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Unquiet Mind #3
Broken Shelves
Gina:
Freshly brewed tea. Earl Grey, loose leaf.
Rain on the windowsills. The smell of library books. Escape into worlds greater than this.
Solitude.
Invisibility.
A quiet life. Maybe boring, but boring was never dangerous. Until I saw what I was missing out on. Who I was missing out on. The man who shattered my boring, safe life and lay it to ruin.
The man I’d been in love with since I was a teenager. Who I’d been invisible to since I was a teenager.
The man who just happened to be a world-famous rock star.
Sam:
Whisky. Neat. Leave the bottle.
Crowd of hundreds of people. No, make it thousands. All shouting my name. Live fast. Die...
Die? I’m too young, too famous and far too badass to die. Death doesn’t happen when you stop breathing, it’s what happens before that. Death is the monotony of life. The grave? Well, all the greats live there. You’re not a rock star until you die before you’re thirty. The grave doesn't bother me.
Just the quiet.
That is death in the life of rock.
But then... her.
She’d been there all along and I’d been too blind, too obsessed with the fast, loud life to realize where the real Nirvana lay.
In the silence.
Even the grave couldn’t hold me if I didn’t get her.
And I’m a rock star.
And a badass.
And as stubborn as I am good-looking.
I know how to get what I want.
I also know how to kill anyone who gets in my way.
Freshly brewed tea. Earl Grey, loose leaf.
Rain on the windowsills. The smell of library books. Escape into worlds greater than this.
Solitude.
Invisibility.
A quiet life. Maybe boring, but boring was never dangerous. Until I saw what I was missing out on. Who I was missing out on. The man who shattered my boring, safe life and lay it to ruin.
The man I’d been in love with since I was a teenager. Who I’d been invisible to since I was a teenager.
The man who just happened to be a world-famous rock star.
Sam:
Whisky. Neat. Leave the bottle.
Crowd of hundreds of people. No, make it thousands. All shouting my name. Live fast. Die...
Die? I’m too young, too famous and far too badass to die. Death doesn’t happen when you stop breathing, it’s what happens before that. Death is the monotony of life. The grave? Well, all the greats live there. You’re not a rock star until you die before you’re thirty. The grave doesn't bother me.
Just the quiet.
That is death in the life of rock.
But then... her.
She’d been there all along and I’d been too blind, too obsessed with the fast, loud life to realize where the real Nirvana lay.
In the silence.
Even the grave couldn’t hold me if I didn’t get her.
And I’m a rock star.
And a badass.
And as stubborn as I am good-looking.
I know how to get what I want.
I also know how to kill anyone who gets in my way.
Unknown Binding
First published September 22, 2017
247 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
About the author
Anne Malcom
57 books3,935 followersAnne Malcom has been an avid reader since before she can remember, her mother responsible for her book addiction. It started with magical journeys into the world of Hogwarts and Middle Earth, then as she grew up her reading tastes grew with her. Her obsession with books and romance novels in particular gave Anne the opportunity to find another passion, writing. Finding writing about alpha males and happily ever afters more fun than reading about them, Anne is not about to stop any time soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 23, 2018
This is a 6 star read for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This beautiful story really took me by surprise. Everyone knows how I feel about Anne Malcom's books and this one is no exception. It explores inner demons that many of us hide and does it in a way that left me as a reader feeling both empowered and a little fragile at the same time. This story has jumped into my top reads of all time. It is one I know I will reread many times and get something different each time.
Gina's character resonated with me in a way a character hasn't for a very long time. Her self doubt, her brave front, her steady kindness. Gina is a lot of women I know, myself included. Women that don't think they're good enough, thin enough, pretty enough. When in reality they are more than those things. They are one hundred times more. They just need to find the bravery to open themselves up - when society, media and often those who were meant to love them have broken them down.
“That’s part of it. Life. Being scared…. It’s f@&kn’ scary, babe. It’s unpredictable, it’s uncontrollable, and you only get to do it once.”
Sam makes Gina brave. He is someone I already adored from the previous Unquiet Minds books and that didn't change here. He was always a guy I wanted to have a night of drunken fun with, but I learned he was a whole lot more. His humour and his looks were hiding a man searching for what was always right there in front of him. Opening his eyes was a tough thing for him (I wanted to punch him at times) and finally truly doing it fundamentally changed him.
I laughed a lot in this story. Quite simply Sam is funny AF & Gina's witty dialogue (especially with Lexie and Emma) is hilarious. It was one of my favourite aspects of the story and balances out the heavy side perfectly.
I also cried A LOT in this story - have your tissues handy. There are some very raw, honest emotions explored in these pages. I loved the imagery Anne used to paint a picture of each character's lives to illustrate how we live often reflects our inner fears. What we crave can scare us. Retreat or avoidance is always easier, not better, but easier.
For me me this was a story of two people truly finding in one another what they didn't see in themselves. For Gina it was Sam's fun and bravery, for Sam it was Gina's quiet and loyalty. That's not to say they were incomplete or didn't have these traits themselves, but with each other they were not only complete but content. Truly and honestly happy
"Maybe you’re here to make me live a little faster, and I’m here to slow you down just a little.”
Ultimately it's a love story that is an honest exploration of people's fears and a real, genuine, warts and all love story - one that isn't always easy to read but oh so worth it. I mean real love isn't always perfect or simple but it's definitely worth it. Nothing in life is more important.
"Because that was what true love really was—an inconvenience, constantly informing, impacting and changing your path in a way you never could’ve expected. And it would ensure that your life was never your own as long as the other person existed and as long as that love existed."
So if you're looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry and think then grab this book. You won't regret it.
I received an ARC of this book.
This beautiful story really took me by surprise. Everyone knows how I feel about Anne Malcom's books and this one is no exception. It explores inner demons that many of us hide and does it in a way that left me as a reader feeling both empowered and a little fragile at the same time. This story has jumped into my top reads of all time. It is one I know I will reread many times and get something different each time.
Gina's character resonated with me in a way a character hasn't for a very long time. Her self doubt, her brave front, her steady kindness. Gina is a lot of women I know, myself included. Women that don't think they're good enough, thin enough, pretty enough. When in reality they are more than those things. They are one hundred times more. They just need to find the bravery to open themselves up - when society, media and often those who were meant to love them have broken them down.
“That’s part of it. Life. Being scared…. It’s f@&kn’ scary, babe. It’s unpredictable, it’s uncontrollable, and you only get to do it once.”
Sam makes Gina brave. He is someone I already adored from the previous Unquiet Minds books and that didn't change here. He was always a guy I wanted to have a night of drunken fun with, but I learned he was a whole lot more. His humour and his looks were hiding a man searching for what was always right there in front of him. Opening his eyes was a tough thing for him (I wanted to punch him at times) and finally truly doing it fundamentally changed him.
I laughed a lot in this story. Quite simply Sam is funny AF & Gina's witty dialogue (especially with Lexie and Emma) is hilarious. It was one of my favourite aspects of the story and balances out the heavy side perfectly.
I also cried A LOT in this story - have your tissues handy. There are some very raw, honest emotions explored in these pages. I loved the imagery Anne used to paint a picture of each character's lives to illustrate how we live often reflects our inner fears. What we crave can scare us. Retreat or avoidance is always easier, not better, but easier.
For me me this was a story of two people truly finding in one another what they didn't see in themselves. For Gina it was Sam's fun and bravery, for Sam it was Gina's quiet and loyalty. That's not to say they were incomplete or didn't have these traits themselves, but with each other they were not only complete but content. Truly and honestly happy
"Maybe you’re here to make me live a little faster, and I’m here to slow you down just a little.”
Ultimately it's a love story that is an honest exploration of people's fears and a real, genuine, warts and all love story - one that isn't always easy to read but oh so worth it. I mean real love isn't always perfect or simple but it's definitely worth it. Nothing in life is more important.
"Because that was what true love really was—an inconvenience, constantly informing, impacting and changing your path in a way you never could’ve expected. And it would ensure that your life was never your own as long as the other person existed and as long as that love existed."
So if you're looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry and think then grab this book. You won't regret it.
I received an ARC of this book.
May 13, 2018
Check out this and my other reviews at My Blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter and Pinterest
Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - 3rd in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 3 stars
★Review★
I truly love and adore this author. And I hate to say it but this is not my favourite of hers (although my least favourite book by this author is still better than 90% of anything else I read), And I think this is honestly a case of it being me and not the book.
But, I just felt like I never really got just how and when they fell in love. Sure, they were at school together, but never actually friends, and then they have one night together, do not see each other for a year before they actually get to starting something real.
There was a lot about how they both came from unhappy childhoods, bad families, but it was never really explored in depth. And in all honesty there was not a lot of dialogue in the book. The heroine did a lot of thinking and having very long wordy monologues in her mind. I can be honest I have a short attention span. And I found myself skim reading it a bit.
And it was not a really happy book to read (I know I know, not every book can be) but the they both have such hangups from their childhood (that as I say we never truly get to know about) and the heroine especially, had such bad esteem about her weight, and how she was not in the same league as the hero that is actually brought me down. And then when I thought the book was getting to a happier note I got brought down again.
"But hope didn't exist.
It was easy to forget in the happy moments.
But they didn't last forever in this cruel and ugly world.
And I'd be reminded of that very soon"
or
"It was beautiful. Magnificent.
And I forgot everything.
During.
Pity about the after"
Buy you know, I did enjoy it. And I love the entire world the book is in. And it was great seeing those characters again, and seeing the hero and heroine of this book get their happy ending. I feel like I am being really negative, and while I liked the characters and overall liked the story and can appreciate Anne can write a great story, she is one of my favourite authors by far, this one just missed the mark for me.
I just felt like I needed something more. I liked it and enjoyed it. I just did no love it.
3 stars in the end.
Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - 3rd in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 3 stars
★Review★
I truly love and adore this author. And I hate to say it but this is not my favourite of hers (although my least favourite book by this author is still better than 90% of anything else I read), And I think this is honestly a case of it being me and not the book.
But, I just felt like I never really got just how and when they fell in love. Sure, they were at school together, but never actually friends, and then they have one night together, do not see each other for a year before they actually get to starting something real.
There was a lot about how they both came from unhappy childhoods, bad families, but it was never really explored in depth. And in all honesty there was not a lot of dialogue in the book. The heroine did a lot of thinking and having very long wordy monologues in her mind. I can be honest I have a short attention span. And I found myself skim reading it a bit.
And it was not a really happy book to read (I know I know, not every book can be) but the they both have such hangups from their childhood (that as I say we never truly get to know about) and the heroine especially, had such bad esteem about her weight, and how she was not in the same league as the hero that is actually brought me down. And then when I thought the book was getting to a happier note I got brought down again.
"But hope didn't exist.
It was easy to forget in the happy moments.
But they didn't last forever in this cruel and ugly world.
And I'd be reminded of that very soon"
or
"It was beautiful. Magnificent.
And I forgot everything.
During.
Pity about the after"
Buy you know, I did enjoy it. And I love the entire world the book is in. And it was great seeing those characters again, and seeing the hero and heroine of this book get their happy ending. I feel like I am being really negative, and while I liked the characters and overall liked the story and can appreciate Anne can write a great story, she is one of my favourite authors by far, this one just missed the mark for me.
I just felt like I needed something more. I liked it and enjoyed it. I just did no love it.
3 stars in the end.
September 22, 2017
After getting Killian and Lexie’s story I couldn’t wait for Sam’s, we saw that Gina really liked him back in high school and we also saw how very different they were so I couldn’t wait for their book. At Lexie and Killian’s wedding Sam and Gina ran into each other, Gina still carried the flame she had since high school but Sam had no clue who she was just that she was a beautiful woman he had to get to know. That night was like nothing either of them had experienced and then Sam got scared.
Gina has done everything she could to maintain her life so when a student’s angry father puts her in harms way Gina finds herself at home healing from this traumatic event. Never in a million years did Gina ever think she would open the door and find Sam. Sam ran because he was scared, what he didn’t plan on was Gina being someone he couldn’t forget or get off his mind. He knew she was special and different but in the light of morning he convinced himself he was stronger than his feelings. Now a year later and not able to move on Sam runs back to the only girl he can think of.
Gina is still hurt from what Sam did and wants nothing more than for him to leave but Sam won’t give up and has no issues using his charm to get the girl he never should have let go. No matter what it takes Sam is in it for the long hall especially making sure his girl is safe and never scared or hurt again. And Sam will do anything to make sure that happens. Being persistent pays off when Sam convinces Gina to give him another shot and Sam is determined to not blow it but to show Gina who she really is to him and how much she means to him.
But life isn’t always easy especially with a world famous rock star and an angry ex there’s bound to be issues. Gina is used to her quite tidy life and Sam is used to living his life to the fullest and beyond. With all this swirling around in their lives the one thing that matters is the love they have for each other and making sure it lasts even if others have very different ideas.
I knew I would love this book from the beginning lets jus get that out there right now. 1 it’s Anne Malcom and I love this woman, she is brilliant and an amazing storyteller. She creates these worlds I get wrapped up in and these characters that I fall in love with and root for and feel like I know them. So I knew this one would be beautiful, not to mention we already have gotten a taste for Sam and Gina. Yes I knew I would love this book.
I have to admit Sam is not the guy I thought he would be, yes I knew he would be hot and a great hero but Sam is so much more he’s possessive and utterly in love with Gina. He dotes on her. Quite simply she is his world and nothing including his music will due once he has Gina. Both Sam and Gina are a little damaged they have both suffered but they both are stronger and amazing people. Gina has created this safe space that became so safe she stopped living and Sam comes in and makes her not only live her life but want to live it. He gives her courage and that’s a beautiful thing. Gina is strong in her own way but I love seeing her become strong in this book. She’s kind and perfect for Sam giving him the quiet he needs.
From the very beginning I was hooked on this book it’s one I have anxiously waited for and from page one till the very end I didn’t want to put it down or for this book to end. I can’t recommend this book enough. We get to see previous charters and future characters making me excited for what’s to come as well as some characters from other series, which is something I have always loved. Don’t walk run to your computer and buy this book you won’t be disappointed.
*For anyone wondering this book can be read on it’s own, even though it’s book 3 but I do recommend reading books 1 and 2 first just because it’s Lexie and Killian.
**Thank you Anne Malcom for this Beta/ARC book
Gina has done everything she could to maintain her life so when a student’s angry father puts her in harms way Gina finds herself at home healing from this traumatic event. Never in a million years did Gina ever think she would open the door and find Sam. Sam ran because he was scared, what he didn’t plan on was Gina being someone he couldn’t forget or get off his mind. He knew she was special and different but in the light of morning he convinced himself he was stronger than his feelings. Now a year later and not able to move on Sam runs back to the only girl he can think of.
Gina is still hurt from what Sam did and wants nothing more than for him to leave but Sam won’t give up and has no issues using his charm to get the girl he never should have let go. No matter what it takes Sam is in it for the long hall especially making sure his girl is safe and never scared or hurt again. And Sam will do anything to make sure that happens. Being persistent pays off when Sam convinces Gina to give him another shot and Sam is determined to not blow it but to show Gina who she really is to him and how much she means to him.
But life isn’t always easy especially with a world famous rock star and an angry ex there’s bound to be issues. Gina is used to her quite tidy life and Sam is used to living his life to the fullest and beyond. With all this swirling around in their lives the one thing that matters is the love they have for each other and making sure it lasts even if others have very different ideas.
I knew I would love this book from the beginning lets jus get that out there right now. 1 it’s Anne Malcom and I love this woman, she is brilliant and an amazing storyteller. She creates these worlds I get wrapped up in and these characters that I fall in love with and root for and feel like I know them. So I knew this one would be beautiful, not to mention we already have gotten a taste for Sam and Gina. Yes I knew I would love this book.
I have to admit Sam is not the guy I thought he would be, yes I knew he would be hot and a great hero but Sam is so much more he’s possessive and utterly in love with Gina. He dotes on her. Quite simply she is his world and nothing including his music will due once he has Gina. Both Sam and Gina are a little damaged they have both suffered but they both are stronger and amazing people. Gina has created this safe space that became so safe she stopped living and Sam comes in and makes her not only live her life but want to live it. He gives her courage and that’s a beautiful thing. Gina is strong in her own way but I love seeing her become strong in this book. She’s kind and perfect for Sam giving him the quiet he needs.
From the very beginning I was hooked on this book it’s one I have anxiously waited for and from page one till the very end I didn’t want to put it down or for this book to end. I can’t recommend this book enough. We get to see previous charters and future characters making me excited for what’s to come as well as some characters from other series, which is something I have always loved. Don’t walk run to your computer and buy this book you won’t be disappointed.
*For anyone wondering this book can be read on it’s own, even though it’s book 3 but I do recommend reading books 1 and 2 first just because it’s Lexie and Killian.
**Thank you Anne Malcom for this Beta/ARC book
October 2, 2017
The idea of this story is amazing,
Nerdy girl with self esteem issues falls for hot high school boy who turns into super hot, funny, rock star. Rock star gives her confidence all while dealing with action, drama, violence and suspense
Sounds amazing right?
We only get a glimpse at that amazing story line!
Instead of the gut wrenching, fascinating scenes, we get monologues
Long drawn out monologues, so long that you forget the conversation the characters were having. Split off into random tangents that had your eyes glazing over.
Those amazing, entertaining scenes? Yeah, those were either skimmed over or skipped completely!!
I was never given the chance to feel connected to these characters since 70% of the book was filled with repeated inner monologues, like can we have a conversation in here?
I loved Sam in previous books, but I never really got to hear his story... or any interesting parts for that matter.
Such a disappointment! I had to skim a lot towards the end. The only reason I made it, was the hope for an entertaining end. Instead it was like the author was like,"whoops! Hit my page max, need to end this quickly and with as little detail as possible"
I really hope Emma and Wyatt's book redeems this series!
Nerdy girl with self esteem issues falls for hot high school boy who turns into super hot, funny, rock star. Rock star gives her confidence all while dealing with action, drama, violence and suspense
Sounds amazing right?
We only get a glimpse at that amazing story line!
Instead of the gut wrenching, fascinating scenes, we get monologues
Long drawn out monologues, so long that you forget the conversation the characters were having. Split off into random tangents that had your eyes glazing over.
Those amazing, entertaining scenes? Yeah, those were either skimmed over or skipped completely!!
I was never given the chance to feel connected to these characters since 70% of the book was filled with repeated inner monologues, like can we have a conversation in here?
I loved Sam in previous books, but I never really got to hear his story... or any interesting parts for that matter.
Such a disappointment! I had to skim a lot towards the end. The only reason I made it, was the hope for an entertaining end. Instead it was like the author was like,"whoops! Hit my page max, need to end this quickly and with as little detail as possible"
I really hope Emma and Wyatt's book redeems this series!
September 30, 2017
I love Sam, I love Gina...
I did not love this book though...it literally has given me a headache!
All the inner monologue on every little thing that’s ever said...like for fuck sakes?!
The difference between this and the first two books...like wow?!
It’s as if it’s not even the same author?
It’s such a shame because I’ve loved Sam throughout the series and was really looking forward to the book. There weren’t even any sex scenes to make up for all the rambling on and on.
I’m really looking forward to Wyatt and emma’s story and can’t wait to see what Noah’s book will be like, I will deffo be reading them, this book has definitely not put me off.
I did not love this book though...it literally has given me a headache!
All the inner monologue on every little thing that’s ever said...like for fuck sakes?!
The difference between this and the first two books...like wow?!
It’s as if it’s not even the same author?
It’s such a shame because I’ve loved Sam throughout the series and was really looking forward to the book. There weren’t even any sex scenes to make up for all the rambling on and on.
I’m really looking forward to Wyatt and emma’s story and can’t wait to see what Noah’s book will be like, I will deffo be reading them, this book has definitely not put me off.
September 22, 2017
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Anne Malcom!
What a page turner! This book had me routing for Gina and Sam the whole way. I loved how although this book was primarily about Gina and her struggles, Malcom also gives us glimpses of Sam in the first four years of the band. She demonstrates his struggles, and his demons.
This is a beautiful body-positive, soul-affirming, beauty is both on the outside and the inside, and beauty is not a mold you either fit in or not. It is everywhere, if only one chooses to open their eyes. I just had a flashback of me and my bestie walking around and just commenting on how attractive every female we encountered was. We still do it. All the time.
I mentioned above that Malcom shows us Gina and Sam's demons, but she also shows us the struggles of the spotlight. Of the constant judgement, and criticism accompanying it. In subsequence, this book was also about being comfortable in your own skin, about being yourself and not trying to be like someone else, another rock star, or follow the stereotypes. It was about breaking the prisons formed by those stereotypes; silencing the demons and those putting them there.
Another fabulously written Unquiet Mind book, although I'm not surprised, because it is Anne Malcom after all.
What a page turner! This book had me routing for Gina and Sam the whole way. I loved how although this book was primarily about Gina and her struggles, Malcom also gives us glimpses of Sam in the first four years of the band. She demonstrates his struggles, and his demons.
This is a beautiful body-positive, soul-affirming, beauty is both on the outside and the inside, and beauty is not a mold you either fit in or not. It is everywhere, if only one chooses to open their eyes. I just had a flashback of me and my bestie walking around and just commenting on how attractive every female we encountered was. We still do it. All the time.
I mentioned above that Malcom shows us Gina and Sam's demons, but she also shows us the struggles of the spotlight. Of the constant judgement, and criticism accompanying it. In subsequence, this book was also about being comfortable in your own skin, about being yourself and not trying to be like someone else, another rock star, or follow the stereotypes. It was about breaking the prisons formed by those stereotypes; silencing the demons and those putting them there.
Another fabulously written Unquiet Mind book, although I'm not surprised, because it is Anne Malcom after all.
September 22, 2017
I'm not a fan of this author's writing style so it was so hard for me to sit still and get into this book. I honestly love it when author makes an effort to make the narrative poetic and flowery--if you know what I mean.
I loved the heroine, don't get me wrong. I felt her so much. However I couldn't absorb what the heroine was trying to say half the time because her monologue's way too flowery and LONG that it distracted the hell outta me. By the time I finished reading her inner monologue I found myself even more confused as to what she was trying to say. It's like THAT.
I also found the dialogues between the characters kind of still--in a way that college essay is written. Very formal with words that I don't think people in real life even use!
The Hero was meh? I wasn't a fan. He reminded me so much of Kristen Ashley's alpha characters. With the LONG ASS dialogue that takes pages, the weird ass nickname he gives the heroine, dirty talk. And surprisingly
A solid 2 stars for me.
I loved the heroine, don't get me wrong. I felt her so much. However I couldn't absorb what the heroine was trying to say half the time because her monologue's way too flowery and LONG that it distracted the hell outta me. By the time I finished reading her inner monologue I found myself even more confused as to what she was trying to say. It's like THAT.
I also found the dialogues between the characters kind of still--in a way that college essay is written. Very formal with words that I don't think people in real life even use!
The Hero was meh? I wasn't a fan. He reminded me so much of Kristen Ashley's alpha characters. With the LONG ASS dialogue that takes pages, the weird ass nickname he gives the heroine, dirty talk. And surprisingly
A solid 2 stars for me.
September 25, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Broken Shelves. This absolute perfection is the third book in Anne Malcom's Unquiet Mind series. She has yet again created a world I wish I could escape to some days! Sam & Gina's story rivals the great love stories. A lighter story, filled with love, humor, and some drama. It's guaranteed to make you feel everything. I HIGHLY recommend this beautiful story!!!
September 22, 2017
With each book Anne writes, she grows as an author and she has far exceeded the status quo of "romance novels" with this one. From the dedication to the acknowledgements and every single damn word in between. From a once super insecure girl who had a hard time looking in the mirror and liking what she saw, this is a book for every girl who has ever felt that way. I am not an emotional person but I connected with this book and it had me in tears. In the best kind of way. Sam & Gina...I don't want to give too much away but just know it is not a typical love story. It's real & raw and it makes you feel. The ups and downs and self reflection. This book was just everything to me. It's easy to write a love story with two perfect people and make it work. Anne wrote this story about two imperfect people..
perfectly. She remained true to her characters, and did so beautifully. I really feel that this book deserves more than 5 stars.
perfectly. She remained true to her characters, and did so beautifully. I really feel that this book deserves more than 5 stars.
September 22, 2017
4 broken stars!
I've been dying for Sam's story since I discovered the Unquiet Mind series last year. Sam is so full of life, the joker, masking his pain with smiles, but it was all a front; he had a rough childhood and definitely deserved to be loved. To be honest I wasn't expecting Gina to be the heroine, but it was a pleasant surprise. They fit well together and even though he had his own demons to sort out and she had self-esteem issues, they were able to work through them and get their HEA. Sam was one swoony alpha who I loved. He made some mistakes, but redeemed himself. I'll admit that I struggled in the beginning because it had a lot of inner dialogue and it was a bit too slow for my taste. I wanted more from the last chapter, but I'm just greedy; I did love the epilogue though. I really hope that we get Noah's, Wyatt's & Emma's story soon. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I've been dying for Sam's story since I discovered the Unquiet Mind series last year. Sam is so full of life, the joker, masking his pain with smiles, but it was all a front; he had a rough childhood and definitely deserved to be loved. To be honest I wasn't expecting Gina to be the heroine, but it was a pleasant surprise. They fit well together and even though he had his own demons to sort out and she had self-esteem issues, they were able to work through them and get their HEA. Sam was one swoony alpha who I loved. He made some mistakes, but redeemed himself. I'll admit that I struggled in the beginning because it had a lot of inner dialogue and it was a bit too slow for my taste. I wanted more from the last chapter, but I'm just greedy; I did love the epilogue though. I really hope that we get Noah's, Wyatt's & Emma's story soon. Can't wait to read more from this author.
February 12, 2018
Firstly let me say I read this book with a smile on my face! A full on cheesy grin that turned into belly laughs in a few parts!
Now, if you have followed this series you will know Sam and you will have caught glimpses of Gina. And their story will knock your socks off!
Sam is Sam.....Gina is...omg she is everything. I loved that nerd!
Note: underpants often make me laugh. You know, big ones, small ones, some as big as your head....but if you don't laugh as much as I did at #pantsgate then you are dead inside!
Now, if you have followed this series you will know Sam and you will have caught glimpses of Gina. And their story will knock your socks off!
Sam is Sam.....Gina is...omg she is everything. I loved that nerd!
Note: underpants often make me laugh. You know, big ones, small ones, some as big as your head....but if you don't laugh as much as I did at #pantsgate then you are dead inside!
September 22, 2017
*** I received an ARC of this book for the purpose of my honest opinions. All opinions are my own and I have received no compensation. ***
I did not think it possible for me to fall in love with another character from this author.... I was so freaking wrong! Sam is so intoxicating and I get all tingly thinking of him lol. He sees what he wants and goes for it but Gina isn't what he is used to and doesn't take his rock star attitude when he throws it out.
I loved Gina! She may have her issues, she may have been with a douche, but she is a kick ass character and has an amazing attitude! I love how she isn't afraid to tell it like it is lmao.
There was a quote of sorts I have to throw in here because it stuck with me so much.
"Didn’t all the great love stories have obstacles? Didn’t every single great couple have to go through almost unbearable amounts of pain in order to be together? Wasn’t it the watermark of true love?"
This book and the characters we have all grown to love by this author are inspiring and I am so glad to have read it! I cannot wait to see what is next!
I did not think it possible for me to fall in love with another character from this author.... I was so freaking wrong! Sam is so intoxicating and I get all tingly thinking of him lol. He sees what he wants and goes for it but Gina isn't what he is used to and doesn't take his rock star attitude when he throws it out.
I loved Gina! She may have her issues, she may have been with a douche, but she is a kick ass character and has an amazing attitude! I love how she isn't afraid to tell it like it is lmao.
There was a quote of sorts I have to throw in here because it stuck with me so much.
"Didn’t all the great love stories have obstacles? Didn’t every single great couple have to go through almost unbearable amounts of pain in order to be together? Wasn’t it the watermark of true love?"
This book and the characters we have all grown to love by this author are inspiring and I am so glad to have read it! I cannot wait to see what is next!
October 1, 2017
OMFG! What a fantastic read!!! Sam and Gina are my heart and soul!
The beginning of this book had me feeling a little unsure of how this was all going to play out. I loved Gina's character. She was strong yet quiet. She had loved Sam from afar for most of her life. When presented with the chance to be with him, if even for one night, she jumped at it, although somewhat cautiously. They gravitated towards each other. Even when Sam was fighting it, he couldn't deny the magnetism.
I wanted to junk punch Sam so freaking hard for treating her the way he did. She deserved better than that and I'm glad he finally realized he needed to right that wrong. I'm just sad it took him so long and the events that happened to her in between.
He makes up for it infinitely. Sam is sweet, sexy as sin and protective in his love for her. I loved that he stepped up and went above and beyond to prove to her they deserve each other.
This book broke me into a million pieces so many times and put me back together again, cracks and all, every single time.
I absolutely LOVE this series and I can't wait to see what comes next!!
Hey book whores, if you want to follow me, you can find me here
September 22, 2017
Gina and Sam’s story touched my heart in so many ways. I felt like Anne Malcom was writing my story. Gina is me I felt her pain. I have never cried so much reading a book ever. I had to take breaks because it brought up so much emotion in me I had to breathe. I think many woman go thru what Gina did. I loved how Anne showed us how strong Gina was and she didn’t even know it until Sam showed her. Sam I love him even being a rockstar and basically not living until Gina, made me think of my husband how he has help me become the woman I am today. This is a book I will always remember forever. Thank you Anne for showing me that I deserve the love I found and that I am a strong woman! 5/5 stars if I could I’d give it 10 *** I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book ***
September 25, 2017
Broken Shelves.
Anne I ❤️❤️❤️ this story so much & Gina's struggles were so real to me. You have no idea. Gave me goosebumps.
Sam OMG drool. What can I say but I'll have to read it again to absorb his every impact & detail.
I wasn't able to put this book down, literally I spent my entire Sunday out back reading it while I watched my husband potter around his orchids & gardening.
Pria & Garth. Love that couple. Want to see more of them.
Soooo when do we get the next one. 😁
Anne I ❤️❤️❤️ this story so much & Gina's struggles were so real to me. You have no idea. Gave me goosebumps.
Sam OMG drool. What can I say but I'll have to read it again to absorb his every impact & detail.
I wasn't able to put this book down, literally I spent my entire Sunday out back reading it while I watched my husband potter around his orchids & gardening.
Pria & Garth. Love that couple. Want to see more of them.
Soooo when do we get the next one. 😁
September 19, 2017
This is my favourite book of this series so far!
I really liked Sam in the first book, and he certainly delivers in this one too. His cocky, arrogant, self centred bravado does nothing to hide the lost and vulnerable child underneath.
Gina has been in love with Sam since high school but when their paths cross and she gets a taste of the man he is now, she doesn’t like it. Her quiet slice of life is turned upside down when she steps up for a child in her care. When life becomes dangerous can she speed up to keep up or will she get crushed beneath it?
I loved the characters in this, the fantastic storytelling and compelling plot keep you turning the pages! There are some fantastic turns in the plot and some beautiful moments between the two of them.
Definately my fave so far x
I really liked Sam in the first book, and he certainly delivers in this one too. His cocky, arrogant, self centred bravado does nothing to hide the lost and vulnerable child underneath.
Gina has been in love with Sam since high school but when their paths cross and she gets a taste of the man he is now, she doesn’t like it. Her quiet slice of life is turned upside down when she steps up for a child in her care. When life becomes dangerous can she speed up to keep up or will she get crushed beneath it?
I loved the characters in this, the fantastic storytelling and compelling plot keep you turning the pages! There are some fantastic turns in the plot and some beautiful moments between the two of them.
Definately my fave so far x
November 13, 2017
Totally enjoyed the heck out of this one. The banter and humor sucked me in and kept me reading. It also touched on such a serious topic and was handled well. But I seriously loved Sam
September 19, 2017
Anne Malcom both broke me and healed me with this story. Gina is me. And so many others just like me. This is a story of demons so much deeper than just the life of a Rock Star and the girl from high school that loved him even then, from afar. It's about finding yourself in the middle of the chaos. Or the silence. About strength within. And love. Soooo much love.
Broken Shelves spoke the words my own heart couldn't say.
Broken Shelves spoke the words my own heart couldn't say.
October 30, 2018
I do not think there are enough stars to rate this one. If I could I would give it 100 then I would. This has to be the BEST book I have read this year. There have been a few that I can relate to that I have read this year but this one was so close to home I can say I AM GINA. I laughed and cried and at one point had to put my kindle down and have a little cry as I felt the words in the book straight to my heart.
Gina doesn't fit into today's society of the perfect body and was reminded of this as she was growing up so she as an adult she didn't go out and spent most of her time at home. She didn't want any attention and to just work as a teacher in her small TX town. Then she goes back home for Lexi and Killian wedding and she is brought face to face with her HS crush Sam. She still doesn't feel comfortable being around all of the bikers and their wives as she is constantly thinking she doesn't fit in.
Sam only sees a beauty in Gina but she is shocked that a superstar like Sam would even acknowledge her in a room full of beautiful women that she thinks she doesn't measure up to. Once Sam and Gina get together after he tried to push her away because of the feelings that he is also afraid of. Once he shows up on her doorstep a year later he doesn't give up on her and constantly is telling her how much he loves her no matter what she looks like and shows her how to love herself.
For every self doubt or negative thing Gina says around Sam the more he tells her how much he loves her body. These 2 help and heal one another from their past that make them do whatever it takes to have a happy life together.
This story resonates with me as I have also struggled with self image all of my life. It is hard for some like Gina to accept a compliment on how beautiful she is as I also do. I hope everyone reads this book.
Anne I can't say it enough how HAPPY I was to be introduced to you and to read your beautiful words that touch my soul. I am excited for what the future holds in your next book. Hopefully Emma and Wyatt will be next in this saga.
Gina doesn't fit into today's society of the perfect body and was reminded of this as she was growing up so she as an adult she didn't go out and spent most of her time at home. She didn't want any attention and to just work as a teacher in her small TX town. Then she goes back home for Lexi and Killian wedding and she is brought face to face with her HS crush Sam. She still doesn't feel comfortable being around all of the bikers and their wives as she is constantly thinking she doesn't fit in.
Sam only sees a beauty in Gina but she is shocked that a superstar like Sam would even acknowledge her in a room full of beautiful women that she thinks she doesn't measure up to. Once Sam and Gina get together after he tried to push her away because of the feelings that he is also afraid of. Once he shows up on her doorstep a year later he doesn't give up on her and constantly is telling her how much he loves her no matter what she looks like and shows her how to love herself.
For every self doubt or negative thing Gina says around Sam the more he tells her how much he loves her body. These 2 help and heal one another from their past that make them do whatever it takes to have a happy life together.
This story resonates with me as I have also struggled with self image all of my life. It is hard for some like Gina to accept a compliment on how beautiful she is as I also do. I hope everyone reads this book.
Anne I can't say it enough how HAPPY I was to be introduced to you and to read your beautiful words that touch my soul. I am excited for what the future holds in your next book. Hopefully Emma and Wyatt will be next in this saga.
September 24, 2017
When I first saw that Anne Malcom was coming out with a new book in the Unquiet Mind series, I was super stoked. I loved the first two books of this series, and I just couldn’t wait to dive right into this one.
Starting out, I really loved Gina and Sam. They both had some serious issues, some that ran much deeper than they let on, and I found myself getting lost in the story. Although Sam’s demons weren’t really expressed as much as Gina’s, I sort of figured it out. I wish Anne had done Sam’s POV a bit more, that way I could’ve gotten more on him and his background.
As the story went on, I realized that my feelings toward the book was changing. Not in a bad way, but halfway through and pretty much up until the very end, Gina really frustrated me. She wasn’t a bad character or anything like that, I just had a very hard time reading what she thought about herself. I get everyone has insecurities, and yeah it’s hard to overcome them, but the majority of the book was her belittling herself and I didn’t like that. Gina was a very lovable person, and she was everything you want to see in a lead heroine. However that back and forth with her body image made loving her hard at times. Especially when she would claim she was over it, and had moved forward, then the very next chapter it was back to her talking bad about herself. More than anything I wish Gina was real so I could talk some sense into her. Her body size didn’t matter to Sam and that was very clear. I just felt at times Gina was amazing and other times she was really frustrating. I hated to see a character like Gina just think such bad things about her and shield herself from the world.
Honestly the epilogue is what saved this book for me. It was a pretty good ending and it was one of endings I was glad happened. I wish I loved this one like the others, but it just felt very repetitive. I was also happy to see the other band members in Broken Shelves, so I really enjoyed that part. I just hope with the next book I’ll love it like the first two.
September 22, 2017
Woohooo!!! Anne Malcom! Another author that I just wait for books on! I love her writing! I love her characters… they have this feistiness to them that is just appealing! This book was so raw and real that there were times I couldn’t control my emotions! I was laughing, crying, and feeling heartbroken. One of my favorite things about this book was its realness. This is what it looks like when people are just living, not happy, not sad… but content. This book is a perfect portrayal of love in all its glory… from people’s fears to just who they are. Can you risk yourself, your heart? It’s a lovely, honest and raw look… I adored this book! It might be my favorite out of the whole series!
I enjoyed Sam and I’ve really been looking forward to his story. But this, Broken Shelves, is Gina’s story. I think every woman out there is going to connect to Gina. Do you struggle with feeling secure in yourself? In knowing who you are and liking that person? Can you look at yourself in the mirror and be happy with that person? Yeah, we’re all going to relate to Gina in this book. We take a good, in-depth look at Gina’s fears, her demons. We don’t leave Sam out, oh, no, we’ll look at him too… at his fears, at his demons. As everyone strong woman needs a strong man… and sometimes two damaged imperfect people create that security!
I’m gonna stop here, I don’t want to give the book away. This isn’t a typical romance… nothing is typical here. You’ll feel this story deep inside you… raw and real… especially if you grapple with some of the same fears and demons. The self reflection this made me do was… enlightening, to say the least. Brava Anne! This is a beauty of a book!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
I enjoyed Sam and I’ve really been looking forward to his story. But this, Broken Shelves, is Gina’s story. I think every woman out there is going to connect to Gina. Do you struggle with feeling secure in yourself? In knowing who you are and liking that person? Can you look at yourself in the mirror and be happy with that person? Yeah, we’re all going to relate to Gina in this book. We take a good, in-depth look at Gina’s fears, her demons. We don’t leave Sam out, oh, no, we’ll look at him too… at his fears, at his demons. As everyone strong woman needs a strong man… and sometimes two damaged imperfect people create that security!
I’m gonna stop here, I don’t want to give the book away. This isn’t a typical romance… nothing is typical here. You’ll feel this story deep inside you… raw and real… especially if you grapple with some of the same fears and demons. The self reflection this made me do was… enlightening, to say the least. Brava Anne! This is a beauty of a book!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
September 22, 2017
I've just finished Broken Shelves and I'm speechless, this is such a deep, intense and emotional story, it really delves into the characters. Broken Shelves in the third story about the band Unquiet Mind, the first two being Lexie and Killian (read now if you haven't!) and this one being out Sam and Gina.
Unquiet Mind is as popular as ever, Sam being the hot drummer has everything he wants...the girls, money, alcohol, his family, his music...he thinks this is all he needs his life until he gets a wake up call by the girl he never thought he wanted but realises he can't live without her.
Gina is a school teacher, she has been in love with Sam since she first set eyes on him in high school and has ever since. Gina is a beautiful woman inside and out but she doesn't know it especially after being given hurtful and insulting comments for most of her life by her mother and ex boyfriend. There are a lot of issues to do with her insecurities that Sam helps with to show how special she is.
When they first meet after not seeing each other for so long, it begins the journey of their troubles, love, sadness, anger, and happiness.
This book includes familiar faces, two being Emma and Wyatt who I'm really excited to read what happens between the two!! Also really interested who is going to be the girl Noah!
Really loved this book, was a perfect addition to the series, I 100% recommend if you love any other of Anne's books!
Thank you for this ARC!
Unquiet Mind is as popular as ever, Sam being the hot drummer has everything he wants...the girls, money, alcohol, his family, his music...he thinks this is all he needs his life until he gets a wake up call by the girl he never thought he wanted but realises he can't live without her.
Gina is a school teacher, she has been in love with Sam since she first set eyes on him in high school and has ever since. Gina is a beautiful woman inside and out but she doesn't know it especially after being given hurtful and insulting comments for most of her life by her mother and ex boyfriend. There are a lot of issues to do with her insecurities that Sam helps with to show how special she is.
When they first meet after not seeing each other for so long, it begins the journey of their troubles, love, sadness, anger, and happiness.
This book includes familiar faces, two being Emma and Wyatt who I'm really excited to read what happens between the two!! Also really interested who is going to be the girl Noah!
Really loved this book, was a perfect addition to the series, I 100% recommend if you love any other of Anne's books!
Thank you for this ARC!
December 30, 2017
OMG how I looove Sam! I was ecstatic to see him fall and man did he fall but while he fell he also lift Gina's self esteem and I love how he was with her and all the beautiful words and actions he use with her and I guess I loved it more because of how much I saw of myself in Gina. Obviously it wasn't all rainbows and roses and even their "first" encounter after he was famous didn't end up that well but once he figured it out he didn't back down.
January 6, 2019
4.5 stars
I don't think there will ever be a time that the words that this author puts on paper do not truly leave me gobsmacked. There is just such a beauty to how she puts her thoughts into words and then weaves them into a story. I was looking forward to this story since reading Lexie and Kill's stories. There was just something about Sam. I loved that he was able to show that he was more than just a fun guy. He had had so much more to offer beyond the reputation that others saw. Gina. I loved that she was a girl just like me. She had the same insecurities that I do. Together these two were perfect for each other and gave me hope that maybe, just maybe, there might be a man like Sam in my future.
I don't think there will ever be a time that the words that this author puts on paper do not truly leave me gobsmacked. There is just such a beauty to how she puts her thoughts into words and then weaves them into a story. I was looking forward to this story since reading Lexie and Kill's stories. There was just something about Sam. I loved that he was able to show that he was more than just a fun guy. He had had so much more to offer beyond the reputation that others saw. Gina. I loved that she was a girl just like me. She had the same insecurities that I do. Together these two were perfect for each other and gave me hope that maybe, just maybe, there might be a man like Sam in my future.
January 5, 2019
5 BEAUTIFUL DEMONS STARS!! I binged read the Unquiet Mind series and each book keeps getting better and that is hard to do because I love them all. Sam and Gina's touched every part of my heart, it was tough, broken, awful demons in many ways and so full of love. This author's writing is simply perfection, I feel every emotion with her beautiful words. This series is one you definitely need to 1-Click.
January 18, 2019
Sam has been the mystery in the group and I've wanted to know what made him ticks since the series began. I wasn't expecting his love interest however she just fits him perfectly. This is an intense book that looks at our inner demons and how we see ourselves. When Sam finally gets his act together I loved how he was with Gina. He's still the funny guy we've come to love but he's this tender loving supportive man who will defend her to his last breath.
I know we will get Wyatt's book next but I'm going to be sad when this series is done.
I know we will get Wyatt's book next but I'm going to be sad when this series is done.
January 5, 2019
BROKEN SHELVES
I loooved Sam and Gina’s story! Gina is so different than most of the typical heroines and I can’t even explain how much I love that about her. Broken Shelves is a beautiful, emotional read. I have loved all of these interconnected books in the Sons, Greenstone, and Unquiet Mind series. Definitely recommend!
I loooved Sam and Gina’s story! Gina is so different than most of the typical heroines and I can’t even explain how much I love that about her. Broken Shelves is a beautiful, emotional read. I have loved all of these interconnected books in the Sons, Greenstone, and Unquiet Mind series. Definitely recommend!
September 23, 2017
I have 5 minutes that i finished this amazing book...and for 5 minutes i was looking at my computer screen because i didn't know how to start this review....I'm speechless....I have nothing more to say than this is a 5000 stars book.Anne thank you so much for giving us such an amazing books.I can't wait to read what you have for us next!!!
September 24, 2017
5 super stars
What a great read...Sam and Gina had a story to tell and Ms Anne listened...she wrote this story with passion and grace...as with all the previous books, the story had great flow and direction...also much less sexy times in this book...not necessarily a bad thing...just different...looking forward to Wyatt and Emmas story...
What a great read...Sam and Gina had a story to tell and Ms Anne listened...she wrote this story with passion and grace...as with all the previous books, the story had great flow and direction...also much less sexy times in this book...not necessarily a bad thing...just different...looking forward to Wyatt and Emmas story...
October 6, 2017
I really like this author & love her books, but this one was just boring to me. I put it down for a while and read other books, then came back & nope just could not get into this book.
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