3.
instead, this is a story of a girl who had 10 years of freedom stolen from her and how she refuses to have that trauma take any more time from her life.
i found this story to be incredibly realistic, or at least what i imagine to realistic considering such a horrible event. i found jades struggles, her familys actions, and the communitys desire to know what happened all genuine - the good and the bad.
i will say that i found torrin to be such a compelling character. his compassion, his internal conflict, and his love is definitely the shining star of this novel.
this is really good story for anyone wanting a slower-paced, psychological, coming-of-age story.
↠ 4 stars
instead, this is a story of a girl who had 10 years of freedom stolen from her and how she refuses to have that trauma take any more time from her life.
i found this story to be incredibly realistic, or at least what i imagine to realistic considering such a horrible event. i found jades struggles, her familys actions, and the communitys desire to know what happened all genuine - the good and the bad.
i will say that i found torrin to be such a compelling character. his compassion, his internal conflict, and his love is definitely the shining star of this novel.
this is really good story for anyone wanting a slower-paced, psychological, coming-of-age story.
↠ 4 stars
August 16, 2025
5 stars**
Re read August 2025
I have to say I was so hesitant about reading this book. Just thinking about the time the h was kidnaped made me think it was going to be too sad but, now I'm so glad I gave it a chance and I dare say it's one of my favorite books of this year.
"Collared" is the story of Jade a seventeen year old girl who gets kidnapped for ten years and a boy named Torrin who loves her and never gives up on finding her, till he brings her home.
In the first chapter we get a glimpse of Jade/Torrin's love and happiness. I'm so glad that even for a moment we see them as a normal couple with Jade, a sassy and independent girl. Torrin, a great guy who loves soccer and is protective of the ones he loves. As you can imagine after the tragedy nothing is or will it ever be the same.
My heart broke for Jade for all she lost for the the years she was gone. Her journey back was painful. She felt so lost like the world moved forward and she was left stuck at 17. Torrin her constant, her rock who never gave up hope of finding her, was so amazing. From the moment she's back, his there by her side especially in those moments when she's so overwhelmed by the media. There's not doubt in my mind how much these two belong to each other.
This book was so amazing, heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time with a powerful message of love. Of never losing hope and making the hardest sacrifices for the ones we love. ❤
Re read August 2025
I have to say I was so hesitant about reading this book. Just thinking about the time the h was kidnaped made me think it was going to be too sad but, now I'm so glad I gave it a chance and I dare say it's one of my favorite books of this year.
"Collared" is the story of Jade a seventeen year old girl who gets kidnapped for ten years and a boy named Torrin who loves her and never gives up on finding her, till he brings her home.
In the first chapter we get a glimpse of Jade/Torrin's love and happiness. I'm so glad that even for a moment we see them as a normal couple with Jade, a sassy and independent girl. Torrin, a great guy who loves soccer and is protective of the ones he loves. As you can imagine after the tragedy nothing is or will it ever be the same.
My heart broke for Jade for all she lost for the the years she was gone. Her journey back was painful. She felt so lost like the world moved forward and she was left stuck at 17. Torrin her constant, her rock who never gave up hope of finding her, was so amazing. From the moment she's back, his there by her side especially in those moments when she's so overwhelmed by the media. There's not doubt in my mind how much these two belong to each other.
This book was so amazing, heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time with a powerful message of love. Of never losing hope and making the hardest sacrifices for the ones we love. ❤
January 28, 2021
Recently, Goodreads has become inundated with epic romances , and top favorites - and being the book whore I am, I've read a few of them. Some I've enjoyed, some I've despised, while others simply fell flat. But, none of them really touched me - you know deep down in my cold, jaded little heart. So, when a trusted book buddy started raving over Collared, I was curious to see how this story would work for me.
Love. Hate. Indifference. How would I sum up my feelings towards this one?
So on release day, when my pre-order finally popped up, I jumped right in. And holy hell, guess what I found - an EPIC love story. It's not filled with steamy love scenes and dirty words and it's not sunshine and rainbows. No, Collared is not wrapped up with a perfect little bow. So, if that's what you need in a romance, you won't find it here. But what you will find is an honest, heartbreaking, raw, healing, selfless, never ending love. And well," fuck me gently with a chainsaw," this book made me cry - MULTIPLE times!
At 17, Jade is kidnapped. Taken from her family, her friends, and Torrin. The boy she promised one day to. Now, after 10 years, Jade is found. But returning to the past isn't as easy as you would think. 10 years is a long time - a lot has changed, and a lot hasn't. Jade is vulnerable and scared, all while trying to put on a brave face for those who love her.
"Try again. Fail again. Fail better."
I don't want to go into the story much more, because I don't want to spoil anything - but this story made me feel. I found myself deeply invested in Jade and Torrin. I've noticed a lot of readers not loving the ending, but I thought it was perfect for the story. I highly recommend it!
March 22, 2016
★★★ 3 Stars ★★
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Amazon US | Amazon UK
I've been procrastinating writing this review for 4 days now, but am just going to lay it out there for you - I liked this book, it was a good book, but I was not happy AT ALL with the outcome, and I wish it had ended differently.
Jade and Torrin are childhood sweethearts, they are young and in love and share a special bond that only the lucky few are able to experience at the tender age of seventeen.
Life is perfect, until one fateful day when Jade is taken from her friends and family and everything she knows, and after months of living in the dark she comes to the realisation that if she is to get through day by day with her sanity intact, she must push her old life out of her mind and forget she was that girl, and become someone entirely different.
When she is rescued ten years later, she has a hard time adjusting back, but Torrin is the one constant that she needs to help her through it. The only problem is, she knows she can never be with him again the way she was before.
I really enjoyed Jade's journey, and her adjustment and growth after her time spent in captivity. She was a really strong character and I felt so much for her, especially when she finds out that Torrin can never really be hers again.
I think my main disconnect was that the hero and heroine felt more like friends than potential lovers, and the complete lack of any intimacy really was missed on my part. Also, I didn't feel satisfied with the ending, I would have preferred more closure.
I loved the premise of the story, I loved the way they loved each other, and I loved the writing, but ultimately I didn't love the last 30% of the book.
Recommended if you enjoy a clean romance, with a committed and swoony hero.
Collared is a forbidden romance, told in Jade's POV
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
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Amazon US | Amazon UK
I've been procrastinating writing this review for 4 days now, but am just going to lay it out there for you - I liked this book, it was a good book, but I was not happy AT ALL with the outcome, and I wish it had ended differently.
Jade and Torrin are childhood sweethearts, they are young and in love and share a special bond that only the lucky few are able to experience at the tender age of seventeen.
"I'll never finish falling in love with you."
Life is perfect, until one fateful day when Jade is taken from her friends and family and everything she knows, and after months of living in the dark she comes to the realisation that if she is to get through day by day with her sanity intact, she must push her old life out of her mind and forget she was that girl, and become someone entirely different.
When she is rescued ten years later, she has a hard time adjusting back, but Torrin is the one constant that she needs to help her through it. The only problem is, she knows she can never be with him again the way she was before.
I really enjoyed Jade's journey, and her adjustment and growth after her time spent in captivity. She was a really strong character and I felt so much for her, especially when she finds out that Torrin can never really be hers again.
I think my main disconnect was that the hero and heroine felt more like friends than potential lovers, and the complete lack of any intimacy really was missed on my part. Also, I didn't feel satisfied with the ending, I would have preferred more closure.
I loved the premise of the story, I loved the way they loved each other, and I loved the writing, but ultimately I didn't love the last 30% of the book.
Recommended if you enjoy a clean romance, with a committed and swoony hero.
Collared is a forbidden romance, told in Jade's POV
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
July 25, 2017
4.75 "Someday? One day" Stars
"Try again. Fail again. Fail better."
Oh, Karla Thanks so much for recommending this INCREDIBLE book to me! I loved it! It was an emotional read and when I finished it, I was exhausted even I shed some quiet tears. This story woke some emotions in me and my only problem was with its ending. I don’t mind HFN endings but for this one? Nope, I couldn’t accept it! I wanted more! I wanted to know (or I should say to be assure!) they are happy forever! I know this story wasn’t a true one and they were just characters but they were so real for me! If you want to read this book, please don’t read spoiler part!
The story-line was perfect, the characters were well-written and it was well-paced. It was my first read by this author but definitely wont my last! The story is told from the h’s POV, 1st person. It’s a stand-alone novel. I loved it and I hope you like it as well!
"Try again. Fail again. Fail better."
Oh, Karla Thanks so much for recommending this INCREDIBLE book to me! I loved it! It was an emotional read and when I finished it, I was exhausted even I shed some quiet tears. This story woke some emotions in me and my only problem was with its ending. I don’t mind HFN endings but for this one? Nope, I couldn’t accept it! I wanted more! I wanted to know (or I should say to be assure!) they are happy forever! I know this story wasn’t a true one and they were just characters but they were so real for me! If you want to read this book, please don’t read spoiler part!
The story-line was perfect, the characters were well-written and it was well-paced. It was my first read by this author but definitely wont my last! The story is told from the h’s POV, 1st person. It’s a stand-alone novel. I loved it and I hope you like it as well!
August 20, 2016
4 stars!
"I've come to accept that what we love makes us weak. I've learned something else on my own though, ever since becoming a prisoner of this black room--what we love is what kills us too."
When Jade is seventeen she is abducted and vanishes without a trace. A decade later, she is found and returned to her family, but her struggle doesn't end here. Jade comes back to a changed household with family members she barely knows anymore. The only person who hasn't changed the way they treat her was her boyfriend Torrin. But Torrin has also changed, and as much as he tries he cannot single handedly save Jade. It's something she must do herself.
Nicole Williams is an author who always knows how to pack an emotional punch. I was a bit hesitant to go into this book because abduction stories are very intense, but I feel Williams handled the subject matter in this book eloquently and in a believable manner.
"How much longer are you going to let him keep you chained away from doing the things you want to do and being with the people you want to be with?"
Jade was an interesting character. I felt for her so much of this book, I cannot even begin to imagine the horror of that decade, the loss of hope. But she was strong in her own way. By that I mean she wasn't always strong but she still tried. Even when she felt like giving up, she would regroup and make an effort again, sometimes on her own and other times with the help of family and friend.
There was one thing I really didn't care for and I'm going to spoiler tag it, so read at your own risk. I didn't like it for personal reasons more than anything, so I blame myself for not liking it.
“Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
"I've come to accept that what we love makes us weak. I've learned something else on my own though, ever since becoming a prisoner of this black room--what we love is what kills us too."
When Jade is seventeen she is abducted and vanishes without a trace. A decade later, she is found and returned to her family, but her struggle doesn't end here. Jade comes back to a changed household with family members she barely knows anymore. The only person who hasn't changed the way they treat her was her boyfriend Torrin. But Torrin has also changed, and as much as he tries he cannot single handedly save Jade. It's something she must do herself.
Nicole Williams is an author who always knows how to pack an emotional punch. I was a bit hesitant to go into this book because abduction stories are very intense, but I feel Williams handled the subject matter in this book eloquently and in a believable manner.
"How much longer are you going to let him keep you chained away from doing the things you want to do and being with the people you want to be with?"
Jade was an interesting character. I felt for her so much of this book, I cannot even begin to imagine the horror of that decade, the loss of hope. But she was strong in her own way. By that I mean she wasn't always strong but she still tried. Even when she felt like giving up, she would regroup and make an effort again, sometimes on her own and other times with the help of family and friend.
There was one thing I really didn't care for and I'm going to spoiler tag it, so read at your own risk. I didn't like it for personal reasons more than anything, so I blame myself for not liking it.
“Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
July 20, 2017
After reading the blurb, I just knew without a doubt that this book would crack my heart open. I was right.. Oh how I was right!
My emotions were stretched to the limit; it left me numb, happy, sad, plain exhausted. I don't want to go into much as the blurb pretty much says enough. This book is about life, experiencing the worst it has to give, loving and missing and letting your soul go. It's about relearning to live, to love, to breath, it makes you see that there is no right or wrong way to come back from such an experience, and sadly about letting go.
But in all honesty, how do you let the love of your life go??
Lastly, I need to say this, oh my god is there really no fricken epilogue?? I am dying here, I NEED MORE!🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you sweet Karla for recommending this one and pulling me out of my funk! Love you babe!!❤️
My emotions were stretched to the limit; it left me numb, happy, sad, plain exhausted. I don't want to go into much as the blurb pretty much says enough. This book is about life, experiencing the worst it has to give, loving and missing and letting your soul go. It's about relearning to live, to love, to breath, it makes you see that there is no right or wrong way to come back from such an experience, and sadly about letting go.
But in all honesty, how do you let the love of your life go??
Lastly, I need to say this, oh my god is there really no fricken epilogue?? I am dying here, I NEED MORE!🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you sweet Karla for recommending this one and pulling me out of my funk! Love you babe!!❤️
March 22, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
“You’re the boy next door, Torrin. My boy next door.”
I have read several books from Nicole Williams and hands down Collared is by far my favorite book that she has written. As I sit here and write my review, I can’t seem to find the right words to describe the magnitude of emotions coursing through me. This book was so much more than your typical romance novel. It was a story that gripped you to the core, shattered your heart and yet left you feeling at peace at the possibility of hope, new beginnings, and an earth-shattering kind of love between two soul-mates.
Collared was one of those reads that consumed your mind and heart. I know for a fact, it is unlike anything I have read before. Nicole took her readers down on an emotional journey of survival and finding that light and closure. She wrote a story that was utterly heartbreaking and yet profoundly devastatingly beautiful. It was written in such a raw, powerful, and touching way that readers like myself could FEEL everything for the characters and the heart and soul that Nicole Williams poured into her story. She allowed readers to see beyond the words but feel the sadness, helplessness, the anger, the love, the hope, the vulnerability and everything in between.
“For a moment, I let myself believe that nothing has changed and he’s the same boy who asked me to marry him . . . someday . . . one day . . . barefoot and grinning. I let myself get carried away by that moment. I let myself feel the only joy I’ve felt in ten years. I let myself feel it . . . then I take an imaginary pin and pop it. That life died the night I died to the world. That life is gone.”
Jade Childs fell in loved with the boy next door. Torrin Costigan loved Jade with all his heart. This was no ordinary first love. It was the real deal. The kind of love that was earth-shattering. Unforgettable. The kind of love that you know without a doubt that you were meant for each other. Promises were made for forever. And so what happens when everything that Jade dreamed, hoped, and love were shattered?
“I’ll never finish falling in love with you.”
When Jade Child was kidnapped in front of her home when she was seventeen years old, her family, her community and her boyfriend, Torrin Costigan searched for her. Even as ten years had gone by, Torrin never gave up on his search for Jade. So when Jade is found, can she ever have the chance to live a normal life? Or will she find herself feeling collared and shackled to the painful memories of her captivity?
“You were my first. And you were my last.” His words echo in the small space. “A man could have a thousand different partners and settle down with an amazing woman, and I’d still hold the bragging rights. Don’t feel sorry for me for that. I’m not.”
Nicole Williams writes a bold and raw emotional tale of love, forgiveness, hope, sadness, anger, and starting over. She captures our hearts with grace, beauty, and sensitivity over this tough and harrowing subject matter. I absolutely loved everything about this book. It is one of those reads that you must experience and savor as this book pulls all the right heartstrings. Nicole more than pulled the all the right strings, she tethered us along the journey of new beginnings and the belief that soul-mates do exists. So if you are looking for a story that will unleash a magnitude of emotions but will leave you at peace, then I highly recommend you to read this book.
Thank you Nicole Williams for writing a story that is just more. And most importantly reminding us all, it is not how many people you meet in your lifetime, but meeting the one person who will change your life forever.
“I told you I loved you for the first time thirteen years ago. It didn’t come with an expiration date. It never.”
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Nicole Williams
“You’re the boy next door, Torrin. My boy next door.”I have read several books from Nicole Williams and hands down Collared is by far my favorite book that she has written. As I sit here and write my review, I can’t seem to find the right words to describe the magnitude of emotions coursing through me. This book was so much more than your typical romance novel. It was a story that gripped you to the core, shattered your heart and yet left you feeling at peace at the possibility of hope, new beginnings, and an earth-shattering kind of love between two soul-mates.
Collared was one of those reads that consumed your mind and heart. I know for a fact, it is unlike anything I have read before. Nicole took her readers down on an emotional journey of survival and finding that light and closure. She wrote a story that was utterly heartbreaking and yet profoundly devastatingly beautiful. It was written in such a raw, powerful, and touching way that readers like myself could FEEL everything for the characters and the heart and soul that Nicole Williams poured into her story. She allowed readers to see beyond the words but feel the sadness, helplessness, the anger, the love, the hope, the vulnerability and everything in between.
“For a moment, I let myself believe that nothing has changed and he’s the same boy who asked me to marry him . . . someday . . . one day . . . barefoot and grinning. I let myself get carried away by that moment. I let myself feel the only joy I’ve felt in ten years. I let myself feel it . . . then I take an imaginary pin and pop it. That life died the night I died to the world. That life is gone.”Jade Childs fell in loved with the boy next door. Torrin Costigan loved Jade with all his heart. This was no ordinary first love. It was the real deal. The kind of love that was earth-shattering. Unforgettable. The kind of love that you know without a doubt that you were meant for each other. Promises were made for forever. And so what happens when everything that Jade dreamed, hoped, and love were shattered?
“I’ll never finish falling in love with you.”When Jade Child was kidnapped in front of her home when she was seventeen years old, her family, her community and her boyfriend, Torrin Costigan searched for her. Even as ten years had gone by, Torrin never gave up on his search for Jade. So when Jade is found, can she ever have the chance to live a normal life? Or will she find herself feeling collared and shackled to the painful memories of her captivity?
“You were my first. And you were my last.” His words echo in the small space. “A man could have a thousand different partners and settle down with an amazing woman, and I’d still hold the bragging rights. Don’t feel sorry for me for that. I’m not.”Nicole Williams writes a bold and raw emotional tale of love, forgiveness, hope, sadness, anger, and starting over. She captures our hearts with grace, beauty, and sensitivity over this tough and harrowing subject matter. I absolutely loved everything about this book. It is one of those reads that you must experience and savor as this book pulls all the right heartstrings. Nicole more than pulled the all the right strings, she tethered us along the journey of new beginnings and the belief that soul-mates do exists. So if you are looking for a story that will unleash a magnitude of emotions but will leave you at peace, then I highly recommend you to read this book.
Thank you Nicole Williams for writing a story that is just more. And most importantly reminding us all, it is not how many people you meet in your lifetime, but meeting the one person who will change your life forever.
“I told you I loved you for the first time thirteen years ago. It didn’t come with an expiration date. It never.”
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Nicole Williams
March 30, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Jade Childs was a happy 17 years old teenager with a whole life ahead of her. Unfortunately, that happiness was ripped away from her and landed her in captivity for the next 10 years
Torrin Costigan had been the boy next door and the one she would spend the rest her life with. For years, he never gave up hope and his dedication was rewarded when they were reunited once again. But the years brought about changes that strained their relationship that neither of them was ready to handle.
I've seen a lot of hype on this book and when I found out how it evoked reader's emotions, I knew I can't ignore it because this is one of the elements I crave in my reading.
I have tremendous respect for Torrin. His loyalty and dedication was admirable, and his patience was downright saintly.
For what she went through during and after, Jade was a lot stronger than she might look. She was both physically and emotionally fragile, yet she fought on daily basis even when she lost some. And I love seeing her rediscovering all the simple things she had been deprived off.
What I love the most about this book is how it focused on the aftereffect of long term captivity not on only to the victim but to the family and friends as well. I just love reading about character’s struggles and their conflicting emotions. And I also appreciate how the relationships between characters weren’t forced.
Collard is an emotional journey of a woman’s trials and tribulations in finding herself within the changes surrounding her new life. It may not necessarily be pretty, but it was certainly real.
Note:
I love the book title. It fit the story perfectly. You’ll understand the significance when you read it with how it have multiple meanings that applies to more than one characters.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Jade Childs was a happy 17 years old teenager with a whole life ahead of her. Unfortunately, that happiness was ripped away from her and landed her in captivity for the next 10 years
Torrin Costigan had been the boy next door and the one she would spend the rest her life with. For years, he never gave up hope and his dedication was rewarded when they were reunited once again. But the years brought about changes that strained their relationship that neither of them was ready to handle.
I've seen a lot of hype on this book and when I found out how it evoked reader's emotions, I knew I can't ignore it because this is one of the elements I crave in my reading.
“If I’m forced to make a choice, it will be you. Every time.” He exhales, and his eyes lower. “It will be you.”
I have tremendous respect for Torrin. His loyalty and dedication was admirable, and his patience was downright saintly.
For what she went through during and after, Jade was a lot stronger than she might look. She was both physically and emotionally fragile, yet she fought on daily basis even when she lost some. And I love seeing her rediscovering all the simple things she had been deprived off.
My disappearance ruined this family once. I’d never have guessed me being found would ruin them again.
What I love the most about this book is how it focused on the aftereffect of long term captivity not on only to the victim but to the family and friends as well. I just love reading about character’s struggles and their conflicting emotions. And I also appreciate how the relationships between characters weren’t forced.
"I feel like every morning I’m climbing a mountain, but when I look behind me at the end of the day, I’m still in the same spot. I try to move on, to get better, but I get nowhere.”
Collard is an emotional journey of a woman’s trials and tribulations in finding herself within the changes surrounding her new life. It may not necessarily be pretty, but it was certainly real.
Note:
I love the book title. It fit the story perfectly. You’ll understand the significance when you read it with how it have multiple meanings that applies to more than one characters.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
November 12, 2016
*Spoilers*.
We meet Jade and her boyfriend, Torrin, when they are both 17 and seniors in high school. That very night she is abducted by a mentally unstable man who holds her captive for 10 years.
For reasons known only to the author, she chose to not explore the sequence of events that occurred during Jade's captivity. Rather, we are fast forwarded to the day she was miraculously rescued. Post-rescue, Jade spends the next year completely detached from every member of her family and community but was still hopelessly in love with Torrin, who, BTW, is now catholic-church-collared. Can they be together or not? And, really, that's all there is to the story.
IMO, narrating in the first person is tricky and it, if done without the required proficiency, could cause a disconnect between the reader and the protagonist. A great narrator engenders emotions. If she falls in love; we fall with her. Scared? Our palms sweat. Sad? We have tissues handy. Unfortunately, this book is narrated from Jade's POV which, without a doubt, made this a mediocre story. I simply did not care
March 25, 2016
** 6+++ “Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” STARS **
“You fill all my hollow spots. You’re my what’s missing…”
The best story I have read in a while. By far.
Don't even hesitate. READ IT B*TCHEZ!
“Not today. Not tomorrow. SOMEDAY.”
March 15, 2016
This story took me completely by surprise. I didn’t expect to connect to it the way I did.
As you may have read from the blurb, Jade is kidnapped at the age of 17. She is taken from an amazing life, and from the boy she is crazy in love with, Torrin. The beginning of the book gives us a glimpse of the incredible sweet relationship they have. At 17, they both know they are ‘it’ for the other.
“And when did you finish falling in love with me? When I finally let you win a game of one on one? Or was it the night we…you know?” Thinking about that night makes me blush. Talking about it makes me shift.
Torrin glances at me for a moment, “I’ll never finish falling in love with you.”
But after being taken, that love is what tortures Jade. The hope she holds onto to one day go back to the life she had keeps her from “accepting” this new life she’s been thrown into and thinks she has no way out of.
“I’ve heard it said that love makes us weak. It makes us weak because our survival instincts, along with our reasoning, become dulled. We first consider every move through the filter of that love. In a way, what we love makes us better people, more intuitive and less impulsive.
In another way, it makes us worse. It turns us into an immoral, corrupt being that knows no bounds when it comes to protecting what it loves.
I’ve come to accept what we love makes us weak. I’ve learned something else on my own though, ever since becoming a prisoner of this black room – what we love kills us too.”
The story is told with some flashbacks to Jade’s kidnapping, but primarily from her current POV after being found. Some of the parts of this book are just so heartbreaking and so gut wrenching - not necessarily from anything graphic or disturbing- but because the pain and struggle Jade goes through while she is kidnapped and then once she is found were sometimes difficult to read. I wanted SO badly for everything to return to what it was – her personality, her relationships, and especially her relationship with Torrin. But after being gone so long, Jade struggles to fit into the life she had and realizes how hard it is to accept the new person she now is.
There were some pretty crazy twists in here I didn’t see coming, and some parts that I couldn’t help but tear up over. I found this book incredibly touching and well written and thought the author did a fantastic job portraying the mind of someone who went through such a scary ordeal.
So, why not 5 stars? Well, to be quite honest the ending left me feeling…dissatisfied. There were things foreshadowed from the beginning of the book I would have liked to see pan out. There were also some things I wish were done a bit differently or at least wished they could have been described in more detail at the end. I can’t really say what I am referring to because that would be a huge spoiler, but I just wanted more from the ending. But this is more personal preference, as I am sure there are a lot of people who don't mind those somewhat vague/open ended endings.
But I did enjoy this story a lot, and was surprised by how emotional I got while reading.
Collared is out March 22nd | http://amzn.to/1YTfW48
March 31, 2016
What a refreshing spin on the captive trope! Instead of focusing on captivity and intensive depravity, we follow the journey of Jade Childs through her recovery following ten years of captivity. This book did not give us hearts-and-flowers dancing unicorns, instead plops the reader smack dab in the intensive day to day struggle to recover from such an all-consuming ordeal.
At first I was a bit taken back by not really getting much time with Jade's captivity or her captor. But that's done for a reason. We get blips of flashbacks to her time with Earl Ray and the fine line between love and hate for him; the fine line between desire to move on and desire to go back to all she knows for the past decade of her life- her "normal." But one thing is constant, one thing is her beacon grounding her...Torrin Costigan. Her high school sweetheart and the man who never gave up the battle to find Jade.
Yes this is a romance but I found it more of a journey of sorts. The love story is there but the road to recovery is the main focus. I hadn't been spoiled a major plot twist around 25% and I'm so so thankful for that- so thank you early reviewers! I about fell off my chair when I read it!
Collared is a rather emotional, darkish book that captured my heart and caused reactions where I least expected it. One huge plug to the author's ability to provide the reader with understanding to her struggle between missing her captor and hating him when it's all said and done. There was one scene related to this that made me cry! I'm thinking to myself "Allison, you're crying for her missing her CAPTOR? What's wrong with you?" But in doing so, I realized, holy crapstick, Nicole Williams just stuck me smack dab in Jade's shoes. Unconventional feelings as they were, I cried right alongside of her. That is great writing. neither of us should've cried for that sick f@ck but we both did! Unconventional grief and attachment and I felt it as hard as Jade did.
This book has an ending that may not 100% make hearts-and-flowers romance readers all-together happy. I felt it was 100% realistic to the story and perfectly executed.
Well done!
March 14, 2016
“Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
This review is SPOILER FREE. Please for the love of books go pick this book up and make sure you don’t have one of the most beautiful love stories set under harrowing circumstances, ruined for you. Torrin and Jade’s story will see your heart break and heal through a devastatingly emotional journey.
“He’d broken me though. My will, my spirit, my soul, whatever you call it. All of it. He broke it.”
We read the synopsis and were immediately intrigued and knew we had to read this story. And wow are we glad we did and that we’d not seen any reviews for it because it was not at all what we expected. It was so much more- a truly powerful and emotional written display of an astonishing story of love, hope and commitment. Of great understanding, inspiration and survival. A story of belief and strength of convictions.
“You brought me back…when everyone else just kind of left me behind.”
Nicole Williams gave us everything we could ever want. She gave us her heart woven into words on a page. Her restraint, her daring to be different, her sensitivity to her characters and detail to what is fundamentally the crux at the heart of this story – the love of soul mates no matter the circumstances and what the future brings. She stayed true and respectful and showed that less is more and when someone truly loves, they love with all their being. She made our minds and hearts take flight.
“Everyone needs protection from me. There’s something dark in me now, and I can’t get it out. It’s growing, spreading, and I don’t want it to infect the people I love.”
Collared is a hard book to review because so much of it could be spoilt and certain circumstances have consequences that just twisted everything and had such an impact on an innocent young love which was truly of the soul mate kind. We felt every single emotion our being is capable of as we read with a searing pain in our hearts that was ultimately overtaken by a love so intense and pure. It was perfection. No question, this is our favourite book that we’ve read by this Author and truly showcases her brilliant writing. A standing ovation from us for Nicole Williams on a story we’re certain not to forget.
“So you sacrificed your whole life for me?”
“I’d sacrifice this life and every life I have coming for you.”
Collared releases 22nd March - Pre Order available
Amazon US
Amazon UK
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June 2, 2016
★★★3 Stars★★★
What drew me to this story was the all around mystery and that heart stopping fear that you feel when you think about the probable "What ifs".I think this story brought awareness and made you THINK. I love when an author can make you look at certain things from a different perspective and take you out of your comfort zone. This was a very well written story but I failed to connect with these characters in numerous situations and it left me wondering about everything.
Jade Childs is a Seventeen year old Junior in high school. She's a great student,loving daughter and has a gorgeous loving boyfriend. Life can't possible get any better and she's looking forward to making a future with her all time love.What happens when that happily ever after becomes shattered beyond repair and all you have now is just a memory?
" He's not supposed to be the one.....but he's always been THE ONE".
Kidnapped just steps from her home,was Jade's reality. Wanting to go back to those last five minutes was her wish. And praying for a miracle to happen right then and there was sadly just left with silence.Ten years go by and she's finally found but is she the same person that she was all those years ago? Did the boy she left behind who now is a man, still loves her? How can can she present herself back to the real world when she doesn't know what to do.
"In a way, what we love makes us better people, more intuitive and less impulsive. In another way, it makes us worse. It turns us into an immoral, corrupt being that knows no bounds when it comes to protecting the people we love".
I enjoyed the first half of this story but sadly the other just didn't work for me. I wanted MORE to happen with these characters and I didn't get that. I also never felt the connection between Jade and Torrin. I know they knew each other for a long time and their friendship grew to love but I still felt like they were just friends. I just expected more with them and even though they had a major obstacle in front of them, I still think it could've been more.
If you're looking for something very different, then this story is for you.
*Arc kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
What drew me to this story was the all around mystery and that heart stopping fear that you feel when you think about the probable "What ifs".I think this story brought awareness and made you THINK. I love when an author can make you look at certain things from a different perspective and take you out of your comfort zone. This was a very well written story but I failed to connect with these characters in numerous situations and it left me wondering about everything.
Jade Childs is a Seventeen year old Junior in high school. She's a great student,loving daughter and has a gorgeous loving boyfriend. Life can't possible get any better and she's looking forward to making a future with her all time love.What happens when that happily ever after becomes shattered beyond repair and all you have now is just a memory?
" He's not supposed to be the one.....but he's always been THE ONE".
Kidnapped just steps from her home,was Jade's reality. Wanting to go back to those last five minutes was her wish. And praying for a miracle to happen right then and there was sadly just left with silence.Ten years go by and she's finally found but is she the same person that she was all those years ago? Did the boy she left behind who now is a man, still loves her? How can can she present herself back to the real world when she doesn't know what to do.
"In a way, what we love makes us better people, more intuitive and less impulsive. In another way, it makes us worse. It turns us into an immoral, corrupt being that knows no bounds when it comes to protecting the people we love".
I enjoyed the first half of this story but sadly the other just didn't work for me. I wanted MORE to happen with these characters and I didn't get that. I also never felt the connection between Jade and Torrin. I know they knew each other for a long time and their friendship grew to love but I still felt like they were just friends. I just expected more with them and even though they had a major obstacle in front of them, I still think it could've been more.
If you're looking for something very different, then this story is for you.
*Arc kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2017
I suck. I can't believe I waited three weeks to write this review...
It was a combination of things... 1) I was finishing Pure Hearts, 2) I'm lazy, and 3) I've been in a bit of a reading/reviewing funk. That's why I'm doing a reread of my favorite series... for some reason books just haven't been grabbing me :/
So this will be a bit short, not as detailed, and mostly filled with quotes and gifs...
I really liked this, and Torrin was definitely the star for me! He was so sweet and dedicated... I swooned big time.
I liked Jade a lot too, and the author really delivered with the emotions. It felt like a punch to my gut every time Jade reflected on her kidnapping. *I will note that there were certain aspects I had trouble believing. I don't remember exact details, but I just know that I thought certain things would happen slower given her kidnapping.
The only problem I had was with I didn't dislike it, but it felt unnecessary. I get that it was done to add angst and a forbidden feel... but I think Jade's trauma was more than enough to keep them separated for a good portion of the book. Even though she loved him, it would take time for anyone to open up again after being kidnapped for ten years. I felt like adding that element took a bit away from Jade's kidnapping storyline. Hopefully this makes sense...
Despite this, I still enjoyed the story! I love Torrin (obviously), and I really liked the two of them together <3 And my quote whore was pretty pleased ;)
Safety:
Closure:
It was a combination of things... 1) I was finishing Pure Hearts, 2) I'm lazy, and 3) I've been in a bit of a reading/reviewing funk. That's why I'm doing a reread of my favorite series... for some reason books just haven't been grabbing me :/
So this will be a bit short, not as detailed, and mostly filled with quotes and gifs...
I really liked this, and Torrin was definitely the star for me! He was so sweet and dedicated... I swooned big time.
"He took your life from you. He took my life by doing so."
"The woman I wanted to spend my life with was gone. I wasn't in the mood to find a backup."
"I'll never finish falling in love with you."
"I'd sacrifice this life and every life I have coming for you."
"You were my first. And you were my last." His words echo in the small space. "A man could have a thousand different partners and settle down with an amazing woman, and I'd still hold the bragging rights. Don't feel sorry for me for that. I'm not."
"If I'm forced to make a choice, it will be you. Every time." He exhales, and his eyes lower. "It will be you."
"You and me, there isn't an over for us."
"I've been sure about you since I was fifteen years old. And I'll be sure about you for the rest of my life."I may have gone a little crazy with the quotes, but the amount I wanted to include was actually double this *looks around awkwardly* Clearly I was a bit obsessed with him ;)
I liked Jade a lot too, and the author really delivered with the emotions. It felt like a punch to my gut every time Jade reflected on her kidnapping. *I will note that there were certain aspects I had trouble believing. I don't remember exact details, but I just know that I thought certain things would happen slower given her kidnapping.
The only problem I had was with I didn't dislike it, but it felt unnecessary. I get that it was done to add angst and a forbidden feel... but I think Jade's trauma was more than enough to keep them separated for a good portion of the book. Even though she loved him, it would take time for anyone to open up again after being kidnapped for ten years. I felt like adding that element took a bit away from Jade's kidnapping storyline. Hopefully this makes sense...
Despite this, I still enjoyed the story! I love Torrin (obviously), and I really liked the two of them together <3 And my quote whore was pretty pleased ;)
"Life is the great maker of crazy. No one's immune."
Asleep, awake, it doesn't seem to matter. I'm haunted by things in both worlds.
I replay my question. I replay his answer. I can't make them agree.
I'm so damaged all I remember about love is how it's spelled.
"No one has the manual for a situation like this, so don't let anyone tell you how to feel. No one."
The only promise is that there is no promise. Forever can be destroyed as easily as a blade of grass can be trampled. Forever is fragile. Forever is fleeting. Forever is finite. Forever is gone.I hope this random review helped someone, but my final thoughts are... if you're interested, I suggest taking a chance, especially if you love a swoony hero!
Safety:
Closure:
Read
March 25, 2016dnf..25%
I feel like a terrible person,
I've enjoyed a couple of books by this author, but this one wasn't for me I guess.
Oh, well.
I feel like a terrible person,
I've enjoyed a couple of books by this author, but this one wasn't for me I guess.
Oh, well.
March 26, 2016
I don't know what to say right now.
The following day
*****4.5 Stars*****
As my friends probably already know, my reviews are not exactly reviews.
I can’t write what a story is about.
What I can do though is tell the way a story makes me feel.
My supposed to be reviews are actually ramblings, rants and outpourings of my feelings about a story.
In this case, my spoiler boundaries are all mixed up and I am not sure where they stand.
Therefore I will hide my thoughts to whomever
The following day
*****4.5 Stars*****
As my friends probably already know, my reviews are not exactly reviews.
I can’t write what a story is about.
What I can do though is tell the way a story makes me feel.
My supposed to be reviews are actually ramblings, rants and outpourings of my feelings about a story.
In this case, my spoiler boundaries are all mixed up and I am not sure where they stand.
Therefore I will hide my thoughts to whomever
July 16, 2016
I'm totally blown away. I’m a fan of Nicole Williams, and even though I have loved what I have read from her, I have never imagined that this book could be so much more. It completely gutted me.
There are so many underlying circumstances that it's hard to review this book . But let me tell you that this is story about Jade Childs’ recovery following ten years of captivity. No, it doesn’t focuses on her captivity instead to her healing. It doesn’t try to heal her trauma with romance or sex. In fact, it’s not descriptively steamy. It acknowledges that victims are irrevocably changed but has the power to move on and not let their harrow experience define them. So you see, it’s not just a beautiful love story, it’s a story that will have you experience emotions as you go through the journey with the characters. This is a book that will make you feel and think about things like not giving up and finding the strength to choose to embrace life rather than escape it.
Jade had been through so much and it was difficult to accumulate back to her life but her family and Torrin, her boyfriend before she was kidnapped, were there for her. She was so strong. And no, it wasn’t heart, flowers and fluff. I lost count how many times I cried while reading this book. It will tug your heartstrings people so prepare your tissues. You'll need it.
Now I want to talk about Torrin. He never gave up on her search for Jade. You have to read this book to understand how loyal, unwavering and powerful his love for Jade is. Honestly, it utterly astounds me. He is probably the best fictional boyfriend I have ever read. But there’s a twist in the story that prevented him and Jade to be romantically together when she returned and booyy did it broke my heart. Don’t give up though, follow their pure, sincere and heartfelt love story and I promise you won’t regret it.
My only complaint is the ending. Yes, It ended with a hopeful tone but However, I understand that it made it realistic. I just hope that Nicole Williams will write a follow-up novella about them. Please, please, please do Ms. Williams! I’m begging you! It will haunt me forever.
Overall, I love books with poignant message and Collared absolutely had one. Strength, sacrifice, love, healing and hope. It left an impression on me and I hope you get to read this story and experience it too.
----------------------------------
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There are so many underlying circumstances that it's hard to review this book . But let me tell you that this is story about Jade Childs’ recovery following ten years of captivity. No, it doesn’t focuses on her captivity instead to her healing. It doesn’t try to heal her trauma with romance or sex. In fact, it’s not descriptively steamy. It acknowledges that victims are irrevocably changed but has the power to move on and not let their harrow experience define them. So you see, it’s not just a beautiful love story, it’s a story that will have you experience emotions as you go through the journey with the characters. This is a book that will make you feel and think about things like not giving up and finding the strength to choose to embrace life rather than escape it.
“Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
Jade had been through so much and it was difficult to accumulate back to her life but her family and Torrin, her boyfriend before she was kidnapped, were there for her. She was so strong. And no, it wasn’t heart, flowers and fluff. I lost count how many times I cried while reading this book. It will tug your heartstrings people so prepare your tissues. You'll need it.
Now I want to talk about Torrin. He never gave up on her search for Jade. You have to read this book to understand how loyal, unwavering and powerful his love for Jade is. Honestly, it utterly astounds me. He is probably the best fictional boyfriend I have ever read. But there’s a twist in the story that prevented him and Jade to be romantically together when she returned and booyy did it broke my heart. Don’t give up though, follow their pure, sincere and heartfelt love story and I promise you won’t regret it.
“I would have waited for you no matter how long you took. A month, a year, an eternity. I would have waited.”
My only complaint is the ending. Yes, It ended with a hopeful tone but However, I understand that it made it realistic. I just hope that Nicole Williams will write a follow-up novella about them. Please, please, please do Ms. Williams! I’m begging you! It will haunt me forever.
"You found me alive." I smile when I want to kiss him. He smiles when I know he wants to kiss me back. "But then you brought me back to life."
Overall, I love books with poignant message and Collared absolutely had one. Strength, sacrifice, love, healing and hope. It left an impression on me and I hope you get to read this story and experience it too.
----------------------------------
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✦ callowaybooks
August 30, 2017
****LÉANLO LÉANLO LÉANLO****
Ok ok... está reseña será extraña.
Porque sinceramente NO TERMINÉ EL LIBRO.
Pero entonces se preguntarán... porque le das esa calificación si no lo terminaste?
PORQUE REALMENTE SE LA MERECE.
Es un libro sorprendente. Con una narración adictiva. Sutil, atrapante y tremendamente buena.
Su historia es diferente y los personajes están súper bien trazados.
Pero YO ODIO LOS FINALES QUE NO TIENEN SU HEA... o sea, si, soy una tonta cursi y romántica que le gusta que la pareja tiene final feliz. Y leí un spoiler que dice que no quedan juntos.
Así que mis convicciones y mis locuras impiden que termine este libro. Prefiero quedarme con la grata impresión de lo que he leído a tener que bajarle más estrellitas por ese simple hecho.
Sorry not sorry, soy así de mal plan con los libros. Pero mi tiempo me gusta gastarlo en libros con final feliz y parejas juntas. Que se casen y tengan hijitos y shalala.
Ya se que así no es la vida. Pero es el tipo de libros que A MÍ me gusta leer.
Si puedes pasar por alto que los protas no quedan juntos como pareja (ojo al spoiler encubierto jajaja) este es tu tipo de libro. Por qué en realidad es MUY BUENO. Y merece ser leído.
Me recordó a las sensaciones que tuve mientras leía "El mar de la tranquilidad" claro que esto es un tema totalmente diferente.
Besos, baissss 💁🏻
Actualización: ya me contaron todo el libro... si léanlo.
Ok ok... está reseña será extraña.
Porque sinceramente NO TERMINÉ EL LIBRO.
Pero entonces se preguntarán... porque le das esa calificación si no lo terminaste?
PORQUE REALMENTE SE LA MERECE.
Es un libro sorprendente. Con una narración adictiva. Sutil, atrapante y tremendamente buena.
Su historia es diferente y los personajes están súper bien trazados.
Pero YO ODIO LOS FINALES QUE NO TIENEN SU HEA... o sea, si, soy una tonta cursi y romántica que le gusta que la pareja tiene final feliz. Y leí un spoiler que dice que no quedan juntos.
Así que mis convicciones y mis locuras impiden que termine este libro. Prefiero quedarme con la grata impresión de lo que he leído a tener que bajarle más estrellitas por ese simple hecho.
Sorry not sorry, soy así de mal plan con los libros. Pero mi tiempo me gusta gastarlo en libros con final feliz y parejas juntas. Que se casen y tengan hijitos y shalala.
Ya se que así no es la vida. Pero es el tipo de libros que A MÍ me gusta leer.
Si puedes pasar por alto que los protas no quedan juntos como pareja (ojo al spoiler encubierto jajaja) este es tu tipo de libro. Por qué en realidad es MUY BUENO. Y merece ser leído.
Me recordó a las sensaciones que tuve mientras leía "El mar de la tranquilidad" claro que esto es un tema totalmente diferente.
Besos, baissss 💁🏻
Actualización: ya me contaron todo el libro... si léanlo.
March 29, 2016
“6 collared stars”
There are those love stories which are full of rainbows and unicorns with fairy tale endings and then there are others just unfolding the true meaning of love - sacrificing, healing, hoping and most of all never giving up.
Collared is one such story with a poignant undertone; a story of girl who lost ten years of her life in captivity and a boy who never gave up on her until she was found. It is a riveting, emotionally beautiful and inspiring story of a survivor.
This story is not about captivity but the aftermath of her rescue, how Jade deals with her new life. It’s not just about fighting the daemons of her past but struggling to get hold of her future, one where the family once she knew has now become strangers and memories of her old life is a painful remainder of the time which was stolen from her. But there is one person who was always an anchor to her, a light in the never ending darkness, the boy who once promised her forever.
But when you think after ten years of separation, they would get back to the life they left behind, you are hit with a gut wrenching reality.
Jade and Torrin’s characters were written perfectly and I wouldn’t change anything about the way their relationship was portrayed. They both were broken spirits but mended the pieces back with just holding on to the hope of their ‘someday’ in a very uncanny way and that’s the beauty of their love.
What can I say about the writing? This was my first from this author and I was blown away! she did a splendid job at creating an engaging storyline with so much depth and conviction that I couldn’t put it down. It moved me, had me hoping and mostly left me with happy tears by the end.
If you’ve reached this part of my review, I hope that my thoughts convinced you to read it! Trust me, it will leave a lasting impression on you and you’d be glad for having experienced an unconventional love story of EPIC PROPORTION.
“I would have waited for you no matter how long you took. A month, a year, an eternity.
I would have waited.”
There are those love stories which are full of rainbows and unicorns with fairy tale endings and then there are others just unfolding the true meaning of love - sacrificing, healing, hoping and most of all never giving up.
Collared is one such story with a poignant undertone; a story of girl who lost ten years of her life in captivity and a boy who never gave up on her until she was found. It is a riveting, emotionally beautiful and inspiring story of a survivor.
“Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”That’s all you need to know about the story and if you are here to find out more about the story, then I’d like to advice you against checking out any more reviews until you finish. I did that and I’m so glad I went in blind by reading only the blurb, it just captivated my unfocused mind which is never sure of ‘what to read next?’
This story is not about captivity but the aftermath of her rescue, how Jade deals with her new life. It’s not just about fighting the daemons of her past but struggling to get hold of her future, one where the family once she knew has now become strangers and memories of her old life is a painful remainder of the time which was stolen from her. But there is one person who was always an anchor to her, a light in the never ending darkness, the boy who once promised her forever.
But when you think after ten years of separation, they would get back to the life they left behind, you are hit with a gut wrenching reality.
Jade and Torrin’s characters were written perfectly and I wouldn’t change anything about the way their relationship was portrayed. They both were broken spirits but mended the pieces back with just holding on to the hope of their ‘someday’ in a very uncanny way and that’s the beauty of their love.
What can I say about the writing? This was my first from this author and I was blown away! she did a splendid job at creating an engaging storyline with so much depth and conviction that I couldn’t put it down. It moved me, had me hoping and mostly left me with happy tears by the end.
If you’ve reached this part of my review, I hope that my thoughts convinced you to read it! Trust me, it will leave a lasting impression on you and you’d be glad for having experienced an unconventional love story of EPIC PROPORTION.
March 14, 2016
“Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
This review is SPOILER FREE. Please for the love of books go pick this book up and make sure you don’t have one of the most beautiful love stories set under harrowing circumstances, ruined for you. Torrin and Jade’s story will see your heart break and heal through a devastatingly emotional journey.
“He’d broken me though. My will, my spirit, my soul, whatever you call it. All of it. He broke it.”
We read the synopsis and were immediately intrigued and knew we had to read this story. And wow are we glad we did and that we’d not seen any reviews for it because it was not at all what we expected. It was so much more- a truly powerful and emotional written display of an astonishing story of love, hope and commitment. Of great understanding, inspiration and survival. A story of belief and strength of convictions.
“You brought me back…when everyone else just kind of left me behind.”
Nicole Williams gave us everything we could ever want. She gave us her heart woven into words on a page. Her restraint, her daring to be different, her sensitivity to her characters and detail to what is fundamentally the crux at the heart of this story – the love of soul mates no matter the circumstances and what the future brings. She stayed true and respectful and showed that less is more and when someone truly loves, they love with all their being. She made our minds and hearts take flight.
“Everyone needs protection from me. There’s something dark in me now, and I can’t get it out. It’s growing, spreading, and I don’t want it to infect the people I love.”
Collared is a hard book to review because so much of it could be spoilt and certain circumstances have consequences that just twisted everything and had such an impact on an innocent young love which was truly of the soul mate kind. We felt every single emotion our being is capable of as we read with a searing pain in our hearts that was ultimately overtaken by a love so intense and pure. It was perfection. No question, this is our favourite book that we’ve read by this Author and truly showcases her brilliant writing. A standing ovation from us for Nicole Williams on a story we’re certain not to forget.
“So you sacrificed your whole life for me?”
“I’d sacrifice this life and every life I have coming for you.”
´♥ ´♥ ´♥
Collared releases 22nd March - Pre Order available
Amazon US
Amazon UK
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