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Love in the City #1
Wanted by You
Carter was captivated by Ellyson Evans the moment he laid eyes on her, but she was the one girl who didn't beg for his attention.
He wanted her.
Ellyson vowed to never fall in love, because love can destroy you, but then she met Carter Jennings.
She wanted him.
Unwilling to risk their comfortable friendship, neither confessed their desires.
Losing touch after college, a chance meeting reconnects them.
They want each other.
But love in the city is never quite that easy.
He wanted her.
Ellyson vowed to never fall in love, because love can destroy you, but then she met Carter Jennings.
She wanted him.
Unwilling to risk their comfortable friendship, neither confessed their desires.
Losing touch after college, a chance meeting reconnects them.
They want each other.
But love in the city is never quite that easy.
360 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2014
About the author
Steph Nuss
10 books312 followersSteph Nuss was born and raised in rural Kansas, where she currently resides with her black Labrador son named Gunner. She grew up with a passion for reading and writing. When she’s not immersed into the land of fiction, she enjoys listening to music that came before her time, watching movies and reruns of her favorite shows, and hanging out with her family and friends. She also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology that she’ll never use…unless she’s profiling her characters of course.
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September 25, 2016
FREE on Amazon US today (9/24/2016)
Stand-alone book 1. 2nd chance at love!
BLURB:
Carter was captivated by Ellyson Evans the moment he laid eyes on her, but she was the one girl who didn't beg for his attention.
He wanted her.
Ellyson vowed to never fall in love, because love can destroy you, but then she met Carter Jennings.
She wanted him.
Unwilling to risk their comfortable friendship, neither confessed their desires.
Losing touch after college, a chance meeting reconnects them.
They want each other.
But love in the city is never quite that easy.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Wanted-You-Lov...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 500 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
December 17, 2015
Carter and Elly
Friends through college, Carter and Elly always wanted more but secretly kept it to themselves afraid to ruin the strong friendship they shared.
When they meet nine years later by chance, can they hold back their feelings for each other and restart where they off as only friends?
Friends through college, Carter and Elly always wanted more but secretly kept it to themselves afraid to ruin the strong friendship they shared.
When they meet nine years later by chance, can they hold back their feelings for each other and restart where they off as only friends?
December 5, 2014
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/k5caxbc
just finished and LOVED this book - what a GREAT read... Carter is definitely new book boyfriend material - SWOON!!! Get ready ladies! Book releases on Feb. 27th Mark your To Read list. FULL REVIEW TO COME.
just finished and LOVED this book - what a GREAT read... Carter is definitely new book boyfriend material - SWOON!!! Get ready ladies! Book releases on Feb. 27th Mark your To Read list. FULL REVIEW TO COME.
July 16, 2014
4 "It’s always been you for me," stars!
Wanted By You is a book about friends, drifting apart, and finding each other again but this time admitting that their feelings go farther than "just friends".
My heart knew it wanted and needed Carter.
The minute Carter Jennings saw Ellyson Evans on their first day of college, he knew he found her. Her. The One. Carter makes sure to sit right next to her, borderline harassing her the entire of class. Lucky for him, she returned his feelings, and they become the best of friends.
Nothing could ever stop me from loving you.
After graduation, however, Carter gets a call from his mom, telling him he must come over and play CEO for his dad's oil company in Dallas while his dad recovers from an injury.
His dad's recovery took 4 years and the two friends lost touch. *Cue sad face*
I was absolutely crazy about her. I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life without her.
After Carter's finally done, he moves back to New York to take up a position as English Professor at the same college he had gone to.
You will never guess what happens on his second day back?!
You guessed it! He runs into Elly! And this time, she's done playing games. She's ready to admit her attraction. After getting her number from a mutual friend, they agree to go clubbing with friends.
But this time, is it for real? Or will time do what it does best, and decide for them, ripping it away just as fast as it came?
“Get your keys out. I can’t wait. The minute we get up to your place, I’m burying myself inside of you. Right where I belong.”
I thought the way the author set up the book---showing the two meeting in the past then returning to the present time was a brilliant way to show the connection these two had---and what a connection it was!
“You’re mine. All mine.”
I thought the way the author staged the 're-meet' was great and I also liked the changes she added.
“Forever’s all I ever wanted with you.”
Things I was kind of skeptical about
When Carter left New York fresh out of college to take his dad's place as CEO of a big-time, lots of money making oil company, while teaching online classes and working out like a bitch to stop thinking of Elly---for 4 years?! How was he not run down like a horse? That was a bit unbelievable.
This is one of those books where the couple is tight. They got together and were not going anywhere---and they didn't. There were never any couples issues, albeit there were quite a few reassurances on Carters side.
She was priceless and I was done taking her for granted.
Characters
Carter He was my rock. He was the calm and reassuring one. He never walked out, and if he did, he came right back.
Carter is the definition of the perfect man. He was patient, calm, sweet, reassuring, not afraid to plan ahead or admit he was wrong. He said what was on his mind and didn't keep secrets. Carter was alpha without being that jealous, possessive grizzly bear (that I know all of us really love!), he was hot, funny, not arrogant, not cocky (though he was described as cocky many times). He is determined, single minded, optimistic and always looking ahead.
Elly Elly is funky, a total tomboy but at the same time a total fairy princess. She is caring, snappy, witty, she listens but butts in, she is also sweet and loving, and sad. She's also "realistic" which means she really always expects the negative and is prepared for it. She is insecure, but not in herself and has healthy fear of cancer, which her mom died from.
Friends Elly's friends were almost all of them really Carter & Elly's friends from college. There were a lot, so I'm not mentioning names. Carter & Elly's friends were great characters. They had their own lives, their own problems, but didn't weigh down and overwhelm the book. They gave each other shit, were a constant for each other, were funny and entertaining & overall just brilliant characters.
“Hey laugh all you want. I’m the only one here getting sex on a regular basis.” Their laughter quieted, and the smiles on their faces drooped as they slumped back in their seats looking at each other.
Harper Harper is Carter's elder sister. She definitely had some issues of her own, but I was impressed with the author's ability to, instead of her weighing down the book, she boosted it up and filled it with light. (Was that poetic? That felt pretty damn poetic.) Harper was one of my favorite characters because she was the sweet, doting sister, but also the seriously famous Jen Harper---Fashion Designer.
“I’m so excited for you! First, we’re meeting family, then we’re popping the question and planning a wedding, and then making cute little Carter and Elly babies! I can’t wait!”
“You do realize you’re not a member of our relationship, right?”
Baylor Baylor is a cook. Yes, she's Baylor the baker. I know. Though Baylor has got to have her own bag of baggage (see what I did there?) it never showed. She was light character, there for support, authenticity, and humor. I thought her fantastic.
“Nope. No tattoo’s here.”
“Scared of needles?” I asked, smiling.
She rolled her eyes and waved a hand over her body. “Would you put a bumper sticker on a Lamborghini?”
“Oh, good Lord,” Harper griped.
I laughed, “No.”
“Exactly,” she said, totally confident. “Then you wouldn’t put a tattoo on a body like mine. It’s already a masterpiece.”
I have to mention; Carter's mom. I just have to. What a serious. Fucking. Bitch!! I had to mention her, purely so I could put this in. “Do you just wake up in the morning and pour bitch into your coffee?”
Carter has...baggage, I guess...from growing with 2 complete assholes. His dad has supposedly "gotten better", and from what I saw, he was fine, but he did have baggage, but we never saw any of it. It was mentioned, maybe twice. He acknowledges that they were, that's how they are, and he is his own man now. I was seriously impressed with that.
“You’re my only hope at seeing a happily ever after come true in the near future. Get to it, Romeo. “
“Romeo didn’t have a happily ever after!” I shouted after her. The last guy I wanted was to be Romeo. That fucker died all because he thought Juliet was dead when she wasn’t.
I know it may feel like I totally spilled the beans on this book...but you haven't even scratched the surface.
I have to say, I totally stole this from another friend who does brilliant reviews, but I had to add it when I saw these lines.
WTF moments: ….he ran a towel through his messy hair. I immediately wished I was the towel.
…I felt the love he had for me in that single look in the way it felt like his eyes were cradling my heart.
Thank you, Khanh!
Overall, this book was beautifully written, sex was skimped over a bit but plentiful enough to make up for it, romance was not push and pull, it was constant, but I Recommend it
***Free on iBooks
“You’re my home now.”
February 27, 2014
I am in shock that Wanted By You in a debut novel. Steph Nuss wrote an truly amazing story for her first novel. This was a beautiful story that truly touched my heart, and made me cry. There is no doubt in my mind that she will be around for a long time!
This book tells the love story of Elly and Carter. The way this story was told, I felt like I was watching their story unfold, and at times felt like I was apart of it. Elly and Carter meet in college. They quickly become best friends. Although both of them want more then friendship, neither acts on it. After college, Carter moves back home, even though he doesn't want to. He and Elly loose touch. Both of them has thought of the other one throughout the years.
5 years later, Carter has moved back to NY and the fates have been good to these two. Their paths have crossed soon after Carter comes back. They have similar friends, co workers etc in common. It was like the universe knew they were meant to be together.
I can't even start to tell you how I enjoyed the fact they were friends first and then romantically involved. It made their relationship real. There was no insta love. This is the real deal. A love story for the ages. It is a story they will tell their grandchildren.
Without giving the story away, their relationship is tested by some heavy duty stuff. These two handle it like adults and handle it beautifully.
I am really and truly looking forward to Steph's next book. This books can not get enough praise from me. I really enjoyed it.
This book tells the love story of Elly and Carter. The way this story was told, I felt like I was watching their story unfold, and at times felt like I was apart of it. Elly and Carter meet in college. They quickly become best friends. Although both of them want more then friendship, neither acts on it. After college, Carter moves back home, even though he doesn't want to. He and Elly loose touch. Both of them has thought of the other one throughout the years.
5 years later, Carter has moved back to NY and the fates have been good to these two. Their paths have crossed soon after Carter comes back. They have similar friends, co workers etc in common. It was like the universe knew they were meant to be together.
I can't even start to tell you how I enjoyed the fact they were friends first and then romantically involved. It made their relationship real. There was no insta love. This is the real deal. A love story for the ages. It is a story they will tell their grandchildren.
Without giving the story away, their relationship is tested by some heavy duty stuff. These two handle it like adults and handle it beautifully.
I am really and truly looking forward to Steph's next book. This books can not get enough praise from me. I really enjoyed it.
June 3, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! When I heard the series took place in NYC, that was enough for me to dive in!
Loved her pop culture references and absolutely loved her writing style! Carter is definitely a dreamy book boyfriend! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Loved her pop culture references and absolutely loved her writing style! Carter is definitely a dreamy book boyfriend! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Read
July 17, 2014DNF @ 22%
It tilted my B.S. Meter too much. Author's voice is likable but seems young, too young for the H/h now (they are 27 when I left off).
Not interested in continuing the series.
It tilted my B.S. Meter too much. Author's voice is likable but seems young, too young for the H/h now (they are 27 when I left off).
Not interested in continuing the series.
February 28, 2014
Received as an arc for an honest review.
Loved it! I could not put this book down! Read it in one day. So many fun characters introduced that I can't wait to read what happens next in this series.
Carter is my new favorite book boyfriend.
Full review to be posted on my blog!
I totally fell in love with Carter Jennings the moment I read him in the 1st Chapter! And then I fell in love with Carter over and over and over again throughout the entire book!
NEW BOOK BOYFRIEND ALERT!!!!
CARTER JENNINGS IS MY NEW BOOK BOYFRIEND!
8.......26..........200.............. <<<<<------- Once you read this it will make sense
WOW! Loved loved loved this book!! Steph Nuss totally has a style of writing that while reading makes you feel like you are right there with her characters. I especially loved that this story was set in my hometown of NYC! I totally pictured every area of where Elly & Carter where in New York!
We start off with how Elly & Carter met in college. Carter is totally smitten with Elly & the two become best of friends right away! Their sexual tension they have in their inner monologues of what they are feeling but not saying to one another had me cracking up & sometimes yelling at them to just go ahead and make it happen!
Well, you have to read to find out if it ever happens or not!
Steph Nuss introduces us to Elly & Carters friends who will make appearances into the other books in this series that will come out. They are a bunch of hilarious bunch! Totally reminded me of FRIENDS, SEX & THE CITY & GOSSIP GIRL all rolled into one.
Fletcher: Damn! I want a Fletcher! He just is all sorts of scrumptious. I have my suspicions on what I want to happen with his character but I will patiently wait to see how Ms. Nuss plays it out. (Please let him be with......) I won't spoil it!
There are tons of movie and T.V. references in this book which make it fun to read. I totally had moments thinking and of course saying out loud "OMG yes like totally!" And the food references too had me LOL and realizing I ate a lot of the same stuff in college too! JUNK FOOD rules!
This book just totally had me. It reminded me of back in my college days, you meet so many interesting people, then there was always that one person that gets away from you and you get a second chance in the present to find them again.
Elly & Carter's story is just that. Second chances can happen when you least except it and you can have a chance to finally stop thinking "WHAT IF?" and just go for it! They do encounter some hard obstacles that test how much they are willing to fight for each other. It is never easy and
Do they work it out? Again, you have to read this story to find out.
I highly recommend reading this book and making sure to follow everything STEPH NUSS!
I'm totally excited to read what happens next in this Series & get more adventures of all these wonderful characters Steph has created!
Loved it! I could not put this book down! Read it in one day. So many fun characters introduced that I can't wait to read what happens next in this series.
Carter is my new favorite book boyfriend.
Full review to be posted on my blog!
I totally fell in love with Carter Jennings the moment I read him in the 1st Chapter! And then I fell in love with Carter over and over and over again throughout the entire book!
NEW BOOK BOYFRIEND ALERT!!!!
CARTER JENNINGS IS MY NEW BOOK BOYFRIEND!
8.......26..........200.............. <<<<<------- Once you read this it will make sense
WOW! Loved loved loved this book!! Steph Nuss totally has a style of writing that while reading makes you feel like you are right there with her characters. I especially loved that this story was set in my hometown of NYC! I totally pictured every area of where Elly & Carter where in New York!
We start off with how Elly & Carter met in college. Carter is totally smitten with Elly & the two become best of friends right away! Their sexual tension they have in their inner monologues of what they are feeling but not saying to one another had me cracking up & sometimes yelling at them to just go ahead and make it happen!
Well, you have to read to find out if it ever happens or not!
Steph Nuss introduces us to Elly & Carters friends who will make appearances into the other books in this series that will come out. They are a bunch of hilarious bunch! Totally reminded me of FRIENDS, SEX & THE CITY & GOSSIP GIRL all rolled into one.
Fletcher: Damn! I want a Fletcher! He just is all sorts of scrumptious. I have my suspicions on what I want to happen with his character but I will patiently wait to see how Ms. Nuss plays it out. (Please let him be with......) I won't spoil it!
There are tons of movie and T.V. references in this book which make it fun to read. I totally had moments thinking and of course saying out loud "OMG yes like totally!" And the food references too had me LOL and realizing I ate a lot of the same stuff in college too! JUNK FOOD rules!
This book just totally had me. It reminded me of back in my college days, you meet so many interesting people, then there was always that one person that gets away from you and you get a second chance in the present to find them again.
Elly & Carter's story is just that. Second chances can happen when you least except it and you can have a chance to finally stop thinking "WHAT IF?" and just go for it! They do encounter some hard obstacles that test how much they are willing to fight for each other. It is never easy and
Do they work it out? Again, you have to read this story to find out.
I highly recommend reading this book and making sure to follow everything STEPH NUSS!
I'm totally excited to read what happens next in this Series & get more adventures of all these wonderful characters Steph has created!
October 23, 2014
Full review up now at www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog/2014/1... <3
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/onceuponabookblog <3
The prologue for this story had me completely captured from the start. I could tell that this wasn’t going to be any standard NA romance. The difference being, that Carter & Ellyson’s love story turns out to be years in the making. The basis of a great relationship is an amazing friendship and these two characters definitely have that in spades. From the first time they saw each other at college it was obvious that there was only going to be one way that this story was going to end. I LOVED that I wasn’t left hanging for too long, family responsibilities and life had gradually eased the two of them apart but once we were deposited into the current day it didn’t take too long for Carter and Elly to reacquaint themselves with each other…
And from here it was it was clear. There was no more game playing. There was no more pretending to ‘just’ be friends. If anything was meant to be than this was it. The author had a perfect balance of chemistry building without sending me completely over the edge with impatience, something that’s not always achieved. But don’t for a second think that it’s all going to be smooth sailing for this gorgeous couple just because we were in the thick of a romance from early on. There is always drama in these types of books, this book is no different. But this drama you won’t expect, we aren’t talking run-of-the-mill every day romance issues. I felt the twists and turns in this book really helped create a beautiful story of more than just lust and romance, it created a story of a deeper love, of real life and real feelings.
What of course made sure that this story tugged at my heart were the characters. Carter and Ellyson were as good as I could’ve hoped for. We’re not talking about a naive, good girl and a womanizing alpha male. We’re talking about two humans, flaws and all. Carter ticked all of my boxes for book boyfriend material. Sweet, but not a pushover. Manly in all the best ways and worst ways without being an asshole. Elly also was a firm fave. This girl had brains! She was fun and genuine. She was probably more the realist of the two, but one of them had to be and with her background story it made sense. She didn’t have me eye-rolling with ridiculous meltdowns, or insecurities. She, just like Carter, was realistic and it made me a team Carter & Elly cheerleader all the way.
This read was totally and completely enjoyable. I couldn’t put the book down and read it in an afternoon. The heat, the storyline, the characters…. They all created a story that is more than ‘just’ a romance. If you are wanting to curl up and escape, then this is most definitely your book, set aside some chocolate and a comfy chair and be prepared to fall in love.
Book received in return for a honest review
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/onceuponabookblog <3
The prologue for this story had me completely captured from the start. I could tell that this wasn’t going to be any standard NA romance. The difference being, that Carter & Ellyson’s love story turns out to be years in the making. The basis of a great relationship is an amazing friendship and these two characters definitely have that in spades. From the first time they saw each other at college it was obvious that there was only going to be one way that this story was going to end. I LOVED that I wasn’t left hanging for too long, family responsibilities and life had gradually eased the two of them apart but once we were deposited into the current day it didn’t take too long for Carter and Elly to reacquaint themselves with each other…
And from here it was it was clear. There was no more game playing. There was no more pretending to ‘just’ be friends. If anything was meant to be than this was it. The author had a perfect balance of chemistry building without sending me completely over the edge with impatience, something that’s not always achieved. But don’t for a second think that it’s all going to be smooth sailing for this gorgeous couple just because we were in the thick of a romance from early on. There is always drama in these types of books, this book is no different. But this drama you won’t expect, we aren’t talking run-of-the-mill every day romance issues. I felt the twists and turns in this book really helped create a beautiful story of more than just lust and romance, it created a story of a deeper love, of real life and real feelings.
What of course made sure that this story tugged at my heart were the characters. Carter and Ellyson were as good as I could’ve hoped for. We’re not talking about a naive, good girl and a womanizing alpha male. We’re talking about two humans, flaws and all. Carter ticked all of my boxes for book boyfriend material. Sweet, but not a pushover. Manly in all the best ways and worst ways without being an asshole. Elly also was a firm fave. This girl had brains! She was fun and genuine. She was probably more the realist of the two, but one of them had to be and with her background story it made sense. She didn’t have me eye-rolling with ridiculous meltdowns, or insecurities. She, just like Carter, was realistic and it made me a team Carter & Elly cheerleader all the way.
This read was totally and completely enjoyable. I couldn’t put the book down and read it in an afternoon. The heat, the storyline, the characters…. They all created a story that is more than ‘just’ a romance. If you are wanting to curl up and escape, then this is most definitely your book, set aside some chocolate and a comfy chair and be prepared to fall in love.
Book received in return for a honest review
April 13, 2014
Carter and Elly are charming and fun all on their own but together they make a great love story. This book made me think back on lost loves of mine that I may still have the possibility of finding once again. It gave meaning to the romance of second chances. To have love even once in your life, you are said to be lucky but to have the chance to meet that person again later on when you've grown up and matured more and experienced life - that's romance.
I love the way Steph writes and the flow of the story was very consistent. You get a great opportunity to meet the additional characters and get a good feel of what that circle is like to hang out with. Some of the interaction reminded me of a very good episode of "Friends" with the funny jokes and banter along with the shenanigans that they seemed to pull on one another. I hope everyone sees the compliment that was meant in that last sentence. This book gives you a feel good notion and is an easy read for the swoonworthy seekers. Romantic and smooth - it will take you on a joyful ride through the first meeting of the main characters all the way through a bit of angst and emotion of the second chance for love. I'm really glad I had the opportunity to read this book and look forward to more published work from Steph Nuss.
I love the way Steph writes and the flow of the story was very consistent. You get a great opportunity to meet the additional characters and get a good feel of what that circle is like to hang out with. Some of the interaction reminded me of a very good episode of "Friends" with the funny jokes and banter along with the shenanigans that they seemed to pull on one another. I hope everyone sees the compliment that was meant in that last sentence. This book gives you a feel good notion and is an easy read for the swoonworthy seekers. Romantic and smooth - it will take you on a joyful ride through the first meeting of the main characters all the way through a bit of angst and emotion of the second chance for love. I'm really glad I had the opportunity to read this book and look forward to more published work from Steph Nuss.
March 4, 2014
Wanted By You is a good quick read. It hooked me right from the beginning. We start out in 2004 when Carter meets Ellyson, then we come to present time. In the present Carter and Ellyson have let life push them apart. You know at some point they are going to ran into each other again, which kept me interested in reading because I wanted to see them reunite. When they reunite, they no longer want to be friends but they both want more. I was happy to see their relationship was going good until I look ed at how far i was in the book. I was less than 50% through the book and everything seemed good, that's when you know you are in for some sort of big twist. I loved the twist that was through into this book because it was not the typically twist. I won't tell you what the twist is but it's heart wrenching.
We get background on Carter and Ellyson, through flashbacks here and there. I feel like I was missing some part of the friendships with their friends. I loved their group of friends and wished we got more background on them.
There is no cliffhanger. Wanted By You is a nice sweet story.
We get background on Carter and Ellyson, through flashbacks here and there. I feel like I was missing some part of the friendships with their friends. I loved their group of friends and wished we got more background on them.
There is no cliffhanger. Wanted By You is a nice sweet story.
March 1, 2015
Excellent book
This book will keep you captivated from the first page to the last! This book will tug at your heart strings!
This book will keep you captivated from the first page to the last! This book will tug at your heart strings!
May 26, 2015
Amazing
I loved this book from the first page! It is one of those books which leave you hungry for more.
I loved this book from the first page! It is one of those books which leave you hungry for more.
Want to read
November 1, 2017FREE on Amazon today (11/1/2017)!
March 5, 2014
*****5 -Blown Away- Stars*****
~I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review~
~this review contains minor spoilers~
“You don't learn how to be in love. It's not like learning how to walk or talk. It's innate, like breathing. I think love is something we do to survive. To love your life to the fullest, you gotta love every bit of the journey. Remember that.”
Well, that took me completely by surprise and that's not easily done. I was half expecting a friends to lovers fluffy love story, and it does start off that way-but then it takes a hard right turn down Heavy lane, you don't see it coming til your there, with tears in your eyes. But the Heavy doesn't take over the entire story, it's always there weighing you down with uncertainty, but the author does a fantastic job of sprinkling you with just enough laughs, romance and steam to keep you from being crushed under the weight of it. I'm having a hard time believing this is a debut novel, Steph Nuss is definitely someone to keep your eyes on. I do believe she has just found a home on my 'automatic one-click list' of authors.
How does that saying go? If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. Well, there were butterflies alright. A huge, beautiful flock of them.
Carter Jennings and Ellyson Evans met on their first day of classes at College in New York. From the moment they lay eyes on each other, an intense attraction grips them, though neither acknowledges it. They become the best of friends, spending all of their free time together while both secretly wanting more. Ellyson thinks Carter is way to good for a girl like her and would never see her as more than a friend, and Carter is afraid that things would get awkward between them if Elly doesn't feel the same way he does and doesn't want to risk their friendship.
My skin burned from the trails her eyes made over my body and I immediately regretted using the term “friends”. I definitely wanted to be a lot more than friends with Ellyson.
Carter could have his pick of the crop and a guy like that was totally out of my league. I was the nice, smart girl who didn't even want a boyfriend.
After four years of unbreakable friendship, constant companionship, and secret desires, life separates them. They lose contact when Carter has to move back home to Texas for awhile to help out with the family business when his dad gets laid up. Now, five years later, Carter has returned to New York and all he can think about is Elly. When a chance encounter brings them face to face when they least expect it, neither are prepared for the feelings that slam into them.
It felt like we were seeing each other for the very first time; like we weren't old friends reuniting after so many years. Things were definitely different now. I could feel the effect time had had on both of us and there wasn't anything friendly about it.
They are both done with hiding their true feelings, they have lost so much time already and will not let another minute pass them by. They thought their attraction to each other was strong back in college, but they're about to find out what happens when you bottle up all that chemistry for nine years....letting it all out can be explosive.
Elly and I hadn't acted like old friends. I saw a glimpse of want burning in her eyes today, and the way her body responded to my presence didn't go unnoticed either. Flushed cheeks. Hard nipples. Clenched thighs. Yeah, “just friends” wasn't even an option for us anymore.
But making the decision to go from friends to lovers is the easy part. Life is about to throw them a curve-ball that could destroy everything. This book hit pretty close to home for me, I won't say why because saying much more than I already have would spoil the story and I won't do that. To really feel what Carter & Elly experience, you just have to take in everything as it comes. I really wasn't expecting this to be such an emotional journey, but I'm so glad I went through it with them. Just make sure you have some tissues handy, you will need them. I fell in love with so many different characters in this book for so many different reasons. Elly's love of old movies and music was just so me it was comical. Plus her banter with her girls, and inner-lusting about Carter, was friggin hilarious. Carter has got to be one of the most perfect boyfriends of all time, dirty and demanding when needed, but so freaking romantic you would have to be made of stone to not get all swoony. With so many fantastic secondary characters, I'm dying to see where this series takes us next. One thing is for sure, I have most definitely found a must read author in Steph Nuss, this book blew me away and I cannot wait for more.
Just the sight of him made me feel whole again. When he wasn't around, I felt like a part of me was missing; like he was the final piece to my puzzle. He completed me.
“You are mine. God, it feels good to finally call you mine. You are all I've ever wanted. You're are all I'll ever want.”
“I've always been yours, and that will never change. I will always want you.”
March 5, 2014
*****5 -Blown Away- Stars*****
~I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review~
~this review contains minor spoilers~
“You don't learn how to be in love. It's not like learning how to walk or talk. It's innate, like breathing. I think love is something we do to survive. To love your life to the fullest, you gotta love every bit of the journey. Remember that.”
Well, that took me completely by surprise and that's not easily done. I was half expecting a friends to lovers fluffy love story, and it does start off that way-but then it takes a hard right turn down Heavy lane, you don't see it coming til your there, with tears in your eyes. But the Heavy doesn't take over the entire story, it's always there weighing you down with uncertainty, but the author does a fantastic job of sprinkling you with just enough laughs, romance and steam to keep you from being crushed under the weight of it. I'm having a hard time believing this is a debut novel, Steph Nuss is definitely someone to keep your eyes on. I do believe she has just found a home on my 'automatic one-click list' of authors.
How does that saying go? If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. Well, there were butterflies alright. A huge, beautiful flock of them.
Carter Jennings and Ellyson Evans met on their first day of classes at College in New York. From the moment they lay eyes on each other, an intense attraction grips them, though neither acknowledges it. They become the best of friends, spending all of their free time together while both secretly wanting more. Ellyson thinks Carter is way to good for a girl like her and would never see her as more than a friend, and Carter is afraid that things would get awkward between them if Elly doesn't feel the same way he does and doesn't want to risk their friendship.
My skin burned from the trails her eyes made over my body and I immediately regretted using the term “friends”. I definitely wanted to be a lot more than friends with Ellyson.
Carter could have his pick of the crop and a guy like that was totally out of my league. I was the nice, smart girl who didn't even want a boyfriend.
After four years of unbreakable friendship, constant companionship, and secret desires, life separates them. They lose contact when Carter has to move back home to Texas for awhile to help out with the family business when his dad gets laid up. Now, five years later, Carter has returned to New York and all he can think about is Elly. When a chance encounter brings them face to face when they least expect it, neither are prepared for the feelings that slam into them.
It felt like we were seeing each other for the very first time; like we weren't old friends reuniting after so many years. Things were definitely different now. I could feel the effect time had had on both of us and there wasn't anything friendly about it.
They are both done with hiding their true feelings, they have lost so much time already and will not let another minute pass them by. They thought their attraction to each other was strong back in college, but they're about to find out what happens when you bottle up all that chemistry for nine years....letting it all out can be explosive.
Elly and I hadn't acted like old friends. I saw a glimpse of want burning in her eyes today, and the way her body responded to my presence didn't go unnoticed either. Flushed cheeks. Hard nipples. Clenched thighs. Yeah, “just friends” wasn't even an option for us anymore.
But making the decision to go from friends to lovers is the easy part. Life is about to throw them a curve-ball that could destroy everything. This book hit pretty close to home for me, I won't say why because saying much more than I already have would spoil the story and I won't do that. To really feel what Carter & Elly experience, you just have to take in everything as it comes. I really wasn't expecting this to be such an emotional journey, but I'm so glad I went through it with them. Just make sure you have some tissues handy, you will need them. I fell in love with so many different characters in this book for so many different reasons. Elly's love of old movies and music was just so me it was comical. Plus her banter with her girls, and inner-lusting about Carter, was friggin hilarious. Carter has got to be one of the most perfect boyfriends of all time, dirty and demanding when needed, but so freaking romantic you would have to be made of stone to not get all swoony. With so many fantastic secondary characters, I'm dying to see where this series takes us next. One thing is for sure, I have most definitely found a must read author in Steph Nuss, this book blew me away and I cannot wait for more.
Just the sight of him made me feel whole again. When he wasn't around, I felt like a part of me was missing; like he was the final piece to my puzzle. He completed me.
“You are mine. God, it feels good to finally call you mine. You are all I've ever wanted. You're are all I'll ever want.”
“I've always been yours, and that will never change. I will always want you.”
April 9, 2015
**ARC received for honest review; may contain spoilers**
This book doesn't waste any time throwing you right into the story. It starts as a flashback of how Carter and Elly, the main characters, meet at college in NYC. The instant attraction these two have for each other at the very beginning was enjoyable, not having to endure games being played or the whole I-want-you-but-I'm-not-good-for-you type of book. I was instantly hooked!
Fast forward to present day, 9 years later, to discover Carter had moved back home to Texas to help with the family oil business. During his time away, he and Elly had lost contact with each other. Back in college, they secretly fell in love with each other. But were too afraid of confessing their feelings to the other in fear of no returned feelings. They were best friends, so what confused me was WHY they didn't keep in touch if they secretly loved each other. So when Carter finally had his chance to move back to NYC, he was not going to waste anymore time in finding Elly and expressing his feelings towards her. And for Elly, she was never able to get over her feelings for him and thought of him often. As I was reading, my initial guess was it was going to take the characters forever to reconnect. Maybe throw a love-triangle into the mix. But nope, it only took days. I instantly loved that about the story. Sometimes when you read a book, the story can get drawn out and repetitive. Not once had I felt that way with this book.
The story had great progression and very real emotions involved. Once Carter and Elly confessed to loving each other since college, I wasn't quite sure how the rest of the story was going to play out. The passion between them...excellent, very steamy! I was afraid that since they had only been friends, that their relationship would get awkward. And again, I was wrong. But here comes the twist...Elly's biggest fear comes creeping into their lives. Cancer. The nasty "C" word. She lost her mother to breast cancer when Elly was 9 years old. Watching her father grieve was heartbreaking to Elly, and she vowed to never put a loved one through such a difficult and tragic experience. She would rather let them go, than to hurt them and watch her slowly die. So when Elly experienced a false pregnancy scare, she automatically thought she had cancer. So now this part, I didn't much care for. Elly's feelings going from unconditional love for Carter, to pushing him away and hurting him worse than if he did have to endure her having cancer. It was like whiplash...completely unexpected! You would think Carter would've given up, thrown in the towel. But loving Elly and wanting her love returned was something he was NEVER walking away from. Finally talking out her feelings and expressing her fear strengthens their relationship, the love growing even more between them.
And talk about Carter being a romantic. It's so refreshing to read a book where the lead male isn't a man-whore! Carter is romantic, compassionate, thoughtful, chivalrous...and at times it seems he loves Elly way more than she loves him. And in my opinion, it's very rare to read about a man expressing his feelings so passionately before the woman. Still hooked at this point, but it starts slowing down. So the story revved it's engine! They meet each other's families, and it's while they are in Texas for Carter's parent's anniversary party, that completely changed coarse for the characters. Yep, you named it....another false pregnancy scare that leads to the possibility of cancer.
After doctor's visits, test, scans and blood work, Elly needs surgery to remove an unknown mass. Her instincts were correct. But was it truly cancer? Upon reading this terrifying experience that Elly endured, it can only make me love and appreciate this book even more. I feel such a strong connection to the story as I personally experienced the same as Elly only months ago. Talk about a freaky coincidence! Yep, I cried. I was so invested into the outcome of the test results as much as Elly and Carter. Going through the experience of having to wait to find out if you have cancer or not is one of the hardest things to endure. So when you hear the amazing words "You don't have cancer" like Elly did, it's like music to your ears. It makes you look at life differently, and that's exactly what happened to Elly. I was so relieved and happy for Elly and Carter. Everything was finally looking up for them! And Carter stayed with her the entire time. Now that's true love!
I feel like I was meant to read this book, and I highly recommend it to everyone. There was friendship, love, humor, tragedy, pain, heartbreak, frustration, romance and ultimately passion. Passion for family, for true love, and for life. I loved this book at the beginning, but loved it more at the end. If I had not related so closely to the story, I would still feel as strongly as I do for the book. It's absolutely nothing like I've read before. Simply amazing!
This book doesn't waste any time throwing you right into the story. It starts as a flashback of how Carter and Elly, the main characters, meet at college in NYC. The instant attraction these two have for each other at the very beginning was enjoyable, not having to endure games being played or the whole I-want-you-but-I'm-not-good-for-you type of book. I was instantly hooked!
Fast forward to present day, 9 years later, to discover Carter had moved back home to Texas to help with the family oil business. During his time away, he and Elly had lost contact with each other. Back in college, they secretly fell in love with each other. But were too afraid of confessing their feelings to the other in fear of no returned feelings. They were best friends, so what confused me was WHY they didn't keep in touch if they secretly loved each other. So when Carter finally had his chance to move back to NYC, he was not going to waste anymore time in finding Elly and expressing his feelings towards her. And for Elly, she was never able to get over her feelings for him and thought of him often. As I was reading, my initial guess was it was going to take the characters forever to reconnect. Maybe throw a love-triangle into the mix. But nope, it only took days. I instantly loved that about the story. Sometimes when you read a book, the story can get drawn out and repetitive. Not once had I felt that way with this book.
The story had great progression and very real emotions involved. Once Carter and Elly confessed to loving each other since college, I wasn't quite sure how the rest of the story was going to play out. The passion between them...excellent, very steamy! I was afraid that since they had only been friends, that their relationship would get awkward. And again, I was wrong. But here comes the twist...Elly's biggest fear comes creeping into their lives. Cancer. The nasty "C" word. She lost her mother to breast cancer when Elly was 9 years old. Watching her father grieve was heartbreaking to Elly, and she vowed to never put a loved one through such a difficult and tragic experience. She would rather let them go, than to hurt them and watch her slowly die. So when Elly experienced a false pregnancy scare, she automatically thought she had cancer. So now this part, I didn't much care for. Elly's feelings going from unconditional love for Carter, to pushing him away and hurting him worse than if he did have to endure her having cancer. It was like whiplash...completely unexpected! You would think Carter would've given up, thrown in the towel. But loving Elly and wanting her love returned was something he was NEVER walking away from. Finally talking out her feelings and expressing her fear strengthens their relationship, the love growing even more between them.
And talk about Carter being a romantic. It's so refreshing to read a book where the lead male isn't a man-whore! Carter is romantic, compassionate, thoughtful, chivalrous...and at times it seems he loves Elly way more than she loves him. And in my opinion, it's very rare to read about a man expressing his feelings so passionately before the woman. Still hooked at this point, but it starts slowing down. So the story revved it's engine! They meet each other's families, and it's while they are in Texas for Carter's parent's anniversary party, that completely changed coarse for the characters. Yep, you named it....another false pregnancy scare that leads to the possibility of cancer.
After doctor's visits, test, scans and blood work, Elly needs surgery to remove an unknown mass. Her instincts were correct. But was it truly cancer? Upon reading this terrifying experience that Elly endured, it can only make me love and appreciate this book even more. I feel such a strong connection to the story as I personally experienced the same as Elly only months ago. Talk about a freaky coincidence! Yep, I cried. I was so invested into the outcome of the test results as much as Elly and Carter. Going through the experience of having to wait to find out if you have cancer or not is one of the hardest things to endure. So when you hear the amazing words "You don't have cancer" like Elly did, it's like music to your ears. It makes you look at life differently, and that's exactly what happened to Elly. I was so relieved and happy for Elly and Carter. Everything was finally looking up for them! And Carter stayed with her the entire time. Now that's true love!
I feel like I was meant to read this book, and I highly recommend it to everyone. There was friendship, love, humor, tragedy, pain, heartbreak, frustration, romance and ultimately passion. Passion for family, for true love, and for life. I loved this book at the beginning, but loved it more at the end. If I had not related so closely to the story, I would still feel as strongly as I do for the book. It's absolutely nothing like I've read before. Simply amazing!
October 21, 2014
I don’t know how any could not love this book!!
Carter grew up in Texas with a family that had way too much money and cared way too much about appearances. He had wonderful grandparents and parents that were more than happy to pawn their kids off on those grandparents. His parents were concerned about Carter’s happiness. They just wanted Carter to take over the family oil business. As an attractive guy with a wealthy family, Carter never lacked attention from women, but he never met one that made him want so much more.
Elly grew up with great parents. Her father was a professional basketball player turned ESPN commentator and her mom was a homemaker, but Elly’s life changed when she was 9 and she lost her mom to cancer. She’d never forget the way her mom looked and the way her dad broke down when she died. Elly’s determined to become a psychologist to help people and school is her focus.
On the first day of college, Carter saw Elly and everything changed. She was perfect in every way and he had to be close to her. The attraction he felt was like nothing he’d ever experienced. He sat next to her in class and flirted, but became tongue-tied talking to her. Elly was hypnotized by Carter the first day of school, but couldn’t imagine that he wanted her. They ended up becoming best friends, but they were each in love with the other and too afraid to ruin that friendship. When Carter’s dad got hurt and needed him to come home to run the family business, neither of them realized they would be separated for 9 years.
After 9 years of being stuck in Texas, Carter’s dad was back in charge and he had an offer for a job as a professor at NYU. He was still in love with Elly and was determined to find her once he got back in the city. Even after being away from Carter for 9 years, he was still the man of Elly’s dreams. She had a great set of friends and the job of her dreams, but not much of a dating life.
Everything changes when Carter and Elly run into each other again. The sexual tension is so high that it makes people uncomfortable and they aren’t backing down for the sake of friendship anymore. Things seem perfect, but will Carter’s family or Elly’s fears come between them?
This is one of those stories that warms you heart. Regardless of the amount of time apart, Carter and Elly never stopped loving each other. Once Carter had Elly back in his life, nothing was going to stop him from being with her forever.
Carter was professor smart and model sexy. He knows what he wants and goes after it. He was totally swoon-worthy! Elly is the down to earth sports-loving girl next door that any guy would love to have. You can’t help yourself from rooting for them after being apart for so long.
This was an excellent first book in the series, because you got to meet this entire group of friends that take care of one another like family. It’s like Sex in the City and Friends made a novel baby! Yes, please!! I can’t wait to see how all of the other members of this group find love in the city (you see what I did there? That’s the name of the series. ;-) I’m slick like that! HAHA).
Reviewing on behalf of Fierce and Fabulous Book Diva – check us out at http://www.fierceandfabbookdiva.com/.
Complimentary copy provided for honest review.
Carter grew up in Texas with a family that had way too much money and cared way too much about appearances. He had wonderful grandparents and parents that were more than happy to pawn their kids off on those grandparents. His parents were concerned about Carter’s happiness. They just wanted Carter to take over the family oil business. As an attractive guy with a wealthy family, Carter never lacked attention from women, but he never met one that made him want so much more.
Elly grew up with great parents. Her father was a professional basketball player turned ESPN commentator and her mom was a homemaker, but Elly’s life changed when she was 9 and she lost her mom to cancer. She’d never forget the way her mom looked and the way her dad broke down when she died. Elly’s determined to become a psychologist to help people and school is her focus.
On the first day of college, Carter saw Elly and everything changed. She was perfect in every way and he had to be close to her. The attraction he felt was like nothing he’d ever experienced. He sat next to her in class and flirted, but became tongue-tied talking to her. Elly was hypnotized by Carter the first day of school, but couldn’t imagine that he wanted her. They ended up becoming best friends, but they were each in love with the other and too afraid to ruin that friendship. When Carter’s dad got hurt and needed him to come home to run the family business, neither of them realized they would be separated for 9 years.
After 9 years of being stuck in Texas, Carter’s dad was back in charge and he had an offer for a job as a professor at NYU. He was still in love with Elly and was determined to find her once he got back in the city. Even after being away from Carter for 9 years, he was still the man of Elly’s dreams. She had a great set of friends and the job of her dreams, but not much of a dating life.
Everything changes when Carter and Elly run into each other again. The sexual tension is so high that it makes people uncomfortable and they aren’t backing down for the sake of friendship anymore. Things seem perfect, but will Carter’s family or Elly’s fears come between them?
This is one of those stories that warms you heart. Regardless of the amount of time apart, Carter and Elly never stopped loving each other. Once Carter had Elly back in his life, nothing was going to stop him from being with her forever.
Carter was professor smart and model sexy. He knows what he wants and goes after it. He was totally swoon-worthy! Elly is the down to earth sports-loving girl next door that any guy would love to have. You can’t help yourself from rooting for them after being apart for so long.
This was an excellent first book in the series, because you got to meet this entire group of friends that take care of one another like family. It’s like Sex in the City and Friends made a novel baby! Yes, please!! I can’t wait to see how all of the other members of this group find love in the city (you see what I did there? That’s the name of the series. ;-) I’m slick like that! HAHA).
Reviewing on behalf of Fierce and Fabulous Book Diva – check us out at http://www.fierceandfabbookdiva.com/.
Complimentary copy provided for honest review.
September 9, 2016
Loved it!
"You don't learn how to be in love. It's not like learning how to walk or talk. It's innate, like breathing. I think love is something we do to survive. To live your life to the fullest, you gotta love every bit of the journey."
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. I thought that it was going to be playboy meets shy girl in college and they fall in love but then his past comes back to bite him in the ass, making him realize how much he loves her, yada, yada.... But that isn't what happened at all.
Elly and Carter meet on the first day of classes their freshman year of college in New York City. Carter was mesmerized by her the second he saw her, so he introduced himself and they had an undeniable connection that led into an instant friendship that lasted all through college.
Her eyes made my pulse race, my breath hitch, and I couldn't for the life of me remember ever gazing into eyes as big and fierce as hers. They were like melted fudge poured over ice cream: delicious and warm. - Carter
His closeness and the way he smelled of soap and woods turned me inside out. I heard my heartbeat in my ears and my breath shuddered at his whispered words. He made me nervous and excited all at the same time. I fancied the energized feelings he sent through me, though. I'd never had a guy give me butterflies, and I wasn't about to ignore them. - Elly
Elly never told Carter how she felt about him because she didn't think that he would ever want to be with her that way. She didn't that that she was good enough for him. Carter never made a move because he wanted her in his life so badly that he didn't want to risk losing her. A few days before graduation, Carter's dad was in a terrible car accident and he had to move back to Texas to take over the families oil company while he recovered. Over the years, they lost touch and both were living with that regret. But when their paths cross again, nothing could hold them back.
It felt like we were seeing each other for the very first time; like we weren't old friends reuniting after so many years. Things were definitely different now. I could feel the effect time had had on both of us and there wasn't anything friendly about it. The tension rippling between us was intoxicating, and I saw something in his eyes that I'd never seen before. Hunger. Maybe it was because it was lunchtime and he was just hungry, but it felt like his eyes were feasting on my soul. As he fed his hunger and raked his eyes over my body, my eyes flew into a full blown visiongasm, running all over his features, gulping down every bit of him that had matured and aged like a fine wine should, enriched to their full, delicious potential. I wanted nothing more than to pop the cork, pour myself a glass, lick the taste of him from my lips, and admire the beautiful work of art he had turned his body into. - Elly
This book was hot, sexy, and well written. I wasn't expecting it to make me cry, but I did. But at the same it made me happy too. As I was reading this afternoon, my kids kept asking me why I was smiling and I didn't even know that I was! I look forward to more of this series to see who falls for who, but my bet is on Harper and Mav!
"You don't learn how to be in love. It's not like learning how to walk or talk. It's innate, like breathing. I think love is something we do to survive. To live your life to the fullest, you gotta love every bit of the journey."
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. I thought that it was going to be playboy meets shy girl in college and they fall in love but then his past comes back to bite him in the ass, making him realize how much he loves her, yada, yada.... But that isn't what happened at all.
Elly and Carter meet on the first day of classes their freshman year of college in New York City. Carter was mesmerized by her the second he saw her, so he introduced himself and they had an undeniable connection that led into an instant friendship that lasted all through college.
Her eyes made my pulse race, my breath hitch, and I couldn't for the life of me remember ever gazing into eyes as big and fierce as hers. They were like melted fudge poured over ice cream: delicious and warm. - Carter
His closeness and the way he smelled of soap and woods turned me inside out. I heard my heartbeat in my ears and my breath shuddered at his whispered words. He made me nervous and excited all at the same time. I fancied the energized feelings he sent through me, though. I'd never had a guy give me butterflies, and I wasn't about to ignore them. - Elly
Elly never told Carter how she felt about him because she didn't think that he would ever want to be with her that way. She didn't that that she was good enough for him. Carter never made a move because he wanted her in his life so badly that he didn't want to risk losing her. A few days before graduation, Carter's dad was in a terrible car accident and he had to move back to Texas to take over the families oil company while he recovered. Over the years, they lost touch and both were living with that regret. But when their paths cross again, nothing could hold them back.
It felt like we were seeing each other for the very first time; like we weren't old friends reuniting after so many years. Things were definitely different now. I could feel the effect time had had on both of us and there wasn't anything friendly about it. The tension rippling between us was intoxicating, and I saw something in his eyes that I'd never seen before. Hunger. Maybe it was because it was lunchtime and he was just hungry, but it felt like his eyes were feasting on my soul. As he fed his hunger and raked his eyes over my body, my eyes flew into a full blown visiongasm, running all over his features, gulping down every bit of him that had matured and aged like a fine wine should, enriched to their full, delicious potential. I wanted nothing more than to pop the cork, pour myself a glass, lick the taste of him from my lips, and admire the beautiful work of art he had turned his body into. - Elly
This book was hot, sexy, and well written. I wasn't expecting it to make me cry, but I did. But at the same it made me happy too. As I was reading this afternoon, my kids kept asking me why I was smiling and I didn't even know that I was! I look forward to more of this series to see who falls for who, but my bet is on Harper and Mav!
May 19, 2015
Wanted by You was going to be a four star. It was funny. The writing felt modern and the voices accurate. The characters were believable. The speech felt authentic. There were very few spelling/grammatical issues. There were no overtly contrived plot events or things thrown in just to tug at the heartstrings. There were two great, strong older women as characters, which I loved. It was all good. And then...
I got to halfway through chapter 21 - home straits in a 26 chapter book - and the author killed it.
The book took a complete about-face and turned from entertaining and light read to sick lit, in which the heroine worries about possibly having cancer, her friends and family swoon at her feet and we have all kinds of bucket list and P.S. I Love You shit. This pissed me off no end. Elly is worried about possibly getting cancer for the entire book. This is illogical*, but an understandable anxiety, given she witnessed her mother die from it. But to then actually throw in a cancer scare as a cheap way of tugging at the heart strings... GAH.
It's like it was a different book. Carter suddenly changes from great-but-still-human to The Perfect Man. He sheds his personality in favour of coming up with cheesy ways of supporting Elly, "cancer" patient like she's about to pop her clogs any minute, because how else could you make a reader care about a romance?
I'll tell you how else! By creating likeable characters with good chemistry WHICH THE AUTHOR HAD ALREADY DONE. It's harsh, but I'm knocking Wanted by You down to two stars because of those last six chapters. Given I wrote a note to myself halfway through chapter 25, swearing that if Elly fulfilled her idiotic declaration that she would break up with Carter if she did have cancer** I would only give the book one star***, I suppose it's just as well we didn't quite sink to those depths.
*She keeps up with tests religiously and has been genetically tested and found not to be vulnerable.
**She said this several times throughout the book, but before there was no actual "OMG Elly maybe possibly has cancer" so I let it slide.
***I hate made up conflicts (because obviously they would've gotten back together, after a whole book series of angst) in romance novels and there are so damn many of them. Who reads romance novels for the plot? There doesn't need to be melodrama.
I got to halfway through chapter 21 - home straits in a 26 chapter book - and the author killed it.
The book took a complete about-face and turned from entertaining and light read to sick lit, in which the heroine worries about possibly having cancer, her friends and family swoon at her feet and we have all kinds of bucket list and P.S. I Love You shit. This pissed me off no end. Elly is worried about possibly getting cancer for the entire book. This is illogical*, but an understandable anxiety, given she witnessed her mother die from it. But to then actually throw in a cancer scare as a cheap way of tugging at the heart strings... GAH.
It's like it was a different book. Carter suddenly changes from great-but-still-human to The Perfect Man. He sheds his personality in favour of coming up with cheesy ways of supporting Elly, "cancer" patient like she's about to pop her clogs any minute, because how else could you make a reader care about a romance?
I'll tell you how else! By creating likeable characters with good chemistry WHICH THE AUTHOR HAD ALREADY DONE. It's harsh, but I'm knocking Wanted by You down to two stars because of those last six chapters. Given I wrote a note to myself halfway through chapter 25, swearing that if Elly fulfilled her idiotic declaration that she would break up with Carter if she did have cancer** I would only give the book one star***, I suppose it's just as well we didn't quite sink to those depths.
*She keeps up with tests religiously and has been genetically tested and found not to be vulnerable.
**She said this several times throughout the book, but before there was no actual "OMG Elly maybe possibly has cancer" so I let it slide.
***I hate made up conflicts (because obviously they would've gotten back together, after a whole book series of angst) in romance novels and there are so damn many of them. Who reads romance novels for the plot? There doesn't need to be melodrama.
March 18, 2015
Favorite Quotes:
“Every time he moved, the invigorating, crisp scent of his soap drifted along with him, sending my nostrils into nosgasms breathing him in.”
“He held me in his arms like I was weightless. Like gravity had no effect on me, and if he let go, I’d float around like an astronaut in space.”
“He made me love drunk.”
“It’s been awhile since yours truly had her boat rocked, but I remember what it’s like being young and in love and not being able to keep your hands to yourself. Don’t you dare try to cool that down, because one day your bodies will betray you. You’ll need pills to get your buddy up and she’ll need lube to make her slide slippery. Trust me Carter, take advantage of your body’s performance now because it will only go downhill from here.”
My Review:
This book is perfection. It has all my favorite reading elements, and then some. It is well written, entertaining, a second chance romance, epic love, thoughtful and tender consideration of each other, deliciously steamy love scenes, interesting and friendly secondary characters, clever humor, and very little conflict or angst among the main characters. There is conflict… always is in life… but at least most of it is not between the two lovers. I totally appreciate a story where the main characters are reveling in each other and enjoying their time together, rather than fighting their feelings or attraction. There are poignant moments that had me sobbing, although I was usually smiling with contentment and humming with satisfaction. I feasted on this book and wasn’t willing to put it down. In truth, I only stopped when my kindle put itself down during those periods I accidentally fell into unconsciousness. I adored it and cannot wait to start the next one in the series, which I hope will continue into infinity.
“Every time he moved, the invigorating, crisp scent of his soap drifted along with him, sending my nostrils into nosgasms breathing him in.”
“He held me in his arms like I was weightless. Like gravity had no effect on me, and if he let go, I’d float around like an astronaut in space.”
“He made me love drunk.”
“It’s been awhile since yours truly had her boat rocked, but I remember what it’s like being young and in love and not being able to keep your hands to yourself. Don’t you dare try to cool that down, because one day your bodies will betray you. You’ll need pills to get your buddy up and she’ll need lube to make her slide slippery. Trust me Carter, take advantage of your body’s performance now because it will only go downhill from here.”
My Review:
This book is perfection. It has all my favorite reading elements, and then some. It is well written, entertaining, a second chance romance, epic love, thoughtful and tender consideration of each other, deliciously steamy love scenes, interesting and friendly secondary characters, clever humor, and very little conflict or angst among the main characters. There is conflict… always is in life… but at least most of it is not between the two lovers. I totally appreciate a story where the main characters are reveling in each other and enjoying their time together, rather than fighting their feelings or attraction. There are poignant moments that had me sobbing, although I was usually smiling with contentment and humming with satisfaction. I feasted on this book and wasn’t willing to put it down. In truth, I only stopped when my kindle put itself down during those periods I accidentally fell into unconsciousness. I adored it and cannot wait to start the next one in the series, which I hope will continue into infinity.
July 9, 2014
If you like to read a book with a second chance love story, then this is the book for you. The couple is really sweet and you won’t get the urge to throw your e-reader at a wall – so not angsty and frustrating. You may however get a lovely warm feeling in your chest and a few tears may leak from your eyes.
Elly and Carter met in college in New York and were best friends. They were both attracted to each other but kept things on a friendship level. Carter had to leave after college to return to help out at his family business. He returns to New York 9 years later to take up a teaching job as a professor at his old college. He has never forgotten or stopped loving Elly. he still single and is hoping he can find her. Elly is a psychologist with her own clinic. She too is still single and has never really moved on from what she feels for Carter.
A chance meeting brings these two back together and their connection is stronger than ever, in a more adult way though.
“I know butterflies can’t squeal but I think I heard the ones in my stomach do just that as I held his hand” – Elly
The courting begins and within days they realise how much the want and need each other.
“He started rubbing my feet, and his strong, calloused hands sent tingles through my legs all the way up to my vagina” – Elly
Elly and Carter are each others once in a lifetime love but Elly keeps pulling back a bit, wary of her mother’s medical history, she doesn’t want Carter to go through what her father did.
“You should be making the most of your time because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.” – Elly’s dad.
Elly just needs to trust in Carter’s love for her, close her eyes and take the leap because he will catch her.
Really enjoyed this :)
Elly and Carter met in college in New York and were best friends. They were both attracted to each other but kept things on a friendship level. Carter had to leave after college to return to help out at his family business. He returns to New York 9 years later to take up a teaching job as a professor at his old college. He has never forgotten or stopped loving Elly. he still single and is hoping he can find her. Elly is a psychologist with her own clinic. She too is still single and has never really moved on from what she feels for Carter.
A chance meeting brings these two back together and their connection is stronger than ever, in a more adult way though.
“I know butterflies can’t squeal but I think I heard the ones in my stomach do just that as I held his hand” – Elly
The courting begins and within days they realise how much the want and need each other.
“He started rubbing my feet, and his strong, calloused hands sent tingles through my legs all the way up to my vagina” – Elly
Elly and Carter are each others once in a lifetime love but Elly keeps pulling back a bit, wary of her mother’s medical history, she doesn’t want Carter to go through what her father did.
“You should be making the most of your time because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.” – Elly’s dad.
Elly just needs to trust in Carter’s love for her, close her eyes and take the leap because he will catch her.
Really enjoyed this :)
February 27, 2014
This is a very sweet contemporary romance story. Very little angst. If you are looking for a light second chance romance read, this story is for you.
Ellyson and Carter meet each other on the first day of their freshman year in college at NYU.
During their 4 years at college, Elliyson and Carter become good friends. However, after college Carter goes back to his hometown and loses touch with Ellyson. 5 years later a job opportunity comes up at NYU which has Carter return to New York and see Ellyson again. Ellyson and Carter meet again but wonder if there was ever anything between them.
Ellyson and Carter are two great characters. You can sense their feelings and love for each other.
The prologue was written perfectly in Carter’s POV. I loved his confidence, but I loved how Ellyson noticed him, but wasn’t giving into him. The secondary characters were great too. This is written in dual POVs. I wished that the switch in POVs did not happen so frequently. In most of these books, if there is going to be dual POVs, I wish that the switch would not occur so frequently. Frequent switches in POVs take out the suspense and intensity of the story. I knew what each of these characters were thinking at all times.
There is some angst that occurs toward the end of the story that really brought out a lot of emotions. Overall great story, but some parts felt like they dragged. Some of it could have been eliminated.
A copy was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ellyson and Carter meet each other on the first day of their freshman year in college at NYU.
During their 4 years at college, Elliyson and Carter become good friends. However, after college Carter goes back to his hometown and loses touch with Ellyson. 5 years later a job opportunity comes up at NYU which has Carter return to New York and see Ellyson again. Ellyson and Carter meet again but wonder if there was ever anything between them.
Ellyson and Carter are two great characters. You can sense their feelings and love for each other.
The prologue was written perfectly in Carter’s POV. I loved his confidence, but I loved how Ellyson noticed him, but wasn’t giving into him. The secondary characters were great too. This is written in dual POVs. I wished that the switch in POVs did not happen so frequently. In most of these books, if there is going to be dual POVs, I wish that the switch would not occur so frequently. Frequent switches in POVs take out the suspense and intensity of the story. I knew what each of these characters were thinking at all times.
There is some angst that occurs toward the end of the story that really brought out a lot of emotions. Overall great story, but some parts felt like they dragged. Some of it could have been eliminated.
A copy was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2014
“You don't learn how to be in love. It's not like learning how to walk or talk. It's innate, like breathing. I think love is something we do to survive. To love your life to the fullest, you gotta love every bit of the journey. Remember that.”
Wanted by You is a story that you want to read slow, savor every word, and hope it never ends. It’s sweet, romantic, and reminds us what true love is all about.
I loved the story from the very beginning. Steph has a way with her words and writes so beautifully. I'm in awe of her talent and amazed this is a debut.
The characters are so down to earth and realistic that you can't help but feel as if they're your own friends. I love a book that can pull me in, make me want more, and more importantly make me connect.
This is an amazing love story about two people who are truly destined to be with one another. I can't wait for more by this author and this series!
“You are mine. God, it feels good to finally call you mine. You are all I've ever wanted. You're are all I'll ever want.”
“I've always been yours, and that will never change. I will always want you.”
Wanted by You is a story that you want to read slow, savor every word, and hope it never ends. It’s sweet, romantic, and reminds us what true love is all about.
I loved the story from the very beginning. Steph has a way with her words and writes so beautifully. I'm in awe of her talent and amazed this is a debut.
The characters are so down to earth and realistic that you can't help but feel as if they're your own friends. I love a book that can pull me in, make me want more, and more importantly make me connect.
This is an amazing love story about two people who are truly destined to be with one another. I can't wait for more by this author and this series!
“You are mine. God, it feels good to finally call you mine. You are all I've ever wanted. You're are all I'll ever want.”
“I've always been yours, and that will never change. I will always want you.”
July 23, 2014
This book was amazing. It was a mixture of sweet, sexy, and emotions. I loved Elly and Carter. I am a sucker for second chance romances and this book hit the spot!
This is the story of Elly and Carter. When they met in college they became fast friends. But neither one wanted to admit their feelings and mess up they friendship so they stayed in the friend zone. Upon graduation, Carter had to go home to run his family's business.
Years later, they run into each other by chance but this time they both decide to declare their feelings. As they get closer and their feelings grow stronger, they run into a few obstacles they may prevent their much deserved HEA.
I loved Carter. He is the ideal BBF. Sweet, kind, gorgeous, generous, sexy and a total beast in bed. I also loved Elly and totally admired her strength. I also loved their secondary characters and can't wait for each one to get their own book!
THAT ENDING! I was a blubbering mess at the end when she read that letter. I can't wait for more from this series and this author!
This is the story of Elly and Carter. When they met in college they became fast friends. But neither one wanted to admit their feelings and mess up they friendship so they stayed in the friend zone. Upon graduation, Carter had to go home to run his family's business.
Years later, they run into each other by chance but this time they both decide to declare their feelings. As they get closer and their feelings grow stronger, they run into a few obstacles they may prevent their much deserved HEA.
I loved Carter. He is the ideal BBF. Sweet, kind, gorgeous, generous, sexy and a total beast in bed. I also loved Elly and totally admired her strength. I also loved their secondary characters and can't wait for each one to get their own book!
THAT ENDING! I was a blubbering mess at the end when she read that letter. I can't wait for more from this series and this author!
October 4, 2014
4.5 Dirty Dancing Stars!
I've read this. book without expecting anything.. I don't even read the blurb and well I really enjoyed reading it.
Wanted by You is good, sweet, amd realistic read. I love how nice the story of Carter and Ellyson goes and it doesn't have too much drama.
I also like their set of friends and Carter's sisters.
It is a good light read and I recommend it and I couldn't wait to read the next book from this author.
Here are the two quotes I love from the book:
"You don't learn how to be in love. It's not like learning how to walk or talk. It's innate, like breathing. I think love is something, we do to survive. To live your life to the fullest, you gotta live every bit of the journey. Remember that. " - Ellyson's Dad
" love isn't like a light switch. You can't go turning it on and off whenever you feel like it. It's like the sun. It burns bright even on the cloudiest of days."
I've read this. book without expecting anything.. I don't even read the blurb and well I really enjoyed reading it.
Wanted by You is good, sweet, amd realistic read. I love how nice the story of Carter and Ellyson goes and it doesn't have too much drama.
I also like their set of friends and Carter's sisters.
It is a good light read and I recommend it and I couldn't wait to read the next book from this author.
Here are the two quotes I love from the book:
"You don't learn how to be in love. It's not like learning how to walk or talk. It's innate, like breathing. I think love is something, we do to survive. To live your life to the fullest, you gotta live every bit of the journey. Remember that. " - Ellyson's Dad
" love isn't like a light switch. You can't go turning it on and off whenever you feel like it. It's like the sun. It burns bright even on the cloudiest of days."
October 24, 2014
I received this for an honest review... I have to say that I just really enjoyed this book. I was not sure what to expect when I read this but I just fell in love with these characters. Not just the Main characters captivated me but the whole array of secondary characters pulled me in. Carter and Elly meet in college and Carter knew then that Ely was the woman he wanted. Ely was more standoffish and found the friend role to be more to her liking although she was falling in love with Carter. Fast forward 9 years (college +5 years) Carter and Ely are reconnected again through friends and this is where the holy hotness comes in...
With this book you could just feel the love and chemistry rolling off the pages. This is definitely one you don't want to miss....
With this book you could just feel the love and chemistry rolling off the pages. This is definitely one you don't want to miss....
February 5, 2017
Loved everything about this book. The story was excellent and the plot was well thought out. The twist toward the end was such a shock and totally unexpected. From there on in I just couldn't put the book down. I had to find out whether everything was going to turn out for the better or not.
Carter and Elle (Ellyson) were just beautiful together. Really came across as a real couple, with real struggles in a real world. Nothing in life is ever easy, esspecially love. Yet Carter and Elle proved that it is worth fight for.
I can't wait to read more from this series and discover more about the other characters from this book.
Carter and Elle (Ellyson) were just beautiful together. Really came across as a real couple, with real struggles in a real world. Nothing in life is ever easy, esspecially love. Yet Carter and Elle proved that it is worth fight for.
I can't wait to read more from this series and discover more about the other characters from this book.
September 22, 2014
3 stars
The novel started well and I like it better coz it was written in dual 1st person POV.
There's really nothing exciting about the story, I even skipped the love scenes..
Around 10 to 15& of the story, I started to get really bored and I wanted to drop it but went against it. I was almost done reading and decided to give it 2.5 stars, but then, the last chapter... it was good, the letter from Elly's mom made me cry. so 3 stars...
The novel started well and I like it better coz it was written in dual 1st person POV.
There's really nothing exciting about the story, I even skipped the love scenes..
Around 10 to 15& of the story, I started to get really bored and I wanted to drop it but went against it. I was almost done reading and decided to give it 2.5 stars, but then, the last chapter... it was good, the letter from Elly's mom made me cry. so 3 stars...
August 1, 2018
*received ARC in exchange for honest review; MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! - reviewed by Kelly*
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This book doesn't waste any time throwing you right into the story. It starts as a flashback of how Carter and Elly, the main characters, meet at college in NYC. The instant attraction these two have for each other at the very beginning was enjoyable, not having to endure games being played or the whole I-want-you-but-I'm-not-good-for-you type of book. I was instantly hooked!
Fast forward to present day, 9 years later, to discover Carter had moved back home to Texas to help with the family oil business. During his time away, he and Elly had lost contact with each other. Back in college, they secretly fell in love with each other. But were too afraid of confessing their feelings to the other in fear of no returned feelings. They were best friends, so what confused me was WHY they didn't keep in touch if they secretly loved each other. So when Carter finally had his chance to move back to NYC, he was not going to waste anymore time in finding Elly and expressing his feelings towards her. And for Elly, she was never able to get over her feelings for him and thought of him often. As I was reading, my initial guess was it was going to take the characters forever to reconnect. Maybe throw a love-triangle into the mix. But nope, it only took days. I instantly loved that about the story. Sometimes when you read a book, the story can get drawn out and repetitive. Not once had I felt that way with this book.
The story had great progression and very real emotions involved. Once Carter and Elly confessed to loving each other since college, I wasn't quite sure how the rest of the story was going to play out. The passion between them...excellent, very steamy! I was afraid that since they had only been friends, that their relationship would get awkward. And again, I was wrong. But here comes the twist...Elly's biggest fear comes creeping into their lives. Cancer. The nasty "C" word. She lost her mother to breast cancer when Elly was 9 years old. Watching her father grieve was heartbreaking to Elly, and she vowed to never put a loved one through such a difficult and tragic experience. She would rather let them go, than to hurt them and watch her slowly die. So when Elly experienced a false pregnancy scare, she automatically thought she had cancer. So now this part, I didn't much care for. Elly's feelings going from unconditional love for Carter, to pushing him away and hurting him worse than if he did have to endure her having cancer. It was like whiplash...completely unexpected! You would think Carter would've given up, thrown in the towel. But loving Elly and wanting her love returned was something he was NEVER walking away from. Finally talking out her feelings and expressing her fear strengthens their relationship, the love growing even more between them.
And talk about Carter being a romantic. It's so refreshing to read a book where the lead male isn't a man-whore! Carter is romantic, compassionate, thoughtful, chivalrous...and at times it seems he loves Elly way more than she loves him. And in my opinion, it's very rare to read about a man expressing his feelings so passionately before the woman. Still hooked at this point, but it starts slowing down. So the story revved it's engine! They meet each other's families, and it's while they are in Texas for Carter's parent's anniversary party, that completely changed coarse for the characters. Yep, you named it....another false pregnancy scare that leads to the possibility of cancer.
After doctor's visits, test, scans and blood work, Elly needs surgery to remove an unknown mass. Her instincts were correct. But was it truly cancer? Upon reading this terrifying experience that Elly endured, it can only make me love and appreciate this book even more. I feel such a strong connection to the story as I personally experienced the same as Elly only months ago. Talk about a freaky coincidence! Yep, I cried. I was so invested into the outcome of the test results as much as Elly and Carter. Going through the experience of having to wait to find out if you have cancer or not is one of the hardest things to endure. So when you hear the amazing words "You don't have cancer" like Elly did, it's like music to your ears. It makes you look at life differently, and that's exactly what happened to Elly. I was so relieved and happy for Elly and Carter. Everything was finally looking up for them! And Carter stayed with her the entire time. Now that's true love!
I feel like I was meant to read this book, and I highly recommend it to everyone. There was friendship, love, humor, tragedy, pain, heartbreak, frustration, romance and ultimately passion. Passion for family, for true love, and for life. I loved this book at the beginning, but loved it more at the end. If I had not related so closely to the story, I would still feel as strongly as I do for the book. It's absolutely nothing like I've read before. Simply amazing!
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This book doesn't waste any time throwing you right into the story. It starts as a flashback of how Carter and Elly, the main characters, meet at college in NYC. The instant attraction these two have for each other at the very beginning was enjoyable, not having to endure games being played or the whole I-want-you-but-I'm-not-good-for-you type of book. I was instantly hooked!
Fast forward to present day, 9 years later, to discover Carter had moved back home to Texas to help with the family oil business. During his time away, he and Elly had lost contact with each other. Back in college, they secretly fell in love with each other. But were too afraid of confessing their feelings to the other in fear of no returned feelings. They were best friends, so what confused me was WHY they didn't keep in touch if they secretly loved each other. So when Carter finally had his chance to move back to NYC, he was not going to waste anymore time in finding Elly and expressing his feelings towards her. And for Elly, she was never able to get over her feelings for him and thought of him often. As I was reading, my initial guess was it was going to take the characters forever to reconnect. Maybe throw a love-triangle into the mix. But nope, it only took days. I instantly loved that about the story. Sometimes when you read a book, the story can get drawn out and repetitive. Not once had I felt that way with this book.
The story had great progression and very real emotions involved. Once Carter and Elly confessed to loving each other since college, I wasn't quite sure how the rest of the story was going to play out. The passion between them...excellent, very steamy! I was afraid that since they had only been friends, that their relationship would get awkward. And again, I was wrong. But here comes the twist...Elly's biggest fear comes creeping into their lives. Cancer. The nasty "C" word. She lost her mother to breast cancer when Elly was 9 years old. Watching her father grieve was heartbreaking to Elly, and she vowed to never put a loved one through such a difficult and tragic experience. She would rather let them go, than to hurt them and watch her slowly die. So when Elly experienced a false pregnancy scare, she automatically thought she had cancer. So now this part, I didn't much care for. Elly's feelings going from unconditional love for Carter, to pushing him away and hurting him worse than if he did have to endure her having cancer. It was like whiplash...completely unexpected! You would think Carter would've given up, thrown in the towel. But loving Elly and wanting her love returned was something he was NEVER walking away from. Finally talking out her feelings and expressing her fear strengthens their relationship, the love growing even more between them.
And talk about Carter being a romantic. It's so refreshing to read a book where the lead male isn't a man-whore! Carter is romantic, compassionate, thoughtful, chivalrous...and at times it seems he loves Elly way more than she loves him. And in my opinion, it's very rare to read about a man expressing his feelings so passionately before the woman. Still hooked at this point, but it starts slowing down. So the story revved it's engine! They meet each other's families, and it's while they are in Texas for Carter's parent's anniversary party, that completely changed coarse for the characters. Yep, you named it....another false pregnancy scare that leads to the possibility of cancer.
After doctor's visits, test, scans and blood work, Elly needs surgery to remove an unknown mass. Her instincts were correct. But was it truly cancer? Upon reading this terrifying experience that Elly endured, it can only make me love and appreciate this book even more. I feel such a strong connection to the story as I personally experienced the same as Elly only months ago. Talk about a freaky coincidence! Yep, I cried. I was so invested into the outcome of the test results as much as Elly and Carter. Going through the experience of having to wait to find out if you have cancer or not is one of the hardest things to endure. So when you hear the amazing words "You don't have cancer" like Elly did, it's like music to your ears. It makes you look at life differently, and that's exactly what happened to Elly. I was so relieved and happy for Elly and Carter. Everything was finally looking up for them! And Carter stayed with her the entire time. Now that's true love!
I feel like I was meant to read this book, and I highly recommend it to everyone. There was friendship, love, humor, tragedy, pain, heartbreak, frustration, romance and ultimately passion. Passion for family, for true love, and for life. I loved this book at the beginning, but loved it more at the end. If I had not related so closely to the story, I would still feel as strongly as I do for the book. It's absolutely nothing like I've read before. Simply amazing!
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