Every
day I silently scream out, “My name is Mia Faraday!” My time in jail
does not define me. I am so much more than one heated mistake.
And
yet, my slip-up weighs on me. There’s so much more to the story than
anyone realizes. I must face Stony, my ex, and confess everything.
I don’t want to. I’d rather have five teeth pulled. While I’m awake. Without anesthesia.
But
this is something I have to do, something I need to do. Not just for
Stony. I need to do it for me. Especially for me. I can’t move forward
with my life until I gain closure from the past.
When I meet
Grayson Elliott, I am easily pulled into his orbit and it’s exactly
where I’d love to stay. He makes me laugh and not take life so
seriously. He makes me want to live again.
But I don’t love me
right now, and that healing needs to come first. I’m not
relationship-ready or marriage material. My mind is focused on
redemption. I want it. I need it.
Besides, when Grayson hears about my colorful past, I’m sure he’ll be gone before I have time to utter the word goodbye.
After all, who could ever love a jailbird?
My Review
Such an emotional book and a great sequel to Stone Silence! It was great to see Mia's point of view and get inside her mind. It was easy to see why she was attracted to Grayson with his infectious happiness and vibrant personality, but I had a harder time seeing why he fell for Mia so quickly since she was pretty standoffish and rather depressing at first. Since it's told in first person from Mia's POV only, I wish there were more clues as to what drew him to her. Once she allows Grayson to draw her out of her shell and allows herself to let go and feel happy, the chemistry between them skyrockets :) I appreciated the struggles she was going through and admired her resolve to overcome and seek after the good things she could have in her life, instead of dwelling on negative thoughts that she is undeserving. It's a powerful redemption story with themes of forgiveness and grace. I loved how much a part of the story Spencer is and seeing how her and Stony's life was moving forward. Can't wait to read the next book!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Check out the other books in the Sound of Silence series . . .
(The author recommends reading them in order)
Can three little words irrevocably change your life?
When the doctors inform Chloe Brennan that her pregnancy is “incompatible with life,” her subsequent choices will change her path forever.
She becomes one of the quiet, unsung heroes of this world, incredibly strong, yet somehow wrongly looked upon as damaged.
Three people will pierce Chloe’s existence: her husband, a stranger, and a precious baby.
One will say goodbye, one will say hello, and one will say both at the same time.
I’m With You is a novel about selfless love and the sacredness of life.
Please note: While this book is a romance novel, it also deals with the sensitive issue of baby loss grief.
The emotions are real, and sometimes dark. If you are sensitive to this issue, this may not be the book for you.
“I’m With You” is a beautiful story that centers on one woman's tragic, heart-wrenching loss and the healing brought by unselfish love, giving love, in-sickness-and-in-health-love. It is sweeter, nobler, stronger — and even more passionate than the beginnings of love we so often see. Forever love.
-Julie in Portland, Oregon, Amazon Reviewer
This book knocked my socks off. It was amazing and I will definitely read it again and again. It is "that" good.
-Amazon Reviewer
This book. Oh my gosh. I could NOT put it down. I sobbed like a baby through most of it and felt my heart breaking for my own loved ones who have suffered such a loss. It was written beautifully with great sensitivity and I LOVED it.
-Amazon Reviewer
“I’m sorry for what I said to you,” he reiterated.
“No big deal.”
“I think it was.”
She shrugged, trying not to show that she hurt so much she could barely breathe. No one noticed inner pain. A broken leg, a broken arm, yes. Outward signs of pain were obvious. Inner turmoil, not so much. And she was broken, just like a leg or an arm, only worse. She was bleeding, gushing from a huge, nasty, open gaping wound.
But no one knew it.
With his unwavering gaze, however, the husband seemed to sense it, maybe even see it. And it made her uncomfortable.
“I-I thought maybe we could have breakfast together or something and, I don’t know, commiserate. Misery loves company and all that. What do ya say? Can I take you out to breakfast? Let me make up for my rash words.”
Goodness sake, the only one unable to forgive him for his impetuous words was himself. The last thing Chloe wanted to do was spend time alone with Mr. Volcano. He’d obviously lost his temper on that fateful day their spouses had run off with each other, and had come looking for a fight. That meant he was probably easily agitated, maybe even volatile. Unstable. When the signs are there, you can’t ignore them. Right?
Yet, somehow, she didn’t feel as though he was a threat. As a matter of fact, he seemed quite courteous.
She simply had no way of knowing if he was sincere or a loon. Her uncertainty concerning him made her respond accordingly as she stammered, “Oh. Thank you, but no. I have so much to do today. So, so much. I’m not even sure I can get it all done in one day. Errands and more errands.” She paused. “Lots of errands.” She sounded like a bumbling idiot and a liar—the lady doth protest too much. She waved in the general direction of her car as she slowly backed away from him. “So much to do. I’m swamped. I have to go.”
“Your country's 500th anniversary to plan, your wedding to arrange, your wife to murder and Guilder to frame for it. You are swamped,” he mumbled.
“Excuse me?”
“Nothing. Sorry.”
“Did you just quote The Princess Bride?”
“Oh, you know it?” he said with surprise. “Yep. Sorry. It’s a nasty habit of mine.”
“Quoting The Princess Bride?”
“No, movie quotes in general.”
“Oh.”
For a moment, she studied him curiously, her interest piqued. Any man who quoted The Princess Bride couldn’t be that bad. Chloe felt herself warm up to him, but he was a total stranger to her and she wasn’t about to jump in his jeep and go for a ride with him just because he knew about true love.
“Thanks for apologizing. I appreciate it,” she said. He’d gone to great lengths to make up for his unkind words and she was impressed with his tenacity. He felt badly, that much was obvious. It was, perhaps, indicative of his true nature. However, she didn’t need to dig any deeper and learn more about this man’s apparent compassionate side. It was enough already. “I have to go,” she blurted.
“All right,” he answered amiably, a hint of both disappointment and acceptance in his tone.
She turned to unlock her door, dropped her keys with shaking hands, and bent to pick them up. Chloe took a deep cleansing breath, trying to calm herself down. By the way she was acting you’d think a handsome stranger had never once tried to speak to her in her entire life, for heaven’s sake. It wasn’t as if he was trying to pick up on her, he was simply extending a hand of friendship. That’s all.
She needed a friend. Desperately. This man was offering. It would be nice to talk with someone. He’d understand. He was experiencing similar emotions. What the heck? She had nothing to lose. Absolutely nothing.
But he was a stranger, she argued with herself. It’s not safe. Maybe he was some kind of psycho or pervert.
I have nothing to lose.
Chloe turned just in time to see the husband taking his seat in his jeep. Not exactly the behavior of someone out to commit nefarious activities.
“Wait!” she yelled.
Surprised at her outburst, he slowly stood, one hand resting on the door of the jeep. He looked like he could be in a commercial promoting outdoor life. Yet, his expression was slightly intense as he looked upon her.
“I don’t really have anything to do. As a matter of fact, I have nothing to do and nowhere to go.”
He nodded, politely not commenting on her lack of a life.
“How about breakfast?”
“I’d like that.”
A smile spread across his face, revealing perfect, white teeth. Even if he was a psycho, at least he’d be easy on the eyes.
So was Ted Bundy.
Chloe ignored her inner voice.
“I’ll drive. Hop in,” he invited.
Chloe took a few steps toward him.
“So what were you going to do today? If you don’t mind my asking,” he queried.
It was time for payback.
“Go buy a wrench.”
“Why? Is something broken?” he asked, seemingly concerned. Would he consider it his responsibility to help her?
“No. Just because we don’t have one.”
The husband threw his head back and laughed out loud, surprising her.
“I know that one. Beaches.”
Surprising.
“How do you know that? I mean, these aren’t exactly guy movies.”
“I have four sisters. I’m the baby. No X-Men for me.”
“Say no more. That explains everything.”
He extended his hand. “I’m Jack. Jack Alexander, by the way. Guess it’s time we introduce ourselves.”
Chloe grasped his hand, his grip firm and strong. “I’m Chloe Brennan.”
“Chloe,” he repeated. “I like it. It’s an unusual name.”
“Alexander seems like an unusual last name.”
He shrugged. “Had it all my life.”
“Good answer.”
Jack smiled broadly and her worries washed away.
“Shall we go?” he said, his hand motioning toward his jeep as if it were a grand carriage.
It rather felt like a portal into a new world.
Author Taylor Dean
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.
Giveaway Details
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway
Ends 2/28/18
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Everyone
tells me it does. They say, “Spencer Elliott, don’t worry, you’ll find
it one day. You just have to find the right man and when you do, it will
surprise the heck out of you.”
I’m still waiting for that heck
of a surprise to hit. It has proven to be elusive thus far. I’m pretty
sure the entire world is lying about love and the joke is on me.
I
know I want a man in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately, most men
immediately push my OFF button and I lose interest quickly.
Feeling
pressure to prove I’m trying to find my soulmate, I finally give in and
agree to a date. Huge mistake. Afterward I find myself abandoned in the
middle of nowhere, in desperate need of help.
That’s when I meet Stony by chance.
He’s
a silent and unsmiling man who intrigues me with his ability to keep
going after life has knocked him down. Suddenly the abstract notion of
love becomes tangible and within my reach. Once I experience it, I
wonder how I ever lived without it.
That’s when I stay with Stony by choice.
But
when Stony’s hidden past and present-day reality collide, his silence
is broken. And the truth about his life nearly brings me to my knees. I
can’t compete with ghosts from the past.
I refuse to fight for a man’s love. He either loves me or he doesn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.
My only hope is . . . he does.
My Review
I knew after reading Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean that she would be one of those authors that I didn't pass on. I wasn't particularly compelled by the cover and description of this book, but I spotted some 5 star and rave reviews on Goodreads from friends that got me curious... and once I started reading it I blew through it in one morning. (One of those amazing mornings where the kids play so well together that I was granted the privilege of reading a book all the way through!) There's something about the author's writing style that brings the characters and their thoughts to life for me, and I loved it. I was seriously mad for Spencer when she gets abandoned by the jerk date she was with, I was apprehensive for her while she was searching for help in the middle of nowhere, I was relieved for her when the person she came across was a decent human being and gentleman. The dynamics of Spencer and Stony were intriguing and I especially loved their chemistry together amid the embarrassing missteps and wondering and yearning. They bring out the best in each other and their journey to happiness, while not without conflict, was enjoyable to read about. (Especially when they finally get to that first kiss! Worth the wait!) It's the best when I genuinely like both main characters and feel for them as they navigate difficult circumstances. Can't wait to pick up the next two books in this series!!!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
I loved Jace Faraday with all my heart.
I loved everything about him, from his huge smile to his fabulous laugh. Another man never caught my eye. It was always Jace and Shay, together forever.
Until it wasn’t.
He devastated me, he ruined me. I’ve never gotten over it.
But, I’m a survivor. I’m not a precious flower that can only thrive if kept safe from the perils of the outside world.
Except now Jace has returned home. He’s just across the street from me, so close I swear I can actually feel his presence.
I can’t avoid him forever. At some point I have to face him. And when I do, I know sparks will fly.
To redeem himself for his past actions, I need major remorse. I need a profuse apology and maybe even a little begging for forgiveness. I won’t settle for anything less.
However, when the truth behind our break-up is revealed, I’m stunned. It leaves me reeling—and yearning for the six years that have been lost to us.
The thing is, once the truth is known, there’s nothing to keep us apart.
Absolutely nothing.
Dear Reader: This book deals with a sensitive issue.
The Sound of Silence Series is a three book series.
Book One: Stone Silence, Spencer’s Story
Book Two: Jailbird, Mia’s Story
Book Three: Hothouse Flower, Shay’s Story
Each book has a happy ending and there are no cliffhangers.
They are not standalones and should be read in order.
Read an excerpt from HOTHOUSE FLOWER:
“I apologize if that embarrassed you. That’s what creepy ex-boyfriends are for though. If you look it up in the dictionary, you’ll find that I’m right.”
“That’s the exact definition?” I ask.
“In a nutshell. I believe it reads: A hideous creature made to embarrass and humiliate his former girlfriend during every single moment of her life. Warning: They should all be hunted down and killed.”
A half smile escapes. “That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?”
“Maybe. I promise to try my best to not stand outside of your window in the middle of the night with a boom box over my head.”
This time he makes me laugh aloud. “Just out of curiosity, what would the song be?”
“Oh, you know, a rousing rendition of George Michael belting out Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go. After all, I’d have to wake you up before getting all romantic with my song choice.”
“So . . . what would the romantic song be?” I have to know.
“Don’t make me say it.”
“You brought it up. Don’t leave me hanging.”
“It would have to be . . . I Think I Love You by The Partridge Family. It’s an oldie, but a goodie. Not many know it, but it’s a gem of a song. It says everything that’s in my heart.”
It’s his ability to say silly things with a deadpan voice that makes him so funny. To me, at least. No one else ever laughs at his jokes quite like I do. I slap his arm playfully and Brit burrows deeper into his shoulder. “I’d go back to bed.”
“I’d resort to drastic measures then.”
“What drastic measures?”
“I’d have to pull out the Barry Manilow. He’s only to be used in rare moments and with extreme caution.”
Stone Silence by Taylor Dean
Great big beautiful love.Does it really exist?
Everyone tells me it does. They say, “Spencer Elliott, don’t worry, you’ll find it one day. You just have to find the right man and when you do, it will surprise the heck out of you.”
I’m still waiting for that heck of a surprise to hit. It has proven to be elusive thus far. I’m pretty sure the entire world is lying about love and the joke is on me.
I know I want a man in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately, most men immediately push my OFF button and I lose interest quickly.
Feeling pressure to prove I’m trying to find my soulmate, I finally give in and agree to a date. Huge mistake. Afterward I find myself abandoned in the middle of nowhere, in desperate need of help.
That’s when I meet Stony by chance.
He’s a silent and unsmiling man who intrigues me with his ability to keep going after life has knocked him down. Suddenly the abstract notion of love becomes tangible and within my reach. Once I experience it, I wonder how I ever lived without it.
That’s when I stay with Stony by choice.
But when Stony’s hidden past and present-day reality collide, his silence is broken. And the truth about his life nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t compete with ghosts from the past.
I refuse to fight for a man’s love. He either loves me or he doesn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.
My only hope is . . . he does.
Catch Book Two, JAILBIRD.
Jailbird by Taylor Dean
My hometown decided to rename me Jailbird.
Every day I silently scream out, “My name is Mia Faraday!” My time in jail does not define me. I am so much more than one heated mistake.
And yet, my slip-up weighs on me. There’s so much more to the story than anyone realizes. I must face Stony, my ex, and confess everything.
I don’t want to. I’d rather have five teeth pulled. While I’m awake. Without anesthesia.
But this is something I have to do, something I need to do. Not just for Stony. I need to do it for me. Especially for me. I can’t move forward with my life until I gain closure from the past.
When I meet Grayson Elliott, I am easily pulled into his orbit and it’s exactly where I’d love to stay. He makes me laugh and not take life so seriously. He makes me want to live again.
But I don’t love me right now, and that healing needs to come first. I’m not relationship-ready or marriage material. My mind is focused on redemption. I want it. I need it.
Besides, when Grayson hears about my colorful past, I’m sure he’ll be gone before I have time to utter the word goodbye.
After all, who could ever love a jailbird?
Praise for JAILBIRD:
Mia's story about forgiveness and redemption is packed with emotion and will leave you wanting more! -Jana, Amazon Review
An adventure from start to finish, a wonderful sequel to Stone Silence. -atvtnv, Amazon Review
Once I started reading, I just couldn't stop! It has been a LONG time since a book has kept me up WAY past my bedtime! -KJ's Book Nook
Author Taylor Dean
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.
Blast Giveaway Details
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/21/18
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
