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The Bride #3
The Lover
Ellie
Quick recap. My dad died leaving me an orphan. Jake stepped in and married me rather than letting me go to a foster home. Did I mention I was only sixteen at the time?
It was okay for a while until it wasn’t. Because those feelings that I had for Jake as my oldest friend slowly turned into something else over the years. Feelings he could NOT deal with. So I did the right thing and divorced him.
It was the right thing. I’m pretty sure it was the right thing.
Okay it was probably the wrong thing… but I don’t think either of us know where we go from here.
Jake
I had to let her go. I had to let her see there was more to the world than the ranch. Than me. She’s never had a choice really, in any of this.
I think I did the right thing. I know I did the right thing.
Did I do the right thing?
More importantly if I didn’t… how do I get her back?
Quick recap. My dad died leaving me an orphan. Jake stepped in and married me rather than letting me go to a foster home. Did I mention I was only sixteen at the time?
It was okay for a while until it wasn’t. Because those feelings that I had for Jake as my oldest friend slowly turned into something else over the years. Feelings he could NOT deal with. So I did the right thing and divorced him.
It was the right thing. I’m pretty sure it was the right thing.
Okay it was probably the wrong thing… but I don’t think either of us know where we go from here.
Jake
I had to let her go. I had to let her see there was more to the world than the ranch. Than me. She’s never had a choice really, in any of this.
I think I did the right thing. I know I did the right thing.
Did I do the right thing?
More importantly if I didn’t… how do I get her back?
171 pages, ebook
First published April 20, 2017
1236 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
January 24, 2018
4 ★'s
♦ Note: this series is made up of five novellas or something similar to chapters books. They are all under two hundred pages so they go really quick!
What's that saying?Absence Distance makes the heart grow fonder? Well, it certainly does in this case.
Ellie is off at college and Jake feels it in every bone in his body. He really misses her but he can't let her know that. She needs to get out and live a little.
And she does make some new friends and they give her some perspective about Jake and he actually steps up his game...and it was oh-so-wonderful! ~sigh~
And Ellie is definitely a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. I love how she gives Jake a run for his money at every turn.
Then, there's some good news and then sad news. My heart just goes out to Ellie. She really needs to catch a break. Luckily, Jake gives it to her and it was sooo sweet and yes, a little sad.
The story fast forwards ten years and we get to see where they are. This part was a little unexpected since there's another book (or two) but we'll just have to see where it goes
♦ Note: this series is made up of five novellas or something similar to chapters books. They are all under two hundred pages so they go really quick!
What's that saying?
Ellie is off at college and Jake feels it in every bone in his body. He really misses her but he can't let her know that. She needs to get out and live a little.
And she does make some new friends and they give her some perspective about Jake and he actually steps up his game...and it was oh-so-wonderful! ~sigh~
And Ellie is definitely a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. I love how she gives Jake a run for his money at every turn.
Then, there's some good news and then sad news. My heart just goes out to Ellie. She really needs to catch a break. Luckily, Jake gives it to her and it was sooo sweet and yes, a little sad.
The story fast forwards ten years and we get to see where they are. This part was a little unexpected since there's another book (or two) but we'll just have to see where it goes
November 16, 2017
4.25 stars!
February 25, 2023
AMAZING.
April 22, 2017
*Spoiler Free Series Review*
(3.5 Stars Book One - 4 Stars Books 2 & 3)
‘We were Ellie and Jake, Jake and Ellie.’
S Doyle is a new to us author, and the synopsis for this trilogy immediately sucked us in! It sounded angsty, gripping and we were told from readers who had read the first book it had a Kristen Ashley ‘feel’ about it, so we couldn’t wait to dive in! We’ll be honest and say we didn’t get the KA vibe at all, with neither the story nor the writing bearing any resemblance to the KA books we’ve read, however each reader feels a story differently.
This coming of age drama was laden with drama and angst. Boy did these two make life difficult for themselves as they adapted to living together. At first, we struggled to get into the story, however we soon found our groove and needed to know how this was all going to play out.
The trilogy is told in dual POV’s with Ellie’s side of the story was told more in the way of a memoir and so it read as a naïve, hormonal, confused 16 year old, so the immaturity of her voice was to be expected. We loved that Ellie remained strong, sticking to her guns about her worth, with Jake’s pov bringing a balance to the story.
‘What if I married Ellie thinking I could save her, but instead ruined her life because people though she was the type of girl who could be seduced?’
This is one angst ridden ride. The kind that makes you want to throw your hands up in frustration whilst at the same time flipping to the next page to see what happens. Jake and Ellie’s relationship is a whirlwind of emotions that’s for sure. An entertaining read tracing the trials and tribulations of a friends to lover’s romance..... Click here for full review at TBB
THE BRIDE TRILOGY is available to purchase below:
The Bride Book One
Amazon US
Amazon UK
The Wife Book Two
Amazon US
Amazon UK
The Lover Book Three
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinterest
January 17, 2022
This third story (in this 4 part series of Jake and Ellie's story) was so decent. The sex was super hot, the angst was decent too. I'm so happy that the first three stories have stayed so awesome so far. I cannot believe it's taken me this long to read this awesome series!
April 22, 2017
*Spoiler Free Series Review*
‘We were Ellie and Jake, Jake and Ellie.’
S Doyle is a new to us author, and the synopsis for this trilogy immediately sucked us in! It sounded angsty, gripping and we were told from readers who had read the first book it had a Kristen Ashley ‘feel’ about it, so we couldn’t wait to dive in! We’ll be honest and say we didn’t get the KA vibe at all, with neither the story nor the writing bearing any resemblance to the KA books we’ve read, however each reader feels a story differently.
This coming of age drama was laden with drama and angst. Boy did these two make life difficult for themselves as they adapted to living together. At first, we struggled to get into the story, however we soon found our groove and needed to know how this was all going to play out.
Because of Ellie’s age, we will disclose that there is no underage sex in this story, in fact, Jake shows a tremendous amount of restraint with the hormonally awakening Ellie, respecting her age and their platonic predicament implicitly and Ellie wanting to give herself over to love, settling for nothing less.
The trilogy is told in dual POV’s with Ellie’s side of the story was told more in the way of a memoir and so it read as a naïve, hormonal, confused 16 year old, so the immaturity of her voice was to be expected. We loved that Ellie remained strong, sticking to her guns about her worth, with Jake’s pov bringing a balance to the story.
“Jake. I deserve to be loved as much as I love you.”
At nearly 17, Ellie Mason, is left an orphan and a multimillion dollar cattle ranch in Montana, after her father’s death. With no legal guardian, the only option available for Ellie is to go into Foster care. However, this option doesn’t suit Jake Talley, the family cattle hand who lives in the bunkhouse on their ranch, was right hand man to Ellie’s dad and really, the only ‘family’ Ellie now has. Jake decides the best solution and to avoid the foster system, even if it is for sixteen months, is to marry Ellie, divorcing when she turns 18. There’s a 10 year gap between the pair and Jake looks upon Ellie as a little girl, he hasn’t yet noticed to maturing woman before him. So, he can do this for sixteen months can’t he? Stay in a platonic marriage to keep the ranch and Ellie’s dad’s legacy. Except, Ellie is blossoming before his eyes and Jake wants to make sure Elllie’s virtue remains intact so as not to draw town gossip to their relationship.
‘What if I married Ellie thinking I could save her, but instead ruined her life because people though she was the type of girl who could be seduced?’
The story takes us from Ellie being the bride, the wife, the lover as is evident from the titles and in that process we see the growth of Ellie’s character as she comes into her own from young innocence to womanhood.
“You are the most important person in my life. I’m the most important person in yours. I don’t want you to end up hating me."
This is one angst ridden ride. The kind that makes you want to throw your hands up in frustration whilst at the same time flipping to the next page to see what happens. Jake and Ellie’s relationship is a whirlwind of emotions that’s for sure. An entertaining read tracing the trials and tribulations of a friends to lover’s romance.
THE BRIDE TRILOGY is available to purchase below:
The Bride Book One
Amazon US
Amazon UK
The Wife Book Two
Amazon US
Amazon UK
The Lover Book Three
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinterest
January 26, 2019
The Lover is book 3 in The Bride series and it was a wonderful conclusion. Overall I loved this series, so much hurt, love, and sexiness rolled into 3 books. Jake and Ellie were such wonderful characters and I loved watching them grow together. Nothing was ever easy for these two but they got through it together. Now my only negative but I decided to let the 5 star stand these books are in desperate need of an editor. I'm not usually so picky but the mistake are so obvious they're distracting. With all that said I look forward to reading more from this author.
October 12, 2017
Third book in the series it's a quick read, it's way more romantic than the first two books IMO. I've given this one 3 stars which are really for the heroine Ellie I just loved her throughout the 3 books her character was absolutely spot on for me. As to Jake the hero he was okay but he messed up too many times, I kept waiting for him to grow some balls and go after Ellie and be honest with her. Instead we had him giving all his attention to Janet in the first book, then carol in the second. I'm afraid he was a lost cause to me after that. Especially in the second book by then he knew that Ellie had feelings for him, he felt things for her as well but he was a weak coward, who gave his attention elsewhere. Then he was confused when it all blew up in his face.
Will I read more from this author I'm not sure that I will.
Will I read more from this author I'm not sure that I will.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2017
My review for books 1-4 of the series is HERE.
April 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this series. It was funny, though sometimes I've frustrated with Jake and Ellie especially in the third book. Overall it was a lovely series to read.
January 9, 2019
4 stars
I really enjoyed this series.
It’s made up of novella’s so it’s not a hugely drawn out three book saga. I rarely enjoy couples who are drawn out over so many books, so the novellas made this bearable.
I needed more from the ending though. We all knew what was going to happen, and that was fine – but the ending came and then nothing. I didn’t feel satisfied. We’ve read three books building to this moment so I wanted to saviour it a little bit more!
I know there’s more books in this series but I am going to leave this couple here with their HFN.
I found the character's in this series really likeable - especially Jake. Swoon.
I really enjoyed this series.
It’s made up of novella’s so it’s not a hugely drawn out three book saga. I rarely enjoy couples who are drawn out over so many books, so the novellas made this bearable.
I needed more from the ending though. We all knew what was going to happen, and that was fine – but the ending came and then nothing. I didn’t feel satisfied. We’ve read three books building to this moment so I wanted to saviour it a little bit more!
I know there’s more books in this series but I am going to leave this couple here with their HFN.
I found the character's in this series really likeable - especially Jake. Swoon.
September 21, 2021
Books 1 to 4 review
Entirely bingeable series that delivers sweet angst, humor and steam while staying relatively low on drama. Great take on the age gap/marriage of convenience/love unrequited and the irresistible shift between friends becoming lovers. SLOWBURN goodness alert!
I liked that the heroine —despite her young age starting the book— was not just the silly teenager we often get served in romance books . Sure she was candid at times but I found her pretty mature all things considered. The hero was a swoonfest, I'm not saying he was perfect, he definitely wasn't, but this is what actually really pleased me in this book. Neither love interests were perfect. They were relatably flawed and it made their story truly engaging.
This is a 4 books series dedicated to the main couple, Ellie and Jake, available on #KU.
There's a fifth book about the hero's step-sister, the trope seems to be an enemies to lovers set in the same small town/ranch. I may or may not have started it to get additional glimpses of Ellie and Jake. ;)
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
Entirely bingeable series that delivers sweet angst, humor and steam while staying relatively low on drama. Great take on the age gap/marriage of convenience/love unrequited and the irresistible shift between friends becoming lovers. SLOWBURN goodness alert!
I liked that the heroine —despite her young age starting the book— was not just the silly teenager we often get served in romance books . Sure she was candid at times but I found her pretty mature all things considered. The hero was a swoonfest, I'm not saying he was perfect, he definitely wasn't, but this is what actually really pleased me in this book. Neither love interests were perfect. They were relatably flawed and it made their story truly engaging.
This is a 4 books series dedicated to the main couple, Ellie and Jake, available on #KU.
There's a fifth book about the hero's step-sister, the trope seems to be an enemies to lovers set in the same small town/ranch. I may or may not have started it to get additional glimpses of Ellie and Jake. ;)
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
October 2, 2021
Oh, this was just a great ending to their story.
It was a very sweet conclusion (although kind of sad at times)- I'm still trying to wrap my head around some things, and how I feel about the ending as a whole- but I just have to say that their story was an absolute treat to read about.
This book had to be my favourite out of all the three, as it was just so much fun to read about- especially with the newfound intensity to their romance (the spice was just great). It was just really entertaining to have seen these characters grow and develop their relationship. This one was just really short and sweet (at times), and just came together really nicely at the end (that epilogue was great).
I'm surprisingly really sad to end the series (although there is the other book to read)- I'm definitely going to miss youdaddy Jake, and will especially miss Ellie with her chatty commentary.
Overall, this was just such a fun series to read- I genuinely really enjoyed it. Until next time 🤚.
It was a very sweet conclusion (although kind of sad at times)- I'm still trying to wrap my head around some things, and how I feel about the ending as a whole- but I just have to say that their story was an absolute treat to read about.
This book had to be my favourite out of all the three, as it was just so much fun to read about- especially with the newfound intensity to their romance (the spice was just great). It was just really entertaining to have seen these characters grow and develop their relationship. This one was just really short and sweet (at times), and just came together really nicely at the end (that epilogue was great).
I'm surprisingly really sad to end the series (although there is the other book to read)- I'm definitely going to miss you
Overall, this was just such a fun series to read- I genuinely really enjoyed it. Until next time 🤚.
June 13, 2023
All of the girls you loved before- Taylor Swift. Literally the soundtrack to this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2017
Brilliant! And so hot! *Fans self*
I will say this, knowing how fiery the pull was between Ellie and Jake, when the seal was finally broken, I'm surprised they didn't incinerate, because I almost did!
It wasn't all sexy times because even though Jake and Ellie are now able to admit to being more than family friends, they still haven't been able to define what they are. And with Ellie no longer living in the same town, the need they feel for each other hasn't diminished and shows no signs of waning, further making their hope of going back to what they used to be nominal.
But they don't waste a lot of time once they do decide what they want. Each of the three books has had moments that have twisted my heart and gut. There have been moments when I've been afraid to keep reading because I was sure whatever came next would lead to Jake and Ellie drifting further apart, but even when I felt that way I couldn't stop my self from reading. However this book, made me cry. And I didn't stop reading through my tears. I truly felt Ellie and Jake's heartbreak in the words I read. Their pain and grief was palpable. There is another scene towards the end of the book that absolutely gutted me. However it is perhaps the most poignant scene where Jake finally opens up to Ellie. It may just be my favorite.
The finale to this series is everything I hoped it would be and could've wanted. It wasn't just that Jake and Ellie found their way to each other, but it was how they did it. While both continued to put the other first, it was like they finally stopped to ask what the other wanted and all the fears and insecurities of trapping the other were finally dealt with.
I sincerely hope this series comes out in paperback. I would love to have a copy on my shelf. Jake and Ellie are so special. I also hope S. Doyle will continue to write stories like this. I wouldn't mind reading about Chrissy or any number of people. It takes a very skilled writer to take a topic so taboo and skilfully craft it into a tale that manages to walk the tightrope of salaciousness and wholesome. And she does it flawlessly.
I will say this, knowing how fiery the pull was between Ellie and Jake, when the seal was finally broken, I'm surprised they didn't incinerate, because I almost did!
It wasn't all sexy times because even though Jake and Ellie are now able to admit to being more than family friends, they still haven't been able to define what they are. And with Ellie no longer living in the same town, the need they feel for each other hasn't diminished and shows no signs of waning, further making their hope of going back to what they used to be nominal.
But they don't waste a lot of time once they do decide what they want. Each of the three books has had moments that have twisted my heart and gut. There have been moments when I've been afraid to keep reading because I was sure whatever came next would lead to Jake and Ellie drifting further apart, but even when I felt that way I couldn't stop my self from reading. However this book, made me cry. And I didn't stop reading through my tears. I truly felt Ellie and Jake's heartbreak in the words I read. Their pain and grief was palpable. There is another scene towards the end of the book that absolutely gutted me. However it is perhaps the most poignant scene where Jake finally opens up to Ellie. It may just be my favorite.
The finale to this series is everything I hoped it would be and could've wanted. It wasn't just that Jake and Ellie found their way to each other, but it was how they did it. While both continued to put the other first, it was like they finally stopped to ask what the other wanted and all the fears and insecurities of trapping the other were finally dealt with.
I sincerely hope this series comes out in paperback. I would love to have a copy on my shelf. Jake and Ellie are so special. I also hope S. Doyle will continue to write stories like this. I wouldn't mind reading about Chrissy or any number of people. It takes a very skilled writer to take a topic so taboo and skilfully craft it into a tale that manages to walk the tightrope of salaciousness and wholesome. And she does it flawlessly.
Want to read
November 8, 2017
November 28, 2018
I love this story... it’s absolutely perfect.
October 6, 2017
I am so connected in this book. Happy. Heartbroken. Sad. Happy again. Just all the emotions. Love love!
October 22, 2017
I didn't read this today, but I pushed so many books together I lost track. It's Octoberfest and I'm a babysitter this week.
I did love Ellie and Jack.
I loved the writing style.
Ellie and the feminist view were so funny. I could relate to her.
I did love Ellie and Jack.
I loved the writing style.
Ellie and the feminist view were so funny. I could relate to her.
March 6, 2018
Swoon... It was sweet...
November 7, 2024
Well, this was ok. I guess the author wanted to write a weak Hero and a strong herione? It was annoying to be honest. Jake ended up having no personality and Ellie was all about the sex. Feminist words like slut shaming and mansplaining was thrown in throughout, but had no reason to be in this book. I didn't get any homophobia or any real misogyny from Jake. He was backing her as rancher and owner for crying out loud. Also, what's wrong with wanting to take care of someone? Ellie gave me whiplash changing her mind so damn much. And no wonder men are afraid to open doors for women in this generation. If you're going to write a character who's gung-ho about feminism better give me a strong story to back your character up, and an actual misogynistic hero that I want to slap. Neither were here. Jake may have been manly and wanted Ellie to take it easy while pregnant. What's wrong with that? Maybe I'm old school? Felt like the author just threw those words in there to add angst, but fell real short. Overall it was just meh 😑
March 27, 2019
Better
While I wasn't happy with the first book because of OW sex or the second book because Jake was still dating and kissing other women and stuff, this book made reading the series worth it. While I don't believe OW/OM stuff should be in romances and think books one and two were wrong for having that stuff and I think Ellie ultimately deserved better because I could not imagine being with someone I had known while they were sleeping with other people, there were some really good moments in this book. I think the back and forth in all the books was tedious and annoying, but the last "We got this" made me tear up some, the love confession part had me half-bawling, and the ending was really good. I think the overall story is really cool, and I think the books have a lot of unmet potential. It's sad, but it is what it is.
While I wasn't happy with the first book because of OW sex or the second book because Jake was still dating and kissing other women and stuff, this book made reading the series worth it. While I don't believe OW/OM stuff should be in romances and think books one and two were wrong for having that stuff and I think Ellie ultimately deserved better because I could not imagine being with someone I had known while they were sleeping with other people, there were some really good moments in this book. I think the back and forth in all the books was tedious and annoying, but the last "We got this" made me tear up some, the love confession part had me half-bawling, and the ending was really good. I think the overall story is really cool, and I think the books have a lot of unmet potential. It's sad, but it is what it is.
May 5, 2017
This was a good trilogy. I kinda think the hero wasn't for me though - I just wanted him to grow some balls and pursue her - and I hate that he offered Carol and Janet all that sweetness but never our gorgeous girl - not until she pushed him for it. Sweet story.
January 11, 2022
*3.6 stars!
April 17, 2017
So... Ellie has solved the problem... she bought out the trust and gave Jake the money to buy back the Talley land. And then she went off to college to experience that... but they were both kinda miserable... they had weekly phone calls, that Ellie initiated,that were stilted and perfunctory. She also met some friends at college to confide what Jake really meant to her. Jake was left to talk to Wyatt and Petunia (the horses) about what Ellie meant to him. Jake had always made a big deal about Ellie's bday and her first bday away he came up and got hotel room and hubba hubba. But then he realized that he was 28 and rather experienced and he was her first... it was all very sweet.... things transpired... Jake had to come to terms with his mom leaving and there was HEA.... I don't think it was coincidental that this was released in April!!!
January 2, 2019
I've loved this little series that I spotted on gr friend Val's feed
...thank you Val!
Each decently written book has gripped me and all of them have been under 200 pages (great for starting off my 2019 gr challenge!) I didn't know this author before, but I'll be checking out her other books.
Loved he characters, the setting, the building story and (when they got to it!) the sex was just...beautiful - awesome to read.
Plus, it looks like there's a 4th and 5th book - I'll be diving in to those very soon : )
...thank you Val!
Each decently written book has gripped me and all of them have been under 200 pages (great for starting off my 2019 gr challenge!) I didn't know this author before, but I'll be checking out her other books.
Loved he characters, the setting, the building story and (when they got to it!) the sex was just...beautiful - awesome to read.
Plus, it looks like there's a 4th and 5th book - I'll be diving in to those very soon : )
January 3, 2019
Such a great read! I love how strong minded Ellie was and how she made decisions that she felt was best for her and Jack... Jack was definitely your strong silent type when it came to his feelings/emotions, but through his actions you know he's all about Ellie... I liked that the challenges they faced felt realistic... All of these books move at a fast pace, but you don't feel like you're missing out on the story!
April 28, 2024
3-3.5 ⭐️
Third installment in this series is just as fast-paced as the first two parts and I enjoyed it, but it doesn't have the tension I love from the beginning parts of their relationship like the first two (though it does have more sex lol - still pretty minimal/sweet, fitting the established tone). Looks like there is a long epilogue and then an related story about a different couple to finish off this series, so I will get to those shortly.
Third installment in this series is just as fast-paced as the first two parts and I enjoyed it, but it doesn't have the tension I love from the beginning parts of their relationship like the first two (though it does have more sex lol - still pretty minimal/sweet, fitting the established tone). Looks like there is a long epilogue and then an related story about a different couple to finish off this series, so I will get to those shortly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews