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Greenstone Security #1
Still Waters
There’s a phrase: Still waters run deep.
But there’s more to it than that.
Because "still" doesn’t denote peace. Nor calm. Nor happiness.
It’s an illusion. It's chaos.
The only way to handle chaos is to become it.
That’s what Lucy did. She created stillness out of the chaos tumbling inside her and called the most chaotic motorcycle club in the United States her family.
The Sons of Templar gave her chaos, friendship, family, danger and death.
But she wouldn't want it any other way.
Then he came. The one who showed her that her handle on chaos was tumultuous at best.
Showed her how to stand still.
And how good it could be.
And how drowning in those waters comes as easy as breathing.
But there’s more to it than that.
Because "still" doesn’t denote peace. Nor calm. Nor happiness.
It’s an illusion. It's chaos.
The only way to handle chaos is to become it.
That’s what Lucy did. She created stillness out of the chaos tumbling inside her and called the most chaotic motorcycle club in the United States her family.
The Sons of Templar gave her chaos, friendship, family, danger and death.
But she wouldn't want it any other way.
Then he came. The one who showed her that her handle on chaos was tumultuous at best.
Showed her how to stand still.
And how good it could be.
And how drowning in those waters comes as easy as breathing.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2017
797 people are currently reading
2801 people want to read
About the author
Anne Malcom
56 books3,934 followersAnne Malcom has been an avid reader since before she can remember, her mother responsible for her book addiction. It started with magical journeys into the world of Hogwarts and Middle Earth, then as she grew up her reading tastes grew with her. Her obsession with books and romance novels in particular gave Anne the opportunity to find another passion, writing. Finding writing about alpha males and happily ever afters more fun than reading about them, Anne is not about to stop any time soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
March 25, 2017
Still Waters is the first book in The Greenstone Security Series by Anne Malcom. I've only read one other book by this author so I'm keen to see what kind of journey she takes me on with this book!!
Lucy has been surrounded by the ‘Sons of Templar’ most of her life, so to see her living it up in her expensive heels drinking her fav margarita at one of their parties is the norm, she’s also sworn off men within the chapter, so when a hot guy with no cut walks into the party all claims are off.
Stop the freaking bus!!
’He was hotter up close. Way hotter. Adonis had competition. Shit RAGNAR from ‘Vikings’ had competition. His skin was milky chocolate, smooth apart from the peppering of stubble on his sharp jaw.’
Gasps no one is hotter than RAGNAR!!
* The author was not hurt during the write up or after this review at any time *
Ok as you were!!
In the beginning I felt like I was missing a big chunk of the story, nothing seemed to make sense, but after a quick glance at a review it’s stated that Lucy’s character was first introduced in the ‘Sons of Templar’ series, but that doesn’t stop you enjoying this story if like me you’ve not read that series you still get a grasp on her background and what makes her tick as you progress further into the story so that didn’t take that away from my enjoyment of this book.
Lucy has endured so much heartache, loss and suffering in her lifetime, more than any one person should ever have to endure, your heartstrings will be pulled in many directions reading through the suffering she has survived. In some aspects it’s hardened her towards finding love and this is where she's like an ice queen not allowing many to get too close to her. She's a solitary person, has one childhood friend she's unbelievably close too and that's about it other than her sibling but she's ok with that.
Instead of dreamin' about the woman with skin as white as snow, hair as black as night, a vocabulary that would make a sailor blush and a pussy that would start fuckin' wars- ones I'd fight and win in by the way, instead of dreaming of her. I'm literally living my fuckin' dream.
Being a kiwi myself it was nice reading about a hot kiwi male those are few and far between when it comes to books and boy this man puts all other men to shame, he’s as alpha as they come, when he sets his mind on something nothing gets in his way!! NOTHING!!
“I meet a girl with hair as black as night, skin as white as snow, lips to make a priest forget his vows and a body that a certain soldier can’t seem to get out of his mind”
Lucy or Snow as Keltan aptly names her is a stubborn sassy, sexy heroine and Keltan our hot kiwi fella, is an ex soldier and a very determined man when it comes to Lucy who doesn't back off when many a man would.
You're broken too. Not in a way I can fix, though I'd give a fuckin' limb to do so. I was right in thinking you were royalty, babe. A kind of princess. But not one any man can save. You've gotta save yourself. I've gotta let you. I'll wait. And hope that's gonna happen in time for you to realise that you're not the only one who's broken. And you're not the only one you need to fix.
I don’t want to give too much away with the storyline but I highly suggest come release day you grab that credit card out, blow the cobwebs off it and one click this!!
* Teasers used in my review are off the authors facebook page *
March 14, 2017
Anne Malcom is not a new author to me - I have read and loved every book she has released. She is a guaranteed "One Click Author" for me. This meant I happily opened my Still Waters ARC (after squealing like a fangirl at a Bieber concert) ready to enjoy an evening of Anne's words - expecting her usual witty dialogue, hot alphas and plenty of steamy action. I got this, but I also got so much more.
It was quite simply, in my opinion, her best work to date.
Don't worry readers we still get her brand of action romance, sassy heroines you instantly want to be best friends with, alphas who make you swoon and dialogue (internal and spoken) which is so funny you will definitely LOL. Nobody sets a scene like Anne.
I glanced at his steady and confident gait, the way he walked with an air about him that exuded something more than masculinity. Like he could handle anything that came at him. Like he could dismantle a car bomb while pleasuring a woman.
I nodded once, knowing my drunken self might “yippee” with glee if I spoke. And then my sober self would’ve had to throat-punch my drunk self.
I was in a masculine stance sandwich, and I wasn’t even enjoying it. Okay, I was enjoying it a little. But that was the problem.
Lucy was already a favourite of mine from the Sons of Templar series but this book gives us her full story - and it's definitely not all hearts and flowers. Lucky for her, Keltan is not a man easily scared away and with his background he has an understanding of battling your demons.
He let go of my hand. Then he stood there, in the middle of my black-and-white room, my black-and-white life, and leaked color all over the place.
“You’re so much more than you seem,” I whispered. His hands tightened around me as he grinned. “And what do I seem, Snow?” I traced his jaw. “I don’t know. Still, I guess.” “Still waters run deep, baby.”
“Open your fuckin’ eyes,” he commanded on a thick growl. I immediately complied. And drowned in his solid black irises, more wild and feral than I’d ever seen them. It was right there. At the surface. His chaos. His demons. And he was showing it all to me.
This story is what can be described as a Slow Burn but it is by no means a slow book. There is always something happening, something for the reader to think about, decisions to be made, plot lines to consider. Anne simply takes her time to allow the real, raw, honest flow of the story to unfold. It is a story full of emotion, genuine real time relationships and character growth that you don't often see in romance reads. This is not an easy story but to me that makes it more memorable. It is nevertheless a beautiful story.
“What we had,” I interrupted, was moments. Merely a handful. Not enough to fill a suitcase and certainly not enough to fill up a heart,” I lied. “Not enough to build on this fantasy.”
“People may not belong to people, but you’re not people. Never were. You were always more. Always mine.”
Lucy (or Snow as Keltan calls her - talk about swoonworthy nickname ❤❤) goes through a lot in this story and not all of it is good. There were times I wanted to go out drinking with her, times I wanted to hug her and times I wanted to shake her. I personally loved that Keltan didn't swoop in and "fix" her, she has to fix herself. She has to be her own hero. To learn who she truly is and what she is capable of. Everybody needs a Keltan to help them find their way.
But there were very few places in this world where one could be completely honest. But in the moment after the person you love had laid you to waste, was still inside you, it was little more than sacrilege to lie. Physically impossible.
“No, Snow. I take care of my woman. Always. In every way. And most especially in this particular way,” he murmured, eyes on mine. Neither me nor my inner feminist had it in us to argue, so we let him go about his business.
“I want a lifetime of moments with you. I know you want it too, whatever that delicious mouth says.”
I don't want to say anything to spoil the nuts and bolts of the story so I will leave it here. What you will get from this book:
Kick Ass Heroine ✅
Hottest of the Hottest Alphas ✅
Real emotions ✅
Lead Character Growth ✅
Hilarious Supporting Characters ✅
Superb dialogue ✅
Sexual Chemistry so hot your Kindle may combust ✅
You will need tissues, and wine, and probably chocolate, you will laugh out loud and you will get angry at some parts. I am confident that you will love this book and these characters as much as I did. Would give this one 6 ⭐️s if I could.
It was quite simply, in my opinion, her best work to date.
Don't worry readers we still get her brand of action romance, sassy heroines you instantly want to be best friends with, alphas who make you swoon and dialogue (internal and spoken) which is so funny you will definitely LOL. Nobody sets a scene like Anne.
I glanced at his steady and confident gait, the way he walked with an air about him that exuded something more than masculinity. Like he could handle anything that came at him. Like he could dismantle a car bomb while pleasuring a woman.
I nodded once, knowing my drunken self might “yippee” with glee if I spoke. And then my sober self would’ve had to throat-punch my drunk self.
I was in a masculine stance sandwich, and I wasn’t even enjoying it. Okay, I was enjoying it a little. But that was the problem.
Lucy was already a favourite of mine from the Sons of Templar series but this book gives us her full story - and it's definitely not all hearts and flowers. Lucky for her, Keltan is not a man easily scared away and with his background he has an understanding of battling your demons.
He let go of my hand. Then he stood there, in the middle of my black-and-white room, my black-and-white life, and leaked color all over the place.
“You’re so much more than you seem,” I whispered. His hands tightened around me as he grinned. “And what do I seem, Snow?” I traced his jaw. “I don’t know. Still, I guess.” “Still waters run deep, baby.”
“Open your fuckin’ eyes,” he commanded on a thick growl. I immediately complied. And drowned in his solid black irises, more wild and feral than I’d ever seen them. It was right there. At the surface. His chaos. His demons. And he was showing it all to me.
This story is what can be described as a Slow Burn but it is by no means a slow book. There is always something happening, something for the reader to think about, decisions to be made, plot lines to consider. Anne simply takes her time to allow the real, raw, honest flow of the story to unfold. It is a story full of emotion, genuine real time relationships and character growth that you don't often see in romance reads. This is not an easy story but to me that makes it more memorable. It is nevertheless a beautiful story.
“What we had,” I interrupted, was moments. Merely a handful. Not enough to fill a suitcase and certainly not enough to fill up a heart,” I lied. “Not enough to build on this fantasy.”
“People may not belong to people, but you’re not people. Never were. You were always more. Always mine.”
Lucy (or Snow as Keltan calls her - talk about swoonworthy nickname ❤❤) goes through a lot in this story and not all of it is good. There were times I wanted to go out drinking with her, times I wanted to hug her and times I wanted to shake her. I personally loved that Keltan didn't swoop in and "fix" her, she has to fix herself. She has to be her own hero. To learn who she truly is and what she is capable of. Everybody needs a Keltan to help them find their way.
But there were very few places in this world where one could be completely honest. But in the moment after the person you love had laid you to waste, was still inside you, it was little more than sacrilege to lie. Physically impossible.
“No, Snow. I take care of my woman. Always. In every way. And most especially in this particular way,” he murmured, eyes on mine. Neither me nor my inner feminist had it in us to argue, so we let him go about his business.
“I want a lifetime of moments with you. I know you want it too, whatever that delicious mouth says.”
I don't want to say anything to spoil the nuts and bolts of the story so I will leave it here. What you will get from this book:
Kick Ass Heroine ✅
Hottest of the Hottest Alphas ✅
Real emotions ✅
Lead Character Growth ✅
Hilarious Supporting Characters ✅
Superb dialogue ✅
Sexual Chemistry so hot your Kindle may combust ✅
You will need tissues, and wine, and probably chocolate, you will laugh out loud and you will get angry at some parts. I am confident that you will love this book and these characters as much as I did. Would give this one 6 ⭐️s if I could.
Read
March 28, 2017THREE DAYS
I can't wait for you to meet Lucy and Keltan...
"You're so much more than you seem," I whispered.
"And what do I seem, Snow?"
I traced his jaw. "I don't know. Still, I guess."
"Still waters run deep, baby."
I can't wait for you to meet Lucy and Keltan...
"You're so much more than you seem," I whispered.
"And what do I seem, Snow?"
I traced his jaw. "I don't know. Still, I guess."
"Still waters run deep, baby."
September 1, 2020
Still Waters by Anne Malcom is a book that tugs on your heartstrings. A feel good romance combined with angst and a whole lotta testosterone, you won't know what to do with yourself. I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book and I loved it. It's not surprising how much I loved this book considering I've loved all of this author's other works. If you've read a few of Anne's books before whether it be the Sons of Templar series or the Unquiet Mind series, we first meet Keltan and Lucy in those books and even then you can feel the chemistry between these two.
I love how all of Anne's books and characters are all connected to each other in some way or form. It builds trust and just lets your emotions run deeper when it comes to the story and the characters, because you're already in that particular mindset when you're reading the book and just having a story continue on from that point is awesome (I don't even know if that makes sense). Being a Pacific Islander myself and growing up in the islands, I have a definite soft spot for my brown brothers, whether they be Kiwi, Tongan, Samoan or Fijian. And New Zealand is a second home to me, so this story already had my vote just from that part alone. I loved it. I know a few Kiwi's I was picturing in my head as Keltan the whole time so that was a bonus.
Just because Keltan is from a different country, he might have an accent and grew up differently, but ALPHA is the same all over the world and he'll stop at nothing to protect his person. Lucy is a bit different from all the other heroines. In a way, all of Anne's heroines are unique in their own way, bringing their own independence and fire to the mix that somehow boils their better halves blood. But they are similar in the way they are stubborn and in the passionate way they love. Still Waters is a story of hope. Of love. It's trying to find a way to breathe and tread through the dangerous waters of life that threaten to drown us, to consume us. It's a story of second chances and a love like you've never seen. It'll hit you in all the right places and definitely leave you reeling.
Be prepared. Anne Malcom has written another beautifully haunting story that will leave you either crying or burning up. Amazing read.
I love how all of Anne's books and characters are all connected to each other in some way or form. It builds trust and just lets your emotions run deeper when it comes to the story and the characters, because you're already in that particular mindset when you're reading the book and just having a story continue on from that point is awesome (I don't even know if that makes sense). Being a Pacific Islander myself and growing up in the islands, I have a definite soft spot for my brown brothers, whether they be Kiwi, Tongan, Samoan or Fijian. And New Zealand is a second home to me, so this story already had my vote just from that part alone. I loved it. I know a few Kiwi's I was picturing in my head as Keltan the whole time so that was a bonus.
Just because Keltan is from a different country, he might have an accent and grew up differently, but ALPHA is the same all over the world and he'll stop at nothing to protect his person. Lucy is a bit different from all the other heroines. In a way, all of Anne's heroines are unique in their own way, bringing their own independence and fire to the mix that somehow boils their better halves blood. But they are similar in the way they are stubborn and in the passionate way they love. Still Waters is a story of hope. Of love. It's trying to find a way to breathe and tread through the dangerous waters of life that threaten to drown us, to consume us. It's a story of second chances and a love like you've never seen. It'll hit you in all the right places and definitely leave you reeling.
Be prepared. Anne Malcom has written another beautifully haunting story that will leave you either crying or burning up. Amazing read.
March 29, 2017
4 1/2 stars
The Sons of Templar has been a series I have held close to my book loving heart and then Anne Malcom started writing other books and it was very easy to see that it was because this author has the incredible ability of creating these worlds you not only fall right into but love and want to be a part of. Her characters she creates are so real and easy to connect with weather its because we can relate to them, they make us laugh or because they are so screwed up but trying their very best or if they accept their own flaws and run with it they are characters we(or at least I )love and they become real. So when I was told Keltan would be getting and starting a spin of I was ecstatic in part because well it’s Keltan and because that means we get more and I seem to be greedy with this authors book.
I had ideas of what this book would be about so I was very excited for this new start of a series. We saw Keltan and how broken he was and right their I fell in love with this character, his past changed him but how could it not. Coming to a SOT party to see Gwen his best friends sister Keltan saw Lucy. Lucy grew up with the MC, her best friends were a part of it and one of her best friend dying changed Lucy and was an integral part of who she grew up to be weather for the good or bad. Rosie Lucys best friend was like a sister and when they were together trouble wasn’t far behind. At a party Lucy saw Keltan and her world changed even if she wasn’t ready to admit it.
That one meeting formed a deep bond between Keltan and Lucy but life wasn’t ready to make their relationship easy, though they weren’t close in location they grew to know each other better and that bond just got stronger with more time. When it seemed they may finally get their chance repercussions from others choices changed theirs and when Keltan only wanted to keep Lucy close and safe the past still has a strong hold on her.
Many things changed and when Lucy was yet again put into Keltan’s path Keltan had enough of denying their relationship and set out to stake his claim for good but danger may yet be at Lucy’s door. Good thing Keltan is a big bad protector dead set on keeping the one girl he loves safe and making sure she is finally his.
Like all of Anne Malcom books I started reading and was quickly hooked. I actually couldn’t believe how much I had read when I turned on my percentage on my kindle. I was so engrossed and into this book I had no idea I was so far in the book. This is one of those easy books that just works. The characters were great and easy to love, I laughed, I loved being back in the SOT world and then being taken to a new world I am so excited to have more of. Rosie and Lucy were hilarious as always. Lucy was a survivor and though the world dished out some bad she made the best and kept moving and making it her own. Keltan suffered a huge lose and my heart broke for him. He is and was a great guy and knew what he wanted when he saw it.
I loved seeing the old characters we love and seeing a new set I now can’t wait for their books. We get a nice little glimpse of Rosie and Luke and I am (which I didn’t think possible) wanting their book even more. I even love Bull more after this book, which I though was impossible because he is one of my all time favorite heroes EVER period. I can’t wait for more from this new series, and I’m so happy that I took a chance on this author (who I had never heard of but had a good sounding book)what feels like forever ago. Her book sounded good so I read it. I never would have guessed she would have turned into one of my favorite authors who always surprises me and surpasses my expectations of her and her books.
*Thank you Ann Malcom for this Beta/ARC copy.
The Sons of Templar has been a series I have held close to my book loving heart and then Anne Malcom started writing other books and it was very easy to see that it was because this author has the incredible ability of creating these worlds you not only fall right into but love and want to be a part of. Her characters she creates are so real and easy to connect with weather its because we can relate to them, they make us laugh or because they are so screwed up but trying their very best or if they accept their own flaws and run with it they are characters we(or at least I )love and they become real. So when I was told Keltan would be getting and starting a spin of I was ecstatic in part because well it’s Keltan and because that means we get more and I seem to be greedy with this authors book.
I had ideas of what this book would be about so I was very excited for this new start of a series. We saw Keltan and how broken he was and right their I fell in love with this character, his past changed him but how could it not. Coming to a SOT party to see Gwen his best friends sister Keltan saw Lucy. Lucy grew up with the MC, her best friends were a part of it and one of her best friend dying changed Lucy and was an integral part of who she grew up to be weather for the good or bad. Rosie Lucys best friend was like a sister and when they were together trouble wasn’t far behind. At a party Lucy saw Keltan and her world changed even if she wasn’t ready to admit it.
That one meeting formed a deep bond between Keltan and Lucy but life wasn’t ready to make their relationship easy, though they weren’t close in location they grew to know each other better and that bond just got stronger with more time. When it seemed they may finally get their chance repercussions from others choices changed theirs and when Keltan only wanted to keep Lucy close and safe the past still has a strong hold on her.
Many things changed and when Lucy was yet again put into Keltan’s path Keltan had enough of denying their relationship and set out to stake his claim for good but danger may yet be at Lucy’s door. Good thing Keltan is a big bad protector dead set on keeping the one girl he loves safe and making sure she is finally his.
Like all of Anne Malcom books I started reading and was quickly hooked. I actually couldn’t believe how much I had read when I turned on my percentage on my kindle. I was so engrossed and into this book I had no idea I was so far in the book. This is one of those easy books that just works. The characters were great and easy to love, I laughed, I loved being back in the SOT world and then being taken to a new world I am so excited to have more of. Rosie and Lucy were hilarious as always. Lucy was a survivor and though the world dished out some bad she made the best and kept moving and making it her own. Keltan suffered a huge lose and my heart broke for him. He is and was a great guy and knew what he wanted when he saw it.
I loved seeing the old characters we love and seeing a new set I now can’t wait for their books. We get a nice little glimpse of Rosie and Luke and I am (which I didn’t think possible) wanting their book even more. I even love Bull more after this book, which I though was impossible because he is one of my all time favorite heroes EVER period. I can’t wait for more from this new series, and I’m so happy that I took a chance on this author (who I had never heard of but had a good sounding book)what feels like forever ago. Her book sounded good so I read it. I never would have guessed she would have turned into one of my favorite authors who always surprises me and surpasses my expectations of her and her books.
*Thank you Ann Malcom for this Beta/ARC copy.
December 28, 2017
Finished this a while back and forgot to review. What can I say? Anne is the best, peeps. Check her out now. Right now. <3
April 12, 2017
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Copy received from Author in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - First in this series but strongly connected to the Sons of Templar MC series.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 4 stars
★Review★
Having read the Sons of Templar series, and as such having read some of the scenes that appear in this book, in other books, I am not sure how this would read as a stand alone.
Again, this is another great book by this author.
Lucy and Keltan are both damaged characters, both carrying grief for lost friends (and guilt) and neither are really ready for a relationship when they meet.
One of the parts of the story I enjoyed the most was the friendship between Lucy and Rosie, and I have to be honest I missed this in the second half.
Also, overall, I enjoyed the first part of the book more, as I say, we had the friendship between the heroine and her best friend, all the characters I know and love from the Sons of Templar series were there.
For me, the second half of the book, while still enjoyable was less so. Mainly as I really really dislike journalists as characters, always have, I just find they grate on me in a way I cannot help. And yes, the heroine is a journalist all the way through, but in the second half of the book, she is trying to become an investigative journalist and on occasion there are certain lines crossed that rub me up the wrong way and can put me off a character.
And because of this, I did on occasion get frustrated with the heroine. She was verging on making really dumb decisions to further her career (or as she put it, get to the truth!)
And I felt she pushed the hero away a touch too much, she was SO determined to be a strong independent woman, and be all "I am a woman, I can make decisions, I am not a pretty little doll, screw you and your alpha maleness" that it came across abrasive. You are in a relationship, it is not all a power play, and you know your fella works in security and has lost a friend and cannot bear to lose you....so maybe throw him a bone and realise he is being a bit overbearing out of fear, not a need to just be THE MAN.
It sounds like I did not like the heroine, I did, I just found her frustrating at times.
Keltan I adored, he felt so much for Lucy but knew when she was not ready for a relationship and was willing to wait for her (well until he got impatient and you know, all protective due to well, murder, but who wouldn't?)
I loved them as a couple and it was an enjoyable read despite my frustrations.
I LOVED Duke and so hope he gets a story, and cannot wait for Luke and Rosie!
4 stars.
Copy received from Author in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - First in this series but strongly connected to the Sons of Templar MC series.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 4 stars
★Review★
Having read the Sons of Templar series, and as such having read some of the scenes that appear in this book, in other books, I am not sure how this would read as a stand alone.
Again, this is another great book by this author.
Lucy and Keltan are both damaged characters, both carrying grief for lost friends (and guilt) and neither are really ready for a relationship when they meet.
One of the parts of the story I enjoyed the most was the friendship between Lucy and Rosie, and I have to be honest I missed this in the second half.
Also, overall, I enjoyed the first part of the book more, as I say, we had the friendship between the heroine and her best friend, all the characters I know and love from the Sons of Templar series were there.
For me, the second half of the book, while still enjoyable was less so. Mainly as I really really dislike journalists as characters, always have, I just find they grate on me in a way I cannot help. And yes, the heroine is a journalist all the way through, but in the second half of the book, she is trying to become an investigative journalist and on occasion there are certain lines crossed that rub me up the wrong way and can put me off a character.
And because of this, I did on occasion get frustrated with the heroine. She was verging on making really dumb decisions to further her career (or as she put it, get to the truth!)
And I felt she pushed the hero away a touch too much, she was SO determined to be a strong independent woman, and be all "I am a woman, I can make decisions, I am not a pretty little doll, screw you and your alpha maleness" that it came across abrasive. You are in a relationship, it is not all a power play, and you know your fella works in security and has lost a friend and cannot bear to lose you....so maybe throw him a bone and realise he is being a bit overbearing out of fear, not a need to just be THE MAN.
It sounds like I did not like the heroine, I did, I just found her frustrating at times.
Keltan I adored, he felt so much for Lucy but knew when she was not ready for a relationship and was willing to wait for her (well until he got impatient and you know, all protective due to well, murder, but who wouldn't?)
I loved them as a couple and it was an enjoyable read despite my frustrations.
I LOVED Duke and so hope he gets a story, and cannot wait for Luke and Rosie!
4 stars.
February 12, 2018
Keltan melts my undies off.
Ive never started a review like that. Ever. (normally I save for the middle of my review at least!) But it had to be said. First.
We have met Lucy and Keltan before in the Sons of Templar series and this book takes us back in time to their first meeting.
Both have their demons, and boy do they have their demons and this book walks us through them and the trials and tribulations of trying to tame them so you can have a semblance of a normal life.
Yes this book has meaning but it also has a cast of great known and loved characters, some new ones step into the limelight, there is banter, love and some really hot sex scenes (desk, wink wink!!)
A fantastic first book in the series and sets up for some corkers that I cant wait to get my hands on.
Ive never started a review like that. Ever. (normally I save for the middle of my review at least!) But it had to be said. First.
We have met Lucy and Keltan before in the Sons of Templar series and this book takes us back in time to their first meeting.
Both have their demons, and boy do they have their demons and this book walks us through them and the trials and tribulations of trying to tame them so you can have a semblance of a normal life.
Yes this book has meaning but it also has a cast of great known and loved characters, some new ones step into the limelight, there is banter, love and some really hot sex scenes (desk, wink wink!!)
A fantastic first book in the series and sets up for some corkers that I cant wait to get my hands on.
February 23, 2018
I found the story a little slow to get into. Even though I absolutely adored Lucy and Keltan and the other characters the story fell flat for me
August 8, 2022
Hey Luuuuucyyyy!
Why oh why oh why are you such a materialistic bitch?
Why do you think that you alone have the answer to life's equation.
Why is this entire book told from your perspective?
Why do you lack substance ?
Why do I know more about your discount designer duds than what makes you a person that should matter?
I deserve Keltan more than you.
Yes, I did feel sympathy for all that you had to go through. But at no point did I think your attitude towards Keltan, towards others, towards life itself, was warranted.
I wish I weren't of the minority here. I really wanted to love this book. It had all the makings for an incredible story. Just not for me :(
Why oh why oh why are you such a materialistic bitch?
Why do you think that you alone have the answer to life's equation.
Why is this entire book told from your perspective?
Why do you lack substance ?
Why do I know more about your discount designer duds than what makes you a person that should matter?
I deserve Keltan more than you.
Yes, I did feel sympathy for all that you had to go through. But at no point did I think your attitude towards Keltan, towards others, towards life itself, was warranted.
I wish I weren't of the minority here. I really wanted to love this book. It had all the makings for an incredible story. Just not for me :(
March 17, 2017
Still Waters by Anne Malcolm is the first book in The Greenstone Security Series.
Meet Lucy, a sassy and stubborn heroine and Keltan, a soldier and determined man who doesn´t back off.
Greenstone Security is a spin-off from The Sons Of Templar series. Meet old friends and new characters.
Lucy´s family is the Sons of Templar MC. She lives and breathes this life. She doesn´t believe in relationships and love anymore.
But then comes He. The one. Keltan. Will he brake her walls down?
They have this crazy chemistry. You can feel the sparks in the words.
They can not ; but also not without each other live. Lucy is reckless and Keltan loses his mind.
It was very entertaining to read how Lucy steals his last nerve.
I liked the characters, I liked the words and I liked Anne Malcolm´s writing.
4,5 Stars. Thank you Anne Malcolm!
Meet Lucy, a sassy and stubborn heroine and Keltan, a soldier and determined man who doesn´t back off.
Greenstone Security is a spin-off from The Sons Of Templar series. Meet old friends and new characters.
Lucy´s family is the Sons of Templar MC. She lives and breathes this life. She doesn´t believe in relationships and love anymore.
But then comes He. The one. Keltan. Will he brake her walls down?
They have this crazy chemistry. You can feel the sparks in the words.
They can not ; but also not without each other live. Lucy is reckless and Keltan loses his mind.
It was very entertaining to read how Lucy steals his last nerve.
I liked the characters, I liked the words and I liked Anne Malcolm´s writing.
4,5 Stars. Thank you Anne Malcolm!
March 29, 2017
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Anne Malcom and Give Me Books!
This book was way different from Making The Cut, yet I still really liked it. Again, Anne's flawless taste is showcased in her novels through musical and film references. Let's all be honest here, Audrey is a queen.
Keltan and Lucy are both beautifully broken people who try and find a way to make their love work. They are like two puzzle pieces who are trying to find out which way they fit perfectly together. This creates a lot of back and forth between them, which got me exasperated at times, yelling at my phone "YOU LOVE EACH OTHER WHY ARE YOU ACTING STUPID!", and then realizing that their actions were absolutely consistent with their characters.
I really liked the structure of the story. The flash backs were perfectly placed within the plot and the Covet columns were really entertaining. The way the flashback passages were inserted, created a certain stillness while reading - referencing the very important aspect of the line between drowning and stillness.
Speaking of drowning and stillness, I liked how Anne used the contrasting imagery of water and fire throughout the novel. The use of vocabulary such as wading, swimming, drowning, etc. sporadically in the book created a sense of unity. In comparison, Lucy and Rosie are said to like to burn things because it sends a message. Not to overanalyze these characters, but it seems as though they are compensating for their lack of control whilst drowning, by using the opposite element which they can control.
Anyways, let's stop with the English Essay type review. It I had one critique of the novel, it would be that the first two/thirds could have been slightly more concise, but over all a well written book!
This book was way different from Making The Cut, yet I still really liked it. Again, Anne's flawless taste is showcased in her novels through musical and film references. Let's all be honest here, Audrey is a queen.
Keltan and Lucy are both beautifully broken people who try and find a way to make their love work. They are like two puzzle pieces who are trying to find out which way they fit perfectly together. This creates a lot of back and forth between them, which got me exasperated at times, yelling at my phone "YOU LOVE EACH OTHER WHY ARE YOU ACTING STUPID!", and then realizing that their actions were absolutely consistent with their characters.
I really liked the structure of the story. The flash backs were perfectly placed within the plot and the Covet columns were really entertaining. The way the flashback passages were inserted, created a certain stillness while reading - referencing the very important aspect of the line between drowning and stillness.
Speaking of drowning and stillness, I liked how Anne used the contrasting imagery of water and fire throughout the novel. The use of vocabulary such as wading, swimming, drowning, etc. sporadically in the book created a sense of unity. In comparison, Lucy and Rosie are said to like to burn things because it sends a message. Not to overanalyze these characters, but it seems as though they are compensating for their lack of control whilst drowning, by using the opposite element which they can control.
Anyways, let's stop with the English Essay type review. It I had one critique of the novel, it would be that the first two/thirds could have been slightly more concise, but over all a well written book!
Want to read
December 29, 2017💝💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/29/2017)! 💝💝
Blurb:
There’s a phrase: Still waters run deep.
But there’s more to it than that.
Because "still" doesn’t denote peace. Nor calm. Nor happiness.
It’s an illusion. It's chaos.
The only way to handle chaos is to become it.
That’s what Lucy did. She created stillness out of the chaos tumbling inside her and called the most chaotic motorcycle club in the United States her family.
The Sons of Templar gave her chaos, friendship, family, danger and death.
But she wouldn't want it any other way.
Then he came. The one who showed her that her handle on chaos was tumultuous at best.
Showed her how to stand still.
And how good it could be.
And how drowning in those waters comes as easy as breathing.
Blurb:
There’s a phrase: Still waters run deep.
But there’s more to it than that.
Because "still" doesn’t denote peace. Nor calm. Nor happiness.
It’s an illusion. It's chaos.
The only way to handle chaos is to become it.
That’s what Lucy did. She created stillness out of the chaos tumbling inside her and called the most chaotic motorcycle club in the United States her family.
The Sons of Templar gave her chaos, friendship, family, danger and death.
But she wouldn't want it any other way.
Then he came. The one who showed her that her handle on chaos was tumultuous at best.
Showed her how to stand still.
And how good it could be.
And how drowning in those waters comes as easy as breathing.
Read
January 14, 2018#DNF 30%
This is the second time I try to read this book but I can't connect with the characters, it's a shame because I loved the other series.
This is the second time I try to read this book but I can't connect with the characters, it's a shame because I loved the other series.
March 28, 2017
Arc provided on behalf of The Wandering Bookaholic in exchange of an honest review
Still waters is the first book in Anne's Greenstone Security Series and a spin off from her sons of Templar series.
If you have read the Sons of Templar series you will already have met Lucy and Keltan. I hadn't read any books by Anne before so didn't have their background, but I didn't need it to enjoy this book.
I was hooked instantly, this book literally has it all...action, romance, sass, wittiness and of course a super hot alpha male.
Lucy is the perfect heroine for me, I loved her sass, stubbornness and love of shoes. (What girls don't love shoes?) straight off she was the type of girl I'd be bff's with.
Lucy is close with the sons of Templar MC and follows a strict dating code...she no longer believes in love! Can Keltan change that though?
Keltan is our alpha male hero, I loved his character and he was exactly the type of hero that makes a good book. He says all the right things, is a hot badass and doesn't scare away easily.
Together they bounce of each other and had me laughing out loud throughout the book, my favourite line being "what the fuck are you doing at a murder scene, Lucy?" "There was nothing good on at the movies" I shot back.
The story was full of action, twists and turns, I was never bored reading it and couldn't put it down. It's a definite must read and I can't wait to read more of this series.
Still waters is the first book in Anne's Greenstone Security Series and a spin off from her sons of Templar series.
If you have read the Sons of Templar series you will already have met Lucy and Keltan. I hadn't read any books by Anne before so didn't have their background, but I didn't need it to enjoy this book.
I was hooked instantly, this book literally has it all...action, romance, sass, wittiness and of course a super hot alpha male.
Lucy is the perfect heroine for me, I loved her sass, stubbornness and love of shoes. (What girls don't love shoes?) straight off she was the type of girl I'd be bff's with.
Lucy is close with the sons of Templar MC and follows a strict dating code...she no longer believes in love! Can Keltan change that though?
Keltan is our alpha male hero, I loved his character and he was exactly the type of hero that makes a good book. He says all the right things, is a hot badass and doesn't scare away easily.
Together they bounce of each other and had me laughing out loud throughout the book, my favourite line being "what the fuck are you doing at a murder scene, Lucy?" "There was nothing good on at the movies" I shot back.
The story was full of action, twists and turns, I was never bored reading it and couldn't put it down. It's a definite must read and I can't wait to read more of this series.
February 15, 2023
Slow burn
This was such an entertaining read. Lucy was hilarious and Kiltan was an over the top possessive hero. Ex military, working in security, he was all kinds of hotness. There was instant attraction (especially with Kiltan) He wanted to own Lucy immediately. Lucy took a lot longer to come around and this dragged a bit for me, but still a good read.
This was such an entertaining read. Lucy was hilarious and Kiltan was an over the top possessive hero. Ex military, working in security, he was all kinds of hotness. There was instant attraction (especially with Kiltan) He wanted to own Lucy immediately. Lucy took a lot longer to come around and this dragged a bit for me, but still a good read.
April 1, 2017
This book was broken into 2 Parts. So I'm gonna do reviews on both parts.
Part 1
3 stars
I won't lie and say that Part 1 was good from the first page, because it was a very slow build up. Like it's the last chapter where I finally had feelings towards the characters. Lol. I felt like Lucy's back life story should have been told sooner. I kept questioning what happened to her to make her be closed off to the guys. I did enjoy her character and love for shoes. Keltan sounds like a whole lot of yumminess. Ex army man that lost his best friend in war. Keltan also owns his own security detail business in LA the City of Angels. He comes into town to look after his buddies sister. That was his request. He didn't expect to meet Lucy and fall for her. Keltan wants Lucy to leave the club. She's not a member but their family. Yeah she's had some accidents in this part.... shooting at a club gathering and her best friends car got blown up with them a few feet away. She draws the line with that though. She would never turn her back from them. Keltan isn't a part of the club so he doesn't understand. I'm just wondering who's pulling these hits on the girls. Hopefully I'll find out in part 2.
Part2
5 stars
In Part 2 you find out that the perp was caught that tried to blow the girls up in Part 1. You don't find out why. She is now in LA and is a journalist.Part 2 starts with Lucy in a closet scared that she's about to be murdered. Beings that's exactly what she walked in on. The lady she was meant to interview for her fashion article had gotten her throat slit. And guess who's security detail happened to show up at the scene..... yup Keltans. Now Keltan is determined to be in Lucy's life. It's a good thing that these 2 have been thrown together because Lucy is prone to people trying to kill her. The 2nd part is filled with action. She had a Colombian drug lord coming after her because she stumbled on to some interesting intel. Its main focus was on the relationship between Keltan and Lucy though and not running anymore. I would say it was a HEA for Keltan and Lucy but I'm sure you will read more about them in the coming books along with learning more about relationships from the other characters in this story. Over all I enjoyed the book once I got passed the beginning-Mandi
Part 1
3 stars
I won't lie and say that Part 1 was good from the first page, because it was a very slow build up. Like it's the last chapter where I finally had feelings towards the characters. Lol. I felt like Lucy's back life story should have been told sooner. I kept questioning what happened to her to make her be closed off to the guys. I did enjoy her character and love for shoes. Keltan sounds like a whole lot of yumminess. Ex army man that lost his best friend in war. Keltan also owns his own security detail business in LA the City of Angels. He comes into town to look after his buddies sister. That was his request. He didn't expect to meet Lucy and fall for her. Keltan wants Lucy to leave the club. She's not a member but their family. Yeah she's had some accidents in this part.... shooting at a club gathering and her best friends car got blown up with them a few feet away. She draws the line with that though. She would never turn her back from them. Keltan isn't a part of the club so he doesn't understand. I'm just wondering who's pulling these hits on the girls. Hopefully I'll find out in part 2.
Part2
5 stars
In Part 2 you find out that the perp was caught that tried to blow the girls up in Part 1. You don't find out why. She is now in LA and is a journalist.Part 2 starts with Lucy in a closet scared that she's about to be murdered. Beings that's exactly what she walked in on. The lady she was meant to interview for her fashion article had gotten her throat slit. And guess who's security detail happened to show up at the scene..... yup Keltans. Now Keltan is determined to be in Lucy's life. It's a good thing that these 2 have been thrown together because Lucy is prone to people trying to kill her. The 2nd part is filled with action. She had a Colombian drug lord coming after her because she stumbled on to some interesting intel. Its main focus was on the relationship between Keltan and Lucy though and not running anymore. I would say it was a HEA for Keltan and Lucy but I'm sure you will read more about them in the coming books along with learning more about relationships from the other characters in this story. Over all I enjoyed the book once I got passed the beginning-Mandi
February 26, 2018
If you're looking for an Alpha male with the patience of a saint, look no further than Keltan. The woman that brings out all his crazy, chaotic tendencies, Lucy has crazy and chaos of her own, in spades. This is the first in the Greenstone Security Series but the characters are not new, they are tied to The Sons of Templar and will be familiar to you if you've read that series. If not, no worries, you get the full story of Keltan and Lucy, all the angst, testosterone (from both of them, lol) and definitely the heat. Anne Malcom does not disappoint, just another reason she is a one-click author for me.
August 27, 2018
Still Waters
I am so pumped to be back in this world! After reading the Sons of Templar series, I am just so connected to these characters. They feel like friends and family. I feel their pain, ya know? Lucy and Kelton’s story is awesome! Kelton is so freaking dreamy! I love him and his instant infatuation with Lucy. So, so hot! I can’t wait to read more in this series. I have been dying for Rosie for so long!
I am so pumped to be back in this world! After reading the Sons of Templar series, I am just so connected to these characters. They feel like friends and family. I feel their pain, ya know? Lucy and Kelton’s story is awesome! Kelton is so freaking dreamy! I love him and his instant infatuation with Lucy. So, so hot! I can’t wait to read more in this series. I have been dying for Rosie for so long!
September 6, 2018
Excellent read!!
March 18, 2017
4.5 stars
Review to come later
Review to come later
March 30, 2017
So, slight confession...I have read the Sons of Templar and Unquiet Mind in the weirdest order...
I was actually introduced to Anne Malcom through The Unquiet Mind Series and I swear to god - I have never looked back!
Anne Malcom has this amazing ability to draw me into the lives of her characters with such depth that sometimes I'm almost surprised, when I put the book down, that I wasn't in the story myself!
I get so lost in her words and the characters she creates!
Still Waters was absolutely no exception to this!
I first met Kelton in An Unquiet Mind and even back then you could just tell that there was so much more to him!
He was intriguing and I definately wanted more!
If you're looking for an author who manages to connect her books and characters seamlessly then look no further.
The way the characters from each of the books intertwine is just beautiful...and like me, if you haven't read the books in the order they are meant to be read, it doesn't matter!
You are still able to follow the trials and tribulations of each couple with ease.
Still Waters follows the pull between Lucy and Kelton - two characters drawn to other with an undeniable chemistry!
I love me an alpha who knows who he wants and makes no apologies in going it!
The level of protectiveness that Anne brings to all her boys is palpable and done in such a way that, if you read one of her books and DON'T want one of them for yourself then there is seriously something wrong with you!
I love immersing myself in tales filled to the brim with angst and passion, where I am devouring the pages because I need to know what happens next and Still Waters is just that!
Second chances are my Achilles heel and if I am completely honest there is just something so gut wrenching about a love lost that can be found again...where time has no meaning to the ebb and flow of a connection between two people that cannot be destroyed and is too strong to ever fade away.
Once again I feel like Anne Malcom has answered the call of my heart with the strength of emotions her words are able to conjure...like The Sons of Templar and The Unquiet Mind Duet, these are the characters whose books I never really want to end!
Anne Malcom writes the fuck out of everything she creates!
She's like my own private 5 star Chef who manages to make the most amazing 5 course meals! Because even after I have gorged myself on all her amazing goodness, even after I am overflowing in fullness...she always manages to make me come back for more!
5+ stars
I was actually introduced to Anne Malcom through The Unquiet Mind Series and I swear to god - I have never looked back!
Anne Malcom has this amazing ability to draw me into the lives of her characters with such depth that sometimes I'm almost surprised, when I put the book down, that I wasn't in the story myself!
I get so lost in her words and the characters she creates!
Still Waters was absolutely no exception to this!
I first met Kelton in An Unquiet Mind and even back then you could just tell that there was so much more to him!
He was intriguing and I definately wanted more!
If you're looking for an author who manages to connect her books and characters seamlessly then look no further.
The way the characters from each of the books intertwine is just beautiful...and like me, if you haven't read the books in the order they are meant to be read, it doesn't matter!
You are still able to follow the trials and tribulations of each couple with ease.
Still Waters follows the pull between Lucy and Kelton - two characters drawn to other with an undeniable chemistry!
I love me an alpha who knows who he wants and makes no apologies in going it!
The level of protectiveness that Anne brings to all her boys is palpable and done in such a way that, if you read one of her books and DON'T want one of them for yourself then there is seriously something wrong with you!
I love immersing myself in tales filled to the brim with angst and passion, where I am devouring the pages because I need to know what happens next and Still Waters is just that!
Second chances are my Achilles heel and if I am completely honest there is just something so gut wrenching about a love lost that can be found again...where time has no meaning to the ebb and flow of a connection between two people that cannot be destroyed and is too strong to ever fade away.
Once again I feel like Anne Malcom has answered the call of my heart with the strength of emotions her words are able to conjure...like The Sons of Templar and The Unquiet Mind Duet, these are the characters whose books I never really want to end!
Anne Malcom writes the fuck out of everything she creates!
She's like my own private 5 star Chef who manages to make the most amazing 5 course meals! Because even after I have gorged myself on all her amazing goodness, even after I am overflowing in fullness...she always manages to make me come back for more!
5+ stars
July 26, 2019
I was super excited to start Anne Malcolm's Greenstone security series as her books have become akin to kindle crack for me. I love her strong, sassy heroines and her oh so alpha heroes. Lord did she deliver with Keltan. He was absolutely delish! Boy was this story such an amazing start to the series!
Gah! Lucy and Keltan are amazing. He was hot and fiery but so patient and alpha. I loved him so much and how he gave Lucy the time to find herself and back to him. Lucy likewise was sassy, spunky and fabulous and the perfect match to Keltan. Their banter was addicting and the spitfire back and forth really highlighted their hot and sexy relationship. I am so excited for more in this series, especially Rosie and Polly's books! 4 stars! ~Ratula
Gah! Lucy and Keltan are amazing. He was hot and fiery but so patient and alpha. I loved him so much and how he gave Lucy the time to find herself and back to him. Lucy likewise was sassy, spunky and fabulous and the perfect match to Keltan. Their banter was addicting and the spitfire back and forth really highlighted their hot and sexy relationship. I am so excited for more in this series, especially Rosie and Polly's books! 4 stars! ~Ratula
December 11, 2017
I’ve read the other books, and loved them. But, this just wasn’t doing it for me. So much so, that I couldn’t even finish it. It was too drawn out with unnecessary descriptions and stupidity. Also, I really did not like Keltan and especially Lucy. Those characters just annoyed the shit out me. That’s it, no other explanation needed.
April 10, 2017
I hate to even push two stars for such a fabulous author... but I just couldn't. The heroine annoyed me...she was the definition of stubborn for no reason and TSTL. I am not giving up on the series though...the bits for Polly (the heroine's sister) and Rosie (the bff) were very, very intriguing.
hell-fucking-no
March 30, 2017Safety info anyone?
December 16, 2018
I know a lot of people love this author. I umm. I don't know. This is the second book by her that I've read. It's not for me. Sorry.
August 23, 2020
Ok before I jump into this series I just need to say... I'm pretty sure me and Anne are soul sisters. Like seriously as soon as the mention of carrot cake was made I was lost. Like you have no idea how precious that was. Then vikings and leather and beautiful shoes. Gone. Done...
I love everything about this story and the total concept of this series. I am not a fan of angst but specifically unnecessary angst and bullshit is a huge trigger for me that makes me want to launch my kindle into the stratosphere. However what I can deal with is reality. So whilst this book isn't unnecessary angsty it is very much a giant angst fest. Anne even offers warning in her author's note. This is insta love, but it's not the kind you're used to.
Lucy is my kind of chick. The woman that fakes till she makes it burying the fears beneath what appears to be a tonne of confidence and a sharp tongue that cuts many. Now don't be mistaken she is strong but almost too strong, too independent and most definitely scarred. See life hasn't been easy for her and instead of dealing, she did what most strong willed stubborn females do.. she hid the scars well and wore her crazy like a mask. It wasn't easy to see beneath it because she wouldn't allow vulnerability to cripple everything she's so skilfully built. Until him, until kismet.
Keltan is the absolute definition of a alpha hero. He's dominating and all consuming but he balances it well with his sweet attentiveness. This is a man who seen his fate and accepted it for what it was. It's rare that you read a man so fully accepting and wanting of it straight off the bat but I like that he went for it with all good intentions. He didn't fuck around. Thing is despite his want he too had his own demons lurking, ones that made loving someone who's scarred like him hard because it made his own fears come to life.
These two characters are both scarred from pasts that very much haunt their present. They are consumed with eachother but even that's not enough to fix what's broken. They lived hard lessons through their journey but the biggest one was learning that they had to heal themselves before they could begin to heal one another. It not pretty, their story is insta love because they recognised what they were to eachother straight away... kismet. However that didn't mean that they just live HEA. Keltan and Lucy had a long tough and frustrating journey of heartbreak, pain, self healing and a good dose of reality. Their journey was every bit real and imperfectly perfect as two humans can be. They made mistakes, they even got in they way of themselves and had to sink before they could swim again. It was raw and real but it was every bit authenticity them and their story.
Now whilst like I said its angsty and emotionally raw and takes you on a complete rollercoaster. It's also all kinds of sweet and swoon worthy. It's at times hilariousl with all the crazy dysfunctional family shenanigans and banter and bickering. It's also crazy hot. Like no joke the tension are HIGH and those sensual moments sure do have you all up in your feels.
Their journey is definitely one of growth. Both of them evolve as their journey unfolds and sometimes it's not in the way you want but in order for them to get to the end they had to fall a few times and learn from that to grow. They had to learn to sink so they could swim. So that they could bask in still waters instead of getting lost drowning in the chaos.
I loved their journey even if at times I hated it. Everything in this book means something for some reason that makes sense by the end. I connected to every bit of this story because it's real life. Not every romance it's hearts and flowers especially in real life and Anne really did a phenomenal job of writing their story in a way that feel every bit as real as you yourself. It's a beautiful disaster.. the kind that hurts because let's face it, reality fucking hurts sometimes. But that's what makes this book, their journey so fucking precious because even after everything they persevered and they survived it, they survived eachother and found a way to float in still waters together.
I love everything about this story and the total concept of this series. I am not a fan of angst but specifically unnecessary angst and bullshit is a huge trigger for me that makes me want to launch my kindle into the stratosphere. However what I can deal with is reality. So whilst this book isn't unnecessary angsty it is very much a giant angst fest. Anne even offers warning in her author's note. This is insta love, but it's not the kind you're used to.
Lucy is my kind of chick. The woman that fakes till she makes it burying the fears beneath what appears to be a tonne of confidence and a sharp tongue that cuts many. Now don't be mistaken she is strong but almost too strong, too independent and most definitely scarred. See life hasn't been easy for her and instead of dealing, she did what most strong willed stubborn females do.. she hid the scars well and wore her crazy like a mask. It wasn't easy to see beneath it because she wouldn't allow vulnerability to cripple everything she's so skilfully built. Until him, until kismet.
Keltan is the absolute definition of a alpha hero. He's dominating and all consuming but he balances it well with his sweet attentiveness. This is a man who seen his fate and accepted it for what it was. It's rare that you read a man so fully accepting and wanting of it straight off the bat but I like that he went for it with all good intentions. He didn't fuck around. Thing is despite his want he too had his own demons lurking, ones that made loving someone who's scarred like him hard because it made his own fears come to life.
These two characters are both scarred from pasts that very much haunt their present. They are consumed with eachother but even that's not enough to fix what's broken. They lived hard lessons through their journey but the biggest one was learning that they had to heal themselves before they could begin to heal one another. It not pretty, their story is insta love because they recognised what they were to eachother straight away... kismet. However that didn't mean that they just live HEA. Keltan and Lucy had a long tough and frustrating journey of heartbreak, pain, self healing and a good dose of reality. Their journey was every bit real and imperfectly perfect as two humans can be. They made mistakes, they even got in they way of themselves and had to sink before they could swim again. It was raw and real but it was every bit authenticity them and their story.
Now whilst like I said its angsty and emotionally raw and takes you on a complete rollercoaster. It's also all kinds of sweet and swoon worthy. It's at times hilariousl with all the crazy dysfunctional family shenanigans and banter and bickering. It's also crazy hot. Like no joke the tension are HIGH and those sensual moments sure do have you all up in your feels.
Their journey is definitely one of growth. Both of them evolve as their journey unfolds and sometimes it's not in the way you want but in order for them to get to the end they had to fall a few times and learn from that to grow. They had to learn to sink so they could swim. So that they could bask in still waters instead of getting lost drowning in the chaos.
I loved their journey even if at times I hated it. Everything in this book means something for some reason that makes sense by the end. I connected to every bit of this story because it's real life. Not every romance it's hearts and flowers especially in real life and Anne really did a phenomenal job of writing their story in a way that feel every bit as real as you yourself. It's a beautiful disaster.. the kind that hurts because let's face it, reality fucking hurts sometimes. But that's what makes this book, their journey so fucking precious because even after everything they persevered and they survived it, they survived eachother and found a way to float in still waters together.
April 1, 2017
Still Waters is the first book in the new series, Greenstone Security.
Lucy has lived amongst the chaos of The Sons of Templar MC for most of her life but she classes them as family. Having dealt with violence twice in the past it was the Sons who gave her the security she craved. But then enters Keltan who becomes the catalyst of the change in her life. Although it takes the pair a long time to get to there.
Keltan is a hot Kiwi soldier who is now making his home in the US. When he sets eyes on the classy and beautiful woman at the clubhouse party he just knows she is the one for him. So begins his pursuit of Lucy.
I really liked Keltan and he sounded absolutely delish but I just could not gel with Lucy. In fact she frustrated the hell out of me. The way she kept pushing Keltan away was so annoying and at times immature. I did like their banter in the emails and text but then when the childishness kicked in I was rolling my eyes like a googly eyed monster.
The storyline was very slow going, especially at the start and for the life of me I could just not understand Lucy’s reluctance and her inner turmoil. Yes I appreciated what she went through as a young child and then as a teenager with abusive relationships but she is a grown woman who gives as good as she takes so I could not grasp her two steps forward, three steps back dance she had going on with Keltan. Maybe with not reading the series she was in before I have missed something.
I love the idea of the series and the hot men of the Greenstone Security. I just wished Lucy could have been different and that I liked her so I could have engaged with the story more. Overall it was frustratingly slow going, with little connection (even though there was a whole lot of passion and erotic behaviour going on) but I did keep on until the end. Three stars.
ARC kindly provided by the author to Foxylutely Books blog in exchange for an honest review
Lucy has lived amongst the chaos of The Sons of Templar MC for most of her life but she classes them as family. Having dealt with violence twice in the past it was the Sons who gave her the security she craved. But then enters Keltan who becomes the catalyst of the change in her life. Although it takes the pair a long time to get to there.
Keltan is a hot Kiwi soldier who is now making his home in the US. When he sets eyes on the classy and beautiful woman at the clubhouse party he just knows she is the one for him. So begins his pursuit of Lucy.
I really liked Keltan and he sounded absolutely delish but I just could not gel with Lucy. In fact she frustrated the hell out of me. The way she kept pushing Keltan away was so annoying and at times immature. I did like their banter in the emails and text but then when the childishness kicked in I was rolling my eyes like a googly eyed monster.
The storyline was very slow going, especially at the start and for the life of me I could just not understand Lucy’s reluctance and her inner turmoil. Yes I appreciated what she went through as a young child and then as a teenager with abusive relationships but she is a grown woman who gives as good as she takes so I could not grasp her two steps forward, three steps back dance she had going on with Keltan. Maybe with not reading the series she was in before I have missed something.
I love the idea of the series and the hot men of the Greenstone Security. I just wished Lucy could have been different and that I liked her so I could have engaged with the story more. Overall it was frustratingly slow going, with little connection (even though there was a whole lot of passion and erotic behaviour going on) but I did keep on until the end. Three stars.
ARC kindly provided by the author to Foxylutely Books blog in exchange for an honest review
March 31, 2017
3.5 stars
Lucy has had a hard life and a fair amount of trauma. She is extremely closed off and is convinced she can out run her demons. Keltan is a soldier that meets Lucy and it is love at first sight for him. Keltan is definitely a case of the alpha male falling hard and knowing that Lucy is it for him. But Lucy isn’t ready for Keltan and pushes him away. He gives her the space she wants because he knows she is just going to keep running anyway. They end up crossing paths again when a story she is covering brings her to LA where Keltan runs his security business. He discovers she was at the scene of a crime and he steps in.
For the most part I enjoyed this story but the beginning really dragged for me. If you love overbearing alpha males, you will love Keltan. He is determined to have Lucy in his life no matter what. He just wants her to stop running. Lucy was frustrating and I hope this isn’t a trend with the future heroines in this series. It is hard to connect with a heroine’s POV when she starts to annoy you because she can’t get her head on straight. The constant push and pull was excruciating. I liked the murder mystery and I am looking forward to more books. Hopefully Heath and Luke’s story.
* advance copy provided for a voluntary review*
Lucy has had a hard life and a fair amount of trauma. She is extremely closed off and is convinced she can out run her demons. Keltan is a soldier that meets Lucy and it is love at first sight for him. Keltan is definitely a case of the alpha male falling hard and knowing that Lucy is it for him. But Lucy isn’t ready for Keltan and pushes him away. He gives her the space she wants because he knows she is just going to keep running anyway. They end up crossing paths again when a story she is covering brings her to LA where Keltan runs his security business. He discovers she was at the scene of a crime and he steps in.
For the most part I enjoyed this story but the beginning really dragged for me. If you love overbearing alpha males, you will love Keltan. He is determined to have Lucy in his life no matter what. He just wants her to stop running. Lucy was frustrating and I hope this isn’t a trend with the future heroines in this series. It is hard to connect with a heroine’s POV when she starts to annoy you because she can’t get her head on straight. The constant push and pull was excruciating. I liked the murder mystery and I am looking forward to more books. Hopefully Heath and Luke’s story.
* advance copy provided for a voluntary review*
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