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Naya Adams has given up on feeling loved. A walking cliché, Naya lost her parents in a freak car accident at thirteen and has been living with her detached foster 'adults' ever since. When Naya enrolls in one of the most respected theatre programs in New England, she is more than eager to trade in her pain for the spotlight. College would finally be the fresh start she'd longed for.

Unfortunately for Naya, her high school boyfriend, and abuser, Seth, tags along, trapping her in the cycle of tarnished love.

Accustomed to emotional numbness, Naya enters her first acting class, unaware of what was waiting on the other side of the door: her Twin Flame. Rarer and more intense than soulmates, Twin Flames search for centuries looking for their other half. It is in another student, an olive-skinned and terribly scarred sophomore named Etash, that Naya will discover what being loved really means.

Although they both try to resist each other, their bond is ultimately too strong. Together they'll learn that this is not the first time they have been pulled together, nor will it be their last.

But how will her abuser react to Naya's new flame?

Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2011

109 people are currently reading
1335 people want to read

About the author

Danielle Bannister

28 books240 followers
Danielle Bannister, a.k.a. Dani Bannister is a best-selling author who lives with her two children in Midcoast Maine along with her precious peppermint mocha creamer. She holds a BA in Theatre from the University of Southern Maine and her Masters in Literary Education from the University of Orono. When she's not on the stage, or on the page, you'll find her binge-watching Marvel Movies. As one does.

You can also join her newsletter at:

http://https://bookhip.com/BZHAHJM

or

You can visit her website at:

http://daniellebannister.com/

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews632 followers
November 14, 2016
Her life has been filled with sorrow and loneliness, but Naya is picking up the pieces and moving on, toward a new life, one more emotionally healthy, free from her sadistic boyfriend, Seth…or so she thought.

Etash is scarred, a loner and uncomfortable in his own damaged skin, but when he meets Naya, they both feel an inexplicable pull that brings them together mentally, emotionally and physically.

When fate casts them as Romeo and Juliet, the attraction only grows to painful proportions.
Naya has Seth to contend with, she tried to leave him behind, but he refuses to take no for an answer and forces his twisted idea of “love’ on a girl who has been emotionally damaged for years.

It is only when she is around Etash that she learns the truth of what love should be. But there is more to their story, and it answers the questions of their instant attraction, is there something in their past, will it be something that pulls them together again and again in their future?
We have heard about soul mates, but theirs is a force far more powerful, they are Twin Flames, but will fate quash the raging inferno they share? What part does Seth play in all of this?

Chaotic, unexpected twists highlight this tale of true love. Danielle Bannister’s PULLEDis intense, although sometimes not as forth coming with details as we would like. Is that is preparation for future installments? Here lies a tale that will make you have to think while reading as it takes us down dark twists and frightening turns and then brings us to a point of love and light only to send us back around with head-spinning sharpness.

Series: Twin Flames Trilogy - Book 1
Publisher: Danielle Bannister; 3 edition (September 13, 2011)
Publication Date: September 13, 2011
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 244 pages
Available FREE from: AmazonBarnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Profile Image for Lindsey.
93 reviews9 followers
November 27, 2011
At first I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. However I listened to the tiny voice in my head and clicked buy. From the moment I opened this book I became engrossed with the characters and the story they so brilliantly told! The title of the book sums up perfectly how I feel about it. I was pulled into a story that captured my heart, kept me anticipating with ever turn of the page and left me waiting for the sequel Pushed Back. So if by the off chance your reading this review Mrs Bannister... You've pulled me in so please hurry I'm not sure I can be a patient person!
Profile Image for Brooke.
29 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2013
The premise of this book is interesting and I think there is the potential of a great story. However, this book reads like a 15-year old's first attempt at a short story that ends up becoming a long (and drawn out) story because the author doesn't know how to concisely get from point A to point B. I was surprised to find that the author is an adult. She has a horrible habit of telling instead of showing which results in writing that feels contrived and stilted.

My problems with the story:

Every heated conversation results in someone hissing at someone else, which I tired of after reading some form of hiss for the third time (yet the hissing continues 14 more times through the book).

There's quite a bit of use of the word "firm". Bodies are pressing firmly, arms are wrapping firmly, voices are firm, butts are firmly planted in chairs. Firm, firm, firm.

I was taught that adverb writing is lazy writing, so have a hard time with the overuse of -ly words.

I hate characters who can't be together because of misunderstanding after misunderstanding. "I can't tell him I love him. He obviously doesn't like me because he ____, ____ and ____." "I can't tell her I need to be with her because she obviously doesn't like me since I _____, ____, and ____."

It's wearing to constantly read at how surprised a character is by how angry/protective/hostile/violent s/he sounds when s/he speaks.

Etash's fighting against his grandmother's "visions" or advice or whatever doesn't make sense, especially with the inexplicable pull he has to Naya, their matching facial scars and their matching tattoos.

The timeline doesn't seem to match up. We learn that Naya's parents died when she was 15, but that Etash was involved in the car crash in which Naya's parents die when he was 13. We aren't told how old the characters are, but are given the impression that Etash has been in college for at least 1 full year and Naya is an incoming freshman.

Naya's relationship with Seth makes absolutely no sense. She doesn't want him to beat her, but she feels like she deserves it and also kind of wants him to beat her so she can feel something aside from numbness. Also, she doesn't read like a broken headcase. She reads very level-headed, but she tells us that she's a broken headcase. Too much contradiction.

The book wasn't a total bust. I was surprised at how quickly the story line pulled me in. I liked the alternating character POVs. I feel like with proper revision and lots of editing to polish all the rough edges, this could be a great read instead of a mediocre one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christine.
168 reviews14 followers
April 14, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. I started it on a Friday, and woke up early on Saturday to finish it ( I mean, who wakes up early on a Saturday!?)This book drew me in from the very beginning and I honestly didn't want to put it down, and became cranky when life forced me to. I loved both characters, and how their story unfolded. I did not expect it to end the way it did, which is all I can say without including spoilers. I am anxiously awaiting book two. If you are looking for a good romance, look no further!
Profile Image for Sonia.
69 reviews7 followers
June 12, 2012
This book had so much potential. The story concept was unique and interesting, but it just kind of fell flat for me. Something about the writing was "off" for me, I can't quite put my finger on it, but it just didn't feel right. And for all the build up in the beginning of the book, the middle and end felt rushed and incomplete.

Also, I hated the ending, but that might just be my own personal reaction.

I was disappointed.
Profile Image for Amy Miles.
Author 66 books599 followers
December 2, 2011
This book was a delightful read. I finished it the same day I received it. Entertaining, compelling and I am a huge fan of the final twist. A must read for anyone looking for a good book to cuddle up with on a cold winter's afternoon.
Profile Image for Carissa Kauwell.
82 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2011
“Pulled” is a great first novel by Maine author Danielle Bannister. The story immediately “pulls” you in with its intrigue and mystery, wanting to figure out the back story of the two main characters, Naya and Etash. I enjoyed the way the author told the story through both of their points of view. It lent a richness to the novel, allowing the reader to get a full understanding of what was happening. The swapping back and forth of perspectives was done seamlessly, making for easy transitions while reading.

What I loved most about the book was the ending. Don’t worry, I’m not going to spoil it for you. I tend to be a difficult reader for authors to please when it comes to satisfying me with the conclusion of a story. But, Ms. Bannister surpassed my expectations with the final chapters of “Pulled”. Most importantly, it left me looking forward to her next book, the sequel to “Pulled”.
Profile Image for Hbeebti.
2,039 reviews50 followers
September 13, 2013
3.5 This was pretty good. There are issues with abuse and the strange twin flame thing that was going on. Seth Naya's boyfriend was crazy. Seriously just not right in the head. Naya was a complete mess. The fact that she put up with the abuse and even craved it because it made her feel was really sad. Etash is this guy that who has a serious facial scar and is a loner. When Naya and Etash meet and there is an instant attraction and even a force stronger than them, that literally is pulling them together. The fact that this was about destiny and fate with the twin flame was really interesting. I wish that there was more history of Etash. The ending?? WTH was that? Seriously I didn't see that coming. Which pretty much means that if you enjoyed this book you will want to read book two.
Profile Image for Becca.
Author 33 books268 followers
April 12, 2013
I think this is a 3.5.

Okay song choice: "Fix You" by Coldplay! Yayness.

My first thoughts and comments: It will leave you breathless.

Okay so more elaborate? Well i think this will be one of the ONLY times i will ever, ever SERIOUSLY EVER say this, ever. BUT I think i might have preferred this to be a compt. fiction. I know, I know, if you know me at all you know that is like pretty much Trekkie going to the darkside, like an Edward fan turning to Jacob. Yeah its just that epic. Anyways, i think that if it had been it would have more power to it...if that makes any sense...I mean i get the idea of the supernatural-ness in the book and how it plays a role in the book but in the end you could have still ended it the same way but kept it C.F. Anyways with that said you are a totally compt. fan and you are just like EWW paranormal! but you still want to read this, sort of, don't worry there isn't that much paranormal at all.
Alright so with all that said how about the other parts of this book? Well it read really fast, i got most of this book done within a couple hours, and that might not seem like a big deal but i read fairly slow so its a big deal. It will leave you breathless for so many different reasons.

Okay so i just thought of this, three hours after finishing this review, I sort of really hated that the play they picked to represent the book was Romeo and Juliet...oh you don't know the rule? The rule is if you mention, a play, book, etc, etc, you are pretty much screaming, hey this is going to have parallels so yeah! and i legit don't like Romeo and Juliet, oh get over yourselves, its not that great of a love story...i would make a joke here but i think its to offensive to book readers so i won't.....hehehe but i am giggling about it.

Okay more in depth thoughts now: I liked the idea of the story to begin with, at first i thought that because this is slightly YA - but not really quite, its in that nice middle area of YA and Adult, anyways i was scared that it wasn't going to go that far with the "abusive" boyfriend. OH BUT BOY DID IT EVER! and yes i know i am insane for loving that it went there, but i can't help it, if you are going to do it, do it. I don't think i have ever hated a character that much since...well jeez its been quite some time. :) but i will talk about him later! I guess my biggest complaints about the plot would be the lack of communication between the characters - like i get at first okay you are timid and new to this but after while i want people to stop playing the annoying game and just go for it. Just say how you feel. But like i mentioned before the pace was amazing i breezed right through the book, there is always a bit of action going on. I suppose i wanted more of a development of Naya and Etash's relationship.

Characters, oh its going to get bloody kids:

Naya: Is a very complicated character. I wanted to love her, I want to feel so bad for her situation and I want her to seek the help that she needs. But she is so rooted into what she believes that she deserves what she gets I can’t allow myself to love her as a main character, this is my opinion about 70% of the book, let us see if it changes. I think after some reflection I think I know why I sort of hate her, it’s because she makes me feel like she is right. That she is – I don’t know how to put this without sounding like I am a fucking psycho path….okay, she thinks she deserves all that she gets, and she argues it so well that I have a hard time separating the fact that she is just stupid as hell and is brainwashed so badly that it could only take years to reserve her way of thinking. Because for that split moment you agree with you, and trust me it’s hard not to do, or at least I thought so, you will hate yourself afterwards and go, WHAT THE HELL is wrong with me? No what is wrong with you Naya, no…I’m confused….okay so now at 86% through the book and I can honestly tell you that Naya is probably the stupidest girl ever. Really. Well okay maybe that is going a little too far but we shall see…we shall see….Naya is so very blind and I get that, I do I understand that is a requirement of this character type but man. Seriously? Ugh I don’t know. So Naya is a bit of on the fence for me I suppose. Okay i was writing this part as i was reading because i didnt want to forget anything, but now that i have finished i feel like she is the most undeveloped character, and when i say that i mean, that in the end there was no real change for me when it came to Naya, you don't wake up one day from this type of thinking, or a month, and decide oh wow, i was stupid! he is cra-cra times 10. Especially when she is just so damn stupid sometimes, i am sorry but is true, abusers don't just give up! silly billy...anyways that is my thoughts on Naya.

Etash: I LOVED him. most of the times. Again another character that is sort of complex, but in the end i liked him more than Naya, the only reason i didn't really like him at times was when he would like openly sob...like all the time. I think this might be a personal thing, i don't care if a guy in a book cries, really i don't but the amount of times that he did i was just thinking, wow you are acting like a girl get off your ass and do something about it. But other than that... he is very protective, and he is possessive, and that is sexy, because he does it in the good sort of way. I just really liked him as a character. He was well rounded for the most part, God i really don't want to say this but i love Alpha males, yeah i said it. so they tend to hard, and Etash sometimes is a little soft? kind-hearted.... :) But really didn't hate it all the time just at some points i was like your a man, rub some dirt in it and continue on! But that is because i am crazy...speaking of crazy!

OH MY GOD! I hated him so much (so naturally i loved it!) Seth: you mother-freaking asshole. God when seriously i didn't think you could get worse you did, it was beautiful, really something quite devilish about it in the worse possible way. You were one sick mother-fricker. But at the same time i suppose you could have been worse, but please don't because you are bad as shit as it is. God i don't even know how to explain you people just how horrible he really is. (now you have be imaging reading this is a really cheery, excited voice otherwise you are totally missing the tone of this review on Seth) I really did fucking hate him. YAY!!! He totally went there, and back so sick, just awesome....truly awesome.

Ending: Um...i can't say anything about this unless i put it in a spoiler which i am going to do but i really recommend if you don't want to know how this ends you don't read this because i am going to talk about it, very detailed too so just don't look and if you did its your own fault

Will i read the next one? I am not sure...maybe...but maybe not i haven't even looked at it.

Alright kids that is that. And the review has come to an end. I know you enjoyed your time with me because i enjoyed my time with you as you read this....And if you feel THAT strongly about it, i guess you could if you wanted of course to check out my blog that i share with a friend where we talk about books that we have read, i do mostly indie paranormal/fantasty/scifi/ that fun stuff my friend does the compt. fic stuff. Anyways if you want to check us out well please do, don't let me stop you! here is the link: http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp... we appreciate you

349 reviews22 followers
February 16, 2013
Two souls unite when a flame ignites. I won this book from the author after a contest. The story is one that will have you saying I didn’t see that coming moments more often than expected. I was so wrapped up in the story that I read it from beginning to end within 4 hours. The author of this book gets you so involved with the characters you have that I have to know what happens next feeling and it’s so heartwarming and such an edge of the seat read. This is a story so worth the read and has you feeling so good and in awe of the writing from Ms. Bannister.
Naya has just enrolled in a college for acting along with her boyfriend, Seth. Seth is one that keeps close tabs on her and doesn’t let her out of his sight too often. When she gets to her first class thinking she will be able to hide in the back, Etash walks in and there is such an overwhelming pull to him. The chemistry is so strong when they are near it’s like a static charge drawing them into each other. But Naya feels she has a boyfriend and can’t understand why she is drawn to this young man that hides behind a scar on his face that she sees as beautiful and perfect. No matter how hard they try to stay away from each other, fate is bringing them in contact with each other and there will be no denying the connection they both feel. When Seth feels something isn’t right he attempts to draw Naya back into his world. Will Naya stay with Seth or is she destined to be with Etash? Has Etash found someone that will accept him for who he is and find the love he so desires? This book was fantabulous and definitely worth the time to take to read it. I would highly recommend this to everyone and anyone and suggest a Kleenex box close by. The story has had a lingering effect on me that I’m still thinking about it. Thank you for sharing and writing such a wonderful story Ms. Bannister.
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews323 followers
March 20, 2013
Loved this book, loved the characters but did not love the ending :-( I loved the epilogue and have immediately downloaded book 2...just wish that this book was a continuation of the characters in book 1 :-( I loved Etash and Naya, the chemistry between them was fab, although not sure I can see the magnetic pull of the twin flames theory once I had embraced it and understood what the author was trying to convey I was hooked, hook line and sinker...a fab story that I could not put down...finished in one sitting and still thinking about that damn ending...grams knew didn't she...beware of the ice man!!

I had to Google this:-

"*Twin Flames are ultimate soulmates who are already paired in the Higher Realm.*

Twin Flames experience their last lifetime here on earth together. Twin Flames love mutually, unconditionally and without limits. Twin Flames have no doubt of who they are and that they are meant to be together. Twin Flames are the ultimate power couple and are powerful. The energy between Twin Flames is so intense that it is unlikely that both will not feel it. The attraction between them is too strong to deny and keeps them BOTH coming back together. Their time apart is never too long and they are never too far away. Twin Flames share most of each others strengths and weaknesses, but may experience them differently. Twin Flames ARE NOT karmic soulmates. Soulmates are plentiful. A Twin Flame is only one. That means that there can only be one. There is no such thing as ‘twin energy’ going from one body to another, as a Twin Flames body is already chosen and as it appears above it will be below. BOTH individuals will feel the call, pull, heat, energy, attraction, intensity and love for one another."

Swoon....read the book, such a great story
Profile Image for Two Nerds With Words.
941 reviews51 followers
October 23, 2012
'Pulled' is a very cleverly crafted novel. I was not quite sure what to expect after reading the synopsis and the first few chapters. Whilst the synopsis grabbed my interest, the first few chapters were a little slow and it took me a while to warm up to the main characters, yet warm up to them I did!

The characters evolved to be interesting and positively 'likeable'. The character twists, their personalities and the plot development that surrounded the two key characters, Naya and Etash, effectively had me absorbed and very vocally cheering them on from the sidelines.

Alongside the characters, Danielle Bannister weaved a gripping tale with an original concept making 'Pulled' a very enjoyable read. I was never quite sure where the author would direct her characters, what the outcome would be which I really liked. And the final outcome was certainly not what I expected, so bravo Danielle!
Profile Image for Rachel Lynn Sterling.
132 reviews
May 4, 2012
I really liked this book. There were many times that I didn't want to put it down. It is well written and told from both main characters perspectives, which gives you a bigger picture of what's going on. Although it sort of had the same paranormal premise as other books out there, it went in a completely different direction and was refreshing. There was a hint of darkness and masochism in the characters. I had a pretty good idea where the plot was going and would end up, but I still very much enjoyed the trip. Now, I downloaded this book for free, but would still be completely statisfied had I paid a few bucks for it.
Profile Image for Paula Mccue.
120 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2012
When I read the reviews I expected this book to be great and the description really had me dying to read it. What can I say? It wasn't that good, I mean the idea was really good but the story fell flat for me. Naya was a bit of cry baby for me, Her boyfriend abused her on a daily basis but she felt this was ok and accepted it, The author did explain this but I still felt it was all wrong, I know abuse victims feel like it is "normal" but it just didn't seem right in this book, I cant really explain it but I didn't find it a great love story but it could have been. I really wanted to love it to. I wont be buying any more if there is more books to this series.
Profile Image for Leann.
Author 6 books29 followers
June 22, 2012
I really liked the premise, the tension, and the characters in this book. I usually don't like this kind of ending, which I can't talk about without totally giving it away, but it worked really well here. Not sure how a sequel (mentioned at the end as being worked on by the author) will really work, but I'm interested enough that I would read it.
Profile Image for Joood Hooligan.
518 reviews34 followers
January 25, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down. There were some parts where I felt the writing was off and the story was rushed. I'd have preferred a longer story with more details, and more explanations behind the characters behavior. I'd definitely read the next book in the series, if there is one.
792 reviews
April 4, 2012
I would've given it 4 stars but I hated the ending. I got it (i.e., why it was done that way) and I do believe that it was done well; I just didn't like it. This book is still worth reading and if there's a sequel, I'll definitely read that as well.
Profile Image for Karen Shortridge.
1,459 reviews19 followers
December 30, 2015
This book pulls you in from the beginning, the struggles of fitting in for being different or how you look when starting somewhere new and when the characters pull to each other is so strong. You will find yourself totally caught up in the story and I look forward to reading more.......
Profile Image for Sarah Bates.
20 reviews
March 27, 2012
This book was okay and a fast read... but I'm glad it was only $.99 on my kindle. :)
Profile Image for Lindsay.
289 reviews7 followers
May 1, 2012
Hmm...

While it was compelling and I couldn't stop reading, the female character is TOO weak, the story could have been organized better and I did not like the ending at all.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Fisch.
3 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2012
Read it in a couple of hours but really got you thinking. Amazing. Cant wait for sequal.
Profile Image for Miriam.
398 reviews8 followers
May 4, 2012
This book definitely grabbed me and kept my interest throughout. I don't think I necessarily liked the ending but it fit the storyline well.
Profile Image for Nancy.
261 reviews
May 14, 2012


I was most definitely PULLED and loved every minute of it! Can't wait for the sequel.
Profile Image for Christine.
5 reviews
May 29, 2012
Interesting concept, and very readable. I wanted a little different ending, but that's typical. I'm hard ot please and this one was pretty good!
Profile Image for pinK.
479 reviews8 followers
June 9, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! At first I was a bit angry about how the story ended, but after more thought, it seemed as of it had to happen that way. Reminded me of a more modern Romeo and Juliet.
Profile Image for RDV.
160 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2012
Heartbreakingly beautiful story. Wow. Looking forward to the sequel.
Profile Image for Nancy Rodriguez.
38 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2013
It is suck a great book to a series that you will not put it down
Profile Image for Nicki805.
170 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2012
Loved loved loved this book!!!
Profile Image for Jeraca.
2,706 reviews32 followers
September 3, 2018
I received this eARC from Red Publishing Company. This is my honest review.

Naya went through a horrible event when her parents died in a car accident. Ever since then, she has been disconnected and has panic attacks and black outs. She's hoping that starting over at her dream college will be the right track to get herself under control and make happy memories again. Even though her boyfriend, Seth, decided he was coming with her... despite the fact that he has no interest in performance art, which is what this school is known for.

When she meets Etash for the first time, she is stunned by the connection she feels for her. It's instant and so powerful she has no idea what is going on.

But she's not the only one who feels it. Etash is shocked and confused about this girl who he can't get out of his head. With the scar on his face, Etash is used to being ignored and made fun of and whispered behind his back, but Naya isn't doing any of that. In fact, it seems like she may be feeling the same connection that Etash is feeling.

When Etash and Naya get the lead roles in the upcoming play, they find the connection is only getting stronger the more they are near each other. Both have tried to fight the connection - for multiple reasons - but it's impossible.

Then things go downward fast when Naya runs from Seth. Secrets are revealed, and high strung feelings are being thrown around, and the pressure is on for Naya and Etash.

This book...wow... The connection between Naya and Etash was very intense, and I could definitely see the struggle they had figuring out what was going on between them.

The reason this was rated as 3 stars and not a bit higher is because I was so mad at Naya with her decisions to stay with Seth. I was so mad at her and I just wanted to shake some sense into her. I wanted her to go to the police and get a restraining order against him, but she just accepted whatever he did to her. Even til the very end, she was still making excuses, and I wish that this wasn't true in real life, but it is. And it makes me very sad knowing this, and knowing it's common.

Also, I felt so sad for Etash and the bullying he gets because of his scar on his face. Again this is common in real life, and it's just heartbreaking. Obviously he has been through something terrible if he got that wound, so why do people think it's okay to pick on him?

There were so many bombshells that happened at the end of this book that I feel like a hole has been ripped into my heart. The shocking realization on how Etash and Naya's story really started, and then that ending. So many thoughts and feelings went through me, I couldn't even put it into words if I wanted to.

All I have to say, is thank god Danielle Bannister made another novel, because that was gutwrenching to experience.

I think many readers will enjoy this novel, and now I need to dive into book #2 and hope that it has a better ending than this novel!
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