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Not To Us
Relationships are tested in all kinds of ways...
Ellie's perfect world unravels.
A best friend's betrayal ends her marriage.
An alarming diagnosis threatens her life.
Yet.
It all leads to Michael...
But, fate soon tests their perfect union.
And, begs the if you get a second chance, do you take a different path?
Ellie's perfect world unravels.
A best friend's betrayal ends her marriage.
An alarming diagnosis threatens her life.
Yet.
It all leads to Michael...
But, fate soon tests their perfect union.
And, begs the if you get a second chance, do you take a different path?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2011
44 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Owen
16 books585 followersAuthor of the bestselling Truth In Lies series including This Much Is True, The Truth About Air & Water and Tell Me Something True.
Visit www.katherineowen.net to join Owen's new releases email list/newsletter and never miss an announcement about her newest novel releases or book updates and giveaways. Or, sign up directly at http://bit.ly/KOnewsletter.
Onward...
When asked to describe...
Dark. Edgy. Contemporary. Romantic.
Were we describing me? Or my fiction? Sorry. I drink too much...coffee, not enough water.
I swear too much for God and my mother, and I slip these into my fiction. Sorry.
I'm impatient, a perfectionist, a wordsmith, a dreamer, which ends up being good and bad. I'm always writing, just ask my family.
I've written seven novels: Seeing Julia, Not To Us, When I See You, as well as the Truth In Lies series (new adult fiction) including This Much Is True, The Truth About Air & Water and Tell Me Something True. My latest release is The Image Maker in the Hollywood Hearts series. Just released!
If you love angsty, unpredictable love stories, I'm yours. ♥
I'd love to hear from you here or connect with me on Facebook.
Here are my websites: www.katherineowen.net OR www.katherineowenwrites.com for links to books, reviews, my blog, Tumblr, and Pinterest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 11, 2024
****SPOILERS AHEAD****
I try to appreciate the efforts that authors put into writing a book BUT it has to give me something substantial with a decent storyline and characters. This book had neither.
This book is incredulous. It is extremely far fetched not only how the relationships pan out but how infidelity can be written in such a B movie manner.
Ellie Bradford’s life is like that and the author actually tried to convince the reader that she was a damsel in distress leaving us to believe that she could not control her actions, let alone direct them.
Ellie’s life as she knows it is about to change. The inevitability of the course it is taking is coming. She believed she had the perfect life, a perfect marriage and she was blessed with three gorgeous kids.
That is until the day she finds out not only she has breast cancer, her best friend Carrie is having an affair with her husband Robert.
Her way of dealing with the end of her marriage and her breast cancer diagnosis is to go on a binge of infidelity. This is what happens:
Ellie sleeps with Michael.
She divorces Robert.
Carrie and Michael divorce.
Robert and her “best friend” Carrie marry.
Ellie marries Michael.
She becomes pregnant but decides not to have chemo because of her pregnancy.
On the day she marries Michael her first born son with Robert and Michael's daughter with Carrie are in an accident. Her son dies and Michael’s daughter dies shortly after but instead of comforting each other Michael turns to his ex-wife (Carrie) and they have sex. Reasoning being he was grieving so much “it just happened”
Ellie sees Michael and Carrie kissing and instead of confronting Michael she bolts to New York where she meets Court Chandler and of course he just happens to be married!
Michael regrets what he has done and tries to speak with Ellie to sort their issues. He lies and tells Ellie that it only happened the once. Instead she speaks with her “best friend” Carrie and being that best friend Carrie tells Ellie how they “did it more than once”
But this saga gets worse.....
Ellie decides she's not going to tell Robert that his wife (Carrie) had cheated on him with her ex-husband. So her way to deal with Michael’s infidelity is to take off to Europe. She goes on a drinking binge (remember she has cancer and is pregnant) and sleeps with Court Chandler.
Moving on:
Ellie and Michael forgive each other but then Michael leaves her because he finds out she is still talking with Court Chandler.
Ellie has a double mastectomy (the cancer has come back) and gives birth to twins (coincidently a boy and girl).
The author states this is “not a light, nice, airy romance and the story deals with some heavy subject matters. It’s not . It's not even a romance.
Untenable, baseless without sound judgement, weak, questionable, without grounds. A soap opera.
That about sums up this book.
So I will leave it there.
I try to appreciate the efforts that authors put into writing a book BUT it has to give me something substantial with a decent storyline and characters. This book had neither.
This book is incredulous. It is extremely far fetched not only how the relationships pan out but how infidelity can be written in such a B movie manner.
Ellie Bradford’s life is like that and the author actually tried to convince the reader that she was a damsel in distress leaving us to believe that she could not control her actions, let alone direct them.
Ellie’s life as she knows it is about to change. The inevitability of the course it is taking is coming. She believed she had the perfect life, a perfect marriage and she was blessed with three gorgeous kids.
That is until the day she finds out not only she has breast cancer, her best friend Carrie is having an affair with her husband Robert.
Her way of dealing with the end of her marriage and her breast cancer diagnosis is to go on a binge of infidelity. This is what happens:
Ellie sleeps with Michael.
She divorces Robert.
Carrie and Michael divorce.
Robert and her “best friend” Carrie marry.
Ellie marries Michael.
She becomes pregnant but decides not to have chemo because of her pregnancy.
On the day she marries Michael her first born son with Robert and Michael's daughter with Carrie are in an accident. Her son dies and Michael’s daughter dies shortly after but instead of comforting each other Michael turns to his ex-wife (Carrie) and they have sex. Reasoning being he was grieving so much “it just happened”
Ellie sees Michael and Carrie kissing and instead of confronting Michael she bolts to New York where she meets Court Chandler and of course he just happens to be married!
Michael regrets what he has done and tries to speak with Ellie to sort their issues. He lies and tells Ellie that it only happened the once. Instead she speaks with her “best friend” Carrie and being that best friend Carrie tells Ellie how they “did it more than once”
But this saga gets worse.....
Ellie decides she's not going to tell Robert that his wife (Carrie) had cheated on him with her ex-husband. So her way to deal with Michael’s infidelity is to take off to Europe. She goes on a drinking binge (remember she has cancer and is pregnant) and sleeps with Court Chandler.
Moving on:
Ellie and Michael forgive each other but then Michael leaves her because he finds out she is still talking with Court Chandler.
Ellie has a double mastectomy (the cancer has come back) and gives birth to twins (coincidently a boy and girl).
The author states this is “not a light, nice, airy romance and the story deals with some heavy subject matters. It’s not . It's not even a romance.
Untenable, baseless without sound judgement, weak, questionable, without grounds. A soap opera.
That about sums up this book.
So I will leave it there.
no-way-jose
November 20, 2018Cheaters... cheaters everywhere. Cheating 101. How to be cheated on and cheated with. Everything you need to know on the subject cheating you’ll find in this book.
With a dash of THAT disease we should not say aloud . 😝🤢🤮 And a daughter and a son’s death (not from the same parents). 🤪
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
With a dash of THAT disease we should not say aloud . 😝🤢🤮 And a daughter and a son’s death (not from the same parents). 🤪
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
never-no-way
April 15, 2018Never no way because it is a cheating fest with some unbearable characters.
See for yourselves in the following review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
See for yourselves in the following review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 17, 2012
I began reading this but I just can't continue. The premise of this book is excellent but the more and more time I invest in it the angrier I get. I understand every individual is different and people deal with stress, loss, sickness and tragedy in their own unique way, but I just don't find this believable at all. I have intimate knowledge of the hardships Ellie faced and how she reacts to her cancer and to her husband and best friend's betrayal just pissed me off.
Just about every line written was off putting for me. The writing is choppy and I felt like I was reading the monotonous voice of a robot. There was very little dialogue between the characters and the way each sentence was written was the classic "telling not showing" type of writing. I can't get emotionally involved in a "romance" that is not only written with the same characteristic form as a text book, but the main character is demonstrated as an extremely unrealistic portrayal of what one's reactions would be if put in Ellie's shoes.
I read every book I come across that has a main heroine tackle breast cancer. I am thirsty to have the emotions put on paper, both the fight with the sickness and the triumph of being cancer free, but this was almost insulting in its simplicity.
Just about every line written was off putting for me. The writing is choppy and I felt like I was reading the monotonous voice of a robot. There was very little dialogue between the characters and the way each sentence was written was the classic "telling not showing" type of writing. I can't get emotionally involved in a "romance" that is not only written with the same characteristic form as a text book, but the main character is demonstrated as an extremely unrealistic portrayal of what one's reactions would be if put in Ellie's shoes.
I read every book I come across that has a main heroine tackle breast cancer. I am thirsty to have the emotions put on paper, both the fight with the sickness and the triumph of being cancer free, but this was almost insulting in its simplicity.
March 19, 2012
You know those movies where some journalist, writer, reviewer or critiq stares at the blank screen trying to write something, but can not? That little line is just blinking at you and nothing else is happening? Your fingers are suspended over the keyboard not because you do not have anything to write but because you have TOO MUCH and you have no idea where to start?
I am there now. I am in that scene. And I am loosing my mind!
Let me tell you…this is chick lit, in a way. And it is also a cheater romance.
And when I say cheater, I am not sure I can stress the cheater part enough.
Me being a universal ‘cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater’ hater you would think I could not stomached to read this book trough!
I could, and, strangely, I did not dislike it.
I did not love it. I did not feel right about it. I was profoundly unsettled by all the bad karma going around in there, but it was still a good book.
A really really good book. And here I can not stress the word ‘really’ enough!
Somehow, this author started with a already controversial story…and then she threw in death, jealousy, villainess that are never evil enough for you to point a finger at them, pregnancies , and paternities (I think I was actually covered in sweat when those were questioned. Both times!), adultery, love, brake downs, cancer…I would say ‘and the kitchen sink’ but it would sound offensive. This whole tsunami of plots and plot devices…WORKED! I am not able to say how, but it did. And that makes this author one heck of a writer.
Plot flow, actions, consequence discussion and the general feel of the things I liked or disliked are ahead. Those of you who do not want to know what I am talking about-do not click on this spoiler:
Do I recommend this book? Yes. But to specific masses.
Who?
Cheater romance lovers that want to see something different.
People that love angsty drama that is never over the top,but is still gut wrenching.
To those that want to cry their eyes out over their novels.
Do I like this book?
Maybe. Maybe not. Mostly not. It depends on the second and the first thing that comes to my mind about it. As a whole I RESPECT this book. But it is still not my kind of ‘romance’.
Bonus time
My play list for this book:
I am there now. I am in that scene. And I am loosing my mind!
Let me tell you…this is chick lit, in a way. And it is also a cheater romance.
And when I say cheater, I am not sure I can stress the cheater part enough.
Me being a universal ‘cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater’ hater you would think I could not stomached to read this book trough!
I could, and, strangely, I did not dislike it.
I did not love it. I did not feel right about it. I was profoundly unsettled by all the bad karma going around in there, but it was still a good book.
A really really good book. And here I can not stress the word ‘really’ enough!
Somehow, this author started with a already controversial story…and then she threw in death, jealousy, villainess that are never evil enough for you to point a finger at them, pregnancies , and paternities (I think I was actually covered in sweat when those were questioned. Both times!), adultery, love, brake downs, cancer…I would say ‘and the kitchen sink’ but it would sound offensive. This whole tsunami of plots and plot devices…WORKED! I am not able to say how, but it did. And that makes this author one heck of a writer.
Plot flow, actions, consequence discussion and the general feel of the things I liked or disliked are ahead. Those of you who do not want to know what I am talking about-do not click on this spoiler:
Do I recommend this book? Yes. But to specific masses.
Who?
Cheater romance lovers that want to see something different.
People that love angsty drama that is never over the top,but is still gut wrenching.
To those that want to cry their eyes out over their novels.
Do I like this book?
Maybe. Maybe not. Mostly not. It depends on the second and the first thing that comes to my mind about it. As a whole I RESPECT this book. But it is still not my kind of ‘romance’.
Bonus time
My play list for this book:
October 15, 2024
Well, this could have been so much but it turned out to be a soap opera of the 90s.
Everyone screw with everyone.
People die, but not those you would like to.
Everyone hurt, but those who more deserve it hurt less.
Cheating and promiscuity are so common that sister wives shush.
I don’t even know where to begin.
There are two couples of friends, married with children for two decades.
The heroine is bff with ow, she finds out ow is screwing her husband for months, on the same day she finds out she has cancer.
On the same day she has sex with bff husband, who tells her he’s always been in love with her.
Her husband dumps ow/bff when he learns the heroine has cancer but then he divorces her when he learns she had sex with om, and om is angry when he finds out the heroine had sex with her husband after they had sex.
First awful thing. The husband who’s a had an affair for eight months dumps the heroine because she had sex once with om? And with cancer?
The heroine has to have surgery all alone.
Then bff ow and her ex husband get married and ow’s ex marries the heroine.
One of the heroine’s kid and her husband’s daughter die in an accident.
The heroine is preggo and she doesn’t know whose is.
She decides no chemo after radio because of the kid.
She finds out her husband has an affair with his ex wife/ow/exbff.
At that point the heroine leaves and goes abroad. There she meets a younger man, a famous rich ceo and they have an affair.
Soap opera material, really.
New om and she have an affair, they fall in love.
The heroine falls in love as a 12 yo, a new guy each month.
New om takes her back when he learns she has to have chemo.
She’s back and her ex bff asks her not to tell her husband aka the heroine’s first husband, that she cheated on him with her ex. Had I been the heroine I would have had a family dinner, complete with children, in-laws and some friends, and I would have told everyone that that filthy cheating liar asshole of my second husband who told everyone he only ever loved me, screwed that whore extraordinaire of my ex bff who not only stole my husband nr1 but also nr2 because she’s a std ridden c*nt that can’t be trusted near a man under 80, and I would be very very pleased to tell this to my husband nr1 who dumped me sick and alone to be with that dirty c*m dumpster of a woman.
Sorry but in this situation classy I’m not and it’s not required.
So, scumbag husband nr1 gets to be happy and bff too. Really?
But things get worse.
The heroine apparently still has feeling for om who texts her relentlessly even if he’s married too, and eventually the press is involved and the heroine can’t deny to the hero she still has feelings for om2.
Cancer is back and she has a hard time alone, because her husband left her.
I lost all interest for the things because it was too much.
Sometimes less is more.
Here all is well but I don’t think so, because this husband nr2 imo is worth even less than husband nr 1 and ow ex bff is still around since her husband is also the father of two kids with the heroine. And in the end there are three more kids I suppose, twins with the heroine and new husband and one with ex bff and ex heroines husband.
But who cared in the end.
My feelings.
The heroine went through hell. She cheated but her cheating was always a reaction of her being cheated on. She wouldn’t have cheated either times if her husband had been faithful. Her bff makes the club whores of mc romances look like Virgin Mary. She’s selfish narcissistic manipulative bitch and she doesn’t care for anyone but herself.
The first husband was a pig and a weak idiot, but I am glad he’s been cuckolded by the woman he’s left the heroine for, I only wanted him to know, but I’m sure that whore will cheat on him again, in the future.
Husband number two is a liar and a cheat because he told the heroine he only loved her for years but cheated on her with his ex wife only weeks after he married the heroine.
Om 2 left the heroine because he was afraid of what cancer could mean. I didn’t like him, he was a only a band aid.
Those who didn’t have to die were the two 16 yo kids, who were in love, and were amazing. I wish it were ow and one of the husbands, both would be better.
I know I’m being bitchy but you can’t have this cavalier attitude to cheating, especially when the ow is your bff. It’s unrealistic. And when ow cheats again and again, well I think any friendship and any civil relationship must be ended, effective immediately.
So no, totally, completely and absolutely.
Everyone screw with everyone.
People die, but not those you would like to.
Everyone hurt, but those who more deserve it hurt less.
Cheating and promiscuity are so common that sister wives shush.
I don’t even know where to begin.
There are two couples of friends, married with children for two decades.
The heroine is bff with ow, she finds out ow is screwing her husband for months, on the same day she finds out she has cancer.
On the same day she has sex with bff husband, who tells her he’s always been in love with her.
Her husband dumps ow/bff when he learns the heroine has cancer but then he divorces her when he learns she had sex with om, and om is angry when he finds out the heroine had sex with her husband after they had sex.
First awful thing. The husband who’s a had an affair for eight months dumps the heroine because she had sex once with om? And with cancer?
The heroine has to have surgery all alone.
Then bff ow and her ex husband get married and ow’s ex marries the heroine.
One of the heroine’s kid and her husband’s daughter die in an accident.
The heroine is preggo and she doesn’t know whose is.
She decides no chemo after radio because of the kid.
She finds out her husband has an affair with his ex wife/ow/exbff.
At that point the heroine leaves and goes abroad. There she meets a younger man, a famous rich ceo and they have an affair.
Soap opera material, really.
New om and she have an affair, they fall in love.
The heroine falls in love as a 12 yo, a new guy each month.
New om takes her back when he learns she has to have chemo.
She’s back and her ex bff asks her not to tell her husband aka the heroine’s first husband, that she cheated on him with her ex. Had I been the heroine I would have had a family dinner, complete with children, in-laws and some friends, and I would have told everyone that that filthy cheating liar asshole of my second husband who told everyone he only ever loved me, screwed that whore extraordinaire of my ex bff who not only stole my husband nr1 but also nr2 because she’s a std ridden c*nt that can’t be trusted near a man under 80, and I would be very very pleased to tell this to my husband nr1 who dumped me sick and alone to be with that dirty c*m dumpster of a woman.
Sorry but in this situation classy I’m not and it’s not required.
So, scumbag husband nr1 gets to be happy and bff too. Really?
But things get worse.
The heroine apparently still has feeling for om who texts her relentlessly even if he’s married too, and eventually the press is involved and the heroine can’t deny to the hero she still has feelings for om2.
Cancer is back and she has a hard time alone, because her husband left her.
I lost all interest for the things because it was too much.
Sometimes less is more.
Here all is well but I don’t think so, because this husband nr2 imo is worth even less than husband nr 1 and ow ex bff is still around since her husband is also the father of two kids with the heroine. And in the end there are three more kids I suppose, twins with the heroine and new husband and one with ex bff and ex heroines husband.
But who cared in the end.
My feelings.
The heroine went through hell. She cheated but her cheating was always a reaction of her being cheated on. She wouldn’t have cheated either times if her husband had been faithful. Her bff makes the club whores of mc romances look like Virgin Mary. She’s selfish narcissistic manipulative bitch and she doesn’t care for anyone but herself.
The first husband was a pig and a weak idiot, but I am glad he’s been cuckolded by the woman he’s left the heroine for, I only wanted him to know, but I’m sure that whore will cheat on him again, in the future.
Husband number two is a liar and a cheat because he told the heroine he only loved her for years but cheated on her with his ex wife only weeks after he married the heroine.
Om 2 left the heroine because he was afraid of what cancer could mean. I didn’t like him, he was a only a band aid.
Those who didn’t have to die were the two 16 yo kids, who were in love, and were amazing. I wish it were ow and one of the husbands, both would be better.
I know I’m being bitchy but you can’t have this cavalier attitude to cheating, especially when the ow is your bff. It’s unrealistic. And when ow cheats again and again, well I think any friendship and any civil relationship must be ended, effective immediately.
So no, totally, completely and absolutely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2012
PHEW!This was my reaction by the time i completed this book,it was a roller coaster ride for my emotions from being so so pissed(towards all four of them) to feeling sorry for Ellen Kay cause she is the one who suffered so much pain may it emotionally or physically cause of treatments but all in all i can surely say this "Ellen Kay is not perfect,she may be weak at times but she is a brave character who withstood all the tragedies thrown at her by fate and hurt,pain,humiliation thrown at her by those people who are her friends and profess to love her.But i do not forgive her for lying around and cheating on Michael when he cheated on her-"TWO WRONG NEVER MAKE A RIGHT"
Carrie:What do i say about her whenever i think about her actions which destroyed two marriages and family my anger gets out of control.She is a Bit@@ with capital B,she does'nt love anyone not Micheal nor Robert the only thing that led her to sleep with both of them was cause they both wanted Ellen Kay.I do not buy her excuse for starting an affair with Robert,if she felt not loved and always knew Michael loved Ellen she should have first talked it out with Michael and them decide whether she will stay or get out of her marriage instead of betraying the marriage and friendship of 18 years.
Robert:One hell of a cheating -selfish man,he never loved Ellen Kay how conveniently he is having affair with his wife's best friend when he is caught-professing love and crying,no concern when Ellen tells him she has cancer he is busy saying sorry cause he is caught with his pants down.From few moments here n there i also felt he is not a good father.He failed as a husband and also failed as a father.
Micheal:I am confused as to what do i say about him,i can say he is good father and he was always there supporting and standing with Ellen through her treatments and surgeries but IF he loved Ellen all along and married Carrie on rebound if he is so clear on it then "Why did he sleep with her",he kept lying to Ellen when he is caught says it was nothing just happened but by what Carrie said its quiet obvious it was all planned after Elaina's death they again started their affair,What kind of love is this:(I do not buy their reason cause if he truly loved Ellen he would have been with Ellen sharing the grief and pain instead of having se@ in a hotel:(All i can say that Michael-Ellen rushed into marriage,they should have waited given time see where it went and then should have gotten married.
Lisa: May be i have gone crazy but i am very suspicious about this woman sometimes i felt she was jealous of Ellen and was trying to deliberately create problems for Ellen
Things that disappointed me was Carrie went unscathed with her actions she broke Ellen's trust twice still by the end she was back to coming n going in house,Robert not knowing about his second wife's cheating on him,Court-Eve Chandler wanted to know more about them.
I have my doubts over HEA.I firmly believe that "An Ex can never be just friends cause the spark and temptation is always there"
I liked the book but there was too much of cheating,for me if Micheal had not cheated on Ellen,we would have gotten to see their journey towards HEA it would have been a 5 star book for me.
Carrie:What do i say about her whenever i think about her actions which destroyed two marriages and family my anger gets out of control.She is a Bit@@ with capital B,she does'nt love anyone not Micheal nor Robert the only thing that led her to sleep with both of them was cause they both wanted Ellen Kay.I do not buy her excuse for starting an affair with Robert,if she felt not loved and always knew Michael loved Ellen she should have first talked it out with Michael and them decide whether she will stay or get out of her marriage instead of betraying the marriage and friendship of 18 years.
Robert:One hell of a cheating -selfish man,he never loved Ellen Kay how conveniently he is having affair with his wife's best friend when he is caught-professing love and crying,no concern when Ellen tells him she has cancer he is busy saying sorry cause he is caught with his pants down.From few moments here n there i also felt he is not a good father.He failed as a husband and also failed as a father.
Micheal:I am confused as to what do i say about him,i can say he is good father and he was always there supporting and standing with Ellen through her treatments and surgeries but IF he loved Ellen all along and married Carrie on rebound if he is so clear on it then "Why did he sleep with her",he kept lying to Ellen when he is caught says it was nothing just happened but by what Carrie said its quiet obvious it was all planned after Elaina's death they again started their affair,What kind of love is this:(I do not buy their reason cause if he truly loved Ellen he would have been with Ellen sharing the grief and pain instead of having se@ in a hotel:(All i can say that Michael-Ellen rushed into marriage,they should have waited given time see where it went and then should have gotten married.
Lisa: May be i have gone crazy but i am very suspicious about this woman sometimes i felt she was jealous of Ellen and was trying to deliberately create problems for Ellen
Things that disappointed me was Carrie went unscathed with her actions she broke Ellen's trust twice still by the end she was back to coming n going in house,Robert not knowing about his second wife's cheating on him,Court-Eve Chandler wanted to know more about them.
I have my doubts over HEA.I firmly believe that "An Ex can never be just friends cause the spark and temptation is always there"
I liked the book but there was too much of cheating,for me if Micheal had not cheated on Ellen,we would have gotten to see their journey towards HEA it would have been a 5 star book for me.
March 12, 2014
This book was very disturbing to me. The female character had already gone through so much finding out her husband had cheated-then longtime friend whose wife cheats with before mentioned husband comes in to save the day. NOT!! Tragedy strikes and has him running back into his wifes arms and the female lead running off to another city where she meets a young billionaire who sweeps her off her feet and carries her away to his island. (oh did I mention she is very pregnant when this happens) I mean really. I know people are messed up in real life but we don't really want to read about it in books
January 13, 2015
This is one of the worst books I've ever read. All the main characters did was cheating around each other. Such a disturbing story ugghh
did-i-read-this
April 17, 2021I know I read this
November 30, 2012
Definitely a roller coaster... When I saw a tagline that has that phrase, I tend to think that it wouldn't be that effective. However, it was! I bought this book months ago and I finally had a chance to read it. This author is new to me.
But I'm glad that I got the chance to try her out. This book... It starts with this woman who was trying to keep her life together after finding out that her husband was cheating on her with her own best friend. How dare she do that to this woman? And worst of all, she was in the doctor's room being informed that she has cancer.. breast cancer. That's scary from the doctor who happened to be the best friend's husband. She found out that he had known for a while.
Then her life falls apart... So many trials that one would think that she's a saint. Then she did have a mental breakdown at one point and honestly, I actually commended her for taking it in stride for SO LONG! I think that if I was in her shoes, I probably would have broken apart at a previous event that changes my life. No wonder why people are telling her that she's amazing, amazing. And she wonders why people thinks her of that so obviously she has self-esteem issues that I don't think anyone realizes until later in the story.
I would give this a 5 star but there were few lines that were too repetitive - "You're my only wish"... "Untenable..." and so on and on. There were a few grammatical errors like the author forgot to put a " in the sentence to complete it. Name was misspelled a couple times. However, it was not enough to distract me from the story which was nice! However, the repetitive lines were what made me drop one star. I still will read one of her books and I'm glad to see that I also have another of hers - Seeing Julia!
But I'm glad that I got the chance to try her out. This book... It starts with this woman who was trying to keep her life together after finding out that her husband was cheating on her with her own best friend. How dare she do that to this woman? And worst of all, she was in the doctor's room being informed that she has cancer.. breast cancer. That's scary from the doctor who happened to be the best friend's husband. She found out that he had known for a while.
Then her life falls apart... So many trials that one would think that she's a saint. Then she did have a mental breakdown at one point and honestly, I actually commended her for taking it in stride for SO LONG! I think that if I was in her shoes, I probably would have broken apart at a previous event that changes my life. No wonder why people are telling her that she's amazing, amazing. And she wonders why people thinks her of that so obviously she has self-esteem issues that I don't think anyone realizes until later in the story.
I would give this a 5 star but there were few lines that were too repetitive - "You're my only wish"... "Untenable..." and so on and on. There were a few grammatical errors like the author forgot to put a " in the sentence to complete it. Name was misspelled a couple times. However, it was not enough to distract me from the story which was nice! However, the repetitive lines were what made me drop one star. I still will read one of her books and I'm glad to see that I also have another of hers - Seeing Julia!
June 25, 2011
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
“Not To Us” by Katherine Clare Owen is unquestionably a roller coaster ride. The reader goes on this ride with Ellen Kay “Ellie” Bradford as she discovers that her husband Robert is having an affair with her best friend Carrie. Shortly after this discovery, Ellie, mother of three children, is diagnosed with breast cancer. Carrie’s husband Michael, an accomplished surgeon, is determined to save Ellie’s life in view of the fact that he’s loved her since college.
I really enjoyed this book as painful as it was to read. I am sure that Chapter 14 was the most difficult part of this book to write because it was definitely the most difficult part to read. It was certainly a turning point that I was not prepared for. This is where the story really picks up speed. I could not put the book down. Just when you think that things are going to get better for Ellie… bam… more pain and heartache. So much for a person to endure. A great unpredictable book with astonishing surprises.
“Not To Us” by Katherine Clare Owen is unquestionably a roller coaster ride. The reader goes on this ride with Ellen Kay “Ellie” Bradford as she discovers that her husband Robert is having an affair with her best friend Carrie. Shortly after this discovery, Ellie, mother of three children, is diagnosed with breast cancer. Carrie’s husband Michael, an accomplished surgeon, is determined to save Ellie’s life in view of the fact that he’s loved her since college.
I really enjoyed this book as painful as it was to read. I am sure that Chapter 14 was the most difficult part of this book to write because it was definitely the most difficult part to read. It was certainly a turning point that I was not prepared for. This is where the story really picks up speed. I could not put the book down. Just when you think that things are going to get better for Ellie… bam… more pain and heartache. So much for a person to endure. A great unpredictable book with astonishing surprises.
November 1, 2011
Review by Judy: crafted flawlessly in first-person present tense, a difficult mechanism. Ellie’s emotional journey is explored in depth; readers will recognize and identify with many of her thoughts and feelings. However, the overall plot strains belief.
Ms Owen writes well. The story has tremendous possibilities, but in the opinion of this reviewer the characters’ actions and reactions to the situations in which they find themselves seem unrealistic. The topics of surviving cancer, divorce, and personal tragedy are certainly relevant but call for a more balanced approach by mature adults. While people may feel they are on a rollercoaster, as rational (or even irrational) human beings, they are well aware of the necessity to traverse the ground below with some plan and purpose.
At this writing, the novel has received four five-star reviews at Amazon.com, so readers considering the book might want to check there for another insight.
Ms Owen writes well. The story has tremendous possibilities, but in the opinion of this reviewer the characters’ actions and reactions to the situations in which they find themselves seem unrealistic. The topics of surviving cancer, divorce, and personal tragedy are certainly relevant but call for a more balanced approach by mature adults. While people may feel they are on a rollercoaster, as rational (or even irrational) human beings, they are well aware of the necessity to traverse the ground below with some plan and purpose.
At this writing, the novel has received four five-star reviews at Amazon.com, so readers considering the book might want to check there for another insight.
February 16, 2012
To be honest, the premise of this book is really far-fetched even for a fictional account. BUT...I really liked the gist of it anyway.
Ellie married Bobby. Carrie, Ellie's best friend from college, married Michael. They've been friends forever and Michael is Ellie's doctor. On the day he tells her she has cancer, she tells him...well, you soon find out.
I cried a good portion of the way through this book once I got to Chapter 14, which I did NOT SEE COMING AT ALL, MS. OWEN. If you can make your way through the first 13 chapters, I promise you that after chapter 14 they speed by and you're left wondering if you really just read all that.
{I was pleasantly surprised to see Kimberely from Seeing Julia in this book.}
Ellie married Bobby. Carrie, Ellie's best friend from college, married Michael. They've been friends forever and Michael is Ellie's doctor. On the day he tells her she has cancer, she tells him...well, you soon find out.
I cried a good portion of the way through this book once I got to Chapter 14, which I did NOT SEE COMING AT ALL, MS. OWEN. If you can make your way through the first 13 chapters, I promise you that after chapter 14 they speed by and you're left wondering if you really just read all that.
{I was pleasantly surprised to see Kimberely from Seeing Julia in this book.}
August 15, 2012
With friends like this, who needs enemies? Apparently this woman did as I'm sure they would have treated her better than her supposed best friend. Hell, even better than her husbands, first AND second.
This book left me drained and depressed. For a h touted as being so strong and extraordinary, I wished she had even more backbone to walk away.
Seriously. If I was surrounded by only these people, death would have been merciful.
The writing was actually good; but the storyline was unbelievable... at least in my mind it was. It would send me spiraling downward to realize this really does happen.
This book left me drained and depressed. For a h touted as being so strong and extraordinary, I wished she had even more backbone to walk away.
Seriously. If I was surrounded by only these people, death would have been merciful.
The writing was actually good; but the storyline was unbelievable... at least in my mind it was. It would send me spiraling downward to realize this really does happen.
March 24, 2012
I Love love loved this book!!!!! I have to say that I chose to read it because I share the same name as the author, if she has my name the book HAD to be good, right?! I read it in a day, i could not put it down, i just had to see what was going to happen in the tangled mess the characters had created for themselves! It mad me laugh, cry, and so sad when I came to the end!
October 20, 2013
Another great read by Katherine Owen. This book drags you in from the very first page. There was literally a twist and turn every other chapter. When you thought that was it.......boom!
A book that will pull at your heart strings for many a reason. It has it all in bucket loads, love, loss, betrayal, heartbreak. Keep the tissues handy!
A book that will pull at your heart strings for many a reason. It has it all in bucket loads, love, loss, betrayal, heartbreak. Keep the tissues handy!
October 19, 2015
What the F did I just read??? I have never met a more f'up cast of characters... I don't even know how to process my feelings right now and that is why I am giving this book a 5. This book provoked the hell out of me. Still try to process....
August 2, 2012
At times I hated it, but it kept me jones-ing for more.
February 12, 2012
Isn’t it true that when horrible things happen to others, we are quick to think that it won’t happen to us? That’s exactly what “Not To Us” is centered on.
Friends since college, Ellie, her husband and their mutual friends had it all. Each with successful careers, children and living comfortable lives, when out of the blue divorce, infidelity, breast cancer, death and betrayal swoops down on all of them, especially Ellie - cutting a swathe of destruction on many levels through her life.
At one point I was asking myself: what else can go wrong in these people's lives? To add to all the upheaval in her life, Ellie meets a man who means well but causes the ultimate complication in an already out of control situation. It thoroughly baffled me that so much can go wrong between two couples - including a complete partner swop - while they still try and hang on to their friendship.
The romantic relationships in “Not To Us” are masterfully described. In fact, the sweet parts as well as some of the almost poignantly sad moments often brought tears to my eyes. The romantic involvements of especially the main character is put under the microscope with the main relationship being put to the test multiple times until I thought that there was no way in which any relationship can withstand this much trial. You will have to wait right up to the end to see whether this happens or not.
The story is written in the present tense and from the first person perspective of the main character, which deeply involves the reader in Ellie’s thoughts, emotions and moral struggles. This makes the whole story just that much more realistic and believable. The problems addressed are those that happen to people all the time: Ellie's best friend betraying her again and again, ensuing divorce; the onset of breast cancer; an unexpected pregnancy - and all of that within the group of friends who had been together for twenty years and more.
Reading this book was quite an emotional roller coaster ride for me, as things don’t end with these trials and tribulations but declines further into more betrayal and sorrow. This is not your average quick-read romance, but a book to be read at leisure so as to enjoy every moment thereof. It touches you on different emotional levels and forces the reader to face many truths; that we have no control over our lives, no matter how hard we try. What makes the difference though, is how we deal with it.
Excerpt:
“It's true; my mind has already begun the slow descent into disbelief. It races with this one pervasive thought: this can't be happening, not to us.” (Ellen Fritz)
Friends since college, Ellie, her husband and their mutual friends had it all. Each with successful careers, children and living comfortable lives, when out of the blue divorce, infidelity, breast cancer, death and betrayal swoops down on all of them, especially Ellie - cutting a swathe of destruction on many levels through her life.
At one point I was asking myself: what else can go wrong in these people's lives? To add to all the upheaval in her life, Ellie meets a man who means well but causes the ultimate complication in an already out of control situation. It thoroughly baffled me that so much can go wrong between two couples - including a complete partner swop - while they still try and hang on to their friendship.
The romantic relationships in “Not To Us” are masterfully described. In fact, the sweet parts as well as some of the almost poignantly sad moments often brought tears to my eyes. The romantic involvements of especially the main character is put under the microscope with the main relationship being put to the test multiple times until I thought that there was no way in which any relationship can withstand this much trial. You will have to wait right up to the end to see whether this happens or not.
The story is written in the present tense and from the first person perspective of the main character, which deeply involves the reader in Ellie’s thoughts, emotions and moral struggles. This makes the whole story just that much more realistic and believable. The problems addressed are those that happen to people all the time: Ellie's best friend betraying her again and again, ensuing divorce; the onset of breast cancer; an unexpected pregnancy - and all of that within the group of friends who had been together for twenty years and more.
Reading this book was quite an emotional roller coaster ride for me, as things don’t end with these trials and tribulations but declines further into more betrayal and sorrow. This is not your average quick-read romance, but a book to be read at leisure so as to enjoy every moment thereof. It touches you on different emotional levels and forces the reader to face many truths; that we have no control over our lives, no matter how hard we try. What makes the difference though, is how we deal with it.
Excerpt:
“It's true; my mind has already begun the slow descent into disbelief. It races with this one pervasive thought: this can't be happening, not to us.” (Ellen Fritz)
August 16, 2012
I really enjoyed reading "Not To Us". Katherine is a brilliant writer. Ellie who is married to Robert, they have 3 kids Nick, Matthew, and Emily. Michael is married to Carrie and they have 1 child Elaine. Ellie learns she has breast cancer. Michael says that he will take care of her. Robert has an affair with Carrie, while Michael and Ellie have an affair. Robert ends up marrying Carrie in Vegas. Michael and Ellie get married later on. Then the unthinkable happens Nick dies in a car accident, while Elaine is on life support and later on she dies. Nick and Elaine are both cremated. After Ellie finds Michael kissing his ex-wife Carrie in the car, Ellie takes off to New York. While in New York, Ellie meets Court Chandler who ends up falling for Ellie and takes her with him to Paris. Ellie has an affair with Court. He brings her back to Seattle once he finds out about her having breast cancer. Michael finds out about Ellie's affair with Court. Once Ellie has some tests done she finds out the cancer has returned and must have a double mastectomy and chemo. She is also pregnant when she undergoes chemo, that is one reason she put it off for so long. Michael comes back to Ellie before the she has her baby. While doing a sonogram, the doctor's discover a second baby. Ellie gives birth to twins, a boy and a girl. The baby boys name is Beaumont Michael Shaw, but they call him Beau. The baby girls name is Ava Katherine Shaw. In the end Michael and Ellie express their love for each other. They end up going to Paris for their first wedding anniversary.
The story is filled with happy times, sad times, and confusing time. I laughed, I cried, and I rejoiced with the characters. It felt like I was in their shoes and knew exactly how they were feeling.
Read
March 25, 2012I wrote it! "Not To Us" takes readers on a roller coaster ride with Ellen Kay "Ellie" Bradford whose perfect live is unraveling with her best friend Carrie's betrayal with her husband Robert and finding out she has breast cancer in the first three pages, but her misfortunes lead her to Michael Shaw (Carrie's soon-to-be-ex). Before long, things seem to be working out perfectly for Ellie and Michael, but then their newly-formed bond is tested like never before. This book isn't for everyone, but if you enjoy a little bit of drama; a heroine's personal journey into finding herself and contemplating life's paths taken/not taken; love; tears; and joy; you might enjoy this novel.
Merged review:
Author' note: As the author, let me be clear: this is NOT a book about a woman surviving breast cancer. It is not focused upon that aspect. This is a book about a midlife crisis and facing tragedy and grief and how it changes you.
As one reader put it: "Strong characterizations and intriguing plot lines kept me riveted to this novel. The storyline of couples facing midlife crisis that tears them apart and still brings them together is very moving..."
Marta Hartman
BookRooster
OVERVIEW:
Ellie's perfect world unravels.
A best friend's betrayal ends her marriage.
An alarming diagnosis threatens her life.
Yet.
It all leads to Michael...
But, fate soon tests their perfect union.
And, begs the question: if you get a second chance, do you take a different path?
Merged review:
Author' note: As the author, let me be clear: this is NOT a book about a woman surviving breast cancer. It is not focused upon that aspect. This is a book about a midlife crisis and facing tragedy and grief and how it changes you.
As one reader put it: "Strong characterizations and intriguing plot lines kept me riveted to this novel. The storyline of couples facing midlife crisis that tears them apart and still brings them together is very moving..."
Marta Hartman
BookRooster
OVERVIEW:
Ellie's perfect world unravels.
A best friend's betrayal ends her marriage.
An alarming diagnosis threatens her life.
Yet.
It all leads to Michael...
But, fate soon tests their perfect union.
And, begs the question: if you get a second chance, do you take a different path?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2012
I've been stuck in the paranormal/young adult genre for a while now, but my good friend told me this was a must read. She was so excited about it so I bought it instantly. I was not disappointed! I loved the story and the writing was fantastic! I spent the better part of my day today, at work, reading. I didn't get anything done except for the occassional phone call. I went through the range of emotions with Ellie and for her. One minute I was happy, then I was crying, and then I was angry. I was totally invested and can understand portions of Ellie's grief and insecurities. In fact, I said out loud at one point, "Ellie, you need therapy. And take Michael with you." She ended up doing it. Ooooh but let me tell you what, the Carrie is a skank to the nth degree. Ellie is a better woman than I because I wouldn't be able to forgive her much less allow her to hold my baby! But in the end, I guess one of the points to the story is the power of forgiveness and love; forgiveness and love between spouses and forgiveness and love between best friends. It was such a great read! There is a new author on my radar now! Well done!
January 19, 2016
I'm not even sure where to start with this review. First I will say that I gave this story 4 stars because of the writing and not the storyline. I cannot and will not degrade a story just because the content is off my morality chart or out of my comfort zone, that is not why I read books. I read books to stretch my mind and explore different views of romance. Enough with my rant on to why I gave this story and author 4 stars....
Ellie is this strong woman that just gets hit with a whole lot of LIFE!!! Heartbreak and struggles, love and loss, endings and beginnings, Ellen Kay goes through it all and this roller coaster of a journey is not easy to read at times. I wanted to smack her through the book and then other times just wanted to cry with her struggles and heartbreak. Through it all (if you complete the book) I learned that life can suck, it can be hard, we all make mistakes, and no one is perfect. I appreciate Ellie's journey and even though this is a work of fiction so many aspects of this story could be real life. Live life to the fullest because you never know what the next moment will bring you.
Ellie is this strong woman that just gets hit with a whole lot of LIFE!!! Heartbreak and struggles, love and loss, endings and beginnings, Ellen Kay goes through it all and this roller coaster of a journey is not easy to read at times. I wanted to smack her through the book and then other times just wanted to cry with her struggles and heartbreak. Through it all (if you complete the book) I learned that life can suck, it can be hard, we all make mistakes, and no one is perfect. I appreciate Ellie's journey and even though this is a work of fiction so many aspects of this story could be real life. Live life to the fullest because you never know what the next moment will bring you.
April 11, 2015
I can't begin to express how much this book disturbed me, where do I start, should it be with the immaturity of the adults and how the children show more maturity in their little fingers then the parents. Or how this was a book about polyamourse relationship then of true love, these selfish characters only new how to destroy each other's lives and other unsepecting marriages along the way as well.
Unbelievable destructive story, it's a shame because the author can write, and writes well, I just can't get over how she portrayed a pregnant cancer patiant throughout this book, of the relationship she countlessly forgives of she cheating best friend with both her husband's, if there was ever a reason to have a down and dirty wrestling fight it was with the panty dropping Carrie, not forgive her transgressions when they are all with your husbands, having you get divorced from your 18 yr marriage to find her cheating with your prestent husband which turns out is Carries ex husband, go figure this was a morally corrupt read from the start, I feel for those kids in the story line having to grow up in that environment, ugly.
Unbelievable destructive story, it's a shame because the author can write, and writes well, I just can't get over how she portrayed a pregnant cancer patiant throughout this book, of the relationship she countlessly forgives of she cheating best friend with both her husband's, if there was ever a reason to have a down and dirty wrestling fight it was with the panty dropping Carrie, not forgive her transgressions when they are all with your husbands, having you get divorced from your 18 yr marriage to find her cheating with your prestent husband which turns out is Carries ex husband, go figure this was a morally corrupt read from the start, I feel for those kids in the story line having to grow up in that environment, ugly.
July 7, 2011
This author weaves a gripping, and emotionally taut story. Robert & Ellie's perfect marriage is suddenly destroyed by infidelity. Ellie's world comes toppling down on her as she battles breast cancer, anger, resentment and betrayal.
If that wasn't enough, more things come at Ellie that shake her to her very core. Ellie's breast cancer is not the main issue here. It's about healing, forgiveness, and learning to trust again. This story is not predictable by any means and there are several twists that I did not see coming.
The author does an outstanding job fleshing out these characters. They seem real and I truly cared what happened to every one of them. The dialogue is well-written as is the interaction between the characters. The book flows at a steady pace and does not get bogged down in it's own plot. Be warned though, this is a two-hanky book.
It's an excellent read!
If that wasn't enough, more things come at Ellie that shake her to her very core. Ellie's breast cancer is not the main issue here. It's about healing, forgiveness, and learning to trust again. This story is not predictable by any means and there are several twists that I did not see coming.
The author does an outstanding job fleshing out these characters. They seem real and I truly cared what happened to every one of them. The dialogue is well-written as is the interaction between the characters. The book flows at a steady pace and does not get bogged down in it's own plot. Be warned though, this is a two-hanky book.
It's an excellent read!
November 19, 2011
This book was the epitome of an emotional rollercoaster, and I say that with a smile on my face. I love when I'm able to read a book and realize that part of it seems realistic, while the other part has that hint of unrealistic behavior. That is how I would describe Ellie. In many cases, I believe that she personifies the type of person many of us long to be. Of course, we would never tell anyone this dirty little secret. I read through this book rather quickly, because it captivated me so much and I just had to see what was going to be on the next page. I can't wait to read more from this author.
January 1, 2013
I loved this book, I have just finished it. I found myself lost in the characters and there feelings, of how Ellie deals with cancer. I cried so many times. It's one of the best books I have ever read. I loved how court always came up somehow after Ellie meeting, and falling in love with. Even thought she denied her lover for him.
I loved little Emily the sassy 7 year old who; always somehow made a dark moment funny or happy and made them all laugh. Michael who was always looking out for his mom, such a sweetie. and Elaina and Nick, I can't count how many times I have cried while I read this book, such a moving and inspiring book, to read I recommend this to anyone.
I loved little Emily the sassy 7 year old who; always somehow made a dark moment funny or happy and made them all laugh. Michael who was always looking out for his mom, such a sweetie. and Elaina and Nick, I can't count how many times I have cried while I read this book, such a moving and inspiring book, to read I recommend this to anyone.
August 20, 2011
I received a free copy of this book to review and I have to say I loved it. It is the story of how a woman's life falls apart from one day to the next and how she keeps it together. Or not. It brought tears to my eyes more that once but also made me laugh a few times. The only bad thing I can say about it is there were many errors/misuses in wording and punctuation throughout the book that made me have to reread to try to figure out what is trying to be said. I'm not sure if that is because I read a kindle version or not, but it should have been proofreader better.
November 13, 2012
2.5 stars... but as usual, i am generous and bumping it up not down... I am completely torn... I hated it and I loved it. Up until about 50% through I thought about not finishing it, but I am not one to do that... So I finished it. For me, the book kind of picked up and I was able to continue... The writing was good, the storyline, well it was different... With this story line, I will not make any recommendations to read it or not to read it. I think this is a book that each person has to make their own opinion on.
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