Paper Dolls

by Courtney Houston

There was once a time, when I thought that my future was set in stone. My miserable job, being a nurse maid to my drunk father, living and dying in this town that turned it’s back on me a long time ago. This was the life that I was prepared to live until the weight of it finally crushed me. It’s funny how one moment can change everything you think you know. For me, that moment had a name and it was Ian Sterling.

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm impressed. I'm not entirely sure what I thought I was getting, but I didn't expect this. It has a bit of a paranormal twist, but I loved every bit of it. I wasn't sure how it would all come together, but it did.

Courtney Houston wove a story of two lost souls and the troubles they have faced.

Ian isn't your typical guy, but man do I love him. He is sweet and kind and loving. And he always finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Mari is the town outcast. Living in a less than desirable situation, but she is trying to make the best of it. She couldn't have predicted any of the events following Ian's arrival.

Ian could though. He just couldn't stop it or change it or alter its course.

And he tried.

Oh, how he tried.

With things working against them, can these two find love? Can they be what the other needs to survive this life they've found themselves in?

Pick up Paper Dolls to day and find me in Rome.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful love story about two people who didn't realize just how much they needed each other. Ian is a boy who the world doesn't understand. Mari is a girl who is all alone in a world that has thrown more punches than anyone should have to take. When the fates brings Ian and Mari together, will their differences and their circumstances bring them together or drive them apart? This book has love, it has intrigue, suspense, and will leave you feeling like you have gone through the journey with the characters.

[Christina Rod · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

ARC provided by author.

"Dear Mom,
I found something I wasn't looking for. I think those are the best kinds of things. The kind you didn't even know you wanted until you find it. I think this is what it feels like to have a real adventure. You know what you're doing, but you don't know where you're going.
Love, Mari."

I have to say that I liked reading Paper Dolls. I liked the characters, the plot and the ending. Mari was a good character and what she went through was heartbreaking. She was young to have to deal with what she did and she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. She was all alone, until Ian. She needed Ian to get her to open up and see that there was more out there for her. As for Ian's character, I wish I could say that I loved everything about him. He was great to Mari and such a sweet guy but it was hard to identify with him. Because he was so aloof and secretive, I wasn't able to feel any connection to him. I think the story could have benefited from more character development in regards to him.

As for the romance, I thought it was sweet. However, the connect between both characters felt to me more like a new friendship. The romantic scenes were good but without the development of Ian's character I didn't feel the connection.

All in all a good read! Grab your copy on August 14th!

Happy Reading!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a bit different from what I normally read. As we all know different is not always bad. It had a little of everything in it. A little romance. A little of overcoming the past. A little drama. An over protective brother, and a mystery that will blow you away at the end. Mix all of this together and you have a great book that youmwill not be able to put down. I won't give any spoilers, but you won't be sorry at the end of this great story. You'll be asking for more.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no expectations as I dove into this book today and read the whole thing in a matter of a few hours. When I get into a book like that, it's so hard to put down. It was the same with this! I literally couldn't put it down it was that good. The plot was incredible and the characters very relatable. I loved Mari and could feel her strength. I wish I had that in me. I honestly loved every minute of it! Great book.

[Kenneth Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts slow and continues to plod as we read from two POV's. There's secrets and backstories to be revealed and you won't know until the end how it all shakes out. Limited setting of a gas'n'go with a hotel attached in a small town. There's nearly no steam in the whole of the book, but it's still a great romance. Worth the read.

[Savannah Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storyline

The storyline was unique, one I hadn't encountered before. I enjoyed how it all unfolded and was a bit surprised in the end. Definitely didn't guess that! A good story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

[Kelly]

Review to come.

[Tammy J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brave love

I don’t do reviews with spoilers. Where is the fun in that? I really enjoyed Paper Dolls. I was pleasantly surprised because I thought I was just reading a love story, but it’s much more than that. It does have a sweet and brave love story, but there is also a good mystery with a paranormal twist to it and a great plot. I liked the romance and how the main characters, Ian and Mari interacted together. I would have liked a bit more character development, but overall it was a good read. I will be reading more from this author. I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review.