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Born Out of Wedlock
Two women. Two worlds. Two problems...and two attitudes.
Addison Kane does not want for much. With a touch equaling that of Midas and a confidence overstepping the borders of arrogance, Addison’s ability is vast, yet her focus is narrow. Her vision tunneled by haunting memories of her youth, she is blinded to the peripheral. She doesn’t care that life is passing her by. She doesn’t notice as friends fall to the wayside, and the finery that comes from wealth holds no importance for Addison is single-minded. Her goal is the ultimate of paybacks. She needs to succeed like no other before her and prove someone wrong.
Joanna Sheppard lives a simple life because she can afford no other. At the age of seventeen, her father falls ill, and for the next eleven years, Joanna’s sole focus is providing for the only parent she has ever known. For the man she loves with all her heart, she gives up her dreams and doesn’t look back. She goes about her days with no complaints, working three jobs so she can pay off her father’s creditors, but there is no light at the end of Joanna’s tunnel...or so she thinks.
When an edict from the grave threatens all Addison holds dear, two women from two different worlds are brought together, and a deal is struck. In exchange for uttering a few words, both get what they need...but not what they bargained for.
There is a thin line, as they say, but when it is crossed, can love survive when more family secrets are revealed?
Addison Kane does not want for much. With a touch equaling that of Midas and a confidence overstepping the borders of arrogance, Addison’s ability is vast, yet her focus is narrow. Her vision tunneled by haunting memories of her youth, she is blinded to the peripheral. She doesn’t care that life is passing her by. She doesn’t notice as friends fall to the wayside, and the finery that comes from wealth holds no importance for Addison is single-minded. Her goal is the ultimate of paybacks. She needs to succeed like no other before her and prove someone wrong.
Joanna Sheppard lives a simple life because she can afford no other. At the age of seventeen, her father falls ill, and for the next eleven years, Joanna’s sole focus is providing for the only parent she has ever known. For the man she loves with all her heart, she gives up her dreams and doesn’t look back. She goes about her days with no complaints, working three jobs so she can pay off her father’s creditors, but there is no light at the end of Joanna’s tunnel...or so she thinks.
When an edict from the grave threatens all Addison holds dear, two women from two different worlds are brought together, and a deal is struck. In exchange for uttering a few words, both get what they need...but not what they bargained for.
There is a thin line, as they say, but when it is crossed, can love survive when more family secrets are revealed?
470 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2016
88 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Gardner
7 books413 followersI have been a writer of fan fiction for several years, and the numerous responses that I received during that time from my readers, convinced me to try my hand at self-publishing. Originally from Delaware, I now call Florida my home, and when I'm not writing or working... I'm playing golf.
My genre is lesbian fiction. Although my books are adult-rated for the love scenes they contain, they are not merely erotica. They are romance based, and inside you will find all the things that make a love story a love story. Attraction, distraction, lust, angst, comedy, and of course, sex. :)
My genre is lesbian fiction. Although my books are adult-rated for the love scenes they contain, they are not merely erotica. They are romance based, and inside you will find all the things that make a love story a love story. Attraction, distraction, lust, angst, comedy, and of course, sex. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
December 15, 2018
This book has flaws. Many flaws. Too many descriptions of a house and its repairs, antique/vintage/classic cars etc; too much alcohol and smoking; a very unlikable main character; too much drama; at times frustrating, as well as absurd, story with quite a confusing/messy last twenty percent...
That being said, this is still a great book for me. I love drama, have a certain weakness for flawed but redeemable characters, and mastered skipping boring pages. The intense hot/cold and often squabbling relationship between the protagonists reminded me of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara's -- the classic example of a tempestuous and rocky relationship with all trimmings. Their dynamics is quite well done and it set the tone to the whole story. The secondary characters are excellent. If one removes unnecessary descriptions, the story is very interesting, and I could not stop reading. I just hope that I will not have to wait again for three years to read another book by Lyn Gardner.
4 stars
July 1, 2017
That being said, this is still a great book for me. I love drama, have a certain weakness for flawed but redeemable characters, and mastered skipping boring pages. The intense hot/cold and often squabbling relationship between the protagonists reminded me of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara's -- the classic example of a tempestuous and rocky relationship with all trimmings. Their dynamics is quite well done and it set the tone to the whole story. The secondary characters are excellent. If one removes unnecessary descriptions, the story is very interesting, and I could not stop reading. I just hope that I will not have to wait again for three years to read another book by Lyn Gardner.
4 stars
July 1, 2017
February 6, 2017
This was a rather lengthy story, full of angst and alcohol. Too much alcohol in my humble opinion. I liked the first half of the story but not so much the second half.
January 5, 2017
WOW!!!
I'm a fan of Lyn Gardner and though she doesn't release new books every year, what she does release is amazing. This book is no exception. The jist behind it is 28 year old Joanna is happy but broke and 36 year old Addision us rich but needs a wife. Same old tale right...WRONG! Wanna know why...read the book.
Ok that being said, this book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed, i got mad, i'll admit i shed a tear or two, and at one point i wanted to throw my kindle down. You connect with the two main characters in that you want to strangle and slap them at times but you can't help but root for them. The secondary characters are just as important and add so much to each character.
If you are a fan of Lyn Garnder this will not disappoint. If you're looking for book that will pull at some heart strings...read this book.
I'm a fan of Lyn Gardner and though she doesn't release new books every year, what she does release is amazing. This book is no exception. The jist behind it is 28 year old Joanna is happy but broke and 36 year old Addision us rich but needs a wife. Same old tale right...WRONG! Wanna know why...read the book.
Ok that being said, this book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed, i got mad, i'll admit i shed a tear or two, and at one point i wanted to throw my kindle down. You connect with the two main characters in that you want to strangle and slap them at times but you can't help but root for them. The secondary characters are just as important and add so much to each character.
If you are a fan of Lyn Garnder this will not disappoint. If you're looking for book that will pull at some heart strings...read this book.
April 2, 2017
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 Stars
Lyn Gardner has become one of my favorite authors. Yes, her writing is not perfect, sometimes there are logic problems and sometimes her books are long which can be a good or bad thing. Personally, they never felt long to me because they are very readable and enjoyable. Ice was my first and still my favorite.
Interesting that this book seems to have divided opinions. Some reviewers didn't care for the details such as the descriptions about the mansion/house they live in. It didn't bother me, because I like that kind of stuff (avid binge watcher of HGTV/Fixer Upper). Although, I give you that she does repeat herself a few times such as descriptions of the blackened woodwork. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book, flaws and all.
The 2 main characters, Addison, arrogant, successful, born with a silver spoon but was emotionally abused by her father and is fighting to save her legacy and Joanna, who works 3 jobs to make ends meet and to support her loving father who needs nursing care after a stroke. Addison and Jo strike a deal that mutually benefits both. Since this is a romance - it is a slow burn but it heats up when they eventually get together and then apart (of course). There are also a fine group of well written supporting characters.
BTW- I really should learn to just stop reading at a decent hour. Really makes my work day difficult.
Lyn Gardner has become one of my favorite authors. Yes, her writing is not perfect, sometimes there are logic problems and sometimes her books are long which can be a good or bad thing. Personally, they never felt long to me because they are very readable and enjoyable. Ice was my first and still my favorite.
Interesting that this book seems to have divided opinions. Some reviewers didn't care for the details such as the descriptions about the mansion/house they live in. It didn't bother me, because I like that kind of stuff (avid binge watcher of HGTV/Fixer Upper). Although, I give you that she does repeat herself a few times such as descriptions of the blackened woodwork. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book, flaws and all.
The 2 main characters, Addison, arrogant, successful, born with a silver spoon but was emotionally abused by her father and is fighting to save her legacy and Joanna, who works 3 jobs to make ends meet and to support her loving father who needs nursing care after a stroke. Addison and Jo strike a deal that mutually benefits both. Since this is a romance - it is a slow burn but it heats up when they eventually get together and then apart (of course). There are also a fine group of well written supporting characters.
BTW- I really should learn to just stop reading at a decent hour. Really makes my work day difficult.
August 13, 2018
Re-reading. AUG 12 2018.
I still love every page ❤️👌🏽.
I want more of this! It's long but I love every page of it. It amaze me more that this is from an independent author. The editing is impressive, very well written.
It's worth your money.
Just finished watching Beauty and the Beast I kind of think they have similarities. Well, maybe It's just my imagination because I really like this book.
Addison very arrogant and obnoxious. She kept everyone on arms length. Her father didn't love her, he blamed her for her mother and brother's death. She built strong walls because she's scared to feel. If her father can't love her who else can?
Joanna gave up her life and dreams to help her father. She became the parent when her father got sick. She worked 3 jobs just to pay all the debts and bills. She can't give up she loves her father so much.
So when Millie (Addison's PA and friend) offered her a chance to improve her life she had a hard time to say no.
Well, she just have to marry the most difficult person in exchange of everything.
Is a slow burn given the length. my favorite parts are the one with Addison and Joanna's father. When they have a secret meeting each night to have an ice cream you can really see that Addison is a softie.
I was really touched is those moments.
And there's also when Addison began to melt, when she opened her heart more to people especially to Joanna.
A lot of fights. Jealous Joanna and Arrogant Addison. So watch out for that be more patient with them.
Great secondary characters.
I really like the cover. :)
Highly recommend if you're looking for drama, Ice queen persona, Rich girl/poor girl
Add to fav
I still love every page ❤️👌🏽.
I want more of this! It's long but I love every page of it. It amaze me more that this is from an independent author. The editing is impressive, very well written.
It's worth your money.
Just finished watching Beauty and the Beast I kind of think they have similarities. Well, maybe It's just my imagination because I really like this book.
Addison very arrogant and obnoxious. She kept everyone on arms length. Her father didn't love her, he blamed her for her mother and brother's death. She built strong walls because she's scared to feel. If her father can't love her who else can?
Joanna gave up her life and dreams to help her father. She became the parent when her father got sick. She worked 3 jobs just to pay all the debts and bills. She can't give up she loves her father so much.
So when Millie (Addison's PA and friend) offered her a chance to improve her life she had a hard time to say no.
Well, she just have to marry the most difficult person in exchange of everything.
Is a slow burn given the length. my favorite parts are the one with Addison and Joanna's father. When they have a secret meeting each night to have an ice cream you can really see that Addison is a softie.
I was really touched is those moments.
And there's also when Addison began to melt, when she opened her heart more to people especially to Joanna.
A lot of fights. Jealous Joanna and Arrogant Addison. So watch out for that be more patient with them.
Great secondary characters.
I really like the cover. :)
Highly recommend if you're looking for drama, Ice queen persona, Rich girl/poor girl
Add to fav
December 28, 2017
4 stars. This is a hard book to rate for me because Addison is so unlikable for most of the book and in the end she doesn't redeem herself in my eyes. But Joanna is such an endearing character and she loves Addison despite everything so while I dislike Addison passionately I do get why she is eventually forgiven and I can accept that even if I personally wouldn't forgive her.
Addison has no redeeming qualities, like at all, unless you highly value a good business sense and lots of money. If she would've shown a little bit more humanity or if her reactions to that humanity when it eventually does show up would be less extreme I'd like her much better. And even though her character and behavior is justified due to her troubling childhood, a lot of time has passed, too much time for me to be sympathetic. At some point you have to let go or get help but she never does.
Joanna's great, despite her hard life she's not lost her fiery spark and sense of humor. She loves her disabled father more than anything and takes care him. It requires 3 jobs for her just to get by but she does it for her only family. Eventually she turns out to be a little too perfect but all the drama and feelings she has over that drama felt really human to me. She feels real and so does every other character in this book, even the supporting cast.
I really enjoyed how homophobia was approached in this book in a grey way. It's not all black and white as it often is depicted in other books and in this case it was brilliant. Don't wanna spoil it so you'll have to find out yourself.
The overall plot was quite predictable but this is a character driven story so I'm fine with that and there were a few surprises. Good job on fooling me there for a second at the last major plot turn.
Despite me not liking one of the mains and disliking some story elements like Lucy character and everything that happened with her I do consider this to be a good read. Lots of well rounded characters and lots of quality drama can be found here if you give it a chance.
Addison has no redeeming qualities, like at all, unless you highly value a good business sense and lots of money. If she would've shown a little bit more humanity or if her reactions to that humanity when it eventually does show up would be less extreme I'd like her much better. And even though her character and behavior is justified due to her troubling childhood, a lot of time has passed, too much time for me to be sympathetic. At some point you have to let go or get help but she never does.
Joanna's great, despite her hard life she's not lost her fiery spark and sense of humor. She loves her disabled father more than anything and takes care him. It requires 3 jobs for her just to get by but she does it for her only family. Eventually she turns out to be a little too perfect but all the drama and feelings she has over that drama felt really human to me. She feels real and so does every other character in this book, even the supporting cast.
I really enjoyed how homophobia was approached in this book in a grey way. It's not all black and white as it often is depicted in other books and in this case it was brilliant. Don't wanna spoil it so you'll have to find out yourself.
The overall plot was quite predictable but this is a character driven story so I'm fine with that and there were a few surprises. Good job on fooling me there for a second at the last major plot turn.
Despite me not liking one of the mains and disliking some story elements like Lucy character and everything that happened with her I do consider this to be a good read. Lots of well rounded characters and lots of quality drama can be found here if you give it a chance.
October 16, 2017
One of those books that make u sleep at 3 am because you can't just let go! Incredible !
July 3, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It was comfortably ticking along at 4.5 stars until I got to the last few chapters, but the ending is a bit of a mess and it dropped half a star as a result. I will admit that I read it all last night, even though it was a long book, so I've only had a few hours sleep. Sigh. I'm sure you've all been in a book you didn't want to put down.
Addison is the unwanted and unloved daughter of a very wealthy businessman. Her obsession, and it is an obsession, is to run the family business and make huge sums of money. Having a 9 figure bank account isn't enough. However, her father blames Addison for the death of her mother and her twin at birth, and his treatment has cut deep. She has a violent temper, and doesn't let anyone in emotionally.
Addison's father dies leaving a will to do the maximum damage to his daughter. If she doesn't marry in the next five weeks, she loses control of the family business, which is her entire sense of self and reason for being.
She is persuaded by her best friends and colleagues to find a wife; one who will be believable as a wife, but who will fade into the background and let Addison live her life as she currently does. Joanna, however, has a different goal. Giving up her dreams to work three jobs to look after her dad after his strokes has worn her into the ground, and Addison's offer of marriage for money seems like a gift, even with the strings attached. Her only really goal is to give her dad the best care she can. What neither of them count on is the attraction which starts to develop between them. Can this change both of them enough to overcome their problems?
The characters are well constructed although only one is really likeable. Addison is spoiled and treats people really badly. The author is clear that the only reason any employee stays is because of the high salaries, paid to compensate for Addison's bad behaviour. There are glimpses of the decent person underneath the damage and the resultant behaviour, but she's not a particularly likeable character.
Joanna, on the other hand, is great. Smart and capable, and it is lovely to watch her grow into herself as she grows into the role of rich woman's wife while retaining her practical, and thoughtful, sense of self. What I really liked about her was that she always had a spine. Gardner was clever enough to make her fairly feisty right from the start; a doormat would have been a recipe for domestic abuse in this relationship, so Joanna needed some strength.
That said, the main relationship was very volatile; lots of loud arguments and silent treatment, and then the two of them manage to find some accommodation with each other. It's an interesting view of a passionate relationship, one in which the two characters have such different emotional backgrounds.
I've just read Pin's review, and she's right. There is too much detail in the descriptions of the house, which slows down the story at those points. And the end is a bit of a mess. I can see what Gardner is trying to do, to withhold information from a main character and the audience to increase tension, but it seems too unlikely, and too much. It is too contrived to feel real in the context of the rest of the story, and of the characters' behaviour in the rest of the book.
This is a rollicking ride of a book though, and I don't want to put you off it. I really enjoyed it, and as I said, would happily give it 4.5 stars until right near the end.
I've read several other books by Gardner, and she is always worth a read. I've just bought another one to coast through a longer winter's night. I do recommend them.
Addison is the unwanted and unloved daughter of a very wealthy businessman. Her obsession, and it is an obsession, is to run the family business and make huge sums of money. Having a 9 figure bank account isn't enough. However, her father blames Addison for the death of her mother and her twin at birth, and his treatment has cut deep. She has a violent temper, and doesn't let anyone in emotionally.
Addison's father dies leaving a will to do the maximum damage to his daughter. If she doesn't marry in the next five weeks, she loses control of the family business, which is her entire sense of self and reason for being.
She is persuaded by her best friends and colleagues to find a wife; one who will be believable as a wife, but who will fade into the background and let Addison live her life as she currently does. Joanna, however, has a different goal. Giving up her dreams to work three jobs to look after her dad after his strokes has worn her into the ground, and Addison's offer of marriage for money seems like a gift, even with the strings attached. Her only really goal is to give her dad the best care she can. What neither of them count on is the attraction which starts to develop between them. Can this change both of them enough to overcome their problems?
The characters are well constructed although only one is really likeable. Addison is spoiled and treats people really badly. The author is clear that the only reason any employee stays is because of the high salaries, paid to compensate for Addison's bad behaviour. There are glimpses of the decent person underneath the damage and the resultant behaviour, but she's not a particularly likeable character.
Joanna, on the other hand, is great. Smart and capable, and it is lovely to watch her grow into herself as she grows into the role of rich woman's wife while retaining her practical, and thoughtful, sense of self. What I really liked about her was that she always had a spine. Gardner was clever enough to make her fairly feisty right from the start; a doormat would have been a recipe for domestic abuse in this relationship, so Joanna needed some strength.
That said, the main relationship was very volatile; lots of loud arguments and silent treatment, and then the two of them manage to find some accommodation with each other. It's an interesting view of a passionate relationship, one in which the two characters have such different emotional backgrounds.
I've just read Pin's review, and she's right. There is too much detail in the descriptions of the house, which slows down the story at those points. And the end is a bit of a mess. I can see what Gardner is trying to do, to withhold information from a main character and the audience to increase tension, but it seems too unlikely, and too much. It is too contrived to feel real in the context of the rest of the story, and of the characters' behaviour in the rest of the book.
This is a rollicking ride of a book though, and I don't want to put you off it. I really enjoyed it, and as I said, would happily give it 4.5 stars until right near the end.
I've read several other books by Gardner, and she is always worth a read. I've just bought another one to coast through a longer winter's night. I do recommend them.
February 7, 2017
3,5 stars I'm not sure how I feel about this book because I couldn't put it down once I started it but I also skimmed A LOT of pages because I simply couldn't be bothered to read in detail how a room was decorated, a collection of antique cars and a lot of other boring and needless details. I wish the author instead had spent those pages trying to redeem Addison (because the woman has more issues than Cosmopolitan magazine) or to at least pace the story better. The pacing was fine until about 82% or chapter 39. After that the entire story just became a hot mess. It became an insane emotional roller coaster and at one point had me wondering if Joanna had lost her mind as well. It was just too much drama packed into those final chapters causing me to wonder if these women were bipolar and I do not say that lightly.
It's not often that I read a book with a horrendous main character (even Janet from Scissor Link by Georgette Kaplan takes second place). Addison is just the worst in my opinion. I know the author was trying to explain throughout the book why she became so cold and downright mean but for me it just wasn't enough. This woman has some serious anger issues coupled with substance abuse and her character development felt like it had major chapters missing at the end of the book. As for Joanna, I truly liked her character until the before mentioned chapter 39 after that this woman who I considered fairly level headed just ran hot/cold ever 3 or 4 pages.
The end of the book felt rushed. Had the pacing been better, unnecessary details omitted and the main characters development flushed out more this book would have been a 5* and a favorite of mine.
It's not often that I read a book with a horrendous main character (even Janet from Scissor Link by Georgette Kaplan takes second place). Addison is just the worst in my opinion. I know the author was trying to explain throughout the book why she became so cold and downright mean but for me it just wasn't enough. This woman has some serious anger issues coupled with substance abuse and her character development felt like it had major chapters missing at the end of the book. As for Joanna, I truly liked her character until the before mentioned chapter 39 after that this woman who I considered fairly level headed just ran hot/cold ever 3 or 4 pages.
The end of the book felt rushed. Had the pacing been better, unnecessary details omitted and the main characters development flushed out more this book would have been a 5* and a favorite of mine.
July 20, 2020
This was an extremely long book with a lot of endless details about Addison; her childhood, her family, her life, her looks, her house, her business, her fortune (blah, blah, blah). Addison Kane is extremely unlikable and boorish to the point that I almost did not finish this book. She is dressed as a man with suit, tie, men's shoes, and a glass of scotch throughout the book; not because of any need to hide the fact that she is a woman but just because. In the end, I didn't care if the two MCs got together or not. Had to force myself to finish it.
I would not read this again or recommend it.
I would not read this again or recommend it.
September 30, 2021
Without doubt one of my favourite books - just love it from start to finish - totally buy anything Lyn Gardner throws at me. Thank you.
January 1, 2018
Well, where should I start. I loved Lyn Gardner's other books. this one was too one-sided, too much anger on Addison's side, too much drama in the end, the main character too black or white not versatile. The story itself was okay, I liked the supporting characters, they had way more depth than Addisson. She acted as if she was a very angry teenager, stubborn as hell, aggressive beyond description, and not like a 30 something woman.
March 7, 2022
[2022] ; Yup. Still as great as the first time I read it. Although, I did forget how insufferable Addison gets. You'd think after the animosity and aggression she experienced with her father she'd realise her own behaviour was the same. Joanna was the breath of fresh air Addison needed, and it was awesome that Millie, Fran and Evelyn all saw that in her from the get go.
June 7, 2018
3.5 stars.
Had to skip some infinitely long descriptions of the surrounding and the house.. Other than that, it was a good read.
Had to skip some infinitely long descriptions of the surrounding and the house.. Other than that, it was a good read.
May 14, 2017
Addison Kane has worked hard to prove her worth in running the family business. Her quest to strive for success has made her ruthless and cold. That is how most people view her. However, deep down, she can be a softie. Before Addison can take full control of the family company, she needs to find a way to prevent her late father's greedy lawyer from selling the company. An edict in her father's Will threatens just to do that.
Joanne Sheppard struggles to make ends meet while caring for her ailing father. She feels she owe her father because he single-handedly raised her when her mother left them when she was two years old. Joanne has no time for dating or going out. Through a mutual friend, Joanne is presented an opportunity as a way out and to provide a better quality of life for her and her father.
Addison and Joanne meet. It starts off as a love and hate relationship. Both women are complete opposite. Can Addison let go from her past and to open up? Does Joanne have the patience to breakdown down the emotional barrier Addison keeps putting up?
Joanne Sheppard struggles to make ends meet while caring for her ailing father. She feels she owe her father because he single-handedly raised her when her mother left them when she was two years old. Joanne has no time for dating or going out. Through a mutual friend, Joanne is presented an opportunity as a way out and to provide a better quality of life for her and her father.
Addison and Joanne meet. It starts off as a love and hate relationship. Both women are complete opposite. Can Addison let go from her past and to open up? Does Joanne have the patience to breakdown down the emotional barrier Addison keeps putting up?
February 10, 2017
I really am not sure what to say about this book. Firstly it was too long! If you are someone who wants everything in the room described in fine detail than this book is for you.
I did feel pulled into the story and wanted to keep on reading through to the end. But by the time I got to the end I have decided it was just too overly dramatic. I just found the relationship to be too toxic. So for me it was too much.
I'm not sure what to rate the book it would be somewhere between 2.5 and 3.
I did feel pulled into the story and wanted to keep on reading through to the end. But by the time I got to the end I have decided it was just too overly dramatic. I just found the relationship to be too toxic. So for me it was too much.
I'm not sure what to rate the book it would be somewhere between 2.5 and 3.
May 7, 2017
Joanna Sheppard and Addison Kane, two women with laser focus daily purpose. Each with their reason to get up everyday. This read had me engrossed from the book description to the very end of the story. WOW! Double WOW!! I am a Lyn Gardner fan as she spins a story full of physical as well as emotional detail. The grandiose of the house, the classic cars, the exquisite food, marvelous clothing and of course the supporting characters tell a story of pain, suffering, sacrifice, caring, love, love loss, and love found. How money and power are portrayed had me thinking about the quote, "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely". On the other hand, "love conquers all". I do believe this is a story of how love is the most important thing in life and love does make everything else seem less important, including money and power.
August 21, 2017
Would you like some added drama with your drama?
If so this book is for you! Lyn Garden goes all out in Born Out of wedlock. She brings you drama inside of drama with a few more dramatic nuts sprinkled on top. If you love emotionally inept characters that seem to change who they are on a whimsy, then this book is what you have been waiting for.
If so this book is for you! Lyn Garden goes all out in Born Out of wedlock. She brings you drama inside of drama with a few more dramatic nuts sprinkled on top. If you love emotionally inept characters that seem to change who they are on a whimsy, then this book is what you have been waiting for.
May 13, 2017
Excellent story!
A seriously ill father became a financial burden on Joanna. She is carrying so much weight on her shoulders and there is no way out. Her love for her father gives her the strength to continue. Addison is wealthy behind belief but money alone can't buy happiness. She is a volcano that erupts regularly. Her ill temper and tantrums are feared by everyone. In order to secure her position as head of a multimillion dollar company, she must fight against a 300 year old tradition. Addison is running out of time and therefore she must accept Fran's plan. Addison is a woman who no longer believes in love. She doesn't trust this emotion and that creates a lot of problems. I don't want to give spoilers so I would just like to say that this compelling story got under my skin right from the start. The ending was marvelous and the characters are sexy and appealing. I highly recommend it.
A seriously ill father became a financial burden on Joanna. She is carrying so much weight on her shoulders and there is no way out. Her love for her father gives her the strength to continue. Addison is wealthy behind belief but money alone can't buy happiness. She is a volcano that erupts regularly. Her ill temper and tantrums are feared by everyone. In order to secure her position as head of a multimillion dollar company, she must fight against a 300 year old tradition. Addison is running out of time and therefore she must accept Fran's plan. Addison is a woman who no longer believes in love. She doesn't trust this emotion and that creates a lot of problems. I don't want to give spoilers so I would just like to say that this compelling story got under my skin right from the start. The ending was marvelous and the characters are sexy and appealing. I highly recommend it.
March 15, 2017
I absolutely loved it
The characters of both Addison and Joanna were great to get to know. Both women are strong willed, stubborn as well and quite charming. The story was captivating, sweet, frustrating, sad, joyful and so much more and the secondary characters were funny and loving. Though Addison is a tough as steel business woman while at the office you can't help but feel compassion for her in her moments of reflections. Joanna is witty and compassionate, strong and yet delicate and the chemistry between them was wonderful.
The characters of both Addison and Joanna were great to get to know. Both women are strong willed, stubborn as well and quite charming. The story was captivating, sweet, frustrating, sad, joyful and so much more and the secondary characters were funny and loving. Though Addison is a tough as steel business woman while at the office you can't help but feel compassion for her in her moments of reflections. Joanna is witty and compassionate, strong and yet delicate and the chemistry between them was wonderful.
November 12, 2017
Long long descriptions of the house and its parts were extremely boring. Storyline was not that bad, that's why it is 1,5 stars rounded up to 2.
May 17, 2018
Are less-than-glowing reviews dissuading you from reading this book? I went into this book having seen reviews where everyone seems to hate Addison, one of two main characters (MC) (though really I think the MC), and the "long" descriptions the author uses to describe things, and not liking the back 20% of the book. I'm really glad those reviews didn't sway me from reading, and I'm really glad I didn't have the same experiences as those readers.
Addison is NOT an easy character. She was raised with severe emotional neglect by her family, she wasn't taught how to love, she had all the money she could ever need, plenty of staff both at home and at the giant company she heads, but she was never taught how to "people." Oh, and Addison has a mistress, that I actually that was properly handled, but YMMV. Yes, all of that can make for a very bad and unsympathetic MC. Perhaps it was because I went in thinking she would be hated, but wanted to give her the most open mind I could so that I had a chance to like Addison, being a MC and all. I seem to have succeeded, I had a lot of sympathy for Addison, and genuinely liked reading her sections; I am personally dealing with a lot of issues regarding my childhood and family right now that may have helped that sympathy along. She does some truly horrible things, and usually is forgiven for them, which I think readers assume makes it too easy on Addison. But Addison has regret and shame for many such things, and forgiveness given to her is often borne from love others have of her. It all made sense to me.
Joanna is a delight, though sometimes I questioned her devotion to her father, and again, that's probably more a "me thing" than a book thing.
Regarding descriptions, I loved them, but I often have a very hard time picturing settings, so that really helped me out. I found the details to be delightful, as too often authors completely skip over them all together.
It did feel like the book was based on something, but not exactly Beauty and the Beast, though some aspects were definitely drawn from that, with the exception being that Addison does not seem to be visually ugly! In fact, I kept picturing someone who looked like Jordana Brewster, which never hurt anybody! It was actually Joanna who I could not wrap my head around visually.
The following addresses the last ~20%, and the only way I know how to discuss that is to explain what I thought was going to happen in contrast to what actually did happen. I think it's worth a read if you've already read the book, and if you don't hate spoilers (I do and avoid them like crazy, unless everything else about the book reviews has given me serious pause, and it's a make/break for whether I'm going to read the book), then read on.
Which is why I say in the spoiler that perhaps the book should have ended at ~80%, and probably with a different ending than the direction the story ultimately takes, because the ending that we do get is too sudden after the rest of what happens, leaving at least this reader desiring more story detailing what happens to the characters in the "future". It needed some more character building, or story explanation, beyond an epilogue (which we also don't get). Regardless, I loved the book, and I will likely revisit it one day, and I stand by my 5 stars. This is not a perfect book, it has flaws (not editorial-wise, I think at most I may have caught one editing mistake, which doesn't even register with most queer books these days, due to many lacking proper editors/publishing houses) of characters and some storylines, but it held my interest the entire time I was reading it, and I found myself thinking of it ofter between reading it and even now, after having read it. Few books do that for me.
It is LONG read and took me the several days to finish (and I consider myself a quick reader), partly due to life interruptions. If you are someone who doesn't want to put a book down before finishing it, make sure you carve out a full day to enjoy it in one go. It would probably make a great long read for vacation.
Big props to the writer for putting out such a big book, without the support of a publishing house or "professional" editors. My hat is off to you. Thanks for the great read! I have no regrets in having paid money for the title, and will be picking up others.
Addison is NOT an easy character. She was raised with severe emotional neglect by her family, she wasn't taught how to love, she had all the money she could ever need, plenty of staff both at home and at the giant company she heads, but she was never taught how to "people." Oh, and Addison has a mistress, that I actually that was properly handled, but YMMV. Yes, all of that can make for a very bad and unsympathetic MC. Perhaps it was because I went in thinking she would be hated, but wanted to give her the most open mind I could so that I had a chance to like Addison, being a MC and all. I seem to have succeeded, I had a lot of sympathy for Addison, and genuinely liked reading her sections; I am personally dealing with a lot of issues regarding my childhood and family right now that may have helped that sympathy along. She does some truly horrible things, and usually is forgiven for them, which I think readers assume makes it too easy on Addison. But Addison has regret and shame for many such things, and forgiveness given to her is often borne from love others have of her. It all made sense to me.
Joanna is a delight, though sometimes I questioned her devotion to her father, and again, that's probably more a "me thing" than a book thing.
Regarding descriptions, I loved them, but I often have a very hard time picturing settings, so that really helped me out. I found the details to be delightful, as too often authors completely skip over them all together.
It did feel like the book was based on something, but not exactly Beauty and the Beast, though some aspects were definitely drawn from that, with the exception being that Addison does not seem to be visually ugly! In fact, I kept picturing someone who looked like Jordana Brewster, which never hurt anybody! It was actually Joanna who I could not wrap my head around visually.
The following addresses the last ~20%, and the only way I know how to discuss that is to explain what I thought was going to happen in contrast to what actually did happen. I think it's worth a read if you've already read the book, and if you don't hate spoilers (I do and avoid them like crazy, unless everything else about the book reviews has given me serious pause, and it's a make/break for whether I'm going to read the book), then read on.
Which is why I say in the spoiler that perhaps the book should have ended at ~80%, and probably with a different ending than the direction the story ultimately takes, because the ending that we do get is too sudden after the rest of what happens, leaving at least this reader desiring more story detailing what happens to the characters in the "future". It needed some more character building, or story explanation, beyond an epilogue (which we also don't get). Regardless, I loved the book, and I will likely revisit it one day, and I stand by my 5 stars. This is not a perfect book, it has flaws (not editorial-wise, I think at most I may have caught one editing mistake, which doesn't even register with most queer books these days, due to many lacking proper editors/publishing houses) of characters and some storylines, but it held my interest the entire time I was reading it, and I found myself thinking of it ofter between reading it and even now, after having read it. Few books do that for me.
It is LONG read and took me the several days to finish (and I consider myself a quick reader), partly due to life interruptions. If you are someone who doesn't want to put a book down before finishing it, make sure you carve out a full day to enjoy it in one go. It would probably make a great long read for vacation.
Big props to the writer for putting out such a big book, without the support of a publishing house or "professional" editors. My hat is off to you. Thanks for the great read! I have no regrets in having paid money for the title, and will be picking up others.
February 6, 2017
When I saw that there was a new Lyn Gardner book, I just had to read it!
And after a whole day of trying to read it between work, chores, and basically life interfering, I have to say I didn't want it to end.
Feel in love with Joanna's and Addison's characters. Enjoyed seeing them grow and evolve.
This book had many heart breaking moments, bringing me to tears at many points, but also had the enjoyable laugh and quirkiness of the characters.
Would I read this again? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Hell Yes!
5 stars all the way!
can't wait for another book release!
And after a whole day of trying to read it between work, chores, and basically life interfering, I have to say I didn't want it to end.
Feel in love with Joanna's and Addison's characters. Enjoyed seeing them grow and evolve.
This book had many heart breaking moments, bringing me to tears at many points, but also had the enjoyable laugh and quirkiness of the characters.
Would I read this again? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Hell Yes!
5 stars all the way!
can't wait for another book release!
October 26, 2019
This book is well written, however i cannot recommend it.
While there are some pacing problems, the central dilemma is that Addison, one of the mc characters, behaves unbelievably bad. When she does not directly belittle, attack, harass or put down her "love interest", she tries to control or blatantly ignores her as if she does not exist. The abuse goes on and on for months (and over half the book).
While she has very troubled past and there are a few moments of humanity inbetween, i could not have disliked the character more if there was physical abuse involved. It does not help that her love interest Joanna is a spunky wholesome girl, who only gets inolved to give her disabled father the medical help he needs.
It gets better in the last third until ...
I was furious with the ending as i felt, that Addison did not deserve a HEA and Joanna did not deserve Addison for the rest of her life. While i understand that this angst-fest seems to strike a chord with a lot of people, i would rather recommend "Give me a reason" by the same author.
While there are some pacing problems, the central dilemma is that Addison, one of the mc characters, behaves unbelievably bad. When she does not directly belittle, attack, harass or put down her "love interest", she tries to control or blatantly ignores her as if she does not exist. The abuse goes on and on for months (and over half the book).
While she has very troubled past and there are a few moments of humanity inbetween, i could not have disliked the character more if there was physical abuse involved. It does not help that her love interest Joanna is a spunky wholesome girl, who only gets inolved to give her disabled father the medical help he needs.
It gets better in the last third until ...
I was furious with the ending as i felt, that Addison did not deserve a HEA and Joanna did not deserve Addison for the rest of her life. While i understand that this angst-fest seems to strike a chord with a lot of people, i would rather recommend "Give me a reason" by the same author.
January 3, 2021
Unnecessarily long. MAJORITY of the book is composed of descriptions of the setting, NOT the actual story itself, which was hella frustrating. I hate to say this, but this book is a waste of time to read. I can't really fathom how Lyn was able to write a masterpiece like Give Me a Reason (one of my favorite books), and fail miserably with this one. I kind of forced myself into finishing it just to see if there's something in it that would surprise me, and lo and behold, I only found one detail that did, and it still wasn't enough to make up for the time I spent reading this book, let alone justify its length. You can spend 80% of the book's contents describing settings skilfully, but if the storyline is weak, it will still come out as a failure. The only saving grace of this book is it is well-written.
January 3, 2017
I couldn't put it down. From start to finish, I was immersed in the lives of each character, their interactions with each other and how they change and grow. Quite a few twists to keep me interested and guessing as to how the plot would develop. Excellent writing and editing. Something that I would read again, and I would highly recommend it.
February 4, 2017
Nice pace to the story, nothing felt rushed or a means to get tot the end. Really liked the interactions between the lead characters. The good,the bad, the angry dialog all was exactly what you expected from the characters.
February 2, 2017
Pretty good read, quite enjoyable, however sometimes felt the situations and character interactions were a little forced. Like the author wrote it in a certain way to put a plot point that didn't quite flow to it effortlessly.
March 5, 2024
3.75 too much angst
April 28, 2020
Starts out with an unlikable MC, but if you can get through that after the first few chapters this ends up being a very good read!
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