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In the Land of Milk and Honey
When Gabrielle “Bree” Valentine awoke in a hospital bed with a newborn baby, she centered herself and rebuilt. Bree didn’t think about her mental breakdown, lost memories, or the features of a stranger emerging daily in the face of the son she is raising alone. Five years later, on a weekend in the Hamptons, a chance encounter with a man unlike any other jars her—bone deep. Daniel Hawthorne Baird II, wealthy, dangerous, British aristocrat, gravitates to Bree like caviar on crustinis. In his relentless obsession with Bree, their lives entwine despite Bree’s resistance. With the unconditional support of friends she calls ‘family’, Bree confronts the most difficult questions of her life. Unearthing the painful mysteries behind: who fathered her child, who the real Daniel Baird is, and the irrepressible desire driving her towards a man destined to be the end of them both.
- GenresMystery
455 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2018
About the author
Nell E.S. Douglas
1 book22 followersNell E. S. Douglas has possessed a deep, abiding love for written words since childhood.
Her first stories, penned on the lined pages of class notebooks, were inspired by her mother’s poetry and epic tales of travel, and a professorial inquisitiveness inherited from her father. Following college in Florida, Nell exited the world of pure imagination, and entered the one of business, successfully establishing a career in real estate, and developing a cup-a-day habit (of coffee).
Today, Nell writes everything from novels to essays during the spaces in-between domestic goddessing, and contributing as a managing partner of a small business. Nell resides in Florida, with her husband and their children, passing on the traditions of her mother, and sinking her feet in the sand whenever possible. She's easily bribed with cupcakes or dirty martinis and loves chatting with her readers.
Her first stories, penned on the lined pages of class notebooks, were inspired by her mother’s poetry and epic tales of travel, and a professorial inquisitiveness inherited from her father. Following college in Florida, Nell exited the world of pure imagination, and entered the one of business, successfully establishing a career in real estate, and developing a cup-a-day habit (of coffee).
Today, Nell writes everything from novels to essays during the spaces in-between domestic goddessing, and contributing as a managing partner of a small business. Nell resides in Florida, with her husband and their children, passing on the traditions of her mother, and sinking her feet in the sand whenever possible. She's easily bribed with cupcakes or dirty martinis and loves chatting with her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 5, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up
Before I start, I just have to say that I love this book cover. Book covers are so important and this one certainly is intriguing. The book synopsis...also very intriguing: Bree Valentine wakes up in a hospital room 5 months pregnant with no memories of getting there. Fast forward five years later and she meets this man and the gravitational pull between them sparks memories from a time she had forgotten. Could this mysterious man be the father?
If you watched Sex and the City you probably also had a love hate, or maybe just hate, relationship for the character Mr. Big.
You knew he was bad for Carrie, yet you yearned for them to be together (or maybe you didn't, but I am trying to make a point here!) That was the character Daniel for me. Cue in the mysterious, cold yet flirty, broken bad boy type who literally gave me goosebumps when he entered the scene. You never knew his mood and it was constantly changing. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, it went in a different direction. I liked him then despised him. He was confusing and frustrating, yet I was addicted to finding out where his story was going. Any free time I had was spent reading so I could get to the darn ending!
The book first starts by introducing Bree and her friends, Violet, Jill, Ian, August and Zach. I didn't like most of them very much, save August, but then Daniel is introduced and the chemistry between him and Bree seeped off the page; I became more engaged in the story. Overtime most of the characters would grow on me too, but the focal point was the ups and downs of Bree and Daniel.
There were a few times I felt like I didn't know what was going on in the story, as if maybe I missed something, but that's also what kept me reading. All the flashbacks were bits and pieces of the whole story that overtime would make sense of it all. The author, Nell E. S. Douglas, was super helpful in answering any questions I had: follow her on Instagram (www.instagram.com/nellesdouglas), if you don't already!
There were some typos, but I know Nell is working on updating them. She put a lot of care in building Bree as a character: I learned she majored in Psychology and became interested in psychogenic amnesia, which was what Bree would ultimately suffer from. If you are a fan of romantic suspense check this one out and make sure to let me know what you think!
To read my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com
Before I start, I just have to say that I love this book cover. Book covers are so important and this one certainly is intriguing. The book synopsis...also very intriguing: Bree Valentine wakes up in a hospital room 5 months pregnant with no memories of getting there. Fast forward five years later and she meets this man and the gravitational pull between them sparks memories from a time she had forgotten. Could this mysterious man be the father?
If you watched Sex and the City you probably also had a love hate, or maybe just hate, relationship for the character Mr. Big.
You knew he was bad for Carrie, yet you yearned for them to be together (or maybe you didn't, but I am trying to make a point here!) That was the character Daniel for me. Cue in the mysterious, cold yet flirty, broken bad boy type who literally gave me goosebumps when he entered the scene. You never knew his mood and it was constantly changing. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, it went in a different direction. I liked him then despised him. He was confusing and frustrating, yet I was addicted to finding out where his story was going. Any free time I had was spent reading so I could get to the darn ending!
The book first starts by introducing Bree and her friends, Violet, Jill, Ian, August and Zach. I didn't like most of them very much, save August, but then Daniel is introduced and the chemistry between him and Bree seeped off the page; I became more engaged in the story. Overtime most of the characters would grow on me too, but the focal point was the ups and downs of Bree and Daniel.
There were a few times I felt like I didn't know what was going on in the story, as if maybe I missed something, but that's also what kept me reading. All the flashbacks were bits and pieces of the whole story that overtime would make sense of it all. The author, Nell E. S. Douglas, was super helpful in answering any questions I had: follow her on Instagram (www.instagram.com/nellesdouglas), if you don't already!
There were some typos, but I know Nell is working on updating them. She put a lot of care in building Bree as a character: I learned she majored in Psychology and became interested in psychogenic amnesia, which was what Bree would ultimately suffer from. If you are a fan of romantic suspense check this one out and make sure to let me know what you think!
To read my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com
March 16, 2018
Book Reviewed by Linda on www.whisperingstories.com
I chose this book to review because of the title. A promised land, something that is worth fighting for even though there maybe be lots of downs before the high. The book didn’t disappoint.
The story begins with a chance meeting of two people : Daniel and Gabrielle “Bree”. Daniel teetering on the edge of darkness, young Gabrielle at university just beginning her life on a night out with her step sister Vi and friend Jill, having got separated from them she encounters Daniel and the pull towards him is magnetic. An instant frission, connection which leads them to a second date which was a joining of minds and body! Then when Daniel didn’t turn up the next time Bree goes into a spiral downward path losing her way!
A romance suspension is certainly what this book contains for its readers. Written for most if it from Bree’s point of view, with a couple of chapters from Hunter who is a long time friend of Daniel and knows him like a brother. Hunters story fills in a few gaps that are missing about Bree.
Informal style of writing, which is very easy to read has us taking in the depths of darkness that the two main characters go through and the highs. The author wrote so well I was totally in the those places.
The characters, of which there are a lot, take time to get to know, but once I worked them all out they were brought to life. I particularly loved August with his gentle, sensible and noble self and his great love and friendship for Bree and her son Tristan.
It was good storyline with lots of twists and turns to keep me hooked. I did, a few times have to re-read a passage or two due to so much detail though.
A brilliant read. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and definitely recommend you read it too. Well done Nell E.S. Douglas.
I chose this book to review because of the title. A promised land, something that is worth fighting for even though there maybe be lots of downs before the high. The book didn’t disappoint.
The story begins with a chance meeting of two people : Daniel and Gabrielle “Bree”. Daniel teetering on the edge of darkness, young Gabrielle at university just beginning her life on a night out with her step sister Vi and friend Jill, having got separated from them she encounters Daniel and the pull towards him is magnetic. An instant frission, connection which leads them to a second date which was a joining of minds and body! Then when Daniel didn’t turn up the next time Bree goes into a spiral downward path losing her way!
A romance suspension is certainly what this book contains for its readers. Written for most if it from Bree’s point of view, with a couple of chapters from Hunter who is a long time friend of Daniel and knows him like a brother. Hunters story fills in a few gaps that are missing about Bree.
Informal style of writing, which is very easy to read has us taking in the depths of darkness that the two main characters go through and the highs. The author wrote so well I was totally in the those places.
The characters, of which there are a lot, take time to get to know, but once I worked them all out they were brought to life. I particularly loved August with his gentle, sensible and noble self and his great love and friendship for Bree and her son Tristan.
It was good storyline with lots of twists and turns to keep me hooked. I did, a few times have to re-read a passage or two due to so much detail though.
A brilliant read. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and definitely recommend you read it too. Well done Nell E.S. Douglas.
January 23, 2018
Review
For all other reasons, I reconfirm: fuck this shit.
I'm glad she never finished the ff. She would've ruined it.
The hero is unredeemable.
The heroine is a doormat.
Still too many questions.
The book is waaaaaay too long and it needs editing, like A LOT. There are an unbelievable and embarrassing amount of typos and errors. (At some point the heroine was addressed as Mr. Valentine.)
Returned for refund.
Don't waste your time and money.
Pre-review
This story was never completed and here we are, 9 years later, forced to buy a book to know the continuation/ending.
Fuck this shit.
For all other reasons, I reconfirm: fuck this shit.
I'm glad she never finished the ff. She would've ruined it.
The hero is unredeemable.
The heroine is a doormat.
Still too many questions.
The book is waaaaaay too long and it needs editing, like A LOT. There are an unbelievable and embarrassing amount of typos and errors. (At some point the heroine was addressed as Mr. Valentine.)
Returned for refund.
Don't waste your time and money.
Pre-review
This story was never completed and here we are, 9 years later, forced to buy a book to know the continuation/ending.
Fuck this shit.
February 12, 2018
This book is a little out of the genre I typically read. Don't get me wrong I enjoy a dark/mystery novel. But to hook up my interest it has to be really good written. All the magic when it comes to some mystery stuff depends on how the author creates and "feeds" it. In this case the author did a very good job. cuz the story is full of mystery and twists from the beginning to the end. It make your mind spin around trying to get the right answer to the main dilemma of the story. A question leads to other and so on. This is a labirint in words, sometimes you will feel lost, others you will feel on top, but as the story goes on you'll be unconsciously swollen by it. And the author will let you barely breathe.
Now I won't give up the storyline because it means to ruin the whole mystery.What I can do is telling you a bit more about the (main) characters: Bree and Daniel. Their relationship has its own lights & shadows. it's itself a puzzle you have to resolve together with the characters.
Why I didn't give 5 stars? I'll tell you now. Because of secondary characters. Really there are so many. And it "affect" the dynamic and the good flowing of the main story. It's like you'd be walking on a main road. Knowing your final destination, but deviate several times on the secondary roads. They ( obviously) are made for a reason, but it makes you loose focus and time to get to your real goal and finally complete the puzzle.
Now I won't give up the storyline because it means to ruin the whole mystery.What I can do is telling you a bit more about the (main) characters: Bree and Daniel. Their relationship has its own lights & shadows. it's itself a puzzle you have to resolve together with the characters.
Why I didn't give 5 stars? I'll tell you now. Because of secondary characters. Really there are so many. And it "affect" the dynamic and the good flowing of the main story. It's like you'd be walking on a main road. Knowing your final destination, but deviate several times on the secondary roads. They ( obviously) are made for a reason, but it makes you loose focus and time to get to your real goal and finally complete the puzzle.
Read
July 10, 2018I was asked to write an honest review from the author and that's what I'm going to do.
Immediately I was sucked into In the Land of Milk and Honey because the prologue was really exciting, riveting and had you wanting more. Sadly, that was the last time I felt this way during the book.
Daniel and Gabrielle's story is very unique and there was an air of mystery trying to determine how, where and why they conceived their son, Tristan. We start off the story with Gabrielle having no recollection of who fathered her almost 5 year old child. During a dinner in which she accompanies her best friend, August she meets Daniel and something draws her to him. Something seems faniliar.
Daniel is not a lovable character. At times you can see sparks of his humanity and decency but at other times he's insufferable. To be honest it was really hard to read how Gabrielle would continously go back and forth with him ESPECIALLY after a certain point in which he did something extremely cruel and unforgivable.
A saving grace for me were the secondary characters in this book which lended a much needed dynamic between the characters. Gabrielle's sister, Violet and her best friends....which are more like family provided humor, drama, angst and a strong background for the story.
Though the story has a very solid foundation and I can understand where it was going I don't feel like it was quite executed and the story dragged at times.
I appreciate the character development, the original plot and at times there was some really great humor throughout.
So what happens between Gabrielle and Daniel once he finds out he has a child? What happened to them that night five years ago and moving forward will they become a family or has too much time and distance past.
Immediately I was sucked into In the Land of Milk and Honey because the prologue was really exciting, riveting and had you wanting more. Sadly, that was the last time I felt this way during the book.
Daniel and Gabrielle's story is very unique and there was an air of mystery trying to determine how, where and why they conceived their son, Tristan. We start off the story with Gabrielle having no recollection of who fathered her almost 5 year old child. During a dinner in which she accompanies her best friend, August she meets Daniel and something draws her to him. Something seems faniliar.
Daniel is not a lovable character. At times you can see sparks of his humanity and decency but at other times he's insufferable. To be honest it was really hard to read how Gabrielle would continously go back and forth with him ESPECIALLY after a certain point in which he did something extremely cruel and unforgivable.
A saving grace for me were the secondary characters in this book which lended a much needed dynamic between the characters. Gabrielle's sister, Violet and her best friends....which are more like family provided humor, drama, angst and a strong background for the story.
Though the story has a very solid foundation and I can understand where it was going I don't feel like it was quite executed and the story dragged at times.
I appreciate the character development, the original plot and at times there was some really great humor throughout.
So what happens between Gabrielle and Daniel once he finds out he has a child? What happened to them that night five years ago and moving forward will they become a family or has too much time and distance past.
January 22, 2018
I love second chance romance. Holy shit. The angst in this book!!! I was crying ugly tears. I was riveted by the mystery of what happened to Daniel and Gabrielle. Daniel is such an ass. Grrrr “And part of me hated him. Not little hate, a deep cutting gash of burning steel.” 😫😫😫😫 It’s not perfect (lots of typos, needs editing) but it gave me all the feels. Did I take a day off work yesterday to read this? Yes, yes I did. lol.
August 19, 2018
What a fascinating story! A mystery wrapped up in a romance wrapped up in a thriller.
“I was thinking I could lock the doors and hide you here, making you come into eternity, never to be seen by the world again. By no one, Gabrielle. I do not know how much longer I can pull softly.”
I enjoyed this very different book by a new-to-me author. The story is quite unique: Gabrielle has a 5 year old son but she has no memory of being pregnant or who the father might be. The mysterious Daniel Baird, who seems to enter her life quite suddenly, might or might not be the father. But Bree has no way of knowing for sure.
What she does know is that this powerful and aloof man works his way into her life and into her very close circle of life-long friends. She thought her life was well-ordered and perfect until Daniel appears. She owns her own design firm and lives happily in New York City.
"Twenty-five years. Twenty-five years of order and control. Discipline, responsibility; planned out and risk free. Except for the months I can’t remember, this describes my life."
But Daniel brings back unsettling memories. Is he Tristan's father? This book is at turns sexy, poignant, thrilling and funny. The author has an incredible talent for story-telling and I would love to read what she comes up with next.
"Although I’d never to my knowledge met Daniel Baird before this weekend in my life, I recognized that smile completely, wholly, and with every fiber of my being. It was the face of my son."
This is a long and juicy read, and the cast of supporting characters could have each had their own novella! They are all fiercely protective of Bree and Tristan and I honestly did not know whether to not Daniel had good intentions towards this woman and her young son.
“You really don’t remember me, do you?” Daniel whispered into my ear. I spun, mouth agape, and we practically touched noses.
The last part of the book gives the reader insight into what really happened to Bree all those years ago. This book rambled a bit in some parts and could use a healthy does of editing but the story and the characters kept be reading well into the night. 'In the Land of Milk of Honey' is a refreshing breath of fresh air in the romance genre and for you ardent fans of 'Twilight', this story began its life as a fan fiction. But it stands on its own as a enthralling and sexy romance with a mystery at its core.
"You have given me a pass yet, still, I am here. I wrap my hands around a vulnerable stem that doesn’t bend to me, of singular purpose. Still on my aim. I come always to you.”
“I was thinking I could lock the doors and hide you here, making you come into eternity, never to be seen by the world again. By no one, Gabrielle. I do not know how much longer I can pull softly.”
I enjoyed this very different book by a new-to-me author. The story is quite unique: Gabrielle has a 5 year old son but she has no memory of being pregnant or who the father might be. The mysterious Daniel Baird, who seems to enter her life quite suddenly, might or might not be the father. But Bree has no way of knowing for sure.
What she does know is that this powerful and aloof man works his way into her life and into her very close circle of life-long friends. She thought her life was well-ordered and perfect until Daniel appears. She owns her own design firm and lives happily in New York City.
"Twenty-five years. Twenty-five years of order and control. Discipline, responsibility; planned out and risk free. Except for the months I can’t remember, this describes my life."
But Daniel brings back unsettling memories. Is he Tristan's father? This book is at turns sexy, poignant, thrilling and funny. The author has an incredible talent for story-telling and I would love to read what she comes up with next.
"Although I’d never to my knowledge met Daniel Baird before this weekend in my life, I recognized that smile completely, wholly, and with every fiber of my being. It was the face of my son."
This is a long and juicy read, and the cast of supporting characters could have each had their own novella! They are all fiercely protective of Bree and Tristan and I honestly did not know whether to not Daniel had good intentions towards this woman and her young son.
“You really don’t remember me, do you?” Daniel whispered into my ear. I spun, mouth agape, and we practically touched noses.
The last part of the book gives the reader insight into what really happened to Bree all those years ago. This book rambled a bit in some parts and could use a healthy does of editing but the story and the characters kept be reading well into the night. 'In the Land of Milk of Honey' is a refreshing breath of fresh air in the romance genre and for you ardent fans of 'Twilight', this story began its life as a fan fiction. But it stands on its own as a enthralling and sexy romance with a mystery at its core.
"You have given me a pass yet, still, I am here. I wrap my hands around a vulnerable stem that doesn’t bend to me, of singular purpose. Still on my aim. I come always to you.”
April 16, 2018
Holy shit, this was bad. So, so bad. If I hadn’t been waiting 9 freakin’ years for the conclusion of this thing, I would have given up not even a page through the prologue (“‘Is this your innocence?’ he asked in a hoarse voice, but he knew.” Just...barf.).
Every single man in this, with the exception of maybe one or two, was creepy af. The way they talked all about women, except Virgin Mary Bella Swan (sorry, Gabrielle Valentine 🙄) was disgusting- but even she was “ruined”.
In addition, this book was ridiculously long. So many unnecessary characters, tidbits, and tangents. I started skimming like, 65% of the way through, but even that felt like it would take forever.
Bad, bad, bad. Don’t read this.
Every single man in this, with the exception of maybe one or two, was creepy af. The way they talked all about women, except Virgin Mary Bella Swan (sorry, Gabrielle Valentine 🙄) was disgusting- but even she was “ruined”.
In addition, this book was ridiculously long. So many unnecessary characters, tidbits, and tangents. I started skimming like, 65% of the way through, but even that felt like it would take forever.
Bad, bad, bad. Don’t read this.
January 24, 2018
I loved this book. I was immediately taken by the characters. The lead characters Bree and Daniel will be with me for a while. I can't get enough of a read that takes me to a world I'd set down everything else to be in. It unquestionably accomplished that (even with the typos). It was a haunting, emotional ride from the first page to the ending.
January 23, 2018
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Brittany Elliser
4.0 out of 5 starsMystery and Suspense mixed with some Romance
January 22, 2018
I was definitely intrigued by this story and found myself immersed in it very quickly upon starting it. I love when a book pulls you in and swallows up your attention. I loved the mystery and darkness surrounding it.
This story introduces you to Daniel and Bree (Gabrielle) and their eclectic family of friends. Just a fair warning- there are tons of characters in this book and at times can be confusing, but for the most part I enjoyed reading about this group of family friends. It is the story of how Bree came to be pregnant but doesn't remember anything from that time period, doesn't remember if she was on drugs while pregnant, and didn't want the baby at first. But since giving birth, she has grown to be one of the best mother's around and will do anything for her son, including take down anyone who tries to take him away from her.
Daniel is a millionaire whose family is nothing good, and he has no idea he even has a son until he fatefully meets Bre at a company event. He has been searching for her since the night they met, but it's not until now that he has finally found her. Can he keep her though??
At times this book did seem long and drawn out, but other times I thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the details. The story was hard to follow at other times, but other than that the mystery was what kept me interested. I HAD to know everything and I wasn't going to stop until I did.
I give this book four stars because it was a different read for me. I would have rated it higher if i didn't feel the ending was rushed, and other parts toned down. I still really enjoyed the story though. I loved the vibe it put off, I love the story it told. I loved the characters and the group of friends that are way more than family. I wanted to be friends with them too! I wanted to be fighting right alongside Bree. If you have time to read this book, I would recommend it.
3.8 out of 5 stars
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Brittany Elliser
4.0 out of 5 starsMystery and Suspense mixed with some Romance
January 22, 2018
I was definitely intrigued by this story and found myself immersed in it very quickly upon starting it. I love when a book pulls you in and swallows up your attention. I loved the mystery and darkness surrounding it.
This story introduces you to Daniel and Bree (Gabrielle) and their eclectic family of friends. Just a fair warning- there are tons of characters in this book and at times can be confusing, but for the most part I enjoyed reading about this group of family friends. It is the story of how Bree came to be pregnant but doesn't remember anything from that time period, doesn't remember if she was on drugs while pregnant, and didn't want the baby at first. But since giving birth, she has grown to be one of the best mother's around and will do anything for her son, including take down anyone who tries to take him away from her.
Daniel is a millionaire whose family is nothing good, and he has no idea he even has a son until he fatefully meets Bre at a company event. He has been searching for her since the night they met, but it's not until now that he has finally found her. Can he keep her though??
At times this book did seem long and drawn out, but other times I thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the details. The story was hard to follow at other times, but other than that the mystery was what kept me interested. I HAD to know everything and I wasn't going to stop until I did.
I give this book four stars because it was a different read for me. I would have rated it higher if i didn't feel the ending was rushed, and other parts toned down. I still really enjoyed the story though. I loved the vibe it put off, I love the story it told. I loved the characters and the group of friends that are way more than family. I wanted to be friends with them too! I wanted to be fighting right alongside Bree. If you have time to read this book, I would recommend it.
January 24, 2018
I did think this was a really good book, I was up late nights to read it. Daniel and Bree met over 5 years ago and had made a baby. Bree doesn’t remember that night or the months afterward. She with the help of her friends are raising their son. Her friends are interesting, I only really liked August...he’s adorable. When Daniel finally sees her again, he has a fiance, which is part of the reason I didn’t give this more stars. It seemed like it was in name only, but still not good and she sticks around for way longer than necessary. He seems like he wants Bree and tells her as much....but still the damn fiance, it’s very odd and confusing, because he seems so strong, but not sure he really was. At first I really didn’t like Daniel, but as the story progressed, I started to understand him more.
This had quite a few twist and turns, find out one thing and it leads to more questions. Most of the story lets you know how Bree feels but not Daniel, his best friend Hunt...yes, but still not Daniel’s side. There were just a lot of extra things I personally could have done without, basically a lot of extra drama not needed. I think other readers will like this...me, not as much. At times the book was very hard to follow and Daniel was very cryptic...never saying exactly what he meant. It was also hard to follow when their thoughts bounced back in the past. You don’t get to find out what happened the night they were together until about 90% of the book when she ends up in the hospital for what, I’m still not sure. Too much detail on somethings, but not the important things.
I did like this book though, but sometimes less really is more. First book by this author, but I would read more of this author.
This had quite a few twist and turns, find out one thing and it leads to more questions. Most of the story lets you know how Bree feels but not Daniel, his best friend Hunt...yes, but still not Daniel’s side. There were just a lot of extra things I personally could have done without, basically a lot of extra drama not needed. I think other readers will like this...me, not as much. At times the book was very hard to follow and Daniel was very cryptic...never saying exactly what he meant. It was also hard to follow when their thoughts bounced back in the past. You don’t get to find out what happened the night they were together until about 90% of the book when she ends up in the hospital for what, I’m still not sure. Too much detail on somethings, but not the important things.
I did like this book though, but sometimes less really is more. First book by this author, but I would read more of this author.
July 9, 2018
Amazing
Have you ever read a book where you just couldn't put it down? And as you neared the end you wanted to take it slowly because you didn't want it to end? That the characters became so embedded in you that you didn't want to say goodbye just yet?
That was this story. I made myself slow down and even started chapters over just so I could soak it all in. This book hooked me from the first paragraph.
Gabrielle (Bree) was a college student in NYc studying to be a CPA. One night changed everything for her but she's also missing a chunk of time. She wakes up in a hospital and finds out she's 5 months pregnant. Surrounded by friends that have become family she raised her newborn baby and makes something of herself.
5 years later she runs into Daniel. She feels like she's met him somewhere before but can't place it. Will she discover how she knows him? Will she finally recall the missing time in her life and how she came to be?
This story gave me hope, anger, sadness, disbelief and above all else love.
I'll say no more otherwise I'll just tell you the story. I implore you to read this book. I absolutely loved it and fear now I will be in a book hangover for quite some time.
Get to one clicking!
Have you ever read a book where you just couldn't put it down? And as you neared the end you wanted to take it slowly because you didn't want it to end? That the characters became so embedded in you that you didn't want to say goodbye just yet?
That was this story. I made myself slow down and even started chapters over just so I could soak it all in. This book hooked me from the first paragraph.
Gabrielle (Bree) was a college student in NYc studying to be a CPA. One night changed everything for her but she's also missing a chunk of time. She wakes up in a hospital and finds out she's 5 months pregnant. Surrounded by friends that have become family she raised her newborn baby and makes something of herself.
5 years later she runs into Daniel. She feels like she's met him somewhere before but can't place it. Will she discover how she knows him? Will she finally recall the missing time in her life and how she came to be?
This story gave me hope, anger, sadness, disbelief and above all else love.
I'll say no more otherwise I'll just tell you the story. I implore you to read this book. I absolutely loved it and fear now I will be in a book hangover for quite some time.
Get to one clicking!
June 7, 2018
Could not put down. Gut-wrenching. Emotional on so many levels. Caused sleepless nights. I DREAMED about this book, okay? That’s how into my head it got. This book tore me apart. So much angst. So much anxiety-inducing but darn-do-I-love-it angst.
It’s a long book, but that’s okay. Those are my favorites. If I can finish a book in a couple of hours or a day, it’s not as satisfying. This book took me two and half days. It must be well over 100,000 words. Maybe even over 150,000. Awesome!
Anyway, Gabrielle was a lovely character. She was the glue that kept everyone together, which is ironic because she had made some of her friends when they had put her back together. There were many times when her friends got frustrated with her for being so stoic. However, I admired her. She took a bad situation and turned into something well beyond what others would have been capable of doing.
Daniel was complex. He was two characters in one. He was either hot or cold, tender or bitter, remorseful or hostile. He was the most hated character of all time (in my opinion) for the first half of this book. However, when you learn why he was so cold, bitter, and hostile, you can’t help feeling sorry for him and growing to, not love but, have affection for him.
Every character in this book felt special. Some you had to hate. Some you loved. Some were funny or sweet or noble. And one in particular was an enigma. I am literally shaking my head just thinking about that guy.
A lot is said in this book without being outright said. I think a lot of people are not going to understand that. I really loved that part of the book. It showed insight in Gabrielle.
I just lost train of thought writing her name because what she goes through in this book is still stuck in my head. Book hangover, anyone?
Continuing … As long as this book is, I wish the last chapter was longer. There were pieces given to you throughout the book that were summed up too quickly. Also, some of the characters that were so prominent in the beginning petered off without warning. The editing also needs a lot of work (C&D Editing is awesome. Just saying). Despite that, the editing does NOT take away from the heart-wrenching story. It was easy to see past it and keep going because so much is going on. It’s so enrapturing. So much drama, confusion, heartache, and mystery. The mystery is what really sucked me in. I just wanted to know what had happened 5 years ago!!!!
I can’t give this book anything less than 5 stars, and if I could give it more, I would.
It’s a long book, but that’s okay. Those are my favorites. If I can finish a book in a couple of hours or a day, it’s not as satisfying. This book took me two and half days. It must be well over 100,000 words. Maybe even over 150,000. Awesome!
Anyway, Gabrielle was a lovely character. She was the glue that kept everyone together, which is ironic because she had made some of her friends when they had put her back together. There were many times when her friends got frustrated with her for being so stoic. However, I admired her. She took a bad situation and turned into something well beyond what others would have been capable of doing.
Daniel was complex. He was two characters in one. He was either hot or cold, tender or bitter, remorseful or hostile. He was the most hated character of all time (in my opinion) for the first half of this book. However, when you learn why he was so cold, bitter, and hostile, you can’t help feeling sorry for him and growing to, not love but, have affection for him.
Every character in this book felt special. Some you had to hate. Some you loved. Some were funny or sweet or noble. And one in particular was an enigma. I am literally shaking my head just thinking about that guy.
A lot is said in this book without being outright said. I think a lot of people are not going to understand that. I really loved that part of the book. It showed insight in Gabrielle.
I just lost train of thought writing her name because what she goes through in this book is still stuck in my head. Book hangover, anyone?
Continuing … As long as this book is, I wish the last chapter was longer. There were pieces given to you throughout the book that were summed up too quickly. Also, some of the characters that were so prominent in the beginning petered off without warning. The editing also needs a lot of work (C&D Editing is awesome. Just saying). Despite that, the editing does NOT take away from the heart-wrenching story. It was easy to see past it and keep going because so much is going on. It’s so enrapturing. So much drama, confusion, heartache, and mystery. The mystery is what really sucked me in. I just wanted to know what had happened 5 years ago!!!!
I can’t give this book anything less than 5 stars, and if I could give it more, I would.
June 26, 2018
The Bree Valentine of today is a picture of responsibility. She runs her own furniture design firm and is a devoted mother to her young son. But there was a time when things were different. So tragically different that she somehow can’t bring herself to remember it.
A man haunts the shadows of her mind and she sees him every day in the face of her son. He shattered her mind and body so long ago. And now he’s come back for her soul.
No one ever warns you how fine the line is that separates love from madness. And once you’re there, there’s no way to differentiate the two. They are inextricably tied, synonyms, identical twins, one easily masquerading for the other, cruelly switching places when you desperately want the other. But if it’s real, you accept that and welcome them both because in your heart you know the secret that nobody knows.
You know that it’s worth it.
Daniel Hawthorne Baird II never played by the rules. Despite his English aristocratic background, he rebelled in the most destructive of ways in his youth. And it caused the one person to ever see into his heart to be lost to him forever.
But when he miraculously finds her again, she has no recollection of the time that they spent together and has a family of her own.
All of the others are of no consequence to him and he cares not who he has ruin to get what he wants. He's going to do everything in his power to possess her once again. Even if he has to burn down the entire world trying.
“What does that make you, then?”
He turned and looked at me. His green eyes shutting me out. “Something terrible,” he relented. “Tristan will be transported back and forth, as you permit. You won’t see me again.”
I rolled over to face the sun, curling the sheets to me as he moved to the opposite side giving me his back.
“It is time,” he spoke with certainty and resign. “You saw me differently once. Now, you see me as I am. I want you, still, to find the man you saw. I have only been in wait to be seen by you again. Ripping in occupation. And in pleasure. Taking and taking down. Just as you found me. But there is only one thing I want. Only one focus to my violence.”
In the Land of Milk and Honey is a story unlike any other. It’s part suspense, part thrilling mystery and part page scorching romance!
With her debut, Nell E.S. Douglas proves herself to be an absolute master at marrying the unpredictable violence of love and hate together in a way that readers will feel in each and every cell. Her characters are finely nuanced and her story is just a little anarchic yet completely unforgettable.
And the result is a wildly addictive ride that you’ll want to experience over and over again…
A man haunts the shadows of her mind and she sees him every day in the face of her son. He shattered her mind and body so long ago. And now he’s come back for her soul.
No one ever warns you how fine the line is that separates love from madness. And once you’re there, there’s no way to differentiate the two. They are inextricably tied, synonyms, identical twins, one easily masquerading for the other, cruelly switching places when you desperately want the other. But if it’s real, you accept that and welcome them both because in your heart you know the secret that nobody knows.
You know that it’s worth it.
Daniel Hawthorne Baird II never played by the rules. Despite his English aristocratic background, he rebelled in the most destructive of ways in his youth. And it caused the one person to ever see into his heart to be lost to him forever.
But when he miraculously finds her again, she has no recollection of the time that they spent together and has a family of her own.
All of the others are of no consequence to him and he cares not who he has ruin to get what he wants. He's going to do everything in his power to possess her once again. Even if he has to burn down the entire world trying.
“What does that make you, then?”
He turned and looked at me. His green eyes shutting me out. “Something terrible,” he relented. “Tristan will be transported back and forth, as you permit. You won’t see me again.”
I rolled over to face the sun, curling the sheets to me as he moved to the opposite side giving me his back.
“It is time,” he spoke with certainty and resign. “You saw me differently once. Now, you see me as I am. I want you, still, to find the man you saw. I have only been in wait to be seen by you again. Ripping in occupation. And in pleasure. Taking and taking down. Just as you found me. But there is only one thing I want. Only one focus to my violence.”
In the Land of Milk and Honey is a story unlike any other. It’s part suspense, part thrilling mystery and part page scorching romance!
With her debut, Nell E.S. Douglas proves herself to be an absolute master at marrying the unpredictable violence of love and hate together in a way that readers will feel in each and every cell. Her characters are finely nuanced and her story is just a little anarchic yet completely unforgettable.
And the result is a wildly addictive ride that you’ll want to experience over and over again…
Read
January 21, 2018Holy crap, I can't believe she finished this. I remember the fandom freaking out when she bailed on the fic 8 years ago. I bought it just so I could finish it.
ETA-
I admit that I did not re-read the original fanfic section but I referred to it (on pdf) for the names. Anyone reading this book will certainly remember the original twilight fanfic. The newer section is very different in writing style and tone. I guess that is understandable given that it's been so many years but I began to skim, it was much too wordy for me. Not nearly as dark and mysterious as the original and weirdly British cocky sounding. That includes the characters who grew up in Virginia.
I now know what happened in the end, so there's that.
I can loan it on kindle if interested.
ETA-
I admit that I did not re-read the original fanfic section but I referred to it (on pdf) for the names. Anyone reading this book will certainly remember the original twilight fanfic. The newer section is very different in writing style and tone. I guess that is understandable given that it's been so many years but I began to skim, it was much too wordy for me. Not nearly as dark and mysterious as the original and weirdly British cocky sounding. That includes the characters who grew up in Virginia.
I now know what happened in the end, so there's that.
I can loan it on kindle if interested.
March 22, 2018
To call this an epic romance would be an understatement. Ms. Douglas coaxes you into a story that is full of mystery, thrills, betrayals, battles, heartbreak, and passion. The result is a tale that sweeps you away. Daniel and Bree face innumerable challenges, but their love keeps pulling them back together - and the reader deeper and deeper into their story. I really enjoy a darker romance, one that has twists and turns that you don't see coming, and In the Land of Milk and Honey absolutely delivered. Ms. Douglas's writing style is hypnotic, drawing you in and refusing to let you go. A fascinating read!
December 31, 2019
The book was too long. It should have ended halfway through, but the author kept going and stretched out a story that could have been decent if well-written. I DNF’d it at the halfway mark when I realized we were just going to go back and forth on the same stuff over and over and over.
June 15, 2018
Rating 3.5/5
This book has been a very difficult book to rate it has changed quite a few times, there was so much I enjoyed about it but there were other parts that really could have knocked it down a little, hopefully I’ll be able to let you know why without spoiling anything.
What I will start with saying is that I had a hard time putting this book down, I really got absorbed into the story and I have definitely been thinking about it since I finished reading it. It was a bit of a rollercoaster at times and it surprised me in a lot of ways because there were some parts that I really was not expecting.
Gabrielle was a great character, she was very strong and I like that she didn’t bend her will to suit other people. I liked that her friends who were all a bit different were her family, I loved August especially I feel like there should have been more spotlight put on that relationship than the one with Zack, who wasn’t that interesting in my opinion he only really served one purpose.
The chemistry between Daniel and Gabrielle was brilliant, you could sense there was something different about them when they were together and I liked that the history of their relationship was revealed slowly. Daniel was a hard character, at first I felt like I could totally get behind him but then he does something pretty irredeemable and at the end I was still almost wondering whether it was right that he could get a second chance. He did manage to win me over again but only just, I think maybe he could have done with a bit more time after that just to make the character arc more solid.
Something that I did have a little trouble with throughout the story was on the odd occasion it felt like I was missing something like I hadn’t been given all the details but it was assumed I had, and so when I was reading I had to re-read to try and understand what was happening. Also at times, the writing was a bit too much, almost like it was too clever for its own good, it would go from flowing really well to me having to constantly go over sentences to make sure I had the gist of what was being said.
I mentioned earlier that this book surprised me and there were points in the story where I felt like I had to check I was reading the same book. It somehow felt like it had kind of taken a turn into somewhere that it didn’t need to be, it didn’t help with character development and felt a bit unnecessary. I won’t say too much but as an example, there’s a scene with Gabrielle and Daniel in the back room of a bar and whilst I was reading it I kept thinking that it seemed so against what I’d thought of Gabrielle that she would have let anything get that far and then how really the scene does nothing for the story.
So I’m sure you can see why I’ve had trouble rating this one, the bare bones of the story the second chance romance and the characters are what really stand out and I enjoyed that aspect of it. Even though I had some niggles with the other bits I think I would still say that you should give this one a go.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
This book has been a very difficult book to rate it has changed quite a few times, there was so much I enjoyed about it but there were other parts that really could have knocked it down a little, hopefully I’ll be able to let you know why without spoiling anything.
What I will start with saying is that I had a hard time putting this book down, I really got absorbed into the story and I have definitely been thinking about it since I finished reading it. It was a bit of a rollercoaster at times and it surprised me in a lot of ways because there were some parts that I really was not expecting.
Gabrielle was a great character, she was very strong and I like that she didn’t bend her will to suit other people. I liked that her friends who were all a bit different were her family, I loved August especially I feel like there should have been more spotlight put on that relationship than the one with Zack, who wasn’t that interesting in my opinion he only really served one purpose.
The chemistry between Daniel and Gabrielle was brilliant, you could sense there was something different about them when they were together and I liked that the history of their relationship was revealed slowly. Daniel was a hard character, at first I felt like I could totally get behind him but then he does something pretty irredeemable and at the end I was still almost wondering whether it was right that he could get a second chance. He did manage to win me over again but only just, I think maybe he could have done with a bit more time after that just to make the character arc more solid.
Something that I did have a little trouble with throughout the story was on the odd occasion it felt like I was missing something like I hadn’t been given all the details but it was assumed I had, and so when I was reading I had to re-read to try and understand what was happening. Also at times, the writing was a bit too much, almost like it was too clever for its own good, it would go from flowing really well to me having to constantly go over sentences to make sure I had the gist of what was being said.
I mentioned earlier that this book surprised me and there were points in the story where I felt like I had to check I was reading the same book. It somehow felt like it had kind of taken a turn into somewhere that it didn’t need to be, it didn’t help with character development and felt a bit unnecessary. I won’t say too much but as an example, there’s a scene with Gabrielle and Daniel in the back room of a bar and whilst I was reading it I kept thinking that it seemed so against what I’d thought of Gabrielle that she would have let anything get that far and then how really the scene does nothing for the story.
So I’m sure you can see why I’ve had trouble rating this one, the bare bones of the story the second chance romance and the characters are what really stand out and I enjoyed that aspect of it. Even though I had some niggles with the other bits I think I would still say that you should give this one a go.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
June 18, 2018
I have mixed emotions about this book. The blurb was very intriguing, as was the story, and for me, it was kind of addicting. I wanted to know what was going on, what the heck was happening, but there were also parts of the story that was just odd. It is a pretty long book, and it took me awhile to read it, but I did find it enjoyable.
Okay, so... in the first part of the book, it's getting to know the characters, and there are a lot of side characters and getting to know the main character Bree. Daniel comes into the picture and I don't know what to think about him and because Bree is missing pieces of her life, the pieces Daniel was in, it's all very mysterious. Daniel is... he does some things that seem so very un-redeemable. I have a hard time dealing with what he puts Bree and her "family" through. You really don't get to know Daniel a whole lot in the first part of the book, you get more of him on the outside. What he shows everyone, but that's it. And honestly, he just seems like a rich, pompous a-hole. Towards the end of the first part of the book, a new character is introduced, and he's odd. Lol. Actually, his name and Daniel's dad's name are both short names starting with the same letter, and I kept getting confused, like wait...totally thinking of the wrong guy and having to go back and re-read.
Anyways, the second part of the book seems odd to me. Almost like the whole thing is some sort of acid trip. Like, a dream or like I said, it was written while high on something lol. You get to know Daniel in this part and more of Hunt, his equally odd friend, and the way they talk is very...I don't want to keep saying odd, but it is. It's almost like they speak in riddles, or like they're from another time period, it's just not like how most people would talk. It felt like it was written at a different time than the first part of the book, but it also might be just that we never really meet Daniel and see the real him until the second part of the book. Anyways, once you finally see Daniel for who he is, I actually forgave him pretty quickly. Yea, I know right? Sucker! Lol. Even though what he did to Bree was really effed up, I feel like, he did it thinking he was doing the right thing. He had people in his ear telling him things that weren't true, and it takes him awhile to realize he's being deceived by the wrong side.
I'll give it to the author, she had me completely intrigued and though I found bits of it strange, I couldn't put the book down. Oh, I have to say. I thought Jill was kind of a jerk. While I initially liked her in the beginning, some of the things she said and did really irked me and I disliked her after all the drama that happened. She came off as a spoiled rich, biatch only worried about her social status, and I think Bree deserved better. Okay...rambling. So many things swirling around in my brain after reading this lol, it's confusing. It was a good read, a little wordy at times, and heavy in certain parts, but kept my interest and was glad I gave it a shot!
#B2BKristina
Okay, so... in the first part of the book, it's getting to know the characters, and there are a lot of side characters and getting to know the main character Bree. Daniel comes into the picture and I don't know what to think about him and because Bree is missing pieces of her life, the pieces Daniel was in, it's all very mysterious. Daniel is... he does some things that seem so very un-redeemable. I have a hard time dealing with what he puts Bree and her "family" through. You really don't get to know Daniel a whole lot in the first part of the book, you get more of him on the outside. What he shows everyone, but that's it. And honestly, he just seems like a rich, pompous a-hole. Towards the end of the first part of the book, a new character is introduced, and he's odd. Lol. Actually, his name and Daniel's dad's name are both short names starting with the same letter, and I kept getting confused, like wait...totally thinking of the wrong guy and having to go back and re-read.
Anyways, the second part of the book seems odd to me. Almost like the whole thing is some sort of acid trip. Like, a dream or like I said, it was written while high on something lol. You get to know Daniel in this part and more of Hunt, his equally odd friend, and the way they talk is very...I don't want to keep saying odd, but it is. It's almost like they speak in riddles, or like they're from another time period, it's just not like how most people would talk. It felt like it was written at a different time than the first part of the book, but it also might be just that we never really meet Daniel and see the real him until the second part of the book. Anyways, once you finally see Daniel for who he is, I actually forgave him pretty quickly. Yea, I know right? Sucker! Lol. Even though what he did to Bree was really effed up, I feel like, he did it thinking he was doing the right thing. He had people in his ear telling him things that weren't true, and it takes him awhile to realize he's being deceived by the wrong side.
I'll give it to the author, she had me completely intrigued and though I found bits of it strange, I couldn't put the book down. Oh, I have to say. I thought Jill was kind of a jerk. While I initially liked her in the beginning, some of the things she said and did really irked me and I disliked her after all the drama that happened. She came off as a spoiled rich, biatch only worried about her social status, and I think Bree deserved better. Okay...rambling. So many things swirling around in my brain after reading this lol, it's confusing. It was a good read, a little wordy at times, and heavy in certain parts, but kept my interest and was glad I gave it a shot!
#B2BKristina
June 12, 2018
The mystery is around “Bree” and her newborn baby (although not so newborn when we meet him), her lost memories, her apparent breakdown but what happened? Where is the father of the child? Who is the father of the child? And who is Daniel Hawthorne Baird II?
Gabrielle Valentine, Bree to her friends and family, has a gorgeous five-year-old boy, the opening part of the book focuses on who is his dad, and what secrets is she hiding? Months of memories have been lost following one night with a mysterious man until she wakes five months pregnant. She does not seem to want to know who the father is, and happy to live in her bubble until her best friend, and sister, pushes it one night in an argument. Setting things in motion in Bree’s life, and turning it upside down.
I loved the secondary characters, a scene that has stuck with me still is Tristian first day at Kindergarten. Even though the group of friends had been bickering amongst themselves, without telling each other they all turned up to the school gates to watch him at lunchtime, and the comradery between them was beautiful. It brought a tear to my eye, I loved it. To me, they make the story much more complete as it feels more real having their lives intertwine rather than just having the main characters quite singular on their journey.
The mystery between Bree and Daniel is palpable at the beginning. I will say it again but who is he! He remembers her, but she has not got any memories of him. He is not an endearing man, he has an attitude, but Bree keeps finding herself going back to him. Reminding me of a soft version of Anastasia and Mr Grey himself, from their behaviour (not the Red room situation!)
There were many twists and turns in this book, and it kept me hooked for all 516 pages! However, it was probably a bit long with some scenes that could have cut down a little. The length of the book shows you the detail that the author went into, however, this should not be cast in a negative light, she wanted a complete story which we have. I for one wanted to know how it would end, and if it would be a bang…..well for that you need to read it to find out.
If you enjoyed my review or any of my other reviews, please share it on Twitter, Facebook, anywhere for other people to enjoy. Thanks for stopping by! ♥
www.zooloobookblog.co.uk
Gabrielle Valentine, Bree to her friends and family, has a gorgeous five-year-old boy, the opening part of the book focuses on who is his dad, and what secrets is she hiding? Months of memories have been lost following one night with a mysterious man until she wakes five months pregnant. She does not seem to want to know who the father is, and happy to live in her bubble until her best friend, and sister, pushes it one night in an argument. Setting things in motion in Bree’s life, and turning it upside down.
I loved the secondary characters, a scene that has stuck with me still is Tristian first day at Kindergarten. Even though the group of friends had been bickering amongst themselves, without telling each other they all turned up to the school gates to watch him at lunchtime, and the comradery between them was beautiful. It brought a tear to my eye, I loved it. To me, they make the story much more complete as it feels more real having their lives intertwine rather than just having the main characters quite singular on their journey.
The mystery between Bree and Daniel is palpable at the beginning. I will say it again but who is he! He remembers her, but she has not got any memories of him. He is not an endearing man, he has an attitude, but Bree keeps finding herself going back to him. Reminding me of a soft version of Anastasia and Mr Grey himself, from their behaviour (not the Red room situation!)
There were many twists and turns in this book, and it kept me hooked for all 516 pages! However, it was probably a bit long with some scenes that could have cut down a little. The length of the book shows you the detail that the author went into, however, this should not be cast in a negative light, she wanted a complete story which we have. I for one wanted to know how it would end, and if it would be a bang…..well for that you need to read it to find out.
If you enjoyed my review or any of my other reviews, please share it on Twitter, Facebook, anywhere for other people to enjoy. Thanks for stopping by! ♥
www.zooloobookblog.co.uk
October 19, 2021
I don't like to be mean. But this book does not translate well as its own book. What I mean is, this is clearly a Twilight fanfic. Even if I didn't know this was a pulled to publish I would have suspected it started out as Twilight fanfic. It relies way too heavily on the tropes of early Twilight fanfic and the personalities we associated with each of the characters. It's so so obvious that if you asked me to tell you which character equals which Twilight character I can tell you without hesitation. She even kept most of the couples and usual characters in the FML's life that are the same as Bella's. Her personality traits, her voice in the story, etc. In fact, I did an experiment in a book reading app I have, and switched up the names of all the characters to their Twilight equivalents just to see how it read like that, to check if I was just imagining it was that obvious, and nope. It is that obvious. And this would have been OK if the author had taken the time to introduce these traits on the characters, to make them make sense for someone who doesn't have Twilight as a reference for them. However, most characters are not developed at all outside of their Twilight predetermined personas. So if you haven't read Twilight or Twilight fanfic, some of the characters' stories won't make sense to you at all (especially Rosalie/Jill's story in my opinion)
Therefore, if you're a Twilight fanfic reader and wanted to know how this story ended (since it was pulled before it was completed) buy the ebook and kill your curiosity.
But if you're a regular reader with no Twilight background whatsoever, this book will feel incomplete and surface level to you.
Therefore, if you're a Twilight fanfic reader and wanted to know how this story ended (since it was pulled before it was completed) buy the ebook and kill your curiosity.
But if you're a regular reader with no Twilight background whatsoever, this book will feel incomplete and surface level to you.
July 5, 2018
I was not in love with this book - But still an OK read for the summer. I had trouble getting into it at first and couldn't connect with any of the characters (and some of them I actually hated). But I will say - it did get better after the middle! Quite a few reviewers liked the first half of the book better while I liked the last half LOL. To each their own.
As far as character development - it was good I just didn't like them! I liked Bree but actually hated Daniel, and I didn't like her friends either. I did like August and at times felt bad for him. Ian was another one I tried to like but he was just so over the top. I don't think I would have liked any of them in real life - and I have some pretty strange friends!
So not one of my favorites but still a good book to read and it did keep my interest!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours - Thank You!!
As far as character development - it was good I just didn't like them! I liked Bree but actually hated Daniel, and I didn't like her friends either. I did like August and at times felt bad for him. Ian was another one I tried to like but he was just so over the top. I don't think I would have liked any of them in real life - and I have some pretty strange friends!
So not one of my favorites but still a good book to read and it did keep my interest!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours - Thank You!!
January 30, 2018
When I bought this I hoped I would enjoy it. Especially when I saw my favorite Author sharing it on Twitter. However I was completely disappointed. So much so that I am unable to finish it. I got up to the creepy part about the main character and her friends sitting outside of her son's school starting through the gate. Grown adults don't do that, even in books. That's a reason teachers have to call the cops.
It's also really hard to get passed all of the errors in spelling, sentence structure, etc. And ooooooo myyyyyyyyy jebus! I thought only men used that many words... it is so freaking wordy!!
One day I may pick it back up since I bought it. But I doubt it.
It's also really hard to get passed all of the errors in spelling, sentence structure, etc. And ooooooo myyyyyyyyy jebus! I thought only men used that many words... it is so freaking wordy!!
One day I may pick it back up since I bought it. But I doubt it.
June 12, 2018
DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN ARC OF THIS BOOK, VIA XPRESSO BOOK TOURS, FOR MY PARTICIPATION IN A BLOG TOUR. THIS IS MY HONEST, VOLUNTARY REVIEW.
I was very excited when I read the premise of this book. I'm not thoroughly invested in suspense storylines, but I found this one to be a major exception. It's a hook-line-sinker kind of read. There were some moments where I just wanted to hide under my blanket. But for me, that is a sign of good writing. If an author can make the reader feel that way, it's good writing.
Douglas is a new author to me. I wish I'd seen her name sooner. But you can't always know right?
I was very excited when I read the premise of this book. I'm not thoroughly invested in suspense storylines, but I found this one to be a major exception. It's a hook-line-sinker kind of read. There were some moments where I just wanted to hide under my blanket. But for me, that is a sign of good writing. If an author can make the reader feel that way, it's good writing.
Douglas is a new author to me. I wish I'd seen her name sooner. But you can't always know right?
February 26, 2018
I don't read many romantic suspense books so this book is a little out of my element. Nell Douglas is also an author I've never read before so I was excited to see what the story would bring. I had high expectations for it and felt it didn't live it to it. After reading the blurb, I was intrigued. It had a great storyline but was also confusing and hard to follow at times. It was long and drawn out and the ending felt rushed. Enjoyable read; I didn't love the story but I liked it.
March 29, 2018
This wasn't great but it wasn't as awful as I thought it would be based on reviews. I never read it as a fanfic and it does have a lot of errors and some parts just make no sense at all. It had so much potential though so that is what is to bad in my opinion. There should have been so much more depth with Bree and Daniel, and the ending was good but it left me feeling like we should have been able to see them as a couple with their son together.
March 16, 2018
It’s been a while since a book left me so hungover. I really loved this amazing roller coaster of emotion. Daniel and Gabrielle’s story is everything you expect to read in a story and so much more. Filled with heartbreak love. It’s a well deserved 5 stars for me ♥️
May 7, 2018
I really think that this is a great book! I loved the characters and they pull you into their lives and you want to know what happens to them. You become hooked right from the beginning. I would love to read additional books about the other characters in the book as well. Loved it! <3
November 30, 2020
Twists and Turns
If you like a healthy dose of angst with twists and turns, this is the book for you. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, the plot took a different term. Riveting.
If you like a healthy dose of angst with twists and turns, this is the book for you. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, the plot took a different term. Riveting.
March 29, 2024
You know, sometimes I find that the ff is oftentimes better than the book... I was wondering where this gem disappeared to on my favorites and imagine my surprise to see it in book form... It had such a different/better vibe as a ff... WHYYYYYYYYYY
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