Emily

Skipping Stones #1

by Jasmine Lee

I thought I was in love, I thought I was happy, I thought everything was perfect.

But then I found out my husband of six years was having an affair. I knew it had to be a dream, but it wasn’t. So now I’m left at square one, only now I’m a single mom also.

Dating isn’t easy but it’s especially not easy for a single mom of twin boys, with a soon to be ex-husband who’s still around. I mean what else could happen?

Throw in a hot prison guard and my ex-husband the mechanic and you have a whole mess of problems, and its only Monday!

What am I supposed to do?

**Will be a two book series!**

Readers 18+ Sexual Content, Language, Violence

Genres: Romance, Emotional

Paperback

First published June 9, 2015

About the author

Jasmine Lee is a small town girl who grew-up in a small town with a population of only three-hundred and sixty one people. She had her son at the age of twenty and at the age of twenty-four she met her husband and with-in a year they were married. It was only two short years later, while babysitting a little girl they met their soon to be adopted daughter. Fast forward to today and she is a stay-at-home wife and her husband works at the local prison. Their daughter is ex-NAVY and is now living in California and their son is working as a manufacturer of metal. She is still living in a small town, actually smaller then the one she grew-up in on ten acres and enjoys writing and taking pictures and working in her garden and babying her roses.

J.L.

Reviews

[Olga therebelreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5~4 stars

Emily’s life collapses when she discovers she has been cheated on. Her world falls apart and she’s utterly distraught. Her husband, Conner, has betrayed and hurt her to a degree beyond her comprehension. Everything is so hurtful. She’s devastated that he decided that their relationship is over and is going to end in such a horrible way. He does say though he’s sorry, but that really is an empty word for the immense pain that he has caused her and their children.

She’s miserable that she’s going have to reinvent herself all over again. She is trying to recover emotionally by going out and having sex with other men. She tries for a new start but her relationship with her soon-to-be-ex husband has many ups and down, and many moments of remorse and repentance.

The writing itself is great. I enjoyed the dialogue between the characters who themselves were interesting and for the most part believable people. I however am a bit uneasy with the idea that Emily as a character is very immature. She sleeps with other men, she has sex with Conner again, she has sex with his cousin, Conner again and then things get really complicated. I just see only the sexual worries of a wife that her husband has cheated on her and no serious concerns about how their separation could affect their children. This book was actually touching and emotional and definitely had me thinking the next day.


Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

[Lustful Literature · Rating 5 out of 5]

**DEBBIE'S REVIEW**

Holy Cow!! This book gave me a serious case of whiplash!!!!

Pretty much as soon as I started this book I knew my poor kindle might not make it and would end up being thrown against the wall. There is so much I want to say but don’t want to give any of this insane plot away!!!! As I sit here writing this review I am still seeing red and feel emotionally exhausted. I was not expecting all of these plot twists. This author had me afraid to flip to the next page because I was afraid of what was going to happen next.

“He was my everything, my world. I did so much to please him that I lost myself along the way.”

Let me just say that I had a serious love/hate relationship with pretty much all of the characters in this story. Emily was a piece of works let me just tell you. If I could of crawled into my kindle and beat the crap out of her I would of in a heartbeat. Through a majority of the book I would just stop and shake my head at the stupid ass things Lexi did. Lets not even get me started on her no-good husband Conner. I wanted to feel bad for him and understand what the hell would make him do the things he did, but honestly I couldn’t.

“I’m all set to go when things get a little weird. He heads down south. Which I’m not going to complain about, I mean it can feel good really good when done properly. But…he sucks like he doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing, and after five freaking minutes I’m not even in the mood anymore and I’m so far from an orgasm I’ve started making a mental list of the groceries I need to buy next week.”

Claire, Claire, Claire. What a freaking skank!!! I wanted to throat punch her. I just about lost it when I found out what the other one did. I shall not name because I don’t want to give anything away.

The book hooked me from page one and it took me on one emotional ride full of twists and turns I never saw coming. A couple of the relationships in this book I would of liked to have seen progress a little more in order to understand the way they went. But overall the story felt real and had my panties in a knot several times with the amount of drama that took place.

This book made me angry more times than I can count but these are the kind of stories I just can’t get enough of. I need the next book right now because I need to see what is going to happen. I want to smack the author with her own book for giving me that little teaser of book two at the end. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one!!!!!

[Nikki Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Jasmine and I was so sucked into this story I read it in less than 3 hours. I just couldn’t put it down. I remember thinking ok just one more chapter and the next thing I knew the book was over and I was screaming NO!!!

This book is a crazy ride and it’s so hard to describe it without giving too much away. Emily has been happily married to her husband for years and they share two beautiful children. She knows things have been different with her husband but she would have never guessed he was cheating. One night changes everything and Emily is left questioning her whole life.
I hated Conner for cheating on her. I know he kept saying he loved her but some of his choices left me going REALLY Conner!!! Then there is Travis. I love Travis. I felt bad for him and Emily both for being stuck in such a horrible situation. I was pulling for Travis from day one. Of course along the way Emily makes some bad decisions but honestly who wouldn’t if you were in her shoes. You have two men both claiming they want you and here she is stuck in the middle questioning everything in her life.

There are some characters we meet along the way that I hated. I hate spoilers so I can’t go into to much detail but not everyone is who they appear. I honestly cannot wait for book 2 because I have so many questions that are left unanswered. Don’t miss out on this book. It’s a crazy intense ride that will make you laugh out loud, scream, cry and possibly throw your kindle across the room a time or two.

[RBCRRBLOGGER · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewing on behalf of Relentless book chics ramblings and reviews
Emily thought she had the perfect life. Married for 6 years with twin boys, she was happy. Then her life was turned upside down when she found out that her husband Connor was cheating on her.
She needed a fresh start, to rebuild her life, so she moved out, got a job and was prepared to be alone.

Now she’s a single mom, trying to get back in the dating game which isn’t easy and at times, very messy.
After a few disastrous one night stands, she finds herself in familiar arms again which only leads to more confusion and people getting hurt, including Emily.

Just when she thinks she’s finally found someone she can make a life with, her past comes back to haunt her and by the end of the book, Emily isn’t sure what she’s going to do. Will it be Travis or will she go back to Connor?

This is the first book in a series and from the sneak peek I read at the end of the book, it sounds like book 2 will be full of angst and drama too.

[Faye Errington · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review

I really loved this book... although it had cheating in it... which I normally HATE in book's I read... I still found I really enjoyed it

Emily finds out that her husband is cheating on her (PRICK)...

she knew he marriage was in a bit of a rut.. but she never thought he would actually cheat on her...

Now she is left hurt and betrayed ... she feels alone and also has twin boys to think of ...

Then she meets Travis... her husbands cousin...

Emily goes through so much in this book I really felt for her .. even though at times I wanted give her a shake and ask her WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING GIRL !!

This book has a lot of twist n turns that keep you guessing , which keeps you wanting to turn the page to se where the story will lead....

The story really grips you and its even a little emotional...

I cant wait to start book 2 (Unexpected) to see how this huge mess all ends ... and if Emily gets her Happy Ever After and also who she will get it with.....

Overall a really enjoyable book

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book. I mean, really LOVE it. Don't get me wrong, I like. I do, but in the end it just became a so so kind of read for me.
I'm just not sure how much I believed the story in the end. There was so much going on, so many little bits of storyline crossing here and there. Too much betryal, too much everything.
It's a story choc a block full of chaos and turmoil; love lost, found and lost again.
Don't get me wrong, I was drawn into it, I read it quickly, I enjoyed the premise but it just didn't make my heart flutter or break or thump.
I'd like to think I'm going to get the second in the series upon its release; the little sneaky prologue looks intriguing!

[Nerissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not a well written book. The storyline keeps changing mid conversation. The drama feels forced. The characters are dislikable. It's very immature.

I do not recommend this book at all.

[Deko Aden · Rating 1 out of 5]

What in the Jersey shore/Jerry springer crossover did I just read. Good lord what a hot mess! I have an illness I can't not finish a book! I'm getting therapy it's all in hand.

[Mollien Fote Osterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Skipping Stones Series (Emily and Unexpected)Kindle
Author: Jasmine Lee
Publisher: Jasmine Lee
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: December 8, 2015
Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 324 pages
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Emily (Book 1)

I thought I was in love, I thought I was happy, I thought everything was perfect.

But then I found out my husband of six years was having an affair. I knew it had to be a dream, but it wasn’t. So now I’m left at square one, only now I’m a single mom also.

Dating isn’t easy but it’s especially not easy for a single mom of twin boys, with a soon to be ex-husband who’s still around. I mean what else could happen?

Throw in a hot prison guard and my ex-husband the mechanic and you have a whole mess of problems, and its only Monday!

What am I supposed to do?



Unexpected (Book 2)

In Emily you got part of my story. But now in Unexpected you get the rest of it.

True, it doesn't go the way I planned and I don't end up with the man I had planned on. But then again, that's why they say to 'expect the unexpected.'

I have a choice to make...

Do I choose my past? Or do I choose a path that is uncertain?

Only time can tell in the end. I have to choose before feelings are hurt and it's too late, causing me to loose everything I hold dear.

Sincerely,
Emily

Readers 18+ Sexual Content, Language, Violence

Review:

This is a two book set of the Skipping Stones Series. Both books are well written, with an interesting story of a woman who has the knack of attracting men from the same family. Some of them having problems of keeping their equipment where it belongs. I enjoyed this series, but I must be honest I did not know that I was reading a two book set. I thought that it was one long book that repeated some parts. It wasn’t until I started typing this review that I realized I read two different books.
The first book is where we learn about Emily. She married Conner at a young age and they had twin boys together. After six years of marriage, things seemed strained. The only conversations seem to revolve around the kids. It isn’t until she finds her husband with another woman that Emily realizes why Conner has been so distant. After her discovery, Emily tosses Conner out and goes on her own downward spiral of bad choices. Mostly evolving her ex Conner and his cousin Travis.

Book two has us picking up where book one left off, but now toss another cousin into the mix. We have the makings of a disaster of epic proportions, or happy ever after that could only happen in the pages of fiction.

The plots of these stories are interesting and well thought out. I enjoyed these books that had everything I look for in a story. Drama, romance, sex, hot guys, and some humor.
There is so much chemistry in this story, that I am surprised the my kindle fire didn’t ignite. The pacing was good. Since I didn’t realize that I was reading two separate books, I will not let the repetition of events influence me. If I had read the second book weeks after the first, I would have welcomed the reminders of what happened in book one.
Loved the ending. Although I did want to shake Emily a time or two.
Wow talk about character development. All of the characters in these books were developed to the point that you feel that you have known them for ages.

Review Copy of Skipping Stones Series provided by the Jasmine Lee for an honest Review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I can say is this book is wow. Emily is really put through the ringer during this book. At the very beginning of the book she finds out her husband, Connor is cheating on her. When confronted he denies it then calls out the other woman’s name when they have sex. Emily packs things for herself and her twin sons and leaves. They can never be what they were again. Trying to find a way to move on and be herself again is harder than she ever thought or realized it would be. She tries the one night stand thing and that wasn’t a great experience, then a bad experience with her boss. Then there is Travis her ex’s cousin. He has always given her butterflies and she has always been attracted to her but there could never be anything because his is Connor’s cousin; or could there be. Is she willing to give him a chance to show her? She finds herself falling for him quickly and deeply. But life isn’t done messing with Emily. She finds that a friend is really an enemy is disguise and she is faced will dealing with the betrayal along with her linger feeling for both men. Connor finds himself regretting his choices about leaving Emily and losing his family with her. Now is faced with his cousin wanting to be with Emily. He vows to not lose her and take a second chance is gets one. Will Emily find a way to be herself and end up with one of these men or will she keep getting dealt the crap hand? I felt for Emily so much, she just can’t catch a break. I am definitely team Travis. Connor had his chance and blew it. Instead of trying to get back what he felt they were lacking he decided to go get it somewhere else. If he really wanted Emily back and was sorry for what he did he wouldn’t have started dating the girl a month after he and Emily split up. He would have found a way to show how wrong he was and how much he loved her. He made is bed. I feel like Travis got a raw deal. He was tricked and missed his chance with Emily because of it. He has loved her the entire time she was with Travis. He tries to do what is right and just keeps getting shafted because of it. I can’t wait to read the second book and find out what happens next. I am pulling for Emily and Travis. I kind of wanted to jump in the book and beat up Connor several times. Don’t even get me started on the girls in this book. This book is a mash of emotions and actions. It’s a bit of chaos but well worth the read. This is the first book I have read by Jasmine Lee but I look forward to reading other books by her in the future.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.

[Aschlie Brake - The Piggy has Flown Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

Let me just say this was my first book of Jasmine Lee's to review, and I have to be honest, it was quite the roller-coaster of emotions. But Holy Shneikies, Holy Batman, Holy Moly, just doesn't cut it for my elation for this story! I had a hard time starting the book, since I was easily distracted by my children. Once they were asleep, the gloves came off! I could not put the book down, until I finished the whole story. Even in the wee-hours of the morning, I could not sleep! I so need more of the story, it just sent my mind racing at all the possibilities that could happen next.

We meet Emily, mother of two, and married to the only man she thought she would love. But does he love her back? The changes that are about to hit her hard, she is not prepared for, or wants to be prepared for her changes. THrough all the adversity, she will struggle down her rocky road of challenges, and learn to step above it all. That she will survive and continue on.

Connor, Emily's husband, looses focus on their relationship. Making Emily make some major decisions that will affect both of them and their sons. Can Connor pull his stuff together before he looses her forever?

Travis, Connor's cousin, is torn with: being a stand-up guy in regards to his family, or stick up for what is right. Even if that would mean to bring light the one thing he loved most, but he has had to deny himself for years; his love for Emily.

Can Emily, Connor and Travis work through all the circumstances that throw them all into a tailspin? Is there a chance that this crazy ride can right itself before full destruction happens?

This is a must read!! But do be ready to go on a long roller-coaster ride of your emotions. You will feel and experience Emily's pains, tribulations, and even yell at the book at some times, in pure frustrations. But it is OH SO WORTH IT. Now I am in anticipation for the next in the series!! What happens next!!???

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story, I was pulled into the story right off, it's a pretty short read and it goes by quickly. I felt that I t was very well written, the story is intriguing and keeps you turning the pages. Also there is a lot of things going on, I mean a lot. The characters were also well written wether you loved them or hated them. Emily is all about the men in her life, and I think she needs to be more about the Emily in her life. I really do sympathize with Emily though, she's been betrayed by people that she should have been able to trust, especially her husband. Her head is really messed up and she just keeps making bad decision after bad decision. She is back and forth and all over the place and you really have to feel for her, and at the same time want to shake her and tell her to wake up already. She wants to reinvent herself, start over from scratch but she really is lousy at picking men. I'm hoping that in the next book she will find her self worth and some happiness. One last thing. You won't believe the cliffhanger. Just.., what?!?! I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I am not crazy about the cover and would not have stopped to read what it is about. Saying that, I am surprised on how much I enjoyed reading this book. Reviews and warning stated Emily would be a character you were going to like or loath. She she made some bad choices after being humiliated by her husbands affair but she had only been with Conner. What I didn't read hear much said about the selfish men in her life. All knowing what she went through with her husband but didn't stop them and take her feeling or outcome of their actions would affect her. They wanted and they took repeatedly. All she wanted was to be loved but male pride, male competitiveness overruled them taking in account Emily. I would crap a brick if my husband called out someone else's name during sex Then he loved her so much after 9 years of marriage that he waited a whole month to move in with his mistress after she left him. Wow that love right there. Emily move away from those toxic men. West Texas is a great place to live.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was torn on how to review/rate this book, so I decided to break it into two separate parts, the story vs. the editing.
As far as the story goes, I was drawn in from the beginning. There was something about Emily that reminded me of myself in my younger days. She seems to feel that she needs a man in her life in order to be worth something, and at times she is willing to accept any man who comes along, no matter how he treats her. She seems to have a knack for picking men who are either cheating on her or with her, so I hope that in the second book she will find happiness with herself so that she can find a man who deserves her love.

When it comes to the editing of the book, however, someone really missed the mark. There were run-on sentences, sentence fragments, spelling errors, words misused, etc. As a former teacher, I was sorely tempted to pull out my red pen and do my own edits on the entire book.


Story: Four stars
Editing: Zero stars
Overall: Two stars

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh no you didn’t end Emily (Skipping Stones) the way you did! Huge cliffhanger alert!!! I am totally left hanging and I sure hope it won’t be long until the next book comes out! Book hangover for sure!

Emily is a hot mess but, all the situations that happen really makes her like that! I really feel for her. I think all the men need to step out of her life! Just so she can get a handle on her life and then she might be able to get her head together. And, what her supposedly best friend did to her! No I can’t say more because I don’t do spoilers. But, I was totally embroiled in this book! Drug into the story line and then left hanging…. Yes I am still complaining & whining!

I loved this book and I am definitely looking forward to the next book! I was gifted a copy of this ARC for an honest review and that’s what you will get. I give Emily 5 stars.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this 5 love triangle stars.

Emily and Connor have been married a for a few years when she find out that he is cheating when he says another woman's name during sex. Emily had no idea that night her whole world would change and she would be on a roller coaster of a life when all she wanted to d was live a simple life with her boys.

Connor made a mistake and is now paying for it. He has tried to win back Emily but every time he gets there is one person who throws a wrench into his plans. He wants to get Emily back will he ever have a chance again. Then one night things start to maybe look up for him. But what will happen with this other guy? Will Emily just forget him and go back to Connor?

I would recommend this to readers who like a little drama and twist in their romance. Can't wait to see what happens next.

~Lisa The Book Nuts

[Indies Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Emily's story! I still am not too sure which I want her with, Connor or Travis!! I know I am dangling off this cliff right now where the book left me and so I'll just hang on until book 2 comes out. There is so much turmoil going on in this one. Everyone has their problems and poor Emily is almost at the center of it all. I was definitely drawn in and help captive by Jasmine Lee from the very beginning. At times I wanted to shake Emily and maybe move her marbles around a little bit so that she would see what she should do, and then other times I felt bad for her. Overall, this is a great story with twist and turns at every corner! I will be looking forward to the second book!

[Hopelessly Hooked on Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily ( skipping stones series) jasmine Lee
I totally loved this book! Even though I'm not a love triangle type of person, this story was so good. I was kinda really mad Emily didn't give Conner a chance, but I understood. But I knew that once night stands were not Emily and that upset me. But then I was upset at Conner for being a big ass and not trying harder. And then walks in Travis and all his I've loved you for so long bullshit. Really, then why did he do all that he did to Emily. I really hope Emily and Conner can work their problems out and try to make it work again.

[Rhiannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the worst book I've read in a while. Due to the poor editing and grammar, I struggled with picking it up to read but in the end I skimmed through it to see how it ended. I couldn't get past the grammar and spelling errors every few pages enough to enjoy anything. The story itself was also pretty far fetched, I don't understand stories where all the guys want in her pants yet the girls hate her. Sorry

[Carman Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily (Skipping Stones Book 1) is a well written story full of pain, betrayal, and indecision. I enjoyed reading this book, though at times I wanted to smack Emily, the main character, and get her to see reason. There were times I cried with her as well. All in all, Emily is a good read, and left me wanting to read the next book.

[Jennifer Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I've had the pleasure to review for Jasmine. I must say this book hit close to home for me because I'm living through exactly what Emily is. I was so connected to this story that I felt every single emotion and cried my way through this book. It sucked me in and wouldn't let me go. Definitely a must read and I look forward to reading more.

[Kimberly Rinaldi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trying to figure out what I just read? My head hurts and I feel like I have whiplash.

[Izzie d · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finds out her husband is cheating and she is on an emotional rollercoaster.