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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
The Axel Book Blog Tour is Finally here!!!
4 drama-filled, lusty stars!
Summary:
Isabelle has learned the hard way how hard life can be when fate isn’t by your side. It can hand you dreams on silver platters, but it can snatch them right back and hand you nightmares. One thing Isabelle knew for sure fate was consistent with was taking away everything she ever loved.
For the last two years Isabelle has been slowly clearing the clouds of her past. Happiness is finally on the horizon. She has a thriving business, great friends, and her life back. All she has to do is jump over the last hurdle…her ex-husband.
When problems start causing her to fear her new life, and memories that are better left forgotten start rushing to the surface the last thing she needs is a ghost from her past to come knocking on her door.
Axel never thought he would look into the eyes of Isabelle West again, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to now. He’s carried his anger for so long he isn’t sure he can just turn it off, but when he is faced with protecting her and an unexpected desire to have her again, life gets a little more complicated.
How will Axel and Isabelle deal when all their cards are put on the table and everything they thought was true blows up in their faces?
It's not often that the first few pages of a book grab me the way this one did. The prologue was incredibly powerful and sooo well done, that I knew I was going to be in for a wild ride with this book. And that was definitely true. When Axel begins, Isabelle is trapped in a terrifying situation, and it is only by sheer determination and strength that is she finally able to escape and attempt to create a new life for herself. And through it all, she can't help but know that she is missing out on the life she *should* have had.
One with the man that she was meant to be with, but who was seemingly ripped from her life in a very tragic way.
Writing this review is difficult for me because I really think this story should be read and experienced without knowing too much about the story beforehand. But, I will say that it is amazing for me to sit here and say that this is Harper Sloan's first book. She writes with a confidence that authors who have been around for decades would love to possess and I for one was truly impressed by how she crafted this story.
Having said that, my only true complaint with this book is that the drama was at times, way over the top. I have never been the biggest fan of an overload of angst in my romance novels, and this one has a lot. A LOT. But, even with that issue, this book fun, and addictive and I loved our H/h so much that I was able to mostly overlook it.
Isabelle & Axel truly are the definition of "soul mates". They may have had a long, hard road to find their way back together, but as a reader we never stop rooting for them and wanting them to find a way to back to each other.
As for the steam factor?!
I LOVED Axel and his dirty mouth. I loved that boy to such a degree that it might have been slightly harmful to my health. Harper Sloan definitely knows how to write sexy times in a way that will have you squirming and reaching for some ice cubes to cool off. Or for your partner to help relieve the...*in my best Frank-n-Furter voice*...tension. ;)
So...in closing, Axel was an amazing, if angst-filled, joyride. And I can't wait to see what else Harper has in store for all of us in the future!
**This book was provided by the author in an exchange for an honest review**
Read more of my reviews at my blog: http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com
First sentence: God… please let him be late.
Favorite quote: “I can feel the sun warming my skin. I love this blissful state between sleep and just waking. But I no longer relish this moment for being numb, no…now I relish this moment because it reminds me I am alive.”
I enjoyed this book. Alot. The two things that bothered me a lot were a) the lack of communication between Axel and Izzy at the beginning. They both probably realized already that each one believes the other left him in the past, but they just don't discuss it, and b) NOT TALKING TO GREG FOR TWO WHOLE MONTHS (Greg; her long time friend and protector) because he told Axel where they were one time. Can you be any bitchier?
But I loved the book and am very excited about the rest of it.
When can I read about Maddox, though?
Favorite quote: “I can feel the sun warming my skin. I love this blissful state between sleep and just waking. But I no longer relish this moment for being numb, no…now I relish this moment because it reminds me I am alive.”
I enjoyed this book. Alot. The two things that bothered me a lot were a) the lack of communication between Axel and Izzy at the beginning. They both probably realized already that each one believes the other left him in the past, but they just don't discuss it, and b) NOT TALKING TO GREG FOR TWO WHOLE MONTHS (Greg; her long time friend and protector) because he told Axel where they were one time. Can you be any bitchier?
But I loved the book and am very excited about the rest of it.
When can I read about Maddox, though?
This book is about two high school sweethearts who are separated at 17 by circumstances beyond their control. Each thinks the other has abandoned them. Axel spends years in the military while Isabelle ends up in an abusive marriage. Leaving aside prologues, the book effectively starts two years after Isabelle has left her marriage, and shortly after Axel has left the military. Axel is hired to protect Isabelle from her ex-husband who is being the kind of wanker that abusive ex-husbands can be.
There is definitely an element of the 'if only they talked' trope, which is always a bit frustrating. The misunderstanding whereby they both think the other abandoned them would be easily cleared up if they just said something to each other. It's made worse by the fact that secondary characters are clearly aware of the misunderstanding but don't make any attempt to clear it up other than suggesting they sit down and talk which Isabelle doesn't want to do.
But there was one thing that really bugged me. Isabelle has just left an abusive marriage, where the husband controlled her (isolating her from her friends, scheduling her day, punishments if things weren't done as he expected) and she clearly has PTSD. Plus (as if that wasn't bad enough), he is still stalking and attacking her when he can. With that in mind, how the fuck can she fall for a guy like Axel? He is controlling and overbearing.
As far as I'm concerned, those quotes sound like the abusive ex-husband. But they're not, that's Axel. He gives her no choice about being with him, no choice about marrying him and taking his name, he treats people with impatience and disrespect, he refers to women as 'bitches' and he even, at one point, takes her to his house despite her protests (which I'm pretty sure is called kidnapping). She wanted to talk to him in a public place, but of course, he knew what was best and disregarded her wishes. Her friends don't seem bothered by this beyond the first time he sends her in a PTSD meltdown with his overbearing manner. Isabelle doesn't seem bothered by this beyond the first PTSD meltdown. How can this be? The fact that he doesn't physically hurt her and that she loves him is all the difference between Axel and the abusive ex-husband! Instead of saying that she will be with him forever more regardless of her opinion on the matter, he should be asking her to stay with him, even begging her not to leave him. Not ordering her around. He should respect her wishes to talk to him in a public place instead of kidnapping her to his isolated home where she is completely at his mercy. He should respect her wishes to retain her own surname if that's what she chooses. I could go on for ages.
I found this book very disturbing, and I'm kind of concerned that the author thinks that it's okay for men to treat women like this, removing their choices and demanding obedience. Physical violence is not the only kind of abuse, and just because you love someone and they love you, doesn't make it okay for them to treat you like that.
There is definitely an element of the 'if only they talked' trope, which is always a bit frustrating. The misunderstanding whereby they both think the other abandoned them would be easily cleared up if they just said something to each other. It's made worse by the fact that secondary characters are clearly aware of the misunderstanding but don't make any attempt to clear it up other than suggesting they sit down and talk which Isabelle doesn't want to do.
But there was one thing that really bugged me. Isabelle has just left an abusive marriage, where the husband controlled her (isolating her from her friends, scheduling her day, punishments if things weren't done as he expected) and she clearly has PTSD. Plus (as if that wasn't bad enough), he is still stalking and attacking her when he can. With that in mind, how the fuck can she fall for a guy like Axel? He is controlling and overbearing.
Hear me now, and understand me. We will talk, but nothing you say will change the fact that you and I are happening. I won’t let you go, Izzy. Never. You’re mine, you got that, Princess?”
We were back to ‘us’ for three weeks when he told me I was moving in. There wasn’t any room for arguments
She cocks her head to the side and shrieks loudly when he jumps forward and throws her over his shoulder. Before anyone can blink, they are out the door.
“What the hell just happened?” I ask.
“Oh my God!” Emmy gasps.
Maddox is silent, but Greg barks out a loud laugh.
“Princess, that’s what happens when shit festers and bitches act like bitches.”
Coop comes through the door with the stupid fucking cake I have been screaming at the bakery over for the last two days. Idiots.
“Not until your last name matches mine and Nate’s.” His voice is firm, and I know he’s losing his patience.
“I don’t need to have your last name to prove anything. Especially not that my heart is yours.”
“But you will,” he stresses with all playfulness gone from his tone.
As far as I'm concerned, those quotes sound like the abusive ex-husband. But they're not, that's Axel. He gives her no choice about being with him, no choice about marrying him and taking his name, he treats people with impatience and disrespect, he refers to women as 'bitches' and he even, at one point, takes her to his house despite her protests (which I'm pretty sure is called kidnapping). She wanted to talk to him in a public place, but of course, he knew what was best and disregarded her wishes. Her friends don't seem bothered by this beyond the first time he sends her in a PTSD meltdown with his overbearing manner. Isabelle doesn't seem bothered by this beyond the first PTSD meltdown. How can this be? The fact that he doesn't physically hurt her and that she loves him is all the difference between Axel and the abusive ex-husband! Instead of saying that she will be with him forever more regardless of her opinion on the matter, he should be asking her to stay with him, even begging her not to leave him. Not ordering her around. He should respect her wishes to talk to him in a public place instead of kidnapping her to his isolated home where she is completely at his mercy. He should respect her wishes to retain her own surname if that's what she chooses. I could go on for ages.
I found this book very disturbing, and I'm kind of concerned that the author thinks that it's okay for men to treat women like this, removing their choices and demanding obedience. Physical violence is not the only kind of abuse, and just because you love someone and they love you, doesn't make it okay for them to treat you like that.
3.25⭐️
TW: Spousal abuse, mental abuse, emotional abuse, domestic violence, miscarriage, depression, mentions of PTSD.
Dee and Greg are walking Green Flags.
Met Axel for the first time at 20%. My initial thoughts: Bro is a big ol’ bitch. He called Isabel a bitch like 3 times in the first chapter of his. Judged her without even knowing whats going on in her life or her reason for leaving all those years ago.
I’m at 32%, Axel is still acting like a dick and I’m pissed at Greg cause wtf bro! I was rooting for you! You came from the right place but did the wrong thing. At 58% I forgive Greg and Maddox is my new favorite ❤️❤️
70% Finally!!! Some fucking communication.
Finished. I laughed, I cried. Excellent ending. Also, I forgive Axel. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
TW: Spousal abuse, mental abuse, emotional abuse, domestic violence, miscarriage, depression, mentions of PTSD.
Dee and Greg are walking Green Flags.
Met Axel for the first time at 20%. My initial thoughts: Bro is a big ol’ bitch. He called Isabel a bitch like 3 times in the first chapter of his. Judged her without even knowing whats going on in her life or her reason for leaving all those years ago.
I’m at 32%, Axel is still acting like a dick and I’m pissed at Greg cause wtf bro! I was rooting for you! You came from the right place but did the wrong thing. At 58% I forgive Greg and Maddox is my new favorite ❤️❤️
70% Finally!!! Some fucking communication.
Finished. I laughed, I cried. Excellent ending. Also, I forgive Axel. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Totally loved this book. Poor Izzy, that girl was put through the damn wringer, but I love how she fought back. I've been told the series just keeps getting better so on to book #2!
It was just okay. The synopsis was more interesting/exciting than the actual book.
I didn't dislike as a whole.
The heroine cried too much.
Probably will not revisit this author.
I didn't dislike as a whole.
The heroine cried too much.
Probably will not revisit this author.
I knew a few chapters in that the only way I will be able to finish this book is if I skimmed pages. I feel like the story could've been a lot better if it was written by another author.
Great first loves separated in high school because he enlists in the Marines and then their communication gets fucked up so she spends 12 years thinking he's dead while he spends those years thinking she just left him. She gets married to a guy who takes advantage of her vulnerability/depression and who ends up abusing her. Now, when she's trying to rebuild her life, divorce the scumbag and suddenly Axel comes back into it because of a huge coincidence.
I was expecting the big reveal about what they each thought happened and her loss to be so heartbreaking but it didn't quite happen like that. I can only imagine that if any of my favorite authors wrote this, I would've been a complete sobbing mess. It reminds me of Paradise by Judith McNaught. With this one though, I really just can't connect with the characters and the story plus even though I love alpha males as much as the next gal, Axel's way of talking turns me off.
Great first loves separated in high school because he enlists in the Marines and then their communication gets fucked up so she spends 12 years thinking he's dead while he spends those years thinking she just left him. She gets married to a guy who takes advantage of her vulnerability/depression and who ends up abusing her. Now, when she's trying to rebuild her life, divorce the scumbag and suddenly Axel comes back into it because of a huge coincidence.
I was expecting the big reveal about what they each thought happened and her loss to be so heartbreaking but it didn't quite happen like that. I can only imagine that if any of my favorite authors wrote this, I would've been a complete sobbing mess. It reminds me of Paradise by Judith McNaught. With this one though, I really just can't connect with the characters and the story plus even though I love alpha males as much as the next gal, Axel's way of talking turns me off.
10 fucking fantabulous stars! I can't even say a single word about the storyline, because I don't want to give anything away. Just read it. Move it to the TOP of your TBR right this second and don't stop reading it until you're done. Amazeballs.
The Story of a young woman severely abused for years by her husband, and her reuniting with her first love. It is a story of rebuilding trust, communication and strength.
This started out rough, it was a hard to read beginning. Abuse, extreme and demoralizing had me just about to delete it from my Kindle. It quickly jumped ahead to the aftermath of the horror and to a new chapter in this woman's life. It was necessary to the story, to understand her reactions and fears. I hate reading about abuse, but there was something about these characters that made me stay and see where they went. I'm glad I did, I enjoyed the story and loved the flawed characters.
Iz, was left alone at a young age when the love of her life. Axel joined the Marines with promises of returning. She was left alone again when her parents died suddenly a short while later. This double loss was deepened by yet another great tragedy that would haunt her. Finding herself unable to contact Axel she learned of his death from his foster mother. This devastating blow set in motion a desperation for connection that drove her into the waiting arms of her arsewhip husband who took it upon himself to break her in every way possible.
This was not the end of her story, she did not dwell in broken bones and dreams. Her friends stepped up held her up and walked her toward a future that could include happiness. The rebuilding if her missed life was sweet, heartbreaking and had some steamy sex.
Holt, the amazing man with muscles on his muscles, is angry and shocked to she his Iz, acting so crazy. His life has never been the same since she ran off an married another man. When the pieces start coming together his vision turns to red and nothing will ever hurt his Iz again.
This was a nice slow realistic build up relationship story. Every step had to be earned and it didn't come easy. I couldn't help but cheer for the characters and a few of the side ones too. Good people bad situation stories always work for me.
** Trigger warning there is a lot of physical abuse
I already ordered the rest of the books in the series
This started out rough, it was a hard to read beginning. Abuse, extreme and demoralizing had me just about to delete it from my Kindle. It quickly jumped ahead to the aftermath of the horror and to a new chapter in this woman's life. It was necessary to the story, to understand her reactions and fears. I hate reading about abuse, but there was something about these characters that made me stay and see where they went. I'm glad I did, I enjoyed the story and loved the flawed characters.
Iz, was left alone at a young age when the love of her life. Axel joined the Marines with promises of returning. She was left alone again when her parents died suddenly a short while later. This double loss was deepened by yet another great tragedy that would haunt her. Finding herself unable to contact Axel she learned of his death from his foster mother. This devastating blow set in motion a desperation for connection that drove her into the waiting arms of her arsewhip husband who took it upon himself to break her in every way possible.
This was not the end of her story, she did not dwell in broken bones and dreams. Her friends stepped up held her up and walked her toward a future that could include happiness. The rebuilding if her missed life was sweet, heartbreaking and had some steamy sex.
Holt, the amazing man with muscles on his muscles, is angry and shocked to she his Iz, acting so crazy. His life has never been the same since she ran off an married another man. When the pieces start coming together his vision turns to red and nothing will ever hurt his Iz again.
This was a nice slow realistic build up relationship story. Every step had to be earned and it didn't come easy. I couldn't help but cheer for the characters and a few of the side ones too. Good people bad situation stories always work for me.
** Trigger warning there is a lot of physical abuse
I already ordered the rest of the books in the series