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Traveling #1
Il Viandante
Era uno normale, carino a prima vista. In realtà era straordinario, anche se non sempre gentile, e bellissimo.
“Bello” era una parola troppo riduttiva per la sua pelle liscia e dorata; per il viso, descritto dagli zigomi decisi, e il mento volitivo. Aveva gli occhi del colore del mare prima di una tempesta, l’espressione dubbiosa e vulnerabile, labbra morbide e carnose, dello stesso colore della rosa rossa in sboccio; il suo corpo statuario, scolpito, pericoloso.
Poteva respirare fuoco, mangiare fiamme, e la parola “amore” bruciava insieme a quelle sulle sue labbra.
Ero già coinvolta da lui da prima che mi rendessi conto dell’inizio della nostra storia.
È stato divertente il modo in cui sono andate le cose.
Aimee ha dieci anni quando la sua strada incrocia quella di Kes, abile ragazzino circense, e scopre così la magia del circo. Lui è tutto ciò che lei non sarà mai: libero, felice e senza paura. Sono sufficienti due settimane all’anno per unire i due giovani, e la loro amicizia si trasforma pian piano in qualcosa di più profondo, intrinseco, ma anche molto pericoloso. Aimee infatti sa che Kes non potrà mai fermarsi in un solo luogo e che il suo cuore è destinato a seguirlo in capo al mondo pur di stare con lui.
Il sentimento dei ragazzi spaventa entrambe le famiglie, perché motore di comportamenti impulsivi e illogici. Ma Aimee non vuole rinunciare all’amore per Kes, e lui sa che nessuna lo conosce quanto lei. Lottare, però, non è facile quando a volersi unire sono due mondi tanto distanti tra loro e per Aimee e Kes la vita sembra diventare impossibile nell’attesa dell’altro.
Il primo romanzo della Traveling Series dalla penna ipnotica della scrittrice Jane Harvey-Berrick, un successo internazionale che ha fatto innamorare migliaia di lettori.
“Bello” era una parola troppo riduttiva per la sua pelle liscia e dorata; per il viso, descritto dagli zigomi decisi, e il mento volitivo. Aveva gli occhi del colore del mare prima di una tempesta, l’espressione dubbiosa e vulnerabile, labbra morbide e carnose, dello stesso colore della rosa rossa in sboccio; il suo corpo statuario, scolpito, pericoloso.
Poteva respirare fuoco, mangiare fiamme, e la parola “amore” bruciava insieme a quelle sulle sue labbra.
Ero già coinvolta da lui da prima che mi rendessi conto dell’inizio della nostra storia.
È stato divertente il modo in cui sono andate le cose.
Aimee ha dieci anni quando la sua strada incrocia quella di Kes, abile ragazzino circense, e scopre così la magia del circo. Lui è tutto ciò che lei non sarà mai: libero, felice e senza paura. Sono sufficienti due settimane all’anno per unire i due giovani, e la loro amicizia si trasforma pian piano in qualcosa di più profondo, intrinseco, ma anche molto pericoloso. Aimee infatti sa che Kes non potrà mai fermarsi in un solo luogo e che il suo cuore è destinato a seguirlo in capo al mondo pur di stare con lui.
Il sentimento dei ragazzi spaventa entrambe le famiglie, perché motore di comportamenti impulsivi e illogici. Ma Aimee non vuole rinunciare all’amore per Kes, e lui sa che nessuna lo conosce quanto lei. Lottare, però, non è facile quando a volersi unire sono due mondi tanto distanti tra loro e per Aimee e Kes la vita sembra diventare impossibile nell’attesa dell’altro.
Il primo romanzo della Traveling Series dalla penna ipnotica della scrittrice Jane Harvey-Berrick, un successo internazionale che ha fatto innamorare migliaia di lettori.
420 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2015
252 people are currently reading
4831 people want to read
About the author
Jane Harvey-Berrick
80 books2,029 followersAuthor also writes under Jane H. Berrick
Writing is my passion and my obsession. I write every day and I love it. My head is full of stories and characters. I'll never keep up with all my ideas...
All through 2021, I'll be including a new and original short story in my monthly newsletter. You'll get a FREE copy of my little heartbreaker PLAYING IN THE RAIN when you do.
http://janeharveyberrick.co.uk/newsle...
I live in a small village by the ocean and walk on the beach every day. It’s on those beachside walks that I have all my best ideas.
Writing has become a way of life – and one that I love to share.
I've just published my first ever historical romance - partly set in Britain during World War Two, and partly set in Iowa and Las Vegas today: THE LILAC CADILLAC
Did you know that I also write books with STUART REARDON, talented, kind AND handsome!
UNDEFEATED
MODEL BOYFRIEND
GYM OR CHOCOLATE?
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO VINCE
THE BABY GAME (Nov 24th 2021)
Find me!
Amazon US http://amzn.to/1M3cFuw amazon.com/author/janeharveyberrick
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1PdO987
FB Author page https://www.facebook.com/JHBWrites/
My Reader Group Jane’s Travelers https://www.facebook.com/groups/74596...
https://twitter.com/jharveyberrick
https://instagram.com/jharveyberrick
http://www.pinterest.com/jharveyberrick
Don’t want to miss a discounted book or a freebie? Follow me on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-...
Email jharveyberrick@gmail.com
Youtube https://goo.gl/YBjWdd
Website www.janeharveyberrick.com
Writing is my passion and my obsession. I write every day and I love it. My head is full of stories and characters. I'll never keep up with all my ideas...
All through 2021, I'll be including a new and original short story in my monthly newsletter. You'll get a FREE copy of my little heartbreaker PLAYING IN THE RAIN when you do.
http://janeharveyberrick.co.uk/newsle...
I live in a small village by the ocean and walk on the beach every day. It’s on those beachside walks that I have all my best ideas.
Writing has become a way of life – and one that I love to share.
I've just published my first ever historical romance - partly set in Britain during World War Two, and partly set in Iowa and Las Vegas today: THE LILAC CADILLAC
Did you know that I also write books with STUART REARDON, talented, kind AND handsome!
UNDEFEATED
MODEL BOYFRIEND
GYM OR CHOCOLATE?
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO VINCE
THE BABY GAME (Nov 24th 2021)
Find me!
Amazon US http://amzn.to/1M3cFuw amazon.com/author/janeharveyberrick
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1PdO987
FB Author page https://www.facebook.com/JHBWrites/
My Reader Group Jane’s Travelers https://www.facebook.com/groups/74596...
https://twitter.com/jharveyberrick
https://instagram.com/jharveyberrick
http://www.pinterest.com/jharveyberrick
Don’t want to miss a discounted book or a freebie? Follow me on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-...
Email jharveyberrick@gmail.com
Youtube https://goo.gl/YBjWdd
Website www.janeharveyberrick.com
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January 12, 2015No rating
Sometimes there are those rare books I read that really can’t be swept under one rating and The Traveling Man falls under that case. I just want to say this part first before anything else: I loved and disliked this book in equal measures. The unique setting of the story, the friends-to-lovers romance, and the beautiful writing were all major positives. Yet on the flip side, there were several plot devices I flat-out didn’t like and put up a pretty big negative case against the positive. And with these kinds of books that make me feel so conflicted, I have tons to say, so I’ll be disregarding the rating this time and just let my thoughts all out before I start pulling my hair out.
With each new book I read from this author, it never fails to surprise me that there’ll be some unique aspect incorporated that makes her stories stand out among her own work and others. This book was no exception, and what made this one different is the carnival setting. I think the closest I’ve come to this premise would be a circus romance I read a while back but even so, the author makes it clear there’s a difference and that there’s more to a carnival than just petting animals and magic tricks. It’s very well researched – from the detailed descriptions of carnival ‘carnie’ life to behind the scenes setup – and it’s among all this chaotic fun where the stormy romance between Aimee Anderson and Kestrel Donohue began.
Their backgrounds are so different – Aimee’s your average girl living an ordinary life while Kes is a carnie, a wild card from the very start who has no roots and lives for thrills and excitement. And yet – even from the time they were children – there has always been a connection between them that no one could ever sever, a bond that just seemed right.
“He was everything I wasn’t, but somehow, together, there was a synergy, an alignment, something just made sense no matter how crazy it seemed to anyone else.”
The tricky part is that for every year for 6 years, Kes and Aimee would only see each other for two weeks as the carnival would tour around the country after that. As they were kids maturing into adolescence, the author perfectly captured the strife caused by their growing attraction to one another and the inevitable long distance. Thus, the two weeks they could see each other became their lifeline, from daily outings to bedroom readings to innocent kisses…they had to make the best memories to last them for a year before they could see each other again.
The pivotal year that became the game changer was the year Aimee turned 16, when she and Kes both instinctively knew that all their years of playing around as kids were over. They were teens in love that left no room for anyone else.
“You’re my girl, Aimee. No one else.”
Just when they thought they could finally be together, a series of unfortunate events hit them hard – deception, loss, misunderstandings, etc…I can’t even begin to describe how frustrated and angry I was that such a wonderful couple had THIS many obstacles to face. This part was also my strike #1 as I thought some of the conflicts were put in for pure drama’s sake and the time gap right after all this put me in an even sour mood. If you didn’t already know, I hate time gaps.
Anyways, years pass and in a very realistic and believable manner, Aimee and Kes meet again. Both have matured considerably, both have moved on, yet both can’t deny that their chemistry and bond from before hasn’t changed. Even after finishing the book, I still can’t get over this second chance romance part because there’s just SO. MUCH. tension and conflict and passion put together that I’ve questioned more than once if their love is toxic. Because of their failed past relationship and all the baggage they’re dragging, these two have put up high walls. Some of their actions are cruel. Some just made me go WTF. And this quote from Aimee captures their struggles perfectly:
“...that was the truth: I’d never stopped loving him, but I was beginning to wish that I could.”
One part of this book that has always bothered me was the lack of information about Kes’s background. He’s such a tortured guy. He’s harsh and rough, but can also be gentle and loving. Throughout the book, only little hints have been dropped about his past and what could’ve made him so closed off and cynical, even towards Aimee.
I wished the author could’ve given me more on that – maybe even a few chapters in his POV – because it made some (okay, a LOT) of his actions seem unnecessarily cruel. And yet strangely enough, every time I thought he stepped out of line, I would remember. I would flash back to the time where he and Aimee were sweet, carefree children, flash back to young teenagers in love. Same with Aimee. Every time I got annoyed with her doormat-ish behavior, I would remember how strongly and deeply she loved Kes and how holding onto that love was #1 for her, that no matter what, she believed their love was worth fighting for.
“Kes was moody and difficult, brilliant and beautiful. He scared me and he protected me. He could be incredibly hurtful and incredibly thoughtful. He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for me.”
You could say that the author has effectively messed with my mind because these warring emotions are the source of my inner conflict and why I can’t decide on any one rating. Other technical issues I had like the very abrupt ending and how when they were children, Aimee and Kes didn’t really talk like kids were factors to consider too. It wouldn’t have been fair of me to let my frustration take over and slap a 3 star rating because I really was invested in this couple, in their romance. I loved them individually and I loved them together. On the flip side, I can’t hand out a 4.5 or 5 star rating because those plot devices truly frustrated and angered me.
But what’s weighing heavily on my mind right now is that I simply can’t forget about the book. There’s just this intensity to the story and I’m so tempted to do a re-read now, even knowing that reading all the conflict again will probably kill me. So much happens so fast I’m feeling overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time. Taking all of this into account, does it sound like an epic romance worth reading or just a bundle of never-ending drama and unanswered questions best to skip? I have no fucking clue. And I still can’t get these characters out of my mind...
The Traveling Man is book 1 in a 2-book series and isn’t a standalone. Aimee and Kes’s tumultuous journey will be concluded in book 2 The Traveling Woman. You can bet your bottom dollar the moment the second book releases I will be reading it. I NEED my closure!!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes there are those rare books I read that really can’t be swept under one rating and The Traveling Man falls under that case. I just want to say this part first before anything else: I loved and disliked this book in equal measures. The unique setting of the story, the friends-to-lovers romance, and the beautiful writing were all major positives. Yet on the flip side, there were several plot devices I flat-out didn’t like and put up a pretty big negative case against the positive. And with these kinds of books that make me feel so conflicted, I have tons to say, so I’ll be disregarding the rating this time and just let my thoughts all out before I start pulling my hair out.
With each new book I read from this author, it never fails to surprise me that there’ll be some unique aspect incorporated that makes her stories stand out among her own work and others. This book was no exception, and what made this one different is the carnival setting. I think the closest I’ve come to this premise would be a circus romance I read a while back but even so, the author makes it clear there’s a difference and that there’s more to a carnival than just petting animals and magic tricks. It’s very well researched – from the detailed descriptions of carnival ‘carnie’ life to behind the scenes setup – and it’s among all this chaotic fun where the stormy romance between Aimee Anderson and Kestrel Donohue began.
Their backgrounds are so different – Aimee’s your average girl living an ordinary life while Kes is a carnie, a wild card from the very start who has no roots and lives for thrills and excitement. And yet – even from the time they were children – there has always been a connection between them that no one could ever sever, a bond that just seemed right.
“He was everything I wasn’t, but somehow, together, there was a synergy, an alignment, something just made sense no matter how crazy it seemed to anyone else.”
The tricky part is that for every year for 6 years, Kes and Aimee would only see each other for two weeks as the carnival would tour around the country after that. As they were kids maturing into adolescence, the author perfectly captured the strife caused by their growing attraction to one another and the inevitable long distance. Thus, the two weeks they could see each other became their lifeline, from daily outings to bedroom readings to innocent kisses…they had to make the best memories to last them for a year before they could see each other again.
The pivotal year that became the game changer was the year Aimee turned 16, when she and Kes both instinctively knew that all their years of playing around as kids were over. They were teens in love that left no room for anyone else.
“You’re my girl, Aimee. No one else.”
Just when they thought they could finally be together, a series of unfortunate events hit them hard – deception, loss, misunderstandings, etc…I can’t even begin to describe how frustrated and angry I was that such a wonderful couple had THIS many obstacles to face. This part was also my strike #1 as I thought some of the conflicts were put in for pure drama’s sake and the time gap right after all this put me in an even sour mood. If you didn’t already know, I hate time gaps.
Anyways, years pass and in a very realistic and believable manner, Aimee and Kes meet again. Both have matured considerably, both have moved on, yet both can’t deny that their chemistry and bond from before hasn’t changed. Even after finishing the book, I still can’t get over this second chance romance part because there’s just SO. MUCH. tension and conflict and passion put together that I’ve questioned more than once if their love is toxic. Because of their failed past relationship and all the baggage they’re dragging, these two have put up high walls. Some of their actions are cruel. Some just made me go WTF. And this quote from Aimee captures their struggles perfectly:
“...that was the truth: I’d never stopped loving him, but I was beginning to wish that I could.”
One part of this book that has always bothered me was the lack of information about Kes’s background. He’s such a tortured guy. He’s harsh and rough, but can also be gentle and loving. Throughout the book, only little hints have been dropped about his past and what could’ve made him so closed off and cynical, even towards Aimee.
I wished the author could’ve given me more on that – maybe even a few chapters in his POV – because it made some (okay, a LOT) of his actions seem unnecessarily cruel. And yet strangely enough, every time I thought he stepped out of line, I would remember. I would flash back to the time where he and Aimee were sweet, carefree children, flash back to young teenagers in love. Same with Aimee. Every time I got annoyed with her doormat-ish behavior, I would remember how strongly and deeply she loved Kes and how holding onto that love was #1 for her, that no matter what, she believed their love was worth fighting for.
“Kes was moody and difficult, brilliant and beautiful. He scared me and he protected me. He could be incredibly hurtful and incredibly thoughtful. He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for me.”
You could say that the author has effectively messed with my mind because these warring emotions are the source of my inner conflict and why I can’t decide on any one rating. Other technical issues I had like the very abrupt ending and how when they were children, Aimee and Kes didn’t really talk like kids were factors to consider too. It wouldn’t have been fair of me to let my frustration take over and slap a 3 star rating because I really was invested in this couple, in their romance. I loved them individually and I loved them together. On the flip side, I can’t hand out a 4.5 or 5 star rating because those plot devices truly frustrated and angered me.
But what’s weighing heavily on my mind right now is that I simply can’t forget about the book. There’s just this intensity to the story and I’m so tempted to do a re-read now, even knowing that reading all the conflict again will probably kill me. So much happens so fast I’m feeling overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time. Taking all of this into account, does it sound like an epic romance worth reading or just a bundle of never-ending drama and unanswered questions best to skip? I have no fucking clue. And I still can’t get these characters out of my mind...
The Traveling Man is book 1 in a 2-book series and isn’t a standalone. Aimee and Kes’s tumultuous journey will be concluded in book 2 The Traveling Woman. You can bet your bottom dollar the moment the second book releases I will be reading it. I NEED my closure!!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2015
4.5 Stars
This book had me completely captivated, a truly magical story. The author does a great job of bringing the carnival to life. Aimee has lived an ordinary life, but on her 10th birthday, when the carnival comes to town, she gets a glimpse of the extraordinary. While swept up in the magic of the carnival she meets Kes, the carnie boy who will change her world. Kes is charismatic, surly and wild, everything Aimee isn't.
"He was everything I wasn’t, but somehow, together, there was a synergy, an alignment, something just made sense no matter how crazy it seemed to anyone else."
They quickly become friends, and for 2 weeks each summer they are reunited and their friendship grows each year, until it becomes more, and they cannot face saying goodbye again.
At 16, Kes and Aimee make a plan. But things don't go the way they had hoped. Time passes , but then fate throws Aimee a bone. Will Aimee and Kes get a second chance at a hea?
I really enjoyed this story. It was unique, well written and it made me feel. I felt connected to both characters and I loved them together, even when they are arguing or Kes is being an ass, I couldn't help but pull for them. That ending though....I need the next book NOW.
This book had me completely captivated, a truly magical story. The author does a great job of bringing the carnival to life. Aimee has lived an ordinary life, but on her 10th birthday, when the carnival comes to town, she gets a glimpse of the extraordinary. While swept up in the magic of the carnival she meets Kes, the carnie boy who will change her world. Kes is charismatic, surly and wild, everything Aimee isn't.
"He was everything I wasn’t, but somehow, together, there was a synergy, an alignment, something just made sense no matter how crazy it seemed to anyone else."
They quickly become friends, and for 2 weeks each summer they are reunited and their friendship grows each year, until it becomes more, and they cannot face saying goodbye again.
At 16, Kes and Aimee make a plan. But things don't go the way they had hoped. Time passes , but then fate throws Aimee a bone. Will Aimee and Kes get a second chance at a hea?
I really enjoyed this story. It was unique, well written and it made me feel. I felt connected to both characters and I loved them together, even when they are arguing or Kes is being an ass, I couldn't help but pull for them. That ending though....I need the next book NOW.
February 1, 2015
4.5 Stars
“I was old enough to know that magic didn’t exist, and young enough to hope that I was wrong. I was sure that if magic belongs anywhere in the world, it was living and breathing right across the road in Mr. Peterson’s field.”
[image error]
Jane Harvey-Berrick did a brilliant job gifting a spellbinding story through the eyes of a young girl named Aimee who goes to the carnival to celebrate her tenth birthday. Aimee meets a young carnie boy named Kes and the two form a friendship that spans several years, while only being confined in the two weeks each summer. The writing was so very realistic that everything from the flashing lights of carnival rides and breeze on the ferris wheel felt like I was with the characters as we explored the carnival sights.
When the carnival comes back to town on Aimee’s sixteen birthday, her now crush turns into an epic first love for both Kes and Aimee. Aimee’s school life and home life are ordinary. Kes brings bring color, excitement and wonder into her world for two weeks each year.
The story is told in two parts and there is a time jump when the two crushingly loss touch but do eventually reconnect. Impulsively Aimee accepts Kess’ offer to go on the road with a carnival for a few weeks.
”You still love him.”
“I love the boy he was. I could love the man, too. I don’t know, and that’s why I have to find out.”
This couple were hot and heavy, they fight big and love even bigger…
”No, you’re cute. But somehow, when you and Kes are together, there’s this incredible sexual tension in the air. Hell it makes everyone horny. I think there’ll be a lot of kids born in about nine months after this tour.”
I really loved experiencing the carnival family and how Aimee attempted to fit in. I was disappointed in the cliffhanger ending, but I’m sure the author must have a lot more to go if another full book is needed (perhaps Kes' background or family will have more of a role). I also have to mention that I appreciated how the author’s handles Kes’ Dyslexia. I struggle daily myself and totally get his frustrations.
Many questions need to be answered in the next book: What kind of future if any can a third grade teacher from Boston have with a traveling carnival/stunt entertainer. Will Kes and Aimee find an in between? Will Aimee give up her life to live on the road? Is their love enough?
I would suggest or ask that the author incorporate Kes’ pov for the next book because he’s not the type of guy to explain himself and being in his head would be pretty interesting.
I’m looking forward the next book and more magic from this author.
“I was old enough to know that magic didn’t exist, and young enough to hope that I was wrong. I was sure that if magic belongs anywhere in the world, it was living and breathing right across the road in Mr. Peterson’s field.”
[image error]
Jane Harvey-Berrick did a brilliant job gifting a spellbinding story through the eyes of a young girl named Aimee who goes to the carnival to celebrate her tenth birthday. Aimee meets a young carnie boy named Kes and the two form a friendship that spans several years, while only being confined in the two weeks each summer. The writing was so very realistic that everything from the flashing lights of carnival rides and breeze on the ferris wheel felt like I was with the characters as we explored the carnival sights.
When the carnival comes back to town on Aimee’s sixteen birthday, her now crush turns into an epic first love for both Kes and Aimee. Aimee’s school life and home life are ordinary. Kes brings bring color, excitement and wonder into her world for two weeks each year.
The story is told in two parts and there is a time jump when the two crushingly loss touch but do eventually reconnect. Impulsively Aimee accepts Kess’ offer to go on the road with a carnival for a few weeks.
”You still love him.”
“I love the boy he was. I could love the man, too. I don’t know, and that’s why I have to find out.”
This couple were hot and heavy, they fight big and love even bigger…
”No, you’re cute. But somehow, when you and Kes are together, there’s this incredible sexual tension in the air. Hell it makes everyone horny. I think there’ll be a lot of kids born in about nine months after this tour.”
I really loved experiencing the carnival family and how Aimee attempted to fit in. I was disappointed in the cliffhanger ending, but I’m sure the author must have a lot more to go if another full book is needed (perhaps Kes' background or family will have more of a role). I also have to mention that I appreciated how the author’s handles Kes’ Dyslexia. I struggle daily myself and totally get his frustrations.
Many questions need to be answered in the next book: What kind of future if any can a third grade teacher from Boston have with a traveling carnival/stunt entertainer. Will Kes and Aimee find an in between? Will Aimee give up her life to live on the road? Is their love enough?
I would suggest or ask that the author incorporate Kes’ pov for the next book because he’s not the type of guy to explain himself and being in his head would be pretty interesting.
I’m looking forward the next book and more magic from this author.
February 9, 2018
Everyone seems to love this one, and one of my good friends insisted that I read it, but The Traveling Man left me feeling angry more than anything else.
There was a time in my life where I thought books featuring emotionally unavailable and/or emotionally manipulative men was somewhat sexy (I know, I know...). These guys were cool and mysterious! I mean, they were so broody! Broody = lots of feelings, right? (See Beautiful Disaster for an example of what I mean.) However, now that I'm older and (sometimes) wiser, I've realized that the type of man who will scream in your face and break a glass over your head is scary and not sexy.
I can see why people love this book, I truly can. I love stories where people grow up together, are each other's first everything. I was even swayed by a few emotional scenes, and I'll admit that I had a hard time putting the book down. However, that can't be enough.
I am pretty shocked that no other reviewers (that I've seen) have mentioned some truly horrific acts by the male MC, including a sexual assault. No matter how horrible a character or person is, NO ONE deserves to be exploited.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and I'm fine with never finding out what happens. I'm over this kind of romance.
*~~Check out all of my reviews & my bookstagram at the links below~~*
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There was a time in my life where I thought books featuring emotionally unavailable and/or emotionally manipulative men was somewhat sexy (I know, I know...). These guys were cool and mysterious! I mean, they were so broody! Broody = lots of feelings, right? (See Beautiful Disaster for an example of what I mean.) However, now that I'm older and (sometimes) wiser, I've realized that the type of man who will scream in your face and break a glass over your head is scary and not sexy.
I can see why people love this book, I truly can. I love stories where people grow up together, are each other's first everything. I was even swayed by a few emotional scenes, and I'll admit that I had a hard time putting the book down. However, that can't be enough.
I am pretty shocked that no other reviewers (that I've seen) have mentioned some truly horrific acts by the male MC, including a sexual assault. No matter how horrible a character or person is, NO ONE deserves to be exploited.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and I'm fine with never finding out what happens. I'm over this kind of romance.
*~~Check out all of my reviews & my bookstagram at the links below~~*
Recently read
January 27, 2015
★★★★ 4.5 Stars ★★★★
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UK - http://amzn.to/1Cuq75M
US - http://amzn.to/1H5frPp
This was such a magical book, I got so caught up in the descriptions and atmosphere of the carnival. It was one of those books where you really feel part of the story. We start off when Aimee is ten years old and for the first time ever, to the disparage of half of the community, the carnival is coming to her small town of Fairmont. It is her birthday wish and manages to persuade her parents to take her to see the wonders of the fair. Here she meets Kes, a carnie boy and her life is changed forever.
They form a connection straight away, Kes is free and wild and hard-working, Aimee just feels ordinary but she has a heart of gold and refuses to judge the new people she has met. For two weeks every year in summer when Kes comes to town, they have adventures and Aimee learns that life beyond her boring house with her strict parents and the small minded townspeople, can be full of colour and laughter and fun.
As they get older, it's clear that their childhood feelings are turning into something stronger and we experience the turmoil they face when they have to leave each other again, but when they turn 16 they make a decision that doesn't work out quite how they expected it to.
This leads us into the second part of the book in which they are adults. This is where the tension and angst really kick in and you are rooting for their second chance. Kes is an enigma, one minute he can be broody and frustrated with the world, and the next he can be the sweetest sexiest man that you can't help but fall in love with. I can't wait to find out more about his secrets because we really are left wondering what makes him tick.
This is book 1 in a duet, with a cliffhanger that is quite HUGE but the name of book 2 gives me a little peace of mind. The Traveling Woman will be out sometime in the Spring 2015. Can a townie and a carnie live happily ever after?
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review
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This was such a magical book, I got so caught up in the descriptions and atmosphere of the carnival. It was one of those books where you really feel part of the story. We start off when Aimee is ten years old and for the first time ever, to the disparage of half of the community, the carnival is coming to her small town of Fairmont. It is her birthday wish and manages to persuade her parents to take her to see the wonders of the fair. Here she meets Kes, a carnie boy and her life is changed forever.
"I couldn't tell you why the carnival lured me with its sticky fingers and bright, whirling colors, except to say that it was different, and that excited me."
They form a connection straight away, Kes is free and wild and hard-working, Aimee just feels ordinary but she has a heart of gold and refuses to judge the new people she has met. For two weeks every year in summer when Kes comes to town, they have adventures and Aimee learns that life beyond her boring house with her strict parents and the small minded townspeople, can be full of colour and laughter and fun.
As they get older, it's clear that their childhood feelings are turning into something stronger and we experience the turmoil they face when they have to leave each other again, but when they turn 16 they make a decision that doesn't work out quite how they expected it to.
This leads us into the second part of the book in which they are adults. This is where the tension and angst really kick in and you are rooting for their second chance. Kes is an enigma, one minute he can be broody and frustrated with the world, and the next he can be the sweetest sexiest man that you can't help but fall in love with. I can't wait to find out more about his secrets because we really are left wondering what makes him tick.
This is book 1 in a duet, with a cliffhanger that is quite HUGE but the name of book 2 gives me a little peace of mind. The Traveling Woman will be out sometime in the Spring 2015. Can a townie and a carnie live happily ever after?
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review
February 2, 2015
“He could breathe fire, he could eat flames, but the word ‘love’ burned on his lips.”
I have such a soft spot for Jane Harvey-Berrick’s brand of make-believe, the allure of her remarkable writing style pulling me in and holding me captive time and time again, and this book was no exception. A setting that was completely foreign and somewhat uninviting to me, she once again succeeded in mesmerizing me from the very beginning, until I realised I was highlighting entire pages, in awe of every word, every emotionally-charged description, every thrilling detail about a story that was as addictive as it was startling.
“I couldn’t tell you why the carnival lured me with its sticky fingers and bright, whirling colors, except to say that it was different, and that excited me. I’d only read about ‘different’ in books, never experienced it for myself. Perhaps it was a case of be careful what you wish for.”
Aimee Anderson has always been fascinated by carnivals. So when, on her tenth birthday, her wish to visit the newly arrived carnival in town is granted by her stringent parents, Aimee feels like all her hopes and dreams have suddenly come true. But even though in her young eyes carnivals are the closest thing to a world of magic, she expects nothing more than Ferris wheel rides, cotton candy, and thrill acts to tickle her vibrant imagination. Until a boy with silvery eyes and a challenging smirk on his lips steals her away from the crowds and shows her his world the way only a ‘carnie’ gets to see it. From the moment she lays eyes on him, she sees the wonder that is him, utterly blind to the prejudices swirling around them and only seeing him with the beauty of her heart.
“You have a gift, Kes, an amazing wonderful gift. It’s special, just like you.”
Kestrel “Kes” Donohue has never known any other life but that of a ‘carnie’. Coming from a long line of traveling men, Kes was born into this life and has never wished to be part of another, his wild and unrestrained personality having found the perfect outlet in that nomadic lifestyle and in the thrill of the stunt shows he’s found himself starring in from an early age. A showman by nature, Kes has never wanted any part of the world outside the carnivals. Until a young girl with glittering eyes, tugging at her mum’s hand from glee, catches his eye. And steals his heart.
“You’re my girl, Aimee. No one else.”
Year after year, they meet up for two weeks each summer when the carnival arrives in town, and year after year, they fall deeper and deeper for one another. We watch their budding romance through the eyes of a young girl falling in love for the very first time in her life, as she waits all year long for those short weeks when she’d be free to be herself and in the company of the only boy who has ever owned her heart.
“I don’t want us to be an illusion. I think about you all the time—do you ever think about me?”
But loving Kes is no small task. Temperamental, unpredictable, even cruel at times, Kes is like warm sunshine and stormy skies on the same day, being simultaneously capable of great attentiveness and careless indifference with equal likelihood of it happening. In public, he is naturally cocky and confident, but his heart and self-esteem are not as untouchable as he wishes others to believe. When the time comes for the young couple to look into the future and decide what they want the most, they encounter violent opposition from those closest to them and time is suddenly stolen from them, ruthlessly and deceptively, leaving them to nurse their shattered hearts for eight long years.
“He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for me.”
Fifteen years after their first encounter, Aimee might no longer be the bright-eyed girl whose heart did not know the sting of heartbreak, but the lure of carnivals still pulls her in, and a small part of her still believes that magic lives there. When she meets Kes again, the memory of those teenage years spent loving one another still burns fiercely between them, even though their worlds remain unconnected, just as before and now more than ever.
A young love turning into a second chance at happiness, this is a story of two people who fell for each other against all odds, even when they knew that loving one another would inevitably end in heartbreak. Against a brilliant backdrop of colourful characters and bewitching imageries, we get a front seat in this delightful coming-of-age tale that then transitions into an adult romance to make our toes curl and our hearts stutter. With impeccable prose, meticulous character development and a distinctive gift for pulling readers into her storylines until we are so deeply invested, we never want them to end—we are once again given such a unique, profoundly heart-warming and undeniably sexy story that stays with us long after it ends. I lived this book cover to cover, could not get enough of every beautiful word it, and cannot recommend it highly enough.
Kes and Aimee’s tale will conclude in The Traveling Woman.
“You’ve been sprinkled with fairy dust, missy. The carnival is in your blood now.”
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February 2, 2015
4.5 FAIRY DUST STARS
“...there was no safety net for love”
Like a child, JHB took me on a magical ride at the carnival with the lights, bells and whistles, the chaos, the candy, the laughter and the stomach ache. And yet, I'd do it all again!
This is a loving, tender and heartbreaking collision of two completely different worlds when two 10 year olds: Aimee, the townie and Kes, the carnie meet on the midway at the Carnival. What ensues is a special friendship, bond and love that is tested by time, space, others and themselves.
“It’s hard to explain what those two weeks every summer meant to me. I lived for them, breathed for them and the rest of my life seemed to be spent waiting.”
Kes is a shining bright star that has the magical "je ne sais quoi" that draws people in. He's beautiful, brilliant, difficult, dark and dangerous.
“He wasn't born for a cage, surely even you can see that. He’ll never leave the carnival, he loves his life.”
And like a moth to flame, Aimee's drawn to Kes. Seriously, who wouldn't be?
Aimee is a good girl. She's kind, caring and loving. And instantly, she forms this deep, special connection to Kes that they both feel.
“You've been sprinkled with fairy dust, missy. The carnival is in your blood now.”
I loved Aimee from the start and could feel her excitement and glee for the carnival and the magic. She had an effervescence in her youth that just sprung off the pages and made it so easy to understand how Kes bonded with her. I had a love/hate (okay not really that strong) relationship with Kes. He could be so sweet...
and in an instant so mean and closed off. I understood why but like Aimee, it left me wanting so much more!
Their journey is not an easy one and there is angst, heartbreak but also love, joy and tenderness.
“For once I could see everything: I felt wanted, desired, needed; abandoned and found; washed with emotion and sensation – born again.” - Aimee
This was a whirlwind of emotions...
that ended with a cliffy that has me hoping for the best and dreading the worst.
I'm off to join the carnival! :DD
*This was a BR with the Canaries!
“...there was no safety net for love”
Like a child, JHB took me on a magical ride at the carnival with the lights, bells and whistles, the chaos, the candy, the laughter and the stomach ache. And yet, I'd do it all again!
This is a loving, tender and heartbreaking collision of two completely different worlds when two 10 year olds: Aimee, the townie and Kes, the carnie meet on the midway at the Carnival. What ensues is a special friendship, bond and love that is tested by time, space, others and themselves.
“It’s hard to explain what those two weeks every summer meant to me. I lived for them, breathed for them and the rest of my life seemed to be spent waiting.”
Kes is a shining bright star that has the magical "je ne sais quoi" that draws people in. He's beautiful, brilliant, difficult, dark and dangerous.
“He wasn't born for a cage, surely even you can see that. He’ll never leave the carnival, he loves his life.”
And like a moth to flame, Aimee's drawn to Kes. Seriously, who wouldn't be?
Aimee is a good girl. She's kind, caring and loving. And instantly, she forms this deep, special connection to Kes that they both feel.
“You've been sprinkled with fairy dust, missy. The carnival is in your blood now.”
I loved Aimee from the start and could feel her excitement and glee for the carnival and the magic. She had an effervescence in her youth that just sprung off the pages and made it so easy to understand how Kes bonded with her. I had a love/hate (okay not really that strong) relationship with Kes. He could be so sweet...
and in an instant so mean and closed off. I understood why but like Aimee, it left me wanting so much more!
Their journey is not an easy one and there is angst, heartbreak but also love, joy and tenderness.
“For once I could see everything: I felt wanted, desired, needed; abandoned and found; washed with emotion and sensation – born again.” - Aimee
This was a whirlwind of emotions...
that ended with a cliffy that has me hoping for the best and dreading the worst.
I'm off to join the carnival! :DD
*This was a BR with the Canaries!
February 2, 2015
5***** Beautiful Sensual and Magical Stars!!!
I Loved this story what a ride I have yet to read The Education of Caroline and Sebastian so when I went into this it was an unknown territory but I heard nothing but good ratings on Janes writing so therefore I went in, I'm a choosy reader so you will see anything between 3.5-6 stars that's because I have minimal time so I pick the books that take me to a place where I can getaway from my real life, this most definitely was a read that 1~captured my heart and 2~ took me to a place where I wouldn't go in real life, for that alone it is an undoubtedly AMAZING RAW AND BEAUTIFUL BOOK
PART ONE
The first part is where Kes is part of the Carnie life he's the grandson of a lovable well know man who is a big part of the Carnival life they travel throughout the year where they travel from town to town doing their act, Kes is 10 years of age nearly 11 when this he meets Aimee, he's a hard worker and loves the life he's born a traveller its who he is, its in his bones and he's not going to change anytime soon.
Aimee is part of a family where she's not loved and is lonely, her father is an angry man he doesn't talk to her he just tolerates her and her mum doesn't stand up to him she does have a relationship with her sister that I suppose grows as they get older so all in all she doesn't think she's all that, she doesn't think she's attractive and pretty but just normal and therefore as time goes on she just see's herself as average and simple. yet on her 10th birthday she gets to choose what she wants to do for her birthday and that treat is to go to the carnival she's so excited as this is the one thing she wants to do she loves the shining lights and has been excited to go all week but when she goes her father in particular isn't very warm to the idea and holds her down making it a little difficult to cherish the time she has there until she bumps into a boy the same age who introduces her to his life, his world and the colours of the carnival and becomes her only friend who overtime truly begins to UNDERSTAND her but Kes travels so they have two weeks together once a year to be friends to be children, to play and to LIVE. They embark on an untraditional friendship and you would think this is a disaster waiting to happen, two different backgrounds two different lives but these two children need each other and over the years you get to live with them , you get to see for yourselves the true essence of being young and carefree to be happy enjoy the carnival life this is until they get to 18 and life has a way of turning the tables and changing the path they're on.......
What I loved about this half was the innocence and vulnerability of them as individuals as children and together we see over time a friendship forming to more.
PART TWO
6 Years later they meet again....
This is where they are adults and is a very different read it had (for me) a different feel to it. A more of a sensual feel to it more angsty will they be happy? will they succeed? Aimee is now a elementary school teacher and loves the job she does she works hard to be a good teacher and maybe doesn't earn ALOT of money but she's studied to do something she enjoys and doesn't want to destroy all her hard work. Kes is now more of a stunt man with bikes he's still part of the travelling life but he is a successful entertainer/stuntman. Opposites attract and they have something special something that not everybody gets a chance to have so they choose to spend the summer holidays together and see where it takes them .
Love isn't easy though
Love is not safe, its hard, and you put your heart on the line in the hope that it doesn't get broken. There is so much on the line, so much we take for granted yet the heart wants what the heart wants and we are left with lot of unanswered questions a pretty mahoosive Cliffhanger and anyone would say hell no but I am sooo happy that I took the chance to experience this journey with them, there is nothing that I have read quite like it I felt like I was right there with them on a journey of survival of life opposites attract we don't always get what we want and sometimes the hardest of journeys are the most valuable and most special, it's a risk but a beautiful risk in my book.
This is a journey where you see what its like to be outside the norm and take risks live and enjoy the moments the touches and enjoy the times they had, I was gripped to the story and when it grabbed hold of me I couldn't think of much else.
Jane's writing was truly like magic and yes I would recommend this one for the message that it gives you LIVE a journey of many colours.
I would describe Kes as Angry, moody, lovable, protective, a family man, sexy, sensual and a man that took many risks.
I would describe Aimee as always putting others first and always there for Kes every step of the way and although she made some choices that wasn't what I exactly wanted she always always wanted the best for Kes.
Until Spring... READ IT!!!
For more Reviews visit our blog here:
I Loved this story what a ride I have yet to read The Education of Caroline and Sebastian so when I went into this it was an unknown territory but I heard nothing but good ratings on Janes writing so therefore I went in, I'm a choosy reader so you will see anything between 3.5-6 stars that's because I have minimal time so I pick the books that take me to a place where I can getaway from my real life, this most definitely was a read that 1~captured my heart and 2~ took me to a place where I wouldn't go in real life, for that alone it is an undoubtedly AMAZING RAW AND BEAUTIFUL BOOK
PART ONE
The first part is where Kes is part of the Carnie life he's the grandson of a lovable well know man who is a big part of the Carnival life they travel throughout the year where they travel from town to town doing their act, Kes is 10 years of age nearly 11 when this he meets Aimee, he's a hard worker and loves the life he's born a traveller its who he is, its in his bones and he's not going to change anytime soon.
Aimee is part of a family where she's not loved and is lonely, her father is an angry man he doesn't talk to her he just tolerates her and her mum doesn't stand up to him she does have a relationship with her sister that I suppose grows as they get older so all in all she doesn't think she's all that, she doesn't think she's attractive and pretty but just normal and therefore as time goes on she just see's herself as average and simple. yet on her 10th birthday she gets to choose what she wants to do for her birthday and that treat is to go to the carnival she's so excited as this is the one thing she wants to do she loves the shining lights and has been excited to go all week but when she goes her father in particular isn't very warm to the idea and holds her down making it a little difficult to cherish the time she has there until she bumps into a boy the same age who introduces her to his life, his world and the colours of the carnival and becomes her only friend who overtime truly begins to UNDERSTAND her but Kes travels so they have two weeks together once a year to be friends to be children, to play and to LIVE. They embark on an untraditional friendship and you would think this is a disaster waiting to happen, two different backgrounds two different lives but these two children need each other and over the years you get to live with them , you get to see for yourselves the true essence of being young and carefree to be happy enjoy the carnival life this is until they get to 18 and life has a way of turning the tables and changing the path they're on.......
What I loved about this half was the innocence and vulnerability of them as individuals as children and together we see over time a friendship forming to more.
PART TWO
6 Years later they meet again....
This is where they are adults and is a very different read it had (for me) a different feel to it. A more of a sensual feel to it more angsty will they be happy? will they succeed? Aimee is now a elementary school teacher and loves the job she does she works hard to be a good teacher and maybe doesn't earn ALOT of money but she's studied to do something she enjoys and doesn't want to destroy all her hard work. Kes is now more of a stunt man with bikes he's still part of the travelling life but he is a successful entertainer/stuntman. Opposites attract and they have something special something that not everybody gets a chance to have so they choose to spend the summer holidays together and see where it takes them .
"You want it easy? You want everything served up to you on a silver platter?" he shook his head. "Kes will never be easy, and the person who loves him won't have it easy. But if he loves you back, it'll be worth it, because he'll love you with every part of him." He looked down. "You're lucky."
Love isn't easy though
Love is not safe, its hard, and you put your heart on the line in the hope that it doesn't get broken. There is so much on the line, so much we take for granted yet the heart wants what the heart wants and we are left with lot of unanswered questions a pretty mahoosive Cliffhanger and anyone would say hell no but I am sooo happy that I took the chance to experience this journey with them, there is nothing that I have read quite like it I felt like I was right there with them on a journey of survival of life opposites attract we don't always get what we want and sometimes the hardest of journeys are the most valuable and most special, it's a risk but a beautiful risk in my book.
This is a journey where you see what its like to be outside the norm and take risks live and enjoy the moments the touches and enjoy the times they had, I was gripped to the story and when it grabbed hold of me I couldn't think of much else.
Jane's writing was truly like magic and yes I would recommend this one for the message that it gives you LIVE a journey of many colours.
I would describe Kes as Angry, moody, lovable, protective, a family man, sexy, sensual and a man that took many risks.
I would describe Aimee as always putting others first and always there for Kes every step of the way and although she made some choices that wasn't what I exactly wanted she always always wanted the best for Kes.
Until Spring... READ IT!!!
For more Reviews visit our blog here:
March 3, 2015
Review Posted 2nd March '15
*****5 StArS*****
Two eyes, black as buttons, were watching me. The figure in the darkness crooked a finger. Come here, the gesture said. I took a step forward into the shadows.
Yep....it got me right there!!!
I was instantly swept away.......completely captivated with the adorable scallywag Kes.....
HE STOLE MY HEART WITH THE CROOK OF THAT FINGER.....I was swooning big time.
Amazing romance that spans over a decade, from childhood sweethearts to adult intense love.....Kes and Aimee's story will enchant you.
The picture that Jane Harvey-Berrick paints is so vivid that I could picture every bit of this amazing travelling carnival.
Yes I certainly have..... I felt like I was inside the story, Watching It. Feeling It....Every Emotion!!
The Traveling Man is a magical read.....
Think Candy Floss, Ferris Wheels, Young Scallywags.....how could you possibly not want to read it!!!
What do you think boy's......
Ab*So*LuT*eLy LOVED IT!!
*****5 StArS*****
HoT OfF ThE PrEsS
Two eyes, black as buttons, were watching me. The figure in the darkness crooked a finger. Come here, the gesture said. I took a step forward into the shadows.
Yep....it got me right there!!!
I was instantly swept away.......completely captivated with the adorable scallywag Kes.....
HE STOLE MY HEART WITH THE CROOK OF THAT FINGER.....I was swooning big time.
Amazing romance that spans over a decade, from childhood sweethearts to adult intense love.....Kes and Aimee's story will enchant you.
The picture that Jane Harvey-Berrick paints is so vivid that I could picture every bit of this amazing travelling carnival.
You've been sprinkled with fairy dust missy. The carnival is in your blood now"
Yes I certainly have..... I felt like I was inside the story, Watching It. Feeling It....Every Emotion!!
He could breathe fire, he could eat flames,
but the word 'love' burned on his lips.
The Traveling Man is a magical read.....
Think Candy Floss, Ferris Wheels, Young Scallywags.....how could you possibly not want to read it!!!
What do you think boy's......
Ab*So*LuT*eLy LOVED IT!!
January 28, 2015
Jane Harvey-Berrick proves once again why she is one of my favorite authors with this magical, sexy, unique love story. This book blew me away from start to finish!
On Aimee’s 10th birthday all she wants is to go to the traveling carnival that has taken up residence across from her house. From her bedroom window she can she the Ferris wheel, rides, and games and much to her parents dislike, she wants nothing more than to experience something different.
Unknowingly, this is the day that would change Aimee’s life forever. This is the day she meets Kes, a boy the same age as her who is “carnival royalty.” His grandfather runs everything and Kes and his older brother are performers in the main attraction. The day they meet, the pair sneaks off, Kes showing off many behind the scenes wonders to Aimee, who is completely enraptured from minute one.
So, every year for two weeks in the summer, Aimee and Kes are inseparable. What begins as a childhood friendship and innocent crush turned into a passionate first love as they grow into teens.
From the get go I had that excited, indescribable feeling while reading. Usually when I see characters as kids I just want it to hurry up so we can get to the “good stuff,” but that was definitely not the case here. It was ALL the good stuff. I absolutely adored seeing Aimee and Kes as children. Their interactions even as young as ten years old had me giddy with excitement, which only intensified as they grew into teens and began sneaking through bedroom windows to learn each other in more intimate ways. I cannot express how perfectly they are depicted as teenagers fumbling through those big moments, it was hilariously accurate, butterfly inducing, and so freaking addicting.
The way the story is told by Aimee, you can feel the sense of foreboding during their younger years. You know something is going to happen and it’s going to devastate them (and you by extension). This led to me having major anxiety for a large portion of this book. My heart was racing and I was just waiting for that moment to come. What happens, I believe is completely realistic for the plot and it leads to a time gap in the story that I think was needed considering their age when they fall in love.
Now, I want to talk characters. Kes. He is one of the most interesting characters I have read about in a long time. He is gorgeous, wild and reckless, mischievous and rebellious, even as a kid and that definitely continues into adulthood. I found myself completely falling in love with something swoony/sweet he’d say but then he would go and do something that would shock me with how vicious or vindictive it was. I could never get a handle on his moodiness. He’s the type of guy that makes no apologies for who he is and doesn’t like to show any weakness. That’s what made the moments he does show some vulnerability, if even for a second, that much more powerful. There is still so much we don't know about him and his past, but it's clear things have always been rough. He has constantly been let down and trust is a huge issue for him.
Aimee just considers herself a regular girl, but I really loved her character. She has a quiet strength and honesty about her. Kes is someone that could bulldoze over you and I feel like even though it’s very apparent that she has a weakness for him, she’s able to stand up to him and doesn’t take his shit. This leads to some very INTENSE moments between them. Both sexually and emotionally. These two have some crazy chemistry. They love hard and they fight hard and sometimes it’s just painful. It’s exhilarating to read, but had me filled with anxiety half the time as well.
This book was simply perfection in my eyes. There is such a magical quality about the story with the whole carnival aspect, but also with the writing. It’s beautifully pieced together, well researched and I highlighted like a madwoman. When I read I look for something that’s going to make me emotional, whether that’s happy, angry, devastated, terrified, you name it, I want to feel it. And I did here. My emotions were all over the place and I loved every heart wrenching moment of it. I am DYING to get my hands on The Traveling Woman. There are so many things I still need to know and I just can’t wait to read the conclusion to Kes and Aimee’s story. I have a feeling it is going to be just an intense and amazing as this was.
5 stars!
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
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The little man edged closer, his face inches from mine. “You’ve been sprinkled with fairy dust, missy. The carnival is in your blood now.
On Aimee’s 10th birthday all she wants is to go to the traveling carnival that has taken up residence across from her house. From her bedroom window she can she the Ferris wheel, rides, and games and much to her parents dislike, she wants nothing more than to experience something different.
“I was old enough to know that magic didn’t exist, and young enough to hope that I was wrong. I was sure that if magic belongs anywhere in the world, it was living and breathing right across the road in Mr. Peterson’s field.”
Unknowingly, this is the day that would change Aimee’s life forever. This is the day she meets Kes, a boy the same age as her who is “carnival royalty.” His grandfather runs everything and Kes and his older brother are performers in the main attraction. The day they meet, the pair sneaks off, Kes showing off many behind the scenes wonders to Aimee, who is completely enraptured from minute one.
Kes gave me his shy smile again and my heart was captured from that moment. I didn’t know it then; I didn’t understand what it meant, but whenever I looked at him, my skin felt warm, like my own personal sun was shining just for me.
So, every year for two weeks in the summer, Aimee and Kes are inseparable. What begins as a childhood friendship and innocent crush turned into a passionate first love as they grow into teens.
“I’ll come back next year.”
“I’ll wait for you.”
From the get go I had that excited, indescribable feeling while reading. Usually when I see characters as kids I just want it to hurry up so we can get to the “good stuff,” but that was definitely not the case here. It was ALL the good stuff. I absolutely adored seeing Aimee and Kes as children. Their interactions even as young as ten years old had me giddy with excitement, which only intensified as they grew into teens and began sneaking through bedroom windows to learn each other in more intimate ways. I cannot express how perfectly they are depicted as teenagers fumbling through those big moments, it was hilariously accurate, butterfly inducing, and so freaking addicting.
That sounded dangerous: trust the boy I saw for just two weeks a year with my fragile heart? I knew it was a mistake. Unfortunately it was one I’d already made years ago.
He reached out and brushed his thumb along my bottom lip.
“You’re my girl, Aimee. No one else.”
The way the story is told by Aimee, you can feel the sense of foreboding during their younger years. You know something is going to happen and it’s going to devastate them (and you by extension). This led to me having major anxiety for a large portion of this book. My heart was racing and I was just waiting for that moment to come. What happens, I believe is completely realistic for the plot and it leads to a time gap in the story that I think was needed considering their age when they fall in love.
I couldn’t imagine how he’d fit into a normal world. The thought made me shiver, because I couldn’t imagine how I’d fit into his world, either.
Now, I want to talk characters. Kes. He is one of the most interesting characters I have read about in a long time. He is gorgeous, wild and reckless, mischievous and rebellious, even as a kid and that definitely continues into adulthood. I found myself completely falling in love with something swoony/sweet he’d say but then he would go and do something that would shock me with how vicious or vindictive it was. I could never get a handle on his moodiness. He’s the type of guy that makes no apologies for who he is and doesn’t like to show any weakness. That’s what made the moments he does show some vulnerability, if even for a second, that much more powerful. There is still so much we don't know about him and his past, but it's clear things have always been rough. He has constantly been let down and trust is a huge issue for him.
“Kes will never be easy, and the person who loves him won't have it easy. But if he loves you back, it'll be worth it, because he'll love you with every part of him.”
Aimee just considers herself a regular girl, but I really loved her character. She has a quiet strength and honesty about her. Kes is someone that could bulldoze over you and I feel like even though it’s very apparent that she has a weakness for him, she’s able to stand up to him and doesn’t take his shit. This leads to some very INTENSE moments between them. Both sexually and emotionally. These two have some crazy chemistry. They love hard and they fight hard and sometimes it’s just painful. It’s exhilarating to read, but had me filled with anxiety half the time as well.
He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for me. He challenged me, he took me out of my safe little box and showed me the world could be magnificent. He was everything I wasn’t, but somehow, together, there was a synergy, an alignment, something that just made sense, no matter how crazy it seemed to anyone else.
This book was simply perfection in my eyes. There is such a magical quality about the story with the whole carnival aspect, but also with the writing. It’s beautifully pieced together, well researched and I highlighted like a madwoman. When I read I look for something that’s going to make me emotional, whether that’s happy, angry, devastated, terrified, you name it, I want to feel it. And I did here. My emotions were all over the place and I loved every heart wrenching moment of it. I am DYING to get my hands on The Traveling Woman. There are so many things I still need to know and I just can’t wait to read the conclusion to Kes and Aimee’s story. I have a feeling it is going to be just an intense and amazing as this was.
5 stars!
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
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April 10, 2015
SERIES RATING AND SPOILER-FREE REVIEW:
"I had roots, he had wings - could they ever work together?"
I adore books that take place in a span of years. It always makes me feel closer and more connected to characters. This duology is not an exception. I witnessed life journey of Aimee and Kes since they were 10 years old. Their childhood friendship, teenage romance and most importantly their passionate and wild adult love affair. And I loved it all.
So different, yet so right for each other. Kes is rough and problematic carnival showman. Aimee is sweet and innocent book nerd town girl. No matter how unrealistic, I have been rooting for them to find a way to be together every single page of these novels. But will they ever find a way to be together permanently, not just couple of weeks every year? Will Kes, a man constantly living on the edge, will he ever find his peace?
As individuals, Aimee and Kes weren't that special in my eyes. But when together, they were out-of-this-world magical and perfect for each other. You know this feeling, when you get all excited with butterflies in your belly anytime something angsty or swoon worthy is about to happen in the book? I love this feeling of reading anxiety and Aimee's and Kes's story provided it in big doses.
Moreover, I thoroughly enjoyed the way author composed various aspects together in The Traveling Duet. She interconnected friendship, idealism of first love, people's prejudices, power of second chances and learning that harsh reality of life always gets in the way of your dreams together with colorful magic that only carnival and breathtaking adrenaline shows can provide. Thank you Jane Harvey-Berrick for bringing this little bit of magic to my life!
The only tiny complaint I had, was that while first book kept me on my toes from the beginning to the end, main storyline in second book was very predictable in my opinion. It didn't affect my enjoyment of The Traveling Woman, but it lacked the "wow factor" that The Traveling Man possessed.
I absolutely love books about characters who lead extraordinary out-of-norm lives; lives that I cannot imagine leading myself but find extremely fascinating to read about. The Traveling Duet falls within this category and I recommend it to all those who enjoy unconventional romance stories!
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
Book 1: The Traveling Man - 4.5 STARS
Book 2: The Traveling Woman - 4 STARS
"I had roots, he had wings - could they ever work together?"
I adore books that take place in a span of years. It always makes me feel closer and more connected to characters. This duology is not an exception. I witnessed life journey of Aimee and Kes since they were 10 years old. Their childhood friendship, teenage romance and most importantly their passionate and wild adult love affair. And I loved it all.
So different, yet so right for each other. Kes is rough and problematic carnival showman. Aimee is sweet and innocent book nerd town girl. No matter how unrealistic, I have been rooting for them to find a way to be together every single page of these novels. But will they ever find a way to be together permanently, not just couple of weeks every year? Will Kes, a man constantly living on the edge, will he ever find his peace?
"Kes was larger than life, too wild for my small town, too big for my small life. He thrived on adrenalin; I craved peace and stability. How could I have been so stupid as to think we'd ever work out?"
As individuals, Aimee and Kes weren't that special in my eyes. But when together, they were out-of-this-world magical and perfect for each other. You know this feeling, when you get all excited with butterflies in your belly anytime something angsty or swoon worthy is about to happen in the book? I love this feeling of reading anxiety and Aimee's and Kes's story provided it in big doses.
Moreover, I thoroughly enjoyed the way author composed various aspects together in The Traveling Duet. She interconnected friendship, idealism of first love, people's prejudices, power of second chances and learning that harsh reality of life always gets in the way of your dreams together with colorful magic that only carnival and breathtaking adrenaline shows can provide. Thank you Jane Harvey-Berrick for bringing this little bit of magic to my life!
The only tiny complaint I had, was that while first book kept me on my toes from the beginning to the end, main storyline in second book was very predictable in my opinion. It didn't affect my enjoyment of The Traveling Woman, but it lacked the "wow factor" that The Traveling Man possessed.
I absolutely love books about characters who lead extraordinary out-of-norm lives; lives that I cannot imagine leading myself but find extremely fascinating to read about. The Traveling Duet falls within this category and I recommend it to all those who enjoy unconventional romance stories!
"I wondered what it would be like to sleep like this every night, to see the same stars from a different town. What it would be like to be traveling, traveling, always moving on?"
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
December 6, 2024
I have been waiting to read this series, as I have loved most of the stories from this author. Sadly, this was not one of them. I am completely over the melodramatic hero, who can’t get out of his own way.
August 29, 2018
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars.
Sooo beautiful.
I loved it!
When the world order gets in the way of true love.
I felt their relationship, their pain and their love. Which, it is not always an easy thing for me to feel, yet here, through their dialogues, I was able to feel the raw emotion that the characters where experimenting, it felt real, their suffering and joy, I believed it like they where true people, which made me be utterly trapped in this story.
I don't know how to explain how much I loved it. It made me imagine and picture amazing images. Carnival, ferris wheels, cotton candy, dirt, joy, and so much more. It made me feel like a child and hope and believe anything is possible. It felt a little bit like magic, in a very quiet way. I didn't want to stop reading, I didn't want it to end, and I love it when that happens.
I can't wait to read more.
Sooo beautiful.
I loved it!
When the world order gets in the way of true love.
I felt their relationship, their pain and their love. Which, it is not always an easy thing for me to feel, yet here, through their dialogues, I was able to feel the raw emotion that the characters where experimenting, it felt real, their suffering and joy, I believed it like they where true people, which made me be utterly trapped in this story.
I don't know how to explain how much I loved it. It made me imagine and picture amazing images. Carnival, ferris wheels, cotton candy, dirt, joy, and so much more. It made me feel like a child and hope and believe anything is possible. It felt a little bit like magic, in a very quiet way. I didn't want to stop reading, I didn't want it to end, and I love it when that happens.
I can't wait to read more.
February 27, 2015
I love this author’s writing and have read all her books, which just by the way, are absolutely awesome. And her latest, The Travelling Man is simply….
What an amazing, intense and beautifully written story, with a unique and unusual setting
Kes, the carnival boy and Aimee, an ordinary girl, who meet as young children, when the travelling carnival he works in comes to her town.
Aimee’s world is changed by their encounter….her life will forever be linked to Kes and his world…..
From childhood friends to lovers, we go take a trip on their journey together….the conflict, deception, lies and obstacles that keep getting in their way to being with each other.
I fell in love with these two characters…I wanted them together….to find each other…
This is a beautiful and extraordinary love story of two people who are brave enough to take that leap that …
Magical. Unforgettable,
I can’t wait for the next book…..The Travelling Woman!!!
What an amazing, intense and beautifully written story, with a unique and unusual setting
and unforgettable characters that you stay with you long after you turn the last page!!!
Kes, the carnival boy and Aimee, an ordinary girl, who meet as young children, when the travelling carnival he works in comes to her town.
Aimee’s world is changed by their encounter….her life will forever be linked to Kes and his world…..
From childhood friends to lovers, we go take a trip on their journey together….the conflict, deception, lies and obstacles that keep getting in their way to being with each other.
I fell in love with these two characters…I wanted them together….to find each other…
This is a beautiful and extraordinary love story of two people who are brave enough to take that leap that …
Magical. Unforgettable,
I can’t wait for the next book…..The Travelling Woman!!!
May 24, 2015
4-4.5 Two Weeks stars!
Aimee Andersen's tenth birthday will change her life. She finally gets to do what she wants, and she chooses to go to the carnival that has just arrived and has been set up in the open field close to her home. Reluctantly her family takes her there. She is amazed by the sights and sounds. It is truly magical for her. When a boy who is about the same age lures her away to show her something, she sees the behind the scenes action, and is loving it.
Too soon their moment is ruined, when her frantic family finally finds her after they thought she'd gone missing. They forbid her to return to the carnival, but Aimee refuses to stay away. Everyday for two weeks, she sneaks out to hang out with Kestrel, the boy who she met on the first day. They spend as much time as they can with each other and are enjoying the company.
Unfortunately their time comes to an end, and Kestrel and the carnival have to travel to the next town.
Every year she waits in the hickory tree outside her house and waits for Kestrel to come back. It's the highlight of her summer, and she can't wait to spend those two magical weeks with him.
This goes on for six years.
Two weeks isn't enough, and the pair have set a plan to run away and be together.
When her parents find out what she has planned they ship her off to a different state to be with her aunt. Her heart and soul has been shattered.
When she returns home and eventually to the carnival that summer, Kestrel is nowhere to be found. She feels lost. She tries to find him with no luck.
Eight years pass, and circumstances unite the two again. But things change. They have grown. Can the two rekindle the young love they once had? Is it too late or even possible to tie down a traveling man?
Traveling Man was a very intriguing read filled with some young love, miscommunication, angst, and heartfelt moments. Jane Harvey-Berrick has yet again dragged me into her world with her words.
Both MC's ended up having some positive and negative traits, but overall I loved them in their own way. The young version of the two were quite adorable. I alway think it's special when we are able to read through relationships that span along the years. It's always interesting to see how they change and grow, yet the bond that they have remains.
As with other circus/carnival based books that I have read, the "family" aspect and the colorful characters involved is another bonus to learning about a world you would never otherwise know. I think the author did a great job with this, and I am curious to see what will happen to these endearing people that surround them.
Yes, this does end in a cliffhanger, but I don't think it was so bad for me that I had to immediately continue. However I will be reading the conclusion to their story, The Traveling Woman next, because I am very curious to what is in store for these two.
I would recommend reading this one. It held my attention and had almost all the things that I consider a perfect book.
"You've been sprinkled with fairy dust, missy. The carnival is in your blood now."
Aimee Andersen's tenth birthday will change her life. She finally gets to do what she wants, and she chooses to go to the carnival that has just arrived and has been set up in the open field close to her home. Reluctantly her family takes her there. She is amazed by the sights and sounds. It is truly magical for her. When a boy who is about the same age lures her away to show her something, she sees the behind the scenes action, and is loving it.
Too soon their moment is ruined, when her frantic family finally finds her after they thought she'd gone missing. They forbid her to return to the carnival, but Aimee refuses to stay away. Everyday for two weeks, she sneaks out to hang out with Kestrel, the boy who she met on the first day. They spend as much time as they can with each other and are enjoying the company.
Unfortunately their time comes to an end, and Kestrel and the carnival have to travel to the next town.
Every year she waits in the hickory tree outside her house and waits for Kestrel to come back. It's the highlight of her summer, and she can't wait to spend those two magical weeks with him.
This goes on for six years.
Two weeks isn't enough, and the pair have set a plan to run away and be together.
When her parents find out what she has planned they ship her off to a different state to be with her aunt. Her heart and soul has been shattered.
When she returns home and eventually to the carnival that summer, Kestrel is nowhere to be found. She feels lost. She tries to find him with no luck.
Eight years pass, and circumstances unite the two again. But things change. They have grown. Can the two rekindle the young love they once had? Is it too late or even possible to tie down a traveling man?
"My dream would be to die looking at the lights on the Ferris wheel. When I get old, when my body has given up, that's what I want to see. And in that dream, you're standing next to me."
Traveling Man was a very intriguing read filled with some young love, miscommunication, angst, and heartfelt moments. Jane Harvey-Berrick has yet again dragged me into her world with her words.
Both MC's ended up having some positive and negative traits, but overall I loved them in their own way. The young version of the two were quite adorable. I alway think it's special when we are able to read through relationships that span along the years. It's always interesting to see how they change and grow, yet the bond that they have remains.
As with other circus/carnival based books that I have read, the "family" aspect and the colorful characters involved is another bonus to learning about a world you would never otherwise know. I think the author did a great job with this, and I am curious to see what will happen to these endearing people that surround them.
Yes, this does end in a cliffhanger, but I don't think it was so bad for me that I had to immediately continue. However I will be reading the conclusion to their story, The Traveling Woman next, because I am very curious to what is in store for these two.
I would recommend reading this one. It held my attention and had almost all the things that I consider a perfect book.
March 1, 2015
5 Magical Stars
OMG, this story is so, so beautiful! Jane Harvey-Berrick has painted a magical world (in the non-pnr sense) which sets the stage for an amazing love story that spans 14 years, and the combination is exciting and passionate. The writing is wonderful and the feels are intense, and I was captivated the whole way through. You know those books that have that special 'feel' to them that is what die-hard readers crave? Well, this book has that. So be warned – my review is gushy and quote whorey – but it’s all totally deserved.
Ten year old Aimee’s birthday wish is to go to the carnival which is visiting her town. Her life is quiet and boring, with painfully strict parents, but something about the carnival excites her, and she wants to experience it more than anything.
It is there that she meets Kes, a ten year old boy who has been raised in the carnival and who is cheeky and mischievous, and who in one day, gives her an experience that changes her life forever.
Kes and Aimee spend every possible moment they can together for the two weeks that he is in town, and again each year when the carnival returns, and the two of them develop a very special friendship. And as they grow and the hormones start to run wild, that friendship turns into blissful, all-consuming first love.
I am a total cougar over teenage Kes. Gorgeous, intense and uninhibited with a hint of danger, he is total YA crush material, and I was completely swept up in the intensity of their romance! But young love does not run smoothly, especially with the constant separations.
And when Kes and Aimee are torn apart, it absolutely broke my heart. But… it makes it all the more epic when they reconnect as adults , and OMG, the longing, the sexual tension and the drama of their time apart leads to an absolutely sensational reunion. But they are not the same, idealistic kids that they once were, can they make it work the second time around?
I love a swoony, perfect book hero as much as the next person, but Kes is far from the perfect, romantic leading man. To put it bluntly, he’s an asshole – but not in the fun, jokey way that so many book heroes are. He’s moody and sometimes mean and he often says and does hurtful things. That’s not to say he’s abusive, because he’s absolutely not! He’s had an unusual upbringing, and he is flawed, and it’s is just the way he is, and I love that! It’s different from a lot of books but it’s realistic, and it creates a bit of a darker mood for the story and I thought it was really well done.
And the rough side of him just makes his softer side so much more incredible! You can see that he truly cares for Aimee, he cherishes her and they have some beautifully sweet and funny moments together, and the little glimpses where we get to see his vulnerability made me fall harder and harder for him.
And Aimee is an incredible heroine! Kes is the love of her life, and of course she wants to be there for him, to help him in whatever way she can and to shower him with all of the love that she has for him, but she’s not a doormat either. She’s strong and independent, she doesn’t put up with his shit, and isn’t afraid to give back to him, and that dynamic is fantastic! They have so much passion and intensity, and it’s evident in each and every encounter - whether they’re in bed, arguing, or just bantering together, I loved every moment!
JH-B has done an amazing job painting life with the carnies. Every little aspect of their life on the road is portrayed with wonder and excitement, but also reality. It’s not an easy life, but for those who love it, it’s the only life, and that message is very clear. There are ups and downs, but it’s truly a family environment, and I loved how closely it was tied into everything that was happening with Kes and Aimee… even the awkward times.
I freaking loved this book! It truly does have a ALL the feels, and I laughed, cried, sighed and squeed my way through it. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting, stopping only to share my excitement with a reading buddy. It’s an absolutely beautiful story, and I’m so glad there’s going to be another book because I can’t wait to lose myself in this world again - although I could have done without the nasty cliffy because yep, it’s brutal! .
I absolutely loved it – 5 stars.
OMG, this story is so, so beautiful! Jane Harvey-Berrick has painted a magical world (in the non-pnr sense) which sets the stage for an amazing love story that spans 14 years, and the combination is exciting and passionate. The writing is wonderful and the feels are intense, and I was captivated the whole way through. You know those books that have that special 'feel' to them that is what die-hard readers crave? Well, this book has that. So be warned – my review is gushy and quote whorey – but it’s all totally deserved.
Ten year old Aimee’s birthday wish is to go to the carnival which is visiting her town. Her life is quiet and boring, with painfully strict parents, but something about the carnival excites her, and she wants to experience it more than anything.
I was old enough to know that magic didn’t exist, and young enough to hope that I was wrong. I was sure that if magic belonged anywhere in the world, it was living and breathing right across the road in Mr. Peterson’s field.
It is there that she meets Kes, a ten year old boy who has been raised in the carnival and who is cheeky and mischievous, and who in one day, gives her an experience that changes her life forever.
Kes gave me his shy smile again and my heart was captured from that moment. I didn’t know it then; I didn’t understand what it meant, but whenever I looked at him, my skin felt warm, like my own personal sun was shining just for me.
Kes and Aimee spend every possible moment they can together for the two weeks that he is in town, and again each year when the carnival returns, and the two of them develop a very special friendship. And as they grow and the hormones start to run wild, that friendship turns into blissful, all-consuming first love.
He reached out and brushed his thumb along my bottom lip.
“You’re my girl, Aimee. No one else.”
Then he leaned forward and pressed his lips against mine.
I am a total cougar over teenage Kes. Gorgeous, intense and uninhibited with a hint of danger, he is total YA crush material, and I was completely swept up in the intensity of their romance! But young love does not run smoothly, especially with the constant separations.
It’s hard to explain what those two weeks every summer meant to me. I lived for them, I breathed for them, and the rest of my life seemed to be spent waiting.
And when Kes and Aimee are torn apart, it absolutely broke my heart. But… it makes it all the more epic when they reconnect as adults , and OMG, the longing, the sexual tension and the drama of their time apart leads to an absolutely sensational reunion. But they are not the same, idealistic kids that they once were, can they make it work the second time around?
“You still love him.”
“I love the boy he was. I could love the man, too. I don’t know, and that’s why I have to find out.”
“Oh, Aimee,” she said sadly, pulling me into a tight hug. “Please be careful.”
“Too late,” I whispered.
I love a swoony, perfect book hero as much as the next person, but Kes is far from the perfect, romantic leading man. To put it bluntly, he’s an asshole – but not in the fun, jokey way that so many book heroes are. He’s moody and sometimes mean and he often says and does hurtful things. That’s not to say he’s abusive, because he’s absolutely not! He’s had an unusual upbringing, and he is flawed, and it’s is just the way he is, and I love that! It’s different from a lot of books but it’s realistic, and it creates a bit of a darker mood for the story and I thought it was really well done.
“I care about you !” he roared. “Christ!” He took a deep breath. “I’m trying here, Aimee. Maybe I don’t say it pretty enough for you. But this is me, trying.”
And the rough side of him just makes his softer side so much more incredible! You can see that he truly cares for Aimee, he cherishes her and they have some beautifully sweet and funny moments together, and the little glimpses where we get to see his vulnerability made me fall harder and harder for him.
“I’ve dreamed of this so many times, I can’t believe it’s real—that you’re real. You were always there, just out of reach, and I’d wake up and find my bed empty. But now you’re here.”
And Aimee is an incredible heroine! Kes is the love of her life, and of course she wants to be there for him, to help him in whatever way she can and to shower him with all of the love that she has for him, but she’s not a doormat either. She’s strong and independent, she doesn’t put up with his shit, and isn’t afraid to give back to him, and that dynamic is fantastic! They have so much passion and intensity, and it’s evident in each and every encounter - whether they’re in bed, arguing, or just bantering together, I loved every moment!
I cocked my head on one side. “Is that what we have? A relationship?”
Kes looked taken aback. “Well, yeah.” Then he hesitated, “What would you call it?”
“Well, at the moment, I’d say it’s two old friends catching a ride together to go see the carnival.”
Kes nodded. “Okay,” he said. “Works for me.”
“Just so you know,” I sniffed, “that’s the wrong answer. We’re totally in a relationship.”
Kes grinned. “Good. So we’re both clear on that.”
JH-B has done an amazing job painting life with the carnies. Every little aspect of their life on the road is portrayed with wonder and excitement, but also reality. It’s not an easy life, but for those who love it, it’s the only life, and that message is very clear. There are ups and downs, but it’s truly a family environment, and I loved how closely it was tied into everything that was happening with Kes and Aimee… even the awkward times.
Our sex life seemed to be of great interest to everyone, and I hated that. Other women slyly commented that they’d heard us inside the RV. Well, they couldn’t have heard Kes, because he was never loud, not even when he came. Embarrassingly, it must be my gasps and screams that they were hearing, unless it was the sound of me being thoroughly pounded. Yeah, not at all embarrassing.
I freaking loved this book! It truly does have a ALL the feels, and I laughed, cried, sighed and squeed my way through it. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting, stopping only to share my excitement with a reading buddy. It’s an absolutely beautiful story, and I’m so glad there’s going to be another book because I can’t wait to lose myself in this world again - although I could have done without the nasty cliffy because yep, it’s brutal! .
I absolutely loved it – 5 stars.
January 28, 2015
*Complimentary ARC received from author*
4.5 ★
This is a first Harvey-Berrick read and what a treat!
It’s such a charming emotional read, if that makes sense. A love story that spans time, a love story about second chances, a love story born out of innocence… sigh… The more I think about this, the more the emotions wash over me and make me appreciate the relationship and story more.
Part 1 completely captivated me, seeing the connection blossoming in time, feeling the same anticipation as Aimee did at every turn, aching just as much as Kes and Aimee, and breaking my heart just as much. Oh the innocence that only childhood can evoke…
Part 2 challenged me a bit, technically and emotionally. I disconnected a bit at their first reunion, not sure why. Then, my eyes glazed a bit with all that carnie details. This is all personal taste of course. But there is no denying the sweet (oh so sweet) emotions. As much as I want to simplify the decisions in my head, I can’t, because these decisions are life-altering in real life and for me to minimize the feelings, especially Aimee’s, it just didn’t feel right.
The last chapter completely hooked me in and gutted me, the crossroad that they need to pass…
… sigh…
Kes has only ever known carnival life, and not just that, it permeates his blood. His challenges meant a lifetime of insecurity yet, like Aimee described him, he’s just this amazing person. Kes has a lot of layers to him that can be explored some more. Aimee got Kes right from the start. Frankly, I don’t think she would’ve stood out too much in my head if not for her reaction towards Kes. But because of that, I do like her. Also, maybe because for me, she does represent “normal” so I get it. The secondary characters that surround Kes and Aimee are just as colorful to stand out in my head. And by secondary, I meant the other carnival folks (sorry, Aimee’s sister).
I was bemoaning about the cliffy ending to people in the past, so just be warned. I really don’t know how I did not see that coming. It says in the cover ‘Duet’. It says in the Goodreads title, ‘Traveling, #1’. Silly, silly woman!
Lastly, I just want to say that when I’m highlighting, if I’m highlighting at that, passages and quotes that sometimes do not even belong to the MCs, I know then that I’m reading someone’s words that resonate well with me…
I can’t seriously wait enough for The Traveling Woman!
4.5 ★
This is a first Harvey-Berrick read and what a treat!
It’s such a charming emotional read, if that makes sense. A love story that spans time, a love story about second chances, a love story born out of innocence… sigh… The more I think about this, the more the emotions wash over me and make me appreciate the relationship and story more.
Part 1 completely captivated me, seeing the connection blossoming in time, feeling the same anticipation as Aimee did at every turn, aching just as much as Kes and Aimee, and breaking my heart just as much. Oh the innocence that only childhood can evoke…
Part 2 challenged me a bit, technically and emotionally. I disconnected a bit at their first reunion, not sure why. Then, my eyes glazed a bit with all that carnie details. This is all personal taste of course. But there is no denying the sweet (oh so sweet) emotions. As much as I want to simplify the decisions in my head, I can’t, because these decisions are life-altering in real life and for me to minimize the feelings, especially Aimee’s, it just didn’t feel right.
The last chapter completely hooked me in and gutted me, the crossroad that they need to pass…
“… Love doesn’t feed you or keep you warm – it withers and dies when you have to get practical.”
“But if you have all those things without love, what’s the point?”
… sigh…
Kes has only ever known carnival life, and not just that, it permeates his blood. His challenges meant a lifetime of insecurity yet, like Aimee described him, he’s just this amazing person. Kes has a lot of layers to him that can be explored some more. Aimee got Kes right from the start. Frankly, I don’t think she would’ve stood out too much in my head if not for her reaction towards Kes. But because of that, I do like her. Also, maybe because for me, she does represent “normal” so I get it. The secondary characters that surround Kes and Aimee are just as colorful to stand out in my head. And by secondary, I meant the other carnival folks (sorry, Aimee’s sister).
I was bemoaning about the cliffy ending to people in the past, so just be warned. I really don’t know how I did not see that coming. It says in the cover ‘Duet’. It says in the Goodreads title, ‘Traveling, #1’. Silly, silly woman!
Lastly, I just want to say that when I’m highlighting, if I’m highlighting at that, passages and quotes that sometimes do not even belong to the MCs, I know then that I’m reading someone’s words that resonate well with me…
“Do you know what I dream about? My dream would be to die looking at the lights on the Ferris wheel. When I get old, when my body has given up, that’s what I want to see. And in that dream, you’re standing next to me.”
I can’t seriously wait enough for The Traveling Woman!
January 25, 2015
5 "Magical Forbidden First Love Stars"! A new top favorite! If I could give this book 6 stars, I would. I could not put it down until I had read every treasured last word! This book brought back all the memories of first love, as if I was physically experiencing it again, electric charges and all! It then proceeded to shred my heart into a million pieces, only to reassemble it again, along with the renewed hope of forever conquering the hidden forces that always seem to plague and limit one's time with forbidden love, only to yet again leave you in pit of never ending despair when the chasm between the two star crossed worlds once again opens up to seek it's ugly revenge!
Aimee Anderson's world changed forever with her 10th birthday present: a trip to the carnival. That's where the small town girl meets Kestrel Donohue. A boy with a unique name and an extraordinary ability. That day he became her friend and opened up her world to a whole new host of seemingly magical possibilities.
Every year when the carnival came back in town, for it's two week stint, Aimee and Kes were inseparable. These periods of intensive bonding, eventually transform a pivotal friendship into first time love. As their relationship blossoms into something more mature, however, the deep-seated prejudices maintained by Aimee's family and the realities of the two completely different world's they come from, become harder and harder to merge. Eventually tough choices must be made, and the harsh cruelty of their star-crossed love takes its toll. If Aimee and Kes are willing to try to defy the odds, could their possibly be a HEA at the top of their carousel?
Oh my, what a ride! I finished this book a week, and several books, ago, and I still can't get these touching characters out of my mind! Jane Harvey-Berrick has earned a spot on my top favored authors list with this one-of-a-kind read, and I absolutely can not wait to read Book 2, The Traveling Woman, due out this Spring, to learn what direction Aimee's and Kes' relationship takes next!!
Source: Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Aimee Anderson's world changed forever with her 10th birthday present: a trip to the carnival. That's where the small town girl meets Kestrel Donohue. A boy with a unique name and an extraordinary ability. That day he became her friend and opened up her world to a whole new host of seemingly magical possibilities.
Every year when the carnival came back in town, for it's two week stint, Aimee and Kes were inseparable. These periods of intensive bonding, eventually transform a pivotal friendship into first time love. As their relationship blossoms into something more mature, however, the deep-seated prejudices maintained by Aimee's family and the realities of the two completely different world's they come from, become harder and harder to merge. Eventually tough choices must be made, and the harsh cruelty of their star-crossed love takes its toll. If Aimee and Kes are willing to try to defy the odds, could their possibly be a HEA at the top of their carousel?
Oh my, what a ride! I finished this book a week, and several books, ago, and I still can't get these touching characters out of my mind! Jane Harvey-Berrick has earned a spot on my top favored authors list with this one-of-a-kind read, and I absolutely can not wait to read Book 2, The Traveling Woman, due out this Spring, to learn what direction Aimee's and Kes' relationship takes next!!
Source: Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2015
Every time I buy one of Jane's books I know I have a Free Admission to an unique, beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking but always awe-inspiring story!
This time Jane surprised me. She gave me a front row ticket to one of the greatest show on earth.
A Carnival.
Rollercoasters. Ferris Wheel. Fortune Tellers. MAGIC. LOVE. Your first LOVE. The Love Of Your Life.
A Carnival. A story. Because Every Summer has a Story. Right? And Love arrives without warning.
Welcome to the show.
All of Jane's books have a special place in my heart. With every book I learned a lesson. "The Traveling Man" was no the exception. Jane delivered as usual. She never fails. The book was beyond well-written. As soon as I read the first sentence I was transported to another world. If you have read Jane's books you know I am telling the truth, but this time was very different. MAGIC is the main character. Magic wanted to tell a story. After all Magic is in our hearts.
The Traveling Man is refreshing. It will touch your heart and soul. You will travel back in time. Down to memory lane. When we believed in magic. We believed carnivals were magical. It will make you remember your first best friend. The best friend that became your first love. Your first kiss. First touch. Late night conversations. Missing each other. Making love for the first time. All your firsts.
You know love has no boundaries. Love has no concept of age. Love is pure and unconditional... but then life happens. Society happens. And you stopped believing in magic. All is replaced by lies. Betrayal. Mistrust.
Kes and Aimee's story is Painfully Beautiful. Captivating. Silly. Complicated. Never doubt their love for each other. That LOVE is Intense. But life keeps getting in their way. And you begin to wonder if magic gave up on them.
There's a cliffhanger. Read the last pages with a few pillows around you. Believe me when I say you will want to throw your kindle. Kes is so stubborn. You will want to get inside his head and tell him "WTF?" Aimee is stubborn too. I wanted to slap her a few times. So they will drive you crazy a few times. I love them anyways!
All the characters in the story are strong. I like them all. Even Gregg with two g's. LOL!
I strongly recommend this book. You will cry happy tears. You will end up frustrated. But the ride, the happiness, the pain is so worth it. The lesson here? Serendipity. And what's Serendipity? The effect by which one accidentally stumbles upon something wonderful, especially while looking for something entirely unrelated.
The show can't begin until you jump!
Remember always: To Love a person is to see all their magic, and to remind them of it when they have forgotten
Can't wait to read "The Traveling Woman"
This time Jane surprised me. She gave me a front row ticket to one of the greatest show on earth.
A Carnival.
Rollercoasters. Ferris Wheel. Fortune Tellers. MAGIC. LOVE. Your first LOVE. The Love Of Your Life.
A Carnival. A story. Because Every Summer has a Story. Right? And Love arrives without warning.
Welcome to the show.
"But you wouldn’t do any stuff with me last night.”
I gaped at him.
“Kes! We had a fight. I was upset, that’s all. But it doesn’t mean we have to break up. And that other stuff, well, I’ve got to be in the right mood, you know.”
All of Jane's books have a special place in my heart. With every book I learned a lesson. "The Traveling Man" was no the exception. Jane delivered as usual. She never fails. The book was beyond well-written. As soon as I read the first sentence I was transported to another world. If you have read Jane's books you know I am telling the truth, but this time was very different. MAGIC is the main character. Magic wanted to tell a story. After all Magic is in our hearts.
The Traveling Man is refreshing. It will touch your heart and soul. You will travel back in time. Down to memory lane. When we believed in magic. We believed carnivals were magical. It will make you remember your first best friend. The best friend that became your first love. Your first kiss. First touch. Late night conversations. Missing each other. Making love for the first time. All your firsts.
You know love has no boundaries. Love has no concept of age. Love is pure and unconditional... but then life happens. Society happens. And you stopped believing in magic. All is replaced by lies. Betrayal. Mistrust.
Kes and Aimee's story is Painfully Beautiful. Captivating. Silly. Complicated. Never doubt their love for each other. That LOVE is Intense. But life keeps getting in their way. And you begin to wonder if magic gave up on them.
There's a cliffhanger. Read the last pages with a few pillows around you. Believe me when I say you will want to throw your kindle. Kes is so stubborn. You will want to get inside his head and tell him "WTF?" Aimee is stubborn too. I wanted to slap her a few times. So they will drive you crazy a few times. I love them anyways!
All the characters in the story are strong. I like them all. Even Gregg with two g's. LOL!
I strongly recommend this book. You will cry happy tears. You will end up frustrated. But the ride, the happiness, the pain is so worth it. The lesson here? Serendipity. And what's Serendipity? The effect by which one accidentally stumbles upon something wonderful, especially while looking for something entirely unrelated.
The show can't begin until you jump!
Remember always: To Love a person is to see all their magic, and to remind them of it when they have forgotten
Can't wait to read "The Traveling Woman"
February 7, 2015
‘I felt safe and protected. I felt like I belonged.’
Okay; we just read what we’re sure will be a top favourite for 2015. We already knew that Jane Harvey Berrick is a master of beautiful evocative writing so that came as no surprise. However, we weren’t prepared for such an exceptionally stunning piece of emotional writing that demanded and consequently accepted our entire hearts as the characters captured us in every way possible. To say we loved everything about The Traveling Man is an understatement and we highly urge and recommend you pick this story up and fall in love with this Author all over again or for the first time as the case may be.
“Do you know what I dream about? My dream would be to die looking at the lights on the Ferris wheel. When I get old, when my body has given up, that’s what I want to see. And in that dream, you’re standing next to me.”
The Traveling Man brought everything we remember and love about the Fairground to the forefront of our minds; our memories, the scents and the sounds. We saw the bright lights. We could smell the enticing candyfloss and we could hear the laughter and murmurs of awe. It brought us back to a time before and we felt as if we were there in the thick of it seeing the story play out; feeling the emotions and succumbing to the passion and emotional heart-break of what transpired. We were mesmerized to the point where we just couldn’t put this story down; we read through romantic sighs as well as big heartfelt tears.
“I make mistakes and I move on. That’s what I do, that’s what I’ve always done. I leave, and other people leave. You’re the first person in my whole life who stayed. And then you were taken away. But now you’re here again….and you’re trying to leave me…”
We got to spend moments of a childhood with two very different, yet equally beautiful characters; Aimee and Kes who come from very different ‘worlds’. Aimee’s childhood is somewhat stifled, emotionally repressed in a way. Black and white with no colour nor laughter. She hasn’t got very much stimulation nor adventure except for that which she gets from her books. Aimee as a child was sweet, gutsy and adventurous; with an overwhelming sense of understanding and compassion. All of which carried through to adulthood. She was and is a fantastic heroine. One which we cannot help but root for and keep in our hearts. She was rational, pragmatic and we fully believed in her character and actions.
“I’ve never had a real friend before,” Kes said, his eyes searching out the edges of the horizon. “I didn’t know I was missing anything.” I heard what he wasn’t saying, at least I think I did. “I’ll miss you too.”
Aimee watches from afar as the carnival arrives in town and has but one wish; to go and experience her own version of exciting colourful mystique. A 10th birthday wish is reluctantly granted and she makes a discovery – a friend which will change the course of her life in every way imaginable. She meets a sweet carnie boy named Kes.
‘He could breathe fire, he could eat flames, but the word ‘love’ burned on his lips.’
Kes stole our hearts from the get-go. Our fiery and sweet boy who struggled with the carnie label preventing him to fully enjoy the friendship with a girl who saw the size of his heart and revelled in his presence. Their bond was tangible both as childhood friends and what came later. We marvelled at their friendship which grew spanning years with only a brief two weeks of togetherness every time. We felt it and we believed it.
‘I had two weeks of memories that shone as insubstantial as my dreams, and fifty long weeks to wait for my life to start again. I sat on the grass and cried.’
The thrill of their growing all-encompassing love felt incredibly real even many years later after all that was. Their journey which hasn’t ended is marred by perceptions, responsibilities and what transpires when two different worlds collide.
Kes’ story, of what we experienced, broke our hearts over the course of the book. It left us wanting to know his secrets and feel everything we possibly can as this beautiful and gorgeous man really did steal our hearts. We can’t describe how much we love our Kes. To the moon and stars – beyond the Fairground – as far as the eye can see from the very top of the Ferris wheel.
**Reviewed honestly from an ARC copy provided by the author with thanks**
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January 27, 2015
LIVE TODAY! PURCHASE LINKS:
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This was, without a doubt, the best book I have read by Jane Harvey-Berrick, and I've read a lot of her books. It was truly magical!
I don't even know where to start. I could either talk forever and a day, and tell you everything, or keep it minimal, so that I don't spoil the story for anybody. I feel like this is the sort of book where you need to go in to it, knowing hardly anything. We know the basics and I think that is all that we need to know.
Kes and Aimee meet as children, 10 years of age to be precise, when the travelling carnival comes to the little town where Aimee lives. Aimee comes from particular strict parents, whose worst nightmare, would be the carnival. But it's Aimee's birthday, and her only birthday wish is to spend the day there. A day that will change her life forever, because she meets Kes, a boy similar in age, who is a vital part of the carnival. Kes travels around, starring in the main shows of the carnival, and instantly takes a liking to Aimee. Their 'relationship' was really special from the get-go.
Seeing each other for only two weeks a year, they had a different kind of friendship, albeit always very intense. When they could, they would spend every waking minute together. Whether that was with Aimee sneaking away to the carnival, or Kes sneaking away in to Aimee's bedroom! Their friendship started off as something really quite adorable, but the older they got, the strong their feelings because and soon it was something far more passionate than an innocent friendship. They fell in love.
Aaaaaaand that's where all the angst and heartache comes in to it ;) LOL. I really don't want to say too much about the story, and what goes wrong and where it eventually goes right again.. but, it's brilliant. The story captivated me from the start and I couldn't get enough. I read and read and read. There was a lot of love, but an awful lot of heartache too. Many times my heart ached for both Kes and Aimee. Life just wouldn't give them a break. They were complete opposites, destined to fail from the start, but no matter what, ultimately they couldn't keep away from each other, and fate certainly has a funny way of working. Especially for The Traveling Man...
There were some brilliant secondary characters in this book, all of which I'd be happy to read about in the future. I feel like there are so many possibilities for future books, just from this one. I found the whole carnival aspect so interesting, and so different. I really can't recall many stories that have had such a different and magical theme, and been so addicting from the very beginning. Jane always seems to have a way of making her books have that one difference. They are always unique. And as usual, I couldn't name one fault with Jane's writing. It was really incredible.
Lastly, I just want to finish up by saying that, there is indeed a freaking cliffhanger! GAH. I knew it was coming and yet, I still wasn't prepared. I know some people are put off by cliffhangers, and yes they can be annoying, but I in no way regret reading the book. If a little cliffhanger is all I have to deal with until the sequel, then it's a small price to pay when I've read such a brilliant book.
*Reviewing for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog as part of the 'The Traveling Man' blog tour.*
US http://amzn.to/1zlmSOU
UK http://amzn.to/15ELunS
This was, without a doubt, the best book I have read by Jane Harvey-Berrick, and I've read a lot of her books. It was truly magical!
I don't even know where to start. I could either talk forever and a day, and tell you everything, or keep it minimal, so that I don't spoil the story for anybody. I feel like this is the sort of book where you need to go in to it, knowing hardly anything. We know the basics and I think that is all that we need to know.
Kes and Aimee meet as children, 10 years of age to be precise, when the travelling carnival comes to the little town where Aimee lives. Aimee comes from particular strict parents, whose worst nightmare, would be the carnival. But it's Aimee's birthday, and her only birthday wish is to spend the day there. A day that will change her life forever, because she meets Kes, a boy similar in age, who is a vital part of the carnival. Kes travels around, starring in the main shows of the carnival, and instantly takes a liking to Aimee. Their 'relationship' was really special from the get-go.
"Kes could sense my resistance was weak - as it always would be when it came to anything he wanted to do - and over the years, it was a weakness that he plundered ruthlessly."
Seeing each other for only two weeks a year, they had a different kind of friendship, albeit always very intense. When they could, they would spend every waking minute together. Whether that was with Aimee sneaking away to the carnival, or Kes sneaking away in to Aimee's bedroom! Their friendship started off as something really quite adorable, but the older they got, the strong their feelings because and soon it was something far more passionate than an innocent friendship. They fell in love.
Aaaaaaand that's where all the angst and heartache comes in to it ;) LOL. I really don't want to say too much about the story, and what goes wrong and where it eventually goes right again.. but, it's brilliant. The story captivated me from the start and I couldn't get enough. I read and read and read. There was a lot of love, but an awful lot of heartache too. Many times my heart ached for both Kes and Aimee. Life just wouldn't give them a break. They were complete opposites, destined to fail from the start, but no matter what, ultimately they couldn't keep away from each other, and fate certainly has a funny way of working. Especially for The Traveling Man...
"And you're at a crossroads. You're wondering which way to go - towards safety, or toward love. Personally, I'd always go for love, but love isn't safe - it cuts and burns."
There were some brilliant secondary characters in this book, all of which I'd be happy to read about in the future. I feel like there are so many possibilities for future books, just from this one. I found the whole carnival aspect so interesting, and so different. I really can't recall many stories that have had such a different and magical theme, and been so addicting from the very beginning. Jane always seems to have a way of making her books have that one difference. They are always unique. And as usual, I couldn't name one fault with Jane's writing. It was really incredible.
Lastly, I just want to finish up by saying that, there is indeed a freaking cliffhanger! GAH. I knew it was coming and yet, I still wasn't prepared. I know some people are put off by cliffhangers, and yes they can be annoying, but I in no way regret reading the book. If a little cliffhanger is all I have to deal with until the sequel, then it's a small price to pay when I've read such a brilliant book.
"That which is broken can still be mended, if your glue is strong enough."
*Reviewing for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog as part of the 'The Traveling Man' blog tour.*
November 29, 2016
THIS BOOK IS FREE! --> http://amzn.to/2fEhsGj
Books like this one are the reason I love indie authors. Books like The Traveling Man are the reason I fell in love with reading. The feelings and emotions this book evoked within my soul makes it worth digging through the ugly rocks to come out holding this precious gem. Being swept away into the unique world of carnival life that exists on the fringes of what most of us view as “normal” society was such an eye-opening experience. Jane Harvey-Berrick painted a vivid picture in my mind of this unique setting, plot, and unforgettable characters.
‘It’s hard to explain what those two weeks every summer meant to me. I lived for them, I breathed for them, and the rest of my life seemed to be spent waiting.’
I’m still trying to wrap my head around the brilliance of this story. These two characters, Aimee and Kes, only get to see each two weeks a year when the carnival rolls into town. I loved the beauty of watching their bonding friendship blossom into romantic love over the years. Even with so much time apart it doesn’t stop their feeling from growing stronger and deeper.
‘I felt as if I’d met my soulmate, but he was always being taken away from me. Life was so unfair.’
The Traveling Man really is JHB at her best! I didn’t think I could love a book of hers more than I do the Education Series yet I love, love, love these new characters and story she has created. It had everything I expected and more- uniqueness, intrigue, heartbreak, angst, sensuality, and love. I can’t wait for the next book and conclusion of Aimee and Kes’s epic journey. I will never look at the small town carnival the same again.
“You’re my girl, Aimee. No one else.”
Books like this one are the reason I love indie authors. Books like The Traveling Man are the reason I fell in love with reading. The feelings and emotions this book evoked within my soul makes it worth digging through the ugly rocks to come out holding this precious gem. Being swept away into the unique world of carnival life that exists on the fringes of what most of us view as “normal” society was such an eye-opening experience. Jane Harvey-Berrick painted a vivid picture in my mind of this unique setting, plot, and unforgettable characters.
‘It’s hard to explain what those two weeks every summer meant to me. I lived for them, I breathed for them, and the rest of my life seemed to be spent waiting.’
I’m still trying to wrap my head around the brilliance of this story. These two characters, Aimee and Kes, only get to see each two weeks a year when the carnival rolls into town. I loved the beauty of watching their bonding friendship blossom into romantic love over the years. Even with so much time apart it doesn’t stop their feeling from growing stronger and deeper.
‘I felt as if I’d met my soulmate, but he was always being taken away from me. Life was so unfair.’
The Traveling Man really is JHB at her best! I didn’t think I could love a book of hers more than I do the Education Series yet I love, love, love these new characters and story she has created. It had everything I expected and more- uniqueness, intrigue, heartbreak, angst, sensuality, and love. I can’t wait for the next book and conclusion of Aimee and Kes’s epic journey. I will never look at the small town carnival the same again.
“You’re my girl, Aimee. No one else.”
February 13, 2016
Μαγεία, ψευδαισθήσεις, χρώματα και αρώματα. Άνθρωποι που αγωνίζονται και κοπιάζουν καθημερινά για να δώσουν χαρά. Μια σκληρή ζωή και συνάμα τόσο συναρπαστική. Η ζωή των ανθρώπων των περιπλανώμενων τσίρκων.
Και εκεί μέσα στη σκόνη και τα άχυρα, τα πολύχρωμα φωτάκια και το γλυκό άρωμα του μαλλιού της γριάς τα αθώα παιδικά μάτια της Aimme αντικρίζουν τα πανέμορφα μάτια του Kes. Μιά υπέροχη, ρομαντική και πονεμένη ιστορία αρχίζει για τους δύο νέους.Οι καρδιές τους ραγίζουν και περιπλανώμενες πια, προσπαθούν να βρουν τον δρόμο για το "σπίτι" τους.
Θα τα καταφέρουν ή είναι όλα μια ψευδαίσθηση;
Για να το μάθετε μάλλον θα πρέπει να διαβάσετε το 1ο βιβλίο της ιστορίας τους!
Και εκεί μέσα στη σκόνη και τα άχυρα, τα πολύχρωμα φωτάκια και το γλυκό άρωμα του μαλλιού της γριάς τα αθώα παιδικά μάτια της Aimme αντικρίζουν τα πανέμορφα μάτια του Kes. Μιά υπέροχη, ρομαντική και πονεμένη ιστορία αρχίζει για τους δύο νέους.Οι καρδιές τους ραγίζουν και περιπλανώμενες πια, προσπαθούν να βρουν τον δρόμο για το "σπίτι" τους.
Θα τα καταφέρουν ή είναι όλα μια ψευδαίσθηση;
Για να το μάθετε μάλλον θα πρέπει να διαβάσετε το 1ο βιβλίο της ιστορίας τους!
January 29, 2015
***4 1/2 "Magical" Stars!!!***
Jane Harvey-Berrick is one of my favorites. I adore her writing style, and I have a particular fondness for stories that are, at their hearts, about two people fumbling through love. Relationships are complicated, and JHB gives us that in all its messy glory with Kes and Aimee.
What I loved most about this book was the enduring love between the two, which changes (one might even say mutates over a period of fifteen years. I believe opposites attract, I believe connections can last for a lifetime, and I believe that many of us carry around the sparks of lost love that can, at any time, be reignited. What she does with this book, with these characters, is as magical as a child's first carnival. She raises so many questions about love, family, and nature vs. nurture in this book. I'll be thinking of it for days, just as Caro and Seb haven't quite left me. (For those who haven't read it, I'm referencing The Education of Sebastian & The Education of Caroline.)
Childhood fancy, teenage angst, and adult sacrifices are interwoven through this story in a way that enhances the personalities of the characters. You can't help but fall in love with Kes through Aimee's eyes (even though he is flawed...so, so flawed), and the ending of this first part, though inevitable, feels very much like unfinished business. (SO MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT BOOK 2!!!)
I'm hoping that All I know is I'm counting the weeks until I can find out how this story ends!
Jane Harvey-Berrick is one of my favorites. I adore her writing style, and I have a particular fondness for stories that are, at their hearts, about two people fumbling through love. Relationships are complicated, and JHB gives us that in all its messy glory with Kes and Aimee.
What I loved most about this book was the enduring love between the two, which changes (one might even say mutates over a period of fifteen years. I believe opposites attract, I believe connections can last for a lifetime, and I believe that many of us carry around the sparks of lost love that can, at any time, be reignited. What she does with this book, with these characters, is as magical as a child's first carnival. She raises so many questions about love, family, and nature vs. nurture in this book. I'll be thinking of it for days, just as Caro and Seb haven't quite left me. (For those who haven't read it, I'm referencing The Education of Sebastian & The Education of Caroline.)
Childhood fancy, teenage angst, and adult sacrifices are interwoven through this story in a way that enhances the personalities of the characters. You can't help but fall in love with Kes through Aimee's eyes (even though he is flawed...so, so flawed), and the ending of this first part, though inevitable, feels very much like unfinished business. (SO MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT BOOK 2!!!)
I'm hoping that All I know is I'm counting the weeks until I can find out how this story ends!
December 30, 2015
It's so refreshing to find a such a beautifully written story amid all of the smut I usually read. Happily for me there was still scorching hot smut that kept a grin on my face for hours but it was the unusual setting and vivid characters and just the sheer magic of reading about two people slowly falling for one another that made this such an outstanding read for me.
It's a childhood friends to lovers story, but Aimee is the townee and Kes is the circus boy. They are together for two weeks every year, their affection growing to love - and lust - as each year passes. Their lives are so different, but they're so good together.
Although the plot and setting is completely different, this story reminds me of this author's 'The education of Sebastian' and its sequel' The Education of Caroline' which are amongst my most favourite reads ever, so I was so pleased to find that rare chemistry, romance and happy feels those books stirred up for me coming together in this too.
I didn't love how this one ended, it actually tore me up, but its saving grace was that I recall feeling exactly the same way at the end of 'Sebastian', so I'm pulling on my big girl panties and being grateful that I get more Aimee and Kes in the second and final book this spring.
This is highly recommended and if you love 'The Education of Sebastian/Caroline' then you'll definitely love this one.
It's a childhood friends to lovers story, but Aimee is the townee and Kes is the circus boy. They are together for two weeks every year, their affection growing to love - and lust - as each year passes. Their lives are so different, but they're so good together.
Although the plot and setting is completely different, this story reminds me of this author's 'The education of Sebastian' and its sequel' The Education of Caroline' which are amongst my most favourite reads ever, so I was so pleased to find that rare chemistry, romance and happy feels those books stirred up for me coming together in this too.
I didn't love how this one ended, it actually tore me up, but its saving grace was that I recall feeling exactly the same way at the end of 'Sebastian', so I'm pulling on my big girl panties and being grateful that I get more Aimee and Kes in the second and final book this spring.
This is highly recommended and if you love 'The Education of Sebastian/Caroline' then you'll definitely love this one.
January 28, 2015
***** TIPPY TOP OF THE FERRIS WHEEL*****
The Prologue says it all!
I was magically bewitched by this book and could not put it down. The Fresh innocence of young love had my heart racing like I was experiencing my first love.
A fantastic travel through a rare friendship and love between a young small town girl and a carnie boy.
Sweet young love torn apart unknowingly by family betrayal.
Finding forgiveness as adults their passion flames back to life. Will it be enough?
We'll find out (I hope)in the next of the series.
The Prologue says it all!
I was magically bewitched by this book and could not put it down. The Fresh innocence of young love had my heart racing like I was experiencing my first love.
A fantastic travel through a rare friendship and love between a young small town girl and a carnie boy.
Sweet young love torn apart unknowingly by family betrayal.
Finding forgiveness as adults their passion flames back to life. Will it be enough?
We'll find out (I hope)in the next of the series.
February 7, 2015
‘I felt safe and protected. I felt like I belonged.’
Okay; we just read what we’re sure will be a top favourite for 2015. We already knew that Jane Harvey Berrick is a master of beautiful evocative writing so that came as no surprise. However, we weren’t prepared for such an exceptionally stunning piece of emotional writing that demanded and consequently accepted our entire hearts as the characters captured us in every way possible. To say we loved everything about The Traveling Man is an understatement and we highly urge and recommend you pick this story up and fall in love with this Author all over again or for the first time as the case may be.
“Do you know what I dream about? My dream would be to die looking at the lights on the Ferris wheel. When I get old, when my body has given up, that’s what I want to see. And in that dream, you’re standing next to me.”
The Traveling Man brought everything we remember and love about the Fairground to the forefront of our minds; our memories, the scents and the sounds. We saw the bright lights. We could smell the enticing candyfloss and we could hear the laughter and murmurs of awe. It brought us back to a time before and we felt as if we were there in the thick of it seeing the story play out; feeling the emotions and succumbing to the passion and emotional heart-break of what transpired. We were mesmerized to the point where we just couldn’t put this story down; we read through romantic sighs as well as big heartfelt tears.
“I make mistakes and I move on. That’s what I do, that’s what I’ve always done. I leave, and other people leave. You’re the first person in my whole life who stayed. And then you were taken away. But now you’re here again….and you’re trying to leave me…”
We got to spend moments of a childhood with two very different, yet equally beautiful characters; Aimee and Kes who come from very different ‘worlds’. Aimee’s childhood is somewhat stifled, emotionally repressed in a way. Black and white with no colour nor laughter. She hasn’t got very much stimulation nor adventure except for that which she gets from her books. Aimee as a child was sweet, gutsy and adventurous; with an overwhelming sense of understanding and compassion. All of which carried through to adulthood. She was and is a fantastic heroine. One which we cannot help but root for and keep in our hearts. She was rational, pragmatic and we fully believed in her character and actions.
“I’ve never had a real friend before,” Kes said, his eyes searching out the edges of the horizon. “I didn��t know I was missing anything.” I heard what he wasn’t saying, at least I think I did. “I’ll miss you too.”
Aimee watches from afar as the carnival arrives in town and has but one wish; to go and experience her own version of exciting colourful mystique. A 10th birthday wish is reluctantly granted and she makes a discovery – a friend which will change the course of her life in every way imaginable. She meets a sweet carnie boy named Kes.
‘He could breathe fire, he could eat flames, but the word ‘love’ burned on his lips.’
Kes stole our hearts from the get-go. Our fiery and sweet boy who struggled with the carnie label preventing him to fully enjoy the friendship with a girl who saw the size of his heart and revelled in his presence. Their bond was tangible both as childhood friends and what came later. We marvelled at their friendship which grew spanning years with only a brief two weeks of togetherness every time. We felt it and we believed it.
‘I had two weeks of memories that shone as insubstantial as my dreams, and fifty long weeks to wait for my life to start again. I sat on the grass and cried.’
The thrill of their growing all-encompassing love felt incredibly real even many years later after all that was. Their journey which hasn’t ended is marred by perceptions, responsibilities and what transpires when two different worlds collide.
Kes’ story, of what we experienced, broke our hearts over the course of the book. It left us wanting to know his secrets and feel everything we possibly can as this beautiful and gorgeous man really did steal our hearts. We can’t describe how much we love our Kes. To the moon and stars – beyond the Fairground – as far as the eye can see from the very top of the Ferris wheel.
**Reviewed honestly from an ARC copy provided by the author with thanks**
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August 15, 2018
The Traveling Man de Jane Harvey - Berrick narra la historia de Kes y Aimee y es mi segunda lectura de la autora.
Añadi hace algunos meses esta novela a mi lista de Goodreads porque al leer la sinopsis me recordo un poco a otra historia que lei hace un tiempo ( la cual ame ) y tambien porque mi unica experiencia con la escritora hace unos años fue bastante satisfactoria.
Esta novela y su protagonista masculino me dejaron un poco dividida, por un lado, me parecio una lectura muy entretenida y con un toque original, pero tambien debo reconocer que la parte central la senti un poco menos interesante y tambien que tuve la sensacion de que perdio un poco de esa chispa que tenia al principio.
Y Kes fue un personaje que en un momento me tenia totalmente cautivada y al siguiente me enfadaba con su actitud, aunque a su favor tengo que admitir que en varias ocasiones llegue a entenderlo.
Su relacion de amor me parecio muy diferente y tierna, sobretodo en los capitulos narrados cuando eran niños, realmente eran una pareja adorable de pequeños ( y de adolescentes ).
En fin, The Traveling Man es una novela bonita y con una trama un poco diferente a lo que suelo encontrar dentro de este genero, si no le doy mas puntuacion es porque hubieron detalles que no me terminaron de convencer, aun asi, lo recomiendo si te apetece leer una historia de amor no tan cliche.
3.5 Estrellas!
January 27, 2015
WOW this book is brilliant. I wish I could give it 10 Stars.
Jane has proven once again what a great author she is with this story. You name it; this book has it, empathy, laughter, love, angst and the right amount of drama. The story is so well written in this book that I guarantee you will not be able to put it down.
The characters, Kes and Aimee feel so real that you follow along in a somewhat dream like quality feeling as if you are right there with them, going through everything they are and it was a joy, privilege and pleasure to read this ARC.
The first part of the story concentrates on these characters as children and watch how they interact as they grow up. Instantly becoming close friends who only see each other each year when the Carnival comes to town.
Aimee who has never seen a Carnival before is ecstatic at being allowed to see the show for her 10th birthday. The excitement that she has comes out so well in this book, you find yourself feeling exactly not only for her but with her. “To me, the carnival promised a world of magic. I’d never been anywhere in my life, never even left Minnesota. But carnie people, they had homes with wheels and could go wherever they wanted. They weren’t stuck in a small town, dreaming of the world beyond” I found myself wishing I was 10 again and experiencing the excitement she had watching the Carnival come to town
Aimee’s family are not a very affectionate family, her father is quite a controlling man, her mother basically a door mouse who would never said anything wrong or put a foot wrong and her sister, older but dying to be on her own and live her own life. Aimee, however, longs for adventure.
Kes, I feel in love with him, even as a small boy he has charisma and is a daredevil in his own right, learning new tricks, showing how much he loves this life, but he has his own battles. Suffering profoundly with server Dyslexia, struggling to read and although Aimee tries to help him with it whenever he is in her town, it is a hard struggle.
There is no doubt the bond between these two is like no other, they encourage, support and guide each other but with the constant separation things take a turn for the worst, their friendship and relationship is soon tested in ways neither of them would want. It is not until we get to Part 2 of this story that we see more of the world of Kes and Aimee
In part 2 some time has passed and we see two different people, with history and pasts, but when they do finally meet up, you cannot help but realise the connection these two have is still there, however, Aimee has a career, Kes has the carnival so what can they do. “I’d never stopped loving him, but I was beginning to wish that I could” .
Aimee decides that she will spend some time with the carnival and Kes and see what the life on the road is like; still trying to reconnect the friendship she has with him. Yes there are obstacle’s in the way, yes there are arguments but who doesn’t have these things to deal with. “Part of me didn’t want to fall for Kes again: he was too difficult, too dangerous, too unrestrained and wild. Since that summer, I’d looked for safe; appreciated it. What the hell was I doing here”?
As time passes by in the summer the more aware of the clock moving on and time slipping past them they become, what will they do at the end of the summer, will they stay together or will Aimee go back to her safe job, will Kes give up the carnival, only time will tell…. “Kes and I were running out of time again, and I hated it. All the old feelings came rushing back; that horrible sensation of not being in control of my life. It was stand standing at the edge of a cliff, your vision blurring, because the ground is rushing towards you”
Yes this is a book with a cliff-hanger but it is a book you will not want to put down but pick up again and again to see if you have missed parts.
The author has already informed us that the second book will be out soon, hopefully April so watch this space.
Jane has proven once again what a great author she is with this story. You name it; this book has it, empathy, laughter, love, angst and the right amount of drama. The story is so well written in this book that I guarantee you will not be able to put it down.
The characters, Kes and Aimee feel so real that you follow along in a somewhat dream like quality feeling as if you are right there with them, going through everything they are and it was a joy, privilege and pleasure to read this ARC.
The first part of the story concentrates on these characters as children and watch how they interact as they grow up. Instantly becoming close friends who only see each other each year when the Carnival comes to town.
Aimee who has never seen a Carnival before is ecstatic at being allowed to see the show for her 10th birthday. The excitement that she has comes out so well in this book, you find yourself feeling exactly not only for her but with her. “To me, the carnival promised a world of magic. I’d never been anywhere in my life, never even left Minnesota. But carnie people, they had homes with wheels and could go wherever they wanted. They weren’t stuck in a small town, dreaming of the world beyond” I found myself wishing I was 10 again and experiencing the excitement she had watching the Carnival come to town
Aimee’s family are not a very affectionate family, her father is quite a controlling man, her mother basically a door mouse who would never said anything wrong or put a foot wrong and her sister, older but dying to be on her own and live her own life. Aimee, however, longs for adventure.
Kes, I feel in love with him, even as a small boy he has charisma and is a daredevil in his own right, learning new tricks, showing how much he loves this life, but he has his own battles. Suffering profoundly with server Dyslexia, struggling to read and although Aimee tries to help him with it whenever he is in her town, it is a hard struggle.
There is no doubt the bond between these two is like no other, they encourage, support and guide each other but with the constant separation things take a turn for the worst, their friendship and relationship is soon tested in ways neither of them would want. It is not until we get to Part 2 of this story that we see more of the world of Kes and Aimee
In part 2 some time has passed and we see two different people, with history and pasts, but when they do finally meet up, you cannot help but realise the connection these two have is still there, however, Aimee has a career, Kes has the carnival so what can they do. “I’d never stopped loving him, but I was beginning to wish that I could” .
Aimee decides that she will spend some time with the carnival and Kes and see what the life on the road is like; still trying to reconnect the friendship she has with him. Yes there are obstacle’s in the way, yes there are arguments but who doesn’t have these things to deal with. “Part of me didn’t want to fall for Kes again: he was too difficult, too dangerous, too unrestrained and wild. Since that summer, I’d looked for safe; appreciated it. What the hell was I doing here”?
As time passes by in the summer the more aware of the clock moving on and time slipping past them they become, what will they do at the end of the summer, will they stay together or will Aimee go back to her safe job, will Kes give up the carnival, only time will tell…. “Kes and I were running out of time again, and I hated it. All the old feelings came rushing back; that horrible sensation of not being in control of my life. It was stand standing at the edge of a cliff, your vision blurring, because the ground is rushing towards you”
Yes this is a book with a cliff-hanger but it is a book you will not want to put down but pick up again and again to see if you have missed parts.
The author has already informed us that the second book will be out soon, hopefully April so watch this space.
March 13, 2016
5 Oh I would Travel for You Stars
The Traveling Man is my first Jane Harvey-Berrick read. I was in a reading slump and I wanted to read something with an epic romance. I was highly recommended to read this one and oh boy, what a journey I got.
There’s something about circus theme books that get you in the mood to be reckless, carefree and wild. I love it. I love unique characters and intense romance. I want passion, heartache and an in-depth story. The Traveling Man did that for me.
I really liked the way the story was written and the flow worked perfectly for me. It starts with Aimee as a ten-year old. Every year the circus would come to town and this is her first year to go. When she arrives she meets Kestrel, Kes, one of the carnie folks. So, you can see it’s a best-friend to lover romance and I loved the beginning. I loved reading Aimee and Kes’s young love and how innocent they were.
They were very much star-crossed lovers. Aimee has a protective father and Kes has a protective grandfather, but nothing would stop them from beginning together and your heart will ache because of how sweet it is.
Something happens and the book shifts. Now, as adults where Aimee is slowly moving on and Kes is too. I loved it when the book shifted because we get to the gritty part of the story. I loved both characters. I found Aimee the sweet typical Heroine that had only love blinders for Kes. I felt for her and I wanted her to have her dreams of being with someone perfect and working as a teacher.
I ached for Kes. He’s so tough, but he has his weaknesses which makes him endearing and also hot-headed. I really liked how the author portrayed Kes. He wasn’t the perfect Hero, but he fit. Kes and Aimee struggle to work out the relationship. There are a lot of hurt feelings they both need to overcome, also they both live very different lives. Aimee doesn’t travel and Kes is always on the road.
The Traveling Man is my first Jane Harvey-Berrick read. I was in a reading slump and I wanted to read something with an epic romance. I was highly recommended to read this one and oh boy, what a journey I got.
There’s something about circus theme books that get you in the mood to be reckless, carefree and wild. I love it. I love unique characters and intense romance. I want passion, heartache and an in-depth story. The Traveling Man did that for me.
I really liked the way the story was written and the flow worked perfectly for me. It starts with Aimee as a ten-year old. Every year the circus would come to town and this is her first year to go. When she arrives she meets Kestrel, Kes, one of the carnie folks. So, you can see it’s a best-friend to lover romance and I loved the beginning. I loved reading Aimee and Kes’s young love and how innocent they were.
They were very much star-crossed lovers. Aimee has a protective father and Kes has a protective grandfather, but nothing would stop them from beginning together and your heart will ache because of how sweet it is.
Something happens and the book shifts. Now, as adults where Aimee is slowly moving on and Kes is too. I loved it when the book shifted because we get to the gritty part of the story. I loved both characters. I found Aimee the sweet typical Heroine that had only love blinders for Kes. I felt for her and I wanted her to have her dreams of being with someone perfect and working as a teacher.
I ached for Kes. He’s so tough, but he has his weaknesses which makes him endearing and also hot-headed. I really liked how the author portrayed Kes. He wasn’t the perfect Hero, but he fit. Kes and Aimee struggle to work out the relationship. There are a lot of hurt feelings they both need to overcome, also they both live very different lives. Aimee doesn’t travel and Kes is always on the road.
“I’d thought of Kes as my prince. When I came to know him better, I changed my mind, thinking of him instead as a dark lord. But that came later”
“He scared me and he protected me. He could be incredibly hurtful and incredibly thoughtful. He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for me”
I was hooked from the first page and I was glad to be sucked into this world. If you are looking for an epic romance with a circus theme, then this one is for you.
The Traveling Man #1 AMAZON | The Traveling Woman #2 AMAZON | Roustabout AMAZON
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