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Carrigan Castle may be broken but she’s finally free. Free of the bonds holding her back. Free of her painful past. Free just to be. With the death of her mother, it’s time to leave her small town behind and find her own way—even if it means letting go of her ideals.
A cross-country trip is about to take her to a brand-new life she never imagined. When Whit Barklay unexpectedly enters the picture, she begins the ride of her life—one filled with thrills and twists and turns. It’s time to figure out where she belongs. It’s time to find her way. Will Whit detour Carrigan from finding her true chance at happiness? Or will he be her North Star, pointing her to a better life with him?
One cross-country train ride to a brand-new life.
One man she never expected.
One relationship she’s too scared to begin.
One risk she may not be willing to take . . .
Unless he can show her she’s only bent and not broken.
A cross-country trip is about to take her to a brand-new life she never imagined. When Whit Barklay unexpectedly enters the picture, she begins the ride of her life—one filled with thrills and twists and turns. It’s time to figure out where she belongs. It’s time to find her way. Will Whit detour Carrigan from finding her true chance at happiness? Or will he be her North Star, pointing her to a better life with him?
One cross-country train ride to a brand-new life.
One man she never expected.
One relationship she’s too scared to begin.
One risk she may not be willing to take . . .
Unless he can show her she’s only bent and not broken.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
272 pages, ebook
First published December 2, 2018
132 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 10, 2018
A solid debut novel from a writer displaying depth to her characters, and a willingness to go after meaty, meaningful subjects. I was moved and astonished by the range in how Ms. Wynn tackles some tough subjects, the ambiguity of death and the unsurety of redefining oneself after such an event, with poise and heartfelt emotion. The romance is a slow build, but the pay-off is worth it. Wynn doesn't shy away from digging deep into her characters, and displaying the corners of their hearts. I look forward to reading the next book!
December 9, 2018
This book is about learning to live and love again even through the hard times. Lana~White Hot Reads
Hollis Wynn's debut novel Bent is everything the title says it is. The story of a young women, making a new life for herself after losing someone close to her. She decides to leave the only life she ever knew for a new one somewhere else. The trial and tribulations that she encounters are just part of her growing journey. Carrigan wants to be loved and as she says she's on bent not broken. I can't wait for other books from this author.
Hollis Wynn's debut novel Bent is everything the title says it is. The story of a young women, making a new life for herself after losing someone close to her. She decides to leave the only life she ever knew for a new one somewhere else. The trial and tribulations that she encounters are just part of her growing journey. Carrigan wants to be loved and as she says she's on bent not broken. I can't wait for other books from this author.
June 22, 2019
Love is complicated….
I really enjoyed this debut novel that chronicled a thoughtful and emotional journey to self-discovery and love. Carrigan’s past was laid out in notes she wrote to herself and to her mother. Raw, heartbreaking and always honest, it was easy to see the struggles and challenges she faced growing up. She was finally at a place where she could call her life, her choices, her own and she made the most of them. She longed for freedom and love but no one is prepared for the complications.
Carrigan was an easy character to relate to, to admire. She was naïve in some respects but had faced so much adversary that she was all too familiar with the realities of life. She was still optimistic though and embraced all the new experiences with open arms. Whit was unexpected but also a gift she relished. Whit was more of an enigma. Not hearing from his point of view meant words and actions spoke for him – some good, some not so clear…
Bent was a solid, satisfying read with love more than worth the price! I’m looking forward to more…
I really enjoyed this debut novel that chronicled a thoughtful and emotional journey to self-discovery and love. Carrigan’s past was laid out in notes she wrote to herself and to her mother. Raw, heartbreaking and always honest, it was easy to see the struggles and challenges she faced growing up. She was finally at a place where she could call her life, her choices, her own and she made the most of them. She longed for freedom and love but no one is prepared for the complications.
Carrigan was an easy character to relate to, to admire. She was naïve in some respects but had faced so much adversary that she was all too familiar with the realities of life. She was still optimistic though and embraced all the new experiences with open arms. Whit was unexpected but also a gift she relished. Whit was more of an enigma. Not hearing from his point of view meant words and actions spoke for him – some good, some not so clear…
Bent was a solid, satisfying read with love more than worth the price! I’m looking forward to more…
December 11, 2018
OMG what a roller coaster, I seriously fell in love with the Characters, loved every single page, cried more than once, what Carrigan went through is hard as hell and sadly things like this happen every day, the way the story moved forward was magnificent, the way Carrigan grew was inspiring, Whit was breathtaking, made me hate him a little, but I knew he wouldn't let me down, this book deserves more than 5 stars.
Hollis Wynn's you wrote an amazing story that will capture the hearts of many, I know it's captured mine.
Hollis Wynn's you wrote an amazing story that will capture the hearts of many, I know it's captured mine.
December 8, 2018
Bent is a sweet romance from debut author Hollis Wynn. The cast of characters (including the secondary ones) were a fun and interesting bunch. Carrigan is broken and scarred yet determined to find her way in this world. She takes a chance on something new and her life changes exponentially. I really enjoyed this book and hope to see more from this author.
January 5, 2019
An emotionally rich journey of heart, soul, strength, and second chances at life and love.
December 3, 2018
Carrigan Castle may be broken but she’s finally free. Free of the bonds holding her back. Free of her painful past. Free just to be. With the death of her mother, it’s time to leave her small town behind and find her own way—even if it means letting go of her ideals.
A cross-country trip is about to take her to a brand-new life she never imagined. When Whit Barklay unexpectedly enters the picture, she begins the ride of her life—one filled with thrills and twists and turns. It’s time to figure out where she belongs. It’s time to find her way. Will Whit detour Carrigan from finding her true chance at happiness? Or will he be her North Star, pointing her to a better life with him?
One cross-country train ride to a brand-new life.
One man she never expected.
One relationship she’s too scared to begin.
One risk she may not be willing to take . . .
Unless he can show her she’s only bent and not broken.
What a wonderful first book! I really enjoyed this story. My heart broke as we learned of Carrigan's past. I had mixed feelings about Whit throughout this book. Would not hav3 guessed this is Ms. Wynn's debut book. Highly recommend
A cross-country trip is about to take her to a brand-new life she never imagined. When Whit Barklay unexpectedly enters the picture, she begins the ride of her life—one filled with thrills and twists and turns. It’s time to figure out where she belongs. It’s time to find her way. Will Whit detour Carrigan from finding her true chance at happiness? Or will he be her North Star, pointing her to a better life with him?
One cross-country train ride to a brand-new life.
One man she never expected.
One relationship she’s too scared to begin.
One risk she may not be willing to take . . .
Unless he can show her she’s only bent and not broken.
What a wonderful first book! I really enjoyed this story. My heart broke as we learned of Carrigan's past. I had mixed feelings about Whit throughout this book. Would not hav3 guessed this is Ms. Wynn's debut book. Highly recommend
December 3, 2018
OMG!!! A 5 ++++ amazing stars book! Ashley @ Carolina Chic’s Read
This author’s debut novel has me wanting more from her like now!!! This book has all the emotions! I laughed, I cried, I got mad and in the end my heart soared for these two characters. I truly could not put this book down I read into the wee hours of the morning to finish!!
Carrigan’s start is one that you would want for no one but it makes her who she is. She is on a journey to move away from the small town life and find out who she truly is. The journey finds friends and love. But will the guy who has stolen her heart be her true love or will he break her like everyone else in her life? I seriously did not know what was going to happen to Carrigan’s heart until the very end. Every I would think I knew where the author was taking the story she threw something unexpected in! I cannot wait
This author’s debut novel has me wanting more from her like now!!! This book has all the emotions! I laughed, I cried, I got mad and in the end my heart soared for these two characters. I truly could not put this book down I read into the wee hours of the morning to finish!!
Carrigan’s start is one that you would want for no one but it makes her who she is. She is on a journey to move away from the small town life and find out who she truly is. The journey finds friends and love. But will the guy who has stolen her heart be her true love or will he break her like everyone else in her life? I seriously did not know what was going to happen to Carrigan’s heart until the very end. Every I would think I knew where the author was taking the story she threw something unexpected in! I cannot wait
December 2, 2018
When you want to give a book 10 Stars! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Every once and a while a new author comes around and you take a chance on something new. This story of loss, secrets revealed, love, heartbreak is new and refreshing! I have not read another book like this one!
Carrigan’s journey to start new for herself leads her to an amazing life. She finds friendships, love, and she also finds that you can be a little bent and not broken and still be ok! Whit is a man you will
swoon for and he had to really earn his way into my heart!
This debut authors release is one I have been anticipating for a couple of years and the wait was completely worth it! Give me more!
Every once and a while a new author comes around and you take a chance on something new. This story of loss, secrets revealed, love, heartbreak is new and refreshing! I have not read another book like this one!
Carrigan’s journey to start new for herself leads her to an amazing life. She finds friendships, love, and she also finds that you can be a little bent and not broken and still be ok! Whit is a man you will
swoon for and he had to really earn his way into my heart!
This debut authors release is one I have been anticipating for a couple of years and the wait was completely worth it! Give me more!
December 8, 2018
What a great start for a first book!
Has been a long time since a read a romance book without a sex scene and this sweet book was astonishing.
This book tells us about new beginnings, families secrets, love stories, friendships, betrayal, hard work and HEA.
Carrigan had a crap childhood with her mother loving more a bottle of alcohol than her daughter.
After the passing of her mum, Carrigan leaves her past behind, to starts a new life in a new city without the gossip to follow.
On her way to Chicago, big surprises happen.
Oh, my heart.
Whit & Carrigan love story is full of heartache, lies, sorrow, happiness, smiles, tears and HEA.
So much drama, secrets and alcohol!
I would love to know more about Amber and Matt and her relationship with her grandma, and why Whit was on the train?
I would love a second book, please!
Love, Love , Love
Has been a long time since a read a romance book without a sex scene and this sweet book was astonishing.
This book tells us about new beginnings, families secrets, love stories, friendships, betrayal, hard work and HEA.
Carrigan had a crap childhood with her mother loving more a bottle of alcohol than her daughter.
After the passing of her mum, Carrigan leaves her past behind, to starts a new life in a new city without the gossip to follow.
On her way to Chicago, big surprises happen.
Oh, my heart.
Whit & Carrigan love story is full of heartache, lies, sorrow, happiness, smiles, tears and HEA.
So much drama, secrets and alcohol!
I would love to know more about Amber and Matt and her relationship with her grandma, and why Whit was on the train?
I would love a second book, please!
Love, Love , Love
January 3, 2019
This was a frustrating read. The story starts with Carrigan and Whit meeting on a train ride and getting to know each other on the long ride from NYC to Chicago. Carrigan admits that her mom was basically the town whore, and she lived in the shadow of that reputation, with other women making comments about watching their men around her. She says she’s never been that girl and has no desire to ever be that person. All she wants is a husband and family to love. Whit is engaged but not really in love with his fiancée.
They reconnect a week later in Chicago and start a relationship, with Carrigan assuming the engagement was called off until a few months later when she starts a new job as an event planner at...his wedding.
A new romantic lead is introduced but she won’t stop pining over Whit, because he “gets her.” Even though he’s the man who knew she never wanted to be the other woman, and still made her the other woman.
I kept hoping she would realize she’s worth more than that, but instead the story ends with him leaving his wife after Carrigan accidentally discusses still being in love with Whit in front of his wife in the bathroom at a party.
She goes back to him and decides to trust him basically because life is too short.
They reconnect a week later in Chicago and start a relationship, with Carrigan assuming the engagement was called off until a few months later when she starts a new job as an event planner at...his wedding.
A new romantic lead is introduced but she won’t stop pining over Whit, because he “gets her.” Even though he’s the man who knew she never wanted to be the other woman, and still made her the other woman.
I kept hoping she would realize she’s worth more than that, but instead the story ends with him leaving his wife after Carrigan accidentally discusses still being in love with Whit in front of his wife in the bathroom at a party.
She goes back to him and decides to trust him basically because life is too short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2018
This is a great breakout novel for Hollis Wynn. If you love a damaged heroine with a rough past you will love this book.
Carrigan has been through so much. She has been through so much as such a young age and endured way more pain and let downs then anyone should. As she embarks on the journey to her new life she meets a friend when she least expects it. You will finally find more depth and feelings she has harbored as she opens up.
Can she take a chance? Has fate finally set in for her? Can her life finally find the light? As she gets settled in her new life you will meet some amazing side characters , as well as, dig deeper into Carrigan and how her past has impacted her. Is she willing to take risks to find her true happiness? Will her past scars keep her from moving forward?
Do not miss this debut from Hollis Wynn..
Carrigan has been through so much. She has been through so much as such a young age and endured way more pain and let downs then anyone should. As she embarks on the journey to her new life she meets a friend when she least expects it. You will finally find more depth and feelings she has harbored as she opens up.
Can she take a chance? Has fate finally set in for her? Can her life finally find the light? As she gets settled in her new life you will meet some amazing side characters , as well as, dig deeper into Carrigan and how her past has impacted her. Is she willing to take risks to find her true happiness? Will her past scars keep her from moving forward?
Do not miss this debut from Hollis Wynn..
November 16, 2018
Great first novel from new author Hollis Wynn!!!!
Follow Carrigan on her journey as she discovers who she really is. From childhood secrets, to a whole new world as an adult, Carrigan's story will tug at your heartstrings right fromt the start.
If you love reading a "good book", not genre specific, give Bent a try!! You wont be disappointed.
Follow Carrigan on her journey as she discovers who she really is. From childhood secrets, to a whole new world as an adult, Carrigan's story will tug at your heartstrings right fromt the start.
If you love reading a "good book", not genre specific, give Bent a try!! You wont be disappointed.
December 9, 2018
Omg this book made me feel so many different emotions and only in the first few chapters. I couldn’t put it down because the end of the chapters made u want to read more. This is an amazing story. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.
December 9, 2018
Hollis Wynn was a new Author to me. And this is a story that will get you at the start. To follow from childhood secrets to her adult life. This is a book that comes together so nice. It’s a read that makes you wanting more. It’s a job well done. Thank you Hollis can’t wait for your next book!
December 9, 2018
Review to come at a later date.
October 2, 2021
Note: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings: Cheating, alcholism, mention of death.
I honestly think I read a different book to everyone else.
And I'll tell you why.
Despite all the meaningful dialogues and emotional chemistry MCs had, they were too hard to root for.
For one thing they both engage in an affair that is forbidden and not in a good way. And then he never really apologises for what he does close to the end (referencing to the affair and his life), and when he does have an actual excuse for what he does, it's pretty damn late, and I can't trust him.
But the female MC has no problem with it. In fact, she doesn't ditch him, just chases him around like his puppy and doesn't let up.
I feel humiliated and disgusted by the way the female MC is portrayed. She keeps saying "I won't be the other woman" but fate was laughing at her already by this point and decided to give her exactly what she said she wouldn't do (be the other woman). She's shown as weak, unable to keep from bad men, and too weak to make good decisions. I would never vote or even support a female MC like that in my life.
I hate cheating and pathetic excuses to explain away said cheating. They're both grown ass 25 year old adults, yet they can't make good choices in life. If he was so fed up with his prior matters, then he should have handled them better, instead of stringing around other girls like they're leftovers. If she knew he couldn't commit to her, she should've left him.
Sigh...it was such good writing and brilliant explaining of how travel in a train or any other transport works...but then this affair thing, lies, deceit and crap...I couldn't.
I feel for Sarah, she didn't even cheat on him even though things weren't so damn great. And Matt. He deserved better.
I deserved better from this debut novel by Wynn. Sigh.
Maybe I'll read her other works. Maybe I won't.
Who knows? After this travesty, it's hard to say.
PS: Thanks for the reminder Wynn, of my own cheating ex. Like I needed to remember that.
Until the next (hopefully better, and not filled with cheating) read,
-TMR
Trigger Warnings: Cheating, alcholism, mention of death.
I honestly think I read a different book to everyone else.
And I'll tell you why.
Despite all the meaningful dialogues and emotional chemistry MCs had, they were too hard to root for.
For one thing they both engage in an affair that is forbidden and not in a good way. And then he never really apologises for what he does close to the end (referencing to the affair and his life), and when he does have an actual excuse for what he does, it's pretty damn late, and I can't trust him.
But the female MC has no problem with it. In fact, she doesn't ditch him, just chases him around like his puppy and doesn't let up.
I feel humiliated and disgusted by the way the female MC is portrayed. She keeps saying "I won't be the other woman" but fate was laughing at her already by this point and decided to give her exactly what she said she wouldn't do (be the other woman). She's shown as weak, unable to keep from bad men, and too weak to make good decisions. I would never vote or even support a female MC like that in my life.
I hate cheating and pathetic excuses to explain away said cheating. They're both grown ass 25 year old adults, yet they can't make good choices in life. If he was so fed up with his prior matters, then he should have handled them better, instead of stringing around other girls like they're leftovers. If she knew he couldn't commit to her, she should've left him.
Sigh...it was such good writing and brilliant explaining of how travel in a train or any other transport works...but then this affair thing, lies, deceit and crap...I couldn't.
I feel for Sarah, she didn't even cheat on him even though things weren't so damn great. And Matt. He deserved better.
I deserved better from this debut novel by Wynn. Sigh.
Maybe I'll read her other works. Maybe I won't.
Who knows? After this travesty, it's hard to say.
PS: Thanks for the reminder Wynn, of my own cheating ex. Like I needed to remember that.
Until the next (hopefully better, and not filled with cheating) read,
-TMR
December 13, 2018
A story about moving on and becoming better, realizing your potential... learning and growing. Finding your way.
These characters are not without flaws. But, it was good seeing them learn from mistakes made.
I liked reading a female lead who doesn't let her limitations hold her back... Carrigan is open to new experiences and wants to find her own way. She has seen and been through a lot and yet, has kept her innocence and kindness. She doesn't let her past define her.
Whit, he took a bit of getting used to. My first reaction was to really like him. But, as the story goes on, he becomes a bit shady and not very forthcoming. However, there is a method to his madness. I shook my head plenty of times at how blind Carrigan chose to be when it came to Whit. It was interesting to see how their story played out ...surprising.
And, I should mention, I really enjoyed the background characters in this book!
For a first time author, I think the book was surprisingly good. Excited to see what else she has in store for us.
These characters are not without flaws. But, it was good seeing them learn from mistakes made.
I liked reading a female lead who doesn't let her limitations hold her back... Carrigan is open to new experiences and wants to find her own way. She has seen and been through a lot and yet, has kept her innocence and kindness. She doesn't let her past define her.
Whit, he took a bit of getting used to. My first reaction was to really like him. But, as the story goes on, he becomes a bit shady and not very forthcoming. However, there is a method to his madness. I shook my head plenty of times at how blind Carrigan chose to be when it came to Whit. It was interesting to see how their story played out ...surprising.
And, I should mention, I really enjoyed the background characters in this book!
For a first time author, I think the book was surprisingly good. Excited to see what else she has in store for us.
December 4, 2018
Bent but not broken.. Bent is the debut novel by Hollis Wynn and its a good one. An emotional journey that gives you all of the feels. I enjoyed it.
December 22, 2019
Probably the worst book I've ever read. The book did not make sense. Why would the author make such a big deal about the mother being such a bad alcoholic, yet every chapter is based around the main character going out and drinking, or passing out. There were so many times that the story did not flow properly.
So many descriptive words were used at times, it felt like she was trying to hit a minimum word requirement.
And let's not forget about all the spelling and grammar errors. Maybe she shouldn't rely on autocorrect to edit her book next time. It didn't work. It took everything I had to power through this, I wanted to like it. The beginning set a good stage to developing a great story, unfortunately the author didn't follow through. Worst. Book. Ever.
So many descriptive words were used at times, it felt like she was trying to hit a minimum word requirement.
And let's not forget about all the spelling and grammar errors. Maybe she shouldn't rely on autocorrect to edit her book next time. It didn't work. It took everything I had to power through this, I wanted to like it. The beginning set a good stage to developing a great story, unfortunately the author didn't follow through. Worst. Book. Ever.
December 11, 2018
From the first sentence I knew I was going to love this one. It was a beautiful story about a strong young lady still struggling with her heartbreaking past. I really liked Carrigan, especially her positive views on love and life, even after what she's been through. As for Whit, I must admit I hated him a little bit for how he handled things. The letters she wrote to her mom were so hard to read, I cried through every single one. It was an emotional journey, but definitely worth the ups and downs. I'm glad Carrigan got the love she wanted but most of all needed in her life.
December 12, 2018
I am going to start out this review to say I have been with this author on her journey to publish this debut novel for quite some time now. Her writing has grown exponentially since one of the first drafts she sent me. As a matter of fact I found that draft on my phone recently and compared it to now and it's amazing how far she came. I am proud of her for putting this out there and I'm excited to see what next. Ahem... I think you know.
Let's start with all the good things in this novel for me.
First up is the secondary characters. Mrs. Scott, Matt, Amber, Chris, well all of them really. I adored each and every one of them for their own reasons. They truly helped drive this story and Carrigan's growth throughout. They all had very different reasons for being in her life and they all brought something to the table that was needed. I wish we had seen more of Mrs Scott given the circumstances but I cherished the times we did get with her. By far Matt is my favorite and I would not be sad to see more of him in the future. His easy going attitude, support and just all around personality is exactly what was needed.
The setting.From the scenery on the train to the city of Chicago I loved how the author gave descriptions to certain things so you felt like you were right there. The perfect sunset on the train to the biting cold of the Chicago winter brought a realness to the story that made you want to take a picture or curl up with your favorite book and a nice hot cup of cocoa.
I have to admit I'm up in the air a bit on Carrigan. This book is about her journey and at times I felt that got a bit lost in the shuffle. She finds some major life changing things out early on in the book and sometimes I felt like she never truly dealt with them. She was so focused on the future it's like the past took a back seat even though it seemed to be what drove her the most when we read her thoughts and insecurities. She grew in so many ways and at times I wanted to high five her but in other ways she stayed naive and timid on things I wanted to scream at her for. Throw in a love interest and most of her journey just didn't work for me. I think the focus on the love interest took a bit away from the actual journey of finding herself and how I thought this book might go.
So let's talk about that love interest which I know is going to be an unpopular opinion. I won't sugarcoat this. I don't like Whit. At all. I found him downright deplorable at times and he never ever redeemed himself in my eyes even a tiny bit. He just didn't. I am all for second chances and I don't even mind cheating in books but the guilty party has to do some major groveling and work to ever win me back and I just didn't get that in this book. He pretty much lied the entire book about his circumstances and then had excuse after excuse it seemed like. His apologies seemed meaningless and thoughtless vs someone who wanted to truly win someone back he kept saying he cared so much for. We get to the last 85-90% and here he is again and pretty much forgiven overnight with flowers and a couple of conversations. Oh and an apartment. I just don't buy it. I felt like Carrigan deserved so much more and should have fought for more.
All in all, I think this is a solid debut novel and it will be one that some are going to love, some will hate and some will fall in the middle like me. I do think this author has a lot of potential I and I hope we get to see more from her in the future.
Let's start with all the good things in this novel for me.
First up is the secondary characters. Mrs. Scott, Matt, Amber, Chris, well all of them really. I adored each and every one of them for their own reasons. They truly helped drive this story and Carrigan's growth throughout. They all had very different reasons for being in her life and they all brought something to the table that was needed. I wish we had seen more of Mrs Scott given the circumstances but I cherished the times we did get with her. By far Matt is my favorite and I would not be sad to see more of him in the future. His easy going attitude, support and just all around personality is exactly what was needed.
The setting.From the scenery on the train to the city of Chicago I loved how the author gave descriptions to certain things so you felt like you were right there. The perfect sunset on the train to the biting cold of the Chicago winter brought a realness to the story that made you want to take a picture or curl up with your favorite book and a nice hot cup of cocoa.
I have to admit I'm up in the air a bit on Carrigan. This book is about her journey and at times I felt that got a bit lost in the shuffle. She finds some major life changing things out early on in the book and sometimes I felt like she never truly dealt with them. She was so focused on the future it's like the past took a back seat even though it seemed to be what drove her the most when we read her thoughts and insecurities. She grew in so many ways and at times I wanted to high five her but in other ways she stayed naive and timid on things I wanted to scream at her for. Throw in a love interest and most of her journey just didn't work for me. I think the focus on the love interest took a bit away from the actual journey of finding herself and how I thought this book might go.
So let's talk about that love interest which I know is going to be an unpopular opinion. I won't sugarcoat this. I don't like Whit. At all. I found him downright deplorable at times and he never ever redeemed himself in my eyes even a tiny bit. He just didn't. I am all for second chances and I don't even mind cheating in books but the guilty party has to do some major groveling and work to ever win me back and I just didn't get that in this book. He pretty much lied the entire book about his circumstances and then had excuse after excuse it seemed like. His apologies seemed meaningless and thoughtless vs someone who wanted to truly win someone back he kept saying he cared so much for. We get to the last 85-90% and here he is again and pretty much forgiven overnight with flowers and a couple of conversations. Oh and an apartment. I just don't buy it. I felt like Carrigan deserved so much more and should have fought for more.
All in all, I think this is a solid debut novel and it will be one that some are going to love, some will hate and some will fall in the middle like me. I do think this author has a lot of potential I and I hope we get to see more from her in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2018
Thank you, Hollis and Wendy, for letting me read this! It was a really enjoyable read.
The story is involving and engaging. There are moments through the book that clearly covers all of the emotional gambits. Carrigan is a character you want to pull for, you want to cheer for and you want to cry for. She had such a sad beginning and I was overjoyed at her bravery to grab life by the horns after her mother's passing. There are little hints along the way to some of the secrets that were kept from her for so long if you look for them.
Whit is the kind of character you immediately adore but those feelings will change again and again as the story unfolds. He too leaves breadcrumbs to his own secrets if you pay attention. Things are not always the way they seem.
I hope to see more stories involving the secondary characters in the future. I guess we will see. This was a highly enjoyable read.
This is a new author and I recommend you keep an eye on her. I see Hollis Wynn climbing high and going far if she keeps pouring out stories with feeling and depth.
The story is involving and engaging. There are moments through the book that clearly covers all of the emotional gambits. Carrigan is a character you want to pull for, you want to cheer for and you want to cry for. She had such a sad beginning and I was overjoyed at her bravery to grab life by the horns after her mother's passing. There are little hints along the way to some of the secrets that were kept from her for so long if you look for them.
Whit is the kind of character you immediately adore but those feelings will change again and again as the story unfolds. He too leaves breadcrumbs to his own secrets if you pay attention. Things are not always the way they seem.
I hope to see more stories involving the secondary characters in the future. I guess we will see. This was a highly enjoyable read.
This is a new author and I recommend you keep an eye on her. I see Hollis Wynn climbing high and going far if she keeps pouring out stories with feeling and depth.
December 5, 2018
Hollis Wynn did a fantastic job with her debut novel Bent. The story follows Carrigan's journey as she leaves her old and miserable life in a small town and reaches Chicago. We read about some eclectic mix of experiences for her. Meeting a stranger in train who becomes gradually her love. The betrayal and shame after having her heart broken. Finding real friends in the mess of her life. Carriagan is not perfect. But she is real. The feelings and emotions she display may not be justifiable always. But heart doesn't work by rulebooks. You may feel at times she is acting impulsive and a bit immature. But isn't it natural for a young woman who had a difficult early life struggling every moment? I felt the male characters were not that well developed in comparison to Carrigan or the female characters. But the story was honest and different. The characters made mistakes like normal humans. They also showed emotions like real people. A great effort by Hollis as her first work!
December 10, 2018
This was a great story!
Carrigan is an amazing girl who would do anything for just about anyone... she’s moving to a new city to start her life all over again after the death of her mother.
New City, new job, new people... that’s just what she needs to start over and not be known as the daughter of a drunk or the daughter of the lady who does all the guys at the bar. She will have no more of that.
That’s now in her rear view mirror! On the train to Chicago Carrigan meets Whit, he says all the right things and does all the right things... only one problem... Whit is engaged to Sarah who you’ll see more of in this story... so why is Whit perfect but unattainable? Read this story to see what whirlwind romance this author takes you on.
I give this book 5 stars for sure and would absolutely read more of this author! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Carrigan is an amazing girl who would do anything for just about anyone... she’s moving to a new city to start her life all over again after the death of her mother.
New City, new job, new people... that’s just what she needs to start over and not be known as the daughter of a drunk or the daughter of the lady who does all the guys at the bar. She will have no more of that.
That’s now in her rear view mirror! On the train to Chicago Carrigan meets Whit, he says all the right things and does all the right things... only one problem... Whit is engaged to Sarah who you’ll see more of in this story... so why is Whit perfect but unattainable? Read this story to see what whirlwind romance this author takes you on.
I give this book 5 stars for sure and would absolutely read more of this author! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
August 21, 2020
4 star review of Bent (Love’s Complicated #1) by Hollis Wynn
This was an emotional roller coaster of a read. There were times that my heart almost broke for Carrigan Castle. She has survived a painful past and now it time for her to fly the bindings that have kept her tied to her home town.
Embarking on a cross-country trip she encounters Whit Barklay who turns her plans upside down. What follows is an adventure, a journey about learning to live and love again. It was emotional at times as Carrigan and Whit struggled to get their happily ever after.
I believe that this was Hollis Wynn’s debut novel and it was a solid book. She certainly tackles some tough subjects and does it well. The writing was strong and I really liked Carrigan, although Whit took me a bit longer to warm up too.
This was an emotional roller coaster of a read. There were times that my heart almost broke for Carrigan Castle. She has survived a painful past and now it time for her to fly the bindings that have kept her tied to her home town.
Embarking on a cross-country trip she encounters Whit Barklay who turns her plans upside down. What follows is an adventure, a journey about learning to live and love again. It was emotional at times as Carrigan and Whit struggled to get their happily ever after.
I believe that this was Hollis Wynn’s debut novel and it was a solid book. She certainly tackles some tough subjects and does it well. The writing was strong and I really liked Carrigan, although Whit took me a bit longer to warm up too.
January 7, 2019
This story kept me intrigued from beginning to end, I couldn’t put it down. I’m looking forward to reading more from Hollis Wynn.
December 11, 2018
❤️🌼🔥BENT IS A GOOD BOOK....BUT CARRIGAN LET WHIT OFF TOO EASY❤️🌼
I enjoyed BENT...It was, definitely, a great first novel for Hollis Wynn...Plus she gave us some great characters from which to build a series....❤️🌼🔥
I love the character of Carrigan Castle, and I started out loving the character of Whitten Barkley, but by the end....not so much....He wasn’t irredeemable, but I just don’t think Carrigan made him do enough groveling to get there.....I prefer a dual point of view, and in this case, it might have made me more warm and fuzzy toward Whit, had I known what was going on in his mind....❤️🌼🔥
It’s realistic that Carrigan, with the inexperienced, loveless life she had lived, would fall in love with the man Whit was with her, and continually overlook the red flags, I (and probably everyone else) saw....And after she had found that kind of love, she wouldn’t walk away from it...or him....Truthfully, I believe Whit loves Carrigan, but he and Sarah, both, stupidly, put their families before their own happiness....And, one question I was left with...Will his family EVER accept Carrigan???...❤️🌼🔥
As a side note, there are so many good peripheral characters in BENT.... #1 is MATT...I LOVED him so much (what’s not to love, a sweet, hot firefighter who is shirtless and barefoot most of the time).....In fact, up until the end, I was hoping for a connection between Matt and Carrigan, but, now, I’m ready for his book with Amber or with whomever else he is meant to be .....Ms. Wynn left some great characters on which to build other books for a series..❤️🌼🔥
I enjoyed BENT...It was, definitely, a great first novel for Hollis Wynn...Plus she gave us some great characters from which to build a series....❤️🌼🔥
I love the character of Carrigan Castle, and I started out loving the character of Whitten Barkley, but by the end....not so much....He wasn’t irredeemable, but I just don’t think Carrigan made him do enough groveling to get there.....I prefer a dual point of view, and in this case, it might have made me more warm and fuzzy toward Whit, had I known what was going on in his mind....❤️🌼🔥
It’s realistic that Carrigan, with the inexperienced, loveless life she had lived, would fall in love with the man Whit was with her, and continually overlook the red flags, I (and probably everyone else) saw....And after she had found that kind of love, she wouldn’t walk away from it...or him....Truthfully, I believe Whit loves Carrigan, but he and Sarah, both, stupidly, put their families before their own happiness....And, one question I was left with...Will his family EVER accept Carrigan???...❤️🌼🔥
As a side note, there are so many good peripheral characters in BENT.... #1 is MATT...I LOVED him so much (what’s not to love, a sweet, hot firefighter who is shirtless and barefoot most of the time).....In fact, up until the end, I was hoping for a connection between Matt and Carrigan, but, now, I’m ready for his book with Amber or with whomever else he is meant to be .....Ms. Wynn left some great characters on which to build other books for a series..❤️🌼🔥
January 15, 2021
I'm going to do a huge favor to some readers. Not every romance has to be steamy, but if you don't like "fade to black" scenes this book is not for you. This is not the reason for my rating though
December 14, 2018
What an amazing debut for Hollis. I was so moved by the heartache that Carrigan carries from her mother. I think the mark that's been left on her life is relatable and truly heartbreaking. Then to have her give her heart a chance to be broken again was so raw and real. Every woman has been where Carrigan found herself and I loved that I could see myself in her. Loved the honesty covered in the book and look forward to what else is Wynn has us her sleeves.
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