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Shooting Stars #2
Wide Open Spaces
That moment your life changes. That moment that changes your life. That moment you love someone more than you love yourself.
That was the moment we gave our son up for adoption and the moment I was left bare.
A wide-open space that would forever be empty.
There are moments that define you as a person, moments that prove just how strong you are, moments you push yourself to keep going forward when all you really want to do is give up. It was in one of those moments when I reached out and found him waiting for me.
When Shelby Calder left home fifteen years ago, she never planned on returning to the Alaskan town she left behind. But after the death of her grandfather and a bitter divorce, she hopes going home will be a fresh start for her and her ten-year-old son.
Zach Watters has made a lot of mistakes in his life. But when he sees Shelby Calder, looking more beautiful than ever, standing outside her childhood home, he promises himself that letting her go won't be a mistake he ever makes again.
Some things never change and love is one of them.
That was the moment we gave our son up for adoption and the moment I was left bare.
A wide-open space that would forever be empty.
There are moments that define you as a person, moments that prove just how strong you are, moments you push yourself to keep going forward when all you really want to do is give up. It was in one of those moments when I reached out and found him waiting for me.
When Shelby Calder left home fifteen years ago, she never planned on returning to the Alaskan town she left behind. But after the death of her grandfather and a bitter divorce, she hopes going home will be a fresh start for her and her ten-year-old son.
Zach Watters has made a lot of mistakes in his life. But when he sees Shelby Calder, looking more beautiful than ever, standing outside her childhood home, he promises himself that letting her go won't be a mistake he ever makes again.
Some things never change and love is one of them.
220 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2016
472 people are currently reading
4069 people want to read
About the author
Aurora Rose Reynolds
85 books17.2k followersAurora Rose Reynolds is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose wildly popular series include Until, Until Him, Until Her, Underground Kings and Shooting Stars.
Her writing career started in an attempt to get the outrageously alpha men who resided in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 597 reviews
September 17, 2016
ATTENTION TROLLS: PLEASE DO NOT COME ON MY REVIEW AND HARASS ME. I WILL BE FLAGGING ANY RUDE OR DISRESPECTFUL COMMENTS. Do you see me come and harass anyone giving this book a 5 star rating? HELL NO. Because it's your fucking right to love the book. SO STOP COMING ON HERE AND HARASSING ME.
Oh and guess what? I READ IT. So to the trolls out there who have been mentioning me in their reviews saying I have no right to comment on a book I haven't read? Congratulations! Here's a lovely 1 star for a book that turned out to be EXACTLY how I said it was in my disclosure.
The hero gets the heroine pregnant and then has her give the child up for adoption.
So what happens next? She leaves town because she's devastated and just three months later the hero ends up fucking her friend and getting her pregnant with twins.
CONFIRMED: Chapter 1
But he doesn't make the other woman give up their twins and ends up marrying her instead. Not only that, he tells the ex wife had she "let go of her shit" things would have worked out.
CONFIRMED: Chapter 3
So basically he'd never have left his ex wife at all. He would have been just fine to stay with her but he never felt that sense of loyalty to the heroine. My issue isn't even with the concept of adoption. I think adoption is a beautiful thing. I didn't want to read a romance where the heroine doesn't keep her child (with or without the H). I especially didn't want to read a book where the hero agrees to put the child up for adoption only to end up knocking up another woman shortly after and then stepping up to the plate to take care of them. Where was his loyalty to the heroine and his child? That's not the kind of man I wanted to read about.
The biggest issue for me was the fact that she forgives him so damn easily! She put more effort into airing her grievances with her EX HUSBAND than the man that couldn't step up to the plate to provide for their child. Really?! Oh and I couldn't believe the hero would tell the heroines son what to do. There was a scene where the heroine is telling her son that she doesn't want him to help with a bear that got into their house and the hero cuts her off and tells her it's fine.
WHAT?!
Who the hell did he think he was coming back into her life for two fucking seconds and then trying to tell her what is okay for her child? I wanted to smack him in the head with a skillet.
Wow. What happened to the author that wrote Until November?
Oh and guess what? I READ IT. So to the trolls out there who have been mentioning me in their reviews saying I have no right to comment on a book I haven't read? Congratulations! Here's a lovely 1 star for a book that turned out to be EXACTLY how I said it was in my disclosure.
CONFIRMED: Prologue
The hero gets the heroine pregnant and then has her give the child up for adoption.
So what happens next? She leaves town because she's devastated and just three months later the hero ends up fucking her friend and getting her pregnant with twins.
CONFIRMED: Chapter 1
"I stop and look to the left when Zach's name is called. Standing on the porch of the house next door is a woman I know he got with a few months after I left. A woman he married soon after she gave birth to their twins. A woman I used to call my friend. A woman I now hate. I absently hear him say something to her, but the nausea turning my stomach and the sadness prickling my skin have me moving quickly up the steps, focusing on not falling over as I move past him."
But he doesn't make the other woman give up their twins and ends up marrying her instead. Not only that, he tells the ex wife had she "let go of her shit" things would have worked out.
CONFIRMED: Chapter 3
So basically he'd never have left his ex wife at all. He would have been just fine to stay with her but he never felt that sense of loyalty to the heroine. My issue isn't even with the concept of adoption. I think adoption is a beautiful thing. I didn't want to read a romance where the heroine doesn't keep her child (with or without the H). I especially didn't want to read a book where the hero agrees to put the child up for adoption only to end up knocking up another woman shortly after and then stepping up to the plate to take care of them. Where was his loyalty to the heroine and his child? That's not the kind of man I wanted to read about.
The biggest issue for me was the fact that she forgives him so damn easily! She put more effort into airing her grievances with her EX HUSBAND than the man that couldn't step up to the plate to provide for their child. Really?! Oh and I couldn't believe the hero would tell the heroines son what to do. There was a scene where the heroine is telling her son that she doesn't want him to help with a bear that got into their house and the hero cuts her off and tells her it's fine.
WHAT?!
Who the hell did he think he was coming back into her life for two fucking seconds and then trying to tell her what is okay for her child? I wanted to smack him in the head with a skillet.
Wow. What happened to the author that wrote Until November?
October 25, 2016
3.5 Stars
There was a lot of drama surrounding this book, so I'm gonna address that first.
Yes, the H and the h have a child together when a they are young.
And, yes, they child give that child up for adoption.
Now, the H does NOT FORCE the h to do this. It's a decision they make TOGETHER and the h even stresses that at one point in the book.
Now, keep in mind - I'm NOT here to change anyone's mind about reading this book; however, I will say that I personally have a very strong opinion about adoption.
My husband was adopted.
His sister was adopted.
His mother was adopted.
And his Aunt was adopted.
And they are all happy, well adjusted people.
HOWEVER...
I know that the reason a lot of people are choosing NOT to read this - has nothing to do with the actual adoption itself, but with the fact that the H hooks up with another chick three months after he and the h break up...and that woman falls pregnant with twins - which they keep.
Which IS what happens.
Now, obviously, there was more going on at the time... The H was poor and he and the h were young and decided on the adoption together...and by the time the OW - whom he slept with in a moment of "weakness"- got pregnant (with twins), the H had gotten a job and more stability...and the OW made it clear that she was keeping the children and expected the H to "step up...."
But still...Quite frankly, as "real life" and "second chance" as this book is, this scenario is just going to leave a poor taste in some people's reading mouths. And it's ALL of our right to NOT read something we know we aren't going to be happy with.
Now, I'm all for "pushing limits" and "leaving your comfort" zone, but I'm sorry, I'm NEVER going to read about animal abuse or ridiculous love triangles. One makes me sick and the other I just don't find to be an enjoyable read. And the scenario in this book is someone's love triangle.
That said, I'm not here to talk anyone into or out of reading this. I'm simply giving my opinion on it.
As far as the story line goes...as it always is with this author, the Kristen Ashley influence was very strong and very obvious to me.
-The way Shelby and Zach snuck back and forth from their houses at night (as they were next door neighbors) felt very At Peace.
-The way Aubrey hated her mother, the way the brother didn't and just the mother herself felt very Games of the Heart. In fact, Aubrey felt like a copy of Reese in certain ways.
-The dying gramps who left the house to the h and had spent a lot of time with the H's kids felt very The Will.
I could go on....but, bored.
I don't know. I'm not suggesting anything nefarious, or even saying that it bothered me...I'm just saying that I couldn't help but notice.
Also, I just felt like things moved a little fast.
Considering how many years of distance and heartache these two had stored up, I just felt like they came back together a little more quickly than I would have liked. Also, there was just a sense of depth that was missing for me.
That said, I did find the story to be enjoyable enough, although I must say, I don't ever see myself re-reading it.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
***There is a shit storm of drama surrounding this book, which I'm not trying to become a part of...I'm just not one to ignore an elephant sitting in my living room, thus my mentioning it. Regardless, I love ARR...and I want to find out what the haps is myself***
That said, this brings up an important issue that I think everyone should give some serious thought to...
*
*
*
#truth
Find me at:
There was a lot of drama surrounding this book, so I'm gonna address that first.
Yes, the H and the h have a child together when a they are young.
And, yes, they child give that child up for adoption.
Now, the H does NOT FORCE the h to do this. It's a decision they make TOGETHER and the h even stresses that at one point in the book.
Now, keep in mind - I'm NOT here to change anyone's mind about reading this book; however, I will say that I personally have a very strong opinion about adoption.
My husband was adopted.
His sister was adopted.
His mother was adopted.
And his Aunt was adopted.
And they are all happy, well adjusted people.
HOWEVER...
I know that the reason a lot of people are choosing NOT to read this - has nothing to do with the actual adoption itself, but with the fact that the H hooks up with another chick three months after he and the h break up...and that woman falls pregnant with twins - which they keep.
Which IS what happens.
Now, obviously, there was more going on at the time... The H was poor and he and the h were young and decided on the adoption together...and by the time the OW - whom he slept with in a moment of "weakness"- got pregnant (with twins), the H had gotten a job and more stability...and the OW made it clear that she was keeping the children and expected the H to "step up...."
But still...Quite frankly, as "real life" and "second chance" as this book is, this scenario is just going to leave a poor taste in some people's reading mouths. And it's ALL of our right to NOT read something we know we aren't going to be happy with.
Now, I'm all for "pushing limits" and "leaving your comfort" zone, but I'm sorry, I'm NEVER going to read about animal abuse or ridiculous love triangles. One makes me sick and the other I just don't find to be an enjoyable read. And the scenario in this book is someone's love triangle.
That said, I'm not here to talk anyone into or out of reading this. I'm simply giving my opinion on it.
As far as the story line goes...as it always is with this author, the Kristen Ashley influence was very strong and very obvious to me.
-The way Shelby and Zach snuck back and forth from their houses at night (as they were next door neighbors) felt very At Peace.
-The way Aubrey hated her mother, the way the brother didn't and just the mother herself felt very Games of the Heart. In fact, Aubrey felt like a copy of Reese in certain ways.
-The dying gramps who left the house to the h and had spent a lot of time with the H's kids felt very The Will.
I could go on....but, bored.
I don't know. I'm not suggesting anything nefarious, or even saying that it bothered me...I'm just saying that I couldn't help but notice.
Also, I just felt like things moved a little fast.
Considering how many years of distance and heartache these two had stored up, I just felt like they came back together a little more quickly than I would have liked. Also, there was just a sense of depth that was missing for me.
That said, I did find the story to be enjoyable enough, although I must say, I don't ever see myself re-reading it.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
***There is a shit storm of drama surrounding this book, which I'm not trying to become a part of...I'm just not one to ignore an elephant sitting in my living room, thus my mentioning it. Regardless, I love ARR...and I want to find out what the haps is myself***
That said, this brings up an important issue that I think everyone should give some serious thought to...
*
*
*
#truth
Find me at:
September 2, 2016
5 stars!
Wide Open Spaces is a beautiful second chance love story that pulled at my heartstrings. Second chance romance is a tricky thing for a lot of readers, myself included at times. For me, it all depends on the whys. Why did the hero and heroine separate? What brought them back together? Did either one do anything that I just can’t get past? The hero and heroine in this story, Zach and Shelby, were both deeply in love with one another. Something heart shattering happened and the heroine just couldn’t handle it, so she left. Now, many years later, she’s restarting life for her and her son in her home state, Alaska.
Zach and Shelby were young and in love. Shelby lived with her grandparents, after both of her parents passed away and Zach didn’t have the best home life. They were teenagers with little support or means to support themselves, yet alone raise a child. They did something selfless and beautiful, yet something that tore this heroine apart. They mutually decided to give their son up for adoption. As someone who has spent many years struggling with infertility, adoption is one of the most beautiful and precious gifts anyone can give a couple who can’t have children. Adoption gives people like me hope that I can one day have a child. The fact that this story dealt with adoption was near and dear to my heart.
After the adoption, Shelby couldn’t cope. She couldn’t handle giving away her child. Even though she knew it was for the best, and that the parents that adopted her baby would be the best thing for him, it was too hard for her. She had to get out. She had to leave town. She still loved Zach, she just couldn’t be with him at that point in her life. Zach and Shelby moved on. Shelby met someone else, got married and had a child. She later got divorced. Zach didn’t know how to cope after Shelby left, so he turned to drugs and alcohol to numb his grief. Being left to grieve the loss of their child on his own, and the loss of the love of his life on top of that was just too much to take. Zach made mistakes when he was in this state. Zach is a human. Zach was not perfect. Yet, Zach never stopped loving Shelby.
Zach has been divorced for many years and has full custody of his twins, a boy and a girl named Steven and Aubrey. Shelby moves into her grandparents home after the loss of her grandfather. Surprise surprise- her neighbor is Zach. She knew she’d have to see him again, she just didn’t think it would be so soon. When Zach sees Shelby again, he knows he can’t let her get away again. She has always been the love of his life.
Let me just talk about Zach for a moment here. Zach is one of my favorite hero’s Reynolds has written. He’s a fantastic father. He loves Shel so much and treats her son like he is one of his own. He is a trademark ARR alpha in some ways, but in others, he is a little older, wiser, kinder and more patient. I loved how he gave Shelby space when she needed it, but also knew when to push. Shelby was incredible as well. I love the relationship she developed with Zach’s daughter. It was beautiful. This blended family was heartwarming. Shel came to Alaska broken, with a piece of her still missing from long ago. Slowly but surely, Zach starts to fill that space.
This was a story that was hard to read at times. It made me cry. But by the end, my heart was so happy it could burst. The story was fast-paced with the perfect amount of emotion, steam and romance. Zach and Shelby’s story shows that sometimes first love is forever love. The family element was fantastic. I loved Zach and Shelby as a couple, but I loved their ‘family unit’ even more. The next book in this series is about Zach’s daughter, Aubrey and OMG after that little sneak peak we got at the end, I can’t wait! Seems like it’s right up my alley!
If you’re looking for a beautiful romance that is equal parts sweet, swoony, steamy and a book that will give you the feels- pick this one up! I loved it and give it a full 5 stars!
I think my review speaks for itself, but due to all of the controversy surrounding the story- I’m compelled to write a little something for those on the fence trying to decide if they want to read this:
Wide Open Spaces is a beautiful second chance love story that pulled at my heartstrings. Second chance romance is a tricky thing for a lot of readers, myself included at times. For me, it all depends on the whys. Why did the hero and heroine separate? What brought them back together? Did either one do anything that I just can’t get past? The hero and heroine in this story, Zach and Shelby, were both deeply in love with one another. Something heart shattering happened and the heroine just couldn’t handle it, so she left. Now, many years later, she’s restarting life for her and her son in her home state, Alaska.
Zach and Shelby were young and in love. Shelby lived with her grandparents, after both of her parents passed away and Zach didn’t have the best home life. They were teenagers with little support or means to support themselves, yet alone raise a child. They did something selfless and beautiful, yet something that tore this heroine apart. They mutually decided to give their son up for adoption. As someone who has spent many years struggling with infertility, adoption is one of the most beautiful and precious gifts anyone can give a couple who can’t have children. Adoption gives people like me hope that I can one day have a child. The fact that this story dealt with adoption was near and dear to my heart.
After the adoption, Shelby couldn’t cope. She couldn’t handle giving away her child. Even though she knew it was for the best, and that the parents that adopted her baby would be the best thing for him, it was too hard for her. She had to get out. She had to leave town. She still loved Zach, she just couldn’t be with him at that point in her life. Zach and Shelby moved on. Shelby met someone else, got married and had a child. She later got divorced. Zach didn’t know how to cope after Shelby left, so he turned to drugs and alcohol to numb his grief. Being left to grieve the loss of their child on his own, and the loss of the love of his life on top of that was just too much to take. Zach made mistakes when he was in this state. Zach is a human. Zach was not perfect. Yet, Zach never stopped loving Shelby.
“I never moved on. I’m still stuck in the past, trying to figure out how to get back the girl I let get away.”
Zach has been divorced for many years and has full custody of his twins, a boy and a girl named Steven and Aubrey. Shelby moves into her grandparents home after the loss of her grandfather. Surprise surprise- her neighbor is Zach. She knew she’d have to see him again, she just didn’t think it would be so soon. When Zach sees Shelby again, he knows he can’t let her get away again. She has always been the love of his life.
Let me just talk about Zach for a moment here. Zach is one of my favorite hero’s Reynolds has written. He’s a fantastic father. He loves Shel so much and treats her son like he is one of his own. He is a trademark ARR alpha in some ways, but in others, he is a little older, wiser, kinder and more patient. I loved how he gave Shelby space when she needed it, but also knew when to push. Shelby was incredible as well. I love the relationship she developed with Zach’s daughter. It was beautiful. This blended family was heartwarming. Shel came to Alaska broken, with a piece of her still missing from long ago. Slowly but surely, Zach starts to fill that space.
“There’s been a wide open space left inside of me… A space I didn’t think would ever be full but from the moment I came back, it’s slowly been filling up.”
“One day, that space will be full. I swear with everything I have in me, I will make sure it’s overflowing and that you never feel empty again baby.”
This was a story that was hard to read at times. It made me cry. But by the end, my heart was so happy it could burst. The story was fast-paced with the perfect amount of emotion, steam and romance. Zach and Shelby’s story shows that sometimes first love is forever love. The family element was fantastic. I loved Zach and Shelby as a couple, but I loved their ‘family unit’ even more. The next book in this series is about Zach’s daughter, Aubrey and OMG after that little sneak peak we got at the end, I can’t wait! Seems like it’s right up my alley!
If you’re looking for a beautiful romance that is equal parts sweet, swoony, steamy and a book that will give you the feels- pick this one up! I loved it and give it a full 5 stars!
I think my review speaks for itself, but due to all of the controversy surrounding the story- I’m compelled to write a little something for those on the fence trying to decide if they want to read this:
August 30, 2016
*****FIVE STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
”The only thing I think—the only thing I know—is I’ve carried around an empty place in my soul for the last fifteen years, and the moment I saw you standing outside in the rain, that empty place filled up.”
Wide Open Spaces was a beautiful and at times heartbreaking story of first love and second chances. Again, I decided to read a book from yet another author whose books I have just never had the time to get around to and all I can say is that I understand why Aurora has such a huge following. I devoured this book in one sitting. The story captivated and held me prisoner for an entire Sunday afternoon. I’m trying to figure out how to carve some time in my busy ARC reading schedule to fit in some more books by this talented author.
The story opens up during an incredibly poignant moment between the two main characters. Zach and Shelby were High School sweethearts and so deeply in love but life threw them a curveball—Shelby ended up getting pregnant. They were both too young and not in a place where they could provide for their baby, so they decide to give him up for adoption. This rocks the both of them to their core. Shelby, however, decides that leaving their hometown in Alaska and moving to Seattle, was what she needed to do in order to get over the loss. So the young lovers have seemingly been torn apart. Until Shelby comes home fifteen years later, but she brings her ten-year-old son with her.
Shelby is recently divorced from her husband and decides that going back to live in the house her grandfather left her, is a good move for her and her boy. To her surprise, she discovers that the man who once owned her heart now lives next door to her. Zach never left home all those years ago but he did end up marrying another woman and had twins with her. Shelby learned about Zach’s marriage and kids early on, and she has never been able to let go of the hurt she felt over it. How could he be okay with giving up their son and then within months afterwards, he marries and has kids with someone else??? Well, let me just say, I was flipping pissed off too!!!! HOWEVER, we learn pretty quickly that Zach has been divorced for several years and that there has only ever been one woman that has owned his heart, and you better believe that it was Shelby!! Zach later explains what transpired and call me a sucker, but I forgave him rather quickly. I understood how it happened and I admired his outlook on the situation.
Their journey that will lead them back into each other’s arms is not an easy one. There are tons of obstacles that present themselves along the way, but ultimately what we learn is that true love will always win in the end.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book. I just saw the cover and knew that I had to give it a try. It’s an amazing feeling to find yet another author whose writing style ends up captivating you. This is definitely a must read in my opinion and it’s so fabulous that you’ll want to read it in one sitting.
WIDE OPEN SPACES is currently available! Make sure you one-click!!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bB0Ejm
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2brZOcH
iBooks: http://apple.co/2bRE1rI
Nook: http://bit.ly/2bwDc8e
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2c0MloI
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
”The only thing I think—the only thing I know—is I’ve carried around an empty place in my soul for the last fifteen years, and the moment I saw you standing outside in the rain, that empty place filled up.”
Wide Open Spaces was a beautiful and at times heartbreaking story of first love and second chances. Again, I decided to read a book from yet another author whose books I have just never had the time to get around to and all I can say is that I understand why Aurora has such a huge following. I devoured this book in one sitting. The story captivated and held me prisoner for an entire Sunday afternoon. I’m trying to figure out how to carve some time in my busy ARC reading schedule to fit in some more books by this talented author.
The story opens up during an incredibly poignant moment between the two main characters. Zach and Shelby were High School sweethearts and so deeply in love but life threw them a curveball—Shelby ended up getting pregnant. They were both too young and not in a place where they could provide for their baby, so they decide to give him up for adoption. This rocks the both of them to their core. Shelby, however, decides that leaving their hometown in Alaska and moving to Seattle, was what she needed to do in order to get over the loss. So the young lovers have seemingly been torn apart. Until Shelby comes home fifteen years later, but she brings her ten-year-old son with her.
Shelby is recently divorced from her husband and decides that going back to live in the house her grandfather left her, is a good move for her and her boy. To her surprise, she discovers that the man who once owned her heart now lives next door to her. Zach never left home all those years ago but he did end up marrying another woman and had twins with her. Shelby learned about Zach’s marriage and kids early on, and she has never been able to let go of the hurt she felt over it. How could he be okay with giving up their son and then within months afterwards, he marries and has kids with someone else??? Well, let me just say, I was flipping pissed off too!!!! HOWEVER, we learn pretty quickly that Zach has been divorced for several years and that there has only ever been one woman that has owned his heart, and you better believe that it was Shelby!! Zach later explains what transpired and call me a sucker, but I forgave him rather quickly. I understood how it happened and I admired his outlook on the situation.
Their journey that will lead them back into each other’s arms is not an easy one. There are tons of obstacles that present themselves along the way, but ultimately what we learn is that true love will always win in the end.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book. I just saw the cover and knew that I had to give it a try. It’s an amazing feeling to find yet another author whose writing style ends up captivating you. This is definitely a must read in my opinion and it’s so fabulous that you’ll want to read it in one sitting.
WIDE OPEN SPACES is currently available! Make sure you one-click!!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bB0Ejm
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2brZOcH
iBooks: http://apple.co/2bRE1rI
Nook: http://bit.ly/2bwDc8e
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2c0MloI
never-want-to-read
March 9, 2017This is not an actual review, its just a reminder for me.
Not for me here!
Nothing can ever justify the actions taken by the hero in this book for me.
I am sure a good spin doctor could make crap sound like 100% totally organic biologically natural but it's still crap and I won't eat it!
I have 6 kids and if my husband ever made me give one of my babies! Well then he would not be the one for me and we could never be together....ever!
The reasons for adoption are clear here, he did not love her enough to commit to her but a year later he was able to do so with two kids and another woman. Done, this is just not for me.
End of story.
That's it.
For those of you who have enjoyed this book, that is great! But please just write your own review and leave my commentary alone.
Thanks, I appreciate that.
Let's be mature and respect our differences here.
Not for me here!
Nothing can ever justify the actions taken by the hero in this book for me.
I am sure a good spin doctor could make crap sound like 100% totally organic biologically natural but it's still crap and I won't eat it!
I have 6 kids and if my husband ever made me give one of my babies! Well then he would not be the one for me and we could never be together....ever!
The reasons for adoption are clear here, he did not love her enough to commit to her but a year later he was able to do so with two kids and another woman. Done, this is just not for me.
End of story.
That's it.
For those of you who have enjoyed this book, that is great! But please just write your own review and leave my commentary alone.
Thanks, I appreciate that.
Let's be mature and respect our differences here.
October 7, 2016
To hear him say he didn't regret sleeping with Tina because he had his kids by her, well I'm sorry I didn't find that sweet not because I begrudged his love for his children but because of the way he said it. If felt like such a slap to the face that he wanted to make his marriage work and raise his kids when he couldn't do that with the heroine. THREE FUCKING MONTHS he waited before sleeping with her BF, how he could possibly justify it to himself I don't know. This book left a bad feeling in my mouth and very dissatisfied.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
no-way-jose
August 31, 2016https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And the 5 stars reviews are a copy and paste of each other. Change a word here and other there and a bunch of ARC readers have their review completed. And they failed to mention how the hero moved on.
Eye rolling inducing.
Please, explain beautiful journey of love and forgiving after H This guy is really a good example of what not to do and how not to treat the person you love. What a pitiful hero and what a pitiful story.
A different line of thought regarding this book.
From a reviewer called Gabby
Aug 29, 2016 Gabby rated it did not like it
"If you have to IGNORE things like the HERO GAVE the heroine's baby AWAY then KNOCKED UP the heroine's bff 3 MONTHS later and MARRIED HER so he could be a FATHER to HER kids?
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
If you have to OVERLOOK the hero being so unbelievably STUPID that 3 months after THROWING his FIRST BORN away (because he's POOR and YOUNG and had no way to PROVIDE for FUCKING CHILDREN) he's so OVERCOME WITH GREIF (boo fucking hoo!) that he goes RIGHT back out and SCREWS some chick fucking BAREBACK AGAIN and KNOCKS HER UP!
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
If you have to FORCE yourself to feel SORRY for the HERO that MARRIED the bff he KNOCKED UP 3 MONTHS after THROWING the heroine's baby AWAY because he SAYS he was NEVER HAPPY WITH HIS EX (Again boo fucking hoo!)
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
If you have to JUSTIFY the hero's SHITTY, STUPID, COWARDLY actions by saying the heroine had a way HAPPIER life than HE did AFTER he GAVE up HER baby but MARRIED the BFF he KNOCKED UP 3 MONTHS later?
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
And FYI: IT. DOES. NOT. EVEN. THE. SCORE! So it's NOT EVEN A GOOD STORY!
She STILL didn't get to keep her first child! She STILL didn't get to see him grow up. She STILL didn't get to LOVE him, HOLD him, TEACH him to be a man. But her BFF DID!
If you have to BLOCK OUT the TRUTH that the hero spent YEARS being a FATHER to the heroine's bff's CHILDREN and a HUSBAND to the heroine's bff after REFUSING to be a FATHER to the heroine's CHILD and a HUSBAND to the heroine?
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
I don't give a FAT FLYING FUCK if he did it because he FINALLY felt the NEED to STEP UP after making the same FUCKING MISTAKE in less than A YEAR!
WEAR A FUCKING CONDOM OR GET A FUCKING VASECTOMY!
And if you have to CONVINCE yourself that everything about this FUCKED UP STORY is OK because the kid the hero THREW AWAY was adopted by a good family and the heroine got pregnant AGAIN by MR FERTILE MYRTLE at the end and 18 YEARS LATER they get to meet the son he THREW AWAY while he LOVED, RAISED, AND PROVIDED FOR 2 OTHER SONS HE SIRED 3 MONTHS LATER!
IT'S NOT A FUCKING ROMANCE!
Call it CHICK LIT! Call it FICTION. PSYCHOLOGY! SELF HELP! A FUCKING CAUTIONARY TALE!
BUT. DO. NOT. CALL. IT. ROMANCE!!!"
description
And the 5 stars reviews are a copy and paste of each other. Change a word here and other there and a bunch of ARC readers have their review completed. And they failed to mention how the hero moved on.
Eye rolling inducing.
Please, explain beautiful journey of love and forgiving after H This guy is really a good example of what not to do and how not to treat the person you love. What a pitiful hero and what a pitiful story.
A different line of thought regarding this book.
From a reviewer called Gabby
Aug 29, 2016 Gabby rated it did not like it
"If you have to IGNORE things like the HERO GAVE the heroine's baby AWAY then KNOCKED UP the heroine's bff 3 MONTHS later and MARRIED HER so he could be a FATHER to HER kids?
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
If you have to OVERLOOK the hero being so unbelievably STUPID that 3 months after THROWING his FIRST BORN away (because he's POOR and YOUNG and had no way to PROVIDE for FUCKING CHILDREN) he's so OVERCOME WITH GREIF (boo fucking hoo!) that he goes RIGHT back out and SCREWS some chick fucking BAREBACK AGAIN and KNOCKS HER UP!
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
If you have to FORCE yourself to feel SORRY for the HERO that MARRIED the bff he KNOCKED UP 3 MONTHS after THROWING the heroine's baby AWAY because he SAYS he was NEVER HAPPY WITH HIS EX (Again boo fucking hoo!)
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
If you have to JUSTIFY the hero's SHITTY, STUPID, COWARDLY actions by saying the heroine had a way HAPPIER life than HE did AFTER he GAVE up HER baby but MARRIED the BFF he KNOCKED UP 3 MONTHS later?
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
And FYI: IT. DOES. NOT. EVEN. THE. SCORE! So it's NOT EVEN A GOOD STORY!
She STILL didn't get to keep her first child! She STILL didn't get to see him grow up. She STILL didn't get to LOVE him, HOLD him, TEACH him to be a man. But her BFF DID!
If you have to BLOCK OUT the TRUTH that the hero spent YEARS being a FATHER to the heroine's bff's CHILDREN and a HUSBAND to the heroine's bff after REFUSING to be a FATHER to the heroine's CHILD and a HUSBAND to the heroine?
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
I don't give a FAT FLYING FUCK if he did it because he FINALLY felt the NEED to STEP UP after making the same FUCKING MISTAKE in less than A YEAR!
WEAR A FUCKING CONDOM OR GET A FUCKING VASECTOMY!
And if you have to CONVINCE yourself that everything about this FUCKED UP STORY is OK because the kid the hero THREW AWAY was adopted by a good family and the heroine got pregnant AGAIN by MR FERTILE MYRTLE at the end and 18 YEARS LATER they get to meet the son he THREW AWAY while he LOVED, RAISED, AND PROVIDED FOR 2 OTHER SONS HE SIRED 3 MONTHS LATER!
IT'S NOT A FUCKING ROMANCE!
Call it CHICK LIT! Call it FICTION. PSYCHOLOGY! SELF HELP! A FUCKING CAUTIONARY TALE!
BUT. DO. NOT. CALL. IT. ROMANCE!!!"
description
September 8, 2016
“We were meant to be here, right now in this moment. We were meant to find each other again.”
Wide Open Spaces is a healing second chance romance that will break your heart and then put it back together piece by piece. Aurora Rose Reynolds always offers a sexy blend of strong characters and tender plot lines. Wide Open Spaces certainly did not disappoint.
Zach and Shelby were high school sweethearts. Although it seemed they would always be together, a teenage pregnancy ripped them apart. They made the decision to put their baby up for adoption. Both too young to deal with the loss, Shelby breaks up with Zach and runs away. Zach turns to drinking and women to cope with the pain. When Zach has a one night stand only months after Shelby has left, he finds himself once again with another unplanned pregnancy. This time, Zach tries to "do the right thing". He marries the girl, and together they have twins.
“I never moved on. I’m still stuck in the past, trying to figure out how to get back the girl I let get away.”Years later, Shelby finds herself divorced and raising her pre-teen son. Although she doesn't regret leaving home, after her failed marriage she decides to seek comfort from her roots. She returns to Alaska and the house she grew up in. Even with facing the struggle of starting over as a single mom, she finds comfort in her grandfather's home. It doesn't take long for Shelby to bump into her old flame Zach. To her surprise, Zach is also divorced and raising twins.
“I wish my past didn’t hurt you so much. I’m sorry for hurting you the way I have. If I could take your pain away, I would.”It is evident from the very first meeting that both Zach and Shelby still have feelings for each other. Shelby is quite guarded and focused on protecting her heart. Zach, on the other hand, is 100 percent focused on making things right this time around. With a vindictive ex-wife, Zach is more than willing to fight for Shelby and provide her all of the love and comfort she needs to last a lifetime. But after so many mistakes have been made, can they ever find a way to make it right?
“I’ve been in love with you for almost eighteen years. I carried your missing pieces around inside me for that long.”Told in dual POV, Wide Open Spaces is a unique second chance romance. My heart broke for Zach and Shelby as they had to give up their child. I recognized the struggle these young characters were placed in. Both Zach and Shelby were given something more than either of them could handle. Sometimes the twists and turns in life are beyond our understanding and control. I thought this element of the read was an accurate reflection of missed chances in real life. I found Shelby and Zach's reconnection to be inspiring and quite healing. The plot was quite entertaining with plenty of drama, upset exes, and crazy teenage kids just trying to find their way. When Shelby and Zach reconnect both emotionally and physically, it was quite romantic, and the banter between the two was quite entertaining. Wide Open Spaces is another Reynolds winner with a strong alpha male, a quick connection, and extra steam!
Overall, I highly recommend Wide Open Spaces to second chance romance fans. Although some readers may be upset with the circumstances these characters faced, I found their journey to be quite realistic to what many young couples face and was happy for both of them that they received a second chance.
*ARC graciously provided via TRSOR in exchange for an honest review!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
October 23, 2016
*****5 Stars*****
“Some things never change and love is one of them.”
If there is one thing I love reading, it’s a second chance love story. I love the idea of two people being drawn back to each other whether it be through fate or coincidence. But what I love most about second chance romance stories is that time never diminishes the want, need and love between the two characters. I absolutely loved “Wide Open Spaces” for all these reasons and more. I must admit, I was a little worried going into this one as I had read some mixed reviews. Nonetheless, I went in with an open mind, with no expectations and I absolutely loved it.
Shelby and Zach are high school sweethearts and after the tough decision of giving their baby up for adoption, they drifted apart and went their separate ways. They made a very brave and admiral decision to give up their son; to give him a life that they couldn’t possible provide him at that stage of their life. Fast forward many years and this is where their story really begins.
Shelby returns to her childhood town after her divorce, with her ten year old son Hunter to make a fresh start. Being back home brings up the memories she so desperately ran away from fifteen years ago, one of them being Zach.
Zach is by no means perfect and has made mistakes in his life that he has had to own, but he has made a life for himself. He is now a single Dad to two children and an amazing dad at that.
Shelby and Zach were absolutely perfect together. You could just feel how much in love these two characters were. No amount of distance or time apart had diminished those feelings, if anything they were even more intense. These two characters are the epitome of why I love second chance romance stories so much.
“This moment is everything. I never thought I would have what I have right now, didn’t even dare to dream it.”
“Wide Open Spaces” is definitely a favourite read for me so far this year. Zach and Shelby are great characters I really wanted to see them end up happy. They’ve been through a lot and deserve all the happiness in the world. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves a great second chance romance story, with plenty of intense love, passion and emotion.
Want to read
July 21, 2016SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THIS ONE! AND THAT COVER!!! WOW!
March 17, 2021
Reread 3/17/21
So...I have seen a shit-ton of discussions about this book, so reviewing it will be interesting ;)
First of all....many people chose not to read the book because of the blurb (and the info that got out). For me this was actually the reason I did want to read it. What can I say....I'm a very curious person and I like challenging myself.
I wanted to read to book myself, so I could form my own opinion, based on how this book made me feel. So the big question is...how did it make me feel ??..... I don't really know !!
Did I hate the the book ?? No, I didn't. I actually enjoyed reading it. Then again, I'm easily pleased. I don't mind reading about books that have cheating or ow and om, as long as there is a right amount of groveling and there is a HEA. I do hate doormat heroines though !!
Now before I go any further with this review, I have to warn you that there are are gonna be some major SPOILERS. I normally try not to spoiler, but in this case, I'm gonna make an exception. This book has been spoilered to hell and back already, but if you don't want the inside scoop.....STOP READING and don't come complaining afterwards !!!! I hate that shit !!! You have been warned ;)
First of all, this book has no cheating in it. Just so you know.
Shelby and Zach were very young and very much in love when they found out she was pregnant. She lived with her grandfather (her parents had died) and he came from a poor family and didn't have a well paying job. They decided together, that it would be best to give their baby boy up for adoption. They even picked a family they felt good about. They were both in agreement that this was the right thing to do, Zach did not make Shelby give up the baby. Shelby actually states in the book, that she felt like she did something good, giving her baby to these lovely people, who couldn't have children of their own. I agree that adoption can be a beautiful thing.
However, after giving her baby up, Shelby lost her way, which I understood. Shortly after this, she leaves Alaska and Zach behind.
Now this is where things get iffy. Zach waits for Shelby to come back. He is dealing with his own loss. To be honest, he had just as much right to his feelings as she did. He didn't make her do anything...they agreed and he is feeling this sence of loss just as much as she did. He also has to deal with losing her, after she leaves him behind. He get's into drugs and drinks to much and three months after Shelby left, he get's drunk and winds up in bed with Tina.
Now Tina was appearantly one of Shelby's friends, and she was even a bitch with very little friends back then. This is only told in passing, we don't get to read about any of that. We don't get anything about the younger Shelby and Zach, except for the one scene, after she gave birth.
Zach realises that he has hit rock bottom and wants to change. He goes to the sheriff and asks for a job. The man informs him that if he finishes his school, he is welcome to come back and a job will be waiting for him. So this is what he does. Four months later, he comes back and starts the job, at which time Tina also showes up...pregnant with twins and demanding his help. Now Tina doesn't take shit and tells him that he has to man the fuck up. Which he does. He doesn't want to make any more mistakes. He wants to be a father for his kids. I can understand, because losing his son also hurt and broke his heart. So he steps up and even marries Tina. Their marriage doesn't last very long and there was never any love between them....she knew this. He loves his kids though. His son and daughter were pretty awesome.
Now 15 years later, Shelby is back. After divorcing her husband, she and her 10 year old son moved to Alaska, to move into the house, her grandfather left her. Right next door to Zach and his kids. When Zach takes one look at Shelby, he knows his love for her still runs deep and he promises himself he is gonna get her back to where she belongs....with him.
So that's it in a nuttshell. Now as to how I feel. I wasn't upset about the adoption, because I understood. I wasn't even upset with Zach when he chose to step up and be a father to his twins, because I understood he didn't want to make another mistake...losing one child was hard enough already. What I was upset about however was the fact that 4 months after the love of his life left, because they had to give up their baby, he decided to fuck a girl without a condom !!! I mean really. You would think he learned from what happened....but clearly he didn't !!!! That had me pissed off !!
Also, Shelby gave in really fast. I was expecting her to hold out a bit longer.
The steam was pretty nice and I really liked all the kids. They were all great ! Shelby's ex was a bit of a douche in the beginning, but thank god he came around and Tina does stir some shit, but not too much. All in all, it was good read.
I was a bit dissapointed that we didn't get much about Zach and Shelby when they were younger. I have no idea what their relationship was like back then. We get one scene and then there is a 15 year timejump. They were supposed to be each others true love, but because we don't get to read about their past, I didn't really feel it. I would have preferred more info on that to be honest. Maybe then I would have understood better, when they came together so fast again.
3 stars from me
.
So...I have seen a shit-ton of discussions about this book, so reviewing it will be interesting ;)
First of all....many people chose not to read the book because of the blurb (and the info that got out). For me this was actually the reason I did want to read it. What can I say....I'm a very curious person and I like challenging myself.
I wanted to read to book myself, so I could form my own opinion, based on how this book made me feel. So the big question is...how did it make me feel ??..... I don't really know !!
Did I hate the the book ?? No, I didn't. I actually enjoyed reading it. Then again, I'm easily pleased. I don't mind reading about books that have cheating or ow and om, as long as there is a right amount of groveling and there is a HEA. I do hate doormat heroines though !!
Now before I go any further with this review, I have to warn you that there are are gonna be some major SPOILERS. I normally try not to spoiler, but in this case, I'm gonna make an exception. This book has been spoilered to hell and back already, but if you don't want the inside scoop.....STOP READING and don't come complaining afterwards !!!! I hate that shit !!! You have been warned ;)
First of all, this book has no cheating in it. Just so you know.
Shelby and Zach were very young and very much in love when they found out she was pregnant. She lived with her grandfather (her parents had died) and he came from a poor family and didn't have a well paying job. They decided together, that it would be best to give their baby boy up for adoption. They even picked a family they felt good about. They were both in agreement that this was the right thing to do, Zach did not make Shelby give up the baby. Shelby actually states in the book, that she felt like she did something good, giving her baby to these lovely people, who couldn't have children of their own. I agree that adoption can be a beautiful thing.
However, after giving her baby up, Shelby lost her way, which I understood. Shortly after this, she leaves Alaska and Zach behind.
Now this is where things get iffy. Zach waits for Shelby to come back. He is dealing with his own loss. To be honest, he had just as much right to his feelings as she did. He didn't make her do anything...they agreed and he is feeling this sence of loss just as much as she did. He also has to deal with losing her, after she leaves him behind. He get's into drugs and drinks to much and three months after Shelby left, he get's drunk and winds up in bed with Tina.
Now Tina was appearantly one of Shelby's friends, and she was even a bitch with very little friends back then. This is only told in passing, we don't get to read about any of that. We don't get anything about the younger Shelby and Zach, except for the one scene, after she gave birth.
Zach realises that he has hit rock bottom and wants to change. He goes to the sheriff and asks for a job. The man informs him that if he finishes his school, he is welcome to come back and a job will be waiting for him. So this is what he does. Four months later, he comes back and starts the job, at which time Tina also showes up...pregnant with twins and demanding his help. Now Tina doesn't take shit and tells him that he has to man the fuck up. Which he does. He doesn't want to make any more mistakes. He wants to be a father for his kids. I can understand, because losing his son also hurt and broke his heart. So he steps up and even marries Tina. Their marriage doesn't last very long and there was never any love between them....she knew this. He loves his kids though. His son and daughter were pretty awesome.
Now 15 years later, Shelby is back. After divorcing her husband, she and her 10 year old son moved to Alaska, to move into the house, her grandfather left her. Right next door to Zach and his kids. When Zach takes one look at Shelby, he knows his love for her still runs deep and he promises himself he is gonna get her back to where she belongs....with him.
So that's it in a nuttshell. Now as to how I feel. I wasn't upset about the adoption, because I understood. I wasn't even upset with Zach when he chose to step up and be a father to his twins, because I understood he didn't want to make another mistake...losing one child was hard enough already. What I was upset about however was the fact that 4 months after the love of his life left, because they had to give up their baby, he decided to fuck a girl without a condom !!! I mean really. You would think he learned from what happened....but clearly he didn't !!!! That had me pissed off !!
Also, Shelby gave in really fast. I was expecting her to hold out a bit longer.
The steam was pretty nice and I really liked all the kids. They were all great ! Shelby's ex was a bit of a douche in the beginning, but thank god he came around and Tina does stir some shit, but not too much. All in all, it was good read.
I was a bit dissapointed that we didn't get much about Zach and Shelby when they were younger. I have no idea what their relationship was like back then. We get one scene and then there is a 15 year timejump. They were supposed to be each others true love, but because we don't get to read about their past, I didn't really feel it. I would have preferred more info on that to be honest. Maybe then I would have understood better, when they came together so fast again.
3 stars from me
.
September 2, 2018
children with another woman + WTF moment + not assume son with heroine but married bitch who got pregnant + son of the hero and heroine put up for adoption + I wouldn't take the hero back
------------
“He married Tina. He got her pregnant and married her.”
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“He married Tina. He got her pregnant and married her.”
don-t-read
August 28, 2016https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... NOPE, NOPE, NOPE, NOPE, NOPE, No WAY.
this book is moving to my don't read list which I'm so sad about because I never would have guessed that from ARR. But man I would probably break my kindle and maybe harm my husband if I read this. Just reading the comments are enough to give me high blood pressure.
this book is moving to my don't read list which I'm so sad about because I never would have guessed that from ARR. But man I would probably break my kindle and maybe harm my husband if I read this. Just reading the comments are enough to give me high blood pressure.
August 25, 2016
5 amazing stars!!!
The moment Aurora Rose Reynolds mentioned that she is going to write another book in the Shooting Star series I was over the moon happy because book #1 Fighting to Breathe is my favorite book of hers. I had therefore very high expectations for Wide Open Spaces that were not only fulfilled but totally surpassed. This book was without a doubt one of the BEST second chance love stories I've ever read. I could literally feel how much the author put all her love into writing this book. It's a very emotional read that shows how true love can conquer all. Zach and Shelby's road to happiness was not a smooth one. Like in real life it was full of challenges and some major ups and downs.
The moment Zach and Shelby gave their son up for adoption a wide-open space was left in their both hearts they thought would forever be empty. It was a decision they didn't made easy. They did it with best intentions in mind for their child, wanting him to have a better life than they were able to give him.
When Shelby Calder left home fifteen years ago, she never planned on returning to the Alaskan town she left behind. But after the death of her gramps and a bitter divorce, she hopes going home will be a fresh start for her and her ten-year-old son Hunter.
Zach Watters is a man that made a lot of mistakes in his life. The one he regrets most is that he let the only woman he has ever loved go: Shelby. When the girl that still owns his heart returns to her childhood home looking more beautiful than ever before, he promises himself that he will get her back and never let her go again.
Can they both leave their past and regrets behind and move on into a beautiful future together?
Zach and Shelby totally stole my heart. I loved them so much! Zach wasn't a perfect hero, he made mistakes (like we all do) but that made him only human to me. He was a true alpha with a swoon-worthy and tender side while Shelby was a very loveable and strong heroine. They were perfect for each other!
Prepare yourself for a heart-breakingingly beautiful story that won't leave you unaffected! Aurora's powerful and poignant writing will touch you deeply and make you never want this book to end.
Is Wide Open Spaces an emotional rollercoaster? Yes, definitely. Will your heart be broken? Yes it will, but Aurora will put it back together. I promise! Give this book a chance, you won't regret it! Great job Aurora Rose Reynolds.
The moment Aurora Rose Reynolds mentioned that she is going to write another book in the Shooting Star series I was over the moon happy because book #1 Fighting to Breathe is my favorite book of hers. I had therefore very high expectations for Wide Open Spaces that were not only fulfilled but totally surpassed. This book was without a doubt one of the BEST second chance love stories I've ever read. I could literally feel how much the author put all her love into writing this book. It's a very emotional read that shows how true love can conquer all. Zach and Shelby's road to happiness was not a smooth one. Like in real life it was full of challenges and some major ups and downs.
The moment Zach and Shelby gave their son up for adoption a wide-open space was left in their both hearts they thought would forever be empty. It was a decision they didn't made easy. They did it with best intentions in mind for their child, wanting him to have a better life than they were able to give him.
When Shelby Calder left home fifteen years ago, she never planned on returning to the Alaskan town she left behind. But after the death of her gramps and a bitter divorce, she hopes going home will be a fresh start for her and her ten-year-old son Hunter.
Zach Watters is a man that made a lot of mistakes in his life. The one he regrets most is that he let the only woman he has ever loved go: Shelby. When the girl that still owns his heart returns to her childhood home looking more beautiful than ever before, he promises himself that he will get her back and never let her go again.
Can they both leave their past and regrets behind and move on into a beautiful future together?
Zach and Shelby totally stole my heart. I loved them so much! Zach wasn't a perfect hero, he made mistakes (like we all do) but that made him only human to me. He was a true alpha with a swoon-worthy and tender side while Shelby was a very loveable and strong heroine. They were perfect for each other!
Prepare yourself for a heart-breakingingly beautiful story that won't leave you unaffected! Aurora's powerful and poignant writing will touch you deeply and make you never want this book to end.
Is Wide Open Spaces an emotional rollercoaster? Yes, definitely. Will your heart be broken? Yes it will, but Aurora will put it back together. I promise! Give this book a chance, you won't regret it! Great job Aurora Rose Reynolds.
August 25, 2016
5 emotional stars!!!
I wanted to read this story from the first moment Aurora Rose Reynolds hinted at the next couple in her Shooting Stars series - Zach and Shelby. I knew that their story is going to be heartbreaking and a tear jerker. I also believed that despite all the sad and tragic happenings there is going to be a HEA for these star-crossed lovers. Aurora did not only meet all my expectations, she exceeded them. She wrote one of the most beautiful, touching and inspirational second chance love stories I've ever read! And they are my absolute favorite kind of books. Aurora has poured her heart out while writing Wide Open Spaces and you can feel it in your bones on each and every page.
Zach and Shelby share a history full of love but also great pain and regrets. They decided to give their baby boy up for adoption in order to offer him a better life, a nice home with people who are going to adore him and provide for him - the ultimate gesture of selflessness and love. They were both broken-hearted but they knew that it was the right decision at that time and under the given circumstances. Shelby couldn't handle the aftermath of this tragic event and therefore decided to leave everything behind, including Zach.
15 years later she moves back to her home town with her son Hunter. She is divorced and looking forward to start a new life in Alaska. It turns out that Zach happens to live right next door to her and he is even more devastatingly handsome now than he used to be as a teenager. Looking at Shelby after so many years still makes Zach's heart beat faster. He has many regrets in his life but the biggest one is losing the girl who meant the world to him. Now that Shelby is back he intends to fight with everything he has for her and a future together. Can they leave their past behind and work towards a HEA? Can they finally fill the huge void in their hearts which was left behind after they gave up their baby for adoption and subsequently lost each other?
I absolutely adored Zach and Shelby. He was a honorable and caring man and she was a strong and good-hearted woman. Their love wasn't only hearts and flowers. It was full of hardships and challenges. But as we all know nothing in this world worth having comes easy.
This book took my breath away. It's my favorite by this author. Aurora showed us so many different kinds of love in Wide Open Spaces, each and every one so special and beautiful on its own. I could gush about this story for hours, seriously. The epilogue was pure perfection in my eyes. I loved it that everything turned out the way it was always meant to be for these characters. Aurora Rose Reynolds did a terrific job with Wide Open Spaces and I sincerely hope that you are going to give this amazing book a chance. You would otherwise miss out on a great read.
I wanted to read this story from the first moment Aurora Rose Reynolds hinted at the next couple in her Shooting Stars series - Zach and Shelby. I knew that their story is going to be heartbreaking and a tear jerker. I also believed that despite all the sad and tragic happenings there is going to be a HEA for these star-crossed lovers. Aurora did not only meet all my expectations, she exceeded them. She wrote one of the most beautiful, touching and inspirational second chance love stories I've ever read! And they are my absolute favorite kind of books. Aurora has poured her heart out while writing Wide Open Spaces and you can feel it in your bones on each and every page.
Zach and Shelby share a history full of love but also great pain and regrets. They decided to give their baby boy up for adoption in order to offer him a better life, a nice home with people who are going to adore him and provide for him - the ultimate gesture of selflessness and love. They were both broken-hearted but they knew that it was the right decision at that time and under the given circumstances. Shelby couldn't handle the aftermath of this tragic event and therefore decided to leave everything behind, including Zach.
15 years later she moves back to her home town with her son Hunter. She is divorced and looking forward to start a new life in Alaska. It turns out that Zach happens to live right next door to her and he is even more devastatingly handsome now than he used to be as a teenager. Looking at Shelby after so many years still makes Zach's heart beat faster. He has many regrets in his life but the biggest one is losing the girl who meant the world to him. Now that Shelby is back he intends to fight with everything he has for her and a future together. Can they leave their past behind and work towards a HEA? Can they finally fill the huge void in their hearts which was left behind after they gave up their baby for adoption and subsequently lost each other?
I absolutely adored Zach and Shelby. He was a honorable and caring man and she was a strong and good-hearted woman. Their love wasn't only hearts and flowers. It was full of hardships and challenges. But as we all know nothing in this world worth having comes easy.
This book took my breath away. It's my favorite by this author. Aurora showed us so many different kinds of love in Wide Open Spaces, each and every one so special and beautiful on its own. I could gush about this story for hours, seriously. The epilogue was pure perfection in my eyes. I loved it that everything turned out the way it was always meant to be for these characters. Aurora Rose Reynolds did a terrific job with Wide Open Spaces and I sincerely hope that you are going to give this amazing book a chance. You would otherwise miss out on a great read.
August 29, 2016
If you have to IGNORE things like the HERO GAVE the heroine's baby AWAY then KNOCKED UP the heroine's bff 3 MONTHS later and MARRIED HER so he could be a FATHER to HER kids?
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
If you have to OVERLOOK the hero being so unbelievably STUPID that 3 months after THROWING his FIRST BORN away (because he's POOR and YOUNG and had no way to PROVIDE for FUCKING CHILDREN) he's so OVERCOME WITH GREIF (boo fucking hoo!) that he goes RIGHT back out and SCREWS some chick fucking BAREBACK AGAIN and KNOCKS HER UP!
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
If you have to FORCE yourself to feel SORRY for the HERO that MARRIED the bff he KNOCKED UP 3 MONTHS after THROWING the heroine's baby AWAY because he SAYS he was NEVER HAPPY WITH HIS EX (Again boo fucking hoo!)
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
If you have to JUSTIFY the hero's SHITTY, STUPID, COWARDLY actions by saying the heroine had a way HAPPIER life than HE did AFTER he GAVE up HER baby but MARRIED the BFF he KNOCKED UP 3 MONTHS later?
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
And FYI: IT. DOES. NOT. EVEN. THE. SCORE! So it's NOT EVEN A GOOD STORY!
She STILL didn't get to keep her first child! She STILL didn't get to see him grow up. She STILL didn't get to LOVE him, HOLD him, TEACH him to be a man. But her BFF DID!
If you have to BLOCK OUT the TRUTH that the hero spent YEARS being a FATHER to the heroine's bff's CHILDREN and a HUSBAND to the heroine's bff after REFUSING to be a FATHER to the heroine's CHILD and a HUSBAND to the heroine?
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
I don't give a FAT FLYING FUCK if he did it because he FINALLY felt the NEED to STEP UP after making the same FUCKING MISTAKE in less than A YEAR!
WEAR A FUCKING CONDOM OR GET A FUCKING VASECTOMY!
And if you have to CONVINCE yourself that everything about this FUCKED UP STORY is OK because the kid the hero THREW AWAY was adopted by a good family and the heroine got pregnant AGAIN by MR FERTILE MYRTLE at the end and 18 YEARS LATER they get to meet the son he THREW AWAY while he LOVED, RAISED, AND PROVIDED FOR 2 OTHER SONS HE SIRED 3 MONTHS LATER!
IT'S NOT A FUCKING ROMANCE!
Call it CHICK LIT! Call it FICTION. PSYCHOLOGY! SELF HELP! A FUCKING CAUTIONARY TALE!
BUT. DO. NOT. CALL. IT. ROMANCE!!!
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
If you have to OVERLOOK the hero being so unbelievably STUPID that 3 months after THROWING his FIRST BORN away (because he's POOR and YOUNG and had no way to PROVIDE for FUCKING CHILDREN) he's so OVERCOME WITH GREIF (boo fucking hoo!) that he goes RIGHT back out and SCREWS some chick fucking BAREBACK AGAIN and KNOCKS HER UP!
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
If you have to FORCE yourself to feel SORRY for the HERO that MARRIED the bff he KNOCKED UP 3 MONTHS after THROWING the heroine's baby AWAY because he SAYS he was NEVER HAPPY WITH HIS EX (Again boo fucking hoo!)
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
If you have to JUSTIFY the hero's SHITTY, STUPID, COWARDLY actions by saying the heroine had a way HAPPIER life than HE did AFTER he GAVE up HER baby but MARRIED the BFF he KNOCKED UP 3 MONTHS later?
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
And FYI: IT. DOES. NOT. EVEN. THE. SCORE! So it's NOT EVEN A GOOD STORY!
She STILL didn't get to keep her first child! She STILL didn't get to see him grow up. She STILL didn't get to LOVE him, HOLD him, TEACH him to be a man. But her BFF DID!
If you have to BLOCK OUT the TRUTH that the hero spent YEARS being a FATHER to the heroine's bff's CHILDREN and a HUSBAND to the heroine's bff after REFUSING to be a FATHER to the heroine's CHILD and a HUSBAND to the heroine?
IT'S NOT A ROMANCE!
I don't give a FAT FLYING FUCK if he did it because he FINALLY felt the NEED to STEP UP after making the same FUCKING MISTAKE in less than A YEAR!
WEAR A FUCKING CONDOM OR GET A FUCKING VASECTOMY!
And if you have to CONVINCE yourself that everything about this FUCKED UP STORY is OK because the kid the hero THREW AWAY was adopted by a good family and the heroine got pregnant AGAIN by MR FERTILE MYRTLE at the end and 18 YEARS LATER they get to meet the son he THREW AWAY while he LOVED, RAISED, AND PROVIDED FOR 2 OTHER SONS HE SIRED 3 MONTHS LATER!
IT'S NOT A FUCKING ROMANCE!
Call it CHICK LIT! Call it FICTION. PSYCHOLOGY! SELF HELP! A FUCKING CAUTIONARY TALE!
BUT. DO. NOT. CALL. IT. ROMANCE!!!
July 27, 2017
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This book had a lot of controversy surrounding it amongst my GR friends, but being the curious cat that I am, I had to find out what it was all about! I'm happy I did!
Both of my older brothers are adopted, so I might have a different perspective going in about adoption. I am so appreciative that my brothers' parents gave them up for adoption, because they were then able to be a part of my life. BUT, I don't think the idea of adoption was the issue here -- it was the fact that he had children with another woman not that long after the h left town. Was this upsetting and disappointing? Yes. But I do think it was real. Real relationships aren't always made up of black, white, and fairytale endings.
Here is my break-down of what happened: **BIG spoiler here** .
I was disappointed that they only had a few broken up conversations about what happened. I wanted them to have a solid, mature conversation about what went down. The h kept on stopping him from fully saying what he needed to say because she was emotional, so that was a little disappointing. I felt for the H, and I didn't feel any bad feelings about what happened other than the sadness that surrounded it. Did I dislike it and get upset by the events in it? No.
I read another review state that this had a Kristen Ashley feel, and I completely agree! The H was a lot like the alpha males that push to get what they want, the super sweet and loving h, and the interactions with the kids and making one family made up of separate families was really feeling like KA. Both of those aspects I love in KA books, so I'm not complaining!
Did I love it? No. But I thought it was an enjoyable, and realistic second-chance romance.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Shelby and Zach's story. We start at an emotional prologue where they are giving their child up for adoption, and it is taking a large emotional toll out on both of them. Fast forward ~15 years later, and Shelby is returning to her home town with her 10 year old son after a divorce. She soon realizes that a divorced Zach and his 14 year old twins are living next door. Shelby tries to avoid them, but Zach won't have it since he swears he won't let her get away again. They work through their new lives, and fall in a deeper love than before...and get a HEA.
POV: This alternated between Shelby and Zach's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well. I would've liked it a little longer tbh.
Instalove: No. They had strong residual feelings when reunited.
H rating: 4 stars. Zach. I liked him. He very much reminded me of a KA hero with that sometimes pushy alphaness, and his love for his children.
h rating: 4 stars. Shelby. I liked her, and how level headed and sweet she was. I really appreciated her relationship with the H's daughter.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I never cried, but it does cover some heavy themes.
Push/Pull: A little
Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and scenes, but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Kind of. There is mention of birth control implant, but I don't remember any mention of std status or past practices.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had a great HEA with a couple jump ahead moments.
How I got it: I paid the $3.99 on Amazon.
Safety: I'd call this Safe with exception because of the subject matter that caused some drama on GR, but it could be just Safe for some readers depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: This book had a lot of controversy surrounding it amongst my GR friends, but being the curious cat that I am, I had to find out what it was all about! I'm happy I did!
Both of my older brothers are adopted, so I might have a different perspective going in about adoption. I am so appreciative that my brothers' parents gave them up for adoption, because they were then able to be a part of my life. BUT, I don't think the idea of adoption was the issue here -- it was the fact that he had children with another woman not that long after the h left town. Was this upsetting and disappointing? Yes. But I do think it was real. Real relationships aren't always made up of black, white, and fairytale endings.
Here is my break-down of what happened: **BIG spoiler here** .
I was disappointed that they only had a few broken up conversations about what happened. I wanted them to have a solid, mature conversation about what went down. The h kept on stopping him from fully saying what he needed to say because she was emotional, so that was a little disappointing. I felt for the H, and I didn't feel any bad feelings about what happened other than the sadness that surrounded it. Did I dislike it and get upset by the events in it? No.
I read another review state that this had a Kristen Ashley feel, and I completely agree! The H was a lot like the alpha males that push to get what they want, the super sweet and loving h, and the interactions with the kids and making one family made up of separate families was really feeling like KA. Both of those aspects I love in KA books, so I'm not complaining!
Did I love it? No. But I thought it was an enjoyable, and realistic second-chance romance.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Shelby and Zach's story. We start at an emotional prologue where they are giving their child up for adoption, and it is taking a large emotional toll out on both of them. Fast forward ~15 years later, and Shelby is returning to her home town with her 10 year old son after a divorce. She soon realizes that a divorced Zach and his 14 year old twins are living next door. Shelby tries to avoid them, but Zach won't have it since he swears he won't let her get away again. They work through their new lives, and fall in a deeper love than before...and get a HEA.
POV: This alternated between Shelby and Zach's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well. I would've liked it a little longer tbh.
Instalove: No. They had strong residual feelings when reunited.
H rating: 4 stars. Zach. I liked him. He very much reminded me of a KA hero with that sometimes pushy alphaness, and his love for his children.
h rating: 4 stars. Shelby. I liked her, and how level headed and sweet she was. I really appreciated her relationship with the H's daughter.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I never cried, but it does cover some heavy themes.
Push/Pull: A little
Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and scenes, but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Kind of. There is mention of birth control implant, but I don't remember any mention of std status or past practices.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had a great HEA with a couple jump ahead moments.
How I got it: I paid the $3.99 on Amazon.
Safety: I'd call this Safe with exception because of the subject matter that caused some drama on GR, but it could be just Safe for some readers depending on personal preferences.
August 31, 2016
5 Love Never Dies Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Shelby Calder is a woman from Cordova, Alaska who divorced about two years ago. Wanting a fresh start for herself and her ten year old son Hunter, she decides to leave Seattle & go back to live in her childhood home in Alaska.
She left Alaska fifteen years ago with a broken heart after she gave up a child for adoption. Too caught up in grief she placed blame on her high school sweetheart Zach Watters. She left Alaska & Zach with no plans to ever return.
Shelby moves across the country hoping to give herself & her son a better life. Cordova was the last place she remembers ever feeling truly happy, despite the empty place in her heart that was left when she gave up her son, and the boy she thought she would spend forever with.
On her first day back home Shelby runs into Zach. It was so easy to block out thoughts of Zach with miles between them, but now that he's so close she's having trouble ignoring her feelings for him that are resurfacing. They share such a complicated past & an intense deep connection that they both still feel. The moment they lock eyes it's like time stands still. Between the memories & this beautiful man standing in front of her, Shelby feels suddenly extremely overwhelmed.
Zach can't believe Shelby is back home. He's never been able to get over her & regrets not fighting for her all those years ago. He decides he won't make the same mistakes again & will do whatever it takes to be with her.
They still have so much pain between them, but also so much love. Soon they are suddenly involved in each other's lives & wanting to build a life together. Can they get over the past & build a future as a family?
-"Don't you think we have too much history between us?"
-"The only thing I think- the only thing I know- is I've carried around an empty place in my soul for the last fifteen years, and the moment I saw you standing outside in the rain, that empty place filled up."
This was my first book by Aurora Rose Reynolds & I'm now hooked!!! It was absolutely amazing!!! This book will definitely be in my top reads for 2016. Her writing is beautiful & captures you right from the start. I couldn't get enough of this book & can't wait to read more from this fabulous author!!!
-"I love you."
-"I don't think I've ever fallen out of love with you."
(ARC provided by author)
Shelby Calder is a woman from Cordova, Alaska who divorced about two years ago. Wanting a fresh start for herself and her ten year old son Hunter, she decides to leave Seattle & go back to live in her childhood home in Alaska.
She left Alaska fifteen years ago with a broken heart after she gave up a child for adoption. Too caught up in grief she placed blame on her high school sweetheart Zach Watters. She left Alaska & Zach with no plans to ever return.
Shelby moves across the country hoping to give herself & her son a better life. Cordova was the last place she remembers ever feeling truly happy, despite the empty place in her heart that was left when she gave up her son, and the boy she thought she would spend forever with.
On her first day back home Shelby runs into Zach. It was so easy to block out thoughts of Zach with miles between them, but now that he's so close she's having trouble ignoring her feelings for him that are resurfacing. They share such a complicated past & an intense deep connection that they both still feel. The moment they lock eyes it's like time stands still. Between the memories & this beautiful man standing in front of her, Shelby feels suddenly extremely overwhelmed.
Zach can't believe Shelby is back home. He's never been able to get over her & regrets not fighting for her all those years ago. He decides he won't make the same mistakes again & will do whatever it takes to be with her.
They still have so much pain between them, but also so much love. Soon they are suddenly involved in each other's lives & wanting to build a life together. Can they get over the past & build a future as a family?
-"Don't you think we have too much history between us?"
-"The only thing I think- the only thing I know- is I've carried around an empty place in my soul for the last fifteen years, and the moment I saw you standing outside in the rain, that empty place filled up."
This was my first book by Aurora Rose Reynolds & I'm now hooked!!! It was absolutely amazing!!! This book will definitely be in my top reads for 2016. Her writing is beautiful & captures you right from the start. I couldn't get enough of this book & can't wait to read more from this fabulous author!!!
-"I love you."
-"I don't think I've ever fallen out of love with you."
April 23, 2024
3.5 stars
My thoughts as I started reading Wide Open Spaces was…. okay, let’s see what the shit storm that’s swirling around is all about. See, I probably wouldn’t have dropped everything to read this if the book hadn’t received such bad press BEFORE IT WAS EVEN PUBLISHED!! Who does that?!? So, I decided to read the book and form my own opinions instead of blindly following the dictates of those that haven’t read it.
First up THERE IS NO CHEATING. None whatsoever.
* * *SPOILERS AHEAD* * *
There are lots of reviews out there, good and bad so this is going to be about my thoughts on the book. I finished it last night and on the whole it wasn't bad, okay it's not a 5 star read but then again I didn’t expect it to be. I went in for a guilty pleasure read and that's what I got and .... I liked Zach, I really did. The poor bloke was crucified in “disclaimers” and reviews and I honestly don’t get why. I was sat there scratching my head trying to work out why that hatred of him hit epic proportions. After all, BOTH Zach AND Shelby made the decision TOGETHER to give Samuel up for adoption because they BOTH knew that they could not give him the life he deserved. What a wonderful, selfless thing to do not only for the child but for the people that were receiving the precious gift that was Samuel. No ages were mentioned in the book but I’m guessing they were very young with not much in the way of earnings coming in and no family support to step in and help them with raising the child- something Shelby had conveniently forgotten about for 15 years yet Zach's the bad guy. Ummmm I don't think so! I was so far in Zach's corner I thought I was going have to peel myself away from the ropes!!
So then poor Zach gets crucified ……. again …… because being a young’un he did something silly after Shelby left him standing in her dust and didn’t return. He got one of her friends pregnant whilst under the influence of drink and drugs. Stupid? Yes, he should have wrapped that shit up, something he didn’t seem to do throughout the book so didn’t learn from his mistake! BUT not only was he grieving the loss of his child and Shelby, he was trying to do the right thing and that was to be a father to these children. So, how does that make him a bad person when all he was trying to do was put things right? Jaysus!! Some people are never happy!!!
Fast forward 15 years and Shelby is back in Alaska with her son Hunter after a divorce and lands up in with Zach and his kids as her neighbours. And the fun begins, Zach had never stopped loving Shelby and decides to make his move to get her back. Shelby caved to him fairly quickly, but then again once she got her head out of her arse she realised that they had BOTH made mistakes and both held EQUAL blame so in a way I’m glad she didn’t draw that out. Also, there's been mention of him not grovelling enough. I didn't feel he actually needed to grovel, they BOTH made mistakes and to be honest, her doing a runner on him whilst he too was grieving was just as bad as his. They both apologised and both forgave - good enough for me.
I thought going in that this would be an angsty book, I didn’t find that. Instead I got exactly what ARR said I would, a sweet second chance romance. I know what I’m going to get from her, bossy alpha male, thankfully no TSTL heroine, not much pushing away – this is ARR after all. So for me a guilty pleasure read that whiled away an evening. Was it a work of literary genius? No, but again I didn’t expect that. I do think the book was rushed, and this is where ARR let the book down, she really missed an opportunity in giving us more on their history and backgrounds instead of it just being mentioned briefly as an aside. I feel this was pivotal to the book yet it all happened off page and was sort of brushed away.
I was puzzled at the mention of Samuel very briefly in the epilogue, I really wish we had gotten more on that. A little more time, fleshing out and polishing would have done wonders for this book.
My thoughts as I started reading Wide Open Spaces was…. okay, let’s see what the shit storm that’s swirling around is all about. See, I probably wouldn’t have dropped everything to read this if the book hadn’t received such bad press BEFORE IT WAS EVEN PUBLISHED!! Who does that?!? So, I decided to read the book and form my own opinions instead of blindly following the dictates of those that haven’t read it.
First up THERE IS NO CHEATING. None whatsoever.
* * *SPOILERS AHEAD* * *
There are lots of reviews out there, good and bad so this is going to be about my thoughts on the book. I finished it last night and on the whole it wasn't bad, okay it's not a 5 star read but then again I didn’t expect it to be. I went in for a guilty pleasure read and that's what I got and .... I liked Zach, I really did. The poor bloke was crucified in “disclaimers” and reviews and I honestly don’t get why. I was sat there scratching my head trying to work out why that hatred of him hit epic proportions. After all, BOTH Zach AND Shelby made the decision TOGETHER to give Samuel up for adoption because they BOTH knew that they could not give him the life he deserved. What a wonderful, selfless thing to do not only for the child but for the people that were receiving the precious gift that was Samuel. No ages were mentioned in the book but I’m guessing they were very young with not much in the way of earnings coming in and no family support to step in and help them with raising the child- something Shelby had conveniently forgotten about for 15 years yet Zach's the bad guy. Ummmm I don't think so! I was so far in Zach's corner I thought I was going have to peel myself away from the ropes!!
So then poor Zach gets crucified ……. again …… because being a young’un he did something silly after Shelby left him standing in her dust and didn’t return. He got one of her friends pregnant whilst under the influence of drink and drugs. Stupid? Yes, he should have wrapped that shit up, something he didn’t seem to do throughout the book so didn’t learn from his mistake! BUT not only was he grieving the loss of his child and Shelby, he was trying to do the right thing and that was to be a father to these children. So, how does that make him a bad person when all he was trying to do was put things right? Jaysus!! Some people are never happy!!!
Fast forward 15 years and Shelby is back in Alaska with her son Hunter after a divorce and lands up in with Zach and his kids as her neighbours. And the fun begins, Zach had never stopped loving Shelby and decides to make his move to get her back. Shelby caved to him fairly quickly, but then again once she got her head out of her arse she realised that they had BOTH made mistakes and both held EQUAL blame so in a way I’m glad she didn’t draw that out. Also, there's been mention of him not grovelling enough. I didn't feel he actually needed to grovel, they BOTH made mistakes and to be honest, her doing a runner on him whilst he too was grieving was just as bad as his. They both apologised and both forgave - good enough for me.
I thought going in that this would be an angsty book, I didn’t find that. Instead I got exactly what ARR said I would, a sweet second chance romance. I know what I’m going to get from her, bossy alpha male, thankfully no TSTL heroine, not much pushing away – this is ARR after all. So for me a guilty pleasure read that whiled away an evening. Was it a work of literary genius? No, but again I didn’t expect that. I do think the book was rushed, and this is where ARR let the book down, she really missed an opportunity in giving us more on their history and backgrounds instead of it just being mentioned briefly as an aside. I feel this was pivotal to the book yet it all happened off page and was sort of brushed away.
I was puzzled at the mention of Samuel very briefly in the epilogue, I really wish we had gotten more on that. A little more time, fleshing out and polishing would have done wonders for this book.
August 31, 2016
I love Aurora Rose Reynolds books. I love the alpha male, insta-love, and even over-the-top plots, but this one it just hit home with me. Wide Open Spaces is a beautiful story of second chance love. I am not a fan of second chance love, it’s just not my thing, but this book just felt right.
Zach and Shelby are teenagers when they find out she is pregnant. Shelby parents died when she was young and Zach’s family were struggling, barely getting by. With limited resources and no clue how they could provide for their unexpected child they make the selfless decision to give up the baby. First, adoption is the most beautiful and selfless thing a person can do. Loving someone else more than you love yourself, giving up a piece of your heart so that your child can have a better life is the definition of love.
Shelby is grief stricken and heartbroken over their decision and leaves town. She ends up finding love and settling down in Seattle. She marries and they end up having a son they love very much, but the love between them fades. They never had the connection she had with Zach and eventually they divorce. That’s what brings Shelby back to Alaska and back into Zach's life.
After Shelby left town Zach made some horrible decisions, he turned to alcohol and drugs trying to cope with the losses he experienced. Just like Shelby’s life, Zach moved on too. He actually ends up getting a one night stand pregnant and marries her. Unlike Shelby, Zach didn’t love his wife, so the marriage was short lived. Regardless, he walked away with two beautiful children.
Zach and Shelby are two imperfect characters, like us all. They do the best and make the best decisions they can, but are not perfect. However, I couldn’t help but fall in love with them both, because they did something that is near and dear to my heart. They gave two people who couldn’t have a child of their own the gift of life. They gave hope and love to someone else and to me that is priceless. Then seeing the people they grew into years later, I was in love with their story.
Zach is selfless and completely devoted to Shelby and Hunter. He is a fantastic dad who always puts his kids first. He is honest and upfront with what he wants and that was so refreshing. Shelby is scared and vulnerable, but open to finding love. She is dedicated to being a great mom and finding her own happiness too. She provides a missing piece in Zach's children's lives and together they make each other whole.
I am not a fan of second chance love, but I am a fan of epic love. Shelby and Zach’s love was never ending and unconditional, no amount of time or distance could end their connection. If you have read all of Reynolds books or none, I recommend jumping in. I think Reynolds completely outdid herself, this book is beautiful, emotional and heartfelt, but don’t worry there is plenty of sexiness and alpha male, too!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Zach and Shelby are teenagers when they find out she is pregnant. Shelby parents died when she was young and Zach’s family were struggling, barely getting by. With limited resources and no clue how they could provide for their unexpected child they make the selfless decision to give up the baby. First, adoption is the most beautiful and selfless thing a person can do. Loving someone else more than you love yourself, giving up a piece of your heart so that your child can have a better life is the definition of love.
Shelby is grief stricken and heartbroken over their decision and leaves town. She ends up finding love and settling down in Seattle. She marries and they end up having a son they love very much, but the love between them fades. They never had the connection she had with Zach and eventually they divorce. That’s what brings Shelby back to Alaska and back into Zach's life.
After Shelby left town Zach made some horrible decisions, he turned to alcohol and drugs trying to cope with the losses he experienced. Just like Shelby’s life, Zach moved on too. He actually ends up getting a one night stand pregnant and marries her. Unlike Shelby, Zach didn’t love his wife, so the marriage was short lived. Regardless, he walked away with two beautiful children.
Zach and Shelby are two imperfect characters, like us all. They do the best and make the best decisions they can, but are not perfect. However, I couldn’t help but fall in love with them both, because they did something that is near and dear to my heart. They gave two people who couldn’t have a child of their own the gift of life. They gave hope and love to someone else and to me that is priceless. Then seeing the people they grew into years later, I was in love with their story.
Zach is selfless and completely devoted to Shelby and Hunter. He is a fantastic dad who always puts his kids first. He is honest and upfront with what he wants and that was so refreshing. Shelby is scared and vulnerable, but open to finding love. She is dedicated to being a great mom and finding her own happiness too. She provides a missing piece in Zach's children's lives and together they make each other whole.
I am not a fan of second chance love, but I am a fan of epic love. Shelby and Zach’s love was never ending and unconditional, no amount of time or distance could end their connection. If you have read all of Reynolds books or none, I recommend jumping in. I think Reynolds completely outdid herself, this book is beautiful, emotional and heartfelt, but don’t worry there is plenty of sexiness and alpha male, too!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2016
2,5 Second Chance Stars.
Zach and Shelby were in love once, but being young and with financial difficulties a pregnancy wasn’t the best news for them. So when they decided to give the baby to adoption, it was the beginning of their end.
15 years later, Shelby is back in town and the feelings they harbored when they were just teenagers seem to come back stronger than ever, the difference is that this time Zach is not willing to lose her. If only they could get over their mistakes in the past…
If you follow, more or less, my reviews you know ARR is one of my favorite authors. Yes, her formula is pretty much the same every book and noting changes that much from book to book. But where I come from there’s saying that you don’t change a winning team, so I don’t care how many times she uses the same formula (or how much that formula suspiciously remind me of KA’s books), I will always read her books. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work for me.
For full disclaimer, the adoption issue didn’t make a difference to me. It was a mutual decision and at the time they did what they thought it was better, the fact that the hero got in another relationship so soon after that happened, yeah, that didn’t sit well with me. I love second chance romances, but definitely not where the hero has this kind of behavior towards the heroine. I know they were young, but still, if I’m reading fiction I expect amazing heroes, not heroes that sleep with the heroine’s best friend so soon after they get apart. Once they get back together as adults is not that bad, but I was expecting more groveling and a better way of redemption. Didn’t feel like and ARR, and definitely not in a good way.
Rating: 2,5 Stars.
Steam: Some hot scenes.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Zach and Shelby were in love once, but being young and with financial difficulties a pregnancy wasn’t the best news for them. So when they decided to give the baby to adoption, it was the beginning of their end.
15 years later, Shelby is back in town and the feelings they harbored when they were just teenagers seem to come back stronger than ever, the difference is that this time Zach is not willing to lose her. If only they could get over their mistakes in the past…
If you follow, more or less, my reviews you know ARR is one of my favorite authors. Yes, her formula is pretty much the same every book and noting changes that much from book to book. But where I come from there’s saying that you don’t change a winning team, so I don’t care how many times she uses the same formula (or how much that formula suspiciously remind me of KA’s books), I will always read her books. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work for me.
For full disclaimer, the adoption issue didn’t make a difference to me. It was a mutual decision and at the time they did what they thought it was better, the fact that the hero got in another relationship so soon after that happened, yeah, that didn’t sit well with me. I love second chance romances, but definitely not where the hero has this kind of behavior towards the heroine. I know they were young, but still, if I’m reading fiction I expect amazing heroes, not heroes that sleep with the heroine’s best friend so soon after they get apart. Once they get back together as adults is not that bad, but I was expecting more groveling and a better way of redemption. Didn’t feel like and ARR, and definitely not in a good way.
Rating: 2,5 Stars.
Steam: Some hot scenes.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Want to read
August 25, 2016This is not a review as I have no intention whatsoever of reading this book.Not my idea of a romantic lead,nor a romance.I would have probably damaged my reader and be cussing the entire time.Shame really as I enjoyed some of this author's other books.
August 29, 2016
2.5 Stars -
There has been a lot of drama surrounding this book. The teasers that ARR released painted Zach in a horrible horrible way and when you add that to the fact that she didn't release any teasers of him being a good guy (being the alpha that she's known for) it left a terrible taste in everyone's mouth for him. I don't know why ARR did this, maybe it was to bring attention to the book which would prompt more people to read it. I don't know and I'm not going to waste time trying to figure it out. It was her decision and I guess she may have went with the whole "good or bad they're still talking about you" thing.
I want to make it clear that my rating of this book was NOT in any way related to the fact that Zach had children and married Shelby's best friend less than a year after they gave up their child (yes, it was disgusting and low). My rating has to do with the fact that EVERYTHING was glossed over. The whole best friend thing was addressed in the first 2.5 chapters and on revisited in small conversations. Zach and Shelby have a past and ARR should have taken time to grow and heal them. Instead we got Insta-Love.
IMO insta-love has NO place in a second chance romance. Insta-love has passed for a couple that are trying to rekindle what they once had. It made no sense and THAT is what brought the story down. Once they had sex (which was soo completely out of the blue and involved NO build up) the whole story changed into something completely ridiculous and cheesy. Problems with the ex's - that gets 1/2 a page and its done. Problem with the children - that gets 1/2 a page and its done. Anything that COULD have caused and issue (and quite frankly SHOULD have caused an issue) was discharged so quickly that I'm not even sure why it was brought up.
In all honestly, this book would have been better IF she would have focused on the fact that he stepped up her best friend but not her. THAT would have brought the emotion out. This left me shaking my head and rolling my eyes. At multiple times the characters asked themselves "Can it really be this easy?" Well, apparently it can. Nothing was difficult for this couple after the first 2 chapters. Their history should have made their reunion difficult and emotional. But, all of that was glossed over.
Finally..the part that makes this even worse...in Fighting to Breathe we were teased with Ben and Rhonda's story and it was one I wanted. Abusive ex and Ben helps Rhonda heal sounded wonderful and like a real ARR story. Instead, we're getting Aubrey's story (Zach and Tina's daughter). Overall I fell let down. The ARR who wrote this story is not the ARR who wrote the original Until Series or even Fighting to Breathe.
Even with all the controversy this book could have been great. The reunion could have been beautiful. I could have cried along with Shelby as she dealt with the pain of seeing Zach's kids. I could have rejoiced with her when he proved his love....instead I'm left feeling blah :-(
There has been a lot of drama surrounding this book. The teasers that ARR released painted Zach in a horrible horrible way and when you add that to the fact that she didn't release any teasers of him being a good guy (being the alpha that she's known for) it left a terrible taste in everyone's mouth for him. I don't know why ARR did this, maybe it was to bring attention to the book which would prompt more people to read it. I don't know and I'm not going to waste time trying to figure it out. It was her decision and I guess she may have went with the whole "good or bad they're still talking about you" thing.
I want to make it clear that my rating of this book was NOT in any way related to the fact that Zach had children and married Shelby's best friend less than a year after they gave up their child (yes, it was disgusting and low). My rating has to do with the fact that EVERYTHING was glossed over. The whole best friend thing was addressed in the first 2.5 chapters and on revisited in small conversations. Zach and Shelby have a past and ARR should have taken time to grow and heal them. Instead we got Insta-Love.
IMO insta-love has NO place in a second chance romance. Insta-love has passed for a couple that are trying to rekindle what they once had. It made no sense and THAT is what brought the story down. Once they had sex (which was soo completely out of the blue and involved NO build up) the whole story changed into something completely ridiculous and cheesy. Problems with the ex's - that gets 1/2 a page and its done. Problem with the children - that gets 1/2 a page and its done. Anything that COULD have caused and issue (and quite frankly SHOULD have caused an issue) was discharged so quickly that I'm not even sure why it was brought up.
In all honestly, this book would have been better IF she would have focused on the fact that he stepped up her best friend but not her. THAT would have brought the emotion out. This left me shaking my head and rolling my eyes. At multiple times the characters asked themselves "Can it really be this easy?" Well, apparently it can. Nothing was difficult for this couple after the first 2 chapters. Their history should have made their reunion difficult and emotional. But, all of that was glossed over.
Finally..the part that makes this even worse...in Fighting to Breathe we were teased with Ben and Rhonda's story and it was one I wanted. Abusive ex and Ben helps Rhonda heal sounded wonderful and like a real ARR story. Instead, we're getting Aubrey's story (Zach and Tina's daughter). Overall I fell let down. The ARR who wrote this story is not the ARR who wrote the original Until Series or even Fighting to Breathe.
Even with all the controversy this book could have been great. The reunion could have been beautiful. I could have cried along with Shelby as she dealt with the pain of seeing Zach's kids. I could have rejoiced with her when he proved his love....instead I'm left feeling blah :-(
September 13, 2016
4 ★'s
This book probably wouldn't have hit my radar except for all the controversy about it. That made me really curious and I just had to know if I would feel the same way...and considering how much I love angst, I was really hoping it was!
Fortunately or unfortunately, it wasn't true for me. Zach is not a jerk...he made some mistakes in his younger years and maybe he has some kind of weird distaste for wearing condoms but overall, I really liked him.
Zach and Shelby got pregnant at sixteen years old and neither were in an even remotely good place to raise a child...Zach's family being dirt poor and Shelby living with her grandfather after her parents died. They decide ~together~ to put the baby up for adoption but Shelby doesn't deal with it well and after everything is done and settled she moves away to a different state.
Zach is torn up...he turns to drinking and drugs to deal with his pain and one wasted night, he hooks up with Shelby's friend for a one night stand. Fast forward and Zach is working on straightening out his life, he has a good job and has cleaned up his act when Ms. One Night Stand shows up pregnant with his twins and makes it very clear that she's keeping them. So, he mans up and marries her even though he doesn't love her...not one tiny bit.
Now it's fifteen years later, Shelby's grandfather passed away and left his house to her. She's in the middle of a divorce and has a ten year old son. She thinks it would be good to start somewhere fresh and even though she knows about Zach, she's willing to move back anyway. Little does she know he lives right next door...and he's single as well.
I really enjoyed Zach and Shelby together. It was obvious how much they belonged together and how much they loved each other. I only wish we had gotten more background on their younger years but I guess it would be hard to fit it in since the book was only 186 pages.
There's the obvious drama with the exes even though it was definitely clique, it made things a little more interesting.
I really enjoyed the meshing of the families. It was hard to read about some of the struggles from the effects of the divorce(s) but I felt like Zach and Shelby provided a warm and loving environment.
Zach's daughter, Aubrey, was my favorite and I'm looking forward to reading her book next. One Last Wish is the title and OMG....it sounds sooo emotional! I can. not. wait!
This book probably wouldn't have hit my radar except for all the controversy about it. That made me really curious and I just had to know if I would feel the same way...and considering how much I love angst, I was really hoping it was!
Fortunately or unfortunately, it wasn't true for me. Zach is not a jerk...he made some mistakes in his younger years and maybe he has some kind of weird distaste for wearing condoms but overall, I really liked him.
Zach and Shelby got pregnant at sixteen years old and neither were in an even remotely good place to raise a child...Zach's family being dirt poor and Shelby living with her grandfather after her parents died. They decide ~together~ to put the baby up for adoption but Shelby doesn't deal with it well and after everything is done and settled she moves away to a different state.
Zach is torn up...he turns to drinking and drugs to deal with his pain and one wasted night, he hooks up with Shelby's friend for a one night stand. Fast forward and Zach is working on straightening out his life, he has a good job and has cleaned up his act when Ms. One Night Stand shows up pregnant with his twins and makes it very clear that she's keeping them. So, he mans up and marries her even though he doesn't love her...not one tiny bit.
Now it's fifteen years later, Shelby's grandfather passed away and left his house to her. She's in the middle of a divorce and has a ten year old son. She thinks it would be good to start somewhere fresh and even though she knows about Zach, she's willing to move back anyway. Little does she know he lives right next door...and he's single as well.
I really enjoyed Zach and Shelby together. It was obvious how much they belonged together and how much they loved each other. I only wish we had gotten more background on their younger years but I guess it would be hard to fit it in since the book was only 186 pages.
There's the obvious drama with the exes even though it was definitely clique, it made things a little more interesting.
I really enjoyed the meshing of the families. It was hard to read about some of the struggles from the effects of the divorce(s) but I felt like Zach and Shelby provided a warm and loving environment.
Zach's daughter, Aubrey, was my favorite and I'm looking forward to reading her book next. One Last Wish is the title and OMG....it sounds sooo emotional! I can. not. wait!
nope
March 23, 2020The hero seems to be impregnating every woman he touches. With the heroine, they decide to give the baby for adoption. With the next woman, they decide to keep the baby... blah bla... And I'm out.
I hate second chance romance...
I hate second chance romance...
not-interested
August 28, 2016not interested in a hero who mans up for a woman other than the heroine
especially in what is supposed to be a second-chances romance
:\
especially in what is supposed to be a second-chances romance
:\
June 9, 2017
4 sweet and steamy stars
Once again, Aurora Rose Reynolds delivers a gorgeous second-chance-romance with lots of heart, beautiful family themes, a passionately steamy romance and a whole lot of swoon. This book is technically the second in the Shooting Stars series with a similar feels to the first book, and there is a loose tie in to the first book with Austin and Lea (from Fighting to Breathe) having a sweet cameo, but this one can definitely be read as a standalone, and it’s a beautiful story.
It’s been 15 years since teenage lovers Zach and Shelby were left broken hearted when they gave up their newborn son for adoption. Unable to move on from the pain and grief of the loss, Shelby left town and tried her best to move on. Now, 15 years later, she is returning to the small Alaskan town where she grew up, newly divorced and with her ten year old son, keen to make a new life for them both.
Moving into the home left to her by her recently deceased grandfather, she comes face to face with her past when she discovers Zach living next door with his own children. Zach is now the town sheriff and is a total alpha, and from the moment he sees Shelby, he knows this is his second chance to claim back the woman he’s always loved.
Their reconnection is full of all of the emotion, longing and chemistry that I love about second-chance-romances. The connection between Zach and Shelby is beautifully captured, and though there is some initial tentativeness on Shelby’s part and pain in their past that they need to work through, neither of them hold back their feelings for too long.
Shelby and Zach are great characters and I loved them both. Their coming together is drama-free for the most part, with both of them working to build a future together. They have both made mistakes and they don’t hide that fact, but they have both grown so much and are committed to moving forward. There is drama with their exes but nothing too over the top, and I loved that they were so functional, so committed, and so very much in love and not afraid to show it.
Sweet, fun, romantic and seriously swoony, this book is also steamy as all hell. The sexy time is hot and frequent with a great mix of dirty talk and deep emotion. It reflects how in tune they are with each other as they work through their issues and fight for their HEA.
Like the previous book, I felt that this story moved quickly, with not a lot of build up to the reunion. It meant that there was lots of time spent with them together re-establishing themselves as a couple and creating a new family, and I LOVED that! But I was hoping for more intensity and I think if there was more time spent building up the reunion before it happened, the story could have been epic.
But this was a beautiful, beautiful story. I loved watching Zach and Shelby come back together and I love the way their children were such a big part of their reunion. Watching them come together to form a family was beautifully written and their moments together made me smile.
There’s a gorgeous epilogue which finishes the story of beautifully, and also leads into the next book of the series which will feature Zach’s daughter Aubrey – it sounds amazing, and I’m really looking forward to that one!
Aurora Rose Reynolds is a go-to author for sweet, swoony and sexy, and that’s exactly what she’s delivered here. This book is a gorgeous read, and I loved it.
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Once again, Aurora Rose Reynolds delivers a gorgeous second-chance-romance with lots of heart, beautiful family themes, a passionately steamy romance and a whole lot of swoon. This book is technically the second in the Shooting Stars series with a similar feels to the first book, and there is a loose tie in to the first book with Austin and Lea (from Fighting to Breathe) having a sweet cameo, but this one can definitely be read as a standalone, and it’s a beautiful story.
“Some things never change and love is one of them.”
It’s been 15 years since teenage lovers Zach and Shelby were left broken hearted when they gave up their newborn son for adoption. Unable to move on from the pain and grief of the loss, Shelby left town and tried her best to move on. Now, 15 years later, she is returning to the small Alaskan town where she grew up, newly divorced and with her ten year old son, keen to make a new life for them both.
Moving into the home left to her by her recently deceased grandfather, she comes face to face with her past when she discovers Zach living next door with his own children. Zach is now the town sheriff and is a total alpha, and from the moment he sees Shelby, he knows this is his second chance to claim back the woman he’s always loved.
“I never moved on. I’m still stuck in the past, trying to figure out how to get back the girl I let get away.”
Their reconnection is full of all of the emotion, longing and chemistry that I love about second-chance-romances. The connection between Zach and Shelby is beautifully captured, and though there is some initial tentativeness on Shelby’s part and pain in their past that they need to work through, neither of them hold back their feelings for too long.
“We were meant to be here, right now in this moment. We were meant to find each other again.”
Shelby and Zach are great characters and I loved them both. Their coming together is drama-free for the most part, with both of them working to build a future together. They have both made mistakes and they don’t hide that fact, but they have both grown so much and are committed to moving forward. There is drama with their exes but nothing too over the top, and I loved that they were so functional, so committed, and so very much in love and not afraid to show it.
“I’ve been in love with you for almost eighteen years. I carried your missing pieces around inside me for that long.”
Sweet, fun, romantic and seriously swoony, this book is also steamy as all hell. The sexy time is hot and frequent with a great mix of dirty talk and deep emotion. It reflects how in tune they are with each other as they work through their issues and fight for their HEA.
“I love you, Shel. Fuck, but I didn’t think it was possible to love you more than I did years ago, but I was wrong…so fucking wrong.”
Like the previous book, I felt that this story moved quickly, with not a lot of build up to the reunion. It meant that there was lots of time spent with them together re-establishing themselves as a couple and creating a new family, and I LOVED that! But I was hoping for more intensity and I think if there was more time spent building up the reunion before it happened, the story could have been epic.
But this was a beautiful, beautiful story. I loved watching Zach and Shelby come back together and I love the way their children were such a big part of their reunion. Watching them come together to form a family was beautifully written and their moments together made me smile.
There’s a gorgeous epilogue which finishes the story of beautifully, and also leads into the next book of the series which will feature Zach’s daughter Aubrey – it sounds amazing, and I’m really looking forward to that one!
Aurora Rose Reynolds is a go-to author for sweet, swoony and sexy, and that’s exactly what she’s delivered here. This book is a gorgeous read, and I loved it.
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
August 17, 2016NEVER TO READ. The content sounds disgusting as does the "hero". This is my personal opinion.
Thank you London for giving a heads up.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thank you London for giving a heads up.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 29, 2016
LOOK AT THAT!
Zach turned his allergy to condoms into a new career!
#zachwattersisadumbassdouchebag
September 7, 2016
Woohoo finally :)))))
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