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She was his only light in a lifetime of darkness… Haunted by guilt after the death of her mother, Lena Gardner hides behind the persona of the perfect daughter she feels obligated to be. At nineteen, she’s working her way through college and being groomed for her leadership of her father’s empire, but no one can be perfect all the time. She longs to be someone else, even if only for a few hours under the cover of night. Each time she gives in to that longing, she loses herself a little more. Only one man knows the real Lena Gardner, and only he has the power to save her from herself. Owen Langford has worked hard to overcome a traumatic past, and the glowing memory of a childhood friendship was his true salvation. Now at age nineteen, Owen is determined to graduate college early and start his own business. He’s adamant that nothing is more important than achieving his goals, but fate may have other plans for him. Both he and Lena have their reasons for keeping their relationship casual, but Owen never expected to find his childhood savior sitting next to him in a lecture hall. And he never expected to fall in love with her. AUTHOR’S This duet is a no cheating, no break-up, guaranteed HEA. If you like sexy, protective alphas, strong leading ladies, and a story that will tug at your heartstrings, this duet is for you! Trigger Ember contains brief but potentially sensitive themes such as child abuse in several forms. Proceed with caution.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2018
21 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Christi Whitson
6 books81 followersChristi Whitson lives in the St. Louis, Missouri area with her partner and children. She majored in Creative Writing at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. She is a proud mother of two wonderful daughters, both of whom are headed into their teenage years and determined to keep their mom on her toes. Christi believes the written word can change lives, and she’s always dreaming of the next great story yet to be told.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 8, 2018
This book was exhausting to get through. It was super long (310 pages), and moved at a snail's pace. That doesn't mean I didn't like it, but I think the author could have shaved a hundred (or more) pages and it would have worked SO much better. There was just way too much page space given over to Owen's abuse as a child (physical and sexual), and Ellie's background after her and Owen are separated. It was just so depressing and made my stomach ache. I honestly had to start skimming through those chapters. I think for "ME" it would have worked better had the author just wrote a summary chapter about what happened to them both between the time they met/separated until they meet again as adults.
Once they finally meet again (80 pages into the book), the story does pick up, and I started to enjoy it a bit more, but overall I still found it quite slow moving and majorly wordy. That said, the writing wasn't bad at all for a debut novel. There were some highly emotional scenes that will tug at your heart. My favorite being when Ellie and Owen are briefly in foster care together. I liked Owen's character a lot. Despite all he had been through, he was a sweet, kind and genuinely nice human being. Ellie, on the other hand, was a bit harder to like. In fact, I honestly didn't like her much at all. Her reactions (and overreactions) to situations were very often childish and self-centered. On top of that, she was ungrateful, cold, and whiney a lot of the time. Owen deserved so much better in my opinion.
This book wasn't big on secondary characters, but I hope Logan will get a book of his own. Additionally, around the halfway point the author injects a bit of mystery into the story. Although not much of a mystery as we know who the baddie is from the start. Still, it added a bit extra to the story, and since this ended on a "happy for now" cliffhanger with book two again featuring this couple and the baddie storyline, I expect (hope), that book two will kick it up a notch in both the action and pace.
So yea, a bit of a mixed bag for me with this one. It was an impressive debut book for sure. There were also a few shining gem moments in the writing where the author evoked a lot of emotions. I loved Owen to bits. I loved Logan. However, it also needed to be majorly tightened up plot-wise. There were SO many unnecessary scenes and dialogue that slowed the pace down to a crawl. I struggled to stay engaged for a lot of the book. Still, I am intrigued enough to see where the author is going in book two...
October 28, 2018
What a book. An exciting read that deals with sensitive issues and explores emotions that leaves you wanting to see how it all ends.
Lena and Owen meet at a young age, both having experienced pain in their young lives. The two of them forge a connection that stays with them even after they are separated.
A connection that runs deep and intensifies when they reconnect.
The way in which their relationship grows shows how far they have both come from their earlier tragedies.
And the ending.... wow! I certainly look forward to book number two!
Lena and Owen meet at a young age, both having experienced pain in their young lives. The two of them forge a connection that stays with them even after they are separated.
A connection that runs deep and intensifies when they reconnect.
The way in which their relationship grows shows how far they have both come from their earlier tragedies.
And the ending.... wow! I certainly look forward to book number two!
May 23, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed Lena and Owen’s evolving romance in Ember. The writing and storyline flowed well with strong characters you want to root for (and a few serious baddies that you don’t!)
Although the opening is a little too back story heavy for my taste, traumatic histories for the MCs are handled well, and give you insight into their actions and motivations. And talk about a meet cute! Gentle Owen feeding Ellie gummies is a heart-melter for sure. Fast forward years later and their interactions are just as touching. Owen, perhaps understandably given his past, is a little possessive which might also reflect his youth, but his love and care of Ellie/Lena is undeniable. She’s strong and independent, battling her own demons, but her walls start to crumble as she spends more time with him.
Add in a mystery that puts both their jobs and more importantly lives at risk, and you’ll want to keep turning the pages to the end. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
Although the opening is a little too back story heavy for my taste, traumatic histories for the MCs are handled well, and give you insight into their actions and motivations. And talk about a meet cute! Gentle Owen feeding Ellie gummies is a heart-melter for sure. Fast forward years later and their interactions are just as touching. Owen, perhaps understandably given his past, is a little possessive which might also reflect his youth, but his love and care of Ellie/Lena is undeniable. She’s strong and independent, battling her own demons, but her walls start to crumble as she spends more time with him.
Add in a mystery that puts both their jobs and more importantly lives at risk, and you’ll want to keep turning the pages to the end. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
January 30, 2019
Owen and Lena are real soulmates and their love story pulls at the heartstrings from the moment they meet at age four. They form a strong bond during their short time together in foster care, which is so touching to read. Poor Owen goes on to struggle through a childhood of horrific abuse while Lena is consumed by misplaced guilt over the death of her mother. When the two meet again years later, their connection and chemistry is undeniable. They are two intelligent, new adults with challenges ahead. This is a well written, detailed story jam-packed with emotion. I’m ready for book two!
August 14, 2018
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE
The first chapter will grab your attention from the get go and it never lets go! Your heart will break in the first few chapters reading what two young children had to survive. The bond between Lena and Owen is one that can never be broken, it's proven years later when they find one another again.
Both Lena and Owen have overcome so much, both coping in different but similar ways. Lena wants to be the "good girl" her mom asked her to be for her father. However, the good girl has somehow translated into Lena feeling the need to be absolutely perfect. Straight A student, double college major, extra credits and taking over her father's business when the time comes. Owen's sad tale didn't end when he left the foster home where he had met Lena, in fact it only got worse. But, eventually someone stepped in and rescued him from the nightmare he was forced into. As a result, like Lena, he is trying to be a better person. He's determined to do as much as he can on his own, not wanting to burden the couple who became his surrogate parents. Also a double college major, Owen is graduating early after excelling through high school and college.
Fate has a weird way of throwing you a curve ball when you least expect it. Who would have expected Lena and Owen to find each other as college students, sharing the same major?
I loved watching their relationship develop from what it once was to what it became. I can't wait to see what's next for this couple and how they will continue to overcome the odds.
The first chapter will grab your attention from the get go and it never lets go! Your heart will break in the first few chapters reading what two young children had to survive. The bond between Lena and Owen is one that can never be broken, it's proven years later when they find one another again.
Both Lena and Owen have overcome so much, both coping in different but similar ways. Lena wants to be the "good girl" her mom asked her to be for her father. However, the good girl has somehow translated into Lena feeling the need to be absolutely perfect. Straight A student, double college major, extra credits and taking over her father's business when the time comes. Owen's sad tale didn't end when he left the foster home where he had met Lena, in fact it only got worse. But, eventually someone stepped in and rescued him from the nightmare he was forced into. As a result, like Lena, he is trying to be a better person. He's determined to do as much as he can on his own, not wanting to burden the couple who became his surrogate parents. Also a double college major, Owen is graduating early after excelling through high school and college.
Fate has a weird way of throwing you a curve ball when you least expect it. Who would have expected Lena and Owen to find each other as college students, sharing the same major?
I loved watching their relationship develop from what it once was to what it became. I can't wait to see what's next for this couple and how they will continue to overcome the odds.
September 2, 2018
I was lucky to get an ARC of Ember in return of an honest Review.
Eleanore and Owen meet as kids when they are placed together in foster care at the age of 4 and quickly form a bond that is Heartwarming to say the least. Right from the first word to everything that follows in their journey is so Beautiful and Touching💗. Like I can’t even describe it in words you just have to read it to experience that. Sadly, only after a few days of their initial meeting they get separated when Ellie’s dad arrives to take her home and Owen gets adopted by another couple and they lose contact.
Even though their encounter is relatively brief, both Owen and Ellie (or Lena) carry the memories of their friendship as burning embers during times of darkness. Growing up both of them experience more than their fair share of pain and sadness but the reminder of the special bond they shared as kids acts as a soothing balm and provides them strength in times of misery.
After almost 15 years they meet again in college and you can instantly feel the connection between them even though they try to deny at first. As a reader every word is a Sweet torture, as you want them to recognize each other but at the same time you love every moment of hide and seek. So many times, I wanted to shake them both and re-introduce them to each other as their childhood friend.
If you think now that everything is fine as they have re-connected after all these years and will happily walk away into the sunset you couldn’t be more wrong. Both Lena and Owen have to grow and learn so much more whether it comes to their relationship or outside of it. Christi builds a story that is Exhilarating and Captivating and will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more and more.
As for the characters, I loved how Lena even though being the Perfect daughter and student was such an Imperfect human being. Between trying to make her dad proud and at the same time not trying to give into the guilt that she was the reason her mother died, she has long lost her own identity.
I love an imperfect heroine.
And Owen was such a perfect lover, Kind, Patient and Understanding. Having gone through so many bad things in life he doesn’t let those experiences make him bitter or spiteful in any way.
He is the kind of guy every girl would dream of, or at least I do 😍
Overall, everything is just so apt and fitting be it the Names or the behaviour of the characters or the flow of the story. It was like....
The writing style is so crisp and intriguing and so beautiful, it’s hard to believe it’s the author’s first book only. After reading this book I can certainly say that I will be anxiously waiting for the next book in this series.
5 STARS 🌟
Eleanore and Owen meet as kids when they are placed together in foster care at the age of 4 and quickly form a bond that is Heartwarming to say the least. Right from the first word to everything that follows in their journey is so Beautiful and Touching💗. Like I can’t even describe it in words you just have to read it to experience that. Sadly, only after a few days of their initial meeting they get separated when Ellie’s dad arrives to take her home and Owen gets adopted by another couple and they lose contact.
Even though their encounter is relatively brief, both Owen and Ellie (or Lena) carry the memories of their friendship as burning embers during times of darkness. Growing up both of them experience more than their fair share of pain and sadness but the reminder of the special bond they shared as kids acts as a soothing balm and provides them strength in times of misery.
After almost 15 years they meet again in college and you can instantly feel the connection between them even though they try to deny at first. As a reader every word is a Sweet torture, as you want them to recognize each other but at the same time you love every moment of hide and seek. So many times, I wanted to shake them both and re-introduce them to each other as their childhood friend.
If you think now that everything is fine as they have re-connected after all these years and will happily walk away into the sunset you couldn’t be more wrong. Both Lena and Owen have to grow and learn so much more whether it comes to their relationship or outside of it. Christi builds a story that is Exhilarating and Captivating and will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more and more.
As for the characters, I loved how Lena even though being the Perfect daughter and student was such an Imperfect human being. Between trying to make her dad proud and at the same time not trying to give into the guilt that she was the reason her mother died, she has long lost her own identity.
I love an imperfect heroine.
And Owen was such a perfect lover, Kind, Patient and Understanding. Having gone through so many bad things in life he doesn’t let those experiences make him bitter or spiteful in any way.
He is the kind of guy every girl would dream of, or at least I do 😍
Overall, everything is just so apt and fitting be it the Names or the behaviour of the characters or the flow of the story. It was like....
The writing style is so crisp and intriguing and so beautiful, it’s hard to believe it’s the author’s first book only. After reading this book I can certainly say that I will be anxiously waiting for the next book in this series.
5 STARS 🌟
January 6, 2019
True, True Love
Wow. How do I even begin to describe my experience reading Ember? I lost hours of sleep. My thoughts were consumed with Owen and Lena’s story. I’m pretty sure I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve rooted for a couple so hard that if they break up, I will be absolutely devastated. Their destined relationship is well done and truly remarkable. Their back stories are ultimately intense and poked at all of my emotions. Whitson’s writing style is also noteworthy. I don’t always go for 3rd person narratives, but she crafts it spectacularly. I can’t wait until Constant comes out. And then I will be so sad that their story is over.
Wow. How do I even begin to describe my experience reading Ember? I lost hours of sleep. My thoughts were consumed with Owen and Lena’s story. I’m pretty sure I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve rooted for a couple so hard that if they break up, I will be absolutely devastated. Their destined relationship is well done and truly remarkable. Their back stories are ultimately intense and poked at all of my emotions. Whitson’s writing style is also noteworthy. I don’t always go for 3rd person narratives, but she crafts it spectacularly. I can’t wait until Constant comes out. And then I will be so sad that their story is over.
December 24, 2018
Engaging storyline with sympathetic characters. Good weekend read.
August 13, 2018
Absolutely fantastic, i loved all the twists and turns this book delivered.
The trauma 2 people can go through individuality but still come through the other side stronger and wiser but together
If you want a book that you can snuggle down on the sofa with then this one is for you.
I highly recommend this book.
The trauma 2 people can go through individuality but still come through the other side stronger and wiser but together
If you want a book that you can snuggle down on the sofa with then this one is for you.
I highly recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2018
What an amazing story!!!
It's a story that clearly defines fate and finding your soulmate.
We meet Eleanore and Owen when they are 2 4yr olds that have suffered tragic events I their short lives. They get separated short time later but fate brings these two soulmates together 15yrs later. Neither has forgotten the other and the simple memory of each other is what gets them through their toughest times..
At first they don't know they are the same people from 15 years ago, but there is a magnetism that can not be denied.
Since they were separated, they both loved completely different lives some of which still haunts them still... but settle at the same
college...in the same class....sitting next to each other.
We follow their friendship turned romance that helps them realize their original connection. Every green eyed bit she thought was her Owen, but she would not admit that this was him..
He dreamed of her blue eyes and safety that nobody else could ever come close to comparing..
Christi writes in a way that you can related to the characters and makes you want the beat for them. The story has a few turns near the end and I hope there is a sequel coming that would show us more of Owen and Eleanore as well as her father and his business.
It's a story that clearly defines fate and finding your soulmate.
We meet Eleanore and Owen when they are 2 4yr olds that have suffered tragic events I their short lives. They get separated short time later but fate brings these two soulmates together 15yrs later. Neither has forgotten the other and the simple memory of each other is what gets them through their toughest times..
At first they don't know they are the same people from 15 years ago, but there is a magnetism that can not be denied.
Since they were separated, they both loved completely different lives some of which still haunts them still... but settle at the same
college...in the same class....sitting next to each other.
We follow their friendship turned romance that helps them realize their original connection. Every green eyed bit she thought was her Owen, but she would not admit that this was him..
He dreamed of her blue eyes and safety that nobody else could ever come close to comparing..
Christi writes in a way that you can related to the characters and makes you want the beat for them. The story has a few turns near the end and I hope there is a sequel coming that would show us more of Owen and Eleanore as well as her father and his business.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2019
An extreme, emotional ride, with plenty of surprises
Before this story even begins, we are warned in the synopsis that it involves child abuse. While I’m sensitive to explicit abuse and violence, I have to say for others in my boat that this book handles that content both without shying away yet simultaneously conveying what’s happening without being too explicit.
And that’s important, as we start with four-year-old Ellie experiencing a car accident that horrifically ends her mother’s life right before her eyes. Away from home, she’s temporarily placed into foster care while they search for her family, and she meets another small, damaged soul — Owen. To say you feel for these children would be an understatement, and the instant bond that gives them their only solace tugs mightily on the heartstrings.
Unfortunately their damaged lives are just beginning to unfold, each into their own special horrors. Ellie, now preferring to be called Lena, traps herself in a joyless existence of living to please her father in penance for feeling that she caused her mother’s death. Owen is adopted into perhaps one of the most horrifyingly physically and sexually abusive situations imaginable.
So when they find each other again in college, not realizing at first that they’d already met long ago, it’s no surprise that they once again feel drawn to each other. After all, it takes someone who has been through such trauma to even begin to understand someone else who has gone through something similar.
Their relationship is anything but easy, though, as Lena struggles against a potential distraction from achieving the goals her father wants for her, and they both struggle to believe they’re worthy of the kind of love they suspect this is. As events unfold, it was refreshing to see that they both acknowledged their own mental hang-ups, as in the case with Lena acknowledging that she knows, intellectually, that she didn’t cause her mother’s death, but still can’t shake the emotional repercussions. It gave a realism to their inner turmoil as it played out in their romance.
Add in an intriguing subplot involving a business associate who is, at best, embezzling and, at worst, has much more sinister and deadly aims, and this is one extreme, emotional ride, with plenty of surprises.
Before this story even begins, we are warned in the synopsis that it involves child abuse. While I’m sensitive to explicit abuse and violence, I have to say for others in my boat that this book handles that content both without shying away yet simultaneously conveying what’s happening without being too explicit.
And that’s important, as we start with four-year-old Ellie experiencing a car accident that horrifically ends her mother’s life right before her eyes. Away from home, she’s temporarily placed into foster care while they search for her family, and she meets another small, damaged soul — Owen. To say you feel for these children would be an understatement, and the instant bond that gives them their only solace tugs mightily on the heartstrings.
Unfortunately their damaged lives are just beginning to unfold, each into their own special horrors. Ellie, now preferring to be called Lena, traps herself in a joyless existence of living to please her father in penance for feeling that she caused her mother’s death. Owen is adopted into perhaps one of the most horrifyingly physically and sexually abusive situations imaginable.
So when they find each other again in college, not realizing at first that they’d already met long ago, it’s no surprise that they once again feel drawn to each other. After all, it takes someone who has been through such trauma to even begin to understand someone else who has gone through something similar.
Their relationship is anything but easy, though, as Lena struggles against a potential distraction from achieving the goals her father wants for her, and they both struggle to believe they’re worthy of the kind of love they suspect this is. As events unfold, it was refreshing to see that they both acknowledged their own mental hang-ups, as in the case with Lena acknowledging that she knows, intellectually, that she didn’t cause her mother’s death, but still can’t shake the emotional repercussions. It gave a realism to their inner turmoil as it played out in their romance.
Add in an intriguing subplot involving a business associate who is, at best, embezzling and, at worst, has much more sinister and deadly aims, and this is one extreme, emotional ride, with plenty of surprises.
November 1, 2018
Four year old Ellie has just lost her mother in a most horrific way, and is now refusing to speak. With no information to go on she is placed in temporary foster care and meets Owen, another non speaking four year old. They immediately form a strong bond, that neither time nor distance can break. Ellie is returned to her father, and Owen is adopted by a well to do family They each have scars they are hiding behind, both literal and figuratively, but find solace in the memories of their time together. It comes to a shock to both of them when they find each other again, years later, in the same classroom at the same college, with the same major. Owen will let nothing come between them, not her best friend that is in love with her, or the real danger that seems to be lurking right around the corner.
The first chapter of this book was amazing! It had me feeling so many emotions that I couldn't imagine what the rest of the book would be like. Although I still think it was a really good book, it could not live up to that first chapter. I thought it took too long for Owen and Lena (formally Ellie) to figure out who they were, which made the book feel kind of draggy at times. About halfway though the book a new subplot was brought in that changed the entire feel of the book. Also, it felt like a whole different book when Lena's best friend Logan returned from the Army. I didn't mind his character, or the storyline, but it just seemed odd to introduce his perspective so late into the book. I enjoyed Owen and Lena as characters though, and look forward to seeing how they journey continues. I rated this four out of five stars. Also, TRIGGER WARNING, there is quite a bit of sexual abuse on a minor that may not be your cup of tea.
The first chapter of this book was amazing! It had me feeling so many emotions that I couldn't imagine what the rest of the book would be like. Although I still think it was a really good book, it could not live up to that first chapter. I thought it took too long for Owen and Lena (formally Ellie) to figure out who they were, which made the book feel kind of draggy at times. About halfway though the book a new subplot was brought in that changed the entire feel of the book. Also, it felt like a whole different book when Lena's best friend Logan returned from the Army. I didn't mind his character, or the storyline, but it just seemed odd to introduce his perspective so late into the book. I enjoyed Owen and Lena as characters though, and look forward to seeing how they journey continues. I rated this four out of five stars. Also, TRIGGER WARNING, there is quite a bit of sexual abuse on a minor that may not be your cup of tea.
October 1, 2018
A little girl is a witness to her mother dying right in front of her eyes. A little boy has suffered abuse at the hands of someone who is supposed to love and protect him. Their invisible connection is sealed when they meet for the first time at a temporary foster home. Even when separated and taken away from each other, that unbreakable link continues throughout the years as the little girl and little boy grow up to become young adults.
Now in college, Lena is the perfect student and perfect daughter. Owen is determined to become successful at a young age. Fate has put them together in the same class, sitting next to each other. What happens when Lena notices the handsome boy with the familiar green eyes? What happens when Owen is drawn to the beautiful girl sitting next to him?
This is a story about a girl’s guilt over the death of her mother and a boy trying to battle the nightmares of his past. I was really pulled into the story, wanting to find out how they meet again and what happened during their time apart. At such a young age they both go through events that are unimaginable and heartbreaking, and it will mold them as to who they are today and the type of person they strive to be in the future. Looking forward to book 2!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader’s copy.
Now in college, Lena is the perfect student and perfect daughter. Owen is determined to become successful at a young age. Fate has put them together in the same class, sitting next to each other. What happens when Lena notices the handsome boy with the familiar green eyes? What happens when Owen is drawn to the beautiful girl sitting next to him?
This is a story about a girl’s guilt over the death of her mother and a boy trying to battle the nightmares of his past. I was really pulled into the story, wanting to find out how they meet again and what happened during their time apart. At such a young age they both go through events that are unimaginable and heartbreaking, and it will mold them as to who they are today and the type of person they strive to be in the future. Looking forward to book 2!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader’s copy.
September 2, 2018
I love this book don’t pass it up. A great Read. Everything you need in a great story about two people who have both suffered tragedy at a very young age. Both lost and forming an unbreakable bond leading them to meeting years later.
Now a young woman following her father’s wishes and not her life dream, never forgetting the boy with green eyes.
A young man facing never ending abuse and bad people. Eventually starting to find his footing and making his dreams a reality. His memory of her never leaving him.
To finally finding each other and reclaiming their bond years later in college. Both still living with the heartaches of their past and trying to make it in the world. While trying in different ways to cope and survive.
This book is so well written, so hard to put down. At times you want to cry for them, others just shake your head, wanting to scream at them. You have to keep reading to see what happens. A favorite type of book of mine to read. One of those I read so fast wanting to see what happens next only to be pissed because it was over to fast, and now have to wait for the next part.
Thank you so much Christi for letting me be an ARC before the release. Can’t wait for more.
Now a young woman following her father’s wishes and not her life dream, never forgetting the boy with green eyes.
A young man facing never ending abuse and bad people. Eventually starting to find his footing and making his dreams a reality. His memory of her never leaving him.
To finally finding each other and reclaiming their bond years later in college. Both still living with the heartaches of their past and trying to make it in the world. While trying in different ways to cope and survive.
This book is so well written, so hard to put down. At times you want to cry for them, others just shake your head, wanting to scream at them. You have to keep reading to see what happens. A favorite type of book of mine to read. One of those I read so fast wanting to see what happens next only to be pissed because it was over to fast, and now have to wait for the next part.
Thank you so much Christi for letting me be an ARC before the release. Can’t wait for more.
November 1, 2018
This was a decent, quick read. I’m not normally a fan of third person omniscient narrators, but it works in parts. When doing this, I prefer the chapter-by-character approach, whereas Whitson effortlessly shifts POV mid section. It took me some getting used to. However, I think by doing this, she actually undercuts her Big Reveal in the final pages for what is an otherwise entertaining and believable storyline. The first chapter is exceptionally well written and there were times when I wished the rest of the book matched its pace. Great tone and nuance to the love scenes, which is a difficult balance to master. Will I read the sequel? Absolutely. I’m invested, dag nabbit. I actually want to see how this pans out.
October 3, 2018
I could NOT put this read down! It entraps you within moments! I gasped by the end of the first chapter. During the read, I laughed out loud, I held my breath, and let’s face it - the way Owen is portrayed, it had my head nodding with a knowing grin on my face.
The author leads you down a twisted path of pain, loss, despair, agony, fate, and love - with steamy scenes encompassed in an enriching story.
Honestly - if I didn’t require sleep as a human, I could have read straight through til I finished it! I cannot wait for the sequel!
The author leads you down a twisted path of pain, loss, despair, agony, fate, and love - with steamy scenes encompassed in an enriching story.
Honestly - if I didn’t require sleep as a human, I could have read straight through til I finished it! I cannot wait for the sequel!
December 8, 2018
This is a beautifully written story about two lost souls in search of each other knowing that the chances are slim to none. The beginning is heartbreaking and I shed many tears and the villain is the devil incarnate and made me wish it were possible to just dive into the book and kill her with my bare hands. Christi Whitson has an excellent way of describing how it feels to be broken and depressed and wanting to just be someone else for a while. As Owen and Lena find each other and discover past connection, challenges and mysteries come their way making their already tight bond even stronger.
November 25, 2018
Loved this story! Owen's story will truly break your heart. Ellie/Lena's story will just make you want to grab her, hug her and never let go. Meeting at the age of 4 under tragic circumstances, Owen and Ellie never forget each other. When their paths cross it's 15 years later and neither is aware of who the other is. This story has all the angst, drama and emotions that you can stand. A few times I wanted to jerk a not in Owen's tale, and like wise with Lena. The twist at the end though I did not see come which just added to the excitement of the book. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
June 27, 2019
This book was amazing. It took me on a crazy roller coaster of a ride. First, understanding Owen and Lena's backstory, then following their growth, and then all the twist and turns that happen at the end of the book... and the ending...what a cliffhanger.
This book is expertly written and keeps you on your toes. You will read this book late into the night and miss your stop on the transit if you aren't careful. Ember is incredibly sad, uplifting, suspenseful, steamy, sweet, and down right page turning. I can't wait to see what happens in Constant.
This book is expertly written and keeps you on your toes. You will read this book late into the night and miss your stop on the transit if you aren't careful. Ember is incredibly sad, uplifting, suspenseful, steamy, sweet, and down right page turning. I can't wait to see what happens in Constant.
October 1, 2018
She is broken after the death of her mother and she pretends to be alright. She would go away and be someone else. It is. She wants to be that person more and more. She mets him again and so can they have a happy ending? See if they can
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2018
Loved the new story.. can't wait for the new version soon. Love the books your writing amazing writing. Author.. Big Fan...
Loved can't wait to read new one soon. 💜💜💜💜💜 just wish it's was able to get all of the book but it ok just love the other book soon.
Loved can't wait to read new one soon. 💜💜💜💜💜 just wish it's was able to get all of the book but it ok just love the other book soon.
October 20, 2018
I received an ARC from Christi Whitson herself and I just finished the first book today.
I cannot wait until the next one is released. I loved it so much. This book was really good and kept me guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book too.
I cannot wait until the next one is released. I loved it so much. This book was really good and kept me guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book too.
August 15, 2018
Excellent book! I loved how the author evolved both characters separately and then brought them together. Cant wait for the next book!
August 25, 2018
text review coming soon....
October 5, 2018
I loved Ember! The story of Lena and Owen is sad but the love they have for each other is a once in a lifetime type love. Looking forward to book 2.
August 22, 2018
After only a few pages, I couldn’t put this down. This story will draw you in and keep you wanting more right till the end and long after you are done. Can’t wait for the next chapter!
September 20, 2018
What an amazing storyand I just couldn't put it dow! About resilience, love and never giving up. Owen and Lena meet for a short time at 4 years old under tragic circonstance. They meet again 15 years older and their soul reconnect with each other until they realize they are in love but some hurdles might be on the way.
December 4, 2018
I thought this book was very well written. The characters are fully fleshed out and well developed. The emotions bleed off the pages. I became immersed from the very first chapter until the end. I loved the look at the past life of each of the characters as it helped set the tone of the book and gave us insight what they dealt with. It also gave us an understanding as to who they are now. Good
September 15, 2018
Ember is a story of strength, love, and fixing the broken pieces to make you whole again. Lena and Owen meet when they just little kids when tragedy strikes them around the same time. Years later and they both are facing more challenges and difficult times, and then, by chance, they are thrown together again.
In the debut book written by Christi Whitson, two young adults learn how to forgive, accept, and love. Owen and Lena will pull at your heart strings during the Sweet and tender moments, want to shake the living crap out of them when they are being way too stubborn, dive into the book to hug them when they seem to need one, and make you sweat and pant when they have hot, steamy sex.
I can’t wait to read the second part of this duet. If it is anything like the first one, Ember, it will be perfection.
https://imallbookedup-reviews.tumblr....
*honest review in exchange of an ARC copy*
In the debut book written by Christi Whitson, two young adults learn how to forgive, accept, and love. Owen and Lena will pull at your heart strings during the Sweet and tender moments, want to shake the living crap out of them when they are being way too stubborn, dive into the book to hug them when they seem to need one, and make you sweat and pant when they have hot, steamy sex.
I can’t wait to read the second part of this duet. If it is anything like the first one, Ember, it will be perfection.
https://imallbookedup-reviews.tumblr....
*honest review in exchange of an ARC copy*
August 11, 2019
Amazing read!
Tragedy in two young lives forms an unbreakable bond that gives them both strength to endure and overcome whatever life throws at them. Life comes full circle and the two lost souls finally meet again.
Lena lives with the guilt of unimaginable loss. To make up for it she's vowed to be everything that her father wants her to be, even if it means working tirelessly towards filling her father's shoes and giving up her own dream of becoming a writer. Through all of that unbelievable paternal pressure to always be the perfect daughter and student, she has one constant that grounds her the memory of a little boy with sad green eyes. Her protector even if he was lost to her, the memory of him remained forever in her mind and heart.
Owen meets his destiny a little early in life and the memory of his Ellie gets him through the horrific times of the hell that he has to endure during his adolescent and most of his teenage life. Her memory gives him the strength and determination to strive towards his dreams.
Soulmates will find a way to reunite with each other, as is the case of Lena and Owen when they finally reunite years later during their college years. It takes time. Each has too much on their plate but love finds a way through whatever life throws at them.
Christi spins a love story that has it all with the added element of intrigue to make you want for more. I can't wait to read the second installment of this brilliantly written duet. It's a fantastic can't miss read.
Tragedy in two young lives forms an unbreakable bond that gives them both strength to endure and overcome whatever life throws at them. Life comes full circle and the two lost souls finally meet again.
Lena lives with the guilt of unimaginable loss. To make up for it she's vowed to be everything that her father wants her to be, even if it means working tirelessly towards filling her father's shoes and giving up her own dream of becoming a writer. Through all of that unbelievable paternal pressure to always be the perfect daughter and student, she has one constant that grounds her the memory of a little boy with sad green eyes. Her protector even if he was lost to her, the memory of him remained forever in her mind and heart.
Owen meets his destiny a little early in life and the memory of his Ellie gets him through the horrific times of the hell that he has to endure during his adolescent and most of his teenage life. Her memory gives him the strength and determination to strive towards his dreams.
Soulmates will find a way to reunite with each other, as is the case of Lena and Owen when they finally reunite years later during their college years. It takes time. Each has too much on their plate but love finds a way through whatever life throws at them.
Christi spins a love story that has it all with the added element of intrigue to make you want for more. I can't wait to read the second installment of this brilliantly written duet. It's a fantastic can't miss read.
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