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Girl on a Swing
Sometimes the road love takes a detour...
It's been 10 years since Wren's parents were killed in a car accident, leaving her and her brother behind. Wren's life has been spiraling downward ever since. She's trapped in an abusive marriage, her career as an artist has never had a chance to flourish, and all of her hope is gone. If she doesn't break away from all that's dragging her down, she's afraid she'll never escape it.
She turns to her lifelong friend, Maddox, the only person who's been there for her through it all. He helps her understand her own strength so she can finally begin making bold changes in her life. But falling in love with him was never part of the plan.
When their forbidden relationship jeopardizes everything Wren has worked for, will anyone be left standing by her side?
It's been 10 years since Wren's parents were killed in a car accident, leaving her and her brother behind. Wren's life has been spiraling downward ever since. She's trapped in an abusive marriage, her career as an artist has never had a chance to flourish, and all of her hope is gone. If she doesn't break away from all that's dragging her down, she's afraid she'll never escape it.
She turns to her lifelong friend, Maddox, the only person who's been there for her through it all. He helps her understand her own strength so she can finally begin making bold changes in her life. But falling in love with him was never part of the plan.
When their forbidden relationship jeopardizes everything Wren has worked for, will anyone be left standing by her side?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2016
About the author
Bella Roccaforte
58 books293 followersAward Winning Author!
Bella's motto has always been that you can choose to watch life pass you by or your can be the one spinning the world. You have to get out and live, life won't come to you!
Bella has always seen things in the world with a different view and has been an avid story-teller. She is enjoying putting her crazy musings into print for others to enjoy.
To her, one of the most exciting parts of writing is getting a chance to interact with readers. It is truly her hope that readers will reach out and tell her what they like and even don't like about her stories. She's looking forward to a relationship with the readers to better write stories they will love.
To stay current on new releases please click the "Stay Up To Date" option on the right side of the profile and consider joining my mailing list here: http://www.bellawrites.com/join-my-ma...
Keep in touch with me here:
https://www.facebook.com/Bellaroccaforte
https://twitter.com/BellaRoccaforte
Http://bellawrites.com
https://plus.google.com/+BellaRoccafo...
Bella's motto has always been that you can choose to watch life pass you by or your can be the one spinning the world. You have to get out and live, life won't come to you!
Bella has always seen things in the world with a different view and has been an avid story-teller. She is enjoying putting her crazy musings into print for others to enjoy.
To her, one of the most exciting parts of writing is getting a chance to interact with readers. It is truly her hope that readers will reach out and tell her what they like and even don't like about her stories. She's looking forward to a relationship with the readers to better write stories they will love.
To stay current on new releases please click the "Stay Up To Date" option on the right side of the profile and consider joining my mailing list here: http://www.bellawrites.com/join-my-ma...
Keep in touch with me here:
https://www.facebook.com/Bellaroccaforte
https://twitter.com/BellaRoccaforte
Http://bellawrites.com
https://plus.google.com/+BellaRoccafo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 21, 2016
Bella defiantly had my heart pumping with this book. Reading about everything that Wren had been through, and yet she still tries to smile. Bella wore her as a strong independent woman, which is very much Bella, and a amazing artist. Seems the author and lead character have alot in common.
The book is a great read. I am normally not a fan of romance books but this one's kept me reading. I hope the next one in this series has a happy ending as well.
The book is a great read. I am normally not a fan of romance books but this one's kept me reading. I hope the next one in this series has a happy ending as well.
December 30, 2016
This is unlike anything I have read from this author. I wasn't sure how much my heart could take. The raw emotional story is one that will stay with me forever. Wren captivated me in ways I wasn't sure a character could. It takes a truly talented author to portray the depth of emotion this book has. These are some of the most real characters I've ever read. I felt as I knew them my whole life. I am on pins and needles waiting for book 2
March 24, 2017
So many obstacles are thrown in the way of their love, so many bad choices were made keeping them apart. With all the heartbreak and sadness Wren goes through, Maddox leaving her shatters her soul. How does she try to recover.....? Plenty of booze and one night stands. Her life is spiraling down and no one can stop it! Definitely need to read the second and third book in order to find out what happens to them.
January 2, 2017
This is a truly captivating story. Wren has been dealt a raw deal with life. Her parents death have left a permanent scar on her with a hefty burden of having to grow up way too fast and getting caught up in a life that was not meant for her. She gets into a marriage that is absolutely toxic but finally decides to take a huge step in an effort to get her life back. Bella Roccaforte does an incredible job of sucking you in and taking you on this very emotional ride with Wren as she decides to take her life back. There are many parts of this story that hit home with myself and I am sure many others can relate. The situations, as well as the relationships, get very intense. Wren’s journey is absolutely incredible and one that I am super happy that Bella has shared with us. Get ready for this ride as it is full of turmoil, emotion and beauty, but with that special Bella charm that will still make you smile and laugh. Yes, Girl on a Swing, bring it on!
January 6, 2017
Bella Roccaforte is a new author to me and I loved her work. This story is so true to life, that you would think that it was happening to you and your friends. Even though it is a romance, it isn't a sappy romance. It follows a story line that could very well happen to you or I. The love comes as best friends first to what just happened and why am I feeling this way? A very believable story line.
Wren and Kaden are brother and sister and lost their parents 9 years ago. It is hard every year at the anniversary of their death. Loosing my parents, though one at a time over years, I know how the anniversary feels. But this year Wren's friends feel that a party is in order to help ease her mind. Maddox and Hunter are Wren's best friends and has been since school. Maddox is always there when she needs someone, not like her husband Nathan, who is a drunk and away long periods of time drinking. He is a real looser!
Wren's friends are all men and the boys help her out as much as possible. They are all one close family. Wren decides it's time to change things when she gets a break and get an Art Gallery showing of her work. The guys are all there to help support her. Wren finds that one of the guys, she is starting to have different feelings for. She doesn't understand why, but Kaden makes it clear that she is not to date or f--- any of his friends. So they hide their relationship. Doing this when it finally slips out. there is trouble all the way around and he disappears for months on end with no word. Wren gives up and spirals down a dark path with guy after guy just for the sex.
Not knowing it, but he has been outside her house hiding and watching. He still loves her and can't stand to be away from her. But with trouble at home over it and Kaden not approving, he feels that he should stay away. Will they ever be happy again? Can love survive this separation? And Nathan, throughout the whole story, I was waiting for him to do something really bad involving his drinking and DUI's. This book leaves you wondering what's next and ready for book 2. I look forward to it!
Wren and Kaden are brother and sister and lost their parents 9 years ago. It is hard every year at the anniversary of their death. Loosing my parents, though one at a time over years, I know how the anniversary feels. But this year Wren's friends feel that a party is in order to help ease her mind. Maddox and Hunter are Wren's best friends and has been since school. Maddox is always there when she needs someone, not like her husband Nathan, who is a drunk and away long periods of time drinking. He is a real looser!
Wren's friends are all men and the boys help her out as much as possible. They are all one close family. Wren decides it's time to change things when she gets a break and get an Art Gallery showing of her work. The guys are all there to help support her. Wren finds that one of the guys, she is starting to have different feelings for. She doesn't understand why, but Kaden makes it clear that she is not to date or f--- any of his friends. So they hide their relationship. Doing this when it finally slips out. there is trouble all the way around and he disappears for months on end with no word. Wren gives up and spirals down a dark path with guy after guy just for the sex.
Not knowing it, but he has been outside her house hiding and watching. He still loves her and can't stand to be away from her. But with trouble at home over it and Kaden not approving, he feels that he should stay away. Will they ever be happy again? Can love survive this separation? And Nathan, throughout the whole story, I was waiting for him to do something really bad involving his drinking and DUI's. This book leaves you wondering what's next and ready for book 2. I look forward to it!
January 4, 2017
Girl on the Swing is not the first book I have read by Bella Roccaforte and even though she is writing in a different genre, her writing remains strong and edgy. Her talent remarkable. Bella used a very strong voice in this novel, one that we can relate to.
Loss. Abuse. Career failure.
Friendship. Understanding. LOVE.
Seven words. Seven compelling and emotionally tangible words that haunt us or maybe a friend you know. Each word is tied together in a beautifully crafted bow.
Wren's story guts you and makes you feel so many emotions. It unlocks feelings you often tuck deep within your soul. Bella strips you bear and then gently dresses you with careful hands. If you read this book a don't catch a feel then your heart is on a shelf collecting dust.
Welcome back Bella. Take a bow as we clap in your triumph.
5 Stars. If I could give it a few more, I would do so eagerly!
*This is done in conjunction with nerd Girl Official.
Loss. Abuse. Career failure.
Friendship. Understanding. LOVE.
Seven words. Seven compelling and emotionally tangible words that haunt us or maybe a friend you know. Each word is tied together in a beautifully crafted bow.
Wren's story guts you and makes you feel so many emotions. It unlocks feelings you often tuck deep within your soul. Bella strips you bear and then gently dresses you with careful hands. If you read this book a don't catch a feel then your heart is on a shelf collecting dust.
Welcome back Bella. Take a bow as we clap in your triumph.
5 Stars. If I could give it a few more, I would do so eagerly!
*This is done in conjunction with nerd Girl Official.
February 2, 2017
I was given this book for free to do a honest review.
Bella has really outdone herself once again. This book is different then her other books but it will still grab you and pull you in.
Ween has had a hard life she has lost her parents has a husband that will make you so mad. Is there any hope for love this my friends is where you buy the book to find out.
I was able to connect with Wren and was able to feel her pain, Bella has outdone herself once again. Can't wait to read the next book and yes it is a tear jerker.
Bella has really outdone herself once again. This book is different then her other books but it will still grab you and pull you in.
Ween has had a hard life she has lost her parents has a husband that will make you so mad. Is there any hope for love this my friends is where you buy the book to find out.
I was able to connect with Wren and was able to feel her pain, Bella has outdone herself once again. Can't wait to read the next book and yes it is a tear jerker.
June 19, 2017
I actually just finished this book in 4 1/2 hours so its an easy read. A romance without much of a plot, though the attempt at a plot about healing and overcoming is made. There were so many great opportunities here, but they didn't really amount to much.
What I liked: 1) a strong female character who is a size 12 (gasp!) and 2) who actually waits until her divorce is final before she pursues another relationship (double gasp!)
What I didn't like: 1) way too many characters in the first few pages and since they weren't well-developed and/or well-established it took most of the book to get a handle on who was who. 2) The language, 3) the excessive amount of smoking! I get that Roccaforte was using the smoke breaks to advance the plot, but come on! It's 2017 and smoking isn't even halfway cool anymore. 4) The fact that this strong female character needed to be surrounded by dudes. I am all about having lots of guy friends but it made Wren so much less convincing that she had all these men to do her bidding. 5) The author's inability to use "your" and "you're" correctly. And finally, 6) Roccaforte's depiction of men. I have a lot of male friends as well as brothers, these guys read like guys written by a woman who thinks she knows guys, but doesn't. Also, they were all very one-dimensional.
Not my normal genre, this book was free and had an eye-catching cover. Still, I don't believe I care to know what happens when Wren is on a wire.
What I liked: 1) a strong female character who is a size 12 (gasp!) and 2) who actually waits until her divorce is final before she pursues another relationship (double gasp!)
What I didn't like: 1) way too many characters in the first few pages and since they weren't well-developed and/or well-established it took most of the book to get a handle on who was who. 2) The language, 3) the excessive amount of smoking! I get that Roccaforte was using the smoke breaks to advance the plot, but come on! It's 2017 and smoking isn't even halfway cool anymore. 4) The fact that this strong female character needed to be surrounded by dudes. I am all about having lots of guy friends but it made Wren so much less convincing that she had all these men to do her bidding. 5) The author's inability to use "your" and "you're" correctly. And finally, 6) Roccaforte's depiction of men. I have a lot of male friends as well as brothers, these guys read like guys written by a woman who thinks she knows guys, but doesn't. Also, they were all very one-dimensional.
Not my normal genre, this book was free and had an eye-catching cover. Still, I don't believe I care to know what happens when Wren is on a wire.
June 1, 2017
Funny and sweet
When is still mourning the loss of her parents while burdened with an alcoholic, demeaning husband who cares only about himself. Her only support comes from her guy friends that hang around gaming with her brother kaden. Painting brings her joy but graphic designing pays the bills. She has no confidence in herself after years of verbal abuse.
Finally, one nudge too many get her to try putting her art out for the world to see. Wren has to hustle around after Jordan takes off with her car, with her portfolio inside. Finally, the art scene sees her work and the reviews are really good. Shows are starting to line up, she has seen that her marriage is a wasteland of broken promises and drunken fights and she is ready to be DONE. Wren files for divorce and begins to realise that her best friend stirs feelings inside her that she cannot ignore.
Read on to laugh out loud at the more real than most any writer dare to print kind of novel. Truly heartfelt and wonderful. Now, I must be reading book two. Enjoy.
When is still mourning the loss of her parents while burdened with an alcoholic, demeaning husband who cares only about himself. Her only support comes from her guy friends that hang around gaming with her brother kaden. Painting brings her joy but graphic designing pays the bills. She has no confidence in herself after years of verbal abuse.
Finally, one nudge too many get her to try putting her art out for the world to see. Wren has to hustle around after Jordan takes off with her car, with her portfolio inside. Finally, the art scene sees her work and the reviews are really good. Shows are starting to line up, she has seen that her marriage is a wasteland of broken promises and drunken fights and she is ready to be DONE. Wren files for divorce and begins to realise that her best friend stirs feelings inside her that she cannot ignore.
Read on to laugh out loud at the more real than most any writer dare to print kind of novel. Truly heartfelt and wonderful. Now, I must be reading book two. Enjoy.
September 6, 2022
Girl on a Swing by Bella is the first book I have read her and I loved it. It was such a heartfelt/heartwarming story. My emotions were on a rollercoaster ride. I can't wait to read the next book in the Wounded Bird series.
Wren's life was changed in an blink of an eye. At the age of 16 she grew up. Times were hard and she was depressed but she has a group of male's that her best friends.
Maddox is best friends with Kaden, Wren's little brother and her. He has a way to calm Wren down and can always put a smile on her face.
What happens when they start to notice their feelings changing. Wren and Maddox may not get an HEA. What happens when everyone is not on your side?
Wren's life was changed in an blink of an eye. At the age of 16 she grew up. Times were hard and she was depressed but she has a group of male's that her best friends.
Maddox is best friends with Kaden, Wren's little brother and her. He has a way to calm Wren down and can always put a smile on her face.
What happens when they start to notice their feelings changing. Wren and Maddox may not get an HEA. What happens when everyone is not on your side?
February 5, 2017
Beautifully moving
I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this book as it's different from her other work. But wow it had me feeling all the emotions. Wren was a good mixture of independent and broken without coming off as whiney or too head strong, which made me like her character even more. I really like how Bella has the family ties, and shows you it's not just blood that makes you a family. I really liked the story and how you got closure over certain things but left you with enough of a hook that you cant wait for more.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this book as it's different from her other work. But wow it had me feeling all the emotions. Wren was a good mixture of independent and broken without coming off as whiney or too head strong, which made me like her character even more. I really like how Bella has the family ties, and shows you it's not just blood that makes you a family. I really liked the story and how you got closure over certain things but left you with enough of a hook that you cant wait for more.
March 21, 2018
Great read but it starts off rather slow. When the plot does pick up, it climaxes and tapers back down in a rush. Nevertheless, I couldn't put this one down. The storyline had pulled me in enough to keep me turning the pages. This is a very emotionally charged novel. My heart ached for Wren through all her hurt but I think it ached more for Maddox. I'm anxious to have all my "WTF?!" moments answered in Girl on a Wire.
June 19, 2017
Emotional
Wow this book!!! Poor girl loses her parents and makes a horrible mistake and marries a guy she thinks she's In love with but he turns into a drunk but there's another guy out there her bestfriend but he's also her brothers bestfriend but will this keep them apart! Can't wait to read more
Wow this book!!! Poor girl loses her parents and makes a horrible mistake and marries a guy she thinks she's In love with but he turns into a drunk but there's another guy out there her bestfriend but he's also her brothers bestfriend but will this keep them apart! Can't wait to read more
June 24, 2017
omg i just loved this book! i can really relate to this book since i went through something similar. its about two best friends that decide to take things one step further. only things dont go the way than planned. read to find out what happened. cant wait for the next book. thanks for giving me a chance to read this book!
June 24, 2017
slow going, but picks up eventually. Not my usual type of read but I enjoyed it for the most part. The main character loses her parents and marries a man she thinks is great...only to find out he's an abusive drunk. I feel for her. Not crazy about the cliffhanger, just might have to read the next one....
January 31, 2019
This is a great story! It keeps you reading and hoping for a better resolution of the problems faced by the main character. She is tougher than she realizes!
This is a great story! It keeps you reading and hoping for a better resolution of the problems faced by the main character. She is tougher than she realizes!
This is a great story! It keeps you reading and hoping for a better resolution of the problems faced by the main character. She is tougher than she realizes!
June 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. I couldn't help but feel for the main character and what she had to endure. I thought the author did a great job of conveying the emotions of the characters. There is a cliffhanger, boy, dd It leave me hanging. I look forward to reading what happens next.
August 26, 2017
Wow
So i have had this book in my tbr list on my kindle and im so sad i didnt read it sooner vause man is it good!! Wren has had a crappy life amd Maddox has always been there to catch her. Cant wait to read book 2!
So i have had this book in my tbr list on my kindle and im so sad i didnt read it sooner vause man is it good!! Wren has had a crappy life amd Maddox has always been there to catch her. Cant wait to read book 2!
May 17, 2022
This was a quick read, and it kept me reading. The characters were relatable. They had experiences, emotions, and reactions that were realistic. I will probably read the next book in the series to see what the characters are up to.
February 14, 2023
Great love story!
I really enjoyed this book! I can only give it 4 stars though because there are a few editing issues with missing words and misspellings. Other than that, it was great, and I'll definitely read the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this book! I can only give it 4 stars though because there are a few editing issues with missing words and misspellings. Other than that, it was great, and I'll definitely read the next book in the series.
July 29, 2017
I liked...
I liked the storyline but not the delivery. It felt at times like I was reading a book about teenagers. I didn't care for the smoking either.
I liked the storyline but not the delivery. It felt at times like I was reading a book about teenagers. I didn't care for the smoking either.
February 27, 2018
Loved it
Never a disappointment from Bella. I stayed interested the who!e time and never got bored. Looking forward to the rest of the series
Never a disappointment from Bella. I stayed interested the who!e time and never got bored. Looking forward to the rest of the series
August 29, 2018
Grest book.
Oh my goodness. I am crying at the end of this book. I was almost praying for them to get together, forgetting it's fiction . Recommend it highly
Oh my goodness. I am crying at the end of this book. I was almost praying for them to get together, forgetting it's fiction . Recommend it highly
March 31, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It did not always proceed as expected which captures your interest. I am excited to read about what happens next.
March 4, 2017
Girl on a Swing by Bella is the first book I have read her and I loved it. It was such a heartfelt/heartwarming story. My emotions were on a rollercoaster ride. I can't wait to read the next book in the Wounded Bird series.
Wren's life was changed in an blink of an eye. At the age of 16 she grew up. Times were hard and she was depressed but she has a group of male's that her best friends.
Maddox is best friends with Kaden, Wren's little brother and her. He has a way to calm Wren down and can always put a smile on her face.
What happens when they start to notice their feelings changing. Wren and Maddox may not get an HEA. What happens when everyone is not on your side?
Wren's life was changed in an blink of an eye. At the age of 16 she grew up. Times were hard and she was depressed but she has a group of male's that her best friends.
Maddox is best friends with Kaden, Wren's little brother and her. He has a way to calm Wren down and can always put a smile on her face.
What happens when they start to notice their feelings changing. Wren and Maddox may not get an HEA. What happens when everyone is not on your side?
March 4, 2017
Girl on a Swing by Bella is the first book I have read her and I loved it. It was such a heartfelt/heartwarming story. My emotions were on a rollercoaster ride. I can't wait to read the next book in the Wounded Bird series.
Wren's life was changed in an blink of an eye. At the age of 16 she grew up. Times were hard and she was depressed but she has a group of male's that her best friends.
Maddox is best friends with Kaden, Wren's little brother and her. He has a way to calm Wren down and can always put a smile on her face.
What happens when they start to notice their feelings changing. Wren and Maddox may not get an HEA. What happens when everyone is not on your side?
Wren's life was changed in an blink of an eye. At the age of 16 she grew up. Times were hard and she was depressed but she has a group of male's that her best friends.
Maddox is best friends with Kaden, Wren's little brother and her. He has a way to calm Wren down and can always put a smile on her face.
What happens when they start to notice their feelings changing. Wren and Maddox may not get an HEA. What happens when everyone is not on your side?
February 4, 2017
This is a copy of my Amazon review.
This book was very surprising! I had never read a book that was this character focused with corresponding and truly meaningful dialogue. Also, this is a new genre for this author. I have read most of her previous works and this one does not disappoint.
Wren,female, early twenties, bad marriage, and the falling star of this story, has had a difficult and discombobulated last few years. Along with her younger brother, who seems to be 1 can short of a 6 pack, life just sucks. The saving grace of her life: all her amazing friends and her art.
There is a lot going in this story and you, the reader, need to pay attention and not make assumptions.
The reader gets a "feel" for each character and had there been a little more character descriptive, this would have been a five star read.
I heart fully recommend you read this book.
This book was very surprising! I had never read a book that was this character focused with corresponding and truly meaningful dialogue. Also, this is a new genre for this author. I have read most of her previous works and this one does not disappoint.
Wren,female, early twenties, bad marriage, and the falling star of this story, has had a difficult and discombobulated last few years. Along with her younger brother, who seems to be 1 can short of a 6 pack, life just sucks. The saving grace of her life: all her amazing friends and her art.
There is a lot going in this story and you, the reader, need to pay attention and not make assumptions.
The reader gets a "feel" for each character and had there been a little more character descriptive, this would have been a five star read.
I heart fully recommend you read this book.
January 24, 2017
Bella doing what Bella does best!!! I absolutely love this story line and cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out! Keep writing Bella because I'm going to keep reading everything you put out there.
December 27, 2020
We're you waiting for something to happen?
Happen happen happen. When are we waiting for something to actually happen? 75% through something does happen and then it is a mere couple pages at best. So much for a love story...
Happen happen happen. When are we waiting for something to actually happen? 75% through something does happen and then it is a mere couple pages at best. So much for a love story...
March 29, 2017
This is my first book by Bella Roccaforte. It took me a while to connect to the characters, just in the end I was realising that I even have no idea how they look like, what colour hair they have. Have I not read it properly? Anyway, Wren, the female main character, seems a strong girl so it is a bit confusing that after 9 years she still has a really hard time to cope with the loss of her parents at the age of 16. She seems to have a bunch of (male) friends that she can count on and even thou her brother hasn't really grown up, she has a house and some money from inheritance left, so it could be far worse. But she seems to like to bring herself in bad situations, marrying an asshole is one of it. And still, she snaps herself out of it, with the help of her best friend and everybody knows where this will end. He's sweet and just perfect for her and it's again hard to believe why he can't accept it. But I'm sure, the following books will shed some light on his emotions.
But seriously, Bella, what's the deal with all the smoking?? Do you have a contract with the tabaco industry? I really got sick from just reading about it all the time, and especially as it felt like it was a cheap way to get the story going. Whenever there was talking needed, they went out for a smoke. I hope you really get some money for all that promotion. But, to be fair, it also created a very authentic atmosphere of the youth, ha!
P.S.: I have now read part of book 2 and book 3 completely (I'm a sucker for knowing the (happy) end) and I must say the story and characters develop nicely. The smoking gets less and you can feel how they grow up along the Story... A story you can relate to. Only Rhys is too nice to be true and stick around ;)
But seriously, Bella, what's the deal with all the smoking?? Do you have a contract with the tabaco industry? I really got sick from just reading about it all the time, and especially as it felt like it was a cheap way to get the story going. Whenever there was talking needed, they went out for a smoke. I hope you really get some money for all that promotion. But, to be fair, it also created a very authentic atmosphere of the youth, ha!
P.S.: I have now read part of book 2 and book 3 completely (I'm a sucker for knowing the (happy) end) and I must say the story and characters develop nicely. The smoking gets less and you can feel how they grow up along the Story... A story you can relate to. Only Rhys is too nice to be true and stick around ;)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews