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Anywhere #1
Anywhere But Here
Seven years ago, I left Conway, South Carolina swearing I would never go back. I put that town in my rearview and didn’t stop until there were several hundred miles between me and the memories I wanted to leave behind. But you can’t outrun your own heart. The past always comes back, and it didn’t matter how far I went, I couldn’t erase the mark he left. I’d never met anyone like Kellen Nash before. He made me feel so . . . alive. Until I made the mistake of falling in love with him. I spent seven years trying to forget only to be forced to come face to face with him again. I wasn’t prepared for old wounds to be reopened or for him to still have this effect on me. He nearly broke me once. I won’t give him the chance to do it again, even if he does still look at me like he can see everything I keep hidden inside. There’s too much history between us, like the North and the South, to forgive and forget so easily, but the longer I’m back, the more I start to question what really happened then, and the more I worry about what will happen if he discovers my biggest secret.
At seventeen she was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen, and not at all what I expected. A girl like her didn’t belong with a guy like me, but that didn’t stop me from wanting her, or breaking her heart. I never thought I’d see her again, but she’s back. Only she isn't the girl I knew. In her place is an angry spitfire even more gorgeous than I remember, and she’s determined to take all that anger out on me. I’ve spent seven years missing her, living with the regret of letting her go, and when I start to catch glimpses of the girl I loved, I realize it's never too late. Or is it?
This is the first in a series of inter-related stand alones. There is no cliffhanger, but Kellen and Shae's story will continue to play out through the rest of the series. Contains mature content not recommended for readers under 17
At seventeen she was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen, and not at all what I expected. A girl like her didn’t belong with a guy like me, but that didn’t stop me from wanting her, or breaking her heart. I never thought I’d see her again, but she’s back. Only she isn't the girl I knew. In her place is an angry spitfire even more gorgeous than I remember, and she’s determined to take all that anger out on me. I’ve spent seven years missing her, living with the regret of letting her go, and when I start to catch glimpses of the girl I loved, I realize it's never too late. Or is it?
This is the first in a series of inter-related stand alones. There is no cliffhanger, but Kellen and Shae's story will continue to play out through the rest of the series. Contains mature content not recommended for readers under 17
334 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2016
83 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Hoffman McManus
24 books447 followersStephanie is a New Adult romance author who debuted her first series in Spring of 2014, but her love affair with books began at an early age. She consumed them from the moment she learned to read, loving nothing more than to get lost in the fictional worlds that came to life on the pages. Creating her own stories was something she always enjoyed but never pursued until she wrote Finding Ever After, her first novel. It has been a dream come true ever since.
She has many passions outside books, including hiking, traveling, drawing, painting, design, baking and cake decorating. Prior to the release of her first novel, she was running her own bakery and cake shop in the small coastal town where she was born and raised and returned home to after moving away for college. Becoming an author has been an incredible journey, one she hopes never ends.
She has many passions outside books, including hiking, traveling, drawing, painting, design, baking and cake decorating. Prior to the release of her first novel, she was running her own bakery and cake shop in the small coastal town where she was born and raised and returned home to after moving away for college. Becoming an author has been an incredible journey, one she hopes never ends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 18, 2022
What the...😳!?!
The insecure, teenage H rejects the h after her mom tells him that he's in the way of her future college and career. So he makes the h believe that he slept with her best friend (ow) when she goes to tell him that she's preggers with his baby. (Oh! btw her bf knew she was preggers with the H's baby). So, she leaves.
Fast forward 7yrs; the H and h meet. By then the H and h's former best friend (ow) are occasional fuck-buddies (how convenient 🙄)! And they have it rough because of what they did to the h (seriously... WTF😱!).
The thing I hated was the H being with the ow even after knowing she was a mean bitch to the h. He could've avoided 'that particular' ow and there was NO retribution for the ow after what she did to the h.
I could forgive the teenage H for being stupid but his adult version is just as bad as his former self (coz of the ow; bad choice 😐).
The only thing I liked was that the h was independent and NOT a doormat. And yeah, I felt bad for her for losing her child in the accident and that the H couldn't see his son when he was alive (no parent deserves that😔).
The insecure, teenage H rejects the h after her mom tells him that he's in the way of her future college and career. So he makes the h believe that he slept with her best friend (ow) when she goes to tell him that she's preggers with his baby. (Oh! btw her bf knew she was preggers with the H's baby). So, she leaves.
Fast forward 7yrs; the H and h meet. By then the H and h's former best friend (ow) are occasional fuck-buddies (how convenient 🙄)! And they have it rough because of what they did to the h (seriously... WTF😱!).
The thing I hated was the H being with the ow even after knowing she was a mean bitch to the h. He could've avoided 'that particular' ow and there was NO retribution for the ow after what she did to the h.
I could forgive the teenage H for being stupid but his adult version is just as bad as his former self (coz of the ow; bad choice 😐).
The only thing I liked was that the h was independent and NOT a doormat. And yeah, I felt bad for her for losing her child in the accident and that the H couldn't see his son when he was alive (no parent deserves that😔).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2016
I'm going with three stars because I don't like open endings in stories like this one.
Let's be honest. This is all about the relationship between the protagonists, be it past, present or future. This is all about whether or not they will be able to overcome all the obstacles that kept them apart for many years, even though they obviously love each other.
You can't stray very far from that. It's either yes or no and to be left with a 'to be continued' feeling was just disappointing and frustrating.
I admit there were parts when Shae and Kellen's journey hit me right in the feels, particularly everything horrible she went through, and that I was on the verge of tears many times.
However, both of them really screwed everything up in a bad way, however unintentionally it was, and the drama started to be a little over the top. Add the open ending and it was a downer for me.
I admit I am curious to know more about Cici, the stripper, and Luke, her boss and then Kit and Derek, but I don't know whether I'll keep reading the series or not.
February 18, 2018
FANTASTIC READ!
I devoured this. Oh way too angsty for me. Loved both Kellan and Shae. But errr,,, Cammie aka slut, steam was coming out of my ears. Anytime she took part of this story, I wanted to yank her skanky ass out of my kindle!
I devoured this. Oh way too angsty for me. Loved both Kellan and Shae. But errr,,, Cammie aka slut, steam was coming out of my ears. Anytime she took part of this story, I wanted to yank her skanky ass out of my kindle!
June 9, 2016
5 Stars!
"His mistake was thinking that I wanted the world, when all I wanted was him."
Speechless.... that's how I was left after reading, Anywhere But Here. The ending brought me to tears. I was trying to hold them in, but it wasn't possible. I loved Kellen and Shae's story. My favorite part was reading about them in their senior year. Kellen was a bad-ass even in high school. Usually, I'm not a fan of stories written in past and present, but I really liked it for them. I liked that he brought Shae out of her shell and showed her how to be herself and not worry about what other people thought. The moment I fell in love with Kellen was the best part in the book...
“You could have walked here in a hurricane, slipped and fallen in the mud, rolled through poison oak and then been attacked by a chupacabra and you’d still be beautiful. It’s not about how done up your hair is, or that glittery shit around your eyes, or how amazing you look in that dress. Or the way you smell like peaches and vanilla mixed with tequila and sweat that makes me think about ways besides dancing that would make your skin smell that way, minus the tequila and the dress, and before you freak out because I said you smell like sweat, you need to know how fucking sexy I think it is and not at all gross, because you don’t smell like a dude at a gym. You smell like I want my sheets to smell every fucking day, but none of that makes a damn bit of difference, because you could strip all that away and it wouldn’t change a thing. Your kind of beautiful can’t be touched. It starts in your eyes and it’s soul fucking deep, Shae.”
Yes...that was the moment I totally swooned over Kellen. If I was in high school and a boy told me that, I would have melted into a puddle! They didn't make them like that when I was in high school. Lol. Kellen didn't let me down as he got older. He was still pretty hot and even more tempting. Kellen and Shae's relationship wasn't easy, they had their trials and tribulations, but you know what they say...
"What’s meant to be will always find a way, through storms and fires. Through tragedy and loss. Even through the lies and whatever life throws at it. It withstands. It keeps fighting. It’s never over."
I'll always have a place for them in my heart.
-Juls
February 18, 2018
I started this today and finished it today, literally couldn't put it down! I've given this 5 stars purely coz I loved it however I didn't love the ending so much, I wanted, needed more.. I'm hoping book 2 will give me that but as it's a book on another couple I'm not sure it will, my feelings are mixed right now, I'm not as eager to jump into the next book as I feel I should be but then again it is past 11pm so may be I'm just tired and will feel different tomoz lol
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March 4, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/4/2018)!💝
June 2, 2016
I just finished Anywhere but here and let me tell you she pulls you in. I have read books where it's past and present and they weren't very good. This story was so great. I loved it. I love all Stephanie's writing though so I knew immediately it would be amazing. young love heart break and life happen. Some of its funny but also deep and happy. some sad. I don't want to give anything away in my review but I hope that doesn't put you off reading it.
This last week our family has been going through a heartbreak and getting the chance to read this has helped me. when I'm sad and stuck in my head I had this story to help me through. So thanks for that Stephanie.
I'm actually sad it's over. But was so excited to read the Author's notes!!!
I cannot wait to read more of your books. I'll definitely be rereading Anywhere But Here. shae&kellen ❤
This last week our family has been going through a heartbreak and getting the chance to read this has helped me. when I'm sad and stuck in my head I had this story to help me through. So thanks for that Stephanie.
I'm actually sad it's over. But was so excited to read the Author's notes!!!
I cannot wait to read more of your books. I'll definitely be rereading Anywhere But Here. shae&kellen ❤
June 9, 2016
Anywhere But Here is the story of love and loss. Heart break and forgiveness. It all starts in South Carolina, where Shae and her mother move to be closer to her paternak grandparents after her father dies in a tragic helicopter crash. Shae seems to have the perfect life outside of her home life. Shes on tons of committee's, great grades, a cheerleader, great boyfriend. She has everything going for her as far as everyone can tell, but what they don't know is that she barely speaks to her alcoholic and pill abusing mother. Her relationship with Jeremy is as perfect as she thinks it is, until one day it all comes crashing down. Kellen of all people is the one to bring her back and get her to be herself and not the person she thinks she should be. The story is told where it alternates persent and memory, so that while experiencing the conflict, heartache, and drama during the painful reunion; you also know how the characters were feeling at the time the decisions were made that changed the course for everyone. Shae and Kellen start off as two high school students who have to work on a class assignment together, shes rich and popular, hes poor and a loner. After finding her boyfriend Jeremy having sex with Daisy (her friend and his partner in the same class) on prom night she does the one thing she never does...she gets drunk and ends up at Kellens house only to find him in the same position as she found Jeremy, having sex. This book will make you cry, you know something is going to happen you can feel it coming throughout the entire story however once you get to the end you can feel every emotion that Shae and Kellen feel from beginning to end. There is so much friendship and betrayal. Cheating and making up. Love and loss. This story is one that leaves you thinking about past choices you have made and the consequences of thise choices and actions but one you cant out down because it sucks you in from the beginning and keeps you attached until the last page.
June 9, 2016
Shae and Kellen’s story will rock your world! I laughed, I cried, I got furious and I cried some more! Shae is the high school’s everything girl, the perfect student, so popular all the girls wanted to be her and to top it all off she is rich. No one knew that her happiness on the outside was fake and inside she kept secrets. Shae had been taught to never let them see your weakness or your tears, you go on you be strong. But high school can also be stressful and destructive as Shae learns when her perfect boyfriend turns out to anything but. Thank goodness for Kellen. He is her knight in shining armor. Shae learns the secrets Kellen keeps about his life are hardcore. She never knew people really lived like his so called family does. They fall deeply in love until one fateful night when Kellen decides he is not good for Shae’s future and calls it quits. Because of her secret Shae leaves town to never return. While she is gone the most horrific thing happens to her and someone she dearly loves. Because of her grandmother she has to return to the place she dreads the most. It’s been seven long years and when she sees him he is no longer a boy now he is a man. The anger and betrayal has them both reeling! Will they be able to coexist in the same town? Can they get past the past and be friends or better yet more? You have to read this book to find out and you won’t be sorry the secrets that are revealed are real and gut wrenching!!
Stephanie Hoffman McManus has written a well thought out story. Her writing skill makes you feel as though you are experiencing these feelings along with the characters. I would highly recommend this book!!
Stephanie Hoffman McManus has written a well thought out story. Her writing skill makes you feel as though you are experiencing these feelings along with the characters. I would highly recommend this book!!
June 29, 2016
Ahh!! This book. It grabbed a hold of my heart and didn't let go. I can't stop thinking about it, and it brought out so many feels!
Kellan Nash, the bad boy, the poor boy, the one no one wanted—not even his own parents. And then, in one moment of fate, a school project changed his life forever. He was partnered with Shea.
Shea, the good girl, the smart one, the rich one—the one everyone wanted to be. But that was all just a mask. No one really knew her.
Until Kellan...
“It wasn’t perfection that I found, but something worth actually fighting for. She was flawed, so beautifully flawed, but it’s in the flaws that you find the real beauty of a person.”
Fast forward seven years…years of pain, hate and longing, and we find out that the past never stays in the past. I absolutely loved how Anywhere But Here was written in both the present and the past. But this story was a hard one to read at times. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I think a lot of us can relate to.
“Hate is a funny, fickle thing. It’s not the opposite of love. It’s not uncaring. That would be indifference. Hate is caring too much; caring so much that you just can’t let it go, even when hanging on breaks you and turns you into someone you never wanted to be.”
I loved this book. Even through all the heartbreak and darkness, there was light and hope. But that ending! Gah!! I can't wait for Cici and Luke's story to find out more! Please don’t make me wait too long!! ~ Tiffany, 5 stars
Kellan Nash, the bad boy, the poor boy, the one no one wanted—not even his own parents. And then, in one moment of fate, a school project changed his life forever. He was partnered with Shea.
Shea, the good girl, the smart one, the rich one—the one everyone wanted to be. But that was all just a mask. No one really knew her.
Until Kellan...
“It wasn’t perfection that I found, but something worth actually fighting for. She was flawed, so beautifully flawed, but it’s in the flaws that you find the real beauty of a person.”
Fast forward seven years…years of pain, hate and longing, and we find out that the past never stays in the past. I absolutely loved how Anywhere But Here was written in both the present and the past. But this story was a hard one to read at times. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I think a lot of us can relate to.
“Hate is a funny, fickle thing. It’s not the opposite of love. It’s not uncaring. That would be indifference. Hate is caring too much; caring so much that you just can’t let it go, even when hanging on breaks you and turns you into someone you never wanted to be.”
I loved this book. Even through all the heartbreak and darkness, there was light and hope. But that ending! Gah!! I can't wait for Cici and Luke's story to find out more! Please don’t make me wait too long!! ~ Tiffany, 5 stars
June 9, 2016
Anywhere But Here was such an amazing story. I'm not a fan of switching from Past to Present throughout a book but this one was done so right that it couldn't have been written any other way without it losing its groove.
Shaleigh Bradford, or Shae as Kellan calls her, is the girl everyone wants to be in high school. Cheerleader, football boyfriend and smart to boot. But no one notices how much she hides the hurt until Kellan.
Kellan Nash was the high school bad boy. Late for class, fighting, and an all around player, he too hides his hurt until Shae sees right through him because she's just the same.
This was such a whirlwind read. I loved how Kellan brought Shae out of herself and how Shae made Kellan feel worthy. The events leading us through the book were every emotion. I laighed , I cried and I especially hated some people and their actions or words but all of it got you to the root of the story. The ending broke my heart but had a nice glimmer of hope too. Not so much a cliffhanger but more of a "think how you want" ending.
I absolutely loved this story. It really grips you and doesn't let you go until the end. I want more. More Kellan and Shae, I want Trin and Derek's story and especially how Kellan will react to them! But I want to know more about CiCi and Luke!
Looking forward to more from Stephanie Hoffman McManus!
Shaleigh Bradford, or Shae as Kellan calls her, is the girl everyone wants to be in high school. Cheerleader, football boyfriend and smart to boot. But no one notices how much she hides the hurt until Kellan.
Kellan Nash was the high school bad boy. Late for class, fighting, and an all around player, he too hides his hurt until Shae sees right through him because she's just the same.
This was such a whirlwind read. I loved how Kellan brought Shae out of herself and how Shae made Kellan feel worthy. The events leading us through the book were every emotion. I laighed , I cried and I especially hated some people and their actions or words but all of it got you to the root of the story. The ending broke my heart but had a nice glimmer of hope too. Not so much a cliffhanger but more of a "think how you want" ending.
I absolutely loved this story. It really grips you and doesn't let you go until the end. I want more. More Kellan and Shae, I want Trin and Derek's story and especially how Kellan will react to them! But I want to know more about CiCi and Luke!
Looking forward to more from Stephanie Hoffman McManus!
July 20, 2016
I stumbled across this book by chance yesterday and so thankful that I did. WOW!!
what a powerful love story, such heartbreak, never have I wanted to crawl through my kindle and smack so many people before in my life.
Shae is such a strong woman to survive such heartbreak from early on in life, between her daddy dying, her high school cheating on her, she walks in on him screwing another girl (one of her friends no less) and then there is Kellen, that is the one that hurt her the most, a love like that you only get once and it hurts when its gone and it make you do some pretty stupid things, I cried so much over these 2, reading what they had and lost, I felt like it was me who lost it.
Kellen in his own right is our Knight even though he doesn't see it, his dad died in prison, Mom took off, his older brother is a druggie and he is raising his younger sister, nobody should have that thrown on them but he manages to make sure him & Trin do ok.
7 years Shae stays away, 7 years of anger builds and builds, and then finally the dam breaks wide open and when everything finally spilled out, I balled my eyes out for a good 2 hours, OMG I felt l was the one who was going through it.
A must read book
what a powerful love story, such heartbreak, never have I wanted to crawl through my kindle and smack so many people before in my life.
Shae is such a strong woman to survive such heartbreak from early on in life, between her daddy dying, her high school cheating on her, she walks in on him screwing another girl (one of her friends no less) and then there is Kellen, that is the one that hurt her the most, a love like that you only get once and it hurts when its gone and it make you do some pretty stupid things, I cried so much over these 2, reading what they had and lost, I felt like it was me who lost it.
Kellen in his own right is our Knight even though he doesn't see it, his dad died in prison, Mom took off, his older brother is a druggie and he is raising his younger sister, nobody should have that thrown on them but he manages to make sure him & Trin do ok.
7 years Shae stays away, 7 years of anger builds and builds, and then finally the dam breaks wide open and when everything finally spilled out, I balled my eyes out for a good 2 hours, OMG I felt l was the one who was going through it.
A must read book
June 9, 2016
Where to start on Shea and Kellan. They are so very good together and at the same time so very combustible together. Shea is a strong woman who has been through a lot on her lifetime, and Kellan is a strong man who has been through almost as much as Shea. When they see each other again after 7 years apart, there is definitely a chemistry between them that never seemed to disappear. They have a lot of ups and downs and a lot of stuff that they have to work through in this book, but they manage.If you are looking for a read with a lot of angst filled moments this is the book for you. I also love their professions, not the typical ones you read about, he is a tattoo artist and owns the tattoo parlor and she is an author who was living in New York. I love these characters and I hope that there is more about them in future works from this author. Ms. McManus now has a new fan for life on her works. Thank you for such an awesome read!
June 13, 2016
Clearly my opinion can not be counted as unbiased. I am very much biased, and I don't usually leave a review on my own works, but in this case I felt I needed to. Second chances and redemption are themes you will find in each and every one of my books, but this story is unlike my others in several ways, the biggest being the ending. I will not give it away, but I will say, I was torn for quite a while on how I should wrap it up. I will make it clear, there is no cliffhanger, however, not everything is wrapped up in a neat little bow. After what these characters endured, it felt dishonest to the story to do so. Sure, I could have included an epilogue some time down the road to give it more of a conclusion, but I think there is still too much journey left for that and it will continue to play out through the series and the stories of the secondary characters, because along the way, I fell in love with them as much as I did my MCs and they have stories to be told as well . . .
May 31, 2016
What do you do when you have to go back to the place where you hate the most? Well unfortunately Shae's grandmother,Didi passed away and left Shae her business. Shae had gone through so much in 7 years that broke my heart. Shae has many secrets and so does the boy who broke her heart Kellen this story will make you angry,cry and want more. It's a story about telling the truth will set you free! I can't wait to hear more about Shae and Kellen story. Just remember to have Kleenex while reading! 5/5 stars deserves more! Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
June 2, 2016
A touching story by a talented author, she brings you into the story making you read as long as you can to see what happened in the past to these characters. I also can't wait to see where she goes next with the secondary characters even though I want to see what happens with Shea and Kellen first. I received this arc to give a honest review.
June 1, 2016
I am speechless... This is an amazing story, written by an outstanding author! The story is a mix of past and current events in the lives of a group of people, but mostly Shae and Kellen. I can't really put into words the emotions I delt with during the reading ... everything from laughter, to sadness, to hope, and tears. This is what writing is all about! I would give it 100 stars if I could!
July 23, 2017
Wow, this author has some amazing writing skills. I love every story she creates & she gives you all the feels in each character like you are there.
This is a second chance romance that takes place between HS & (present day) seven years later. This is Shaeleigh & Kellens story. So much angst, betrayal & unexpected twists will keep you turning each page to find out more! Read this book now!
This is a second chance romance that takes place between HS & (present day) seven years later. This is Shaeleigh & Kellens story. So much angst, betrayal & unexpected twists will keep you turning each page to find out more! Read this book now!
June 9, 2016
"Even the darkest night will end and the Sun will Rise." -------Victor Hugo
This is one of the best books I've read. It attacked all my senses and left me a blubbering mess by the end of the book. It was one of the hardest as I pictured all this couple went thru. Time wasted over being hurt, lies told, and everyone else sticking their nose where it did not belong. This is the first book I have read by Stephanie and she nailed it. Her story was genuine and so where her character's.
The past always catches up to you, no matter how far you go, you cannot outrun your own heart. Seven years ago I left home and swearing to myself I would never return. Kellan Nash left his mark on my heart. A mark I never let go of because he owned my heart. I spent the last seven years trying to erase him out of my heart. Never in a million years did I ever want to face him again. But here I was face to face with him again. I was not prepared for him to still have the same effect on me. He nearly destroyed me once and I won't let him do it again. But the more time I am back the more I question what really happened seven years ago. The more I worry about what will happen if he discovers my biggest secret. Because when he does he will surely hate me forever.
At seventeen she was the most beautiful thing I ever seen. A girl like Shae did not belong with a guy like me, but that did not stop me from wanting her or breaking her heart. Everyone told me we could not last. Shae was destined to go to Columbia, I could not compete with that or stand in her way. I did what I thought was the right thing and let her go. I tried to make her see it was better this way so we would not get any deeper than we were. Make a clean break. I just did realise that I would break her and me.
"Sometimes in rare occurrences, life will give you a second chance. You just have to be ready to meet it head on and accept it. It is not time that matters, but who you become during that time. Sometimes pain comes into our lives on the tail end of happiness. When our heartbreak and misery strike, we look for someone to blame. Hate is a funny fickle thing. It is not the opposite of love. Hate is caring too much, caring so much that you cannot let it go. Hate is easy and weak. Hate is a lie we use to cover up something deeper inside us. What is meant to be will always find a way through storms and fires. Through tragedy and loss. It withstands. It keeps fighting . It's never over.
This is one of the best books I've read. It attacked all my senses and left me a blubbering mess by the end of the book. It was one of the hardest as I pictured all this couple went thru. Time wasted over being hurt, lies told, and everyone else sticking their nose where it did not belong. This is the first book I have read by Stephanie and she nailed it. Her story was genuine and so where her character's.
The past always catches up to you, no matter how far you go, you cannot outrun your own heart. Seven years ago I left home and swearing to myself I would never return. Kellan Nash left his mark on my heart. A mark I never let go of because he owned my heart. I spent the last seven years trying to erase him out of my heart. Never in a million years did I ever want to face him again. But here I was face to face with him again. I was not prepared for him to still have the same effect on me. He nearly destroyed me once and I won't let him do it again. But the more time I am back the more I question what really happened seven years ago. The more I worry about what will happen if he discovers my biggest secret. Because when he does he will surely hate me forever.
At seventeen she was the most beautiful thing I ever seen. A girl like Shae did not belong with a guy like me, but that did not stop me from wanting her or breaking her heart. Everyone told me we could not last. Shae was destined to go to Columbia, I could not compete with that or stand in her way. I did what I thought was the right thing and let her go. I tried to make her see it was better this way so we would not get any deeper than we were. Make a clean break. I just did realise that I would break her and me.
"Sometimes in rare occurrences, life will give you a second chance. You just have to be ready to meet it head on and accept it. It is not time that matters, but who you become during that time. Sometimes pain comes into our lives on the tail end of happiness. When our heartbreak and misery strike, we look for someone to blame. Hate is a funny fickle thing. It is not the opposite of love. Hate is caring too much, caring so much that you cannot let it go. Hate is easy and weak. Hate is a lie we use to cover up something deeper inside us. What is meant to be will always find a way through storms and fires. Through tragedy and loss. It withstands. It keeps fighting . It's never over.
June 10, 2016
ANYWHERE BUT HERE is a five-star, bestseller, written by Stephanie Hoffman McManus. If you like second chance romance, well written characters, and a story that keeps you drawn into every page, this book is for you.
I particularly like the way the story is written. Stephanie tells the story in a past and present format, and she nails it. It was an even more interesting read for me because I was vacationing in the location that the book took place while I was reading it.
Shae had to return to her hometown, Conway, South Carolina, after being gone for seven years to take care of business because her grandmother passed away. She was anxious to get it finished as soon as possible and return to New York, because Conway held a lot of bad memories for her. Growing up Shae seemed to have it all. Wealthy family, cheerleader, homecoming queen, quarterback boyfriend, extremely popular and well liked. No one saw the real Shae, except Kellen.
Kellen was the sexy, bad boy in high school, from the wrong side of the tracks. Kellen and Shae were assigned a senior project to do together and that is where all the fun begins. Shea's boyfriend, Jeremy, was overly jealous and angry about the situation. He and Kellen had a long history of bad blood between them that only added to the drama. When things start to go wrong for Shae and Jeremy, Kellen is more than happy to be there for Shae.
Shae had never really met anyone like Kellen. She felt like he was the one person she could be herself around. He made her feel happier than she had ever been. Kellen was head over heels crazy about Shae. He didn't think he was good enough for her, but she didn't feel the same. She made him want to be a better person. What seemed to be a perfect relationship ended in misunderstandings and broken hearts. That is when Shae leaves town and hopes to never return.
Returning to Conway to take care of the business and the house her grandmother left her was supposed to be short and quick. She never expected to run in to Kellen seven years later and have all the old hurt resurface. Shae and Kellen fight through a lot of anger from the past so they can try and move on.
This book is a very emotional read. You will love every minute. I won't ruin the ending for you, but please read Shae and Kellen's story. Find out if they can find a way to get their happily ever after.
June 9, 2016
“Anywhere by Here” is definitely one of those books that readers can completely get lost in. The story and the characters made me want to hole up for days and not come out until I knew everything about them. Shaeleigh, or Shae, is a bright young woman who is forced to go back to her hometown after seven years to settle her grandmother’s estate. She refused to go home after the man she loved, Kellan, broke her heart immediately after high school. The story of their past is beautifully laced in with the story of their meeting again. The first time she sees him again, she punches him in the face and breaks his nose. From this moment forward, I was rooting for Shae! Kellen owns a tattoo shop, and Shae happens to walk in to get an addition made to her back piece. Her back tattoo is very much a part of Shae and her life. The tattoo is described as her heaven and her hell, and the subject of the tattoo is very telling of her feelings toward Kellen, so she doesn’t want him to work on it. So much hate and lies are between Shae and Kellen that they can’t move on in their lives, even after seven years. Shae is good friends with Kellen’s little sister, Trinity, and the two girls start spending a lot of time together. Naturally, that brings Kellen and Shae around one another, despite the fact they end up screaming at each other when they try to talk. These two really have a rocky reunion, and a rough past involving secrets and hiding more lies. I don’t want to give too much detail, but this book is a MUST read! I honestly hated going to work because I had to tear myself away from this story. I felt as if I knew them and felt their pain. It was so lovely to read about these two characters, I really hated for the book to end. Yet, even in the end, I still felt like everything was as it should be. My favorite quote from the book was on the last page, and I don’t want to give anything away, but the last paragraph really spoke to me. It’s a beautiful ending to a beautiful story. I hope anyone considering reading this book will do so and I hope it means half as much to other readers as it did to me. Obviously, I give “Anywhere but Here” five stars!
June 9, 2016
Anywhere But Here is a story about second chances, although by the end of this story I wasn’t sure I wanted them to have a second chance! After 7 long years of anger, lies, and simple misunderstandings, Shae and Kellen run into each other and eventually everything becomes clear. McManus gives her characters and readers heartache right along with regret and sadness. Luckily for Shae and Kellen (and us the readers) we are also given hope. There looks like a chance for forgiveness, friendship and even love. But all that anger and betrayal must be shared first.
“ That’s life. Deciding what risks are worth it and figuring out for yourself what is right.”
A few minor characters help make this story even better, bringing with them laughter, intrigue of their own, and even a little craziness. Can’t wait to read more about Cici the stripper and Jake the bartender. I’m even curious about Trinity and Derek.
This story is well written and kept me from putting it down. I felt Shae and Kellen’s hearts breaking both when they were kids and in present time. And of course the hate comes right out for the nasty Evil Dragon of a villain. This story’s villain isn’t much of a surprise…usually those closest to us are the hardest to believe would do anything wrong.
Looking forward to next story in this series and any others by Stephanie Hoffman McManus.
“ That’s life. Deciding what risks are worth it and figuring out for yourself what is right.”
A few minor characters help make this story even better, bringing with them laughter, intrigue of their own, and even a little craziness. Can’t wait to read more about Cici the stripper and Jake the bartender. I’m even curious about Trinity and Derek.
This story is well written and kept me from putting it down. I felt Shae and Kellen’s hearts breaking both when they were kids and in present time. And of course the hate comes right out for the nasty Evil Dragon of a villain. This story’s villain isn’t much of a surprise…usually those closest to us are the hardest to believe would do anything wrong.
Looking forward to next story in this series and any others by Stephanie Hoffman McManus.
June 13, 2016
What the actual fuck?!!
I loved this book but damn Why you gotta leave it like that? I had to but my kindle down and walk away a few times. So much heartbreak and loss it gutted me. Now, don't get me wrong as soon as my heart healed I'd pick it back up and carry on. But DAMN girl you did an amazing job with this book! I could really feel the emotions of Shae and Kellan. He is giving Ky a run for his money on my list of fuckable book boyfriends lol. Yes, even through everything that happens. I love him and Shae but seriously Stephanie I need more like yesterday!
When i first started this I sorta promised not to threaten you with a sledge hammer but um, can I recant that statement? haha
I think this book with it's heartache, loss and forgiving is climbing it's way to the top of my favorite books by you. And that's saying a lot since everyone know the love I have for the Ever After Series. Amazing Job! I can't wait until the next one comes out.
(Seriously, stop reading this and go write me a book woman! lol)
1000 stars if I could!
I loved this book but damn Why you gotta leave it like that? I had to but my kindle down and walk away a few times. So much heartbreak and loss it gutted me. Now, don't get me wrong as soon as my heart healed I'd pick it back up and carry on. But DAMN girl you did an amazing job with this book! I could really feel the emotions of Shae and Kellan. He is giving Ky a run for his money on my list of fuckable book boyfriends lol. Yes, even through everything that happens. I love him and Shae but seriously Stephanie I need more like yesterday!
When i first started this I sorta promised not to threaten you with a sledge hammer but um, can I recant that statement? haha
I think this book with it's heartache, loss and forgiving is climbing it's way to the top of my favorite books by you. And that's saying a lot since everyone know the love I have for the Ever After Series. Amazing Job! I can't wait until the next one comes out.
(Seriously, stop reading this and go write me a book woman! lol)
1000 stars if I could!
July 3, 2016
So this book shocked me beyond belief.
I thought I knew what the big twist was. I was preparing myself for a certain heartbreak and then WHAM at the end I am hit with the real twist and I was shocked! I did not see it coming and it tore my heart out.
This is definitely a tear jerk-er, it doesn't seem like it threw out the book but you know its coming.
The writing was fun and well done. The story line was intriguing and kept you turning the page.
Although this book doesn't really have a HEA, its not really a not HEA either...I'm still not sure how I feel about the ending. I wanted more but then I think would more have made the story better? The answer is no because the story was AMAZING
Anyway defiantly worth the read! I am obsessed with Kellen. But make sure to have tissues ready.
This is one of those books that will stay with you for a long time, possibly forever. It was hauntingly beautiful.
I thought I knew what the big twist was. I was preparing myself for a certain heartbreak and then WHAM at the end I am hit with the real twist and I was shocked! I did not see it coming and it tore my heart out.
This is definitely a tear jerk-er, it doesn't seem like it threw out the book but you know its coming.
The writing was fun and well done. The story line was intriguing and kept you turning the page.
Although this book doesn't really have a HEA, its not really a not HEA either...I'm still not sure how I feel about the ending. I wanted more but then I think would more have made the story better? The answer is no because the story was AMAZING
Anyway defiantly worth the read! I am obsessed with Kellen. But make sure to have tissues ready.
This is one of those books that will stay with you for a long time, possibly forever. It was hauntingly beautiful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2016
Loved it. Sucked me in... slight spoilers
Great book. Kept me coming back for more, to continue and not put it down, would definitely recommend it.
That being said, I was slightly disappointed with the ending, there wasn't actually a cliff hanger (though I guess it technically could have been one and I may not have seen it as such) but it left me wanting more that's for sure. With Shae and Kellen finally finding some peace after all the lies and betrayal, you think there would be full closure, so unless there is a book two that takes you on the rest of their journey of healing, it leaves a lot to be desired.
Other than that it's a great book that while I've read a similar plot before it was done completely different. The writing is great and it takes you on a back and forth journey of past and present.
I hope there is a book with Trinity and Derek's story, that will definitely be a must read.
Great book. Kept me coming back for more, to continue and not put it down, would definitely recommend it.
That being said, I was slightly disappointed with the ending, there wasn't actually a cliff hanger (though I guess it technically could have been one and I may not have seen it as such) but it left me wanting more that's for sure. With Shae and Kellen finally finding some peace after all the lies and betrayal, you think there would be full closure, so unless there is a book two that takes you on the rest of their journey of healing, it leaves a lot to be desired.
Other than that it's a great book that while I've read a similar plot before it was done completely different. The writing is great and it takes you on a back and forth journey of past and present.
I hope there is a book with Trinity and Derek's story, that will definitely be a must read.
July 4, 2016
For the first two chapters or so, I was really hesitant about this book. I was worried it was going to be every other YA romance. But turns out it was so much better. Loved the characters. Sure the plot may have been a little predictable here and there but I don't care. I thought it ended pretty abruptly though until I realized this book is labeled as "Anywhere But Here (Anywhere #1)". So that means a sequel will be coming right? I sure hope so or else that ending is going to really tick me off. I need a sequel! As soon as possible!
June 13, 2016
I question if I read the same book as all the five star reviewers. I also deducted a star from a mediocre three star book because of the ending. The author just quits telling the story. Does the author plan a sequel to tie up all the loose ends? Do we know if Kellen and Shae finally get their HEA? To avoid spoilers I'll vaguely say that leaving the two characters in the location where she did really disappointed this reader. I'm not impressed and I probably won't bother reading a sequel if she does write one. This book was disappointing.
July 28, 2016
I absolutely loved this story! Stephanie wrote a real, raw story full of emotion and I couldn't help but root but Kellen and Shea from the very beginning. I have never read a second chance romance like this before, there were so many details, so much history and so much damn emotion! I cannot wait to get my hands on book two of this story to continuing reading about these characters and see where they wind up.
August 14, 2016
For a boy I loved....
I couldn't put this book down. I've never read this author before so I went off of other reviews. I was nervous that this book would disappoint. But wow I was wrong. I am so bummed this book is over. I can't wait to search for the second one. That's the one thing that blows about a great series. The wait!
I couldn't put this book down. I've never read this author before so I went off of other reviews. I was nervous that this book would disappoint. But wow I was wrong. I am so bummed this book is over. I can't wait to search for the second one. That's the one thing that blows about a great series. The wait!
June 24, 2016
5 stars
I have to say this book is emotional. I cried. And laughed. And cussed. Then cried some more. I am upset at the ending. I wanted more. Do they get back together? Are they able to put all their stuff behind them? Do they have children?
I have to say this book is emotional. I cried. And laughed. And cussed. Then cried some more. I am upset at the ending. I wanted more. Do they get back together? Are they able to put all their stuff behind them? Do they have children?
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