The Lives of Nobody Important (Redemption Book 1)

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Enough for Paul to live a "normal" life? A life where he and Olivia go on dates? Where he visits NY with her? Where Paul can walk amongst a crowd of strangers and not fear what people's reactions will be? I can't say the storyline was completely original but I liked that there wasn't a bunch of outside drama.

This one wasn't super steamy but had some hot moments. A few LOL moments and a few teary moments. View all 57 comments. Why I didn't read it soon is a mystery but boy was I pleasantly surprised by how good this book was. It was a book that made me feel good all over. This is a wonderful beauty and the beast story. Paul is a war veteran from Afghanistan who returned home with both external and internal scars. He has been hiding from the world, only living to help the families of the men he served with who didn't come home.

His scars, his guilt, his fears keep him from reentering society- he's broken. He's fine with living at his family's summer estate away from the world. Paul is mean, nasty, bitter, borderline drunk and doesn't want or need a caregiver. He's gotten rid of all the others with his meanness. But his father has set up parameters this time, if Paul's caregiver doesn't stay for 3 months, he will be cut off from all his money.

If he wants to still help his brother's families, he has to put up with this next caregiver for 3 months. He can do it, for them Olivia is the beauty who has been asked to work as Paul's caregiver to help him return to the land of the living. Olivia has her own guilt's and demons that she is running from.

She's hoping that helping Paul will help to heal her - she's broken as well. But Olivia is bold, irreverent and brave , and she can hold her own. She was expecting an old man to take care of, not a 24 yr old man whom she is wildly attracted to. Paul finds that his disposition is slowly changing. Olivia is doing something to him. Olivia makes him want "normalcy" but he knows he can't have it and it only intensifies his torment.

He has days where the mean and cruel Paul wants to resurface; his demons are deep and are always close at hand. Paul and Olivia go toe to toe. She overlooks his aggression, knowing that it comes from deep inside. The tormented man is hard to resist. She wants to help Paul so that she can fix her brokenness. They settle into a routine.

They run in the morning or Olivia runs and Paul walks. Besides his scars on his face his leg is wounded as well. They work out, they read in the library, they eat together, they spend time together They eventually break to one another. Paul's story is sad and tragic and heartbreaking but he finally opens up. He is starting to live and he wants and needs Olivia. Olivia also opens up about her brokenness. She tells Paul and in doing so, they fall in deep. Their connection is intense and powerful and loving. But is their love enough to really pull Paul into the real world?

Can Olivia be happy living at the estate never leaving his safety net? This story was told in dual POV's. It was very well written. It tugs on so many emotions- sadness, loneliness, grief, guilt, happiness, sorrow, love, and hope. It's hard not to love a tormented man who wants redemption but doesn't feel he deserves it. Olivia is strong and determined and believes that Paul can be unbroken. These two together eventually see beyond their brokenness and truly redeem one another.

It's a beautiful love story that I would recommend to all. Jul 16, Beverly rated it it was amazing Shelves: For years she was what everyone expected her to be the perfect student, daughter, and girlfriend to Ethan. Then one day she made a mistake. He has been back from Afghanistan for 3 year and ran off numerous caregivers and nurses, but his father has given him an ultimatum: Olivia and Paul are both running and hiding from their past, both in need of repair.

What will become of this pair can they help each other overcome the past or will they both just end up more damaged? I have read a couple of books by Lauren Layne and this one is definitely my favorite. I loved seeing the journey and transformation in both characters. Paul and Olivia fought and bickered and it felt real to me. I highly recommend this book.

It is short, had some hot sexy times, angst, and some super sweet moments too. ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways. I am always pretty positive when I pick up one of her books, it is going to be a really good story that keeps me entertained. She normally writes romantic comedies, but "Broken" was definitely a bit darker than her usual stories. Olivia Middleton, is looking to change her life.

She is Ethan Price's ex-girlfriend. They broke up when Ethan walked in on her and his best friend, Michael, kissing in his bedroom. Heart broken over their break-up, and feeling an excessive amount of self loathing, Olivia drops out of NYU her senior year, to become a care giver to a war veteran in Bar Harbor, Maine. Paul Langdon, is an ex marine, who was disfigured while stationed in Afghanistan.

He has slashes on the right side of his face and one of his legs was badly injured. He's been hiding out in his family's mansion in Bar Harbor, Maine for the past two years. Paul has become very bitter with his circumstances and he's not the easiest person to get along with. He has forced numerous care givers in the past to quit within a day due to his surly demeanor.

Paul's father issues an ultimatum. The new caregiver stays on for a minimum of three months, if she leaves before then, Paul will be kicked out and cut off financially. He agrees to behave but there is a truly selfless reason why he gives in to his father's demands. When these two meet, they are both pretty taken aback.

Neither expected the other to be so young and attractive. Olivia and Paul are instantly attracted to each other, but Paul puts up his walls and does everything in his power to be as rude as possible to her. Olivia, for the most part, doesn't let his behavior affect her. She challenges him, like no one else has in the past two years. It was a slow build to the sexy time between these two. I really liked Olivia. She was sweet and feisty. I really didn't understand why she thought she was a horrible person. Kissing another man while having a boyfriend doesn't make you the devil.

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But I guess, maybe to a 22 year old it seems more tragic than it really is. She was falling hard for Paul but not convinced that she was good enough for him. It's not the easy love I had for Ethan, or the warm, uncomplicated love I felt for Michael as a friend. I love Paul, the person. Paul was gorgeous and broken, which are one of the combinations I love in a book boyfriend.

There were times I wanted to kick his butt, however, he was still utterly swoon worthy!!! There's a good amount of angst and my heart broke for these two. I hoped that they would find a way to overcome their insecurities and pain, and give in to the love they felt for each other. This is a book not to be missed. View all 40 comments. I just adore this author!

Lauren Layne has become my go to author when I need a fun, sweet, steamy with a bit of angst read. This one had a little more angst than the other books I have read by LL but she gives you just the right amount of everything. The story will tug at your heart yet keep it in tack. Olivia is damaged by a choice she made.

But she wants her redemption. She wants to feel better about herself. Paul is damage from th 5 Stars! Paul is damage from the repercussions of war. He is angry and indignant. But it is not just about being damaged and needing to be fixed. Paul was such a jackass. Or you could say he was an asshole.

Here it comes…BUT it is important to understand his pain. He was suffocating under his physical scares as well as emotional scares. Paul has lost pieces of his identity and has given in to his anger, deciding living a life of isolation is the answer to everything. I wanted to hate him, I really did but I found myself quickly falling for him.

He was a man who deserved to be happy and whole again. That he is not a thing to be laughed at. I wanted him to know that he is desirable, even with scars. I know she made a mistake but her resolve to be better, to do something good made her shine. Olivia hid her sadness. No matter where I look, my walls are crumbling, and this damned girl keeps presenting me the most dangerous element of all.

She has been given all the material things that come from a wealthy family. But something is still missing. She needs to cleanse herself for what she did. She needs to be her own person and stand on her own two feet. In her quest for all of this Olivia has signed on to be a caretaker of a Veteran. But I am not sure who was more unprepared.

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Paul had his routine to get rid of each caretaker his father sent his way but the minute he laid eyes on Olivia he knew he was in trouble. One way or not he would drive her away. But Paul was in for a rude awakening. Watching Paul and Olivia go to battle each time they were together broke my heart. Olivia was trying so hard to gain just an inch of kindness from him but all she got was bitterness. But beneath the bitterness she saw something in him that she desperately wanted to unlock.

Paul was trying to let go of his pain. He wanted to grab hold of something good. For Paul it was just easier to be hateful and alone. It was getting harder and harder for Paul to resist his desire for Olivia. As things between Paul and Olivia start to change you could feel it coming. And with one last hateful attempt to push her away something changes in Paul. He abandons some of his anger and gives in. Things get pretty sexy and pretty hot quickly. You feel the intensity of their connection.

Olivia desperate to get all of Paul and Paul wanting to believe he can find happiness. But this is just he beginning. Will they both be strong enough to make it out the other side? Once again Lauren Layne did not disappointment. This time around she gave me the sweetness and the sexiness I come to love in her books but she also gave me more angst than she normally has in her books and I loved it. View all 52 comments. Aug 08, Manju rated it did not like it Shelves: Paul is a war veteran and Olivia was on way to earn a management degree from a prestigious college but fate had different plans for them and throw them together for three months.

Paul's face has seriously damaged and now want to stay away from crowd. After multiple tries on his father's part to bring him back to normal fails and Paul was given a deadline of three months to keep the next babysitter else he would be cut off from his wealth. Paul has a secret and he couldn't manage to scare away Oli Paul is a war veteran and Olivia was on way to earn a management degree from a prestigious college but fate had different plans for them and throw them together for three months. Paul has a secret and he couldn't manage to scare away Olivia. While they both had broken past but together they try to mend each other..

This story took me back to Making Faces , which has similar story but a much much better execution. Olivia was on rebound after the man she was in love with since forever broke up with her and falls hard for Paul in first meeting.. Paul couldn't stop thinking about this beautiful girl and yet he treated like shit. This insta-lust and then the degrading behavior made me roll my eyes.

I also didn't like how Olivia never cleared things with her ex before jumping on in with Paul. Everyone thinks that Olivia Middleton is the default nice girl. The girl that do can never do wrong to anyone. Olivia did a terrible mistake that hurt three people very much, including herself. Now Olivia is determined to do penance and what better way than doing a good deed and helping an elderly war veteran reenter society?

Only when she gets to Bar Harbor, Maine she doesn't find an elderly, she finds Paul, a 24 year old, scarred inside and out but definitely hot guy. Paul Langdon has been dead inside for a long time. He doesn't particularly care about his life. He just spends his life drinking and wasting away. He never really recovered from his time in Afghanistan.

His once beautiful face is now scarred beyond repair, his once quarterback leg is now a shot mess and his once alive soul is now dying. He is a recluse, a loner, a mean guy cut off from the world by his own choice. Now his father has given him an ultimatum. He will either put up with Olivia for 3 months or he will lose all his inheritance. The moment they meet sparks fly and maybe, just maybe Olivia is the right person to lead Paul back from his self-imposed exile from society.

This is a beauty and the beast kind of story and I admit I am a sucker for those. What I didn't notice before starting the book was that the heroine was none other than Olivia, Ethan's ex from Isn't She Lovely. I love tortured heroes and Paul falls right into that category. His physical scars are nothing compared to the weight of guilt and pain he carries in his soul. Despite the fact that he has become bitter and angry at the whole world, Paul is a nice person.

He cares about other people even though he doesn't want them around him. Maybe all he needs is someone to show him that life is still worth living and that a few scars do not cripple him for life. Olivia carries a lot of guilt for what she did to Ethan and Michael. She thinks that by helping Paul she may discover how to help herself. To be honest I kind of sympathised with Olivia. The girl felt suffocated in the worlds expectations and she saw an out on Michael and took it.

Not to say that what she did wasn't wrong but I'm willing to give her credit for owning up to her mistakes. I loved how the story progressed and how we could see Olivia and Paul coming closer together and opening up to each other. I also liked how much more mature they both came out in the end. I hope the next book is a HEA for Michael and that the 3 friends make up!: View all 10 comments. Olivia was an OK heroine, but nothing that stood out. I still love Lauren Layne though! This is a standalone, told in dual POV. View all 13 comments. Will they be able to help each other? I liked the way Olivia stood up for herself.

I just wanted to kick him. Maybe view spoiler [if he got laid earlier and end his 2 year celibacy he wouldnt have been so moody. There was good bickering, maybe a bit 3 stars Olivia leaves her secrets behind and starts work as a caretaker for injured veteran, Paul. There was good bickering, maybe a bit too much back and forth. The insta lust was a little random at the beginning but when I got past that it was okay-likeable-ish.

View all 46 comments. Jul 15, Brandi rated it liked it. So she leaves her glamorous Upper East Side life behind and accepts a caretaker position for an injured veteran. Hoping to find redemption. Paul Langdon is a 24 year old, broken man, with internal and external battle scars. He is surly and defiant, refusing to move forward. He just wants to continue he being a broody recluse. From the moment Olivia and Paul meet, they realize this arrangement is mo 3.

From the moment Olivia and Paul meet, they realize this arrangement is more than they expected. They are both young and attractive - a bit of insta-lust, but they try to fight it. Welcome to the push and pull. Between forceful kisses and hateful comments, these two go from one extreme to the other. But Olivia is tough, she challenges Paul in a way no one ever has. He may push her, but she pushes right back and refuses to let his wallow in self pity. Feelings develop and they find themselves trusting one other.

Will Olivia bring Paul out of the darkness? Or will he pull her in? Broken was steamy, angsty romance with a good amount of humor. While at times both characters seemed dramatic and immature, this was an enjoyable, well-paced read. View all 34 comments. Everything has changed, the way he moves, the way he looks and the way he feels. His father sends him carer after carer to help rehabilitate his body, and more importantly, his mind But to accept help, to move on, Paul has 3.

But to accept help, to move on, Paul has to want it. He needs a reason to motivate himself out of the dark. Is there anything or anyone who can make a difference? Give him hope of a future worth living? Enter sassy and beautiful, Olivia Middleton. Will Olivia be able to keep his nightmares at bay? Our leading characters experience an immediate and fierce attraction to each other. My wishes for more stars I wish there hadn't been so many jumps in the time line.

There were sections where it moved on by weeks and I felt like I was left with gaps in my knowledge and emotions.

I wanted to completely experience the build of their relationship, not every single minute but, for me, the missing time was slightly too much. I wish some of the happenings towards the end had been a little different. It didn't always feel completely true to the characters and story, but equally Mrs pedantic here kind of liked the drama It felt just about plausible, if slightly dramatic in terms of motivation. But then this totally snarky chick starts to call him out, pull him into an area of his life he's not accustomed to, and he starts to come out of his shell He lusts after the stick figures with perfect hair and toned bods, but he starts to connect with the sister of his client who is curvaceous, loud, and has untamed hair.

What starts out as an agreement to help her becomes an understanding, becomes a partnership, makes them become He can't believe, after months of seclusion and brooding, that his one true friend is this girl who won't ever shut up and who constantly gropes and teases him. Well, would ya look at that? I didn't even try to cop a feel. Lauren Layne is officially a weekend-only author. Her books are too good to destroy during a work week and I really screwed up with this one. Every time I started to get truly immersed in my reading or get to a super juicy part, I would start to get dizzy because I was forcing myself to stay up late But that just proves my point on how good this was-I still got through it and loved every little bit That'll help distract me from the real reason I asked if he wanted to go to dinner.

Because he'd looked lonely. Or the real real reason. Because I'm lonely, too. Here's another reason I love the Redemption series: They all have grand gestures and she doesn't try to hide that every one of the stories ends with a grand gesture-she embraces it and literally says it multiple times in the story-it's brilliant!!

She doesn't use the same theme in any of her other stories, at least not so openly, and I LOVE going big to get the girl. I cannot believe LL kept up this theme from book one until this fantastic finale to wrap up all of these wonderful characters' lives. It was just all so perfect. I'd be too scared to eat snacks in there. I glance back and see a cooler and a paper bag with Lay's potato chips perched on top. I can just imagine what other junk-food monstrosities lay beneath. How do you feel about Broadway tunes?

At one point, it literally quotes: It made me goon like a loser to see that idea resurface and it brought back so many wonderful memories-I fell in love with book one the minute I started it. At least until Stephanie steps on a chip. She's really lovely," Paul says, stepping out of the way when Stephanie bats at his leg to get the rest of the crumbs. Is it weird that I not only got butterflies from the romance but also from this age-old, damaged bro-mance?? Odd of me, but true, nonetheless. With Michael, it's a little bit different.

He's a project invite, yes. But he's also the first of my projects that feels a little bit like Not that I'd ever tell him that. The guy's about 84 percent scowl, and I think words like friendship would up that percentage to something. I did want a little more from the ending-that's the only reason I took.

I just wanted it to be a bigger deal than it was And I also think this stems from me loving Broken book two so much. I couldn't let it go, it was perfect and amazing and I was an utter addict for Broken.

And I'd even venture to say I loved Isn't She Lovely about as highly as Broken, if not a little less-I dunno, it's a beautiful Lauren Layne blur-but that doesn't make this book any less great. I loved and obsessed over the moment I could get back to this story and I adored our brooding, mercurial Michael-I'd never discount my love for this book and this amazing series. But I did want to draw attention to the fact that the prior two were absolute favorites-maybe because they were my first two by this author and they hold a special place in my heart.

Both because it's a rare noise, and because I'm not sure what the funny part was. It's so rare I enjoy a NA book this much. So when I pick up a book I know I'll love, I guess I feel the need to express how much others could love it, as well. I won't even get started on all the other books she's written and the wonderful, successful, HOT AS SIN male leads that have me wishing I could make them real every day, but just know, she creates some of the most addicting characters ever.

I am still tangled in all of their webs I have been from the beginning. But this series holds a place deep in my heart, and I will likely re-read all three books over and over again until I have them all memorized. It's a series about three best friends who found their way back to one another And I wouldn't have ended it any other way. Can I have it?? Because I'm a scientific girl I'm really not. I decided to complete a quizz to help me decide. Perhaps it will help you too.

Why, thank you, mean perfect sister, need a slap? Or try to, anyways. If I'd only rate this book compared with other New Adult I never could have finished it. Overall, that was a cute read , but I won't reread it. Now, that's the Lauren Layne I love. View all 11 comments. Devon and Chloe were best friends back in school when he was just as invisible as her, as they grew up he only had eyes for Kristin and they started drifting apart now since she found an opportunity to win him back she agrees to lose some weight and gain that self-confidence to charm Devon.

In earlier books we saw that Michael was still in love with Olivia, that her rejection hurt him badly. Though she keeps annoying him with her nonstop chatter she always makes him laugh, she knows the right thing to say to ease his burden. Chloe was such a refreshing unusual character, she was definitely the reason I enjoyed this story so much, loved her sassy witty mouth. While first half of the story was great fun, second half seem to divert from its track.

It was as if the author was trying to tie all the loose ends to give a happy ending which again was rushed. Nevertheless the story was really sweet and Chloe was super cute, just to know how amazing she is you have to read this book. View all 29 comments. Claire has exchanged his Upper East Side lifestyle for a job at a Dallas country club - he is on a mission to find his real father and he doesn't really care who he uses in the process and that includes his half brother Devon and his girlfriend, Kirsten. When he meets Kirsten's sister, loud mouth curvy Chloe, he sure doesn't know what he's getting himself into when he offers to help her in her quest to get Devon to ditch the bitch, and finally realise he is with the wrong sister.

Chloe is a fan of junk food, and seems resigned being the ugly sister, but Michael sees a kinship in Chloe and decides to take it upon himself to get her fit and gain some confidence. What starts off as two totally opposite people doing each other a favour, slowly becomes a friendship with underlying feelings bubbling beneath the surface. Michael is moody, he's had his heart broken recently by both a woman and his family but Chloe was infectious and her fun banter and witty personality were what stole the show for me.

She was a fantastic heroine, and even though she had massive self esteem issues, she never let it get her down too much. Told in dual POV and can be read as a standalone. ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review Apr 17, Jen rated it really liked it Shelves: I forgot about those issues from almost the beginning and I found myself loving the story of Chloe and Michael. First, a little background info. Sounds like a solid plan so far. The two become allies of sorts and along the way they start to fall for each other.

She was snarky as hell without being a bitch and she genuinely cared for the people in her life. When Michael got broody and let me tell you, homeboy pulled the broody card often she called him on his shit and put him in his place. What can I say about Michael? Poor tortured, unlovable Michael. The length of time he remained closed off emotionally to Chloe meant it took me a little longer to buy them getting closer. Even if this series heads off into the sunset I loved the fact that Michael, Olivia and Ethan reconnected and got their own happily ever afters.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review View all 16 comments. Olivia, Ethan and Michael grew up together and both boys, Ethan and Michael, fell for Olivia but she only had eyes for Ethan. He took his chance with Olivia when he thought she felt something for him. Michael left New York and headed to Texas to find his real dad, and get away from his heartbreak.

Michael decides the way to get close and observe his real father is through his half brother Devon. Kristin is gorgeous, and hot and she knows it. Kristin likes it when men drool over her. Michael offers to help Chloe make herself over and finally get Devon after years of longing, but soon Chloe is wondering if Devon is who she really wants. After spending time with Michael, Chloe slowly starts to fall for him, someone who sees and likes her as she is. In spite of his reluctance, Michael starts to fall for Chloe as well. Although, I guess after going through an awkward, geeky stage, coming out of it, and then gaining the attention of someone like Kristin would be a boost to the ego.

This was sort of an odd romance where the main characters were initially wrapped up in someone else but unexpectedly fell for each other. I did like both Michael and Chloe, though. Chloe was awesome and spunky, and so real. She said whatever she was thinking for the most part, except with her sister. I appreciated that Michael fell for Chloe and liked her for her uniqueness, both in personality and looks. A copy was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This review is also posted at The Readers Den. View all 10 comments. This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life. I fell in love with this book! I have never read anything by Lauren Layne before this book and now I am sitting here wondering why I have missed this author. I have read so many romance novels that lately I have starting feeling a little bored by them.

I have blamed myself and have tried to mix things up a little bit by reading other genres. After reading this book, I realize that I still like a well written romance novel as much as This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life. After reading this book, I realize that I still like a well written romance novel as much as I ever did. I find that I usually like a book about as much as I like the characters in the book.

There are exceptions to that rule of course but speaking in generalities the characters oftentimes really can make or break a story. The characters in this book really are phenomenal. Chloe has lived her life in her sister shadow in a lot of ways. Chloe is funny, smart, and says what she is thinking. Chloe is not the Barbie doll that her sister, Kristin, is and has not had a luck of luck when it comes to romance. Michael has had his world turned upside down. He comes to Texas to try to figure things out and has plans to get close to Devon and Kristin.

Michael meets Chloe during one of her tennis lessons and after a little bit of banter Chloe has a new personal trainer, Michael. Michael and Chloe say what they are thinking to each other and soon realize that they are becoming friends and maybe feel a little bit more about each other. This book did so many things well. I was pulled into the story right away and really had a hard time putting this book down until I was finished. The characters were perfect. Chloe was so easy for me to relate to.

I loved that the focus was never on Chloe losing weight but on her gaining control and becoming healthier. Michael had a few moments that made him look a little bit like a jerk but because half of this book is spent inside of his head you realize that he is really just as confused as anyone else. I think that the alternating points of view in this book were perfectly executed and I just loved getting to know what both Michael and Chloe were thinking.

I love to laugh and this book accomplished that goal. This book was funny without trying too hard. The banter between Michael and Chloe was top notch. I liked the fact that the story was able to balance the funny moments with the more emotional moments. This is still most definitely a romance novel. I really liked the fact that this book was able to bring a couple together by getting them to really get to know each other. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a great romance with a few laughs. I received a copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Sep 19, Michelle rated it it was amazing Shelves: This baby is on sale for. If you want to stay up all night, ignore your chores for the day, laugh, melt and maybe even shed a tear or two Lauren Layne is the perfect author for you. After he destroys his relationship with his best friend and the girl he's loved for a long time doesn't return the same feelings Michael is devastated. Then when he comes home he hears more news that sends his head sp This baby is on sale for. Then when he comes home he hears more news that sends his head spinning.

He finds out that for almost 24 years his parents have kept a secret from him. His mother had an affair and got pregnant. The man he calls dad is not really his dad. He over hears his parents talking about it and leaves his life in New York to find his real father.

He trades in his suites and his money for some cowboy boots, two low paying jobs and a rented out basement. Defiantly not the life style he's used to.

Broken (Redemption, #1) by Lauren Layne

While working at a country club as a trainer he meets Kristen Bellamy. Kristen just happens to be his half brother Devon's girlfriend. Michael sees a perfect opportunity to get close to Devon and his biological father. He however doesn't expect to get close to Kristen's totally opposite sister Chloe. Chloe is not a size two like her sister. Chloe doesn't care that she's a nerd and loves books and her snacks. She doesn't care that she's not noticed by anyone. She tells it like it is and goes on about her way. She is perfectly fine sitting in a chair reading while everyone else is out enjoying the pool or whatever else is going on outside.

Since its summer break everyone's home. Including the love of Chloe's life Devon Patterson. Chloe and Devon have been friends since grade school. Both of them out casts because of their looks and their love of books.

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Eighth grade summer changes Devon. He gets rid of his braces, acne and has a growth spurt. This sends him to the popular side and also Kristen leaving Chloe behind. They are still friends just not as close as they were. Chloe becomes the third wheel hanging out with her sister and Devon as much as she can. She starts going to the country club with her sister while Kristen's getting the un-needed tennis lessons from Michael.

Chloe and her don't give a s attitude gains Michael's attention right away. Chloe sees how Michael is playing with Kristen's head and Michael sees how Chloe only has eyes for Devon. Michael comes up with a better plan to get close to his father. He stops trying to woo Kristen and focuses on Chloe.

He's going to get the smart mouth, snack eating, book reading and wild hair Chloe in better shape. I loved how Michael had no problem with the way Chloe was. He just wanted her to be healthier and have better self esteem.

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Once these two start working out a few days a week Chloe starts getting under Michael's skin. She makes him want to talk and smile. Of course once Chloe starts getting a little braver wearing different clothes showing off her more toned curves she gets noticed. She gets the attention of the one man she's loved forever.

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But does she still want his attention? I loved Chloe and Michael! They banter back and fourth. Chloe making Michael open up and face what he was in Texas to do. Michael making Chloe feel comfortable not being a size two like her sister. We get a surprise visit toward the end and I was very happy: I really enjoyed this series and hope we get more! I recommend you clear your schedule and click the buy button on this baby!

You will not be disappointed! Thank you so much!! View all 14 comments. Feb 03, Bj rated it it was amazing Shelves: A New Top Favorite! Hilarious, witty and touching! Why oh why had I not previously read any of Lauren Layne's works? Layne's writing style is immensely entertaining and the romance in Crushed was perfectly developed.

If you are a lover of the "ugly duckling" trope or are just generally looking for an uplifting, comical and satisfying romance, then I highly recommend Crushed. Claire was recently delivered a double whammy. Not only did he just realize that he has lost for good Olivia Middleton, the girl that he has been pining for for years and the same girl that used to be his best friend's girlfriend but only broke up with his best friend to find a completely new boyfriend.

But Michael also just found out that he is the product of an extramarital affair. Heartbroken, Michael leaves his rich lifestyle in Manhattan to go to Texas, where he tries to clandestinely spy on his real father. Posing as a personal trainer and tennis instructor at the exclusive country club where his real father is a member, Michael devises a plan to seduce his step-brother's Devon's girlfriend, Kristin Bellamy, in order to learn information about his real family.

The fact that Kristin happens to also be the epitome of everything he wants in a woman ie, the splitting image of Olivia is just icing on the cake. Soon he discovers that while his step-brother's girlfriend is more than happy to flirt with him, he really can't seem to make any progress, so he enlists the help of Kristen's sister, Chloe Bellamy. Chloe is the perfect alibi, as she too has a vested interest in seeing that Kristin and Devon break-up. You see, Chloe has been in love with Devon since they were kids. With Michael's personal training help, Chloe begins losing weight and generally "upgrading" her image.

It doesn't take long for Devon to notice. Just as everything seems to be falling in place, and Kristin's and Devon's relationship appears doomed, both Michael and Chloe begin questioning everything they thought they thought they ever wanted. But for two people that have felt the hurt of being second best, can they ever trust enough to truly let love in? I love the character development in this romance. I have to admit that Michael "Beefcake" St.

Claire was not exactly my favorite hero in the beginning, with all his typical societal beauty conventions. But his character demonstrates tremendous growth as he really gets to know and starts opening up to Chloe. This is not a romance that develops quickly, and given the stark contrasts between the hero and heroine, it is this prolonged period of friendship that really lends credibility to the romance in the end.

From beginning to end, I was totally engaged in this fantastic read. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to read more of Ms. In particular, now I'm really curious as to Olivia's story, which appears to be the subject of Redemption Book 1, Broken. Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review. View all 15 comments. Feb 25, Andrea rated it it was amazing.

This book was so awesome! Chloe was an amazing heroine. She was feisty, funny, smart and just so damn lovable. He had been hurt so much in the past that it was hard for him to believe that anything good would ever come his way. I loved the banter between Chloe and Michael, and while this book lacked steam the humor ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I loved the banter between Chloe and Michael, and while this book lacked steam the humor all but made up for it. They had such a great connection. Chloe pushed his buttons so many times that made me smile a lot.

I love the way she kept calling him "Beefcake". She got under his skin and made him react even when he didn't want to and tried to keep his emotions out of it. I loved that they started as friends to lovers these are my favorite plots, they helped and needed each other also completed each other perfectly. I comply, and then mutter a string of curses because Chloe Bellamy has just reached out in the middle of a busy gym and patted my ass. View all 22 comments. Sep 08, aksana - 4 - 8 - 15 - 16 - 23 - 42 - rated it really liked it.

It was full of witty banter. Some nice sexual tension.. Sure it lacked in the steam department.. Overall a great funny and light read which I highly recommend if you loved the previous books. ARC kindly provided by NG in exchange for an honest review.

Though I read it in my early twenties, the book resonated strongly with me, as I saw, in Tori Spring, a lot of myself. Clair-De-Lune taught me to speak, it taught me that the thoughts in my head could be illustrated just as vividly when I spoke and told them to people as they appeared on paper. But I firmly believe that not only was it the book that ignited my love of reading, but the book that taught me that sometimes, just sometimes, being myself was just good enough. Shawshank taught me to adapt but not to give in, to keep the best, most ferocious parts of me intact even as I found my own kinds of camouflage.

No one book, really, there were so many. That was something I returned to many times between the age of 13 and 20 and always found comfort there. The poetic language, the nostalgia, the mystery, the sense of a summer at the end of childhood, so beautifully captured. To me this book is the original YA novel, exploring the inner life of a teen in turmoil - and a source of comfort and humour to generations of readers.

Lauren St John, author of The Glory and The One Doller Horse trilogy A story that had a tremendous impact on me as a teenager was The Other Side of the Mountain by EG Vallens , the true story of star American downhill skier Jill Kinmont, who, at 18, suffered a near fatal accident in a pre-Olympic competition in the 50s and was paralysed from the neck down. I read this book at a time in my life when I felt very lost and had no idea what I wanted to do. The main character of the book, Sophie, hits so many obstacles throughout the novel and we discover the many difficult hurdles she jumped in her past.

She never gave up and she always believed in herself, even when everyone she knew turned against her and it all seemed pointless without that one person, she woke up everyday and managed to stay on track. Books in general are a sort of kind of magic, but this one had just enough magic in it to give me back a little bit of my strength.

And of course Will Herondale. One of the most perfect fictional boyfriends. The plot of the book intrigues me. Tessa and Will also love reading: Ballet shoes is for anyone who needs some fellow worriers and dreamers to help them along. Perfect, funny, deep and beautiful. But in the summer of I discovered The Hunger Games. This is a series I have re-read at least three times. It saved my life because it was the book that introduced me to the dystopian genre, and it gave me a different reality to escape to.

Since then, I have come across even more life-saving books. And of course, the quotes always bring a smile to my face. Sticking to contemporary, there is Eleanor and Park. It saved my life because of the message it brings; you never have to fit in. In the writing world, Vivian Versus the Apocalypse saved my life. Another book the Guardian sent me that has really made a different is All the Bright Places.

It really felt special to me, one of those books you want to keep to yourself. Gosh, this list is longer than I planned. But I think all the books on here have shaped me in one way or another. I first read it aged twelve, and even then I had a sense of the enormity of what Ishiguro accomplished in one book. It saved my life because I feel connected to Kathy. H and it is a book I have on my iPod, so I frequently read it out and about as a chance to escape to an alternate reality. GdnChildrensBks 'I was a teenage worrier' and 'Little Women' both confirmed it was wonderful to be a woman who thinks!

It came at a time when I needed something or someone like a new character to very much cling too and take strength from.

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