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Chadwell Hearts #1
No One's Angel
CONTENT WARNING: Due to adult sexual situations and language, this novel may not be appropriate for readers under 18.
If you are looking for an intense, passionate love so wrong it is right, a story about losing your way but clawing desperately at any chance to find your way back, about hanging on to your last shred of sanity and trusting someone enough to let go of your fears, look no further. No One's Angel's angel is a New Adult (NA) Contemporary Romance about a girl learning to fight back and a boy learning to let go.
Tess used to spend more hours than she'd care to admit playing her favorite computer game, using the nickname Angel. She could pretend her life was different, and she could pretend Arion was just a friend. But a girl needs more to keep her warm at night than pixels, and she traded her virtual heaven for a real-life hell. Now she's on the run from a past she won't talk about, and the only place she has to go is the doorstep of the friend she's never actually met.
When Angel disappeared from their nightly games, it nearly destroyed Arion. He threw himself into work and women, but he can't help knowing the one-night stands will never compare to the angel who haunts his dreams. At first, when she shows up soaking wet and scared-shitless on his doorstep, he thinks his prayers have been answered.
But the more Arion tries to keep Angel close, the more her fear drives her away. If they are ever going to have a chance for a future, they'll first have to deal with the past that hasn't forgotten her any more than she's forgotten it--and Arion will have to learn how to let her go.
If you are looking for an intense, passionate love so wrong it is right, a story about losing your way but clawing desperately at any chance to find your way back, about hanging on to your last shred of sanity and trusting someone enough to let go of your fears, look no further. No One's Angel's angel is a New Adult (NA) Contemporary Romance about a girl learning to fight back and a boy learning to let go.
Tess used to spend more hours than she'd care to admit playing her favorite computer game, using the nickname Angel. She could pretend her life was different, and she could pretend Arion was just a friend. But a girl needs more to keep her warm at night than pixels, and she traded her virtual heaven for a real-life hell. Now she's on the run from a past she won't talk about, and the only place she has to go is the doorstep of the friend she's never actually met.
When Angel disappeared from their nightly games, it nearly destroyed Arion. He threw himself into work and women, but he can't help knowing the one-night stands will never compare to the angel who haunts his dreams. At first, when she shows up soaking wet and scared-shitless on his doorstep, he thinks his prayers have been answered.
But the more Arion tries to keep Angel close, the more her fear drives her away. If they are ever going to have a chance for a future, they'll first have to deal with the past that hasn't forgotten her any more than she's forgotten it--and Arion will have to learn how to let her go.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2013
About the author
Kelly Walker
18 books333 followersKelly Walker is a YA and NA author of several romantic titles, including the Souls of the Stones series. She has an unhealthy appreciation for chocolate, and a soft spot for rescued animals. Her best lessons on writing came from a lifetime of reading. She loves the fantastical, and the magical, and believes a captivating romance can be the most realistic magic of all. Kelly, her husband and her two children share their Virginia home with three dogs who walk her, and two cats who permit her to occasionally share their couch.
**A Kind Request** If you want to send me a message about one of my books, please do it through facebook or email. I don't check my GoodReads messages often and messages get lost beneath group messages.**
**A Kind Request** If you want to send me a message about one of my books, please do it through facebook or email. I don't check my GoodReads messages often and messages get lost beneath group messages.**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
November 16, 2014
There is nothing better in a book than uniqueness that catches your attention and keeps you on your toes, to the very last page, making you want more. No one’s Angel has a fantastic hint of mystery and something that’s totally undiscovered in new adult genre. Concept of virtual relationship made me want to read this beautiful story, that didn’t go in the direction, I thought it would go, but nothenless it still knocked me on my ass.
This story is about Angel and Arion, two strangers that share love for online gaming. Spending hours in virtual world creates unusual bond between them, that quickly makes them inseparable without even seeing each other. They talk, text and play together, always looking forward to their time together. But one day Angel vanishes and Arion’s heart shatters.
Now year later after they had stoped contacting, broken and damaged Tess (Angel) stands in Axel’s doorstep. Wet from the rain with only bag in hand she escaped from nightmare, her life has become. Afraid of being found and killed, Tess goes to the only person who can rescue her life, mind and soul.
Seeing Angel in real world makes Arion’s feeling resurface. He knows he has to coax her into staying with him no matter what and win her heart. Arion also knows that Angel’s demons are still hurting the only girl he has ever loved. Do they have a chance for happily ever after?
Dive into this amazing, heartbreaking story about survival, and love so deep it cuts your heart so much you bleed. I enjoyed No one’s Angel immensely and the fact it’s stand alone novel with heartwarming HEA only made it better.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for honest review.*
September 11, 2013
Kelly Walker is a Young Adult and New Adult writer. This book falls more in the New Adult category. This is the story of a young couple who met online in a gaming chat room. They were on the same team and developed a friendship over the course of time. "Angel" and "Arion" never met in real life, but they began to develop real feelings for one another. All of that stopped one day when "Angel", Tess, simply disappeared from the game.
"Arion", Axel, is a young man who knows what it is like to loose someone close to you. When Angel disappears, he is devastated. He has no idea why she left or what happened to her.
Angel is on the run. She is hiding from the man who she thought she could trust. She thought he was special and he turned out to be something else. Angel has lost herself in her relationship with him. She has no idea who she is or how to stand on her own two feet. She takes off across the country with no money and lands on Arion's doorstep with three dollars in her pocket and no place to go and no one else to turn to.
Arion is happy to see her but e has no idea what she has been through or where she has been for the last year. Her secrets are safe for now. She has no choice but to give Arion her trust, even when trust is that hardest thing for her to give. Arion is determined to find out why she left and to never let her leave again.
Angel is determined that she will make it on her own. She needs space and she needs to find herself again. Arion struggles to give her space when he is so afraid she will run again.
Angel and Arion have undeniable chemistry.
"If I want to get you wet, Angel, it won't take a ploy. Just maybe a dash or two of patience."- Arion
She finds it more and more difficult to take things slowly.
"Arion - take me to bed, or take me right here, but please baby, don't make me wait."- Angel
When Arion discovers why Angel is on the run, it threatens to tear them apart at the seams. He wants to help her and she is scared.
Arion thinks Angel is going to run. Her past comes back and there is no place left for her to run to. Things get pretty intense.
I will say that we do get a HEA, but it is pretty intense there for a while.
"I want to give you everything, but I will start with my heart."- Arion
This was a pretty adorable and unique take on a romance novel. I liked the feel of it. The fact that they met online through a game and knew each other so well before they ever met lends credibility to the whole story. Arion has genuine feelings for Angel even before he lays eyes on her. Even though she can't understand it, she can't deny that he cares about her. They find out that the friendship and the flirting that they did on-line ignites when they are together. Arion is so much better looking than Angel anticipated and Arion is immediately attracted to Angel.
There is quite a bit of suspense in this for a NA book. The last 25% of the book was pretty intense. I loved the secondary characters and the somewhat geeky and loveable main characters. We get a dual point of view so we know what is going on in both of their heads, which I really enjoyed. Arion is an absolute gem. I loved him and his adorable possessive streak. He was so sweet and he wanted to go all caveman and save his girl. *swoon* Angel learned to stand up for herself and in the end she starts to find herself. In the meantime, Arion has learned to be patient. He is willing to wait.
4 Adorably Romantic Stars
December 13, 2016
For me this is a very special one!
I met my bf 10 years ago sort of online ( not in a game or dating sites ) but still online.
So this story reminded me of all the lovey dovey feelings from then.
Angel and Arion meet when in an online game, they start develop feelings for each other.
But then Angel/Tess meet's Nick while working and they begin a relationship, but that all changes in time. When she finds out Nick has a double side an aggressive side, she needs to run and hide.
Because he has bonds and is powerful. That leaves her with no other option then to run/fly to Arion/Axel.
I feel already that I told to much but it's necessary to know that there is abuse in this one.
So be prepared to read a bit of violence and abuse.
I really enjoyed it! I would recommend it!!
Currently FREE on amazon!! https://www.amazon.com/Ones-Angel-Cha...
I met my bf 10 years ago sort of online ( not in a game or dating sites ) but still online.
So this story reminded me of all the lovey dovey feelings from then.
Angel and Arion meet when in an online game, they start develop feelings for each other.
But then Angel/Tess meet's Nick while working and they begin a relationship, but that all changes in time. When she finds out Nick has a double side an aggressive side, she needs to run and hide.
Because he has bonds and is powerful. That leaves her with no other option then to run/fly to Arion/Axel.
I feel already that I told to much but it's necessary to know that there is abuse in this one.
So be prepared to read a bit of violence and abuse.
I really enjoyed it! I would recommend it!!
Currently FREE on amazon!! https://www.amazon.com/Ones-Angel-Cha...
September 19, 2013
Copy provided by publishers via NetGalley for an honest review
No One's Angel is simply about a young naive online gamer who is lost, broken, and abused trying desperately to escape from her troubled past and finds help and comfort with a fellow computer gamer, whom she hasn't met in person.
"Life's isn't a game, and I can't replay this level, no matter how much I wish I could."
Tess also known as Angel, goes by her online handle, is broke and desperate for help. Traveling cross country,she seeks out the only person she knows who can help her: Axel (Arion is his online handle). Within the two years, they developed a friendship where they were able to share their lives with one another. Though they have never met in person and only spoke on the phone and chatted online, they grew a special bond that crossed from friendship to love. Even though they were practically best friends online, Angel broke off contact with Arion for a year, resulting in him spiraling down in near-depression. Fast-forward a year later, Angel is running from an abusive relationship and Arion is the one she turns to.
"She's not a 'one night stand' kind of girl, she's a 'one lifetime isn't ever going to be enough' kind of girl, so I can be patient."
Angel's appearance in Arion's life was his dreams come true. He fell in love with Angel from the moment they talked online. For him, she was truly his angel and salvation. Angel felt the same way for Arion but her troubled past kept her from moving on and being completely honest with him.
"Sadness, guilt, and despair consume me. I know I'm no one's angel, because if I had wings I'd wings I'd fly away, and I wouldn't stop until I eventually soared above the pain."
Angel is emotionally abused and fears for her life from a troubled ex-boyfriend. She feels like her life is shattered and is a complete mess. She desperately wants to be helped but doesn't know how to accept help.
Arion wholeheartedly wants to bring back the life that was taken from Angel. Their chemistry and attraction was evident from the first moment they laid eyes on each other. Arion won't let Angel disappear from his life. His protective instincts flare up, and even though he's dreamed of holding Angel for so long, he takes it slow because he loves her so much. He's understanding and patient.
I like the plot idea of No One's Angel of modern day love: two people finding comfort, friendship and love via online video game. The book starts off great but towards the end I find myself frustrated with Angel. I enjoyed the dual POV in this book but I found myself liking Arion more than Angel. If you are a gamer and romantic, then go pick up this book. I like the fact that this book had a HEA and no cliff-hanger.
No One's Angel
"In game, I was flawless and in control. In life, I'm lost."
No One's Angel is simply about a young naive online gamer who is lost, broken, and abused trying desperately to escape from her troubled past and finds help and comfort with a fellow computer gamer, whom she hasn't met in person.
"Life's isn't a game, and I can't replay this level, no matter how much I wish I could."
Tess also known as Angel, goes by her online handle, is broke and desperate for help. Traveling cross country,she seeks out the only person she knows who can help her: Axel (Arion is his online handle). Within the two years, they developed a friendship where they were able to share their lives with one another. Though they have never met in person and only spoke on the phone and chatted online, they grew a special bond that crossed from friendship to love. Even though they were practically best friends online, Angel broke off contact with Arion for a year, resulting in him spiraling down in near-depression. Fast-forward a year later, Angel is running from an abusive relationship and Arion is the one she turns to.
"She's not a 'one night stand' kind of girl, she's a 'one lifetime isn't ever going to be enough' kind of girl, so I can be patient."
Angel's appearance in Arion's life was his dreams come true. He fell in love with Angel from the moment they talked online. For him, she was truly his angel and salvation. Angel felt the same way for Arion but her troubled past kept her from moving on and being completely honest with him.
"Sadness, guilt, and despair consume me. I know I'm no one's angel, because if I had wings I'd wings I'd fly away, and I wouldn't stop until I eventually soared above the pain."
Angel is emotionally abused and fears for her life from a troubled ex-boyfriend. She feels like her life is shattered and is a complete mess. She desperately wants to be helped but doesn't know how to accept help.
Arion wholeheartedly wants to bring back the life that was taken from Angel. Their chemistry and attraction was evident from the first moment they laid eyes on each other. Arion won't let Angel disappear from his life. His protective instincts flare up, and even though he's dreamed of holding Angel for so long, he takes it slow because he loves her so much. He's understanding and patient.
"You'll always be my Angel. If I have to, I'll build you new wings....I know he took your past, Angel, and I know it hurts. I don't want to take anything from you, I only want to share your future."
I like the plot idea of No One's Angel of modern day love: two people finding comfort, friendship and love via online video game. The book starts off great but towards the end I find myself frustrated with Angel. I enjoyed the dual POV in this book but I found myself liking Arion more than Angel. If you are a gamer and romantic, then go pick up this book. I like the fact that this book had a HEA and no cliff-hanger.
No One's Angel
October 20, 2013
This book is an intense read... First of all, what made me want to read this book was the cover, it's pretty. :) And next, I scanned the blurb... Gamers. I am not really a gamer myself, well I do play sometimes, occasionally, but I am not that addicted where I do it every single day... But that was one of the reasons I want to read it. I was actually expecting it to be full of gamer lingo and I even prepared myself for that.
What I really did not expect, although I was warned based on the review of my friend on Goodreads, was how intense the story was. When I started reading, I did not expect things to turned this way. I am so speechless right now that I know I am just rambling whatever comes into my mind.
The characters, Angel or Tess and Arion or Axel, develops as the story progress. Angel was timid with fear and confused. A whole lot of it and I guess that is something that is understandable because of what she's been through. In the story, she's like a rubber band, one moment she was elongated meaning she goes what she really wants either flirt with Arion or whatever, and then the next she retracts as fast as you can imagine a rubber band can.
That is really something I do understand given the circumstances she is in but what I wanted her to do was to open up and try to trust someone to tell her secrets. I mean she did with Arion but she only did it because she wanted him to stay away from her or something. I know that FEAR could make us cripple. But I also know that somehow, you just need to man it up and conquer your fear. I know, easy to say but hard to do but that is why you got friends, loved ones, they could help you. I do understand Angel wanting to complete herself on her own but seriously I think you could do it even if you are with people you love.
Arion's problem... It's more of a trauma when he was a child. It's not really of a big problem, all he needs was a talk. Talk to his parents. Or well, his dad. And that could really solve his problem but no, his dad and him doesn't talk about it. So hence, he is a bit of a troubled man.
One thing I am sure, this story is gripping. It makes you want to read more and know more but at the same time you just want to tell them to out with it and be strong or brave. You might just want to tell Angel to quit being scared and you know she got abused but she knows in her heart, Arion is someone who she could trust.
In the end, I really liked this book. The story is quite real. I know that it is happening to someone right now, so to speak. I don't know, maybe I just want to tell to that someone that he/she should be brave enough to run away and ask for help to people he/she knew he could trust. It's hard to do it, I know. I mean, I don't actually know how hard it is because I didn't experience it myself but... it is worth trying. To escape that kind of prison. To live your life the way you want it. Not the way they dictate it to you.
Thank you for letting me read this one, Netgalley and All Night Reads. Until my next. :)
What I really did not expect, although I was warned based on the review of my friend on Goodreads, was how intense the story was. When I started reading, I did not expect things to turned this way. I am so speechless right now that I know I am just rambling whatever comes into my mind.
The characters, Angel or Tess and Arion or Axel, develops as the story progress. Angel was timid with fear and confused. A whole lot of it and I guess that is something that is understandable because of what she's been through. In the story, she's like a rubber band, one moment she was elongated meaning she goes what she really wants either flirt with Arion or whatever, and then the next she retracts as fast as you can imagine a rubber band can.
That is really something I do understand given the circumstances she is in but what I wanted her to do was to open up and try to trust someone to tell her secrets. I mean she did with Arion but she only did it because she wanted him to stay away from her or something. I know that FEAR could make us cripple. But I also know that somehow, you just need to man it up and conquer your fear. I know, easy to say but hard to do but that is why you got friends, loved ones, they could help you. I do understand Angel wanting to complete herself on her own but seriously I think you could do it even if you are with people you love.
Arion's problem... It's more of a trauma when he was a child. It's not really of a big problem, all he needs was a talk. Talk to his parents. Or well, his dad. And that could really solve his problem but no, his dad and him doesn't talk about it. So hence, he is a bit of a troubled man.
One thing I am sure, this story is gripping. It makes you want to read more and know more but at the same time you just want to tell them to out with it and be strong or brave. You might just want to tell Angel to quit being scared and you know she got abused but she knows in her heart, Arion is someone who she could trust.
In the end, I really liked this book. The story is quite real. I know that it is happening to someone right now, so to speak. I don't know, maybe I just want to tell to that someone that he/she should be brave enough to run away and ask for help to people he/she knew he could trust. It's hard to do it, I know. I mean, I don't actually know how hard it is because I didn't experience it myself but... it is worth trying. To escape that kind of prison. To live your life the way you want it. Not the way they dictate it to you.
Thank you for letting me read this one, Netgalley and All Night Reads. Until my next. :)
Read
September 11, 2013No One's Angel has released on Amazon ( http://amzn.to/15B3dqa) and Barnes and Noble! (http://bit.ly/1elq6EF)
Paperback ARCs are starting to go out through special giveaways. There are 5 total ( and there will not be more. )
1) One goes to Chrissy T through the New Adult Book Club
2) One goes to DeeAnn through the Dear Author giveaway
3) One goes to the winner of the Reviewer Appreciate Giveaway
4 ...
5 ...
Stay tuned for more chances to win.
Excerpts:
First Look
Strip
Paperback ARCs are starting to go out through special giveaways. There are 5 total ( and there will not be more. )
1) One goes to Chrissy T through the New Adult Book Club
2) One goes to DeeAnn through the Dear Author giveaway
3) One goes to the winner of the Reviewer Appreciate Giveaway
4 ...
5 ...
Stay tuned for more chances to win.
Excerpts:
First Look
Strip
August 14, 2013
I really enjoyed No One’s Angel. When I read that Angel and Arion meet by playing an online game, I thought, well this might be different and it kind of was. Angel finds an escape from her real life by consuming herself with an online gaming group and in that group is fellow gamer Arion. Angel and Arion spend many nights talking and flirting with each other online but have never met. All that changes when Angel shows up on Arion’s doorsteps.
I loved how the book jumps right into the story. There was no chapter after chapter of back story before things start to happen. I loved Arion he was so open, caring and patient with Angel. She is so broken and scared when she shows up at Arion’s place but he takes things slow with her and lets her take the lead in everything they do together, slowly giving her back the power that she has lost. There were a few times that Arion did get on my nerves. When Angel decided it was time to deal with her past by herself, he became so needy and a little whiny. The first time it was cute and sad but then by the third time it was just annoying. He needed to man up and get over it. Besides the building romance between Angel and Arion, there was mystery and action to the story that was tied to Angels past. Even though that part was pretty predictable it gave the story the right amount of extra drama. No One’s Angel was a fast paced book that never had a boring moment that I think everyone will enjoy.
I loved how the book jumps right into the story. There was no chapter after chapter of back story before things start to happen. I loved Arion he was so open, caring and patient with Angel. She is so broken and scared when she shows up at Arion’s place but he takes things slow with her and lets her take the lead in everything they do together, slowly giving her back the power that she has lost. There were a few times that Arion did get on my nerves. When Angel decided it was time to deal with her past by herself, he became so needy and a little whiny. The first time it was cute and sad but then by the third time it was just annoying. He needed to man up and get over it. Besides the building romance between Angel and Arion, there was mystery and action to the story that was tied to Angels past. Even though that part was pretty predictable it gave the story the right amount of extra drama. No One’s Angel was a fast paced book that never had a boring moment that I think everyone will enjoy.
September 8, 2013
Originally posted at my blog, Reads Over Needs, HERE!
Damn. Fooled by the synopsis again. Be careful, guys. It sounds way better than it actually is. When I requested it, I thought I’d be getting an exciting, original story with complex characters and a heart-swelling romance.
Exciting, it ain’t. Original? Not quite.
Wanna know what sucks the most? I thought it was going to be a 5 star-er. It started off so strong. Kelly Walker pulled me into the story from page one with her fluid, angsty pace. The first chapter opens with Angel (Tess) in the rain, broke and shivering, and looking for a specific place. When she gets there, we learn it was not the place exactly that she was searching for, but a guy named Arion. A guy she’d never met, but had forged an online connection with in a game.
So, yeah, it seemed like it’d be all kinds of unique. Except it fell flat. Really, really flat. The uniqueness wore off in about four chapters when all Angel and Arion did was lay around his home and sleep and have a bunch of meaningless conversation. I kept waiting for something to happen, something to spice up the monotony.
I waited a long time.
I think there was supposed to be a plot, but I didn’t find one. Seriously. This book flipflopped between Arion and Angel doing absolutely nothing with their lives, him trying to get her to open up about why she sought him out in the first damn place, and Angel trying to figure that out for herself.
Angel had been in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship with her boyfriend, Nick. When she decided she’d had enough, she ran to Arion. (It’s not a spoiler; you figure it out pretty quickly.) From Arion’s preconceptions of her, she was supposed to be this feisty, sarcastic, smart girl. I didn’t see that at all. I mean, I get it. She was vulnerable and trying to put herself together after being in such an abusive environment, so I didn’t expect for her to be those things for a while. The thing was…they never showed up. And all the while Arion was thinking ‘Gosh, she’s so strong and beautiful and stunning and awesome and spunky and blah blah blah.’ I got HOW they fell in love. I just couldn’t understand WHY. Maybe I just didn’t see it, but the only character traits I got from her were annoying, indecisive, and unnecessarily stubborn the few times that she stood up for herself.
As for Arion…he was mediocre. That’s all that comes to mind when I think of him. He had a bit more substance than Angel, but not much. The occasional funny line thrown here and there. A few times, he showed traits of being this sexy, charming guy. But the way his internal monologues went on and on and on about how Angel had wrecked him on the inside made him seem less like a tortured hero and more like a desperate, weak man with controlling impulses. For example, when he destroyed his house in a tantrum because he thought (with no proof) that Angel had left after the first night of him ever seeing her in real life. He could’ve handled that so much better. By, say, actually searching for her instead of being immature. Seriously, she ended up being in the next room. You can’t justify that.
Their romance was dead to me. It lacked everything. Trust. Steam. Emotion. Angel was much too concerned with getting away from Arion and then wanting to jump his bones and then running scared again for me to even consider it love. And Arion was too hung up on his mommy issues to ever let Angel be independent like she needed to be in the aftermath of her abusive relationship.
The side characters were actually, surprisingly, well done. There was Chelsea, Arion’s step-sister and Lexi, a girl who worked with his family that stood out the most. Their portrayals actually did ambitious, intelligent women justice. Chelsea came off as this stupid blond bimbo initially, but then we realize that that’s not entirely true. And Lexi was this bright, horse-loving girl with a dream to study Equine Science. They were both equally supportive of each other and Angel. There was none of that petty drama and slut-bashing that you see so prominently nowadays.
The end was unbelievably predictable and awfully anticlimactic, much like the entire book. The bad guy went down, and Arion and Angel lived happily ever after. Congrats to them, but I just could not muster a single crap to give at their HEA.
Why did I give it two stars instead of one, then? Simple. It made me cry.
Angel’s recounts of Nick’s abuse brought tears to my eyes like nothing else. Each snippet was heartbreaking:
“Nick took my innocence, and my hopes for the future, and my chance at college and everything I’d wanted for myself the first time he held me down and told me I could either agree to let him fuck me, or he’d dope me with ecstasy until I did.”
________________________***___________________
“My fingers absentmindedly trace the scar behind my elbow, one of the few outward ones I have. Most of the time, Nick was careful not to leave visible evidence; he liked to believe people were fooled into thinking he was a good, upstanding guy and a bruised-up girlfriend might complicate that. Maybe they were fooled. I sure was. I don’t remember what I said that made him send me crashing through the glass coffee table, but I’ll never forget the bite of glass as it seared my flesh.”
___________________***_________________________
“Last night, I dreamed Nick killed my mom. I found her lying on the cold tile floor of her kitchen, the words ‘come back’ pained into the pool of her blood beside her.”
The bottom line is, while I didn’t like the characters or the plot, the meaning stuck with me. It touched upon some very serious topics, and didn’t make light of them by overshadowing/ignoring the issues with the romance. I can respect that.
“I know I’m no one’s angel, because if I had wings I’d fly away, and I wouldn’t stop until I eventually soared above the pain.”
**ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Damn. Fooled by the synopsis again. Be careful, guys. It sounds way better than it actually is. When I requested it, I thought I’d be getting an exciting, original story with complex characters and a heart-swelling romance.
Exciting, it ain’t. Original? Not quite.
Wanna know what sucks the most? I thought it was going to be a 5 star-er. It started off so strong. Kelly Walker pulled me into the story from page one with her fluid, angsty pace. The first chapter opens with Angel (Tess) in the rain, broke and shivering, and looking for a specific place. When she gets there, we learn it was not the place exactly that she was searching for, but a guy named Arion. A guy she’d never met, but had forged an online connection with in a game.
So, yeah, it seemed like it’d be all kinds of unique. Except it fell flat. Really, really flat. The uniqueness wore off in about four chapters when all Angel and Arion did was lay around his home and sleep and have a bunch of meaningless conversation. I kept waiting for something to happen, something to spice up the monotony.
I waited a long time.
I think there was supposed to be a plot, but I didn’t find one. Seriously. This book flipflopped between Arion and Angel doing absolutely nothing with their lives, him trying to get her to open up about why she sought him out in the first damn place, and Angel trying to figure that out for herself.
Angel had been in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship with her boyfriend, Nick. When she decided she’d had enough, she ran to Arion. (It’s not a spoiler; you figure it out pretty quickly.) From Arion’s preconceptions of her, she was supposed to be this feisty, sarcastic, smart girl. I didn’t see that at all. I mean, I get it. She was vulnerable and trying to put herself together after being in such an abusive environment, so I didn’t expect for her to be those things for a while. The thing was…they never showed up. And all the while Arion was thinking ‘Gosh, she’s so strong and beautiful and stunning and awesome and spunky and blah blah blah.’ I got HOW they fell in love. I just couldn’t understand WHY. Maybe I just didn’t see it, but the only character traits I got from her were annoying, indecisive, and unnecessarily stubborn the few times that she stood up for herself.
As for Arion…he was mediocre. That’s all that comes to mind when I think of him. He had a bit more substance than Angel, but not much. The occasional funny line thrown here and there. A few times, he showed traits of being this sexy, charming guy. But the way his internal monologues went on and on and on about how Angel had wrecked him on the inside made him seem less like a tortured hero and more like a desperate, weak man with controlling impulses. For example, when he destroyed his house in a tantrum because he thought (with no proof) that Angel had left after the first night of him ever seeing her in real life. He could’ve handled that so much better. By, say, actually searching for her instead of being immature. Seriously, she ended up being in the next room. You can’t justify that.
Their romance was dead to me. It lacked everything. Trust. Steam. Emotion. Angel was much too concerned with getting away from Arion and then wanting to jump his bones and then running scared again for me to even consider it love. And Arion was too hung up on his mommy issues to ever let Angel be independent like she needed to be in the aftermath of her abusive relationship.
The side characters were actually, surprisingly, well done. There was Chelsea, Arion’s step-sister and Lexi, a girl who worked with his family that stood out the most. Their portrayals actually did ambitious, intelligent women justice. Chelsea came off as this stupid blond bimbo initially, but then we realize that that’s not entirely true. And Lexi was this bright, horse-loving girl with a dream to study Equine Science. They were both equally supportive of each other and Angel. There was none of that petty drama and slut-bashing that you see so prominently nowadays.
The end was unbelievably predictable and awfully anticlimactic, much like the entire book. The bad guy went down, and Arion and Angel lived happily ever after. Congrats to them, but I just could not muster a single crap to give at their HEA.
Why did I give it two stars instead of one, then? Simple. It made me cry.
Angel’s recounts of Nick’s abuse brought tears to my eyes like nothing else. Each snippet was heartbreaking:
“Nick took my innocence, and my hopes for the future, and my chance at college and everything I’d wanted for myself the first time he held me down and told me I could either agree to let him fuck me, or he’d dope me with ecstasy until I did.”
________________________***___________________
“My fingers absentmindedly trace the scar behind my elbow, one of the few outward ones I have. Most of the time, Nick was careful not to leave visible evidence; he liked to believe people were fooled into thinking he was a good, upstanding guy and a bruised-up girlfriend might complicate that. Maybe they were fooled. I sure was. I don’t remember what I said that made him send me crashing through the glass coffee table, but I’ll never forget the bite of glass as it seared my flesh.”
___________________***_________________________
“Last night, I dreamed Nick killed my mom. I found her lying on the cold tile floor of her kitchen, the words ‘come back’ pained into the pool of her blood beside her.”
The bottom line is, while I didn’t like the characters or the plot, the meaning stuck with me. It touched upon some very serious topics, and didn’t make light of them by overshadowing/ignoring the issues with the romance. I can respect that.
“I know I’m no one’s angel, because if I had wings I’d fly away, and I wouldn’t stop until I eventually soared above the pain.”
**ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
September 14, 2013
"I gasp as I look at it closer. It’s not a picture at all, but a pencil sketch. Of me. Or at least the me he thinks I am. I—well my character, Angel. Sorrow fills my eyes, which is about the only thing of the portrait that resembles the actual me. My character in game didn’t have wings, and neither do I. He might still call me Angel, but my wings were clipped a long time ago."
Tess (Angel) and Axel (Arion) meet online through a game and develop a budding relationship with one another. She goes missing from the game for a year and it nearly breaks his heart. Now she reappears and she's right on Axel's doorstep....
......
THOUGHT OVERVIEW:
"In game, I was flawless and in control. In life, I’m lost."
"No One's Angel" was very different from Kelly Walker's previous books. I admire that she tried to steer in a different direction BUT... two characters meeting because of their love for online gaming was a tad weird to build a relationship on.
Normally, isn't that what parents or others tell you to stay clear of because you can often attract weirdos?
Then again, I do see it happening in real life since people meet on portal sites such as Myspace and Facebook and end up going out so who am I to judge? ;)
SO MY REVIEW:
A decent, likeable read!! The plot was decent, and the pacing was alright, and the relationship between Angel and Arion was different and unique.
My only issue was the character personalities of both Angel and Arion at times. Sometimes they came off whiny, annoying, and needy. Especially Arion.
Arion, to me, had the makings of being an alpha male type of character (which I am obsessed with) but sadly fell short. He was confident and sexy YET he was also clingy and obsessed with pursuing Angel and trying to piece her back to the girl he once knew. Sweet yet kind of sad of you really look at it.
"Even as her shoulders tremble, her eyes burn with determination. That’s the Angel I know. A fighter who won’t take crap from anyone. I don’t know what’s happened to her, but right now I know without a doubt she isn’t broken, maybe just a little bent. Somehow, I’ll fix this."
As for Angel, well, I didn't really think it was right for her to bring her issues and show up to Arion's door unannounced after losing contact with him for a while. Although I do get your reasons behind it and know that you do share this unusual strong bond with Arion I was a bit perplexed with some of your decision making. You runaway to someone and dump your problems on them is not cool no matter how strong your connection is.
"Arion was always more than just a guy in game, but I constantly told myself that was all he was, because that’s all I thought it could ever be."
SO MY OVER ALL VERDICT?....
I know, I know, you're all going to think I'm bipolar with my brief praise for this book and then descriptive connotations for this book but don't let that fool you on what I over all felt for this book.
But despite my criticisms here and there, it did not in any way take away in how much I liked "No One's Angel." It's a good story. Albeit, it has some minor issues with me but it didn't effect how immensely satisfied I felt from start to end.
In regard to my earlier thoughts of building a relationship in a virtual world with someone I have sort of recanted and realized that in some way everyone needs a way to escape reality and that's what took place for Angel. She was lucky that her gaming buddy turned out to be a winner as that is not always the case so props to her. I wish we all could meet super hot guys like Arion who are inexplicably devoted to you and will stop at nothing to capture your heart. *melts*
So in the end....wonderful wonderful read!
"I want to give you everything, but I’ll start with my heart."
ARC via Kelly Walker for an honest review. Thank you. :)
Tess (Angel) and Axel (Arion) meet online through a game and develop a budding relationship with one another. She goes missing from the game for a year and it nearly breaks his heart. Now she reappears and she's right on Axel's doorstep....
......
THOUGHT OVERVIEW:
"In game, I was flawless and in control. In life, I’m lost."
"No One's Angel" was very different from Kelly Walker's previous books. I admire that she tried to steer in a different direction BUT... two characters meeting because of their love for online gaming was a tad weird to build a relationship on.
Normally, isn't that what parents or others tell you to stay clear of because you can often attract weirdos?
Then again, I do see it happening in real life since people meet on portal sites such as Myspace and Facebook and end up going out so who am I to judge? ;)
SO MY REVIEW:
A decent, likeable read!! The plot was decent, and the pacing was alright, and the relationship between Angel and Arion was different and unique.
My only issue was the character personalities of both Angel and Arion at times. Sometimes they came off whiny, annoying, and needy. Especially Arion.
Arion, to me, had the makings of being an alpha male type of character (which I am obsessed with) but sadly fell short. He was confident and sexy YET he was also clingy and obsessed with pursuing Angel and trying to piece her back to the girl he once knew. Sweet yet kind of sad of you really look at it.
"Even as her shoulders tremble, her eyes burn with determination. That’s the Angel I know. A fighter who won’t take crap from anyone. I don’t know what’s happened to her, but right now I know without a doubt she isn’t broken, maybe just a little bent. Somehow, I’ll fix this."
As for Angel, well, I didn't really think it was right for her to bring her issues and show up to Arion's door unannounced after losing contact with him for a while. Although I do get your reasons behind it and know that you do share this unusual strong bond with Arion I was a bit perplexed with some of your decision making. You runaway to someone and dump your problems on them is not cool no matter how strong your connection is.
"Arion was always more than just a guy in game, but I constantly told myself that was all he was, because that’s all I thought it could ever be."
SO MY OVER ALL VERDICT?....
I know, I know, you're all going to think I'm bipolar with my brief praise for this book and then descriptive connotations for this book but don't let that fool you on what I over all felt for this book.
But despite my criticisms here and there, it did not in any way take away in how much I liked "No One's Angel." It's a good story. Albeit, it has some minor issues with me but it didn't effect how immensely satisfied I felt from start to end.
In regard to my earlier thoughts of building a relationship in a virtual world with someone I have sort of recanted and realized that in some way everyone needs a way to escape reality and that's what took place for Angel. She was lucky that her gaming buddy turned out to be a winner as that is not always the case so props to her. I wish we all could meet super hot guys like Arion who are inexplicably devoted to you and will stop at nothing to capture your heart. *melts*
So in the end....wonderful wonderful read!
"I want to give you everything, but I’ll start with my heart."
ARC via Kelly Walker for an honest review. Thank you. :)
August 19, 2013
Angel is mine
This follows the story of Tess, a girl who used to like simple things, working at a cafe, spending time with her mum and with Arion, her online beau that she spent every minute thinking about. The problem? He lives thousands of miles away. The even bigger problem? She leaves him for a year and then turns up on his door step.
Tess has secrets as to why she is fleeing to Arion, a man she has never met and hasn't seen for over a year. She is hiding, hiding from the reason she left Arion to begin with.
I felt a deep connection with this story. I love e romances and this was the closest one to how they actually are. Except the randomly showing up part.
Arion was a lovely laid character and Angel was his missing piece. This is a sweet contemporary romance and yet it has surprises, abuse, secrets, sadness and beautiful quotes.
If you like mixed POV romances with twists and an intriguing plot then pick this up, it is a bit long winded but it is now on my favourites list.
This follows the story of Tess, a girl who used to like simple things, working at a cafe, spending time with her mum and with Arion, her online beau that she spent every minute thinking about. The problem? He lives thousands of miles away. The even bigger problem? She leaves him for a year and then turns up on his door step.
Tess has secrets as to why she is fleeing to Arion, a man she has never met and hasn't seen for over a year. She is hiding, hiding from the reason she left Arion to begin with.
I felt a deep connection with this story. I love e romances and this was the closest one to how they actually are. Except the randomly showing up part.
Arion was a lovely laid character and Angel was his missing piece. This is a sweet contemporary romance and yet it has surprises, abuse, secrets, sadness and beautiful quotes.
If you like mixed POV romances with twists and an intriguing plot then pick this up, it is a bit long winded but it is now on my favourites list.
June 29, 2015
This review was first posted on Northern Plunder, if you want to see more reviews please click here.
I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of No One's Angel for part of a book tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours, this will in no way effect my opinion on the book!
First up I want to point out that not only does this have strong language and scenes of a sexual nature, but I guess it may also need trigger warnings. So heads up before I start the review.
Trigger Warnings: Refers to past rape and domestic abuse / contains attempted rape / contains abuse
I'm sorry if any of that comes off spoilery but I'm not going to start reviewing the book without giving my readers specific trigger warnings.
No One's Angel is about Tess (ign: Angel) as she runs away from her past to her gaming friend Axel (ign: Arion) for help. I picked up pretty much straight away that something terrible had happened to Tess from the way she was acting and behaving but I was glad she was seeking help, well, escaping from it all.
Seeking help and safety from Axel didn't just turn out to be a good idea, but it also opened up a rather large can of worms of their old friendship and feeling, and what they both had to deal with during their year apart. I think what I enjoyed most is that as a gamer I understand how easy it is to form strong friendships with people like this (though there is very different from any of mine) and that the information and back story of both the main characters is dished out slowly, which kept me invested deeply.
Whilst their friend/relationship isn't perfect, its truly a heart warming tale. Both characters have their faults, and both of their faults boil down to the same thing - not being able too or willing to talk - and its understanding why neither of them were an open book to begin with. It was nice seeing they had faults because it made them even more human.
Basically I loved reading this book from open to close and I really recommend it to anyone willing to battle through the trigger warnings mentioned earlier, what Tess has had to go through and eventually deal with again really tore my heart out but it was great to see just how strong she became during her time with Axel.
What moved me the most is each chapter is underlined by who is speaking, we get some from Angel and some from Arion, but at the end we get chapters from Tess and I loved how it symbolised her healing and moving on in life. How she was ready to be herself and not hide behind a game character, or think she has to live up to said game characters strengths, that she found her own strength.
*gushes* I really really loved this okay? Okay.
I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of No One's Angel for part of a book tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours, this will in no way effect my opinion on the book!
First up I want to point out that not only does this have strong language and scenes of a sexual nature, but I guess it may also need trigger warnings. So heads up before I start the review.
Trigger Warnings: Refers to past rape and domestic abuse / contains attempted rape / contains abuse
I'm sorry if any of that comes off spoilery but I'm not going to start reviewing the book without giving my readers specific trigger warnings.
No One's Angel is about Tess (ign: Angel) as she runs away from her past to her gaming friend Axel (ign: Arion) for help. I picked up pretty much straight away that something terrible had happened to Tess from the way she was acting and behaving but I was glad she was seeking help, well, escaping from it all.
Seeking help and safety from Axel didn't just turn out to be a good idea, but it also opened up a rather large can of worms of their old friendship and feeling, and what they both had to deal with during their year apart. I think what I enjoyed most is that as a gamer I understand how easy it is to form strong friendships with people like this (though there is very different from any of mine) and that the information and back story of both the main characters is dished out slowly, which kept me invested deeply.
Whilst their friend/relationship isn't perfect, its truly a heart warming tale. Both characters have their faults, and both of their faults boil down to the same thing - not being able too or willing to talk - and its understanding why neither of them were an open book to begin with. It was nice seeing they had faults because it made them even more human.
Basically I loved reading this book from open to close and I really recommend it to anyone willing to battle through the trigger warnings mentioned earlier, what Tess has had to go through and eventually deal with again really tore my heart out but it was great to see just how strong she became during her time with Axel.
What moved me the most is each chapter is underlined by who is speaking, we get some from Angel and some from Arion, but at the end we get chapters from Tess and I loved how it symbolised her healing and moving on in life. How she was ready to be herself and not hide behind a game character, or think she has to live up to said game characters strengths, that she found her own strength.
*gushes* I really really loved this okay? Okay.
February 10, 2017
2.5 Stars
I am so completely done with girls calling guys stupid. Seriously, if I have to read one more conversations with a bunch of girls talking or comforting each other by yapping about how guys are idiots who don't understand relationships or girls or love, I will lose my shit.
If it was the other way around, guys bashing girls, they would get so much hate. But since it isn't, no one seems to care. Well guess what, I care!
Guys are not idiots. Girls are not idiots. Many people are idiots, but their idiocy has absolutely nothing to do with their fucking gender!
*deep breath*
Now that that's out my system, moving on.
This book was quite a contradiction for me. There were many things that I liked about it. But at the same time, those were also the things that I disliked about it. For example:
1. I liked the characters of this book. I thought Tess to be refreshing and Axel to be a nice guy but who also doesn't completely comply with whatever shit the girl pulls. But Angel/Tess also annoyed me sometimes because while she was one of those rare characters who want and are willing to work for a relationship, she was constantly running. And Anel/Arion, who was supportive, became evry pushy.
2. The plot of this story was good. But it also wasn't. In fact, one of the major problems I had with this book was the fact that a lot of the events that occurred felt like plot devices. The author wanted Arion and Angel to have a connection so she made then be video game buddies and never really elaborated much about their past relationships. She wanted danger so the ex was introduced, not much explanation needed. She wanted a conflict so she just put something there, didn't matter if the conflict came off as insufficient. This book, because of all these and more, seemed half-assed.
Now for the problems:
1. The relationship. I didn't feel a huge connection between the protagonists. maybe if we'd gotten to know more about how they came to know and love each other during the game, it would have made sense. Or maybe if the book wasn't so focused on sex and we'd gotten to see them spend time together. Unfortunately, they just wanted to screw each other 24x7 so relationship development was limited.
2. The rant in the beginning of the book. I hate it when authors so that. very sexist. Don't get me wrong though, the rant wasn't just inspired by this book, This just happened to be when I finally snapped.
3. The big bad villain: We barely got to know him. He was, like a lot of other things, half-assed.
Now, if anyone is wondering why the book still has 2.5 stars. It's because I liked this book. It was very mediocre but in a good way. And it had potential. I wish it could have been better.
I am so completely done with girls calling guys stupid. Seriously, if I have to read one more conversations with a bunch of girls talking or comforting each other by yapping about how guys are idiots who don't understand relationships or girls or love, I will lose my shit.
If it was the other way around, guys bashing girls, they would get so much hate. But since it isn't, no one seems to care. Well guess what, I care!
Guys are not idiots. Girls are not idiots. Many people are idiots, but their idiocy has absolutely nothing to do with their fucking gender!
*deep breath*
Now that that's out my system, moving on.
This book was quite a contradiction for me. There were many things that I liked about it. But at the same time, those were also the things that I disliked about it. For example:
1. I liked the characters of this book. I thought Tess to be refreshing and Axel to be a nice guy but who also doesn't completely comply with whatever shit the girl pulls. But Angel/Tess also annoyed me sometimes because while she was one of those rare characters who want and are willing to work for a relationship, she was constantly running. And Anel/Arion, who was supportive, became evry pushy.
2. The plot of this story was good. But it also wasn't. In fact, one of the major problems I had with this book was the fact that a lot of the events that occurred felt like plot devices. The author wanted Arion and Angel to have a connection so she made then be video game buddies and never really elaborated much about their past relationships. She wanted danger so the ex was introduced, not much explanation needed. She wanted a conflict so she just put something there, didn't matter if the conflict came off as insufficient. This book, because of all these and more, seemed half-assed.
Now for the problems:
1. The relationship. I didn't feel a huge connection between the protagonists. maybe if we'd gotten to know more about how they came to know and love each other during the game, it would have made sense. Or maybe if the book wasn't so focused on sex and we'd gotten to see them spend time together. Unfortunately, they just wanted to screw each other 24x7 so relationship development was limited.
2. The rant in the beginning of the book. I hate it when authors so that. very sexist. Don't get me wrong though, the rant wasn't just inspired by this book, This just happened to be when I finally snapped.
3. The big bad villain: We barely got to know him. He was, like a lot of other things, half-assed.
Now, if anyone is wondering why the book still has 2.5 stars. It's because I liked this book. It was very mediocre but in a good way. And it had potential. I wish it could have been better.
February 25, 2014
**ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
~~ 5 Stars ~~
I have to start by saying I really loved this book. I thought it was well developed and thought out and the story was intriguing all the way through. It is a fairly quick read and flowed along smoothly. I was pulled into the story right from page one and the story held onto me until the very last page. I loved that this story got started right out of the gate….what I mean is that the author didn't waste any chapters on useless backstory, we are brought into the action right away. The back story is told through small flashbacks during the story and I thought that was perfect. I will say that this book touches on a tough subject, but I thought the author handled it very well and everything was written perfectly. She made this book feel realistic and not completely over the top. She also gave us a great love story with the element of suspense built into the story.
I loved the idea of Arion (Axel) and Angel (Tess) meeting each other online while playing a game. This was something unique to me and I haven't read another story with that in it. The underlying subject is one I have read before but this new element made it feel different. Both characters were wonderful and relatable. I loved Angel….I thought for everything she had been subjected to she was a fairly strong person. Yes she had some serious trust issues and some serious fear living inside her, but you really couldn't blame her. I loved watching her grow as the story moved along. I thought the person she becomes in the end was awesome!!!! Arion also had trust issues, stemming back to his parents. He believed that everyone leaves and doesn't come back. I loved his possessive side. He totally made me swoon. There was only one part that I really wanted to smack him upside the head and tell him to wake up, but I was glad to see his bullheadedness last only a short time ;)
This is a book I really can't go into to much detail about the storyline, because this is a story that you just need to go into blind and enjoy the ride along the way.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional love story with the element of suspense added to keep you on the edge of your seat.
For more reviews go to www.bookbitchesblog.com
~~ 5 Stars ~~
I have to start by saying I really loved this book. I thought it was well developed and thought out and the story was intriguing all the way through. It is a fairly quick read and flowed along smoothly. I was pulled into the story right from page one and the story held onto me until the very last page. I loved that this story got started right out of the gate….what I mean is that the author didn't waste any chapters on useless backstory, we are brought into the action right away. The back story is told through small flashbacks during the story and I thought that was perfect. I will say that this book touches on a tough subject, but I thought the author handled it very well and everything was written perfectly. She made this book feel realistic and not completely over the top. She also gave us a great love story with the element of suspense built into the story.
I loved the idea of Arion (Axel) and Angel (Tess) meeting each other online while playing a game. This was something unique to me and I haven't read another story with that in it. The underlying subject is one I have read before but this new element made it feel different. Both characters were wonderful and relatable. I loved Angel….I thought for everything she had been subjected to she was a fairly strong person. Yes she had some serious trust issues and some serious fear living inside her, but you really couldn't blame her. I loved watching her grow as the story moved along. I thought the person she becomes in the end was awesome!!!! Arion also had trust issues, stemming back to his parents. He believed that everyone leaves and doesn't come back. I loved his possessive side. He totally made me swoon. There was only one part that I really wanted to smack him upside the head and tell him to wake up, but I was glad to see his bullheadedness last only a short time ;)
This is a book I really can't go into to much detail about the storyline, because this is a story that you just need to go into blind and enjoy the ride along the way.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional love story with the element of suspense added to keep you on the edge of your seat.
For more reviews go to www.bookbitchesblog.com
August 11, 2015
3.5 Angelic stars.
See the full review on my blog, the Book Whore
The story starts out with our main character, Tess aka, Angel, walking in the rain, her only belongings in her backpack, in the pouring rain with only $3 to her name. She’s running, and looking for her “best friend”. A guy she talks to in a computer game, who have been playing together for years, until she stopped playing a year ago and disappeared. He doesn’t know she’s coming, and all she has is his address from a card he sent her years before with an address on it.
is shocked, to say the least, when she finds him. He. Is. Hot. But, after his best friend and long time, long distance crush disappeared a year ago and crushed his heart to splinters, he’s determined not to let her go a second time.
What Axel, aka Arion, didn’t know, was Angel didn’t willingly pull away from him, and there’s a reason she arrives on his doorstep, sodden and broken.
I absolutely adore the romantic tension between these two. Angel and Arian engage in a hot romance of push-and-pull. It was fun to read, which the humor very present, as well as the very real sense of time running out between the lines. This was very well done, and I’d recommend as a fun read, for a dark topic.
The only thing that got to me, was that it was a very juvenile NA read. I don’t mean that in the sense that it was a book for younger minds, just that the writing didn’t really fit the book. The drama was over-exaggerated, and the danger was under-written. That being said, it’s still one of my go-to comfort reads, because I just adore the whole gamers, virtual-relationship trope, as well as the friends-to-lovers, which this books has!
See the full review on my blog, the Book Whore
The story starts out with our main character, Tess aka, Angel, walking in the rain, her only belongings in her backpack, in the pouring rain with only $3 to her name. She’s running, and looking for her “best friend”. A guy she talks to in a computer game, who have been playing together for years, until she stopped playing a year ago and disappeared. He doesn’t know she’s coming, and all she has is his address from a card he sent her years before with an address on it.
is shocked, to say the least, when she finds him. He. Is. Hot. But, after his best friend and long time, long distance crush disappeared a year ago and crushed his heart to splinters, he’s determined not to let her go a second time.
What Axel, aka Arion, didn’t know, was Angel didn’t willingly pull away from him, and there’s a reason she arrives on his doorstep, sodden and broken.
I absolutely adore the romantic tension between these two. Angel and Arian engage in a hot romance of push-and-pull. It was fun to read, which the humor very present, as well as the very real sense of time running out between the lines. This was very well done, and I’d recommend as a fun read, for a dark topic.
Arion is dancing the line between protective and possessive and possessive and sweet and scary, and I’m torn between waltzing with him or regulating myself to wallflower status.
The only thing that got to me, was that it was a very juvenile NA read. I don’t mean that in the sense that it was a book for younger minds, just that the writing didn’t really fit the book. The drama was over-exaggerated, and the danger was under-written. That being said, it’s still one of my go-to comfort reads, because I just adore the whole gamers, virtual-relationship trope, as well as the friends-to-lovers, which this books has!
August 25, 2013
Let me start by saying I am probably not the target audience for this "YA" book. Having said that, I do read some of the genre and generally have enjoyed them.
I wanted to like this book. The basic story seemed interesting. Tess, or Angel as she's known in an online gaming world, had a very close relationship with Arion (Axel) online and he is crazy about her. She gets involved "in real life" with a controlling violent man, Nick and drops out of sight from her online friends due to jealous Nick smashing her computers. After months and months of his controlling, his browbeating, his threats and abuse, she runs. She runs half way across the country to a smeared address on an old Christmas Card from Arion and lands on his doorstep soaked from the rain.
Here's where it more or less fell apart for me. She's scared for her life, she's been abused and is like a frightened deer in the headlights yet she's no sooner pushing Arion away if he even tries to touch her for a hug, for instance, than she's contemplating how hot his is and how she'd like to jump his bones. She alternatively shivers in the corner from panic attacks and rubs her body all over his in the kitchen and then jumps when he tries to touch her back. Come on! He's not much better. He comes to understand she's been through a lot and is scared though isn't up on most of the details. He can see her cringe when he comes near yet he's all over her in the dressing room of a shop and *she lets him*. She's hiding from Nick and getting any details out of her is like pulling hens' teeth so behind her back, Arion has a good friend asking around about the situation, virtually guaranteeing someone is going to tip off Nick. I keep wanting to smack these people. He comes across like an insensitive idiot and she comes across immature and stupid. The climax is mercifully swift. I only finished it because it was a free copy for review.
I wanted to like this book. The basic story seemed interesting. Tess, or Angel as she's known in an online gaming world, had a very close relationship with Arion (Axel) online and he is crazy about her. She gets involved "in real life" with a controlling violent man, Nick and drops out of sight from her online friends due to jealous Nick smashing her computers. After months and months of his controlling, his browbeating, his threats and abuse, she runs. She runs half way across the country to a smeared address on an old Christmas Card from Arion and lands on his doorstep soaked from the rain.
Here's where it more or less fell apart for me. She's scared for her life, she's been abused and is like a frightened deer in the headlights yet she's no sooner pushing Arion away if he even tries to touch her for a hug, for instance, than she's contemplating how hot his is and how she'd like to jump his bones. She alternatively shivers in the corner from panic attacks and rubs her body all over his in the kitchen and then jumps when he tries to touch her back. Come on! He's not much better. He comes to understand she's been through a lot and is scared though isn't up on most of the details. He can see her cringe when he comes near yet he's all over her in the dressing room of a shop and *she lets him*. She's hiding from Nick and getting any details out of her is like pulling hens' teeth so behind her back, Arion has a good friend asking around about the situation, virtually guaranteeing someone is going to tip off Nick. I keep wanting to smack these people. He comes across like an insensitive idiot and she comes across immature and stupid. The climax is mercifully swift. I only finished it because it was a free copy for review.
October 19, 2013
As much as I love a series, I also miss a standalone. With standalone book, I don't feel like I left hanging on with another stories since it has a solid closure. I liked that this is a NA standalone book. I think it's been a while since I read it. It seems that most of NA contemporary books I read ended up with sequels.
However it was the game thing that mentioned in the blurb that picked my interest. I'm not a gamer but I want to know more about it, so I'm kind of disappointed it doesn't have bigger portion in the story. It's enough as a background story but not big enough to my expectation. On the other hand, it tells about some of my favorite themes, abusive/an unhealthy relationship. It's my guilty pleasure because in this kind of stories I tend learn things from the characters. They often force themselves beyond their boundaries to seek a way out from their situation. That's what I like about it, the never give up, fight for yourselves and learn from your mistake, ability that the characters show, just like Arion asks to Angel. And I liked that he always be there beside her to help her.
But I also have to say that I didn't quite like the first part of the story, I feel it's too slow. Angel back and forth mood about Arion and their relationship kind of annoyed me. I know and understand she's in a bad complicated situation, but I assumed she at least knew what she wants when she come to Arion's house. So when she turns hot and cold toward Arion with her indecision ability, I feel like I want to scream at her to tell him all of her stories and learn to trust him. But then again, it's because of her situation that makes her that way. When I see how hard it is for her, I begin enjoying the story. Although in second part of story sometimes Angel still annoying, I can say in the end I like this story.
However it was the game thing that mentioned in the blurb that picked my interest. I'm not a gamer but I want to know more about it, so I'm kind of disappointed it doesn't have bigger portion in the story. It's enough as a background story but not big enough to my expectation. On the other hand, it tells about some of my favorite themes, abusive/an unhealthy relationship. It's my guilty pleasure because in this kind of stories I tend learn things from the characters. They often force themselves beyond their boundaries to seek a way out from their situation. That's what I like about it, the never give up, fight for yourselves and learn from your mistake, ability that the characters show, just like Arion asks to Angel. And I liked that he always be there beside her to help her.
But I also have to say that I didn't quite like the first part of the story, I feel it's too slow. Angel back and forth mood about Arion and their relationship kind of annoyed me. I know and understand she's in a bad complicated situation, but I assumed she at least knew what she wants when she come to Arion's house. So when she turns hot and cold toward Arion with her indecision ability, I feel like I want to scream at her to tell him all of her stories and learn to trust him. But then again, it's because of her situation that makes her that way. When I see how hard it is for her, I begin enjoying the story. Although in second part of story sometimes Angel still annoying, I can say in the end I like this story.
September 7, 2014
“In game, I was flawless and in control. In life, I’m lost.”
Tess is a young woman on the run from a bad situation. She leaves home with little more than a backpack and a few dollars. She runs 2000 miles to Axel, a man she became close to when they met playing an online video game, where Tess goes by her gamer name Angel and Axel is Arion. He’s not expecting her and she has no idea what she’ll find…
What Angel doesn’t realize is how badly she hurt Arion when she disappeared from their online relationship a year ago. Now that she’s shown up on his doorstep, he’ll do anything to have her stay. He doesn’t care about her past, he just wants her future. Unfortunately, Angel is skittish and damaged. She doesn’t think staying is a good idea. Arion doesn’t see it that way at all. He’s determined to hold on to his Angel.
“I don’t know what happened to her, but right now I know without a doubt she isn’t broken, maybe just a little bent. Somehow, I’ll fix this.”
I normally don’t read a lot of YA/NA books but overall I did enjoy this read. I felt like the characters could have been a little more dimensional and some of story wasn’t as developed as it could have been. That being said, Arion is definitely a young alpha in the making and is pretty swoon worthy. The story is very readable and I think someone who enjoys YA/NA will definitely enjoy this book.
“You’ll always be my Angel. If I have to, I’ll build you new wings.”
Yep, swoon worthy.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2018
2.5 Stars
When I first opened No One's Angel, I was concerned to see that it had fifty one chapters. I had never read anything by Kelly Walker before and ideally I like my first read of an author to come in around twenty to twenty five chapters. In other words, long enough to get a good taste of their writing, but not so long as to get bogged down if it isn't to my taste.
Nevertheless, I decided to proceed. At first, I enjoyed the story. I like a little bit of angst, plus I have been known to become easily infatuated with people, even if I haven't had that much contact with them, so the whole idea of this online relationship becoming IRL appealed to me in a kind of introspective way. I liked that Walker's heroine recognised that she needed to - forgive the cliché - find herself in order to be able to build a healthy relationship. I also liked the hero's ultimate, albeit brief, exploration of his relationship with his mother as the root of his insecurities.
What I didn't like were those fifty one chapters. I understand that the author was trying to show rather a huge emotional arc for both protagonists but somehow the story needs to be trimmed down. Interludes, maybe, to allow for skipping of time to give plausibility, but streamlined. A different reason for Angel running away in the first place. I don't know. What I do know is that there is so much angst crammed into No One's Angel that it became overbearing, ridiculous. There are limits as to what one can take.
I would also like to mention the domestic abuse storyline and say that while I felt that Walker's handling of it tried to be sensitive, it still fell into the trap of a character being saved by a new relationship, which is not a terribly healthy or realistic idea and rather oversimplifies the sheer amount of work involved in escape/recovery. It's great that she included a message about domestic abuse at the end of the book, but it is worth pointing out that men can also be victims thereof (and indeed can find it harder than women to access help as they are often ignored).
When I first opened No One's Angel, I was concerned to see that it had fifty one chapters. I had never read anything by Kelly Walker before and ideally I like my first read of an author to come in around twenty to twenty five chapters. In other words, long enough to get a good taste of their writing, but not so long as to get bogged down if it isn't to my taste.
Nevertheless, I decided to proceed. At first, I enjoyed the story. I like a little bit of angst, plus I have been known to become easily infatuated with people, even if I haven't had that much contact with them, so the whole idea of this online relationship becoming IRL appealed to me in a kind of introspective way. I liked that Walker's heroine recognised that she needed to - forgive the cliché - find herself in order to be able to build a healthy relationship. I also liked the hero's ultimate, albeit brief, exploration of his relationship with his mother as the root of his insecurities.
What I didn't like were those fifty one chapters. I understand that the author was trying to show rather a huge emotional arc for both protagonists but somehow the story needs to be trimmed down. Interludes, maybe, to allow for skipping of time to give plausibility, but streamlined. A different reason for Angel running away in the first place. I don't know. What I do know is that there is so much angst crammed into No One's Angel that it became overbearing, ridiculous. There are limits as to what one can take.
I would also like to mention the domestic abuse storyline and say that while I felt that Walker's handling of it tried to be sensitive, it still fell into the trap of a character being saved by a new relationship, which is not a terribly healthy or realistic idea and rather oversimplifies the sheer amount of work involved in escape/recovery. It's great that she included a message about domestic abuse at the end of the book, but it is worth pointing out that men can also be victims thereof (and indeed can find it harder than women to access help as they are often ignored).
March 10, 2017
DNF after two chapters
The heroin is delusional or crazy. She decides to flee an abusive relationship by moving across the country 1) with no money 2) to run into the arms of someone she met online 3) whom she never met him in person.
The heroin is delusional or crazy. She decides to flee an abusive relationship by moving across the country 1) with no money 2) to run into the arms of someone she met online 3) whom she never met him in person.
October 22, 2013
The description of this book didn’t do it justice. I loved the plot and the characters. The story line kept me entertained and turning the pages as fast as I could. It was almost like a story about two people meeting online and meeting for the first time, only this meeting happens a year after the last time they spoke. I thought the relationship between the two characters felt real and sweet.
Angel and Arion met while playing a battle game online. I guess I picture them playing Halo with those headphones on and talking to people in their groups while gaming online. That kind of stuff really isn’t my thing but it was a new and cute way to weave a story. Apparently Arion and Angel played and talked privately almost every single night for hours and developed a relationship of sorts. It seemed like Arion saw more out of the relationship than Angel did. Angel never imagined it would develop into a dating relationship outside of the game. But Arion believed they were dating.
One day all communication just stopped and Angel dropped off the face of the earth as far as Arion was concerned. Arion was crushed. He was depressed and began working out for hours a day and finding a temporary relief in a revolving door of women. He couldn’t understand how she could just stop talking to him like that. He also worried that something had happened to her but he never tried to follow up in person and find her.
A year later, Angel is in the street staring at the building with the return address on the Christmas card he sent her a year ago and wondering if she was wrong to come here. When she asks to see Arion she is sent up stairs and witnesses a girl leaving his room and him in a state of undress. He doesn’t recognize her because they never exchanged pictures but when she says his name he would have known that voice anywhere.
He is ecstatic that she found him and knows that he has to get her to stay no matter what. The only problem is Angel has a lot of secrets and she is running from one really big one that could get her as well as Arion killed…
Angel left behind an abusive relationship where she knew too much for her own good and people are looking for her. She is extremely skiddish and Arion has to tread lightly to gain her love and trust. Arion is a possessive male and he wants Angel more than anything. He realizes that he has to try to tamper down his overbearing demeanor or Angel will begin to see him just like she viewed her ex and she’ll run again.
Nothing comes easily for these two. There are secrets, betrayals and action packed scenes that will have you wanting to devour every word of this story. I absolutely loved Arion. He is a true dream boyfriend. He’s sexy, possessive, protective, attractive and loving. I rated this book at 4 stars!
Angel and Arion met while playing a battle game online. I guess I picture them playing Halo with those headphones on and talking to people in their groups while gaming online. That kind of stuff really isn’t my thing but it was a new and cute way to weave a story. Apparently Arion and Angel played and talked privately almost every single night for hours and developed a relationship of sorts. It seemed like Arion saw more out of the relationship than Angel did. Angel never imagined it would develop into a dating relationship outside of the game. But Arion believed they were dating.
One day all communication just stopped and Angel dropped off the face of the earth as far as Arion was concerned. Arion was crushed. He was depressed and began working out for hours a day and finding a temporary relief in a revolving door of women. He couldn’t understand how she could just stop talking to him like that. He also worried that something had happened to her but he never tried to follow up in person and find her.
A year later, Angel is in the street staring at the building with the return address on the Christmas card he sent her a year ago and wondering if she was wrong to come here. When she asks to see Arion she is sent up stairs and witnesses a girl leaving his room and him in a state of undress. He doesn’t recognize her because they never exchanged pictures but when she says his name he would have known that voice anywhere.
He is ecstatic that she found him and knows that he has to get her to stay no matter what. The only problem is Angel has a lot of secrets and she is running from one really big one that could get her as well as Arion killed…
Angel left behind an abusive relationship where she knew too much for her own good and people are looking for her. She is extremely skiddish and Arion has to tread lightly to gain her love and trust. Arion is a possessive male and he wants Angel more than anything. He realizes that he has to try to tamper down his overbearing demeanor or Angel will begin to see him just like she viewed her ex and she’ll run again.
Nothing comes easily for these two. There are secrets, betrayals and action packed scenes that will have you wanting to devour every word of this story. I absolutely loved Arion. He is a true dream boyfriend. He’s sexy, possessive, protective, attractive and loving. I rated this book at 4 stars!
October 3, 2013
Heartbreaking, dark, sweet, and romantic, No One's Angel was a wonderful New Adult romance. It was a fantastic read and I really enjoyed reading it. Loved this book!
Angel was a heroine who has been through a lot in the several months. But, she was still strong and she made it out of her bad situation. I really liked her. She was a admirable character who made it against the odds. I thought she was great.
Arion was so sweet! He was just adorable. His past has a few ghosts that cause him to be somewhat paranoid about people leaving him. Which is why, when Angel left him suddenly, he completely broke down. And, when she came back, he was determined to keep her with him. I just loved him. He was so sweet and determined to keep Angel safe. He was wonderful.
The romance was both sweet and steamy. There was an interesting dynamic in their relationship because they kind of know each other, but kind of don't. They know each other very well, better than anyone else, from their conversations in the game. But they haven't met. It made it interesting that, while the feelings were there, they still had to get to know each other. And, because of their respective pasts, trust each other. It was sweet to see them fall deeper in love. And, the chemistry between them was undeniable. The attraction was constantly there and that led to some hot moments. I thought they were a brilliant couple.
The plot was fast paced. I was hooked then entire way through. The threat of Angel's past coming back to haunt her kept me anxious to find out how things worked out. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.
No One's Angel was a brilliant New Adult read. It was sweet, steamy, dark, heartbreaking, and totally wonderful. I really enjoyed reading it. New Adult readers, this is a book you have to check out.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Quotes:
"He might still call me Angel, but my wings were clipped a long time ago." -Angel
"I know I'm no one's angel, because if I had wings I'd fly away, and I wouldn't stop until I eventually soared above the pain." -Angel
"You'll always be my Angel. If I have to, I'll build you new wings." -Arion
"Sleep well, Angel. I know I will, because you're the thing my dreams are made of." -Arion
Angel was a heroine who has been through a lot in the several months. But, she was still strong and she made it out of her bad situation. I really liked her. She was a admirable character who made it against the odds. I thought she was great.
Arion was so sweet! He was just adorable. His past has a few ghosts that cause him to be somewhat paranoid about people leaving him. Which is why, when Angel left him suddenly, he completely broke down. And, when she came back, he was determined to keep her with him. I just loved him. He was so sweet and determined to keep Angel safe. He was wonderful.
The romance was both sweet and steamy. There was an interesting dynamic in their relationship because they kind of know each other, but kind of don't. They know each other very well, better than anyone else, from their conversations in the game. But they haven't met. It made it interesting that, while the feelings were there, they still had to get to know each other. And, because of their respective pasts, trust each other. It was sweet to see them fall deeper in love. And, the chemistry between them was undeniable. The attraction was constantly there and that led to some hot moments. I thought they were a brilliant couple.
The plot was fast paced. I was hooked then entire way through. The threat of Angel's past coming back to haunt her kept me anxious to find out how things worked out. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.
No One's Angel was a brilliant New Adult read. It was sweet, steamy, dark, heartbreaking, and totally wonderful. I really enjoyed reading it. New Adult readers, this is a book you have to check out.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Quotes:
"He might still call me Angel, but my wings were clipped a long time ago." -Angel
"I know I'm no one's angel, because if I had wings I'd fly away, and I wouldn't stop until I eventually soared above the pain." -Angel
"You'll always be my Angel. If I have to, I'll build you new wings." -Arion
"Sleep well, Angel. I know I will, because you're the thing my dreams are made of." -Arion
September 30, 2013
No One's Angel took a familiar NA theme and put a little different spin on it. Ms. Walker's writing captivated me and I was immediately sucked into Angel and Arion's story.
Angel is a young woman on the run. I admired her for her gumption in escaping her situation. She has quite a spark and despite the things in her life trying to smother her light, it shines through nonetheless.
Arion is a young man just putting his life back together. He has his heart broken and headed in a downward spiral. Now he's running his bar and going to college. But he doesn't let any woman, aside his step-sister, anywhere near his heart.
Angel and Arion met online gaming. I admit to knowing next to nothing of the gaming world but that was okay. Ms. Walker explained all the necessary elements throughout the book. Angel and Arion (which are their screen names - they are actually Tess and Axel) became close - talking, flirting - over the years they were on the same team. Angel left the game abruptly, with no explanation, which tore Arion apart. But it's Arion she runs to when she needs a refuge.
These two clearly have feelings for one another and I only wished they'd been honest from the get-go. I understand they each had baggage - especially Angel - that made it hard to trust. But the internal, and sometimes external, waffling on their feelings and whether they should follow them, irritated me.
I loved the last portion of the book. Once the air was cleared between Angel and Arion - once revelations occurred and epiphanies had - Angel and Arion really shone. Their strength of character and depth of feelings conveyed, and I could help smiling.
No One's Angel started out strong, dragged a bit with the lack of honesty and openness between Angel and Arion in the middle and ended on a sweet note. I appreciated Ms. Walker's message of hope to any young woman who might find herself in Angel's predicament. And I enjoyed learning the different aspects of gaming. I especially liked seeing the strong spirited Angel and Arion after fighting through their challenges and coming out the other side stronger.
Angel is a young woman on the run. I admired her for her gumption in escaping her situation. She has quite a spark and despite the things in her life trying to smother her light, it shines through nonetheless.
Arion is a young man just putting his life back together. He has his heart broken and headed in a downward spiral. Now he's running his bar and going to college. But he doesn't let any woman, aside his step-sister, anywhere near his heart.
Angel and Arion met online gaming. I admit to knowing next to nothing of the gaming world but that was okay. Ms. Walker explained all the necessary elements throughout the book. Angel and Arion (which are their screen names - they are actually Tess and Axel) became close - talking, flirting - over the years they were on the same team. Angel left the game abruptly, with no explanation, which tore Arion apart. But it's Arion she runs to when she needs a refuge.
These two clearly have feelings for one another and I only wished they'd been honest from the get-go. I understand they each had baggage - especially Angel - that made it hard to trust. But the internal, and sometimes external, waffling on their feelings and whether they should follow them, irritated me.
I loved the last portion of the book. Once the air was cleared between Angel and Arion - once revelations occurred and epiphanies had - Angel and Arion really shone. Their strength of character and depth of feelings conveyed, and I could help smiling.
No One's Angel started out strong, dragged a bit with the lack of honesty and openness between Angel and Arion in the middle and ended on a sweet note. I appreciated Ms. Walker's message of hope to any young woman who might find herself in Angel's predicament. And I enjoyed learning the different aspects of gaming. I especially liked seeing the strong spirited Angel and Arion after fighting through their challenges and coming out the other side stronger.
September 8, 2013
Received an ARC for an honest reveiw
Review by Natalie
Tess is a female gamer, online she's known as Angel. She lives in Tuscon AZ with her mother. She plays a game called War Quest and there are some interesting players, one in particular named Arion. Arion and Angel become very close and they talk every day. Arion knows EVERYTHING about her, but she knows he will always be a fantasy.
Tess works at Thanks A Latte Cafe and has many friends there. One night while she is working she notices a guy named Nick. Sooner than later, Nick asks her out and she says yes because, she wants something real. They date, get close, and after a while, they move in together. Nick becomes a super jealous, abusive boyfriend out of no where. In one day Tess gains freedom but loses everything and runs because she is scared for her life!! How can one small move change everything so fast?
Arion is better known as Axel and is a very successful business owner in Philly. He's also a big gamer and fell for a character named Angel. They spoke everyday and all of a sudden she has disappeared. Just like his mother when he was five. It's been forever since she's been online and he's been a mess over it. Until one day she shows up on his door step out of no where. Drenched and a complete mess he takes her in and tries to help her get her life back. What is she running from? Can he save her like she needs him too? Will her fantasies of him come true?
I loved this book because Angel is a hopeful romantic that falls for a real person that hurts her terribly and one that is a fantasy in a game that knows all of her. It's a story that every lonely gamer hopes for, but it's not ALL about gaming. I'm not a gamer and I loved this book. There's mystery, suspense, love, sadness, happiness, and anger. I love when a book can make me feel all these emotions. I fell in love with Arion and his love for Angel because he stops at nothing to keep her safe. This really is a great, quick read!! I could not put it down. FIVE STARS!!!!
Review by Natalie
Tess is a female gamer, online she's known as Angel. She lives in Tuscon AZ with her mother. She plays a game called War Quest and there are some interesting players, one in particular named Arion. Arion and Angel become very close and they talk every day. Arion knows EVERYTHING about her, but she knows he will always be a fantasy.
Tess works at Thanks A Latte Cafe and has many friends there. One night while she is working she notices a guy named Nick. Sooner than later, Nick asks her out and she says yes because, she wants something real. They date, get close, and after a while, they move in together. Nick becomes a super jealous, abusive boyfriend out of no where. In one day Tess gains freedom but loses everything and runs because she is scared for her life!! How can one small move change everything so fast?
Arion is better known as Axel and is a very successful business owner in Philly. He's also a big gamer and fell for a character named Angel. They spoke everyday and all of a sudden she has disappeared. Just like his mother when he was five. It's been forever since she's been online and he's been a mess over it. Until one day she shows up on his door step out of no where. Drenched and a complete mess he takes her in and tries to help her get her life back. What is she running from? Can he save her like she needs him too? Will her fantasies of him come true?
I loved this book because Angel is a hopeful romantic that falls for a real person that hurts her terribly and one that is a fantasy in a game that knows all of her. It's a story that every lonely gamer hopes for, but it's not ALL about gaming. I'm not a gamer and I loved this book. There's mystery, suspense, love, sadness, happiness, and anger. I love when a book can make me feel all these emotions. I fell in love with Arion and his love for Angel because he stops at nothing to keep her safe. This really is a great, quick read!! I could not put it down. FIVE STARS!!!!
Read
November 26, 2013*DNF @ 33%*
Unfortunately this one didn't work for me. The blurb should have clued me in enough that this book would heavily surround the gaming world but I thought I could handle that, but it turns out I couldn't. I found a lot of the story to be a little unbelievable and cheesy, maybe because I don't understand how games like World of Warcraft work. And that's okay.. I think, it isn't for everyone, and nor will this story be.
These two characters meet online in this gaming world, they soon go from being just gaming friends to chatting online, talking on the phone and even flirting, until one day Angel leaves.. leaving Arion to wonder where she has gone, and why she has left him without talking. The guy was heartbroken. Like, to the point of telling his step-sister that the girl he used to chat to has disappeared.. that, for me, was too much. I do understand the chatting online and online friends/relationships being a massive part of your life, but what I didn't believe was the guy the author was describing, acting in such a way.
Arion is described as a gorgeous guy with girls worshipping at his feet, at the gym all the time, owning a bar and being pretty damn alpha. That's fine and I love reading about that type of character, but what didn't fit, for me, is that he was all of things AND into this gaming world. (Beware: this summary may be stereotypical so I apologise in advance) In my experience, the guys who play this sort of game are GEEKY and not at all like how Arion was described. I don't know how else to explain it but his character was like a walking contradiction.
The writing itself was good and I had no issue with that, it was purely the story, but maybe that is my own fault because the blurb does explain the gaming stuff.
*ARC provided by NetGalley on behalf of All Night Reads in turn for an honest review.*
Unfortunately this one didn't work for me. The blurb should have clued me in enough that this book would heavily surround the gaming world but I thought I could handle that, but it turns out I couldn't. I found a lot of the story to be a little unbelievable and cheesy, maybe because I don't understand how games like World of Warcraft work. And that's okay.. I think, it isn't for everyone, and nor will this story be.
These two characters meet online in this gaming world, they soon go from being just gaming friends to chatting online, talking on the phone and even flirting, until one day Angel leaves.. leaving Arion to wonder where she has gone, and why she has left him without talking. The guy was heartbroken. Like, to the point of telling his step-sister that the girl he used to chat to has disappeared.. that, for me, was too much. I do understand the chatting online and online friends/relationships being a massive part of your life, but what I didn't believe was the guy the author was describing, acting in such a way.
Arion is described as a gorgeous guy with girls worshipping at his feet, at the gym all the time, owning a bar and being pretty damn alpha. That's fine and I love reading about that type of character, but what didn't fit, for me, is that he was all of things AND into this gaming world. (Beware: this summary may be stereotypical so I apologise in advance) In my experience, the guys who play this sort of game are GEEKY and not at all like how Arion was described. I don't know how else to explain it but his character was like a walking contradiction.
The writing itself was good and I had no issue with that, it was purely the story, but maybe that is my own fault because the blurb does explain the gaming stuff.
*ARC provided by NetGalley on behalf of All Night Reads in turn for an honest review.*
September 5, 2013
No One's Angel is a different kind of love story. One that takes place in the modern world surrounded by gaming, abandonment, betrayals, domestic violence, solace, sex and lust, and love.
The Good: The story was well-written, fast paced and unique. I seriously read it in ONE night. This is amazing for me since it usually takes me a week to read a book that I'm really into (I am a slllooooww reader!). I enjoyed the fact that the main couple's love started online in a game and despite their current circumstances it carried over into the 'real world.' The chemistry was well written and you got a good sense of who each person was, what their faults and strengths were and how each impacted each other. The action and suspense was great and the ending was perfect.
Now for the Bad: A lot of cussing. I mean a lot. I don't mind a curse word when appropriate but the "F" word was used to describe everything from sexual needs to frustration. The amount of use of the "F" word, to me, really detracted from the story. But then again, I hate that word.
I'm not going to go into the sex scenes. There were several but I prefer to read story verses erotica. So I skimmed these parts.
Overall a good read and a great story line. If you don't mind the cursing and sexual content and you want to read a different type of modern romance then I'd highly recommend this book.
Received this book via LibraryThing.com member giveaway.
The Good: The story was well-written, fast paced and unique. I seriously read it in ONE night. This is amazing for me since it usually takes me a week to read a book that I'm really into (I am a slllooooww reader!). I enjoyed the fact that the main couple's love started online in a game and despite their current circumstances it carried over into the 'real world.' The chemistry was well written and you got a good sense of who each person was, what their faults and strengths were and how each impacted each other. The action and suspense was great and the ending was perfect.
Now for the Bad: A lot of cussing. I mean a lot. I don't mind a curse word when appropriate but the "F" word was used to describe everything from sexual needs to frustration. The amount of use of the "F" word, to me, really detracted from the story. But then again, I hate that word.
I'm not going to go into the sex scenes. There were several but I prefer to read story verses erotica. So I skimmed these parts.
Overall a good read and a great story line. If you don't mind the cursing and sexual content and you want to read a different type of modern romance then I'd highly recommend this book.
Received this book via LibraryThing.com member giveaway.
September 28, 2013
**I received a copy of this book from the author and Publisher through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review**
Angel is running from her past. Running for safety. She runs the only place she thinks she can, to Arion. Arion and Angel met online in a game and unbeknownst to the other, fell in love. But Angel decided she couldn't confuse the game with real life. So when she met someone she had to give the game up. Until she needs to escape and Arion is the only one to run to.
This isn't a beautiful story of reconnecting and falling in love. This is a story of a woman trying to find herself and her strength again, and a man who would lay down his life to help her if she would just let him.
To some certain parts may seemed rushed but you have to remember their past together. Even so it is all well done and doesn't gloss over the heavy stuff. In fact I was pleasantly surprised that the story didn't just focus on physical scenes with Angel and Arion. I liked the suspense in the story. I liked how the issues didn't just magically disappear.
This is a story of healing and standing up for yourself, and realizing it is okay to ask for help. This story also helps remind you that falling in love can happen anywhere.
I almost wish the story was longer, so we could focus on the after.
Angel is running from her past. Running for safety. She runs the only place she thinks she can, to Arion. Arion and Angel met online in a game and unbeknownst to the other, fell in love. But Angel decided she couldn't confuse the game with real life. So when she met someone she had to give the game up. Until she needs to escape and Arion is the only one to run to.
This isn't a beautiful story of reconnecting and falling in love. This is a story of a woman trying to find herself and her strength again, and a man who would lay down his life to help her if she would just let him.
To some certain parts may seemed rushed but you have to remember their past together. Even so it is all well done and doesn't gloss over the heavy stuff. In fact I was pleasantly surprised that the story didn't just focus on physical scenes with Angel and Arion. I liked the suspense in the story. I liked how the issues didn't just magically disappear.
This is a story of healing and standing up for yourself, and realizing it is okay to ask for help. This story also helps remind you that falling in love can happen anywhere.
I almost wish the story was longer, so we could focus on the after.
October 4, 2013
Rounded up from 3.5 stars.
No One's Angel is the common tale of a heroine running from an abusive relationship towards the hero for safety. Only this time, there is a small element of gaming added in it.
Tess, or 'Angel', and Axel, or 'Arion', met online in a game Warpath (a salute to World of Warcraft, I presume). They both talk, both in the game and out of the game without meeting each other in person. They develop feelings but don't tell. And then the bad guy steps in.
Aside from a well-written cast of characters, there isn't much to brag about the story. Rich hero? Check. Heroine with serious trust issues? Check. Bad guy with too much temper (and mostly staying in the background)? Check. Honestly, this isn't a story to write much about. It isn't a story I will necessarily re-read. Still, it is a nice read I definitely enjoyed.
Read it for the simple romance it has. And maybe it is because I have already crossed the age limit of recommendation for the book but aside from the sex scene, there isn't much (or maybe anything) that a minor mustn't read. I have seen PG-13 books (granted, on Wattpad, but still) that have almost the same amount of cursing in it.
No One's Angel is the common tale of a heroine running from an abusive relationship towards the hero for safety. Only this time, there is a small element of gaming added in it.
Tess, or 'Angel', and Axel, or 'Arion', met online in a game Warpath (a salute to World of Warcraft, I presume). They both talk, both in the game and out of the game without meeting each other in person. They develop feelings but don't tell. And then the bad guy steps in.
Aside from a well-written cast of characters, there isn't much to brag about the story. Rich hero? Check. Heroine with serious trust issues? Check. Bad guy with too much temper (and mostly staying in the background)? Check. Honestly, this isn't a story to write much about. It isn't a story I will necessarily re-read. Still, it is a nice read I definitely enjoyed.
Read it for the simple romance it has. And maybe it is because I have already crossed the age limit of recommendation for the book but aside from the sex scene, there isn't much (or maybe anything) that a minor mustn't read. I have seen PG-13 books (granted, on Wattpad, but still) that have almost the same amount of cursing in it.
January 25, 2016
This is a wonderful love story
This book was adorable and the synopsis is a pretty good hint of what you get. A girl is in big trouble and runs for help to her online friend from a game site. They have never met before but desperate times call for desperate actions. There is no love a first sight, and I felt like I could touch with my own hands the bond that Angel and Arion shared. I just need everybody to read this story. It was Amazing and I want to share the love. I'm dying to continue with the series.
"I know I’m no one’s angel, because if I had wings, I’d fly away and wouldn’t stop until I eventually soared above the pain."
No one's angel is one of my new favorite romance novels. It was perfect for me. I loved everything about it. I loved Angel and how Even if she thought she was being weak she was BRAVE. Now if you ask me what i thought of ARION i just need to yell that he IS my new book boyfriend. Stay back, girls. He is mine. (Dont worry jake andrews you are still my number 1)
If you enjoyed more than this by jay mclean or the hooker and the hermit by Penny Reid this book is for you
This book was adorable and the synopsis is a pretty good hint of what you get. A girl is in big trouble and runs for help to her online friend from a game site. They have never met before but desperate times call for desperate actions. There is no love a first sight, and I felt like I could touch with my own hands the bond that Angel and Arion shared. I just need everybody to read this story. It was Amazing and I want to share the love. I'm dying to continue with the series.
"I know I’m no one’s angel, because if I had wings, I’d fly away and wouldn’t stop until I eventually soared above the pain."
No one's angel is one of my new favorite romance novels. It was perfect for me. I loved everything about it. I loved Angel and how Even if she thought she was being weak she was BRAVE. Now if you ask me what i thought of ARION i just need to yell that he IS my new book boyfriend. Stay back, girls. He is mine. (Dont worry jake andrews you are still my number 1)
If you enjoyed more than this by jay mclean or the hooker and the hermit by Penny Reid this book is for you
September 6, 2013
No One's Angel is the heartbreaking story of a girl who loses herself, and runs to the only person who might be able to save her. Tess is running for her life, from the same person who took it all away from her. When she shows up on Axel's door, or Arion and she knows him she doesn't know what to expect.
Axel is broken after Angel suddenly disappears much like how his mother disappeared years earlier, without a word. When Angel shows up on his doorstep he knows this is his second chance at forever with her. But first he must help her rebuild herself into the person she once was, and if not stronger this time around.
What I loved about this book is that it's a refreshingly new storyline. Some elements might be the same of what readers have read before, but overall I enjoyed immensely. Axel/Arion wants nothing more than to fix the broken girl he fell in love with over a computer game. While Tess/Angel doesn't want someone else to fix her, she wants to do it herself.
Axel is broken after Angel suddenly disappears much like how his mother disappeared years earlier, without a word. When Angel shows up on his doorstep he knows this is his second chance at forever with her. But first he must help her rebuild herself into the person she once was, and if not stronger this time around.
What I loved about this book is that it's a refreshingly new storyline. Some elements might be the same of what readers have read before, but overall I enjoyed immensely. Axel/Arion wants nothing more than to fix the broken girl he fell in love with over a computer game. While Tess/Angel doesn't want someone else to fix her, she wants to do it herself.
November 9, 2013
Omg this was truly a hard warming book of love and survival!! This book drew me further into it after the first page. It's a heart-wrenching story of trust and learning how to fight for ur freedom. I loved the entire book. Also knowing that those who truly love you will be with you to help for you are not alone.
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