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The Ugly Roses #1
Frayed Rope
Broody Marines, a motorcycle club, crooked cops and a strong heroine make this one page-turning trilogy you won't be able put down!
Ryder Callaghan didn't know a damn thing about the moody woman who moved in next door. But his military instincts told him she was in trouble.
The deep kind that gets you six feet under.
Elle was running from someone; and come hell or high-water Ryder was going to figure out exactly who and why.
She was stubborn and beautiful, and he would use every Callaghan Security employee to find answers to questions she flat out refused to answer:
Why she slept with a gun under her pillow.
Why she dressed like she was on her way to a funeral in winter.
Why she had more scars than men he'd fought with in Iraq.
Ryder knew women. They came freely and easily for him. Yet the one woman he wants --for more than one night-- doesn't want anything to do with him.
How do you save a woman who won't let you in?
What if she doesn't want to be saved at all?
"Harlow Stone is a bit of an emotional terrorist with her writing. She lures you in, lays the foundation of where you just know things will go and then BANG! Never saw it coming!"
All books available now!
Reading Order:
Frayed Rope
Concealed Affliction
Blinded by Fate
Dual POV. Recommended +18 Due to mature content.
Ryder Callaghan didn't know a damn thing about the moody woman who moved in next door. But his military instincts told him she was in trouble.
The deep kind that gets you six feet under.
Elle was running from someone; and come hell or high-water Ryder was going to figure out exactly who and why.
She was stubborn and beautiful, and he would use every Callaghan Security employee to find answers to questions she flat out refused to answer:
Why she slept with a gun under her pillow.
Why she dressed like she was on her way to a funeral in winter.
Why she had more scars than men he'd fought with in Iraq.
Ryder knew women. They came freely and easily for him. Yet the one woman he wants --for more than one night-- doesn't want anything to do with him.
How do you save a woman who won't let you in?
What if she doesn't want to be saved at all?
"Harlow Stone is a bit of an emotional terrorist with her writing. She lures you in, lays the foundation of where you just know things will go and then BANG! Never saw it coming!"
All books available now!
Reading Order:
Frayed Rope
Concealed Affliction
Blinded by Fate
Dual POV. Recommended +18 Due to mature content.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2015
572 people are currently reading
1361 people want to read
About the author
Harlow Stone
6 books668 followersHarlow Stone is a thirty something contemporary romance author and avid reader from Ontario. One cold winter day she couldn't find the book she wanted to read, so she decided to write it herself.
She published her first book in January 2015 and immediately knew the story wasn't over. One book turned into a trilogy and the trilogy spun off into a series.
Harlow made the top 100 list on Amazon for her first book in The Ugly Roses Trilogy and hopes to break more lists in the future.
Harlow —a former construction worker— likes to stay busy. When she's not busy working on her books she can usually be found reading someone else's or working on her house.
If you would like to stay up to date with Harlow, make sure to click the follow here on GR, on Amazon or sign up for her newsletter : http://subscribe.harlowstone.com/
www.facebook.com/harlow.stone.author
https://www.instagram.com/harlowstone/
www.harlowstone.com
She published her first book in January 2015 and immediately knew the story wasn't over. One book turned into a trilogy and the trilogy spun off into a series.
Harlow made the top 100 list on Amazon for her first book in The Ugly Roses Trilogy and hopes to break more lists in the future.
Harlow —a former construction worker— likes to stay busy. When she's not busy working on her books she can usually be found reading someone else's or working on her house.
If you would like to stay up to date with Harlow, make sure to click the follow here on GR, on Amazon or sign up for her newsletter : http://subscribe.harlowstone.com/
www.facebook.com/harlow.stone.author
https://www.instagram.com/harlowstone/
www.harlowstone.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
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March 20, 2016Hook Is Sharp
The first page... The first chapter was an absolutely brilliantly sharp hook. We meet the FMC as she is tied up and being savagely beaten by a stranger. We are immediately left with the shock and mystery of ... Why? Who? Omg?
The next chapter is some time in the future as she is changing her appearance through plastic surgery. She's withdrawn as she explains her goal is to blend while hiding out in a nomadic lifestyle.
Very intriguing.
What The Hell Happened? Did We Switch Writers?
A couple pages later, I'm scratching my head wondering WTH happened to the flow and pace?!?!?
Suddenly, the reader is presented with a SEVEN PAGE description of the temporary house that the plastic surgeon office provided for a few months to recover & that she is now LEAVING.
Blah, blah, blah.... On and on and on this shit went. Why the hell would I care about a seven page detailed description of a meaningless house that she was literally shutting the door to for the final time?!?
I almost put this book down right then and there.
It's slow going for a while after the random house detail. I feel like way too much detail is given to multiple random travel scenes along the way to where most of this story takes place.
It Gets Better For A Bit
Once the FMC gets settled in her new identity, the author seems to get back on track with the plot.
There are a still a lot of mundane scenes, but within them, the FMC at least starts to share little pieces of her former life with us and justify how she lives her life today.
While I'm NOT enjoying how the meat of the plot is wrapped in a thick paste of oatmeal, the FMC's past and current wary behavior still keeps me reading.
Ryder
Enter a sexy ex military neighbor that puts a kink in her plan to be a recluse.
I didn't particularly like or dislike his character.
My main problem was that the author didn't develop his character on a personal level NOR a romantic level. Aside from he likes action 80s movies, we don't get a single personal detail about him . I don't know why he is drawn to the FMC. Why he pursues friendship and more with her. Why he cares enough to hunt her down. Convos lack that authenticity of what a normal man would ask and/or divulge.
I don't even feel a connection beyond some mild lust.
It's utterly lacking.
FMC Is A Bitch On Wheels
It doesn't help that I like the FMC less and less the more I get to know her.
I get it. I do. She's been tortured. She's lost her entire family. And she's still running because her nightmare isn't over and no one believes her. I get it.
And it's not her bitchy, shut everyone out behavior that bothers me. I understand it.
She just makes it hard to empathize with her when she's constantly calling other women whores and sluts just based on how they're dressed. She's judgmental. She presumptuous. She's malicious in her inner thoughts. And, a lot of it is selectively so, not traumatically so.
Lackluster
The forward progression of the plot is mostly through flashbacks to her past.
There are a couple of meat
details within these flashbacks that are grande, aha moments. However, for the most part it feels way too insignificant and too mildly relevant to the forward progression IN RELATION to the amount of time we have to scrape the f'ing oatmeal off each piece.
Spoiler ahead ....
By the end, I feel like all I got out of this was that there are possibly two twin attackers, her family is dead at his/their hands, and she's met someone who makes her care if she lives or dies as she searches for the identity of the mysterious second attacker and eventual vengeance.
Bottom Line
The characters aren't horrible, but the FMC is irritating and the MMC is just a place holder for me. Basically, I just DNGAF.
The plot is great in theory, but lackluster in delivery.
The spoilers here aren't really enough substance for me to rate this very high or feel that my reward was worth my reading time.
And, to know that there are multiple books behind this one ... Ah, no! I do not have the patience for this slow layout.
2 1/2 stars
The first page... The first chapter was an absolutely brilliantly sharp hook. We meet the FMC as she is tied up and being savagely beaten by a stranger. We are immediately left with the shock and mystery of ... Why? Who? Omg?
The next chapter is some time in the future as she is changing her appearance through plastic surgery. She's withdrawn as she explains her goal is to blend while hiding out in a nomadic lifestyle.
Very intriguing.
What The Hell Happened? Did We Switch Writers?
A couple pages later, I'm scratching my head wondering WTH happened to the flow and pace?!?!?
Suddenly, the reader is presented with a SEVEN PAGE description of the temporary house that the plastic surgeon office provided for a few months to recover & that she is now LEAVING.
I take one last look at what's become my home these last few months. The two-story cream colored townhouse sits behind a modest front yard made up of rock and cacti, reflecting a typical desert landscape. A small stone walkway leads to the rust colored front door.
It's a modest yet tiny abode that serves as a resting place for Doctor Revere's high paying clientele. I could've found my own place; I certainly have the money to do so. However, it wouldn't have come with the perks like an on-call nurse and personal shopper close by. These things made my life easier while I was recuperating from surgery. The townhouse also lacked the sickening smell of disinfectant and antiseptic that I refuse to fill my lungs with...
Another plus to my temporary home was it had been completely furnished....
The main level in the house boasted a living room kitchen combo with a small island to separate the space. The open floor plan was perfect; a demi-circle Orange sofa dominated the room and sat in front of a wall-mounted television. The earth toned tile....
The large Aztec-style rug....
The bedroom had its own entry into the bathroom which held a large soaker tub and what I refer to as a 'handicapped' shower.....
......
......
.....
Blah, blah, blah.... On and on and on this shit went. Why the hell would I care about a seven page detailed description of a meaningless house that she was literally shutting the door to for the final time?!?
I almost put this book down right then and there.
It's slow going for a while after the random house detail. I feel like way too much detail is given to multiple random travel scenes along the way to where most of this story takes place.
It Gets Better For A Bit
Once the FMC gets settled in her new identity, the author seems to get back on track with the plot.
There are a still a lot of mundane scenes, but within them, the FMC at least starts to share little pieces of her former life with us and justify how she lives her life today.
"Don't draw unwanted attention to yourself. Blend in and be prepared at all times.
While I'm NOT enjoying how the meat of the plot is wrapped in a thick paste of oatmeal, the FMC's past and current wary behavior still keeps me reading.
Ryder
Enter a sexy ex military neighbor that puts a kink in her plan to be a recluse.
I didn't particularly like or dislike his character.
My main problem was that the author didn't develop his character on a personal level NOR a romantic level. Aside from he likes action 80s movies, we don't get a single personal detail about him . I don't know why he is drawn to the FMC. Why he pursues friendship and more with her. Why he cares enough to hunt her down. Convos lack that authenticity of what a normal man would ask and/or divulge.
I don't even feel a connection beyond some mild lust.
It's utterly lacking.
FMC Is A Bitch On Wheels
It doesn't help that I like the FMC less and less the more I get to know her.
I get it. I do. She's been tortured. She's lost her entire family. And she's still running because her nightmare isn't over and no one believes her. I get it.
And it's not her bitchy, shut everyone out behavior that bothers me. I understand it.
She just makes it hard to empathize with her when she's constantly calling other women whores and sluts just based on how they're dressed. She's judgmental. She presumptuous. She's malicious in her inner thoughts. And, a lot of it is selectively so, not traumatically so.
Lackluster
The forward progression of the plot is mostly through flashbacks to her past.
There are a couple of meat
details within these flashbacks that are grande, aha moments. However, for the most part it feels way too insignificant and too mildly relevant to the forward progression IN RELATION to the amount of time we have to scrape the f'ing oatmeal off each piece.
Spoiler ahead ....
By the end, I feel like all I got out of this was that there are possibly two twin attackers, her family is dead at his/their hands, and she's met someone who makes her care if she lives or dies as she searches for the identity of the mysterious second attacker and eventual vengeance.
Bottom Line
The characters aren't horrible, but the FMC is irritating and the MMC is just a place holder for me. Basically, I just DNGAF.
The plot is great in theory, but lackluster in delivery.
The spoilers here aren't really enough substance for me to rate this very high or feel that my reward was worth my reading time.
And, to know that there are multiple books behind this one ... Ah, no! I do not have the patience for this slow layout.
2 1/2 stars
June 16, 2017
**** 4.5 Stars ****
Jayne was a hard working single mother. She was happy with her life. Until everything was taken from here. Her parents and child died from a car accident. Shortly after that, a psychotic stalker captured and abused her in a basement.
Her face was unrecognizable.
She's no longer the happy, bubbly woman. She's a bitch that will always be prepared.
Knives in her boots? Check
Guns always near her? Check
Eventually she gets a new face and a new identity, but the scars remain all over her body.
Her new name is Elle.
All that she has left is her Great Pyrenees and her case files. She needs to find a place to live to go through the files and help close her case.
When she finally finds a place to live, her new neighbor won't stop bothering her. Ryder sees through her. He understands a woman with a troubled past, and he'll do anything to help her.
I really enjoyed this book. It dragged a little bit in the beginning (after the prologue), but it sped up quickly. The parts about the abuse weren't gory. And I wouldn't consider this an erotic book. But there were a few hot oral parts and some sex scenes. I can't wait for the next book!
Jayne was a hard working single mother. She was happy with her life. Until everything was taken from here. Her parents and child died from a car accident. Shortly after that, a psychotic stalker captured and abused her in a basement.
Her face was unrecognizable.
She's no longer the happy, bubbly woman. She's a bitch that will always be prepared.
Knives in her boots? Check
Guns always near her? Check
Eventually she gets a new face and a new identity, but the scars remain all over her body.
Her new name is Elle.
All that she has left is her Great Pyrenees and her case files. She needs to find a place to live to go through the files and help close her case.
When she finally finds a place to live, her new neighbor won't stop bothering her. Ryder sees through her. He understands a woman with a troubled past, and he'll do anything to help her.
I really enjoyed this book. It dragged a little bit in the beginning (after the prologue), but it sped up quickly. The parts about the abuse weren't gory. And I wouldn't consider this an erotic book. But there were a few hot oral parts and some sex scenes. I can't wait for the next book!
December 24, 2019
Was good
I found I liked the story but it still didn't feel like I liked it enough. The characters were good, I found myself screaming in my head 'Just tell him already'. The story was paced really well too. I'm sure there are jealous of readers who will 5 star love this story but I can't be one of them.
I found I liked the story but it still didn't feel like I liked it enough. The characters were good, I found myself screaming in my head 'Just tell him already'. The story was paced really well too. I'm sure there are jealous of readers who will 5 star love this story but I can't be one of them.
July 25, 2015
I kindly received a copy of this book from The Hype PR via Netgalley in return for an honest review
"I ignore everyone because I don't want love, I don't want pity and I don't want hugs from people I don't know anymore."
Okay, I let's hop straight into the plot and then I'll talk about my feels on this one!
This...book is hard to discuss really.
I've really been into the crime/ suspense romance lately, I kid you not I've read about 3 books in the past week!
This one though...wasn't really suspense, like jump out of your skin, or nail biting. It was A LOT of 2 people lusting after another.
That being said, It's VERY adult. Like I'm an adult and I was like "ughh...*cough*" and mentally hoping no one could see the sentences popping up on my kindle over my shoulder.
Okay, It's not a book you can read in public.
And I'm not into...such graphic sexual scenes i guess.
I actually didn't think it would be that in your face. but I digress.
I will say that the main character was a potty mouth extraordinaire.
I get that she's traumatized beyond belief and that would make her crass and that she could find solace in alcohol and cigarettes.
But the way she spoke...I mean...really?
So in all honesty I wasn't the biggest fan of this book.
Theoretically it had all the makings of a solid story/ plot line and even the ending had me intrigued but i don't know, I think that the amount of swearing and sexual talk and crass-ness just ruined the experience for me. And like I said, the author didn't really explain the depths of Elle's despair over her abduction, torture and pain.
I had a lot of 'huh?' 'what?' 'wait, how did that happen?' moments.
I don't know if that was the author's way of trying to hold us in suspense...well, it didn't work for me, it aggravated me if nothing else.
Okay Ryder Callaghan is a pretty cool love interest and he says really nice things such as;
"You're not my job Elle, You're becoming my life."
but their relationship is very sexual- like not instantly straight into the bedchambers but they were like raunchily assessing each other with their eyes and have ...interesting conversations very early on.
So if you're in that type of romance then yea you'll like it.
well that's that.
Stay awesome my lovelies!
-The Book Herald
Tweet me @thebookherald
"I ignore everyone because I don't want love, I don't want pity and I don't want hugs from people I don't know anymore."
Okay, I let's hop straight into the plot and then I'll talk about my feels on this one!
Elle is battered and bruised.
Abducted. tortured. mistreated. hunted.
all because of a psychopath's obsession with her.
his torture disfigured her to the extent that she's had to have facial reconstruction.
And now no one can recognize the free- caring blonde that she once was.
Run.
She needs to escape.
New Name. New Face. New Town.
"Don't draw unwanted attention to yourself. Blend in and be prepared at all times."
She's fiercely Independent and nothing, no one will be able to enter her heart and wound her again.
Until a dashing ex- soldier becomes her next door neighbour tearing the foundations of her life apart.
She may have carefully planned her new life, but she never planned for-
Ryder Callaghan
This...book is hard to discuss really.
I've really been into the crime/ suspense romance lately, I kid you not I've read about 3 books in the past week!
This one though...wasn't really suspense, like jump out of your skin, or nail biting. It was A LOT of 2 people lusting after another.
That being said, It's VERY adult. Like I'm an adult and I was like "ughh...*cough*" and mentally hoping no one could see the sentences popping up on my kindle over my shoulder.
Okay, It's not a book you can read in public.
And I'm not into...such graphic sexual scenes i guess.
I actually didn't think it would be that in your face. but I digress.
I will say that the main character was a potty mouth extraordinaire.
I get that she's traumatized beyond belief and that would make her crass and that she could find solace in alcohol and cigarettes.
But the way she spoke...I mean...really?
So in all honesty I wasn't the biggest fan of this book.
Theoretically it had all the makings of a solid story/ plot line and even the ending had me intrigued but i don't know, I think that the amount of swearing and sexual talk and crass-ness just ruined the experience for me. And like I said, the author didn't really explain the depths of Elle's despair over her abduction, torture and pain.
I had a lot of 'huh?' 'what?' 'wait, how did that happen?' moments.
I don't know if that was the author's way of trying to hold us in suspense...well, it didn't work for me, it aggravated me if nothing else.
Okay Ryder Callaghan is a pretty cool love interest and he says really nice things such as;
"You're not my job Elle, You're becoming my life."
but their relationship is very sexual- like not instantly straight into the bedchambers but they were like raunchily assessing each other with their eyes and have ...interesting conversations very early on.
So if you're in that type of romance then yea you'll like it.
well that's that.
Stay awesome my lovelies!
-The Book Herald
Tweet me @thebookherald
Read
February 27, 2023DNF at 53%
I honestly wasn’t a fan of the fmc or even the mmc. First of all, the fmc was super judgmental. She called people sluts, cunts, whores, and more. It was honestly disgusting to read about. That was the biggest issue that stood out, but there was way more that I didn’t like reading.
So the mmc confused me more than anything. If he was ex military, I’m sure he knows all about PTSD and all of that… so how come he didn’t take into consideration that maybe the fmc doesn’t like to be choked and why was he kind of forcing her to talk about her trauma? As someone who deals with their own trauma and PTSD, that honestly didn’t sit right with me.
So yeah. I just couldn’t finish reading it 😅
I honestly wasn’t a fan of the fmc or even the mmc. First of all, the fmc was super judgmental. She called people sluts, cunts, whores, and more. It was honestly disgusting to read about. That was the biggest issue that stood out, but there was way more that I didn’t like reading.
So the mmc confused me more than anything. If he was ex military, I’m sure he knows all about PTSD and all of that… so how come he didn’t take into consideration that maybe the fmc doesn’t like to be choked and why was he kind of forcing her to talk about her trauma? As someone who deals with their own trauma and PTSD, that honestly didn’t sit right with me.
So yeah. I just couldn’t finish reading it 😅
January 30, 2018
This was a hard one to get through.
The first few chapters really set my expectations high and by the time I was introduced to Ryder, they came crashing down.
The story line has so much potential but the flaws lie with the execution. Rushed and fragmented. Elle wasn’t given the time to develop from this almost mute shell of a human, to falling in bed with her neighbor.
I also could not get over the horrifying cheesiness of their pet names. I just couldn’t. And quite honestly, anytime Elle and Ryder spoke to each other, I cringed. I love a good sailor mouth, but the author seemed to use vulgarity for the shock factor instead of using it for purpose. Big turnoff for me.
The first few chapters really set my expectations high and by the time I was introduced to Ryder, they came crashing down.
The story line has so much potential but the flaws lie with the execution. Rushed and fragmented. Elle wasn’t given the time to develop from this almost mute shell of a human, to falling in bed with her neighbor.
I also could not get over the horrifying cheesiness of their pet names. I just couldn’t. And quite honestly, anytime Elle and Ryder spoke to each other, I cringed. I love a good sailor mouth, but the author seemed to use vulgarity for the shock factor instead of using it for purpose. Big turnoff for me.
August 5, 2021
Okay
This book leads you on a twisted journey but leaves the one good part till the end. Sometimes that's a good thing and other times not so much. In this case, not so much. It would have been better if that bit of info was introduced a little bit earlier but still close to the end that way it could have been analyzed more and then maybe it would have worked for me. I'm not continuing with this series but others might enjoy it.
This book leads you on a twisted journey but leaves the one good part till the end. Sometimes that's a good thing and other times not so much. In this case, not so much. It would have been better if that bit of info was introduced a little bit earlier but still close to the end that way it could have been analyzed more and then maybe it would have worked for me. I'm not continuing with this series but others might enjoy it.
April 4, 2018
Interesting plot. Huge cliffhanger.
4 stars
4 stars
April 27, 2016
Just one-click now, don't even think about it - just do it!
Harlow Stone has done an AMAZING job with this first book and for the first book I have read by her, I am stunned that her debut novel is this good! From the synopsis I wasn't too sure that this would keep me interested and to be honest it took me awhile to get around to reading it but I am so sorry I waited so long.
The story is so novel and it's strange that for the first good chunk of the book we don't actually know the female leads name - real or made up - and that adds to the sense of suspense, fear and tension the story develops. It also helps keep the reader involved with the sense that this is all need to know, much like the character herself is! The story is a puzzle and as you get to know more and pieces fall into place you have so many 'ah-ha' moments or 'wow, didn't see that coming' that as a reader you are kept wanting more. I started this book just before bed thinking I'd just start it but I will warm you now, I stayed up until the very early hours of the morning being unable to put the book down!
Elle/Jay is the female lead in this novel and Harlow has written her as such a sassy, straight-talking (when she talks), scared woman that you can't help but want to wrap her feisty ass up (with Norma of course) and help her re-build the trust and the life she deserves. As if on cue, in walks (or should I say jogs!) Ryder, a strong, supportive male lead that if I'm frank has just kicked every other book boyfriend to the kerb! Elle has survived on her own for a long time and doesn't need Ryder. She is strong and tough all by herself and that's where things get interesting. Ryder skilfully cracks Elle's high and tough walls and towards the end of the first book we are beginning to see just how loving and strong this couple are together.
The story is so well thought out and the characters are great and well put together. There are some heartrendingly sad moments, there are some amazingly tender and soft moments and there are some funny, laugh out loud moments mainly attributed to Harlow's one-liners for the angry Elle such as, 'Neighbour, you touch that f**king leg you're going to know what the other one feels like planted up you ass'!!!
Harlow sets up the final chapters so that we are encouraged by the relationship building between Elle and Ryder (massage scene was just so sensual, tender and loving) but, also left realizing that Elle still has so much she needs to work her way through that maybe things might not go as planned or hoped. Despite Ryder reassuring Elle, 'You're not my job Elle, you're becoming my life' (SWOON!), I am sure there are lots of trials and tribulations to come, not only in their relationship but also in the actions of those around them.
Harlow does leave this first book in a cliff hanger so be warned but, if like me you have LOVED this first one, the other two installments are just sitting there waiting screaming to be read. Has this not been the case, I may have become Harlow's stalker just so she released the other two!
I'm off to read book 2 now.....I have a feeling I may be in for a LONG night!
Harlow Stone has done an AMAZING job with this first book and for the first book I have read by her, I am stunned that her debut novel is this good! From the synopsis I wasn't too sure that this would keep me interested and to be honest it took me awhile to get around to reading it but I am so sorry I waited so long.
The story is so novel and it's strange that for the first good chunk of the book we don't actually know the female leads name - real or made up - and that adds to the sense of suspense, fear and tension the story develops. It also helps keep the reader involved with the sense that this is all need to know, much like the character herself is! The story is a puzzle and as you get to know more and pieces fall into place you have so many 'ah-ha' moments or 'wow, didn't see that coming' that as a reader you are kept wanting more. I started this book just before bed thinking I'd just start it but I will warm you now, I stayed up until the very early hours of the morning being unable to put the book down!
Elle/Jay is the female lead in this novel and Harlow has written her as such a sassy, straight-talking (when she talks), scared woman that you can't help but want to wrap her feisty ass up (with Norma of course) and help her re-build the trust and the life she deserves. As if on cue, in walks (or should I say jogs!) Ryder, a strong, supportive male lead that if I'm frank has just kicked every other book boyfriend to the kerb! Elle has survived on her own for a long time and doesn't need Ryder. She is strong and tough all by herself and that's where things get interesting. Ryder skilfully cracks Elle's high and tough walls and towards the end of the first book we are beginning to see just how loving and strong this couple are together.
The story is so well thought out and the characters are great and well put together. There are some heartrendingly sad moments, there are some amazingly tender and soft moments and there are some funny, laugh out loud moments mainly attributed to Harlow's one-liners for the angry Elle such as, 'Neighbour, you touch that f**king leg you're going to know what the other one feels like planted up you ass'!!!
Harlow sets up the final chapters so that we are encouraged by the relationship building between Elle and Ryder (massage scene was just so sensual, tender and loving) but, also left realizing that Elle still has so much she needs to work her way through that maybe things might not go as planned or hoped. Despite Ryder reassuring Elle, 'You're not my job Elle, you're becoming my life' (SWOON!), I am sure there are lots of trials and tribulations to come, not only in their relationship but also in the actions of those around them.
Harlow does leave this first book in a cliff hanger so be warned but, if like me you have LOVED this first one, the other two installments are just sitting there waiting screaming to be read. Has this not been the case, I may have become Harlow's stalker just so she released the other two!
I'm off to read book 2 now.....I have a feeling I may be in for a LONG night!
March 22, 2017
I really didn't like Elle's voice. I found her to be a bit full of herself and seemed to be very concerned with everything she bought. She then said she doesn't do the catty bitch routine but her only two interactions with women proved otherwise. Then she's mentioning how she's a good person because she called 911 for a neighbor. What the hell? That makes you a good person? No, it at a minimum, makes you not a total asshole.
I also thought she came across as immature for her age and everything she went through.
Plus all of the times they called each other by the nicknames "beautiful" and "handsome" and "babe" really wore me down.
The sad thing is that I would like to know the thriller portion of this book and get to the case, and I was going to read the second book, but when I saw it was actually a trilogy I decided that there was no way I could put up with her for 2 more books.
I also thought she came across as immature for her age and everything she went through.
Plus all of the times they called each other by the nicknames "beautiful" and "handsome" and "babe" really wore me down.
The sad thing is that I would like to know the thriller portion of this book and get to the case, and I was going to read the second book, but when I saw it was actually a trilogy I decided that there was no way I could put up with her for 2 more books.
June 28, 2020
This is a great first book in the trilogy! Although, it does suffer from pacing issues (particularly in the beginning--I don't think the book starts at the right spot!) There are also quite a few typos - (you're vs. your were mixed up a few times).
I really liked Elle--she's a tough protagonist--tougher than you usual find in these types of books.
Based on the blurb (which describes Elle from Ryder's POV and literally says that it's a dual POV book) - I was quite surprised when we only got Elle's point of view. I'm a little disappointed about this, because I wanted to know what Ryder is thinking! He's an intriguing character and he has an interesting job, and I'm hoping the series will switch to dual POV with the sequel.
I really liked Elle--she's a tough protagonist--tougher than you usual find in these types of books.
Based on the blurb (which describes Elle from Ryder's POV and literally says that it's a dual POV book) - I was quite surprised when we only got Elle's point of view. I'm a little disappointed about this, because I wanted to know what Ryder is thinking! He's an intriguing character and he has an interesting job, and I'm hoping the series will switch to dual POV with the sequel.
May 21, 2021
This book captured my attention from the first page, and for the most part, that’s when you know it’s going to be good. Full of heartbreaking moments, anger, fear, suspense, romance, this has got it all.
Ryder Callaghan is one persistent and damn fine man 🔥
He is every woman’s dream. His relationship, or so called relationship with Elle is to die for, I love how familiar he is with her ❤️ he just knows her so well.
I totally predicted that ending. Usually I’m bad at predicting things, but I was spot on! On to the next one now 😄
Ryder Callaghan is one persistent and damn fine man 🔥
He is every woman’s dream. His relationship, or so called relationship with Elle is to die for, I love how familiar he is with her ❤️ he just knows her so well.
I totally predicted that ending. Usually I’m bad at predicting things, but I was spot on! On to the next one now 😄
February 25, 2018
at the beginning I didn t like it because there was too much details of her running away and u feel like it's too much bcz u just want to reach the part where here story actually begins. but when I did ,it was just wow .
Elle was a bitch but after reading u ll realize it was a shield to protect hereself from being in danger . And Ryder was made precisely for her. anyway can t wait for more 🤓
Elle was a bitch but after reading u ll realize it was a shield to protect hereself from being in danger . And Ryder was made precisely for her. anyway can t wait for more 🤓
June 22, 2017
First pretty sure I'm in love with Ryder. Second pretty sure I'm in love with Elle. Never have I met a stronger female lead character and I've met quite a few. And lastly Harlow I bow down to you because you had me from page one and that grip didn't let go until the last page! Plus you used the word absofuckinlutley that's my favourite word!!
May 14, 2021
ok so nothing happened but i realized this is a trilogy soo maybe that's why ?
i finished it though !
ps i really disliked how Ryder (badass name apparently) talked
i finished it though !
ps i really disliked how Ryder (badass name apparently) talked
August 19, 2020
My main complaint is really only the female lead. Objectively, this is a well written and thought-out book, which compelled me to give it a higher rating (e.g. scenes were well written and dialogue well written; great chapter breaks and transitions; and well developed characters and personalities).
Female lead ruined for me. She was such a bitch. You sympathize and understand at first, but from my perspective, she just continued to be vulgar, angry, confrontational, petty, and stubborn. Once again, at first I understood, but soon I kept getting kicked out of the book thinking. "Fuck, you're a bitch; I get it. Your mad."
The male lead saved book one but you don't get any real perspective for the male lead until book two. I couldn't continue past there because her personality was grating. This just wasn't for me.
Female lead ruined for me. She was such a bitch. You sympathize and understand at first, but from my perspective, she just continued to be vulgar, angry, confrontational, petty, and stubborn. Once again, at first I understood, but soon I kept getting kicked out of the book thinking. "Fuck, you're a bitch; I get it. Your mad."
The male lead saved book one but you don't get any real perspective for the male lead until book two. I couldn't continue past there because her personality was grating. This just wasn't for me.
September 12, 2015
Wow. As soon as I picked up the book I wasn't able to put it down. It kept me captivated from the first page to the last. This is such a heartbreaking story. I think I felt every emotion possible while reading this book. Even though this is a work of fiction, this does happen n in real life and that makes you stop to appreciate all the little things in your life that much more.
While there are still a handful of grammar issues, the book is smooth flowing and easy to read. The book has such vivid imagery it is easy to visualize every scene as if it were happening all around you. You see what the characters see, hear what they hear, smell that they smell, and you can feel what they feel.
I loved the characters. Elle is a strong independent woman. She has been dealt a carp hand in life but she pushes on. She is stubborn and comes across as a closed off hateful angry person but after everything she has been through, it's easy to see why she would be that way.
Ryder is your tall dark and handsome , knight in shining armor. However, that is not what Elle wants and doesn't think she needs it either. Good thing he is a hard headed stubborn male who doesn't give up on getting what he wants.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy romance, mystery and suspense. I will be diving straight into book 2.
I Dream of Books
While there are still a handful of grammar issues, the book is smooth flowing and easy to read. The book has such vivid imagery it is easy to visualize every scene as if it were happening all around you. You see what the characters see, hear what they hear, smell that they smell, and you can feel what they feel.
I loved the characters. Elle is a strong independent woman. She has been dealt a carp hand in life but she pushes on. She is stubborn and comes across as a closed off hateful angry person but after everything she has been through, it's easy to see why she would be that way.
Ryder is your tall dark and handsome , knight in shining armor. However, that is not what Elle wants and doesn't think she needs it either. Good thing he is a hard headed stubborn male who doesn't give up on getting what he wants.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy romance, mystery and suspense. I will be diving straight into book 2.
I Dream of Books
September 5, 2015
~*~ Obsessed by Books copy given in exchange for an honest review ~*~
Elle is a woman on the run...from what and from whom you need to read to find out. Catching glimpses of the series of traumatic events that led her to become Elle it's evident she is a survivor. Determined to achieve her end goal Elle has learnt the hard way what it takes to survive each sunrise. Moving, again, Elle is determined to rest up and settle in just for a little while that is until she collides with a gorgeous stranger...
Ryder, ex serviceman, now running his own security company is the neighbour. Giving in close proximity to the woman next door he soon realises that she is different. Intrigued by her, captivated by her filthy mouth and the marks he sometimes glimpses on her body Ryder sets his sights on finding out more. A battle of wills ensue as Elle has so much to hide, too many reasons to fear the truth being exposed. Ryder has some of his own ghosts but he is one determined man!
As her past slowly unravels is Ryder man enough to absorb every ounce of trust she gives him? Can they work through the pain of the past ...oh my days what a freaking ending! No words, I am now going to stay up all night go read part two ;)
Four cloak and dagger stars.
Elle is a woman on the run...from what and from whom you need to read to find out. Catching glimpses of the series of traumatic events that led her to become Elle it's evident she is a survivor. Determined to achieve her end goal Elle has learnt the hard way what it takes to survive each sunrise. Moving, again, Elle is determined to rest up and settle in just for a little while that is until she collides with a gorgeous stranger...
Ryder, ex serviceman, now running his own security company is the neighbour. Giving in close proximity to the woman next door he soon realises that she is different. Intrigued by her, captivated by her filthy mouth and the marks he sometimes glimpses on her body Ryder sets his sights on finding out more. A battle of wills ensue as Elle has so much to hide, too many reasons to fear the truth being exposed. Ryder has some of his own ghosts but he is one determined man!
As her past slowly unravels is Ryder man enough to absorb every ounce of trust she gives him? Can they work through the pain of the past ...oh my days what a freaking ending! No words, I am now going to stay up all night go read part two ;)
Four cloak and dagger stars.
March 25, 2016
Wow! I went into this book with not even the slightest idea what it was about. I hadn't even read the synopsis, just jumped right in as it had been gifted to me and I just couldn't let a good book go to waste. Well let me tell you, this book was absolutely amazing and I'm so glad that I jumped on in!
This is also the first book that I read by this author. I was surprised by how well written this book was except for the ending. I screamed with the way it left me hanging.
I was floored by the depth of the character that is Elle. Harlow made her into one of the most remarkable characters I have ever read and I just loved reading her story. If you are looking for a female character who is as strong as a bull both inside and out, then look no further because she can be found in Frayed Hope. Then you have Mr. Ryder. He seems perfect all around. Ryker is perfection to a T and I loved every damn second of him and Elle getting to know and want one another. This man has made me swoon something fierce and I can't wait to get more of him.
This book will keep your attention from beginning to end especially when it comes to the neighbors getting to know each other. Some of those parts had been laughing out loud.
Cant wait to read the next one in this series, I have to know what happens.
This is also the first book that I read by this author. I was surprised by how well written this book was except for the ending. I screamed with the way it left me hanging.
I was floored by the depth of the character that is Elle. Harlow made her into one of the most remarkable characters I have ever read and I just loved reading her story. If you are looking for a female character who is as strong as a bull both inside and out, then look no further because she can be found in Frayed Hope. Then you have Mr. Ryder. He seems perfect all around. Ryker is perfection to a T and I loved every damn second of him and Elle getting to know and want one another. This man has made me swoon something fierce and I can't wait to get more of him.
This book will keep your attention from beginning to end especially when it comes to the neighbors getting to know each other. Some of those parts had been laughing out loud.
Cant wait to read the next one in this series, I have to know what happens.
August 4, 2020
1 irritating star... dnf @ 26%
I really tried with this one, but after a week and I’m only 25% I realized I had to call it quits. The beginning was really slow and hard to get into. The most simple things in the story had extreme detail. So the story felt like it was dragging from the very start. But I could over look that for an interesting plot. What I couldn’t get over was how much of a moody, unpleasant person the h was. I felt like every other page she was reminding me how much of a bitch she was and doing everything in her power to prove it. I understand she went through an incredibly traumatic event to make her want to wear her bitchy personality as a shield, but for me it made her unrelatable and hard to connect with. I’m disappointed because the plot sounded so promising. This book definitely wasn’t for me, but I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading it, and I wouldn’t mind trying something else from this author in the future.
I really tried with this one, but after a week and I’m only 25% I realized I had to call it quits. The beginning was really slow and hard to get into. The most simple things in the story had extreme detail. So the story felt like it was dragging from the very start. But I could over look that for an interesting plot. What I couldn’t get over was how much of a moody, unpleasant person the h was. I felt like every other page she was reminding me how much of a bitch she was and doing everything in her power to prove it. I understand she went through an incredibly traumatic event to make her want to wear her bitchy personality as a shield, but for me it made her unrelatable and hard to connect with. I’m disappointed because the plot sounded so promising. This book definitely wasn’t for me, but I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading it, and I wouldn’t mind trying something else from this author in the future.
March 23, 2016
I believe this is an incredible story about a woman developing strength and trust, albeit slowly, after having endured unimaginable amounts of anguish in her life. Yes, it starts to happen when she meets a man, but he isn't just any guy. Nor does she fall hopelessly in love with him from the start. She isn't some girl looking for a guy to solve all her problems. She's a woman who puts herself before a man. This may sound like any other book you have read, but trust me, it's nothing like you could ever imagine. It's so much better in every way.
It does have a cliffhanger though, so be warned, you may want to have the other books ready to go!
It does have a cliffhanger though, so be warned, you may want to have the other books ready to go!
May 11, 2016
I received this as an arc from net galley in exchange for an honest review. A changed name, a different country, a new life. Carte blonde, right? Perhaps, and I might have enjoyed it under different circumstances. But the bottom line is - he won't stop until I'm dead. Wow. Very good read. I liked the story and the characters. I liked jayne. She was my favourite character. I felt for her after what she went through. And who can blame her for moving about a lot I liked Ryder too. He was lovely. I loved the ending too. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. Definitely worth more than 5 *.
August 1, 2022
I was excited for this trilogy, it looked intriguing but was boring as fuck. There's a lot of detailssss and unimportant information. Like each object and every action the mc does is well described, at 70% of the book I skipped everything and just read the dialogue cuz i thought I wasn't going to finished it. The main character is so annoying, I understand that she went though hell and what happened to her was terrible, I really tried to sympathize with her but I just couldn't, I didn't like her at all. Definitely I'm not going to finish the trilogy cuz I already waste enough of my time with this one.
May 17, 2015
Did not see the note regarding a cliffhanger. That aside, this is a very well written book that would have lost something if the storyline and character development was rushed. This deals with a rough subject that of kidnapping and torture, but is handled well, drawing the reader in just enough that you feel her pain and anguish, and still be able to continue reading. My criteria of well developed character that I can pull for is met and the story kept me involved.
Definitely looking forward to the next installment
Definitely looking forward to the next installment
July 2, 2020
2.5 stars...
This book started out well, but I just lost interest at the end. Ryder was coming on strong and "Elle" was surprising okay with it, and that shocked me especially with what she has gone through...
I also felt like the things that happened in the book and what the characters did throughout the book didn't match what they were suppose to do. Something just felt off during the whole book and I just stopped caring until the end.
And I am not in the mood to write review if any of you could tell by the lack of text in the last 6 or so book review....
This book started out well, but I just lost interest at the end. Ryder was coming on strong and "Elle" was surprising okay with it, and that shocked me especially with what she has gone through...
I also felt like the things that happened in the book and what the characters did throughout the book didn't match what they were suppose to do. Something just felt off during the whole book and I just stopped caring until the end.
And I am not in the mood to write review if any of you could tell by the lack of text in the last 6 or so book review....
June 30, 2016
This was a pretty good book. The chemistry between Elle and Ryder was almost palpable at times. Bring a security analyst person, I wondered how long it would take Ryder to help Elle with her case. I didn't like the cliffhanger ending, and the grammar errors were a little annoying. I will continue with this series.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I reviewed this book for Kylie's Fiction Addiction.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I reviewed this book for Kylie's Fiction Addiction.
November 12, 2016
It was too short! Thats how i know this book was well written.
I loved Elle and Ry..
“I don’t for one second think he ‘lacks in the sack’, but it wouldn’t be the first time I spread my legs for a good looking, linebacker size of a man and was left unsatisfied. You take them home expecting a nice English cucumber, but regrettably end up with a pickle.”
This weekend is gonna be lit!!!!
I loved Elle and Ry..
“I don’t for one second think he ‘lacks in the sack’, but it wouldn’t be the first time I spread my legs for a good looking, linebacker size of a man and was left unsatisfied. You take them home expecting a nice English cucumber, but regrettably end up with a pickle.”
This weekend is gonna be lit!!!!
June 8, 2015
Well....I could not put down my copy of Frayed Rope! I finished it in no time and its leaving me on the edge of my seat! Love Elle, love that it is edgy and keeps my emotions going up and down, great job I can't wait for book #2 of the Ugly Roses series!
February 14, 2021
Really great book. The only thing is that the blurb made it sound like it would be from his POv or a dual POV amd it wasnt either, it is all told from her POV.
Really recommend, amd I am excited to see where this will go.
Really recommend, amd I am excited to see where this will go.
May 12, 2015
Absolutely a nail biting, jaw dropping book!!!
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