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Knew #0.5
If You Only Knew
Gabriella
Maybe it was all of it combined, the abuse, depression, loneliness.
But all I can feel now...is nothing.
Numb.
When a handsome stranger shows up at my door it's almost enough to make my heart stutter, like it had long ago.
Maybe it was all of it combined, the abuse, depression, loneliness.
But all I can feel now...is nothing.
Numb.
When a handsome stranger shows up at my door it's almost enough to make my heart stutter, like it had long ago.
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2021
12 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 19, 2021
I was completely taken in by Gabriella's story. She is a battered and shattered woman, who is at mercy of a very abusive husband. The only positive light in her life is her toddler son and the baby she currently carries in her womb. Other than that, she has a miserable existence and once you read about her awful husband you secretly start wishing for the worst possible demise for him. Despite all that is wrong in her life, she manages to make it to the next day, but barely. Then comes Ashton, a vampire, who accidentally meets Gabriella. He knows how awful her life is and knows she deserves a better life. He wants to save her from the life she leads and he will make it his goal to captivate her heart. I cannot wait to continue reading about Gabriella and Ashton.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 8, 2021
‘If you only knew’...yes? If only!
Theirs so much heartache, pain, betrayal, a twisted-minded husband, and a cliché marriage, with an unfair life.
This is an intensive and fast book, theirs a good dose of wild chemistry in it, even in-between your heart being splintered, from the truth of her reality, but his possessiveness makes me hope for more and I’m hoping for some happiness...
Can’t wait to see what going to happen next...
XOX Lottie
Theirs so much heartache, pain, betrayal, a twisted-minded husband, and a cliché marriage, with an unfair life.
This is an intensive and fast book, theirs a good dose of wild chemistry in it, even in-between your heart being splintered, from the truth of her reality, but his possessiveness makes me hope for more and I’m hoping for some happiness...
Can’t wait to see what going to happen next...
XOX Lottie
May 14, 2021
A dark paranormal romance
Gabriella & Ashton
Gabriella is in an awful abusive relationship (*trigger warnings*) and has a chance encounter with Ashton. Ashton is the definition of possessive and all consuming but in a good way. He essentially “stalks” her to convince her they are soulmates and to get her to leave her situation.
The paranormal aspects aren’t super present. There’s mention of them but lightly. It was well written but short. There’s so much more detail that could have been added that was lacking that I would have enjoyed.
Gabriella & Ashton
Gabriella is in an awful abusive relationship (*trigger warnings*) and has a chance encounter with Ashton. Ashton is the definition of possessive and all consuming but in a good way. He essentially “stalks” her to convince her they are soulmates and to get her to leave her situation.
The paranormal aspects aren’t super present. There’s mention of them but lightly. It was well written but short. There’s so much more detail that could have been added that was lacking that I would have enjoyed.
May 13, 2021
This is not your typical boy meets girl, falls in love, happy ever ending story. Gabriella is married to her high school sweetheart. Only he's not the same man she fell in love with. She is abused, beaten and tired. Currently pregnant, along with a younger son; This seems to be the only break she can actually get where her husband doesn't place his hands on her. When she attempted to leave him, he did the unthinkable and now all hope she had is lost.
Then comes Ashton. Immortal. Rich. Good-looking. Currently looking for a way out of his immortal life. When he stumbles upon his old friends residence to search for answers, he quickly finds that Gabriella and her family now occupy the house. One look is all it took for Ashton to fall for Gabriella. He ends up stalking her, her cheating husband and everything they do. He realizes that Gabriella has shut herself off from the world in order to cope with her husband. Only he has plans that will change her life.
When Ashton is in the process of finding a way for Gabriella and her son, Sam - suspicious problems arise back home. He has no choice but to go back before he can follow through with his ultimate plan to save the women he is meant to be with. The ending kind of comes up really, really quick. It left me with a lot of questions.
Gabriella was so focused on having a funeral for Gabriel, yet we see nothing of it... For how horrible, Isaac (her husband) was and how much Ashton wanted to destroy him - why was their no detail to make him suffer. He basically got carried away and that means he's dead? I understand this is a novella and it looks like it continues to book 2 but I'm not a fan of how it ended. It definitely felt rushed at the end. I would have preferred more for them to go into more detail with that then rushing her and Sam home with him. Especially after her "turn." We are told from Astons POV that she just accepted it and that is that....
*Overall 3/5 (It was very interesting, but left you with holes and a rushed ending)
*Heat? 0 - Some kissing
*Dark? 2/5 (Abuse, Rape, loss of pregnancy)
*Dual first person POV, both Gabriella and Ashton. (LOTSSSSS of inner dialogue with themselves)
*MF Romance
*HEA? Yes but leaves with small cliffhanger than continues on.
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest review and opinion.
Thank you!!
Then comes Ashton. Immortal. Rich. Good-looking. Currently looking for a way out of his immortal life. When he stumbles upon his old friends residence to search for answers, he quickly finds that Gabriella and her family now occupy the house. One look is all it took for Ashton to fall for Gabriella. He ends up stalking her, her cheating husband and everything they do. He realizes that Gabriella has shut herself off from the world in order to cope with her husband. Only he has plans that will change her life.
When Ashton is in the process of finding a way for Gabriella and her son, Sam - suspicious problems arise back home. He has no choice but to go back before he can follow through with his ultimate plan to save the women he is meant to be with. The ending kind of comes up really, really quick. It left me with a lot of questions.
Gabriella was so focused on having a funeral for Gabriel, yet we see nothing of it... For how horrible, Isaac (her husband) was and how much Ashton wanted to destroy him - why was their no detail to make him suffer. He basically got carried away and that means he's dead? I understand this is a novella and it looks like it continues to book 2 but I'm not a fan of how it ended. It definitely felt rushed at the end. I would have preferred more for them to go into more detail with that then rushing her and Sam home with him. Especially after her "turn." We are told from Astons POV that she just accepted it and that is that....
*Overall 3/5 (It was very interesting, but left you with holes and a rushed ending)
*Heat? 0 - Some kissing
*Dark? 2/5 (Abuse, Rape, loss of pregnancy)
*Dual first person POV, both Gabriella and Ashton. (LOTSSSSS of inner dialogue with themselves)
*MF Romance
*HEA? Yes but leaves with small cliffhanger than continues on.
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest review and opinion.
Thank you!!
May 8, 2021
**Trigger warning: this book contains mental, sexual, physical and emotional abuse.**
This is a quick read that sucks you in and leaves you wanting for more. Gabriella is an abused woman. Severely, and in every way possible. Stuck in a small town with her abusive husband who was her high school sweetheart, disowned by her family who saw Isaac for what he was when she was still blinded by that naivete we all have fallen victim to at one time or another. Every day bleeding into the next of taking care of her son, while nestling her unborn son in her womb, hoping not to piss off her alcoholic husband. This story gives you insight into the question of "Why do women stay in those abusive relationships? Why don't the 'just leave'?" When the abuse gets to be so bad that you question your own sanity, how do you know what's real and what isn't? Where do you go when the only person that you can depend on is your toddler son who you would give your very life to protect?
In walks Ashton, Gabriella's knight on a white horse...er, in a black SUV, but you know what I mean. He's literal royalty, rich beyond belief and gorgeous. Oh, and a vampire looking to end his existence. He's come back to find his maker to find out how he can die, for good this time. Instead he finds his soulmate: pregnant, abused, and a mother to a sweet little boy. Now his life has purpose. But Ashton has problems of his own, and he can't just whisk Gabriella away like he wishes. He has to go deal with some other issues first, leaving Gabriella exposed to Isaac's new form of abuse. He'll be back though. And he's coming for the ones he loves.
This is a quick read that sucks you in and leaves you wanting for more. Gabriella is an abused woman. Severely, and in every way possible. Stuck in a small town with her abusive husband who was her high school sweetheart, disowned by her family who saw Isaac for what he was when she was still blinded by that naivete we all have fallen victim to at one time or another. Every day bleeding into the next of taking care of her son, while nestling her unborn son in her womb, hoping not to piss off her alcoholic husband. This story gives you insight into the question of "Why do women stay in those abusive relationships? Why don't the 'just leave'?" When the abuse gets to be so bad that you question your own sanity, how do you know what's real and what isn't? Where do you go when the only person that you can depend on is your toddler son who you would give your very life to protect?
In walks Ashton, Gabriella's knight on a white horse...er, in a black SUV, but you know what I mean. He's literal royalty, rich beyond belief and gorgeous. Oh, and a vampire looking to end his existence. He's come back to find his maker to find out how he can die, for good this time. Instead he finds his soulmate: pregnant, abused, and a mother to a sweet little boy. Now his life has purpose. But Ashton has problems of his own, and he can't just whisk Gabriella away like he wishes. He has to go deal with some other issues first, leaving Gabriella exposed to Isaac's new form of abuse. He'll be back though. And he's coming for the ones he loves.
May 20, 2021
⭐️: 5/5
Age: 18+
⚠️TW
AVAILABLE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
If Only You Knew is a short, action packed PNR novella. The story will be continued with a full-length novel coming soon.
Gabriella is married to an abusive alcoholic. Because of her situation, she has many mental illnesses. Her situation brightens when she meets Ashton— but is he real or a figment of Gabriella’s imagination?
WOW. I cannot wait for the full-length novel because after finishing this novella, I need more. I loved the gentle nature of Ashton. While short, the novella set up a great plot that had many twists and turns. I definitely am looking forward to the full-length novel, If Only They Knew.
Age: 18+
⚠️TW
AVAILABLE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
If Only You Knew is a short, action packed PNR novella. The story will be continued with a full-length novel coming soon.
Gabriella is married to an abusive alcoholic. Because of her situation, she has many mental illnesses. Her situation brightens when she meets Ashton— but is he real or a figment of Gabriella’s imagination?
WOW. I cannot wait for the full-length novel because after finishing this novella, I need more. I loved the gentle nature of Ashton. While short, the novella set up a great plot that had many twists and turns. I definitely am looking forward to the full-length novel, If Only They Knew.
May 8, 2021
This was my first book from this author. I was hesitant when I saw the length of the book. I'm a book addict and prefer longer books. The book starts with dark triggers that made me wonder how the book would flow and the development of the characters. But in the end, the book didn't feel rushed. It left me wanting to know the back story of the characters and more about the abilities of the “Bitten,” etc. I can't wait to read the next book.
May 8, 2021
If Only You Knew is a short paranormal romance. Be certain to check the TW before diving in as it may be upsetting for some. This quick read is set at a very fast pace. I enjoyed the history and background that is given within the book but wish there had been more. I had also hoped to see more interaction shown between Ashton and Sam. Overall, I’m interested to see the romance grow between Ashton and Gabriella as well as what direction the author takes in the next book.
An ARC was given in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An ARC was given in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2021
Intriguing... that is the best word for this book! There is so much I need to know! I feel like this is the start of something beautiful and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Gabriella has been through so much I want to see what happens when she finally gets to live her life. Ashton... I need so much more.
I wanted to ease back into the PNR world and this is exactly what I needed!
I wanted to ease back into the PNR world and this is exactly what I needed!
May 8, 2021
Have you ever read a book and felt like you had a soul bond with the author?
Well that’s how this book was for me!
It was raw, and beautifully dark and just the tip of the iceberg! I can not wait for the rest of this story!
Well that’s how this book was for me!
It was raw, and beautifully dark and just the tip of the iceberg! I can not wait for the rest of this story!
May 18, 2021
Interesting teaser
This short story is an interesting teaser to Ashton and Gabriella’s story. Due to the length, there are lots of unanswered questions. However, all these and more should be answered in the next book.
This short story is an interesting teaser to Ashton and Gabriella’s story. Due to the length, there are lots of unanswered questions. However, all these and more should be answered in the next book.
May 9, 2021
100% hooked from the start! You can feel the connection between Gabriella and Ashton and I cannot wait to see how their story developes!
May 18, 2021
If You Only Knew is a Dark Paranormal Romance Novella with Triggers!
Chelsii never disappoints, this was a fantastic Novella! I cannot wait until the next book.... which will be full length!
This story Follows Gabriella and her decent into madness at the hands of her abusive husband! A stranger appears at her door one afternoon and his mysterious beauty and thrall leave her wandering if he was real..... he had to be a hallucination!
Chelsii never disappoints, this was a fantastic Novella! I cannot wait until the next book.... which will be full length!
This story Follows Gabriella and her decent into madness at the hands of her abusive husband! A stranger appears at her door one afternoon and his mysterious beauty and thrall leave her wandering if he was real..... he had to be a hallucination!
May 11, 2021
I was lucky to get this book as an ARC. I applaud the author for having trigger warnings. Some of the trigger scenes are very detailed and can be hard to read. I do think the idea behind this book is amazing. I wish that there were more details for the scenes building up to the romance and the conversations. I felt like there were a lot of gaps and hoped for a little more of the back story.
May 7, 2021
I received this ARC for a honest review! If only you knew broke me in the first chapter. A lot of what Gabriella went through is similar to what women go through daily. I went into this book with a strong guarded heart knowing about the trigger warnings. I was worried to finish it, however after the first chapter it was fast. It was an intense and fast read. I wish it was longer with more details on the relationship building between Ashton and Gabriella. I wish there was relationship building between Sam and Ashton as well. Maybe even more details on the actual conversations they had for almost a month of Ashton going over everyday. I’m very curious to see how the next book will turn out.
May 23, 2021
Not sure about this one guessing this was a prequel? If so it still felt really rushed, there wasn’t any character/relationship development & it felt like too much was squeezed into a few pages with not much detail.
June 7, 2021
This story was compelling from the start.
It's a novella but there's a lot of plot development that packs an emotional punch. We don't have all the pieces yet so there's definitely more to be desired.
We meet the dreamboat vampire Ashton who stumbles upon his "mate" Gabriela while he is looking for Alaric, who I can only assume will play a larger role in future books since he is the reason Ashton appeared on Gabriela's doorstep in the first place. Gabriela is a housewife with a young son, and she is mentally, emotionally and physically abused by her husband which triggers her psychological problems. Gabriela is a hot mess but Ashton immediately wants her and her son and he proceeds to "woo" and puts plans in motion to make them his.
I'm intrigued by this storyline. We've barely scratched the surface on their romance. The chemistry is there but the romance is light. I hope to see more development in their relationship in the future installments as this ended somewhat abruptly. Still it's written very well. I enjoyed it.
Triggers: Mature themes including domestic abuse, sexual abuse, loss, mental illness
I received an ARC and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
It's a novella but there's a lot of plot development that packs an emotional punch. We don't have all the pieces yet so there's definitely more to be desired.
We meet the dreamboat vampire Ashton who stumbles upon his "mate" Gabriela while he is looking for Alaric, who I can only assume will play a larger role in future books since he is the reason Ashton appeared on Gabriela's doorstep in the first place. Gabriela is a housewife with a young son, and she is mentally, emotionally and physically abused by her husband which triggers her psychological problems. Gabriela is a hot mess but Ashton immediately wants her and her son and he proceeds to "woo" and puts plans in motion to make them his.
I'm intrigued by this storyline. We've barely scratched the surface on their romance. The chemistry is there but the romance is light. I hope to see more development in their relationship in the future installments as this ended somewhat abruptly. Still it's written very well. I enjoyed it.
Triggers: Mature themes including domestic abuse, sexual abuse, loss, mental illness
I received an ARC and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
May 17, 2021
This is a quick, heart-wrenching read and I loved it!
TW: Domestic violence, child abuse, rape, mental illness, stalking, dubious consent, attempted murder, murder, miscarriage, suicide (if you’d like me to elaborate please shoot me a message)
TW: Domestic violence, child abuse, rape, mental illness, stalking, dubious consent, attempted murder, murder, miscarriage, suicide (if you’d like me to elaborate please shoot me a message)
May 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this short story! It's real and it's raw. Physical and mental abuse are prevalent in this story and it's always nice when the abuser gets what's coming to him.
Plus, Ashton is dreamy 🥰
Plus, Ashton is dreamy 🥰
May 4, 2022
This is a quick read but so much emotion packed into this. I loved this book and devoured it so fast I didn't realize I was at the end!
She is a sad housewife who dreams of escaping with her son to safety. Then one day a knock comes on the door and she opens it to a beautiful stranger.
He is searching for revenge and instead finds something so interesting he losses sight of why he came back to America in the first place.
This is a story of love, loss, and some abuse so be warned of the triggers the author gave.
Totally worth the read! Definitely recommend so good can't wait to read more from this author!
She is a sad housewife who dreams of escaping with her son to safety. Then one day a knock comes on the door and she opens it to a beautiful stranger.
He is searching for revenge and instead finds something so interesting he losses sight of why he came back to America in the first place.
This is a story of love, loss, and some abuse so be warned of the triggers the author gave.
Totally worth the read! Definitely recommend so good can't wait to read more from this author!
May 12, 2021
Alright, alright, ALRIGHT!!! Where to start?!?! This is one of those reads that leaves you with some seriously deep feels and has your brain shooting off highlights willy-nilly and your synapses stuttering at the potential for more.
I received an advance reader's copy from the author, Chelsii Klein, in exchange for an honest review.
I think it is important that readers are aware that this book is intended for mature/adult audiences, and mentions themes of domestic violence and personal loss that may be triggering. The author does include a trigger warning in both the preview synopsis and at the start of the book.
Our main female character, Gabriella, is a young, married mother who feels trapped in her abusive relationship and experiences an escalating severity of violence. There is some light in her darkness: an unexpected, mysterious stranger who gives her hope that maybe there is more to life for her after all. Throw in a sprinkle of paranormalcy; a dash of sexy heart-throb; and potential for the story to expand to incorporate a rich worldview and setting and I'm hooked!
ALLLL the feels:
The author does an exemplary job evoking a reader's empathy and understanding of Gabriella's plight. I could FEEL her despair; protective instincts and deep love for her child; self-doubt; and everything on the spectrum between numbness, hope and terror. I was literally 3 pages into the story and wanted to wrap Gabriella up in a big hug and be THERE for her.
Likewise, Chelsii Klein unequivocally illustrates the cycle of abuse; how it creeps up on a person and escalates over time. She raises awareness to the impact such relationships have on the victim, leading to life-long trauma's, and secondary symptoms: Gabriella's sleepwalking, questioning of her sanity, feeling isolated from family and friends, depression, anxiety... the whole she-bang.
I feel that this story merges, powerfully, the reality of a present-day epidemic of violence in relationships with the hope and escapism of paranormal romance and mystery.
Character dynamics:
Okay, we know a bit about Gabriella. What also needs to be added, is she is brave in her own way. She's had to be. She is ruthlessly resilient, and doesn't quite fit the damsel-in-distress that many PNR ladies do (Thank God). She has moments of spunk, and this part had me laughing out loud (okay, Snaugh-ing. Snort-Laughing. It ain't pretty!):
"The peephole reveals a handsome guy, who's either a murderer or an alien, because there was nobody in this shit hole town that looked as good..."
She's thinking about Ashton, who just happens to stumble upon her by happenstance, and note that "something isn't quite okay..."
Ashton is largely a mystery. He is a "bitten" - This story's concept of vampire. He CAN be in the sunlight, and doesn't sparkle, FYI. We don't get to see much into the paranormal side the story, and I am disappointed by that.
Summary
Since this is a novella-length book, I do feel as though there is potential for deeper plot building, more bonding between characters, and a "fleshing-out" of the worldview/world concept. I'm not normally a fan of novella romances, as the relationships can feel rushed or forced. This book balances that well with clearly indicated time-lapses.
I am absolutely salivating at the possibility of learning more about the Bitten, the overall paranormal world of the setting, and DEETS! I need ALL THE DEETS of what happens during Gabriella and Ashton's time together that we DON'T get to see in the novella. I would also like brutal revenge scenes. LOL!
Well done Madame Klein!
May 9, 2021
If You Only Knew is the beginning of Ashton and Gabriella’s love story and it gripped my heart in the most painfully beautiful way.
Gabriella is in a dangerously abusive marriage and does anything she can to not cause her husband to flip out on her, even if it’s at the expense of her own sanity and health. Because nothing that she puts herself through is anywhere near as bad as what he can and has done to her.
Ashton is struggling with his own demons after having come to America 10 years prior on holiday and ends up becoming a Bitten. He’s not a fan of vampire life and wants out so he returns to America to search out Alaric, the man that changed him, in hopes that he can tell Ashton how to end his life.
Gabriella and Ashton are brought together when he ends up at her front door as that’s where Alaric used to live. They’re both completely taken aback with each other and Ashton wants nothing more than to whisk Gabriella, her small son, and unborn child away with him to take care of and protect forever. He now feels like he has a purpose in life. Gabriella is just as smitten with him and is rather astounded that somebody as handsome and sweet as Ashton would want anything to do with a damaged girl like her.
I’m absolutely obsessed with this book and how beautifully broken our 2 main characters are. Gabriella’s pain is so devastatingly real and although she may not be the kick-ass FMC you’re used to reading in other books, she has such amazing inner strength that you can’t help but want her to get away from her monster of a husband. I have a feeling that once she’s free of him, we’ll see her blossom into a beautifully strong woman.
** Please heed the trigger warning from the author at the beginning of the book. I myself was in abusive relationships and while nothing in this book was a trigger for me, it could easily be for someone else. If you’ve been abused by a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife, know what you’re able to handle before you read this book because the words are very savage, raw and intensely painful.
Gabriella is in a dangerously abusive marriage and does anything she can to not cause her husband to flip out on her, even if it’s at the expense of her own sanity and health. Because nothing that she puts herself through is anywhere near as bad as what he can and has done to her.
Ashton is struggling with his own demons after having come to America 10 years prior on holiday and ends up becoming a Bitten. He’s not a fan of vampire life and wants out so he returns to America to search out Alaric, the man that changed him, in hopes that he can tell Ashton how to end his life.
Gabriella and Ashton are brought together when he ends up at her front door as that’s where Alaric used to live. They’re both completely taken aback with each other and Ashton wants nothing more than to whisk Gabriella, her small son, and unborn child away with him to take care of and protect forever. He now feels like he has a purpose in life. Gabriella is just as smitten with him and is rather astounded that somebody as handsome and sweet as Ashton would want anything to do with a damaged girl like her.
I’m absolutely obsessed with this book and how beautifully broken our 2 main characters are. Gabriella’s pain is so devastatingly real and although she may not be the kick-ass FMC you’re used to reading in other books, she has such amazing inner strength that you can’t help but want her to get away from her monster of a husband. I have a feeling that once she’s free of him, we’ll see her blossom into a beautifully strong woman.
** Please heed the trigger warning from the author at the beginning of the book. I myself was in abusive relationships and while nothing in this book was a trigger for me, it could easily be for someone else. If you’ve been abused by a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife, know what you’re able to handle before you read this book because the words are very savage, raw and intensely painful.
May 18, 2021
First off, I wanted to point out that whoever did the proofing/editing on this is a pro. I have not seen an error as far as grammer, punctuation, or spelling anywhere. I've read other books by indie authors and have gone mad with all the punctuation mistakes, but not this author.
The book is approximately 881 pages long, I believe making it a novella. This means the story gets going very quickly.
It's about a woman, Gabriella, who is trapped in a loveless marriage by her drunk, abusive husband. When I say abusive, I mean he is a true monster. They have one toddler and another baby on the way. Gabriella suffers from depression, sleepwalking, and a heart issue. She has no money of her own, can't get a job, and can't depend on her mother to really help her.
In walks Ashton Rush. A British royal who soon reveals he's secretly a bitten (vampire) and had come to town on his own personal business with his creator. Ashton falls in love with Gabriella quickly and vows to get her and her babies out of their bad situation.
The writing is so well done, the reader can truly feel the gut wrenching emotions that Gabriella feels throughout the book. The reader needs to heed the trigger warning at the start of the book. Not all stories start out happy or neutral, and Gabriella's story is a good example of what life is like for real life women in these terrible situations. (Excluding the vampire part).
One thing that wasn't talked about was the characteristics of a bitten. How can he be in the daylight? Does he exclusively drink blood, or can he eat certain foods as well? Does he sleep? I'd love to see that talked about perhaps in the next novella in the series.
This book is a good read if you need a distraction while in a waiting room, in between classes, sitting in an airport terminal, or any other place you may need a quick and short read. It's a really good novella, however, I honestly feel that this book has so much promise as a full length novel. Ms. Klien has the right plot, the right amount of characters, and the right amount of action to make it a novel.
The book is approximately 881 pages long, I believe making it a novella. This means the story gets going very quickly.
It's about a woman, Gabriella, who is trapped in a loveless marriage by her drunk, abusive husband. When I say abusive, I mean he is a true monster. They have one toddler and another baby on the way. Gabriella suffers from depression, sleepwalking, and a heart issue. She has no money of her own, can't get a job, and can't depend on her mother to really help her.
In walks Ashton Rush. A British royal who soon reveals he's secretly a bitten (vampire) and had come to town on his own personal business with his creator. Ashton falls in love with Gabriella quickly and vows to get her and her babies out of their bad situation.
The writing is so well done, the reader can truly feel the gut wrenching emotions that Gabriella feels throughout the book. The reader needs to heed the trigger warning at the start of the book. Not all stories start out happy or neutral, and Gabriella's story is a good example of what life is like for real life women in these terrible situations. (Excluding the vampire part).
One thing that wasn't talked about was the characteristics of a bitten. How can he be in the daylight? Does he exclusively drink blood, or can he eat certain foods as well? Does he sleep? I'd love to see that talked about perhaps in the next novella in the series.
This book is a good read if you need a distraction while in a waiting room, in between classes, sitting in an airport terminal, or any other place you may need a quick and short read. It's a really good novella, however, I honestly feel that this book has so much promise as a full length novel. Ms. Klien has the right plot, the right amount of characters, and the right amount of action to make it a novel.
May 18, 2021
I will start by saying that it’s a good book. Not the best I read, but a great one nonetheless. I’m giving it a solid four stars. The author is a new one for me. I have never read her books before, so it was a complete surprise. The cover is what drew me in. I really liked the personnality of Gabrielle and the way she was presented. She’s a smart woman and knows the abuse is not good for her et her kids. She tried to leave once before, but it ended up in her getting pregnant. I leave you to imagine what happened. She happens to meet Ashton when he came by their house looking for an old friend of his. From that moment, he becomes infatuated.
What I didn't like about the story is that I felt it was rushed. There is no real relationship building between Gabrielle and Ashton. It kind of just happened. The same thing about the fact that he is a vampire. It was just dropped on Gabriella and she didn't have that much of a reaction other than passing out. In my opinion, the vampire thing was not mandatory for the story. There are also many timelapse where I feel the author could have used to develop her story and help it reach its full potential.
There are triggers in this books. Abuse, suicidal thoughts, loss of a child. However, as a huge reader of darker romances and pitch-black books, I think it was more tamed compared to others. Everyone should read the triggers before reading. I do recommend the book to everyone who wants a fast read with a guaranteed HEA. An all-powerful hero who saves the heroine of her abusive husband.
I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
What I didn't like about the story is that I felt it was rushed. There is no real relationship building between Gabrielle and Ashton. It kind of just happened. The same thing about the fact that he is a vampire. It was just dropped on Gabriella and she didn't have that much of a reaction other than passing out. In my opinion, the vampire thing was not mandatory for the story. There are also many timelapse where I feel the author could have used to develop her story and help it reach its full potential.
There are triggers in this books. Abuse, suicidal thoughts, loss of a child. However, as a huge reader of darker romances and pitch-black books, I think it was more tamed compared to others. Everyone should read the triggers before reading. I do recommend the book to everyone who wants a fast read with a guaranteed HEA. An all-powerful hero who saves the heroine of her abusive husband.
I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
May 23, 2021
This short novella is wonderfully unique, completely captivating, and leaves you wanting more....
Once upon a time, Gabriella had everything she'd dreamed of. Unfortunately though, her fairy tale has turned into a nightmare. Now, the only thing that brings her joy is her young son and the dream that someone will save her from the hell she finds herself living in daily....
Little does she know that someone is about to come knocking on her door. A mysterious stranger who makes her heart beat a little faster and give her butterflies. Things in Gabriella's life are about to drastically change for the better but, not before they get a whole lot worse....
This novella was a fantastic short read! I loved the chemistry between Gabby and Ashton. It's a slow burn that begins to build over the course of the book. The paranormal aspect added a intriguing and surprising twist, leaving me curious about Ashton and the bitten. The darker themes and situations added an emotional depth to the overall storyline but, may be rough for some readers so pay heed to the trigger warnings....
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It had a great balance of drama, mystery, and intense slow burn to keep those pages turning. This reads like a prequel and hopefully is only a taste of more to come.
*I was generously given an ARC copy of this book by the author for an honest review *
Once upon a time, Gabriella had everything she'd dreamed of. Unfortunately though, her fairy tale has turned into a nightmare. Now, the only thing that brings her joy is her young son and the dream that someone will save her from the hell she finds herself living in daily....
Little does she know that someone is about to come knocking on her door. A mysterious stranger who makes her heart beat a little faster and give her butterflies. Things in Gabriella's life are about to drastically change for the better but, not before they get a whole lot worse....
This novella was a fantastic short read! I loved the chemistry between Gabby and Ashton. It's a slow burn that begins to build over the course of the book. The paranormal aspect added a intriguing and surprising twist, leaving me curious about Ashton and the bitten. The darker themes and situations added an emotional depth to the overall storyline but, may be rough for some readers so pay heed to the trigger warnings....
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It had a great balance of drama, mystery, and intense slow burn to keep those pages turning. This reads like a prequel and hopefully is only a taste of more to come.
*I was generously given an ARC copy of this book by the author for an honest review *
May 6, 2021
“I knew from some deeper instinct, almost animalistic instincts, that I could smell she was mine. I couldn’t let her go now.” ..... Ashton.
Gabriella and Isaac were the typical high school sweethearts. The age old cliche of the quarterback and captain of the cheerleading team. They had a perfect little life until it wasn’t so perfect anymore.
Then, a chance meeting with a handsome, foreign, stranger changes everything. Ashton is back in the states looking for the answer to how to die. When he happens to meet Gabriella, on his search for answers, he realizes he has found his reason to want to continue living. Gabriella initially thinks he’s either completely crazy or a figment of her imagination. You see, she is suffering from mental illness due to the years of emotional and physical abuse she has suffered at the hands of her husband. After spending time together, she has a reason to be excited for each new day.
Of course her husband has to ruin everything. He spins a web of lies making Gabby appear, to everyone else, as if she is mentally unstable and suicidal. However, Ashton knows the truth and isn’t going to give up that east. He will do anything to be with her and keep her safe.
I cannot wait to read more about Gabriella and Ashton!!
Gabriella and Isaac were the typical high school sweethearts. The age old cliche of the quarterback and captain of the cheerleading team. They had a perfect little life until it wasn’t so perfect anymore.
Then, a chance meeting with a handsome, foreign, stranger changes everything. Ashton is back in the states looking for the answer to how to die. When he happens to meet Gabriella, on his search for answers, he realizes he has found his reason to want to continue living. Gabriella initially thinks he’s either completely crazy or a figment of her imagination. You see, she is suffering from mental illness due to the years of emotional and physical abuse she has suffered at the hands of her husband. After spending time together, she has a reason to be excited for each new day.
Of course her husband has to ruin everything. He spins a web of lies making Gabby appear, to everyone else, as if she is mentally unstable and suicidal. However, Ashton knows the truth and isn’t going to give up that east. He will do anything to be with her and keep her safe.
I cannot wait to read more about Gabriella and Ashton!!
May 14, 2021
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
****TRIGGER WARNING: Please take the author’s warnings seriously, before you continue with this book*******
WOW 🤭 This book made me feel so many emotions!! I experienced love for Gabriella and Ashton, anger at Issac and great heartbreak for poor Gabriella, her son and her unborn child 💔 This story has two tortured broken souls trying to find their way. Chelsii Klein really wrote a raw and beautiful story with fantastic characters!! I couldn’t put it down. Make sure you have your tissues ready 🤧
Gabriella is married to her high school sweetheart, Issac. She has a young son and is pregnant. She suffers unimaginable abuse from Issac, and lives a very lonely and sad life. One day, while Issac is at work, a gorgeous, dark and mysterious stranger knocks on her door
Ashton, a vampire, is looking for his maker. What he finds instead is his soulmate, in this beautiful, broken and severely abused woman. Unfortunately, due to his circumstances, Ashton cannot claim Gabriella yet. He will however come for her when the time is right 🖤🔥😍………
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AMAZING BOOK 💙
****TRIGGER WARNING: Please take the author’s warnings seriously, before you continue with this book*******
WOW 🤭 This book made me feel so many emotions!! I experienced love for Gabriella and Ashton, anger at Issac and great heartbreak for poor Gabriella, her son and her unborn child 💔 This story has two tortured broken souls trying to find their way. Chelsii Klein really wrote a raw and beautiful story with fantastic characters!! I couldn’t put it down. Make sure you have your tissues ready 🤧
Gabriella is married to her high school sweetheart, Issac. She has a young son and is pregnant. She suffers unimaginable abuse from Issac, and lives a very lonely and sad life. One day, while Issac is at work, a gorgeous, dark and mysterious stranger knocks on her door
Ashton, a vampire, is looking for his maker. What he finds instead is his soulmate, in this beautiful, broken and severely abused woman. Unfortunately, due to his circumstances, Ashton cannot claim Gabriella yet. He will however come for her when the time is right 🖤🔥😍………
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AMAZING BOOK 💙
May 18, 2021
Why did it have to end like that?!
How long do I have to wait for book 2!! The book is too short !!
This is a heart breaking story but don't worry a prince in shinny bloody armour comes and saves the day.
Gabriella is stuck in a abusive and loveless marriage. She has adorable son called Sam and I hope we get more scenes of him. My heart broke for Gabriella when she was alone and she starts to believe....no spoilers cause what am about to say will spoil a part in th book.
Ashton. I wish I could meet Mary she sounds amazing and she has been with Ashtons for years. I want to learn more about Ashton family history that is just full of mystery!! Ashton is a vampire but he doesn't follow a typical vampire....I won't spoil that part for you !!
The romance between Ashton & Gabriella just made me go 'aww' alot cause she needed some sweetness in her life. We do some time jumping with their love story which it more realistic. Cause she is learning to trust Ashton and falling in love with him. While she is seeing him she is thinking about her son welfare. She wants him away from her abusive husband and she is finally accepting that she can trust Ashton with her and her sons life
☆MUST READ☆
Trigger warning is adviced but I will say they are not graphic in detail.
How long do I have to wait for book 2!! The book is too short !!
This is a heart breaking story but don't worry a prince in shinny bloody armour comes and saves the day.
Gabriella is stuck in a abusive and loveless marriage. She has adorable son called Sam and I hope we get more scenes of him. My heart broke for Gabriella when she was alone and she starts to believe....no spoilers cause what am about to say will spoil a part in th book.
Ashton. I wish I could meet Mary she sounds amazing and she has been with Ashtons for years. I want to learn more about Ashton family history that is just full of mystery!! Ashton is a vampire but he doesn't follow a typical vampire....I won't spoil that part for you !!
The romance between Ashton & Gabriella just made me go 'aww' alot cause she needed some sweetness in her life. We do some time jumping with their love story which it more realistic. Cause she is learning to trust Ashton and falling in love with him. While she is seeing him she is thinking about her son welfare. She wants him away from her abusive husband and she is finally accepting that she can trust Ashton with her and her sons life
☆MUST READ☆
Trigger warning is adviced but I will say they are not graphic in detail.
May 10, 2021
I have a love-hate relationship with novellas because it always feels like not enough. Like licking a snickers bar and getting a hint of the chocolate but not actually getting to bite into it to get the full flavor of chocolate, nougat, caramel, and peanuts. Makes you want to tear your hair out and the craving just gets stronger and stronger.
You cannot tease me like that and then, the end. Ok I guess you can...
This is just the start for Gabriella and Ashton. Our lovely heroine has been battered and beaten both mentally and physically. She survives for her son but is sporting a beautiful exterior to an internally lifeless from. Ashton is immediately entranced by her and makes it his mission to make her his.
Can’t wait to see Gabriella shine with Ashton by her side and Something tells me that this new world of theirs is about to take some unexpected turns that we are not prepared for.
You cannot tease me like that and then, the end. Ok I guess you can...
This is just the start for Gabriella and Ashton. Our lovely heroine has been battered and beaten both mentally and physically. She survives for her son but is sporting a beautiful exterior to an internally lifeless from. Ashton is immediately entranced by her and makes it his mission to make her his.
Can’t wait to see Gabriella shine with Ashton by her side and Something tells me that this new world of theirs is about to take some unexpected turns that we are not prepared for.
May 11, 2021
Loved it!
This is novella from Chelsii Klein and has a LOT of trigger warnings in the short story. Please be aware of those before reading.
I loved this novella from the start! The chemistry between Gabriella and Ashton is there, even though there are no steamy scenes between them….yet! This is only the beginning of the story for them and I am so intrigued to see where Chelsii takes it from here. The life Gabriella has led has not been an easy one by any means. And her heartbreak is not over with. Ashton comes just when Gabriella needs him the most. This story broke my heart and tore it out of my chest. I could feel all of the emotions that Gabriella was experiencing. The heart break, fear, betrayal, and the absence of feelings all together. It was truly magical how Chelsii could convey such sensitive topics and treat them with respect and love. I highly recommend this book and will no doubt dive headfirst into the next book that comes from this story.
This is novella from Chelsii Klein and has a LOT of trigger warnings in the short story. Please be aware of those before reading.
I loved this novella from the start! The chemistry between Gabriella and Ashton is there, even though there are no steamy scenes between them….yet! This is only the beginning of the story for them and I am so intrigued to see where Chelsii takes it from here. The life Gabriella has led has not been an easy one by any means. And her heartbreak is not over with. Ashton comes just when Gabriella needs him the most. This story broke my heart and tore it out of my chest. I could feel all of the emotions that Gabriella was experiencing. The heart break, fear, betrayal, and the absence of feelings all together. It was truly magical how Chelsii could convey such sensitive topics and treat them with respect and love. I highly recommend this book and will no doubt dive headfirst into the next book that comes from this story.
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