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Messy Love

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It was messy.
It was raw.
It was love.

MARISSA

The first time I laid eyes on Wyatt Burton was outside of my biological mother's house. Abandoning me twenty years ago, I never knew that meeting her would change my life so completely. In fact, there were many things that I never expected that day, but there were a few things I knew for sure. Nothing would ever be the same--not even me. And it was all about to get very MESSY.

WYATT

Marissa Thornton deserved so much. She was beautiful beyond reason and never took my shit. She drew me in, while driving out the worst in me. But when she let me in, trusted me completely, I thought I could finally let down my guard and find true happiness. I was wrong. Dead wrong, about myself, about her, and most importantly about the binds of LOVE.

Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2018

34 people are currently reading
404 people want to read

About the author

Stephanie Witter

17 books728 followers
Stephanie Witter, in her twenties, lives in France where she comes up with book ideas on her laptop, notebook or phone. When she's not writing the day away, she likes visiting museums or shopping to add another nail polish to her already huge collection. She's also unable to resist the appeal of new books, even when she knows she can't possibly have the time to read yet another one. She's happy to have a to-read pile so high she can never put a dent into it even if she tries her best.

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5 stars
41 (30%)
4 stars
38 (28%)
3 stars
37 (27%)
2 stars
15 (11%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews55 followers
January 10, 2018
What a amazing deep story. Wyatt didn’t have a perfect childhood but he’s living a good life now with a family that adopted him. But one day a a girl shows up Marissa and changes his life forever. Marissa has her walls up about her life but wants to know about her real mom but will it open up something she can’t get over? Family means more than just your blood. Family is the people that love you through think and thin and never give up loving you. A Beautiful story that will touch your heart. 5/5 messy love stars *** I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book ***
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
January 12, 2018
Messy Love was a great read. Marissa was adopted and she wants some answers so she goes to meet her birth mom. She meets Wyatt. Wyatt was adopted by Marissa's birth mom. Both Marissa and Wyatt are great characters. The both are in uncharted waters and handle thing differently. They are attracted to each. Even though Wyatt is attracted to Marissa he pushes her away because she is a threat to the balance of his family. Wyatt was a tough character to love. He's harsh and not all that nice at points. Marissa is an easy character to love. She's amazing girl. There are a lot of up and downs with Marissa and Wyatt. tT one point I was getting a little annoyed with Wyatt's back and forth then something popped up that renewed my interest in the story.
4 1/2 Amazeballs Stars!
2,617 reviews25 followers
January 12, 2018
omg this book nearly had me in tears. talk about sad. its about a young woman who goes to find her real mom. only she finds a man who has big time issues. there love is so complicated. had me on the edge of my seat towards the end.
Profile Image for Aaly.
1,358 reviews56 followers
January 11, 2018
*** ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review. ***

review-blog

** ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review. **




 

I knew this story would be emotionally charged, and I was served with a freaking book hangover. I had to say, from all the books she had written it was definitely the one that pushed all my buttons.

Wyatt and Marissa, two hot mess who have found each other. Sharing some similar experiences, and being explosive around each other.

Wyatt was like a ticking bomb, self-destructive and very angry. The kind of hero that wasn’t denying his fucked up ways, to push people away, letting the demons of his past to consume him to a way that all he’s ever knew was to ruining it when something was good.

Marissa, in spite of her looks, was more than meets the eye. She might be sensitive and having her own mess, more alike as they seemed on their issues, but not letting the darkness win. I liked to the fragile side totally contrasting with her backbone and courage to face the toughest times.

It was definitely a recipe for disaster. Kinda forbidden, the line between love and hate is going to be crossed and trust me, their relationship drove me insane. The author played with my emotions, testing my limits so many times. The job was well done though.

As much as some people would have despite Wyatt, I couldn’t help to be drawn to him.  I’d love to read about tortured characters and see them evolving through the bad and the good times.

Stephanie Witter didn’t disappoint. I knew it would heavy on the feels, my heart had been broken so many times, the storyline was very tough at times, I didn’t know if I wanted to cry or to smile. The thing is, the author managed to shatter your heart, crushing it with such strength but making it whole again, by assembling all the pieces together. Oh my if it wasn’t the best kind of stories.

rating

Enlight1
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews37 followers
January 12, 2018
4.25 Stars
Ms Witter is quickly becoming an automatic one-click author for me, the quality of her work always leaves me totally blown away and this was no different.
From early on it was evident that the story was one that was going to leave an impression because not only was the story totally addictive, but the actual work was super detailed and super emotional.
The story revolved around Wyatt and Marissa, and I do mean revolved because at times it was dizzying trying to keep ahead of what was happening.
I wondered whether Wyatt was going to be the guy that Marissa not only wanted but needed because there was so much to him, so many ticks that had me thinking that he wasn’t going to be able to help but press the self-destruct button that he seemed to have one finger on all the time. He was so complicated, with a past that continued to impact his present, I couldn’t help but think that he might not be able to stop his past calling the shots but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t want him to find a way to see the bigger picture and that included his situation with Marissa because that was worth more?
Marissa was a complex creature, such a pretty woman but that beautiful exterior that hid the confusion that she carried beneath that carefully constructed exterior. With her, while what I liked was the fact that she was a tough cookie, what I loved was the fact that she was willing to stand tall and fight for not only herself but also those that mattered to her, no matter what others might think!
Life had treated her poorly…with Wyatt, I was hoping that finally there may be a break in that cycle…was there?
This is a story that evokes and provokes a reaction. The conflict was captivating, the battle between love and hate left me scratching my head and trying to decide what side of the fence I was on…I made my mind up eventually, I hope that you enjoy the story to your destination too!
Before I go I must say that whilst this is a tough read at times, with characters that have been through and continue to experience some tough situations but leave your emotions unchecked and allow the story to encourage you. It will ensure that you get all the feels, good and bad…just make sure you have tissues because by the time the story has reached the final page, you will be in no doubt that what you have finished will have left its mark.
Profile Image for Lucii Dixon.
1,104 reviews54 followers
January 12, 2018
Stephanie Witter has truly outdone herself with Messy Love! What an incredibly tense read full of suspense and lust. It's hot, it's terrifying and it's incredible! This is definitely a MUST read for all you suspense-romance lovers out there. Everything was described in such intricate detail, you'll feel you're actually part of the story instead of merely just reading it. The emotions and twists/turns throughout this book will send you on a rollercoaster of emotions yourself. Not many people can pull that off, but Stephanie definitely did.

Love love loved Wyatt! Yeah, he has baggage, demons and what-not, but what incredibly intense character, one that will certainly keep you on your toes with his yo-yo moods. He's hot, hard and heartless on the outside, but on the inside? On the inside, he's completely different but he doesn't realise that straight away, not really.

Loved Marissa. She's a strong and brave little heroine, but one full of love and has the biggest of hearts. The stuff she has to deal with would drive any woman to insanity. I loved her profession, I loved everything about her.

The only thing about this book is that the 'sex scenes' are close together and are quite lengthy. But I prefer short and sweet then long winded.

Amazing. Incredible. And book-hangover here I come!
Profile Image for Carla.
989 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2018
Carla's Five Star Review

Messy Love is a well written story with a lot of depth. As the title states, sometimes love isn't pretty. No, sometimes it's messy and beyond complicated, but sometimes that kind of love proves to be the best.

Marissa was adopted as an infant. Through that adoption, she was blessed with two loving parents along with the best big brother a girl could ever ask for. Yes, life for her was good, but Marissa still had questions about her biological parents. When she finally decides to meet her biological mother, she has no idea that her life will be forever changed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story line dealt with some tough issues, and I thought this author did an amazing job balancing the issues and emotions that come along with them. Wyatt and Marissa were well developed characters, and they were so endearing that I found myself hoping they would find their happily ever after.

A beautiful story that is sure to touch your heart!
Profile Image for Louise.
464 reviews3 followers
January 12, 2018
Holy smokes !!! This book sure lives up to it's title. You need to strap yourself in for an emotional roller coaster ride with Wyatt and Marissa. Between the two of them they have plenty of baggage that constantly tries to get in their way. This book starts with a scene that occurs towards the end then you go back to work your way to that point and everything falls into place.

Their journey is the opposite of smooth so if you enjoy a sweet predictable love story then this book is not for you. Things are messy, intense, steaming hot, heartbreaking and joyful almost all at once. I could not out this book down and was so glad to read something a bit different. My only complaint is I would have liked an epilogue for these two but you never know what the future holds.
933 reviews7 followers
January 11, 2018
This was a very hearfelt emotional romance. Marissa is finally ready to meet her biological mother who abandoned her twenty years ago. What she did not expect was the impact meeting her and the impact it would have on her. Wyatt has his own set of demons he is battling and struggles to let people in, however the first time he lays eyes on Marissa, he knows she is a game changer. Their spark is hot and burns bright, however Wyatt struggles to let her in.

This was all explosive chemistry leading to a thrilling epic conclusion that left me on the edge of my seat. Fantastic read. *** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
January 12, 2018
This is my first book by Stephanie Witter and I loved it. The plot was compelling and made me empathise with both of the main characters, Wyatt and Marissa. Meeting your biological parent, and their family, is a heart-rending subject and I felt every emotion possible for these two people.

Wyatt is a complicated man and his messed up head really made me fall for him; you really feel for him and totally understand his reasons for his surly behaviour.

Marissa is a strong girl. She is very level headed and totally at ease with her adoptive family, she just has a few questions for her. Then she meets Wyatt! Their relationship is full of ups and downs and has you on the edge of your seat.
Profile Image for  Tania.
755 reviews16 followers
January 12, 2018
Love is not always pretty and kind. It can be cruel and brutal but in the end love is love.
Marissa was adopted as a baby by a very loving couple. She finds out who her biological mother is and tracks her down. She just wanted answers on why..
She goes to meet her and meets her biological mother's adoptive son Wyatt.
Wyatt has issues of his own and was adopted by Lydia at the age of 13.
Marissa and Wyatt have a love hate relationship.
This book will have your emotions running wild. You will love and hate Wyatt in this book.
Great read
Profile Image for Lalia.
26 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2018
OMG! Absolutely loved this book that I couldn’t literally let go.
I love both main characters, Marissa and Wyatt, as well as all the other characters. The storyline has quite a few twists, so didn’t expect everything, which is something very pleasant, as I hate predictable.
I don’t want to give too many spoilers, so might edit this review in a while to give chance to more readers, but it’s my favourite book of the year so far and I would totally recommend it. Absolute 5 stars.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
5,078 reviews51 followers
January 13, 2018
This book was fantastic. It gave me all the feels and a raging book hangover. Sometimes it hurts not being able to banish the ghost of our past or messy childhood but if we ever want to have a meaningful life and relationships we have to try letting it go. Life is definitely messy but it’s worth it if we can figure it out.
Profile Image for Jenny Dauksa Schaber.
668 reviews
January 23, 2018
The story premise was wonderful and had a lot of promise. I wanted to love it - a story about 2 adoptive children (now adults), their adoptive parents (2 loving families), finding/reconnecting with birth parents and a romance that is just this side of taboo. Unfortunately, it didn't deliver for me personally. I wasn't able to connect with either main character. It was a long and difficult read for me. I can only hope that it went through editing before it went live as there were some parts that were confusing in the advanced copy I received. Due to receiving an advanced copy, I pushed through and finished. I'm actually glad that I did. The ending was a bit redeeming for the book and answered a lot of questions and issues regarding Wyatt - which was good because he wasn't even remotely redeemable in my opinion until near the end. I am leaving an honest review.
118 reviews
March 22, 2018
Wow. Just wow.

This is a book worth savoring. Love is messy and Wyatt and Marissa prove it. A budding tattoo artist and a trainer, who knew how much they had in common until Marissa looks for her biological mom. Both adopted, she as a newborn and he as a teenager. Marissa meets her bio mom at the same time as she thins into the boy they adopted, Wyatt. Omg, what sparks of love and hate.
Profile Image for Red Cheeks Reads.
2,281 reviews373 followers
February 1, 2018
Marissa first laid eyes on Wyatt at her biological mothers house, the mother who had abandoned her all those years ago but who has now adopted Wyatt. Although they both are attracted to each other Wyatt’s past and his demons forces him to continually push Marissa away. Will Wyatt ever be able to put his past behind him to allow Marissa to help him heal or will Wyatt’s anger and self destruct attitude keep her away for good and his past catch up and endanger all that he loves?

“I had always thought that being a good person was easy. I had been so damn wrong I’d laugh if only my fucking heart weren't about to irremediably break and if I wasn’t so scared.”

This was a heart breaking and complicated love story and yet it was also beautiful at the same time. Two people who are both broken in their own way trying to heal their broken pieces and find a way to let go of the past so that they can have a future!

“For once, I had to figure out a way not to hurt someone and repair who I had broken. That was, to some extent, for me too.”

It was easy to like Marissa- a shy and sweet young woman and yet she also had a strong back bone and courage to defend those she loved no matter what. My heart broke for her as Wyatt kept pushing her away because you could feel the depth of emotion she had for him. Wyatt might have been a harder character to love for some, but for me I completely got him even in the beginning. He was terrified that his past would harm Marissa and his desperation for a loving family was heartbreaking. Yes he would push Marissa away but that’s because he truly thought things would be better that way and I could understand that.

“And then, finally, he kissed me with a tenderness that chased all the darkness that threatened to swallow us today.”

This was a romance story with real grit and a hardness around it. The relationship between the two main characters was not one I had read about before so I found that unique and interesting. It wasn’t all hearts and flowers- this was a hard fought love and there were some definite jaw-drop-intense moments that added another layer to the love story. There was chemistry and danger- a great combination to keep me hooked throughout! The ending was intense and nail biting but we get there in the end with a sweet epilogue that finishes the story well!
~Bethany
Profile Image for Danielle.
807 reviews43 followers
January 12, 2018
Wow. This love story was messy. I loved Marissa and Wyatt. I really loved Marissa’s strength. Even though she had a loving adoptive family, she just needed to know where she came from. She never intended to intrude on Wyatt’s family. When Wyatt did as men do in most romances, Marissa really made him work to get back in her good graces. She really didn’t come back until she saw he really needed her. I really felt for Wyatt. Even though I didn’t like his methods in dealing with Marissa, I can see why he did what he did. I really appreciate the groveling on his part. He felt that pull towards Marissa but he really didn’t want her in his life. There was a real push and pull between these two because they felt attraction towards each other but also the need to stay away due to their complicated family relationship. I felt this was a unique story for me and I really liked that about this book. I also liked the conflict and the resolution to this one. I felt the ending was a bit rushed but I liked it all the same. I would recommend this book.
3.5 stars
Profile Image for Kathy Rouchelle .
969 reviews15 followers
January 11, 2018
Very interesting and exciting story line between the cover of this book. Two different children adopted, two different stories, two lives changed, two lives intermingled with each other because one of the adopted children was adopted by the woman who gave her own daughter up for adoption years ago. And they meet. It's an earthquake of emotions for everyone involved, especially the boy who was adopted at 13, because he now feels threatened by the young woman who comes to visit for the first time, her birth mother. Oh but the intrigue doesn't stop there, and yes you guessed it, the two are attracted to each other and sparks fly, and not just the sexual ones!

This is a wonderfully written book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters are very well written, well defined and quite complex. There are some editing issues, not many, but I think that once the final edit is done that it will read as smooth as silk.

Great read and I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Victoria Smiser.
83 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2018
This is one of those stories which captivates you from the first chapter. The storyline has drawn you in with interesting, independent characters. You are expecting a simple, sweet happy ever after. A beautiful young woman Marissa locates and reaches out to her biological mother. Her mother’s adopted son Wyatt, realizes that Marissa’s arrival in his family will change the dynamics forever. Wyatt has always been afraid that he was not good enough for his own adopted family and his attraction to Marissa makes him even more conflicted.
Page by page there is an ongoing sense of a very complex and dark under current and the reader finds there is no way to put the story down. Thoroughly addictive, this is a story which will hold you until the final page when you are able to breathe again. Another great read from Stephanie Witter not to be missed.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
January 12, 2018
Wow, this title is very apt for this story! Marissa was adopted, and brought up in a very loving family environment, however, she felt the need to find where she came from originally. Wyatt was himself adopted by Marissa’s real mum, and the dynamics are all over the place when Marissa makes an appearance. These two are attracted to each other; however, Wyatt had to work for her love. This is a unique, emotional, heartfelt, and intriguing storyline, which had me captivated from the very beginning, and I highly recommend this authors’ work for all readers!
Profile Image for Piseog.
1,688 reviews7 followers
September 19, 2019
DNF at 42%

I just couldn't like the male protagonist in this book so I thought, why bother continuing. He was an asshole to Marissa, a bit condescending and was very immature. He shouldn't get away with all that just because he's hot. Marissa was okay. This book just didn't feel like real people talking and that really turned me off. I also hated the prologue, which hinted at what was to come in the characters' future, so I had nothing to look forward to. It wasn't a terrible book, but I wasn't enjoying it, so it became another DNF.
Profile Image for Danii corrine.
357 reviews
January 13, 2018
Marissa meets wyatt when she finds her birth mother he is her birth mothers adopted son. Wyatt has a lot of issues from his pay before being adopted. He and marissa have a roller coaster of a ride with so much drama and angst it’s also hell of a lot sexy it’s also tugs at your heart strings. I can honestly say I love this book so much and Stephane witter never fails to amaze me with a book
Profile Image for Sparklin C Reads.
1,997 reviews
December 10, 2018
This is the first time to read anything by this author. Absolutely fell in love with this book. Marissa, just wants to meet her biological mom. Although one obstacle stands in her way, Wyatt. Wyatt is Marissa biological mom adopted son. Let's just say he has had a rough life. Trying to overcome his past. This is a must read for 2018
333 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2018
What can I say other than bloody brilliant!
This book was so addictive that I didn't want to put it down, the characters had so much in common but where Wyatt showed his emotions through anger Marrisa kept hers quite well hidden.
I loved the instant connection that they had even if Wyatt was an arse.
This is the first book I've read by this author.
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,409 followers
February 2, 2018
Very good and emotionally written. I liked the writing style a lot.

Strong and caring heroine, very likable, very!

I adored how the author approached the topic of adoption - very well done!

Amazing parents of both MCs.
Very many beautiful and wise lines!

Despite my complaining below, I never wanted to DNF.

The only and biggest failure of this book was the male protagonist. Weak and annoying. I understood his hurt and his past was hard, but he got an incredible family, he was loved and protected. Every time he assured himself how bad he was, I felt sorry for his adopting parents. He failed them. What he did at the end - let his biological father back in his life and got into the dirty business - was the betrayal. He betrayed his parents, he betrayed the woman, who loved him.

I couldn't forgive him, but maybe it was the idea of the story?..

As I said, very well written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,407 reviews274 followers
January 18, 2018
Marissa Thornton is 20 and is adopted and has just learned who her real mom is. She has finally gotten up the courage to introduce herself to her mom, Lydia Burton, to find out why she was given up and to put her mind at ease.
Wyatt Burton was adopted by Lydia and her husband Danny when he was 13 years old and he is terrified about Marissa coming in and disrupting the life he has made with his family. He is scared that he will be replaced by Marissa and no longer have the same relationship with his mom and dad.
But what starts off as a very bumpy relationship soon evolves into more but Wyatt won't let Marissa in. Will each of their pasts come back to affect their future and will Wyatt be able to figure out what he needs in time before he loses everyone?
I enjoyed this book and I liked some of the twists and turns to show how adoption had affected both Marissa and Wyatt differently.
Marissa ended up being adopted by a wonderful family and had so much support where as Wyatt was not adopted until he was 13 and therefore had some issues from foster care and a lot of bad memories from living with his father. Through that Wyatt was afraid to get attached to anyone as he was afraid he would lose them, even with Lydia and Danny.
Marissa cared about Wyatt but could only go through so much of him being so hot and cold but as she learned more about his past she began to understand more clearly why he did what he did.
I definitely felt bad for what Wyatt went through in the end when his past came back and he learned what was going on and how he felt so trapped. I was worried for a little bit but I am glad how it all turned out!
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,153 reviews3 followers
January 28, 2018
I enjoyed this book and I liked some of the twists and turns to show how adoption had affected both Marissa and Wyatt differently.

Marissa ended up being adopted by a wonderful family and had so much support where as Wyatt was not adopted until he was 13 and therefore had some issues from foster care and a lot of bad memories from living with his father. Through that Wyatt was afraid to get attached to anyone as he was afraid he would lose them, even with Lydia and Danny.

Marissa cared about Wyatt but could only go through so much of him being so hot and cold but as she learned more about his past she began to understand more clearly why he did what he did.

I definitely felt bad for what Wyatt went through in the end when his past came back and he learned what was going on and how he felt so trapped. I was worried for a little bit but I am glad how it all turned out!
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