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Daring Destiny #3
Steady
Erik Anderson is paying for his mistakes and enduring every bit of pain that comes his way. After all, if it weren’t for him, the girl who gave him more than he deserved would still be alive. Even if he were to be put out of his misery, he’d never see her again. Considering angels go to heaven and sinners go to hell, Erik’s going to burn.
Polly Madison has never had it easy. She wouldn’t even know what that looked like. Young and naive, she learned the hard way how vindictive some men can truly be. She’s fought her whole life for stability and control, both of which she refuses to give up ever again since she’s older and wiser now.
When Polly and Erik run into each other in the most clichéd way possible, it shouldn’t have meant anything.
In his arms, Polly felt safer than she ever has before.
Lost in her eyes, Erik sees a future he’d given up on.
They try to fight it. Try to deny something neither is prepared for. But when his own insecurities put her in harm’s way, Erik knows protecting Polly’s life is more important than continuing to wreck his.
Polly Madison has never had it easy. She wouldn’t even know what that looked like. Young and naive, she learned the hard way how vindictive some men can truly be. She’s fought her whole life for stability and control, both of which she refuses to give up ever again since she’s older and wiser now.
When Polly and Erik run into each other in the most clichéd way possible, it shouldn’t have meant anything.
In his arms, Polly felt safer than she ever has before.
Lost in her eyes, Erik sees a future he’d given up on.
They try to fight it. Try to deny something neither is prepared for. But when his own insecurities put her in harm’s way, Erik knows protecting Polly’s life is more important than continuing to wreck his.
300 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2017
161 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Anna Brooks
83 books1,002 followersBe sure to follow me on Bookbub for sales and new release alerts! https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-...
The first time Anna tried to read a romance novel, her hair caught on fire when she leaned over a candle to sneak a peek at her mom’s Harlequin. She thinks being hit on the head with a shirtless Fabio until the smoke cleared is what sparked the flame for her love of romance.
Anna was born in Wisconsin, but currently lives in Texas with her husband and two boys. She writes sexy romance that always has a happy ending and loves bringing characters back for cameos. Less than six degrees of separation connects any of her novels.
When she’s not writing or reading, she’s watching reruns of her favorite romcoms, talking to her dog and cat like they’re human, eating carbs, or practicing hand lettering.
She loves to hear from readers and can be found on social media as @annabrooksauth everywhere.
The first time Anna tried to read a romance novel, her hair caught on fire when she leaned over a candle to sneak a peek at her mom’s Harlequin. She thinks being hit on the head with a shirtless Fabio until the smoke cleared is what sparked the flame for her love of romance.
Anna was born in Wisconsin, but currently lives in Texas with her husband and two boys. She writes sexy romance that always has a happy ending and loves bringing characters back for cameos. Less than six degrees of separation connects any of her novels.
When she’s not writing or reading, she’s watching reruns of her favorite romcoms, talking to her dog and cat like they’re human, eating carbs, or practicing hand lettering.
She loves to hear from readers and can be found on social media as @annabrooksauth everywhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
July 24, 2017
I like this cover. I like the whole composition of it (the half cut off face). I like the way the title is placed. I like the color scheme used. It's a simple cover but very effective.
I really enjoyed this one. This author's writing style is very readable, and it was very well paced. The plot was interesting and well developed. This can be read as a standalone, but the heroine of this book and the heroine of book one do have some history that is alluded to. I haven't read book one, so I found that aspect a little bit confusing, but it doesn't take away from the story at all. This one was very insta-love, and there wasn't any OW/OM drama. The hero does have a dead ex, but I never felt the heroine was second best. I would also say it was relatively low angst. There were some hot sex scenes and a lot of feels. All wrapped up in two bittersweet epilogues. I say bittersweet because I was hoping we would see something that I guess wasn't in the cards for them, and that made me a tad sad. 
There were some good secondary characters, and I can't wait to read more about the guys working for Erik at THE FIRM. Both main characters were very likable. I enjoyed Erik as a hero for the most part. He was alpha and hot and all in with Polly. That said, I did find the whole self-hate/guilt thing he had going was a little too much at times. There is only so much self-deprecation I can take as a reader before I start rolling my eyes and thinking to myself; STOP THE F-ING WHINING already and get on with it. I also think his drinking problem was a bit brushed under the rug. As someone who has lived with alcoholics the chances of someone with a problem like his just stopping cold turkey without some sort of help are virtually slim to none. Polly had an equally bad history, but I found her to be the less damaged of the two. But like I said, even with this issues both main characters were very well developed, multilayered, and enjoyable.
On a side note, what was up with the guy at the bar near the end? It was a really odd scene with him asking questions about Polly, and I thought something was going to come of it, but we never hear anything about it again? It left me hanging...but whatevs. This one gets a huge two thumbs up from yours truly.
August 14, 2017
Steady by Anna Brooks a fab five-star read. This is the third book in the Pleasantville series and it may just be the best in my eyes. I have read several books by this author and enjoyed them all, but the emotional rollercoaster this book will take you in in possibly the biggest. Your heart will leap to your throat and then be down in your boots a couple of pages later. This book deals with some sensitive matters and I would suggest its only suitable for more mature readers ideally those over 18 years of age. This is a story about how your past can shape your present and your future, it can make you into the person you are and the person you want to be. There is so much emotion on the pages that you can’t help but get sucked into every page. There is also a great passion in the writing a passion in this book that lights the words up as you read.
I enjoyed how we were shown that Polly Madison has seen the darker side of life and the people on the darker side of life, she lost her control once and that is something she will never willingly give up again, we were shows how this shaped her and challenged her making her into the woman she is now. We get to watch as see her meet Erik Anderson a man with a past also, will she run or will she meet him half way?
This series can be read as stand-alone, but as with most series reading them in order will give you a fuller picture and allow you more pleasure with your reading experience.
I enjoyed how we were shown that Polly Madison has seen the darker side of life and the people on the darker side of life, she lost her control once and that is something she will never willingly give up again, we were shows how this shaped her and challenged her making her into the woman she is now. We get to watch as see her meet Erik Anderson a man with a past also, will she run or will she meet him half way?
This series can be read as stand-alone, but as with most series reading them in order will give you a fuller picture and allow you more pleasure with your reading experience.
July 25, 2017
Things That you Can always Be 100% Sure of when reading a book by Anna Brooks.
1. Beautiful Cover Always.
2. Heartbreakingly Great Story
3. Beautiful Soulful Characters that you undoubtedly fall inlove with.
4. Smart, Intelligent and Witty.
5. Enthralling Dialogue that will have your attention from page One till the Epilogue.
6. Always Hot Hot Hot and Tastefully Done Sex scenes.
This Book was Another Anna 10 star Read.
Review out on Release Day on our Blog page
http://sheilasbookcorner.wordpress.com
1. Beautiful Cover Always.
2. Heartbreakingly Great Story
3. Beautiful Soulful Characters that you undoubtedly fall inlove with.
4. Smart, Intelligent and Witty.
5. Enthralling Dialogue that will have your attention from page One till the Epilogue.
6. Always Hot Hot Hot and Tastefully Done Sex scenes.
This Book was Another Anna 10 star Read.
Review out on Release Day on our Blog page
http://sheilasbookcorner.wordpress.com
August 19, 2017
5 Stars
Steady is the third book in the Pleasant Valley series by Anna Brooks. I absolutely love Fixing Fate, the first book in this series and it was my favourite, but this story has now taken top ranking in my heart. The whole series is wonderful, but this story dug its way under my skin and left its mark on me. The series is made up of individual standalones, but with interconnecting characters, situations and backstories. I recommend reading all the books in sequence, because you will appreciate all the subtle connections and foundations that the previous books lay.
Polly Madison is twenty-eight years old, and has had a pretty tough life. She has had experiences you wouldn’t wish on anyone, but she is hardworking, and very determined to make her own way in the world and turn her life around. Men have taken advantage of her and she has promised herself that she won’t allow anyone to hold that much power over her ever again. She works part-time in a diner, barely making ends meet. When she is forced to leave the house she’s been living in, Poly realises she’s going to need to get a second job to be able to afford a place on her own. She applies for a waitressing job at a nightclub and gets hired to work the VIP section. On her way out the door she literally runs into the biggest, sexiest man she’s ever seen. He makes her feel things she’s never felt with anyone else before. Even once she’s back at home she can’t stop thinking about him. But she can’t risk letting him get too close, after all, she has not just her job, but also her heart on the line.
Erik Anderson lives a tormented existence. Grief, guilt and self-loathing cloud his existence. He has spent countless years self-medicating with copious amounts of alcohol and women. But nothing dulls his inner turmoil for very long. When he’s hired to take charge of the security at ‘Complexity’ nightclub, he wasn’t prepared to be bowled over by the beautiful new waitress. He feels instantly protective towards her, she makes him feel alive for the first time in a really long time and he can’t remember the last time a woman made his heart race so frantically. But with his deep-seated issues and her fear and mistrust, will they ever drop their defences long enough to let the other in? Or will it be over before it’s begun? Could they each be the key to one another’s emotional healing, and happiness?
This story is beautifully written. It has a powerful effect and slowly, little by little it draws you in and you don’t want to leave. You’re hooked, experiencing all the highs and lows along with the characters.
The characters are really fantastic, complex, interesting and really well developed. The author superbly choreographed the multi layered plot brilliantly, blending it into a very enticing, touching and memorable story.
I’m really looking forward to the next book!
Thank you, Ms. Brooks!
Steady is the third book in the Pleasant Valley series by Anna Brooks. I absolutely love Fixing Fate, the first book in this series and it was my favourite, but this story has now taken top ranking in my heart. The whole series is wonderful, but this story dug its way under my skin and left its mark on me. The series is made up of individual standalones, but with interconnecting characters, situations and backstories. I recommend reading all the books in sequence, because you will appreciate all the subtle connections and foundations that the previous books lay.
Polly Madison is twenty-eight years old, and has had a pretty tough life. She has had experiences you wouldn’t wish on anyone, but she is hardworking, and very determined to make her own way in the world and turn her life around. Men have taken advantage of her and she has promised herself that she won’t allow anyone to hold that much power over her ever again. She works part-time in a diner, barely making ends meet. When she is forced to leave the house she’s been living in, Poly realises she’s going to need to get a second job to be able to afford a place on her own. She applies for a waitressing job at a nightclub and gets hired to work the VIP section. On her way out the door she literally runs into the biggest, sexiest man she’s ever seen. He makes her feel things she’s never felt with anyone else before. Even once she’s back at home she can’t stop thinking about him. But she can’t risk letting him get too close, after all, she has not just her job, but also her heart on the line.
Erik Anderson lives a tormented existence. Grief, guilt and self-loathing cloud his existence. He has spent countless years self-medicating with copious amounts of alcohol and women. But nothing dulls his inner turmoil for very long. When he’s hired to take charge of the security at ‘Complexity’ nightclub, he wasn’t prepared to be bowled over by the beautiful new waitress. He feels instantly protective towards her, she makes him feel alive for the first time in a really long time and he can’t remember the last time a woman made his heart race so frantically. But with his deep-seated issues and her fear and mistrust, will they ever drop their defences long enough to let the other in? Or will it be over before it’s begun? Could they each be the key to one another’s emotional healing, and happiness?
This story is beautifully written. It has a powerful effect and slowly, little by little it draws you in and you don’t want to leave. You’re hooked, experiencing all the highs and lows along with the characters.
The characters are really fantastic, complex, interesting and really well developed. The author superbly choreographed the multi layered plot brilliantly, blending it into a very enticing, touching and memorable story.
I’m really looking forward to the next book!
Thank you, Ms. Brooks!
August 12, 2017
Title:Steady
Author:Anna Brooks
Series: Pleasant Valley #3
Steady was a great 5 star read.
Polly has grown up in foster care and has learned that men can’t be trusted. After another bad experience she is once again trying to move forward and has developed a wall around her heart.When she gets a job waitressing at club, Complexity she is excited to start the following day and as she’s leaving she literally runs into Erik. She is drawn in right away by him.
Erik will also be working at the club as head of security. When he saw her the first time he was pulled right in by her beauty and her eyes. Pain and regret swirled around in her ocean blue eyes like a cyclone… It’s what looks back at me every time I look in the mirror.
Erik is trying to get away from his life in California. Working at the club will keep him busy. Seeing Polly at the club is turning Erik on and he can’t help but think about things he would like to do to her. It’s been 10 years since he’s felt this way. I lean against the wall as I watch her walk away, realizing I’ve got it bad.
There is so much more to this great read. As they grow closer they learn about each others pasts. My emotions were all over the place. Can these two lost souls find the love they both deserve? Both Erik and Polly were very strong characters and they were great for each other. The secondary characters added a good element to the story as well. And the epilogue was great.Anna Brooks pulls you right in with her writing and you won’t want to put the book down until your done. Steady is book three in the Pleasant Valley series but can be read as a stand alone. I suggest starting from the beginning so that you are more familiar with the characters. 1-click and get started.
Author:Anna Brooks
Series: Pleasant Valley #3
Steady was a great 5 star read.
Polly has grown up in foster care and has learned that men can’t be trusted. After another bad experience she is once again trying to move forward and has developed a wall around her heart.When she gets a job waitressing at club, Complexity she is excited to start the following day and as she’s leaving she literally runs into Erik. She is drawn in right away by him.
Erik will also be working at the club as head of security. When he saw her the first time he was pulled right in by her beauty and her eyes. Pain and regret swirled around in her ocean blue eyes like a cyclone… It’s what looks back at me every time I look in the mirror.
Erik is trying to get away from his life in California. Working at the club will keep him busy. Seeing Polly at the club is turning Erik on and he can’t help but think about things he would like to do to her. It’s been 10 years since he’s felt this way. I lean against the wall as I watch her walk away, realizing I’ve got it bad.
There is so much more to this great read. As they grow closer they learn about each others pasts. My emotions were all over the place. Can these two lost souls find the love they both deserve? Both Erik and Polly were very strong characters and they were great for each other. The secondary characters added a good element to the story as well. And the epilogue was great.Anna Brooks pulls you right in with her writing and you won’t want to put the book down until your done. Steady is book three in the Pleasant Valley series but can be read as a stand alone. I suggest starting from the beginning so that you are more familiar with the characters. 1-click and get started.
July 29, 2017
4.5 stars
I loved this sweet and emotional story by Anna Brooks. Steady is a great love story full of challenges for Erik and Polly to overcome as they manoeuvre their way through this new and intense relationship. From eye contact to comfortable to love, with two people with a ton of emotional baggage it had me either teary-eyed, smiling or both at the same time.
Erik, Wow! This poor guy has had so much happen to him in his life, just a really intensely sad past. Overcoming and healing has been a long and painful process. Then he meets Polly. I love their first meeting; that moment….It made me smile. Throughout the story I could feel his emotions, his need to hold her tight, the struggle and fear within when she wanted or needed time on her own. He’s also funny and encouraging especially about her cooking.
Polly is such a strong woman she’s been through so much in her life. She continues to pick herself up and fight for what she wants. She’s been on her own, has had to struggle to survive and sadly never felt love. She can’t cook, which is kind of funny but, sad; I give her an A for effort. I love her character and her independence but love her acceptance as well when she stops fighting his needs to protect and take care of her.
There’s a lot of story in this book, the author did an amazing job giving me just enough information, so I didn’t feel overwhelmed while keeping me needing more. Steady is part of the Pleasant Valley Series, and I really want to read more of them. Her addition of Paisley’s teaser at the end has me excited for the next one.
I loved this sweet and emotional story by Anna Brooks. Steady is a great love story full of challenges for Erik and Polly to overcome as they manoeuvre their way through this new and intense relationship. From eye contact to comfortable to love, with two people with a ton of emotional baggage it had me either teary-eyed, smiling or both at the same time.
Erik, Wow! This poor guy has had so much happen to him in his life, just a really intensely sad past. Overcoming and healing has been a long and painful process. Then he meets Polly. I love their first meeting; that moment….It made me smile. Throughout the story I could feel his emotions, his need to hold her tight, the struggle and fear within when she wanted or needed time on her own. He’s also funny and encouraging especially about her cooking.
Polly is such a strong woman she’s been through so much in her life. She continues to pick herself up and fight for what she wants. She’s been on her own, has had to struggle to survive and sadly never felt love. She can’t cook, which is kind of funny but, sad; I give her an A for effort. I love her character and her independence but love her acceptance as well when she stops fighting his needs to protect and take care of her.
There’s a lot of story in this book, the author did an amazing job giving me just enough information, so I didn’t feel overwhelmed while keeping me needing more. Steady is part of the Pleasant Valley Series, and I really want to read more of them. Her addition of Paisley’s teaser at the end has me excited for the next one.
July 30, 2017
Enjoyed
I enjoyed the connection between Erik & Polly from the very beginning. Great writing. Story flowed great. Looking forward to more
I enjoyed the connection between Erik & Polly from the very beginning. Great writing. Story flowed great. Looking forward to more
January 25, 2020
Erick and Polly
Erick and Polly are both from earlier books so you know there backstory or you thought. This is a moving story of two damaged people finding love.
Erick and Polly are both from earlier books so you know there backstory or you thought. This is a moving story of two damaged people finding love.
September 14, 2024
Oh dear, I fear I have fallen victim another poorly written box set….4 more to go!
July 27, 2017
Things That you Can always Be 100% Sure of when reading a book by Anna Brooks.
1. If you are huge fan like I am you won't even need to read a review. I Gaurentee this book will wow and satisfy your Anna Brooks craving...
2. Beautiful Cover Always.
3. Heartbreakingly Great Story
4. Beautiful Soulful Characters that you undoubtedly fall inlove with.
5. Smart, Intelligent and Witty.
6. Enthralling Dialogue that will have your attention from page One till the Epilogue.
7. Always Hot Hot Hot and Tastefully Done Sex scenes.
Trust me when say that meeting Erik and Polly was the Highlight of the month. These two were made in heaven for each other. They both went on a journey before meeting but it was so needed. Needed because that's what taught them to help heal and protect each other.
As always it's amazing to see characters from the previous books because I just fucking love them all.
Please don't doubt this book for a second. Grab it and a glass of wine cos you are in for the most beautiful ride yet.
1. If you are huge fan like I am you won't even need to read a review. I Gaurentee this book will wow and satisfy your Anna Brooks craving...
2. Beautiful Cover Always.
3. Heartbreakingly Great Story
4. Beautiful Soulful Characters that you undoubtedly fall inlove with.
5. Smart, Intelligent and Witty.
6. Enthralling Dialogue that will have your attention from page One till the Epilogue.
7. Always Hot Hot Hot and Tastefully Done Sex scenes.
Trust me when say that meeting Erik and Polly was the Highlight of the month. These two were made in heaven for each other. They both went on a journey before meeting but it was so needed. Needed because that's what taught them to help heal and protect each other.
As always it's amazing to see characters from the previous books because I just fucking love them all.
Please don't doubt this book for a second. Grab it and a glass of wine cos you are in for the most beautiful ride yet.
December 25, 2017
I loved this story.
It can be read as a standalone as although I have read the two previous books there was quite some time in between and I didn't remember all of the details.
This is a story about two broken people that are so perfect together. The details of their pasts are revealed at a steady pace and I was captivated on page one. I was intrigued by both of these characters and enjoyed this story.
It can be read as a standalone as although I have read the two previous books there was quite some time in between and I didn't remember all of the details.
This is a story about two broken people that are so perfect together. The details of their pasts are revealed at a steady pace and I was captivated on page one. I was intrigued by both of these characters and enjoyed this story.
August 8, 2017
4 HEART-GRIPPING STARS!!
“I won’t let you fall, baby.”
WOWZA!!! Anna Brooks knocked it out of the park with STEADY, the latest standalone romance in her beloved Pleasant Valley series.
This is a spoiler free review because you truly must discover every breathtaking moment of this gorgeously penned romance for yourself, but in essence this is the story of tortured soul Erik Anderson, a profoundly broken, natural-born protector who is haunted by the mistakes of his past and drowning his sorrows in the bottle. He has nothing to live for and feels like he is reaping what he sows but his entire dismal world tilts on its axis when his path COLLIDES with the beautiful and vulnerable Polly Madison who is wrestling with dark demons of her own.
The attraction between this duo is Immediate. Electrifying. Combustible. But as much as a part of Polly yearns for the shelter of Erik’s strong, steady arms, she does not trust easily. She is wary of men’s motives, and has suffered mightily in her life, having been forced to fend for-- and depend on--only herself as a result of having grown up in the foster care system. Still, even though she initially rebukes Erik's attempts to care for her and rebels against his overbearing ways, there is something about this proud, ruggedly handsome, fiercely protective man who makes her feel Safe. Wanted. Cherished.
There are many emotional hurdles to overcome on both their parts, and the iron walls Polly has erected around her heart is no easy feat for an equally tormented Erik to breach but when a menacing presence from her past threatens the woman he loves, nothing will stop Erik from possessing— and protecting-the woman who makes him feel alive again!
I have said this before and it bears repeating: Anna Brooks, one of my all-time fave contemporary romance authors, is just a marvel!!! She nails it every time with the FEELS, and her prose throbs with so much heart and soul and depth of emotion you feel it seep into your pores. I never fail to fall hopelessly in love with each and every beautifully flawed and utterly lovable character she dreams up.
And sighhhhhh!! Ms. Brooks' Alpha protectors are just so irresistibly sexy, utterly sweet and fiercely devoted, they give me GIDDY BUTTERFLIES and make me melt into a puddle. Her beleaguered heroines are always well matched for these noble-hearted macho men...they are sweet and adorably feisty and often stubborn to a fault but oh so endearing!!
And speaking of her heroes...Erik was just an ALPHA GOD!!! He's broody, protective, possessive, innately loyal and deliciously primal!!!!! And swooooon..when this braveheart perceives that his woman is in jeopardy his inner caveman emerges and we can practically hear him ROAR!. He is by far Ms. Brooks most FEROCIOUS alpha to date!!!
Polly definitely gives Erik a run for his money, and there is much angsty push-pull between them throughout. To the point at times I wants to knock their heads together and scream “Enough already!” Venting aside, the tender emotions and aching turmoil between these characters ran so deep and my heart lamented for them both!!!
I truly experienced the full gamut of intense feels throughout and HOLY SMOKES these crazy-in-lust characters sure sizzle between the sheets!!!! Anna Brooks EXCELS at intertwining smoldering passion and tender emotion in her steamy interludes which always fill my heart to overflowing!! And as per her MO, she threw in some heart palpitating twists and turns that had me holding my breath, fighting back tears and clutching my chest!!
Gah! Ms. Brooks sure put me enough the emotional ringer with this book and I read STEADY in one sitting because I was so invested in them getting their hard earned HEA! But no worries…this author can always be trusted to deliver on the ultimate romantic payoff guaranteed to have you SIGHING WITH BLISS!
Bottom Line: I just L.O.V.E.D. this hauntingly beautiful tale about two lost broken souls who find hope and healing— and forever love— in each other! I cannot recommend this book highly enough and as I nurse yet another Anna Brooks book hangover, I will eagerly await her next heart shattering romance!!
“I won’t let you fall, baby.”
WOWZA!!! Anna Brooks knocked it out of the park with STEADY, the latest standalone romance in her beloved Pleasant Valley series.
This is a spoiler free review because you truly must discover every breathtaking moment of this gorgeously penned romance for yourself, but in essence this is the story of tortured soul Erik Anderson, a profoundly broken, natural-born protector who is haunted by the mistakes of his past and drowning his sorrows in the bottle. He has nothing to live for and feels like he is reaping what he sows but his entire dismal world tilts on its axis when his path COLLIDES with the beautiful and vulnerable Polly Madison who is wrestling with dark demons of her own.
The attraction between this duo is Immediate. Electrifying. Combustible. But as much as a part of Polly yearns for the shelter of Erik’s strong, steady arms, she does not trust easily. She is wary of men’s motives, and has suffered mightily in her life, having been forced to fend for-- and depend on--only herself as a result of having grown up in the foster care system. Still, even though she initially rebukes Erik's attempts to care for her and rebels against his overbearing ways, there is something about this proud, ruggedly handsome, fiercely protective man who makes her feel Safe. Wanted. Cherished.
There are many emotional hurdles to overcome on both their parts, and the iron walls Polly has erected around her heart is no easy feat for an equally tormented Erik to breach but when a menacing presence from her past threatens the woman he loves, nothing will stop Erik from possessing— and protecting-the woman who makes him feel alive again!
I have said this before and it bears repeating: Anna Brooks, one of my all-time fave contemporary romance authors, is just a marvel!!! She nails it every time with the FEELS, and her prose throbs with so much heart and soul and depth of emotion you feel it seep into your pores. I never fail to fall hopelessly in love with each and every beautifully flawed and utterly lovable character she dreams up.
And sighhhhhh!! Ms. Brooks' Alpha protectors are just so irresistibly sexy, utterly sweet and fiercely devoted, they give me GIDDY BUTTERFLIES and make me melt into a puddle. Her beleaguered heroines are always well matched for these noble-hearted macho men...they are sweet and adorably feisty and often stubborn to a fault but oh so endearing!!
And speaking of her heroes...Erik was just an ALPHA GOD!!! He's broody, protective, possessive, innately loyal and deliciously primal!!!!! And swooooon..when this braveheart perceives that his woman is in jeopardy his inner caveman emerges and we can practically hear him ROAR!. He is by far Ms. Brooks most FEROCIOUS alpha to date!!!
Polly definitely gives Erik a run for his money, and there is much angsty push-pull between them throughout. To the point at times I wants to knock their heads together and scream “Enough already!” Venting aside, the tender emotions and aching turmoil between these characters ran so deep and my heart lamented for them both!!!
I truly experienced the full gamut of intense feels throughout and HOLY SMOKES these crazy-in-lust characters sure sizzle between the sheets!!!! Anna Brooks EXCELS at intertwining smoldering passion and tender emotion in her steamy interludes which always fill my heart to overflowing!! And as per her MO, she threw in some heart palpitating twists and turns that had me holding my breath, fighting back tears and clutching my chest!!
Gah! Ms. Brooks sure put me enough the emotional ringer with this book and I read STEADY in one sitting because I was so invested in them getting their hard earned HEA! But no worries…this author can always be trusted to deliver on the ultimate romantic payoff guaranteed to have you SIGHING WITH BLISS!
Bottom Line: I just L.O.V.E.D. this hauntingly beautiful tale about two lost broken souls who find hope and healing— and forever love— in each other! I cannot recommend this book highly enough and as I nurse yet another Anna Brooks book hangover, I will eagerly await her next heart shattering romance!!
August 4, 2017
Steady: A Pleasant Valley Novel by Anna Brooks is part of her A Pleasant Valley series. This can be read as a stand alone but I would highly suggest going back to read the other in this series as they are just as enjoyable. This story is about moving forward from the past and breaking down walls. I enjoy this author's writing style and how she can pull me in from the first word. This is not my first story by this author and in each book I have read of hers, I know that I am getting a journey of romance and a hidden meaning that will get my heart. I enjoyed how her characters are true to life and connectable. They will pull you right into their world of romance and suspense. The twists and turns in this story will either leave you sitting on the edge of your seat or just plain leave you hot. Find out what happens to these characters as they try tearing down guarded walls and leaving their pasts behind to find their HEA.
Erik Anderson pays for his past everyday he gets out of bed. The pain that he endures comes from the girl would be alive and his heart wouldn't be broken. If angels go to heaven and sinners go to hell, then he is going to burn. When she runs into him, is gets lost in her eyes and realizes that there maybe a hope for the future for him.
Polly Madison has not had the easiest of lives. She has learned the hard way how vindictive men can be. She has fought most of her life for control and stability and she is not about to give that up now no matter how he makes her feel. When she runs into him, she instantly feels something about him, a connection. Her problem is that she has never felt more safe then in his arms.
Erik and Polly's relationship starts by knocking into each other. There seems to be an instant attraction, a connection. He is lost in her eyes, she has never felt so safe then in his arms. The one thing that drives me crazy is how these two fight their feelings for each other. Everyone can see that that there is something there between them but neither one is willing to admit it. Are they prepared for what happens between them? What will happen when his insecurities put her in danger? He has been so protective of her, that she gets a little angry at times. She thinks she can do things herself. He knows that protecting her is the most important thing even if it hurts his. These are two great characters. They do drive me crazy because they fight their feelings when it is so obvious that there are feelings, I just want to yell at them. They are both strong but both of pasts that they need to deal with and move forward. I keep hoping that they will get their HEA no matter what they have to go through to get there. I also enjoyed the secondary characters as they seem to be just as strong and some are just as sweet. Find out if these two find their HEA and if they stop fighting fate.
I am not sure how many of Anna Brooks books I have read but this is my favorite one. I always know what I am getting with her books and this one won't disappoint either. Anna was born in Wisconsin and now lives in the Evergreen State. She spends her time hanging out with her husband and two boys. She writes romance with real emotions and when she isn't writing she is reading or drinking a lot of Diet Dr. Pepper. This is a fast story that I couldn't put down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I was totally lost in this book and ended up reading it in one sitting. I highly recommend this book as I know you will want to find out what happens in this next installment of this series.
Erik Anderson pays for his past everyday he gets out of bed. The pain that he endures comes from the girl would be alive and his heart wouldn't be broken. If angels go to heaven and sinners go to hell, then he is going to burn. When she runs into him, is gets lost in her eyes and realizes that there maybe a hope for the future for him.
Polly Madison has not had the easiest of lives. She has learned the hard way how vindictive men can be. She has fought most of her life for control and stability and she is not about to give that up now no matter how he makes her feel. When she runs into him, she instantly feels something about him, a connection. Her problem is that she has never felt more safe then in his arms.
Erik and Polly's relationship starts by knocking into each other. There seems to be an instant attraction, a connection. He is lost in her eyes, she has never felt so safe then in his arms. The one thing that drives me crazy is how these two fight their feelings for each other. Everyone can see that that there is something there between them but neither one is willing to admit it. Are they prepared for what happens between them? What will happen when his insecurities put her in danger? He has been so protective of her, that she gets a little angry at times. She thinks she can do things herself. He knows that protecting her is the most important thing even if it hurts his. These are two great characters. They do drive me crazy because they fight their feelings when it is so obvious that there are feelings, I just want to yell at them. They are both strong but both of pasts that they need to deal with and move forward. I keep hoping that they will get their HEA no matter what they have to go through to get there. I also enjoyed the secondary characters as they seem to be just as strong and some are just as sweet. Find out if these two find their HEA and if they stop fighting fate.
I am not sure how many of Anna Brooks books I have read but this is my favorite one. I always know what I am getting with her books and this one won't disappoint either. Anna was born in Wisconsin and now lives in the Evergreen State. She spends her time hanging out with her husband and two boys. She writes romance with real emotions and when she isn't writing she is reading or drinking a lot of Diet Dr. Pepper. This is a fast story that I couldn't put down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I was totally lost in this book and ended up reading it in one sitting. I highly recommend this book as I know you will want to find out what happens in this next installment of this series.
August 20, 2017
Sexy Standout Standalone About Learning How To Stop Standing Alone
Anna Brooks managed to wring 5 stars out of me for "Steady" before I was even halfway into the book. I'm always skeptical when a book says it's part of a series yet is also a standalone; there are usually cameos by former characters, people whose backstory isn't in the book I'm reading, potential traps where I have zero idea how/why/what things are happening due to having read one standalone out of order of the others. Pleasant Valley is a series book where there are cameos which should have made me groan in defeat thinking I needed to read the whole series to understand this one book.
I can honestly say Steady stands alone while bringing more to the Pleasant Valley world at the same time.
Cameo characters were introduced in a way which was seamless to the rest of the story. I was given only enough information to make the characters relevant to the story at hand so I wasn't drowned in backstory recountings, but I knew who these people were and how they fit together which enhanced my reading experience. Every character introduced by Anna Brooks was fully evolved as an individual to the point I found myself excited for those new character sequences on the same level I reserve for seeing Stan Lee in the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe film. (That's a ridiculous level of excitement. Trust me.) There wasn't anyone brought into the story who didn't contribute directly to the lead protagonists.
Placing characters into a fully realized world without letting their story be drowned by that world takes a unique skill which Anna Brooks exemplifies beautifully.
I loved learning about Erik Anderson as the protector, the fighter, the lover, and yes, even the son he had once been while he took his own personal journey to decide if he was good enough for Polly. I loved how Polly Madison went from being shaky and scared to trust, love, believe in anyone except herself for another time to sharing her horrors, her fears, her good side and her bad with Erik. They are two people who have been broken by life in so many ways yet they're both still holding themselves together through sheer willpower alone.
Seeing them learn to trust each other was more satisfying to me than watching them become attracted to each other, interested, slowly learn one another, all those parts which come with a normal romance rather than the strong, bright burst of instalove. I could not have been happier reading this book. I'd give it 10 stars if I could, but since I can't, I'll end by saying while I don't need to read the other books in the Pleasant Valley series to say Steady is a five-star read? I bought them immediately after finishing because I want to know those other stories that badly and it's the best compliment I can offer an author: reading Anna Brooks made me want to read everything Anna Brooks. I hope you find this story as engrossing and these characters as captivating as I did. It's a rough, rocky ride filled with sensitive topics handled in a very gentle manner. I promise a few tears here or there were worth it to me to get to the happiness at the end.
Anna Brooks managed to wring 5 stars out of me for "Steady" before I was even halfway into the book. I'm always skeptical when a book says it's part of a series yet is also a standalone; there are usually cameos by former characters, people whose backstory isn't in the book I'm reading, potential traps where I have zero idea how/why/what things are happening due to having read one standalone out of order of the others. Pleasant Valley is a series book where there are cameos which should have made me groan in defeat thinking I needed to read the whole series to understand this one book.
I can honestly say Steady stands alone while bringing more to the Pleasant Valley world at the same time.
Cameo characters were introduced in a way which was seamless to the rest of the story. I was given only enough information to make the characters relevant to the story at hand so I wasn't drowned in backstory recountings, but I knew who these people were and how they fit together which enhanced my reading experience. Every character introduced by Anna Brooks was fully evolved as an individual to the point I found myself excited for those new character sequences on the same level I reserve for seeing Stan Lee in the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe film. (That's a ridiculous level of excitement. Trust me.) There wasn't anyone brought into the story who didn't contribute directly to the lead protagonists.
Placing characters into a fully realized world without letting their story be drowned by that world takes a unique skill which Anna Brooks exemplifies beautifully.
I loved learning about Erik Anderson as the protector, the fighter, the lover, and yes, even the son he had once been while he took his own personal journey to decide if he was good enough for Polly. I loved how Polly Madison went from being shaky and scared to trust, love, believe in anyone except herself for another time to sharing her horrors, her fears, her good side and her bad with Erik. They are two people who have been broken by life in so many ways yet they're both still holding themselves together through sheer willpower alone.
Seeing them learn to trust each other was more satisfying to me than watching them become attracted to each other, interested, slowly learn one another, all those parts which come with a normal romance rather than the strong, bright burst of instalove. I could not have been happier reading this book. I'd give it 10 stars if I could, but since I can't, I'll end by saying while I don't need to read the other books in the Pleasant Valley series to say Steady is a five-star read? I bought them immediately after finishing because I want to know those other stories that badly and it's the best compliment I can offer an author: reading Anna Brooks made me want to read everything Anna Brooks. I hope you find this story as engrossing and these characters as captivating as I did. It's a rough, rocky ride filled with sensitive topics handled in a very gentle manner. I promise a few tears here or there were worth it to me to get to the happiness at the end.
July 27, 2017
Erik Anderson lives with memories of love and laughter and terror and pain. He lives with regret and shame, and he has no idea how to make those feelings stop. Drowning himself in liquor is only a temporary reprieve, but it is a fallback position that he knows well, and uses to help him deal. He doesn’t feel that he deserves any type of happiness or forgiveness. His past transgressions have made him question his own self-worth. But there is a light that shines in his darkness when he surfaces enough from his own hell to aid a friend.
Polly Madison has not had an easy life. Shuffling through foster care left her a naïve to world, and ripe for being taken advantage of. When it comes to men her luck is even worse. Being used and abused show her that she cannot trust herself anymore when it comes to men. She has been down at the bottom and was only able to rise back up with the help of someone that she thought she could trust. Ultimately, her trust was misplaced and she is now dragging the bottom of the barrel again. But she has risen before, and this time she will do it on her own.
Polly and her beautiful smile and body calm Erik in a way that he didn’t know he could feel. She is a complex mix that intrigues him and pulls out the primitive male that will demolish anyone that looks to threaten her. But Polly is wary of men with her past. Erik will have to put aside his own feelings of not being worth if he wants to have her in his life. Polly will need drop her defenses and independence enough to let Erik inside the cage she has created around her heart. If neither can give, then the safety and happiness they find in each other’s arms will not be enough to keep them together.
WOW! STEADY rocked me. This is a story of two broken people that seem to find the missing pieces of themselves around each other. Erik grew up with love and that was shattered at a young age and guilt to intrude into every other aspect of his life. Tragedy just seems to follow him around, but what he finds in Polly is truly beautiful. And poor Polly just keeps getting kicked in the teeth by life. She has issues with her own worth, but I was able to see her get that back through the book. I cried while reading the story because of the pain that each of these characters went through. I think that Anna Brooks may just make it to my auto buy list moving forward. STEADY was a well written story with an emotional impact that kept me reading. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
eARC through Enticing Journey Book Promotions
Polly Madison has not had an easy life. Shuffling through foster care left her a naïve to world, and ripe for being taken advantage of. When it comes to men her luck is even worse. Being used and abused show her that she cannot trust herself anymore when it comes to men. She has been down at the bottom and was only able to rise back up with the help of someone that she thought she could trust. Ultimately, her trust was misplaced and she is now dragging the bottom of the barrel again. But she has risen before, and this time she will do it on her own.
Polly and her beautiful smile and body calm Erik in a way that he didn’t know he could feel. She is a complex mix that intrigues him and pulls out the primitive male that will demolish anyone that looks to threaten her. But Polly is wary of men with her past. Erik will have to put aside his own feelings of not being worth if he wants to have her in his life. Polly will need drop her defenses and independence enough to let Erik inside the cage she has created around her heart. If neither can give, then the safety and happiness they find in each other’s arms will not be enough to keep them together.
WOW! STEADY rocked me. This is a story of two broken people that seem to find the missing pieces of themselves around each other. Erik grew up with love and that was shattered at a young age and guilt to intrude into every other aspect of his life. Tragedy just seems to follow him around, but what he finds in Polly is truly beautiful. And poor Polly just keeps getting kicked in the teeth by life. She has issues with her own worth, but I was able to see her get that back through the book. I cried while reading the story because of the pain that each of these characters went through. I think that Anna Brooks may just make it to my auto buy list moving forward. STEADY was a well written story with an emotional impact that kept me reading. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
eARC through Enticing Journey Book Promotions
August 3, 2017
Steady: A Pleasant Valley Novel
By: Anna Brooks
5 out of 5 stars
The story Steady: A Pleasant Valley Novel by Anna Brooks is a romantic suspense book. This is a story about two people whose past haunts them. One who fights for control over her own life at every turn and the other who believes that he has to endure the pain to pay for his mistakes. When she finds an attraction to him she does the only thing she can think of, push him away. He finds her irresistible and is determined to protect her. Is there any chance of these two finding happiness together or is there just too much standing between them to give love a chance to grow?
I absolutely love the Pleasant Valley series. This story is the next awesome installment. This is the story of Erik Anderson and Polly Madison. They are both characters that I fell in love with and was rooting through the entire book for them to get a happy ending. Polly has seen the manipulative side of men. She has been in situations where she is not in control and now will not allow any man to take care of her or have any control over her. Then she meets Erik. He makes decisions he believes will keep her safe. Her first instinct is to rebel. She slowly begins to open up and starts to allow him to care for her. Will Erik be able to get past all of the walls that Polly has put up around herself? Will Polly allow herself to fall for Erik?
Erik is a man that is truly haunted. Situations in his past have made him believe that he has failed the ones he loved. When he meets Polly she grabs a piece of his heart. He becomes very protective of her and finds himself wanting to take care of her. Polly keeps pushing Erik away. Just when he is able to crack the wall that Polly has put up around herself a situation happens that threatens to undo any progress in their relationship. What does the future hold for this couple? Will Erik be able to fully open up to Polly about what has happened in his past? Read this book to find out if Polly and Erik find their happy ending. I have read every book in the Pleasant Valley series and I love every one. The emotions that I felt when reading this current story had me both happy that this couple found each other and sad at what they have had to go through in the past. This author has created amazing stories and characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. This is a book that has me believing in true love. This story does have adult content and sensitive situations. Steamy love scenes are included. It would be recommended for those 18 years of age or older.
By: Anna Brooks
5 out of 5 stars
The story Steady: A Pleasant Valley Novel by Anna Brooks is a romantic suspense book. This is a story about two people whose past haunts them. One who fights for control over her own life at every turn and the other who believes that he has to endure the pain to pay for his mistakes. When she finds an attraction to him she does the only thing she can think of, push him away. He finds her irresistible and is determined to protect her. Is there any chance of these two finding happiness together or is there just too much standing between them to give love a chance to grow?
I absolutely love the Pleasant Valley series. This story is the next awesome installment. This is the story of Erik Anderson and Polly Madison. They are both characters that I fell in love with and was rooting through the entire book for them to get a happy ending. Polly has seen the manipulative side of men. She has been in situations where she is not in control and now will not allow any man to take care of her or have any control over her. Then she meets Erik. He makes decisions he believes will keep her safe. Her first instinct is to rebel. She slowly begins to open up and starts to allow him to care for her. Will Erik be able to get past all of the walls that Polly has put up around herself? Will Polly allow herself to fall for Erik?
Erik is a man that is truly haunted. Situations in his past have made him believe that he has failed the ones he loved. When he meets Polly she grabs a piece of his heart. He becomes very protective of her and finds himself wanting to take care of her. Polly keeps pushing Erik away. Just when he is able to crack the wall that Polly has put up around herself a situation happens that threatens to undo any progress in their relationship. What does the future hold for this couple? Will Erik be able to fully open up to Polly about what has happened in his past? Read this book to find out if Polly and Erik find their happy ending. I have read every book in the Pleasant Valley series and I love every one. The emotions that I felt when reading this current story had me both happy that this couple found each other and sad at what they have had to go through in the past. This author has created amazing stories and characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. This is a book that has me believing in true love. This story does have adult content and sensitive situations. Steamy love scenes are included. It would be recommended for those 18 years of age or older.
August 7, 2017
5 star
Steady:A Pleasant Valley Novel By Anna Brooks
Steady : A Pleasant Valley Novel By Anna Brooks is part of the Pleasant Valley series. I recommend going back and reading the other books in this series although this book as well as the others can be read as standalone. This story is about moving on from pasts and breaking down walls allowing others in.This story is about Polly and Erik.
Polly has not had an easy life.She was shuffled through the foster care system.She was left being naive and easily taken advantage of. Her luck with men is even worse, being abused and used are the kinds of men she seems to attract She felt like she was at the bottom and a man helped and started to take care of her awhile he was not steady at all in fact turned out to be a psychopath and is now in jail.Shes once again at the bottom doing everything she can.She works at a cafe her somewhat only friends family owns
She gets a opportunity to get a second job working at aclub working the VIP section and she jumps at the chance to hopefully save enough to get a better place to live. As she's leaving the interview she literally runs into a man of all muscle
Erik lives with guilt and terrible memories that are essentially dragging him down making it impossible for him to be happy.He lives with regret,shame,and a whole lot of pain.He struggles alot and tends to turn to the bottle.He feels like he's unworthy and the darkness has ahold on him.Thst is until one of his friends needs some help at his club.Erik the minute him and Polly run into each he feels a calm he hasn't felt in a long time. Polly feels safe and she hasn't felt that in along time if ever .
Erik instantly finds him self feeling the need to be protective of Polly.But she's very hesitant because of her choice of men in the past.Both of them have their struggles with each other she wants to believe that Erik is different and he has to let go of feeling unworthy of her.Their relationship starts off rocky but the more they get to know each other they both start to let their guard down and the walls they've both put up start to crumble. Can they have a somewhat normal relationship? Can Erik get over the hurt and guilt he carries around? Is their love strong enough to get a HEA?
I absolutely loved this book as with any books of Anna Brooks,this one was just the same,I was instantly hooked and couldn't put it down.She has a way of drawing you as a reader in.This story has some twists and turns a little suspense .
I felt like I was on a emotional roller-coaster at times. I highly recommend this book.
Steady:A Pleasant Valley Novel By Anna Brooks
Steady : A Pleasant Valley Novel By Anna Brooks is part of the Pleasant Valley series. I recommend going back and reading the other books in this series although this book as well as the others can be read as standalone. This story is about moving on from pasts and breaking down walls allowing others in.This story is about Polly and Erik.
Polly has not had an easy life.She was shuffled through the foster care system.She was left being naive and easily taken advantage of. Her luck with men is even worse, being abused and used are the kinds of men she seems to attract She felt like she was at the bottom and a man helped and started to take care of her awhile he was not steady at all in fact turned out to be a psychopath and is now in jail.Shes once again at the bottom doing everything she can.She works at a cafe her somewhat only friends family owns
She gets a opportunity to get a second job working at aclub working the VIP section and she jumps at the chance to hopefully save enough to get a better place to live. As she's leaving the interview she literally runs into a man of all muscle
Erik lives with guilt and terrible memories that are essentially dragging him down making it impossible for him to be happy.He lives with regret,shame,and a whole lot of pain.He struggles alot and tends to turn to the bottle.He feels like he's unworthy and the darkness has ahold on him.Thst is until one of his friends needs some help at his club.Erik the minute him and Polly run into each he feels a calm he hasn't felt in a long time. Polly feels safe and she hasn't felt that in along time if ever .
Erik instantly finds him self feeling the need to be protective of Polly.But she's very hesitant because of her choice of men in the past.Both of them have their struggles with each other she wants to believe that Erik is different and he has to let go of feeling unworthy of her.Their relationship starts off rocky but the more they get to know each other they both start to let their guard down and the walls they've both put up start to crumble. Can they have a somewhat normal relationship? Can Erik get over the hurt and guilt he carries around? Is their love strong enough to get a HEA?
I absolutely loved this book as with any books of Anna Brooks,this one was just the same,I was instantly hooked and couldn't put it down.She has a way of drawing you as a reader in.This story has some twists and turns a little suspense .
I felt like I was on a emotional roller-coaster at times. I highly recommend this book.
July 12, 2017
Polly never had an easy life growing up in the system. She taught herself how to survive and realized at a young age she could only truly depend on herself. Through lack of love, guidance, and support she found herself attached to men who only took advantage of her and in the end hurt her. She was too young and naïve to realize otherwise until it was too late.
Erik had it all, a loving family, wealth and a stable home until one day it was all gone. He blamed himself and carried the guilt with him everyday until he met someone to help him move forward with his life or so he thought. Erik held this guilt even during a time he thought he found someone who could love him despite what had happened but he never truly moved forward. Erik's guilt and self loathing only progressed after he suffered another loss. He became self destructive and kept secrets from the few people he considered family.
Erik and Polly literally bump into each other outside the night club they work at. Erik has this natural instinct to watch over and protect Polly, but she wants to prove to herself and others she is a strong and independent woman who can take care of herself. The attraction between the two is so obvious from the moment they bump into each other, but their pasts and walls complicate their relationship. They both understand each other in a way no one else can and accept the other person for their past. They teach each other they are not to be blamed for what happened in the past, but realize they were put in situations they never should have been in because of other peoples choices. There are high points and low points from both Erik and Polly, but in the end there is only acceptance and moving forward with a fresh start.
Steady is the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a standalone as I haven't read the first two books yet. I would like to go back and read them as characters cross over into Steady and things that happened in those books were brought up in Steady, but I didn't feel lost or confused at anytime while reading. Erik and Polly's characters were well developed as well as the build up to their story. There are some sensitive topics, but Anna Brooks incorporated these topics into Steady with accuracy and a real life feel since they are things that can and do happen.
Erik had it all, a loving family, wealth and a stable home until one day it was all gone. He blamed himself and carried the guilt with him everyday until he met someone to help him move forward with his life or so he thought. Erik held this guilt even during a time he thought he found someone who could love him despite what had happened but he never truly moved forward. Erik's guilt and self loathing only progressed after he suffered another loss. He became self destructive and kept secrets from the few people he considered family.
Erik and Polly literally bump into each other outside the night club they work at. Erik has this natural instinct to watch over and protect Polly, but she wants to prove to herself and others she is a strong and independent woman who can take care of herself. The attraction between the two is so obvious from the moment they bump into each other, but their pasts and walls complicate their relationship. They both understand each other in a way no one else can and accept the other person for their past. They teach each other they are not to be blamed for what happened in the past, but realize they were put in situations they never should have been in because of other peoples choices. There are high points and low points from both Erik and Polly, but in the end there is only acceptance and moving forward with a fresh start.
Steady is the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a standalone as I haven't read the first two books yet. I would like to go back and read them as characters cross over into Steady and things that happened in those books were brought up in Steady, but I didn't feel lost or confused at anytime while reading. Erik and Polly's characters were well developed as well as the build up to their story. There are some sensitive topics, but Anna Brooks incorporated these topics into Steady with accuracy and a real life feel since they are things that can and do happen.
August 17, 2017
Steady: A Pleasant Valley Novel by Anna Brooks
5 Stars
This is my second book by this author and as much as I loved the first one I read I think this one surpassed it. I love this author's writing style and will be following her from here on out. She builds the best characters, she makes them come to life in these pages. She has definitely become one of my favorite authors and I will reread these books again and again.
Erik is suffering daily from the loss of the woman he loved. He blames himself for her death and just simply doesn't care anymore. He is drinking way too much, sleeping with whoever and whenever and still can't seem to forget. That's not the only guilt he deals with on a daily basis and his self worth is at about a negative ten. He takes a job doing security at a nightclub in Pleasant Valley, he doesn't need the money but he needs to feel like he can protect the people he works with.
Polly has never had it easy. Kicked out of the foster care system the minute she turned 18, she has struggled and clawed her way to just simply surviving. She's learned first hand that men can be extremely vindictive and can not be trusted with her well being. She relies on only herself and has swore she will never be controlled by any man. She works a few hours a day at the Lunchbox, a restaurant in town and just got evicted from her home. She finds a new apt and gets a second job at a nightclub waitressing.
Erik and Polly literally run right into each other at the club. Something about her makes him feel things he hasn't felt in a long time, she for some reason feels a safety she's never felt before when she is near him. Although the two try to fight the attraction, it becomes too strong and when she is confronted with danger outside her new apartment his protective instincts kick in and he decides he wants her and will do what it takes to get her and keep her safe.
They both have pasts, pasts that aren't pretty. Will they trust in each other and try to build a future together, or is there too much damage standing in the way?
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!!!
5 Stars
This is my second book by this author and as much as I loved the first one I read I think this one surpassed it. I love this author's writing style and will be following her from here on out. She builds the best characters, she makes them come to life in these pages. She has definitely become one of my favorite authors and I will reread these books again and again.
Erik is suffering daily from the loss of the woman he loved. He blames himself for her death and just simply doesn't care anymore. He is drinking way too much, sleeping with whoever and whenever and still can't seem to forget. That's not the only guilt he deals with on a daily basis and his self worth is at about a negative ten. He takes a job doing security at a nightclub in Pleasant Valley, he doesn't need the money but he needs to feel like he can protect the people he works with.
Polly has never had it easy. Kicked out of the foster care system the minute she turned 18, she has struggled and clawed her way to just simply surviving. She's learned first hand that men can be extremely vindictive and can not be trusted with her well being. She relies on only herself and has swore she will never be controlled by any man. She works a few hours a day at the Lunchbox, a restaurant in town and just got evicted from her home. She finds a new apt and gets a second job at a nightclub waitressing.
Erik and Polly literally run right into each other at the club. Something about her makes him feel things he hasn't felt in a long time, she for some reason feels a safety she's never felt before when she is near him. Although the two try to fight the attraction, it becomes too strong and when she is confronted with danger outside her new apartment his protective instincts kick in and he decides he wants her and will do what it takes to get her and keep her safe.
They both have pasts, pasts that aren't pretty. Will they trust in each other and try to build a future together, or is there too much damage standing in the way?
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!!!
May 22, 2019
Erik💘Polly! Great Story & Audible Listen🎧 Heartfelt & Emotional!
Steady
A Pleasant Valley Novel
By: Anna Brooks
Narrated by: Lance Greenfield, Robyn Verne
Another great novel written by Anna Brooks, she has masterfully creates stories that run high on emotions and tug at your heartstrings. Her characters are realistic and relatable. “Steady” is Erik and Polly’s story, both characters appeared in “Fixing Fate” but they do not meet until now. Other ‘Pleasant Valley’ characters appear in this story too but it still can be enjoyed as a stand alone, all details you need to know are explained and built into the story. Polly has not had the easiest life, she was taken advantage of and steered wrong and then saved by the wrong person. She is finally on her own and is striving to be independent, she has a job at the “Lunch Box” and gets a second job at Brad’s club ‘Complexity”. Polly ran in to Eric her first time there and there was an instant attraction for him and he feels the need to be protective of her. There was a great chemistry between them. She is unsure of getting involved with anyone, the terrible choices she has made in the past took a toll on her confidence in herself. Both have their own skeletons in their closets and struggle with the demons of the past. Guilt eats at Erik and causes him to turn to alcohol and beat himself up. I loved how their relationship played out, how the mysteries of their past are eventually revealed. There were some great twists and surprises, in addition to drama, angst, a bit of suspense and some hot romance. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series and let Anna Brooks take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Thanks for another great story!
I listened to the Audible edition, Lance Greenfield and Robyn Vance are wonderful narrators and voice performers. They bring the characters and their story to life from the pages to your ears. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for a great listen🎧
Thank you 🎧@AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsessionReviewer
Steady
A Pleasant Valley Novel
By: Anna Brooks
Narrated by: Lance Greenfield, Robyn Verne
Another great novel written by Anna Brooks, she has masterfully creates stories that run high on emotions and tug at your heartstrings. Her characters are realistic and relatable. “Steady” is Erik and Polly’s story, both characters appeared in “Fixing Fate” but they do not meet until now. Other ‘Pleasant Valley’ characters appear in this story too but it still can be enjoyed as a stand alone, all details you need to know are explained and built into the story. Polly has not had the easiest life, she was taken advantage of and steered wrong and then saved by the wrong person. She is finally on her own and is striving to be independent, she has a job at the “Lunch Box” and gets a second job at Brad’s club ‘Complexity”. Polly ran in to Eric her first time there and there was an instant attraction for him and he feels the need to be protective of her. There was a great chemistry between them. She is unsure of getting involved with anyone, the terrible choices she has made in the past took a toll on her confidence in herself. Both have their own skeletons in their closets and struggle with the demons of the past. Guilt eats at Erik and causes him to turn to alcohol and beat himself up. I loved how their relationship played out, how the mysteries of their past are eventually revealed. There were some great twists and surprises, in addition to drama, angst, a bit of suspense and some hot romance. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series and let Anna Brooks take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Thanks for another great story!
I listened to the Audible edition, Lance Greenfield and Robyn Vance are wonderful narrators and voice performers. They bring the characters and their story to life from the pages to your ears. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for a great listen🎧
Thank you 🎧@AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsessionReviewer
August 6, 2017
Steady, A Pleasant Valley novel by Anna Brooks is a love story where the main characters Erik and Polly have to overcome and face many challenges. Steady is a romantic novel filled with suspense, heartache and trust.
Steady tells the story of Polly Madison, who Is fighting hard to be independent. She is trying to overcome everything she has been through, and it is not easy. She has been trying very hard to have control of her life, that was until she meets Erik Anderson.
Erik has his own baggage that has haunted him for years. Due to what happened in his past he feels like he has failed the ones he has loved the most. Then he meets Polly and she does something to Erik that takes his breath away. Erik wants to take care and protect Polly from the first time he met her, just has this intense feeling about her. Polly does not want Erik to protect, though he does not stop trying. Polly slowly lets her walls down but is very tentative in allowing to protect her. Erik and Polly are both able to understand each other once they share their past, they are not to blame themselves for what they have both been through. Will being honest with each other help in their relationship and overcome the history they both have? Will they be able to have a future together?
Wow, is all I can say about Steady. Steady is the third book in the Pleasant Valley Series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. I for sure will be going back to read the first two books in the Pleasant Valley Series. Anna Brooks does a wonderful job developing the characters of Erik and Polly as well as the storyline of Steady. She has you rooting for Erik and Polly throughout the story. Ms. Brooks has your emotions all over the place, but well worth it, have your tissues ready. I am definitely going back to read the first two books in the series and looking forward to reading the next book in the Pleasant Valley Series.
Steady tells the story of Polly Madison, who Is fighting hard to be independent. She is trying to overcome everything she has been through, and it is not easy. She has been trying very hard to have control of her life, that was until she meets Erik Anderson.
Erik has his own baggage that has haunted him for years. Due to what happened in his past he feels like he has failed the ones he has loved the most. Then he meets Polly and she does something to Erik that takes his breath away. Erik wants to take care and protect Polly from the first time he met her, just has this intense feeling about her. Polly does not want Erik to protect, though he does not stop trying. Polly slowly lets her walls down but is very tentative in allowing to protect her. Erik and Polly are both able to understand each other once they share their past, they are not to blame themselves for what they have both been through. Will being honest with each other help in their relationship and overcome the history they both have? Will they be able to have a future together?
Wow, is all I can say about Steady. Steady is the third book in the Pleasant Valley Series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. I for sure will be going back to read the first two books in the Pleasant Valley Series. Anna Brooks does a wonderful job developing the characters of Erik and Polly as well as the storyline of Steady. She has you rooting for Erik and Polly throughout the story. Ms. Brooks has your emotions all over the place, but well worth it, have your tissues ready. I am definitely going back to read the first two books in the series and looking forward to reading the next book in the Pleasant Valley Series.
August 22, 2017
Steady (Pleasant Valley #3) by Anna Brooks
5 out of 5stars
I have rad quite a few books by Ms. Brooks and I simply love her writing she brings her world right to you as your transported into her stories. The storyline in this story made me cry a few times but she also had me laughing at certain points. The characters are well written and their banter is awesome.
Erik Anderson has seen a lot of pain in his life and now he is paying for his mistakes and enduring every bit of pain that comes his way even if the mistake weren’t his fault. After all, if it weren’t for him, the girl who gave him more than he deserved would still be alive. Even if he were to be put out of his misery, he’d never see her again. Considering angels go to heaven and sinners go to hell, Erik’s going to burn.
Polly Madison has never had it easy she is young and naive, she learned the hard way how vindictive some men can truly be. She’s fought her whole life for stability and control, both of which she refuses to give up ever again since she’s older and wiser now.
When Polly and Erik run into each other in the most clichéd way possible, it shouldn’t have meant anything. But in his arms, Polly felt safer than she ever has before. Erik sees a future he’d given up on while looking into her eyes.
They try to fight it. Try to deny something neither is prepared for. But when his own insecurities put her in harm’s way, Erik knows protecting Polly’s life is more important than continuing to wreck his.
Will Erik be able to open up to Polly? Will Polly be able to open up to Erik? Can they move forward from their past? Can they learn from their mistakes? Will they have a happily ever after?
You will need to read this story/series to find out what happens in the Pleasant Valley series…I highly recommend this author and her stories…
By
Tracy
5 out of 5stars
I have rad quite a few books by Ms. Brooks and I simply love her writing she brings her world right to you as your transported into her stories. The storyline in this story made me cry a few times but she also had me laughing at certain points. The characters are well written and their banter is awesome.
Erik Anderson has seen a lot of pain in his life and now he is paying for his mistakes and enduring every bit of pain that comes his way even if the mistake weren’t his fault. After all, if it weren’t for him, the girl who gave him more than he deserved would still be alive. Even if he were to be put out of his misery, he’d never see her again. Considering angels go to heaven and sinners go to hell, Erik’s going to burn.
Polly Madison has never had it easy she is young and naive, she learned the hard way how vindictive some men can truly be. She’s fought her whole life for stability and control, both of which she refuses to give up ever again since she’s older and wiser now.
When Polly and Erik run into each other in the most clichéd way possible, it shouldn’t have meant anything. But in his arms, Polly felt safer than she ever has before. Erik sees a future he’d given up on while looking into her eyes.
They try to fight it. Try to deny something neither is prepared for. But when his own insecurities put her in harm’s way, Erik knows protecting Polly’s life is more important than continuing to wreck his.
Will Erik be able to open up to Polly? Will Polly be able to open up to Erik? Can they move forward from their past? Can they learn from their mistakes? Will they have a happily ever after?
You will need to read this story/series to find out what happens in the Pleasant Valley series…I highly recommend this author and her stories…
By
Tracy
July 17, 2017
I was given a copy of the ARC for an honest review by the Author.
I’m always guaranteed that when I read a book by this author that I will be changed, I need to clear my schedule and that when I finish it, I will just read it again.
Erik has had his share of tragedy and with a huge amount of self blame his life is spiraling. From the very beginning I felt for him, when you feel as if you don’t deserve anything good, it’s going to take a miracle for you to see your own worth.
Polly has had a hard life, growing up in the foster care system, never having or knowing what it’s like to have “family”, the few times she allowed herself to depend on someone else ended up turning out poorly and getting involved with someone is not something she’s looking for.
It’s so hard to put into words the depth or perhaps the layers that make up Erik and Polly. They each have baggage that is not easy to unload. When they meet, it’s that instant attraction. The author does an excellent job of making the reader believe in love at first sight. They both feel the intense attraction and though they have reservations, they can’t help but take the chance.
There are no easy words to describe Erik and Polly’s road to HEA. There are so many issues, so many things from their pasts that keep butting in, causing hiccups along the way but the road there is so damn good, I just couldn’t put the book down. I’ve read it twice already, having gone back and read the first two in the series as well. Anna’s characters are so well developed you find yourself becoming a part of their lives and long after the book is finished, your mind wanders back to their story. I highly recommend this book. What are you waiting for? You know you want to read it!
I’m always guaranteed that when I read a book by this author that I will be changed, I need to clear my schedule and that when I finish it, I will just read it again.
Erik has had his share of tragedy and with a huge amount of self blame his life is spiraling. From the very beginning I felt for him, when you feel as if you don’t deserve anything good, it’s going to take a miracle for you to see your own worth.
Polly has had a hard life, growing up in the foster care system, never having or knowing what it’s like to have “family”, the few times she allowed herself to depend on someone else ended up turning out poorly and getting involved with someone is not something she’s looking for.
It’s so hard to put into words the depth or perhaps the layers that make up Erik and Polly. They each have baggage that is not easy to unload. When they meet, it’s that instant attraction. The author does an excellent job of making the reader believe in love at first sight. They both feel the intense attraction and though they have reservations, they can’t help but take the chance.
There are no easy words to describe Erik and Polly’s road to HEA. There are so many issues, so many things from their pasts that keep butting in, causing hiccups along the way but the road there is so damn good, I just couldn’t put the book down. I’ve read it twice already, having gone back and read the first two in the series as well. Anna’s characters are so well developed you find yourself becoming a part of their lives and long after the book is finished, your mind wanders back to their story. I highly recommend this book. What are you waiting for? You know you want to read it!
July 27, 2017
First of all can we all take a second to admire this cover please?! I absolutely love it!!
Second, I have to somehow manage to find the words for this review other than, wow!
I always know that when I'm reading a book by the lovely lady Anna Brooks that it's going to be amazing and this was no exception. Alpha Erik had his demons which reared their ugly heads on more than one occasion. I always knew he was haunted by his past but I had no idea the extent of it. The guilt he was carrying was immense! Polly isn't without her demons either. She'd always put her trust in the wrong people and that led to her becoming hurt and scarred. As a heroine I really loved her don't give up attitude. She was so determined to not let her past define her and to never give in and I really admired that.
My heart broke for them both!
This was a well written 5 star read that perfectly demonstrates how two broken souls, each with their insecurities, can start to heal. They prove just how powerful love can be and together they can help each other overcome anything. I really did love their story!
Now lastly, if we can take a minute to address the last piece of Erik's epilogue. I know what you did there Anna Brooks! You little sneak you! I'm not going to admit to you that I'm intrigued and love it because I feel this would only fuel you on to do that for future stories and I don't deal well with waiting lol. Ugh! Now I want to know!!
In all seriousness I loved Erik and Polly's story, it really was the perfect one for them. As usual the storyline kicked a** and their chemistry could really be felt off the pages. It was hauntingly beautiful, a little angsty, a lot steamy and I highly recommend it!!
Second, I have to somehow manage to find the words for this review other than, wow!
I always know that when I'm reading a book by the lovely lady Anna Brooks that it's going to be amazing and this was no exception. Alpha Erik had his demons which reared their ugly heads on more than one occasion. I always knew he was haunted by his past but I had no idea the extent of it. The guilt he was carrying was immense! Polly isn't without her demons either. She'd always put her trust in the wrong people and that led to her becoming hurt and scarred. As a heroine I really loved her don't give up attitude. She was so determined to not let her past define her and to never give in and I really admired that.
My heart broke for them both!
This was a well written 5 star read that perfectly demonstrates how two broken souls, each with their insecurities, can start to heal. They prove just how powerful love can be and together they can help each other overcome anything. I really did love their story!
Now lastly, if we can take a minute to address the last piece of Erik's epilogue. I know what you did there Anna Brooks! You little sneak you! I'm not going to admit to you that I'm intrigued and love it because I feel this would only fuel you on to do that for future stories and I don't deal well with waiting lol. Ugh! Now I want to know!!
In all seriousness I loved Erik and Polly's story, it really was the perfect one for them. As usual the storyline kicked a** and their chemistry could really be felt off the pages. It was hauntingly beautiful, a little angsty, a lot steamy and I highly recommend it!!
August 3, 2017
Steady
By Anna Brooks
5 stars
I’m pretty sure I have lost count of how many books that I have read by this author now but there is one thing I do know and that she is one brilliant author! Her books are just amazing to read. She comes up with fantastic storylines that always manage to break my heart then mend it again, she creates characters who you just can’t help but fall in love with and they are always, always beautifully written. The pace and flow of her stories are always spot on and Steady is no different. I think it may possibly be my favourite! Having read the previous books in the series I was really looking forward to reading Eric’s story and I have to say I loved both Eric and Polly!! Their stories were just so heart-breaking and they really were just perfect for each other.
I really felt for Polly, I really felt for her. As she was explaining her past to Eric I was literally in tears! She really did deserve someone to love her for just her; she deserved to be looked after and not because someone wanted something from her. I really wanted her to let Eric be that person for her! I did admire her independent streak though!!
Eric, oh Eric! He is just one of those characters that you can’t help but fall in love with straight away. As with Polly his past story had me in tears and he so deserved to be happy. He deserved to find someone to love and protect and it was obvious he wanted that person to be Polly, regardless of how much she pushed!
As with all the books that I have read by Anna Brooks, Steady was full of emotion, had fabulous characters with intense chemistry and I loved every single word that I read! I cannot wait to see what this author can come up with next!!
By Anna Brooks
5 stars
I’m pretty sure I have lost count of how many books that I have read by this author now but there is one thing I do know and that she is one brilliant author! Her books are just amazing to read. She comes up with fantastic storylines that always manage to break my heart then mend it again, she creates characters who you just can’t help but fall in love with and they are always, always beautifully written. The pace and flow of her stories are always spot on and Steady is no different. I think it may possibly be my favourite! Having read the previous books in the series I was really looking forward to reading Eric’s story and I have to say I loved both Eric and Polly!! Their stories were just so heart-breaking and they really were just perfect for each other.
I really felt for Polly, I really felt for her. As she was explaining her past to Eric I was literally in tears! She really did deserve someone to love her for just her; she deserved to be looked after and not because someone wanted something from her. I really wanted her to let Eric be that person for her! I did admire her independent streak though!!
Eric, oh Eric! He is just one of those characters that you can’t help but fall in love with straight away. As with Polly his past story had me in tears and he so deserved to be happy. He deserved to find someone to love and protect and it was obvious he wanted that person to be Polly, regardless of how much she pushed!
As with all the books that I have read by Anna Brooks, Steady was full of emotion, had fabulous characters with intense chemistry and I loved every single word that I read! I cannot wait to see what this author can come up with next!!
July 26, 2017
Tough love, learning the difference between having a family and having no family and then the “chosen family” that aren’t related to you and fate are some of the things I would say to describe this story. Erik and Polly each have their own baggage to hurdle through and overcome, but when you smack into the person literally it might not have been an accident. It was like fate intervened for them and put them together at just the right time.
The chemistry between these two were instant and that is OK, cause I truly believe there can be love at first sight. You may not know it’s love then, but you will as you progress in the relationship. Erik was the protector not only in his job, but when it came to Polly as well. Polly is sweet and naïve when it comes to men based upon her upbringing. While they both had reservations about pursing a relationship and the hurdles that came into play, you will see that how the story ends up is how it should. These two could not be a more perfect pair and their attraction and passion is fan worthy.
While I found out that this was book 3 in a series, each book could be read as a standalone and any crossovers I felt were discussed to give us enough background to understand the story. I’m curious about the Firm team and the other secondary character’s story so when I get a chance to read the other books it will probably be like a light bulb going off and saying ahh so that explains the snippet we seen in the other book. It does not at all leave you feeling like you need to read the other books. You feel the emotions and might just want to cry at times or try to hide the tears at least.
The chemistry between these two were instant and that is OK, cause I truly believe there can be love at first sight. You may not know it’s love then, but you will as you progress in the relationship. Erik was the protector not only in his job, but when it came to Polly as well. Polly is sweet and naïve when it comes to men based upon her upbringing. While they both had reservations about pursing a relationship and the hurdles that came into play, you will see that how the story ends up is how it should. These two could not be a more perfect pair and their attraction and passion is fan worthy.
While I found out that this was book 3 in a series, each book could be read as a standalone and any crossovers I felt were discussed to give us enough background to understand the story. I’m curious about the Firm team and the other secondary character’s story so when I get a chance to read the other books it will probably be like a light bulb going off and saying ahh so that explains the snippet we seen in the other book. It does not at all leave you feeling like you need to read the other books. You feel the emotions and might just want to cry at times or try to hide the tears at least.
July 26, 2017
Before this book, I had only read one other book of Anna Brooks (easy sacrifice). Although I knew I liked Anna Brook’s writing style, I was still unsure on what to expect from this book – as I haven’t read Mellie’s story yet. From page one of this book I was hooked. I did find the story slow in parts but I liked that the story wasn’t rushed. Erik and Polly’s past were so painful and intense so I was happy that the story was slow in parts. I felt the emotions in this book; both Erik and Polly’s story stole a piece of my heart. I was rooting for them both to get their happily ever after they so badly deserved.
I liked that Mellie and Polly bonded and became friends despite their linked pasts. I was amused by Polly’s lack of cooking skills. I liked that despite the fact she kept failing, she carried on trying. I liked Erik and Polly as a couple. The chemistry between them was clear to see. I liked that neither of them judged each other’s pasts. Erik had his demons – he had a drinking problem. Polly had a need to be loved but didn’t want to be controlled. My heart hurt when Erik’s painful past was revealed. I hurt for him and what he had been through with Sophia and his parents.
My heart melted at the fact Polly wanted to adopt a teenager. It was clear to see that she wanted to help someone that had been in foster care like she had.
I want to read Paisley’s story. I want to see what happens in the future between her and Royce.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and a nice read.
I liked that Mellie and Polly bonded and became friends despite their linked pasts. I was amused by Polly’s lack of cooking skills. I liked that despite the fact she kept failing, she carried on trying. I liked Erik and Polly as a couple. The chemistry between them was clear to see. I liked that neither of them judged each other’s pasts. Erik had his demons – he had a drinking problem. Polly had a need to be loved but didn’t want to be controlled. My heart hurt when Erik’s painful past was revealed. I hurt for him and what he had been through with Sophia and his parents.
My heart melted at the fact Polly wanted to adopt a teenager. It was clear to see that she wanted to help someone that had been in foster care like she had.
I want to read Paisley’s story. I want to see what happens in the future between her and Royce.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and a nice read.
August 4, 2017
Steady by Anna Brooks is part of the Pleasant Valley Series, and it is absolutely amazing! Even though you could read this book as a standalone, I would recommend starting with the first book in the series. Steady is all about moving on from the past and is filled with romance and suspense. This author is extremely talented, I know that with each book she writes, I'm in for an adventure and guaranteed to be up late into the night reading, because I won't be able to put the book down. This book was no different! It's an amazing 5 star read! \\
Erik Anderson is in pain everyday, he lives with it every time he wakes up. He knows pain like no one else, his pain is a little different, it comes from the girl who is suppose to be alive. He's convinced that he's going to hell because of what happened. When he bumps into Polly Madison he literally gets lost in her eyes. Unfortunately for him, Polly is more guarded then he is. She doesn't trust men and she's learned the hard way, that men can't be trusted. All Polly wants is to have control and stability in her life. Even though she knows from the second she bumps into Erik that he's different, she's just not sure she can trust him. Will Polly let Erik in? Will these two deny their connection that they have? Will they let their pasts continue to dictate their futures?
As always Anna Brooks has created another masterpiece and a great addition to the series! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good moving forward book! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Erik Anderson is in pain everyday, he lives with it every time he wakes up. He knows pain like no one else, his pain is a little different, it comes from the girl who is suppose to be alive. He's convinced that he's going to hell because of what happened. When he bumps into Polly Madison he literally gets lost in her eyes. Unfortunately for him, Polly is more guarded then he is. She doesn't trust men and she's learned the hard way, that men can't be trusted. All Polly wants is to have control and stability in her life. Even though she knows from the second she bumps into Erik that he's different, she's just not sure she can trust him. Will Polly let Erik in? Will these two deny their connection that they have? Will they let their pasts continue to dictate their futures?
As always Anna Brooks has created another masterpiece and a great addition to the series! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good moving forward book! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
August 19, 2017
Steady written by Anna Books
Pleasant Valley Novels Book 3
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have loved this series, but think I have found my new favorite Alpa! Who wouldn't love someone who will support your dreams, always wants to see you happy, has humor, is a “little” over protective and is a successful businessman….the way this book left off~ I think book four in this series is a possibility. Fingers crossed. I'm not ready to leave Pleasant Valley just yet.
Polly aka Polls has felt alone and afraid for a long time. She never knew what it was like to have family or friends. She has always had to be independent~no one was there to watch out for her. She thought she finally found that, but realized too late what a mistake it was trusting someone else to take care of her.
“I’m someone who’s messed up enough in life to know that I don’t want, nor do I need, anybody else but myself. Because the minute you give somebody your trust, they find a way to break you.”
Erik had it all and in a moment it slipped through his fingers. Now he lives his life trying to protect others. He knows he can't give his heart to anyone, because he lost that when he made the biggest mistake of his life. He keeps everything bottled up and is going to end up destroying himself if he continues down the same dark path. He has secrets, nightmares and many regrets. He doesn't feel worthy of love or happiness.
“...my heart is already ripped so far down the middle that it’s beyond repair. No amount of sewing can put it back together.”
Pleasant Valley Novels Book 3
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have loved this series, but think I have found my new favorite Alpa! Who wouldn't love someone who will support your dreams, always wants to see you happy, has humor, is a “little” over protective and is a successful businessman….the way this book left off~ I think book four in this series is a possibility. Fingers crossed. I'm not ready to leave Pleasant Valley just yet.
Polly aka Polls has felt alone and afraid for a long time. She never knew what it was like to have family or friends. She has always had to be independent~no one was there to watch out for her. She thought she finally found that, but realized too late what a mistake it was trusting someone else to take care of her.
“I’m someone who’s messed up enough in life to know that I don’t want, nor do I need, anybody else but myself. Because the minute you give somebody your trust, they find a way to break you.”
Erik had it all and in a moment it slipped through his fingers. Now he lives his life trying to protect others. He knows he can't give his heart to anyone, because he lost that when he made the biggest mistake of his life. He keeps everything bottled up and is going to end up destroying himself if he continues down the same dark path. He has secrets, nightmares and many regrets. He doesn't feel worthy of love or happiness.
“...my heart is already ripped so far down the middle that it’s beyond repair. No amount of sewing can put it back together.”
July 26, 2017
Absolutely In Love
I am not very good at leaving reviews. However, I am absolutely in love with story.
Erik is a broken man who feels like he doesn't deserve to be loved. As a young man, he survived, not one but two terrible incidents that left him scarred and feeling broken and turned to alcohol to numb is pain.
Polly is a sweet young lady who was raised in the foster care system and was released when she turned 18 to defend for herself. She had suffered at the hands of some ex-boyfriends by seeking stability and security, but found she had just been used and abused.
When Erik and Polly found each other, they both didn't think they were made for each other, but they could not stay away from each other. When one finds that special someone who is just the right-wrong person, but finds out they are so on track with each other, they seek that connection at no cost. Once they come together, it is true love and the magic starts to win.
This story has some angst and a few tears to it. I believe this story is one of Anna's best ones yet. They storyline and the storytelling is simply amazing. I love to feel the emotions of the characters and cry when they cry. I believe that is what makes a story a great story and I feel this is a great story. I will highly recommend this 5 star read to my family and friends.
I am very honored to had received this book as an ARC reviewer. ❤
I am not very good at leaving reviews. However, I am absolutely in love with story.
Erik is a broken man who feels like he doesn't deserve to be loved. As a young man, he survived, not one but two terrible incidents that left him scarred and feeling broken and turned to alcohol to numb is pain.
Polly is a sweet young lady who was raised in the foster care system and was released when she turned 18 to defend for herself. She had suffered at the hands of some ex-boyfriends by seeking stability and security, but found she had just been used and abused.
When Erik and Polly found each other, they both didn't think they were made for each other, but they could not stay away from each other. When one finds that special someone who is just the right-wrong person, but finds out they are so on track with each other, they seek that connection at no cost. Once they come together, it is true love and the magic starts to win.
This story has some angst and a few tears to it. I believe this story is one of Anna's best ones yet. They storyline and the storytelling is simply amazing. I love to feel the emotions of the characters and cry when they cry. I believe that is what makes a story a great story and I feel this is a great story. I will highly recommend this 5 star read to my family and friends.
I am very honored to had received this book as an ARC reviewer. ❤
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