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Dane
Dane Rich, smart, handsome, and selfless. He’s content with the direction of his life, until the moment he stares into her green eyes. Eden Determined, headstrong, and independent. Searching for a job, answers, and a purpose, she has no room for anything else. Until she glances in his direction. Crossing paths, tempting fate—Dane must make the ultimate decision. Sacrifice everything to get what he wants, or to continue to be benevolent. Life isn't always black and white. This book will drown you in all the variations of gray.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2014
103 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
About the author
Leddy Harper
35 books1,307 followersLeddy Harper had to use her imagination often as a child. She grew up the only girl in a house full of boys. At the age of fourteen, she decided to use that imagination and wrote her first book, and never stopped.
She often calls writing her therapy, using it as a way to deal with issues through the eyes of her characters.
The decision to publish her first book was made as a way of showing her children to go after whatever it is they want to. Love what you do and do it well. Most importantly Leddy wanted to teach them what it means to overcome their fears.
She often calls writing her therapy, using it as a way to deal with issues through the eyes of her characters.
The decision to publish her first book was made as a way of showing her children to go after whatever it is they want to. Love what you do and do it well. Most importantly Leddy wanted to teach them what it means to overcome their fears.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
January 5, 2019
This was my first time reading from Leddy Harper and I wish someone had warned me about the angst. This author knows how to tug on the old heartstrings. She pulled so much out of me and held me completely captivated by her characters and their plight.
As much as this story was about Dane and Eden finding a way to be together, I felt it was more about Dane and Gabi. Unfortunately I wasn't sold on the grand love that was supposed to exist between Dane and Eden and found their relationship lacked real passion. It could be because they were overshadowed by what was going on with Gabi. Or the strong and passionate feelings Dane had for her. He was invested, devoted and protective of Gabi in ways I couldn't see him being with Eden. I couldn't connect to Eden and so my affection for her suffered. It could also be because not enough time was spent on them as a couple. The entire book Dane is with Gabi and very little time was left to convince me of Dane and Eden's love everlasting.
My heart broke for Dane and Gabi. The author did an incredible job of cataloging her depression and its effects on Dane. Leddy Harper took me on a journey of pain that seemed to tear a hole right through my gut. I wasn't sure how it was possible, but I wanted each character to attain their own version of happiness. Each and every one of them deserved it, in my opinion. I loved that this story had no bad guy, just three broken souls that needed repair.
Aside from the fact that I found the ending not to my satisfaction and found it lackluster, I enjoyed the heck out of the rest of the story. If you're looking for a story that takes a firm grip of your heart, alternating between a brutal squeeze and a loving massage, you'll find it with DANE. I know I did.
Release Date: May 18, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Hero - 1st person
Steam: 2.5 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone
As much as this story was about Dane and Eden finding a way to be together, I felt it was more about Dane and Gabi. Unfortunately I wasn't sold on the grand love that was supposed to exist between Dane and Eden and found their relationship lacked real passion. It could be because they were overshadowed by what was going on with Gabi. Or the strong and passionate feelings Dane had for her. He was invested, devoted and protective of Gabi in ways I couldn't see him being with Eden. I couldn't connect to Eden and so my affection for her suffered. It could also be because not enough time was spent on them as a couple. The entire book Dane is with Gabi and very little time was left to convince me of Dane and Eden's love everlasting.
My heart broke for Dane and Gabi. The author did an incredible job of cataloging her depression and its effects on Dane. Leddy Harper took me on a journey of pain that seemed to tear a hole right through my gut. I wasn't sure how it was possible, but I wanted each character to attain their own version of happiness. Each and every one of them deserved it, in my opinion. I loved that this story had no bad guy, just three broken souls that needed repair.
Aside from the fact that I found the ending not to my satisfaction and found it lackluster, I enjoyed the heck out of the rest of the story. If you're looking for a story that takes a firm grip of your heart, alternating between a brutal squeeze and a loving massage, you'll find it with DANE. I know I did.
Release Date: May 18, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Hero - 1st person
Steam: 2.5 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone
August 5, 2017
*1 STAR*
I didn't like this book at all. This is my 3rd Leddy Harper book and I do believe she's a talented writer. I do wish I didn't read this book. If I would have know what it was really about I would have skipped it all together.
The blurb was misleading, misleading, misleading.
I ended up skimming the pages in the end and then reading the epilogue because I was getting so irritated. I found myself rolling my eyes and being miserable the entire time I was reading and didn't fell like continuing to torture myself. I felt like my time was to precious to waste on a book I knew I couldn't rock with.
There's another book from this author that loads of people loved but I choose not to read because of the subject matter. I knew there was no way I could have ever enjoyed that book. Therefore, I didn't read it. It is important for readers to what the hell they are about to reading before they end up in a situation like me.
This book is about a selfish man trying to convince himself and everyone else why his stupid choices were okay. I ain't got time for that.
I don't care how cute the author tried to make the ending.
I am renaming this book to, Dane: A How To Justify Emotional Cheating
I didn't like this book at all. This is my 3rd Leddy Harper book and I do believe she's a talented writer. I do wish I didn't read this book. If I would have know what it was really about I would have skipped it all together.
The blurb was misleading, misleading, misleading.
I ended up skimming the pages in the end and then reading the epilogue because I was getting so irritated. I found myself rolling my eyes and being miserable the entire time I was reading and didn't fell like continuing to torture myself. I felt like my time was to precious to waste on a book I knew I couldn't rock with.
There's another book from this author that loads of people loved but I choose not to read because of the subject matter. I knew there was no way I could have ever enjoyed that book. Therefore, I didn't read it. It is important for readers to what the hell they are about to reading before they end up in a situation like me.
This book is about a selfish man trying to convince himself and everyone else why his stupid choices were okay. I ain't got time for that.
I don't care how cute the author tried to make the ending.
I am renaming this book to, Dane: A How To Justify Emotional Cheating
June 13, 2017
3.5 "Everything-Happens-For-A-Reason" Stars
Dane is a successful business man but his personal life is such a mess. His life is like a cage but it wasn’t always like this. He constantly deceives himself that everything will be alright and returns to normal but it’s a lie. Until Eden comes to his life and she open up his eyes to everything, to reality. She helps him to do the right thing; to make the right decision. I really liked Dane. On the contrary, I didn’t like Eden. I couldn’t connect with her; I couldn’t feel her. Actually I can’t think about her as a main character! I mean I could feel the connection between Gabi and Dane but not Dane and Eden. I liked Gabi’s character more than Eden. Maybe I would like it more if the whole of story was about Gabe and him. But I loved its ending so much; hearing about Gabi.
This was my third read by this author and honestly I liked the other two more than this one. But like the other two I really liked its writing. It intrigues you to just continue reading. The whole story is told from Dane’s POV (except Epilogue), 1st person. It’s a standalone story. All in all, I enjoyed it and I hope you like it as well!
Dane is a successful business man but his personal life is such a mess. His life is like a cage but it wasn’t always like this. He constantly deceives himself that everything will be alright and returns to normal but it’s a lie. Until Eden comes to his life and she open up his eyes to everything, to reality. She helps him to do the right thing; to make the right decision. I really liked Dane. On the contrary, I didn’t like Eden. I couldn’t connect with her; I couldn’t feel her. Actually I can’t think about her as a main character! I mean I could feel the connection between Gabi and Dane but not Dane and Eden. I liked Gabi’s character more than Eden. Maybe I would like it more if the whole of story was about Gabe and him. But I loved its ending so much; hearing about Gabi.
This was my third read by this author and honestly I liked the other two more than this one. But like the other two I really liked its writing. It intrigues you to just continue reading. The whole story is told from Dane’s POV (except Epilogue), 1st person. It’s a standalone story. All in all, I enjoyed it and I hope you like it as well!
May 6, 2017
“Do you believe things happen for a reason?”
DANE: by Leddy Harper is a contemporary romance novel with a HEA.
Meet Dane Kauffman and Eden Clare a twenty five year old, she’s a determined headstrong and independent woman. And he’s rich, smart and extremely handsome and ripped.
They meet in a bar; he’s there after work for a beer, she’s there for a blind date she met online that never turned up. Newly arrived in town she’s preparing herself for an interview the next day
After an easy going conversation ensues they click on many levels, neither thinking they would meet again, both are very wrong. The very next day they meet again, she’s there for an interview at the company he owns.
No matter how hard to tries to keep away from temptation, temptation seems to find him wherever he goes. It’s hard enough she works in the room next to him, it’s even harder when her condo is just down the road, but what’s harder still is the one place he goes to think is the last place he would expect to see her, but he does.
You're my fresh air. You're the gentle breeze on a hot day. The warmth of a fire on a cold night. The dreams that fill my sleep, and the moments right before I wake up, right before I open my eyes.
This was so different to what I was expecting, what I expected was the forbidden office romance but I got so much more.
No matter which way I go writing up this review will divulge spoilers and I try not to do that with every review I write, you need to go into this blind, don’t sneaky peak at reviews because you’ll only end up wrecking it for yourself. This book will put you through the wringer, an epic struggle of right and wrong, it will play on your emotions like no other.
There was a line I couldn't cross, a point at which it was wrong. Sadly, I wasn't sure I knew where that line was.
This is like no other Leddy Harper book I've read, Dane will crawl into your heart and lodge himself there, you can't help but feel sorry for him, the despair, the desperation, the need to care for ones he loves will melt your heart like no other character I've encountered before. Expect to have your heart stomped on and spat out.
May 21, 2017
Writing this review while still being respectful to the author's choice to keep some things about this plot a surprise is really hard to do. Because that "surprise" was actually my main issue with this story, yet I can't explain why without spoilers.
What I'll say is that I didn't feel any connection between Dane and Eden and it was one of my issues with this story. I felt like Eden was more of a secondary character than a main one and instead this book was more focused on Dane and his complicated life. It really bothered me because Eden clearly had other things going on in her life too yet they were pushed in the background and then by the end they felt resolved way too quickly for me.
Eden and Dane weren't even together until after the 50% mark of this book and then yet again Dane's other problems got in the way and they weren't together again until the very end. It actually really disappointed me when there was this very sweet moment between Dane and Eden that I normally would have been swooning over but I just couldn't in this case. The moment came during their very first time together, when I still had not seen an actual connection between them, so it just didn't feel real.
It was like they were separated more than they were together in this story and I started to feel like this wasn't even a romance. Even when I finished it did not end on a HEA that I would actually call a HEA since I was still left scratching my head as to what exactly happened between Eden and Dane.
Honestly I feel mislead by the blurb and I was expecting a very different book than the one we got. I don't think I'll be the only one that has an issue with what the "surprise" was but I hope a lot of people end up liking this story. For me it wasn't a winner but I'll never discourage someone from reading a book they think they will enjoy.
What I'll say is that I didn't feel any connection between Dane and Eden and it was one of my issues with this story. I felt like Eden was more of a secondary character than a main one and instead this book was more focused on Dane and his complicated life. It really bothered me because Eden clearly had other things going on in her life too yet they were pushed in the background and then by the end they felt resolved way too quickly for me.
Eden and Dane weren't even together until after the 50% mark of this book and then yet again Dane's other problems got in the way and they weren't together again until the very end. It actually really disappointed me when there was this very sweet moment between Dane and Eden that I normally would have been swooning over but I just couldn't in this case. The moment came during their very first time together, when I still had not seen an actual connection between them, so it just didn't feel real.
It was like they were separated more than they were together in this story and I started to feel like this wasn't even a romance. Even when I finished it did not end on a HEA that I would actually call a HEA since I was still left scratching my head as to what exactly happened between Eden and Dane.
Honestly I feel mislead by the blurb and I was expecting a very different book than the one we got. I don't think I'll be the only one that has an issue with what the "surprise" was but I hope a lot of people end up liking this story. For me it wasn't a winner but I'll never discourage someone from reading a book they think they will enjoy.
April 29, 2017
Everything happens for a reason...
*Sigh
I finished this book hours ago and to be honest I am still on an emotional turmoil at present. It took me this long enough to write my review and even then, my mind is blank, coherent words is not even pouring in my brain when it's supposed to be overflowing due to the emotions this book left me but no...I am blank, utterly speechless because I have nothing else to say except,Leddy Harper is just awesome and talented and Dane, it's the best thing.
Reading this book feels like on roller coaster ride with all the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I am surprised with the turn of events, when I say this swear I have no idea really what I'm bound to read and experience. Every Leddy Harper books brought different meanings in my life, it even brought never the same feeling so when I needed my next fix of her's I don't read any reviews, I jumped immediately on the book with only the blurb, cover and teasers in my mind to think about. What's not to look forward to when I was tease with "Tattoed CEO"? Man, I was thinking some taboo office romance but I was so wrong because the story doesn't merely just focused about that. Hell, it's not even a tip of what's coming for us, it's not what I expect it to be. I couldn't even say it's everything, because it's so much more. What I could just say is, it's a well written, fantastic read that made my emotion in knots and definitely put me into a reading experience that evokes plenty of emotions and in the end left me with so much to ponder on things and made me even question so much in life. I should have known better, because this author has knacks over a story that will leave you emotions that will struck you straight in the heart and will etched in your life even years after.
First few pages in my reading and I paused literally, I even questioned myself if I'm ready the right story, turning it back to page 1 because I was so lost and I just wanted to check if I'm being prank or something. But no, I was reading it right. I have gone through several pages and to be honest I was still wondering what the hell have I been reading. It's not the usual Leddy Harper story I am accustomed to but hell I know for sure something is up. It made me curious and interested but along the way I was thinking if I will still love Leddy or hate her. I was so worked up with this book just few chapters in. Believe me, this trope is what usually fed my hungry soul but for heaven's sake I was not prepared for all the things I read. Dane is a story so well written and covered all the bases. I so wanted to scream my heart out, almost messaged the author just to rant on her and bug her over this book, almost really stopped reading and call it a day because I thought so wrong about the book but then I trust this author so much that I believe she will bring out the beauty of what's within this book. Characters and the story itself is so complex but with the imperfections of all these elements lies a product so beautifully crafted and woven with words and lines full of emotions it's seeping through the pages. If you'll read this book with your heart and emotions in your sleeve, believe me, you will understand what I'm feeling right now. I cried my heart out because I am glad I root for it. I cried even more because with the complexity, with all that gut wrenching and heart stopping scenes, I understand what the author wanted to deliver. And I felt it all, the sadness, the sacrifices, the heart stopping scenes, the need of air to breathe, the excruciating pain, and above all the fruit of love with all the selfless acts and in the end, the realization that "there's a reason for everything" whether it's fate or destiny that wanted to intervene towards your happiness...towards love...towards home.
Overall, I will recommend this book. Sure, it may be not for everyone because it touches a sensitive issue, might even give different perception at the start of the chapter and even few more chapters in, but then...give this book a chance. It's not what you think it is. Dane, is a kind of story that will give you insights and different perceptions at life. It may give you a maddening feeling, a heart break at some point, hell it may even made you so frustrated and mad but in the end, it will give you the best heart warming feels and a heart so full you might think it will burst.
To Leddy Harper, YOU.ARE.AWESOME and TALENTED I know I have said this to you but I cannot help myself from saying it over and over. I love your words and the way it affects me. That epilogue though, it's one of the best I have ever read.You gave me tears of happiness and a smile so wide reading it.
Great job for this beautiful, inspiring and touching story! I might have done reading this book but know that the emotions I felt reading this still lingers.
April 24, 2017
ARC kindly provided by author.
I received an ARC od Dane yesterday and I started reading immediately. On the first page I was like...hm... this is familiar... and then I realised that this is Leddy's Benevolent book published back in 2014 but with a new cover. I wasn't aware of this when I signed up for an ARC, but either way, I will say that this is so worth reading.
So yeah, I read this back in 2014. and I loved it!
Be aware that there are some sensitive subjects like love triangle and cheating, but I didn't mind.
You want to know why? Because never say never. Life is a journey and you never know what you'll find around a corner.
This book is an emotional turmoil and up until the last page you are not sure how it will end.
Leddy's writing is brilliant as always and if you have no problems with above mentioned triggers, pick it up!
I can't wait to see what Leddy had up her sleeve next!
I received an ARC od Dane yesterday and I started reading immediately. On the first page I was like...hm... this is familiar... and then I realised that this is Leddy's Benevolent book published back in 2014 but with a new cover. I wasn't aware of this when I signed up for an ARC, but either way, I will say that this is so worth reading.
So yeah, I read this back in 2014. and I loved it!
Be aware that there are some sensitive subjects like love triangle and cheating, but I didn't mind.
You want to know why? Because never say never. Life is a journey and you never know what you'll find around a corner.
This book is an emotional turmoil and up until the last page you are not sure how it will end.
Leddy's writing is brilliant as always and if you have no problems with above mentioned triggers, pick it up!
I can't wait to see what Leddy had up her sleeve next!
Read
May 16, 2017not cool, author. You read the blurb for this book, and you think, oh there we go, a contemporary romance between a woman and man. But then if you read through (almost) all the reviews and (often) read between the lines, you realise that there’s much more there. It sounds like a love triangle where the +1 is somehow incapacitated (from what i understand from reviews, depression) and an incredibly emotional, depressing and angsty book.
I just don’t think it’s OK not to mention some of this in your blurb. I love being surprised just as much as the next gal, but I think it’s fair to expect the blurb to:
1, give a glimpse towards the tone of the book (I’m sure I’m not the only one that needs to be in a certain mood for certain genres/plots and when you’re taken by surprise, it’s not always a good thing)
2, to tell me if there’s more than 2 players in a relationship. Especially when the main character has been in a relationship with a woman for 12 years when he meets the heroine of the book.
I’m all for the author being allowed to exercise their creativity as they wish - but I also think that if a romance writer is going to write a triangle (and I don’t care if the 3rd person is clearly not going to be the relationship winner) they should disclose this in the blurb, or at least, allude to it in some way. I’m not saying authors should spoil their entire books, but I think it would benefit everyone - both authors that don’t want bad reviews and readers who want to spend their time and money on something they, at the very least, might enjoy - if blurbs would tell you what the main plot point of the book is. And in this case, the triangle aspect and the relationship between Dane and Gabi sounds like a REALLY big plot point.
Also, how can you not mention in the blurb that this is a re-write of an older book? I can't even begin to understand how that is OK.
I just don’t think it’s OK not to mention some of this in your blurb. I love being surprised just as much as the next gal, but I think it’s fair to expect the blurb to:
1, give a glimpse towards the tone of the book (I’m sure I’m not the only one that needs to be in a certain mood for certain genres/plots and when you’re taken by surprise, it’s not always a good thing)
2, to tell me if there’s more than 2 players in a relationship. Especially when the main character has been in a relationship with a woman for 12 years when he meets the heroine of the book.
I’m all for the author being allowed to exercise their creativity as they wish - but I also think that if a romance writer is going to write a triangle (and I don’t care if the 3rd person is clearly not going to be the relationship winner) they should disclose this in the blurb, or at least, allude to it in some way. I’m not saying authors should spoil their entire books, but I think it would benefit everyone - both authors that don’t want bad reviews and readers who want to spend their time and money on something they, at the very least, might enjoy - if blurbs would tell you what the main plot point of the book is. And in this case, the triangle aspect and the relationship between Dane and Gabi sounds like a REALLY big plot point.
Also, how can you not mention in the blurb that this is a re-write of an older book? I can't even begin to understand how that is OK.
March 7, 2018
There are moments when being a blogger that is supposed to be reviewing a book is a really hard thing. When you check my reviews for Leddy Harper you will know that I really love her writing and all of the books I read so far received good reviews.
SO…
Being honest here is a really tough thing for me but I can not help myself and with a small tear in my eye I must give this book a review of only 2 stars. It is not her writing style or the development of the story – all of that was terrific as usual. And it hurts to admit that…
As I usually avoid spoilers I also will not make an exception here as it is a main issue in the plot BUT my problem is : A main issue of the story is not mentioned in the blurb. And this issue would have been a reason for me NOT to choose this book for reading.
BUT as it is now – I read it and I am between a rock and a hard place… as I can not undo that fact. Every reader has a certain thing he loves, needs or refuses to read in a book.
Like needing a HEA , loving it when the leading character is an alpha male or refusing to read about BDSM. And I am pretty sure my issue will also be an issue for other readers and it should somehow be mentioned in the Blurb to avoid people like me choosing this book.
Gosh – dear author I really love your books and I hope you forgive me for this… But when a book has a disclaimer that it contains explicit sex I as a reader can not complain about to much sex – its my problem if I choose it.
But in this case – given the Blurb I read – I would have never expected this issue to arise so please forgive me for not liking the direction of this story
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May 18, 2017
Dane by Leddy Harper
5 stars!!!
I have read quite a few books by Leddy Harper and in all honesty, they have been hit or miss, ranging from 2 stars to 4 stars. It was this synopsis though that drew me to this book, short and to the point, not a lot given away but enough to get my mind whirring about what could potentially be inside. Nothing could have prepared me for what Leddy Harper delivered though, I cannot say enough how much I loved this book. From the minute I started reading, the world ceased to exist, I was captivated and I was turning those pages like a loon. As soon as I had finished I knew that I had read an amazing book, I knew that it would be on my top favourites list of 2017 and I knew that I had to tell my book friends to READ THIS BOOK!
I love an author who is brave, one that isn’t scared to tell an honest story, one that delivers true life on a platter in all its warts and all glory. Yes, we read to escape reality, but sometimes it is the relatable stories that leave the bigger impact and boy did this book leave its mark. Leddy Harper held my heart hostage throughout this book, she wrung every single emotion out of it, every single heart string was severed and then delicately sewn back together. I love a book that makes me feel, I love a book that I can get lost in...live and breathe the story and this journey was one I took willingly and completely.
Life is never what it seems, we see the outside, the façade that people are willing to show, we think that some people have it all, but have you really wondered what happens to them behind closed doors? Male pride is an indomitable feeling, but loneliness, abandonment, rejection, isolation and just that need for human touch and comfort are far more powerful but add to that the overwhelming need to protect and you have a man on a precipice. Dane was on that precipice.
I cannot and will not say anything about the plot because this is a book that you need to go into blind, I beg you not to read spoiler reviews because you need to experience this as the author intended. There is no cheating, I will say that much as I know that is a trigger for some but their connection as friends could blur on the side of risqué. This though was a book for the emotional reader, one that thrives on character connection, one that loves the cathartic release of tears but thrives on the smiles that follow. This book ticked all my boxes.
Even though this is Dane’s book I want to talk about Eden first. It is very rare I really admire a heroine but Eden spoke to me in so many ways. Eden was an old head on young shoulders and while for the romance readers in us some may get frustrated with her hesitation and reluctance I admired her for it. Eden had morals, her self-preservation instincts were high and she stood her ground when it would have been so easy to jump. Eden was the voice of reason in this book, the angel on the shoulder giving the sage advice when the devil on the other was desperately shouting, wanting to be heard. Eden was the voice of caution and I loved her for it.
Dane was the epitome of perfect, my heart and soul hurt for him, and the situation he finds himself in was untenable. I felt his desperation, I felt his feelings of helplessness…I just felt everything. Dane was selfless, benevolent, kind and magnanimous, he was extremely loyal, protective and understanding. When he loves, he loves hard and all in, no middle ground. This was a man that captured my heart and once you understand the truth that Leddy Harper so frustratingly seeps out like water from the tiniest of cracks, your heart only aches the more. Dane was incredibly easy to love.
Dane and Eden meeting was kismet, everything happens for a reason and these two met when both needed the other the most. I loved the build from strangers to friends to confidantes to eventual lovers and more. I loved that it wasn’t rushed and while these two are not together for the majority of the story the connection, the attraction, the chemistry is ever present on every single page. The constant struggle between right and wrong was always there and the desperation that these two felt was constantly eating away at me. This is a book that will make you question yourself, do not make a blanket judgement in the beginning…keep reading.
I admire Leddy Harper for the way in which she delivered this book, she took a tough subject and delivered it with honesty and compassion, she turned this subject on its head and made you see how others are affected, especially those closest to you. The characters are not perfect, but it is their imperfections that matter the most. This was a book about sacrifice, the pro’s and con’s, guilt and its many manifestations but most of all this was a book about right and wrong, recognising that love happens when you least expect it and sometimes, even when you think you have met your soul mate, you haven’t and it takes meeting your destined to recognise it. Totally and utterly adored this book and while I would have loved a little more of them together, I was satiated with what I got. Amazing book.
www.theromancecover.com
5 stars!!!
“There’s a reason for everything.”
I have read quite a few books by Leddy Harper and in all honesty, they have been hit or miss, ranging from 2 stars to 4 stars. It was this synopsis though that drew me to this book, short and to the point, not a lot given away but enough to get my mind whirring about what could potentially be inside. Nothing could have prepared me for what Leddy Harper delivered though, I cannot say enough how much I loved this book. From the minute I started reading, the world ceased to exist, I was captivated and I was turning those pages like a loon. As soon as I had finished I knew that I had read an amazing book, I knew that it would be on my top favourites list of 2017 and I knew that I had to tell my book friends to READ THIS BOOK!
I love an author who is brave, one that isn’t scared to tell an honest story, one that delivers true life on a platter in all its warts and all glory. Yes, we read to escape reality, but sometimes it is the relatable stories that leave the bigger impact and boy did this book leave its mark. Leddy Harper held my heart hostage throughout this book, she wrung every single emotion out of it, every single heart string was severed and then delicately sewn back together. I love a book that makes me feel, I love a book that I can get lost in...live and breathe the story and this journey was one I took willingly and completely.
“I had no idea the demons never left, because I never knew they existed.”
Life is never what it seems, we see the outside, the façade that people are willing to show, we think that some people have it all, but have you really wondered what happens to them behind closed doors? Male pride is an indomitable feeling, but loneliness, abandonment, rejection, isolation and just that need for human touch and comfort are far more powerful but add to that the overwhelming need to protect and you have a man on a precipice. Dane was on that precipice.
“Sometimes we do things without personal gain…We stick things out and stay places for other people. It’s not always about ourselves. It’s not always about what we get in return. I can’t think about myself all the time…I can’t expect her to take care of me when she can’t even take care of herself.”
I cannot and will not say anything about the plot because this is a book that you need to go into blind, I beg you not to read spoiler reviews because you need to experience this as the author intended. There is no cheating, I will say that much as I know that is a trigger for some but their connection as friends could blur on the side of risqué. This though was a book for the emotional reader, one that thrives on character connection, one that loves the cathartic release of tears but thrives on the smiles that follow. This book ticked all my boxes.
“You came in and swept me up like a hurricane. I wasn’t prepared for it, and now I’m scared of the destruction that’ll be left behind when you’re gone.”
Even though this is Dane’s book I want to talk about Eden first. It is very rare I really admire a heroine but Eden spoke to me in so many ways. Eden was an old head on young shoulders and while for the romance readers in us some may get frustrated with her hesitation and reluctance I admired her for it. Eden had morals, her self-preservation instincts were high and she stood her ground when it would have been so easy to jump. Eden was the voice of reason in this book, the angel on the shoulder giving the sage advice when the devil on the other was desperately shouting, wanting to be heard. Eden was the voice of caution and I loved her for it.
“That’s the problem. I’ve become your emotional crutch. You’re not happy at home, your relationship is weighing on you, and instead of concentrating on that, you come to me for the highs to balance out your lows. I’ve become your vacation.”
Dane was the epitome of perfect, my heart and soul hurt for him, and the situation he finds himself in was untenable. I felt his desperation, I felt his feelings of helplessness…I just felt everything. Dane was selfless, benevolent, kind and magnanimous, he was extremely loyal, protective and understanding. When he loves, he loves hard and all in, no middle ground. This was a man that captured my heart and once you understand the truth that Leddy Harper so frustratingly seeps out like water from the tiniest of cracks, your heart only aches the more. Dane was incredibly easy to love.
“I just fucking wanted to be happy again.”
Dane and Eden meeting was kismet, everything happens for a reason and these two met when both needed the other the most. I loved the build from strangers to friends to confidantes to eventual lovers and more. I loved that it wasn’t rushed and while these two are not together for the majority of the story the connection, the attraction, the chemistry is ever present on every single page. The constant struggle between right and wrong was always there and the desperation that these two felt was constantly eating away at me. This is a book that will make you question yourself, do not make a blanket judgement in the beginning…keep reading.
“I didn’t want to stop living.”
I admire Leddy Harper for the way in which she delivered this book, she took a tough subject and delivered it with honesty and compassion, she turned this subject on its head and made you see how others are affected, especially those closest to you. The characters are not perfect, but it is their imperfections that matter the most. This was a book about sacrifice, the pro’s and con’s, guilt and its many manifestations but most of all this was a book about right and wrong, recognising that love happens when you least expect it and sometimes, even when you think you have met your soul mate, you haven’t and it takes meeting your destined to recognise it. Totally and utterly adored this book and while I would have loved a little more of them together, I was satiated with what I got. Amazing book.
www.theromancecover.com
April 30, 2016
Ok, here's the thing, I've read cheating books before and have been okay with them. This book was entirely different. It was an emotional affair with underlying tragedy with Dean and I honestly hated him. I hated Eden just as much because you can't say "I hate cheaters" in one sentence and then in another day how attracted you are and how he deserves better than his wife in the next sentence. She may have been created with the intent to be a strong female, but she came off as cheap, classless, and the kind of woman who knowingly seeks out married men.
I keep reading through these gushing reviews on this book and I don't know if I read the same story as they did or if I'm too sensitive to the subject matter of the book.
I keep reading through these gushing reviews on this book and I don't know if I read the same story as they did or if I'm too sensitive to the subject matter of the book.
May 21, 2017
Let me start by saying that I love a good love triangle but unfortunately the reason behind Gabi's depression hit a little to close to home so I couldn't continue on after reading Dane's reaction to his fiancée way of dealing with it.
March 20, 2017
Dane was about three characters whose lives became interwoven together. Dane was sharing a life with Gabi when Eden transitioned into his life shedding insight into his mundane personal life.
Dane was the CEO of his own successful investment company. Dane's company helped fund and support many organizations. He was a highly respected businessman who had a business savvy image.
Dane thought he could conquer this one hurdle in his life with Gabi then move forward but he had no idea how big her issues were until Eden helped unveil the truths that had been hidden in plain sight. Dane was a kind and well meaning man put in a position that questioned his morals on a personal and professional level with Eden. He became torn with the choices to make a decision for himself and Gabi.
Collared by his past promises to be protector and savior for Gabi Eden provided the key to unlock his binds.
Eden's character brought perspective into Dane's stagnant personal life.
Eden was both a temptation and the advocate of great advice. Eden had the means to shed light on Dane's situation as well as Gabi's. Hope was the driving force in this story.
Gabi's character went through several stages of depression. Her twisted set of circumstances progressed the story into unexpected areas. Hidden beneath the layers of her depression was a unfound truth. Gabi spiraled into a deep depression causing Dane to question his innermost morals when Eden offered tempting solutions to his problems.
Leddy illustrated the state of Gabi's depression with illustrative words that tugged at your heart. In fact, Leddy dragged my emotions through the mud. Leddy built a solid story about depression and the coping mechanisms associated with depression. She created multi-layered characters who offered an array of skills by transitioning them from a professional world into skills a personal level. Leddy merged business with pleasure crossing boundaries testing Dane's moral compass. Leddy took an off-limits topic and twisted it in the grey areas. The battle between right and wrong weighed heavily on Dane's emotion state of mind. Leddy pleaded a great case validating both sides of the story offering every possible angle. It was not easy to make a choice or choose a side. Nothing was as it seemed. There seemed to be no right or wrong answer. No easy decision could be made when given the obstacles these characters faced. Too much was at stake. The obligation to protect and keep a promise was the driving force of Dane's commitment to remain with Gabi. While Gabi was the victim of circumstance her depression was the catalyst that set the other characters actions in motion. Her behavior had a direct impact on the lives of others. Leddy played a great game of devils advocate offering every possible scenario. An opportunity of choices and decisions at your finger tips. So many possible solutions and varying variables. She did this by instilling hope in each of her characters. Leddy opened your mind to other possibilities offering plausible solutions to Dane's problems.
Dane was the CEO of his own successful investment company. Dane's company helped fund and support many organizations. He was a highly respected businessman who had a business savvy image.
Dane thought he could conquer this one hurdle in his life with Gabi then move forward but he had no idea how big her issues were until Eden helped unveil the truths that had been hidden in plain sight. Dane was a kind and well meaning man put in a position that questioned his morals on a personal and professional level with Eden. He became torn with the choices to make a decision for himself and Gabi.
Collared by his past promises to be protector and savior for Gabi Eden provided the key to unlock his binds.
Eden's character brought perspective into Dane's stagnant personal life.
Eden was both a temptation and the advocate of great advice. Eden had the means to shed light on Dane's situation as well as Gabi's. Hope was the driving force in this story.
Gabi's character went through several stages of depression. Her twisted set of circumstances progressed the story into unexpected areas. Hidden beneath the layers of her depression was a unfound truth. Gabi spiraled into a deep depression causing Dane to question his innermost morals when Eden offered tempting solutions to his problems.
Leddy illustrated the state of Gabi's depression with illustrative words that tugged at your heart. In fact, Leddy dragged my emotions through the mud. Leddy built a solid story about depression and the coping mechanisms associated with depression. She created multi-layered characters who offered an array of skills by transitioning them from a professional world into skills a personal level. Leddy merged business with pleasure crossing boundaries testing Dane's moral compass. Leddy took an off-limits topic and twisted it in the grey areas. The battle between right and wrong weighed heavily on Dane's emotion state of mind. Leddy pleaded a great case validating both sides of the story offering every possible angle. It was not easy to make a choice or choose a side. Nothing was as it seemed. There seemed to be no right or wrong answer. No easy decision could be made when given the obstacles these characters faced. Too much was at stake. The obligation to protect and keep a promise was the driving force of Dane's commitment to remain with Gabi. While Gabi was the victim of circumstance her depression was the catalyst that set the other characters actions in motion. Her behavior had a direct impact on the lives of others. Leddy played a great game of devils advocate offering every possible scenario. An opportunity of choices and decisions at your finger tips. So many possible solutions and varying variables. She did this by instilling hope in each of her characters. Leddy opened your mind to other possibilities offering plausible solutions to Dane's problems.
December 14, 2014
Overall, I enjoyed Benevolent. Even though Dane frustrated me at times, he was definitely my favorite character. His sense of humor won me over and I rooted for him to find true happiness. I felt his pain and understood the impossible predicament in which he found himself for most of the book. I liked Eden too, though, and I understood her feelings and conflict. It was a good push and pull story and I enjoyed that part very much.
So on to the things that kept Benevolent from being a five-star. Repetitiveness is a huge turn off for me and I grew annoyed with so many of Dane's thoughts and information about Gabi's past being rehashed again and again. I also became very frustrated by the amount of careless errors that increased more and more as the story continued. Of course NO book is completely error free but the amount of missing words, wrong words, and incorrect punctuation in Benevolent started to get on my nerves. I began to wonder if it had been proofed at all because there were so many simple things that could have (and should have) been easily corrected.
I still don't understand why the epilogue was from Gabi's point of view. I honestly didn't want to hear from her. I'm sure that probably sounds mean but I'd been in Dane's head for the whole book and I wanted to know what HE thought about his son, being married, and awaiting the arrival of his daughter. I didn't want to hear that from Gabi and it took away from the very thing I liked most about Benevolent--knowing what Dane thought and felt.
The Janette element to the story was really obvious and a little too neat and easy, to me. I'd hoped that subject would've been handled a little differently. And as someone who battles with depression, I understood that people who struggle with it don't just get over it BUT I wished, for the sake of the story, it hadn't been dragged on for so long. It really did get to be too much and I wanted to skip through the parts dealing with Gabi. I didn't, but I was tempted to after a while.
As I've said, overall I really did enjoy Benevolent and I liked more about it than I disliked. I would be interested in reading more from this author.
And, as always, these are merely my opinions and are meant as nothing more than explanation for my rating.
So on to the things that kept Benevolent from being a five-star. Repetitiveness is a huge turn off for me and I grew annoyed with so many of Dane's thoughts and information about Gabi's past being rehashed again and again. I also became very frustrated by the amount of careless errors that increased more and more as the story continued. Of course NO book is completely error free but the amount of missing words, wrong words, and incorrect punctuation in Benevolent started to get on my nerves. I began to wonder if it had been proofed at all because there were so many simple things that could have (and should have) been easily corrected.
I still don't understand why the epilogue was from Gabi's point of view. I honestly didn't want to hear from her. I'm sure that probably sounds mean but I'd been in Dane's head for the whole book and I wanted to know what HE thought about his son, being married, and awaiting the arrival of his daughter. I didn't want to hear that from Gabi and it took away from the very thing I liked most about Benevolent--knowing what Dane thought and felt.
The Janette element to the story was really obvious and a little too neat and easy, to me. I'd hoped that subject would've been handled a little differently. And as someone who battles with depression, I understood that people who struggle with it don't just get over it BUT I wished, for the sake of the story, it hadn't been dragged on for so long. It really did get to be too much and I wanted to skip through the parts dealing with Gabi. I didn't, but I was tempted to after a while.
As I've said, overall I really did enjoy Benevolent and I liked more about it than I disliked. I would be interested in reading more from this author.
And, as always, these are merely my opinions and are meant as nothing more than explanation for my rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2014
This book is absolutely amazing. Once I started it I couldn’t put it down and had to find out what was going on. I loved how this book is told all through Dane’s POV. There were way too many emotions I experienced while reading this book and its one awesome roller coaster ride. When the book starts out Dane is in a bar drinking by himself and dreading to go home. That caught my attention right away. Why was he dreading going home? So as he is sitting there he notices Eden and helps her out and the conversation starts from there. Eden reveals how she had moved there to work at a company that just so happened to be Dane’s. The next day she shows up for her interview and Dane decides to hire her as his assistant and that’s when the real fun begins. The next thing Dane is running home to Gabi. My mouth was opened and I wanted to scream who is Gabi????? Of course we find out who Gabi is and it literally made my head spin. I don’t want to give away to many spoilers because this is a book that reveals secrets that need to be read in order. Let’s just say I swooned hard over Dane while also wanting to slap him quite a few times. I loved Eden and Gabi took me a while to warm up too. This book will make you want to scream quite a few times but it’s so worth it. The epilogue to the book was brilliant and I loved it. Please read this book!! I can’t wait for more from Leddy!!! Fantastic Job.
May 19, 2017
*This book was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads*
Title: Dane
Author: Leddy Harper
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4/5
WOW this book packs a punch it's angsty and emotional, it touches on sensitive subjects such as mental illness, a love triangle and cheating.
I was pushed out my comfort zone with this book which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I avoid books that contain aspects of cheating yes I understand it goes on but it's a bit too close to home for me hence the reason I tend to avoid them which brings me round to the fact that there's no mention of cheating in the blurb it would've been nice as a reader to have been warned in advance.
Nothing about this book was straightforward given the topics it contained but Ms Harper did an outstanding job of putting them into words with her exemplary writing skills.
Title: Dane
Author: Leddy Harper
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4/5
WOW this book packs a punch it's angsty and emotional, it touches on sensitive subjects such as mental illness, a love triangle and cheating.
I was pushed out my comfort zone with this book which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I avoid books that contain aspects of cheating yes I understand it goes on but it's a bit too close to home for me hence the reason I tend to avoid them which brings me round to the fact that there's no mention of cheating in the blurb it would've been nice as a reader to have been warned in advance.
Nothing about this book was straightforward given the topics it contained but Ms Harper did an outstanding job of putting them into words with her exemplary writing skills.
June 13, 2015
"Nothing about us is rushed I've been waiting my entire life for you "Can't really say much without spoilers but this was an emotional hard yet beautiful journey of self discovery. There were moments of disappointment,frustration,sadness and happiness. Loved that this was told from Dane's POV and Ioved his confidence it gave a harshness that even though the subject matter is so sensitive it worked perfectly.
May 21, 2017
This story is amazing. It's heartbreaking and Beautiful. Dane is such a wonderful man. I felt for him. I had mixed feelings about Gabi,but I loved Eden. This story is full of angst and a number of different emotions. It's written incredibly well. I couldn't put it down. It made me think about it way after I was finished reading it. It was so emotional. My heart broke a little at times. I loved it!!
May 22, 2017
I brought Dane simply for the authors note at the beginning, I thought yeh fair enough I appreciate that. I had loads of problems with the book though. I won't spoil it but it really felt like they had read the manual and had the answer before they took the test to all the things that were of issue hence the story didn't flow for me. Too much analysis and all that jargon.
I don't mind feeling uncomfortable about a storyline but this one just didn't feel right to me
I don't mind feeling uncomfortable about a storyline but this one just didn't feel right to me
January 21, 2015
Oh my god
This book was good. Parts are sweet, parts are painful, and parts are hot. Then there is the ending that just is....perfect. I refuse to give anything away about this book. I just encourage you to read it because it is worth it.
This book was good. Parts are sweet, parts are painful, and parts are hot. Then there is the ending that just is....perfect. I refuse to give anything away about this book. I just encourage you to read it because it is worth it.
May 5, 2017
** ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review **
Everything happens for a Reason.
Dane by Leddy Harper told in Dane Kauffman’s POV is a wonderful romantic story of a man torn between two women. Ms. Harper’s poetic words and mindset of Dane captures you and warms your heart from the first page until the last.
Meeting Eden at a local bar after work, Dane realizes he feels emotions that he hasn’t felt within that one setting than in the past couple of years of heartache. Learning that Eden just moved here for a job and knows no one, they make wonderful conversation, but when Eden departs, Dane is left wanting more of her. Surprised when he arrives at work the next morning he finds the red headed Eden interviewing for a job at his company. Astonished, he moves her to become his assistant. Is this a wise choice to make? Especially when he actually has a woman who warms his bed at night, a woman who he claims he's loved for years.
Gabi (the woman who warms his bed) and Dane have a past, but their past is laced with multiple roadblocks, twists and turns and hills. Gabi is still reeling from a tragic event leaving her in a state of deep depression putting Dane on the side. Dane would do anything for Gabi! But with all of her sadness, his love tank is not being met, what will it do to him? His relationship?
Dane is finding solace with Eden and both build a strong friendship, even some would say it toes the line on risky! Eden is Dane’s sounding board. She is a great listener, coworker and best of all friend. Dane looks forward to be comforted by her which sparks emotions within him he has not felt in ages.
“What’s the big reason the Universe brought me into your life?” -Eden
“To make me happy, to make me smile. To make me feel something other than down. To bring me light when the rest of my world is so dark, and to make me feel exactly how I do in this moment.”
An unexpected twist has Dane questioning his past 12 years with Gabi. As a reader, it’s the breaking moment, heart stopping/ pounding point. I ache for Dane. My heart pulled for him in so many ways! Best way to describe him is like a Yo-Yo, going between two different women. Caring for Gabi and Eden, both for different reasons. Dane is such a sweetheart and I think that’s how he is so lovable! I LOVED this book! I loved the easy flow between Dane and Eden’s characters; from strangers- friends- lovers. Eden truly is that friend that Dane needs in his life to put him on track. I see so much of her in myself!
5 Stars All the Way!!
Everything happens for a Reason.
Dane by Leddy Harper told in Dane Kauffman’s POV is a wonderful romantic story of a man torn between two women. Ms. Harper’s poetic words and mindset of Dane captures you and warms your heart from the first page until the last.
Meeting Eden at a local bar after work, Dane realizes he feels emotions that he hasn’t felt within that one setting than in the past couple of years of heartache. Learning that Eden just moved here for a job and knows no one, they make wonderful conversation, but when Eden departs, Dane is left wanting more of her. Surprised when he arrives at work the next morning he finds the red headed Eden interviewing for a job at his company. Astonished, he moves her to become his assistant. Is this a wise choice to make? Especially when he actually has a woman who warms his bed at night, a woman who he claims he's loved for years.
Gabi (the woman who warms his bed) and Dane have a past, but their past is laced with multiple roadblocks, twists and turns and hills. Gabi is still reeling from a tragic event leaving her in a state of deep depression putting Dane on the side. Dane would do anything for Gabi! But with all of her sadness, his love tank is not being met, what will it do to him? His relationship?
Dane is finding solace with Eden and both build a strong friendship, even some would say it toes the line on risky! Eden is Dane’s sounding board. She is a great listener, coworker and best of all friend. Dane looks forward to be comforted by her which sparks emotions within him he has not felt in ages.
“What’s the big reason the Universe brought me into your life?” -Eden
“To make me happy, to make me smile. To make me feel something other than down. To bring me light when the rest of my world is so dark, and to make me feel exactly how I do in this moment.”
An unexpected twist has Dane questioning his past 12 years with Gabi. As a reader, it’s the breaking moment, heart stopping/ pounding point. I ache for Dane. My heart pulled for him in so many ways! Best way to describe him is like a Yo-Yo, going between two different women. Caring for Gabi and Eden, both for different reasons. Dane is such a sweetheart and I think that’s how he is so lovable! I LOVED this book! I loved the easy flow between Dane and Eden’s characters; from strangers- friends- lovers. Eden truly is that friend that Dane needs in his life to put him on track. I see so much of her in myself!
5 Stars All the Way!!
May 18, 2017
Dane Kauffman is a man who should have it all. He successfully owns his own business, Kauffman Investments and is very comfortable financially but something is missing but he is content to go on with his life and not challenge it.
Eden Clare has just moved to town after discovering her birth mother lives in the town. She applies for a job as a receptionist of the Public Relations department at Kauffman Investments but the night before she meets a man who peaks her interest. She can see that deep in the man's eyes there is a sense of misery and uncertainty.
As Dane and Eden become closer, she challenges his life and he wonders if he is truly happy where he is at or if he is ready to change it all up for a chance at something he could be missing.
Wow - this book is an emotional roller coaster that leaves you frantically flipping the pages to find out what is going to happen next.
I loved Dane and could completely understand how he felt so torn and confused about what he needed to do. In one corner there was Gabrielle who was struggling and in the other corner you had Eden who was so full of life. There wasn't a simple solution as the past wasn't simple but there was so much that Dane wasn't aware of and what he thought he knew wasn't exactly what happened.
I felt so bad for Gabi and although I was super mad at her at times I really felt bad as things began to get revealed and I was so torn inside for what happened. I was mad at her for keeping the secrets that she did and what happened as a result but I understood to a certain extent why she kept the secrets that she did. I honestly thought the ending of the book was going to be completely different for her and I loved how it turned for the better.
Eden also shared her own heartbreaks and knew that she wasn't going to settle for part of anyone or anything. She was either going to be fully in or not in at all. I loved how she challenged Dane to discover what he really wanted from life and how he needed to focus on himself for once and not anybody else. Only he could make himself happy. There were times when I was definitely mad at Eden for pushing Dane away when he needed a friend but I understood why she needed to guard her heart so much.
I loved the ending with the house and it was so perfect!! I also loved all of the text messages that Dane would send through out the book as he knew he wasn't going to give up until he had no other choice.
Loved this book and I definitely look forward to more from this author!- Rebecca
Eden Clare has just moved to town after discovering her birth mother lives in the town. She applies for a job as a receptionist of the Public Relations department at Kauffman Investments but the night before she meets a man who peaks her interest. She can see that deep in the man's eyes there is a sense of misery and uncertainty.
As Dane and Eden become closer, she challenges his life and he wonders if he is truly happy where he is at or if he is ready to change it all up for a chance at something he could be missing.
Wow - this book is an emotional roller coaster that leaves you frantically flipping the pages to find out what is going to happen next.
I loved Dane and could completely understand how he felt so torn and confused about what he needed to do. In one corner there was Gabrielle who was struggling and in the other corner you had Eden who was so full of life. There wasn't a simple solution as the past wasn't simple but there was so much that Dane wasn't aware of and what he thought he knew wasn't exactly what happened.
I felt so bad for Gabi and although I was super mad at her at times I really felt bad as things began to get revealed and I was so torn inside for what happened. I was mad at her for keeping the secrets that she did and what happened as a result but I understood to a certain extent why she kept the secrets that she did. I honestly thought the ending of the book was going to be completely different for her and I loved how it turned for the better.
Eden also shared her own heartbreaks and knew that she wasn't going to settle for part of anyone or anything. She was either going to be fully in or not in at all. I loved how she challenged Dane to discover what he really wanted from life and how he needed to focus on himself for once and not anybody else. Only he could make himself happy. There were times when I was definitely mad at Eden for pushing Dane away when he needed a friend but I understood why she needed to guard her heart so much.
I loved the ending with the house and it was so perfect!! I also loved all of the text messages that Dane would send through out the book as he knew he wasn't going to give up until he had no other choice.
Loved this book and I definitely look forward to more from this author!- Rebecca
March 24, 2015
Reading the story I was hooked on Dane and Gabi so I had high expectations or high hopes that they’d end up fixing their problems. I think that’s what ruined the book for me. Well my expectation of the book. I was expecting the couple to stick it out since they had been through so much and were once madly in love. Now, don’t get me wrong, this was still a great story. My rant below is just how I felt reading the story but it was absolutely great.
Eden, was some hooker Dane met at a bar. (Not really a hooker) She goes on and on about not wanting to be “the other woman” but that’s exactly what she was. I don’t know who she was trying to convince but it wasn’t working. She was just cheated on and dumped yet she does the same thing to Gabi. I honestly don’t understand how Dane sees this girl for a split second and yet he “can’t take his eyes off her” she makes him unbelievable happy and he hasn’t been happy in a very long time. Pff, please Dane. You saw a nice piece of a$$ in a bar and were hoping to get laid since you haven’t in a very long time. Just because your long-term relationship is on the crapper doesn’t give you the ok to whore around. If he was sooo unhappy why not leave? Why blame all his unhappiness on Gabi and her depression? Yes she dragged down the relationship but he is 50% of that relationship. He should have been a man and helped her yet all he did was enable her, which caused them both to suffer. In the end there is a happily ever after, just not the one I wanted. Enough of my rant, read it for yourself.
Eden, was some hooker Dane met at a bar. (Not really a hooker) She goes on and on about not wanting to be “the other woman” but that’s exactly what she was. I don’t know who she was trying to convince but it wasn’t working. She was just cheated on and dumped yet she does the same thing to Gabi. I honestly don’t understand how Dane sees this girl for a split second and yet he “can’t take his eyes off her” she makes him unbelievable happy and he hasn’t been happy in a very long time. Pff, please Dane. You saw a nice piece of a$$ in a bar and were hoping to get laid since you haven’t in a very long time. Just because your long-term relationship is on the crapper doesn’t give you the ok to whore around. If he was sooo unhappy why not leave? Why blame all his unhappiness on Gabi and her depression? Yes she dragged down the relationship but he is 50% of that relationship. He should have been a man and helped her yet all he did was enable her, which caused them both to suffer. In the end there is a happily ever after, just not the one I wanted. Enough of my rant, read it for yourself.
May 17, 2017
It's no secret I love Leddy Harper and everything she writes, but I'm going to have a tough time reviewing this one. Truthfully because she takes you on one hell of a rollercoaster ride throughout this book. Kinda of like Thunder Mountain without the safety bar.
I loved Dane, most of the time. I'll clarify that later and Eden I adored. Strong female characters I love and Leddy writes them so very well. Dane's history with Gabi, his ex who still maintains a much too obvious presence in his life. There were times when I wanted to smack him and tell him to wake up or he was going to lose Eden. And to what end? Eden and Dane have a good relationship, I wasn't crazy about the way he hid things from her about Gabi, but I do understand why. I think Leddy did a great job writing about those who suffer from chronic depression, however I felt Gabi's was a tad more involved than that. When you read the book, you'll see why. I didn't like when Dane would just drop his obligations with Eden at a sneeze and fly off to rescue her. This is such a multilayered story with so many underpinnings and twists that I couldn't put it down. Much as I was angry with Dane a lot for the things he did for Gabi that seemed to be without regard for Eden, that was my big sticking point. Having said that, knowing everything comes out in the wash or as Leddy says it "Everything happens for a reason." This is once again a stellar book from Leddy. I loved the book. It's another must read from Leddy.
I loved Dane, most of the time. I'll clarify that later and Eden I adored. Strong female characters I love and Leddy writes them so very well. Dane's history with Gabi, his ex who still maintains a much too obvious presence in his life. There were times when I wanted to smack him and tell him to wake up or he was going to lose Eden. And to what end? Eden and Dane have a good relationship, I wasn't crazy about the way he hid things from her about Gabi, but I do understand why. I think Leddy did a great job writing about those who suffer from chronic depression, however I felt Gabi's was a tad more involved than that. When you read the book, you'll see why. I didn't like when Dane would just drop his obligations with Eden at a sneeze and fly off to rescue her. This is such a multilayered story with so many underpinnings and twists that I couldn't put it down. Much as I was angry with Dane a lot for the things he did for Gabi that seemed to be without regard for Eden, that was my big sticking point. Having said that, knowing everything comes out in the wash or as Leddy says it "Everything happens for a reason." This is once again a stellar book from Leddy. I loved the book. It's another must read from Leddy.
June 9, 2017
I don't know where to even start with my feelings about this book!! I was annoyed by it, I hated Dane, but I kept reading because the other book that I read by Leddy Harper did not fail me.....Leddy Harper did NOT fail me at all in this book either!!
Dane is the male character and voice of this book. For starters this is my first book that has an all-male voice and I enjoyed the rollercoaster ride of emotions that came with this all male voice. Dane is a successful, giving, and honest. His issues and troubles are realistic. The struggle of his journey was heartfelt and difficult at times. It took longer to read this book because of the ups and downs of my emotions toward Dane and his actions. Overall, this book is beautifully written. Filled with struggle, heart, heartbreak, and a journey that really makes you think about life.
Possible trigger warning: sexual assault, cheating, and lying. I do not tell you this lightly or as a way to dissuade you from reading this amazing book. I give this warning because I understand that people can have sensitivities to topics. Leddy Harper handles these topics with grace, sensitivity, and heart; she tackles them but does not romanticize these issues.
Provided as an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.
This specific video review: https://youtu.be/d7HumOIDNnA
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel Steph’s Rom Book Talk
https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanieun...
Dane is the male character and voice of this book. For starters this is my first book that has an all-male voice and I enjoyed the rollercoaster ride of emotions that came with this all male voice. Dane is a successful, giving, and honest. His issues and troubles are realistic. The struggle of his journey was heartfelt and difficult at times. It took longer to read this book because of the ups and downs of my emotions toward Dane and his actions. Overall, this book is beautifully written. Filled with struggle, heart, heartbreak, and a journey that really makes you think about life.
Possible trigger warning: sexual assault, cheating, and lying. I do not tell you this lightly or as a way to dissuade you from reading this amazing book. I give this warning because I understand that people can have sensitivities to topics. Leddy Harper handles these topics with grace, sensitivity, and heart; she tackles them but does not romanticize these issues.
Provided as an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.
This specific video review: https://youtu.be/d7HumOIDNnA
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel Steph’s Rom Book Talk
https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanieun...
April 27, 2017
The instant attraction between Dane and Eden is undeniable. The connection was something that Dane didn't even know he was looking for... until it smacked him upside the head. Eden was just as surprised but even more so when she learned he was already in a relationship.
The push and pull between these two almost wore me out. There were times when the story completely engaged me and other times I was drawn out with frustration. Emotional turmoil abounds here.
You never know what life has in store.
One thing I really loved was the message that was left...
No matter what life throws at you or what you've gone through you are strong enough to make it through. You have choices...you can allow those choices to drag you under or you can rise above.
The push and pull between these two almost wore me out. There were times when the story completely engaged me and other times I was drawn out with frustration. Emotional turmoil abounds here.
You never know what life has in store.
One thing I really loved was the message that was left...
No matter what life throws at you or what you've gone through you are strong enough to make it through. You have choices...you can allow those choices to drag you under or you can rise above.
May 15, 2017
I have to admit, Leddy Harper can write. In here she has given us an angst-filled story that delivers a good message at the end.
However, I'm kind of disappointed. Dane was such a good guy. He was in a miserable place and didn't exactly realize it until he met Eden. Eden pushes him to make decisions that he's been avoiding. And here in lies my disappointment. Dane was feeling guilty (and IMO, rightly so...had I realized there was this aspect of the story I probably would not have picked it up to read) and he continued to go back and forth. I wasn't much happier with Eden. For all her proclaiming of not wanting to push him, she did. And in my thoughts was just as guilty as Dane.
*thanks to Social Butterfly PR for sharing this with me*
However, I'm kind of disappointed. Dane was such a good guy. He was in a miserable place and didn't exactly realize it until he met Eden. Eden pushes him to make decisions that he's been avoiding. And here in lies my disappointment. Dane was feeling guilty (and IMO, rightly so...had I realized there was this aspect of the story I probably would not have picked it up to read) and he continued to go back and forth. I wasn't much happier with Eden. For all her proclaiming of not wanting to push him, she did. And in my thoughts was just as guilty as Dane.
*thanks to Social Butterfly PR for sharing this with me*
May 22, 2017
I loved this book it threw all the emotions at you in one read.
The whole story had me hooked and I was enthralled by it all and to say I loved both characters was understatement.
Dane is at a place in his life when he meets Eden, where he's unsure of what he's doing is the right thing. He's torn between doing the right thing for all parties involved. As Dane has always been selfless in life, until meeting Eden changes him, he has to decide whether to continue being selfless or selfish.
I loved Dane, but my god did Eden steal the limelight, she was the epitome of understanding and just a kind genuine person.
The whole story and characters gave me the feelings that I love when reading a story so emotionally as this and I couldn't wait to see how it all ended.
The whole story had me hooked and I was enthralled by it all and to say I loved both characters was understatement.
Dane is at a place in his life when he meets Eden, where he's unsure of what he's doing is the right thing. He's torn between doing the right thing for all parties involved. As Dane has always been selfless in life, until meeting Eden changes him, he has to decide whether to continue being selfless or selfish.
I loved Dane, but my god did Eden steal the limelight, she was the epitome of understanding and just a kind genuine person.
The whole story and characters gave me the feelings that I love when reading a story so emotionally as this and I couldn't wait to see how it all ended.
March 3, 2015
This is a tough one for me. I don't like cheaters or stories on cheaters...you get what I am saying!
However this was different and I was confused about my feeling towards this story.
Frankly there was a huge amount of tragedy fit into one book, was it needed? I am not convinced.
At first I thought Dane was a tough guy with Tats and all the manly things that go with it, he turns out to be pushover, mushy girl man! lol (ok may be not that bad) So he wasn't someone I felt hot and bothered about.
I really didn't care much about the characters but read it to see how it ended.
I read it in a day so it wasn't a hard read, I just didn't enjoy it like I think I should have.
However this was different and I was confused about my feeling towards this story.
Frankly there was a huge amount of tragedy fit into one book, was it needed? I am not convinced.
At first I thought Dane was a tough guy with Tats and all the manly things that go with it, he turns out to be pushover, mushy girl man! lol (ok may be not that bad) So he wasn't someone I felt hot and bothered about.
I really didn't care much about the characters but read it to see how it ended.
I read it in a day so it wasn't a hard read, I just didn't enjoy it like I think I should have.
May 18, 2017
The beauty and pain in this story will tear your heart to shreds and then it will slow be knitted back together with love. Dane is not your average male and there really needs to be more men like him in this world! And his story is glorious! Leddy Harper...your words are magic on a page and they transport me EVERY DAMN TIME! As I sit hear with tears in my eyes and emotion clogging my throat from the beauty of those written words, I just had to tell you how much I love this book! I can't wait for everyone to meet Dane! I have claimed him...Dane is MINE! Thank you for Dane! As you can tell, I floved this book and highly recommend it!
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