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Soulmates #5
Out of Bounds
I thought he was joking when he asked me out.
It was only after I laughed in his face that I realized he was serious.
But what was I supposed to do? It was my first day of high school, and I was already on the verge of a breakdown. The last thing I was prepared for was attention from boys like him… Popular boys with wide smiles and sparkly eyes and hair worthy of its own magazine spread.
I’d always been invisible to guys like that.
But the moment was fleeting, and as soon as I laughed at him, I went back to being invisible... as did the debilitating crush I had on him.
Looking back, though, that split second probably altered the course of my whole life.
The inappropriate, relentless feelings I had for him gave me insight into the angst and unrequited love that featured time and time again in the books I loved most, books that always seemed to be about people who were forced to hide their deepest desires.
I loved stories and words before that moment, but when Luke Hudson looked at me like I was the only girl in the room, everything changed. It made me feel like my life was a story, a story worth telling.
Of course, like all the most interesting fantasies, mine had to be kept secret, so I distracted myself by studying and sharing the stories of others.
But I never stopped wondering what would happen if I turned the page on my own.
I didn’t dare, though, because I knew there were only two ways in which the most wonderful love stories could end: ecstatic happiness or pitiless tragedy.
And I wasn’t sure I could handle either of them. So I kept my curious feelings to myself and did my best to keep Luke in the dark.
But like all athletes, his persistence was hard to compete with, and it seemed no matter where I tried to hide, he’d always come find me…and turn the light on.
**Authors note: This standalone romantic comedy contains no cliffhanger, no cheating, and an ending that will leave you smiling so hard it hurts.
It was only after I laughed in his face that I realized he was serious.
But what was I supposed to do? It was my first day of high school, and I was already on the verge of a breakdown. The last thing I was prepared for was attention from boys like him… Popular boys with wide smiles and sparkly eyes and hair worthy of its own magazine spread.
I’d always been invisible to guys like that.
But the moment was fleeting, and as soon as I laughed at him, I went back to being invisible... as did the debilitating crush I had on him.
Looking back, though, that split second probably altered the course of my whole life.
The inappropriate, relentless feelings I had for him gave me insight into the angst and unrequited love that featured time and time again in the books I loved most, books that always seemed to be about people who were forced to hide their deepest desires.
I loved stories and words before that moment, but when Luke Hudson looked at me like I was the only girl in the room, everything changed. It made me feel like my life was a story, a story worth telling.
Of course, like all the most interesting fantasies, mine had to be kept secret, so I distracted myself by studying and sharing the stories of others.
But I never stopped wondering what would happen if I turned the page on my own.
I didn’t dare, though, because I knew there were only two ways in which the most wonderful love stories could end: ecstatic happiness or pitiless tragedy.
And I wasn’t sure I could handle either of them. So I kept my curious feelings to myself and did my best to keep Luke in the dark.
But like all athletes, his persistence was hard to compete with, and it seemed no matter where I tried to hide, he’d always come find me…and turn the light on.
**Authors note: This standalone romantic comedy contains no cliffhanger, no cheating, and an ending that will leave you smiling so hard it hurts.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2017
546 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Hazel Kelly
57 books811 followersHazel Kelly is an Amazon bestselling author who writes sweet and steamy romance that will make you smile all over.
When she's not traveling the globe in search of cozy hammocks to write in, she enjoys tackling her tbr list with a nice big glass of anything will do. She lives in Dublin with her favorite Irishman and their three-legged cat.
For updates (and warm fuzzies!) follow Hazel on:
Instagram➜ www.instagram.com/hazelkellyauthor
And join her Inner Circle @ ➜ www.hazelkelly.com/innercircle
When she's not traveling the globe in search of cozy hammocks to write in, she enjoys tackling her tbr list with a nice big glass of anything will do. She lives in Dublin with her favorite Irishman and their three-legged cat.
For updates (and warm fuzzies!) follow Hazel on:
Instagram➜ www.instagram.com/hazelkellyauthor
And join her Inner Circle @ ➜ www.hazelkelly.com/innercircle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 8, 2017
As soon as I read the blurb on this I knew I'd like it.
Luke was a total sweetheart who had a crush on Rosie back in high school. When he gets the nerve to ask her out she laughs in his face sort of thinking it was a joke because of how different they were. Luke was embarrassed and always wanted to date her even up into college. He finally gets his chance and you can see just how perfect these two fit. They complement each other perfectly. There were not many sexy scenes in this book but the ones that were there were good. I give them 3 out of 5.
These books are super cute. I have skipped over many of the because i didn't see them interconnecting.
Luke was a total sweetheart who had a crush on Rosie back in high school. When he gets the nerve to ask her out she laughs in his face sort of thinking it was a joke because of how different they were. Luke was embarrassed and always wanted to date her even up into college. He finally gets his chance and you can see just how perfect these two fit. They complement each other perfectly. There were not many sexy scenes in this book but the ones that were there were good. I give them 3 out of 5.
These books are super cute. I have skipped over many of the because i didn't see them interconnecting.
May 5, 2017
My first read by Hazel Kelly and I was totally captivated by it! Luke and Rosie are great characters who are young and in love in this sweet and hot romance. Their young high school crush turns into the perfect romance in college as they work to achieve their dreams. The ending was perfect and I hated for their story to end. I will definitely be reading more books by this author!
May 13, 2017
Soulmates
I honestly could not stop reading. I think any girl who reads this book can put themselves in Rosie's shoes of liking the cute guy from afar. And wishing for a second chance when it comes to a guy you could totally see a future with. Hazel Kelly is an amazing writer an I can not wait to read more of her work.
I honestly could not stop reading. I think any girl who reads this book can put themselves in Rosie's shoes of liking the cute guy from afar. And wishing for a second chance when it comes to a guy you could totally see a future with. Hazel Kelly is an amazing writer an I can not wait to read more of her work.
October 19, 2017
Sweet
Maybe the best approach is to let attraction age. This story of soulmates who have watched from afar for four years explodes when they give themselves a chance. There are some lessons along the way about forgiveness and courage, but mostly it is just an old fashioned love story in modern times.
Maybe the best approach is to let attraction age. This story of soulmates who have watched from afar for four years explodes when they give themselves a chance. There are some lessons along the way about forgiveness and courage, but mostly it is just an old fashioned love story in modern times.
September 12, 2018
I couldn’t love this book more
This is the first time I have ever read anything by this author, but I am absolutely about to go one click a few more! I adored everything about Luke and Rosie’s story. Ahhh the feels. It was sweet, sexy, funny, romantic and heartbreaking in the best way possible.
This is the first time I have ever read anything by this author, but I am absolutely about to go one click a few more! I adored everything about Luke and Rosie’s story. Ahhh the feels. It was sweet, sexy, funny, romantic and heartbreaking in the best way possible.
July 17, 2020
There are references of alcoholism, domestic abuse, unprotected sex and use of the morning-after pill.
This was a gem, complete with witty bantering and low drama.
Rosie’s first year of high school, a handsome boy approached her, he was by far the most handsome boy she’d ever seen, but she didn’t feel socially adept to overcome her awkwardness. She didn’t really know how to react placed in that position.
“Can I ask you something?” he asked, I pushed my glasses up my nose like I might be able to hear him better if I could see him better, too.
“What?”
“I was wondering if you would go out with me? Excuse me?”
“Will you go out with me?”
“Go out where?”
“No, like, be my girlfriend”.
She laughed, nervous laughter, but it was unmistakable. And too loud. His face fell. “Oh, you’re serious?”
He sat upright. “I was, yeah.”
“Oh.”
“I guess that’s a no,” My cheeks burst into flames. When he sat down across the room, I noticed that his cheeks were red, too, and as his friends teased him, my stomach curled into a tight knot.
He didn’t talk to her much after that but avoided her from that point onward and even dated her best friend, Nikki.
They maintained a copious blood alcohol level many times and the skinny dipping lake scene, complete with glow sticks and sex in the mud.
“My roommate’s kind of a slob.”
“My roommate’s invisible,”
“Please, have a seat.” “
“Did you say your roommate’s invisible?”
“I’ve only seen her once, and I have no idea where she’s sleeping.”
“You don’t like orange juice?”
“Actually, orange juice is my favorite but—” My mouth curled into a smile.
“You still think I have cooties.”
“If all you’ve got is cooties, I’d be very surprised.”
“Ouch, tell me how you really feel.”
“I was blatantly chugging from the carton when you showed up. How about a Gatorade?”
“I’m not the manslut you think I am, by the way. In answer to your totally patronizing cooties comment.”
“I’m sure that’s none of my concern.”
“It almost sounded like you actually liked football.” “I do like football.” “Really?” I asked. “What’s your favorite part of the game?” “The part where all the players run onto the field in their tight pants”.
Nikki, Rose’s best friend was a charming addition to the cast of misfits...
“Right. Well, you want to come out tonight?”
“I’ll see how I feel later.” She groaned.
“You know sometimes you have to go out first and feel like it second.” “I’m trying to pace myself, Nik. We’ve got four years of partying ahead of us.” She rolled her eyes. “Well, by all means let me know when you’d like to get started.” “Fine. Maybe I’ll come out for a few drinks.” “Yay!” she said, clapping again. “
“Hey, maybe we’ll find you a man tonight.”
“I’m not really down with that being part of the plan. I don’t need the distraction frankly.
As if I wanted one of my teammates’ sloppy seconds. There was a room upstairs just for that purpose so the guys who lived in the house didn’t have to share their personal spaces. And I couldn’t blame them. But I was about as interested in having a threesome with those girls as I was in licking those community bedsheets. “What position do you play, Luke?”
“Cleaner,”
“Cleaner?” She crinkled her nose. “I’ve never heard of that one before.”
“Really?” I asked. “I’m surprised. It’s a really important position.” They each tilted an ear towards me, filling my personal space with the smell of cheap perfume. “Basically, it’s my job to clean the footballs after practice so they’re easier to throw and catch.” Their faces dropped.
“I also wash the guys’ uniforms so they sparkle on game day,” I said. “I’m sort of a wizard when it comes to OxiClean.” They looked at each other. “What about you guys?” I asked. “What are you studying?” They made an excuse to leave before they’d even answered the question.
The moral of the story contains a caveat of love conquering all, despite parental disapproval, alcoholism, despair over a mother that is frozen in a situation unable to realise her self-worth and two people set on their respective career goals but fall in love along the way.
“I need to get good grades so I can land a sick job at a reputable news station out of college. Then, when I’m twenty-eight, I’ll find a man.” And maybe—if my career and love life were in a secure enough place—I’d try for a baby a few years later…assuming I actually met someone who made putting myself through all that discomfort worthwhile.
This was a gem, complete with witty bantering and low drama.
Rosie’s first year of high school, a handsome boy approached her, he was by far the most handsome boy she’d ever seen, but she didn’t feel socially adept to overcome her awkwardness. She didn’t really know how to react placed in that position.
“Can I ask you something?” he asked, I pushed my glasses up my nose like I might be able to hear him better if I could see him better, too.
“What?”
“I was wondering if you would go out with me? Excuse me?”
“Will you go out with me?”
“Go out where?”
“No, like, be my girlfriend”.
She laughed, nervous laughter, but it was unmistakable. And too loud. His face fell. “Oh, you’re serious?”
He sat upright. “I was, yeah.”
“Oh.”
“I guess that’s a no,” My cheeks burst into flames. When he sat down across the room, I noticed that his cheeks were red, too, and as his friends teased him, my stomach curled into a tight knot.
He didn’t talk to her much after that but avoided her from that point onward and even dated her best friend, Nikki.
They maintained a copious blood alcohol level many times and the skinny dipping lake scene, complete with glow sticks and sex in the mud.
“My roommate’s kind of a slob.”
“My roommate’s invisible,”
“Please, have a seat.” “
“Did you say your roommate’s invisible?”
“I’ve only seen her once, and I have no idea where she’s sleeping.”
“You don’t like orange juice?”
“Actually, orange juice is my favorite but—” My mouth curled into a smile.
“You still think I have cooties.”
“If all you’ve got is cooties, I’d be very surprised.”
“Ouch, tell me how you really feel.”
“I was blatantly chugging from the carton when you showed up. How about a Gatorade?”
“I’m not the manslut you think I am, by the way. In answer to your totally patronizing cooties comment.”
“I’m sure that’s none of my concern.”
“It almost sounded like you actually liked football.” “I do like football.” “Really?” I asked. “What’s your favorite part of the game?” “The part where all the players run onto the field in their tight pants”.
Nikki, Rose’s best friend was a charming addition to the cast of misfits...
“Right. Well, you want to come out tonight?”
“I’ll see how I feel later.” She groaned.
“You know sometimes you have to go out first and feel like it second.” “I’m trying to pace myself, Nik. We’ve got four years of partying ahead of us.” She rolled her eyes. “Well, by all means let me know when you’d like to get started.” “Fine. Maybe I’ll come out for a few drinks.” “Yay!” she said, clapping again. “
“Hey, maybe we’ll find you a man tonight.”
“I’m not really down with that being part of the plan. I don’t need the distraction frankly.
As if I wanted one of my teammates’ sloppy seconds. There was a room upstairs just for that purpose so the guys who lived in the house didn’t have to share their personal spaces. And I couldn’t blame them. But I was about as interested in having a threesome with those girls as I was in licking those community bedsheets. “What position do you play, Luke?”
“Cleaner,”
“Cleaner?” She crinkled her nose. “I’ve never heard of that one before.”
“Really?” I asked. “I’m surprised. It’s a really important position.” They each tilted an ear towards me, filling my personal space with the smell of cheap perfume. “Basically, it’s my job to clean the footballs after practice so they’re easier to throw and catch.” Their faces dropped.
“I also wash the guys’ uniforms so they sparkle on game day,” I said. “I’m sort of a wizard when it comes to OxiClean.” They looked at each other. “What about you guys?” I asked. “What are you studying?” They made an excuse to leave before they’d even answered the question.
The moral of the story contains a caveat of love conquering all, despite parental disapproval, alcoholism, despair over a mother that is frozen in a situation unable to realise her self-worth and two people set on their respective career goals but fall in love along the way.
“I need to get good grades so I can land a sick job at a reputable news station out of college. Then, when I’m twenty-eight, I’ll find a man.” And maybe—if my career and love life were in a secure enough place—I’d try for a baby a few years later…assuming I actually met someone who made putting myself through all that discomfort worthwhile.
May 4, 2017
When I heard there was going to be another book in the Soulmates series I was honestly shocked, to be fair I had no idea when it would be releasing as I haven’t read anything in this series for a few months now, but you can imagine the shock on my face when I saw the release date. I honestly couldn’t wait to pick it up and give it a read, I have enjoyed all the previous books in this series and I really love Hazel Kelly’s writing style. As always this book was written perfectly, I loved how things developed between the two characters.
Rosie and Luke have such a history that you wouldn’t expect, you would have that they had already been together and that things ended in a bad way, however that is not the case. They both have huge feelings for each other, yet whilst Luke is happy to admit them and try his hardest to show Rosie how much he likes her, she is so withdrawn and tries her hardest to keep away, yet she secretly can’t help having a huge crush on him. Years before Luke actually asked her out, but in spite of nerves instead of saying yes or no to him, Rosie laughed in his face and that resulted in him walking away crushed. Yet here they are 4 years later, at the same college, will they both managed to work things out this time or is it set to be over before it’s began.
Rosie and Luke have such a history that you wouldn’t expect, you would have that they had already been together and that things ended in a bad way, however that is not the case. They both have huge feelings for each other, yet whilst Luke is happy to admit them and try his hardest to show Rosie how much he likes her, she is so withdrawn and tries her hardest to keep away, yet she secretly can’t help having a huge crush on him. Years before Luke actually asked her out, but in spite of nerves instead of saying yes or no to him, Rosie laughed in his face and that resulted in him walking away crushed. Yet here they are 4 years later, at the same college, will they both managed to work things out this time or is it set to be over before it’s began.
March 3, 2022
4 stars
Plot: Rosie thought that Luke was joking when he asked her out in freshman year of high school, but he wasn't. He avoided her for a year, but they became friends again. Years later during freshman year of college, things changed between them. They grow closer and finally admitted that they'd been pining over each other since high school. They start dating, but of course, there are a few bumps in the road, but all ends well.
This book had the thing I was waiting for. That time when the main characters have a fight or a misunderstanding and don't talk to each other for a bit. I was surprised by what Rosie said to Luke in the moment, but they got over it. Overall, this was a good book.
Plot: Rosie thought that Luke was joking when he asked her out in freshman year of high school, but he wasn't. He avoided her for a year, but they became friends again. Years later during freshman year of college, things changed between them. They grow closer and finally admitted that they'd been pining over each other since high school. They start dating, but of course, there are a few bumps in the road, but all ends well.
This book had the thing I was waiting for. That time when the main characters have a fight or a misunderstanding and don't talk to each other for a bit. I was surprised by what Rosie said to Luke in the moment, but they got over it. Overall, this was a good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2018
Loved this book. Loved the H. Mostly loved the h. I'm a fan of books that aren't heavy on the drama and seem to be a little more realistic. Why the 4 stars? There was one part that bothered me, the h's overreaction to a situation was completely uncalled for and was so out of character, it seemed like the author needed to force some drama but it just left a bad taste. If not for that scene/scenario, this would be 5 huge stars.
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June 12, 2020DNF @ 32%
The Hero has been in love with her since their Freshman year in HS. He just seemed too sweet to have waited 4 years to ask her out again. Also the Leading Ladies complete inability to understand a college kids budget- especially one from a lower economic level as hers made me SUPER uncomfortable. Who asks a college kid to take them on a date to a 5 star restaurant? She isn’t mean she’s just ignorant of life I guess....
The Hero has been in love with her since their Freshman year in HS. He just seemed too sweet to have waited 4 years to ask her out again. Also the Leading Ladies complete inability to understand a college kids budget- especially one from a lower economic level as hers made me SUPER uncomfortable. Who asks a college kid to take them on a date to a 5 star restaurant? She isn’t mean she’s just ignorant of life I guess....
July 30, 2022
👌
I am normally one that can push through a book, especially if I believe it to be a good one. However, this novel started out very well but then sort of drizzled out around the middle, and then towards the end I kind of lost interest in this book all together. The overall concept for this story has been wonderful, with a compelling story-line, there was just something missing from everything.
I am normally one that can push through a book, especially if I believe it to be a good one. However, this novel started out very well but then sort of drizzled out around the middle, and then towards the end I kind of lost interest in this book all together. The overall concept for this story has been wonderful, with a compelling story-line, there was just something missing from everything.
June 3, 2017
Not my cup of tea...
I hate when the lack of knowledge of a sport is as blatant as it is in this book. I also just didn't feel much chemistry between the characters. I don't know if this book is as bad as I feel it is , or the fact that the football is so wrong that it has colored my view.... Sorry ..
I hate when the lack of knowledge of a sport is as blatant as it is in this book. I also just didn't feel much chemistry between the characters. I don't know if this book is as bad as I feel it is , or the fact that the football is so wrong that it has colored my view.... Sorry ..
December 31, 2017
I felt this book was childish. She "turned" him down freshman year of high school but he still is obsessed with her. I thought she would be more standoffish and guarded for turning him down. There was no real drama in the book. They basically got together and had one minor bump in their relationship.
September 11, 2018
I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review for it. This was the 5th book in “The SoulMate Series” and as expected, it was another that had me hook right from the beginning and throughout the entire book. This book allowed us to believe that true love always wins and Opposites do Attract one another.
December 29, 2022
Started off great! I thought it was going to be a solid 4-4.5⭐️ read. Then around the 62% mark it just tanked. The story went into the whole “you can’t date him” trope by the father. I just rolled my eyes. Then the drama for drama sake. I’m giving it 3⭐️ but it was more a 2.5⭐️. I just wasn’t feeling this one and ended up skimming the last 30%.
June 6, 2017
Review link in bio. Another story I wished was just a little... more, I guess. Definitely proves to me I prefer to read series from this author, purely because there's so much more space for character buildup in them, in comparison to her standalones.
June 24, 2018
Good
This book was good. Something quick & easy to read just not something that made my heart race. Though maybe if I was younger or perhaps if I laid off the mafia ones this would work. Lol. Not bad in all honesty.
This book was good. Something quick & easy to read just not something that made my heart race. Though maybe if I was younger or perhaps if I laid off the mafia ones this would work. Lol. Not bad in all honesty.
March 23, 2020
Whatever of souls are made of, his and mine are the same.
They’ve know each other since freshman year of high school. He asked her to be with him and she laughed in his face. It was a misunderstanding that would take years to overcome.
They’ve know each other since freshman year of high school. He asked her to be with him and she laughed in his face. It was a misunderstanding that would take years to overcome.
March 30, 2020
School mates
O loved reading how this couple went from a disastrous start in high school to college sweethearts. After several mishaps they finally graduate, he is drafted in the NFL and she tells him of her pregnancy.
O loved reading how this couple went from a disastrous start in high school to college sweethearts. After several mishaps they finally graduate, he is drafted in the NFL and she tells him of her pregnancy.
April 22, 2022
Review
I have no words about this story that does the job of how well written it is. I loved how each character has made their own options and they struggle to keep their own happily ever after. I can’t wait for more
I have no words about this story that does the job of how well written it is. I loved how each character has made their own options and they struggle to keep their own happily ever after. I can’t wait for more
March 8, 2025
This was a sweet college romance. Rosie and Luke were two opposites who had known each other since high school. Luke liked the geeky girl but it wasn’t meant to be romantic as she thought it was all a joke. Now in college their connection grew and they were able to take it further.
May 5, 2017
Good book
I was scared when I stared reading this book but once I got the second page I could not put the book down.
I was scared when I stared reading this book but once I got the second page I could not put the book down.
May 19, 2017
Fantastic
This was the 1st time I have read one of your books and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to read more
This was the 1st time I have read one of your books and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to read more
May 25, 2017
Lives up to the series
I love all of her books. I was unable to read it when it first came out and I regret it. This book is amazing.
I love all of her books. I was unable to read it when it first came out and I regret it. This book is amazing.
June 1, 2017
Maybe sports romances arent my thing i just thought this was ok. At times i got bored and then predicted what was going to happen. Its not a bad book it just didnt give me the WOW factor! sorry
July 4, 2017
Sweetness
This story just oozes sweetness! You can't help but fall in love with Luke! Such a happy love story to read!
This story just oozes sweetness! You can't help but fall in love with Luke! Such a happy love story to read!
July 12, 2017
Good read
Sweet love story of two young people coming to terms with their feelings . Second chance at romance. Beautiful love story .
Sweet love story of two young people coming to terms with their feelings . Second chance at romance. Beautiful love story .
July 19, 2017
My e-book must have been corrupted because there was no comedy at all. Disappointing!
October 5, 2017
5 Stars
Great book. Love how much Luke was into Rosie. Patrick is a funny character. I love Nikki. I hope we get a book for her that has more of Rosie Patrick and Luke.
Great book. Love how much Luke was into Rosie. Patrick is a funny character. I love Nikki. I hope we get a book for her that has more of Rosie Patrick and Luke.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews