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jensreading's review
5.0
This isn't your typical love story of boy meets girl, they fall in love, and live happily ever after. This is about a young man and a young woman that fall in love, and then tragedy strikes. And it keeps knocking them down.
Xander hasn't had an easy life. He has never known what it is to have someone you can count on, who loves you unconditionally, and is there for you no matter what. He has never had a family.
However, once he finds that family, he sees what it is really like, how they support and love each other, and he is brought into that, he doesn't want to let it go. Yet, when tragedy of the worst kind strikes, he does what he has to do to try and protect those he loves more than himself.
Paige is a young woman that has been brought up with a loving, supporting family that was always there for her. When things were at her lowest with her ex, they were there to help her and support her. She knows that those people are there to help her stand up and stay strong.
When these two people find each other, will they be able to move past their pain and accept who the other person really is? Will Xander be able to open up? Will Paige be able to support him? Will she be able to forgive him? Will they be able to trust each other even when it seems there is no reason to trust?
Xander hasn't had an easy life. He has never known what it is to have someone you can count on, who loves you unconditionally, and is there for you no matter what. He has never had a family.
However, once he finds that family, he sees what it is really like, how they support and love each other, and he is brought into that, he doesn't want to let it go. Yet, when tragedy of the worst kind strikes, he does what he has to do to try and protect those he loves more than himself.
Paige is a young woman that has been brought up with a loving, supporting family that was always there for her. When things were at her lowest with her ex, they were there to help her and support her. She knows that those people are there to help her stand up and stay strong.
When these two people find each other, will they be able to move past their pain and accept who the other person really is? Will Xander be able to open up? Will Paige be able to support him? Will she be able to forgive him? Will they be able to trust each other even when it seems there is no reason to trust?
frenchpressbookworm's review
3.0
3.5 stars <3
a seriously good solo debut for this author. that being said...there wasn't anything I really loved about it. I didn't connect with the h or the H and I think I would have if the dialogue would have held more emotion in it. it felt very much like one voice instead of two. the concept was great and you kept reading to figure out what the heck was going on but I needed more from the main characters
a seriously good solo debut for this author. that being said...there wasn't anything I really loved about it. I didn't connect with the h or the H and I think I would have if the dialogue would have held more emotion in it. it felt very much like one voice instead of two. the concept was great and you kept reading to figure out what the heck was going on but I needed more from the main characters
caseroo7's review
4.0
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
Into the Nothing is the first solo novel from BT Urruela, and I couldn't wait to read it! I loved his collaboration, A Lover's Lament, with KL Grayson and I was really curious to see how his voice would be on his own. I am happy to say that I really enjoyed Into the Nothing, and I look forward to reading more from BT in the future and seeing how his talent continues to grow as he writes even more.
Xander Evans has spent the last several years traveling working towards his end goal of winding up in Washington. His childhood was painful, spending most of his time in foster care after a tragedy cost him both of his parents. When he stops in Truman Valley, Missouri, everything changes. There he meets Paige and her family, and after standing up for Paige her father offers him a job at their winery. Xander quickly finds a home with the Watsons, but fights his attraction to Paige so as not to disrespect her father. But soon they can't stop the feelings between them and things appear to finally be going well for them. But then one night changes everything, and Xander finds himself in prison for life.
I liked both Paige and Xander. I felt like they were great for one another and I loved how Paige and her family welcomed Xander right away. They didn't judge him or look down on him and they were really genuine and kind people. I felt the chemistry and attraction between Paige and Xander from the start, and I loved getting to see them open up to one another as they got to know one another better. I believed in their connection right away, and they just fit really well together. The one thing I will say though is that I wished for a bit more depth to their characters. While we did get some of Xander's past and there was a connection forming, at times things felt surface deep. They got a bit lost in everything going on, and I would have loved to have seen more of their emotional connection explored.
I really did like the story though, and the characters were great. I liked the secondary characters as much as the main characters and felt like they added a lot to the story. I was surprised by the big twist and will admit that I did not have it figured out. I though I knew exactly what was happening and it turns out I was wrong, which I absolutely loved! The only other criticism I had here was that the ending felt a bit rushed to me. It all seemed to wrap up a bit quickly, and I would have liked to have seen a bit more of their future and how things all played out after all that had happened. That said though, this was a solid effort for BT Urruela on his first solo novel and I think that he has a really great writing career ahead of him. I look forward to reading more from him in the future and can't wait to see what he does next. If you are looking for something a bit different, this is definitely one worth checking out!
**ARC Provided by Southern Belle Promotions**
Into the Nothing is the first solo novel from BT Urruela, and I couldn't wait to read it! I loved his collaboration, A Lover's Lament, with KL Grayson and I was really curious to see how his voice would be on his own. I am happy to say that I really enjoyed Into the Nothing, and I look forward to reading more from BT in the future and seeing how his talent continues to grow as he writes even more.
Xander Evans has spent the last several years traveling working towards his end goal of winding up in Washington. His childhood was painful, spending most of his time in foster care after a tragedy cost him both of his parents. When he stops in Truman Valley, Missouri, everything changes. There he meets Paige and her family, and after standing up for Paige her father offers him a job at their winery. Xander quickly finds a home with the Watsons, but fights his attraction to Paige so as not to disrespect her father. But soon they can't stop the feelings between them and things appear to finally be going well for them. But then one night changes everything, and Xander finds himself in prison for life.
I liked both Paige and Xander. I felt like they were great for one another and I loved how Paige and her family welcomed Xander right away. They didn't judge him or look down on him and they were really genuine and kind people. I felt the chemistry and attraction between Paige and Xander from the start, and I loved getting to see them open up to one another as they got to know one another better. I believed in their connection right away, and they just fit really well together. The one thing I will say though is that I wished for a bit more depth to their characters. While we did get some of Xander's past and there was a connection forming, at times things felt surface deep. They got a bit lost in everything going on, and I would have loved to have seen more of their emotional connection explored.
I really did like the story though, and the characters were great. I liked the secondary characters as much as the main characters and felt like they added a lot to the story. I was surprised by the big twist and will admit that I did not have it figured out. I though I knew exactly what was happening and it turns out I was wrong, which I absolutely loved! The only other criticism I had here was that the ending felt a bit rushed to me. It all seemed to wrap up a bit quickly, and I would have liked to have seen a bit more of their future and how things all played out after all that had happened. That said though, this was a solid effort for BT Urruela on his first solo novel and I think that he has a really great writing career ahead of him. I look forward to reading more from him in the future and can't wait to see what he does next. If you are looking for something a bit different, this is definitely one worth checking out!
**ARC Provided by Southern Belle Promotions**
norwayellesea's review
3.0
I'm a fan of reading romance novels written by men and after reading A Lover's Lament, BT's collaboration with K. L. Grayson I was more than interested on reading his first solo project.
Xander Evans is constantly moving. Having spent the latter part of his childhood in foster care, he's on a journey to find his sister who he hasn't seen since she was two years old. He's a drifter, only spending a short amount of time in each place he stops. He finds himself in Truman Valley, Missouri where he meets Paige Watson. He's offered work at her family's winery with accommodation. It's an opportunity he grabs knowing he'll only be there for a few months. Only his life is about to get a whole lot more complicated.
Paige Watson has a charmed life, mostly. She had a fabulous education, great career whilst surrounded by a close-knit loving family. She escaped an abusive relationship, but her ex is a constant black cloud on her horizon. He's the one thing stopping her from finding love, until a new stranger rolls into town…
The prologue instantly drags you in, but then the pace of the subsequent third of the book is slow as we are introduced to the characters and the setting. From there the pace picks up and gains momentum as the story heads towards the pinnacle, with clues to the identity of the perpetrator woven in. I always like it when I'm kept guessing right until the end and feel rewarded when I correctly identify the right person.
"You calm me. You make me feel carefree."
The relationship between Xander and Paige is slow-burning and fits perfectly within the mood of the story.
The writing is great yet I didn't identify with the protagonists, in a way I'm sure my American readers friends will. The cultural difference too great for me to really understand their psyche. However, the plot was much more manageable and refreshingly original, littered with raw and gritty dialogue. I'm not a fan of HEA's wrapped in a bow so a high point for me was the epilogue. I like to finish books feeling my brain has been fully engaged and this thought provoking ending did that 100%.
Overall a commendable read revealing lots of potential for the author.
***arc generously received courtesy of the author via Southern Belle PR***
Xander Evans is constantly moving. Having spent the latter part of his childhood in foster care, he's on a journey to find his sister who he hasn't seen since she was two years old. He's a drifter, only spending a short amount of time in each place he stops. He finds himself in Truman Valley, Missouri where he meets Paige Watson. He's offered work at her family's winery with accommodation. It's an opportunity he grabs knowing he'll only be there for a few months. Only his life is about to get a whole lot more complicated.
Paige Watson has a charmed life, mostly. She had a fabulous education, great career whilst surrounded by a close-knit loving family. She escaped an abusive relationship, but her ex is a constant black cloud on her horizon. He's the one thing stopping her from finding love, until a new stranger rolls into town…
The prologue instantly drags you in, but then the pace of the subsequent third of the book is slow as we are introduced to the characters and the setting. From there the pace picks up and gains momentum as the story heads towards the pinnacle, with clues to the identity of the perpetrator woven in. I always like it when I'm kept guessing right until the end and feel rewarded when I correctly identify the right person.
"You calm me. You make me feel carefree."
The relationship between Xander and Paige is slow-burning and fits perfectly within the mood of the story.
The writing is great yet I didn't identify with the protagonists, in a way I'm sure my American readers friends will. The cultural difference too great for me to really understand their psyche. However, the plot was much more manageable and refreshingly original, littered with raw and gritty dialogue. I'm not a fan of HEA's wrapped in a bow so a high point for me was the epilogue. I like to finish books feeling my brain has been fully engaged and this thought provoking ending did that 100%.
Overall a commendable read revealing lots of potential for the author.
***arc generously received courtesy of the author via Southern Belle PR***
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review
4.0
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
Xander Evans meets Paige Watson when he saves her one night at a local bar. Xander, a product of the foster care system searching for where he belongs, suddenly finds himself surrounded by the Watson family as they give him a place to stay, a job and a sense of belonging that he's never had before. But as quickly as Xander finds a home, he loses it all when everything crumbles around him.
I loved how we were told the whole story of Paige and Xander. Starting in the present, we go back and see how this couple got to know one another and build their relationship. Also how important the Watson family itself was in their relationship. I don't think it would have worked out the same way if it wasn't for Paige's parents accepting Xander before things turned romantic.
I loved BT Urruela's voice. It was unique and I enjoyed how he developed such flawed characters. I found myself liking them and how they were so imperfectly perfect.
The mystery behind why Xander ended up in prison I had figured out pretty early on, but that did not take away from the overall story. Instead, this was a page-turner that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I look forward to seeing what comes next in this series and from this author.
INTO THE NOTHING was not at all what I was expecting. BT Urruela has created a gritty storyline with characters who are beautifully flawed.
Xander Evans meets Paige Watson when he saves her one night at a local bar. Xander, a product of the foster care system searching for where he belongs, suddenly finds himself surrounded by the Watson family as they give him a place to stay, a job and a sense of belonging that he's never had before. But as quickly as Xander finds a home, he loses it all when everything crumbles around him.
I loved how we were told the whole story of Paige and Xander. Starting in the present, we go back and see how this couple got to know one another and build their relationship. Also how important the Watson family itself was in their relationship. I don't think it would have worked out the same way if it wasn't for Paige's parents accepting Xander before things turned romantic.
I loved BT Urruela's voice. It was unique and I enjoyed how he developed such flawed characters. I found myself liking them and how they were so imperfectly perfect.
The mystery behind why Xander ended up in prison I had figured out pretty early on, but that did not take away from the overall story. Instead, this was a page-turner that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I look forward to seeing what comes next in this series and from this author.
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"How about twenty questions?" I ask.
"I hate twenty questions."
"How about five questions, then?"
He cracks a smile and lifts an eyebrow. "How about three?"
"Deal!"
"So, have I mentioned how much I fucking hate Tuesdays?" Brandi's voice cuts right between us. Xander looks relieved.
Me? Not so much. "Damn it, Brandi!"
"What?"
"Oh nothing. Can you grab me Fireball though? Pretty please. Two of them." I look at Xander. "You're taking one."
"Three. I am too, bitch! Fuck Tuesdays!" Brandi calls out from across the bar as she begins filling the shot glasses from the Fireball chiller.
"Question one. You said you’ve been traveling for a while now, right? Do you ever get tired of it? Ever feel like settling?”
"Damn. Starting out with the heavy hitters, huh?" He eyes the shot glasses as if hoping it will somehow make them fill faster.
"Need me to go easier on you? Maybe a finger or two first before I go in with the whole fist?"
He looks at me in disbelief. "Did you really just say that?"
"Just answer the question, two fingers or three?"
BT Urruela was an infantryman in the US Army from August 2004 until February 2011. At the end of a year long tour to Baghdad, Iraq, his vehicle was hit by two roadside bombs, which took his right leg below the knee and the life of his commander. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his wounds, an Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantryman's Badge. He medically retired from the Army in 2011 and moved to Tampa, FL where he currently works as a Director and Brand Ambassador for VETSports, a veteran community sports nonprofit he co-founded in 2012. He also conducts motivational speeches, works as a cover and fitness model and he's a personal performance trainer. He co-wrote the military romance novel A Lover's Lament and will be releasing his debut solo novel, Into the Nothing, on June 21st, 2016.
shellysbookcorner's review
5.0
4.5 Stars
This was my first time reading a book by BT Urruela and it won't be my last. At first I was a little skeptical about a guy writing a contemporary romance novel but he nailed it! This story was well written. We had character development, story build up and I felt the connection which is a must for me! The plot held my attention and I wasn't bored reading at all. We had some sweet moments and this made me smile. The sad moments made me tear up. The twist near the end had my jaw dropping and I didn't see that coming at all. If you like books that have romance, angst and suspense this book is for you. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
*arc was given in exchange for honest review*
This was my first time reading a book by BT Urruela and it won't be my last. At first I was a little skeptical about a guy writing a contemporary romance novel but he nailed it! This story was well written. We had character development, story build up and I felt the connection which is a must for me! The plot held my attention and I wasn't bored reading at all. We had some sweet moments and this made me smile. The sad moments made me tear up. The twist near the end had my jaw dropping and I didn't see that coming at all. If you like books that have romance, angst and suspense this book is for you. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
*arc was given in exchange for honest review*
cherryredsreads's review
3.0
A great debut from BT Urruela.
I was looking for something different to read and the author delivered.
This story is full of romance, suspense, and full of twists that I liked how they were not predictable at all.
The male Point of view was written very well which is why I fell for Xander Evans.
His story and meeting Paige was very entertaining and heartfelt.
Many details are given to build up their story and understand the characters motives which I liked.
I did not expect towards the end of the book for it to wrap up soo fast and just to end. I wanted that suspense to be a bit more at this critical point in the book. It was dramatic and a definite shocker but I felt it could have been more and longer.
I overall enjoyed this book & think BT Urruela did a good job.
I am looking forward to see what the author brings next in this series.
Go 1 click for a romantic suspense that will keep you guessing.
**ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review***
3 1/2 Cherries Popped
msruh1979's review
2.0
DNF at 50%. I just couldn't read anymore. So repetitive and it was becoming a huge distraction. I love BT, but this book was not for me and I find the reviews for this highly unrealistic.
stephaniek219's review
4.0
I don't know what I was expecting but this wasn't it- and I loved it! Perhaps the idea of the story about a prisoner (not my usual scene), but whoa! Not your typical romance but so well done. It's a story of romantic love yes, but just as much about the love of a family and Xander finding a place where he never expected. It's gritty, raw, real, sad, happy, comforting, and heartbreaking. Who sad me. Who says men can't write romance?! BT writes stories that are so much deeper than your typical chick romance, they need their own genre.