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Lockhart Brothers #1
Deep Down
I’m falling.
Faster.
Further.
Deeper.
Sometimes you fall so hard you can’t get back up. My closest companions now are shame and loss. But a sliver of hope lies in the only person I have left in this world – the one who’s growing inside me.
Survival becomes living again because of my child, and the town where I begin anew. That’s where I meet the man who starts to melt the ice inside my heart.
As we get closer, reminders of my past become sharper. Clearer. To confront the pain, I have to discover what’s deep down inside me. Is there enough left there to become whole again, or am I too wounded to heal?
A portion of sales from this book will benefit the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at AFSP
Faster.
Further.
Deeper.
Sometimes you fall so hard you can’t get back up. My closest companions now are shame and loss. But a sliver of hope lies in the only person I have left in this world – the one who’s growing inside me.
Survival becomes living again because of my child, and the town where I begin anew. That’s where I meet the man who starts to melt the ice inside my heart.
As we get closer, reminders of my past become sharper. Clearer. To confront the pain, I have to discover what’s deep down inside me. Is there enough left there to become whole again, or am I too wounded to heal?
A portion of sales from this book will benefit the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at AFSP
258 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2015
733 people are currently reading
3109 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Rothert
91 books2,273 followersBrenda Rothert is the author of more than thirty Contemporary Romance novels. You can learn more about her books at her website, www.brendarothert.com, which features teasers, excerpts and trailers for her books. Follow her here:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
October 12, 2020
Come on.
COME ON, COME ON, COME ON!!!
I didn't know anything about this book when I started it, but I really thought it was going to be amazing. Instead - it cost me my dinner. 😭
💥 * There are spoilers here, so if you are going to read this book, I recommend NOT reading this review. * 💥
.
.
.
.
.
The heroin was raped, gets pregnant and decides to have the baby. 💔
I don't judge this choice, I adore women who decide to turn a bad experience into a good one... BUT this was different. 😬
Ivy's mother passed away and she feels lost and lonely... especially now that her father, who was such a good and caring person, started to drinking. 💔
She has a boyfriend and lots of friends and she even has plans for the future - but everything shatters one day, when she comes home from school and... her drunken father rapes her.
HER fucking DAD!!! 😱😱😱
Then she finds out she's pregnant, decides to give birth (?!?) - and from here, her "journey" to find love and a happy ending begins. WTF?! 😫
Now, I do not judge the heroin, but I do judge the author's choice to write such a nasty thing in a romantic novel, because it's just... disgusting. 🙈
I could have dealt with it somehow (maybe, I can't promise) if the subject had been well written - if, for example, the author had described the heroin's struggles and the consequences of this rape, but it didn't happen. It was *just a disgusting twist* to add drama to the story and present Ivy's character as one with a "dark past" - until the hero arrives and drifts her towards the sunset on a unicorn. 😬😬😬
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So why not just a "regular" rape? Why put incest here...? (I'm seriously asking. Someone answer me, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Between us, how can you enjoy a love story when... this thing... is constantly in your subconscious?? 🙈
The answer: Impossible. That is why I stopped reading. 😂
NOTE: I have no intention of hurting the author, her work or anyone who enjoyed the book. The writing was actually great. Unfortunately, personally, I could not feel a connection to this story.
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💕 לקריאת הסקירה בעברית, כנסו לבלוג: https://books-romance.com/ 💕
May 4, 2015
FOUR LOCKHART STARS.
To confront the pain, I have to discover what’s deep down inside me.
Brenda Rothert is an author who is a consistent favourite, without any doubt I know I can always pick up any of her work and there will always be something that I love about her writing. This book in particular blew me away, not because I wasn't expecting to fall in love with yet another Rothert story but because I wasn't expecting to find myself immersed in a story of heart gripping proportions. 'Deep down' is a heart warming tale of healing and one woman's strength to overcome her dark past and for the most part I absolutely loved it.
What did I love?
I really enjoyed that I had no idea of the content of this book, I realise that most readers enjoy having some sense of the book that they are going to read but this time around I'm glad that I didn't know what was to come. The author dealt with the main themes well and although I was saddened at some of the content I really enjoyed Rothert's story telling. The thing that stood out to me the most was not (surprisingly) the romance theme of the book but more the strength of Ivy Gleason the heroine and survivor of this story, I was anxious to see how her story would roll out and I was glad to see that Rothert created a loveable character who had more than her fair share of redeemable character traits. The hero of this story, Reed Lockhart also played a winning role and although I felt I needed a little more convincing about the development of their connection as a couple I could definitely fall in love with this Lockhard brother; sweet, smart and ready to fight for the love of his life he certainly made my heart race at certain points in the story. I also was pleased to see that the secondary characters were awell thought out and im excited to discover who we will see more of in future books. All in this is a well rounded contemporary romance story with some heart breaking themes that were written with plenty of heart and experience. I'll always be cheering for this author to do well, and I'm looking forward to see what Rothert will do next.
Why not five?
As much as I was invested in this book I felt like the book needed to be extended in order for me to fully connect with the story line. Simply put; I needed more, I wanted to have an understanding of why this couple fell in love and I also needed some more content in order for me to accept the difficult nature of some of the content. However, all in all this was a fabulously put together novel that dealt with some serious and heartbreaking topics in a fantastically sympathetic way, and I felt impressed at the flow and plot of the book as a whole.
Final thoughts ...
I'm more than happy that Brenda Rothert has made the decision to extend this series and create books that tell the stories of the other 'Lockhart brothers'. And although this book can be read as a Standalone I think other readers will agree when I say that once you have 'met' the Lockhart family you will be just as excited as I am to see other books produced and released. 'Deep down' is a book that challenged me in a good way, more often than not I prefer to stick with the books that I lovingly term as 'light and fluffy' this book had an edge of sadness to it that gave this novel some depth and sorrow but I'm glad that Brenda decided to tell this tale and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Release day is the 5th May, go grab it readers. Enjoy ... Kisses.
*ARC generously provided by the author, Brenda Rothert in exchange for an honest review.*
To confront the pain, I have to discover what’s deep down inside me.
Brenda Rothert is an author who is a consistent favourite, without any doubt I know I can always pick up any of her work and there will always be something that I love about her writing. This book in particular blew me away, not because I wasn't expecting to fall in love with yet another Rothert story but because I wasn't expecting to find myself immersed in a story of heart gripping proportions. 'Deep down' is a heart warming tale of healing and one woman's strength to overcome her dark past and for the most part I absolutely loved it.
What did I love?
I really enjoyed that I had no idea of the content of this book, I realise that most readers enjoy having some sense of the book that they are going to read but this time around I'm glad that I didn't know what was to come. The author dealt with the main themes well and although I was saddened at some of the content I really enjoyed Rothert's story telling. The thing that stood out to me the most was not (surprisingly) the romance theme of the book but more the strength of Ivy Gleason the heroine and survivor of this story, I was anxious to see how her story would roll out and I was glad to see that Rothert created a loveable character who had more than her fair share of redeemable character traits. The hero of this story, Reed Lockhart also played a winning role and although I felt I needed a little more convincing about the development of their connection as a couple I could definitely fall in love with this Lockhard brother; sweet, smart and ready to fight for the love of his life he certainly made my heart race at certain points in the story. I also was pleased to see that the secondary characters were awell thought out and im excited to discover who we will see more of in future books. All in this is a well rounded contemporary romance story with some heart breaking themes that were written with plenty of heart and experience. I'll always be cheering for this author to do well, and I'm looking forward to see what Rothert will do next.
Why not five?
As much as I was invested in this book I felt like the book needed to be extended in order for me to fully connect with the story line. Simply put; I needed more, I wanted to have an understanding of why this couple fell in love and I also needed some more content in order for me to accept the difficult nature of some of the content. However, all in all this was a fabulously put together novel that dealt with some serious and heartbreaking topics in a fantastically sympathetic way, and I felt impressed at the flow and plot of the book as a whole.
Final thoughts ...
I'm more than happy that Brenda Rothert has made the decision to extend this series and create books that tell the stories of the other 'Lockhart brothers'. And although this book can be read as a Standalone I think other readers will agree when I say that once you have 'met' the Lockhart family you will be just as excited as I am to see other books produced and released. 'Deep down' is a book that challenged me in a good way, more often than not I prefer to stick with the books that I lovingly term as 'light and fluffy' this book had an edge of sadness to it that gave this novel some depth and sorrow but I'm glad that Brenda decided to tell this tale and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Release day is the 5th May, go grab it readers. Enjoy ... Kisses.
*ARC generously provided by the author, Brenda Rothert in exchange for an honest review.*
May 22, 2015
I read this book in one sitting yesterday!! It had been on my reading list literally since it was released and SO many readers have recommended this author's books to me that I'm really glad I finally read one!
It's a story about a girl who survives her worst nightmare and is left alone and pregnant. But she's strong and she's a surviver and she builds a life for herself and her son in a new town... which is where she meets the hero!! I'd consider it a quieter, almost low-angst read, even though there is a very sensitive subject matter involved, and it's also a slow build (which makes a lot of sense given what the heroine had been through) but it still kept me flipping the pages and eager to see what happened next.
I need to address something (as vaguely as I can) that almost made me put the book down near the beginning. It's not what happened to her, it's a decision she made after. I actually stopped reading and went to speak to a friend who'd read and loved the book. She said she'd felt the exact same way and that I should just keep going because it ended up working out for this story and I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed the book! So basically this is me telling you that if you have that reaction too, just keep going!“I’m willing to put in as much time as it takes to earn her trust.”
Mom approached and reached up to cup my cheek in her palm. “Sounds like you’ve got your heart set on her.”
“Noah too. How often does a man get to know a woman’s an amazing mother before he’s even taken her out on a first date?"
This book portrayed the sensitive subject of rape (and, the worst possible kind of betrayal) in a very honest and respectful way. But more importantly, it showed the heroine's journey through dealing with what had happened to her, finding the strength to build a better life for her son, and after meeting the amazing (and swoon-worthy) hero, finally learning to trust and love again. In every way, this girl was a surviver.
The bulk of the story takes place three years after, when she and her son have started over in a new town. The hero was part of a large (and wonderful) family of brothers and he just moved back to their town after several years away. Having been left at the altar years ago by his then-fiancee, he was now coming home to practice law and be with his family. He was definitely not looking for a new relationship. But when he saw the heroine, he was smitten. Something about her drew him in and even though he could sense that she has been hurt badly, he was willing to do whatever it took to earn her trust and win her heart.
Like I said, it's a slow build but I loved the way he was endlessly patient with her. You could see from the start that he was in this for the long haul and he was willing to work as hard as he needed to show her how seriously and deeply he cared for both her and her son.
I’d almost finished building a block tower on the train table… when Noah approached me cautiously.
“Choo choo train,” he said, pointing at it and looking at me.
“Yeah, buddy. Let’s drive it.”
It took about the same amount of time for him to steal my heart that it had for his mom to.
This is a story about a woman facing her worst possibly nightmare and finding the strength not only to survive but to conquer her fears and find happiness again. Overall, I really enjoyed it! Admittedly, I was pissed at the hero for the whole 'case thing' (not sure I'd have been that forgiving if it was me, even though I know it wasn't really something he had control of) and I felt like the ending was a little "too perfect" but hey, its fiction! I just went with it. And, I was really happy that it had an epilogue. I love those!
Since Reed (haha, I can't believe I haven't mentioned his name yet) came from a large family of brothers, the next books in this series will each be standalones focused on them.
“Jesus, man. You go to knitting club with your wife? How pussy-whipped are you?”
My brother shoved my shoulder. “I just went to hang out at Mom and Dad’s. I drank beer and talked to Dad the whole time.”
“Or did you knit a pink sack for Hannah to carry your balls around in?”
Heehee! These guys are all quite different (some married with kids, some with marital issues, some single, some determined to always be single)... and they have really fun dynamics so there's lots of potential for great stories to come next. I'm looking forward to them!
Rating: 4 stars. Standalone.
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May 29, 2015
4 Healing Stars.
An event in Ivy’s past, not only determines how she lives but how she faces the world every day. She was never the same person again and she lives only for her son and for her job.
Until she meets Reed and everything changes. For the first time she wants something outside her protective bubble and the fact that Reed is very set on pursuing her isn’t helping.
But when her ghost keep dictating how she lives her life, could she ever be really free to be happy and in love?
Let me start by saying that this is my favorite book by this author, so far. Not only her writing style seems much more refined, the story itself holds the reader from the beginning and urges him to keep reading this engaging story.
I love how the author didn’t sugarcoated the main theme and how she didn’t get a magical solution for all the problems described (except for one “rainbows and cupcakes” convenient scene in the end that really pissed me off.) and everything felt very realistic.
Overall, if you’re looking for an engaging, beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking love story about healing, learning how to love and live and live again and second chances in life… this is definitely a book you can’t miss.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: I completely understand why some people will not like the heroine or her actions. I, personally, liked how she grew up through the book and ended up realizing that sometimes in order to move on, one have to make peace with the past. Reed was a really good hero, and although I (also) understand why some people will not like his attitude towards the end, I also understood him. Sometimes you just have to man up and do what you have to, even if you don’t exactly want it. Overall, a nice main couple that I really liked.
Steam: Some hot scenes.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
An event in Ivy’s past, not only determines how she lives but how she faces the world every day. She was never the same person again and she lives only for her son and for her job.
Until she meets Reed and everything changes. For the first time she wants something outside her protective bubble and the fact that Reed is very set on pursuing her isn’t helping.
But when her ghost keep dictating how she lives her life, could she ever be really free to be happy and in love?
Let me start by saying that this is my favorite book by this author, so far. Not only her writing style seems much more refined, the story itself holds the reader from the beginning and urges him to keep reading this engaging story.
I love how the author didn’t sugarcoated the main theme and how she didn’t get a magical solution for all the problems described (except for one “rainbows and cupcakes” convenient scene in the end that really pissed me off.) and everything felt very realistic.
Overall, if you’re looking for an engaging, beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking love story about healing, learning how to love and live and live again and second chances in life… this is definitely a book you can’t miss.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: I completely understand why some people will not like the heroine or her actions. I, personally, liked how she grew up through the book and ended up realizing that sometimes in order to move on, one have to make peace with the past. Reed was a really good hero, and although I (also) understand why some people will not like his attitude towards the end, I also understood him. Sometimes you just have to man up and do what you have to, even if you don’t exactly want it. Overall, a nice main couple that I really liked.
Steam: Some hot scenes.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
January 12, 2017
UNPOPULAR OPINION ALERT!!!!
I'm rating this book 3 stars as in average. The biggest issue I had personally with this book was that I couldn't relate to anything in this book. The majority of the characters in this book were very small towny. And personally I'm not a small town person at all more like wanderlust to the extreme. I felt indifferent to this book and characters also. I don't know why but there was just a huge disconnect between me and the story. The romance was too fast paced. It was like in 8 short chapters Ivy and Reed were saying I love you's. Noah was definitely my favourite aspect to the book. His character made the book better. Ivy's character was okay. I don't like her. I dont hate her. She just was. Although she was one of those frustrating characters to read about. I think if there was someone who could relate more to this book they would really like this. It was a good book just not a goood book for me. The author executed her ideas and themes well. And lastly the book was written well.
I'm rating this book 3 stars as in average. The biggest issue I had personally with this book was that I couldn't relate to anything in this book. The majority of the characters in this book were very small towny. And personally I'm not a small town person at all more like wanderlust to the extreme. I felt indifferent to this book and characters also. I don't know why but there was just a huge disconnect between me and the story. The romance was too fast paced. It was like in 8 short chapters Ivy and Reed were saying I love you's. Noah was definitely my favourite aspect to the book. His character made the book better. Ivy's character was okay. I don't like her. I dont hate her. She just was. Although she was one of those frustrating characters to read about. I think if there was someone who could relate more to this book they would really like this. It was a good book just not a goood book for me. The author executed her ideas and themes well. And lastly the book was written well.
consider-later
April 19, 2017
FREE on Amazon US today (4/16/2017)
Stand-alone book 1.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Down-Lock...
BLURB:
I’m falling.
Faster.
Further.
Deeper.
Sometimes you fall so hard you can’t get back up. My closest companions now are shame and loss. But a sliver of hope lies in the only person I have left in this world – the one who’s growing inside me.
Survival becomes living again because of my child, and the town where I begin anew. That’s where I meet the man who starts to melt the ice inside my heart.
As we get closer, reminders of my past become sharper. Clearer. To confront the pain, I have to discover what’s deep down inside me. Is there enough left there to become whole again, or am I too wounded to heal?
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 600 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
May 12, 2015
☆ I received an RC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
4.25 stars!!
#A Raw, Powerful & Emotional Read!
Deep Down covers terrain where most will not. For some it will be shocking and taboo subject matter where most will not speak or even entertain the thought about; and for others, it will be informative and eye opening.
While these topics are in no way graphic, but rather depicted in a tasteful delivery, it is not meant to offend, cause distress, or cause triggers to readers. It is simply meant to serve as a beacon of hope to all of those who feel lost and alone.
Author Brenda Rothert skillfully reinvents herself, as she creates a world of a survivor, Ivy, who lives through the daily motions but isn’t really living. Ivy's world is black and white, bleak and nonexistent and stems from a series traumatic and tragic unfortunate events that left her the empty shell she is today.
Deep Down is beautifully crafted, it was also heart wrenchingly but also more deep and tragic that I had imagined.
I’ve always believed that when you pick up a book to always put yourself in their shows and travel on their journey with them.
But, man did I not expect for my heartstrings to be constantly pulled by Ivy’s brokenness. She is a victim and carries her burden and shame everywhere with her, along with her 3-year old son Noah, and doesn’t see the light of where it will end.
That is, until Reed Lockhart enters the picture and helps her pick up the pieces and help her realize that the only way to salvation for her and a better life is to dig deep inside and confront the demons of her past. Not only for her, but for the well-being of her child.
Can Ivy rise up and gather her inner strength and heal old hurts and move forward with her life?
Can she break the destructive cycle of hers that she’s succumbed herself to and make a future with Reed?
Or will it take a hold of her and drown her from beneath?
And can Reed save her from destroying herself from within?
Read and you will find out!
An unforgettable tale of the human spirit and its testament of overcoming obstacles and obscurities!!
#Light will always prevail over darkness in the end!!
##Can’t wait for more Lockhart brothers goody-goodness!
4.25 stars!!
#A Raw, Powerful & Emotional Read!
Deep Down covers terrain where most will not. For some it will be shocking and taboo subject matter where most will not speak or even entertain the thought about; and for others, it will be informative and eye opening.
While these topics are in no way graphic, but rather depicted in a tasteful delivery, it is not meant to offend, cause distress, or cause triggers to readers. It is simply meant to serve as a beacon of hope to all of those who feel lost and alone.
Author Brenda Rothert skillfully reinvents herself, as she creates a world of a survivor, Ivy, who lives through the daily motions but isn’t really living. Ivy's world is black and white, bleak and nonexistent and stems from a series traumatic and tragic unfortunate events that left her the empty shell she is today.
Deep Down is beautifully crafted, it was also heart wrenchingly but also more deep and tragic that I had imagined.
I’ve always believed that when you pick up a book to always put yourself in their shows and travel on their journey with them.
But, man did I not expect for my heartstrings to be constantly pulled by Ivy’s brokenness. She is a victim and carries her burden and shame everywhere with her, along with her 3-year old son Noah, and doesn’t see the light of where it will end.
That is, until Reed Lockhart enters the picture and helps her pick up the pieces and help her realize that the only way to salvation for her and a better life is to dig deep inside and confront the demons of her past. Not only for her, but for the well-being of her child.
Can Ivy rise up and gather her inner strength and heal old hurts and move forward with her life?
Can she break the destructive cycle of hers that she’s succumbed herself to and make a future with Reed?
Or will it take a hold of her and drown her from beneath?
And can Reed save her from destroying herself from within?
Read and you will find out!
An unforgettable tale of the human spirit and its testament of overcoming obstacles and obscurities!!
#Light will always prevail over darkness in the end!!
##Can’t wait for more Lockhart brothers goody-goodness!
May 15, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
What happens when the life you had planned for yourself is robbed from you? Your innocence stolen? And the one person you had loved and trusted left you forever tainted and broken? A piece of your heart, soul, and dreams were destroyed leaving you broken, withdrawn, and shamed? Can the pieces be ever fixed? Or will those memories haunt us from truly living? When the cut is so deep, can love be the healing grace to mend the broken pieces? Or will we continue to fall deeper into despair and anger?
Deep Down by Brendra Rothert was an emotional raw heartbreaking tale of second chances and new beginnings. In her newest release, she didn't sugarcoat this sensitive subject of rape. Ms. Rothert did an amazing job with this beautiful and gripping tale of a woman's quest to erase and move on from her painful past. Move past the shame and learn how to see that she is not broken. And all it took was a real man's love to show her how beautiful she is inside and out.
Deep Down is a book to be experienced and read because in this delicate, emotional gripping tale Brenda douses her readers with emotions that are so raw and tangible. She grips her readers from the opening pages to the very end. Though this book deals with a sensitive subject, Brenda tackles this delicate issue with ease, grace, and beauty. She showed us that LOVE has the power to HEAL. And that second chances is one the greatest gift we are given life. It is up to us to not waste that chance. So if you are looking for a book that is emotionally raw and beautiful, then I highly recommend you to read this book. And be prepared to fall deep in love with Reed Lockhart!!!
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages Brenda Rothert
What happens when the life you had planned for yourself is robbed from you? Your innocence stolen? And the one person you had loved and trusted left you forever tainted and broken? A piece of your heart, soul, and dreams were destroyed leaving you broken, withdrawn, and shamed? Can the pieces be ever fixed? Or will those memories haunt us from truly living? When the cut is so deep, can love be the healing grace to mend the broken pieces? Or will we continue to fall deeper into despair and anger?
Deep Down by Brendra Rothert was an emotional raw heartbreaking tale of second chances and new beginnings. In her newest release, she didn't sugarcoat this sensitive subject of rape. Ms. Rothert did an amazing job with this beautiful and gripping tale of a woman's quest to erase and move on from her painful past. Move past the shame and learn how to see that she is not broken. And all it took was a real man's love to show her how beautiful she is inside and out.
Deep Down is a book to be experienced and read because in this delicate, emotional gripping tale Brenda douses her readers with emotions that are so raw and tangible. She grips her readers from the opening pages to the very end. Though this book deals with a sensitive subject, Brenda tackles this delicate issue with ease, grace, and beauty. She showed us that LOVE has the power to HEAL. And that second chances is one the greatest gift we are given life. It is up to us to not waste that chance. So if you are looking for a book that is emotionally raw and beautiful, then I highly recommend you to read this book. And be prepared to fall deep in love with Reed Lockhart!!!
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages Brenda Rothert
September 16, 2016
4.5 stars!
There's nothing better than when you start a book not expecting much and bam! your absolutely blown away by how amazing it was.
"Deep down" was such an emotional read the first chapter had me in tears, it was so heartbreaking. What the h Ivy went through was so inconceivable I honestly felt shattered. After her devastation ivy moves to a new town called "lovely" where she settles to raise her son. There we meet the H Reed, he too has comeback to his hometown after being away for years. Ivy and Reed feel an attraction but she's closed off to love, her only priority is her son, but Reed won't give up easily.
I liked how Ivy's and Reed's relationship progressed how they got to know each other. Reed was amazing, so patient and caring and so sweet to Noah, ivy's son.
Ivy was a strong and caring h I admired her so much for every decision she made. She gave up her future to take care of her son she was an amazing mom. The love aspect of this story was wonderful seeing Ivy/Reed fall in love, to make it brought their obstacles. When they finally came together it was so passionate and sensual.
But my favorite part about this book was Ivy's growth, from just getting by for Noah's sake. To finally realizing she deserved happiness, that she needed to confront her past and open her heart to trust and love. She was so brave I like that this was not your typical H rescues the h, even though Reed definitely gave her his love and support but it was another situation that finally gave her the strength to face her biggest demon.
Overall this was great story of love, friendship, and family. How even in the darkest moments in our life's there's always a ray of hope. Especially in a small town called "lovely" where everybody has your back.
There's nothing better than when you start a book not expecting much and bam! your absolutely blown away by how amazing it was.
"Deep down" was such an emotional read the first chapter had me in tears, it was so heartbreaking. What the h Ivy went through was so inconceivable I honestly felt shattered. After her devastation ivy moves to a new town called "lovely" where she settles to raise her son. There we meet the H Reed, he too has comeback to his hometown after being away for years. Ivy and Reed feel an attraction but she's closed off to love, her only priority is her son, but Reed won't give up easily.
I liked how Ivy's and Reed's relationship progressed how they got to know each other. Reed was amazing, so patient and caring and so sweet to Noah, ivy's son.
Ivy was a strong and caring h I admired her so much for every decision she made. She gave up her future to take care of her son she was an amazing mom. The love aspect of this story was wonderful seeing Ivy/Reed fall in love, to make it brought their obstacles. When they finally came together it was so passionate and sensual.
But my favorite part about this book was Ivy's growth, from just getting by for Noah's sake. To finally realizing she deserved happiness, that she needed to confront her past and open her heart to trust and love. She was so brave I like that this was not your typical H rescues the h, even though Reed definitely gave her his love and support but it was another situation that finally gave her the strength to face her biggest demon.
Overall this was great story of love, friendship, and family. How even in the darkest moments in our life's there's always a ray of hope. Especially in a small town called "lovely" where everybody has your back.
Read
July 18, 2017DNF after chapter 4
Update 19/7 July: Seeing that many of my friends are putting this on their 'no thanks' shelves, I do want to point out that I stopped reading it because I couldn't handle the premise. I don't want to do this book injustice as I haven't finished it. It may very well be that Brenda Rothert did a good job by putting everything together wonderfully.
*****
Initial review from September 2016
I'm not rating this because I don't know if it's any good. I'll put the reason for my DNF under a spoiler.
Update 19/7 July: Seeing that many of my friends are putting this on their 'no thanks' shelves, I do want to point out that I stopped reading it because I couldn't handle the premise. I don't want to do this book injustice as I haven't finished it. It may very well be that Brenda Rothert did a good job by putting everything together wonderfully.
*****
Initial review from September 2016
I'm not rating this because I don't know if it's any good. I'll put the reason for my DNF under a spoiler.
April 5, 2016
I loved this book! Ivy goes through a very traumatic event at the beginning of the book, but she is strong and a survivor. Reed is an amazing hero! He was not a manwhore! He did have an ex fiancée that he dated through high school and college. This ex does show up a couple times and while I was annoyed with her I never doubted Reed. It is obvious that the love he has for Ivy is nothing he has felt before. He was also wonderful with Ivy's young son. It was great watching them come together as a couple. The secondary characters are awesome too! I did shed some tears over Ivy and everything she had to deal with, but it was totally worth it. This book is great!
June 5, 2015
4 Dark Stars
All in all, this was a great, dark read. I loved all of the characters, but the insta-love was a bit 'no bueno' for my taste...hence the 4 and not 5 stars...
The hero was total book boyfriend material and the heroine was very strong- considering what she went through!
Word of caution, the subject matter in the beginning of the book is DARK. It is by far one of the most emotional books I have read in a while!
I will DEF be checking out more books from this author in the future! :-)
All in all, this was a great, dark read. I loved all of the characters, but the insta-love was a bit 'no bueno' for my taste...hence the 4 and not 5 stars...
The hero was total book boyfriend material and the heroine was very strong- considering what she went through!
Word of caution, the subject matter in the beginning of the book is DARK. It is by far one of the most emotional books I have read in a while!
I will DEF be checking out more books from this author in the future! :-)
April 30, 2015
All in all this was a good book. It read really smooth and the writing was great.
There is a sensitive topic in the first few chapters. It was dealt with really well though. I've read far worse!
So why not 5 stars?
It was a bit TOO insta-love for me. I didn't feel their whole connection because it felt kind of surface. I needed more complexity to them as a couple.
Also Reed is a lawyer and something happened toward the end that I wasn't very happy about.
Ivy was pissed too, but I felt maybe she forgave a little too quick.
I recommend this to people that don't like a lot of angst and likes a instant connection!
*arc provided by author for honest review*
There is a sensitive topic in the first few chapters. It was dealt with really well though. I've read far worse!
So why not 5 stars?
It was a bit TOO insta-love for me. I didn't feel their whole connection because it felt kind of surface. I needed more complexity to them as a couple.
Also Reed is a lawyer and something happened toward the end that I wasn't very happy about.
Ivy was pissed too, but I felt maybe she forgave a little too quick.
I recommend this to people that don't like a lot of angst and likes a instant connection!
*arc provided by author for honest review*
April 6, 2016
Read this ages ago and LOVED it!
June 10, 2015
It's hard talking about this book, concerning it deals with a sensitive issue like rape, but I'll try my best.
'Deep Down' is the story of Ivy, one more teenager in the whole mass of people in the world.
Her mother has just died and she feels lost and bereft without her, especially now that her father is drinking more and more each day.
She has friends and a boyfriend and she's looking forward to go to college, where she hopes to major in English.
All her plans and dreams end the day when her father, the man who used to be such a loving, caring person, in the throes of a drunken stupor, rapes her.
First of all, let me say that came up as a shock. And yet, it didn't.
I didn't know anything about this book when I started it, yet I quickly got this feeling of dread in my gut when I realized just how horny her boyfriend was and how he was pushing her to have sex.
However, there was something that pushed me into a moment of epiphany where I realized her father would be the one sexually assaulting her.
The way he talked and acted were all wrong and I was completely creeped out. Imagine my shock when my predictions came true.
And then everything became more unbearable when Ivy found out she was pregnant and decided to have and keep the baby.
I'm not going to talk much about how she didn't take precautions against an unwanted pregnancy after that awful event. As much as it might seem absurd to some people, I can blame it on Ivy not wanting to face the truth and acknowledge she had been raped, by her own father nonetheless.
My issue is definitely with the 'having and keeping the baby' part.
I am and always will be against abortion, except in extreme cases, such as:
- rape
- serious danger to the mother's health
- when the baby will be born with a severe illness or disability, making it impossible to live with a minimum of quality of life
I know there are women who make the same choice Ivy did. I think it's a matter of strength and love from the woman's part.
I don't think I could love a child who was a result of me being raped, the way a child needs and deserves to be loved, but I can understand some women being able to do that.
But when that child is also your own father's child, it is all so horrible that I can't fully comprehend it.
I know it's not the child's fault, but it is all so...disgusting. I don't want to use that word, but it is the one that better describes how I feel about it.
A father shouldn't have improper thoughts about his daughter. He shouldn't say improper things. He shouldn't act in a sexual way. A father should respect the sanctity of a child's innocence, of parenthood and of blood ties.
I can't imagine a daughter suffering such humiliation and being debased in such a way and still having it in her to love the product of her darkest day.
It's too awful and unimaginable and so not right. It makes me cringe knowing that situations like this actually happen.
I could deal with this, though, if I had felt Rothert really wanted to explore a serious issue in all its layers and facets and if she had done a good job of depicting the victim's struggle and all the consequences of rape.
That didn't happen. I think she used this topic in this book, because she needed something to add drama to the plot and a tormented heroine, who would be 'saved' by the white in shining armor hero.
Don't give me drama for drama's sake. Give me a book who does justice to all the victims and survivors and I'll be willing to read it and appreciate all its intricacies.
May 9, 2015
So many things were wrong with this one. The first chapter had me very weary but something kept me reading. By 80% I almost DNF, but I skimmed the rest and the whole thing was just wrong.
September 21, 2015
This story has two very sensitive subjects that may not be for everyone. The blurb doesn't prepare you for the material covered here. So, if you have triggers, you may want to read a review with spoilers.
It's hard to read at first because it's very sad and enraging, but most survivor stories are!
I stayed up all night to finish this book because I needed a HEA after the very sensitive first couple of chapters breaking my heart for the MC.
This is a story about how a person can be torn apart by people that are supposed to be the most trusted and still manage to put a mask on to survive. It's a story about the difference between survival and living. It's a story about patience, kindness, love, and how a man should treat a woman. It's a story of facing demons and overcoming dark times.
The female MC is someone you'll root for wholeheartedly.
The male MC is someone you'll want to put on an ad for the perfect male specimen.
It's a story worth reading with characters you'll love.
I do have two complaints...
First, while I believe that this story needed a happily ever to beat all, I do feel that the end was a little to Disney perfect. Was I happy for her in it all? Yes. But, the extravagance involved was I think a little overkill, perhaps.
Second, I don't think the author delved deep enough into some areas. The pregnancy decision - her mental process, the options, etc..- for example. The struggles of what an uneducated, single mom would likely face beside thrift store clothes & garage sale furniture.
Don't get me wrong... the writing was well done. The topics were real, raw, and emotional while still handled with sensitivity. I just think a few areas were kind of glossed over slightly.
Thus, this is a four star read for me.
It's hard to read at first because it's very sad and enraging, but most survivor stories are!
I stayed up all night to finish this book because I needed a HEA after the very sensitive first couple of chapters breaking my heart for the MC.
This is a story about how a person can be torn apart by people that are supposed to be the most trusted and still manage to put a mask on to survive. It's a story about the difference between survival and living. It's a story about patience, kindness, love, and how a man should treat a woman. It's a story of facing demons and overcoming dark times.
The female MC is someone you'll root for wholeheartedly.
The male MC is someone you'll want to put on an ad for the perfect male specimen.
It's a story worth reading with characters you'll love.
I do have two complaints...
First, while I believe that this story needed a happily ever to beat all, I do feel that the end was a little to Disney perfect. Was I happy for her in it all? Yes. But, the extravagance involved was I think a little overkill, perhaps.
Second, I don't think the author delved deep enough into some areas. The pregnancy decision - her mental process, the options, etc..- for example. The struggles of what an uneducated, single mom would likely face beside thrift store clothes & garage sale furniture.
Don't get me wrong... the writing was well done. The topics were real, raw, and emotional while still handled with sensitivity. I just think a few areas were kind of glossed over slightly.
Thus, this is a four star read for me.
April 9, 2017
http://amzn.to/1Or01q3
A portion of sales from this book for the month of May will benefit the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at AFSP
ith the power of love.
I really don’t want to give away much of this story as I feel allowing the reader to experience it as the plot unfolds will lead them to pure emotional highs and lows.
The reader meets Ivy as an innocent, fresh faced (though a bit wounded) teenage. The reader is then faced with a deeply wounded Ivy and then an Ivy determined to set her own path… and in the end, an Ivy whose true character shines through and brings her to a happy never imagined.
The moment Ivy and Reed meet was so well done; the attraction was tangible and yes I was rooting for them from the moment they locked eyes.
I want to say I adore Noah in this book; no this book is not a love triangle and no I am not telling you who Noah is. Read the book!
The use of Reed’s profession weaving into Ivy’s past was masterful and truly pulled at my heart as Ms. Rothert gets the reader to truly understand both sides of this.
This is more than just an epic story. This is a fabulous introduction to a family I am so excited to read more about.
I loved the Lockhart family. Yes, I fell in love with Reed in this series but more than that, Ms. Rothert got my heart to break for Kyle (the older Lockhart) and has me dying to watch Mason Lockhart fall hard for a woman in his book!
Thank you Ms. Rothert for the must click family saga!
A portion of sales from this book for the month of May will benefit the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at AFSP
ith the power of love.
I really don’t want to give away much of this story as I feel allowing the reader to experience it as the plot unfolds will lead them to pure emotional highs and lows.
The reader meets Ivy as an innocent, fresh faced (though a bit wounded) teenage. The reader is then faced with a deeply wounded Ivy and then an Ivy determined to set her own path… and in the end, an Ivy whose true character shines through and brings her to a happy never imagined.
The moment Ivy and Reed meet was so well done; the attraction was tangible and yes I was rooting for them from the moment they locked eyes.
I want to say I adore Noah in this book; no this book is not a love triangle and no I am not telling you who Noah is. Read the book!
The use of Reed’s profession weaving into Ivy’s past was masterful and truly pulled at my heart as Ms. Rothert gets the reader to truly understand both sides of this.
This is more than just an epic story. This is a fabulous introduction to a family I am so excited to read more about.
I loved the Lockhart family. Yes, I fell in love with Reed in this series but more than that, Ms. Rothert got my heart to break for Kyle (the older Lockhart) and has me dying to watch Mason Lockhart fall hard for a woman in his book!
Thank you Ms. Rothert for the must click family saga!
April 29, 2015
I'm excited I get my ARC for this tonight but at the same time nervous because I don't know what to expect.
This book was amazing! The beginning of this book was very difficult to read (triggers )to know that stuff like that really happens is just sickening! Ivy wow what an amazing ,beautiful,strong soul! Her strength was inspiring! A very touching , incredible emotional heartbreaking story. I hope that this will inspire any survivors out there that they too can start over and start to exist again. There is hope out there and they are not alone. Reed wow what an magnificent beautiful man! I really enjoyed there journey together and can't wait for more! There are still some unresolved issues with kyle but Brenda assured me those will be resolved in the next book which I can't wait for and we get more with Ivy and Reed!Next book is about Mason (Reeds brother )!Thank you Brenda for taking a chance and writing this book your an amazing writing !
This book was amazing! The beginning of this book was very difficult to read (triggers )to know that stuff like that really happens is just sickening! Ivy wow what an amazing ,beautiful,strong soul! Her strength was inspiring! A very touching , incredible emotional heartbreaking story. I hope that this will inspire any survivors out there that they too can start over and start to exist again. There is hope out there and they are not alone. Reed wow what an magnificent beautiful man! I really enjoyed there journey together and can't wait for more! There are still some unresolved issues with kyle but Brenda assured me those will be resolved in the next book which I can't wait for and we get more with Ivy and Reed!Next book is about Mason (Reeds brother )!Thank you Brenda for taking a chance and writing this book your an amazing writing !
Want to read
September 12, 2016Kindle Freebie 9.11.16
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Down-Lock...
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Down-Lock...
no-way-jose
September 22, 2016Raped by her father and got pregnant. Reviewer said author used this for sake of creating drama and broken heroine. Distasteful. Can't do rape in my books, the situation in this one??? No way
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2016
3.5 stars. Opening with teen drama the bk surprised me when suddenly turning into a horrendous nightmare for the heroine/Ivy. Jump forward 4 years and Ivy's in a new town moving forward with her life but living with a HUGE secret. Even though the story deals with some very heavy subject matter it doesn't ever get as psychologically in depth as one would expect. More like a made for TV movie where it just skims the surface. Of course, no story with a damaged heroine can be without a handsome, deeply devoted, insta-lovin Hero/Reed to the rescue. Romance on the easy sweet side with small town charm. Everything works out for the starring couple in an very predictable manner. Reed has more brothers in need of romance and while I wasn't blown away with this one, it was an entertaining free read and I may be tempted to move forward with brother #2.
August 8, 2017
This was a cute and yet sad read. I genuinely felt sad for Ivy for what happened.
Despite that I wasn't entirely taken over by the story. I mean as far as the plot went I felt genuine sympathy for Ivy and liked Reed but that was it. It didn't engage me completely.
Reed of course was a nice guy and ever so patient and Ivy and obviously Noah were simple sweethearts. Other than that the story was just there nothing more than that. Nothing extra special for me but that does not mean it wasn't a nice story. I would recommend it to anyone who is just looking for a book that gently pulls at your heart a bit and then stops. It was just normal.
Despite that I wasn't entirely taken over by the story. I mean as far as the plot went I felt genuine sympathy for Ivy and liked Reed but that was it. It didn't engage me completely.
Reed of course was a nice guy and ever so patient and Ivy and obviously Noah were simple sweethearts. Other than that the story was just there nothing more than that. Nothing extra special for me but that does not mean it wasn't a nice story. I would recommend it to anyone who is just looking for a book that gently pulls at your heart a bit and then stops. It was just normal.
October 7, 2015
do you know those books on your kindle that have been there -that you have been meaning to get to? this is that.
and I have no idea why I waited.
loved it. big time. the story engulfed me & I read it from almost cover to cover in one sitting.
(then I went to start another book and after 6 trillion ones I started - I was left with a little bit of book hang over, go figure)
Great Read!
and I have no idea why I waited.
loved it. big time. the story engulfed me & I read it from almost cover to cover in one sitting.
(then I went to start another book and after 6 trillion ones I started - I was left with a little bit of book hang over, go figure)
Great Read!
September 28, 2016
The beginning had a lot of emotions but then it began to drag and Reed was just too perfect.
January 10, 2019
I absolutely loved. loved. loved this book. It was so elegantly written, that I was drawn in with each word. I really enjoyed this book, it actually had me in tears and warmed my heart. Beginning of it was quite disturbing and saddening what Ivy went through... Trigger Warning Alert:
Even though I'm a city girl, I loved the setting of the small town living.. I felt like I was right there with them.. All the characters are friendly.. I really loved, Miss April Byerly (Ivy's HS teacher) this is what a caring teacher looks like! Need more teachers like this. Gene and Margie (the owners of the diner) who welcome Ivy.. Truly good people..
"I’d closed off my heart to all men a long time ago. There would never be another man who would hurt or disappointed me, because no one was getting in. My life was about me and Noah, and we didn’t need anyone else." — Ivy Gleason
Ivy Gleason: a beautiful soul and smart young lady. Even though she has her trust issues from what she went through, she is still so strong. She loves her little boy more than anything... Being his mom is the most important thing to her than anything else. I loved her character and personality so much..
"It made me want to pull her closer and tell her I’d catch her again if she needed me to. I’d catch her anytime she wanted." — Reed Lockhart
Reed Lockhart - is a lawyer and just moved back to his hometown (to help with the family's law firm) He is a beautiful, kind, protective and sweet gentleman. The kind of man every girl deserves to have. He takes one look at Ivy and he's smitten.
I highly recommended this beautiful story, about coming out of darkness, trusting again and finding love.....
May 30, 2015
Thus author has a wonderful writing style and tackles a very serious topic with a great deal of sensitivity and honesty. That being said, I felt that the themes were dealt with in a somewhat simplistic manner that just didn't quite work out for me. There were certain crucial details that just didn't make sense to me and unfortunately, interfered with my overall enjoyment of the book. Lots of readers absolutely adore this one, but I just couldn't quite connect with the characters. I will definitely read other books by this author and I applaud her for writing about this very weighty issue,
never-no-way
June 13, 2018WARNING:
Read my friend Bubu's review - please don't go in blind but read this review. The book deals with topics that are unbearable for most of us.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
P.S. Read the spoilers in the above review!
Read my friend Bubu's review - please don't go in blind but read this review. The book deals with topics that are unbearable for most of us.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
P.S. Read the spoilers in the above review!
January 14, 2016
4,5 gwiazdki. Świetna! czytałam prawie do 3 w nocy :)
June 18, 2024
Emotional
I must start by saying that some people might not like the book because of the topic, but the writing alone should garner higher ratings.
Yes the topic of SA is a rough topic especially if done by a family member. I guess some of us can relate because of our own past. And those who can't must not see that is actually does happen in our world. The best is knowing you can come out on the other side like Ivy.
I saw Ivy as strong especially when she left to stand on her own. The people in the town Lovely were great. Especially Gene and his wife the diner owners. oh lets not forget cranky Walter.
Reed was when of the best men that Ivy could ever fall in love with. He was kind, loving, and didn't force anything too fast.
I'm also glad that Ivy stood up at the end and pressed charges.
I must start by saying that some people might not like the book because of the topic, but the writing alone should garner higher ratings.
Yes the topic of SA is a rough topic especially if done by a family member. I guess some of us can relate because of our own past. And those who can't must not see that is actually does happen in our world. The best is knowing you can come out on the other side like Ivy.
I saw Ivy as strong especially when she left to stand on her own. The people in the town Lovely were great. Especially Gene and his wife the diner owners. oh lets not forget cranky Walter.
Reed was when of the best men that Ivy could ever fall in love with. He was kind, loving, and didn't force anything too fast.
I'm also glad that Ivy stood up at the end and pressed charges.
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