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103rd out of 1,206 books
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1,377 voters
The Calling
by
Ashley Lynn Willis (Goodreads Author)
Mandy Hardy lost more than a breast to cancer; she lost her fiancé when he dumped her a week before her mastectomy. Her ego bruised and her self-esteem battered, Mandy’s sure she’ll never fall in love again.
Justin Seward is a headstrong Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer with a heart of gold and the supernatural ability to command the seas. He had to hide his feelings while Mandy...more
Justin Seward is a headstrong Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer with a heart of gold and the supernatural ability to command the seas. He had to hide his feelings while Mandy...more
Kindle Edition
Published
October 12th 2011
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The Calling is what I think of as paranormal light. There are paranormal characters, but they are not fighting an evil nemesis or trying to save the world. They are living an everyday life just as any other human being would. Justin has chosen a career in the Coast Guard where he can sometimes secretively use his abilities to command the seas to save the lives of others. That is in fact where this journey begins. Justin is saving a father and son from a ship sinking due to a storm. The hanging o...more
3 1/2
Ashley has a very well written book and she does a good job in telling her story. But I have to admit I was looking for something a little different. This is a story about a woman who has had breast cancer and meets a demigod. The thing is you read about Mandy’s drama with her ex and her cancer and you don’t get to know about the paranormal aspects of the story until almost the middle of the book and it’s very light on the paranormal.
I liked Mandy but she was so hung up on her ex that she...more
Ashley has a very well written book and she does a good job in telling her story. But I have to admit I was looking for something a little different. This is a story about a woman who has had breast cancer and meets a demigod. The thing is you read about Mandy’s drama with her ex and her cancer and you don’t get to know about the paranormal aspects of the story until almost the middle of the book and it’s very light on the paranormal.
I liked Mandy but she was so hung up on her ex that she...more
Oct 24, 2011
Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey)
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) by:
R2R
Shelves:
reviewed
The Calling was a really good book that was more romance than paranormal. However, it was still a really good book. There were layers to the story that all worked together to keep you interest and compelled to read more. I won’t say more because I’m not one for spoilers.
I fell in love with Justin from the beginning and never wavered from that. I wish there would have been a bit more of the paranormal aspect because it was so interesting. But it wasn’t like the story truly lacked because of that....more
I fell in love with Justin from the beginning and never wavered from that. I wish there would have been a bit more of the paranormal aspect because it was so interesting. But it wasn’t like the story truly lacked because of that....more
I absolutely love this book! It does not have a huge paranormal presence in the storyline however it is there and plays a large part for two characters. This story focuses on Mandy and her struggles with cancer and moving past heartbreak. Mandy is a great character with amazing friends in this story. I love the poem in the beginning of the book ; it truly sets the book up nicely. I recommend this book yield anyone who loves a storyline with thoughtful and beautifully developed characters and a f...more
Wow, where do I start with this book?
Got it through my Nook, don't think it was a free book, must have been in the steal and deals section.
so, it had everything, romance, despair, grief, excitement, suspense, you name it! There were two points in this book that I actually started to cry! And I don't normally cry from a book, a movie perhaps but not a book.
Our main characters, Justin and Mandy, have reacquainted themselves to each other, and it's right at the start.
Justin is in the Coast Guar...more
Got it through my Nook, don't think it was a free book, must have been in the steal and deals section.
so, it had everything, romance, despair, grief, excitement, suspense, you name it! There were two points in this book that I actually started to cry! And I don't normally cry from a book, a movie perhaps but not a book.
Our main characters, Justin and Mandy, have reacquainted themselves to each other, and it's right at the start.
Justin is in the Coast Guar...more
I really liked this book.
Justin was sweet and kind, not to mention good looking. Plus he really cared about Mandy, as a fried as well as a lover. He even stood up to his best friend Ty in regards to Mandy, long before he even knew if he had a shot with her. As for the whole issue of it was his best friends girl. Well Ty was being a dill weed, to put it mildly, and he deserved what he got. Willis did a really good job with Mandy as well. From her concerns about her cancer returning to her fear of...more
Justin was sweet and kind, not to mention good looking. Plus he really cared about Mandy, as a fried as well as a lover. He even stood up to his best friend Ty in regards to Mandy, long before he even knew if he had a shot with her. As for the whole issue of it was his best friends girl. Well Ty was being a dill weed, to put it mildly, and he deserved what he got. Willis did a really good job with Mandy as well. From her concerns about her cancer returning to her fear of...more
3.25*
Mandy is a woman who has faced death and come out on the other side a bit defeated. She is afraid to live her life to the fullest, reach out for love and find happiness. That is until she runs into her old friend Justin, and he refuses to take no for an answer. He's wanted her for years and now his chance has come and he will not let it pass them by.
What I loved about this book was the hero, Justin. He was so determined to have the woman of his dreams, the one he knew was meant for him and...more
Mandy is a woman who has faced death and come out on the other side a bit defeated. She is afraid to live her life to the fullest, reach out for love and find happiness. That is until she runs into her old friend Justin, and he refuses to take no for an answer. He's wanted her for years and now his chance has come and he will not let it pass them by.
What I loved about this book was the hero, Justin. He was so determined to have the woman of his dreams, the one he knew was meant for him and...more
**May contain spoilers**
**More at behindtherows.com **
Several life changing events has happened over the last year for Mandy Hardy. Surviving breast cancer, having a mastectomy, battling chemo, and dealing with the break-up with the man she loved and thought she would marry has all taken a toll on Mandy.
Justin Seward has secretly admired Mandy throughout her relationship with his best friend and roommate, Ty. After seeing Ty for what he really is, Justin removes himself from Ty's life in hopes o...more
**More at behindtherows.com **
Several life changing events has happened over the last year for Mandy Hardy. Surviving breast cancer, having a mastectomy, battling chemo, and dealing with the break-up with the man she loved and thought she would marry has all taken a toll on Mandy.
Justin Seward has secretly admired Mandy throughout her relationship with his best friend and roommate, Ty. After seeing Ty for what he really is, Justin removes himself from Ty's life in hopes o...more
This book truly sucked me in once I started it, could not put it down. Here's the gist- heroine is a breast cancer survivor whose fiancé dumped her when she was initially diagnosed. His best friend had been in love with her for years but she shut him out of her life when she was dealing with the cancer. Best friend meets heroine again by chance, and they fall in love. P.S. He happens to be a descendant of the mythical god Triton and has aqua super powers. With self-publishing you never know what...more
I read this book as part of the R2R advanced release.
I have mixed feelings about the book. I think that Ashley Lynn did a very good job at the characterizations and personalities. Everyone felt very fleshed out and reactions to action in the storyline felt real. She handled the sensitivity around being a breast cancer survivor extremely well, and it really added to the realism of Mandy's character. I've not read a lot of books with this insight, and it immediately drew me in. The scene with Man...more
I have mixed feelings about the book. I think that Ashley Lynn did a very good job at the characterizations and personalities. Everyone felt very fleshed out and reactions to action in the storyline felt real. She handled the sensitivity around being a breast cancer survivor extremely well, and it really added to the realism of Mandy's character. I've not read a lot of books with this insight, and it immediately drew me in. The scene with Man...more
I really enjoyed this story. Ashley Willis created a very unique heroine in this story; the heroine, Mandy, is a woman who had breast cancer and had a mastectomy (removed the breast). Ashley described the aftermath of the cancer so well that my heart ached very much for Mandy. We can see how much cancer affects someone emotionally and physically, but especially, we can see how breast cancer affects women. Mandy felt scared and unattractive because such a feminine part of her, her breasts, were l...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
My review for The Calling by Ashley Lynn Willis
I can only blame myself for the torture I put myself through while reading this. I received this book through R2R book reviews. I downloaded the book onto my Kindle, stuck my Kindle into my purse and went to drop the kids off at school. That's when I made the mistake. I had exactly 5-10mins before I needed to catch 2 buses and a train across town, over 8 cities. Instead, I pull out my Kindle and start reading.
Wow, such a mistake. I was hooked. I cou...more
I can only blame myself for the torture I put myself through while reading this. I received this book through R2R book reviews. I downloaded the book onto my Kindle, stuck my Kindle into my purse and went to drop the kids off at school. That's when I made the mistake. I had exactly 5-10mins before I needed to catch 2 buses and a train across town, over 8 cities. Instead, I pull out my Kindle and start reading.
Wow, such a mistake. I was hooked. I cou...more
I would consider this book to be a dramatic romance with a splash of paranormal. It’s an emotional tale with action and a few twists and turns. Throughout the whole book my eyes were glued to the pages and I just could not put it down until the end.
The story begins with Justin performing a daring rescue. He is a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and he’s damn good at it. He also has powers to control water which he uses on occasion to aide in a rescue. The question is, will his powers or his job be the...more
The story begins with Justin performing a daring rescue. He is a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and he’s damn good at it. He also has powers to control water which he uses on occasion to aide in a rescue. The question is, will his powers or his job be the...more
Right away I was excited to read this book. I’ve read a lot of PNR, and this sounded like a premise that was totally new to me. I was completely right! I loved it! Seriously, I started it Saturday morning and finished it Sunday morning – I couldn’t put it down! And just a moment here to acknowledge the cover – it’s sweet and beautiful and I love the concept that the man is made of water. I would love to see some fan art someday depicting his tattoo!
First thing, first chapter we learn just what t...more
First thing, first chapter we learn just what t...more
What woman wouldn't want a hero in their life? What about one who just happens to have supernatural powers? We first meet Justin in this story doing what he does best, being a hero. This very act brings him back into Mandy's life after almost a year; within that year she went through something that every woman fears: being diagnosed with breast cancer and having a mastectomy. Having her heart ripped out just before the surgery happens, Mandy has retreated from just about everything, including Ju...more
I read this book as part of the R2R advanced release.
I enjoyed reading this book. I read it all in one day and thought it was a lovely, short, light-hearted romance. It seems a bit odd to be calling something dealing with breast cancer and mastectomy light-hearted, but that was how it read for the most part to me.
I found it somewhat predictable, but that was ok. The predictable parts were predictable because they are part of a formula that works. You KNEW there was going to be some impediment...more
I enjoyed reading this book. I read it all in one day and thought it was a lovely, short, light-hearted romance. It seems a bit odd to be calling something dealing with breast cancer and mastectomy light-hearted, but that was how it read for the most part to me.
I found it somewhat predictable, but that was ok. The predictable parts were predictable because they are part of a formula that works. You KNEW there was going to be some impediment...more
From what I can gather, Ashley Lynn Willis is a brand new author, and this is her debut novel--and there's nothing quite like falling in love with a writers product right at the onset of their career.
It might be easier to list what I did/n't like about this one for you to understand my rating.
First, to like:
1) The cover. LOVE the covers, the whole infusion of stormy-looking shades and the choice of font. It caught my eye a while back when Ashley Lynn very first announced its reveal.
2) Mandy. I...more
It might be easier to list what I did/n't like about this one for you to understand my rating.
First, to like:
1) The cover. LOVE the covers, the whole infusion of stormy-looking shades and the choice of font. It caught my eye a while back when Ashley Lynn very first announced its reveal.
2) Mandy. I...more
"The Calling" is a beautiful romantic novel about two people, each dealing with serious issues on their own. It is with their love for each other as it grows that they're able to share and help each other deal with their problems. To make the story more interesting, elements of paranormal is thrown in, but it's not the central theme of the novel. If you're looking to read a novel about good vs. evil, there's none of that in this novel. It's vastly different from all the other paranormal books I'...more
OH GOD , THIS BOOK IS SOOOOO GOOOOD !!!
I loved it right from the beginning to the end . Not a moment of disappointment at all . This book tells us the story of Mandy , who has gone through a very dreadful phase of her life battling breast cancer and being dumped by the love of her life . And Justin , a coast guard who is ever ready to risk his life to safe people battling rough weather and high rides . The story basically talks about how this two meet and gradually fall in love . Troubles comes...more
I loved it right from the beginning to the end . Not a moment of disappointment at all . This book tells us the story of Mandy , who has gone through a very dreadful phase of her life battling breast cancer and being dumped by the love of her life . And Justin , a coast guard who is ever ready to risk his life to safe people battling rough weather and high rides . The story basically talks about how this two meet and gradually fall in love . Troubles comes...more
This is the first book I've read by Ashley Lynn Willis and first I would say thank you for the free copy to review.
I enjoyed her writing style and will definately keep her on my list to read any future books she writes.
So the story is about Justin and Mandy, Justin is a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Mandy is trying to live life after surviving breast cancer and heartbreak. Of course you fall in love with both charecters and want them to live happy ever after. I didn't stop reading this book las...more
I enjoyed her writing style and will definately keep her on my list to read any future books she writes.
So the story is about Justin and Mandy, Justin is a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Mandy is trying to live life after surviving breast cancer and heartbreak. Of course you fall in love with both charecters and want them to live happy ever after. I didn't stop reading this book las...more
I received an advance copy of this book for Read to Review (R2R). This is one of my first reviews so it may be a little jumbled, but I will hopefully get better! :)
So this book follows the story of Mandy and Justin. Mandy is a cancer survivor, and more than a little leery of forming new romantic entanglements. Justin is a rescue swimmer with the coast guard, with his own secret. Throughout the story there are situations that test this couples newly-forming romance.
Pros: Easy to read. The charact...more
So this book follows the story of Mandy and Justin. Mandy is a cancer survivor, and more than a little leery of forming new romantic entanglements. Justin is a rescue swimmer with the coast guard, with his own secret. Throughout the story there are situations that test this couples newly-forming romance.
Pros: Easy to read. The charact...more
Oct 14, 2011
Ananda
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
paranormal,
paranormal-romance,
romance,
read2review,
made-me-blush,
contemporary,
read-in-2011
What's the first image that pops into my mind now that I read the book?
Yes, that's the one! Two alpha males having the fight of their lives.
On the left we have Ty (and I will quote the author on this) the prick or the selfish bastard. On the right we have Justin who obviously has certain advantages over Ty, among which the fact that he is the gifted one and can manipulate waves.
So what are they fighting for? A FEMALE!
And in this story that would be Mandy. She's went through lot in her life..a...more
Yes, that's the one! Two alpha males having the fight of their lives.
On the left we have Ty (and I will quote the author on this) the prick or the selfish bastard. On the right we have Justin who obviously has certain advantages over Ty, among which the fact that he is the gifted one and can manipulate waves.
So what are they fighting for? A FEMALE!
And in this story that would be Mandy. She's went through lot in her life..a...more
I have really enjoyed reading The Calling. It had a new twist to it, which is always a breathe of fresh air, and it was very dramatic, romantic, and heartfelt to say a few things about it. It puts in to play the real life tragedy of breast cancer and how it can affect someone's life so much. Also, I especially enjoyed how the characters had to face so many odds and learn to deal/or not deal with them to decide how their relationship would turn out in the end. Even more, the suspense in the last...more
This story was very romantic with great characters and interesting plot. I felt it was a fast paced easy read which I didn’t want to end.
Justin is the ideal boyfriend/husband. He’s kind, loving, caring, and thoughtful. Everything a girl wants in a man. The only problem is that he is Ty’s best friend. Oh and he also has a big secret. I for one think it’s a wonderful secret but he looks down on his ability because pass events have made him wary of it. He has had a rough past with having a suicida...more
Justin is the ideal boyfriend/husband. He’s kind, loving, caring, and thoughtful. Everything a girl wants in a man. The only problem is that he is Ty’s best friend. Oh and he also has a big secret. I for one think it’s a wonderful secret but he looks down on his ability because pass events have made him wary of it. He has had a rough past with having a suicida...more
Mandy has been damaged, physically and emotionally, since her breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent end to her engagement. But she's not waiting for anyone to save her. I love that.
Justin is great at his job as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, preternaturally gifted in fact, but is hiding a deep personal pain. He has been in love with Mandy for years and is determined to convince her that while she may not need anyone, that he would be good for her regardless.
This is the book for anyone seeking a...more
Justin is great at his job as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, preternaturally gifted in fact, but is hiding a deep personal pain. He has been in love with Mandy for years and is determined to convince her that while she may not need anyone, that he would be good for her regardless.
This is the book for anyone seeking a...more
Originally posted at: http://happilyeverafter-reads.blogspo...
"I wish I'd met you first."
"Me, too, because I knew you were the one the second I laid eyes on you. And every time I saw you after that night, I was surer of it."
Mandy is a nurse who survived breast cancer, a mastectomy, and a fiancé who abandoned her when her medical issues were too much for him to handle. Just when she thinks she’s gotten a second chance at life, she’s faced with the very real possibility that her cancer has returne...more
"I wish I'd met you first."
"Me, too, because I knew you were the one the second I laid eyes on you. And every time I saw you after that night, I was surer of it."
Mandy is a nurse who survived breast cancer, a mastectomy, and a fiancé who abandoned her when her medical issues were too much for him to handle. Just when she thinks she’s gotten a second chance at life, she’s faced with the very real possibility that her cancer has returne...more
Absolutely Beautiful!
Wow, mythology lovers will love this story about Triton’s Legacy being passed down throughout the generations. This story was woven beautifully with passion, love, pain, jealousy, betrayal, death, and suspense. I felt like I was literally watching a movie as the smooth written words had me sitting on the edge of my seat from all the drama, action, and suspense.
The interaction between the characters and their emotions were captured and brought to life beautifully in this sto...more
Wow, mythology lovers will love this story about Triton’s Legacy being passed down throughout the generations. This story was woven beautifully with passion, love, pain, jealousy, betrayal, death, and suspense. I felt like I was literally watching a movie as the smooth written words had me sitting on the edge of my seat from all the drama, action, and suspense.
The interaction between the characters and their emotions were captured and brought to life beautifully in this sto...more
The Calling has all kind of emotions that keep a good story going: Fear, buckets of love, uncertainty, hatred, trust…. A story of two people, each with their own set of problems. Mandy's life been threatened by cancer. Justin is carrying the huge burden of killing his sister while trying to save her. His mother is suicidal and, his father never there. And then there’s that undying love Justin has always had for Mandy which is beautiful and he finally gets his chance after Mandy’s breakup with Ty...more
I really enjoyed this read. The Characters are lovable and the story grabbed me right way. I was worried half way through that I was getting my happy ending too soon and the book would become monotonous but the author did a great job of keeping the story going and introducing some great antagonists.
My only constructive criticism is that for a paranormal romance book there isn't enough paranormal aspects in the story. There is great potential here though if the author decides to dive into it a b...more
My only constructive criticism is that for a paranormal romance book there isn't enough paranormal aspects in the story. There is great potential here though if the author decides to dive into it a b...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Do you think this book is a True Paranormal Story? | 6 | 28 | Jan 13, 2013 11:30am |
Ashley lives in the midwest with her husband of nine years. For eight years, she worked as an engineer in general aviation but quit her job to be a stay at home mom to two precious preschoolers. She wrote her first two books, Killing Abel and Saving Jessica, in September of 2009 and has been penning her imagination ever since.
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Sep 23, 2011 08:22pm