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Holding Ransom #1
Ransom
*Please note this is the first book in the New Adult Series called Holding Ransom.*
One bad decision...a tragedy that can never be undone...and upon the ruins of devastation love grows...
No one knows as well as Lexie Adams how your whole world can change in a fraction of a second, she's lived with that reality ever since a horrible event stole her future. But worse than what happened after, is living with the concept that she's to blame for it all.
From as far back as Ransom Sanders can remember, his days have been an endless string of venues, hotel rooms, cheap diner food, and nothing to call his own. He knows he's good for two things, pleasing everyone but himself and taking care of his younger brother Gabriel, a celebrity faith healer and medium.
When fate pushes Lexie and Ransom's paths together they develop a relationship based on mutual necessity, where they use each other to get what they need.
Yet what begins as a Pandora's box of secrets and ulterior motives, soon becomes something so much more than either Ransom or Lexie thought they could have. A chance for something that is uniquely their own, a safe place to fall where their broken spirits can be healed, and where love isn't just a word it's a reality.
"Adult Content suggested 18+"
One bad decision...a tragedy that can never be undone...and upon the ruins of devastation love grows...
No one knows as well as Lexie Adams how your whole world can change in a fraction of a second, she's lived with that reality ever since a horrible event stole her future. But worse than what happened after, is living with the concept that she's to blame for it all.
From as far back as Ransom Sanders can remember, his days have been an endless string of venues, hotel rooms, cheap diner food, and nothing to call his own. He knows he's good for two things, pleasing everyone but himself and taking care of his younger brother Gabriel, a celebrity faith healer and medium.
When fate pushes Lexie and Ransom's paths together they develop a relationship based on mutual necessity, where they use each other to get what they need.
Yet what begins as a Pandora's box of secrets and ulterior motives, soon becomes something so much more than either Ransom or Lexie thought they could have. A chance for something that is uniquely their own, a safe place to fall where their broken spirits can be healed, and where love isn't just a word it's a reality.
"Adult Content suggested 18+"
410 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Denise Mathew
15 books36 followersI love good chocolate, lots of coffee, my kids, when they behave, and of course writing stories. I believe that housework should be banned and wish that potato chips were the most healthy and nutritious food on the planet.
My garden is a mix of many colors and plants, I steer clear of uniform and the same holds true for my books. I don't believe in writing only one type of genre since I don't like to limit my creativity and so I write contemporary, dystopian and paranormal. I plan on writing until the stories run out, which I hope never happens.
Today is life - the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Dale Carnegie
My garden is a mix of many colors and plants, I steer clear of uniform and the same holds true for my books. I don't believe in writing only one type of genre since I don't like to limit my creativity and so I write contemporary, dystopian and paranormal. I plan on writing until the stories run out, which I hope never happens.
Today is life - the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Dale Carnegie
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 10, 2014
Book Worms was given this book as an ARC for an honest review.
We gave this book 4 stars.
This is book one in the Holding Ransom Series.
Review left by Lindsay Errington
Ransom Sanders has always put his brothers needs before himself. His brother is a celebrity faith healer and medium. Unfortunately their father is and extremely violent man and Ransom has seen and felt the full wrath.
Lexie Adams decides to make the decision to attend a party that her mother forbid earner to attend, only that decision has left her with a hole in her heart from the death of her mother and full of regret that she can't seem to get past.
When their paths cross at an event where Lexie was headed to meet and get information about her mother from Gabriel, an accident occurs that puts Gabriel's life in intensive care. The stage collapses where Ransom was standing only to be thrown out of the way by his brother trying to protect him. Lexie upset, distraught, and trying to find a way to get to Gabriel decides to get drunk because she won't get those answers. Something goes wrong and Ransom was at the wrong place at the right time to protect Lexie when he couldn't protect Gabriel.
At the hospital Gabriel and Ransom's father Pa makes accusations that the accident was all Ransom's fault. Ransom not being a perfect and having some one difficulties with the law decides to run and with the help of Lexie find a place to hide from both of their demons.
On the run they find solace in each other with unconditional love and complete understanding of their messed up lives. Only Lexie is hiding that her first motive was to help Ransom only to get to his brother. She finds herself falling for a man that is setting her demons free and he to her. In this heart wrenching love story of two people who find each other at the worst moments in their life and build a love that is unconditional. Ransom decides that the only way to help her is to turn himself in? Can they find their way back to each other and save each other from the torment left from losing their love?
It was a really good story that I can't wait to find out how it ends.
Thank you Denise for a great story, it kept me captivated at every turn of the page. It was exciting and left me wanting more.
August 13, 2016
Fate has a way of controlling your life, even when you don't give it your permission. That is the bases of this whole story for Ransom and Lexie. Two people thrown together by fate, looking for the same things, acceptance, forgiveness and answers.
Lexie is your normal 19 year old, thinking she has the right to do what she wants, when she wants it. Being the child of a divorced couple she lives with her mom, a mother with strict rules and a deep commitment to keeping her daughter safe from the evils of the world that she sees daily. Once choice, one betrayal, one mistake ruins Lexie's world. What she is left with is the over powering guilt and need for answers and forgiveness.
Ransom knows what regret and guilt feels like. Having a father who is as mean as they come and a mother who is so submissive to her husband that she has to sneak around to buy Ransom a gift as a child, he sees what lack of action and an abundance of anger can do to a family. He has a younger brother who is sick and disabled, but he is also known as the Spiritual Guide/Medium who is put on display nightly to help connect the dead to the living. Ransom's father hates him, Gabriel is the golden child, he brings in the money, he obeys his fathers rules. All this changes one night when a tragic event happens. Ransom is left wondering if his brother is alive and running from his fathers accusations that he is to blame.
Lexie and Ransom meet, they connect in many ways, and as the story goes on, Lexie has to shed light on why she is wanting to be with Ransom. Will he feel used by yet another person in his life or will he admit he has been using her as well?
The story for me drags a lot, I had a hard time investing myself with most of the characters. While the plot is very interesting, I just didn't feel the emotional connection to the characters and story as I thought I should have. I do love the messages of forgiveness by others but especially yourself. The author gives us a great foundation that second chances can happen in life and we must be willing to accept them. I adore the whole process of Fate being involved in everything we do. Even when we think are are controlling our own destiny Fate is really at the drivers seat in our existence. There were emotional scenes, most of which could have been more intense as far as I am concern, but they were written well enough that you could have empathy for the situation. I did enjoy the book and I would say that it would be a great read for many of you, but I am sad to say it didn't leave me wanting more.
Reviewed by Tbird for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review*
Lexie is your normal 19 year old, thinking she has the right to do what she wants, when she wants it. Being the child of a divorced couple she lives with her mom, a mother with strict rules and a deep commitment to keeping her daughter safe from the evils of the world that she sees daily. Once choice, one betrayal, one mistake ruins Lexie's world. What she is left with is the over powering guilt and need for answers and forgiveness.
Ransom knows what regret and guilt feels like. Having a father who is as mean as they come and a mother who is so submissive to her husband that she has to sneak around to buy Ransom a gift as a child, he sees what lack of action and an abundance of anger can do to a family. He has a younger brother who is sick and disabled, but he is also known as the Spiritual Guide/Medium who is put on display nightly to help connect the dead to the living. Ransom's father hates him, Gabriel is the golden child, he brings in the money, he obeys his fathers rules. All this changes one night when a tragic event happens. Ransom is left wondering if his brother is alive and running from his fathers accusations that he is to blame.
Lexie and Ransom meet, they connect in many ways, and as the story goes on, Lexie has to shed light on why she is wanting to be with Ransom. Will he feel used by yet another person in his life or will he admit he has been using her as well?
The story for me drags a lot, I had a hard time investing myself with most of the characters. While the plot is very interesting, I just didn't feel the emotional connection to the characters and story as I thought I should have. I do love the messages of forgiveness by others but especially yourself. The author gives us a great foundation that second chances can happen in life and we must be willing to accept them. I adore the whole process of Fate being involved in everything we do. Even when we think are are controlling our own destiny Fate is really at the drivers seat in our existence. There were emotional scenes, most of which could have been more intense as far as I am concern, but they were written well enough that you could have empathy for the situation. I did enjoy the book and I would say that it would be a great read for many of you, but I am sad to say it didn't leave me wanting more.
Reviewed by Tbird for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review*
September 24, 2014
4,5 Stars Ransom Holding Ransom part 1 by Denise Mathew
I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
This story has 2 different peoples POV. These are my favorite type of books to read, simply because you get to see what is happening from 2 separate angles.
This book is a romance story and starts off with Lexie's POV and then switches to Ransom's POV. You will get to see how both of their lives intertwine throughout the story.
To start off with Lexie is in a fit of rage with her mom and everyone around her and seems the ever so rebellious teenage girl. Lexie goes to this party even when her mom says she has a bad feeling and doesn't want her to go. Lexie then decides she wants her mom to pick her up, while waiting on her mom she falls asleep and is later woken to be told her mom died on the way there. Lexie's obsession to come to terms with her moms death is the driving force behind this book in her view point.
Her friends, Trinity and Aiden, play a very supportive role in this book even though I wanted to see how Trinity's mind works when she is told by Lexie about the situations she ends up involved with Ransom.
We meet Ransom before he meets Lexie. It isn't until after a year has passed when we first met him, that he meets up with Lexie and Lexie is after one thing, meeting his brother. You see Ransom's brother, Gabriel, has a special gift. Gab can calm people and can be a medium for the people on Earth to people who have passed on. Ransom has had one bad break after another, while dealing with a dad that doesn't give a crap about you, but only wants the gift of Gab to keep him going, Ransom only lives to protect Gab. This all comes crashing down one night...literally.
Lexie does use Ransom to try to get to Gab, however Ransom does find out. What will he do? Does he take her to Gab? When everything came crashing down that night what happened? What role does Trinity and Aiden really play in the whole book? Where does Lexie stand with Ransom in the end when the truth is laid out for all to see..including his dad? Does Lexie's wounds heal from her mom's death?
You need to read this fantastic book to find out all the answers above. I did take off a half of a star because there were sex scenes in the book and I personally do not prefer sex scenes in a book. This book also contains some language.
I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
This story has 2 different peoples POV. These are my favorite type of books to read, simply because you get to see what is happening from 2 separate angles.
This book is a romance story and starts off with Lexie's POV and then switches to Ransom's POV. You will get to see how both of their lives intertwine throughout the story.
To start off with Lexie is in a fit of rage with her mom and everyone around her and seems the ever so rebellious teenage girl. Lexie goes to this party even when her mom says she has a bad feeling and doesn't want her to go. Lexie then decides she wants her mom to pick her up, while waiting on her mom she falls asleep and is later woken to be told her mom died on the way there. Lexie's obsession to come to terms with her moms death is the driving force behind this book in her view point.
Her friends, Trinity and Aiden, play a very supportive role in this book even though I wanted to see how Trinity's mind works when she is told by Lexie about the situations she ends up involved with Ransom.
We meet Ransom before he meets Lexie. It isn't until after a year has passed when we first met him, that he meets up with Lexie and Lexie is after one thing, meeting his brother. You see Ransom's brother, Gabriel, has a special gift. Gab can calm people and can be a medium for the people on Earth to people who have passed on. Ransom has had one bad break after another, while dealing with a dad that doesn't give a crap about you, but only wants the gift of Gab to keep him going, Ransom only lives to protect Gab. This all comes crashing down one night...literally.
Lexie does use Ransom to try to get to Gab, however Ransom does find out. What will he do? Does he take her to Gab? When everything came crashing down that night what happened? What role does Trinity and Aiden really play in the whole book? Where does Lexie stand with Ransom in the end when the truth is laid out for all to see..including his dad? Does Lexie's wounds heal from her mom's death?
You need to read this fantastic book to find out all the answers above. I did take off a half of a star because there were sex scenes in the book and I personally do not prefer sex scenes in a book. This book also contains some language.
January 2, 2014
***** I received an ARC copy for an Honest review *****
First let me just say that this is the first book that I read from this author.
Wow ok so I just finish reading this book, and I love it I am so glad that I got the chance to read it, I really don't know where to start, their is so much going on in this book, their is pain, regret, guilt, drama, romance, the list will just keep on getting longer, I love it how this book is told from both point of view love the characters.
I love it how you get to read from where the characters had come from, and how you get to read the tragic that they both been through, before they finally get to meet and end up where they end up, and love it how you get to see how broken they both are but how they learn to love each other.
the story begging with Lexie having an argument with her mom, all cause her mom did not let her go to a party, after her mom told her that she was having a bad feeling and left for work, Lexie just ignore her and had her best friend Trinity to pick her up, once they got to the party Lexie started to feel guilty and started to hear her mothers words ringing through her head, after a while of being in the party Lexie had an embarrassed moment she decide to go wait for her mother to pick her up seating in Trinity car, what Lexie was not expecting was to be awaking with the news that would change her life for ever.
At the same time that Lexie was going through that in some other part of the country Ransom, was going through something different, after having sex with a stranger that he met at a bar, he got in to some fight with some local, that put him behind jail, into his friend Sanford got him out, what he was not expecting was for his father to be right behind him, and that same night after showing back up to the trailer that he shared with his younger brother Gabriel who suffer from arthritis, and has trouble walking, he had told Ransom that he put his father in his place told him that if he keep hitting him that he would stop the shows, Ransom was shocked by this news.
After that horrible night that Lexie and Ransom had One year Later their life just got more complicated. I really enjoy reading this book and I love it, I just want more of this story.
Author Denise Mathew THANK YOU for this awesome book and this amazing characters, cant wait to read more of your books.
First let me just say that this is the first book that I read from this author.
Wow ok so I just finish reading this book, and I love it I am so glad that I got the chance to read it, I really don't know where to start, their is so much going on in this book, their is pain, regret, guilt, drama, romance, the list will just keep on getting longer, I love it how this book is told from both point of view love the characters.
I love it how you get to read from where the characters had come from, and how you get to read the tragic that they both been through, before they finally get to meet and end up where they end up, and love it how you get to see how broken they both are but how they learn to love each other.
the story begging with Lexie having an argument with her mom, all cause her mom did not let her go to a party, after her mom told her that she was having a bad feeling and left for work, Lexie just ignore her and had her best friend Trinity to pick her up, once they got to the party Lexie started to feel guilty and started to hear her mothers words ringing through her head, after a while of being in the party Lexie had an embarrassed moment she decide to go wait for her mother to pick her up seating in Trinity car, what Lexie was not expecting was to be awaking with the news that would change her life for ever.
At the same time that Lexie was going through that in some other part of the country Ransom, was going through something different, after having sex with a stranger that he met at a bar, he got in to some fight with some local, that put him behind jail, into his friend Sanford got him out, what he was not expecting was for his father to be right behind him, and that same night after showing back up to the trailer that he shared with his younger brother Gabriel who suffer from arthritis, and has trouble walking, he had told Ransom that he put his father in his place told him that if he keep hitting him that he would stop the shows, Ransom was shocked by this news.
After that horrible night that Lexie and Ransom had One year Later their life just got more complicated. I really enjoy reading this book and I love it, I just want more of this story.
Author Denise Mathew THANK YOU for this awesome book and this amazing characters, cant wait to read more of your books.
May 24, 2014
RANSOM
Denise Mathew
4.5 healing stars
Lexie lost her mother the night she wanted to rebel, sneaking out to go to this huge party before college starts. She regrets the tragedy she had caused her mother, who only wanted the best for her and wanted to keep her safe. Lexie feels so much pain that she even went to a medium and paid a lady Gingerella just so she could see her moms ghost. She was told that a kid name Gabriel Sanders, Ransom's brother the medium who is also a healer. She was told that if anyone can help her with her mother, he's the guy. She believed that Gabriel Sanders would save her life. She needs to tell her mom that she's sorry, that what she said before sneaking out and disobeying her mom. If she doesn't she'll go crazy. She had a hard time sleeping with dreaming about her mom, which is very heartbreaking.
He uses sex to block out or numb the pain of his choatic life. His Pa' abuses him and his brother Gabriel will do anything for Ransom since he's been the one to take care of Gabriel. He loves his brother so much that he would do anything for him. He is amazed by how his brother is very confident and a totally different person when he is in front of a crowd, his arthritis and his restrictive braces on both legs doesn't stop him from also trying to protect Ransom. A tragedy nearly broke my heart and had me in tears.
Lexie and Ransom cross path and that's when it changed both their lives. Their journey was so sweet and as I witness them start falling inlove with each other was just so uplifting and realistic. This book ends in CLIFFHANGER by the way. I can't wait to read more about Lexie and Ransom in book 2.
Denise Mathew
4.5 healing stars
Lexie lost her mother the night she wanted to rebel, sneaking out to go to this huge party before college starts. She regrets the tragedy she had caused her mother, who only wanted the best for her and wanted to keep her safe. Lexie feels so much pain that she even went to a medium and paid a lady Gingerella just so she could see her moms ghost. She was told that a kid name Gabriel Sanders, Ransom's brother the medium who is also a healer. She was told that if anyone can help her with her mother, he's the guy. She believed that Gabriel Sanders would save her life. She needs to tell her mom that she's sorry, that what she said before sneaking out and disobeying her mom. If she doesn't she'll go crazy. She had a hard time sleeping with dreaming about her mom, which is very heartbreaking.
He uses sex to block out or numb the pain of his choatic life. His Pa' abuses him and his brother Gabriel will do anything for Ransom since he's been the one to take care of Gabriel. He loves his brother so much that he would do anything for him. He is amazed by how his brother is very confident and a totally different person when he is in front of a crowd, his arthritis and his restrictive braces on both legs doesn't stop him from also trying to protect Ransom. A tragedy nearly broke my heart and had me in tears.
Lexie and Ransom cross path and that's when it changed both their lives. Their journey was so sweet and as I witness them start falling inlove with each other was just so uplifting and realistic. This book ends in CLIFFHANGER by the way. I can't wait to read more about Lexie and Ransom in book 2.
January 7, 2014
It was a really good story that I can't wait to find out how it ends. I just hope that it is only a 2 book series I don't think I can take it broken into 3
Ransom Sanders has always put his brothers needs before himself. His brother is a celebrity faith healer and medium. Unfortunately their father is and extremely violent man and Ransom has seen and felt the full wrath.
Lexie Adams decides to make the decision to attend a party that her mother forbid earner to attend, only that decision has left her with a hole in her heart from the death of her mother and full of regret that she can't seem to get past.
When their paths cross at an event where Lexie was headed to meet and get information about her mother from Gabriel and an accident occurs that puts Gabriel's life in intensive care. The stage collapses where Ransom was standing only to be thrown out of the he way by his brother trying to protect him. Lexie upset, distraught, and trying to find a way to get to Gabriel decides to get drunk because she won't get those answers. Something goes wrong and Ransom was at the wrong place and the right time to protect Lexie when he couldn't protect Gabriel.
At the hospital Gabriel and Ransom's father Pa makes accusations that the accident was all Ransom's fault. Ransom not being a perfect and having some one difficulties with the law decides to run and with the help of Lexie find a place to hide from both of their demons.
On the run they find solace in each other with unconditional love and complete understanding of their messed up lives. Only Lexie is hiding that her first motive was to help Ransom only to get to his brother. She finds herself falling for a man that is setting her demons free and he to her. In this heart wrenching love story of two people who find each other at the worst moments in their life and build a love that is unconditional. Ransom decides that the only way to help her is to turn himself in? Can they find their way back to each other and save each other from the torment left from losing their love?
June 12, 2014
Ransom is an incredible touching story of loss, and heartbreak. Two people who have suffered too much loss and brought together. They found the angel that helped them move past all of their suffering and see the light in each other. Ransom is a young man who has been dealing with years of abuse from his father, even though he is an adult now he still can't get away. Ransom's little brother Gabriel, is a gifted medium who people travel all around to see. Either to be healed by him or to get in touch with a lost loved one. Lexie is a young woman who lost her whole life to one night of doing what someone said not to. Although a cryptic message from her loved one keeps her on the search for redemption. Lexie ends up finding something completely opposite than what she thought she would find, Ransom. Gabriel has had a freak accident and now Ransom's Pa is trying to have him framed for attempted murder. Little did Ransom know helping a damsel in distress would be his way to hide from his Pa. Lexie helps Ransom hide out hoping it will bring her to Gabriel to receive answers, only in the time she is with Ransom does she fall in love with him. Ransom starts to feel love toward Lexie but once he finds out her hidden agenda he knows this can never go anywhere. Ransom promises Lexie to love her and only her for the rest of his life, but Lexie wants more. Lexie is more determined to fight to keep Ransom in her life forever. All until they are both ripped apart with no happy ending to come. Denise Mathew has written and incredible story, Ransom. This story will pull at your heart, it makes you want to reach out and help Ransom and Lexie. I enjoyed reading this book very much!
Favorite quote: "What I'm saying is that for the first time in my life, I've found someone that I never want to let go, someone I want to give my hand to, like Ma did for me. And that person is you Lexie. I want you to know that no matter what happens in the future, whether we're together or apart, you have my hand. I'll always be there to hold you, protect you and maybe if I learn how, to love you."
Favorite quote: "What I'm saying is that for the first time in my life, I've found someone that I never want to let go, someone I want to give my hand to, like Ma did for me. And that person is you Lexie. I want you to know that no matter what happens in the future, whether we're together or apart, you have my hand. I'll always be there to hold you, protect you and maybe if I learn how, to love you."
January 6, 2014
Lexi Adams is eighteen and just graduated high school. She was always the book worm, never really caught boys attention but she has had a crush on Mitch for years. Tonight is the big party that everyone will be at. Lexi bought an amazing outfit that she would never wear, but tonight she was determined to get Mitch’s attention. There’s just one problem, her mom told her she was not allowed to go she had a uneasy feeling that something bad would happen that night and she wanted Lexi at home and safe. What is a teenager on the verge of adulthood to do? Sneak out of course. You should always listen to your mother and now Lexi knows that. Her life will never be the same after this night, it would make “you something you never would have dreamed.”
Ransom (what a sexy name) Sanders is a handsome and charming man who loves women. He’s had a hard life, his mom died when he was young and his father is abusive. He’s old enough to get away but he refuses to leave his younger brother who is handicapped. His brother Gabriel seems to have a gift and his father exploits it for the money. Gabriel is a healer and a medium. Gabriel is everything to Randsom so he travels the county to keep him safe.
Neither of these people particularly believes in fate but what else would you call it? Lexi is desperate to meet Gabriel, she needs his help. Ransom doesn’t believe anyone except Gabriel could ever love him. Their paths cross several times in a short period of time and maybe, just maybe they can help each other. This book is an increasable story of love and strength with maybe a little divine intervention mixed in. Denise Mathew does a wonderful job telling this story and I recommend reading this book, it’s got a serving of love, a heaping amount of angst and a dash of hot sex. I give Ransom 5 stars with 4 hands down the pants.
Ransom (what a sexy name) Sanders is a handsome and charming man who loves women. He’s had a hard life, his mom died when he was young and his father is abusive. He’s old enough to get away but he refuses to leave his younger brother who is handicapped. His brother Gabriel seems to have a gift and his father exploits it for the money. Gabriel is a healer and a medium. Gabriel is everything to Randsom so he travels the county to keep him safe.
Neither of these people particularly believes in fate but what else would you call it? Lexi is desperate to meet Gabriel, she needs his help. Ransom doesn’t believe anyone except Gabriel could ever love him. Their paths cross several times in a short period of time and maybe, just maybe they can help each other. This book is an increasable story of love and strength with maybe a little divine intervention mixed in. Denise Mathew does a wonderful job telling this story and I recommend reading this book, it’s got a serving of love, a heaping amount of angst and a dash of hot sex. I give Ransom 5 stars with 4 hands down the pants.
February 9, 2014
Lexie is your typical high school senior. She has a normal, relatively good life until one decision takes away everything she's ever known and leaves her with the overwhelming guilt and shame that only tragedy can. Determined to find forgiveness and the answers to all of life's questions, she heads out on a road trip with her two best friends. A trip that will forever change Lexie's life. Ransom has spent his whole life taking care of his brother. He has had to put his wants and needs aside in order to make those around him happy. His sole purpose in life is to keep his brother safe. Until even that is taken from him.
Lexie and Ransom don't have a typical relationship. It starts out as an alliance of necessity and slowly evolves into a connection of acceptance and forgiveness…something both of them needed. Alone Lexie and Ransom were falling apart, but together they could be more. But fate has other ideas. Neither Lexie or Ransom are perfect. They both are dealing with internal issues, guilt for Lexie and anger for Ransom, as well as external forces that are trying to pull them apart.
I love the idea of density, circumstance, fate…whatever you want to call it…in this book. Lexie and Ransom's lives were two threads that most likely would have never crossed at all, until they did. There were one thousand and two things that had to have happened in precisely the right order for those two threads to cross, and they just happened to do that. The author has written a beautiful story here, one that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you think about love, friendship, destiny, and right and wrong. I am looking forward to more from this series to see where Lexie and Ransom's story goes.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lexie and Ransom don't have a typical relationship. It starts out as an alliance of necessity and slowly evolves into a connection of acceptance and forgiveness…something both of them needed. Alone Lexie and Ransom were falling apart, but together they could be more. But fate has other ideas. Neither Lexie or Ransom are perfect. They both are dealing with internal issues, guilt for Lexie and anger for Ransom, as well as external forces that are trying to pull them apart.
I love the idea of density, circumstance, fate…whatever you want to call it…in this book. Lexie and Ransom's lives were two threads that most likely would have never crossed at all, until they did. There were one thousand and two things that had to have happened in precisely the right order for those two threads to cross, and they just happened to do that. The author has written a beautiful story here, one that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you think about love, friendship, destiny, and right and wrong. I am looking forward to more from this series to see where Lexie and Ransom's story goes.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2014
"Ransom says love is about sacrificing for the people you care about. I dont agree, for me love is about never giving up, fighting for what matters and despite how horrible the odds, knowing there is always a chance for a better tomorrow."
This book is about Ransom and Lexie. Two people who have so much differences,but yet shared something so deep. Both lost their mothers. Lexie lost her mother,after her worst moment of rebellion. Hence,she placed th blame on herself and vowed to see a medium who can help her say her apologies to her dead mother. Ransom,on th other hand, has a psychic brother and a shitty dad. Fate threw Ransom and Lexie together. Firstly,i would like to say that th ending broke my heart,because it was so heartbreaking but so sweeeet. No,it wasnt love at first sight. It was just two wounded souls,seeking comfort. I love Lexie. I love how she's like th epitome of a typical teenager, being a rebel. And to blame herself, that guilt that threatens to suffocate her,makes her out to be a strong girl. She held on. And then there was Ransom. Th guy who would do anything to protect his little brother,even getting beaten up by his sadistic father. He had so much love in him,but everyone judged him for his temperamental side. His dad pisses me off. How could a father be so fucking sadistic? It pissed me off how he used Gabriel as a moneymaking machine,th evil way he treated Ransom. But i guess that's life. Parents could sometimes be bad people. Nobody really made a rule that parents have to be good. I love this book. I dont know if there would be a continuation. Maybe? If there is,yeah i would love to read it but if there isnt,i would be satisfied because th way th author ended th book,well i could fantasize up my own ending. :)
This book is about Ransom and Lexie. Two people who have so much differences,but yet shared something so deep. Both lost their mothers. Lexie lost her mother,after her worst moment of rebellion. Hence,she placed th blame on herself and vowed to see a medium who can help her say her apologies to her dead mother. Ransom,on th other hand, has a psychic brother and a shitty dad. Fate threw Ransom and Lexie together. Firstly,i would like to say that th ending broke my heart,because it was so heartbreaking but so sweeeet. No,it wasnt love at first sight. It was just two wounded souls,seeking comfort. I love Lexie. I love how she's like th epitome of a typical teenager, being a rebel. And to blame herself, that guilt that threatens to suffocate her,makes her out to be a strong girl. She held on. And then there was Ransom. Th guy who would do anything to protect his little brother,even getting beaten up by his sadistic father. He had so much love in him,but everyone judged him for his temperamental side. His dad pisses me off. How could a father be so fucking sadistic? It pissed me off how he used Gabriel as a moneymaking machine,th evil way he treated Ransom. But i guess that's life. Parents could sometimes be bad people. Nobody really made a rule that parents have to be good. I love this book. I dont know if there would be a continuation. Maybe? If there is,yeah i would love to read it but if there isnt,i would be satisfied because th way th author ended th book,well i could fantasize up my own ending. :)
January 9, 2014
I am starting this review with what I usually end a review with – I NEED THE NEXT ONE! Beautifully written book!
The story starts out with Lexie having a fight with her mom, a typical 18 year old thing to do. She goes against what her mom said, because she has to get to this party so she can hook up with Mitch finally, and that decision effects the rest of Lexie’s life.
Ransom (LOVE that name BTW) has had a very rough life at the hands of someone who should have nurtured him, loved him. He has spent his life watching over his younger brother, who doesn’t have the best health, but is an amazing person it seems like in the bits and pieces we see of him throughout the story. Ransom has always put his brother before himself, trying to protect him from what he himself has gone through.
The story revolves around Ransom and Lexie, both escaping their own nightmares, both just want to hide, and it broke my heart more than once. You know that saying, if I didn’t have bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all? That is what the lives of these two are like. They both are capable of saving the other in whatever situation arises though. They are so good for each other.
Their relationship is a beautiful thing and I really want to see that grow. I hope they make it together because Lexie and Ransom need each other. I need the next book in the Holding Ransom sires. I already said that. It’s true though. I have to see what happens next for this couple.
I just have to say thank you for the ARC of Ransom. I am so excited to be a part of this tour!
The story starts out with Lexie having a fight with her mom, a typical 18 year old thing to do. She goes against what her mom said, because she has to get to this party so she can hook up with Mitch finally, and that decision effects the rest of Lexie’s life.
Ransom (LOVE that name BTW) has had a very rough life at the hands of someone who should have nurtured him, loved him. He has spent his life watching over his younger brother, who doesn’t have the best health, but is an amazing person it seems like in the bits and pieces we see of him throughout the story. Ransom has always put his brother before himself, trying to protect him from what he himself has gone through.
The story revolves around Ransom and Lexie, both escaping their own nightmares, both just want to hide, and it broke my heart more than once. You know that saying, if I didn’t have bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all? That is what the lives of these two are like. They both are capable of saving the other in whatever situation arises though. They are so good for each other.
Their relationship is a beautiful thing and I really want to see that grow. I hope they make it together because Lexie and Ransom need each other. I need the next book in the Holding Ransom sires. I already said that. It’s true though. I have to see what happens next for this couple.
I just have to say thank you for the ARC of Ransom. I am so excited to be a part of this tour!
April 15, 2014
On the whole I really loved this book. The whole storyline was captivating and that ending – well that was such an OH NO moment lol. In reality I have to eat my words and say that was an ‘oh so well left’ ending but I hope beyond hope that’s not the end of them. If that’s the end Denise all I can say is – ‘you can’t do that to me!’ I hope that ‘Holding Ransom series #1) means the next book in the series is still about Ransom.
Now why did I only give it four stars then? Well, I hate books that procrastinate a bit and this book did just that a fair bit. I also hate when dual POVs are used but we have to read the same scene from each perspective. That actually only happened a couple of times and I was so glad to see it settled down and didn’t happen all the way through – phew! That would have been a killer for me, good plot and all! The rest of the time the dual POV was a great way to deliver Ransom and Lexie’s story.
I have to say the book cover makes you think there is something heavenly going to go on and the synopsis doesn’t fully belay those thoughts either. The synopsis also doesn’t readily prepare the reader for just quite the journey you’re about to go on. In reality it’s very deep and emotional and I am oh so very glad I had the chance to come along for the ride.
This book had me in tears several times, Gabe and his disability; touched me. Ransom and his upbringing: touched me and Lexie and losing her mum and her devastation at the loss and her guilt touched me.
I received a complimentary copy of Ransom in return for an honest review. My reviews are my own and 100% honest.
Now why did I only give it four stars then? Well, I hate books that procrastinate a bit and this book did just that a fair bit. I also hate when dual POVs are used but we have to read the same scene from each perspective. That actually only happened a couple of times and I was so glad to see it settled down and didn’t happen all the way through – phew! That would have been a killer for me, good plot and all! The rest of the time the dual POV was a great way to deliver Ransom and Lexie’s story.
I have to say the book cover makes you think there is something heavenly going to go on and the synopsis doesn’t fully belay those thoughts either. The synopsis also doesn’t readily prepare the reader for just quite the journey you’re about to go on. In reality it’s very deep and emotional and I am oh so very glad I had the chance to come along for the ride.
This book had me in tears several times, Gabe and his disability; touched me. Ransom and his upbringing: touched me and Lexie and losing her mum and her devastation at the loss and her guilt touched me.
I received a complimentary copy of Ransom in return for an honest review. My reviews are my own and 100% honest.
May 31, 2014
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved Ransom. It is a story of love and sacrifice.
In a moment of Lexie desiring to be a teenager tragedy occurs, and Lexie is left with guilt and emptiness. When she hears that Gabriel, a healer, is coming to a venue close to her, she and her best friend leave to go and see him. But their plans are changed when an accident happens, and Lexie attempts to see Gabriel in another way. She initially meets Ransom, Gabriel's brother, when he rescues her from two attackers. Later, she runs into him at the hospital where he is fleeing.
Lexie and Ransom start a new adventure together at a family cabin. She is helping to protect Ransom. Sparks ignite, and those two are extremely combustible together. How will Ransom find himself out of his current mess?
I loved the connection between Lexie and Ransom. The chemistry was felt through the words. In addition, the character definition in each character was exceedingly well written. Ransom was the protector to his brother Gabriel. When he met Lexie, he now became the protected. That was a highlight of the story. I noticed as I was reading that each character had their niche in the story. It made the story more rich.
I am so looking forward to the story continuing. I will let you know when we find out more about it. I just wanted to cry at the conclusion of Ransom. Partly because of the story, but also because I was craving more. That is how great the book is.
I would highly suggest taking a chance on the Holding Ransom Series.
I absolutely loved Ransom. It is a story of love and sacrifice.
In a moment of Lexie desiring to be a teenager tragedy occurs, and Lexie is left with guilt and emptiness. When she hears that Gabriel, a healer, is coming to a venue close to her, she and her best friend leave to go and see him. But their plans are changed when an accident happens, and Lexie attempts to see Gabriel in another way. She initially meets Ransom, Gabriel's brother, when he rescues her from two attackers. Later, she runs into him at the hospital where he is fleeing.
Lexie and Ransom start a new adventure together at a family cabin. She is helping to protect Ransom. Sparks ignite, and those two are extremely combustible together. How will Ransom find himself out of his current mess?
I loved the connection between Lexie and Ransom. The chemistry was felt through the words. In addition, the character definition in each character was exceedingly well written. Ransom was the protector to his brother Gabriel. When he met Lexie, he now became the protected. That was a highlight of the story. I noticed as I was reading that each character had their niche in the story. It made the story more rich.
I am so looking forward to the story continuing. I will let you know when we find out more about it. I just wanted to cry at the conclusion of Ransom. Partly because of the story, but also because I was craving more. That is how great the book is.
I would highly suggest taking a chance on the Holding Ransom Series.
January 12, 2014
Arc review
Living life is difficult when you have nobody left. I believe this book is about is finding that one person you never thought was there. I didn't know what to expect from the author when i started reading but i loved it. I loved it wasnt just a romance its about two people trying to be whole after life has been ripped away from you and you dont know if you can survive. The author made me want to jump in this book and tell these characters it is going be alright when at this point i didn't even know it was go to be. The details are awesome and makes you feel,everything. Details.. perfect.
What i didnt like and honestly why i gave it a 4 is because its a cliffhanger and i hate waiting. I want it to be out now, and have no clue when it will be.
So I'll give you a short idea what is about but no big details. Lexie has loss everything and doesnt know how to repair herself, so she keeps looking towards physics abd fortune tellers and comes to one that says to see this young boy. So this starts the adventure. Though it starts out to find something lexie thinks she needs she finds more. Ransom comes int o the picture and he has baggage of his own. But under a bad situation lexi meets ransom and doesnt know he is the brother of the healer. So thru some twist and turns and complications they are together. And in a instant its over... cliffhanger
Read this book. It is definitely worth your time and i will be rereading this book.
Living life is difficult when you have nobody left. I believe this book is about is finding that one person you never thought was there. I didn't know what to expect from the author when i started reading but i loved it. I loved it wasnt just a romance its about two people trying to be whole after life has been ripped away from you and you dont know if you can survive. The author made me want to jump in this book and tell these characters it is going be alright when at this point i didn't even know it was go to be. The details are awesome and makes you feel,everything. Details.. perfect.
What i didnt like and honestly why i gave it a 4 is because its a cliffhanger and i hate waiting. I want it to be out now, and have no clue when it will be.
So I'll give you a short idea what is about but no big details. Lexie has loss everything and doesnt know how to repair herself, so she keeps looking towards physics abd fortune tellers and comes to one that says to see this young boy. So this starts the adventure. Though it starts out to find something lexie thinks she needs she finds more. Ransom comes int o the picture and he has baggage of his own. But under a bad situation lexi meets ransom and doesnt know he is the brother of the healer. So thru some twist and turns and complications they are together. And in a instant its over... cliffhanger
Read this book. It is definitely worth your time and i will be rereading this book.
January 8, 2014
Ransom by Denise Mathew is the first book in the Holding Ransom series. This is a massively powerful book. Massive! Phew! Where do I start?
It's a romance and there's some decently steamy scenes, but it's also a journey. It's Lexie's and Ransom's journey towards each other, and fate, and tragedy.
Lexie loses her mom and in her grief goes on a wild hunt for a psychic or medium that will allow her to talk to her mom one last time. Her grief and desperation cause her to be become very single-minded in her goal.
Ransom has always been his father's designated scapegoat and punching bag, ever since his mom died. He sticks around and takes it in order to stay with and take care of his younger brother Gabriel. Gabriel has juvenile arthritis and has mobility and pain issues. He is also a healer/medium of sorts and is Pa's cash cow.
The tension in both Lexie's and Ransoms lives escalates until their first actual meeting and things get better and worse from there.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and there is no news on when book two will be out as of the time of this review, but I hope it is soon. Not what I expected and I'm glad I got the chance to read this.
It's a romance and there's some decently steamy scenes, but it's also a journey. It's Lexie's and Ransom's journey towards each other, and fate, and tragedy.
Lexie loses her mom and in her grief goes on a wild hunt for a psychic or medium that will allow her to talk to her mom one last time. Her grief and desperation cause her to be become very single-minded in her goal.
Ransom has always been his father's designated scapegoat and punching bag, ever since his mom died. He sticks around and takes it in order to stay with and take care of his younger brother Gabriel. Gabriel has juvenile arthritis and has mobility and pain issues. He is also a healer/medium of sorts and is Pa's cash cow.
The tension in both Lexie's and Ransoms lives escalates until their first actual meeting and things get better and worse from there.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and there is no news on when book two will be out as of the time of this review, but I hope it is soon. Not what I expected and I'm glad I got the chance to read this.
August 12, 2016
I received a copy of Ransom in exchange for an honest review.
When I first started reading Ransom, I actually had to put the book down for a few days. I knew right away that Lexie's whole life as she knew it was about to change, based on one decision that she made and I wasn't in the right mindset to go there. But then I got my mind back to where to needed to be, I tried again, and this time I just couldn't stop reading.
Lexie's story is heartbreaking. The guilt that she feels is just so overwhelming to her and I was grateful that she had such a good friend in Triity to love and support her through her darkest days. And of course Ransom has his own heartbreaking tale and his own demons to fight while doing all he can to protect his little brother.
I loved that we were able to read their journey from both Lexie's and Ransom's perspectives in all stages of the story, who they are before they meet, their 'chance' meetings and how their relationship progresses.
I'm saddened by where the story ends, just when you think everything is going to work out for them, one selfless act changes their path. I do look forward to reading the next book in the Holding Ransom series, so I hope Denise Mathew will be able to get it out quickly for us!!!
When I first started reading Ransom, I actually had to put the book down for a few days. I knew right away that Lexie's whole life as she knew it was about to change, based on one decision that she made and I wasn't in the right mindset to go there. But then I got my mind back to where to needed to be, I tried again, and this time I just couldn't stop reading.
Lexie's story is heartbreaking. The guilt that she feels is just so overwhelming to her and I was grateful that she had such a good friend in Triity to love and support her through her darkest days. And of course Ransom has his own heartbreaking tale and his own demons to fight while doing all he can to protect his little brother.
I loved that we were able to read their journey from both Lexie's and Ransom's perspectives in all stages of the story, who they are before they meet, their 'chance' meetings and how their relationship progresses.
I'm saddened by where the story ends, just when you think everything is going to work out for them, one selfless act changes their path. I do look forward to reading the next book in the Holding Ransom series, so I hope Denise Mathew will be able to get it out quickly for us!!!
April 8, 2015
Warning: This is book 1 in the Holding Ransom series and doesn't have a HEA. If cliffhangers as such aren't your thing, then this book isn't for you!!
One single decision can change your life.... and in essence that is what this book is about.
To be honest I stop and started this book three times before I could read it to the end. Not because it was a bad story, rather my mindset wasn't in the right place at the time to read it. I literally would start and then stop, leave it for a bit, then start again. But it was certainly worth it in the end and I'm proud that I persevered with it for so long.
Lexie and Ransom each have their own heartbreaking stories and each day that dawns they fight their own personal demons.
But circumstances or maybe even fate brings them together... and changes their lives forever
I felt the connection between these two through the words and it's one hell of a connection!!! The sparks that fly between them, you know its only going to end one way - combustion!!
It was beautiful watching these two troubled people fall in love .... the question is will they finally get the HEA they so rightly deserve??
Cant wait to get book 2 to find out :)
**** out of 5 stars
One single decision can change your life.... and in essence that is what this book is about.
To be honest I stop and started this book three times before I could read it to the end. Not because it was a bad story, rather my mindset wasn't in the right place at the time to read it. I literally would start and then stop, leave it for a bit, then start again. But it was certainly worth it in the end and I'm proud that I persevered with it for so long.
Lexie and Ransom each have their own heartbreaking stories and each day that dawns they fight their own personal demons.
But circumstances or maybe even fate brings them together... and changes their lives forever
I felt the connection between these two through the words and it's one hell of a connection!!! The sparks that fly between them, you know its only going to end one way - combustion!!
It was beautiful watching these two troubled people fall in love .... the question is will they finally get the HEA they so rightly deserve??
Cant wait to get book 2 to find out :)
**** out of 5 stars
January 3, 2014
I absolutely loved this book! The story is told in both Lexie and Ransom's POV. Lexie is trying to meet Ransom's brother Gabriel. Gabriel is a faith healer and medium. Lexie hopes that he can help her with the death of her mother. She doesn't get to meet Gabriel but by complete chance she meets Ransom.
I thought the beginning of the story was a little slow. I think I felt that way because I was waiting for Lexie and Ransom to meet. When they finally meet, it was well worth the wait and I was not disappointed.
Both Ransom and Lexie have had rough patches in their lives. They start their relationship off on rocky terms but they are great together. Both Lexie and Ransom kept secrets from each other. When one of Lexie's secrets comes out it threatens their relationship. When Ransom finds out her secret, he does what he thinks is the right thing to do.
OMG, the ending was a heart breaking cliffhanger. It leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to read more of Lexie and Ransom's story.
I thought the beginning of the story was a little slow. I think I felt that way because I was waiting for Lexie and Ransom to meet. When they finally meet, it was well worth the wait and I was not disappointed.
Both Ransom and Lexie have had rough patches in their lives. They start their relationship off on rocky terms but they are great together. Both Lexie and Ransom kept secrets from each other. When one of Lexie's secrets comes out it threatens their relationship. When Ransom finds out her secret, he does what he thinks is the right thing to do.
OMG, the ending was a heart breaking cliffhanger. It leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to read more of Lexie and Ransom's story.
January 22, 2014
I'LL GIVE THIS BOOK 4 OUT 5 MINIBOOKS
REVIEW:
This book is amazing since the beginning to the end i absolutely loved it
its a story between 2 broke person that need in some way redemption
i was very touched with this story , at the beginning yeah i felt it very slow but not in
a wrong way, actually i kinda like it, then when Ransom and Lexy met OMG
i love that part no matter if Lexy has second intentions i love the way she falls in love
with Ransom and the way he does?? he's a perfect book boyfriend!<3
This book is an increasable story of love and strength with maybe a little divine intervention mixed in.
the ending was a heart breaking cliffhanger. It leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to read more of Lexie and Ransom's story.
i cant wait to read book 2!!
REVIEW:
This book is amazing since the beginning to the end i absolutely loved it
its a story between 2 broke person that need in some way redemption
i was very touched with this story , at the beginning yeah i felt it very slow but not in
a wrong way, actually i kinda like it, then when Ransom and Lexy met OMG
i love that part no matter if Lexy has second intentions i love the way she falls in love
with Ransom and the way he does?? he's a perfect book boyfriend!<3
This book is an increasable story of love and strength with maybe a little divine intervention mixed in.
the ending was a heart breaking cliffhanger. It leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to read more of Lexie and Ransom's story.
i cant wait to read book 2!!
August 16, 2014
No one knows as well as Lexie Adams how your whole world can change in a fraction of a second, she's lived with that reality ever since a horrible event stole her future. But worse than what happened after, is living with the concept that she's to blame for it all.
From as far back as Ransom Sanders can remember, his days have been an endless string of venues, hotel rooms, cheap diner food, and nothing to call his own. He knows he's good for two things, pleasing everyone but himself and taking care of his younger brother Gabriel, a celebrity faith healer and medium.
When fate pushes Lexie and Ransom's paths together they develop a relationship based on mutual necessity, where they use each other to get what they need.
I'm waiting patiently for the sequel !!
From as far back as Ransom Sanders can remember, his days have been an endless string of venues, hotel rooms, cheap diner food, and nothing to call his own. He knows he's good for two things, pleasing everyone but himself and taking care of his younger brother Gabriel, a celebrity faith healer and medium.
When fate pushes Lexie and Ransom's paths together they develop a relationship based on mutual necessity, where they use each other to get what they need.
I'm waiting patiently for the sequel !!
February 8, 2014
This was not your typical romance or YA Drama. I found this to be a sensitive meditation on love and loss with some hot romance sprinkled in. And the ending is so far from typical - I am hoping for a sequel!
September 25, 2014
3.5 Stars!
I had a hard time getting into this book at first. I did like the storyline once it picked up. I found myself getting emotional over the tragedy that takes place. The cliffs at the end had me screaming at my kindle. I'm onto Dust and Ends now.
I had a hard time getting into this book at first. I did like the storyline once it picked up. I found myself getting emotional over the tragedy that takes place. The cliffs at the end had me screaming at my kindle. I'm onto Dust and Ends now.
January 26, 2014
3.75 Stars
*Review to come*
Warning: Cliffhanger ending
*Review to come*
Warning: Cliffhanger ending
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews