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The Solidity of Us: A Novel
Beauty that close mixed with such turmoil was a cocktail of enriched poison—I wanted to drink it anyway…Things with Cade didn’t start that way. They weren’t that easy, and they weren’t that smooth, but I assure you, some of the best love stories didn’t start out with ease and without bumps. How can anything that’s solid be simple? Cade and I both needed a solid ground. We’d earned it. This is the story of how I, Bray Gideon, Los Angeles transplant, lost soul, ran away to her mother’s hometown of Well Water, Kentucky, and discovered how love could heal the wounds of the past and strengthen the hope of my future.This is the story of Cade Montgomery, a man who’d ran for so long all it took was one night with the right woman to set his demons free. And boy, did those demons hurt. They got in the way and they held his happiness over his head and mocked his scars.Those demons took as much as they ruined.But love was stronger.It was greater.Love was… solid.
351 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2019
8 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Shana Vanterpool
27 books377 followersShana Vanterpool is a passionate writer who finds solace in the pages of a good book. When she walks into a bookstore, she feels at home, and when she reads, she becomes the person she has always wanted to be. With her love for writing, Shana aims to provide her readers with an escape from their everyday lives, just as reading has done for her.
To stay up to date with Shana’s latest releases, be sure to visit her website at https://shanavanterpool.com.
To stay up to date with Shana’s latest releases, be sure to visit her website at https://shanavanterpool.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 6, 2019
➳ Rate: 5 / 5 stars
I've only read one other Shana Vanterpool book in my life and that one was filled with angst all the way through, so when I read the blurb for The Solidity of Us, I knew I had to read it too. Boy I am glad I did. It was even more emotional then the last one and thanks to the beginning of this book I hadn't been expecting it. The emotion in this book took me by surprise (some) and I found myself immersed in these characters and their pain and love and I just couldn't deal withput letting out my own emotions. Tears leake down my face a couple of times.
But even better than that... was the way it was written. I swear the words were riping the emotion out of me too, not just for what they were telling but for what they were too. The writing in this book was nothing but beautiful at times, which only made me love this book even more.
The Solidity of Us is a story of a boy and a girl who share one night together and that night creates a link between them for life. Cade is very difficult at first but once he gets over the shock of the news, he starts to realise that a lot needs to change in his life. Both he and Reese have pasts that haunt them and a lot of stuff they need to deal with in order to be the best they can be for one another and their little peanut. Reese helps Cade overcome his problems and try to move on from the things he can't fix, all the while doing the same for herself.
Fate brought these two together but it's up tp them to fight to be in each other's life beyond being co-parents to their baby. They want to give the best life possible to their little peanut, starting with a decent set of parts, a thing neither of them ever had. But before that is possible, they need to fight their deamons. Good thing they aren't alone.
This story is beyond emotional at times, gripping and utterly beautiful. A true 5 star read that I recommend to anyone who loves a good emotional read or a surprise pregnancy romance.
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ NOW AVAILABLE! / Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
I've only read one other Shana Vanterpool book in my life and that one was filled with angst all the way through, so when I read the blurb for The Solidity of Us, I knew I had to read it too. Boy I am glad I did. It was even more emotional then the last one and thanks to the beginning of this book I hadn't been expecting it. The emotion in this book took me by surprise (some) and I found myself immersed in these characters and their pain and love and I just couldn't deal withput letting out my own emotions. Tears leake down my face a couple of times.
But even better than that... was the way it was written. I swear the words were riping the emotion out of me too, not just for what they were telling but for what they were too. The writing in this book was nothing but beautiful at times, which only made me love this book even more.
The Solidity of Us is a story of a boy and a girl who share one night together and that night creates a link between them for life. Cade is very difficult at first but once he gets over the shock of the news, he starts to realise that a lot needs to change in his life. Both he and Reese have pasts that haunt them and a lot of stuff they need to deal with in order to be the best they can be for one another and their little peanut. Reese helps Cade overcome his problems and try to move on from the things he can't fix, all the while doing the same for herself.
Fate brought these two together but it's up tp them to fight to be in each other's life beyond being co-parents to their baby. They want to give the best life possible to their little peanut, starting with a decent set of parts, a thing neither of them ever had. But before that is possible, they need to fight their deamons. Good thing they aren't alone.
This story is beyond emotional at times, gripping and utterly beautiful. A true 5 star read that I recommend to anyone who loves a good emotional read or a surprise pregnancy romance.
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ NOW AVAILABLE! / Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
March 4, 2019
Beautiful, emotional, uplifting, and filled with feels!! All about surprises, attempting to fix the past to look to the future, and rife with enough swoon-worthy moments to keep you inhaling the pages long into the night!! A completely unexpected, yet binge-worthy small town southern romance!! I had no way of knowing it would end up the way it did, but it was perfect nonetheless. I do hope we get a story from a surly side character that was introduced as well!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review and highly recommend!!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
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June 12, 2019ARCs are available here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]
March 5, 2019
I really enjoy everything this author has written. Literally, I try and get everyone to hop on her stories because they’re always full of angst, a burn and love so deep that it will shock you. That being said, this definitely wasn’t my favorite by this author, but nonetheless a good book.
Bray is forced to leave her old life behind, that was full of glitz and never wanting for anything, to a small town where she must work and provide for herself. It’s a total 360 from what she’s used to-and after one night of trying to forget everything, she’s now left with not only herself to take care of, but a baby too. After seeing her one night stand again, and she decides to let the cat out of the bag, she’s left with a man that denies he’s the father. Little does she know-but learn, that the mans life is imploding as well. When these two people are thrown together, it’s on everyone’s agenda to hope for them to make it.
Their chemistry is burning hot, and there is a rather large level of angst in the book, but for me it was dragged out a bit longer than necessary. Some of the dialogue seemed forced, and it was hard to remember these characters had a child on the way with how they acted. This is just my opinion on this book, I’ve loved every other book by this author, so you should definitely add it to your list to pick up!
Bray is forced to leave her old life behind, that was full of glitz and never wanting for anything, to a small town where she must work and provide for herself. It’s a total 360 from what she’s used to-and after one night of trying to forget everything, she’s now left with not only herself to take care of, but a baby too. After seeing her one night stand again, and she decides to let the cat out of the bag, she’s left with a man that denies he’s the father. Little does she know-but learn, that the mans life is imploding as well. When these two people are thrown together, it’s on everyone’s agenda to hope for them to make it.
Their chemistry is burning hot, and there is a rather large level of angst in the book, but for me it was dragged out a bit longer than necessary. Some of the dialogue seemed forced, and it was hard to remember these characters had a child on the way with how they acted. This is just my opinion on this book, I’ve loved every other book by this author, so you should definitely add it to your list to pick up!
March 4, 2019
As I finished this book, almost in one sitting, I was struck by what the author wrote in her blurb: Can anything that's solid be simple? This story is in many ways simple, often relying on the honesty of its characters. There is no "event" that occurs, any plot device dramatization, nor a huge shift in emotions based on outside interference. It's a beautifully simple tale of two people that fate brought together under normally heavy, burdensome circumstances. They both decide what they are looking for is right there between them. Dependability, reliability, security...all synonyms for solidity. In another book, we might get a whole book about becoming mature and moving forward from past mistakes. We might get a story about a girl who counts on a man who disappoints. Not here. After absorbing the reason they are thrust together suddenly, Cade and Bray find common ground almost immediately. They decide that they may not have done their relationship in the "right order" but it's worth exploring.
Bray is charming and confident, saying at one point “What would you like me to do, Cade? Swoon because you think I’m hot? I know I’m hot. I don’t need validation from you. I just wanted to know if you belittled the mother of your child in your mean mind the way you do everyone else.”
Cade is angry and closed off, almost daring Bray to run away. It would be easy to say that Cade is complicated. He's really not. He wants the family he never had. So does Bray. Simple, right? These two get closer and closer at a time when many people in the same situation might crumble under the pressure. They keep surprising each other with their ability to adapt and change. They have honest conversations and make decisions together.
Vanterpool often explores family and fear in her work. She crawls inside her characters, seemingly living and breathing for them here. While the couple makes milestone after milestone in their relationship, they confront their demons and their fears together. They give advice to each other that isn't immediately dismissed. The cynical might say, this would never happen in real life. But I know it does. I see my delightful parents marriage of 44 yrs, and if course there is Bray's grandparents. Those who enjoy the show This is Us will undoubtedly enjoy reading this epic.
Even meeting Cade's father and Bray's mother doesn't detract from the love story they were creating. There are no terrible drama that gets everyone upset. These characters communicate, and they work hard to move forward. You can't pick your family, but you can always pick the road you travel on with them. Sometimes it's bumpy, and sometimes its...solid.
Bray is charming and confident, saying at one point “What would you like me to do, Cade? Swoon because you think I’m hot? I know I’m hot. I don’t need validation from you. I just wanted to know if you belittled the mother of your child in your mean mind the way you do everyone else.”
Cade is angry and closed off, almost daring Bray to run away. It would be easy to say that Cade is complicated. He's really not. He wants the family he never had. So does Bray. Simple, right? These two get closer and closer at a time when many people in the same situation might crumble under the pressure. They keep surprising each other with their ability to adapt and change. They have honest conversations and make decisions together.
Vanterpool often explores family and fear in her work. She crawls inside her characters, seemingly living and breathing for them here. While the couple makes milestone after milestone in their relationship, they confront their demons and their fears together. They give advice to each other that isn't immediately dismissed. The cynical might say, this would never happen in real life. But I know it does. I see my delightful parents marriage of 44 yrs, and if course there is Bray's grandparents. Those who enjoy the show This is Us will undoubtedly enjoy reading this epic.
Even meeting Cade's father and Bray's mother doesn't detract from the love story they were creating. There are no terrible drama that gets everyone upset. These characters communicate, and they work hard to move forward. You can't pick your family, but you can always pick the road you travel on with them. Sometimes it's bumpy, and sometimes its...solid.
March 4, 2019
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)
When Bray's world turned upside down, she left LA and headed to a tiny town in Kentucky where her grandparents lived. Used to having everything she wanted, Bray now had to work to get by. When a one night stand leaves her with a bit more than just the memories, Bray has no clue what she is going to do. To make matters worse, when she miraculously sees the mystery man from her one night of rebellion, he doesn't believe her. Everything in Cade's world is imploding, his marriage, his job, having to come back to his home town to deal with his father. When he gets the news from Bray, all he can think is that it's a lie and that it's just another way his life is screwed. When the test results show that yes this is Cade's baby, the two have to figure out just how to make this bad situation work. Cade doesn't trust anyone, and Bray isn't going to rely on another man to just be let down again. Can the two make this work or will it be better to just go their separate ways?
This story had so much going on, that at times it was a bit hard to keep up. Bray and Cade's journey was very entertaining to read, and I can't wait to see if there will be more from the Montgomery brothers. There are a few things that bugged me about the story: not enough detail for a few of the situations, how things were worded, the fact that a hospital will not admit you when your contractions are 25 min apart... things like that. With loads of drama, a bit of violence (one of those unclear moments), and some hot naughty bits, I give this 4 stars.
(4 stars)
When Bray's world turned upside down, she left LA and headed to a tiny town in Kentucky where her grandparents lived. Used to having everything she wanted, Bray now had to work to get by. When a one night stand leaves her with a bit more than just the memories, Bray has no clue what she is going to do. To make matters worse, when she miraculously sees the mystery man from her one night of rebellion, he doesn't believe her. Everything in Cade's world is imploding, his marriage, his job, having to come back to his home town to deal with his father. When he gets the news from Bray, all he can think is that it's a lie and that it's just another way his life is screwed. When the test results show that yes this is Cade's baby, the two have to figure out just how to make this bad situation work. Cade doesn't trust anyone, and Bray isn't going to rely on another man to just be let down again. Can the two make this work or will it be better to just go their separate ways?
This story had so much going on, that at times it was a bit hard to keep up. Bray and Cade's journey was very entertaining to read, and I can't wait to see if there will be more from the Montgomery brothers. There are a few things that bugged me about the story: not enough detail for a few of the situations, how things were worded, the fact that a hospital will not admit you when your contractions are 25 min apart... things like that. With loads of drama, a bit of violence (one of those unclear moments), and some hot naughty bits, I give this 4 stars.
March 4, 2019
Bray Gideon's life in LA imploded when her father went to prison, her mother jumped from rich man to rich man, and she was left with no money, so she went to live with her maternal grandparents in Well Water, Kentucky. She gets a new job as waitress in a diner, she meets Cade Montgomery, which led to them hooking up. But that night leads to more than just memories, and when she runs into Cade again, he doesn't believe her, yeah, he's quite the douche about it to be honest. He thinks it's one more screw you from the universe, while she is like whatever, I'll deal with it on my own. So you can imagine this journey is getting a bit rocky. Luckily for Cade, Bray is happy to do whatever it takes to make him feel better, although I felt like she should have just junk punched him and moved along, but now he has no more excuses. There's all kinds of bumps in the road for these two people who barely know each other, so yeah, the drama is thick. Plus, OMG there are twists that had my f-bombs dropping like crazy. This was definitely a story that explored family relations realistically & how we can't choose them nor can we let them make or break us, and Shana Vanterpool nailed it well, but I still had some questions left, so that's what kept me from that perfect rating to be honest. I hope she decides to write stories about Cade's brothers in the future, hint hint. Anyway, that's enough out of me, so I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
March 5, 2019
He was the stranger in the Armani suit who was escaping his life to return to the past. Nothing had changed. Time hadn't made things better.
She was the girl who's life was in tatters. The princess within her pushed aside as her life began.
One diner, one meal and life changes for both of them.
A read that takes you to many places without leaving the confines of your home.
Two characters whom dance around each other each one holding a sadness and world of pain within their hearts.
Bray proved to be more than materialistic. Her instinct to protect and cherish no matter what was beautiful.
Cade is first met as an angry and resentful man, who lashes out at the world over his experiences.
At a glance this book might appear simple, but it's laced with complex themes and emotions and the way in which it is written makes for a fascinating and compelling read.
Whilst Well Water might be a sleepy town the inhabitants more than make up for it with their dark pasts and drama aplenty!
I admired the strength of both the story and the characters. A fantastic read!
She was the girl who's life was in tatters. The princess within her pushed aside as her life began.
One diner, one meal and life changes for both of them.
A read that takes you to many places without leaving the confines of your home.
Two characters whom dance around each other each one holding a sadness and world of pain within their hearts.
Bray proved to be more than materialistic. Her instinct to protect and cherish no matter what was beautiful.
Cade is first met as an angry and resentful man, who lashes out at the world over his experiences.
At a glance this book might appear simple, but it's laced with complex themes and emotions and the way in which it is written makes for a fascinating and compelling read.
Whilst Well Water might be a sleepy town the inhabitants more than make up for it with their dark pasts and drama aplenty!
I admired the strength of both the story and the characters. A fantastic read!
March 7, 2019
Where do I start on this review..... I have so many emotions going through my head right now as I think about how this story unfolded. It had so many emotions that I went from laughing to crying to yelling at my kindle because I wanted everyone and everything to work out for the best.
Bray ran home to her mother after she couldn't take it anymore. She knew she needed a change but she wasn't sure what to do and where to go but in the end she decided she would go back to her mother's small town in Kentucky and start a new life over. When she gets there she decides to have a one night and what a night it was.
She feels sick and finds out some news when she sees her one night stand and she knows she has to tell him what is the matter with her and when she does Cade does not believe her but when the tests come back and it comes out to be true he has to make a life changing decision.
This story is so amazing as far as a romance goes because it is slow and burns hot and brings two lonely souls together that need each other.
Bray ran home to her mother after she couldn't take it anymore. She knew she needed a change but she wasn't sure what to do and where to go but in the end she decided she would go back to her mother's small town in Kentucky and start a new life over. When she gets there she decides to have a one night and what a night it was.
She feels sick and finds out some news when she sees her one night stand and she knows she has to tell him what is the matter with her and when she does Cade does not believe her but when the tests come back and it comes out to be true he has to make a life changing decision.
This story is so amazing as far as a romance goes because it is slow and burns hot and brings two lonely souls together that need each other.
March 6, 2019
Wow this book was amazing! I loved it so. Cade and Bray were both damaged people the difference is bray was new to hurt while cade suffered his entire life. She still was able to try to see the good. After losing everything because of her father she moves to Kentucky to her grandparents and tries to get her life back on track but after a one night stand with a stranger she finds out she pregnant and the guy not a stranger in town. Cade was very hard to like in thd beginning expecially after the way he reacts to her being pregnant but after you see all he is gone through you understand why no one has done right by hkm expecially women. Reading about these two finally finding what they needed with each other and themselves was a beautiful thing and zi cant wait for more Montergomery boys stories hopeful! Grandy has stolen my heart too,
March 5, 2019
Oh lord!! Bless my poor heart! I’m in love with Cade!
When you start reading this book you will think I’m crazy because Cade is an a******! A major jerk! However as we get to learn his story you can understand why and will find yourself rooting for him.
Bray...she is my kind of girl! Spoiled girl running to her hidden away family to lick her wounds. Or is she really that brat? She is confident and vulnerable all at the same time. Every woman that knows their self worth but can admit their mistakes is a woman I can get down with.
When these two personalities mix you will see explosions!
You will find yourself going through this book cheerleading and screaming for their HEA. I absolutely loved it!
When you start reading this book you will think I’m crazy because Cade is an a******! A major jerk! However as we get to learn his story you can understand why and will find yourself rooting for him.
Bray...she is my kind of girl! Spoiled girl running to her hidden away family to lick her wounds. Or is she really that brat? She is confident and vulnerable all at the same time. Every woman that knows their self worth but can admit their mistakes is a woman I can get down with.
When these two personalities mix you will see explosions!
You will find yourself going through this book cheerleading and screaming for their HEA. I absolutely loved it!
March 4, 2019
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. This book shows not everyone has love at first site connection that some can just be physical which is completely ok. You also can't judge someone by there parents behaviour cause that's just not fair, in so cases the apple doesn't fall far from tree but cades case I didn't see that, mind he was not perfect by any long shot. By he still tried to better himself. I think the title was perfect for this book. I was hoping that we get a, story from the other brothers as well.
March 6, 2019
Fate brought Cade and Bray together and proved that with true love they can overcome anything that life throws at them. Cade is a complex character, but as his story unfolds we get an understanding of why he is the way is. No spoilers though; this is an absolute must read, you will not be disappointed. This is a beautifully written flawless story, which is humorous, emotional, and with a tad angst and surprises. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all.
February 28, 2019
This was a sweet book. They had an interesting start as a couple. Cade was a complex character, and I enjoyed reading his transformation. I took off a star because I didn’t feel like Bray changed or evolved throughout the book. She never really became a strong and independent woman. I would have liked to have seen that.
March 6, 2019
I really loved it! I think it was a great story about the ups and downs of being single in this day and age and what happens after unlucky one night stands. There were some really sweet moments and I enjoyed the suspense that Vanterpool was able to create!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
March 4, 2019
This is a sweet, angsty read filled with many bumps in the road to find their ending. I really enjoyed it
March 8, 2019
This book has reminded me why I love Shana Vanterpool's books. This book is about two people damaged by the people we are supposed to trust most. Our parents. Cade and Bray may have their own baggage but together they work to comb through it all and make peace with it. This book was amazing. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
March 19, 2019
I wanted so much more than this book could give me. The basic idea is there. It's sweet. But it just lacks something that could draw me in. It was missing something. The storyline: redemption, second chances, all that is great. Worth a look, just not my favorite.
April 11, 2019
I'm not even sure where to start with this. This book started off on a good note and then picked up speed and derailed.
Bray has run to Kentucky to live with grandparents she never knew about until her family was immersed in scandal. Bray works twice as hard just to validate she is more than silver spoon. And now, now she will work even harder as a the result of a one night stand leaves her pregnant.
Bray assumes she will never see that man again but she's wrong. Cade Montogomey grew up with a crappy childhood and comes back at least once a month to take care of his ailing father. He would rather be anywhere but there. And when Bray makes the outlandish comment that she is pregnant by him, well his guards go up higher. He is bitter toward women.
After confirming that the baby is his, he is set on taking care of Bray and the baby. So now, the navigate getting to know one another. Here is where it got dicey for me... Bray seemed contradictory towards Cade plus it seemed to have no direction once they were together. It just felt all over the place for me.
Bray has run to Kentucky to live with grandparents she never knew about until her family was immersed in scandal. Bray works twice as hard just to validate she is more than silver spoon. And now, now she will work even harder as a the result of a one night stand leaves her pregnant.
Bray assumes she will never see that man again but she's wrong. Cade Montogomey grew up with a crappy childhood and comes back at least once a month to take care of his ailing father. He would rather be anywhere but there. And when Bray makes the outlandish comment that she is pregnant by him, well his guards go up higher. He is bitter toward women.
After confirming that the baby is his, he is set on taking care of Bray and the baby. So now, the navigate getting to know one another. Here is where it got dicey for me... Bray seemed contradictory towards Cade plus it seemed to have no direction once they were together. It just felt all over the place for me.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews