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Pillowtalk
In a feel-good romance that will steal your heart, a charming small town brings together two people who could each use a fresh start—and it's all thanks to a little pillowtalk.
Kennedy Walters used to be lucky in love—until tragedy struck. Now she's come to the lakeside town of Lyra Valley to finally put the past behind her. But while Kennedy's staying at a local B&B, she is shocked to find herself undeniably drawn to a sweet-talking hometown heartthrob. Kennedy isn't sure if she's ready to move on—and yet one look in Aaron Sheppard's eyes makes her wish he'd make his move.
Aaron returned to Lyra Valley because he was fed up with the big city and everything he was beautiful, down-to-earth girls like Kennedy. Turns out Aaron has more in common with Kennedy than he realized, and suddenly he wonders if he should give her a little space. But after a power outage strands them together, their innocent flirtation turns to intimate...
Kennedy Walters used to be lucky in love—until tragedy struck. Now she's come to the lakeside town of Lyra Valley to finally put the past behind her. But while Kennedy's staying at a local B&B, she is shocked to find herself undeniably drawn to a sweet-talking hometown heartthrob. Kennedy isn't sure if she's ready to move on—and yet one look in Aaron Sheppard's eyes makes her wish he'd make his move.
Aaron returned to Lyra Valley because he was fed up with the big city and everything he was beautiful, down-to-earth girls like Kennedy. Turns out Aaron has more in common with Kennedy than he realized, and suddenly he wonders if he should give her a little space. But after a power outage strands them together, their innocent flirtation turns to intimate...
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2017
7 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Mae
46 books1,148 followersCASSIE MAE is the author of a few hundred—okay, maybe not that many—books, some of which became popular for their quirky titles, characters, and stories. She likes writing about nerds, geeks, the awkward, the fluffy, the short, the shy, the loud, the fun.
Since publishing her bestselling debut, Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend, she’s signed several Romance titles with Random House Loveswept, and founded CookieLynn Publishing Services. She is represented by Sharon Pelletier at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.
Along with writing, Cassie likes to binge-watch Once Upon a Time and The Flash. She can quote Harry Potter lines quick as a whip. And she likes kissing her hubby, but only if his facial hair is trimmed. She also likes cheesecake to a very obsessive degree.
You can stalk, talk, or send pictures of Luke Bryan to her on her Facebook page.
cassiemaeauthor.com
Facebook.com/cassiemaeauthor
Since publishing her bestselling debut, Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend, she’s signed several Romance titles with Random House Loveswept, and founded CookieLynn Publishing Services. She is represented by Sharon Pelletier at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.
Along with writing, Cassie likes to binge-watch Once Upon a Time and The Flash. She can quote Harry Potter lines quick as a whip. And she likes kissing her hubby, but only if his facial hair is trimmed. She also likes cheesecake to a very obsessive degree.
You can stalk, talk, or send pictures of Luke Bryan to her on her Facebook page.
cassiemaeauthor.com
Facebook.com/cassiemaeauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 6, 2017
➳This was such a sweet story...
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➳ARC kindly provided by publisher, in exchange for an honest review...
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➳ARC kindly provided by publisher, in exchange for an honest review...
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March 27, 2017
I was invited, by the publisher, to consider reading this book because I am a big fan of Maggie McGinnis. Cassie Mae is a new author for me and I figured 'sure, what do I have to lose.' While this started out as enticing and humorous, I began skimming halfway through. There was too much thinking and over analyzing going on. Way too much holding on to the past for my liking.
When we first meet Kennedy, she is on a train with an urn in her hands. She is heading to the hometown of her boyfriend, Jared, whose ashes are in said urn. She is fulfilling one of his last requests. A request she should have honored nearly a year ago since his death. She just cannot seem to let go of him, literally nor emotionally.
Aaron has recently returned to his hometown looking for fulfillment in his life. He sure wasn't finding it in L.A. He also grew up with Jared and was his best friend, until, well until he wasn't, and it was all Aaron's fault. He meets the lovely Kennedy and is instantly attracted to her, but knows there is no way he can get involved with a woman whom Jared loved.
This was an okay read for me. I enjoyed it was a dual POV and also Cassie Mae's writing style. I am glad I decided to take the publisher up on their offer to check out what this author has to offer. Many others are rating this book much higher than I am, so please check out what they have to say.
*I received this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
April 9, 2017
Very sweet and emotional story. I really enjoyed the majority of this book. The cover is super cute too.
Kennedy is visiting her deceased boyfriend, Jared's hometown to scatter his ashes. She has held on to his ashes for about a year and a half. Now she feels she's ready to let go.
She works up the nerve to hit on this super hot guy on the train. But he tells her he's not interested because he's gay.
Once she arrives at Jareds sisters house she sees super hot train guy kissing some girl in the driveway. So she lays into him about lying to her only to find out that it was the guy's twin she rode with on the train.
So now she is attracted to this super hot straight guy, Aaron. And she feels super guilty for being attracted to Aaron esp when she finds out he used to be best friends with Jared.
Aaron falls head over heels for Kennedy but fights it because she's Jared's.
So the two of them go back and forth with the guilt of them betraying Jared.
I enjoyed this but was a little depressing at times.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Kennedy is visiting her deceased boyfriend, Jared's hometown to scatter his ashes. She has held on to his ashes for about a year and a half. Now she feels she's ready to let go.
She works up the nerve to hit on this super hot guy on the train. But he tells her he's not interested because he's gay.
Once she arrives at Jareds sisters house she sees super hot train guy kissing some girl in the driveway. So she lays into him about lying to her only to find out that it was the guy's twin she rode with on the train.
So now she is attracted to this super hot straight guy, Aaron. And she feels super guilty for being attracted to Aaron esp when she finds out he used to be best friends with Jared.
Aaron falls head over heels for Kennedy but fights it because she's Jared's.
So the two of them go back and forth with the guilt of them betraying Jared.
I enjoyed this but was a little depressing at times.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 4, 2017
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4.5 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion. (and actually, I sort of alpha/beta read this story as well)
I was kind of worried about rereading this one, just because it does pack an emotional punch, and sometimes when I know that going in I'll avoid it (I do this with movies and TV shows too -- *cough*Season 3 of Rectify*cough*). But I hadn't written a review after beta-reading this one (which I normally do), b/c I knew parts of the story were going to change and I wanted to read the final version before giving my final thoughts. I've also been in a really picky reading mood, so I didn't want that to affect my reading either...but alas, with release day coming up (and being here today) I knew I couldn't put it off any longer! Unfortunately I feel like my mood did affect my reading a tiny bit, so I'm trying to channel my earlier thoughts as well to compensate. Because I truly adored this story BOTH times I read it, and I want to do it justice.
So that sounds like I'm going to say something bad about this book, and that couldn't be further from the truth. Ms. Mae is one of my favourite authors because she always manages to give me very *real* characters, and she has done it once again with Kennedy and Aaron. What I mean by real is that I feel like these are real human beings out in the world, that they are inherently flawed, but are the kinds of people I'd like to know. And in this story they BOTH go through a whole gamut of emotions, and some of the most difficult ones: grief, betrayal, and guilt. Ms. Mae didn't just sluff off her responsibility while giving them the love story they deserve, she sucked out all my feels.
I could understand Kennedy's grief so much. Even just imagining losing the love of my life to that hateful disease, I'm not sure how I'd ever pull myself out of that grief. I felt like the road that she traveled in this book was one that I could empathize with. Yeah, she's under a very silly misapprehension for much of the book, but I can honestly see my brain making such weird assumptions when in the thick of that grief. Perhaps if you've never experienced grief, you might not understand how consuming it can be, but as someone who's lost her father as a teen, I can wholeheartedly say that it can mess you up big time, and that everyone deals in different ways and at different speeds. And so I felt for what Kennedy was going through, and how much she struggled between what she thought in her head and what she felt in her heart.
When I first heard of the concept of this story from Ms. Mae, I hadn't understood just how impactful *Aaron's* story would be. I kind of thought the heartache would mostly be centered around Kennedy's side. But oh no, we get so much more in this story. I can't even imagine what it must be like to be Aaron and living with his own guilt and remorse and never feeling like he had the chance to resolve it. I felt just as many feelings for him as I did for Kennedy. And I felt his grief over the loss of his best friend too. I thought it was kind of perfect that they were able to share that, it wasn't something I had anticipated, but it was something that I loved about their dynamic.
And hoo boy, Aaron is MEGA book boyfriend. Quiet, unassuming, a bit more nerdy? DAMN. I want him. I do. I want him. And his dog, Charlie, too. And his glasses. GAH!
And their chemistry together really worked for me. Not just in the steam section (which OMG, from the laundry room to the boathouse to the bedroom, DAMN), but I really felt their connection as friends too. I felt the intimacy of their bond. It happened pretty fast, but it worked for me somehow. But I don't mind insta-love sometimes, especially when people are older and know what they want.
There were a million favourite scenes in this book for me. From the tree party to the dirt biking to the lake party for making me smile and swoon. And then there's the moment in the closet and on the dock for making me cry. I felt everything, from light to heavy. And it flowed seamlessly in the book, just as it did for Kennedy and Aaron. And the ending was sweet and perfectly satisfying. Which pretty much sums up how I feel. It may have taken me on a rollercoaster of emotions, but it left me feeling sweetly satisfied.
And that's what I have to say about that.
4.5 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion. (and actually, I sort of alpha/beta read this story as well)
I was kind of worried about rereading this one, just because it does pack an emotional punch, and sometimes when I know that going in I'll avoid it (I do this with movies and TV shows too -- *cough*Season 3 of Rectify*cough*). But I hadn't written a review after beta-reading this one (which I normally do), b/c I knew parts of the story were going to change and I wanted to read the final version before giving my final thoughts. I've also been in a really picky reading mood, so I didn't want that to affect my reading either...but alas, with release day coming up (and being here today) I knew I couldn't put it off any longer! Unfortunately I feel like my mood did affect my reading a tiny bit, so I'm trying to channel my earlier thoughts as well to compensate. Because I truly adored this story BOTH times I read it, and I want to do it justice.
So that sounds like I'm going to say something bad about this book, and that couldn't be further from the truth. Ms. Mae is one of my favourite authors because she always manages to give me very *real* characters, and she has done it once again with Kennedy and Aaron. What I mean by real is that I feel like these are real human beings out in the world, that they are inherently flawed, but are the kinds of people I'd like to know. And in this story they BOTH go through a whole gamut of emotions, and some of the most difficult ones: grief, betrayal, and guilt. Ms. Mae didn't just sluff off her responsibility while giving them the love story they deserve, she sucked out all my feels.
I could understand Kennedy's grief so much. Even just imagining losing the love of my life to that hateful disease, I'm not sure how I'd ever pull myself out of that grief. I felt like the road that she traveled in this book was one that I could empathize with. Yeah, she's under a very silly misapprehension for much of the book, but I can honestly see my brain making such weird assumptions when in the thick of that grief. Perhaps if you've never experienced grief, you might not understand how consuming it can be, but as someone who's lost her father as a teen, I can wholeheartedly say that it can mess you up big time, and that everyone deals in different ways and at different speeds. And so I felt for what Kennedy was going through, and how much she struggled between what she thought in her head and what she felt in her heart.
When I first heard of the concept of this story from Ms. Mae, I hadn't understood just how impactful *Aaron's* story would be. I kind of thought the heartache would mostly be centered around Kennedy's side. But oh no, we get so much more in this story. I can't even imagine what it must be like to be Aaron and living with his own guilt and remorse and never feeling like he had the chance to resolve it. I felt just as many feelings for him as I did for Kennedy. And I felt his grief over the loss of his best friend too. I thought it was kind of perfect that they were able to share that, it wasn't something I had anticipated, but it was something that I loved about their dynamic.
And hoo boy, Aaron is MEGA book boyfriend. Quiet, unassuming, a bit more nerdy? DAMN. I want him. I do. I want him. And his dog, Charlie, too. And his glasses. GAH!
And their chemistry together really worked for me. Not just in the steam section (which OMG, from the laundry room to the boathouse to the bedroom, DAMN), but I really felt their connection as friends too. I felt the intimacy of their bond. It happened pretty fast, but it worked for me somehow. But I don't mind insta-love sometimes, especially when people are older and know what they want.
There were a million favourite scenes in this book for me. From the tree party to the dirt biking to the lake party for making me smile and swoon. And then there's the moment in the closet and on the dock for making me cry. I felt everything, from light to heavy. And it flowed seamlessly in the book, just as it did for Kennedy and Aaron. And the ending was sweet and perfectly satisfying. Which pretty much sums up how I feel. It may have taken me on a rollercoaster of emotions, but it left me feeling sweetly satisfied.
And that's what I have to say about that.
April 4, 2017
Pillowtalk is my first book by Cassie Mae, but it won’t be my last. There was a lot I enjoyed about this book, but in other areas I felt it could have been improved. Death is never an easy topic to write especially in a romance author and when the character was in the prime of his life, and given that the heroine is on a journey to scatter the ashes of her beloved and meets a man who at one time was her late lover’s best friend prior to a falling out only creates a more difficult situation. At times I felt this book was a bit repetitive and filled with too much angst, but at other times I could appreciate the sweet, but intense feelings they had for one another from the moment they met.
Heading to her lost love’s hometown, Kennedy knows it is time for her to fulfill Jared’s wishes and spread his ashes in the lake he loved so much, but she underestimated how hard it would be to be surrounded by the people who knew Jared even better than she did including his sister, and his best friend Aaron whom he never talked about as well as Aaron’s brother, Austin. Feeling intense chemistry with Aaron startles her and she believes that Aaron wants nothing to do with her when the truth is Aaron is dealing with his grief of losing Jared way before his death from cancer.
While I enjoyed watching Aaron and Kennedy fell for one another the guilt they both felt on numerous occasions got a bit tedious. They both claimed to know Jared so well, so did they really think that given that Jared at one time loved them both that he would be surprised by their attraction and feelings for one another? While I understand Kennedy was trying to move on with her life, the way she carried his urn around and even slept with it just seemed a bit morbid and strange to me. I appreciated that Aaron came clean fairly quickly about the bad blood between him and Jared giving Kennedy the choice to accept him knowing their past or reject him because of it.
Pillowtalk was a sweet and emotional story, but it just had a bit too much internal turmoil and angst for my taste.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
February 20, 2017
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I’m running out of ways to say I love CM’s writing! It just doesn’t get old for me. Her stories have such originality and this one was no different. And the cover is lovely too.
She nailed both characters feelings of guilt and attraction. The warring emotions took me on a roller coaster ride that I’m still feeling the high from. I loved how Kennedy stepped outside her comfort zone with Aaron. Especially when they didn’t have the answers to why they were feeling this way. They accepted the not knowing and just went with it. They both had some defining moments that I can’t share because of spoilers but suffice it to say, it was beautiful. Aaron seemed to really struggle with his worthiness of receiving love and happiness. I identified with that so hard! (Really who doesn’t at some point in their lives) But I kinda wanted to strangle him when he tried to ignore or suppress his feelings.
The whole story had an undercurrent of meant to be or an outside force in play. And while I struggle with believing those kinds of situations happen, it was cute none the less. I loved how she ended the story. The sex scenes were very juicy and I’d love to see more of that from CM. I think she could do well in this genre.
I received this e-book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest/unbiased opinion.
I’m running out of ways to say I love CM’s writing! It just doesn’t get old for me. Her stories have such originality and this one was no different. And the cover is lovely too.
She nailed both characters feelings of guilt and attraction. The warring emotions took me on a roller coaster ride that I’m still feeling the high from. I loved how Kennedy stepped outside her comfort zone with Aaron. Especially when they didn’t have the answers to why they were feeling this way. They accepted the not knowing and just went with it. They both had some defining moments that I can’t share because of spoilers but suffice it to say, it was beautiful. Aaron seemed to really struggle with his worthiness of receiving love and happiness. I identified with that so hard! (Really who doesn’t at some point in their lives) But I kinda wanted to strangle him when he tried to ignore or suppress his feelings.
The whole story had an undercurrent of meant to be or an outside force in play. And while I struggle with believing those kinds of situations happen, it was cute none the less. I loved how she ended the story. The sex scenes were very juicy and I’d love to see more of that from CM. I think she could do well in this genre.
I received this e-book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest/unbiased opinion.
April 14, 2017
+++ I was invited to check out this ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it +++
2.5 stars
There’s nothing wrong with this book, the writing is good and there’s a small town setting that I usually like, but a lot of it didn’t click with me: the characters, particularly the heroine, Kennedy, and the plotline about the late fiancé (Jared) and spreading his ashes.
I really didn’t connect with the heroine, I couldn’t understand how she was carrying Jared’s ashes around, like she was a grieving widow, and, at the same time, throwing herself at the first handsome man she encounters. I’m not making a moralistic judgment here, I’m just stating that it seems incongruous in terms of her character development (and there are a lot of similar inconsistencies that make Kennedy seem not very genuine, at least for me).
Now, about the urn: it’s really odd that you´re carrying the urn with your beloved fiancé’s ashes everywhere, showing it, turning your pain into a public issue, when pain, sorrow, grieve, are such private and intimate feelings. It created some pretty weird moments in the story and a phony feeling. And it was way too juvenile for me.
And Aaron’s guilt about Jared, well, it didn’t move me. As a matter of fact, I felt rather indifferent to it all.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, for providing a free copy via NetGalley.
2.5 stars
There’s nothing wrong with this book, the writing is good and there’s a small town setting that I usually like, but a lot of it didn’t click with me: the characters, particularly the heroine, Kennedy, and the plotline about the late fiancé (Jared) and spreading his ashes.
I really didn’t connect with the heroine, I couldn’t understand how she was carrying Jared’s ashes around, like she was a grieving widow, and, at the same time, throwing herself at the first handsome man she encounters. I’m not making a moralistic judgment here, I’m just stating that it seems incongruous in terms of her character development (and there are a lot of similar inconsistencies that make Kennedy seem not very genuine, at least for me).
Now, about the urn: it’s really odd that you´re carrying the urn with your beloved fiancé’s ashes everywhere, showing it, turning your pain into a public issue, when pain, sorrow, grieve, are such private and intimate feelings. It created some pretty weird moments in the story and a phony feeling. And it was way too juvenile for me.
And Aaron’s guilt about Jared, well, it didn’t move me. As a matter of fact, I felt rather indifferent to it all.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, for providing a free copy via NetGalley.
April 6, 2017
Beautiful story about second chances, letting go and healing.
I loved the story line. The romance is insta-attraction and while everything happens in a relatively short while. It also felt real and had depth. It's loaded with emotions, in the best way. But if you are a believer in the one love and all that, this might not be your thing.
For me however- I dont believe there is a soulmate or in the one big love and all that- this was refreshing and heartwarming. As both MCs struggle with the past, both are hurting and both need healing. Their new bond does not negate the past, it's new yet affected by the past and still it is something independent. I think it reflects life.
The book has Mae written all over it. I actually at some point thought it might be part of a series, it feels in correlation with her other books. I guess it's the writing style, the humor and her slightly different take on romance. And definitely the character building.
The reason I kept thinking it's connected to another series, but couldn't place it, is because I felt like I knew the support cast after a short amount of time. The same goes for Kennedy. I am talking a chapter in. The book is written from both Kennedy and Aaron's POV, but in the beginning it was just Kennedy... And I seemed to know so much in such a short time that I felt I must have known her from a previous book.. but when I checked I realised this is a standalone.
Both MC's go through a tremendous process of letting go. And both their difficulties felt real and tangible. I could relate to both of them. Their chemistry is palpable. The only little thing I found abit over dramatic was Aarons time at the lake and it's sudden solution.
Just like most of Mae's book this is full of sass, interesting characters. It's real-life romance at it's best. And the end left me smiling and swoony.
Heartbreakingly beautiful, full of hope and insight.
Beautiful story, that is a must read of fans of the author. Definitely one of my favorites of her.
I loved the story line. The romance is insta-attraction and while everything happens in a relatively short while. It also felt real and had depth. It's loaded with emotions, in the best way. But if you are a believer in the one love and all that, this might not be your thing.
For me however- I dont believe there is a soulmate or in the one big love and all that- this was refreshing and heartwarming. As both MCs struggle with the past, both are hurting and both need healing. Their new bond does not negate the past, it's new yet affected by the past and still it is something independent. I think it reflects life.
The book has Mae written all over it. I actually at some point thought it might be part of a series, it feels in correlation with her other books. I guess it's the writing style, the humor and her slightly different take on romance. And definitely the character building.
The reason I kept thinking it's connected to another series, but couldn't place it, is because I felt like I knew the support cast after a short amount of time. The same goes for Kennedy. I am talking a chapter in. The book is written from both Kennedy and Aaron's POV, but in the beginning it was just Kennedy... And I seemed to know so much in such a short time that I felt I must have known her from a previous book.. but when I checked I realised this is a standalone.
Both MC's go through a tremendous process of letting go. And both their difficulties felt real and tangible. I could relate to both of them. Their chemistry is palpable. The only little thing I found abit over dramatic was Aarons time at the lake and it's sudden solution.
Just like most of Mae's book this is full of sass, interesting characters. It's real-life romance at it's best. And the end left me smiling and swoony.
Heartbreakingly beautiful, full of hope and insight.
Beautiful story, that is a must read of fans of the author. Definitely one of my favorites of her.
February 12, 2017
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley, in exchange of an honest review.
First of all, this book does not deserve a 5 star rating.. It deserves a 10 star.
I feel like I say this everytime I read something from Cassie, but, this is the best book I have ever read.
Aaron and Kennedy are the absolute cutest.. I can't even describe them as other than reall really cute.
They are such a "awwww" couple. I love them.
This book is a mix of a lot of feelings: loss, betrayal, sorrow, passion, love... All of them so well described and felt...
I can't describe this book as anything other that a very heart and soul warming book.
First of all, this book does not deserve a 5 star rating.. It deserves a 10 star.
I feel like I say this everytime I read something from Cassie, but, this is the best book I have ever read.
Aaron and Kennedy are the absolute cutest.. I can't even describe them as other than reall really cute.
They are such a "awwww" couple. I love them.
This book is a mix of a lot of feelings: loss, betrayal, sorrow, passion, love... All of them so well described and felt...
I can't describe this book as anything other that a very heart and soul warming book.
February 13, 2017
Received this book through Netgalley in return for honest review.
What is it about Cassie Mae that I can not get enough of her books. I don't believe I have read all of her books yet (I am working my way through) but I know I will love them all. This is a first for me, I, all us readers, have a list of authors that I one-click without thought but I have always had one book or series that I just was not loving. Not with Cassie Mae. So far I have loved everything I have read.
Anyway on to my review. I loved Aaron and Kennedy so so much. They just gave me all the feels. Both trying to move on from the death of someone they loved but both unable. Yet when together their pain seems a little more bareable, that in itself leading to guilt. Kennedy feels she is betraying a promise made to Jared that he will hold her heart forever. Aaron feels he is betraying Jared falling for his girl.
This was such a lovely book to read. Alot of pain, guilt, sorrow but also healing and love. Learning to move on from death is so very hard to do but it can be done if you have the right people in your life. Thank you Cassie Mar for another fantastic book.
What is it about Cassie Mae that I can not get enough of her books. I don't believe I have read all of her books yet (I am working my way through) but I know I will love them all. This is a first for me, I, all us readers, have a list of authors that I one-click without thought but I have always had one book or series that I just was not loving. Not with Cassie Mae. So far I have loved everything I have read.
Anyway on to my review. I loved Aaron and Kennedy so so much. They just gave me all the feels. Both trying to move on from the death of someone they loved but both unable. Yet when together their pain seems a little more bareable, that in itself leading to guilt. Kennedy feels she is betraying a promise made to Jared that he will hold her heart forever. Aaron feels he is betraying Jared falling for his girl.
This was such a lovely book to read. Alot of pain, guilt, sorrow but also healing and love. Learning to move on from death is so very hard to do but it can be done if you have the right people in your life. Thank you Cassie Mar for another fantastic book.
April 11, 2017
My review:
If you are looking for a book that focuses mainly on sex, then pass on this book because while sex is had in the book, it is not the main focus. Don’t let the title fool you like it did me. I really thought that there was going to be no plotline, one-dimensional characters and people having sex at least once a chapter. Instead, this is a beautifully written book about first love, grief, forgiveness, letting go and moving on.
Kennedy’s boyfriend, Jared, died a year earlier from cancer. Destroyed by grief, as any normal person would be, she put off spreading his ashes until she felt that she could handle it. Which I thought was great that the author did that. I have read too many books where the heroine is grieving and then the hero comes along and everything is forgotten and/or is made miraculously better. Not in this case. Kennedy is still raw from losing Jared and she doesn’t want anything to do with romance or men. And that is what made this book so bittersweet to me.
Aaron was Jared’s ex-best friend. Their friendship ended shortly after they graduated high school. I am not going to say why it ended only this: teenage boys are stupid and make stupid mistakes. He knew who Kennedy was and felt awful that he was so attracted to her. In his mind, it would be betraying Jared again. I was heartbroken for him because he hurt so bad. I kinda wanted to reach through the book and give him a huge hug. I also cried when Chelsea (Jared’s sister) talked to Aaron and basically gave him the go-ahead to go after Kennedy.
There were a few touches of humor in the book. Like when Kennedy hit on Austin, who is Aaron’s gay twin brother, and then went off on Aaron, assuming it was Austin when she saw him kissing his “friend” (use your imagination for the meaning) about two hours afterward. I was giggling my fool head off. She was so mad and then that turned into being beyond embarrassed. Charlie the husky puppy was another point of humor. He was comic relief for a couple of scenes when it was needed.
The sex scenes were hot. While there were only two sex scenes, I felt that the build up to them was awesome. There was so much sexual tension between Kennedy and Aaron, it wasn’t even funny.
I loved the end of the book and the epilogue. Talk about a perfect ending for a great book!!
How many stars will I give Pillowtalk: 4
Why: A great book with relatable characters. I felt that the author did a great job portraying how hard it is to let go of a loved one and she also did a great job portraying how hard it is to get over losing a loved one.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Adult
Why: Sex and language
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
March 29, 2017
It is so heart breaking when a young person dies. It makes you think of the years that they have been cheated out of but when they leave a loved one behind that person too sometimes forgets how to live and the thought of falling in love again is unthinkable. Kennedy and Jared thought they would be with each other forever but tragically Jared lost his life to cancer. A year after Jared's death Kennedy is fighting with her emotions to let him go. She knows that she must move on but she just feels guilty to live her life without him and the thought of another relationship is simply not on the cards. The first step that she takes is to return Jared's ashes to the town where he grew up but although she goes out each day she can't lay him to rest and returns with the urn in tact to her sister in laws day after day.
Fate has a way of playing with emotions and feelings because something has made Aaron come back to his home town too. He use to be Jared's best mate until 5 minutes of passion with one of Jared's previous girlfriends ended a life time of friendship. Now it is too late to seek his forgiveness. Once Kennedy and Aaron set eyes on each other there is an instant attraction but will Kennedy be able to move forward with her life and can Jared get his head around the fact that he isn't stealing his best friends girl again.
This is a book that plays with your emotions because you can see exactly where Kennedy and Aaron are coming from. I found that I could put myself in their shoes and understand the frustrations they were feeling. Cassie Mae has done a fine job in creating a story around such a taboo subject to a lot of people. The guilt of being alive while as humans we are social beings that need love and nurture. Yes this is quite a heavy topic but Cassie Mae's writing just makes you get at the back of this pair and push for them to learn to live again. To cherish what they had but be able to make new memories not waste the now moments and precious future.
Fate has a way of playing with emotions and feelings because something has made Aaron come back to his home town too. He use to be Jared's best mate until 5 minutes of passion with one of Jared's previous girlfriends ended a life time of friendship. Now it is too late to seek his forgiveness. Once Kennedy and Aaron set eyes on each other there is an instant attraction but will Kennedy be able to move forward with her life and can Jared get his head around the fact that he isn't stealing his best friends girl again.
This is a book that plays with your emotions because you can see exactly where Kennedy and Aaron are coming from. I found that I could put myself in their shoes and understand the frustrations they were feeling. Cassie Mae has done a fine job in creating a story around such a taboo subject to a lot of people. The guilt of being alive while as humans we are social beings that need love and nurture. Yes this is quite a heavy topic but Cassie Mae's writing just makes you get at the back of this pair and push for them to learn to live again. To cherish what they had but be able to make new memories not waste the now moments and precious future.
April 8, 2017
Received in exchange for a honest review.
Love Austin and his brother Aaron. Aaron is on a journey. A journey to find peace, happiness, himself and forgiveness. His best friend died and it has him trying to come to terms. Terms with his life and the past. Trying to forgive himself and move on. Except in the process of doing this Aaron has fallen for the girl he feels isn’t his. He feels he is reliving the past and he is hurting himself for it.
The guy is great. he is honest and loyal. Kind and caring. And he feels. Feels with all he has. He is fighting himself as well. Watching him fall for Kennedy and try to find balance was wonderful. We got to see a flawed man come to terms with things. See him fall in love and let go. See him find his peace and comfort and learn to let go.
Kennedy was still grieving. For her Aaron helped her forget. But with it came guilt. She lived again and that pained her. Why? Because she loved Aaron’s best friend and felt love only comes once. Aaron though had her learning to be again. She became herself and felt peace once more. She battled her confliction of moving on and falling in love. Of letting another into her life. It was a fascinating plot see play out as she battled her heart and mind.
Watching these two bring each other alive and at peace while falling in love was entertaining, sweet and sensual. Aaron was the perfect one for Kennedy and they both understood one another. I hated at the end when Kennedy almost lost it all. But loved the kindness and understanding ways of Aaron when they found themselves and each other once again. He allowed her to see that she didn’t have to let go of her first love only let love in again in a different way. And that was the most sensual thing of all in this book. Aaron’s compassion and understanding. His love was boundless and selfless. Such a wonderful story with romance, learning to let go and let love in and learning to forgive.
Love Austin and his brother Aaron. Aaron is on a journey. A journey to find peace, happiness, himself and forgiveness. His best friend died and it has him trying to come to terms. Terms with his life and the past. Trying to forgive himself and move on. Except in the process of doing this Aaron has fallen for the girl he feels isn’t his. He feels he is reliving the past and he is hurting himself for it.
The guy is great. he is honest and loyal. Kind and caring. And he feels. Feels with all he has. He is fighting himself as well. Watching him fall for Kennedy and try to find balance was wonderful. We got to see a flawed man come to terms with things. See him fall in love and let go. See him find his peace and comfort and learn to let go.
Kennedy was still grieving. For her Aaron helped her forget. But with it came guilt. She lived again and that pained her. Why? Because she loved Aaron’s best friend and felt love only comes once. Aaron though had her learning to be again. She became herself and felt peace once more. She battled her confliction of moving on and falling in love. Of letting another into her life. It was a fascinating plot see play out as she battled her heart and mind.
Watching these two bring each other alive and at peace while falling in love was entertaining, sweet and sensual. Aaron was the perfect one for Kennedy and they both understood one another. I hated at the end when Kennedy almost lost it all. But loved the kindness and understanding ways of Aaron when they found themselves and each other once again. He allowed her to see that she didn’t have to let go of her first love only let love in again in a different way. And that was the most sensual thing of all in this book. Aaron’s compassion and understanding. His love was boundless and selfless. Such a wonderful story with romance, learning to let go and let love in and learning to forgive.
March 24, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing, Group Loveswept for the ARC of "Pillowtalk" by Cassie Mae for my honest review. The genres of this book are Women's fiction and Romance.
Kennedy Walters is on a train,with her boy friend's ashes in an urn, destined for his hometown. It is a year that Jared passed away from cancer, and now she wants to free his ashes in the lake in .(his town). Kennedy carries his ashes everywhere, and sometimes talks to the urn, making her feel closer to him, and less reluctant to let him go.
Aaron Shepard, once a good friend to Jared carries tremendous guilt about betraying him. Aaron and Jared once so close, had a big argument, that was never settled.
Kennedy is staying at Jared's sister's Bed and Bath, and meets many of Jared's friends. She hears how daring and risky Jared had been growing up, and gets to see his favorite places.
Kennedy and Aaron are attracted to each other, and find it so easy to talk to one another. There is also the feeling of wanting more.
I find that the author describes her characters as conflicted, having feelings of guilt and hesitant in expressing their true feelings. I gave this story three and one half stars.
This was an emotional read. It is difficult to let go when you love someone. Is it possible to love again?
How and can you let go? It is easy to empathize with the characters. I would recommend this as an easy read.
Kennedy Walters is on a train,with her boy friend's ashes in an urn, destined for his hometown. It is a year that Jared passed away from cancer, and now she wants to free his ashes in the lake in .(his town). Kennedy carries his ashes everywhere, and sometimes talks to the urn, making her feel closer to him, and less reluctant to let him go.
Aaron Shepard, once a good friend to Jared carries tremendous guilt about betraying him. Aaron and Jared once so close, had a big argument, that was never settled.
Kennedy is staying at Jared's sister's Bed and Bath, and meets many of Jared's friends. She hears how daring and risky Jared had been growing up, and gets to see his favorite places.
Kennedy and Aaron are attracted to each other, and find it so easy to talk to one another. There is also the feeling of wanting more.
I find that the author describes her characters as conflicted, having feelings of guilt and hesitant in expressing their true feelings. I gave this story three and one half stars.
This was an emotional read. It is difficult to let go when you love someone. Is it possible to love again?
How and can you let go? It is easy to empathize with the characters. I would recommend this as an easy read.
March 31, 2017
Pillow Talk by Cassie Mae a great four star read. This a great and tragic romance, it tells the story of Kennedy coming to terms with the tragic passing of her boyfriend Jared, she sets out to fulfil the last wish he had, he wants to be spread at the lake in the town he grew up. On the train journey there she meets someone who knew Jared growing up, they start talking about Jared and Austin tells her some great story’s. When she gets to her destination and sees him again, things happen that she couldn’t have ever imagined.
We meet Aaron and he sees this woman in front of him, he feels an instant attraction, when she rows with him he realises what is going on, and how she met his brother earlier not him. It starts to make sense to him, things start to make sense, but when he realises who she is, he feels such conflict because previously he once let a girl get between him and his best friend once, and he is no longer here. Aaron still feels the guilt, so this means no matter how attracted he is to her, there can be nothing between them. But Fate has other plans for them, and maybe something else.
This could have been a really depressing story given the context, but Cassie Mae made it a really heartfelt and kinda a little funny in places. She lightens it in ways that made it a great story.
We meet Aaron and he sees this woman in front of him, he feels an instant attraction, when she rows with him he realises what is going on, and how she met his brother earlier not him. It starts to make sense to him, things start to make sense, but when he realises who she is, he feels such conflict because previously he once let a girl get between him and his best friend once, and he is no longer here. Aaron still feels the guilt, so this means no matter how attracted he is to her, there can be nothing between them. But Fate has other plans for them, and maybe something else.
This could have been a really depressing story given the context, but Cassie Mae made it a really heartfelt and kinda a little funny in places. She lightens it in ways that made it a great story.
April 2, 2017
This is a highly emotional roller coaster of emotions. Kennedy and Aaron first turn to each other as they both work to over come issues they have faced over the last year. What starts out as a purely physical night of passion turns into quiet conversation and the beginning of feelings. Guilt begins to slip in and could ruin any chance they might have. Will they be able to get over the guilt and enjoy the life that could be waiting for them?
This is a very well done story and one I would definitely recommend.
This is a very well done story and one I would definitely recommend.
April 22, 2017
It's very rude of Cassie Mae to make me have ALL THE FEELS while reading this book.
So rude. 😂
So rude. 😂
March 21, 2017
Pillowtalk by Cassie Mae
3.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Death
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Kennedy is mourning the loss of her would be fiance. He decided not to propose because he knew that it wouldn't be fair to Kennedy, however, he also said some things closer to his death that made her think that she was supposed to love him forever... I'm not really sure with that one.
Then you have Aaron. Their first meeting is comical. I loved that he was a twin and that his twin was supportive, fun, flirty and a great friend.
Both Kennedy and Aaron are mourning, but they are doing so in different ways. Kennedy is trying to complete the dying wish, but Aaron is trying to find forgiveness.
This story was just OK for me. There was a lot of angst, guilt and overly-dramatic loss issues. I think that this was a cute story about finding that you can have a love that will stay with you, but love again for life.
Overall, this was a good story with well developed characters. I wish we would have moved past the guilt earlier on and gotten more of a story out of Kennedy and Aaron.
3.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Death
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Kennedy is mourning the loss of her would be fiance. He decided not to propose because he knew that it wouldn't be fair to Kennedy, however, he also said some things closer to his death that made her think that she was supposed to love him forever... I'm not really sure with that one.
Then you have Aaron. Their first meeting is comical. I loved that he was a twin and that his twin was supportive, fun, flirty and a great friend.
Both Kennedy and Aaron are mourning, but they are doing so in different ways. Kennedy is trying to complete the dying wish, but Aaron is trying to find forgiveness.
This story was just OK for me. There was a lot of angst, guilt and overly-dramatic loss issues. I think that this was a cute story about finding that you can have a love that will stay with you, but love again for life.
Overall, this was a good story with well developed characters. I wish we would have moved past the guilt earlier on and gotten more of a story out of Kennedy and Aaron.
September 23, 2017
review to come.
June 13, 2017
Good romantic story with believable and good character growth
February 28, 2017
5 Heartfelt Golden stars!
Wow this book! Oww this book!
This book is one of the sweetest that I’ve ever read. It’s so heartbreakingly sweet...
The story is about a woman. A young woman who lost the love of her life to a vicious disease and this story portrays her journey after. How do you live after you lose the person who was your life? How do you move on? Do you even? Are you able to love another person? Should you?
These and other similar questions are what our heroine feels and goes through every day. It’s a sad life when the person you love to talk to can no longer answer you back.
This book had me crying but it also had me smiling. It is not as dark as it might seem. This book is not about loss, it’s about hope!
I highly recommend, however, you might want to grab those tissues first!
Peace,
A.
More reviews here:
March 2, 2017
ARC NetGalley
The book has a nice premise where Jared's wishes are now to be set in place but not until the small community helps bring closure and new possibilities.
The book has a nice premise where Jared's wishes are now to be set in place but not until the small community helps bring closure and new possibilities.
February 16, 2017
This was a tough one for me. I liked the love story between Kennedy and Aaron, but I was so torn because the love Kennedy had for her late boyfriend Jared was so strong and real. It was hard for both her and me as a reader to move on. I know that Kennedy should move on and be happy again, but I teared up at the fact she could not part with Jared's ashes and that she brought them with her everywhere.....
February 20, 2017
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
The book runs the whole gamut of emotions. Well, a good portion of the hardest ones happened previously. But the talent of this author shines through when she "retells" what happened and we relive it and agonize with the heroine.
The book runs the whole gamut of emotions. Well, a good portion of the hardest ones happened previously. But the talent of this author shines through when she "retells" what happened and we relive it and agonize with the heroine.
February 12, 2017
netgalley
thoroughly enjoyed this. a re read.
thoroughly enjoyed this. a re read.
May 4, 2017
Pillowtalk is a sweet, heartrending story. Kennedy is still grieving her lost boyfriend a year after his death. But, it's come time for her to let him go by spreading his ashes at the lake in his hometown that he loved so much. Once in Jared's hometown, she meets his former best friend, Aaron, and is instantly attracted to him. He's a sweet guy, and obviously knew Jared really well, and that makes her even more attracted to him. But, she's still grieving, and has a hard time feeling anything for a man who isn't Jared. Just being attracted to Aaron makes her feel guilty, but when she starts falling for Aaron, her guilt only intensifies.
As she and Aaron navigate their shared grief (and guilt) and deal with their growing feelings for each other, Kennedy is still grieving, and hasn't been able to let Jared go. She hasn't been able to sprinkle his ashes in the lake, because it means truly letting him go. Compounding her hesitance to let go are her feelings for Aaron. When they finally come together, Aaron feels lighter and falls even harder for her. But, when he discovers she's fled Lyra, his heart is broken, and it just makes him feel even more guilty, and angry at Jared.
I really, really felt for Kennedy and Aaron, especially for Aaron. His guilt had eaten at him for so long, only to find his once best friend was dying, then died before he had a chance to make it right with him. Then, to add to that, he fell for Jared's true love, and it was déjà vu all over again. Poor guy! Kennedy is a study in grief and moving on after loss. So many people who lose their love feel as if they can't ever love again, that it would be a betrayal to the one they lost. Thankfully Kennedy realized Jared had wanted her to move on, to find someone to take care of her heart, because if anyone was made to be together, it was Aaron and Kennedy.
Kudos to Cassie Mae for this moving, touching story.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
As she and Aaron navigate their shared grief (and guilt) and deal with their growing feelings for each other, Kennedy is still grieving, and hasn't been able to let Jared go. She hasn't been able to sprinkle his ashes in the lake, because it means truly letting him go. Compounding her hesitance to let go are her feelings for Aaron. When they finally come together, Aaron feels lighter and falls even harder for her. But, when he discovers she's fled Lyra, his heart is broken, and it just makes him feel even more guilty, and angry at Jared.
I really, really felt for Kennedy and Aaron, especially for Aaron. His guilt had eaten at him for so long, only to find his once best friend was dying, then died before he had a chance to make it right with him. Then, to add to that, he fell for Jared's true love, and it was déjà vu all over again. Poor guy! Kennedy is a study in grief and moving on after loss. So many people who lose their love feel as if they can't ever love again, that it would be a betrayal to the one they lost. Thankfully Kennedy realized Jared had wanted her to move on, to find someone to take care of her heart, because if anyone was made to be together, it was Aaron and Kennedy.
Kudos to Cassie Mae for this moving, touching story.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
March 21, 2017
I found this book depressing and tedious. The premise is that the heroine, Kennedy Walters has come to her boyfriend’s hometown to stay with her boyfriend’s sister while she prepares herself to fulfill his final wishes about where to dispose of his ashes. He had died tragically early from some type of cancer a year ago and she is having deep problems recovering from his loss.
She meets his former best friend, Aaron, and is, despite herself, attracted to him. Aaron’s lifelong friendship with the former boyfriend had ended when he’s slept with his girlfriend years ago. So he feels guilty now to be attracted to another girlfriend. But romance novels being what they are, they have trouble resisting each other. No one else seems to care and everyone else thinks that it’s time for Kennedy to move on and that Aaron, despite his own views of himself, is really a decent guy.
If that had been what the novel was about, it might have been better. But way too much time is spent with Kennedy dithering about giving up her boyfriend’s ashes. She sleeps with them in bed with her and talks to them. She just can’t give them up. It might be her way to cope with her loss, but I found that pretty darn creepy. There was too much of her sorrow and not enough of this new romance for me to really recommend this book.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
She meets his former best friend, Aaron, and is, despite herself, attracted to him. Aaron’s lifelong friendship with the former boyfriend had ended when he’s slept with his girlfriend years ago. So he feels guilty now to be attracted to another girlfriend. But romance novels being what they are, they have trouble resisting each other. No one else seems to care and everyone else thinks that it’s time for Kennedy to move on and that Aaron, despite his own views of himself, is really a decent guy.
If that had been what the novel was about, it might have been better. But way too much time is spent with Kennedy dithering about giving up her boyfriend’s ashes. She sleeps with them in bed with her and talks to them. She just can’t give them up. It might be her way to cope with her loss, but I found that pretty darn creepy. There was too much of her sorrow and not enough of this new romance for me to really recommend this book.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2017
Pillowtalk is a sweet story about loving, losing and learning to move on in the most unexpected ways. It starts off quite heavy, with Kennedy taking Jared's (her late fiance), ashes back to his hometown as per his wishes. There she meets Aaron, who has just returned home, himself, from the big city life. Conveniently, Aaron happens to be Jared's former best friend (that he had never mentioned). A bit more coincidental than I tend to like but c'est la vie. Their story is one of a fresh relationship trying to break a cycle of guilt and forge its own way. Part of a reason I didn't absolutely love this story is because I found that Kennedy flopped back and forth too much for my liking. She's constantly going from falling into the arms of Aaron to retracting back into the shell where she still sleeps with Jared's urn. Perhaps that's the whole point of the story--the fact that she's having so much trouble moving on with her life while desperately holding onto Jared. Either way...I wasn't in love with how the story panned out, however, I did enjoy Cassie's writing style and it was still an enjoyable read!
March 22, 2017
I have enjoyed all of Cassie Mae's YA novels but her NA and contemporary, while enjoyable, haven't been as good in my opinion.
However, the synopsis of this book drew me in because I'm a sucker for angst so I really wanted to try it. After all, the premise is a girl, whose boyfriend has died, returns to his hometown only to find herself falling in love with his ex-best friend. What more could inspire tears than that?
I liked Kennedy from the beginning. She's a bit awkward but she's got spunk and a great heart. Aaron had that good guy/boy next door vibe going on though he can be adventurous and sexy too. Guilt plays a big part of the novel for both characters. Kennedy for falling for someone else when she still loves and misses her boyfriend. And Aaron, for a past that he can't seem to move on from and is ashamed to tell Kennedy about.
I really enjoyed the way the author was able to take a very heavy and angsty subject and lighten it up at times. So even though I cried, I didn't feel like my soul was destroyed while reading. The characters kept me coming back for more and rooting for their HEA. Some of Kennedy's guilt got a little old with the back and forth but ultimately she was able to overcome it and fight for what she wanted rather than wallow in sadness.
Although this book is technically part of a series, it truly stands alone. So I recommend whether you've read the others or not!
However, the synopsis of this book drew me in because I'm a sucker for angst so I really wanted to try it. After all, the premise is a girl, whose boyfriend has died, returns to his hometown only to find herself falling in love with his ex-best friend. What more could inspire tears than that?
I liked Kennedy from the beginning. She's a bit awkward but she's got spunk and a great heart. Aaron had that good guy/boy next door vibe going on though he can be adventurous and sexy too. Guilt plays a big part of the novel for both characters. Kennedy for falling for someone else when she still loves and misses her boyfriend. And Aaron, for a past that he can't seem to move on from and is ashamed to tell Kennedy about.
I really enjoyed the way the author was able to take a very heavy and angsty subject and lighten it up at times. So even though I cried, I didn't feel like my soul was destroyed while reading. The characters kept me coming back for more and rooting for their HEA. Some of Kennedy's guilt got a little old with the back and forth but ultimately she was able to overcome it and fight for what she wanted rather than wallow in sadness.
Although this book is technically part of a series, it truly stands alone. So I recommend whether you've read the others or not!
March 12, 2017
Once again, Cassie Mae masterfully writes characters that are not only relatible, but have become your BFF's for ...this time, a week, because I couldn't find time in the week to get into a 'serious relationship' with this book...until I got the flu. Go Flu for providing downtime with a book!
What I Loved: So many things. I think the pacing of this book is going to take the win for me though. You know pretty much right off the bat that Kennedy is about ready to move on in life, but its still a work in progress. The process of getting her to the point where she was really ready isn't skipped over. This goes for Aaron as well....and I especially love that. There are a lot of books where both MCs have issues, and one of them is skimmed over and sort of swept under the rug with a single conversation while the other is more fleshed out - but here both Kennedy and Aaron get equal parts healing and character development time, and in a way that made sense. That was HUGE for me.
I also loved that this book sucked me in from the first chapter. I have a little bit of a 3 chapter rule...you get three chapters to engage me or I'm out...but Cassie Mae never takes that long. She makes sure to grab your attention from the start.
I also loved the thunderstorms, the stars, the DOG....the twins, the setting. The laugh-out-loud moments and the moments that were a bit gut-wrenching.
Not So Much: So one thing...there are twins, and one half of them happens to be Aaron, but it's not the first twin you (or Kennedy) meets. Both Kennedy and Austin (twin 2) are coming to town at the same time. But as the story progresses, you find that everyone is talking about Aaron just arriving and his first interactions with some of the small-town folk. I kept going back and reading and re-reading trying to make sure I understood. THEN finally a few chapters later you find out that yes, indeed, both Austin and Aaron came back to town around the same time. My head was doing loops, I mean eventually I kind of guessed that was what happened, but before it was laid out I was like.."but why wasn't it mentioned?"
The Verdict: Great book. Great ADULT book. Meant for ADULTs! :) But Cassie Mae at her finest!
(Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.)
What I Loved: So many things. I think the pacing of this book is going to take the win for me though. You know pretty much right off the bat that Kennedy is about ready to move on in life, but its still a work in progress. The process of getting her to the point where she was really ready isn't skipped over. This goes for Aaron as well....and I especially love that. There are a lot of books where both MCs have issues, and one of them is skimmed over and sort of swept under the rug with a single conversation while the other is more fleshed out - but here both Kennedy and Aaron get equal parts healing and character development time, and in a way that made sense. That was HUGE for me.
I also loved that this book sucked me in from the first chapter. I have a little bit of a 3 chapter rule...you get three chapters to engage me or I'm out...but Cassie Mae never takes that long. She makes sure to grab your attention from the start.
I also loved the thunderstorms, the stars, the DOG....the twins, the setting. The laugh-out-loud moments and the moments that were a bit gut-wrenching.
Not So Much: So one thing...there are twins, and one half of them happens to be Aaron, but it's not the first twin you (or Kennedy) meets. Both Kennedy and Austin (twin 2) are coming to town at the same time. But as the story progresses, you find that everyone is talking about Aaron just arriving and his first interactions with some of the small-town folk. I kept going back and reading and re-reading trying to make sure I understood. THEN finally a few chapters later you find out that yes, indeed, both Austin and Aaron came back to town around the same time. My head was doing loops, I mean eventually I kind of guessed that was what happened, but before it was laid out I was like.."but why wasn't it mentioned?"
The Verdict: Great book. Great ADULT book. Meant for ADULTs! :) But Cassie Mae at her finest!
(Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.)
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