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New Beginnings #1
Choices
Michaela Matthews wants nothing more than to be happy.
In her way is a family pushing her down a specific path, and the man she loves who doesn't allow her to choose anything different. When she moves to the city for the next step in her parents' plan, she begins to figure out what she wants - or more importantly, what she doesn't want.
Jason Marks has had the life where things just seem to happen for him, and he struggles to keep his past at bay while he moves forward. He is no longer the unwanted foster kid; he is a business owner, surrounded by people who love him. But he isn't in love, and doesn't believe in it.
At least not until a heartbroken girl falls apart in his arms. But is it enough to make him give all of himself to someone who might not choose him in return?
In her way is a family pushing her down a specific path, and the man she loves who doesn't allow her to choose anything different. When she moves to the city for the next step in her parents' plan, she begins to figure out what she wants - or more importantly, what she doesn't want.
Jason Marks has had the life where things just seem to happen for him, and he struggles to keep his past at bay while he moves forward. He is no longer the unwanted foster kid; he is a business owner, surrounded by people who love him. But he isn't in love, and doesn't believe in it.
At least not until a heartbroken girl falls apart in his arms. But is it enough to make him give all of himself to someone who might not choose him in return?
178 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2016
934 people are currently reading
715 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Lynn
29 books1,490 followersMichelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids.
She loves all thing romance and cries at happy endings!
Visit her at www.michellelynnbooks.com
She loves all thing romance and cries at happy endings!
Visit her at www.michellelynnbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
February 11, 2017
2.5 stars
I wanted to like this book but it just didn’t flow well and the characters kept giving me whiplash. In the beginning, it appeared to be another cliché new adult book with rich overbearing parents who strong-armed their kids to following a life path set by the parents in order to fit into their high society expectations. When the heroine Michaela Matthews refused to marry Ethan Walker, the prized prince of their social circle, it appeared that she finally stood up for herself. However, Michaela waffled a lot between asserting her independence and falling back to the abusive lifestyle her parents crafted for her.
This book’s premise has a lot of potential but the execution left me wanting more. There are two young adults, Michael and older brother Chris Matthews, who were trying to find themselves outside of their parent’s expectations. There was an orphan bar owner, Jason, who was looking for someone to love and belong to. I didn’t feel like this book was developed that well. The characters at first blush were so one-dimensional and stereotypical. But half way into the story, it appears that some of the characters were misunderstood and actually more complex that first believed.
It became clear that this family lacked communication from the dad and mom, to the siblings with each other. The family wasn’t as screwed up as I initially thought so there was room for the author to delicate build those relationships. The book wasn’t paced well and I couldn’t connect to the characters expect the brother Chris and his friend Jason. Chris and Jason drew my emotions in because their pain was more evident.
I can actually envision this being a true-life story and I found the character’s behaviors to be normal. I would have liked the author to take her time with the characters and slow down the pace from subtopic to subtopic. The writing just lacked the finesse to really smoothen these characters and their plight out. I am glad the book ended on a good note. I was pleased with the resolution.
* I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this book but it just didn’t flow well and the characters kept giving me whiplash. In the beginning, it appeared to be another cliché new adult book with rich overbearing parents who strong-armed their kids to following a life path set by the parents in order to fit into their high society expectations. When the heroine Michaela Matthews refused to marry Ethan Walker, the prized prince of their social circle, it appeared that she finally stood up for herself. However, Michaela waffled a lot between asserting her independence and falling back to the abusive lifestyle her parents crafted for her.
This book’s premise has a lot of potential but the execution left me wanting more. There are two young adults, Michael and older brother Chris Matthews, who were trying to find themselves outside of their parent’s expectations. There was an orphan bar owner, Jason, who was looking for someone to love and belong to. I didn’t feel like this book was developed that well. The characters at first blush were so one-dimensional and stereotypical. But half way into the story, it appears that some of the characters were misunderstood and actually more complex that first believed.
It became clear that this family lacked communication from the dad and mom, to the siblings with each other. The family wasn’t as screwed up as I initially thought so there was room for the author to delicate build those relationships. The book wasn’t paced well and I couldn’t connect to the characters expect the brother Chris and his friend Jason. Chris and Jason drew my emotions in because their pain was more evident.
I can actually envision this being a true-life story and I found the character’s behaviors to be normal. I would have liked the author to take her time with the characters and slow down the pace from subtopic to subtopic. The writing just lacked the finesse to really smoothen these characters and their plight out. I am glad the book ended on a good note. I was pleased with the resolution.
* I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Read
August 8, 2022Makes HP and biker chick heroines look smart.
Done when the heroine goes back to the ex that tried to hit her when she said no to his public apology.
Class issues abound.
Done when the heroine goes back to the ex that tried to hit her when she said no to his public apology.
Class issues abound.
February 28, 2019
2 Stars
I'm just so underwhelmed by this. It just wasn't good and there were just so many issues.
- Characters used alcohol as a coping mechanism but shown in a way where it was acceptable (I can't really explain it just hit a nerve with me)
- Violence was kind of okay but again too many issues with this...
- I love a good Romance, it's one of those that I can just blitz through and it makes me happy, this was just kind of boring
- So much lack of communication
This first 20% was engaging and was intrigued to find out what was to come, but things happened so quickly that it was difficult to see the relationship build.
I'm just so underwhelmed by this. It just wasn't good and there were just so many issues.
- Characters used alcohol as a coping mechanism but shown in a way where it was acceptable (I can't really explain it just hit a nerve with me)
- Violence was kind of okay but again too many issues with this...
- I love a good Romance, it's one of those that I can just blitz through and it makes me happy, this was just kind of boring
- So much lack of communication
This first 20% was engaging and was intrigued to find out what was to come, but things happened so quickly that it was difficult to see the relationship build.
February 16, 2016
It is no easy task to introduce a new story, a new series with one or two characters that you root for. What is interesting about Michelle Lynn's newest work is that she has created characters that add a lot to the story. Michaela is the star of the book but her star is risen somewhat with the addition of the enigmatic Jason, wildcard Ethan, but also other characters that you would think would dumb it down.
Michaela has overbearing family that are determined their young lady (a recurring reference used as back handed compliment, but is really a put-down) follow the path they have chosen for her. You would think this is happening in some totalitarian state, but it's not! Michaela is no introverted nymph...she knows what she wants, accepts heartache will be part of the gig, and just gets on with things. She won't be told what to do by anyone, but she doesn't go out of her way to hurt anyone either. So basically Michaela is a nice girl who people closest to her would be wise not to take advantage of.
Michaela's mother, for example. She is not so typical as you'd expect. I particularly liked the exchanges between these two, the dialogue was believable and realistic.
In addition the character of Chris who hangs out with Jason is a cool combination. Their dialogue switches effortlessly between sharp observations of the pains in their lives, but also biting, humorous wit; the kind only two good friends can come out with between themselves.
I like Michaela a lot. She is also significantly different from Miss Lynn's siblings in DoR that she has her own 'voice'.
I have to say that I approached this book wondering if I would really like it. Having read Miss Lynn's superlative (a deserving description if ever there was one) dystopian series Dawn of Rebellion, I quite honestly thought 'how does one go from dystopian to contemporary romance so easily'?
The author shows her skill and growing stature as a writer with this new series. I kept hoping Dawn or Gabby (from dawn of Rebellion) would make an appearance here, but the author made a difficult choice of her own, breaking with such a well known series to branch out here.
I'm also not a huge fan of contemporary romance, though there are a handful of authors slowly changing my opinion on this.
Michelle Lynn can be counted amongst them.
Michaela has overbearing family that are determined their young lady (a recurring reference used as back handed compliment, but is really a put-down) follow the path they have chosen for her. You would think this is happening in some totalitarian state, but it's not! Michaela is no introverted nymph...she knows what she wants, accepts heartache will be part of the gig, and just gets on with things. She won't be told what to do by anyone, but she doesn't go out of her way to hurt anyone either. So basically Michaela is a nice girl who people closest to her would be wise not to take advantage of.
Michaela's mother, for example. She is not so typical as you'd expect. I particularly liked the exchanges between these two, the dialogue was believable and realistic.
In addition the character of Chris who hangs out with Jason is a cool combination. Their dialogue switches effortlessly between sharp observations of the pains in their lives, but also biting, humorous wit; the kind only two good friends can come out with between themselves.
I like Michaela a lot. She is also significantly different from Miss Lynn's siblings in DoR that she has her own 'voice'.
I have to say that I approached this book wondering if I would really like it. Having read Miss Lynn's superlative (a deserving description if ever there was one) dystopian series Dawn of Rebellion, I quite honestly thought 'how does one go from dystopian to contemporary romance so easily'?
The author shows her skill and growing stature as a writer with this new series. I kept hoping Dawn or Gabby (from dawn of Rebellion) would make an appearance here, but the author made a difficult choice of her own, breaking with such a well known series to branch out here.
I'm also not a huge fan of contemporary romance, though there are a handful of authors slowly changing my opinion on this.
Michelle Lynn can be counted amongst them.
January 16, 2016
I don't know if it's just me, or perhaps all the book recommendations im getting are based on other books I've read, but I'm getting so sick of reading about the alpha male and the heroine who falls at his feet.
So THIS book was a refreshing change. No alpha male, no stupid heroine. It's a sweet romance about a swoon-worthy Jason, and confused Michaela.
Her parents had her entire life planned out, but she wants to do her own thing. So she moves in with her awesome brother Chris to work out exactly what her own thing is.
Chris is amazing and I kinda love him. The rest of the supporting characters were also awesome and I want to read all of their stories! This is going to be a great series! Can't wait for more!
So THIS book was a refreshing change. No alpha male, no stupid heroine. It's a sweet romance about a swoon-worthy Jason, and confused Michaela.
Her parents had her entire life planned out, but she wants to do her own thing. So she moves in with her awesome brother Chris to work out exactly what her own thing is.
Chris is amazing and I kinda love him. The rest of the supporting characters were also awesome and I want to read all of their stories! This is going to be a great series! Can't wait for more!
Want to read
January 12, 2020Freebie on amazon 12th Jan 2020
February 25, 2016
3.5 Stars
Review by Jennifer Skewes
Choices is a very sweet and quick read. This is my first novel by this author and I really enjoyed the book and the characters. Sometimes in life you have to make some tough choices. Just because your whole life has been mapped out and you know what your future holds doesn't necessarily mean that is the best choice for you. It may not even be what your want. But you have to decide whether you want to stay on that path or go for what you really want.
Michalea and her brother Chris grew up in a world where image is everything. Her father is a big time corporate attorney and he expects his children to follow in his footsteps. Mic just graduated college and is on her way to NYC for law school. She has been with her boyfriend since high school. But when her boyfriend pops the big question unexpectedly Mic has a decision to make. Her whole life she has lived up to her parent's standards. But she doesn't want the life that they want her to live. She wants to be her own person and make her own decisions. So she moves in with her brother Chris in NY and plans on doing just that.
Jason comes from a completely different world than Mic. He is Chris' best friend who has his own issues when it comes to family and love. He is not the one night stand type of guy and is actually the type that looks for more. When he sees his best friends sister he knows that she is the one for him. But being that she is still in love with someone else and she is his friend's sister she is off limits to him. Or is she?
I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters. Jason was such a sweet and caring guy. He wasn't the type to do one night stands or drunk sex. Because in the end he would want more. There was something special about Mic but he knew that at the moment they could not be more than just friends. When they first met things just clicked with them. They had a very easy and comfortable friendship. Not knowing each long but yet feeling like they knew each other forever, both being able to open up very easily. But things become a bit complicated. There are misunderstandings that get in the way and then there is the very huge obstacle, Mic's family. Jason is not the guy she is expected to spend her life with. Her family makes it very difficult for her. Which confused her even more. Mic needs to find herself and be her own person before she can even decide her future and who to spend it with.
As I mentioned Jason and Mic had great chemistry. I love the characters. Except Ethan, if I never see him again I would be very happy. I felt so bad for Mic and everything she went through. Her parents were just so controlling and I wanted to see her stand up for herself and be the person she wanted to be. And Jason well he was just the sweetest but he too needed to get some courage when it came to Mic.
Overall I really enjoyed this book but there was something missing for me. I think there were some scenes with Katie, one of Mic's friends that just didn't seem to make sense to me. I understood it but just felt like it was never really resolved. I also loved Chris and he has some of his own issues which I hope to see in his own book, if he is getting one. But that too just seemed to fall a little flat for me.
Choices is a quick and swear enjoyable read and I look forward to the next one in the series.
Review by Jennifer Skewes
Choices is a very sweet and quick read. This is my first novel by this author and I really enjoyed the book and the characters. Sometimes in life you have to make some tough choices. Just because your whole life has been mapped out and you know what your future holds doesn't necessarily mean that is the best choice for you. It may not even be what your want. But you have to decide whether you want to stay on that path or go for what you really want.
Michalea and her brother Chris grew up in a world where image is everything. Her father is a big time corporate attorney and he expects his children to follow in his footsteps. Mic just graduated college and is on her way to NYC for law school. She has been with her boyfriend since high school. But when her boyfriend pops the big question unexpectedly Mic has a decision to make. Her whole life she has lived up to her parent's standards. But she doesn't want the life that they want her to live. She wants to be her own person and make her own decisions. So she moves in with her brother Chris in NY and plans on doing just that.
Jason comes from a completely different world than Mic. He is Chris' best friend who has his own issues when it comes to family and love. He is not the one night stand type of guy and is actually the type that looks for more. When he sees his best friends sister he knows that she is the one for him. But being that she is still in love with someone else and she is his friend's sister she is off limits to him. Or is she?
I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters. Jason was such a sweet and caring guy. He wasn't the type to do one night stands or drunk sex. Because in the end he would want more. There was something special about Mic but he knew that at the moment they could not be more than just friends. When they first met things just clicked with them. They had a very easy and comfortable friendship. Not knowing each long but yet feeling like they knew each other forever, both being able to open up very easily. But things become a bit complicated. There are misunderstandings that get in the way and then there is the very huge obstacle, Mic's family. Jason is not the guy she is expected to spend her life with. Her family makes it very difficult for her. Which confused her even more. Mic needs to find herself and be her own person before she can even decide her future and who to spend it with.
As I mentioned Jason and Mic had great chemistry. I love the characters. Except Ethan, if I never see him again I would be very happy. I felt so bad for Mic and everything she went through. Her parents were just so controlling and I wanted to see her stand up for herself and be the person she wanted to be. And Jason well he was just the sweetest but he too needed to get some courage when it came to Mic.
Overall I really enjoyed this book but there was something missing for me. I think there were some scenes with Katie, one of Mic's friends that just didn't seem to make sense to me. I understood it but just felt like it was never really resolved. I also loved Chris and he has some of his own issues which I hope to see in his own book, if he is getting one. But that too just seemed to fall a little flat for me.
Choices is a quick and swear enjoyable read and I look forward to the next one in the series.
August 27, 2016
3.5 stars
Choices, A New Beginning, proved to be a right choice for me to read one rainy afternoon. Michaela's, Jason's and Chris's respective stories cut like a knife and got me twisted, thus making the story fully appealing to me.
The story revolves around siblings Michaela and Chris, who didn't want anything to do with the birthday party that their socialite parents were throwing to their guests. Sure, it was Michaela's birthday but the party was all about her mom and dad's business associates. Things took a turn when Mic's ass of a boyfriend proposed to her in front of the visitors, and Mic refused. Man, that gotta hurt, but damn, it thrilled me. Whew!
Chris got issues with his 'rents too, as they didn't really accept the truth about their son. Chris was gay and Mic's proud of him, but their mom and dad were bigots, more like chauvinist pigs. All the more reason why Chris drunk his way to forgetting them.
Mic and Chris went away and took some time out from their family. Mic took drastic measures by refusing to go to law school and opted to work as a legal secretary in her brother's firm. I say, that was brave of her.
And then there's Jason. Chris's bestfriend and a bar owner. He was a dear friend, caring and supportive, and got a lot of baggage after years of being a foster kid and hurt by someone he truly loved. I liked how Jason didn't force himself into Mic's life. He was there when they needed him, even though he didn't like Michaela's choices, especially when the latter decided to get involved with her ex again. That really sucked, man.
I gotta admit, I had confused Choices with another hockey sports romance I've read a week ago. There were a lot of hockey-related topics and players in the book, and the characters' enthusiasm were off the charts, I couldn't help but get engaged with the sports, too.
Soon I realized, Choices may be even better than that other book I've read. First, the pacing here is faster and more controlled. Second, there's an LGBT topic that really interested me, with one of the character's struggling to let his feelings out and having a disastrous time dealing with people who couldn't accept his identity. And third, there's this guy who still believed in finding The One, didn't do casual drunk sex or one night stands. I actually thought he could have been my own The One (if I wasn't already married, of course).
There were some surprising twists as the story progressed (which I had anticipated), and I liked how I was able to easily relate with the characters. Although, there's that issue about Michaela's constant crying and brash decisions when it came to Ethan (her ex), plus there was Chris' over-the-top beer addiction. Also, I thought their parents' indifference with Chris was still unresolved and I would have loved to know more about Katie.
This is Michelle Lynn's first foray into new adult romance, a far cry from the dystopian novels I've read before and let me just say, it was good. If you're into sports romance and LGBT themed stories, then this story is for you.
Choices, A New Beginning, proved to be a right choice for me to read one rainy afternoon. Michaela's, Jason's and Chris's respective stories cut like a knife and got me twisted, thus making the story fully appealing to me.
The story revolves around siblings Michaela and Chris, who didn't want anything to do with the birthday party that their socialite parents were throwing to their guests. Sure, it was Michaela's birthday but the party was all about her mom and dad's business associates. Things took a turn when Mic's ass of a boyfriend proposed to her in front of the visitors, and Mic refused. Man, that gotta hurt, but damn, it thrilled me. Whew!
Chris got issues with his 'rents too, as they didn't really accept the truth about their son. Chris was gay and Mic's proud of him, but their mom and dad were bigots, more like chauvinist pigs. All the more reason why Chris drunk his way to forgetting them.
Mic and Chris went away and took some time out from their family. Mic took drastic measures by refusing to go to law school and opted to work as a legal secretary in her brother's firm. I say, that was brave of her.
And then there's Jason. Chris's bestfriend and a bar owner. He was a dear friend, caring and supportive, and got a lot of baggage after years of being a foster kid and hurt by someone he truly loved. I liked how Jason didn't force himself into Mic's life. He was there when they needed him, even though he didn't like Michaela's choices, especially when the latter decided to get involved with her ex again. That really sucked, man.
I gotta admit, I had confused Choices with another hockey sports romance I've read a week ago. There were a lot of hockey-related topics and players in the book, and the characters' enthusiasm were off the charts, I couldn't help but get engaged with the sports, too.
Soon I realized, Choices may be even better than that other book I've read. First, the pacing here is faster and more controlled. Second, there's an LGBT topic that really interested me, with one of the character's struggling to let his feelings out and having a disastrous time dealing with people who couldn't accept his identity. And third, there's this guy who still believed in finding The One, didn't do casual drunk sex or one night stands. I actually thought he could have been my own The One (if I wasn't already married, of course).
There were some surprising twists as the story progressed (which I had anticipated), and I liked how I was able to easily relate with the characters. Although, there's that issue about Michaela's constant crying and brash decisions when it came to Ethan (her ex), plus there was Chris' over-the-top beer addiction. Also, I thought their parents' indifference with Chris was still unresolved and I would have loved to know more about Katie.
This is Michelle Lynn's first foray into new adult romance, a far cry from the dystopian novels I've read before and let me just say, it was good. If you're into sports romance and LGBT themed stories, then this story is for you.
February 16, 2017
Michaela is wealthy debutante-type, raised with those expectations. Become successful, marry wealth, etc. The story starts with her prepping to go into her first year of college and follows her through her journey to discover herself.
Michaela is a great character. She is pretty spoiled but somehow still very, very likeable. I loved watching her grow. I think that New Adult is assumed to be all about the college experience–the partying, the drinking, the rebellion. But this book really focused on Michaela really embracing adulthood. She learned what she wanted and how to stand up for herself. I wouldn’t even say this book focused on the romance, but the story was all character growth. There was romance, but it was centered around Micheala. The love interest really helped her in seeing situations and herself more clearly.
I do have to admit the pouty brother kind of got to me. I hated how he faced his problems with drinking and never really stepped up to support his sister like I wanted him to. But I think he comes back in other books, so maybe the growth is coming. There was also more sex than what I usually read which wasn’t unexpected with this being New Adult and most of the scenes were fade to black and innuendo. Overall, I enjoyed the story and will be picking up another by Lynn.
Also reviewed @ http://tenilleberezay.com/#!/677-2/
Michaela is a great character. She is pretty spoiled but somehow still very, very likeable. I loved watching her grow. I think that New Adult is assumed to be all about the college experience–the partying, the drinking, the rebellion. But this book really focused on Michaela really embracing adulthood. She learned what she wanted and how to stand up for herself. I wouldn’t even say this book focused on the romance, but the story was all character growth. There was romance, but it was centered around Micheala. The love interest really helped her in seeing situations and herself more clearly.
I do have to admit the pouty brother kind of got to me. I hated how he faced his problems with drinking and never really stepped up to support his sister like I wanted him to. But I think he comes back in other books, so maybe the growth is coming. There was also more sex than what I usually read which wasn’t unexpected with this being New Adult and most of the scenes were fade to black and innuendo. Overall, I enjoyed the story and will be picking up another by Lynn.
Also reviewed @ http://tenilleberezay.com/#!/677-2/
January 27, 2016
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Crazy Cajun Book Addicts for an honest review.
Choices, a New Beginning Novel by Michelle Lynn was a great read, it's a story that shows even if your life has been mapped out with what is expected of you if your strong enough to stand up for what you really want the path you chose is all down to you.
Michaela parents have her life all mapped out for her, she'll follow in her father's footsteps and attend Law School and marry her boyfriend of seven years Ethan to become the socialite wife she's expected to be, but that's definitely not the life Michaela wants so she heads off to New York with her brother Chris to begin her new life.
Jason is Chris's best friend, he's had a rough upbringing losing his parents at a young age and been passed from one foster family to the other but his life is finally in a good place except he has no one share it with he doesn't really do the whole relationship thing but will that change when he sets eyes on Michaela.
As I said it's a great read, fast paced and pretty emotional in places certainly a book I will be recommending in the future.
Choices, a New Beginning Novel by Michelle Lynn was a great read, it's a story that shows even if your life has been mapped out with what is expected of you if your strong enough to stand up for what you really want the path you chose is all down to you.
Michaela parents have her life all mapped out for her, she'll follow in her father's footsteps and attend Law School and marry her boyfriend of seven years Ethan to become the socialite wife she's expected to be, but that's definitely not the life Michaela wants so she heads off to New York with her brother Chris to begin her new life.
Jason is Chris's best friend, he's had a rough upbringing losing his parents at a young age and been passed from one foster family to the other but his life is finally in a good place except he has no one share it with he doesn't really do the whole relationship thing but will that change when he sets eyes on Michaela.
As I said it's a great read, fast paced and pretty emotional in places certainly a book I will be recommending in the future.
January 19, 2016
After reading Michelle Lynn's rollicking, rip-roaring thrill-fest Dawn of Rebellion trilogy, I must admit I wasn't totally prepared for Choices, which is about as far away from that as a book can get.
Oh, there's drama, plenty of it, and all of it surrounding Michaela Matthews, whose rich, draconian parents fully expect her to become a corporate lawyer and a socialite once she finishes law school, where upon should would marry her longtime boyfriend Ethan. Trouble is, Michaela wants out of that life, and with her and Ethan on the outs, what can she do?
Then she meets Jason, a handsome bar owner who is nursing a wounded heart from a disastrous breakup, but he is immediately taken with Michaela. Can these two star-crossed lovers find away to break through the barriers that could keep them apart: family, career, commitments?
I really enjoyed this book, a huge change of pace from Ms. Lynn's previous dystopian series. It's a credit to her talent that she is able to shift gears so effortlessly. I would recommend Choices to lovers of contemporary romance.
Oh, there's drama, plenty of it, and all of it surrounding Michaela Matthews, whose rich, draconian parents fully expect her to become a corporate lawyer and a socialite once she finishes law school, where upon should would marry her longtime boyfriend Ethan. Trouble is, Michaela wants out of that life, and with her and Ethan on the outs, what can she do?
Then she meets Jason, a handsome bar owner who is nursing a wounded heart from a disastrous breakup, but he is immediately taken with Michaela. Can these two star-crossed lovers find away to break through the barriers that could keep them apart: family, career, commitments?
I really enjoyed this book, a huge change of pace from Ms. Lynn's previous dystopian series. It's a credit to her talent that she is able to shift gears so effortlessly. I would recommend Choices to lovers of contemporary romance.
January 17, 2016
This story was such a sweet and endearing one. When Michaela and Jason first meet, it was hilarious. I'm not going to give away any spoilers but it was definitely funny and not your typical first impression.
Michaela is going through a hard break up and her emotions are so raw and real to the reader. Anyone who's been through a break up can relate. She is distraught and lost, just like anyone would be. Enter Jason. He's sexy, sweet, and has a knack for being there for her whenever she needs it. Who wouldn't want to date him? But it can be a little tricky when he's your brother's close friend. But Jason also has his own reasons for not wanting to date that make him even more compelling.
I truly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance. This one is one to put on your list.
Michaela is going through a hard break up and her emotions are so raw and real to the reader. Anyone who's been through a break up can relate. She is distraught and lost, just like anyone would be. Enter Jason. He's sexy, sweet, and has a knack for being there for her whenever she needs it. Who wouldn't want to date him? But it can be a little tricky when he's your brother's close friend. But Jason also has his own reasons for not wanting to date that make him even more compelling.
I truly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance. This one is one to put on your list.
Want to read
February 5, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/5/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
When perfection became flawed…
Michaela Matthews--future wife of Connecticut’s most eligible bachelor--lived the perfect life.
An upcoming socialite, all she had to do was embrace the good fortune handed to her. But nothing was ever that simple.
When she envisioned what her life would entail, she freaked and fled to her brother’s apartment in the city. Straight into the arms of his best friend, Jason Marks.
Jason--a hardworking, bar owner--scraped together a life anyone would be proud of. Anyone, but Michaela’s family. Theirs was a match made in desperation. Kindling, just waiting to be set aflame. When the reality of their separate worlds neared, would it be enough to light the blaze?
Blurb:
When perfection became flawed…
Michaela Matthews--future wife of Connecticut’s most eligible bachelor--lived the perfect life.
An upcoming socialite, all she had to do was embrace the good fortune handed to her. But nothing was ever that simple.
When she envisioned what her life would entail, she freaked and fled to her brother’s apartment in the city. Straight into the arms of his best friend, Jason Marks.
Jason--a hardworking, bar owner--scraped together a life anyone would be proud of. Anyone, but Michaela’s family. Theirs was a match made in desperation. Kindling, just waiting to be set aflame. When the reality of their separate worlds neared, would it be enough to light the blaze?
May 26, 2016
Absolutely loved Choices! This was completely unexpected for me as I typically don't read strictly "romance" novels, but I had read Michelle Lynn's YA series and thought I'd give it a try. I'm so glad I did! I loved the story of Michaela and Jason and found myself rooting for them from the beginning. I hated Ethan and it actually annoyed me that Michaela even got back together with him for that short time. I also really enjoyed the dynamic between Michaela and her brother Chris, they were so great together. Overall, this was a fun, sweet and quick read which I actually finished in just two sittings and I definitely recommend it!
June 28, 2016
I like to think that when you find your true love you know it in your bones. I also believe in love at first sight. I believe in soul mates. I know it can happen because it happened to me. That's kind of what happen here in this story.
Love the characters, although Michaela does tend to cry a lot. Love Jacob. And love her protective gay brother Chris.
Although it also brings to mind that saying "poor little rich girl" Michaela is 24, can't stand her struck up parents but she still lives with them and let's them run her life.
Love the characters, although Michaela does tend to cry a lot. Love Jacob. And love her protective gay brother Chris.
Although it also brings to mind that saying "poor little rich girl" Michaela is 24, can't stand her struck up parents but she still lives with them and let's them run her life.
August 14, 2016
This book tells the story of a brother and a sister that leave the nest and want to take the reins of their life above their parents expectations. They come from a rich family, and Michaela doesn't want to marry who they have chosen for her or live how they want her to. So she goes with his brother to the city to be free and there he meets a guy...
Although it is somewhat your typical love story (in which you know they are going to end together), there are some twists and turns there to add spice.
Although it is somewhat your typical love story (in which you know they are going to end together), there are some twists and turns there to add spice.
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April 26, 2021*Original review on YA Books Central.
It's no secret that I adore Michelle's books, so it was fun reading one of her earlier books.
When Michaela rejects her long-time boyfriend's proposal, her entire life changes. She moves to New York City with her brother, drops out of law school, and begins finding her own way from the socialite life she's always known. While starting fresh, she meets Jason, her brother's best friend and a bar owner. Not exactly the type of man her parents want her with, but she can't help but be drawn to him.
I absolutely loved Michaela and Jason's relationship. From the beginning, even before he knew her, he was there for her, literally letting her cry on his shoulder over her drastic life change and breaking up with her boyfriend. I appreciated that they didn't jump right into a romantic relationship, instead becoming really close friends.
I also really enjoyed seeing her and her brother supporting each other through everything. I'm a sucker for sibling bonding in books, and this was done very well.
The whole story felt very realistic. It wasn't cookie-cutter perfect. The brother started drinking when their father essentially cut him out of his life, Jason didn't immediately run after Michaela when she left him, the arguments and messy relationships, all of it felt more real than a lot of romance I've read.
I wish the ending had a little more. It felt kind of abrupt, though it was a good ending. I don't feel like I got complete closure with Michaela's family, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. Not everything gets patched up perfectly when one gets their happily ever after moment; there are still parts of their life that are going to need worked at.
Overall, I loved the book and recommend it for those who enjoy clean romance. It was a fun, quick read, but it still had emotional parts. I will definitely be reading more of the series.
It's no secret that I adore Michelle's books, so it was fun reading one of her earlier books.
When Michaela rejects her long-time boyfriend's proposal, her entire life changes. She moves to New York City with her brother, drops out of law school, and begins finding her own way from the socialite life she's always known. While starting fresh, she meets Jason, her brother's best friend and a bar owner. Not exactly the type of man her parents want her with, but she can't help but be drawn to him.
I absolutely loved Michaela and Jason's relationship. From the beginning, even before he knew her, he was there for her, literally letting her cry on his shoulder over her drastic life change and breaking up with her boyfriend. I appreciated that they didn't jump right into a romantic relationship, instead becoming really close friends.
I also really enjoyed seeing her and her brother supporting each other through everything. I'm a sucker for sibling bonding in books, and this was done very well.
The whole story felt very realistic. It wasn't cookie-cutter perfect. The brother started drinking when their father essentially cut him out of his life, Jason didn't immediately run after Michaela when she left him, the arguments and messy relationships, all of it felt more real than a lot of romance I've read.
I wish the ending had a little more. It felt kind of abrupt, though it was a good ending. I don't feel like I got complete closure with Michaela's family, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. Not everything gets patched up perfectly when one gets their happily ever after moment; there are still parts of their life that are going to need worked at.
Overall, I loved the book and recommend it for those who enjoy clean romance. It was a fun, quick read, but it still had emotional parts. I will definitely be reading more of the series.
January 20, 2020
I enjoyed this book - Michaela, a recent college graduate and upcoming law school student, moves in with her brother Chris, after her long-standing boyfriend proposes and she declines, not ready to commit to a socialite lifetime like her family is expecting her to live. She soon meets Jason, Chris's best friend and the owner of a nearby bar. I enjoy the connection that Jason and Michaela have and the interaction between Chris, Jason and Michaela. The writer did a good job of showing the close family connection between Chris and Michaela and the inability of either one to relate to or meet with the expectations of their parents.
The book got a little dicey with the relationship between Michaela and her ex (boyfriend) Ethan, as I found him extremely controlling and on the edge of dangerous. This is the first book I've read by this author and I think I would enjoy reading more stories in this series to see what happens between the other characters that are introduced in this story.
The book got a little dicey with the relationship between Michaela and her ex (boyfriend) Ethan, as I found him extremely controlling and on the edge of dangerous. This is the first book I've read by this author and I think I would enjoy reading more stories in this series to see what happens between the other characters that are introduced in this story.
July 8, 2024
Simple
I guess this was okay. Not very memorable although it was kind of a lot for a quick beach read. Maybe a tad too many characters, but I guess that's how you turn it into a series.
I guess this was okay. Not very memorable although it was kind of a lot for a quick beach read. Maybe a tad too many characters, but I guess that's how you turn it into a series.
September 21, 2023
Melodramatic, New Adult romance
This novel is advertised as being a "sweet romance." Unfortunately, it is filled with binge drinking and melodramatic family situations that are poorly resolved. There is nothing "sweet" about that.
This novel is advertised as being a "sweet romance." Unfortunately, it is filled with binge drinking and melodramatic family situations that are poorly resolved. There is nothing "sweet" about that.
May 22, 2016
I’m not quite sure if this book is ingenious or has some lack of widespread emotions that crawl to the reader and tug him into the whole thing.
I’m completely new to the author’s works and I couldn’t stop reading Choices, but still, I just don’t really know how to feel about it.
The author has a talent to create the atmosphere, which lasted from the first to the last page. I felt so unbelievably uncomfortable while reading that I thirsted for the end. That doesn’t mean it is badly written – she describes everything so detailed without getting too petty or tedious – she created a cinema in my head, and I loved that.
What made me feel uncomfortable was the story itself. It is about Michaela, a girl who grew up in a family that only cares for social status, wealth and last names, but keeps emotions carefully locked as if it could ruin their lives to show them. Ethan is a good match for Michaela – that’s what their parents think. So Michaela relies on that. But something is wrong. She’s expected to be his wife, to stay at home, care for the house and go to charity parties. When Ethan proposes, her doubts foam over. That’s not what she wants. Not now. And the author drags you in to her doubts and makes you feel as much uncomfortable with everything as Michaela is.
The story is about the choices she has to make to find out what she wants and what she has to choose to find the freedom to get there. Her brother Chris, trying to keep his sexual preference a secret, takes her to New York, away from the man she rejected, away from her parents that want her to go back to Ethan and marry him.
She’s a wreck. She has no idea what she wants, the only thing is that she said no and something in her life is missing. And then – of course – comes Jason, the bar owner and best friend of her brother. Their first meeting is so weird and probably my favorite scene. It’s far from romantic, but you can feel it’s special. But still, there’s her big heartbreak lasting over everything.
She wanted Jason to tell her how he felt. She wanted to know she wasn’t crazy. She wanted to know that there was something between them that was special and powerful. Was she imagining it?
The characters are all so different and far away from clichés (except Ethan, and maybe that’s another reason to hate him). I loved Jason so much. There should be more people like Jason in this world. His quirks just made him more sympathetic.
With Michaela I have a love- hate- relationship. She’s quite complicated and blind to see what she wants (and needs) and what’s not good for her. There happened so much with Ethan, but she still can’t get over this idiot. And I mean, there’s so much happening between Jason and her, and after months she’s still wondering: Oh, what do those strange feelings mean that I have? I really wanted to shake her and shout „GIRL, YOU LOVE HIM! Get that!“
Michaela goes through a development that is necessary for her – she really needs it and it’s perfect for the story.
It wasn’t the freedom that comes with breaking away from something. She wasn’t running from her family anymore. It was the freedom that comes with realizing she didn’t want to run from them anymore.
It’s a round thing. Just if there wasn’t this ending...
98% of this book was great, but I had trouble to understand why the author chose this ending. It just doesn’t fit in to this whole uncomfortable clouds hanging over everything. And it was all happening too fast. Things don’t change fast like that. Not after all that had happened. But hey, this is part one of a series!
This is an easy read, though it has these big questions you will ask yourself while reading: What’s your choice in life? It really makes you think about how things could go and how they went. What do you really want? What are you willing to give up to get there? The love story behind it is so different from others; it was so refreshing.
I give 4 stars. I absolutely loved the characters, the plot, the love story, the language, every single scene... well, all about it. Except, it just made me feel so uncomfortable.
(I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.)
I’m completely new to the author’s works and I couldn’t stop reading Choices, but still, I just don’t really know how to feel about it.
The author has a talent to create the atmosphere, which lasted from the first to the last page. I felt so unbelievably uncomfortable while reading that I thirsted for the end. That doesn’t mean it is badly written – she describes everything so detailed without getting too petty or tedious – she created a cinema in my head, and I loved that.
What made me feel uncomfortable was the story itself. It is about Michaela, a girl who grew up in a family that only cares for social status, wealth and last names, but keeps emotions carefully locked as if it could ruin their lives to show them. Ethan is a good match for Michaela – that’s what their parents think. So Michaela relies on that. But something is wrong. She’s expected to be his wife, to stay at home, care for the house and go to charity parties. When Ethan proposes, her doubts foam over. That’s not what she wants. Not now. And the author drags you in to her doubts and makes you feel as much uncomfortable with everything as Michaela is.
The story is about the choices she has to make to find out what she wants and what she has to choose to find the freedom to get there. Her brother Chris, trying to keep his sexual preference a secret, takes her to New York, away from the man she rejected, away from her parents that want her to go back to Ethan and marry him.
She’s a wreck. She has no idea what she wants, the only thing is that she said no and something in her life is missing. And then – of course – comes Jason, the bar owner and best friend of her brother. Their first meeting is so weird and probably my favorite scene. It’s far from romantic, but you can feel it’s special. But still, there’s her big heartbreak lasting over everything.
She wanted Jason to tell her how he felt. She wanted to know she wasn’t crazy. She wanted to know that there was something between them that was special and powerful. Was she imagining it?
The characters are all so different and far away from clichés (except Ethan, and maybe that’s another reason to hate him). I loved Jason so much. There should be more people like Jason in this world. His quirks just made him more sympathetic.
With Michaela I have a love- hate- relationship. She’s quite complicated and blind to see what she wants (and needs) and what’s not good for her. There happened so much with Ethan, but she still can’t get over this idiot. And I mean, there’s so much happening between Jason and her, and after months she’s still wondering: Oh, what do those strange feelings mean that I have? I really wanted to shake her and shout „GIRL, YOU LOVE HIM! Get that!“
Michaela goes through a development that is necessary for her – she really needs it and it’s perfect for the story.
It wasn’t the freedom that comes with breaking away from something. She wasn’t running from her family anymore. It was the freedom that comes with realizing she didn’t want to run from them anymore.
It’s a round thing. Just if there wasn’t this ending...
98% of this book was great, but I had trouble to understand why the author chose this ending. It just doesn’t fit in to this whole uncomfortable clouds hanging over everything. And it was all happening too fast. Things don’t change fast like that. Not after all that had happened. But hey, this is part one of a series!
This is an easy read, though it has these big questions you will ask yourself while reading: What’s your choice in life? It really makes you think about how things could go and how they went. What do you really want? What are you willing to give up to get there? The love story behind it is so different from others; it was so refreshing.
I give 4 stars. I absolutely loved the characters, the plot, the love story, the language, every single scene... well, all about it. Except, it just made me feel so uncomfortable.
(I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.)
June 9, 2016
Make way for another really long review-ish thing! It's 5:30 in the morning and I need book 2.. I shouldn't be awake right now!
Thanks to the author for the reader's copy.
You know the feeling when you start reading a book and you can slowly feel it transform into a movie infront of your eyes? I personally love it because that proves how easily the story flows and this book had that right from the first page!
What I loved about the book is that it is a little cliche but it didn't overdo things.
Let's look at the characters that we have here....
So we have Mic who is from this high class family and is expected to marry off Ethan and build a family. Idiots! She didn't want that!(honestly, who'd want that? Let her live people!) She comes to the city with her brother and kinda-sorta find out what she wants.. Most of the time she's lovable!
Jason .. This guy is super good.. infact, a little too good for me! I loved him in the beginning but somewhere in the middle he got the whole "too good to be true" thing going on. Jason at the end was great again!
Now onto Chris ... I liked Chris a lot! There was nothing about him to not like.. But I feel like he wasn't used to the maximum extent. Can we get more Chris here,please?
And the best.. the ultimate.. my love.. *drum rolls* Josh Give me more Josh!!!!! Now there is a reason I loved Josh the most.. he's plain right gorgeous.. inside and out!? Oh! And I love hockey, well field hockey anyways. But hey! We have something in common and maybe that's all it takes for things to click? I mean it worked for Mic and Jason! I just hope there's truck loads of Josh in the next books because just his presence makes me all smiles!
Special shout out to Mags, Elijah and my sweetheart Aaron for being there for the gang! I love these people! Oh and where do I sign to get a friend like Aaron?
The Matthew parents : I love love love these guys!(Don't hate me) I admit it that I hated them in the beginning but the way they changed by the end of the story is what I adored.
The walker Parents: Can I kill that lady please? Like... who does she think she is?
Now onto the worst character in the whole book..
Ethan Walker This guy right here, made me swear more than any other character ever! *spoiler alert* Get a hint man! She doesn't want you.. stop trying to force her to be with you!!!
All of that being said... I loved this book except for a couple of parts where it made me want to hit Mic on her head to get her thinking straight. It was a fun read and I need book two because Mags and Elijah!!! GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK!!!! Alright I'm gonna go now before I break my phone...
Thanks to the author for the reader's copy.
You know the feeling when you start reading a book and you can slowly feel it transform into a movie infront of your eyes? I personally love it because that proves how easily the story flows and this book had that right from the first page!
What I loved about the book is that it is a little cliche but it didn't overdo things.
Let's look at the characters that we have here....
So we have Mic who is from this high class family and is expected to marry off Ethan and build a family. Idiots! She didn't want that!(honestly, who'd want that? Let her live people!) She comes to the city with her brother and kinda-sorta find out what she wants.. Most of the time she's lovable!
Jason .. This guy is super good.. infact, a little too good for me! I loved him in the beginning but somewhere in the middle he got the whole "too good to be true" thing going on. Jason at the end was great again!
Now onto Chris ... I liked Chris a lot! There was nothing about him to not like.. But I feel like he wasn't used to the maximum extent. Can we get more Chris here,please?
And the best.. the ultimate.. my love.. *drum rolls* Josh Give me more Josh!!!!! Now there is a reason I loved Josh the most.. he's plain right gorgeous.. inside and out!? Oh! And I love hockey, well field hockey anyways. But hey! We have something in common and maybe that's all it takes for things to click? I mean it worked for Mic and Jason! I just hope there's truck loads of Josh in the next books because just his presence makes me all smiles!
Special shout out to Mags, Elijah and my sweetheart Aaron for being there for the gang! I love these people! Oh and where do I sign to get a friend like Aaron?
The Matthew parents : I love love love these guys!(Don't hate me) I admit it that I hated them in the beginning but the way they changed by the end of the story is what I adored.
The walker Parents: Can I kill that lady please? Like... who does she think she is?
Now onto the worst character in the whole book..
Ethan Walker This guy right here, made me swear more than any other character ever! *spoiler alert* Get a hint man! She doesn't want you.. stop trying to force her to be with you!!!
All of that being said... I loved this book except for a couple of parts where it made me want to hit Mic on her head to get her thinking straight. It was a fun read and I need book two because Mags and Elijah!!! GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK!!!! Alright I'm gonna go now before I break my phone...
February 9, 2016
Michelle Lynn’s Choices is a beautiful story about starting over – and seizing new beginnings in love – and in life.
Michaela Matthews has recently broken up with her boyfriend – right as he was about to propose! Determined to get out of her small town (and even smaller social circle that her parents are caught up in), Michaela joins her brother in New York City. Right from the start, she meets Jason Marks – bar owner and bartender. Sparks fly between the two but their own personal baggage (and relationship history) threatens to hold them back. As they navigate the waters of their budding relationship, Michaela also pushes past her family’s expectations of her and begins to create her own future.
Michelle Lynn does a wonderful job at creating a relatable and real storyline. Michaela Matthews is at a confusing and exciting time in her life – fresh out of college, moving to Manhattan, accepted into law school – except she isn’t sure exactly what she wants. Michaela’s growth throughout the story – regarding her family, her love life, and her career – is very relatable and it is easy to empathize with Michaela's situation. Throughout the story, she begins to learn that it’s all about her own choices.
Choices is an excellent read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
Michaela Matthews has recently broken up with her boyfriend – right as he was about to propose! Determined to get out of her small town (and even smaller social circle that her parents are caught up in), Michaela joins her brother in New York City. Right from the start, she meets Jason Marks – bar owner and bartender. Sparks fly between the two but their own personal baggage (and relationship history) threatens to hold them back. As they navigate the waters of their budding relationship, Michaela also pushes past her family’s expectations of her and begins to create her own future.
Michelle Lynn does a wonderful job at creating a relatable and real storyline. Michaela Matthews is at a confusing and exciting time in her life – fresh out of college, moving to Manhattan, accepted into law school – except she isn’t sure exactly what she wants. Michaela’s growth throughout the story – regarding her family, her love life, and her career – is very relatable and it is easy to empathize with Michaela's situation. Throughout the story, she begins to learn that it’s all about her own choices.
Choices is an excellent read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
May 23, 2016
As someone who doesn’t usually read romance novels I picked up Choices with an open mind, wanting to read something different. I enjoyed the way Michelle Lynn writes, and I found myself caring about what was going to happen to the characters in this story.
Michaela Matthews has lived a highly privileged life, and her parents have her future all mapped out for her. Only problem is Michael doesn’t think that it’s the life she wants for herself. When she moves to the city with her brother she meets his friend Jason, the owner of a local bar, who helps her see what life could be like. She must find the courage to make her own choices.
Michaela Matthews has lived a highly privileged life, and her parents have her future all mapped out for her. Only problem is Michael doesn’t think that it’s the life she wants for herself. When she moves to the city with her brother she meets his friend Jason, the owner of a local bar, who helps her see what life could be like. She must find the courage to make her own choices.
March 28, 2016
Michaela Matthews was born into an overbearing family where expectations to follow a certain path are norm. Fresh out of college, she is expected to follow in her father’s footsteps and go to law school. But she wants to make her own decisions and she does just that.
Jason Marks is a business owner and friends with Michaela’s brother. When Jason meets Michaela, he feels a spark but she’s in love with someone else, plus there’s another obstacle—her family’s prejudice.
Choices is a perfect pool read; the story is fast-paced and emotional in places, but I did enjoy it. I would recommend it to everyone who likes romance awash in soul-searching.
Jason Marks is a business owner and friends with Michaela’s brother. When Jason meets Michaela, he feels a spark but she’s in love with someone else, plus there’s another obstacle—her family’s prejudice.
Choices is a perfect pool read; the story is fast-paced and emotional in places, but I did enjoy it. I would recommend it to everyone who likes romance awash in soul-searching.
January 21, 2016
Choices is a fresh new romance, not leaden by the "popular" character types and plot-lines seen in many books of this genre. The copy is professional and the writing is easy to follow and engaging. I will be watching this author for future works!
February 5, 2019
Such a sweet romance. I devoured this book in a day.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
February 5, 2018
Michelle found me and asked me to translate this book into German for her.
She throws quite a few characters at us in the beginning, which is why they seem a little lost and not very fleshed out - but give it time!
Choices focuses on Michaela and Jason.
She has a rich family, lawyers all around, life planned by the parents so she can do nothing but obey. Or so she thinks. But when her long-time boyfriend Ethan proposes on her birthday, she takes the chance to escape. She was supposed to move to NYC anyway, so it is not such a big deal. Her brother, Chris, had been living in NYC for a while already and made quite a few friends.
One of those is Jason, owner of the bar Jason's, foster child and continuously haunted by his past.
Michaela's parents do not know at first what a scumbag Ethan really is and tell her to go back together with him. Social standing is everything to them.
Ethan shows his mean side again during a family dinner at his home, but this time Daddy comes to the rescue.
On their way home, Michaela and her Dad have a car accident.
What will the future bring and what choices does Michaela have to make to finally find the happiness she is craving?
Make it through the first pages, and get to know the characters. The book is short and sweet. The conflict more between Michaela and her family. The Jason-Michaela situation resolves a little to easily for my liking - I really enjoy to see characters squirm and work, to make it work.
She throws quite a few characters at us in the beginning, which is why they seem a little lost and not very fleshed out - but give it time!
Choices focuses on Michaela and Jason.
She has a rich family, lawyers all around, life planned by the parents so she can do nothing but obey. Or so she thinks. But when her long-time boyfriend Ethan proposes on her birthday, she takes the chance to escape. She was supposed to move to NYC anyway, so it is not such a big deal. Her brother, Chris, had been living in NYC for a while already and made quite a few friends.
One of those is Jason, owner of the bar Jason's, foster child and continuously haunted by his past.
Michaela's parents do not know at first what a scumbag Ethan really is and tell her to go back together with him. Social standing is everything to them.
Ethan shows his mean side again during a family dinner at his home, but this time Daddy comes to the rescue.
On their way home, Michaela and her Dad have a car accident.
What will the future bring and what choices does Michaela have to make to finally find the happiness she is craving?
Make it through the first pages, and get to know the characters. The book is short and sweet. The conflict more between Michaela and her family. The Jason-Michaela situation resolves a little to easily for my liking - I really enjoy to see characters squirm and work, to make it work.
October 25, 2017
A lovely story that follows Micaela as she struggles to find her own identity despite her family's disapproval and attempt to control her future.
Micaela was raised with wealth and prestige, brought up by controlling parents who preferred the real raising go to the nanny. Her closest friend is her brother who suffered the same lack of love, affection and approval growing up.
We follow Mic as she moves to the city and meets Jason, a bar owner and a good friend of her brother Chris.
This story was very true to life. The struggle we face when we want so badly for our parents to love us for who we are, not who they want us to be. Micaela finds her feet, turning down the proposal of her long term boyfriend and strikes out to discover what she really wants.
I loved Jason as the romantic interest. He was patient and sweet and a rock when she needed him. There were some really interesting twists that set the book on it's ear and made e re-evaluate towards the end. I loved how things came together, offering a chance to make things right, moving forward towards love and healing.
Great story! Super easy read :)
Micaela was raised with wealth and prestige, brought up by controlling parents who preferred the real raising go to the nanny. Her closest friend is her brother who suffered the same lack of love, affection and approval growing up.
We follow Mic as she moves to the city and meets Jason, a bar owner and a good friend of her brother Chris.
This story was very true to life. The struggle we face when we want so badly for our parents to love us for who we are, not who they want us to be. Micaela finds her feet, turning down the proposal of her long term boyfriend and strikes out to discover what she really wants.
I loved Jason as the romantic interest. He was patient and sweet and a rock when she needed him. There were some really interesting twists that set the book on it's ear and made e re-evaluate towards the end. I loved how things came together, offering a chance to make things right, moving forward towards love and healing.
Great story! Super easy read :)
September 26, 2018
3.5
So ummm ya, this book wasn't bad. Fast easy read. There isn't a crazy alpha male in this which is nice. There was a pleasant story without a crazy twist in it. Just a plausible story. My biggest annoyance was how Mic went back. Ummm ya Ethan was an ass, completely emotionally abusive to her and then he comes back in your life, one look from him and you take him back. Just because you saw another girl with the guy you like and you didn't even ask him about it and he is supposed to be your best friend. Hmmm ya that annoyed the crap outta me.
But you know HEA. Nice change of pace for these types of books.
So ummm ya, this book wasn't bad. Fast easy read. There isn't a crazy alpha male in this which is nice. There was a pleasant story without a crazy twist in it. Just a plausible story. My biggest annoyance was how Mic went back. Ummm ya Ethan was an ass, completely emotionally abusive to her and then he comes back in your life, one look from him and you take him back. Just because you saw another girl with the guy you like and you didn't even ask him about it and he is supposed to be your best friend. Hmmm ya that annoyed the crap outta me.
But you know HEA. Nice change of pace for these types of books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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