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Knotted
All's fair in love and custody battles - but does the fighting have to be so much fun? KNOttED is the third novel by a rising star who has captured a loyal and enthusiastic fan base with her first two novels. Much more than chick lit, Michelle Holman's books are witty and honest books about real women and their chaotic lives, widely read and enjoyed by men and women alike. Michelle is now one of our hottest authors. KNOttED tells the story of Danny (short for Danneka) Lawson, who's struggling to pay a mortgage, raise her twin sister's orphaned children and hold down a full-time job as charge nurse in a busy A&E department. When the children's American uncle, Ross Fabello, contacts her out of the blue and wants to take the children back to meet their father's family, sparks fly and two stubborn, strong-minded and independent people clash. In a classic battle of wills and inevitable sexual attraction, the story of how Danny and Ross finally get together is a brilliantly funny and poignant tale of modern love and misadventure that's sassy, sexy and never takes itself too seriously.Michelle Holman has tapped into a rich indigenous vein of female warmth, wit and earthy sexuality writing.
First published January 1, 2009
4 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Holman
9 books78 followersI live in Cambridge, New Zealand and write contemporary women's romance. My books have all been bestsellers so thank you to all those people who bought them. Cambridge is in the province of Waikato which is famous for cows and horses. We've got two of them - horses, that is. We've also got an over-energetic dog, and a cat that drinks out of the toilet. I'm a lapsed nurse (you never stop being one, you just lapse). I know that because I stand in supermarket queues and give people marks out of ten for how good their veins are and how easy it would be to get a line into their arms. If I'm making you feel faint - Sorry.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 28, 2024
Tangling the realities of love, loss, hope and family bonds through relatable characters.
"Knotted" by Michelle Holman explores knotted battles we face both internally and externally, delving into the complexities of love, loss, and the fears that accompany them. Through the experiences of its characters, particularly Daneka "Danny" Lawton and Ross Fabello, the story untangles the value of family and the healing power of time and connection in the face of grief and lost hope.
The story weaves together themes of love, loss, and familial bonds in a way that feels both day-to-day-life-real and deeply relatable. As the characters navigate their own tangles of emotion and circumstance, I was drawn into their journey that feels real enough to connect with, yet hopeful enough to stay invested in what would happen next.
I enjoyed the ability to capture the messy realities of life while still offering moments of genuine connection and hopefulness so that even in our darkest moments, there is light to be found in the bonds we share with others.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"Knotted" by Michelle Holman explores knotted battles we face both internally and externally, delving into the complexities of love, loss, and the fears that accompany them. Through the experiences of its characters, particularly Daneka "Danny" Lawton and Ross Fabello, the story untangles the value of family and the healing power of time and connection in the face of grief and lost hope.
The story weaves together themes of love, loss, and familial bonds in a way that feels both day-to-day-life-real and deeply relatable. As the characters navigate their own tangles of emotion and circumstance, I was drawn into their journey that feels real enough to connect with, yet hopeful enough to stay invested in what would happen next.
I enjoyed the ability to capture the messy realities of life while still offering moments of genuine connection and hopefulness so that even in our darkest moments, there is light to be found in the bonds we share with others.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2024
This book has such strong likeable main characters. The witty one-liners between Ross and Danny, the extended family relationships as well as the funny communication between adults and kids make this entertainment at it's best.
Easy to read with plenty of humour but some serious themes are covered with sensitivity and kindness. A book I struggled to put down and the story stayed with me as I went about my day, itching to get back to reading on.
At the finish, all I can say is I wish is was twice as long.
A fantastic author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Easy to read with plenty of humour but some serious themes are covered with sensitivity and kindness. A book I struggled to put down and the story stayed with me as I went about my day, itching to get back to reading on.
At the finish, all I can say is I wish is was twice as long.
A fantastic author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2024
I love Michelle Holman's books, as she has such a funny turn of phrase, and her characters have great internal musings! 'Knotted' is definitely one of my favourites of her books, with Daneka "Danny" Lawton and Ross Fabello as two of my favourite characters. Despite meeting in difficult cirtcumstance with them both grieving for siblings, the story evolves and deals with the issues of family in a human and funny way. It's a great read for when you need some down-time or something to keep you smiling.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2020
So predictable. Plot is beyond trite. Wealthy talented guy with a big nose, then the nose diminishes as the homely girl suddenly has gorgeous skin and becomes endearing.
Try a plot where the two people are fat and unattractive who find value in short dumpy looking people. Just ordinary people who work in marginal jobs ... people who learn to cook, learn to do laundry and learn happiness by a thought process other than some hero swooping in.
Try a plot where the two people are fat and unattractive who find value in short dumpy looking people. Just ordinary people who work in marginal jobs ... people who learn to cook, learn to do laundry and learn happiness by a thought process other than some hero swooping in.
January 17, 2022
3.5 stars. Writing style was a little odd but the story was endearing and I loved that it’s a kiwi book.
January 12, 2023
eine echt tolle Geschichte allerdings bin ich der typ für Action weshalb das buch irgendwann langweilig wurde für mich.
April 29, 2024
Brilliant read
A very easy and enjoyable read with lols, a couple of tears and very little sleep. Welcome back Michelle. You’ve been missed!
A very easy and enjoyable read with lols, a couple of tears and very little sleep. Welcome back Michelle. You’ve been missed!
December 11, 2017
"When Daneka Lawton was awakened at 6 a.m. by her radio alarm clock and Lilly Allen singing 'Smile', she was unaware that her personal nemesis had just stepped off a 747 at Auckland airport."
When I read that first sentence I knew straight away that this was a book I would not be able to put down. And damn was I right. It tackled issues like death, grief and living with it in a way I can also described as genuine. Actually genuine is the way I would describe this whole book and all of its the characters. And it manages to maintain a sense of humour throughout that alone should win this book awards. I remember it taking me so long to get through it because I literally had to stop so I could get over laughing fits. And finally the romance, a genuine (here I go using that word again) hate to grudging respect to love story. But it was unique because there was no abusive alpha male bullshit, and the progression of their relationship was hilariously sweet and actually made sense. This is how you write a romance book!
When I read that first sentence I knew straight away that this was a book I would not be able to put down. And damn was I right. It tackled issues like death, grief and living with it in a way I can also described as genuine. Actually genuine is the way I would describe this whole book and all of its the characters. And it manages to maintain a sense of humour throughout that alone should win this book awards. I remember it taking me so long to get through it because I literally had to stop so I could get over laughing fits. And finally the romance, a genuine (here I go using that word again) hate to grudging respect to love story. But it was unique because there was no abusive alpha male bullshit, and the progression of their relationship was hilariously sweet and actually made sense. This is how you write a romance book!
September 7, 2015
Meine Meinung:
Vom Anfang war ich ein bisschen verwirrt. Michelle Holman springt sehr häufig zwischen ihren Settings hin und her, was natürlich auch eine Änderung der betreffenden Charaktere mit sich bringt. Durch diese vielen Sprünge bin ich ein bisschen durcheinander gekommen, um wen es sich jetzt handelt, aber als ich mich an diesen Erzählstil gewöhnt hatte, kam ich sehr gut damit zurecht.
Danny ist eine hervorragende Protagonistin. Sie kümmert sich um die Kids, als wären es ihre eigenen und stellt sich wie eine Löwin beschützend vor sie. Ich habe sie für ihre Stärke mehr als nur bewundert. Obwohl diese Geschichte auktorial erzählt wurde, fiel es mir sehr leicht, mich mit Danny, aber auch mit den anderen Figuren anzufreunden und sie in mein Herz zu schließen. Sie haben allesamt ihre Macken, was sie außerordentlich authentisch und sympathisch macht. Am Anfang dachte ich noch, dass es vielleicht keine so gute Idee ist, diese Erzählweise zu wählen, weil ich die Erfahrung gemacht habe, dass die Emotionen eines Ich-Erzählers besser bei mir ankommen, doch ich wurde schon bald eines besseren belehrt.
»"Schon, aber ich kann mir gut vorstellen, wie aufgeregt sie sein werden, wenn sie herausfinden, dass meine Begleitung ein blauhaariger Flüchtling aus Narnia ist."«
Zitat aus: "Herzkurven"
Besonders die Szenen, in denen die Kinder zu Wort kamen, haben mir mehr als einmal Tränen in die Augen getrieben. Besonders die kleine Mia ist mir ganz besonders nahe gewesen. Sie schildert die Geschehnisse, die den Tod ihrer Mutter betreffen so offen, ehrlich und so voller Emotionen, dass ich sie am liebsten in meine Arme geschlossen und sie getröstet hätte. Ich hatte das Gefühl, als wenn die Kinder wirklich zu mir gesprochen hätten. Die Sprache, die sie benutzen unterscheidet sich von der, die benutzt wird, wenn die Erwachsenen sprechen. Hier hat die Autorin wirklich ganze Arbeit geleistet, in dem sie sich ihre Charaktere zu Herzen genommen und sie so stark herausgearbeitet hat, dass man ihnen alles abgenommen hat.
Die gesamte Geschichte wirkte auf mich sehr realistisch. Die Schicksalsschläge, die die Familien erfahren mussten, können jeden von uns treffen, was einem als Leser mehr als deutlich bewusst gemacht wird.
Natürlich kommt in diesem Roman auch die Liebe nicht so kurz. Wie sich die Protagonisten immer näher kommen, ist für mich absolut nachvollziehbar gewesen. Von den ersten Reibereien und Streitigkeiten, bis hin zum ersten Kuss und der ersten gemeinsamen Nacht, hat einfach alles hervorragend gepasst. Jegliche Emotionen trafen mich mit voller Wucht und bescherten mir das Gefühl "mit verliebt" zu sein.
Ein stimmiges Ende rundet für mich diese wundervolle Geschichte perfekt ab.
Fazit:
Herzkurven traf mich mitten ins Herz. Die Geschichte ist sehr warmherzig, romantisch und regt einem zum Nachdenken an. Es kann alles einfach viel zu schnell und ohne Vorwarnung vorbei sein. Neben der sehr ernsten Geschichte in der es um Verlust geht, kommt allerdings der Humor und die großen Gefühle ebenfalls nicht zu kurz. Herzkurven ist für mich eine Geschichte mit wirklich viel Herz, die man nicht unbeachtet sein lassen sollte.
© www.mybooksparadise.de
Vom Anfang war ich ein bisschen verwirrt. Michelle Holman springt sehr häufig zwischen ihren Settings hin und her, was natürlich auch eine Änderung der betreffenden Charaktere mit sich bringt. Durch diese vielen Sprünge bin ich ein bisschen durcheinander gekommen, um wen es sich jetzt handelt, aber als ich mich an diesen Erzählstil gewöhnt hatte, kam ich sehr gut damit zurecht.
Danny ist eine hervorragende Protagonistin. Sie kümmert sich um die Kids, als wären es ihre eigenen und stellt sich wie eine Löwin beschützend vor sie. Ich habe sie für ihre Stärke mehr als nur bewundert. Obwohl diese Geschichte auktorial erzählt wurde, fiel es mir sehr leicht, mich mit Danny, aber auch mit den anderen Figuren anzufreunden und sie in mein Herz zu schließen. Sie haben allesamt ihre Macken, was sie außerordentlich authentisch und sympathisch macht. Am Anfang dachte ich noch, dass es vielleicht keine so gute Idee ist, diese Erzählweise zu wählen, weil ich die Erfahrung gemacht habe, dass die Emotionen eines Ich-Erzählers besser bei mir ankommen, doch ich wurde schon bald eines besseren belehrt.
»"Schon, aber ich kann mir gut vorstellen, wie aufgeregt sie sein werden, wenn sie herausfinden, dass meine Begleitung ein blauhaariger Flüchtling aus Narnia ist."«
Zitat aus: "Herzkurven"
Besonders die Szenen, in denen die Kinder zu Wort kamen, haben mir mehr als einmal Tränen in die Augen getrieben. Besonders die kleine Mia ist mir ganz besonders nahe gewesen. Sie schildert die Geschehnisse, die den Tod ihrer Mutter betreffen so offen, ehrlich und so voller Emotionen, dass ich sie am liebsten in meine Arme geschlossen und sie getröstet hätte. Ich hatte das Gefühl, als wenn die Kinder wirklich zu mir gesprochen hätten. Die Sprache, die sie benutzen unterscheidet sich von der, die benutzt wird, wenn die Erwachsenen sprechen. Hier hat die Autorin wirklich ganze Arbeit geleistet, in dem sie sich ihre Charaktere zu Herzen genommen und sie so stark herausgearbeitet hat, dass man ihnen alles abgenommen hat.
Die gesamte Geschichte wirkte auf mich sehr realistisch. Die Schicksalsschläge, die die Familien erfahren mussten, können jeden von uns treffen, was einem als Leser mehr als deutlich bewusst gemacht wird.
Natürlich kommt in diesem Roman auch die Liebe nicht so kurz. Wie sich die Protagonisten immer näher kommen, ist für mich absolut nachvollziehbar gewesen. Von den ersten Reibereien und Streitigkeiten, bis hin zum ersten Kuss und der ersten gemeinsamen Nacht, hat einfach alles hervorragend gepasst. Jegliche Emotionen trafen mich mit voller Wucht und bescherten mir das Gefühl "mit verliebt" zu sein.
Ein stimmiges Ende rundet für mich diese wundervolle Geschichte perfekt ab.
Fazit:
Herzkurven traf mich mitten ins Herz. Die Geschichte ist sehr warmherzig, romantisch und regt einem zum Nachdenken an. Es kann alles einfach viel zu schnell und ohne Vorwarnung vorbei sein. Neben der sehr ernsten Geschichte in der es um Verlust geht, kommt allerdings der Humor und die großen Gefühle ebenfalls nicht zu kurz. Herzkurven ist für mich eine Geschichte mit wirklich viel Herz, die man nicht unbeachtet sein lassen sollte.
© www.mybooksparadise.de
May 8, 2024
I want to first apologise if my review reads funny. I am not good at putting my thoughts into words.
My rating for Knotted is 3.5 stars.
Knotted was always my least favourite of the five books Michelle Holman released but that does not mean I did not enjoy it.
Things I liked:
- The backdrop of New Zealand made everything feel closer to home as an Aussie. More relaxed. People were funnier and chiller.
- The hilarious one liners Danny and Ross threw at each other actually had me chuckling
- The theme of family and their importance in our lives
- The theme of lost and grief that comes even when you’re having fun
- The children being cared for and loved no matter what
- The camaraderie Danny had with her friends and neighbours
- Finding love in loss
- No hardcore open door scenes. I find that modern romances seem to rely on the lust to build a relationship rather than the organic growing to love each other by getting to know each other.
- Did I mention this book was funny? How do you come up with lines like that?
- The way Knotted, which had a different (negative) meaning in NZ became an inside joke. A positive one.
Things I didn’t vibe with:
- Danny was kind of annoying at times because she just wouldn’t communicate
- The book felt rushed in some areas
- Possibly a little outdated but it is to be expected because this book was released 15 years ago and a lot of things have changed since then
Overall, it is a nice and steady start to Michelle Holman’s re-releases of her books. As someone who has read the others, it only gets even better from here.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My rating for Knotted is 3.5 stars.
Knotted was always my least favourite of the five books Michelle Holman released but that does not mean I did not enjoy it.
Things I liked:
- The backdrop of New Zealand made everything feel closer to home as an Aussie. More relaxed. People were funnier and chiller.
- The hilarious one liners Danny and Ross threw at each other actually had me chuckling
- The theme of family and their importance in our lives
- The theme of lost and grief that comes even when you’re having fun
- The children being cared for and loved no matter what
- The camaraderie Danny had with her friends and neighbours
- Finding love in loss
- No hardcore open door scenes. I find that modern romances seem to rely on the lust to build a relationship rather than the organic growing to love each other by getting to know each other.
- Did I mention this book was funny? How do you come up with lines like that?
- The way Knotted, which had a different (negative) meaning in NZ became an inside joke. A positive one.
Things I didn’t vibe with:
- Danny was kind of annoying at times because she just wouldn’t communicate
- The book felt rushed in some areas
- Possibly a little outdated but it is to be expected because this book was released 15 years ago and a lot of things have changed since then
Overall, it is a nice and steady start to Michelle Holman’s re-releases of her books. As someone who has read the others, it only gets even better from here.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2014
Daneka "Danny" Lawson is the sole caregiver for her deceased twin sister Daniella's children. Matt is 11 and Mia is 8. Their father, Pat, wasn't very good at being a father, and as it turns out, he's died recently as well. Suddenly Pat's family is interested in Matt and Mia. Danny has been ignoring the letters especially since she's never heard or met any of Pat's family before, and if they happen to be anything like Pat, she doesn't want Matt and Mia to be exposed to any more flaky people. Ross Fabello is a world famous writer of mysteries and he's been stuck with the task of establishing contact with the kid's guardian, a task he doesn't want. Unfortunately Danny's not cooperating. They keep butting heads and wondering why it is they want to rip each others throats out one minute and then tear the other's clothes off seconds later.
Michelle Holman has done a great job with this book. The tension is palpable between Ross and Danny, at first because of the apathy and then you begin to get hints of the underlying romantic tension. I loved how we were able to to find out what made Danny tick. Her back story and history played a very important part in shaping how she thought and saw things. I loved how Ross began to realize his underhanded tactics were counter productive and gave his conscious a workout. Matt and Mia were great kids. Everything just came together in this book really well. I was gripped and unable to put it down. Now if only Michelle Holman's books were available in the US, everything would be perfect!
Michelle Holman has done a great job with this book. The tension is palpable between Ross and Danny, at first because of the apathy and then you begin to get hints of the underlying romantic tension. I loved how we were able to to find out what made Danny tick. Her back story and history played a very important part in shaping how she thought and saw things. I loved how Ross began to realize his underhanded tactics were counter productive and gave his conscious a workout. Matt and Mia were great kids. Everything just came together in this book really well. I was gripped and unable to put it down. Now if only Michelle Holman's books were available in the US, everything would be perfect!
July 14, 2015
I really enjoyed this read from the moment I started., Michelle Holman is a great 'story teller' and had me interested in this trans pacific relationship, between 'ant' & uncle to 2 orphaned kiwi kids. I would like to read more of her material, as she gets straight to it, no : over-describing of a situation or what the characters or any one wore. She put you in the picture of each 'scene' or situation.
January 5, 2014
Very funny. Didn't realise it was a NZ author/story until I started it so that was a cool surprise for me. I read this in two days, couldn't put it down; I just had to find out what happened between the two characters. I loved their 'honest' relationship - very entertaining - and that it wasn't the custody battle I thought it was going to be at the start!
May 18, 2011
An entertaining read from a Kiwi nurse. Festy protagonist with great sense of humour. Reminiscent of Taylor Greer from Barbara Kingsolver's Bean Trees, with a touch of Stephanie Plum (Janet Evanovich). Great kiwi slang!
September 19, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book. The character dynamics between Ross & Danny were really powerful and really gave the story line a boost. Congratulations to the author on writing a great novel that i loved to read.
August 12, 2014
I loved this book :D
I'm too lazy to explain, why it was so beautiful, (and I can't remember why, if I'm honest) so just, READ IT!
(I think, it was because it was funny and dramatic at the same time...)
I'm too lazy to explain, why it was so beautiful, (and I can't remember why, if I'm honest) so just, READ IT!
(I think, it was because it was funny and dramatic at the same time...)
June 17, 2016
A delightful book with laugh out scenes; perfect after a long day at work or for a plane ride.... including some snippets of wisdom on the importance of family and the joys of being unflinchingly honest!
January 27, 2010
New Zealand author.
February 2, 2012
- read in German -
1st star: New Zealand (author, setting,..)
2nd star: big families
3rd star: the pairing - Danny and Ross
4th star: ... review to be continued.
1st star: New Zealand (author, setting,..)
2nd star: big families
3rd star: the pairing - Danny and Ross
4th star: ... review to be continued.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2012
Another brilliant book, related to this book well. Loved the New Zealand feel to this book once again.
December 20, 2012
Love Michelle Holman
April 28, 2013
Easy read - liked that it played in my former backyard of Auckland / North Shore and I recognised places, suburbs etc. Story predictable but entertaining.
July 5, 2014
Another funny read from Michelle, love it
August 31, 2014
Very funny and cute. A little unnecessary end though.
April 26, 2024
Great easy read. Loved the characters, and their interactions. Michelle is one of my favourite authors so I love that this is now an e-book.
September 6, 2015
Usually I prefer british chick lit but I am glad to have found this one set mostly in nz and quite well-written. some endearing supporting characters too.
May 24, 2016
Four and a half. This is my favourite Michelle Holman novel. Quick, easy and enjoyable. Love that her books are set in NZ and this one features whānau Māori.
April 15, 2011
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