Vivienne's Guilt

by Heather M. Orgeron

Vivienne Guilt... Like a cancer, it festers, slowly stealing your life bit by painful bit. What do you do when you have betrayed the love of your life but he is no longer there to grant you forgiveness? How do you carry the weight of your gravest mistake knowing there is no way to atone for it? I've made a terrible choice–one that can't be undone. Hiding this secret is eating me alive. But if it ever came out? If it were ever discovered? It would destroy everything. Reid They say you always want what you can't have. From the moment I laid eyes on Vivienne Parker, I knew I was fighting a losing battle. I want to believe that I'm better than this–that I wouldn't cross that line–but deep down, I know if I were ever given a chance, there's no way in hell I'd refuse. She's my uncle's wife, so why does it feel as if she is mine? ***For ages 18+ due to adult language and sexual content.***

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Emotional, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Womens Fiction

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2016

About the author

Heather M. Orgeron is a Cajun girl with a big heart and a passion for romance. She married her high school sweetheart two months after graduation and her life has been a fairytale ever since. She’s the queen of her castle, reigning over five sons and one bossy little princess who has made it her mission in life to steal her Momma’s throne. When she’s not writing, you will find her hidden beneath mounds of laundry and piles of dirty dishes or locked in her tower(aka the bathroom) soaking in the tub with a good book. She’s always been an avid reader and has recently discovered a love for cultivating romantic stories of her own.

Reviews

[Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just really didn't like this or how it turned out.

Vivienne fucked over Reid so bad.
I didn't like the outcome. To me this wasn't a HEA. I go into these books hoping the 2 main characters get their HEA (TOGETHER). This so was not the case.
This was definitely not a book for me.

[Malene · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started and had read the first couple of chapters I thought I knew where this story was going but I was wrong. Vivienne's Guilt turned out to be different but with a lot of emotion and angst. I really appreciated the topics that surrounded this story. What Vivienne experienced and went through was very relatable and believable.

I was captured by the story and Vivienne's struggles but for some reason I just didn't connect with her or Reid. I really wanted to but it just didn't happen. It wasn't because Vivienne wasn't an interesting character. She had her flaws and made questionable decisions that I couldn't comprehend and didn't agree with. But it didn't ruin my reading experience, I still enjoyed it none the less. Reid was a sweet guy and was amazing with Vivienne's daughter Tillie and her family.
Vivienne and Abbott's relationship was the heart and soul of the story. I really enjoyed their moments which were filled with love, humor and no regrets. They were so pure and Earth shattering. They were the definition of soul mates. 
Also Vivienne's friendship with Cassie was a highlight. It was heartwarming and beautiful how they relied and supported each other no matter what. They might not be blood related but they sure acted liked it. In my heart they were sisters!

This was really a story about love or true love for that matter and how important family really is. I had no idea how the story would end and I liked that. Vivienne's Guilt has to be experienced because it's different and doesn't take the easy way out and I appreciate that the author took that chance. The writing was flawless and the pace of the story spot on.
A great debut from Heather M. Orgeron 

4 BadAssBossyrellaStars



Arc generously provided for an honest review

[warhawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Romantic Fiction
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:




Vivienne (Viv) Parker was rapidly drowning in her grief. When Reid Parker came into her life, he became a much-needed lifeline. But one mistake could destroy everything they held dear.



I sympathize with Viv with what she had to face. While at times I was angry with her, her actions and reactions felt natural and understandable. I can’t help but root for Reid. He shouldn’t have to carry the weight for someone so young, but he took it in stride.

How can I both love and hate her with the same breath? Two opposite feelings felt with such intensity that it literally feels like my heart is being ripped in two.

I chose this book to have my feelings hurt, and it certainly delivered. It made me feel everything from anger to sorrow. I enjoyed the overall story, and the supporting characters added another layer to it.

Vivienne’s Guilt is a journey of grief and forgiveness. It would appeal to readers who enjoy emotional love stories.





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[aNneMarLi - Chatterbooks Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 "UGLY CRY" STARS!!!

"They say that people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime"

Vivienne's Guilt is my first book of the author. To be honest I did not know what awaits me with this story. The blurb keeps on calling my attention and I cannot let it pass. It really sounds good and interesting so I made it a go. I did not regret though because this book took me by surprise.I sobbed so damn hard and I'm not even passed three chapters yet. Tears just kept on flowing I was a mess. The emotion was just too much I feel like my heart's gonna burst because of the pain I felt reading the book. I thought that was all but I caught myself still sobbing in between and nearing the end. Oh damn!! And nobody even post a warning??? I sure read some reviews but it wasn't enough. Talk about spoiler free and just that, I wasn't aware at all.

Truth be told, the story was beautifully written but so damn raw.The aftermath of a woman's loss. The depression and devastation... I feel it so deep in my bones. The guilt a woman shoulder's with a mistake so damn blurry. It feels so real. It feels in-appropriate and so taboo. It's just FORBIDDEN but hell the story is just so UNIQUE! And I couldn't help myself from thinking what will happen next. I was so puzzled yet curious where this story will lead and I'm struck again because it may not be the one I thought it would be, I may be heart broken but this is what I call a bittersweet Happily Ever After and I really don't think there's better ending than this.

The story may not be for everyone since the issues are a little different but I still recommend it. Take a chance and buckle up to the roller coaster ride of Vivienne and Reid.

Heather M. Orgeron, this is my first book of your's but you manage to make me a mess and I never regret that! You delivered a unique and real story of love and loss, friendship and family. Great debut novel!

*E-copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivienne's Guilt was by far one of the BEST debut novels I've ever read! It was so well written and you can just feel the characters and everything the are bleed from the pages.

The author takes us on an extremely emotional rollercoaster! She had me crying from page 1 and I didn't stop until the very last page. This beautiful story was chalk full of love, hate, crippling sadness, family, surprising turns, friendships, a little forbidden romance and so so much more!!

This is not your typical NOT your typical love/forbidden romance or HEA book! I can't say much more without giving HUGE spoilers away. I went in almost totally blind and I highly recommend doing the same! I felt this story deep in my soul and this is one that will stay with me forever!!! Well done, Heather M. Orgeron! You knocked this one out of the park!!!

[Cyndi Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Guilt

First read from this author. The book starts off with Vivienne and her husband having the most perfect life. Then the most horrific and sad event happens that leaves Vivienne heart broken. The book is written in dual POV. We have 18 y/o old Reid nephew on her husbands side. He visit to help her with her families non profit camp for kids. Reid is sweet and given a ruff start by taking helping his needy aunt Vivienne with her emotional problems , the book is sad and emotional, 60%of the book is Vivenne dealing with her issues. At one point I thought I was going to throw my kindle because I needed some kind of action. But this book was written very well and flowed in a way that made sense. The author gives you a epilogue that makes you all teary. Love love love love love! 5 loves

[Elizabeth Horbaczek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book for an honest review.

5 stars


Love. Heartbreaking. Memorable. Life Altering. Gut wrenching. There are so many words to explain this story. This is not your typical love stricken book. You feel with every word that is written in this book. The devastation and guilt in this book is so overwhelming at times that you will have to set this book down, to just put yourself back together again. You can't just break this book down and say this is what you need to know. You need to know everything. You need to know how the guilt eats away at you when you look at someone the wrong way, when a memory pops up that you can't forget, when eyes that you are drawn to find their way to you, when a laugh makes you turn around and bring up memories that you don't want to forget. You need all of this to get through this book. You have to see what happens when devastation rocks you to the core. You have to see when you can't live with what is happening around you, what you need to do to cope. You need to see the after effects of actions that you can't control, or actions you don't remember. How life moves around you and what happens when you hurt people when not trying to. I can't put into words what this book did to me. I started reading reviews and the one that caught my eye was, don't read this until after you read the book. Not because it gave spoilers, or it told you the whole story, but because they didn't want you to know how to feel. So I did I stopped reading the review and read the book. I can't thank that reviewer enough, because of that I got to feel what this book was meant to be felt. I don't know how someone goes on from what happened in this book, but I do know that what Vivienne went through has to be the hardest thing for a wife and mother to go through. I can't fault her for any of her actions in this book, because I don't know if I could have made the hard choice at the end like she did, I don't know if I could have even been able to make the choices she did throughout this book, but I do know that when she was faltering she had people she could count on. Cassie has to be one of the best best friends I have seen in this book. She was there, she was more of a sister than anything. She watched everything happen in front of her and even at Vivienne's worst, Cassie was there. I loved her character and she only grew more and more through out this book. Reid was exceptional. He is college man trying to help out his aunt. He grew so much in this book and although this was Vivienne's story it was also Reid's. What he had to endure made him a better man by the end. He lived to help wherever he could, he loved when he could, and finally accepted by the end of the book what he could not change. This is not a book that you know the ending half way through the book. You actually have to read the whole book all the way through. There is things that happen at the end that you would not expect. Decisions cost everyone things at the end of this book, but how they work through it is how they will survive. I will not give any details of this book at all. You just need to know you have to read this book. The author absolutely wrote a book that only will it be one of those books that are unforgettable, but also one that you will be telling your friends to read. I haven't been drawn into a book like this in such a long time and for me I am so glad I got to read this book. If you survive this book, it will take you a few days to get back into reading again. This book takes you on a journey that will be a roller coaster. You will feel everything the characters feel and more. If this author can tell a story like this I can't wait to read more.

[Sofia Almiroudis · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, what a way to introduce yourself as a writer Heather M. Orgeron. Vivienne's Guilt was everything a reader could ask for and so much more!
Vivienne's Guilt is a story about a woman Vivienne who has to learn to go on with life after losing the love her life, her soul mate, in a tragic accident. Attempting to be strong for her daughter, Vivienne struggles to live, depending on a prescription drug to help cope with life, as well as with the help of her best friend Cassie and her deceased husband's nephew Reid. Reid, her nephew that is a spitting image of her husband. Although Vivienne knows that her husband Abbott is dead, she can't keep her head from tricking her in thinking that Reid is Abbott. Reid can't stop thinking about how 'HOT' is his aunt is. His attraction to her is undeniable, but he knows that he can't reveal it. How can he? Vivienne is his dead uncles wife, HIS AUNT. As time passes, Vivienne finds herself depending more on Reid, and their connection, bond increases. Reid knows that if an opportunity for him to be with Vivienne were to arise, he wouldn't let it pass. He was falling for Vivienne, fast and in a bad way. Moments of weakness, loneliness, and desire combined with prescription drugs and alcohol have Vivienne hallucinating, providing the perfect opportunities for Reid to cash in on his own desires. Reid not realizing Vivienne's state of mind, thinks that what they experience together is real and that Vivienne is aware of it all. Oh how in the dark Reid's in when hell breaks out and not one but two lives are shattered and changed forever.
Vivienne's Guilt is heart wrenching. 'OH MY,' what a world wind of emotions Heather put me through throughout the entire book. I was crying from start to finish, no really, BIG FAT UGLY TEARS. Heather's writing style made the story jump off the pages, surrounding you and making you feel like your living every single moment in the book. I couldn't put the book down and it has left an imprint in my heart and soul. BRAVO Heather! I'm so happy that you shared this story with us and I can not wait to read more from you.

[Melody Kimmons-Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ummm…
I bought this book because it was recommended by one of my favorite authors. The title makes you think you’re about to be let in on this huge secret, only to find, Vivian had nothing to feel guilty about. To my horror, this book is just about a grieving widow. Go figure!
So, Vivian’s husband was the perfect man and father. He dies before you really crack the book open, so you don’t get to know him. We’re just taking Viv’s word for it. You do get to see a bit of him in her flashbacks but not enough for me to get attached. Any who, she completely breaks down after he dies—no judgement here, I’ve never lost a spouse. My problem with Vivian was that she became neglectful as a parent, while also having a psychotic break. My other problem is that I felt a little misled my the blurb. You’ll see what I mean…
Now, her husband ran a camp for autistic children and after he passed, his brother sent his son, Reid, to help Vivian keep it running. Reid looks just like Vivian’s husband Abbott. It’s clear from the start that Reid had a thing for Vivian, she had a thing for him too, she was just in denial about it. Reid had a foul mouth and I felt his dialogue was more equipped for a drunk pirate than an 18 year old boy/man. After Reid arrives, Vivian makes mistake after mistake. She used poor Reid and pretty much everyone else around her, while also lying about her well being.
I do want to say, I’m not at all saying the book wasn’t good. It really was. I just felt mislead. There is no HEA, in my opinion.
The end of the book does bring on, what I felt was, an unforgivable shocker. Like what…? Definitely a solid read though!

[Richelle Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

2016 has been my year of stepping out of my comfort zone when it comes to reading books. I definitely achieved that with this book. I went in thinking one thing would happen and was blown away by all the events that took place! I was furious at Vivienne for several reasons. She should have been a better mother to her daughter. The position she put Reid in was horrible. She only thought about herself and I was so annoyed!! I LOVED Reid!!! He stepped up to the plate when he was just a kid himself. My heart broke with him. If you are looking for a book with angst and not your typical romance, this book is for you! This was a solid debut by Orgeron and I can't wait to see where her writing career takes her!

*arc was given for honest review*

For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com/

[Annamaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Emotional Stars! Vivienne has suffered a loss that we never wish to experience. She must try to get through her daily routines and care for her daughter. Reid is her husbands nephew and he has found her sexy for a long time. This is debut book for this author and she writes a fantastic story. This story is about love, hate, addiction, depression and you feel every one of those emotions as the characters go through them. I was hooked from the first chapter and could not put it down. You will need the tissues by you when you read this. This book was very different from anything that I normally read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Highly recommend it!

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.

Plot: 5+
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5

[Maria Angie Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly unique, brilliantly written, gut wrenching story of love, loss, family and conflict. This read consumed me with different emotions, as the author seamlessly takes us on an unforgettable journey with her characters. How life is so unpredictable, and the impact our actions have on us and others.
The story of Vivienne, her life, her guilt, her mistakes and the consequences had to be read in order to understand what this book is about. Reid, her 18 year old nephew, a kid did what he had to do to help his aunt and in the end we see him turn into a beautiful man.
To say more about the story and the other characters would give up spoilers. Some reviewers have suggested to just read it blindly and that is so true!
Just read it!
What a great debut novel Heather Orgeron❣

[Laura Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Congratulations on your first book! One that is unlike any I've read before. Very well written and flows great. Pulled out all kinds of emotions!!!

Vivienne, recently going through a MAJOR change in her life and struggling to survive and be the mother to Tillie her 3 year old daughter. Starts taking prescription pills more than she should...then one night mixed it with alcohol....

Reid, Hunky 18 yr old who comes to 'help' Vivienne during the summer. It's the summer before college starts.

Cassie, Vivienne's BFF...who is there for Vivienne through it all... Would love to see a spin off book for Cassie!!!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical book! I read so often that books sometimes can bleed into each other with similar story lines... This is definitely not one of those books! VG kept me engaged from the very start and just when I "know" what's happening next - I'm completely thrown off, in a good way! You want to fight for Vivienne and you want to slap her sometimes but that's what I liked the best! You won't regret reading this one!!

[~*~Brooke's Stripped Down Reviews~*~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two words....Full circle. I cried at the beginning of this book and cried at the end (and several times in between). That was one hell of an emotional roller coaster. It wasnt what I expected, it was much much better!

Kudos to a promising author on her magnificent debut novel.

[RentasticReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“How can a heart already so broken continue to break?”

GUILT, guilt and even more guilt. And a heavy dose of heartache. This story was just plausible, something so real and relatable. Something that could totally happen to any of us. It made me feel a million and one emotions—pain, sadness, hate, resentment, hope, joy, peace and so much more. First few chapters in and I already had tears in my eyes. Then I read on and my heart just kept falling through my stomach. It twisted up everything inside me. From the beginning to the end, I was left wondering where the story will go, how it will end, how they will make things work, if Vivienne and Reid would actually end up together or not. All these questions kept wandering around in my head while I was flung all over the place with where the story headed.

I don't want to divulge so much about this story. I don't want to spoil you because it'll ruin the thrill of diving into the world of Vivienne. The blurb gave away some of the clues anyway, so just rely on that. *wink* Yes, Reid Parker is Vivienne's husband's nephew. They are technically family. So the forbidden side of it intensifies everything to a whole other level. These two had something so monumental happen to them that it tipped both their worlds upside down. I hated it. And then I came to love it. I loathed Vivienne for what she eventually did. My heart broke for Reid more times than I can count. But later on, I started to understand why Viv had to do the things she did. They were just both victims of circumstance, of situations the world threw at them. In the end, there really was nobody to blame.

Vivienne oozed of love and loyalty and devotion. Reid was so raw and real and a desirable sweetheart. They were both amazing characters and anybody will easily be able to relate to what they are going through. The supporting characters were just as lovable and significant and they surely will draw you in right away. They all made a difference in this story.

I realized a ton of things after this book left me in a daze. Everybody makes mistakes—petty, life-changing, crazy, even stupid mistakes. But that's just it—we're all human. No matter what happens, somehow you have to come to terms and just face them head on because all of it will eat you alive if you don't. And that's what will break you. In Vivienne's Guilt, Reid and Viv had it rough, but they found a wonderful way to work things out. It wasn't perfect, but that's how they were able to cope. I loved how the story came full circle. That's exactly how it felt for me. In a way, it really was a happy ending, only it wasn't one I expected at all.

Such a brilliant delivery for Heather M. Orgeron's debut novel. If you want to read something new and taboo, refreshing and realistic, loaded with so much emotion it'll knock you sideways, you've got to try this one out. You have no idea what this book has in store for you.

“For some, love doesn’t come easy, but for us...it was effortless.”

[Heather M. Orgeron · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely start writing a review before I've finished the book. But I'm reading Vivienne's Guilt and I'm torn. I'm hella curious to see where the story goes but I'm not sure I like the direction. It doesn't feel right - not because of the taboo nature of this possible coupling but because she isn't feeling the passion for Reid. It's her memories that are propelling Vivienne forward.

And I'm just not sure how I feel about that.

* * * * *

Ok. I'm back and I've finished the book. I'm going to review carefully... I don't want to give anything away because Vivienne's journey is one that needs to be experienced, not told. Just know that she lives in the grey. Nothing about her story is black and white.

Honestly, I'm still not sure what I think about this story. A lot happens between the first page and the last but hands down, it is one of the most gripping and emotional books I've read in a while.

Vivienne experiences a horrible tragedy and her life as she know it ends. Her friends and family try to support her but she struggles every day just to breathe. Her pain is real. It has a pulse and you feel every beat. Every moment of her heartache. It makes you hurt; especially when you re-live her memories.

So when Reid enters Vivienne and her daughter's Tillie's lives it becomes both a curse and a blessing. However, even though he helps, Reid is a constant reminder of all that they lost. It makes rebuilding Vivienne's life beyond confusing and the chaos alters her feelings for Reid.

That's why it all gets muddled up and that's when that I wrote the first paragraph to my review.

And I really don't want to say too much more. Just know that when I thought this book couldn't get any more dramatic for Vivienne, it does. (I seriously almost fell off my treadmill) Heather M. Orgeron put my jaw on the ground and I think I'm just now picking it up because this story just kept unfolding and giving me more.

It all left me feeling like I have been on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Ultimately, it left me asking myself, do I recommend Vivienne's Guilt? Yes, I would. It was nothing like I expected and it really made me think as well as feel. I definitely will not forget about Vivienne and Reid. That to me makes it a must read recommendation.

[Drava · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 Star

This book wasn’t what I was expecting and didn’t have the hea I was hoping for either. Vivienne husband suddenly dies in car accident and she takes pills and alcohol to deal despite having a 3 yo daughter Matilda,to take care of. Her brother-in-law offers his 18 yo son, Reid, to stay there the summer to help out.

Reid reminds Viv of her late husband and Reid is attracted to Viv. Viv’s life is a mess with lots of emotional ups and downs. Hallucinating on pills, Viv has sec with Reid and becomes pregnant, finding out after she miscarries. That’s when Reid finds out that she thought it had been a dream with Abbott.

He leaves and five years laters bumps into her at a grocery store. He is there with his wife and new baby and Viv is there with Matilda and AJ. He realized that AJ is his son. Viv reveals that there were twins which she didn’t know about until after he left.

Of course he’s furious with her but plans to be the best “uncle” to AJ as possible. The end of the story basically.

[T. Torrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4 Hope Through Heartbreak stars!*

I love reading an author's first book. There's an indescribable awesomeness to a debut novel, and I think it's because new writers give it their all.

Heather gave this book her all.

Tough subject matter that will undoubtedly have you shedding a few tears, balanced with enough light moments to allow you to breathe. Sexual tension with a hot, young hottie, a wacky best friend, and an adorable little girl whose dialogue rings true. Some silly scenes that will have you giggling; a solid plot that will leave you thinking about it for days.

I don't normally read my friends' books. There's too much pressure in the critique, and God forbid I flat-out hate it. But I enjoyed this book. It was *different* in the very best sense of the word, and I absolutely loved the ending. I'm so happy I read it! You will be, too.

A fantastic debut!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆☆☆

I recommend not reading reviews before you start this book. Go in completely blind and I absolutely promise you will not regret it!! I've read hundreds of books and this one is like nothing I've ever read before. I was hooked instantly!! From beginning to end it's simply freaking amazing!!! A must read!!

"I wish that I could go back in time to when my heart was merely empty; I’d take the emptiness any day over this heart of quilt"

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Excellent read. Ms. Orgeron isn't just a writer, she is so much more. A storyteller.

Five plus plus stars most definitely.

[Saunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

First read of Heather Orgeron and I had a lot to think about putting my thoughts down with this review. I don't want to give away too much of the plot but it was a plot with a difference and the synopsis doesn't give you a taste of what this is about.

You wonder what Vivienne's guilt actually was and as the story developed you did feel her pain on the loss of her husband but you are not prepared for the cause of her grief and the outcome after.

This wasn't a romance and to some readers may find the subject matter uncomfortable but for me it showed how Vivienne and Reid were victims of circumstances. A product of two people thrown into each other's paths when they were most vulnerable.

I think Vivienne tried to protect Reid and shouldered the responsibility of her actions so that Reid wouldn't get hurt.

Was she wrong, was she selfish? Read it and decide for yourself.

A Taboo read with a difference.

[Jennifer Guffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivienne’s Guilt
By: Heather M. Orgeron
5/5 stars

Vivienne is a woman in her mid-twenties, living her life-long dream as a mother to a beautiful young girl, Tillie, married to the love of her life and college sweetheart, Abbott. Their love is a forever kind of love, the kind that you dream about as girl, and when it comes true, you feel like you’ve won the Jackpot! Abbott is a loving and doting father, the kind that can make his wife swoon after a decade, and sets the bar high for anyone looking to date his daughter. (Seriously, wait until the daddy/daughter date! Be still my heart!)

Reid is Abbott’s nephew, and an incoming college freshman getting ready to play college football. Abbott & his brother had a falling out, so the families are not close and don’t really know each other as adults. But the summer before his first fall semester, he goes to live and help run the camp for Asperger’s children that Abbott and Vivienne have run for several years. Over time, he steps into rolls that wouldn’t normally be meant for him, becoming part of the close family. They lean on him as much as he leans on them. They have to deal with their feelings, inner turmoil, guilt and resentment and truly finding themselves.

I know that I have been vague, purposefully so, because I think each reader needs to experience this journey for themselves. This is a journey of surviving pain and moving forward in your life, even if your path is not the one you had envisioned for yourself.

Even though this is Heather’s debut book, it certainly DOES NOT read like one! I’ve been an avid reader most of my life and I’m always pleasantly surprised when a debut author can hook me like this. I will definitely be following Heather’s career and reading her next books, whenever they come to be and whatever they may be, because I know the quality that I can expect.

[Julia Butterfield - Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is going to be a difficult review to write. My emotions are all over the place. It was raw, heartbreaking and gut wrenchingly sad, but with flashbacks of humour and a soul binding beautiful forever love. How family, even if they're not blood, are everything.

This was not your conventional romance and hea, so I can imagine it wont be everyone's cup of tea. However it was so beautifully written with heart and soul.

It recounts the devastation of grief and guilt, what it does to a person and how it affects others. I felt for Reid and what he was put through, but how could I not feel for Vivienne after the devastating loss of her soul mate Abbott, even if I hated some of her actions and decisions that hurt both her and Reid so much.

I didnt really know what to expect from this book, it certainly didnt end the way I imagined and for that I'm thankful as there were times I dreaded what I thought was about to happen. For a debut book, Heather M Orgeron bravely went against the norm and imho nailed it, even if she did rip my heart to shreds! I can't say I loved it, even though it's a five star read, because I feel so emotionally drained. I cant imagine how the author got through writing this! It absolutely made me feel though and those feelings are going to stay with me for a while.

[Amber at WickedGoodReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book completely blind and Jesus Christ on an Eggo waffle did it nearly kill me.

Debut author they said.

What can it hurt they said.

How about EVERYTHING. How about it can rip me apart and put me back together 2 1/2 times over the span of 3 short days. WOW, Heather Orgeron - if this truly is your debut novel, I am anxious to see what else you come up with.

I am not usually one to go in for the angsty, emotional roller coaster of a ride love stories - especially ones where there are children/death or GODFORBID both are possibly involved. Real life is scary and sad enough without me sitting home in my happy place having to read about it in my fantasy life. That being said from page 1 with Vivienne's Guilt I realized two things. 1) this was going to be one of 'those' books - you know, the very kind I just said that I dont like to read. and 2) NO WAY was I going to NOT be able to read it. Yes, what I mean by that statement is that by the very first page, I was hooked. Im not even joking. I promise I wont give away any spoilers but just hear me out. This is seriously one deeply moving book. The characters are very three dimensional - I felt the pain and guilt right along with Vivienne and to some extent even Reid. The story line had a hook that, if real life hadn't interfered, I would have gladly stayed up all night just to finish the story and have closure.

For a debut novel Heather Orgeron knocked this one out completely of the park.
5***** WickedGoodStars for Vivienne's Guilt!

[A little birdie told me... · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate this -- writing a bad review for a newbie author. I will try really hard to be nice in my one-star review because I know it is hard to have the guts to publish. My problem is not with the writing. My problems are my own, so I will be brief.

Grief books must be done with a certain finesse, so this topic was probably not the place to begin for a new author. The book was clunky and sometimes awkward; it was slow in places and rushed in others. The writing was actually not bad for a rookie, but the content... too heavy for a first-timer.

And, oh my God, was it depressing. It lightened up in the epilogue, but not much. It was a train wreck of catastrophes that just kept layering more tragic events on top of each other. I kept thinking it hit rock bottom only to discover the chasm was deeper. Wow, the emotional workout was exhausting.

I guess any author who can wring out readers like this ought to be recognized for that talent, but I, personally, don't like such downers. I had other problems with the content, like Reid's age (he's eighteen, gross) and Vivienne's actions and decisions all throughout the book.

Some people love books fraught with emotional upheaval. I'm just not one of them.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivienne's guilt is not your cookie cutter romance. It's messy, heartbreaking and in the end redeeming. Vivienne suffers the unexpected loss of her husband...her best friend and soul mate. She must learn how to deal with the heartache of mourning his loss while going through the stages of grief and battling the consuming guilt she feels for still being alive without him. The guilt of not being a better mother to her young daughter while dealing with her grief. Of not being a better best friend, of being physically attracted to her husband's nephew, of laughing, of moving on with her life, of making bad decisions. The overwhelming guilt of making mistakes and hard decisions that cause people she cares about pain.

This is a great book for book clubs. It brings up many things to discuss. How people deal with loss differently, the risk of prescription drug addiction, the mistakes and decisions Viv makes...would you do the same?

This was a stellar debut novel and I can't wait to read the next book this author publishes.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still split on how I feel about this book. On one side, Vivienne’s Guilt broke my heart with all the heartache and grief Vivienne went through, but on the other side, I was beyond pissed for the way she handled things!!!

I cannot imagine the heartache Vivienne went through; it broke my heart and I shed tears along with her while I read how emotional and heartbroken she was. As she let life pass her by, her best friend Cassie was there to help her as best as she could. She was her strength when Vivienne had none.

When Reid was volunteered to help his uncle's wife, little did he know that his summer with his Aunt Vivienne would forever change his life…

As I read what was happening and it all came out, I was so pissed at Vivienne and my heart reached for Reid. I really wasn’t happy, but I just had to accept it. There were so many reasons why it was the right thing, and yet—it wasn't.

This truly was an emotional read that still has me split 50/50. ~ Kara, 4 stars

[Paula D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivienne is deeply in love with her husband Abbott unfortunately there was a accident and he dies. Living with the grief of Abbott dying Vivienne needed help with the summer camp so his nephew Reid comes there to help and Vivienne can't believe how much he looks like her husband. Well unfortunately while Vivienne is taking pills for panic attacks and thinking about her husband Abbott so much Vivienne takes it way to far with Reid. People get hurt in this book many times. Drama and shocking things happen. Wow I loved this book but hated how the main character(Vivienne)used excuses so much for everything she did. I loved Reid I wanted to hold him and tell him that he was a amazing guy! You will cry, get angry and feel deep emotions! 5/5 stars Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***