Stealing Harper by Molly McAdams

Published: May 21st, 2013
Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 400
Copy: Edelweiss
Summary: Goodreads

Chase Grayson has never been interested in having a relationship that lasts longer than it takes for him and his date to get dressed again. But then he stumbles into a gray-eyed girl whose innocence pours off her, and everything changes. From the minute Harper opens her mouth to let him know just how much he disgusts her, he's hooked.

But a princess deserves a Prince Charming who can make her dreams come true. Not a guy who can turn her life into a nightmare.

All good intentions go out the window when Harper starts to fall for the guy Chase has come to view as a brother. He wanted to protect her by keeper her away, but he can't stand to see her with anyone else, and he'll do anything to make her his. But when it comes down to Harper choosing between the two, will Chase have the strength to step back from the girl who has become his whole world if it means she's happy?

Lines will be crossed. Friendships will be put to the test. And hearts will be shattered.

OK, not sure how I feel about this one.

Chase's attitude towards Harper just didn't wring true to me.  Why insist that you're not interested in someone, then do everything you can to make her want you and pushing them away at the same time - confusing or what?

Harper obviously feels something for both guys (does it tell you something that I can't remember the second guy's name?), but almost seems to make it more difficult by not staying away from Chase.  There were so many things she could have done to stay away from him and make life easier for Brandon (found his name in my notes).

And let's not even mention how stupid it is for both of them to  have unprotected sex after his history and the fact that she's a virgin.  So sorry if that's a spoiler, but it was just so inappropriate that it made me really, really mad.  I realize that here it is used as a plot device, but come on - that just didn't sit well with me at all.

It seemed to me as if I could always anticipate what was happening next and there were no surprises - right until the very end.  At which point I wanted to scream in frustration - aaaaaaagggghhhh!  How could Ms. McAdams end it that way?  I was seriously channelling Bradley Cooper in Silver Linings Playbook and wanted to toss the book out the nearest window.  You'll be glad to hear that I came to my senses when I realised it would be my Ipad I was throwing out, and not the book

Do you see what I mean?  I didn't think I was enjoying the book, but it never once occurred to me to stop reading.  It was a bit like a train wreck - I just couldn't turn away.  Final verdict - I'm still not sure!  Please let me know what you thought about Stealing Harper, I'm very interested.

From Ashes by Molly McAdams

\

 

Published: April 16th 2012 (paperback)

Publisher: William Morrow

Pages: 416

Copy: Publisher via Edelweis

Summary: Goodreads

 

When Cassidy Jameson's best friend Tyler took her to Texas with him when he left for college, she was expecting his cousin, their new roommate, to be a Stetson-wearing cowboy since his family owned a ranch; not this incredibly gorgeous guy with a husky Southern drawl that seemed to make the world stop whenever she looked at him. Because of her past, she's only ever trusted two men in her life, Tyler and her dad whom passed away when she was six. But there's something about Gage that draws her to him in a way she can't explain, only problem? He's always telling Tyler that he doesn't want Cassidy living there and sees her as nothing more than his little sister.

Gage Carson was excited his cousin Tyler was coming to live with, and go to college with him. When he'd called to ask if he could bring his friend Cassi with him, Gage didn't care. Gage had heard about this mysterious friend since they were kids and felt like he already knew her. Nothing would prepare him for watching her jump out of Ty's Jeep though. Not only was Cassi the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, but there was something about her that within seconds of meeting her, made Gage want to protect her, and make her his. Too bad Tyler made it a point to remind Gage on a daily basis that he was dating her and she was completely off limits.

For a year and a half, Gage and Cassidy dance around their feelings for each other as Tyler continues to keep them apart; until one day Tyler unknowingly pushes her right into Gage's arms. With Tyler unable to keep lying to them, they finally start a relationship both have been craving since their first meeting. But when an accident and disaster sends her back to Tyler and California, will Cassidy be able to come face to face with the demons from her past to live a life she and Gage deserve; or will the fact that she once again ran to Tyler be the final push that ends Cassidy and Gage for good?

REVIEW
I had very mixed feeling about From Ashes.  I did finish the book, but to be honest, I'm not sure why, because I don't think I really enjoyed it. I think it's supposed to be an uplifting story about a girl being able to overcome a very seriously awful childhood and finding true love, unfortunately I just kept getting mad at the characters. 

Sometimes it felt a bit like being an observer at a train wreck.  You know it's terrible, but you can't help but look, or in this case, keep reading.  I seriously cannot believe that Tyler thought it was alright to not tell anyone about the daily abuse Cassi is suffering from.  On several occasion I actually harboured thoughts of violence towards him.  And, his obsessive, controlling, lying behavior when they get to Texas - aaarrrrgggghhhh!!!!

Gage, well on the face of it, he seems like such a nice guy - everyone's perfect ideal.  But why would he constantly accept what Tyler is telling him Cassi feels without questioning her about it. For that matter, why does Cassi always accept what Tyler says Gage is saying.  Then, after Tyler has effectively kept them apart for the better part of 2 years by being an absolutely bastard, they go and forgive him.  Maybe I'm just a less forgiving person than Cassi and Gage, but I wouldn't have wanted to have anything to do with him. 

Cassi upset me because she seemed to be a bit of a doormat occasionally.  Why did she let herself be treated that way? I didn't understand it.  Ok, I'm trying not to put too many spoilers in here, because I really am curious to see what other people felt about this book.  As I said, I did finish it, then I sat back and thought 'Wow, I can't believe I just read all of that.'  Is that a sign of a good book? Maybe it is.  I still find myself thinking about it, just not in a good way.  Have you read it yet?  Tell me what you think.