What do you think?
Rate this book
A Happy Accident
A Story Inspired by Steven Tyler: The first book in a three-part series
It happened by accident, a lottery of events…
In 1988, a blind seven-year-old lay in a hospital room longing for her mother, unaware that eight years earlier a chance encounter occurred that would shape her life.
American musician Bobby Carter moved to Manchester, England with one objective—to become a major player in the postpunk scene of the late Seventies. His quest for stardom steers him in the direction of Kindle Hyrum, whose feistiness is only exceeded by her raw beauty. Though Bobby’s steady pursuit trumps Kindle’s cheeky resistance—sweeping them into present bliss—past secrets, new temptations, and a series of hapless and happy accidents will determine their future...and the future of a blind child.
Set to the lyrical soundtrack of the 60s and 70s, A Happy Accident is a story of love and choice that transcends the ages.
It happened by accident, a lottery of events…
In 1988, a blind seven-year-old lay in a hospital room longing for her mother, unaware that eight years earlier a chance encounter occurred that would shape her life.
American musician Bobby Carter moved to Manchester, England with one objective—to become a major player in the postpunk scene of the late Seventies. His quest for stardom steers him in the direction of Kindle Hyrum, whose feistiness is only exceeded by her raw beauty. Though Bobby’s steady pursuit trumps Kindle’s cheeky resistance—sweeping them into present bliss—past secrets, new temptations, and a series of hapless and happy accidents will determine their future...and the future of a blind child.
Set to the lyrical soundtrack of the 60s and 70s, A Happy Accident is a story of love and choice that transcends the ages.
311 pages, ebook
First published December 3, 2012
12 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
About the author
Evan Tyler
9 books114 followersI've lived the most ordinary life ever. Thus, I write for my own entertainment and hopefully, one day, the entertainment of millions of others. I'm a guitarist/singer/songwriter and above all, a hard worker. (At least, I'd like to think so.) Not sure what other clever thing I could say, so [insert clever line right here.] :-)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
March 9, 2013
Bobby did, since the first time he saw her.
He knew he'd do anything to keep her.
And so it happened they fell in love.
She was his inspiration,
and he became her family.
But to love is to sacrifice, isn't it? And it's than and there Kindle learnt how much she actually did.
How I wish Bobby knew to
Maybe than I'd actually believe that
Life gets in the way, makes you brake your promises, moulds you into something you'd never thought you'd become.
Happy Accident crept up on me and slowly won me over. I don't know whether it's the unique writing style, the quirkiness of the characters or simplicity of emotions. It made me feel like I was watching an indie movie. Tyler definitely took risks in telling the story and that's what makes this book very original. I did not expect to fall in love with it, hope you might too...
February 22, 2013
Starting tomorrow, 2-23-13, this book will be FREE!!! (the date for a freebie was changed to one day later from 2-22...Amazon, bleh!) Here's the Amazon Link.
http://www.amazon.com/A-Happy-Acciden...
Final Review...I left the ramble, because that's what I felt. But I did add some coherent thought...
"The young at heart aren't built for marriage. It is the art of sacrifice."
I can't even organize my thoughts right now, I'm such an emotional wreck. But I can't seem to function without staring off into space, so I may as well try to tap this review out now.
A Happy Accident...
Bobby is a musician with a band called The Dare, and they've come to England in search of an audience. The setting is the year between 1979 and 1980...the end of a huge era of rock musician and the beginning of the punk era...the '80s. For me, ugh...not a fan of eighties music.
Across a crowded bar, Bobby sees the woman that he will later propose to...that is, later that night.
"She was really the most beautiful thing he'd seen since he'd arrived in England. Maybe she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen in his life..."
This spontaneous act may seem young and a bit too carefree, and that's exactly what Bobby is. He's naive and young and such a sweetheart. He just wants to play music. It's his first true love....keep that in mind. But he's fascinated with this caramel skinned beauty who wants nothing to do with him.
Kindle is alone in the world, working two jobs just to feed herself. And she's not even doing that very well. She's barely getting by after the death of her mother, and her father has been gone since before she can remember. Kindle tolerates Bobby because I think he just amuses her. She's half black, half white, and this fact is a huge part of her identity. Both because of the time she was in and the way that people perceived race back then, and because she was never ashamed of her mixed heritage.
"I'm going to make love to you, Kindle." He gazed into her eyes, which had widened so much that he was sure now that he had scared her. "I mean, one day I will. And I'll be a gentleman." He laughed. "Or a sailor, if you want. Whatever you want, I'll be Just as long as you lend your whole self to me for a s long as we have."
The sexual aspect of this relationship is a long time coming, and even when it does come, its very PG. The focus isn't the chemistry, but the story going on all around them, the tragedies that befall them. I didn't necessarily LIKE either Bobby or Kindle. Bobby is almost too damned nice, Kindle has a bit of a mean streak. Or indifferent to other's feelings streak.
This book is the story of their antagonistic and very odd love affair. I can't even call this a romance in the true sense of the word. Though love is the point, I suppose...it's painful to read about. I agree with some of the other reviewers that say that this book reads like an indie film you'd see with the Sundance Film Festival logo on the cover. In fact, this would make an awesome movie. It's full of stops and starts, it goes off on tangents, and I was often confused as to what the hell these characters were thinking. But I think that was on purpose...this odd style of writing set the whole tone for the story. You never truly get to understand ANYONE.
Now, a lot of people will pick this up thinking they're going to get a rock star book and to a certain extent, that's true. Bobby (stage name Ricky Stallion) is the lead singer and forefront of The Dare. He's the one the girls go crazy for and the guys want to be. But this part of his life is the pre-fame part. It's being poor and begging for gigs and a good venue. It's schmoozing the right people and possibly caving in to demands even when you know you shouldn't. It's the sex, drugs, and rock and roll without the sex and drugs. It's all about the music, and a great seventies and eighties soundtrack would be awesome to listen to while reading this.
I love how there are little moments, little blips of conversations in this couple's lives in which songs are pulled from...the author alludes to a song in the making, songs that became huge hits for Bobby, and we get to see where his inspiration came from.
"Who are you, really?"
He laughed and sniffled, rubbing his chin. "I don't know, really. But maybe I'll find out when I get to know my other half."
The entire story reads as if it's a dream...hazy and incoherent to me at times. I fully had no idea of what comes to be. Even when there are HUGE, MASSIVE hints in the beginning, I truly didn't know!!! When I kept reading other reviews and people were crying and exclaiming, I was confused. But when I got to a certain point, I saw it. I saw the future. I was crying before it even came to be. Life is sometimes tragic, and boy do Bobby and Kindle learn this the hard way!
I can't believe this has "Happy" in the title. I am not happy. I am devastated!!!! Torn and broken and still bleeding as I sit here and spew feelings all over this review. But my GOD!! If you want a powerfully emotional, heart-breakingly tragic and completely original read, this is IT!!!
Fair warning: this is NOT the type of story that I normally read. This is not a Happily Ever After type of book. This is about as unhappily ever after as it gets. But the getting there is so very powerful and extreme. And it's based on the story of Steven Tyler?!?! I want to punch his face right now, but I think if I happened to see him, I'd likely just crumble at his feet and cry.
Copy generously provided by Evan Tyler in exchange for an honest review.
http://www.amazon.com/A-Happy-Acciden...
Final Review...I left the ramble, because that's what I felt. But I did add some coherent thought...
"The young at heart aren't built for marriage. It is the art of sacrifice."
I can't even organize my thoughts right now, I'm such an emotional wreck. But I can't seem to function without staring off into space, so I may as well try to tap this review out now.
A Happy Accident...
Bobby is a musician with a band called The Dare, and they've come to England in search of an audience. The setting is the year between 1979 and 1980...the end of a huge era of rock musician and the beginning of the punk era...the '80s. For me, ugh...not a fan of eighties music.
Across a crowded bar, Bobby sees the woman that he will later propose to...that is, later that night.
"She was really the most beautiful thing he'd seen since he'd arrived in England. Maybe she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen in his life..."
This spontaneous act may seem young and a bit too carefree, and that's exactly what Bobby is. He's naive and young and such a sweetheart. He just wants to play music. It's his first true love....keep that in mind. But he's fascinated with this caramel skinned beauty who wants nothing to do with him.
Kindle is alone in the world, working two jobs just to feed herself. And she's not even doing that very well. She's barely getting by after the death of her mother, and her father has been gone since before she can remember. Kindle tolerates Bobby because I think he just amuses her. She's half black, half white, and this fact is a huge part of her identity. Both because of the time she was in and the way that people perceived race back then, and because she was never ashamed of her mixed heritage.
"I'm going to make love to you, Kindle." He gazed into her eyes, which had widened so much that he was sure now that he had scared her. "I mean, one day I will. And I'll be a gentleman." He laughed. "Or a sailor, if you want. Whatever you want, I'll be Just as long as you lend your whole self to me for a s long as we have."
The sexual aspect of this relationship is a long time coming, and even when it does come, its very PG. The focus isn't the chemistry, but the story going on all around them, the tragedies that befall them. I didn't necessarily LIKE either Bobby or Kindle. Bobby is almost too damned nice, Kindle has a bit of a mean streak. Or indifferent to other's feelings streak.
This book is the story of their antagonistic and very odd love affair. I can't even call this a romance in the true sense of the word. Though love is the point, I suppose...it's painful to read about. I agree with some of the other reviewers that say that this book reads like an indie film you'd see with the Sundance Film Festival logo on the cover. In fact, this would make an awesome movie. It's full of stops and starts, it goes off on tangents, and I was often confused as to what the hell these characters were thinking. But I think that was on purpose...this odd style of writing set the whole tone for the story. You never truly get to understand ANYONE.
Now, a lot of people will pick this up thinking they're going to get a rock star book and to a certain extent, that's true. Bobby (stage name Ricky Stallion) is the lead singer and forefront of The Dare. He's the one the girls go crazy for and the guys want to be. But this part of his life is the pre-fame part. It's being poor and begging for gigs and a good venue. It's schmoozing the right people and possibly caving in to demands even when you know you shouldn't. It's the sex, drugs, and rock and roll without the sex and drugs. It's all about the music, and a great seventies and eighties soundtrack would be awesome to listen to while reading this.
I love how there are little moments, little blips of conversations in this couple's lives in which songs are pulled from...the author alludes to a song in the making, songs that became huge hits for Bobby, and we get to see where his inspiration came from.
"Who are you, really?"
He laughed and sniffled, rubbing his chin. "I don't know, really. But maybe I'll find out when I get to know my other half."
The entire story reads as if it's a dream...hazy and incoherent to me at times. I fully had no idea of what comes to be. Even when there are HUGE, MASSIVE hints in the beginning, I truly didn't know!!! When I kept reading other reviews and people were crying and exclaiming, I was confused. But when I got to a certain point, I saw it. I saw the future. I was crying before it even came to be. Life is sometimes tragic, and boy do Bobby and Kindle learn this the hard way!
I can't believe this has "Happy" in the title. I am not happy. I am devastated!!!! Torn and broken and still bleeding as I sit here and spew feelings all over this review. But my GOD!! If you want a powerfully emotional, heart-breakingly tragic and completely original read, this is IT!!!
Fair warning: this is NOT the type of story that I normally read. This is not a Happily Ever After type of book. This is about as unhappily ever after as it gets. But the getting there is so very powerful and extreme. And it's based on the story of Steven Tyler?!?! I want to punch his face right now, but I think if I happened to see him, I'd likely just crumble at his feet and cry.
Copy generously provided by Evan Tyler in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2013
**Free Amazon download February 22nd-26th**
”In a place where there’s no race or rhyme. I love you for my wife. You’re mine, all mine.”
A Happy Accident is the story of naïve Bobby Carter, stage name Ricky Stallion. Bobby is the front man for the up and coming band The Dare. The Dare is an American rock band who has moved to Manchester, England in 1979. While playing at a bar, a beautiful carmel-skinned waitress named Kindle Hyrum catches Bobby’s eye. Bobby proposes marriage to Kindle claiming love at first sight and yes...he is for REAL!
”Who are you really?”
He laughed and sniffled, rubbing his chin. “I don’t know, really. But maybe I’ll find out when I get to know my other half.”
Was Kindle skeptical of Bobby and his motives? The answer is HELL YES!
Kindle maybe of one of the smartest female heroines that I have read to date. She is clever and witty. Kindle was raised by a bitter, heartbroken mother and her father's presence was nonexistent. She is a hard worker who lives with very little yet has dreams and aspirations of her own.
Bobby wears Kindle down or should I say she calls his bluff and is dumbfounded when they are pronounced husband and wife. Kindle’s plan was to fix this mistake, but SLOWLY over time Bobby breaks through Kindle’s defenses. Although I must mention that his band...hates the idea of their marriage, he hides it from his manager and never really gets around to claiming her to anyone. There were many cruel remarks made to her about her skin color and ugh that horrendous woman Betty Warner. I hated her!
Oh, and there’s a Choice! When faced with an ultimatum will Bobby choose the family he has created or the music that claims his every thought?
A Happy Accident ends with a cliffhanger which leads the way for the next book. I found this book to be a bit slow at times and sometimes confusing but well done. Overall, I enjoyed the journey and wished things would have played out differently...I cried.
I would strongly suggest a cover change, even though the apples hold significance to this story. Many readers are cover whores so here’s a cover I made just for fun.
*I received a copy of A Happy Accident from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you very much Evan Tyler!
”In a place where there’s no race or rhyme. I love you for my wife. You’re mine, all mine.”
A Happy Accident is the story of naïve Bobby Carter, stage name Ricky Stallion. Bobby is the front man for the up and coming band The Dare. The Dare is an American rock band who has moved to Manchester, England in 1979. While playing at a bar, a beautiful carmel-skinned waitress named Kindle Hyrum catches Bobby’s eye. Bobby proposes marriage to Kindle claiming love at first sight and yes...he is for REAL!
”Who are you really?”
He laughed and sniffled, rubbing his chin. “I don’t know, really. But maybe I’ll find out when I get to know my other half.”
Was Kindle skeptical of Bobby and his motives? The answer is HELL YES!
Kindle maybe of one of the smartest female heroines that I have read to date. She is clever and witty. Kindle was raised by a bitter, heartbroken mother and her father's presence was nonexistent. She is a hard worker who lives with very little yet has dreams and aspirations of her own.
Bobby wears Kindle down or should I say she calls his bluff and is dumbfounded when they are pronounced husband and wife. Kindle’s plan was to fix this mistake, but SLOWLY over time Bobby breaks through Kindle’s defenses. Although I must mention that his band...hates the idea of their marriage, he hides it from his manager and never really gets around to claiming her to anyone. There were many cruel remarks made to her about her skin color and ugh that horrendous woman Betty Warner. I hated her!
Oh, and there’s a Choice! When faced with an ultimatum will Bobby choose the family he has created or the music that claims his every thought?
A Happy Accident ends with a cliffhanger which leads the way for the next book. I found this book to be a bit slow at times and sometimes confusing but well done. Overall, I enjoyed the journey and wished things would have played out differently...I cried.
I would strongly suggest a cover change, even though the apples hold significance to this story. Many readers are cover whores so here’s a cover I made just for fun.
*I received a copy of A Happy Accident from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you very much Evan Tyler!
February 28, 2013
There is so much to say about this book and how it's not like any romance, coming-of-age, ect...that you will read. But let's start by saying that this book here is a movie.
So let's meet some of the cast, shall we?
Bobby:
Kindle:
Oh and the wretched Betty and Kyle:
Bobby meets Kindle. It's love. Maybe. Well, kinda. Well, it becomes love anyway...over time and over the course of some pretty rash decisions.
"He was coming to appreciate the gradualness of love, how came like the rising of the sun."
Kindle is Miss Snarky/Witty and well, she's not having any of Bobby's insta-love. Yeah, that's right--she makes the man wait...and wait...and wait.
But he does make the perfect declaration: “I am going to make love to you, Kindle.” He observed her eyes, which had widened so that he was sure now that he had scared her. “I mean, one day I will. And I'll be a gentleman.” He laughed. “Or a sailor, if you want. Whatever you want, I'll be. Just as long as you lend your whole self to me for as long as we have.”
Of course, there are some things that stand in the way of true love. Betty--the groupie that wants a piece of Ricky...and apparently a ton of other men. Kyle--who hates the idea of the lead an being taken.
Oh, and the biggest person that stands in the way--you, Bobby. Yes, Bobby, you have a lot of growing up to do. Both you and Kindle have unraveled before our eyes. And now, we're completely gutted by the CHOICE you BOTH made.
I would like to say so much about this book, but I find that I can't find the words. I am not as impressed by the plot as I am by the characters. This book is truly a big insight into what it means to be young and in love...and everything that it doesn't mean. The thing I am astounded by the most is Evan Tyler's insight into human nature. I felt that I was truly looking into the lives of real, living human beings. And as much as I'm gutted right now, I am so connected to these characters that I have to see this through till the end.
My final rating: A 5-star must-read
So let's meet some of the cast, shall we?
Bobby:
Kindle:
Oh and the wretched Betty and Kyle:
Bobby meets Kindle. It's love. Maybe. Well, kinda. Well, it becomes love anyway...over time and over the course of some pretty rash decisions.
"He was coming to appreciate the gradualness of love, how came like the rising of the sun."
Kindle is Miss Snarky/Witty and well, she's not having any of Bobby's insta-love. Yeah, that's right--she makes the man wait...and wait...and wait.
But he does make the perfect declaration: “I am going to make love to you, Kindle.” He observed her eyes, which had widened so that he was sure now that he had scared her. “I mean, one day I will. And I'll be a gentleman.” He laughed. “Or a sailor, if you want. Whatever you want, I'll be. Just as long as you lend your whole self to me for as long as we have.”
Of course, there are some things that stand in the way of true love. Betty--the groupie that wants a piece of Ricky...and apparently a ton of other men. Kyle--who hates the idea of the lead an being taken.
Oh, and the biggest person that stands in the way--you, Bobby. Yes, Bobby, you have a lot of growing up to do. Both you and Kindle have unraveled before our eyes. And now, we're completely gutted by the CHOICE you BOTH made.
I would like to say so much about this book, but I find that I can't find the words. I am not as impressed by the plot as I am by the characters. This book is truly a big insight into what it means to be young and in love...and everything that it doesn't mean. The thing I am astounded by the most is Evan Tyler's insight into human nature. I felt that I was truly looking into the lives of real, living human beings. And as much as I'm gutted right now, I am so connected to these characters that I have to see this through till the end.
My final rating: A 5-star must-read
February 8, 2018
Are you fed up with unoriginal and repetitive love stories? Do you want to read about love that is capable of true sacrificies? Are you not afraid of story without traditional HEA? Than read A Happy Accident. It would be perfect for you.
My Bobby aka Ricky Stallion:
And my Kindle:
Kindle is a young woman, living in poor conditions in early 80s in Manchester and dreaming about better life as an actor. With dead mother and never knowing her father, she is very sarcastic, distrustful and bitter person. Working at a night bar, she catches attention of young and talented american musician Bobby Carter who is trying to become famous with his band. After very short time, Kindle becomes something like a muse to Bobby who is completely smitten by her and they form untraditional relationship. After extremely quick marriage, our two main characters have to face quirks of period and society they live in and decide whether they want to pursue their dreams or maintain once-in-a-lifetime love they have found with each other. Someone will have to bring sacrificies in a name of the love...
This book was beautifully written, style of writing was poetically descriptive and whole idea behind the story was very original. It felt like watching a movie instead of reading a book. Storyline was slow paced, never really addictive but it flowed easily and it was nice for a change to read something without a hurry so I could enjoy it properly.
Bobby and Kindle, born in 1956 and 1959, now living in early 80s, they were like noone I have read about so far. As the story progressed, Kindle grew on me and I learned to understand her and her thinking. But Bobby was a walking contradiction and a reason why I could not rate this book with 5 stars. He is loving, depending on his instincts, living for his music. Bobby may be a sweet and caring man, talented and swoonworthy musician but otherwise he is a coward, unable to stand up for himself or for the ones he truly loves. He was not a bad man, he was just like a child in my eyes. Do not take me wrong, I liked him, I just did not love him and sometimes I wanted to talk some sence into him.
A Happy Accident is realistic story, not some fairytale. I was pleasantly surprised by this debut novel by Evan Tyler and I will definitely keep an eye on her future projects.
This is not a standalone novel. But even though there was no cliffhanger, I am VERY curious to see what will happen in the sequel. I have a feeling that things are not always what they seem to be and that I will be in for couple of surprises...
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG
My Bobby aka Ricky Stallion:
And my Kindle:
"Watching her was like putting his favourite song on repeat; he could see no end to his desire for it."
Kindle is a young woman, living in poor conditions in early 80s in Manchester and dreaming about better life as an actor. With dead mother and never knowing her father, she is very sarcastic, distrustful and bitter person. Working at a night bar, she catches attention of young and talented american musician Bobby Carter who is trying to become famous with his band. After very short time, Kindle becomes something like a muse to Bobby who is completely smitten by her and they form untraditional relationship. After extremely quick marriage, our two main characters have to face quirks of period and society they live in and decide whether they want to pursue their dreams or maintain once-in-a-lifetime love they have found with each other. Someone will have to bring sacrificies in a name of the love...
This book was beautifully written, style of writing was poetically descriptive and whole idea behind the story was very original. It felt like watching a movie instead of reading a book. Storyline was slow paced, never really addictive but it flowed easily and it was nice for a change to read something without a hurry so I could enjoy it properly.
Bobby and Kindle, born in 1956 and 1959, now living in early 80s, they were like noone I have read about so far. As the story progressed, Kindle grew on me and I learned to understand her and her thinking. But Bobby was a walking contradiction and a reason why I could not rate this book with 5 stars. He is loving, depending on his instincts, living for his music. Bobby may be a sweet and caring man, talented and swoonworthy musician but otherwise he is a coward, unable to stand up for himself or for the ones he truly loves. He was not a bad man, he was just like a child in my eyes. Do not take me wrong, I liked him, I just did not love him and sometimes I wanted to talk some sence into him.
A Happy Accident is realistic story, not some fairytale. I was pleasantly surprised by this debut novel by Evan Tyler and I will definitely keep an eye on her future projects.
This is not a standalone novel. But even though there was no cliffhanger, I am VERY curious to see what will happen in the sequel. I have a feeling that things are not always what they seem to be and that I will be in for couple of surprises...
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG
February 21, 2013
Ok, so......wow?! I absolutely loved this book! I had no idea what to expect when I started it but I was pleasantly surprised!! A Happy Accident was an unexpected diamond in the rough.
When I read the description, I just figured it was another rocker sex book. It was inspired by Steven Tyler after all. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I’m going to try to write a review without giving away too much. Once you find out where the prologue fits into the story, it’ll hit you hard and I don’t want to take that experience away.
“You must think I’m crazy or something. But the first time I saw you—maybe it was, like, a week ago, you know, when we first performed—I knew you were the one for me. I was sure of that.”
Twenty-three year old Bobby Carter (aka Ricky Stallion) and his band “The Dare” left Michigan to pursue their dreams of a music career in Manchester, England. Set in the late ‘70’s, Bobby isn’t your typical rocker/bad boy. He was raised a devout catholic. He doesn’t sleep around, drink, or use drugs. God is very much a part of his life.
“Will you marry me.”
Kindle Hyrum is a twenty year old barmaid. She works at the club where The Dare have been playing their gig for the week. She’s half white and half black. Growing up poor, she is alone and fending for herself. Bobby spots her and is instantly drawn to her.
“You’re crazy. Or maybe you’re just a fool. I have no way of knowing. Perhaps I don’t want to know.”
Don’t worry; there is no insta-love. Well, at least not in Kindle’s case. Bobby is a hopeless romantic. Watching them fall in love pulled on my heart strings. There were so cute. I wanted to squeeze them and choke them both at the same time. I hated and despised anything that got in their way (yes Betty. I hated your stinkin’ guts!). I really wanted them to be together forever.
”That’s not true. I know you.”
This was a sweet and sad love about what life was like in the late ‘70’s. I fell in love with Bobby and Kindle. Watching the sweet innocence of two people in love is breathtaking. Watching it turn into an ugly monster as reality forces it’s nightmare upon them was heartbreaking. I cried. I didn’t expect too, but I did. I went back and reread the prolog after I finished the book and cried some more.
”You made it apparent that you don’t like my kind.”
Love, trust, family, faith, choices, secrets, sacrifice, racism, heartbreak & the whole emotional package play out in this story. Evan Tyler is an amazing story teller. We get to see both sides of the story from Bobby and Kindle with flashbacks from their childhood. It flowed very well and it was never confusing. I am now a huge fan and I can’t wait for the second book to come out. There is a cliffhanger, but seeing as it was the first book in a series I knew that going into it.
”May I, May I”
The only issue I had with this book was the swear words were bleeped out. I’m not s******* you. The author may have done this to attract a younger audience but I thought it was distracting. It wasn’t that big of a deal but an asshole and an a**hole is still an asshole. Otherwise, I have no other complaints.
I highly recommend this book! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
**I received a copy of A Happy Accident for an honest review from the author.**
When I read the description, I just figured it was another rocker sex book. It was inspired by Steven Tyler after all. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I’m going to try to write a review without giving away too much. Once you find out where the prologue fits into the story, it’ll hit you hard and I don’t want to take that experience away.
“You must think I’m crazy or something. But the first time I saw you—maybe it was, like, a week ago, you know, when we first performed—I knew you were the one for me. I was sure of that.”
Twenty-three year old Bobby Carter (aka Ricky Stallion) and his band “The Dare” left Michigan to pursue their dreams of a music career in Manchester, England. Set in the late ‘70’s, Bobby isn’t your typical rocker/bad boy. He was raised a devout catholic. He doesn’t sleep around, drink, or use drugs. God is very much a part of his life.
“Will you marry me.”
Kindle Hyrum is a twenty year old barmaid. She works at the club where The Dare have been playing their gig for the week. She’s half white and half black. Growing up poor, she is alone and fending for herself. Bobby spots her and is instantly drawn to her.
“You’re crazy. Or maybe you’re just a fool. I have no way of knowing. Perhaps I don’t want to know.”
Don’t worry; there is no insta-love. Well, at least not in Kindle’s case. Bobby is a hopeless romantic. Watching them fall in love pulled on my heart strings. There were so cute. I wanted to squeeze them and choke them both at the same time. I hated and despised anything that got in their way (yes Betty. I hated your stinkin’ guts!). I really wanted them to be together forever.
”That’s not true. I know you.”
This was a sweet and sad love about what life was like in the late ‘70’s. I fell in love with Bobby and Kindle. Watching the sweet innocence of two people in love is breathtaking. Watching it turn into an ugly monster as reality forces it’s nightmare upon them was heartbreaking. I cried. I didn’t expect too, but I did. I went back and reread the prolog after I finished the book and cried some more.
”You made it apparent that you don’t like my kind.”
Love, trust, family, faith, choices, secrets, sacrifice, racism, heartbreak & the whole emotional package play out in this story. Evan Tyler is an amazing story teller. We get to see both sides of the story from Bobby and Kindle with flashbacks from their childhood. It flowed very well and it was never confusing. I am now a huge fan and I can’t wait for the second book to come out. There is a cliffhanger, but seeing as it was the first book in a series I knew that going into it.
”May I, May I”
The only issue I had with this book was the swear words were bleeped out. I’m not s******* you. The author may have done this to attract a younger audience but I thought it was distracting. It wasn’t that big of a deal but an asshole and an a**hole is still an asshole. Otherwise, I have no other complaints.
I highly recommend this book! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
**I received a copy of A Happy Accident for an honest review from the author.**
February 19, 2013
Before starting this review I was trying to put my thoughts in order so I can better explain my rating. I loved this story despite there is no happy ending.
First off, I have to address the third person narrative. While this style gives a lot of flexibility to the writer, the story usually focuses on one story line. In this case, we have a few stories being told. While “A Happy Accident” mainly focuses on the two main characters -Kindle and Bobby- the reader gets a taste of a subsequent main character.
I found Kindle to be a strong and smart young woman. While damaged in many ways, her heart is not beyond repair. When Bobby meets Kindle, he comes into her life unexpected and full of surprises. Bobby is a young soul idealist, always following his ever-growing heart. A talented musician living in the moment, Bobby has found his muse, but his new found love comes with a high price tag: The price of sacrifice.
Kindle and Bobby’s love story is short lived but with a big dose of consequence. The book sets around that short period of time as foundation for what’s yet to come. This story will grab you from beginning to end, leaving you wishing for more. The author is a great story teller and I’m looking forward to the continuation of this story.
First off, I have to address the third person narrative. While this style gives a lot of flexibility to the writer, the story usually focuses on one story line. In this case, we have a few stories being told. While “A Happy Accident” mainly focuses on the two main characters -Kindle and Bobby- the reader gets a taste of a subsequent main character.
I found Kindle to be a strong and smart young woman. While damaged in many ways, her heart is not beyond repair. When Bobby meets Kindle, he comes into her life unexpected and full of surprises. Bobby is a young soul idealist, always following his ever-growing heart. A talented musician living in the moment, Bobby has found his muse, but his new found love comes with a high price tag: The price of sacrifice.
Kindle and Bobby’s love story is short lived but with a big dose of consequence. The book sets around that short period of time as foundation for what’s yet to come. This story will grab you from beginning to end, leaving you wishing for more. The author is a great story teller and I’m looking forward to the continuation of this story.
January 2, 2013
Read more reviews on my blog | Like me on Facebook
I was given the opportunity to read A Happy Accident by Evan Tyler. The really cool and unique thing about the novel is it takes place in the late 70’s to early 80’s in the music scene. I thought this was a total ingenious idea, especially the mentions of one of my personal favorites James Taylor and John Lennon. The setting made its story special and different then other romance/rock romance books that are currently out there.
A Happy Accident is about 23 year-old American musician Bobby Carter who moves to England to get his big break along with his band mates. While living in England, Bobby becomes infatuated with a 21 year-old bar waitress named Kindle Madden. Bobby declares his love for Kindle and somehow the two end up married; their marriage turns from friendship into romantic over a long period of time. Though the story-line did become rather slow at parts, I think it was important to make it realistic that these two strangers just didn’t jump into the roles of husband and wife but had to get to know one another over the months they were married. I enjoyed their bickering back and forth and their flirting, well more Bobby’s constant tries at getting Kindle to love him back.
Bobby is actually a wonderful husband. He makes it possible for Kindle to quit one of her two jobs to take acting classes, buys groceries, and furniture. He really cares for Kindle and wants to take care of her. The two finally have a happy and loving marriage when Kindle finds she is pregnant. Bobby is not the type of man to run away with the news and insist on taking care of both his wife and child. It seems like the couple may have a happy road ahead for them, but this wouldn't be the 80’s rock n’ roll style ending now would it? Bobby then gets his big break and becomes what he always thought he wanted, a Rock God.
As I was reading A Happy Accident I kept thinking I was reading an episode of VH1’s Behind The Music. You get so much of a back story on all the characters, focusing on Bobby and his music. The story takes place in the past, which is really neat because as you read the author will talk add a sentence or two about how that moment affected the future. For example, Bobby wrote a song for Kindle, the author described how it became a hit later on, or when a member from his band quit, he later became a one-hit-wonder. It was great detail to have as you read and understand how that moment or decision impacted the future. Because of that, I really loved how the end told what became of Bobby… I don’t want to say too much but you get your answer about him and Kindle and what type of father/husband he was or wasn't…
The book ends very quickly without much of an ending. At first I was rather upset because there were so many lose ends not answered. I thought my e-book version was messed up and did not get the entire book but to my great surprise I found a sample of the second book that appears to be a follow up to A Happy Accident. I wish the preview was longer because it sounded SOOOOOOOO good!
I give A Happy Accident 4 stars. It was so original, entertaining, the music setting was so perfect, and the characters were so enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading the follow up book to A Happy Accident when it is available.
*I received a copy of A Happy Accident from the author for an honest review.
I was given the opportunity to read A Happy Accident by Evan Tyler. The really cool and unique thing about the novel is it takes place in the late 70’s to early 80’s in the music scene. I thought this was a total ingenious idea, especially the mentions of one of my personal favorites James Taylor and John Lennon. The setting made its story special and different then other romance/rock romance books that are currently out there.
A Happy Accident is about 23 year-old American musician Bobby Carter who moves to England to get his big break along with his band mates. While living in England, Bobby becomes infatuated with a 21 year-old bar waitress named Kindle Madden. Bobby declares his love for Kindle and somehow the two end up married; their marriage turns from friendship into romantic over a long period of time. Though the story-line did become rather slow at parts, I think it was important to make it realistic that these two strangers just didn’t jump into the roles of husband and wife but had to get to know one another over the months they were married. I enjoyed their bickering back and forth and their flirting, well more Bobby’s constant tries at getting Kindle to love him back.
Bobby is actually a wonderful husband. He makes it possible for Kindle to quit one of her two jobs to take acting classes, buys groceries, and furniture. He really cares for Kindle and wants to take care of her. The two finally have a happy and loving marriage when Kindle finds she is pregnant. Bobby is not the type of man to run away with the news and insist on taking care of both his wife and child. It seems like the couple may have a happy road ahead for them, but this wouldn't be the 80’s rock n’ roll style ending now would it? Bobby then gets his big break and becomes what he always thought he wanted, a Rock God.
As I was reading A Happy Accident I kept thinking I was reading an episode of VH1’s Behind The Music. You get so much of a back story on all the characters, focusing on Bobby and his music. The story takes place in the past, which is really neat because as you read the author will talk add a sentence or two about how that moment affected the future. For example, Bobby wrote a song for Kindle, the author described how it became a hit later on, or when a member from his band quit, he later became a one-hit-wonder. It was great detail to have as you read and understand how that moment or decision impacted the future. Because of that, I really loved how the end told what became of Bobby… I don’t want to say too much but you get your answer about him and Kindle and what type of father/husband he was or wasn't…
The book ends very quickly without much of an ending. At first I was rather upset because there were so many lose ends not answered. I thought my e-book version was messed up and did not get the entire book but to my great surprise I found a sample of the second book that appears to be a follow up to A Happy Accident. I wish the preview was longer because it sounded SOOOOOOOO good!
I give A Happy Accident 4 stars. It was so original, entertaining, the music setting was so perfect, and the characters were so enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading the follow up book to A Happy Accident when it is available.
*I received a copy of A Happy Accident from the author for an honest review.
April 7, 2013
This is my first real review here, and I am happy to say that it's going to be a good one.
A Happy Accident--what can I say about this book? There's really a lot to say. I will start with the writing style. As another reviewer has said, it is SUPERB. I don't come across many books that exemplify such a strong grasp on the English language.
More than that, I don't come across a lot of books that capture humnan emotion and the will of human beings the way that this one does. It is the story of Kindle and Bobby, two people are very young and naive, even though Kindle likes to think that she'd not. Bobby is immature, but he is sweet and you can see that he is a good person. That's what I love, I love that I loved both characters, despite their flaws. I love that both of them felt real. That made this a lot like seeing a movie. There was real-life stuff going on here.
I think the language carried that quality of realness too. I know that it's hard to write about a time past (this book takes place in 1979.1980). Still, I found that everything seemed very authentic. I have a friend who spent a lot of time in Manchester touring with his own band, and he vouched for the realness of the descriptions in this book.
What's even better than that though is the fact that despite the different time period and location (I'm American), this book still felt relatable. I found myself understanding these characters because there are glimpses into their lives that let you know why, that let you commiserate. Also, to see love blossom before your very eyes is breathtaking. Yes, it takes time to get there, to let your guards down, but when it comes, it is so beautiful. I love that this book took its time to get there, that it didn't feel rushed.
I love that there was also a mysterious undercurrent in this story. The prologue, interlude, and Epilogue introduce a whole different character. This was amazingly creative. I think that's what a lot of romance lacks. There is something driving this story that will drive you into the next part of the trilogy. I really don't like to call it a series because it's not this ongoing simple story. I think it's mature enough to be called a real-deal trilogy.
I don't find the need to tell all that happened because I don't want to ruin it for anyone who might read it. So, I just want discuss theme. I feel like this novel has a powerful message about love. While I know some people were hurt by the ending, I think the ending is what drove the message home. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to know what it means to really love.
I think this is one of my top books of all time. Not traditional romance, but I loved it cover to cover.
I will be reading the next book A Blind Choice. (Really clever name, by the way.)
Being a new reviewer and all, I wanted to try the picture thingie that would capture my feelings about this book. How much I loved Bobby Carter, how much I need this story to continue. So here it is
A Happy Accident--what can I say about this book? There's really a lot to say. I will start with the writing style. As another reviewer has said, it is SUPERB. I don't come across many books that exemplify such a strong grasp on the English language.
More than that, I don't come across a lot of books that capture humnan emotion and the will of human beings the way that this one does. It is the story of Kindle and Bobby, two people are very young and naive, even though Kindle likes to think that she'd not. Bobby is immature, but he is sweet and you can see that he is a good person. That's what I love, I love that I loved both characters, despite their flaws. I love that both of them felt real. That made this a lot like seeing a movie. There was real-life stuff going on here.
I think the language carried that quality of realness too. I know that it's hard to write about a time past (this book takes place in 1979.1980). Still, I found that everything seemed very authentic. I have a friend who spent a lot of time in Manchester touring with his own band, and he vouched for the realness of the descriptions in this book.
What's even better than that though is the fact that despite the different time period and location (I'm American), this book still felt relatable. I found myself understanding these characters because there are glimpses into their lives that let you know why, that let you commiserate. Also, to see love blossom before your very eyes is breathtaking. Yes, it takes time to get there, to let your guards down, but when it comes, it is so beautiful. I love that this book took its time to get there, that it didn't feel rushed.
I love that there was also a mysterious undercurrent in this story. The prologue, interlude, and Epilogue introduce a whole different character. This was amazingly creative. I think that's what a lot of romance lacks. There is something driving this story that will drive you into the next part of the trilogy. I really don't like to call it a series because it's not this ongoing simple story. I think it's mature enough to be called a real-deal trilogy.
I don't find the need to tell all that happened because I don't want to ruin it for anyone who might read it. So, I just want discuss theme. I feel like this novel has a powerful message about love. While I know some people were hurt by the ending, I think the ending is what drove the message home. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to know what it means to really love.
I think this is one of my top books of all time. Not traditional romance, but I loved it cover to cover.
I will be reading the next book A Blind Choice. (Really clever name, by the way.)
Being a new reviewer and all, I wanted to try the picture thingie that would capture my feelings about this book. How much I loved Bobby Carter, how much I need this story to continue. So here it is
January 23, 2013
"Surprising, weird, brilliant."
It's taken me a while to compile my thoughts on A HAPPY ACCIDENT. The entire read -- and I mean that literally until the last sentence -- I was waiting for this book to let me down. Don't know why I was expecting that. I hadn't heard about this book before being asked to review it, hadn't even seen the cover featured anywhere. I went into it blindly without reading reviews or hype or anything.
IT BLEW ME AWAY. I created a "Best Everrr"shelf on Goodreads since reading this book. I needed to show my fans that this little book has huge potential.
Ackk, okay, now to *actually* review it. What made this novel so great were two factors.
ONE: The Characters
The two main characters, the couple, were so real.
The guy was the one who made me nervous. He was weird and spontaneous and did random things so often I wondered if Evan Tyler was going to slap me with a shocking revelation like he had a mental disability (this making me feel guilty) or he had a reason for doing things most people wouldn't. He is such a cute husband to Kindle (love interest). He wants to provide for her and looks after her like a husband should. He's so naive at times, I can't help but want to cuddle him up in my love and protect his heart. I'm not doing to grace you with spoilers, but oh, MY. Bobby is a character who'll forever stick in my head alongside the memorables such as Travis Maddox and Harry Potter. He's great and just beautiful!
If Bobby is Yin, then Kindle, his love interest, is Yang. She fits the other part of their relationship perfectly. She was the one I related to as myself. She thought of things ahead of time, yet had enough spontaneous attitude to love, she was smart and witty (Bobby is freaking hilarious with her when they banter. He gets her back without trying or knowing what he's doing and she has effortless wittiness).
TWO: The Voice
Evan Tyler writes with top-notch skills. Her writing is poetic. It took me on a journey, one I was anxious to continue and could NOT stop and was itching to read more and more of. I believe "hungrily devouring" is the correct terminology here.
Without a doubt, A HAPPY ACCIDENT has been the most shockingly satisfying novels I've ever read. I do not know how it hasn't been devoured by every other bookworm I know, and if you're looking for suggestions, be aware I'll demand you read this.
Love romance? Try A HAPPY ACCIDENT. Want to read a book with a style you cannot put down, or get enough of, and it written beautifully, like literary fiction? Try A HAPPY ACCIDENT. Want a fun read that somehow dips into the depths of how we see each other as people and behave in the name of love? Try A HAPPY ACCIDENT.
6/5 stars. This rating system isn't enough for one of my favourite books. So much respect for this novel and Evan Tyler.
It's taken me a while to compile my thoughts on A HAPPY ACCIDENT. The entire read -- and I mean that literally until the last sentence -- I was waiting for this book to let me down. Don't know why I was expecting that. I hadn't heard about this book before being asked to review it, hadn't even seen the cover featured anywhere. I went into it blindly without reading reviews or hype or anything.
IT BLEW ME AWAY. I created a "Best Everrr"shelf on Goodreads since reading this book. I needed to show my fans that this little book has huge potential.
Ackk, okay, now to *actually* review it. What made this novel so great were two factors.
ONE: The Characters
The two main characters, the couple, were so real.
The guy was the one who made me nervous. He was weird and spontaneous and did random things so often I wondered if Evan Tyler was going to slap me with a shocking revelation like he had a mental disability (this making me feel guilty) or he had a reason for doing things most people wouldn't. He is such a cute husband to Kindle (love interest). He wants to provide for her and looks after her like a husband should. He's so naive at times, I can't help but want to cuddle him up in my love and protect his heart. I'm not doing to grace you with spoilers, but oh, MY. Bobby is a character who'll forever stick in my head alongside the memorables such as Travis Maddox and Harry Potter. He's great and just beautiful!
If Bobby is Yin, then Kindle, his love interest, is Yang. She fits the other part of their relationship perfectly. She was the one I related to as myself. She thought of things ahead of time, yet had enough spontaneous attitude to love, she was smart and witty (Bobby is freaking hilarious with her when they banter. He gets her back without trying or knowing what he's doing and she has effortless wittiness).
TWO: The Voice
Evan Tyler writes with top-notch skills. Her writing is poetic. It took me on a journey, one I was anxious to continue and could NOT stop and was itching to read more and more of. I believe "hungrily devouring" is the correct terminology here.
Without a doubt, A HAPPY ACCIDENT has been the most shockingly satisfying novels I've ever read. I do not know how it hasn't been devoured by every other bookworm I know, and if you're looking for suggestions, be aware I'll demand you read this.
Love romance? Try A HAPPY ACCIDENT. Want to read a book with a style you cannot put down, or get enough of, and it written beautifully, like literary fiction? Try A HAPPY ACCIDENT. Want a fun read that somehow dips into the depths of how we see each other as people and behave in the name of love? Try A HAPPY ACCIDENT.
6/5 stars. This rating system isn't enough for one of my favourite books. So much respect for this novel and Evan Tyler.
February 25, 2013
"There's no such thing as luck. Just preparation for chance."
Winter
What is better than a winter kiss?
A signal to a New Year's start
Caress me with your cool lips
Revive my bones, refresh my heart
Kindle Hyrum a hotel maid by day, server at a bar by night. She is young, alone, and depends on herself and only herself. She's witty, sarcastic and fully capable of taking care of herself. Having had to mature well beyond her years, she's content in the delusion that being alone leads to happy life....That is until she meets Bobby Carter aka Ricky Stallion, lead singer, and guitarist of The Dare.
"Who are you, really?"
He laughed and sniffled, rubbing his chin. "I don't know, really. But maybe I'll find out when I get to know my other half."
Within the first meeting of Kindle, Bobby was beyond smitten. An unconventional love of a different age. This story is centered around the late seventies, early eighties. Much much different from anything I've ever read, but a truly refreshing breath of air. The music mentioned alone had some of the greats and that had me giddy in it's own right...Okay back to the story :)
Spring
My beloved spoke, and said unto me,
Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come
Always brewing over with contemplations, with intrigue. Never taken seriously. Well-spoken but hardly heard. That's what Kindle was.
As their relationship blooms, Kindle's insecurities keep her and the walls built around her still standing high. Afraid to pursue her dreams, Bobby insists that she's got what it takes. He wants to help her, but what Kindle doesn't realize is that he's genuine. In every sense of the word. Both young and immature to a point; wanting different dreams but success for each other. Bobby fights over and over to get through to Kindle. To prove to her that she can depend on people. His love of music, his constant growing love for Kindle...
If you can't own anything else, you may as well own your own feelings.
Summer
What is there to say about summer?
It is the promise of love, the promise of the new sun,
the deception of unfading beauty.
It is the quiet season before the fall...
Every day was a sweet, new adventure, a time to explore their passion for the arts and one another. Each day seemed a cause for celebration.
Bobby and Kindle begin to explore all ends of their relationship and the feelings held for each other. Living in Manchester, Bobby's goal was for his band to live the dream and become discovered. He never dreamed of being able to have it all. But at what price? Can anyone really ever have everything they've ever wanted? Cake and all? Two people faced with constant challenges for simply being together in an age where it wasn't as easily accepted. Where relationships for a "rock star" can hinder your image rather than help it...
"I love you more than my guitar, Sweetness. More than Manchester sunshine.
Autumn
With every good thing, change arrives
To the passing season we will lift our eyes
Then enters autumn with a sigh
Still, to summer, we must say our goodbyes.
So many adversities this couple had to face. A chance meeting, a very unconventional love, a mending of two lost souls. Is there really such a thing as love at first sight? Can you learn to love someone? Is true love a novelty or is it possible that it could quite possibly be reality? This book brought so many different qualities to an accidental kind of love. It was one of the most unique stories I've ever read, so if you're looking for something apart from your usual, I would recommend this book. The very first sentence has you gripped, the story takes you for a ride and ends with still some answers hanging in the balance. I enjoyed this first part in the series and am awaiting to read more from this author...
It happened by accident, the desire you gave, the love I spent...
Winter
What is better than a winter kiss?
A signal to a New Year's start
Caress me with your cool lips
Revive my bones, refresh my heart
Kindle Hyrum a hotel maid by day, server at a bar by night. She is young, alone, and depends on herself and only herself. She's witty, sarcastic and fully capable of taking care of herself. Having had to mature well beyond her years, she's content in the delusion that being alone leads to happy life....That is until she meets Bobby Carter aka Ricky Stallion, lead singer, and guitarist of The Dare.
"Who are you, really?"
He laughed and sniffled, rubbing his chin. "I don't know, really. But maybe I'll find out when I get to know my other half."
Within the first meeting of Kindle, Bobby was beyond smitten. An unconventional love of a different age. This story is centered around the late seventies, early eighties. Much much different from anything I've ever read, but a truly refreshing breath of air. The music mentioned alone had some of the greats and that had me giddy in it's own right...Okay back to the story :)
Spring
My beloved spoke, and said unto me,
Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come
Always brewing over with contemplations, with intrigue. Never taken seriously. Well-spoken but hardly heard. That's what Kindle was.
As their relationship blooms, Kindle's insecurities keep her and the walls built around her still standing high. Afraid to pursue her dreams, Bobby insists that she's got what it takes. He wants to help her, but what Kindle doesn't realize is that he's genuine. In every sense of the word. Both young and immature to a point; wanting different dreams but success for each other. Bobby fights over and over to get through to Kindle. To prove to her that she can depend on people. His love of music, his constant growing love for Kindle...
If you can't own anything else, you may as well own your own feelings.
Summer
What is there to say about summer?
It is the promise of love, the promise of the new sun,
the deception of unfading beauty.
It is the quiet season before the fall...
Every day was a sweet, new adventure, a time to explore their passion for the arts and one another. Each day seemed a cause for celebration.
Bobby and Kindle begin to explore all ends of their relationship and the feelings held for each other. Living in Manchester, Bobby's goal was for his band to live the dream and become discovered. He never dreamed of being able to have it all. But at what price? Can anyone really ever have everything they've ever wanted? Cake and all? Two people faced with constant challenges for simply being together in an age where it wasn't as easily accepted. Where relationships for a "rock star" can hinder your image rather than help it...
"I love you more than my guitar, Sweetness. More than Manchester sunshine.
Autumn
With every good thing, change arrives
To the passing season we will lift our eyes
Then enters autumn with a sigh
Still, to summer, we must say our goodbyes.
So many adversities this couple had to face. A chance meeting, a very unconventional love, a mending of two lost souls. Is there really such a thing as love at first sight? Can you learn to love someone? Is true love a novelty or is it possible that it could quite possibly be reality? This book brought so many different qualities to an accidental kind of love. It was one of the most unique stories I've ever read, so if you're looking for something apart from your usual, I would recommend this book. The very first sentence has you gripped, the story takes you for a ride and ends with still some answers hanging in the balance. I enjoyed this first part in the series and am awaiting to read more from this author...
It happened by accident, the desire you gave, the love I spent...
March 10, 2013
4 STARS
This will be a bit spoiler-y, but then with that encompassing blurb, I doubt I could write anything and not call it a spoiler. So be forewarned.
This should have been an obvious 5 star read for someone like me. I mean, set to the lyrical soundtrack of the 60s and 70s? Signed, sealed, delivered, I'm sold! (cue wink right about, here) Not to mention anyone who obsessed over John Lennon for an extended period of time will likely see some parallelisms: a secret marriage, deserting fathers, unloving mothers, a suffocating aunt, a band on the rise, the exotic woman... it's like a Deconstructed Lennon biography. He's an invisible presence in certain scenes, one even pivotal.
"Love is like two dreamers dreaming the exact same dream" - John Lennon
I don't like summarizing book plots in my reviews because it tends to be redundant (and suffers from tons of run-on sentences), but this one compels me to. There's a prologue of sorts that I guess sets the scope of the story but the chunk of it is set in Manchester in 1979 when Bobby Carter, the lead vocalist of the punk band, The Dare met Kindle Hyrum, part-time waitress in the bar where they're playing.
"Pretty was good for pictures, facsmiles of real life moments. Kindle was beautiful. Beautiful was when the sun illuminated a woman's face and hit it perfectly at every angle. That kind of thing couldn't be captured in pictures, but it was definitely more authentic than pin-up prettiness."
He pursues her and in a chain of events that challenges rhyme and reason, manages to get her to marry him after a day. From there, we are given snippets of Bobby's and Kindle's pasts and see how their relationship evolves under the social politics of the early 80's.
I liked a lot of things about this book, but I liked the inspired and unconventional characters best. Kindle and her messed up family background made for a compelling character development, one that lends weight to her sometimes cruel always brash demeanor without making her deplorable (though I have to say, she surely knows how to hurt a man with words). But it's Bobby Carter that made me scratch my head in bemused confusion. Mostly because the picture I get in my head when you say post-punk is this guy.
Surely, Robert Smith might have been a hot daddy back in the day but Bobby is a practicing Catholic who doesn't drink, do drugs and is a virgin. He's at that stage when he's physically a full-grown man but still calls his mum for money. He has this wide-eyed, innocent optimism that balances well with Kindle's devil-may-care strength. He's outrageously, shamelessly romantic. The kind that makes me embarrassed reading about it.
He was greater than a hunter, stronger than a fighter, more enduring than an athlete. He was a man capable of holding together a broken woman.
The storytelling was unusual. It took a lot of getting used to for me because the story is told in 3rd person with the timeline shifting from past to present without warning and some glances into the future ("He didn't know that it will be...."). Sometimes it worked, sometimes it was just distracting. The plot is very much character driven, so don't expect hysterics or big drama. There were plot twist that came as a shock but instead of an explosion, they were almost relayed in a whisper. I have to say, I didn't get invested in the story until around 40% (when Betty's character was introduced). The pace was too glacial.
There were patches in the plot that I wasn't too keen on. Scenes that turn up out of the blue and some that are just plain strange. . It took me a bit of time to swallow the premise of Kindle and Bobby's marriage. The final conflict didn't ring true to me. There was a small paragraph towards the end that reads like a snapshot into Bobby's future. It was interesting and devastating all at once that I don't know if I have the heart to read about it in all its gory detail (if that's the author's intent).
This will be a bit spoiler-y, but then with that encompassing blurb, I doubt I could write anything and not call it a spoiler. So be forewarned.
This should have been an obvious 5 star read for someone like me. I mean, set to the lyrical soundtrack of the 60s and 70s? Signed, sealed, delivered, I'm sold! (cue wink right about, here) Not to mention anyone who obsessed over John Lennon for an extended period of time will likely see some parallelisms: a secret marriage, deserting fathers, unloving mothers, a suffocating aunt, a band on the rise, the exotic woman... it's like a Deconstructed Lennon biography. He's an invisible presence in certain scenes, one even pivotal.
"Love is like two dreamers dreaming the exact same dream" - John Lennon
I don't like summarizing book plots in my reviews because it tends to be redundant (and suffers from tons of run-on sentences), but this one compels me to. There's a prologue of sorts that I guess sets the scope of the story but the chunk of it is set in Manchester in 1979 when Bobby Carter, the lead vocalist of the punk band, The Dare met Kindle Hyrum, part-time waitress in the bar where they're playing.
"Pretty was good for pictures, facsmiles of real life moments. Kindle was beautiful. Beautiful was when the sun illuminated a woman's face and hit it perfectly at every angle. That kind of thing couldn't be captured in pictures, but it was definitely more authentic than pin-up prettiness."
He pursues her and in a chain of events that challenges rhyme and reason, manages to get her to marry him after a day. From there, we are given snippets of Bobby's and Kindle's pasts and see how their relationship evolves under the social politics of the early 80's.
I liked a lot of things about this book, but I liked the inspired and unconventional characters best. Kindle and her messed up family background made for a compelling character development, one that lends weight to her sometimes cruel always brash demeanor without making her deplorable (though I have to say, she surely knows how to hurt a man with words). But it's Bobby Carter that made me scratch my head in bemused confusion. Mostly because the picture I get in my head when you say post-punk is this guy.
Surely, Robert Smith might have been a hot daddy back in the day but Bobby is a practicing Catholic who doesn't drink, do drugs and is a virgin. He's at that stage when he's physically a full-grown man but still calls his mum for money. He has this wide-eyed, innocent optimism that balances well with Kindle's devil-may-care strength. He's outrageously, shamelessly romantic. The kind that makes me embarrassed reading about it.
He was greater than a hunter, stronger than a fighter, more enduring than an athlete. He was a man capable of holding together a broken woman.
The storytelling was unusual. It took a lot of getting used to for me because the story is told in 3rd person with the timeline shifting from past to present without warning and some glances into the future ("He didn't know that it will be...."). Sometimes it worked, sometimes it was just distracting. The plot is very much character driven, so don't expect hysterics or big drama. There were plot twist that came as a shock but instead of an explosion, they were almost relayed in a whisper. I have to say, I didn't get invested in the story until around 40% (when Betty's character was introduced). The pace was too glacial.
There were patches in the plot that I wasn't too keen on. Scenes that turn up out of the blue and some that are just plain strange. . It took me a bit of time to swallow the premise of Kindle and Bobby's marriage. The final conflict didn't ring true to me. There was a small paragraph towards the end that reads like a snapshot into Bobby's future. It was interesting and devastating all at once that I don't know if I have the heart to read about it in all its gory detail (if that's the author's intent).
April 13, 2013
A+++++ Book
By far, one of my favorite books this year. I don't think this review will do it justice. I could sit here and review everything that it's about and whatnot, but I think the thing that I like the most about the book is the fact that it's not one where you say that you just love the characters. Well, I love them because they are people that I could actually visualize. As with real life, there are moments when you adore people and moments when they get on your last nerve. I love that Evan Tyler took the time to really make us see that. I love that she didn't hold back. I love that sometimes Bobby was the sweetest person ever and that other times, he was a coward. I love that Kindle could be a thorned rose and then sometimes you got the glimpses of how vulnerable she was. I'm glad that there wasn't instalove or even instalust. There was a really nice build-up. These are two children who I think learned the meaning of love the hard way.
I lived with these characters the whole time that I was reading. And I lived in their world the whole time that I read. I really felt like I was in the year 1980. Even though there's a lot of music in here that I didn't grow up listening to, I could really dig that it was helping to paint the picture. Can you say Nick Hornby, anybody?
Let's talk about the end. I think this is the part that is hardest for most people to swallow. I actually really like the shock factor. I love that it is not completely hopeless. You just know there is more to come. The only issue that I would take with the book is that I wish the sequel was out right now. The excerpt makes me believe there's a lot that we have to catch up on, and I can't wait to see what happened in the years between the prologue and the epilogue. There's a nice little mystery that Evan Tyler has put together here.
So, yes, I love this one. Just one last note about the writing. Can you say amazing? Evan Tyler went above and beyond without going too far. I always felt safe in the words of this author, knowing that the author was leading me. Amazing-knock-my-socks-off-book!
August 27, 2015
A Happy Accident, by Evan Taylor evoked so many emotions in me. I wanted to hate it, but I simply couldn’t. It was a beautiful yet, tragic story of true love, friendship, sacrifice, self-discovery, loss—you name it, it is in this book yanking at your heartstrings.
It was 1979 and The Dare an American rock band moved to Manchester, England looking to make it big. While playing at Rory’s - a bar where the beautiful and feisty Kindle Hyrum waitressed, the front man—Bobby Carter—decided to listen to his instincts and after some relentless pestering (on his part) was married to the cheeky Kindle within a couple of days. Despite their haste, the chemistry and subsequent love between the two was great and built slowly making their relationship believable and truly a pleasure to read. Unfortunately, complications began to arise—temptations, commitments, first loves, relentless blondes—all testing the young couples true, enduring love.
I don’t want to give too much away because this is seriously an absolute must read! Regardless, no words can justly convey what Evan Tyler has created... I cannot wait for A Blind Choice, the second installment of this trilogy. 5 Emotion Packed Stars!
Btw, this is an absolute freaking steal for just $0.99 on Amazon!
*** I was provided a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It was 1979 and The Dare an American rock band moved to Manchester, England looking to make it big. While playing at Rory’s - a bar where the beautiful and feisty Kindle Hyrum waitressed, the front man—Bobby Carter—decided to listen to his instincts and after some relentless pestering (on his part) was married to the cheeky Kindle within a couple of days. Despite their haste, the chemistry and subsequent love between the two was great and built slowly making their relationship believable and truly a pleasure to read. Unfortunately, complications began to arise—temptations, commitments, first loves, relentless blondes—all testing the young couples true, enduring love.
“I just think that sometimes what you’re willing to give up gives weight and substance to your love. Sacrifice weighs more than kind words.”
I don’t want to give too much away because this is seriously an absolute must read! Regardless, no words can justly convey what Evan Tyler has created... I cannot wait for A Blind Choice, the second installment of this trilogy. 5 Emotion Packed Stars!
Btw, this is an absolute freaking steal for just $0.99 on Amazon!
*** I was provided a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2013
What can I say about this book? It's awesome and it's not. It doesn't have the 'usual' HEA and in all honesty, a HEA would have totally ruined this great story,seriously. Super antagonistic.
According to the author it was inspired on Steven Tyler's biography. I know a little about him and I could 'find' in Ricky/Bobby and his band some similarities to Aerosmith's frontman's life: he was more famous than the band itself, had a kind of long relationship with a very young 'girlriend to whom he wanted to marry (she even mentioned in a recent interview that he was a sweet romantic guy who wanted to marry her, live in a house in the country and have lots of children, but his agent, bandmates and even family, kept pressuring him to give this all up and enjoy stardom.)
Anyways, I just want to say that this background info helped me understand BOBBY a little more and hate him a little less. I didn't doubt his love for Kindle even for a second but at the same time I doubted his character when he failed standing up for her.
Kindle has a very sad past but on the bright side it made her into a very strong and confident young woman and in the end she is definitely the bigger person, the one who makes big sacrifices in the name of her LOVE for Bobby.
It's an interesting story, very well written and different from most things I've read recently. That's the type of book I'd have never picked to read if not for my GR friends. So thanks guys, what a journey.
DEFINTELY RECOMMEND IT. Regarding the sexual content, it's squeaky clean PG for you.
According to the author it was inspired on Steven Tyler's biography. I know a little about him and I could 'find' in Ricky/Bobby and his band some similarities to Aerosmith's frontman's life: he was more famous than the band itself, had a kind of long relationship with a very young 'girlriend to whom he wanted to marry (she even mentioned in a recent interview that he was a sweet romantic guy who wanted to marry her, live in a house in the country and have lots of children, but his agent, bandmates and even family, kept pressuring him to give this all up and enjoy stardom.)
Anyways, I just want to say that this background info helped me understand BOBBY a little more and hate him a little less. I didn't doubt his love for Kindle even for a second but at the same time I doubted his character when he failed standing up for her.
Kindle has a very sad past but on the bright side it made her into a very strong and confident young woman and in the end she is definitely the bigger person, the one who makes big sacrifices in the name of her LOVE for Bobby.
It's an interesting story, very well written and different from most things I've read recently. That's the type of book I'd have never picked to read if not for my GR friends. So thanks guys, what a journey.
DEFINTELY RECOMMEND IT. Regarding the sexual content, it's squeaky clean PG for you.
February 27, 2013
I don't know where to start with this story. I loved it for the beautiful words and story and I almost hated it for where the story went. It's my own fault for my own preconceived notions of where it was going. It was a real treat to read the words that were put together so beautifully. Mrs Tyler, you have a huge talent here.
You will be intrigued in the beginning from the prologue. I kept wondering who these people were. Chapters later a clue is given but my stubbornness refused to believe it. I was creating my own ending and answers. I feel like my heart was pounding the entire time I read this book, afraid of what was to come. The reason I can still love it is it's not my story to tell the way I want it to go. It's so off the beaten path of what I'm use to reading and what you can read in a large majority of books. This was a refreshing change.
I need more of this wonderfully crafted story. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next books in the series.
You will be intrigued in the beginning from the prologue. I kept wondering who these people were. Chapters later a clue is given but my stubbornness refused to believe it. I was creating my own ending and answers. I feel like my heart was pounding the entire time I read this book, afraid of what was to come. The reason I can still love it is it's not my story to tell the way I want it to go. It's so off the beaten path of what I'm use to reading and what you can read in a large majority of books. This was a refreshing change.
I need more of this wonderfully crafted story. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next books in the series.
February 13, 2014
I was contacted by the lovely Evan for an honest review.
The five stars don't accurately reflect my thoughts on the book. We're not talking about your typical 'boy meets girl' and they live happily ever after, because they don't.
The story is told in the third person and Evan does a fabulous job. I don't think the story would have been the same had it not been told this way.
Bobby and Kindle meet - he is smitten in love. On their first date, they elope and somehow learn to make their marriage work. Bobby is a big serving of hopeless romantic with a side of naitivity. His punk rock band doesn't take him seriously, yet they fully rely on him to lead the band on to bigger and better things. This forces Bobby's hand and his heart.
Kindle is alone in the world- her mother died and her father walked out when she was a child. She wasn't looking for love, but she found it in Bobby. He was everything to her: lover, friend, parent, caretaker. She knew he loved her; would do anything for her, except put her before his music.
Promises made. Promises broken.
In the end, Bobby and Kindle each made choices... Life isn't always full the of the happy accidents they both came to rely on.
My heart was broken for them; for the decisions they made all in the name of love.
I am anxiously waiting for Book 2 - I'm dying to find out what their Choice became.
Excellent job Evan! I'm honored and thrilled that I was given the opportunity to read your book.
The five stars don't accurately reflect my thoughts on the book. We're not talking about your typical 'boy meets girl' and they live happily ever after, because they don't.
The story is told in the third person and Evan does a fabulous job. I don't think the story would have been the same had it not been told this way.
Bobby and Kindle meet - he is smitten in love. On their first date, they elope and somehow learn to make their marriage work. Bobby is a big serving of hopeless romantic with a side of naitivity. His punk rock band doesn't take him seriously, yet they fully rely on him to lead the band on to bigger and better things. This forces Bobby's hand and his heart.
Kindle is alone in the world- her mother died and her father walked out when she was a child. She wasn't looking for love, but she found it in Bobby. He was everything to her: lover, friend, parent, caretaker. She knew he loved her; would do anything for her, except put her before his music.
Promises made. Promises broken.
In the end, Bobby and Kindle each made choices... Life isn't always full the of the happy accidents they both came to rely on.
My heart was broken for them; for the decisions they made all in the name of love.
I am anxiously waiting for Book 2 - I'm dying to find out what their Choice became.
Excellent job Evan! I'm honored and thrilled that I was given the opportunity to read your book.
February 14, 2013
The start of this book already had me in tears for what have happened.. the following chapters got me rooting for the lead characters, for their love to win and be strong.. sadly things happen and i would love to hate Bobby in the story, but i can't.. he's like a big kid who has a very vague and naive stance on being an adult.. he tries his best to understand how to be an adult but i think he struggles with it.. he made some bad decisions that leads to bad results, i would say his character is weak but i blame that to how he was raised as a kid, i hated how he didn't fight for Kindle and their relationship.. he lives in a cloud of happy thoughts i think.. but like i said, thats how he was brought up where its all bright and sunny.. i want to believe he really truly loves Kindle but it feels like he's not sure sometimes..
this story grips my heart in a way that i just want good things to happen for this couple.. even with all that, i just truly adored bobby with how he is, although he was weak at times.. but it seems he learns things a lil too late.. but hope he works things out in the end..
i know this is a 3-part series.. so im definitely looking forward to reading the next books... well worth reading.. the authors way with words are just beautiful and captures you and makes you feel like you're there with them and feel each emotions with the characters and just want things to be ok for them..
Looking forward to reading the next part of this book.. :)
this story grips my heart in a way that i just want good things to happen for this couple.. even with all that, i just truly adored bobby with how he is, although he was weak at times.. but it seems he learns things a lil too late.. but hope he works things out in the end..
i know this is a 3-part series.. so im definitely looking forward to reading the next books... well worth reading.. the authors way with words are just beautiful and captures you and makes you feel like you're there with them and feel each emotions with the characters and just want things to be ok for them..
Looking forward to reading the next part of this book.. :)
April 28, 2013
It's really hard to figure out this book. For me it started out very odd , yet somehow worked its way around it at some point. And what they did wasn't even a joke (because darn it was he serious), but it was funny.
For some reason I feel a protective nature to both Bobby and Kindle. They started living their lives so young, making decisions for themselves and fending for everyday. What they did, the impulsive act they agreed upon on, was a bold move that neither of them knew what they were actually doing but him keeping in mind that he really loved her and wants to really be with her, while she has a past she can't quit wrap her mind around and searching for who she really was.
Bobby was an idealist. He believes in the power of music and that it moves him. He passion for music was brought him to a new place, and it somehow brought him to Kindle. I don't know how to place Bobby only that he has such a great character, outstanding even. He's so noble, kind, so caring and loving. While Kindle was a realist. But I also guess she fears commitment - since she lost the only person she so dearly loved and that she managed to be by herself most of her life. I want to say that she's strong, resilient and a fighter because she really was.
I did not cry unlike some readers endured but I was sadden. If I've learned something from this book it's that choices have to be made, one way or another. Those choices may be of an advantage or just the opposite, but it has to be done for a person to really see the life they were after. You may or may not disappoint a person along the way, however it helps you grow, learn, and be the person you've wanted to be.
This book was slow but very thorough. It's realistic. It flows through the play by play on what is happening in with them and what they've been thinking; even an infinitesimal detail was an important part of the whole that is A Happy Accident. If I were to describe this book I'd say it's eclectic. As I'd mentioned above, the book was unpredictable to what will happen next, so some turns in this book doesn't fail to surprise me. I will give credit to Ms. Tyler for always keeping me on edge here. She's a brilliant writer, like you could really see she has something going on with her. That said, I am very much looking forward on how this story continues. I want to discover a more prominent act of love, life, and redemption, because you know, I have a weakness for beauiful but sad things.
A copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
xx
April 15, 2013
I cried like a baby when I started this book and cried like a baby when I ended it.
I'm not sure how you can rate something like this. To begin, the series has just begin and I have no idea where this is headed. I like that feeling though. This is romance but it feels a lot like mystery throughout because there was a prologue but then there was also an interlude and by the time you get to the epilogue, you're like, well duh I shouldn't have understood it from the beginning. Then again there are a lot of things that are left unknown for the next book. Which I will add I will definitely be reading. Definitely.
I had to put myself in the hands of this author. There were times when I couldn't quite see where things were going. BUT THAT WAS THE BEST PART!!! I guess I am kinda growing a little weary of the New Adult genre where you know exactly what's going to happen. This one, I couldn't see it even when the author dropped all this hints or clues or what have you. The characters weren't typical. Good job for that. Everything was just done the right way.
Normally I would say that I recommend this book for people looking for a changeup but I think I recommend it to anybody. Because I think it has a little something for everybody. It had love and thoughtful lessons. It has mystery and depth. It has it all.
There are a few slow parts, but I think you will find that in the end, they all mean something. It's like every single word was picked for a specific reason. And then you're finally like AHA! I get it now.
All in all, I think this will shape up to be in my toten five of 2013. Highly recommend.
I'm not sure how you can rate something like this. To begin, the series has just begin and I have no idea where this is headed. I like that feeling though. This is romance but it feels a lot like mystery throughout because there was a prologue but then there was also an interlude and by the time you get to the epilogue, you're like, well duh I shouldn't have understood it from the beginning. Then again there are a lot of things that are left unknown for the next book. Which I will add I will definitely be reading. Definitely.
I had to put myself in the hands of this author. There were times when I couldn't quite see where things were going. BUT THAT WAS THE BEST PART!!! I guess I am kinda growing a little weary of the New Adult genre where you know exactly what's going to happen. This one, I couldn't see it even when the author dropped all this hints or clues or what have you. The characters weren't typical. Good job for that. Everything was just done the right way.
Normally I would say that I recommend this book for people looking for a changeup but I think I recommend it to anybody. Because I think it has a little something for everybody. It had love and thoughtful lessons. It has mystery and depth. It has it all.
There are a few slow parts, but I think you will find that in the end, they all mean something. It's like every single word was picked for a specific reason. And then you're finally like AHA! I get it now.
All in all, I think this will shape up to be in my to
May 17, 2013
Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
First off I want to thank Sarika @The Readdicts for the read-along. I really enjoyed reading this book with you and sharing thoughts about it. I hope we'll get to read-along some other books in the future. *fingers and toes crossed* ;)
Because Sarika is more responsible than I am she has already posted her review for this book. Quite honestly she made my job a lot easier as I see that we more or less completely agree with some things about this book. First is my feeling for it. I don't know what to thing and as always when you have some sort of love-hate relationship with the book it's hard to explain. To be more precise I loved the start of this book. It was so mysterious and left me wanting for more. As soon as I started reading about Bobby and Kindle (cool name I know) things have gotten to change. I shall say that I'm an early 90's kid and that some things here are more than weird to me. When I say some things I mostly mean on the marriage between the two of the main characters. I came out of nowhere and as much as I tried to I simply couldn't get over it. All besides that was nice - I liked Bobby's bandmates and the story itself had some good points. But some little devil thing at the back of my mind kept remember that part and I simply couldn't enjoy it fully.
I think that Sarika has liked the story better than me but still it was a nice story. It was quite different and it was nice to resolve the mystery.
First off I want to thank Sarika @The Readdicts for the read-along. I really enjoyed reading this book with you and sharing thoughts about it. I hope we'll get to read-along some other books in the future. *fingers and toes crossed* ;)
Because Sarika is more responsible than I am she has already posted her review for this book. Quite honestly she made my job a lot easier as I see that we more or less completely agree with some things about this book. First is my feeling for it. I don't know what to thing and as always when you have some sort of love-hate relationship with the book it's hard to explain. To be more precise I loved the start of this book. It was so mysterious and left me wanting for more. As soon as I started reading about Bobby and Kindle (cool name I know) things have gotten to change. I shall say that I'm an early 90's kid and that some things here are more than weird to me. When I say some things I mostly mean on the marriage between the two of the main characters. I came out of nowhere and as much as I tried to I simply couldn't get over it. All besides that was nice - I liked Bobby's bandmates and the story itself had some good points. But some little devil thing at the back of my mind kept remember that part and I simply couldn't enjoy it fully.
I think that Sarika has liked the story better than me but still it was a nice story. It was quite different and it was nice to resolve the mystery.
March 22, 2013
A Happy Accident isn't exactly what I thought it would be, it was more.
A Happy Accident touches on so many, many things beyond the "typical" rocker meets "normal" girl love story. Sure, there are those things you would expect (groupies, outside influences, characters with troubled childhoods) but the fact that those things aren't the main focus of the story really drew me in.
One thing that really kept my attention in this book is that the characters didn't give up everything of themselves. There was always an air of mystery and there was always something left unsaid. Kindle and Bobby have such a unique relationship and the unsaid things made me want to just shake them! Their relationship is not one that I could personally have and it definitely intrigued me.
There were moments where I was a bit confused with the flashbacks and fast forwards but by about halfway through I had it mostly figured out. Evan Tyler's writing style is so different and refreshing. The way the characters and the situations are described is just...well, unique is the only word i can think of.
I absolutely LOVE that this book doesn't have your typical happy ending. There is never a moment that Evan Tyler strays from reality and I absolutely adore that.
I am very much looking forward to the second book in this series!! I NEED to know what Bobby does next and how Kindle deals with that!!
A Happy Accident touches on so many, many things beyond the "typical" rocker meets "normal" girl love story. Sure, there are those things you would expect (groupies, outside influences, characters with troubled childhoods) but the fact that those things aren't the main focus of the story really drew me in.
One thing that really kept my attention in this book is that the characters didn't give up everything of themselves. There was always an air of mystery and there was always something left unsaid. Kindle and Bobby have such a unique relationship and the unsaid things made me want to just shake them! Their relationship is not one that I could personally have and it definitely intrigued me.
There were moments where I was a bit confused with the flashbacks and fast forwards but by about halfway through I had it mostly figured out. Evan Tyler's writing style is so different and refreshing. The way the characters and the situations are described is just...well, unique is the only word i can think of.
I absolutely LOVE that this book doesn't have your typical happy ending. There is never a moment that Evan Tyler strays from reality and I absolutely adore that.
I am very much looking forward to the second book in this series!! I NEED to know what Bobby does next and how Kindle deals with that!!
December 11, 2012
Pure Love
This book took me there. What do you mean by "there?" you ask. I mean 1980, the punk scene. I could feel, smell, taste exactly where I was. I definitely do my best not to spoil anything.
The thing you will enjoy best about his book is how well-written it is. There are enough twist and turns to leave an air of mystery. The romance in this book is best summed up as true and pure. There are enough other things in the book particularly correlating with the past that will make you see the bad that exists. However, while it is dark in some places, it is very light in terms of seeing two young adults who genuinely fall in love and genuinely face what it means to become adults.
The musical references were obviously older than me, but I could totally appreciate some Marvin Gaye and Don McClean quotes the author put in. They give a lovely ambiance to the story.
There are some questions left to think about at the end. Given that this is a trilogy, I think those answers will come in the next book. I can definitely already say that I'm hooked on this series.
This book took me there. What do you mean by "there?" you ask. I mean 1980, the punk scene. I could feel, smell, taste exactly where I was. I definitely do my best not to spoil anything.
The thing you will enjoy best about his book is how well-written it is. There are enough twist and turns to leave an air of mystery. The romance in this book is best summed up as true and pure. There are enough other things in the book particularly correlating with the past that will make you see the bad that exists. However, while it is dark in some places, it is very light in terms of seeing two young adults who genuinely fall in love and genuinely face what it means to become adults.
The musical references were obviously older than me, but I could totally appreciate some Marvin Gaye and Don McClean quotes the author put in. They give a lovely ambiance to the story.
There are some questions left to think about at the end. Given that this is a trilogy, I think those answers will come in the next book. I can definitely already say that I'm hooked on this series.
February 12, 2013
4.5 stars...Full review to come.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover. I really didn't know what to expect going in, but was sucked in from the get go. The story at its core is a simple one, boy meets girl, etc...but the way the author weaves the story it's not at all as simple as it would appear to be.
The complexities that surround the two MC's are stacking up from the moment they meet and I rooted for them while my stomach was in knots the entire way. Just the right amount of angst throughout and while I had an idea of where it would go, it didn't ruin it for me in the slightest...I still got emotional.
Also, having the story set in London's music scene in 1980 and all the other music/song references made this book even better for me since it really added another element to the characters and story.
The writing is absolutely fantastic and I'm very much looking forward to the 2nd book since there is still so much to learn about the characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover. I really didn't know what to expect going in, but was sucked in from the get go. The story at its core is a simple one, boy meets girl, etc...but the way the author weaves the story it's not at all as simple as it would appear to be.
The complexities that surround the two MC's are stacking up from the moment they meet and I rooted for them while my stomach was in knots the entire way. Just the right amount of angst throughout and while I had an idea of where it would go, it didn't ruin it for me in the slightest...I still got emotional.
Also, having the story set in London's music scene in 1980 and all the other music/song references made this book even better for me since it really added another element to the characters and story.
The writing is absolutely fantastic and I'm very much looking forward to the 2nd book since there is still so much to learn about the characters.
April 3, 2013
Clearly, I loved it. Not totally sure why though. I don't like to cry a lot, but maybe it was just that touch of realism. Just when I thought I knew which way this book was going, it went in another way altogether. It doesn't happen often that you can know for certain that this could have happened in real life, especially the life of a rock star. Did this book end the way that I wanted it to? Not not really. But that was the great part. It didn't need to in order to make me happy. What's more, the sequel chapter makes you definitely want to read the next bit.
For extremely sentimental romance lovers, I wouldn't advise. This has a lot of grit. But for people who like romance and a good, strong story, this is it. I am so glad that I read this.
For extremely sentimental romance lovers, I wouldn't advise. This has a lot of grit. But for people who like romance and a good, strong story, this is it. I am so glad that I read this.
May 2, 2013
My Feisty Kindle:
My Sweet Bobby:
What to say about this book?
Besides the writing style (which knocked my socks off), there is a commentary that I would like to make. It's far too often that this genre (New Adult, Coming-of-Age, Contemporary Romance) gets a bad rep. I can totally understand why because, let's face it, guys and gals, there's a lot of bad stuff out there. I suppose I won't say bad. I guess I should just say same ole, same ole. I think that many of us readers have become comfortable with certain things. I mean, obviously, there are things that worked in the past, and I believe they are things that continue to work now. Sexy, red-hot alpha male meets naive girl. Tattoos work to make the man sexy. The virgin thing works to make the girl someone we can root for, I guess. Personality types don't change up a whole hell of a lot in these books. Which is fine because we know exactly what to expect. For this reason, I like to read things that aren't necessarily on the NYT Bestseller list. I need something a little different. I don't knock other books, because when it all comes down to it, I have to respect anyone who takes the time to complete a book and make characters that draw people in.
But every once in a while, I come across books where they should fit the mold that has already been carved out, but don't. I love these kinds of books because they are a breath of fresh air. I believe that A Happy Accident is a breath of fresh air.
Let me break down my point. There is insta-love found in a lot of novels these days. This has "insta-love," but it's not insta-love. It almost points out the fact that insta-love can be a little impractical. See, Bobby Carter thinks he's in love with Kindle when he first meets her. The truth he's wooed by something exotic he sees in her. He must find love over time. You see, that's the thing I like. We jump in thinking that there might be an unbelievable pace, but the book actually paces itself pretty well. We watch these characters fall in love.
And no, they are not perfect characters. Sure, you would think this is about a rockstar and there is going to be this super hot alpha male and lots of instant sex. I mean, it's pretty much like Fabio meets the 2000s. While Bobby Carter is the handsome one and he can do things to make you swoon, he's so far from typical that I have to smile. On top of that Kindle is virginal, but she's so far from blatantly naive that you have to root for her.
Other things I loved: the dialogue. It's not cheesy. It's real, but it's sweet and many times, poignant, when you think about what was just said.
The way sex is handled in this book is also very nice. I didn't feel like I was overwhelmed or underwhelmed with it. I felt like there was enough mystery in it to keep me healthily looking for more. Like this passage was nice:
Obviously sexual but I didn't feel like I was hit over the head with it, you know?
Oh, and let me not forget--despite the fact that everyone hates Betty Warner, I actually thought she was a great, peculiar character to throw in the book. She gives the novel some necessary spunk. I'm glad that she will be in the next novel and that she's not just an expendable character that we see far too-oft in these kinds of novels.
That's the thing that I like about this novel; there really are no "types." If you are looking for typical, you should pass on this way. From beginning to end, you dont know what to expect and to me, that's a good thing. Oh, yes, and you won't expect the end. What a nice way to do it. The epilogue, prologue, and "interlude" all have meaning and come together in the most perfect way.
While this may seem something of a sad story or "train-wreck waiting to happen," I thought it was awesome because there is so much to look forward to in the coming books. It's not a cliffhanger kinda thing where you're like, oh God, not another one.
On a note, you have to be very careful when reading this book. Everything means something in this book, all the slight details.
Lastly, the 79/80 setting was really cool. I think it really distinguishes this one from a lot of other ones. I actually learned a lot about the time from this book. Manchester was awesome! I felt like I was all in the punk scene.
My rating: 5+ stars
My Recommendation: To anyone looking for something new, believable, and handsome
My Sweet Bobby:
What to say about this book?
Besides the writing style (which knocked my socks off), there is a commentary that I would like to make. It's far too often that this genre (New Adult, Coming-of-Age, Contemporary Romance) gets a bad rep. I can totally understand why because, let's face it, guys and gals, there's a lot of bad stuff out there. I suppose I won't say bad. I guess I should just say same ole, same ole. I think that many of us readers have become comfortable with certain things. I mean, obviously, there are things that worked in the past, and I believe they are things that continue to work now. Sexy, red-hot alpha male meets naive girl. Tattoos work to make the man sexy. The virgin thing works to make the girl someone we can root for, I guess. Personality types don't change up a whole hell of a lot in these books. Which is fine because we know exactly what to expect. For this reason, I like to read things that aren't necessarily on the NYT Bestseller list. I need something a little different. I don't knock other books, because when it all comes down to it, I have to respect anyone who takes the time to complete a book and make characters that draw people in.
But every once in a while, I come across books where they should fit the mold that has already been carved out, but don't. I love these kinds of books because they are a breath of fresh air. I believe that A Happy Accident is a breath of fresh air.
Let me break down my point. There is insta-love found in a lot of novels these days. This has "insta-love," but it's not insta-love. It almost points out the fact that insta-love can be a little impractical. See, Bobby Carter thinks he's in love with Kindle when he first meets her. The truth he's wooed by something exotic he sees in her. He must find love over time. You see, that's the thing I like. We jump in thinking that there might be an unbelievable pace, but the book actually paces itself pretty well. We watch these characters fall in love.
And no, they are not perfect characters. Sure, you would think this is about a rockstar and there is going to be this super hot alpha male and lots of instant sex. I mean, it's pretty much like Fabio meets the 2000s. While Bobby Carter is the handsome one and he can do things to make you swoon, he's so far from typical that I have to smile. On top of that Kindle is virginal, but she's so far from blatantly naive that you have to root for her.
Other things I loved: the dialogue. It's not cheesy. It's real, but it's sweet and many times, poignant, when you think about what was just said.
The way sex is handled in this book is also very nice. I didn't feel like I was overwhelmed or underwhelmed with it. I felt like there was enough mystery in it to keep me healthily looking for more. Like this passage was nice:
Kindle fixed her eyes on Bobby as he hummed the song. “Those aren’t the words, Mr. Stallion,” she said with a mild laugh. Stallion—a perfectly fitting word for a man who would not give up on pleasure until she panted, sighed, and smiled with heavy lids. Who knew?
Obviously sexual but I didn't feel like I was hit over the head with it, you know?
Oh, and let me not forget--despite the fact that everyone hates Betty Warner, I actually thought she was a great, peculiar character to throw in the book. She gives the novel some necessary spunk. I'm glad that she will be in the next novel and that she's not just an expendable character that we see far too-oft in these kinds of novels.
That's the thing that I like about this novel; there really are no "types." If you are looking for typical, you should pass on this way. From beginning to end, you dont know what to expect and to me, that's a good thing. Oh, yes, and you won't expect the end. What a nice way to do it. The epilogue, prologue, and "interlude" all have meaning and come together in the most perfect way.
While this may seem something of a sad story or "train-wreck waiting to happen," I thought it was awesome because there is so much to look forward to in the coming books. It's not a cliffhanger kinda thing where you're like, oh God, not another one.
On a note, you have to be very careful when reading this book. Everything means something in this book, all the slight details.
Lastly, the 79/80 setting was really cool. I think it really distinguishes this one from a lot of other ones. I actually learned a lot about the time from this book. Manchester was awesome! I felt like I was all in the punk scene.
My rating: 5+ stars
My Recommendation: To anyone looking for something new, believable, and handsome
August 31, 2017
"When we’re performing sometimes, I like, mess up in front of the crowd. Like, seriously. Sometimes, I play a note for too long or the wrong chord or something. Sometimes it throws everything off. But sometimes, it, um, it makes the song sound better. It makes the whole performance better. You can’t really plan for stuff like that. They’re called happy accidents. Does that make sense? Do you get what I’m trying to say?"
It was literally love at first sight for Bobby Carter. The moment he saw Kindle Hyrum, he knew she was The One.
So he asked her to marry him. Yeap.
"Marry me. You must think I’m crazy or something. But the first time I saw you—maybe it was, like, a week ago, you know, when we first performed—I knew that you were the one for me. I was sure of that."
When I read that part, I was like, "Duuuuuuuude! You cannot ask a girl to marry you like that! It's creepy!"
& Kindle was so awesome; she didn't freak out and start screaming bloody murder or anything.
"Well, now I myself am sure of one thing."
"What’s that?" He smiled.
"You’re barmy."
But they did end up getting married a few days later.
"Have you found love?"
"It has supposedly found me."
*
Bobby Carter:
"He was tall and willowy, his long arms hanging from his short-sleeved T-shirt like winter branches. His features were neither hideous nor remarkable—his nose thin at the bridge but round at the tip, his lips pale rose like the center of his cheeks. The bright stage lights cast an iridescent halo behind his black hair and bleached his jasmine skin vanilla. A slight cleft in his chin made masculine his bare face."
He is truly a breath of fresh air. I've never encountered a male character quite like him. He's sweet, he's polite, he's quiet and shy, he doesn't want to screw anything that walks. He's truly in love with his music. He has a simple outlook on life, if not a little naive.
Kindle Hyrum:
"She wasn’t pretty. Pretty was good for pictures, facsimiles of real life moments. Kindle was beautiful. Beautiful was when the sun illuminated a woman’s face and hit it perfectly at every angle. That kind of thing couldn’t be captured in pictures, but it was definitely more authentic than pin-up prettiness."
Given the difficulties she faced as a child, she has grown up to become a strong, independent woman.
"Well,who do you have to take care of you?"
"I take care of myself."
*
If you think this is just another wild-rocker-meets-girl-and-change-his-ways-for-her kinda book, then you're wrong. It's not.
Rather, if I have to put it in a way, it's a story about said rocker before he becomes famous. The struggles he faced in his quest to fame, the things he had to sacrifice to get there...
The story flows steadily, no rush. Some may find it a bit draggy, but I love the pace, the writing, the rich description. The prologue did confuse me a bit at the start because it showed a different character set in a future time, but everything will make sense in the end, and boy will it hit you hard.
Another thing that I like about the story is the love between Bobby and Kindle. Maybe it was love at first sight for Bobby, but it wasn't for Kindle. It's fascinating to see how she grew to care about him, and eventually fell in love with him. I swear, they are so cute together! They slowly learn things about each other, learn to read each other's body language and all...
But alas, at some point shit starts to get real. Nobody wants a married rocker. It's unnerving to see so many things thrown at Bobby; groupies, record deals and decisions, pressure from his bandmates (who disapprove of Kindle, by the way). I was so scared that Bobby was going to break. The two options he had were both hard and required sacrifice. Either way, people are going to get hurt.
That was the point where I started to weep. And I cried until the end of the book because everything was so hard WHY CAN'T THEY HAVE THEIR HEA WHYYYYY
"But I am kind of a mistress to you, aren't I? You were committed before me. I saw you with your first love the very first time you played at Rory’s. Her name was music. That was your commitment before me, Bobby. I can’t make you decide between her and me. I wouldn't do that. I love you too much to do that. Marriage is the art of sacrifice, isn't it?"
TLDR; A Happy Accident is a story about love and sacrifice. For me, the whole story is like being a kid and somebody gives you a new toy, and you begin to love it so much but all of a sudden some other kid snatches it away from you and there's nothing you can do to get it back, so you end up nursing your feelings in the corner and grieve for your lost toy.
I know I'm not so eloquent but that's how I feel. God, after that ending I need the second book.
Brilliant read.
*I received a copy of A Happy Accident from the author for an honest review. Thank you, Evan!
It was literally love at first sight for Bobby Carter. The moment he saw Kindle Hyrum, he knew she was The One.
So he asked her to marry him. Yeap.
"Marry me. You must think I’m crazy or something. But the first time I saw you—maybe it was, like, a week ago, you know, when we first performed—I knew that you were the one for me. I was sure of that."
When I read that part, I was like, "Duuuuuuuude! You cannot ask a girl to marry you like that! It's creepy!"
& Kindle was so awesome; she didn't freak out and start screaming bloody murder or anything.
"Well, now I myself am sure of one thing."
"What’s that?" He smiled.
"You’re barmy."
But they did end up getting married a few days later.
"Have you found love?"
"It has supposedly found me."
*
Bobby Carter:
"He was tall and willowy, his long arms hanging from his short-sleeved T-shirt like winter branches. His features were neither hideous nor remarkable—his nose thin at the bridge but round at the tip, his lips pale rose like the center of his cheeks. The bright stage lights cast an iridescent halo behind his black hair and bleached his jasmine skin vanilla. A slight cleft in his chin made masculine his bare face."
He is truly a breath of fresh air. I've never encountered a male character quite like him. He's sweet, he's polite, he's quiet and shy, he doesn't want to screw anything that walks. He's truly in love with his music. He has a simple outlook on life, if not a little naive.
Kindle Hyrum:
"She wasn’t pretty. Pretty was good for pictures, facsimiles of real life moments. Kindle was beautiful. Beautiful was when the sun illuminated a woman’s face and hit it perfectly at every angle. That kind of thing couldn’t be captured in pictures, but it was definitely more authentic than pin-up prettiness."
Given the difficulties she faced as a child, she has grown up to become a strong, independent woman.
"Well,who do you have to take care of you?"
"I take care of myself."
*
If you think this is just another wild-rocker-meets-girl-and-change-his-ways-for-her kinda book, then you're wrong. It's not.
Rather, if I have to put it in a way, it's a story about said rocker before he becomes famous. The struggles he faced in his quest to fame, the things he had to sacrifice to get there...
The story flows steadily, no rush. Some may find it a bit draggy, but I love the pace, the writing, the rich description. The prologue did confuse me a bit at the start because it showed a different character set in a future time, but everything will make sense in the end, and boy will it hit you hard.
Another thing that I like about the story is the love between Bobby and Kindle. Maybe it was love at first sight for Bobby, but it wasn't for Kindle. It's fascinating to see how she grew to care about him, and eventually fell in love with him. I swear, they are so cute together! They slowly learn things about each other, learn to read each other's body language and all...
But alas, at some point shit starts to get real. Nobody wants a married rocker. It's unnerving to see so many things thrown at Bobby; groupies, record deals and decisions, pressure from his bandmates (who disapprove of Kindle, by the way). I was so scared that Bobby was going to break. The two options he had were both hard and required sacrifice. Either way, people are going to get hurt.
That was the point where I started to weep. And I cried until the end of the book because everything was so hard WHY CAN'T THEY HAVE THEIR HEA WHYYYYY
"But I am kind of a mistress to you, aren't I? You were committed before me. I saw you with your first love the very first time you played at Rory’s. Her name was music. That was your commitment before me, Bobby. I can’t make you decide between her and me. I wouldn't do that. I love you too much to do that. Marriage is the art of sacrifice, isn't it?"
TLDR; A Happy Accident is a story about love and sacrifice. For me, the whole story is like being a kid and somebody gives you a new toy, and you begin to love it so much but all of a sudden some other kid snatches it away from you and there's nothing you can do to get it back, so you end up nursing your feelings in the corner and grieve for your lost toy.
I know I'm not so eloquent but that's how I feel. God, after that ending I need the second book.
Brilliant read.
*I received a copy of A Happy Accident from the author for an honest review. Thank you, Evan!
May 11, 2013
*NOTE: We (The Readdicts) received a copy of A Happy Accident from author Evan Tyler in exchange for an honest review. We thank Evan for the book!
Ugh. Wow. It was right. It was wrong. I loved this book. No, I hated it. No, I didn't hate it. I loved it. I don't know. I really don't know.
My friend Tanja @ Ja čitam, a ti? and I read this book together and it was fun. Thank you for the recommendation, Tanja and thank you, Evan for the book! I'm glad I read it along with someone or else I would have taken ages to read the book, given up on it or done something totally thoughtless.
I gave myself time to gather my thoughts after reading A Happy Accident. I couldn't gather my thoughts and I'm not even bothering. I've read plenty of books that have given me mixed feelings and I've settled on one feeling by the end. This time, I have mixed feelings. I can't decide. But yeah, it has got to be more love than hate or more hate than love. Damn. I don't know. I really don't know. One thing if for sure though- I can't get this story out of my head, which must mean I liked it.
My review is just a confusing chatter. In spite of my lack of decision making skills, I have to admit that Evan Tyler's A Happy Accident is a beautiful story that is beautifully written. The author's writing is mesmerising and outpouring. The song lyrics were beautiful and I found myself highlighting a lot of quotes. And by a lot, I really mean A LOT.
A Happy Accident was an interracial love story and that in itself might not be ordinary, but still it was an even more not ordinary love story. It was nails and hammers and bolts and screws. It was cakes and pastries and pop tarts and pancakes. I liked this book more than I thought I would. A Happy Accident is all about dreams and love and passion and when the time comes, making the choice between the three and it maybe wrong or it maybe right, that's left for us to find out.
I don't know much about the 1970s and 1980s (I'm an early 90s kid) but I know for a fact that it was the time when music and freedom got a whole new meaning altogether and that generation is proud to be part of that generation.
Kindle and Bobby are the same. Kindle is the daughter of a musician father who leaves her mother when he thinks that Kindle isn't his child. Kindle's mom, a nice lady, dies when her daughter is 18. Kindle takes care of herself and is a strong girl. Bobby is part of a band called The Dare. He comes from the States to Manchester to follow his dream of becoming a musician. Bobby is a staunch believer in love but his passion is music. When Kindle and Bobby meet, they get married. Yes, they only meet and get married and it was weird and reckless and unbelievable. But maybe that's how it was back then. And it was bound to be difficult. Everyone could see it except for the lovebirds. Kindle was a fine young lady. She was confused but she knew how not to depend on others. At first, I thought she wasn't supporting Bobby but yeah, she did love him. Bobby... I don't know if I love him or hate him. He fixed things and he ruined things. His love for Kindle was sweet and his passion for music was admirable. He loves and respects his family, but he can't be honest with them. He was a bit too much maybe.
A Happy Accident was truly very beautiful but there were some things that I didn't understand and that didn't settle with me. It's a medley of mixed feelings. I was unable to think after reading this book and yet it was the only thing I thought about. It left me feeling a thousand things all at once. Damn. I don't know. I really don't know. But whatever it was, it was an accident for sure. As for happy or not, well, we'll have to find out. And maybe, maybe I just love this book because I've been told that I like weird things.
Ugh. Wow. It was right. It was wrong. I loved this book. No, I hated it. No, I didn't hate it. I loved it. I don't know. I really don't know.
My friend Tanja @ Ja čitam, a ti? and I read this book together and it was fun. Thank you for the recommendation, Tanja and thank you, Evan for the book! I'm glad I read it along with someone or else I would have taken ages to read the book, given up on it or done something totally thoughtless.
I gave myself time to gather my thoughts after reading A Happy Accident. I couldn't gather my thoughts and I'm not even bothering. I've read plenty of books that have given me mixed feelings and I've settled on one feeling by the end. This time, I have mixed feelings. I can't decide. But yeah, it has got to be more love than hate or more hate than love. Damn. I don't know. I really don't know. One thing if for sure though- I can't get this story out of my head, which must mean I liked it.
My review is just a confusing chatter. In spite of my lack of decision making skills, I have to admit that Evan Tyler's A Happy Accident is a beautiful story that is beautifully written. The author's writing is mesmerising and outpouring. The song lyrics were beautiful and I found myself highlighting a lot of quotes. And by a lot, I really mean A LOT.
A Happy Accident was an interracial love story and that in itself might not be ordinary, but still it was an even more not ordinary love story. It was nails and hammers and bolts and screws. It was cakes and pastries and pop tarts and pancakes. I liked this book more than I thought I would. A Happy Accident is all about dreams and love and passion and when the time comes, making the choice between the three and it maybe wrong or it maybe right, that's left for us to find out.
I don't know much about the 1970s and 1980s (I'm an early 90s kid) but I know for a fact that it was the time when music and freedom got a whole new meaning altogether and that generation is proud to be part of that generation.
Kindle and Bobby are the same. Kindle is the daughter of a musician father who leaves her mother when he thinks that Kindle isn't his child. Kindle's mom, a nice lady, dies when her daughter is 18. Kindle takes care of herself and is a strong girl. Bobby is part of a band called The Dare. He comes from the States to Manchester to follow his dream of becoming a musician. Bobby is a staunch believer in love but his passion is music. When Kindle and Bobby meet, they get married. Yes, they only meet and get married and it was weird and reckless and unbelievable. But maybe that's how it was back then. And it was bound to be difficult. Everyone could see it except for the lovebirds. Kindle was a fine young lady. She was confused but she knew how not to depend on others. At first, I thought she wasn't supporting Bobby but yeah, she did love him. Bobby... I don't know if I love him or hate him. He fixed things and he ruined things. His love for Kindle was sweet and his passion for music was admirable. He loves and respects his family, but he can't be honest with them. He was a bit too much maybe.
A Happy Accident was truly very beautiful but there were some things that I didn't understand and that didn't settle with me. It's a medley of mixed feelings. I was unable to think after reading this book and yet it was the only thing I thought about. It left me feeling a thousand things all at once. Damn. I don't know. I really don't know. But whatever it was, it was an accident for sure. As for happy or not, well, we'll have to find out. And maybe, maybe I just love this book because I've been told that I like weird things.
February 19, 2013
I went into A Happy Accident not really knowing what to expect. I knew it was set before my time but since it was heavily music related and I LOVE the music from that time, I thought all would be good. At first I wasn't so sure. It started a bit slow for me and I was having a hard time connecting with the characters. But then, all of a sudden, I realized that I was fully invested. And as the end approached, everything came together in a strangely perfect way. So, rating this one was very hard. I went back and forth for a while but had to settle on 4 stars since I am still reeling from this journey that I just began (and can't wait to finish) with Bobby and Kindle.
“I just think that sometimes what you're willing to give up gives weight and substance to your love. Sacrifice weighs more than kind words.”
Bobby Carter is an up and coming American musician who has moved with his band to England in 1979 in an effort to “make it big.” While performing at a local bar, he eyes Kindle Hyrum. It is love at first sight for Bobby. His overwhelming attraction to her prompts him to propose. Due to his relentlessness and her belief that he can't be serious, Kindle ends up going through with it, hoping that he will finally cave. But, Bobby doesn't cave. Instead, he is completely serious. Well, as serious as Bobby, an extremely naive(to say the least) “boy,” can be.
“You know, I love you, right? I've loved you just about every second I've known you. I love you more than Pop-Tarts. I love you more than Stevie Wonder. I love you more than summers on Lake Ontario.”
Kindle and Bobby are so very different. He grew up very sheltered while Kindle was forced to grow up young. And after losing her mother at 18, Kindle has had to fend for herself completely. But Bobby is insistent on taking care of Kindle, something she has never really experienced. Kindle is extremely skeptical of Bobby and his motives at first. But over time, she realizes that Bobby is very simple and his intentions are nothing but pure. Somehow, love flourishes in these unlikely circumstances.
“Every day was a sweet, new adventure, a time to explore their passion for the arts and one another. Each day seemed a cause for a celebration.”
Unfortunately, life isn't that simple. Bobby didn't think any part of this through, especially how it would affect his dreams of making it as a musician. Eventually, his two loves collide and he is forced to make a decision.
Bobby and Kindle were both very interesting characters, like none I've ever read about or known. Bobby was so childish. Sometimes, it was very endearing but others it was almost annoying because it was hard to believe that a 24 year old could be that child like. Overall, I fell in love with Bobby and his adolescent mindset. However, quite the opposite, Kindle was almost cold and very formal in her interactions with others. She warmed up to Bobby a bit but still spoke to him with a formality that didn't scream young love. But the hardships in her life made me have so much sympathy for Kindle. To see her open herself up and finally trust someone was very touching.
“He was greater than a hunter, stronger than a fighter, more an enduring than an athlete. He was a man capable of holding together a broken woman.”
A Happy Accident was like nothing that I have read before. It had very original characters in a very original look at life for an aspiring musician. The prologue contained a separate story that I was wondering throughout the book how it would play into everything else. And in the end, everything was made clear. This unexpected turn of events is one of things that made this book even better. Ultimately, I can't wait for the next book in this series because I am completely invested in the lives of Bobby and Kindle. I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you are looking for something different from the same 'ole same 'ole.
“I just think that sometimes what you're willing to give up gives weight and substance to your love. Sacrifice weighs more than kind words.”
Bobby Carter is an up and coming American musician who has moved with his band to England in 1979 in an effort to “make it big.” While performing at a local bar, he eyes Kindle Hyrum. It is love at first sight for Bobby. His overwhelming attraction to her prompts him to propose. Due to his relentlessness and her belief that he can't be serious, Kindle ends up going through with it, hoping that he will finally cave. But, Bobby doesn't cave. Instead, he is completely serious. Well, as serious as Bobby, an extremely naive(to say the least) “boy,” can be.
“You know, I love you, right? I've loved you just about every second I've known you. I love you more than Pop-Tarts. I love you more than Stevie Wonder. I love you more than summers on Lake Ontario.”
Kindle and Bobby are so very different. He grew up very sheltered while Kindle was forced to grow up young. And after losing her mother at 18, Kindle has had to fend for herself completely. But Bobby is insistent on taking care of Kindle, something she has never really experienced. Kindle is extremely skeptical of Bobby and his motives at first. But over time, she realizes that Bobby is very simple and his intentions are nothing but pure. Somehow, love flourishes in these unlikely circumstances.
“Every day was a sweet, new adventure, a time to explore their passion for the arts and one another. Each day seemed a cause for a celebration.”
Unfortunately, life isn't that simple. Bobby didn't think any part of this through, especially how it would affect his dreams of making it as a musician. Eventually, his two loves collide and he is forced to make a decision.
Bobby and Kindle were both very interesting characters, like none I've ever read about or known. Bobby was so childish. Sometimes, it was very endearing but others it was almost annoying because it was hard to believe that a 24 year old could be that child like. Overall, I fell in love with Bobby and his adolescent mindset. However, quite the opposite, Kindle was almost cold and very formal in her interactions with others. She warmed up to Bobby a bit but still spoke to him with a formality that didn't scream young love. But the hardships in her life made me have so much sympathy for Kindle. To see her open herself up and finally trust someone was very touching.
“He was greater than a hunter, stronger than a fighter, more an enduring than an athlete. He was a man capable of holding together a broken woman.”
A Happy Accident was like nothing that I have read before. It had very original characters in a very original look at life for an aspiring musician. The prologue contained a separate story that I was wondering throughout the book how it would play into everything else. And in the end, everything was made clear. This unexpected turn of events is one of things that made this book even better. Ultimately, I can't wait for the next book in this series because I am completely invested in the lives of Bobby and Kindle. I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you are looking for something different from the same 'ole same 'ole.
Want to read
December 13, 2012A Dark Story of the Rock Scene
This story took place in the eighties when the different punk rock music groups came into being, along with their wild lives of sex, booze and drugs. Bobby Carter was a twenty-three year old naïve American who went to England with a four piece rock group to “make the scene.” He was a guitarist, singer and song writer and he was good. One of the three other young men in his band was his cousin. In the beginning they played gigs in small places in England. Professionally he was known as Ricky Stallion. He was nice looking with a sweetness about him. He had been raised by a retired military father and an over protective mother.
While in England he met an English barmaid, Kindle Hyrum, nineteen years old, whose mother died three years prior and her mother never told her who her father was. Her mother had been ill a long time and Kindle worked for an older man who looked after them, a Mr. Holster. While playing in this bar where Kindle worked, Bobby saw her, was attracted to her and followed her home. She was very cool to him and at one point he said, “Marry me.” She replied, “You’re balmy. She truly attracted him.
Bobby talked her into marrying him at the registrar’s and Kindle thought it was a joke, but met him, was married and after they left going to her home in the slums, when she found out she was truly married, she became very upset. Bobby assured her she could get it annulled and was astonished when he walked into the three room apartment that Kindle had kept after her mother died and it had so few furnishings. She slept on a mattress on the floor and she gave him a blanket and sheet to sleep on front room floor. She wouldn’t even kiss him. Bobby promised her he would help support her and during the next eight months, he did contribute to their living expenses and provided used furniture. He waited months before Kindle would trust him, but he never told his folks about a wife. Finally Kindle fell totally in love with him and they had a happy relationship. One day he got a fine offer from a professional outfit for his group to play for them, but they didn’t want any of their musicians to have any baggage and Bobby had to make a choice: his wife or his profession.
The story probably covered the lives of rock musicians in both their early stages and when they became famous. This book had a little problem with the sequence of events. The prologue, which does nothing except confuse the reader, should have been part of the epilogue, and in the prologue it speaks of a grandfather and yet in the body of the story there is no available grandfather around. Also the dead person is not identified other than Choice’s mother. There was a little problem in the author’s ability to insert future events in such a manner that didn’t detract from the overall story. There were several confusing areas where the author inserted statements that didn’t fit or move the story along. The title is misleading. Although I feel the basic story fits the lives of the rock bands in the eighties, a little more attention could have been spent on the sequence of events. But I give it four stars for the depth of the character development.
This story took place in the eighties when the different punk rock music groups came into being, along with their wild lives of sex, booze and drugs. Bobby Carter was a twenty-three year old naïve American who went to England with a four piece rock group to “make the scene.” He was a guitarist, singer and song writer and he was good. One of the three other young men in his band was his cousin. In the beginning they played gigs in small places in England. Professionally he was known as Ricky Stallion. He was nice looking with a sweetness about him. He had been raised by a retired military father and an over protective mother.
While in England he met an English barmaid, Kindle Hyrum, nineteen years old, whose mother died three years prior and her mother never told her who her father was. Her mother had been ill a long time and Kindle worked for an older man who looked after them, a Mr. Holster. While playing in this bar where Kindle worked, Bobby saw her, was attracted to her and followed her home. She was very cool to him and at one point he said, “Marry me.” She replied, “You’re balmy. She truly attracted him.
Bobby talked her into marrying him at the registrar’s and Kindle thought it was a joke, but met him, was married and after they left going to her home in the slums, when she found out she was truly married, she became very upset. Bobby assured her she could get it annulled and was astonished when he walked into the three room apartment that Kindle had kept after her mother died and it had so few furnishings. She slept on a mattress on the floor and she gave him a blanket and sheet to sleep on front room floor. She wouldn’t even kiss him. Bobby promised her he would help support her and during the next eight months, he did contribute to their living expenses and provided used furniture. He waited months before Kindle would trust him, but he never told his folks about a wife. Finally Kindle fell totally in love with him and they had a happy relationship. One day he got a fine offer from a professional outfit for his group to play for them, but they didn’t want any of their musicians to have any baggage and Bobby had to make a choice: his wife or his profession.
The story probably covered the lives of rock musicians in both their early stages and when they became famous. This book had a little problem with the sequence of events. The prologue, which does nothing except confuse the reader, should have been part of the epilogue, and in the prologue it speaks of a grandfather and yet in the body of the story there is no available grandfather around. Also the dead person is not identified other than Choice’s mother. There was a little problem in the author’s ability to insert future events in such a manner that didn’t detract from the overall story. There were several confusing areas where the author inserted statements that didn’t fit or move the story along. The title is misleading. Although I feel the basic story fits the lives of the rock bands in the eighties, a little more attention could have been spent on the sequence of events. But I give it four stars for the depth of the character development.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews