What do you think?
Rate this book
Breaking Out #1
Once Wild
Shaun MacGregor was never one to care what people thought about him… but after returning after eight years of prison to the small coal-mining town of Ashland Pennsylvania, he literally has a run-in with town socialite, Maria Bellicia. This one night leads Shaun on a turbulent path to confront the guilt and regret; and all consequences of a reckless, troubled youth. As Maria helps peel away each painful layer, yet another adversary and complication emerges. As Shaun struggles to make the right decisions that will eventually allow him peace of mind and approval as a citizen of Ashland, Shaun is catapulted to an ultimate crossroad where he must face the biggest obstacle of his flee Ashland once and for all, or stay and fight for the only woman who has shown him true love and acceptance.
328 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 2009
121 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 19, 2011
Lena’s Review:
The Bellicia name in Ashland, Pennsylvania is royalty to people. So when two people like Maria and Shaun come together it is in one word wrong.
My heart broke when I started reading about Shaun MacGregor. Here is a man who literally spent his whole life in jail only to come out with no welcome home greetings. Instead, thee was nothing but hatred. Shaun has been through pain and neglect all his life. What got to me was the strong refusal of acknowledgment with his father. Here is a man who only has one son and he doesn’t welcome him back – talk about hate. Carol Gambill did this part beautifully by showing so much hatred in one man, which made it difficult to read.
Maria Bellicia is definitely a woman who can bring light and happiness into Shaun’s life. He has been through so much it’s no wonder these two were perfect for each other. Although they are opposite, the one thing they both have in common is that they are seeking love. The passion is there but it is love that can make a person stronger and courageous.
Definitely a recommended read from this reviewer for you will love Shaun and Maria. These two were great and the way they deny the attraction you can tell they have always loved each other. I applaud Carol Gambill for creating a man with so much pain who had to grow up fast to become a better man; thereby, proving to people that there is more than meets the eye upon past mistakes. I loved that Carol Gambill can create two people who both deserve second chances at love but see how they both can make a life together even when times are tough and everyone is against it. Great job and can’t wait for more from this talented author.
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by Lena!
The Bellicia name in Ashland, Pennsylvania is royalty to people. So when two people like Maria and Shaun come together it is in one word wrong.
My heart broke when I started reading about Shaun MacGregor. Here is a man who literally spent his whole life in jail only to come out with no welcome home greetings. Instead, thee was nothing but hatred. Shaun has been through pain and neglect all his life. What got to me was the strong refusal of acknowledgment with his father. Here is a man who only has one son and he doesn’t welcome him back – talk about hate. Carol Gambill did this part beautifully by showing so much hatred in one man, which made it difficult to read.
Maria Bellicia is definitely a woman who can bring light and happiness into Shaun’s life. He has been through so much it’s no wonder these two were perfect for each other. Although they are opposite, the one thing they both have in common is that they are seeking love. The passion is there but it is love that can make a person stronger and courageous.
Definitely a recommended read from this reviewer for you will love Shaun and Maria. These two were great and the way they deny the attraction you can tell they have always loved each other. I applaud Carol Gambill for creating a man with so much pain who had to grow up fast to become a better man; thereby, proving to people that there is more than meets the eye upon past mistakes. I loved that Carol Gambill can create two people who both deserve second chances at love but see how they both can make a life together even when times are tough and everyone is against it. Great job and can’t wait for more from this talented author.
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by Lena!
July 24, 2016
This is not the usual genre I read. It was a quick, entertaining read. Hailing from the county in which the story is set, I found the references, although sometimes inaccurate, quite amusing. It had decent character development and a good plot twist.
January 19, 2012
Great characters, complicated plot, and nice theme but needs serious editing!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews