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Every Waking Moment
Sometimes you have to risk it all.
Emma Wright has finally escaped the dangerous man who's controlled her every move for the past six years. Taking her five-year-old son, she has fled across the country -- seeking freedom, safety, and a fresh start. But Max's father isn't giving up so easily.
Preston Holman understands the lengths a parent will go for his child. He's given up everything to pursue the man he believes killed his son.
When Preston meets Emma, he wants nothing to do with her or the boy who reminds him so much of his own child. Yet he can't abandon them -- and as he's drawn into the danger that surrounds them, Preston begins to wonder if he's finally found something to live for beyond revenge.
Emma Wright has finally escaped the dangerous man who's controlled her every move for the past six years. Taking her five-year-old son, she has fled across the country -- seeking freedom, safety, and a fresh start. But Max's father isn't giving up so easily.
Preston Holman understands the lengths a parent will go for his child. He's given up everything to pursue the man he believes killed his son.
When Preston meets Emma, he wants nothing to do with her or the boy who reminds him so much of his own child. Yet he can't abandon them -- and as he's drawn into the danger that surrounds them, Preston begins to wonder if he's finally found something to live for beyond revenge.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
333 people are currently reading
862 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
238 books6,984 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
November 22, 2017
A really great read. it did wrap up a little to quickly for me though. Good suspense throughout the whole book.
December 30, 2015
I really enjoyed this. Good suspense. (Get the book, not the audiobook.)
There were a few things that might require suspending disbelief and some plot points could have been better developed, but it was still enjoyable. I didn’t want to put it down.
Emma is on the run from her abusive boyfriend. She meets Preston traveling alone in a run down minivan. He reluctantly gives her a ride.
I was annoyed with five-year-old Max. He was whiny, always interrupting and causing problems.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
I wanted to buy the audiobook narrated by Lenore Zann. But I didn’t because you can hear the narrator’s breaths. I wish narrators would learn that it’s easy to avoid that problem - use a microphone screen.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 384 pages. Swearing language: strong but rarely used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: about 3. Setting: current day various U.S. locations. Copyright: 2005. Genre: romantic suspense.
There were a few things that might require suspending disbelief and some plot points could have been better developed, but it was still enjoyable. I didn’t want to put it down.
Emma is on the run from her abusive boyfriend. She meets Preston traveling alone in a run down minivan. He reluctantly gives her a ride.
I was annoyed with five-year-old Max. He was whiny, always interrupting and causing problems.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
I wanted to buy the audiobook narrated by Lenore Zann. But I didn’t because you can hear the narrator’s breaths. I wish narrators would learn that it’s easy to avoid that problem - use a microphone screen.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 384 pages. Swearing language: strong but rarely used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: about 3. Setting: current day various U.S. locations. Copyright: 2005. Genre: romantic suspense.
September 14, 2017
A very suspenseful novel....I enjoyed Every Waking Moment by Brenda Novak. She has a way with keeping her readers apprised about what is going on. This book was about physical and mental abuse. I had just about held my breath the hold time while reading. I was so afraid Emma and Max would never get away from Manuel her abusive boyfriend. If Emma hadn't ran into Preston, I don't know if they would have gotten away. Preston was dealing with the death of his young son by a friend who he trusted. He was chasing after the doctor who he knew who killed his son to exact revenge from him. After seeing what Emma was going through with her 5 yr old diabetic son, Preston felt he couldn't leave her. So he helped her get run from her boyfriend. This was a real good read. So pick up a copy and read it. This a standalone.
September 7, 2016
3 stars for Every Waking Moment
Emma Wright has finally escaped the dangerous man who's controlled her every move for the past six years. Taking her five-year-old son, she has fled across the country -- seeking freedom, safety, and a fresh start. But Max's father isn't giving up so easily.
Preston Holman understands the lengths a parent will go for his child. He's given up everything to pursue the man he believes killed his son.
When Preston meets Emma, he wants nothing to do with her or the boy who reminds him so much of his own child. Yet he can't abandon them -- and as he's drawn into the danger that surrounds them, Preston begins to wonder if he's finally found something to live for beyond revenge.
I almost didn't pick this book up, and now that I'm done reading I can safely say, had I not, I probably wouldn't have missed too much. While I did enjoy it, there were a few things that drove me right up the wall.
This is pretty much going to be one giant spoiler. Just warning you.
Characters
Vanessa/Emma- Vanessa decided to change her name to Emma after escaping her controlling not-husband. She's a kind woman and a mother devoted to the well being of her son. But she's too soft with him in my opinion. Moving on. She's sworn off men because all they want is in her pants and all of them are the same...sort of. Of course she's gorgeous with big perky boobs and a thin waist because that's what every mother looks like...oh wait, that's the photoshopped supermodels in magazines. Silly me.
Preston- Preston is a guy who doesn't give a lick if he lives or dies, just so long as he can get revenge for the death of his son. Revenge is his obsession and it's cost him his wife, life and job. That is, until he meets Emma of course. *eye roll* Described a 'rugged', he has shaggy longer-than-average-males hair, and about 2 days growth worth of beard. Oh yeah, and delicious muscles and a tan. Of course he's all bad boy on the outside and mushy on the inside. Classic romance bad boy... getting a little tired of this cliché character, but after a while he grew on me a bit...stupid inside mushy bit got me. sigh.
Dominick/Max- Emma's delightful son. Delightfully whiny son. At his age, if I whined like that at my mother I'd be quite sorry I'd done it. But I suppose this is more modern day parenting, let the kid whine and then cave and give him what he wants or buy him a new toy to shut him up. I had a bit of a problem with it. People could argue that with his strict diet due to his diabetes she's soft on him, but you know what, my mother watched what I ate and the rules were clear, you eat what I give you and if I say no to a chocolate bar, that means NO, not if you whine enough I'll give it to you. While I'm sure Max is a nice enough kid, he's spoiled and a bit bratty. Good job mom.
The not-husband - his name is long and I'm having a hard time remembering how to spell it. Since I'm too lazy to go back and look it up, I'm calling him the not-husband because even though he has been with Vanessa for years, he never bothered to marry her. You know, to help give him more control over her. Anyhow, he's described as a guy who likes to workout because he's super vain, wears too much cologne, wears too much bling, and has become super controlling over the years due to the family business. What is the family business? Well being from Mexico and all, of course it's drugs. Cocaine to be exact. But he doesn't use the stuff, often. Hmmm...riiiiigght.
Plot
The story starts on the day of Vanessa/Emma's planned escape. Aided by the housekeeper and the gardener, she manages to get a vehicle and head east. Of course her not-husband catches on because he was keeping an eye on the house, but doesn't clue in until a few hours later...and then begins to extract information from the gardener and housekeeper by force.
Long story shortened, Emma loses her vehicle, is forced to beg a ride off a dark, mysterious stranger (Preston) and next thing you know they are on the road together and they end up staying together even though Preston tries multiple times to leave them behind. Darn that not-husband for continually showing up just as Preston is in the middle of abandoning them!
Oh and apparently you can totally fall in love with a guy who keeps trying to leave you behind in less than a week! Who knew, right???
My Major Grievances with this Book
1. What I view to be bad parenting by Emma/Vanessa to a son that has a serious medical condition. Personal opinion only. To each their own.
2. A near insta-love experience thinly disguise as 'an instant connection/physical attraction' which is only ever so slightly different. But the love confession after less than a week together uncovered the obvious truth!
3. This book managed to also include my ultimate pet peeve...insta-love + less then 12 months = marriage!!!
Seriously, you're going to tell me that these two people are going to confess their undying love for each other after a week where, might I add, the dude has been constantly plotting ways to leave them behind AND THEN after less then 3 months they are going to pull off a wedding AND THEN we are going to catch up with them 9 months later and they are planning a baby and the kid is actually excited about it (okay that last part is more plausible).
But seriously, who confesses their undying love for a dude who keeps leaving after 7 days, ESPECIALLY WITH A KID IN TOW AND A NOT-HUSBAND DEAD AT HER FEET??????
And WHO gets married after only 3 months of knowing the guy... ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY HAVE A KID IN TOW!?!?!?! WHO DOES THAT?!?!?!?
Major point docking for a very disappointing and unrealistic ending.
Emma Wright has finally escaped the dangerous man who's controlled her every move for the past six years. Taking her five-year-old son, she has fled across the country -- seeking freedom, safety, and a fresh start. But Max's father isn't giving up so easily.
Preston Holman understands the lengths a parent will go for his child. He's given up everything to pursue the man he believes killed his son.
When Preston meets Emma, he wants nothing to do with her or the boy who reminds him so much of his own child. Yet he can't abandon them -- and as he's drawn into the danger that surrounds them, Preston begins to wonder if he's finally found something to live for beyond revenge.
I almost didn't pick this book up, and now that I'm done reading I can safely say, had I not, I probably wouldn't have missed too much. While I did enjoy it, there were a few things that drove me right up the wall.
This is pretty much going to be one giant spoiler. Just warning you.
Characters
Vanessa/Emma- Vanessa decided to change her name to Emma after escaping her controlling not-husband. She's a kind woman and a mother devoted to the well being of her son. But she's too soft with him in my opinion. Moving on. She's sworn off men because all they want is in her pants and all of them are the same...sort of. Of course she's gorgeous with big perky boobs and a thin waist because that's what every mother looks like...oh wait, that's the photoshopped supermodels in magazines. Silly me.
Preston- Preston is a guy who doesn't give a lick if he lives or dies, just so long as he can get revenge for the death of his son. Revenge is his obsession and it's cost him his wife, life and job. That is, until he meets Emma of course. *eye roll* Described a 'rugged', he has shaggy longer-than-average-males hair, and about 2 days growth worth of beard. Oh yeah, and delicious muscles and a tan. Of course he's all bad boy on the outside and mushy on the inside. Classic romance bad boy... getting a little tired of this cliché character, but after a while he grew on me a bit...stupid inside mushy bit got me. sigh.
Dominick/Max- Emma's delightful son. Delightfully whiny son. At his age, if I whined like that at my mother I'd be quite sorry I'd done it. But I suppose this is more modern day parenting, let the kid whine and then cave and give him what he wants or buy him a new toy to shut him up. I had a bit of a problem with it. People could argue that with his strict diet due to his diabetes she's soft on him, but you know what, my mother watched what I ate and the rules were clear, you eat what I give you and if I say no to a chocolate bar, that means NO, not if you whine enough I'll give it to you. While I'm sure Max is a nice enough kid, he's spoiled and a bit bratty. Good job mom.
The not-husband - his name is long and I'm having a hard time remembering how to spell it. Since I'm too lazy to go back and look it up, I'm calling him the not-husband because even though he has been with Vanessa for years, he never bothered to marry her. You know, to help give him more control over her. Anyhow, he's described as a guy who likes to workout because he's super vain, wears too much cologne, wears too much bling, and has become super controlling over the years due to the family business. What is the family business? Well being from Mexico and all, of course it's drugs. Cocaine to be exact. But he doesn't use the stuff, often. Hmmm...riiiiigght.
Plot
The story starts on the day of Vanessa/Emma's planned escape. Aided by the housekeeper and the gardener, she manages to get a vehicle and head east. Of course her not-husband catches on because he was keeping an eye on the house, but doesn't clue in until a few hours later...and then begins to extract information from the gardener and housekeeper by force.
Long story shortened, Emma loses her vehicle, is forced to beg a ride off a dark, mysterious stranger (Preston) and next thing you know they are on the road together and they end up staying together even though Preston tries multiple times to leave them behind. Darn that not-husband for continually showing up just as Preston is in the middle of abandoning them!
Oh and apparently you can totally fall in love with a guy who keeps trying to leave you behind in less than a week! Who knew, right???
My Major Grievances with this Book
1. What I view to be bad parenting by Emma/Vanessa to a son that has a serious medical condition. Personal opinion only. To each their own.
2. A near insta-love experience thinly disguise as 'an instant connection/physical attraction' which is only ever so slightly different. But the love confession after less than a week together uncovered the obvious truth!
3. This book managed to also include my ultimate pet peeve...insta-love + less then 12 months = marriage!!!
Seriously, you're going to tell me that these two people are going to confess their undying love for each other after a week where, might I add, the dude has been constantly plotting ways to leave them behind AND THEN after less then 3 months they are going to pull off a wedding AND THEN we are going to catch up with them 9 months later and they are planning a baby and the kid is actually excited about it (okay that last part is more plausible).
But seriously, who confesses their undying love for a dude who keeps leaving after 7 days, ESPECIALLY WITH A KID IN TOW AND A NOT-HUSBAND DEAD AT HER FEET??????
And WHO gets married after only 3 months of knowing the guy... ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY HAVE A KID IN TOW!?!?!?! WHO DOES THAT?!?!?!?
Major point docking for a very disappointing and unrealistic ending.
February 23, 2017
¿Lo mejor? El romance. 4 stars.
¿Lo peor? El suspense. 3 stars.
3.5 stars.
La señora Novak y yo no nos llevamos muy bien que digamos. En el par de ocasiones en el que nos hemos encontrado la cosa no ha pasado de las dos estrellas y el recuerdo no ha sido muy bueno, así que cuando mi amiga Linda (¡gracias!) me recomendó esta historia no pude negarme. Porque… y si…?
Ha sido la mejor de lejos. Y ha sido muy entretenida, realmente la he leído del tirón, no era capaz de soltarla, pero al final me quedo con la sensación de que el suspense se apoya en demasiadas casualidades. Siendo como soy de ciencias puedo asegurar que las probabilidades de que el malo tenga esa suerte tan grande son cercanas a cero ;)
Los dos protagonistas han sido brillantes. La autora se ha tomado la molestia de darles un bagaje del que no los ha despojado a la primera de cambio. Así que no esperéis cambios de comportamiento de la noche a la mañana. Aquí todo va pasando poco a poco y de una manera muy realista.
Preston perdió a su hijo en circunstancias trágicas hace unos años y no lo ha superado. Es una sombra del hombre que era y vive por y para la venganza. Ya nada importa en su vida. Vive como un nómada, sin amigos, ni familia, totalmente aislado del mundo. Por eso es tan reticente a ayudar a Emma y su hijo. Es totalmente comprensible. Y a cada paso que da lucha por dejarlos atrás. Ha sido bastante realista.
Emma está huyendo del padre de su hijo. No sabe cómo va a hacerlo pero tiene claro que su única opción es desaparecer si quiere tener una vida normal. Cuando encuentra a Preston está en las últimas y no tiene más opción que pedirle ayuda a un extraño que no se ha molestado en lo más mínimo en ocultar la poca gracia que le hace cargar con ellos.
Bueno, pues estos son los cimientos de un romance encantador, lento y lleno de altibajos y de un suspense que ha favorecido al malo con diferencia.
Por ponerle otra pega creo que el final ha sido muy apresurado. Esa escena final tan dramática no pegaba mucho con el resto del libro, pero sí tengo que decir que me ha sorprendido cómo ha ejecutado la autora esa primera escena entre los protagonistas. Es la primera vez que leo una así. Ha sido, ¿cómo decirlo?, esclarecedora. Me ha convencido. A partir de ahora voy a intentar ponerme en la piel cuando lea una de esas escenas que tan poco me gustan donde En este caso no he tenido más remedio que, al igual que rendirme a los encantos de .
Si el suspense no es algo que te quite el sueño, aquí el romance merece la pena.
:)
***
The best? The romance. 4 stars.
The worst? The suspense. 3 stars.
3.5 stars.
Mrs. Novak and I do not get along very well, to say the least. On the couple of occasions in which we have met the thing had ended in two barely stars both times, and the memory had not been so fond, so when my friend Linda (thanks!) recommended this story I could not refuse. Because... what if...?
This one has been the best by far. And it has been so entertaining I have actually read it at one sitting, was unable to put it down it, but ultimately, I think the suspense had relied on too many coincidences. Since I know a bit about Math, I can assure you that the probability that the bad guy could have so much good luck are near-zero ;)
The MC´s have been brilliant. The author has taken the trouble to give them a solid background of which they have not been stripped of at the first opportunity. So do not expect changes of behavior overnight. Here all is slow-built and in a very realistic way.
Preston lost his son in tragic circumstances a few years ago and has not overcome it. Is a shadow of the man he was and now lives by and for revenge. Nothing more matters in his life. He is living as a nomadic, without either friends or family, completely isolated from the world. That´s why he is so reluctant to help Emma and her son. It is completely understandable. And at every step he struggles to leave them behind. It was quite realistic.
Emma is on the run from her son´s father. She has no idea how is she going to survive but it is clear that their only option is to disappear if she wants to have a normal life. When she meets Preston, she is at the end of her rope and has no choice but ask him for help. A stranger who has not bothered in the least to hide his dislike for them.
Well, these are the foundations of a great and slow romance and a suspense that has favored the bad guy by far.
And if I would say so, the end has been rushed. That final scene so dramatic didn´t belong with the rest of the story, but I do have to say that I was surprised by how the author has executed that first scene between the MC´s. Is the first time I read the likes of it. It has been, how to say it? Enlightening. I was hooked. From now on I´m going to try to put myself in when I read one of those scenes that I so not like where because this have been the first time I could relate with In this case I have had no choice but, surrender to charms.
If the suspense is not something that bothers you, here the romance is worth reading.
:)
¿Lo peor? El suspense. 3 stars.
3.5 stars.
La señora Novak y yo no nos llevamos muy bien que digamos. En el par de ocasiones en el que nos hemos encontrado la cosa no ha pasado de las dos estrellas y el recuerdo no ha sido muy bueno, así que cuando mi amiga Linda (¡gracias!) me recomendó esta historia no pude negarme. Porque… y si…?
Ha sido la mejor de lejos. Y ha sido muy entretenida, realmente la he leído del tirón, no era capaz de soltarla, pero al final me quedo con la sensación de que el suspense se apoya en demasiadas casualidades. Siendo como soy de ciencias puedo asegurar que las probabilidades de que el malo tenga esa suerte tan grande son cercanas a cero ;)
Los dos protagonistas han sido brillantes. La autora se ha tomado la molestia de darles un bagaje del que no los ha despojado a la primera de cambio. Así que no esperéis cambios de comportamiento de la noche a la mañana. Aquí todo va pasando poco a poco y de una manera muy realista.
Preston perdió a su hijo en circunstancias trágicas hace unos años y no lo ha superado. Es una sombra del hombre que era y vive por y para la venganza. Ya nada importa en su vida. Vive como un nómada, sin amigos, ni familia, totalmente aislado del mundo. Por eso es tan reticente a ayudar a Emma y su hijo. Es totalmente comprensible. Y a cada paso que da lucha por dejarlos atrás. Ha sido bastante realista.
Emma está huyendo del padre de su hijo. No sabe cómo va a hacerlo pero tiene claro que su única opción es desaparecer si quiere tener una vida normal. Cuando encuentra a Preston está en las últimas y no tiene más opción que pedirle ayuda a un extraño que no se ha molestado en lo más mínimo en ocultar la poca gracia que le hace cargar con ellos.
Bueno, pues estos son los cimientos de un romance encantador, lento y lleno de altibajos y de un suspense que ha favorecido al malo con diferencia.
Por ponerle otra pega creo que el final ha sido muy apresurado. Esa escena final tan dramática no pegaba mucho con el resto del libro, pero sí tengo que decir que me ha sorprendido cómo ha ejecutado la autora esa primera escena entre los protagonistas. Es la primera vez que leo una así. Ha sido, ¿cómo decirlo?, esclarecedora. Me ha convencido. A partir de ahora voy a intentar ponerme en la piel cuando lea una de esas escenas que tan poco me gustan donde En este caso no he tenido más remedio que, al igual que rendirme a los encantos de .
Si el suspense no es algo que te quite el sueño, aquí el romance merece la pena.
:)
***
The best? The romance. 4 stars.
The worst? The suspense. 3 stars.
3.5 stars.
Mrs. Novak and I do not get along very well, to say the least. On the couple of occasions in which we have met the thing had ended in two barely stars both times, and the memory had not been so fond, so when my friend Linda (thanks!) recommended this story I could not refuse. Because... what if...?
This one has been the best by far. And it has been so entertaining I have actually read it at one sitting, was unable to put it down it, but ultimately, I think the suspense had relied on too many coincidences. Since I know a bit about Math, I can assure you that the probability that the bad guy could have so much good luck are near-zero ;)
The MC´s have been brilliant. The author has taken the trouble to give them a solid background of which they have not been stripped of at the first opportunity. So do not expect changes of behavior overnight. Here all is slow-built and in a very realistic way.
Preston lost his son in tragic circumstances a few years ago and has not overcome it. Is a shadow of the man he was and now lives by and for revenge. Nothing more matters in his life. He is living as a nomadic, without either friends or family, completely isolated from the world. That´s why he is so reluctant to help Emma and her son. It is completely understandable. And at every step he struggles to leave them behind. It was quite realistic.
Emma is on the run from her son´s father. She has no idea how is she going to survive but it is clear that their only option is to disappear if she wants to have a normal life. When she meets Preston, she is at the end of her rope and has no choice but ask him for help. A stranger who has not bothered in the least to hide his dislike for them.
Well, these are the foundations of a great and slow romance and a suspense that has favored the bad guy by far.
And if I would say so, the end has been rushed. That final scene so dramatic didn´t belong with the rest of the story, but I do have to say that I was surprised by how the author has executed that first scene between the MC´s. Is the first time I read the likes of it. It has been, how to say it? Enlightening. I was hooked. From now on I´m going to try to put myself in when I read one of those scenes that I so not like where because this have been the first time I could relate with In this case I have had no choice but, surrender to charms.
If the suspense is not something that bothers you, here the romance is worth reading.
:)
March 26, 2018
Romance and suspense....Novak does it again. Vanessa has to get away from her abusive husband and finds a way to leave with her son, Dominick. With the help of the servants, she gets a new name, a car and some cash and is on her way. But her husband Manuel will not let them go and hence the story begins. Along with this adventure her son is also diabetic so Vanessa also has to worry about him.
She meets up with Preston along the way who has a story of his own....this hard-to-put-down book keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. I am never disappointed in a Novak book....
She meets up with Preston along the way who has a story of his own....this hard-to-put-down book keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. I am never disappointed in a Novak book....
June 8, 2023
An excellent romance with suspense mixed in. Vanessa flees from her abusive husband Manuel, along with her little boy Dominick who is diabetic. In her flight, she meets a day trader named Preston who does not want a child anywhere around him since his little boy died. Vanessa needs help, but she doesn’t know if she can count on Preston, so she hides her son’s illness from him and tries to make the best of a very dangerous situation. Manuel’s dogged search for her and his determination to find her lead to a conclusion that is satisfying.
July 28, 2020
Round up to 4.5 stars.
May 16, 2023
I loved it….just the outcome I wanted ;)
May 25, 2017
Another great book by Brenda. Kept me on the edge of my seat I read it in 2 days
October 24, 2015
Vanessa Beacon is on the run. Her husband, Manuel, is both dominating and abusive. Finally, a small window of time has opened for her to get away. The only problem is they have a child, Dominick, and he has Type 1 diabetes so it just isn't about her.
With her housekeeper's help, Dominick and she take on some aliases. She has a 'beater', some cash and fake IDs. She has to be discreet because she knows if he finds her she'll never get away again. And the race is on.
Vanessa aka Emma Wright, meets Preston Holman upon leaving town. She asks for his help without identifying her true self or why she needs to get away. He has his own problems and doesn't want her or her son around. He's bound for another state to deal with his own secrets.
The main characters are well-developed. You see Manuel as someone who is evil. Emma has been manipulated for too long and you want her to succeed in getting away. And on some level you want Preston to have his revenge. The romance between Emma and Preston builds slowly and that is fine. It would have been odd if it was any other way.
Ms. Novak does a great job of drawing you in. Once you start this book you'll find yourself hard-pressed not to finish it immediately. Containing both action and romance, you won't be bored. I would have given this story five stars except Dominick acted too adult-like for my taste. Also, Preston's issues were resolved at the end without as much force but you knew going in this was Emma's story. If you are in the mood for a contemporary romance with some action try EVERY WAKING MOMENT.
With her housekeeper's help, Dominick and she take on some aliases. She has a 'beater', some cash and fake IDs. She has to be discreet because she knows if he finds her she'll never get away again. And the race is on.
Vanessa aka Emma Wright, meets Preston Holman upon leaving town. She asks for his help without identifying her true self or why she needs to get away. He has his own problems and doesn't want her or her son around. He's bound for another state to deal with his own secrets.
The main characters are well-developed. You see Manuel as someone who is evil. Emma has been manipulated for too long and you want her to succeed in getting away. And on some level you want Preston to have his revenge. The romance between Emma and Preston builds slowly and that is fine. It would have been odd if it was any other way.
Ms. Novak does a great job of drawing you in. Once you start this book you'll find yourself hard-pressed not to finish it immediately. Containing both action and romance, you won't be bored. I would have given this story five stars except Dominick acted too adult-like for my taste. Also, Preston's issues were resolved at the end without as much force but you knew going in this was Emma's story. If you are in the mood for a contemporary romance with some action try EVERY WAKING MOMENT.
March 18, 2011
Note: this review is for the audio book. The book was interesting, don't get me wrong--or, at least, the first 45 minutes of the book interested me. But I listened to the audio version, and the reader was intolerable. This is a suspenseful and serious novel in which a woman is running away from an abusive relationship, and taking her diabetic child with her. Yet the reader kept giggling--giggling!--in the middle of serious bits of dialogue. Plus, she spoke so emphatically as to overpronounce nearly every word. I couldn't finish, though I found myself drawn to the characters and their situation. I plan to find the book in print form and read it then. I rarely give up on a book, especially one where I find myself wondering about the characters days after I stopped reading (listening to) it, but that, unfortunately, was the case here.
**Okay. I'm giving it another try.**
**Okay. I'm giving it another try.**
April 3, 2011
A very slow paced story, about Emma who was on the run from her abusive baby daddy. She and her five year old dietetic son met Preston along the way who ended up giving them a ride. Things went downhill for her when Manuel caught up with her at a small town.
The drama stretched quite a bit in this story. And I didn't feel the chemistry between Emma and Preston. I didn't like the whinny kid either.
This is a good read if you liked a laid back drama, but my taste ran along the fast and edgy thriller so didn't enjoy it much.
The drama stretched quite a bit in this story. And I didn't feel the chemistry between Emma and Preston. I didn't like the whinny kid either.
This is a good read if you liked a laid back drama, but my taste ran along the fast and edgy thriller so didn't enjoy it much.
February 16, 2008
This book was great. I am a real sucker for the abused women who escapes storyline. What I liked about this story is although Emma comes to rely on Preston, she finds her own strength to get on with her life and let her past go. The chemistry between the 2 were great and although I am not fond of having children in the mix, Max's character was not intrusive and the relationship between Preston and him was portrayed really well. Recommended book :)
March 20, 2015
Entertaining, nicely plotted, and I appreciate that it's a stand-alone novel so no loose ends or understudy couples to distract from the main event. First half is gripping, suspenseful, with a nice spark of sexual tension between the h/h. Second half lagged a bit, and had one too many one-dimensional bad guys. Enjoyable tale, recommended for when you aren't in the mood for anything terribly involving.
Caution: the audiobook narrator sounds like an adorable cartoon hamster.
Caution: the audiobook narrator sounds like an adorable cartoon hamster.
October 14, 2017
Every Waking moment is one of Brenda Novak's stand alone Romantic Suspense titles. Like most of Novak's other books this was an enjoyable, fast paced story. The insta-love between Emma and Preston felt a bit forced in a couple spots, but by the end I was content with their happily ever after. I did enjoy the education aspect of Max's Juvenile Diabetes, as I know this is a topic very near and dear to Brenda Novak's heart and life.
September 11, 2016
This is really a 2 and a half star book. I liked it enough to read through, wondering about the outcome but there were certain elements that didn't work for me. Being on the run with a child who has a major medical problem was rough for me to read. This won't stop me from seeking out more by this author though.
June 1, 2018
At times I could not breath.
June 20, 2018
This book was intense and kept me reading to see how things would turn out. It is story of freedom, forgiveness, letting go, and love. I loved every word and the suspense was great!
September 10, 2025
Vanessa non ne può più della violenza di Manuel, è arrivata al limite e l’unica cosa che l’ha fermata dall’ingerire una scatola di sonniferi è il figlio Dominik. si chiede cosa l’abbia spinta, anni prima, ad innamorarsi di quello, poi, è diventato il suo aguzzino. Dopo l’ennesima notte orrenda, e dopo settimane di pianificazione e aiuto da parte di Juanita e del giardiniere è pronta per scappare con il figlio.
È disperata, terrorizzata, ma decisa. Così si mette in macchina e parte diretta in qualsiasi posto purché lontano da quel mostro.
Mettere più distanza possibile, portandosi dietro il necessario per gestire il diabete del bambino e poco altro, oltre ad un foglio lasciatole da Juanita nel malaugurato caso che Manuel riesca a trovarla: questo il piano.
E così madre e figlio, che diventeranno Emma e Max, iniziano la loro fuga, ma presto, troppo presto, le cose cominciano ad andare male. La polizia li ferma per un eccesso di velocità e a Max sfugge il loro vero nome. Per uno come Manuel, senza scrupoli e con risorse illimitate, mettersi sulle loro tracce è solo questione di tempo e Emma lo sa.
Per via delle condizioni di salute del figli, però, è costretta a fare molte soste che li rallentano.
Durante una di queste, in Nevada, conosce Preston Holmes, un uomo di poche parole e brusco, ma a suo modo gentile, tormentato da qualcosa, ma nono oscuro. E questo è un bene perché la spinge a chiedergli un passaggio per l’Iowa, senza entrare troppo dentro alle motivazioni della richiesta. Non può dirgli che ha visto due degli scagnozzi di Manuel intorno alla Taurus bianca che aveva comprato tramite Juanita, né di essere una donna che sta scappando col diavolo alle calcagna.
Preston riconosce in Emma i segni di chi ha subito abusi e decide di aiutare lei e il ragazzino, anche se questo riapre in lui ferite molto dolorose, e mette in chiaro che alla prima sosta li lascerà al loro destino.
Le ore in macchina diventano occasione per parlarsi, conoscersi un po’ e riflettere.
Ed è l’inizio di un viaggio che cambierà le loro vite in modo indelebile, tra piani di vendetta e rinascita.
Un romanzo che ha di buono la scorrevolezza e la tensione continue, i momenti “calmi” sono pochi e ben dosati,
i personaggi sono ben sviluppati e la follia di Manuel è coerente col megalomane, narcisista, egocentrico che è, con un complesso di Edipo che fa provincia. Anche se mi dispiace per Carlos e Juanita, che per far del bene ci hanno rimesso la pelle.
Mi fa un po’ alzare le sopracciglia e abbassare il voto finale quel “mi sono innamorata di te” dopo nemmeno una settimana, e Preston non è da meno. Apprezza Emma per quella che è fuori e dentro.
Forse io avrei gestito diversamente le tempistiche che da thriller lo hanno fatto diventare un Harmony
A mio avviso la storia sarebbe potuta finire qui e non con l’epilogo ambientato un anno dopo che il diabete lo fa venire a me, altro che a Max chiede un bambino, dato che il cane già gliel’hanno preso!
2 stelle e 3/4 , se non ci fosse stato l’epilogo sarebbero state tre!
Buone letture e alla prossima!
È disperata, terrorizzata, ma decisa. Così si mette in macchina e parte diretta in qualsiasi posto purché lontano da quel mostro.
Mettere più distanza possibile, portandosi dietro il necessario per gestire il diabete del bambino e poco altro, oltre ad un foglio lasciatole da Juanita nel malaugurato caso che Manuel riesca a trovarla: questo il piano.
E così madre e figlio, che diventeranno Emma e Max, iniziano la loro fuga, ma presto, troppo presto, le cose cominciano ad andare male. La polizia li ferma per un eccesso di velocità e a Max sfugge il loro vero nome. Per uno come Manuel, senza scrupoli e con risorse illimitate, mettersi sulle loro tracce è solo questione di tempo e Emma lo sa.
Per via delle condizioni di salute del figli, però, è costretta a fare molte soste che li rallentano.
Durante una di queste, in Nevada, conosce Preston Holmes, un uomo di poche parole e brusco, ma a suo modo gentile, tormentato da qualcosa, ma nono oscuro. E questo è un bene perché la spinge a chiedergli un passaggio per l’Iowa, senza entrare troppo dentro alle motivazioni della richiesta. Non può dirgli che ha visto due degli scagnozzi di Manuel intorno alla Taurus bianca che aveva comprato tramite Juanita, né di essere una donna che sta scappando col diavolo alle calcagna.
Preston riconosce in Emma i segni di chi ha subito abusi e decide di aiutare lei e il ragazzino, anche se questo riapre in lui ferite molto dolorose, e mette in chiaro che alla prima sosta li lascerà al loro destino.
Le ore in macchina diventano occasione per parlarsi, conoscersi un po’ e riflettere.
Ed è l’inizio di un viaggio che cambierà le loro vite in modo indelebile, tra piani di vendetta e rinascita.
Un romanzo che ha di buono la scorrevolezza e la tensione continue, i momenti “calmi” sono pochi e ben dosati,
i personaggi sono ben sviluppati e la follia di Manuel è coerente col megalomane, narcisista, egocentrico che è, con un complesso di Edipo che fa provincia. Anche se mi dispiace per Carlos e Juanita, che per far del bene ci hanno rimesso la pelle.
Mi fa un po’ alzare le sopracciglia e abbassare il voto finale quel “mi sono innamorata di te” dopo nemmeno una settimana, e Preston non è da meno. Apprezza Emma per quella che è fuori e dentro.
Forse io avrei gestito diversamente le tempistiche che da thriller lo hanno fatto diventare un Harmony
A mio avviso la storia sarebbe potuta finire qui e non con l’epilogo ambientato un anno dopo che il diabete lo fa venire a me, altro che a Max chiede un bambino, dato che il cane già gliel’hanno preso!
2 stelle e 3/4 , se non ci fosse stato l’epilogo sarebbero state tre!
Buone letture e alla prossima!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2018
I went into this book blind. My friend recommended Brenda Novak as an author so I just randomly picked a book by her without even reading a blurb. I was not let down.
This book gripped me from the beginning I didn't want to put it down but I also wanted to savor the book because I didn't want it to end.
I love the characters you were suppose to and hated the ones that made you hate them. This book is sweet, sad, sexy (well as sexy as it could be with a 5 year old as one of the main characters) and heart stopping. I could see this book play out like a movie in my mind.
I love how this book teaches about some diseases in a very respectful way and threw just learning more about the characters.
This book gripped me from the beginning I didn't want to put it down but I also wanted to savor the book because I didn't want it to end.
I love the characters you were suppose to and hated the ones that made you hate them. This book is sweet, sad, sexy (well as sexy as it could be with a 5 year old as one of the main characters) and heart stopping. I could see this book play out like a movie in my mind.
I love how this book teaches about some diseases in a very respectful way and threw just learning more about the characters.
February 4, 2020
Every Waking Moment was a great read by Brenda Novak. Emma has been controlled by a very dangerous man for the last six years and has finally escaped with her son. She took her son and went across the country looking for freedom and a new start. Unfortunately her ex and Max’s father won’t give up and will do anything to get both back. Emma meets Preston while on the run but Preston wants nothing to do with her young son because he reminds him of his deceased son. But he feels compelled to help both of them, even when it gets dangerous. But Preston won’t let them deter him from pursuing the man that he believes killed his son. I loved reading this book and can’t wait to read more by Brenda Novak.
October 4, 2020
Excellent detailed depiction of the lifestyle of a person with diabetes. This was really well done and I learned a lot about the disease and how it impacts not only the patient but also family members who must provide support. Consequently, the romance part seemed almost secondary to the story and I struggled to see the build-up in the short time they were together. The ending was a bit rushed, and would have preferred a more satisfactory closure about the persons who helped in the escape. A nice read and sensitively done.
September 17, 2025
Though an older book, it held my interest. Good plot-suspense-interesting characters. I especially liked the young boy. His energy level reminded me of enjoying time with a certain kid then being glad when it was time for him to go home, leaving me exhausted. There was a lot to learn about juvenile diabetes embedded in the story. I appreciate when real-life issues are included to enrich the fictional romance. There were also some twists in the story that I didn't expect. This book made me want more by this author.
March 22, 2018
This was a good book, except for the fact that the main character kept doing the stupidest things all through the book. It reminded me of watching a horror movie, and the main person goes into a dark room and you want to scream at them to stop! Many times reading this book, I felt like screaming. But it was still a good story, and an excellent portrayal of the challenges of having a diabetic child. 3.5 stars.
February 12, 2022
I would give the book 2.5 stars. The plot was decent but the drama felt forced and predictable. Vanessa/Emma kept making stupid decisions and I could not relate to her. She reminded me of a horror movie heroine who goes towards the scary sounds. I kept screaming NO in my head at every turn. I also didn’t feel any chemistry between her and Preston. It’s definitely not the best Brenda Novak book. And oh… the ending was sooo cheesy. Ugh!
April 22, 2018
Entertains like Lifetime
I don't normally read this genre but because I have a goal of reading 25 books this year, I'm trying different genres. I like authors who don't have to fill their books with flashbacks to get them long enough. This is not great literature, but this author is very skilled and her work is very readable.
I don't normally read this genre but because I have a goal of reading 25 books this year, I'm trying different genres. I like authors who don't have to fill their books with flashbacks to get them long enough. This is not great literature, but this author is very skilled and her work is very readable.
July 20, 2018
Absolutely riveting! I could not put this down. Suspense filled pages kept me intrigued and the love story was wonderfully written as well. I have never been disappointed by Brenda’s books and this one is no exception. If you’re trying to decide whether or not to read it, do yourself a favor and grab it! You won’t regret it!
September 22, 2018
Emma Wright has finally managed to leave her controlling boyfriend whom she suspects of dealing drugs. She is on the run with their 5 year old son. Her boyfriend has the resources to track her down. She is forced to change her game plan several times. Fortunately, she encounters Presto Holman along the way. Will he be able to help Emma escape her ex?
Read
March 9, 2020Another nail-biter to the very end! Brenda Novak does it again in this thriller that is a “cannot put it down until you finish it!” I can guarantee you will love this story of Emma Wright, her son, Max and the man she meets along the way Preston, who at first want nothing to do with her but finds himself changing his mind along the way. Read on and you will see.
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