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Guarded Hearts #1-2
Nothing Left to Lose
I was broken, numb to want and desire, but then he came along...
Three years after the tragic events of Anna’s sixteenth birthday which saw her boyfriend killed and her kidnapped by his sadistic murderer, she’s no longer the happy-go-lucky girl that everyone used to know and love; she’s now cold, hard and suffers from night terrors.
Carter is currently serving time for the murder of Jack–a conviction that Anna helped secure–but his retrial is coming up because some key evidence appears to have been tampered with.
Needing to ensure his daughter’s safety, presidential candidate, Senator Spencer, tasks in Ashton Taylor, a newly qualified SWAT agent, to guard the broken girl and keep her safe until the end of the trial.
For three years Anna has refused to feel emotion or pain. Can Ashton help her rebuild her life and finally deal with the grief of losing her childhood sweetheart? Will he be the one to make her see that life is, in fact, worth living and that not all men will hurt her?
Author's note: This edition contains Part 1 (Guarding the Broken) and Part 2 (Blurring the Lines) and combines them into one novel of epic proportion!
Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00GGMQLFO.
Three years after the tragic events of Anna’s sixteenth birthday which saw her boyfriend killed and her kidnapped by his sadistic murderer, she’s no longer the happy-go-lucky girl that everyone used to know and love; she’s now cold, hard and suffers from night terrors.
Carter is currently serving time for the murder of Jack–a conviction that Anna helped secure–but his retrial is coming up because some key evidence appears to have been tampered with.
Needing to ensure his daughter’s safety, presidential candidate, Senator Spencer, tasks in Ashton Taylor, a newly qualified SWAT agent, to guard the broken girl and keep her safe until the end of the trial.
For three years Anna has refused to feel emotion or pain. Can Ashton help her rebuild her life and finally deal with the grief of losing her childhood sweetheart? Will he be the one to make her see that life is, in fact, worth living and that not all men will hurt her?
Author's note: This edition contains Part 1 (Guarding the Broken) and Part 2 (Blurring the Lines) and combines them into one novel of epic proportion!
Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00GGMQLFO.
524 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2013
720 people are currently reading
9381 people want to read
About the author
Kirsty Moseley
25 books6,786 followersI am a traditionally published and Indie author that hails from sunny England (I lie, it's not really that sunny here!) I'm a hopeless romantic, so of course my main writing focus is romance. I love to create swoon-worthy males that steal your breath! I write mature YA, new adult and contemporary romance novels.
As well as being a writer I'm also an avid reader, mum to one little boy, proud chocoholic and an absolute beast at Lego PlayStation games.
If I had to sum myself up in one word, it would probably be 'daydreamer' - but unlike most of my school teachers, I don't necessarily view that as a bad thing. After all, I read somewhere once that books are like waking dreams...
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Check out my website:
www.kirstymoseley.com
As well as being a writer I'm also an avid reader, mum to one little boy, proud chocoholic and an absolute beast at Lego PlayStation games.
If I had to sum myself up in one word, it would probably be 'daydreamer' - but unlike most of my school teachers, I don't necessarily view that as a bad thing. After all, I read somewhere once that books are like waking dreams...
Get your FREE The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window short story: https://www.subscribepage.com/tbwsbon...
Sign up to my newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/kirstym...
Visit my Amazon page:
https://www.amazon.com/Kirsty-Moseley...
Visit me on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/authorkirstymoseley
Follow me on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/kirstyemoseley
Check out my website:
www.kirstymoseley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,288 reviews
April 7, 2014
Nothing Left to Lose was recommended to me by a friend. She spoke very highly of it so I was anxious to read it. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype for me. In fact, I can't figure out how this book has such a high rating. While it's not the most terrible book I've ever attempted to read, (I'm looking at you, Fifty Shades) it certainly isn't five star calibur.
Let's start with the fact that the author apparently did next to no research what so ever. It's glaringly obvious that the author is not American, which is fine. But if you set your book in the United States, and you make your characters American, then they should talk and act American. Both Anna and Ashton had glaring tendencies to act or speak like they were from Europe. It seemed the author threw in curse words such as "shit" and "fuck" throughout to make it seem more authentic, but it didn't work. It also took me a ridiculous amount of time to figure out that the "lounge" was the living room in their apartment. I honestly thought they had this mega-apartment that had a separate lounge area. And what the hell is a a waistcoat? I have no idea, but I'm pretty sure Americans don't have or wear them. (Also, I'd just like to point out that there is a "z" in the English language, and words like "apologize" have them. And words such as "color" and "favor" don't have a "u". I do realize that this is the European spelling, but it was very jarring for me, and after a while the European words and spellings became annoyances, making me enjoy the book less.)
Also, it is obvious that the author has absolutely no idea how the United States media and election campaigns work. Anna was kidnapped and held captive by one of the most notorious criminals in the country, and they were able to keep it under wraps?! And her father is a SENATOR who ends up running for PRESIDENT?! Honey, normal, every day girls who get kidnapped can't escape our media when they are found. If you ask, most Americans would be able to tell you who Elizabeth Smart or Jaycee Dugaard are. And their parents weren't politicians. And let's, for a moment, pretend that the Senator was able to keep Anna's ordeal mostly under wraps after she was found. Once he started running for president, that would have been one of the first things dug up in the media and splashed all over the place. Sorry, but the fact that they were able to hide her kidnapping ordeal for nearly four years is just not even close to believeable.
And then there is the author's apparent adversity to using the word "said." I don't think anyone in that book "said" anything. They stated things, they chirped them, they did everything but say them. One thing I've learned... a lot of times you don't have to write that they "said" (or chirped or stated) anything. Sometimes all you need are quotation marks around a sentence, and most people reading your book will figure out that it's being spoken.
Now, shall we move on to the actual story?
It probably took me longer than it should have to catch on that this seemed to be almost a retelling of Twilight. Anna and Ashton are co-dependent to the max. Worse than Edward and Bella, and that's saying something. The whole weekend that Ashton spends with his friends, both of them are so miserable, its not healthy.
And then there's the fact that after three years of pushing everyone away and refusing to be touched, What. the. fuck?! And then she's a bitch about it for pretty much the rest of the (LONG) story. And he lets her do it because he's apparently so in love with this girl. Why? I didn't figure that one out at all. She's thoughtful. I'll give her that one. But she's also a selfish bitch.
They VERY obvious Twilight rip off made me roll my eyes. First he's reading the book, and suddenly, the next day they go for a drive in Anna's "other" car, an Aston Martin Vanquish. I groaned out loud at that one. Come on, really!? Why not a Ferrari or a Maserati? Now that would have impressed him and me.
And this book is L-O-N-G long. 605 pages on my Nook, and we could have probably cut out about 400 of them. While the beginning was good, the middle was just them flirting, going on dates, flirting some more, then her pushing him away, and more flirting. I kept waiting for something bad to happen. When Ashton is away with his friends, and Anna's waiting for him to call her, her phone rings. I think, oh maybe it's Carter and he's finally tracked her down! That would be a good twist! But no, I'm disappointed because it really is Ashton calling her to say good night to his "Baby Girl."
REALLY?! Baby Girl? Pretty Boy? Do you know who I call Baby Girl? My daughter. Except after reading this book I will probably never call her that again. First of all, why do they need to have pet names for each other at all?! I call my husband by his first name, and it doesn't mean I love him less. And if you're going to have pet names, please, please make them something other than Baby Girl and Pretty Boy. UGH! I wanted to gag by the end of the book. Just like Twilight ruined the word "chagrin" for me, I will cringe from this day forward anytime I read the nicknames "Baby Girl" and "Pretty Boy". Thankfully I shouldn't come across them much in future books I read.
The whole bit with Carter was probably the best part, and it didn't last nearly long enough. He was probably the best written character in this book. He was nasty and mean and I could see why Anna would be afraid of him. Unfortunately, by the time I got to that part, I really didn't care anymore. Too bad the author couldn't have done more with him, instead of giving us 400 useless pages of Anna and Ashton making out and being annoying.
Overall, while I liked this book better than, say, Fifty Shades, (which was a DNF after four chapters for me) it wasn't a great book. It was long, boring and most parts were unbelievable. I won't recommend it to anyone, and I probably won't pick up another book by this author ever again. 1.5 stars.
Let's start with the fact that the author apparently did next to no research what so ever. It's glaringly obvious that the author is not American, which is fine. But if you set your book in the United States, and you make your characters American, then they should talk and act American. Both Anna and Ashton had glaring tendencies to act or speak like they were from Europe. It seemed the author threw in curse words such as "shit" and "fuck" throughout to make it seem more authentic, but it didn't work. It also took me a ridiculous amount of time to figure out that the "lounge" was the living room in their apartment. I honestly thought they had this mega-apartment that had a separate lounge area. And what the hell is a a waistcoat? I have no idea, but I'm pretty sure Americans don't have or wear them. (Also, I'd just like to point out that there is a "z" in the English language, and words like "apologize" have them. And words such as "color" and "favor" don't have a "u". I do realize that this is the European spelling, but it was very jarring for me, and after a while the European words and spellings became annoyances, making me enjoy the book less.)
Also, it is obvious that the author has absolutely no idea how the United States media and election campaigns work. Anna was kidnapped and held captive by one of the most notorious criminals in the country, and they were able to keep it under wraps?! And her father is a SENATOR who ends up running for PRESIDENT?! Honey, normal, every day girls who get kidnapped can't escape our media when they are found. If you ask, most Americans would be able to tell you who Elizabeth Smart or Jaycee Dugaard are. And their parents weren't politicians. And let's, for a moment, pretend that the Senator was able to keep Anna's ordeal mostly under wraps after she was found. Once he started running for president, that would have been one of the first things dug up in the media and splashed all over the place. Sorry, but the fact that they were able to hide her kidnapping ordeal for nearly four years is just not even close to believeable.
And then there is the author's apparent adversity to using the word "said." I don't think anyone in that book "said" anything. They stated things, they chirped them, they did everything but say them. One thing I've learned... a lot of times you don't have to write that they "said" (or chirped or stated) anything. Sometimes all you need are quotation marks around a sentence, and most people reading your book will figure out that it's being spoken.
Now, shall we move on to the actual story?
It probably took me longer than it should have to catch on that this seemed to be almost a retelling of Twilight. Anna and Ashton are co-dependent to the max. Worse than Edward and Bella, and that's saying something. The whole weekend that Ashton spends with his friends, both of them are so miserable, its not healthy.
And then there's the fact that after three years of pushing everyone away and refusing to be touched, What. the. fuck?! And then she's a bitch about it for pretty much the rest of the (LONG) story. And he lets her do it because he's apparently so in love with this girl. Why? I didn't figure that one out at all. She's thoughtful. I'll give her that one. But she's also a selfish bitch.
They VERY obvious Twilight rip off made me roll my eyes. First he's reading the book, and suddenly, the next day they go for a drive in Anna's "other" car, an Aston Martin Vanquish. I groaned out loud at that one. Come on, really!? Why not a Ferrari or a Maserati? Now that would have impressed him and me.
And this book is L-O-N-G long. 605 pages on my Nook, and we could have probably cut out about 400 of them. While the beginning was good, the middle was just them flirting, going on dates, flirting some more, then her pushing him away, and more flirting. I kept waiting for something bad to happen. When Ashton is away with his friends, and Anna's waiting for him to call her, her phone rings. I think, oh maybe it's Carter and he's finally tracked her down! That would be a good twist! But no, I'm disappointed because it really is Ashton calling her to say good night to his "Baby Girl."
REALLY?! Baby Girl? Pretty Boy? Do you know who I call Baby Girl? My daughter. Except after reading this book I will probably never call her that again. First of all, why do they need to have pet names for each other at all?! I call my husband by his first name, and it doesn't mean I love him less. And if you're going to have pet names, please, please make them something other than Baby Girl and Pretty Boy. UGH! I wanted to gag by the end of the book. Just like Twilight ruined the word "chagrin" for me, I will cringe from this day forward anytime I read the nicknames "Baby Girl" and "Pretty Boy". Thankfully I shouldn't come across them much in future books I read.
The whole bit with Carter was probably the best part, and it didn't last nearly long enough. He was probably the best written character in this book. He was nasty and mean and I could see why Anna would be afraid of him. Unfortunately, by the time I got to that part, I really didn't care anymore. Too bad the author couldn't have done more with him, instead of giving us 400 useless pages of Anna and Ashton making out and being annoying.
Overall, while I liked this book better than, say, Fifty Shades, (which was a DNF after four chapters for me) it wasn't a great book. It was long, boring and most parts were unbelievable. I won't recommend it to anyone, and I probably won't pick up another book by this author ever again. 1.5 stars.
February 25, 2015
2 Americans-Don't-Day-Waistcoat-Stars
Updated 10/7/14 to include possible spoiler warning
Holy crap, this book. First of all, I have to say this:
British people are awesome, British accents are awesome, British lingo is awesome.
But if you are British and you are going to write a book set in America, make sure your book stays true to that premise. Make sure your characters speak and sound like Americans.
I am not an expert on British vs American lingo by any means, but as an American who was born, raised, and currently lives in Los Angeles (where the main male character of this story was supposed to be from), I do know this:
Twenty something year old American men from Los Angeles don't say "waistcoat."
They also don't refer to white tank tops as "vests."
So when Ashton and later Nate were on two separate occasions described as wearing athletic shorts and a vest, was I picturing this?
Heck no, I was picturing this:
Awkward.
Also, this graph came in handy while reading this book:
Because I can't even count how many British terms were used throughout this supposedly American-set story.
Big deal? No. Distracting? Yes.
***Possible Spoilers***
Also, if you are going to write about SWAT and the American Presidency...know a little bit about SWAT and the American Presidency.
First of all, "SWAT" is not just one big American entity like the CIA or the FBI. Each police department and sheriff's department across the country can have their own SWAT team.
And SWAT is not something you can just walk off the street and join or get directly hired onto (as Ashton supposedly does). You have to be hired onto a department and work as a patrol officer or field deputy for many years before you can even think about putting in for the SWAT team.
Also, a senator in the race for the US Presidency would never hire a SWAT officer (let alone a brand spanking new one) to protect his daughter from a crazed crime lord.
And there is no way in hell a US Senator's daughter could have been kidnapped and held for months - after her boyfriend is supposedly murdered in tandem with said kidnapping - without that being breaking news on every news station and media outlet across the country.
Furthermore, there is no way the daughter of a senator running for President would be unknown to the media, period. The bid for the presidency starts years in advance and any candidate considered a serious contender would have their life - and their family's lives - blasted every-fucking-where.
Just ask Bristol Palin.
But un-belief-suspending glitches aside, the story itself has some glitches too.
Supposedly Anna is so traumatized by her ordeal with crazy crime lord that she cannot stand to be touched by anyone - even her parents - for years. But we are supposed to believe she has no problem touching Ashton within minutes of meeting him? And that his sudden appearance in her life somehow immediately solves so many of her other psychological issues?
Don't get me wrong, this story had some sweet moments and all that, but in the end I just couldn't buy in. And the way the middle trudged along didn't help either.
Updated 10/7/14 to include possible spoiler warning
Holy crap, this book. First of all, I have to say this:
British people are awesome, British accents are awesome, British lingo is awesome.
But if you are British and you are going to write a book set in America, make sure your book stays true to that premise. Make sure your characters speak and sound like Americans.
I am not an expert on British vs American lingo by any means, but as an American who was born, raised, and currently lives in Los Angeles (where the main male character of this story was supposed to be from), I do know this:
Twenty something year old American men from Los Angeles don't say "waistcoat."
They also don't refer to white tank tops as "vests."
So when Ashton and later Nate were on two separate occasions described as wearing athletic shorts and a vest, was I picturing this?
Heck no, I was picturing this:
Awkward.
Also, this graph came in handy while reading this book:
Because I can't even count how many British terms were used throughout this supposedly American-set story.
Big deal? No. Distracting? Yes.
***Possible Spoilers***
Also, if you are going to write about SWAT and the American Presidency...know a little bit about SWAT and the American Presidency.
First of all, "SWAT" is not just one big American entity like the CIA or the FBI. Each police department and sheriff's department across the country can have their own SWAT team.
And SWAT is not something you can just walk off the street and join or get directly hired onto (as Ashton supposedly does). You have to be hired onto a department and work as a patrol officer or field deputy for many years before you can even think about putting in for the SWAT team.
Also, a senator in the race for the US Presidency would never hire a SWAT officer (let alone a brand spanking new one) to protect his daughter from a crazed crime lord.
And there is no way in hell a US Senator's daughter could have been kidnapped and held for months - after her boyfriend is supposedly murdered in tandem with said kidnapping - without that being breaking news on every news station and media outlet across the country.
Furthermore, there is no way the daughter of a senator running for President would be unknown to the media, period. The bid for the presidency starts years in advance and any candidate considered a serious contender would have their life - and their family's lives - blasted every-fucking-where.
Just ask Bristol Palin.
But un-belief-suspending glitches aside, the story itself has some glitches too.
Supposedly Anna is so traumatized by her ordeal with crazy crime lord that she cannot stand to be touched by anyone - even her parents - for years. But we are supposed to believe she has no problem touching Ashton within minutes of meeting him? And that his sudden appearance in her life somehow immediately solves so many of her other psychological issues?
Don't get me wrong, this story had some sweet moments and all that, but in the end I just couldn't buy in. And the way the middle trudged along didn't help either.
October 9, 2013
Okay, I've read a lot of reviews for this and I think a few things need to be straightened out.
This book isn't for those who like in depth reads with a complicated plot line and tonnes of different characters.
This is pretty cheesy, yes, but if you enjoy easy reads with a happy ending then do give the book a go. I read it on my phone, on holiday and I really enjoyed it and I think a majority of people would as long as they're not expecting anything massively unique.
Personally I really enjoyed it :D
This book isn't for those who like in depth reads with a complicated plot line and tonnes of different characters.
This is pretty cheesy, yes, but if you enjoy easy reads with a happy ending then do give the book a go. I read it on my phone, on holiday and I really enjoyed it and I think a majority of people would as long as they're not expecting anything massively unique.
Personally I really enjoyed it :D
Read
March 11, 2014This book is FREE on Amazon if you want to try it! It didn't work for me but it has crazy high ratings: http://amzn.to/1i1PJMz
DNF at 26%. Might come back later.
I've loved Kirsty's work, especially Always You. When I saw the blurb for this one, I jumped at the chance to read it. While this book started out strong and effectively shocked me with the chain of events that lead to Anna's kidnapping, the "healing process" didn't leave much of an impression and left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
I have one main reason: everything happened way.too.fast. This is taken directly from the blurb so no spoilers:
"For three years she has been the broken, damaged girl, refusing to feel emotion or pain."
So...for three years she has been a badass hermit, blocking out her family, friends, and secluding herself away from society. She doesn't allow ANYONE to touch her, doesn't allow anyone to follow her, doesn't like it when others speak to her. So then it doesn't make sense that at just 15% Right after, she feels remorse and reverts right back to cold-eyed Anna. Repeat this whole routine for about 5 times.
-Swoosh-
She's now in college with Ashton as her bodyguard. I'm sorry, but to read this flippety-flop routine over and over again got old. I truly want to know what happens with Carter though, so maybe I'll go back when I'm in a more patient mood.
I guess I expected this book to be darker based off the blurb, but instead, I found this to be a vanilla romance instead. Then again, maybe it's because my standards for "dark" are too high that led me to feel annoyance towards the story. For whatever reason, I just couldn't get into it. Not even my curiosity for Carter's fate made me want to finish.
I will definitely be reading Kirsty's future works, though, but this one just didn't do it for me.
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
DNF at 26%. Might come back later.
I've loved Kirsty's work, especially Always You. When I saw the blurb for this one, I jumped at the chance to read it. While this book started out strong and effectively shocked me with the chain of events that lead to Anna's kidnapping, the "healing process" didn't leave much of an impression and left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
I have one main reason: everything happened way.too.fast. This is taken directly from the blurb so no spoilers:
"For three years she has been the broken, damaged girl, refusing to feel emotion or pain."
So...for three years she has been a badass hermit, blocking out her family, friends, and secluding herself away from society. She doesn't allow ANYONE to touch her, doesn't allow anyone to follow her, doesn't like it when others speak to her. So then it doesn't make sense that at just 15% Right after, she feels remorse and reverts right back to cold-eyed Anna. Repeat this whole routine for about 5 times.
-Swoosh-
She's now in college with Ashton as her bodyguard. I'm sorry, but to read this flippety-flop routine over and over again got old. I truly want to know what happens with Carter though, so maybe I'll go back when I'm in a more patient mood.
I guess I expected this book to be darker based off the blurb, but instead, I found this to be a vanilla romance instead. Then again, maybe it's because my standards for "dark" are too high that led me to feel annoyance towards the story. For whatever reason, I just couldn't get into it. Not even my curiosity for Carter's fate made me want to finish.
I will definitely be reading Kirsty's future works, though, but this one just didn't do it for me.
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2013
As soon as I started reading I was done for. I was instantly drawn into this book. It was beyond amazing. It completely consumed me and I never wanted to put it down. There isn’t a word I can even say that could describe the magnitude of emotions that this book gave me. It was beyond emotional, but also one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.
This book will forever have a place in my heart. By the end of the first chapter in the book my heart was in my throat and I was bawling. I absolutely loved and adored Jack and everything that happened absolutely shattered me.
I instantly loved Ashton. He has one of the biggest hearts and he’s caring and compassionate. I mean this with all the honesty in me, his character was beyond memorable. I will always love him and remember this book because of him. I loved how much he instantly loved Anna and wanted to protect her. He was amazing.
Anna was a wonderful character as well. She was such a sweet and strong character. She was also so thoughtful, always putting others first. I felt so bad for everything that she endured. My heart broke all over again whenever Anna would talk about the things that happened to her or had a nightmare about them.
I loved that Ashton made Anna feel safe and whole again. I loved how easily Anna and Ashton feel into sync with one another. Always joking and laughing with one another. It was remarkable. I felt so bad for Anna because of how conflicted she was about her feelings toward Ashton. It was such a crazy ride with the two of them. I just wanted for both of them to tell each other how they felt so they could be happy together.
I adored Ashton's friends. They were all just amazing, especially Nick. I hope that we get to read more about all of the amazing characters in this book.
I was in awe of Ashton and Anna’s relationship. How much they trusted and needed one another. How it grew to so much love and admiration for one another. It was just beautiful and perfect.
By the end of the book my emotions were on high alert. I was literally bawling my eyes out. It was breaking my heart in two with every page I read. I was again on an emotional rollercoaster just as I had been at the beginning of the book. I don’t want to give anything away about the ending except that because this book’s ending should be experienced and treasured. I absolutely loved reading this book.
This book will forever have a place in my heart. By the end of the first chapter in the book my heart was in my throat and I was bawling. I absolutely loved and adored Jack and everything that happened absolutely shattered me.
I instantly loved Ashton. He has one of the biggest hearts and he’s caring and compassionate. I mean this with all the honesty in me, his character was beyond memorable. I will always love him and remember this book because of him. I loved how much he instantly loved Anna and wanted to protect her. He was amazing.
Anna was a wonderful character as well. She was such a sweet and strong character. She was also so thoughtful, always putting others first. I felt so bad for everything that she endured. My heart broke all over again whenever Anna would talk about the things that happened to her or had a nightmare about them.
I loved that Ashton made Anna feel safe and whole again. I loved how easily Anna and Ashton feel into sync with one another. Always joking and laughing with one another. It was remarkable. I felt so bad for Anna because of how conflicted she was about her feelings toward Ashton. It was such a crazy ride with the two of them. I just wanted for both of them to tell each other how they felt so they could be happy together.
I adored Ashton's friends. They were all just amazing, especially Nick. I hope that we get to read more about all of the amazing characters in this book.
I was in awe of Ashton and Anna’s relationship. How much they trusted and needed one another. How it grew to so much love and admiration for one another. It was just beautiful and perfect.
By the end of the book my emotions were on high alert. I was literally bawling my eyes out. It was breaking my heart in two with every page I read. I was again on an emotional rollercoaster just as I had been at the beginning of the book. I don’t want to give anything away about the ending except that because this book’s ending should be experienced and treasured. I absolutely loved reading this book.
December 25, 2013
This book started out REALLY good (with Jack & Anna) and I really liked the two main characters, Anna and Ashton. The problem was the book was way to long, you keep waiting for something to happen and it just takes forever. There are things written that just were too farfetched and/or unnecessary. I was expecting someone to turn into a vampire at any minute just to hit another target audience. That being said, it was good but needed a really good edit. The spelling mistakes made me think a deadline was more important than anything else. With a good edit, this book could have been great. I probably will check out the next in the series (they all are series now, aren't they?) which is to come out this spring. Two stars for needing a good edit and how it ended could have been so much more. I would still say give it a try, the first chapter or two will make you want to read more...it may have been one of the most shocking starts to a book that I have read. I finished it in two and a half days.
January 5, 2020
This book was very hard going. I had a struggle getting to the end of it but I wanted to find out where Kristy Moseley was this was going with this. So what did she give us?
Sweet sixteen is a day that every girl should remember, a passage into womanhood and the beginning of a journey but for Annabelle Spencer March the 12 was the day that would be embedded in her life for ever and for her 16th birthday Anna would be left with deep and irrevocable scars instead of a happy ending to a night out.
Jack Roberts wanted to give Anna a birthday she would not forget and had taken her to a nightclub to celebrate. Anna loved Jack with everything she had in her young life and that night she would give Jack her body. He was good and kind and a loving generous boy. Their lives were planned, finish school, college and careers. Jack would become a Doctor and they would get married. Perfect.
Then they met Carter Thomas, murderous, angry Carter, drug and arms dealer and what started out as a special journey for Anna and Jack very quickly became the highway to hell. Carter wants Anna and her dream night turns into her worse nightmare when she watches Carter Thomas snuff the light from Jack systematically beating him to death and taking Anna.
10 months later, after being subjected to Carter’s rules and life, she is found. Annabelle Spencer is not the same, and never will be. She is now a cold hard and broken. Carter is in prison for Jack’s murder but due to key evidence is due for a re-trial. Carter’s obsession with Anna has not ended with his incarceration and nothing will stop him from taking her again.
Three years on and Anna’s father is running for presidency. Ashton Taylor SWAT expert is brought into protect the broken damaged Anna - but his duties go beyond protection and soon he brings Anna back to life and shows her that life is worth living and that all men will not hurt her but Carter Thomas will stop at nothing to be re-united with his “Princess”
Sounds good? Yep chapter one quickly drew me in but I soon lost interest. I thought the story was too long and rehashed, too much repetition and over usage of words, the plot could have been explosive but ended up weak, and the character building was poor. I lost track of the amount of times her sentences ended with “or something” or the amount of times she said“he moaned from his throat” Well I don’t know about you but where else would you moan from?
Kirsty Mosely introduces serious issues from chapter one but seemed to dismiss the major subject matter from that point on. The way she dealt with Anna’s rape was that she had to meet the “one” before she could overcome any of her issues. I thought she stretched reality a little too thinly and the further in I read the more I found the plot hard to believe.
So there you have it.
Sweet sixteen is a day that every girl should remember, a passage into womanhood and the beginning of a journey but for Annabelle Spencer March the 12 was the day that would be embedded in her life for ever and for her 16th birthday Anna would be left with deep and irrevocable scars instead of a happy ending to a night out.
Jack Roberts wanted to give Anna a birthday she would not forget and had taken her to a nightclub to celebrate. Anna loved Jack with everything she had in her young life and that night she would give Jack her body. He was good and kind and a loving generous boy. Their lives were planned, finish school, college and careers. Jack would become a Doctor and they would get married. Perfect.
Then they met Carter Thomas, murderous, angry Carter, drug and arms dealer and what started out as a special journey for Anna and Jack very quickly became the highway to hell. Carter wants Anna and her dream night turns into her worse nightmare when she watches Carter Thomas snuff the light from Jack systematically beating him to death and taking Anna.
10 months later, after being subjected to Carter’s rules and life, she is found. Annabelle Spencer is not the same, and never will be. She is now a cold hard and broken. Carter is in prison for Jack’s murder but due to key evidence is due for a re-trial. Carter’s obsession with Anna has not ended with his incarceration and nothing will stop him from taking her again.
Three years on and Anna’s father is running for presidency. Ashton Taylor SWAT expert is brought into protect the broken damaged Anna - but his duties go beyond protection and soon he brings Anna back to life and shows her that life is worth living and that all men will not hurt her but Carter Thomas will stop at nothing to be re-united with his “Princess”
Sounds good? Yep chapter one quickly drew me in but I soon lost interest. I thought the story was too long and rehashed, too much repetition and over usage of words, the plot could have been explosive but ended up weak, and the character building was poor. I lost track of the amount of times her sentences ended with “or something” or the amount of times she said“he moaned from his throat” Well I don’t know about you but where else would you moan from?
Kirsty Mosely introduces serious issues from chapter one but seemed to dismiss the major subject matter from that point on. The way she dealt with Anna’s rape was that she had to meet the “one” before she could overcome any of her issues. I thought she stretched reality a little too thinly and the further in I read the more I found the plot hard to believe.
So there you have it.
December 1, 2013
I surely must have read different book as other people here because as much as I think that the premise was very interesting and promising I just couldn't get past author's writing to enjoy it. The whole book just doesn't make sense: how are the main characters acting, what they are saying and then what they are doing (which is the exact oposite)...it was really painful to go through all this nonsense.
I quite enjoyed the book The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window as it was Kirsty's first published book and I decided to ignore some really unfortunate passages, but after publishing 2 other books I expected some writing developement and I ended up very dissapointed.
I quite enjoyed the book The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window as it was Kirsty's first published book and I decided to ignore some really unfortunate passages, but after publishing 2 other books I expected some writing developement and I ended up very dissapointed.
December 13, 2023
I read this story a year or two ago on Wattpad, and I absolutely loved it. The book was really good—full of suspense, romantic scenes, and a compelling plot. I consider it one of the great stories on Wattpad and highly recommend it. :)
August 4, 2024
This book had so much potential, but a few key points kept me from giving this all the stars.
1- The length. This book was looooooooong, I mean l.o.n.g. LONG!!!!! 22 hours and 36 minutes to be more specific. I don’t mind long books but there has to be a little more storyline and plot to justify the length.
2- I found some of their behavior in LA immature. I think Ashton was irresponsible and unprofessional for even having thought about drinking while he was with Anna in a club. The whole interaction with Ashton’s best friend was weird. Some of the things he said was really disrespectful to his best friend and Anna. Also, no best friend would hit on or ogling his best friend’s girl. Get a grip, dude!
3- The nickname “baby girl” was getting on my last nerve.
4- I got tired of Anna. What a stupid dumb girl! Sent Ashton away to protect his life because she thought she was a supergirl or something and could handle Carter herself instead of a well trained top of his class SWAT! 🙄 and as for Ashton as a well trained top of his class SWAT he was really disappointing!
5- I love when the hero goes weak at the knees for a girl, and isn’t afraid to show his feelings, BUT when it happens over and over and over....and then a few more times after that...it goes from an awww to an awwwfully annoying.
All in all, it started off amazing and I was hooked and the events were intense and intriguing, then the story became very repetitive and annoyingly lovey dovey.
“Ashton had broken down my barriers and set up camp in my heart without me even being aware what he was doing. The boy had totally stolen my heart without my permission”
Tropes: bodyguard; military; rape; abuse; dark romance.
POV: first person, dual.
1- The length. This book was looooooooong, I mean l.o.n.g. LONG!!!!! 22 hours and 36 minutes to be more specific. I don’t mind long books but there has to be a little more storyline and plot to justify the length.
2- I found some of their behavior in LA immature. I think Ashton was irresponsible and unprofessional for even having thought about drinking while he was with Anna in a club. The whole interaction with Ashton’s best friend was weird. Some of the things he said was really disrespectful to his best friend and Anna. Also, no best friend would hit on or ogling his best friend’s girl. Get a grip, dude!
3- The nickname “baby girl” was getting on my last nerve.
4- I got tired of Anna. What a stupid dumb girl! Sent Ashton away to protect his life because she thought she was a supergirl or something and could handle Carter herself instead of a well trained top of his class SWAT! 🙄 and as for Ashton as a well trained top of his class SWAT he was really disappointing!
5- I love when the hero goes weak at the knees for a girl, and isn’t afraid to show his feelings, BUT when it happens over and over and over....and then a few more times after that...it goes from an awww to an awwwfully annoying.
All in all, it started off amazing and I was hooked and the events were intense and intriguing, then the story became very repetitive and annoyingly lovey dovey.
“Ashton had broken down my barriers and set up camp in my heart without me even being aware what he was doing. The boy had totally stolen my heart without my permission”
Tropes: bodyguard; military; rape; abuse; dark romance.
POV: first person, dual.
Want to read
June 15, 2014*I received an ARC in exchange for honest review*
******4.5 Stars ********
I was looking forward to reading Nothing Left To Lose, being a fan of Kristy Moseley, and enjoying her other books Loved The Boy Who Sneaked In My Window. This one had been on my ‘to be read’ list for a while, and the only reason I hadn’t read it sooner was because it was only available on Wattpad. When Kristy announced it was going to be published and released as an eBook I was excited.
I liked Annabelle Spencer, what she went through at the hands of Cater had been traumatic, and shocking, and my heart when out to her. I could understand why she was so defensive and acted the way she did, but I did get I did get a little frustrated at times with her because of some of the things she did, and some of her choices. I just wanted to give her a shake her, and say “Can't you see that Ashton is crazy about you.”
Ashton Taylor is very swoon worthy. He was a sexy bad-ass SWAT agent; He was sweet, kind, intense, loyal and very protective loved him. I liked the way he was with Anna he was good for her. He was the first person she lets get close to her since Jack death. Aston breaks down her defenses, make her smile again, he has a way of making her feel safe.
I liked the storyline it had a bit of everything suspense, action, drama, angst, some steamy moments. I laugh; tear up, got cross and frustrated. Told from both POV means I was able to get an insight into what both were thinking, and the depth of their feelings. I thought Annabelle and Ashton relationship was cute. I loved the romantic scenes those parts always put a smile on my face. I liked how through Anna nightmares you find out what happen to her while she was with Carter, it really added to the story, and gave me the background information I need on Annabelle history with Carter.
As for the side characters, Nate was great made me laugh and I’m looking forward to reading his story. Dean was sweet, and as for Cater well he was just a psychopath who I really wanted to do physical harm to.
I will warn you Nothing Left to Lose is a lot longer than most NA books, and I mean a lot longer, in relation to page numbers we are talking close to four digits. When my Kindle said I had over 11 hours of reading I was worried that I would lose interest or that there would be a lot of unnecessary scenes, but I have to say I didn’t, and there wasn’t.
Overall I enjoyed this book, the writing, the plot, and the characters and despite the length I must admit I didn’t I didn’t want to put it down. I will say that some parts were a bit cliché at times, but I didn’t mind as sometimes I need that in a book. The last 20% had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails as I had been getting anxious as I wanted to know when and how Carter would reappear, I did at one point think Kirsty you better give me a HEA or I'm never going to read any of your books again. ;).
But don’t worry after an action packed ending, there's just a really sweet epilogue that I loved and makes the 11 hours of reading worth it. If you are looking for a sweet enjoyable easy read that is definitely going to leave you with a smile your face, then I highly recommended this book.
4.5 stars
Favorite quotes,
“My heart skipped a beat and my stomach ties in a knot. I wanted to run to her, wrap my arms around her, and tell her everything would be okay. I wanted to make her smile and hear her laugh” ~ Ashton
“There was something about him that just made me trust him, giving me more confidence around him.” ~ Anna
“I loved her with everything I had: everything that was important to me just disappeared in a puff of smoke when she came into my life”~ Ashton
I’d unknowing made myself vulnerable by letting him close to me- but the thing was, I wouldn’t actually changes anything. I liked being around him, and I liked the person that he allowed me to be” ~ Anna
“She felt something for me too, deep down I knew it, but she was just scared of getting hurt again. I could wait thought; I’d wait as long as she needed.” ~ Ashton
“The way he looked at me something made me feel as if I was flying. It was incredible how one look from him made me feel so free and unshackled” ~ Anna.
“Ashton had broken down my barriers and set up camp in my heart without me even being aware what he was doing. The boy had totally stolen my heart without my permission”~ Anna
******4.5 Stars ********
I was looking forward to reading Nothing Left To Lose, being a fan of Kristy Moseley, and enjoying her other books Loved The Boy Who Sneaked In My Window. This one had been on my ‘to be read’ list for a while, and the only reason I hadn’t read it sooner was because it was only available on Wattpad. When Kristy announced it was going to be published and released as an eBook I was excited.
I liked Annabelle Spencer, what she went through at the hands of Cater had been traumatic, and shocking, and my heart when out to her. I could understand why she was so defensive and acted the way she did, but I did get I did get a little frustrated at times with her because of some of the things she did, and some of her choices. I just wanted to give her a shake her, and say “Can't you see that Ashton is crazy about you.”
Ashton Taylor is very swoon worthy. He was a sexy bad-ass SWAT agent; He was sweet, kind, intense, loyal and very protective loved him. I liked the way he was with Anna he was good for her. He was the first person she lets get close to her since Jack death. Aston breaks down her defenses, make her smile again, he has a way of making her feel safe.
I liked the storyline it had a bit of everything suspense, action, drama, angst, some steamy moments. I laugh; tear up, got cross and frustrated. Told from both POV means I was able to get an insight into what both were thinking, and the depth of their feelings. I thought Annabelle and Ashton relationship was cute. I loved the romantic scenes those parts always put a smile on my face. I liked how through Anna nightmares you find out what happen to her while she was with Carter, it really added to the story, and gave me the background information I need on Annabelle history with Carter.
As for the side characters, Nate was great made me laugh and I’m looking forward to reading his story. Dean was sweet, and as for Cater well he was just a psychopath who I really wanted to do physical harm to.
I will warn you Nothing Left to Lose is a lot longer than most NA books, and I mean a lot longer, in relation to page numbers we are talking close to four digits. When my Kindle said I had over 11 hours of reading I was worried that I would lose interest or that there would be a lot of unnecessary scenes, but I have to say I didn’t, and there wasn’t.
Overall I enjoyed this book, the writing, the plot, and the characters and despite the length I must admit I didn’t I didn’t want to put it down. I will say that some parts were a bit cliché at times, but I didn’t mind as sometimes I need that in a book. The last 20% had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails as I had been getting anxious as I wanted to know when and how Carter would reappear, I did at one point think Kirsty you better give me a HEA or I'm never going to read any of your books again. ;).
But don’t worry after an action packed ending, there's just a really sweet epilogue that I loved and makes the 11 hours of reading worth it. If you are looking for a sweet enjoyable easy read that is definitely going to leave you with a smile your face, then I highly recommended this book.
4.5 stars
Favorite quotes,
“My heart skipped a beat and my stomach ties in a knot. I wanted to run to her, wrap my arms around her, and tell her everything would be okay. I wanted to make her smile and hear her laugh” ~ Ashton
“There was something about him that just made me trust him, giving me more confidence around him.” ~ Anna
“I loved her with everything I had: everything that was important to me just disappeared in a puff of smoke when she came into my life”~ Ashton
I’d unknowing made myself vulnerable by letting him close to me- but the thing was, I wouldn’t actually changes anything. I liked being around him, and I liked the person that he allowed me to be” ~ Anna
“She felt something for me too, deep down I knew it, but she was just scared of getting hurt again. I could wait thought; I’d wait as long as she needed.” ~ Ashton
“The way he looked at me something made me feel as if I was flying. It was incredible how one look from him made me feel so free and unshackled” ~ Anna.
“Ashton had broken down my barriers and set up camp in my heart without me even being aware what he was doing. The boy had totally stolen my heart without my permission”~ Anna
November 5, 2013
I was so darn excited to read another book by Moseley. I knew when I started it I was going to love it. But I had no earthly idea how much I would love it. It was just so utterly amazing. Completely blown away. I adored the characters so very much and the storyline was perfection. It is definitely one of those reads you hate to put down. And being the long book that it was, I fell victim to sleep. I know, I know. But I would immediately pick it up first thing the next morning, reading until I devoured it all. So that counts for something right?
I have read a couple of her books and both reads had some parts that were a little unbelievable at times. I was kind of expecting the same with this one. So when I finished the whole book, I was pleasantly surprised at how believable the entire read was. Only problem was the date for the Presidential Election didn't line up with when we actually have them here in the US. A simple google search could have cleared that all up. But in the end, it simply didn't matter. I still found the book enjoyable and I still inhaled every word.
I hurt for Anna. The things she has been through in the past is absolutely heartbreaking and sometimes difficult to read about. Carter tormented this girl from the time he comes in contact with her. A classic case of 'wrong place at the wrong time'. And poor Anna carried so much guilt with her, even long after being rescued. All it took was Ashton coming into her life to set the things in motion that would slowly start reviving her life once again.
Ashton is one of those characters all the girls are going to love. He is absolutely swoon worthy and sweet as hell. Several times Anna wondered where he found all this sweet nothings he would whisper to her. I know I was in love from the moment we met him. How it took Anna so long to realize she was, is beyond me. But I am so glad we got to see her slowly be awakened once again to life thanks to him.
This could have been a quick book, breezing over parts, not really allowing us to see Anna coming out of her guilt ridden shell. But where would the beauty in that have been? This was something we all needed to experience right along with Anna. To know what she went through and to see her through it. It was sad. It was heartbreaking. It was also very beautiful. I was so very in love with this story. Fabulous job, Moseley. I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming companion novel, ENJOYING THE CHASE.
If you have enjoyed Moseley's other work, you are most assuredly going to love this one. It is most definitely a 5 star read! And I most definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone. Enjoy!
I have read a couple of her books and both reads had some parts that were a little unbelievable at times. I was kind of expecting the same with this one. So when I finished the whole book, I was pleasantly surprised at how believable the entire read was. Only problem was the date for the Presidential Election didn't line up with when we actually have them here in the US. A simple google search could have cleared that all up. But in the end, it simply didn't matter. I still found the book enjoyable and I still inhaled every word.
I hurt for Anna. The things she has been through in the past is absolutely heartbreaking and sometimes difficult to read about. Carter tormented this girl from the time he comes in contact with her. A classic case of 'wrong place at the wrong time'. And poor Anna carried so much guilt with her, even long after being rescued. All it took was Ashton coming into her life to set the things in motion that would slowly start reviving her life once again.
Ashton is one of those characters all the girls are going to love. He is absolutely swoon worthy and sweet as hell. Several times Anna wondered where he found all this sweet nothings he would whisper to her. I know I was in love from the moment we met him. How it took Anna so long to realize she was, is beyond me. But I am so glad we got to see her slowly be awakened once again to life thanks to him.
This could have been a quick book, breezing over parts, not really allowing us to see Anna coming out of her guilt ridden shell. But where would the beauty in that have been? This was something we all needed to experience right along with Anna. To know what she went through and to see her through it. It was sad. It was heartbreaking. It was also very beautiful. I was so very in love with this story. Fabulous job, Moseley. I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming companion novel, ENJOYING THE CHASE.
If you have enjoyed Moseley's other work, you are most assuredly going to love this one. It is most definitely a 5 star read! And I most definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone. Enjoy!
November 7, 2013
One of my favorite books!! From beginning to end a great book to read , i was one of the lucky ones to read it on wattpad before it got published can't wait to get a official copy <3 Annaton
December 12, 2013
Great concept that was lost somewhere in the middle ;(
August 12, 2015
A remarkable love story and another great read by Kirsty Moseley.
April 15, 2014
I finished this book because I hate not finishing books. There were times where I thought "oh good, now it's going to get interesting!"....but it didn't.
The main character was abducted and abused as a teen. She won't let anyone near her - her parents can't even touch her. She gets a new guard (not because her father is a senator running for the presidency, but because the man who abducted her, who is in jail, is being re-tried) and within 3 days they become physical. This just wasn't believable. She wasn't in the public eye for her abduction or first trial (would never happen in real life) and wasn't really in the public eye until after her father was elected president. It was too convenient. Nobody knew who she was?
80% of the middle of this book could be cut. The beginning several chapters were not gripping, but kept my interest enough. But a good majority of the book is the same storyline over and over. She loves him, she feels guilty, she regrets her decisions. She loves him, he loves her, but neither wants to admit it. Good in theory, but not for 30 chapters with no other plot at all. I kept reading because I kept thinking "something good is going to happen in this chapter. It's building up." But then it didn't. When it finally did it was for 2-3 chapters (40 chapters in) and the book ended very shortly after. When I finished it, I thought to myself "that's it?" I figured the fact I kept reading meant the ending would be great. Nope.
There were also several little things - mechanical stuff that as an English teacher drove me nuts. (Including a few sentence fragments, sentences missing words, misspelled words, etc.)
The main character was abducted and abused as a teen. She won't let anyone near her - her parents can't even touch her. She gets a new guard (not because her father is a senator running for the presidency, but because the man who abducted her, who is in jail, is being re-tried) and within 3 days they become physical. This just wasn't believable. She wasn't in the public eye for her abduction or first trial (would never happen in real life) and wasn't really in the public eye until after her father was elected president. It was too convenient. Nobody knew who she was?
80% of the middle of this book could be cut. The beginning several chapters were not gripping, but kept my interest enough. But a good majority of the book is the same storyline over and over. She loves him, she feels guilty, she regrets her decisions. She loves him, he loves her, but neither wants to admit it. Good in theory, but not for 30 chapters with no other plot at all. I kept reading because I kept thinking "something good is going to happen in this chapter. It's building up." But then it didn't. When it finally did it was for 2-3 chapters (40 chapters in) and the book ended very shortly after. When I finished it, I thought to myself "that's it?" I figured the fact I kept reading meant the ending would be great. Nope.
There were also several little things - mechanical stuff that as an English teacher drove me nuts. (Including a few sentence fragments, sentences missing words, misspelled words, etc.)
November 13, 2013
AHHH!!! I was SO excited to get my hands on this book. I had read it a few years back when it was on Wattpad and I LOVED it then. I couldn't wait to do a re-read and see if I still felt the same way; if I still felt all the emotions it made me previously feel. It did and then some. I swooned, I laughed, I got that awful pit in my stomach and I cried. There were times that even though I knew what was going to happen it was like I was reading it again for the first time and I was on the edge of my seat. When Nothing Left to Lose was on Wattpad it had twenty five MILLION (yes you read that correctly, MILLION) reads.
The first chapter of this book broke my heart. It shattered it into a million little pieces and I wasn't sure if it would heal by reading this book. Annabelle Spencer had it all; a great family, a bright future ahead of her and an amazing boyfriend. That all changed on her 16th birthday. The things that happened to her and her boyfriend Jack are unimaginable. Almost painful to read. Fast forward three years and she is a shell of the person she was before that horrific night. I completely understood where she was coming from, after what happened to her I can see why she acted like she did. She went through college's and bodyguards like she changed her underwear. She made it her goal to see how quickly she could get them to leave and she succeeded until Ashton Taylor was assigned to her. We get flashbacks throughout the book that gives us insight into everything that Anna went through while she was being held by Carter and they aren't pretty. Luckily, Kirsty brings us back to a happy place in between so it helps relieve the pain.
Ashton Taylor...oh Ashton. He is amazingly swoon worthy. Who needs rock stars, CEO's, or bikers when you can have a hot SWAT agent. When I say hot, I mean HOT. He is not book boyfriend material he is book husband material! Ashton had a really crappy childhood and was headed down the wrong path. He decided he needed to change his life and applied to the academy. He manages to graduate top of his class only to find out he has been assigned to guard a senator's daughter. I can understand why he was upset when he first found out. I mean come on, who wants to work their butt off to graduate top of the class only to find out they are going to be a glorified baby sitter.
Nothing Left to Lose follows Annabelle and Ashton through her moving to a new college, adjusting to life, and then having everything change in the blink of an eye. I loved how Ashton made it his goal to make Annabelle happy. He was very understanding of her history and was so sweet to her. Their love story is beautiful but not without heartbreak. There is no insta-love in their love story. There are hills and mountains they have to climb over to get to where they are going. That made this book that much better. I cheered them on the entire way.
We can't forget about the secondary characters in the book. Nate is Ashton's best friend and roommate. He is witty, hot, and quite the smartass. I loved every moment that Nate was mentioned. I can't wait for everyone to read his book that is coming out next year. You will fall in love with him even more. Trust me! Nothing Left to Lose sets up Nate's book PERFECTLY.
This is a MUST READ book. I will warn that it is a little long, longer than I remember from the first time I read it but I wouldn't want anything cut. Everything in this book is there for a reason and I loved every minute of it. Everyone needs to meet Ashton so they can swoon just like it. I am telling you BOOK HUSBAND!!
The first chapter of this book broke my heart. It shattered it into a million little pieces and I wasn't sure if it would heal by reading this book. Annabelle Spencer had it all; a great family, a bright future ahead of her and an amazing boyfriend. That all changed on her 16th birthday. The things that happened to her and her boyfriend Jack are unimaginable. Almost painful to read. Fast forward three years and she is a shell of the person she was before that horrific night. I completely understood where she was coming from, after what happened to her I can see why she acted like she did. She went through college's and bodyguards like she changed her underwear. She made it her goal to see how quickly she could get them to leave and she succeeded until Ashton Taylor was assigned to her. We get flashbacks throughout the book that gives us insight into everything that Anna went through while she was being held by Carter and they aren't pretty. Luckily, Kirsty brings us back to a happy place in between so it helps relieve the pain.
Ashton Taylor...oh Ashton. He is amazingly swoon worthy. Who needs rock stars, CEO's, or bikers when you can have a hot SWAT agent. When I say hot, I mean HOT. He is not book boyfriend material he is book husband material! Ashton had a really crappy childhood and was headed down the wrong path. He decided he needed to change his life and applied to the academy. He manages to graduate top of his class only to find out he has been assigned to guard a senator's daughter. I can understand why he was upset when he first found out. I mean come on, who wants to work their butt off to graduate top of the class only to find out they are going to be a glorified baby sitter.
Nothing Left to Lose follows Annabelle and Ashton through her moving to a new college, adjusting to life, and then having everything change in the blink of an eye. I loved how Ashton made it his goal to make Annabelle happy. He was very understanding of her history and was so sweet to her. Their love story is beautiful but not without heartbreak. There is no insta-love in their love story. There are hills and mountains they have to climb over to get to where they are going. That made this book that much better. I cheered them on the entire way.
We can't forget about the secondary characters in the book. Nate is Ashton's best friend and roommate. He is witty, hot, and quite the smartass. I loved every moment that Nate was mentioned. I can't wait for everyone to read his book that is coming out next year. You will fall in love with him even more. Trust me! Nothing Left to Lose sets up Nate's book PERFECTLY.
This is a MUST READ book. I will warn that it is a little long, longer than I remember from the first time I read it but I wouldn't want anything cut. Everything in this book is there for a reason and I loved every minute of it. Everyone needs to meet Ashton so they can swoon just like it. I am telling you BOOK HUSBAND!!
September 9, 2021
Ratings ~ 2.1 🌟
T/W ~ Physical Violence, Sexual Assault, Depression, Suicide Attempt
I am being very generous with my ratings because this book was plain traumatic. Like all it did was make me cry. Epilogue was good, but other than it, this book is like really sad. It is a bundle of traumatic events which many people will definitely find triggering.
🌟 ~ for Kirsty's amazing narration of all the emotions.
🌟 ~ for epilogue and Nate
T/W ~ Physical Violence, Sexual Assault, Depression, Suicide Attempt
I am being very generous with my ratings because this book was plain traumatic. Like all it did was make me cry. Epilogue was good, but other than it, this book is like really sad. It is a bundle of traumatic events which many people will definitely find triggering.
🌟 ~ for Kirsty's amazing narration of all the emotions.
🌟 ~ for epilogue and Nate
November 8, 2013
(ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review)
I love Kirsty Moseley’s books and I was so excited to read Nothing Left To Lose. I just hoped that it lived up to my expectations. Did it live up to my expectations? Oh yeah and then some!
I loved Anna’s character, she was vulnerable while being strong. She went through a horrific ordeal that lasted for almost a whole year and when she came out of it she was no longer the spoilt daughter of two high profile parents. The way Kirsty has written and developed Anna through the book makes you see her as a real person. You experience her emotions as Anna does, you fall in love with her as her strength and determination grows. She digs into your heart a little and I may of left bit of it behind with her.
Ashton, it makes a really nice change that Kirsty has written Ashton as a regular nice guy. Don’t get me wrong he is kick ass and if I needed someone in my corner he’s the first person I’d pick BUT he’s not a bad boy turned good for the right girl and I thank Kirsty for recognising that not all book boyfriends need to be reformed bad boys. Ashton has also stolen a lil bit of my heart, how can he not. You really need to go and fall in love with him yourself to understand.
I was taken on an emotional roller-coaster with this story. Not only was it emotional it was so full of angst and suspense I need a new manicure job. This is not a short book, in fact it’s one of the longest books I’ve read because I tend to get bored and end up either skim reading or giving up. I have a short attention span. However, Kirsty kept me hooked from the first word until the last and I read this whole book in one sitting.
This is without doubt one of the best books I have read this year.
I love Kirsty Moseley’s books and I was so excited to read Nothing Left To Lose. I just hoped that it lived up to my expectations. Did it live up to my expectations? Oh yeah and then some!
I loved Anna’s character, she was vulnerable while being strong. She went through a horrific ordeal that lasted for almost a whole year and when she came out of it she was no longer the spoilt daughter of two high profile parents. The way Kirsty has written and developed Anna through the book makes you see her as a real person. You experience her emotions as Anna does, you fall in love with her as her strength and determination grows. She digs into your heart a little and I may of left bit of it behind with her.
Ashton, it makes a really nice change that Kirsty has written Ashton as a regular nice guy. Don’t get me wrong he is kick ass and if I needed someone in my corner he’s the first person I’d pick BUT he’s not a bad boy turned good for the right girl and I thank Kirsty for recognising that not all book boyfriends need to be reformed bad boys. Ashton has also stolen a lil bit of my heart, how can he not. You really need to go and fall in love with him yourself to understand.
I was taken on an emotional roller-coaster with this story. Not only was it emotional it was so full of angst and suspense I need a new manicure job. This is not a short book, in fact it’s one of the longest books I’ve read because I tend to get bored and end up either skim reading or giving up. I have a short attention span. However, Kirsty kept me hooked from the first word until the last and I read this whole book in one sitting.
This is without doubt one of the best books I have read this year.
October 29, 2015
I. FREAKING. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.
Only took a couple chapters to fall in love. I was hooked before the sample ran out. Ashton has become my #1 book boyfriend. Sorry Gideon and Hudson - you've been replaced.
Ashton - Lord have mercy. The man did not have a flaw. How did the author manage to put so much perfection into one character?
I loved Anna. The progression of her character was amazing to read. It's incredibly difficult to write a character with so much strength yet so much vulnerability, but it was done beautifully in this book.
The way their love story unfolded was seamless. I couldn't have asked for a better story line - start to finish.
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
Only took a couple chapters to fall in love. I was hooked before the sample ran out. Ashton has become my #1 book boyfriend. Sorry Gideon and Hudson - you've been replaced.
Ashton - Lord have mercy. The man did not have a flaw. How did the author manage to put so much perfection into one character?
I loved Anna. The progression of her character was amazing to read. It's incredibly difficult to write a character with so much strength yet so much vulnerability, but it was done beautifully in this book.
The way their love story unfolded was seamless. I couldn't have asked for a better story line - start to finish.
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
March 14, 2014
Actual rating = B- / 3.5
I was surprised by how mixed the reviews where to be honest. I really liked the story & even though there were things that jarred with me a little I still enjoyed it. I would recommend this (especially when it is free!) & I would read more by this author.
I was surprised by how mixed the reviews where to be honest. I really liked the story & even though there were things that jarred with me a little I still enjoyed it. I would recommend this (especially when it is free!) & I would read more by this author.
December 15, 2020
I don't remember much coz I read it many years ago!!
But I know I really really hated the negative character
But I know I really really hated the negative character
December 31, 2013
Review: Jo Rushton 4.5 Hearts
"Nothing Left to Lose" is yet another beautiful and emotional story by Kirsty Moseley. Each book I've read by Kirsty has pulled at my heart strings and this was no exception. I loved it.
The story began with Annabelle celebrating her sixteenth Birthday. Annabelle was a sweet, pretty girl who loved life and she had so much to look forward too. She was hopelessly in love with her childhood sweetheart "Jack" and for her Birthday, he took her to to a club for the first time. What girl wouldn't be excited. They had the whole evening planned out, unfortunately things didn't go as they had hoped. Something so horrific happened that night that Annabelle's life was changed forever. Be warned, the first few pages are not easy reading and I was left with big fat tears streaming from my eyes. I was left heartbroken for Annabelle. Have the tissues ready!
This very traumatic experience left Annabelle a total different person. She was grief-stricken and damaged and closed herself off from the world, refusing to get emotionally attached to anyone. Her life was now lived in fear. So where does Aston fit into the equation?
Aston was hired to be Annabelle's bodyguard. When the couple met for the first time there was an immediate connection. Annabelle felt safe with Aston, something that she hadn't felt in such a long time.
Aston was strong, sexy and very sweet. He treated Annabelle with so much patience. He was immediately attracted to her and wanted to cherish her in every way. This was love at first sight on his part:
"As soon as I laid eyes on her, I knew I was in trouble."
Aston was just perfect. Kirsty really does know how to come up with beautiful book boyfriends and Aston definitely joins that club! I loved everything about Aston especially how he called Annabelle "baby girl" and all the romantic things that he did for her. Aston totally made me swoon!!
"Nothing Left to Lose" is an epic story, it seemed to last forever which I loved. I gobbled up every single page. This book is a beautiful and heart-warming story that once I started to read, I found it difficult to put down. I really liked that the book was written from both Aston and Annabelle's perspective, it was good to be able to get to know the couple's true feelings for each other. The only negative comment I have to make about that book is that it took so long before Annabelle and Aston (nicknamed Anneton!) to declare their true feelings for each other. They drove me crazy!!
During the story we also get to meet Aston's friend Nate, who I immediately liked. Kirsty is writing Nate's story which I am looking forward to reading and hopefully catching up with Annaton too!
I rate this book 4.5 hearts.
"Nothing Left to Lose" is yet another beautiful and emotional story by Kirsty Moseley. Each book I've read by Kirsty has pulled at my heart strings and this was no exception. I loved it.
The story began with Annabelle celebrating her sixteenth Birthday. Annabelle was a sweet, pretty girl who loved life and she had so much to look forward too. She was hopelessly in love with her childhood sweetheart "Jack" and for her Birthday, he took her to to a club for the first time. What girl wouldn't be excited. They had the whole evening planned out, unfortunately things didn't go as they had hoped. Something so horrific happened that night that Annabelle's life was changed forever. Be warned, the first few pages are not easy reading and I was left with big fat tears streaming from my eyes. I was left heartbroken for Annabelle. Have the tissues ready!
"My sixteenth was anything but sweet; it was more like a passage into hell on earth. March 12 was the day my dreams died and my life was sent into a downward spiral of pain, grief and terror."
This very traumatic experience left Annabelle a total different person. She was grief-stricken and damaged and closed herself off from the world, refusing to get emotionally attached to anyone. Her life was now lived in fear. So where does Aston fit into the equation?
Aston was hired to be Annabelle's bodyguard. When the couple met for the first time there was an immediate connection. Annabelle felt safe with Aston, something that she hadn't felt in such a long time.
"Aston just had this strange ability to make me feel whole, like I wasn't broken anymore, like he was some sort of magical cure that I just couldn't get enough of. He made all the terrible things seem to fade away."
Aston was strong, sexy and very sweet. He treated Annabelle with so much patience. He was immediately attracted to her and wanted to cherish her in every way. This was love at first sight on his part:
"As soon as I laid eyes on her, I knew I was in trouble."
Aston was just perfect. Kirsty really does know how to come up with beautiful book boyfriends and Aston definitely joins that club! I loved everything about Aston especially how he called Annabelle "baby girl" and all the romantic things that he did for her. Aston totally made me swoon!!
"She was everything that was good in my life, the most important and precious thing in my life, and I would always love her."
"Nothing Left to Lose" is an epic story, it seemed to last forever which I loved. I gobbled up every single page. This book is a beautiful and heart-warming story that once I started to read, I found it difficult to put down. I really liked that the book was written from both Aston and Annabelle's perspective, it was good to be able to get to know the couple's true feelings for each other. The only negative comment I have to make about that book is that it took so long before Annabelle and Aston (nicknamed Anneton!) to declare their true feelings for each other. They drove me crazy!!
"Id fallen in love with Aston so hard that it actually hurt. It was like he was my everything, my sun, my air, my air, my whole life rolled up into one six foot package...Aston completed me and I only just realised. "
During the story we also get to meet Aston's friend Nate, who I immediately liked. Kirsty is writing Nate's story which I am looking forward to reading and hopefully catching up with Annaton too!
I rate this book 4.5 hearts.
May 25, 2016
Loved. This is a deeply emotional and intense story. Every single page was savored. Full review soon :)
This book was originally reviewed on The Book Hookup.
5 intensely deep stars Oh, I loved this story from beginning to end. The writing just drew me in and before I knew it Ashton and Anna were a part of my life.
As far as the plot goes you can read the synopsis to get a feel for what has happened and what Anna has gone through. To me it was amazing that Anna was functioning at all. I was more than ready for Ashton to sweep in, as I knew he was the person to help her find a new start on life.
So let’s talk about Ashton then. Ashton is perfect. I’m serious! As in a a model swat team sexy bad-ass mofo perfect. I was drooling from Anna’s descriptions of him and he sounded delicious. He is the ultimate swoony masculine man. He essentially rescues Anna, but not because she is weak, because she certainly isn’t, but because she is human. Anna is really tough, both physically and mentally, and has had a lot to deal with, which is the reason she settled for a life that was just allowed her to go through the motions. She lived a shell of a life until Ashton came along and showed her that she could have a 2nd chance at happiness, and I loved watching how he finally brought her to a place where she did feel happy without the guilt. It was a truly lovely thing to read.
top-shelf-250-x-275The romance is a slow brew, and then develops but hovers…yes, it was excruciating! We don’t get that final acceptance until the end, but it was well worth the wait my friends.
The whole time I was reading I was biting my nails waiting for the other shoe to drop. I turned each page worried that the happy scene was about to be ruined. It made for an intense ride but I loved it.
So you want to know was there anything I didn’t love? Well, some parts did drag a bit, but for some reason it didn’t make me dislike it. I think I was just impatient. I also wasn’t crazy about the selfless act towards the end… giving up on the relationship for the sake of protecting the other person. That storyline always annoys me, but I guess it was the author’s way of getting to “the other side”. I just accepted it even though I wish it had played out a little differently.
The ending was all that and more, and the epilogue made me very happy. It was a long time coming but worth the wait. As I closed the book I really felt like Anna and Ashton had become intertwined in my life the past few days. I couldn’t get them out of my head which means I really truly loved them. Nothing Left to Lose is a fantastic read that you won’t want to put down. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Happy reading!
This book was originally reviewed on The Book Hookup.
5 intensely deep stars Oh, I loved this story from beginning to end. The writing just drew me in and before I knew it Ashton and Anna were a part of my life.
As far as the plot goes you can read the synopsis to get a feel for what has happened and what Anna has gone through. To me it was amazing that Anna was functioning at all. I was more than ready for Ashton to sweep in, as I knew he was the person to help her find a new start on life.
So let’s talk about Ashton then. Ashton is perfect. I’m serious! As in a a model swat team sexy bad-ass mofo perfect. I was drooling from Anna’s descriptions of him and he sounded delicious. He is the ultimate swoony masculine man. He essentially rescues Anna, but not because she is weak, because she certainly isn’t, but because she is human. Anna is really tough, both physically and mentally, and has had a lot to deal with, which is the reason she settled for a life that was just allowed her to go through the motions. She lived a shell of a life until Ashton came along and showed her that she could have a 2nd chance at happiness, and I loved watching how he finally brought her to a place where she did feel happy without the guilt. It was a truly lovely thing to read.
top-shelf-250-x-275The romance is a slow brew, and then develops but hovers…yes, it was excruciating! We don’t get that final acceptance until the end, but it was well worth the wait my friends.
The whole time I was reading I was biting my nails waiting for the other shoe to drop. I turned each page worried that the happy scene was about to be ruined. It made for an intense ride but I loved it.
So you want to know was there anything I didn’t love? Well, some parts did drag a bit, but for some reason it didn’t make me dislike it. I think I was just impatient. I also wasn’t crazy about the selfless act towards the end… giving up on the relationship for the sake of protecting the other person. That storyline always annoys me, but I guess it was the author’s way of getting to “the other side”. I just accepted it even though I wish it had played out a little differently.
The ending was all that and more, and the epilogue made me very happy. It was a long time coming but worth the wait. As I closed the book I really felt like Anna and Ashton had become intertwined in my life the past few days. I couldn’t get them out of my head which means I really truly loved them. Nothing Left to Lose is a fantastic read that you won’t want to put down. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Happy reading!
September 1, 2014
Actual rating 3.5
I've come about this book when I was searching for something similar to The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window, which is also by Kirsty Mosely. Nothing Left to Lose have quite a few similarities to The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window. For instance, the smell-his-scent-and-calm-down part, hero being overly protective of the heroine...etc. I like it but it's weird reading it with different characters and of course it does not sound as good as it was in The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window.
The book started out with sixteen year old Annabelle and her boyfriend, Jack queuing to get into a bar. There she bump into Carter, who then kills Jack in front of Annabelle and kidnap her. Chapter one begins from Ashton's, the hired SWAT bodyguard for Anna, POV. Ashton graduated top in his academy and found himself a not-so-prestigious task but he took it anyway as he got to guard the future President's daughter with the hopes that the President would pull some strings and get him a job with the Front Lines after Ashton's done guarding the future President's daughter. So when Ashton finally met Annabelle and she, him - they're instantly attracted to each other.
Honestly, I find it a little ridiculous. How did the paranoid, bitchy Anna gives in almost immediately to Ashton's charm. It makes me wonder the previous near guards she had. Did they just ignore her or never tried to care for her at all? I guess not since Ashton somehow got through her barrier with just one day with her.
The story is a little too long and unnecessary. I keep waiting for Carter to pop up, which didn't happen until the end of the story. It was still a good story I guess...I like protective heroes such as Ashton, it's just that the story just began too fast, took too long to end and there are strings left untied in the story. I was waiting for Anna to tell her parents everything or maybe get a therapist, Ashton can't really be the all-things cure...can he? And also Anna's sketch of her daughter, which I thought was an indication that she will have a daughter with Ashton.
I hope Nate's story (*second book*) would be better.
I've come about this book when I was searching for something similar to The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window, which is also by Kirsty Mosely. Nothing Left to Lose have quite a few similarities to The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window. For instance, the smell-his-scent-and-calm-down part, hero being overly protective of the heroine...etc. I like it but it's weird reading it with different characters and of course it does not sound as good as it was in The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window.
The book started out with sixteen year old Annabelle and her boyfriend, Jack queuing to get into a bar. There she bump into Carter, who then kills Jack in front of Annabelle and kidnap her. Chapter one begins from Ashton's, the hired SWAT bodyguard for Anna, POV. Ashton graduated top in his academy and found himself a not-so-prestigious task but he took it anyway as he got to guard the future President's daughter with the hopes that the President would pull some strings and get him a job with the Front Lines after Ashton's done guarding the future President's daughter. So when Ashton finally met Annabelle and she, him - they're instantly attracted to each other.
Honestly, I find it a little ridiculous. How did the paranoid, bitchy Anna gives in almost immediately to Ashton's charm. It makes me wonder the previous near guards she had. Did they just ignore her or never tried to care for her at all? I guess not since Ashton somehow got through her barrier with just one day with her.
The story is a little too long and unnecessary. I keep waiting for Carter to pop up, which didn't happen until the end of the story. It was still a good story I guess...I like protective heroes such as Ashton, it's just that the story just began too fast, took too long to end and there are strings left untied in the story. I was waiting for Anna to tell her parents everything or maybe get a therapist, Ashton can't really be the all-things cure...can he? And also Anna's sketch of her daughter, which I thought was an indication that she will have a daughter with Ashton.
I hope Nate's story (*second book*) would be better.
June 18, 2015
I was one of those addicted fans of this story while it was on Wattpad a few years ago- when I didn't own a smartphone, I pinned 33 tabs on my Chrome browser, and had multiple windows open, just so I could read it offline. When I was online, I would read it again. I LOVED THIS STORY. Annaton <3 So when I heard it was getting published, I was OVERJOYED. I purchased it as soon as I could... but, after reading a few of the chapters, I was... disappointed. There were little things within the story that I had loved, and had gotten attached to... I didn't mind the name change of Anna's boyfriend Jack... but why rename Aaron to Dean?? A Supernatural reference probably? I love Aaron, he was awesome! I don't see why it was necessary to change his name!! Changing Anna as well?? The original Wattpad story didn't have her self-harming- I know that this might be more realistic, and can connect to more readers, but one thing I loved about this story was that Anna didn't let herself get down to this level, and expressed her emotions through drawing, and exercising. Why change it? It made me upset reading the rest of the book, and the subtle changes a normal reader wouldn't pick up, but what about the 25 million reads from the readers of the original story? :( This is still a good book in itself, I'll always love Nothing Left To Lose, just not this one. I'm sorry.
freebie
July 3, 2013FREEE HERE!!!UNTIL 07/13/ 2013
If you don't know who Kirsty is, then you will probably know The Boy who sneaks into my bedroom window. Yep they are one in the same. I loved loved loved The boy who sneaks into my bedroom window, but if you are not sure, then try Nothing Left to Lose
I started to read this, then it was taken down from Goodreads and I kind of went to other reads, but it was good from what I've read. Now it's back and it's being published... well I am excited again! YAY!!! Thanks Whairigail (Addicted2Books) for letting me know it's back up!<3
If you don't know who Kirsty is, then you will probably know The Boy who sneaks into my bedroom window. Yep they are one in the same. I loved loved loved The boy who sneaks into my bedroom window, but if you are not sure, then try Nothing Left to Lose
I started to read this, then it was taken down from Goodreads and I kind of went to other reads, but it was good from what I've read. Now it's back and it's being published... well I am excited again! YAY!!! Thanks Whairigail (Addicted2Books) for letting me know it's back up!<3
August 12, 2016
Anna has lived through horrors. She is barely living when she meets Ashton. He is her bodyguard and so their story begins. This was not a quick read, but I didn't mind. I even got a little teary eyed. I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did,but I REALLY liked it.
own-tbr
August 21, 2015I said in 2014 I was going to cut down on the number of YA/NA books I buy or mark to be read BUT the blurb on this sounds soo good! Hard to resist!
March 24, 2014
Kristy Moseley never disappoints! I CRIED SO MUCH!! Happy tears and at times just straight out sobbing. Such a great book! Loved it so much, it was super cute! Amazing overall.
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