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Wrecked and Ruined #2
Stolen Course
**Each book in this series can be read as a stand alone.**
I fell in love with Manda Baker eight years ago, and I loved her to the core of her soul. We were supposed to have that elusive happily ever after and spend a lifetime together. But that was all before she was STOLEN from me.
Her best friend, Sarah Erickson, killed her. It wasn’t intentional. It was far worse. Everyone claims it was just an accident, but I can see through the lies. Even if it’s with my dying breath, I will make her pay for what she did.
Fate hates me. It robbed me of my first love and left me to navigate through this world emotionless and numb. Then, one day, spiteful fate gave me a woman to fill my shattered soul and make me feel again. It gave me Emma Jane Erickson. Now I spend my days searching for the answers that will ruin Sarah and my nights falling in love with her sister—the one person who is bound and determined to save her.
But what happens when everything you know to be true explodes around you? Who will be left to pick up the pieces, and who will need to be saved from the wreckage?
I fell in love with Manda Baker eight years ago, and I loved her to the core of her soul. We were supposed to have that elusive happily ever after and spend a lifetime together. But that was all before she was STOLEN from me.
Her best friend, Sarah Erickson, killed her. It wasn’t intentional. It was far worse. Everyone claims it was just an accident, but I can see through the lies. Even if it’s with my dying breath, I will make her pay for what she did.
Fate hates me. It robbed me of my first love and left me to navigate through this world emotionless and numb. Then, one day, spiteful fate gave me a woman to fill my shattered soul and make me feel again. It gave me Emma Jane Erickson. Now I spend my days searching for the answers that will ruin Sarah and my nights falling in love with her sister—the one person who is bound and determined to save her.
But what happens when everything you know to be true explodes around you? Who will be left to pick up the pieces, and who will need to be saved from the wreckage?
278 pages, ebook
First published May 18, 2014
331 people are currently reading
4482 people want to read
About the author
Aly Martinez
53 books8,087 followersOriginally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 569 reviews
June 8, 2016
4 stars!
Oh my damaged Caleb! When I listened to Changing Course last week and met Caleb Jones, I knew I needed his book asap. And when I heard it was with Sarah’s sister, Emma- I about died. Who would have thought a pairing like this would have worked? Not me… at least not at first. Somehow, Aly knew better and worked her magic. Now I think Emma is the only one for Caleb and the only one who could have ever pulled him from the life of despair he was living.
It’s been five years and Caleb is still hung up on his fiancé, Amanda, who passed away in a car accident. He’s had no closure when its’ come to Manda’s death, and I think that is a large reason why he never could move on. The only feeling he has stronger than his love for Manda is his hate for Sarah Ericson, Manda’s best friend and the person he holds solely accountable for her death. When he first meets Emma, he knows there is something different about her. Once he finds out she’s Sarah’s sister, he automatically wants to back up but the heart wants what the heart wants.
Emma and Caleb’s journey was not an easy one. Caleb isn’t only damaged, he is one stubborn man. I love that Emma always stood her ground with him and didn’t take his crap. She was a great heroine- outspoken, fun and sweet. I loved their story. I loved them together. When they finally were able to get it together, I was one happy reader.
So now to that crazy part... I was driving to an appointment and getting ready to pull into the parking when I was listening to the last hour or so of this book and HOLY HELL. The mother of all twists occurred. I almost missed my appointment trying to listen more. I was completely shocked!!! Everything could have been so different if this secret was out in the open years ago. It was crazy! I think this is going to shape up the rest of the series so much .
I’m enjoying this series a ton and I’m a little sad the other 2 aren’t available as audio books… instead of being able to listen to the next book right away I’ll have to make time to read them ;) Hopefully I can do that soon because I’m dying to read more!
Oh my damaged Caleb! When I listened to Changing Course last week and met Caleb Jones, I knew I needed his book asap. And when I heard it was with Sarah’s sister, Emma- I about died. Who would have thought a pairing like this would have worked? Not me… at least not at first. Somehow, Aly knew better and worked her magic. Now I think Emma is the only one for Caleb and the only one who could have ever pulled him from the life of despair he was living.
I loved harder than any person should be allowed. If I’m being honest with myself, I still love her like that. It’s been almost five years and Manda Baker still owns my heart.
It’s been five years and Caleb is still hung up on his fiancé, Amanda, who passed away in a car accident. He’s had no closure when its’ come to Manda’s death, and I think that is a large reason why he never could move on. The only feeling he has stronger than his love for Manda is his hate for Sarah Ericson, Manda’s best friend and the person he holds solely accountable for her death. When he first meets Emma, he knows there is something different about her. Once he finds out she’s Sarah’s sister, he automatically wants to back up but the heart wants what the heart wants.
Emma and Caleb’s journey was not an easy one. Caleb isn’t only damaged, he is one stubborn man. I love that Emma always stood her ground with him and didn’t take his crap. She was a great heroine- outspoken, fun and sweet. I loved their story. I loved them together. When they finally were able to get it together, I was one happy reader.
“Like rain from the sky, a million emotions randomly fall over me. I’m down, done for, lost, and ensnared. There is no going back from Emmy.”
So now to that crazy part... I was driving to an appointment and getting ready to pull into the parking when I was listening to the last hour or so of this book and HOLY HELL. The mother of all twists occurred. I almost missed my appointment trying to listen more. I was completely shocked!!! Everything could have been so different if this secret was out in the open years ago. It was crazy! I think this is going to shape up the rest of the series so much .
I’m enjoying this series a ton and I’m a little sad the other 2 aren’t available as audio books… instead of being able to listen to the next book right away I’ll have to make time to read them ;) Hopefully I can do that soon because I’m dying to read more!
May 26, 2014
"Hold on to the headboard, baby."
“I don’t know the what, when, where, or why about my life, but… I suddenly know the who.”
This series has been an addictive ride from the start!! Both books have deep emotions, beautiful second chances, and hot swoon-filled romances with unique twists and gorgeous Alpha male heroes!!
While this story can be read on it’s own, it’s closely interconnected with the first book so I strongly recommend reading them in order because this one picks up right after that one left off even though it's about a different couple.
My review of Book #1 ➜ http://bit.ly/1k6H5il
This story is about Caleb. We met him first in Changing Course as Brett’s best friend. Those two men (both police officers) lost the women they each loved in a horrific car crash four years prior to the start of the first book and it forever changed their lives. Brett found happiness and healing again in the first book, and this time it was Caleb’s turn. But his journey certainly wasn’t easy as he fell for Emma, the sister of the woman he blamed for the death of his fiancee…
I mean, whoaaa, right?? Talk about an emotionally complicated situation!!
My heart just broke for Caleb as we saw the pain he lived in each day since the loss of woman he’d loved…
“I loved her harder than any person should be allowed. If I’m being honest with myself, I still love her like that. It’s been almost five years and Manda Baker still owns my heart.”
“My fingers glide over the indentation of her name. I hate this fucking headstone, and not just because it has the date signifying the end of her life. I hate it because it says ‘Manda Baker.’ No matter how many times I see it, it always burns… Her headstone should read Jones. She was mine, and the entire world should know it.”
But when Emma walks into his life, for the first time since Manda’s death, his heart skips a beat…
“Damn it, why the fuck does she have to be Sarah’s sister? That one relationship complicates everything… I can’t touch Emma. No matter how much I want to. It would be seven million shades of fucked up when things got messy.”
I really love it when authors are able to give their characters such distinct voices and personalities. Caleb and Emma were nothing like Brett and Jesse. In fact, the whole vibe of this book was different than the first book. Even though these two stories clearly complimented each other, they were very distinct.
Emma was bold, daring, and fun. She was always challenging Caleb and I loved seeing her almost bring him out of the shell he’d created around himself since Manda’s death. She was open, understanding, and accepting of his past and just a really wonderful self-assured woman. Can I just say how much I *love* it when heroines aren’t stupid?? It’s such a relief!!
“Hey, Caleb?… I’m serious about Manda. I don’t have an issue with you having a past. I’m not an insecure girl who is trying to compete with her memory.”
That being said, she wasn’t perfect either and certainly made mistakes too…. but so did Caleb. And while there were certainly times when I wanted to shake each of them, I think it’s very human and understandable to make mistakes and both of their hearts were always in the right place.
What I loved about Caleb was that he was this amazing guy who loved with all his heart and soul, was kind and protective, and all-round a good guy… but he was also flawed. He carried a lot anger, resentment, and hurt that led him to be a real jerk at times but the author did a wonderful job with the way she portrayed his flaws because she always showed us where he was coming from. The title of this book really is how he saw his life: stolen away. Not only was the woman he loved with all his heart torn away from him but they’d also had their own unresolved issues between them that both scarred his heart and made it hard for him to lay things to rest.
Emma and Caleb together were pretty explosive — both in a good and bad way. They had intense sexual chemistry but their personalities sparked against each other in such a way that they fought hard and loved hard and consequently their road wasn’t an easy one. It was kind of a “stubborn, fiesty woman meets angry, hurting (sometimes) asshole with a heart of gold” type situation. But I feel like, in real life, you’re rarely thrown into “perfect” scenario so I kind of loved that in some ways they were not a “perfect” match because it made their screw ups more understandable and it made their eventual happiness feel very well earned.
Of course it wasn’t all intense, because they certainly also had their cute moments ;)
“So you love me, huh?” I smile.
He holds up his fingers about an inch apart and says, “Little bit.”
Oh, and let’s not forget his crazy hot tattooes. You saw that cover right?? Well those are actually Caleb’s tattoos. (I’ll give you a minute to go scroll up or down to look… *pauses* …. Fuckhot right?? )
“You have ink!”
“Do you have a problem with that?”
Sweet Mother of Hotness. “No. I love them.” Are there seriously women out there who have issues with tattoos? Because they shouldn’t be allowed to run loose in society.
Teehee!!! And let’s not forget the bedroom hotness…. “Hold on to the headboard, baby.” … or the swoon…
“I’m going to kiss you… Then I’m going to make love to you… And then we are going to make plans to spend the next one hundred years together.”
This story really was a beautiful example of how, if you don’t give up on each other, love can find a way to heal even the worst hurts.
In my review notes, one of the things that I wrote down over and over again was how real these characters felt. I felt like I knew these people in real life. They were imperfect, flawed individuals each with their own distinct personalities and I really just loved going on this journey with them.
I also really liked how the “bad guys” in this story weren’t evil people. Rather, they were just people who’d made the wrong choices in life often even with the best of intentions. I just felt again, like it made them so much more real (see, there’s that word again).
There were twists I didn’t see coming (two of them in fact) but I absolutely loved the direction they spun the story in. I don’t want to say anything about them though because it’s more fun if you discover it for yourself. But I will say that the ending was beautiful and it truly brought the whole story full circle. I read it with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face.
Both books in this series had unique stories with emotionally charged romances that were both heart melting and heart wrenching. I loved them and highly recommend them!!
Rating: 4.5 stars. Spin-off standalone Adult Romance.
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June 24, 2015
3.5 Stars
”Love me more than you hate her.”
After just finishing the first book of this series I was excited to jump into Caleb’s story. Caleb lost his fiancée, Manda in the fatal crash that occurred in book one of this story. Years later he is still investigating the accident to put Sarah Erickson behind bars and he hasn’t let go of his anger one bit.
“It’s been almost five years and Manda Baker still owns my heart. But that’s before I was robbed.”
Sarah’s sister, Emma comes to town to help with Sarah because let’s face it Brett has done more than enough for her and deserves his happiness. Emma and Caleb had an instant love that just didn’t whisk me away with them.
”I just opened a door, and Emma all too willingly walked right through it. Let the shit show begin.”
Caleb and the damn cemetery and his hold onto a girl who I felt really wasn’t that into him annoyed me by ¾ mark and when the author threw in another automobile accident a whole star got taken away…sorry.
The reveal about the accident was extremely creative. Sarah Erickson was the best character in this book so say what you will about that…
Overall, this book started out decent but for me it went downhill all except for Sarah’s climb out of depression. Caleb lost his coolness and the couple felt like they were apart more than together and had some sort of forced second place love to his first to me. Still on board with this series and will be reading on. I hope I get the vegetable report on Hunter soon.
”Love me more than you hate her.”
After just finishing the first book of this series I was excited to jump into Caleb’s story. Caleb lost his fiancée, Manda in the fatal crash that occurred in book one of this story. Years later he is still investigating the accident to put Sarah Erickson behind bars and he hasn’t let go of his anger one bit.
“It’s been almost five years and Manda Baker still owns my heart. But that’s before I was robbed.”
Sarah’s sister, Emma comes to town to help with Sarah because let’s face it Brett has done more than enough for her and deserves his happiness. Emma and Caleb had an instant love that just didn’t whisk me away with them.
”I just opened a door, and Emma all too willingly walked right through it. Let the shit show begin.”
Caleb and the damn cemetery and his hold onto a girl who I felt really wasn’t that into him annoyed me by ¾ mark and when the author threw in another automobile accident a whole star got taken away…sorry.
The reveal about the accident was extremely creative. Sarah Erickson was the best character in this book so say what you will about that…
Overall, this book started out decent but for me it went downhill all except for Sarah’s climb out of depression. Caleb lost his coolness and the couple felt like they were apart more than together and had some sort of forced second place love to his first to me. Still on board with this series and will be reading on. I hope I get the vegetable report on Hunter soon.
dnf
February 15, 2017Dnf at 35%
This isn't the Caleb I pictured in Book 1 and I disliked the heroine, Emma. She is too forward and pushy. She just threw herself at him! Everything begins in such an ordinary way that I have no enthusiasm to read further.
Oh and a trusted friend of mine who has just finished reading this book told me not to read it because there is one of my triggers in it
And I also read one more spoiler in a friend's review and I cannot get over that fact, so I am dropping it.
This isn't the Caleb I pictured in Book 1 and I disliked the heroine, Emma. She is too forward and pushy. She just threw herself at him! Everything begins in such an ordinary way that I have no enthusiasm to read further.
Oh and a trusted friend of mine who has just finished reading this book told me not to read it because there is one of my triggers in it
And I also read one more spoiler in a friend's review and I cannot get over that fact, so I am dropping it.
May 23, 2014
I'm pretty let down with this book. It had potential to be great. I really loved book 1 but this one just was pretty annoying.
Caleb was a huge dick 80% of the book. He inability to let Manda go even after knocking Emma up and declaring his love for her was a huge turn off for me.
Emma was a doormat and needed some balls.
The twist was actually pretty decent.
I was hoping for more of the Epi. I needed Caleb to cover up his tattoo of Manda and he didn't. I just don't see any woman ever being ok with another woman's name across her husband's heart while her name was on his back.
I found that extremely fucked up.
Not sure I will continue with the series. I see a pattern that is really getting old.
Caleb was a huge dick 80% of the book. He inability to let Manda go even after knocking Emma up and declaring his love for her was a huge turn off for me.
Emma was a doormat and needed some balls.
The twist was actually pretty decent.
I was hoping for more of the Epi. I needed Caleb to cover up his tattoo of Manda and he didn't. I just don't see any woman ever being ok with another woman's name across her husband's heart while her name was on his back.
I found that extremely fucked up.
Not sure I will continue with the series. I see a pattern that is really getting old.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2015
**5 Butternut Squash Stars!!!**
"Like rain from the sky, a million emotions randomly fall over me. I’m down, done for, lost, and ensnared. There is no going back from Emmy."
This series is amazing! I don't even know what more I can say about it. I love every book more than the last (with the exception of Fighting Silence. That's still my ultimate fave.) CALEB is AMAZING!!! OMG!
I actually wasn't quite sure how I was going to feel about Caleb. He's super broody and is holding a major grudge on life in general, but particularly towards Sarah Erickson; the girl who allegedly stole his fate in that tragic wreck years ago. This entire Wrecked and Ruined series is really the individual stories of how each of these characters that were affected by that horrible accident, begin to piece their lives back together and move on. This is Caleb's story.
He's still completely consumed by the past; hasn't been able to let it go. In fact he obsesses over it. From laying on top of his late fiancee's grave night after night to studying the details of the accident over and over again, in search of answers, his life is at a stand still. That is until Emma Erickson, Sarah's sister, rolls into town, to care for her struggling sister.
OMG these two!!! Yes, they were a total roller coaster but HOT?!!!!!!!! God DAMN!!! All I have to say is...TRUCK SCENE!!! It's not like anything crazy takes place but, OMG the sensuality and eroticism! I could feel it between these two and it was amazing!!
"That, Emmy, was one hell of a good time.” I give Caleb my best sexy smile and pull him down so he hovers just over my lips. "You are a fucking asshole, Caleb Jones, but I think I love your cock."
I highlighted at least half of this damn book! Caleb is the perfect blend of alpha and romantic and a total dirty talker! Emma is, once again, another kick ass heroine. Fuck, I wanted to BE Emma many of times during this book. Lucky bitch!!
But while, YES, the book is very hot and in typical Aly Martinez style, also has its many fun and witty moments, it still packs a ton of emotion. Caleb wants to move on but he still isn't ready and keeps screwing up royally at it. He also has this vendetta against Sarah and is determined to see her go down. While Emma, sees just enough in Caleb to know that he is worth the fight.
"Love me more than you hate her. Please."
I was afraid that I would get super annoyed with Caleb and his inability to move on, but I really wasn't at all. Infact, besides Slate Andrews, I think Caleb is now my fave hero from this whole series...so far!! My heart broke for him. We get a few flashes back to his relationship with Manda and there were still so many answers that he didn't have. I could totally understand and sympathize with his situation.
And WOW that ending!! Big humongo twist!!!
Going straight into Broken Course next....eeep!
“Manda was water, but Emma— she’s air. I couldn’t have survived without either one of them, but this right here— this is life.”
"Like rain from the sky, a million emotions randomly fall over me. I’m down, done for, lost, and ensnared. There is no going back from Emmy."
This series is amazing! I don't even know what more I can say about it. I love every book more than the last (with the exception of Fighting Silence. That's still my ultimate fave.) CALEB is AMAZING!!! OMG!
I actually wasn't quite sure how I was going to feel about Caleb. He's super broody and is holding a major grudge on life in general, but particularly towards Sarah Erickson; the girl who allegedly stole his fate in that tragic wreck years ago. This entire Wrecked and Ruined series is really the individual stories of how each of these characters that were affected by that horrible accident, begin to piece their lives back together and move on. This is Caleb's story.
He's still completely consumed by the past; hasn't been able to let it go. In fact he obsesses over it. From laying on top of his late fiancee's grave night after night to studying the details of the accident over and over again, in search of answers, his life is at a stand still. That is until Emma Erickson, Sarah's sister, rolls into town, to care for her struggling sister.
OMG these two!!! Yes, they were a total roller coaster but HOT?!!!!!!!! God DAMN!!! All I have to say is...TRUCK SCENE!!! It's not like anything crazy takes place but, OMG the sensuality and eroticism! I could feel it between these two and it was amazing!!
"That, Emmy, was one hell of a good time.” I give Caleb my best sexy smile and pull him down so he hovers just over my lips. "You are a fucking asshole, Caleb Jones, but I think I love your cock."
I highlighted at least half of this damn book! Caleb is the perfect blend of alpha and romantic and a total dirty talker! Emma is, once again, another kick ass heroine. Fuck, I wanted to BE Emma many of times during this book. Lucky bitch!!
But while, YES, the book is very hot and in typical Aly Martinez style, also has its many fun and witty moments, it still packs a ton of emotion. Caleb wants to move on but he still isn't ready and keeps screwing up royally at it. He also has this vendetta against Sarah and is determined to see her go down. While Emma, sees just enough in Caleb to know that he is worth the fight.
"Love me more than you hate her. Please."
I was afraid that I would get super annoyed with Caleb and his inability to move on, but I really wasn't at all. Infact, besides Slate Andrews, I think Caleb is now my fave hero from this whole series...so far!! My heart broke for him. We get a few flashes back to his relationship with Manda and there were still so many answers that he didn't have. I could totally understand and sympathize with his situation.
And WOW that ending!! Big humongo twist!!!
Going straight into Broken Course next....eeep!
“Manda was water, but Emma— she’s air. I couldn’t have survived without either one of them, but this right here— this is life.”
October 9, 2021
Aly Martinez books are all that fit me right now:
November 16, 2014
3.5 stars
As with the first book in the series, I have some issues with the heroes. Caleb just came across as being a bit too immature at times. He was 33, not fucking 3. Yes, what happened was tragic but you have to let go sometime.
Will I read the next book? Originally I didn't intend to as to me Sarah has no real redeeming features. Even with what went down in this book. Yep, I guess that twist I did not see coming.
As with the first book in the series, I have some issues with the heroes. Caleb just came across as being a bit too immature at times. He was 33, not fucking 3. Yes, what happened was tragic but you have to let go sometime.
"Damn it, Caleb. Grow up.".
Forgiveness is a very abstract term.
It doesn't erase the past.
Will I read the next book? Originally I didn't intend to as to me Sarah has no real redeeming features. Even with what went down in this book. Yep, I guess that twist I did not see coming.
... hate, pain, remorse, and grief ruled my life. But now, love, acceptance and forgiveness have led me to this minute ...
February 5, 2017
Yup, Caleb's story was amazing. He finally met his match with Emma who was feisty and a wonderful woman. Together they could set the sheets on fire. Their chemistry was blazing hot and off the charts.
What I liked about Caleb's story was how he tried and wanted to let go, move on from Manda's death but he was so stuck in the past and his time with Manda. All he wanted was to love Emma and be with her and when something didn't go according to his plan he got scared and ran. Emma was fantastic in how she dealt with Caleb and his fears. The ballon scene was heartbreaking and also very moving.
Caleb and Emma gets an unexpected surprise and I enjoyed how that added another layer to their relationship and who the were as a person.
Answers regarding Manda's death will be revealed and I was surprised and the angst the last 10% was crazy. I was on the edge of my seat.
Again I love Brett and Jesse. Their friendship and support of Caleb and Emma were unbelievable strong and unbreakable. Fabulous story with a perfect ending.
5 BadAssDirtyBlackbirdStars
What I liked about Caleb's story was how he tried and wanted to let go, move on from Manda's death but he was so stuck in the past and his time with Manda. All he wanted was to love Emma and be with her and when something didn't go according to his plan he got scared and ran. Emma was fantastic in how she dealt with Caleb and his fears. The ballon scene was heartbreaking and also very moving.
Caleb and Emma gets an unexpected surprise and I enjoyed how that added another layer to their relationship and who the were as a person.
Answers regarding Manda's death will be revealed and I was surprised and the angst the last 10% was crazy. I was on the edge of my seat.
Again I love Brett and Jesse. Their friendship and support of Caleb and Emma were unbelievable strong and unbreakable. Fabulous story with a perfect ending.
5 BadAssDirtyBlackbirdStars
September 23, 2016
For the life of me I will NEVER understand the need to belittle and shame female characters in order to portray so called strong alpha males!! This story had me roll my eyes so many times I gave myself a headache ;) !!
Thank you A.Martinez for writing about ludicrous heroines who loves being emotional punching bags that is really what us readers look for in a romance novel !! #sarcasmistheanswer
How is it any good to write about a woman who accepts to be the second best to her man and demand nothing but a physical relationship ?
This gem of a "hero" worships his dead fiancée, has his whole upper body tattooed in her tribute, visit her grave several times a week 5 years after her death; all the while throwing TSTL "heroine" out of his house. He also calls her names, abandons her at every opportunity when he finds out she's pregnant, bosses her around and wishes her sister was dead ... but IT IS OK because well A.Martinez is calling it a romance novel #WTF
I sincerely hope young girls don't read her books because this is not LOVE, it is abuse dressed up as romance !! How can anyone seriously want to write that and think of herself as a romance writer I have no idea !!
you got the gist run away and pick a great read this is not it !!
cheers
July 7, 2014
This book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions; joy, pain, despair, arousal, etc. And that twist!! Wow, I did not see that one coming. I'm wondering how that plays into the lives of not only Caleb and Emmy but Brett and Jesse as well.
What's clear though is Aly Martinez can definitely tell a story and I know I've said this before but it bears repeating: I'll definitely be on a lookout for this author's other books.
May 25, 2014
☆☆☆☆☆ 5 Caleb Jones Has Stole My Heart Stars ☆ ☆☆☆☆
OMG!!! I am absolutely in love with Stolen Course by Aly Martinez. Hands down Stolen Course is in my top favorites of 2014. This book was AH-MAZZZZING!!! I’m completely smitten and in love with Caleb Jones and Emma Erickson’s story. From the prologue to the very last page of this book, I was captivated by this emotional, moving, heartfelt journey of forgiveness, healing, second chances, and love.
Caleb Jones hatred of Sarah Erickson consumed him. His hate runs so deep after a fatal accident that altered and shaped the lives of four people. That tragic night changed the course of friendships and relationship. Caleb’s life was filled with anger and hate that he was an empty shell of his former self. For years, he was living in the dark till Emma Erickson walked into his life and brought back light into his eyes. Behind Caleb’s eyes, lies a man who found light, love, and the meaning to live.
The emotional and beautiful journey of two unlikely strangers finding love was truly breathtaking and moving. They say hate consumes you but to witness Caleb’s transformation of letting go and moving on was what truly consumed me. Emma’s love for her sister and Caleb stole my heart. I loved how Emma didn’t let Caleb and Sarah make her choose sides.
One word to describe Stolen Course: Captivating!!! This book blew my mind and I loved it. I am in awe of Aly’s writing and storytelling. This is unlike any story that I have read and I am bewitched of how Aly was able to weave so many elements of grief, loss, second chances, forgiveness, and love all into this story. She literally took her readers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Caleb, Emma, Manda, and Sarah’s emotional journey literally gutted my heart. These characters were portrayed so honest and raw that I felt ever ounce of their pain, anger, hurt, heartbreak, guilt, loss, love, and happiness. Stolen Course is a gripping and consuming tale of life coming to a full circle. Love heals. And the best gift in life is a second chance. I can truly say that Aly Martinez wrote a beautiful, spell-binding and emotional story that will grip, touch, and stay with you.
P.S. Aly- I finally understand your obsession with vegetables now.. haha Thank you again for introducing us to Caleb! <3
Aly Martinez
OMG!!! I am absolutely in love with Stolen Course by Aly Martinez. Hands down Stolen Course is in my top favorites of 2014. This book was AH-MAZZZZING!!! I’m completely smitten and in love with Caleb Jones and Emma Erickson’s story. From the prologue to the very last page of this book, I was captivated by this emotional, moving, heartfelt journey of forgiveness, healing, second chances, and love.
Caleb Jones hatred of Sarah Erickson consumed him. His hate runs so deep after a fatal accident that altered and shaped the lives of four people. That tragic night changed the course of friendships and relationship. Caleb’s life was filled with anger and hate that he was an empty shell of his former self. For years, he was living in the dark till Emma Erickson walked into his life and brought back light into his eyes. Behind Caleb’s eyes, lies a man who found light, love, and the meaning to live.
The emotional and beautiful journey of two unlikely strangers finding love was truly breathtaking and moving. They say hate consumes you but to witness Caleb’s transformation of letting go and moving on was what truly consumed me. Emma’s love for her sister and Caleb stole my heart. I loved how Emma didn’t let Caleb and Sarah make her choose sides.
One word to describe Stolen Course: Captivating!!! This book blew my mind and I loved it. I am in awe of Aly’s writing and storytelling. This is unlike any story that I have read and I am bewitched of how Aly was able to weave so many elements of grief, loss, second chances, forgiveness, and love all into this story. She literally took her readers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Caleb, Emma, Manda, and Sarah’s emotional journey literally gutted my heart. These characters were portrayed so honest and raw that I felt ever ounce of their pain, anger, hurt, heartbreak, guilt, loss, love, and happiness. Stolen Course is a gripping and consuming tale of life coming to a full circle. Love heals. And the best gift in life is a second chance. I can truly say that Aly Martinez wrote a beautiful, spell-binding and emotional story that will grip, touch, and stay with you.
P.S. Aly- I finally understand your obsession with vegetables now.. haha Thank you again for introducing us to Caleb! <3
Aly Martinez
June 6, 2014
5 Stars is not enough! This book was awesome!
I would really love to know why the book I love more are the hardest to review. Anyone have an answer for me? No? Ok. Here we go…
If you couldn’t tell from my mini rant/question above, I loved this book. No, love isn’t the right word for what I felt for this book. I'll be honest and say that I didn't read the first book in the series prior to reading this. I deeply regret that. Don't misunderstand me, this is definitely a stand alone, but I really fell for all the characters in this book and I sincerely wish I had read Brett's story first. But I will be going back to read it at my first opportunity.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the banter between Caleb and Emmy. They had me cracking up. I was reading while running errands and thank goodness I was in the car because I was laughing out loud. Emmy didn't hold her tongue. She called Caleb on his crap.
Caleb is probably one of my favorite alpha guys ever. Unlike some other guys, he didn't really tick me off. He had his jerk moments, but even he recognized that his temper and mouth always got him in trouble. I loved being in his head. And I loved that I got dual POV in this.
I also have to say that I love Emmy's attitude about Manda. She didn't try to compete with her and she didn't want to try and replace her or the past Caleb had with her.
There is a twist to this book (which I won't give away) and I have to say that while I figured there would be a twist, I didn't figure it out until it slapped me in the face. Then I was able to look back and see the signs. But it was a good twist.
This was definitely a must read book. Aly Martinez definitely has a new fan! I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
I would really love to know why the book I love more are the hardest to review. Anyone have an answer for me? No? Ok. Here we go…
If you couldn’t tell from my mini rant/question above, I loved this book. No, love isn’t the right word for what I felt for this book. I'll be honest and say that I didn't read the first book in the series prior to reading this. I deeply regret that. Don't misunderstand me, this is definitely a stand alone, but I really fell for all the characters in this book and I sincerely wish I had read Brett's story first. But I will be going back to read it at my first opportunity.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the banter between Caleb and Emmy. They had me cracking up. I was reading while running errands and thank goodness I was in the car because I was laughing out loud. Emmy didn't hold her tongue. She called Caleb on his crap.
Caleb is probably one of my favorite alpha guys ever. Unlike some other guys, he didn't really tick me off. He had his jerk moments, but even he recognized that his temper and mouth always got him in trouble. I loved being in his head. And I loved that I got dual POV in this.
I also have to say that I love Emmy's attitude about Manda. She didn't try to compete with her and she didn't want to try and replace her or the past Caleb had with her.
There is a twist to this book (which I won't give away) and I have to say that while I figured there would be a twist, I didn't figure it out until it slapped me in the face. Then I was able to look back and see the signs. But it was a good twist.
This was definitely a must read book. Aly Martinez definitely has a new fan! I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
Read
March 2, 2023No rating because I DNF the book. I was so excited to read about Caleb, but well, shit happens, and this book was not for me.
September 14, 2014
You know what I love about Aly Martinez? I love the fact that her stories are real. They are made up of real issues, real feelings, real emotions, and most of all…real struggle.
In Changing Course, we learned of the accident that changed the life of so many people. We watched Brett struggle with letting go of Sarah and finding love again with Jesse.
We learned of Sarah’s self-destruction and her new found hatred towards her family and friends.
Then we watched Caleb struggle with the acceptance of the accident and his ability to let go of his fiancé, Manda, after her death.
Manda was the love of Caleb’s life and in Stolen Course, we get flashbacks of his relationship with her. We see some ups and some downs but most of all we see the love that Caleb felt for her. We see how much he desperately wanted to make her his wife and start a family with her.
But one fatal night everything changed. She was stolen from him. She was taken by a careless, selfish, and irresponsible act of another human being.
Even though the details for the accident aren't known as fact, Caleb will not stop until the woman he believes caused the crash pays for taking the love of his life away... Sarah.
Five years after the accident, Caleb is still unable to move on. His life consists of work, a never ending string of one night stands, and his own little investigation of the accident.
He sat by and watched as his best friend Brett left his past behind and fell in love with Jesse. Even though he feels a twinge of jealousy as he watches the happy couple, he can’t imagine ever feeling that way about another girl again.
That is until one day, on the heels of a nightmare a blonde haired, bright blue eyed girl come busting into the room. There is something about this girl that has him not only wanting her in his bed but also…possibly in his heart. There is just something about her that gets to him...
I’ve never wanted anything so much. But I’m a fucking hypocrite. I have a body full of tattoos dedicated to my past, including her name across my heart. I don’t think I could be with Emma if the tables were turned. But when she lays in bed with me, I don’t feel like I’m fucked up. She erases it all. And for that alone, she has stolen not only my heart, but my entire soul.
There is just one problem. This girl, Emma, she happens to be the sister of the one person he holds responsible for the death of Manda. He knows he shouldn't pursue anything with her but he can’t help himself and he wants to see where things could go with her.
Emma is perfect for Caleb. She is strong and confident and funny. She brings out a side of him that has been missing for over five years. They are two sides to a coin. Their witty banter back and forth had me cracking up and grinning like a fool.
“I see Emma has been talking about me. I guess she’s not to pissed after all.”
“I told them you had ugly tattoos and a weird squashed shaped dick.”
I absolutely loved Caleb and Emma together. They are the perfect match. They challenge each other (in and out of bed ;) ) and keep each other on their toes. Not to mention the sexual chemistry between them. freaking hot.
“You’ve had your fun, sweetheart, but let me show you who’s really in control here.”
With a yelp, I am picked up and flipped over. Caleb somehow magically manages to stay in me the entire way over.
“Hold on to the head board, baby.”
The look in his eyes has me complying without question.
But when the facts are all laid out, nothing changes. Sarah is Emma’s sister and Caleb will never ever be able to forgive her. And even though Emma claims she is ok with his past, with Manda, how much is too much?
The twists and emotions in this book were fantastic. I truly felt Caleb’s loss and Emma’s understanding of the whole situation. I was so pissed at Caleb for things he did and said in the book, but I was just as mad at Emma for some of her actions too. On the other hand I completely understood them. Hateful things were said and mistakes were made but all for understanding reasons. Just when you think you know where the story is going, Aly throws another curve ball and changes the direction of everything you thought you knew was going to happen.
This is an amazing story of trying to leave your past behind but not forgetting it. It’s about moving on and learning to be human again. It’s about give and take and figuring out what is truly important in life.
Well done Aly Martinez. Thank you for another crazy emotional, yet amazing journey.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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★★☆ 5 Stars ☆★★
Reviewed by Alissa Evanson
Buy it
Read it
Love it
August 14, 2014
5 Stars for ripping my heart out over and over again while I was sitting on a rollercoaster ride!
Aly never disappoints on delivering a unique and original story. It's why I will always read her books.
Kicking myself for not reading it sooner.
Beautiful writing and amazing story.
Aly never disappoints on delivering a unique and original story. It's why I will always read her books.
Kicking myself for not reading it sooner.
Beautiful writing and amazing story.
January 17, 2019
I was giving this book 5 stars after ' Hang on to the headboard, baby'. That sentence alone deserves 5 stars. But then after that the sizzle is gone and comes all the baggage. Especially Caleb baggage. I still love Caleb though. My reaction is to protect Caleb. Marry him even he is not proposing. Anything for Caleb. Especially for a man with THAT tattoo.
But after 30% into the book, I sort of cringe at Caleb. He is suffocating Emma. And Manda too. What is it with this man wants to rush marry to these women? Slow down dude. You are making these women running away from you. And every time is screwing up with Emma, he promised he will fix this and never let Emma go. But then he screwed up then he runs away. I just dont understand.
Now Emma... she is a warrior. Kick ass heroine. She calls off all Caleb bluffs. She takes no prisoner. I want more of her. More depth of her. But the story is more focusing on Caleb.
Anyway, I still love this book.
4 Emma stars
But after 30% into the book, I sort of cringe at Caleb. He is suffocating Emma. And Manda too. What is it with this man wants to rush marry to these women? Slow down dude. You are making these women running away from you. And every time is screwing up with Emma, he promised he will fix this and never let Emma go. But then he screwed up then he runs away. I just dont understand.
Now Emma... she is a warrior. Kick ass heroine. She calls off all Caleb bluffs. She takes no prisoner. I want more of her. More depth of her. But the story is more focusing on Caleb.
Anyway, I still love this book.
4 Emma stars
April 25, 2021
More like 3.5 stars rounded. This was another quick read/listen for me. I did enjoy this one better than Changing Course, which was Brett and Jessie’s book. But again this is another second best/I can’t get over the death of my fiancé (who truly sounded like a piece of work) book, and well if you follow my reviews you know those are not my favorite books. There’s a lot of back and forth or moving forward then backwards for Caleb, and way too much about the dead girl. However, this is Aly and she always has twists and turns under her sleeve and they were pretty fantastic. The Erickson sisters were the stars of the book, both Emma and Sarah. I loved Sarah in this book and I can’t wait to read her book.
November 9, 2014
5 sexy, heart-felt stars
This book follows on from Changing Course and tells the story of Caleb, the best friend of Brett (hero of book 1), and the other man whose life was shattered following a car crash which took the life of his fiancée, Manda. Make sure you read that book first to get the full set up of the characters!
I adored Caleb in the last book, and completely fell in love with him in this one! Just like his best friend, he is a man who loves deeply and completely, and he was (and actually still is) so in love with Manda. He lost himself when he lost her, and he has lived the last five years consumed by hatred for the woman he blames for destroying his life – Manda’s best friend Sarah.
Sarah is now receiving treatment for the trauma she suffered during the crash, and her young sister Emma decides to move from Georgia to Chicago to be there for her after years of estrangement, and support her through her recovery.
And from that first moment that Caleb and Emma see each other, they are wildly attracted to each other. When Caleb discovers exactly who she is he backs away from her, but Emma is a complete spitfire and has no intention of letting him get away, and it doesn’t take her long to rekindle Caleb’s interest.
The beginning of this relationship is fantastic! It’s teasing and full of great banter, and they open up and get to know each other really well. They don’t hide the way they feel, and the sense of anticipation that grows we wait for something to happen between them is electric!
And when they finally get together... DAMN! Their chemistry is sensational, their feelings for each other are strong, and what grows between them is truly beautiful as they open up to each other, accept each other, and have the courage to more forward together and create something incredibly special.
I loved watching the change in Caleb. Despite his hate-filled, numb-seeking, man-whoring ways, once he laid eyes on Emma it was all over for him. She was somebody special, he wanted her, she wanted him, and they made it happen.
Caleb is amazing. He’s broken, but he’s so willing to try and move on now that he has met the right woman. He’s an alpha with strong protective and possessive tendencies, but he loves Emma fiercely, and he lets her know it. He’s also hot as hell, which means this book is smuttier than the first in the series. Caleb is a bit of a dirty talker, and he and Emma have sizzling chemistry, and it’s all good!!!
And Emma is a fantastic heroine! Strong and courageous, she puts herself out there, and I love the way she is with Caleb. She is respectful of his past, of Manda’s place in his heart, and all of the trauma that he has been through, but she’s also not afraid to push him when he needs it. She’s upfront with him, and isn’t prepared to take any crap, and her feisty nature is blended beautifully with her sensitive, loving side. She is exactly who he needs.
But no matter how much they love each other, there is still a lot standing between them – Caleb still struggles over Manda’s death, and their relationship has left its scars, and his refusal to let go of his hatred for Sarah is devastating for Emma as the whole reason she is in Chicago in the first place is to be there for her sister.
These are two very strong and stubborn characters, and they clash just as hard as they love. It’s an angsty ride, with lots of heartache, but OMG, I loved every minute of it! And even with all of the ups and downs, I loved the way the story unfolded, and I felt it all! The book is beautifully written, with lots of emotion, and there are some fantastic surprises in there, with a huge twist, and a heart-pounding climax that made me all teary. It all leads up to a beautiful ending which left me swooning with a huge grin on my face.
I absolutely loved this one! Even more than the first. It’s an amazing story, and I never thought I’d say this, but I’m actually really excited to go on and read Sarah’s book. I’m loving this series!
5 stars.
This book follows on from Changing Course and tells the story of Caleb, the best friend of Brett (hero of book 1), and the other man whose life was shattered following a car crash which took the life of his fiancée, Manda. Make sure you read that book first to get the full set up of the characters!
I adored Caleb in the last book, and completely fell in love with him in this one! Just like his best friend, he is a man who loves deeply and completely, and he was (and actually still is) so in love with Manda. He lost himself when he lost her, and he has lived the last five years consumed by hatred for the woman he blames for destroying his life – Manda’s best friend Sarah.
Sarah is now receiving treatment for the trauma she suffered during the crash, and her young sister Emma decides to move from Georgia to Chicago to be there for her after years of estrangement, and support her through her recovery.
And from that first moment that Caleb and Emma see each other, they are wildly attracted to each other. When Caleb discovers exactly who she is he backs away from her, but Emma is a complete spitfire and has no intention of letting him get away, and it doesn’t take her long to rekindle Caleb’s interest.
The beginning of this relationship is fantastic! It’s teasing and full of great banter, and they open up and get to know each other really well. They don’t hide the way they feel, and the sense of anticipation that grows we wait for something to happen between them is electric!
“Okay. The truth. Fine. You’re as sexy as fuck, and I can’t stop thinking about drilling into that smartass mouth of yours … you can add your ass to that list too.”
“Wow. That was really honest.”
And when they finally get together... DAMN! Their chemistry is sensational, their feelings for each other are strong, and what grows between them is truly beautiful as they open up to each other, accept each other, and have the courage to more forward together and create something incredibly special.
I want this with Emma so God damn badly. I have no idea what this is, but I know for certain that it’s real.
I loved watching the change in Caleb. Despite his hate-filled, numb-seeking, man-whoring ways, once he laid eyes on Emma it was all over for him. She was somebody special, he wanted her, she wanted him, and they made it happen.
I don’t know the what, when, where or why about my life, but as I stroke her hair on the way home, I suddenly know the who.
Caleb is amazing. He’s broken, but he’s so willing to try and move on now that he has met the right woman. He’s an alpha with strong protective and possessive tendencies, but he loves Emma fiercely, and he lets her know it. He’s also hot as hell, which means this book is smuttier than the first in the series. Caleb is a bit of a dirty talker, and he and Emma have sizzling chemistry, and it’s all good!!!
“We are officially together. I don’t care about the rest of the bullshit we have going on. We’re going to figure this out one way or another. No one comes near this but me. Yeah?”
And Emma is a fantastic heroine! Strong and courageous, she puts herself out there, and I love the way she is with Caleb. She is respectful of his past, of Manda’s place in his heart, and all of the trauma that he has been through, but she’s also not afraid to push him when he needs it. She’s upfront with him, and isn’t prepared to take any crap, and her feisty nature is blended beautifully with her sensitive, loving side. She is exactly who he needs.
But no matter how much they love each other, there is still a lot standing between them – Caleb still struggles over Manda’s death, and their relationship has left its scars, and his refusal to let go of his hatred for Sarah is devastating for Emma as the whole reason she is in Chicago in the first place is to be there for her sister.
“Love me more than you hate her. Please.”
These are two very strong and stubborn characters, and they clash just as hard as they love. It’s an angsty ride, with lots of heartache, but OMG, I loved every minute of it! And even with all of the ups and downs, I loved the way the story unfolded, and I felt it all! The book is beautifully written, with lots of emotion, and there are some fantastic surprises in there, with a huge twist, and a heart-pounding climax that made me all teary. It all leads up to a beautiful ending which left me swooning with a huge grin on my face.
“Our relationship is not simple or straightforward. It’s not perfect the way young couples dream about. It’s rough and flawed, but it’s ours. And sometimes, if you get really lucky, something truly beautiful can come from the imperfections.”
I absolutely loved this one! Even more than the first. It’s an amazing story, and I never thought I’d say this, but I’m actually really excited to go on and read Sarah’s book. I’m loving this series!
5 stars.
May 19, 2014
MY RATING: ☆☆☆☆☆ "STOLEN COURSE (WRECKED AND RUINED #2" by Aly Martinez
5 Tatted-up Butternut Squash stars!!
☆ Complimentary copy provided by the author "Aly Martinez" in exchange for an honest review ☆
~ THANK YOU ~
Remember all those niggling questions in book 1 surrounding the accident, well all will be revealed in this book!! And OMG!! It will blow you away!! A total twist to the story that I did NOT see coming!!Genius!!
Even though it states that this book can be read as a stand alone it really can't because you don't get the full picture, the characters involved, the impact the accident had on them, have they or have they not moved on etc
This is Caleb's story and how eight years ago he fell in love with Manda who was killed in a car accident in the previous book. It's been 5 years since that fatal day and Manda still owns Caleb's heart, he's not loved or been in a relationship since..He hates and blames Sarah and will not rest until he sees her behind bars or the very least that she pays for her crime..
HATE
"One day, I'm going to prove that Sarah was drunk and driving the car that night."
STOLEN
"My dark soul is filled with hate and revenge
And just when you think he can never love again he falls for Sarah's sister Awkward!!
FRIENDSHIPS SEVERED
This had me cracking up -> "She gave money to every single homeless man she saw, at one point, she chased a man down the street, only to find out he wasn't homeless at all." LOL
FORGIVENESS
There is so much more I want to put down in my review but I don't want to spoil it for others hanging out to read this, just keep in mind that there is plot twist with a happy ending..
Thank you so much for giving my blog "Kitty Kats Crazy About Books" an arc, we both truly loved this book and can not wait to see what else you have installed for us (KAT)
5 Tatted-up Butternut Squash stars!!
☆ Complimentary copy provided by the author "Aly Martinez" in exchange for an honest review ☆
~ THANK YOU ~
Remember all those niggling questions in book 1 surrounding the accident, well all will be revealed in this book!! And OMG!! It will blow you away!! A total twist to the story that I did NOT see coming!!Genius!!
Even though it states that this book can be read as a stand alone it really can't because you don't get the full picture, the characters involved, the impact the accident had on them, have they or have they not moved on etc
This is Caleb's story and how eight years ago he fell in love with Manda who was killed in a car accident in the previous book. It's been 5 years since that fatal day and Manda still owns Caleb's heart, he's not loved or been in a relationship since..He hates and blames Sarah and will not rest until he sees her behind bars or the very least that she pays for her crime..
HATE
"One day, I'm going to prove that Sarah was drunk and driving the car that night."
STOLEN
"My dark soul is filled with hate and revenge
And just when you think he can never love again he falls for Sarah's sister Awkward!!
FRIENDSHIPS SEVERED
This had me cracking up -> "She gave money to every single homeless man she saw, at one point, she chased a man down the street, only to find out he wasn't homeless at all." LOL
FORGIVENESS
There is so much more I want to put down in my review but I don't want to spoil it for others hanging out to read this, just keep in mind that there is plot twist with a happy ending..
Thank you so much for giving my blog "Kitty Kats Crazy About Books" an arc, we both truly loved this book and can not wait to see what else you have installed for us (KAT)
July 20, 2014
3.5 Stars. I think that I felt the same as book 1, the first half is fantastic but then I lose interest in the second half.
Still a great read though.
Still a great read though.
September 16, 2023
I am speechless right now. This book was absolutely amazing. Talk about a roller coaster ride! I really don't even know where to start. I just don't think I can even eloquently state how much I loved this book. I laughed my ass off 97% through. I teared up, I got angry and I swooned. Caleb was an ass but he was so heartbroken I couldn't even blame him. His story was heart wrenching and it sucked me in from page one. I have not read book one, which as this is a standalone wasn't totally necessary, but I would recommend other readers read them in order as it will explain a lot. Plus, from the other reviews I've read, we get a better grip on who Caleb is from reading about him in book one. I felt for him so deeply that I was aching for him to get his hea. And don't get me started on Emmy. I fell head over heels in lady love with her the fist time she was introduced, and that feeling only grew stronger throughout this book. Seriously. Girl crush goin on here! She's by far in my top 5 favorite female leads! The banter between Caleb and Emma was phenomenal. They were so hilarious I was laughing most of the time I was reading. She was so understanding with him and she was up front from the beginning that she wasn't trying to replace Manda, it endeared me to her even more. But at the same time, she didn't take the crap he dished to her when he was angry. And let's be honest, Caleb was an Alpha male so he could throw some crap! Nope. My girl here just dished it right back. She was in an impossible situation. Falling in love with a man who hated her sister with his very soul. I feel like the author did such a great job with this, which could have been very tricky. I really liked seeing the characters from the first book and I will have to read theirs next because if they were as awesome in their own book as they were here, I totally missed out! I really loved everything about this story. There were so many things I wanted to touch on in my review, but as I sit here, I just can't gather the right words. My brain is all jumbled up and only thinking about opening my kindle to reread it all over again. Just know that it was great! This author really has a way with words and how she weaved such a heartbreaking, yet hilarious tale of lost love, then new love was just awesomesauce! I have definitely found a new author that I will be stalking! :D
September 8, 2015
3.5 stars
So I really wanted to love this as much if not more than Changing Course (which was a 5 star read for me) but ugh! Caleb was such a major tool for most of the book. He treated Emmy worse than crap, was totally unsupportive and spent his time sitting at Manda's grave when Emmy needed him. He was surly most of the time and needed his arse kicked, like on repeat!!!
I had hoped he would at least redeem himself by getting Manda's tattoo over his heart changed, I was so bummed he didn't. I don't think Emmy was his everything, he settled for her - Manda was always going to be his "one", and that just sucks, Emmy deserves so much more than being settled for and being a tattoo on his back whilst Manda was across his heart.
So I really wanted to love this as much if not more than Changing Course (which was a 5 star read for me) but ugh! Caleb was such a major tool for most of the book. He treated Emmy worse than crap, was totally unsupportive and spent his time sitting at Manda's grave when Emmy needed him. He was surly most of the time and needed his arse kicked, like on repeat!!!
I had hoped he would at least redeem himself by getting Manda's tattoo over his heart changed, I was so bummed he didn't. I don't think Emmy was his everything, he settled for her - Manda was always going to be his "one", and that just sucks, Emmy deserves so much more than being settled for and being a tattoo on his back whilst Manda was across his heart.
May 1, 2014
Update - so I was lucky enough to beta read stolen course and OMFG, Aly has done it again. I was so taken with Caleb from the beginning and loved hearing his story. There was a constant feeling of dread, bc honestly you just know the shit is gonna hit the fan (and in a HUGE way, the only way Aly knows how to do it) this book has a perfect mixture of romance and drama, with some excellent twist and turns.
*************
Yeesh, here we go again, and I totally.Cant.Wait that makes me a masochist doesn't it?!
*************
Yeesh, here we go again, and I totally.Cant.Wait that makes me a masochist doesn't it?!
February 15, 2017
really total disappointment
you can see how a strong character "Caleb" is wasted, how a sentence that promising future is wasted...
you can see how a strong character "Caleb" is wasted, how a sentence that promising future is wasted...
November 15, 2014
3 Stars! Loved the hero, but was not a fan of the heroine.
Review to follow...
July 20, 2015
****** 5 Forgiveness Stars ******
“Forgiveness is a very abstract term. It doesn’t erase the past. It’s not a magical switch you can flip or a stained rug you can just turn over. It’s merely a scar that covers the deep, dark gash that hate carved in your soul.”
Book 2 of the Wrecked and Ruined Series is FREAKING AMAZING. This book is filled with hot steamy sexy, drama, pissed-offness and emotional fabulousness.
We meet Caleb Jones in Book 1: Changing Course.
Caleb loses the true love of his life one horrible night. He is not only filled with dark sadness but he is also filled with the darkest of HATE for Sarah Erickson. The one person he blames for the death of his Manda.
As Caleb sets out to prove Sarah is the one and only blame for her death, fate has a mind of his own and drops Emma Erickson into his life. Emma is the little sister of the one he hates the most. He can not get involved with her but his heart has a whole different idea.
"Our relationship is not simple or straightforward. It’s not perfect the way young couples dream about. It’s rough and flawed, but it’s ours. And sometimes, if you get really lucky, something truly beautiful can come from the imperfections.
Their attraction is instant and HOT...WAY BEYOND HOT.
“Okay. The truth. Fine. You’re as sexy as fuck, and I can’t stop thinking about drilling into that smartass mouth of yours … you can add your ass to that list too.
“Wow. That was really honest.”
As hot and passionate as their connection is, they still have one thing that keeps getting into their way. Caleb's pure hate to bring down Sarah and Emma's pure love to help Sarah finally get the help and recover.
Their opposite sides collide. Emotions are high and words that were not meant to be said are shouted. Leaving Caleb and Emma broken-hearted.
“I’m not falling in love with Emma. Oh, I’ve more than passed that. I am unquestionably in love with Emma Jane Erickson.”
Caleb needs Emma back but he is stubborn and doesn't know how to get her back. Until the day he receives a surprise phone call from Sarah. The news she gives him is a SHOCK to his system and forces Caleb to get Emma back.
"“I want this with Emma so God damn badly. I have no idea what this is, but I know for certain that it’s real.”
As they fight to come together and form some united front to make their love work, the unthinkable happens once again and Caleb is faced with another accident. This time he has two lives to worry about.
Once again Miss Martinez takes us on an emotional roller coaster of feelings. I loved this story so much. The tears of watching a man being brought to his breaking point is beyond words. She literally had me stop reading so I could gather my wits and continue this story. BEAUTIFUL!!
“Forgiveness is a very abstract term. It doesn’t erase the past. It’s not a magical switch you can flip or a stained rug you can just turn over. It’s merely a scar that covers the deep, dark gash that hate carved in your soul.”
Book 2 of the Wrecked and Ruined Series is FREAKING AMAZING. This book is filled with hot steamy sexy, drama, pissed-offness and emotional fabulousness.
We meet Caleb Jones in Book 1: Changing Course.
Caleb loses the true love of his life one horrible night. He is not only filled with dark sadness but he is also filled with the darkest of HATE for Sarah Erickson. The one person he blames for the death of his Manda.
As Caleb sets out to prove Sarah is the one and only blame for her death, fate has a mind of his own and drops Emma Erickson into his life. Emma is the little sister of the one he hates the most. He can not get involved with her but his heart has a whole different idea.
"Our relationship is not simple or straightforward. It’s not perfect the way young couples dream about. It’s rough and flawed, but it’s ours. And sometimes, if you get really lucky, something truly beautiful can come from the imperfections.
Their attraction is instant and HOT...WAY BEYOND HOT.
“Okay. The truth. Fine. You’re as sexy as fuck, and I can’t stop thinking about drilling into that smartass mouth of yours … you can add your ass to that list too.
“Wow. That was really honest.”
As hot and passionate as their connection is, they still have one thing that keeps getting into their way. Caleb's pure hate to bring down Sarah and Emma's pure love to help Sarah finally get the help and recover.
Their opposite sides collide. Emotions are high and words that were not meant to be said are shouted. Leaving Caleb and Emma broken-hearted.
“I’m not falling in love with Emma. Oh, I’ve more than passed that. I am unquestionably in love with Emma Jane Erickson.”
Caleb needs Emma back but he is stubborn and doesn't know how to get her back. Until the day he receives a surprise phone call from Sarah. The news she gives him is a SHOCK to his system and forces Caleb to get Emma back.
"“I want this with Emma so God damn badly. I have no idea what this is, but I know for certain that it’s real.”
As they fight to come together and form some united front to make their love work, the unthinkable happens once again and Caleb is faced with another accident. This time he has two lives to worry about.
Once again Miss Martinez takes us on an emotional roller coaster of feelings. I loved this story so much. The tears of watching a man being brought to his breaking point is beyond words. She literally had me stop reading so I could gather my wits and continue this story. BEAUTIFUL!!
June 18, 2015
"My eyes never leave the body that used to house my soulmate."
4 1/2 Stars! I loved this book. I loved the plot, the twists, the heartache, the FEELS, and the character's. There is a lot packed into this gem. This is the follow up to
, while it could be read as a standalone, it probably shouldn't. Read Changing Course first. Detective Caleb Jones, is a tortured soul. He lost his girlfriend, Manda Baker to a car accident. One, where who caused the accident is in question in everyone's mind, except his. He knows in his gut, it was Sarah Erickson driving the car that fateful evening. And he HATES her for it...because not only did she kill Manda, Sarah survived. He is weighed down with such sorrow and hatred that it consumes him. He knows what he must do, and that is prove Sarah was the driver of the car that stole Manda from him and destroy her.
Emma Erickson, is back in her sister, Sarah's life, and is the only person left who cares about her. She is determined to be a part of her life and help her get passed the tragedy that took Sarah's life right along with Manda's. She knows it isn't going to be easy, especially given the fact that Sarah is suffering a head injury and is a changed person.
Oh, and ya, she is in love with the man who has vowed to destroy her sister. Although she doesn't know that. What she does know is that he hates Sarah.
EMMA "At this junction in time, I happen to believe neither one of us will be left standing when this ends."
CALEB "Well, I've been on my knees for a long time, Emmy. I'm ready to f*ng stand again, even if it means I have to fall when this ends."
Caleb needs saving, and needs to move on, but is Emma, with her sister's baggage the one to help him?
"I just can't figure out how to let go of the past and embrace the future. I feel like I'm nailed down. The world keeps passing me by, but I'm rooted without any way to let go."
May 25, 2014
DNF at 32%. I thought I was going to feel bad about not finishing this one since I actully liked the first in this series. Well, I don't. I didn't like this one. At all. I didn't like the characters, the writing, the story, nothing.
Oh, well.....
May 22, 2018
I added an extra star to this, I still fucking hate Caleb but the author did a great job with the story and combining all the characters from the last book. Different main characters but same storyline and she did a fantastic job at fusing it together.
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