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Devotion: For Love or Honor
Ryan
I stepped out of bed this morning without delay excited for a Monday morning; this has been my routine since the second day of school Senior year, unlike the way I felt the day before.
The first day of school, I walked in, tired of football, girl drama, and worrying about what the future holds. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask if I can move up my date to join the military if I graduate in December instead of waiting until May, but promises made amid the heartbreak, control the choices I have now.
I walked the hall, debating my options on the way to my elective, Journalism, which I chose as an easy option. I continued my path, a daunting task when surrounded by cheerleaders fighting for my attention. Clueless, them, not me, a talent I developed freshmen year when I started playing varsity football while fighting off the senior girls. I learned how to seem interested. I have perfected the technique; I am a master at it. I am not a jerk or even a bad guy. I have not found a girl in this school that holds my interest; it is as simple as that. Until that day first period Journalism, breaking away from the group as the sound of the second bell rings, I made my excuses, walking into the classroom as if I owned the place. Another technique I had developed which hid my insecurity in this life, to all outside appearances, I am calm and confident when I am in all reality nervous as a kindergartner on his first day of school. I plastered my best one, a smirking smile working for me as I heard the collective gasps from the girls as I strolled into the room that is until I listened to her voice, rendering me speechless.
"Good morning Mr. Raines. How nice of you to join us."
My eyes met hers, halting me in my tracks. With a pounding heart, dry mouth, and I was utterly silent. It could not have been but a second before I heard a clearing of a throat, witnessing as she pointed towards an empty seat, but to me, it felt as if hours had passed where I was lost, caught up in the spell. I found my voice.
"Good morning. Miss?"
"Mrs. Stephenson."
My heart did this strange flip-flop while my gut churned, causing some crazy sea-sickness feeling as I am rocking in powerful waves. I take my seat supporting my jaw in my hand while my eyes roamed over every single inch of her body while she spoke. Her shiny brown hair reminding me of the warm chocolate sauce, my mom used to make and her eyes I am guessing hazel similar to mine, but when the light hits them from the large window, I swear they are green. She is tall but not too crazy tall; athletic built with very soft curves. She isn't dressed sexy like some of the other teachers, a simple skirt molded across her hips and legs. Her shirt looks silky, short sleeves showing off her toned arms and I watch her every move hoping for her to bend enough for a glimpse of her breasts but the shirt hugs just below her collarbone.
I shift in my seat on the hard plastic chair having to remove my eyes from grazing her body if I don't, I am threatening to break through my zipper.
That was the first day of school, the beginning of September. It is now March, and I continue to get excited each Monday morning because I know today I will get to see Mrs. Stephenson. I see her each morning starting our day. "Good Morning Mrs. Stephenson."
"Good Morning Mr. Raines."
Her cheeks blush as her feet move her past me down the hall, and once again, I am content today. I am still here, previous plans intact, except I have added a new goal to my mission for graduation night, to show Mrs. Stephenson how I feel about her.
I stepped out of bed this morning without delay excited for a Monday morning; this has been my routine since the second day of school Senior year, unlike the way I felt the day before.
The first day of school, I walked in, tired of football, girl drama, and worrying about what the future holds. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask if I can move up my date to join the military if I graduate in December instead of waiting until May, but promises made amid the heartbreak, control the choices I have now.
I walked the hall, debating my options on the way to my elective, Journalism, which I chose as an easy option. I continued my path, a daunting task when surrounded by cheerleaders fighting for my attention. Clueless, them, not me, a talent I developed freshmen year when I started playing varsity football while fighting off the senior girls. I learned how to seem interested. I have perfected the technique; I am a master at it. I am not a jerk or even a bad guy. I have not found a girl in this school that holds my interest; it is as simple as that. Until that day first period Journalism, breaking away from the group as the sound of the second bell rings, I made my excuses, walking into the classroom as if I owned the place. Another technique I had developed which hid my insecurity in this life, to all outside appearances, I am calm and confident when I am in all reality nervous as a kindergartner on his first day of school. I plastered my best one, a smirking smile working for me as I heard the collective gasps from the girls as I strolled into the room that is until I listened to her voice, rendering me speechless.
"Good morning Mr. Raines. How nice of you to join us."
My eyes met hers, halting me in my tracks. With a pounding heart, dry mouth, and I was utterly silent. It could not have been but a second before I heard a clearing of a throat, witnessing as she pointed towards an empty seat, but to me, it felt as if hours had passed where I was lost, caught up in the spell. I found my voice.
"Good morning. Miss?"
"Mrs. Stephenson."
My heart did this strange flip-flop while my gut churned, causing some crazy sea-sickness feeling as I am rocking in powerful waves. I take my seat supporting my jaw in my hand while my eyes roamed over every single inch of her body while she spoke. Her shiny brown hair reminding me of the warm chocolate sauce, my mom used to make and her eyes I am guessing hazel similar to mine, but when the light hits them from the large window, I swear they are green. She is tall but not too crazy tall; athletic built with very soft curves. She isn't dressed sexy like some of the other teachers, a simple skirt molded across her hips and legs. Her shirt looks silky, short sleeves showing off her toned arms and I watch her every move hoping for her to bend enough for a glimpse of her breasts but the shirt hugs just below her collarbone.
I shift in my seat on the hard plastic chair having to remove my eyes from grazing her body if I don't, I am threatening to break through my zipper.
That was the first day of school, the beginning of September. It is now March, and I continue to get excited each Monday morning because I know today I will get to see Mrs. Stephenson. I see her each morning starting our day. "Good Morning Mrs. Stephenson."
"Good Morning Mr. Raines."
Her cheeks blush as her feet move her past me down the hall, and once again, I am content today. I am still here, previous plans intact, except I have added a new goal to my mission for graduation night, to show Mrs. Stephenson how I feel about her.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2019
2 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Isabella Harron
14 books9 followersI am an indie author, who loves a good steamy romance. What gets my heart warmed and my juices flowing? A story full of special moments, where eyes meet for the first time. Where the romance begins with the gentle first touch of a finger, warming you to your soul. This is the type of love story I read and desire to write.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 12, 2019
Devotion for Love and Honor was a good read. It was funny and endearing.
The characters were all okay. I loved the plot! The title really made sense at the last 1/4 part of the book.
This was my first novel by Isabella Harron, and I was happy I read it. I liked her writing style. My only problem was, there were too many details. It was really fine in most parts, but it was dragging in some.
Even though it was humorous at some part, the plot was serious, and I loved how it was told.
The author sent me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. In no way, my reviews/opinions were affected or influenced by this.
Blog: https://jdlreads.wordpress.com/
The characters were all okay. I loved the plot! The title really made sense at the last 1/4 part of the book.
This was my first novel by Isabella Harron, and I was happy I read it. I liked her writing style. My only problem was, there were too many details. It was really fine in most parts, but it was dragging in some.
Even though it was humorous at some part, the plot was serious, and I loved how it was told.
The author sent me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. In no way, my reviews/opinions were affected or influenced by this.
Blog: https://jdlreads.wordpress.com/
July 23, 2019
Read my review here: https://bookstune.blogspot.com/2019/0...
*I was sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. It's a good, easy, casual read that I was able to finish basically within a day. There were some things I struggled with but it didn't take too much away from my enjoyment of the book.
The writing style was great. I think it was easy to start reading and it flowed nicely. The description of people was one of the best parts of the book. It was just the right amount of detailed to really give a vivid image of the characters, especially through the eyes of others. Emotions are also beautifully conveyed. The reactions and feelings that arise due to particular events feel realistic.
The only thing about the writing that wasn't particularly my favorite was something I really only noticed in the first chapter but I think it was important enough to take notice of: it really laid everything out for you. Including characters' past, problems, motivations, feelings. It was more of a tell, not show which I would've preferred to find out for myself through their actions.
The book is told in two perspectives, Ryan and Jenny. Particularly in the beginning/near the middle, I think these two perspectives helped really tell a well rounded story. I preferred Ryan's perspective but that might just be because I loved Ryan's character. I liked how straight forward and alluring he was. He was one of the best parts of the book and what really made it so fun to read. However, I think all the main characters were likable.
Near the beginning and middle of the book, I was so interested that I didn't put it down for hours. The romance is a very slow burn but that's what makes it so good! It makes it more passionate, more real. However, when you pass the halfway point and get to the end, I lost a lot of interest - but not in the romance, just the storyline. I took breaks between reading, which I didn't have to do before.
I attribute this lack of interest to the fact that its in the latter portion of the book where it starts to go into what was more of a subplot in the beginning portion, such as jobs, family, marriage, etc. I think any storyline that wasn't the romance blooming between Jenny and Ryan, didn't add much to the book. I would have preferred the subplot a lot more if it had zeroed in on their shared grief, which is only casually mentioned a few times but was so interesting and powerful and it would have been great to see explored more throughout the entire novel, not just a part.
This problem I had takes nothing away from the main focus of the book which is actually really compelling to read. That being said, I think a lot of the romance (which is the best part) was rushed afterwards and the irrational insecurity of the characters was off putting especially when it was both of our main characters.
The characters generally, though, are fun to read and it feels as if they are real people. The theme of family, found family especially, is always something I love to see in books and it is really portrayed cutely in this story. The very end was well done as well. It read the story like a love letter and it wrapped everything up perfectly and simply.
This book is definitely steamy and very much in the New Adult category, in my opinion. It has adult themes and talks about a few heavy subjects. Through this, though, I was really happy with how respectable it was when it dealt with morals and laws. Especially when this is an issue in other student/teacher type books that aren't handled as well as in this book.
3.5
*I was sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. It's a good, easy, casual read that I was able to finish basically within a day. There were some things I struggled with but it didn't take too much away from my enjoyment of the book.
The writing style was great. I think it was easy to start reading and it flowed nicely. The description of people was one of the best parts of the book. It was just the right amount of detailed to really give a vivid image of the characters, especially through the eyes of others. Emotions are also beautifully conveyed. The reactions and feelings that arise due to particular events feel realistic.
The only thing about the writing that wasn't particularly my favorite was something I really only noticed in the first chapter but I think it was important enough to take notice of: it really laid everything out for you. Including characters' past, problems, motivations, feelings. It was more of a tell, not show which I would've preferred to find out for myself through their actions.
The book is told in two perspectives, Ryan and Jenny. Particularly in the beginning/near the middle, I think these two perspectives helped really tell a well rounded story. I preferred Ryan's perspective but that might just be because I loved Ryan's character. I liked how straight forward and alluring he was. He was one of the best parts of the book and what really made it so fun to read. However, I think all the main characters were likable.
Near the beginning and middle of the book, I was so interested that I didn't put it down for hours. The romance is a very slow burn but that's what makes it so good! It makes it more passionate, more real. However, when you pass the halfway point and get to the end, I lost a lot of interest - but not in the romance, just the storyline. I took breaks between reading, which I didn't have to do before.
I attribute this lack of interest to the fact that its in the latter portion of the book where it starts to go into what was more of a subplot in the beginning portion, such as jobs, family, marriage, etc. I think any storyline that wasn't the romance blooming between Jenny and Ryan, didn't add much to the book. I would have preferred the subplot a lot more if it had zeroed in on their shared grief, which is only casually mentioned a few times but was so interesting and powerful and it would have been great to see explored more throughout the entire novel, not just a part.
This problem I had takes nothing away from the main focus of the book which is actually really compelling to read. That being said, I think a lot of the romance (which is the best part) was rushed afterwards and the irrational insecurity of the characters was off putting especially when it was both of our main characters.
The characters generally, though, are fun to read and it feels as if they are real people. The theme of family, found family especially, is always something I love to see in books and it is really portrayed cutely in this story. The very end was well done as well. It read the story like a love letter and it wrapped everything up perfectly and simply.
This book is definitely steamy and very much in the New Adult category, in my opinion. It has adult themes and talks about a few heavy subjects. Through this, though, I was really happy with how respectable it was when it dealt with morals and laws. Especially when this is an issue in other student/teacher type books that aren't handled as well as in this book.
3.5
August 6, 2019
A predictably sweet and sappy love story that flows a bit too effortlessly, where everyone, more or less, gets what they deserve. While I can appreciate a good romance novel, having read more than my fair share in my twenties and thirties, I lean towards the more realistic, the unexpected, and the twist I never saw coming. The only surprises in this book left me wanting so much more. I want to cry real tears, laugh out loud, and empathize for the characters. The only time I felt real emotion was when the actions of the protagonist were totally out of character. More than anything, I enjoyed the relationship between Ryan and his dad. It was clear they had strong family ties, how Ryan was more mature for his age, having taken care of his dying mother, working in his father's garage, and needing more in life than just partying with the guys and picking up girls. I liked how the story was told by both Ryan and Jenny in alternating chapters, but felt there was too much time spent rehashing their feelings for one another, and not enough with everything else in the story, such as Jenny's husband and his powerful family, Ryan's brother, who we never get to meet, and Jenny's mother and sisters who remain a mystery as to their coldness towards Jenny. I struggled to get through this book, unfortunately; while the plot was good, it left me wanting so much more. One can only wonder had I been 18 when I read this story if my rating might have been higher.
October 29, 2019
I am not sure that I even know where to begin writing a review for this because it is truly an awesome experience.
The author did such a great job developing the characters, that I feel like I really know them, and not just the major two characters, but the minor ones too.
I loved everything about it - the characters, the plot, the emotion, the writing, and the ability that the author had to tell me a story that had me wanting this book to go on and on.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
The author did such a great job developing the characters, that I feel like I really know them, and not just the major two characters, but the minor ones too.
I loved everything about it - the characters, the plot, the emotion, the writing, and the ability that the author had to tell me a story that had me wanting this book to go on and on.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
October 26, 2019
This is the 2nd book I've read written by Isabella Harron; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2019
I received a free copy of this book however all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own, and given completely voluntarily.
I loved this! It grabbed me from the first page, kept me til the last and enthralled me in between. Well worth your time to read it.
I loved this! It grabbed me from the first page, kept me til the last and enthralled me in between. Well worth your time to read it.
October 23, 2019
An easy and casual read that's both sweet and sappy. Strong characters and a well written story line. You'll find yourself wanting to cry and at times laughing out loud.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2019
This was a great story. I thought the story was very well written and flowed well. The story kept me glued to the pages to see how everything would turn out. I loved the characters. I would highly recommend this read.
October 27, 2019
Engaging, sweet emotions romance story with intriguing characters. The well-written book kept my attention throughout, enjoyed reading. I have voluntarily chosen to read and review this book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews