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Ten Hours #1
Ten Hours
Ten hours… That’s how much time we spent together. How much time I got with the man whose bright eyes and sultry smile almost made me forget that I was sick. Six hundred minutes… That’s how long it took me to fall in love. Thirty-six thousand seconds... And then it was over. And all I wanted was more. More seconds. More minutes. More hours. More him. Ten hours… Such a small, insignificant amount of time. Yet those ten hours changed everything.
302 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2019
128 people are currently reading
646 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Toppen
55 books1,816 followersMelissa Toppen is a USA Today Bestselling Author who specializes in New Adult and Contemporary Romance. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read.
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
May 25, 2019
4 ❤️💔💔❤️🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️
“We go through life thinking the worst only happens to other people. Until one day - you are that person.” Finley
Finley’s thoughts hold so much truth...
This story wasn’t an easy read. It was very emotional, full of meaning and hope, surrounding me with the greatness of love.
Abel and Finley were soulmates, experiencing a powerful love story that wrecked me and brought tears to my eyes.
Finley an absolute sweetheart that life dealt her more than one bad hand.
Abel, who always knew exactly what to say, what to do, saying the perfect things! 💖
“The way I feel about Finley isn’t just a man loving a woman. It’s a man finding the other part of himself. The person that completes him.” Abel
I am looking forward to reading the author’s next release, What Comes After... 💔
I would have liked for the author to elaborate on some points in the storyline. For example, about Finley and Claire’s past, regarding their father, how one sister acknowledged of the other, or who was paying for all those medical bills...
“We go through life thinking the worst only happens to other people. Until one day - you are that person.” Finley
Finley’s thoughts hold so much truth...
This story wasn’t an easy read. It was very emotional, full of meaning and hope, surrounding me with the greatness of love.
Abel and Finley were soulmates, experiencing a powerful love story that wrecked me and brought tears to my eyes.
Finley an absolute sweetheart that life dealt her more than one bad hand.
Abel, who always knew exactly what to say, what to do, saying the perfect things! 💖
“The way I feel about Finley isn’t just a man loving a woman. It’s a man finding the other part of himself. The person that completes him.” Abel
I am looking forward to reading the author’s next release, What Comes After... 💔
I would have liked for the author to elaborate on some points in the storyline. For example, about Finley and Claire’s past, regarding their father, how one sister acknowledged of the other, or who was paying for all those medical bills...
Want to read
March 20, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (3/20/2020)! 🎁
April 21, 2019
F.U.C.K.!!! That is all I can think of is that 4 letter word. That is the only thing to wrap up my feelings for this amazing book.
5 stars doesn't even touch this one. Book Hangover doesn't touch it. Moved beyond tears. Heart beating outside my chest or just flopping on the ground? I don't know. I feel gutted and yet so sated at the same time.
I couldn't put this down. Only twice in the middle of the night when reading did my Kindle smack me in the head and I realized I needed sleep did I stop. Yes twice. I'm an idiot. I slept then woke and started reading again and it happened so I slept some more.
Ok onto Finley and Abel. As Finley describes he is THE book boyfriend. OMG! as an avid reader and keeper of Book Boyfriends, he is by far a top one.
Sweet, amazing Finley. Life has been so hard for her. I can't even begin to imagine and while Melissa paints a good picture for us, I don't think we get the full scope. At 19 she is beyond a survivor.
I wanted this story to have a different turn of events. I wanted it harder than I think Abel did, or maybe not that hard b/c LOVE. But still. Melissa will gut you with this one.
I will not spoil this. I will recommend you read it.
~I volunteered to read an advance copy.
5 stars doesn't even touch this one. Book Hangover doesn't touch it. Moved beyond tears. Heart beating outside my chest or just flopping on the ground? I don't know. I feel gutted and yet so sated at the same time.
I couldn't put this down. Only twice in the middle of the night when reading did my Kindle smack me in the head and I realized I needed sleep did I stop. Yes twice. I'm an idiot. I slept then woke and started reading again and it happened so I slept some more.
Ok onto Finley and Abel. As Finley describes he is THE book boyfriend. OMG! as an avid reader and keeper of Book Boyfriends, he is by far a top one.
Sweet, amazing Finley. Life has been so hard for her. I can't even begin to imagine and while Melissa paints a good picture for us, I don't think we get the full scope. At 19 she is beyond a survivor.
I wanted this story to have a different turn of events. I wanted it harder than I think Abel did, or maybe not that hard b/c LOVE. But still. Melissa will gut you with this one.
I will not spoil this. I will recommend you read it.
~I volunteered to read an advance copy.
September 16, 2024
Sweet book. Sad, but also inspiring. Easy to read in a day!
May 15, 2019
⭐️ 5 "Life-Changing Hours" Stars ⭐️
Ten Hours is an ugly cry read that affected me so much! This book needs to be felt and can’t really be explained. Yes, the romance is absolutely gorgeous, but the primary subject of this story is tragic and brings an overall poignant atmosphere. You’ll need a box of tissue to get over this brilliant, highly emotional novel!
"You are my perfect song. I'll play you over and over again until my fingers bleed. Because you are the only thing in this world that I truly need. You are my world, my light, my life. You are my dream come true."
Finley and Abel meets on a night where the young woman received bad news and is still in shock. They bond right away and their relationship is truly a beauty to see. The conversations are filled with humor, flirty repartees and are truly effortless! It’s like they’ve know each other their whole life. They share ten life-changing hours together that leaves a mark on each other’s heart!
I was a crying mess over the heartbreak of this story! It’s been a very long time since I had a reaction this intense over a book. I felt all the agony and got all chocked up on my tears, my throat so raw. And my heart… my little heart was left fragmented. But through all this utter anguish, the pure devotion between Finley and Abel was exquisite! The love shining in the pages of this story is mesmerizing!
"Live your life fully, fearlessly and without limit."
I won’t go into more details, because I don’t want to give you spoilers, but grab this story and you won’t regret this stirring journey of love, devotion, hope and loss! Melissa Toppen is an author I love so much! Her romances are always swoon-worthy and packed with feels, but Ten Hours is genuinely her best work to date!
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
May 29, 2019
I'm going to take a few days to get myself together after this heartbreaking story. It was a little too real to jump into a review immediately. Even so, I was amazed and drawn to every word written by Melissa Toppen, a new-to-me-author -- but whose backlist I will be checking out immediately.
May 3, 2019
-Jenna, 5 stars
I don't even know what I can say about this story. I can't give away too much but I will tell you that this is a love story through and through! I really enjoyed the story line and the characters were absolutely fantastic. It's extremely emotional and you will feel every emotion from these characters. It gave me chills, literal chills! If you don't read this book, you're totally missing out on a terrific story!!!
I don't even know what I can say about this story. I can't give away too much but I will tell you that this is a love story through and through! I really enjoyed the story line and the characters were absolutely fantastic. It's extremely emotional and you will feel every emotion from these characters. It gave me chills, literal chills! If you don't read this book, you're totally missing out on a terrific story!!!
April 20, 2019
Ten hours…
That’s how much time we spent together.
How much time I got with the man whose bright eyes and sultry smile almost made me forget that I was sick.
Six hundred minutes…
That’s how long it took me to fall in love.
Thirty-six thousand seconds...
And then it was over. And all I wanted was more.
More seconds.
More minutes.
More hours.
More him.
Ten hours…
Such a small, insignificant amount of time.
Yet those ten hours changed everything.
Holy cow! What an amazing read! This story was flawlessly written and heartfelt. Finley and Abel's story was heartbreaking and beautiful. Better to be sure to have a box of tissues.
That’s how much time we spent together.
How much time I got with the man whose bright eyes and sultry smile almost made me forget that I was sick.
Six hundred minutes…
That’s how long it took me to fall in love.
Thirty-six thousand seconds...
And then it was over. And all I wanted was more.
More seconds.
More minutes.
More hours.
More him.
Ten hours…
Such a small, insignificant amount of time.
Yet those ten hours changed everything.
Holy cow! What an amazing read! This story was flawlessly written and heartfelt. Finley and Abel's story was heartbreaking and beautiful. Better to be sure to have a box of tissues.
April 20, 2019
Ten Hours
SO MUCH BEAUTY WITHIN THESE PAGES! OH MY HEART!
A tragically beautiful story about love and loss. An unconditional love that will last forever.
Finley and Abel found each other at the perfect moment. But to finally have everything you want to only lose it, is where you begin to think will it all be worth it in the end?
“Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die tomorrow.”
Their love is untouchable, their strength is unimaginable. It’s raw and real. It’s an agonizing realization that life throws things at you that you don’t expect, but it’s what you do with it that matters.
I loved their story. It wrecked me but my heart is so full. It’s a deep
and emotional read so prepare yourself.
Grab those tissues and prepare to feel. Melissa did an unbelievable job at bringing us a phenomenal story.
SO MUCH BEAUTY WITHIN THESE PAGES! OH MY HEART!
A tragically beautiful story about love and loss. An unconditional love that will last forever.
Finley and Abel found each other at the perfect moment. But to finally have everything you want to only lose it, is where you begin to think will it all be worth it in the end?
“Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die tomorrow.”
Their love is untouchable, their strength is unimaginable. It’s raw and real. It’s an agonizing realization that life throws things at you that you don’t expect, but it’s what you do with it that matters.
I loved their story. It wrecked me but my heart is so full. It’s a deep
and emotional read so prepare yourself.
Grab those tissues and prepare to feel. Melissa did an unbelievable job at bringing us a phenomenal story.
April 26, 2019
There aren't enough words to express my feelings on this book.
I didn't read the blurb. Why? Because I love everything Melissa Toppen writes. I wasn't prepared for this book. My emotions were off the charts. I will tell you, I don't cry with books. Maybe a few tears, but this one got me. I mean it really got me.
There isn't much I can say about this book without giving anything away.
Finley or Just Finley had been informed of some devastating news. News that would change her life. She just wasn't ready to accept it, she didn't want to be alone. She finds herself walking into a bar, but not being old enough to drink, she orders water. Not soon after, her eyes land on Abel. She wasn't ready for Abel, but she welcomed him with open arms. He was her saving grace. Ten Hours changed everything for her.
Abel, our sweet and loving Abel, is a musician. I won't say much about Abel. I am going to let you experience him on your own. Abel is just amazing!! His love for her is a love every woman dreams of just under different circumstances.
There aren't enough words to prepare you for this book. Make sure you grab a book of tissues and your favorite alcoholic drink. You are going to need it. BUT first enjoy their love story. This is one book you will NEVER forget.
Ten Hours has made it to my TOP 5 books I've ever read!!!
I didn't read the blurb. Why? Because I love everything Melissa Toppen writes. I wasn't prepared for this book. My emotions were off the charts. I will tell you, I don't cry with books. Maybe a few tears, but this one got me. I mean it really got me.
There isn't much I can say about this book without giving anything away.
Finley or Just Finley had been informed of some devastating news. News that would change her life. She just wasn't ready to accept it, she didn't want to be alone. She finds herself walking into a bar, but not being old enough to drink, she orders water. Not soon after, her eyes land on Abel. She wasn't ready for Abel, but she welcomed him with open arms. He was her saving grace. Ten Hours changed everything for her.
Abel, our sweet and loving Abel, is a musician. I won't say much about Abel. I am going to let you experience him on your own. Abel is just amazing!! His love for her is a love every woman dreams of just under different circumstances.
There aren't enough words to prepare you for this book. Make sure you grab a book of tissues and your favorite alcoholic drink. You are going to need it. BUT first enjoy their love story. This is one book you will NEVER forget.
Ten Hours has made it to my TOP 5 books I've ever read!!!
May 17, 2019
I’m not sure how to even write a review for this HEARTBREAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL book. For one, I can’t see past the tears in my eyes.
Melissa has written a story that will stick with you long after you’ve finished the last page. So many emotions, so many tears, so many whys and so much love. Gahhhh....I can’t even find the words for how amazing this book was.
I’m not going into much detail because EVERY SINGLE person needs this book in their life. Grab your box of tissues and let these words carry through your mind and your heart. You won’t be disappointed.
Highly recommended.
*I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest and voluntary review*
Melissa has written a story that will stick with you long after you’ve finished the last page. So many emotions, so many tears, so many whys and so much love. Gahhhh....I can’t even find the words for how amazing this book was.
I’m not going into much detail because EVERY SINGLE person needs this book in their life. Grab your box of tissues and let these words carry through your mind and your heart. You won’t be disappointed.
Highly recommended.
*I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest and voluntary review*
April 20, 2019
Ten hours. That’s all it took for me to read this book. Ten hours to fall in love with characters that will definitely stay with me for quite some time. Finley is 19 years old and has been diagnosed with brain cancer. She had such a rough life at just 19 that it’s sad to know she’s sick. The same day she finds out she meets Abel. Abel is just sexy and so damn sweet you get pulled into him so fast. They spend the next 10 hours together and it’s just magical. He doesn’t know she’s sick but it wouldn’t matter if he did because my goodness he falls hard. I have so much to say but don’t wanna give away anything. Just know to grab your tissues and be prepared for your heart to race. I just loved this book so hard I wish I read it slower.
May 21, 2019
The blurb doesn’t give much of this story away. I was wholly unprepared for the ugly cry that ensued. I’m struggling to write this review because I don’t want to give too many hints at the plot. I just want everyone to go in with an open heart and a box of Kleenex, because you’ll need both.
Finely & Abel meet and the connection is instant. Undeniably perfect and amazingly beautiful. The ride they take you on will never leave you. The love they feel is so pure. My heart is aching, I just loved this so much.
Finely & Abel meet and the connection is instant. Undeniably perfect and amazingly beautiful. The ride they take you on will never leave you. The love they feel is so pure. My heart is aching, I just loved this so much.
May 20, 2019
What an incredible love story. Finley’s background is a tough one and when her world is turned on its axis she meets Abel. The love these two share is an incredibly tragic but beautiful story that has left me in tears. Melissa Toppen did a phenomenal job in writing these characters and all they are going through to bring the reader right there in the moment
April 20, 2019
An accidental meeting brought Abel and Finley together. Ten hours was all they had. In those ten hours, Finley and Abel shared an amazing time together and fall in love. Ten Hours is an incredible, sweet and emotional story. Their chemistry together is beyond great. The first page grabbed me and I couldn’t put it down until the end. Be sure to have plenty of tissues on hand.
Review copy was received for a honest opinion.
Review copy was received for a honest opinion.
April 20, 2019
Man this story almost kill me with all the crying I went through reading Abel and Finley I spend the whole night up until the very end. This story was beautiful writing and the pain, the happiness Abel and Finley went through was a rollercoaster of emotions that I couldn't find my way out off. And that ending I hope there would be more of Abel I would love to see what will become of him because for me a story can't end that way so I hope we do get more I need him to find happiness.
April 22, 2019
Beautifully written story. Ten Hours is a tear jerker. You'll need a box or twenty of tissues. I was captivated from the beginning till the end. Abel and Finley's story is an emotional journey. It was worth every second reading. I hope Abel will get a book after Ten Hours.
June 17, 2019
Beautifully tragic. Such a beautiful story! I loved it! I loved and adored Abel! I couldn't put it down! I can't wait for the sequel, for Abel to get his HEA!
Waning: Have tissues handy!
Waning: Have tissues handy!
January 16, 2021
So sweet and beautiful! I cried..... ❤️
April 20, 2019
This story is amazing! One you start and can't put down. Have your Kleenex ready. I laughed, I cried, and I did not want this story to end. This is a 5+ star don't miss read!
May 19, 2019
As I write this review, I'm still wiping the tears from my eyes. 😭 This is such a beautiful, heartbreaking love story. It was so beautiful to witness the love, that Finley & Abel had for each other, blossom before my eyes. 💜 My heart broke from all that Finley had to endure, before she found her sister, Claire & in turn, Abel. She met him at just the right time. It was kismet. It was amazing to see how quickly they recognized a kindred spirit in the other. I also loved seeing their love grow deeper & deeper, the longer they were together. I loved how Finley couldn't believe how amazing Abel was, and question that it wasn't all a wonderful dream. I absolutely loved Abel's character, from the moment he was introduced into the story. I also really loved Claire. What an amazing sister to have. 💜 Melissa has done a beautiful job writing such a heartfelt & heartbreaking story. I loved the little details, she threw in, for the booklover in me. Finley's love of reading, how reading made her feel, and all those books she had.
I would definitely recommend this book to any fans of Melissa's writing. I would recommend this book to any fans of Emma Scott's writing too.
I would definitely recommend this book to any fans of Melissa's writing. I would recommend this book to any fans of Emma Scott's writing too.
May 19, 2019
Love is not measured in how long you spend together but in how your souls talk to each other. When soulmates meet, they know it.
Ten Hours -- a lot can be accomplished in ten hours and it is possible to fall so deeply in love in that time that your world gets tipped on an axis that has your head spinning.
I love books, I love reading, but every once in awhile you come across a book that affects you in a profound way. Ten Hours by Melissa Toppen is one of those books. It's a 5-star read that will change the way you view life.
Melissa is one of my all time favorite authors so I didnt read the blurb until I had the book in my hand. By then it was too late to turn back but I honestly took a step back and mentally prepared to start. Even then, I WAS NOT PREPARED.
Able and Findley - a love like no other. A love that brings tears to my eyes as I write this review. It was selfless and nothing but beautiful. We should all mimic their outlook on life and enjoy the present for time is not guaranteed. We are all living on borrowed time, none of knowing which way our life will turn or if it will be cut short. Live in the now and love fiercely.
I wouldn't call Ten Hours your typical romance but it is an amazing and beautiful love story. I kept praying for the plot to take a sharp right turn, but Melissa is an author who often plays with my emotions and I expected nothing less with Ten Hours. Melissa ripped my heart out slowly and delivered it back on a platter like a peace offering. I grabbed that offering and squeezed it so tight while mentally thanking her for the lessons learned, for awakening my mind to the beautiful world we live in yet let pass us by without a second thought every day.
Read Ten Hours today and then apply what you learned from the book --
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die tomorrow."
Ten Hours -- a lot can be accomplished in ten hours and it is possible to fall so deeply in love in that time that your world gets tipped on an axis that has your head spinning.
I love books, I love reading, but every once in awhile you come across a book that affects you in a profound way. Ten Hours by Melissa Toppen is one of those books. It's a 5-star read that will change the way you view life.
Melissa is one of my all time favorite authors so I didnt read the blurb until I had the book in my hand. By then it was too late to turn back but I honestly took a step back and mentally prepared to start. Even then, I WAS NOT PREPARED.
Able and Findley - a love like no other. A love that brings tears to my eyes as I write this review. It was selfless and nothing but beautiful. We should all mimic their outlook on life and enjoy the present for time is not guaranteed. We are all living on borrowed time, none of knowing which way our life will turn or if it will be cut short. Live in the now and love fiercely.
I wouldn't call Ten Hours your typical romance but it is an amazing and beautiful love story. I kept praying for the plot to take a sharp right turn, but Melissa is an author who often plays with my emotions and I expected nothing less with Ten Hours. Melissa ripped my heart out slowly and delivered it back on a platter like a peace offering. I grabbed that offering and squeezed it so tight while mentally thanking her for the lessons learned, for awakening my mind to the beautiful world we live in yet let pass us by without a second thought every day.
Read Ten Hours today and then apply what you learned from the book --
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die tomorrow."
May 17, 2019
"Abel is my new favorite song. The track I will play on repeat in my memories for the rest of the time I have left on this earth and maybe even after."
I can probably count on one hand the books I've read (out of probably almost a thousand at this point) that have made me ugly cry. I mean, snuffling, face swollen, my family thinking they need to call 911 ugly cry, and this one did it. Surrounded by piles of tissues, I inhaled the beautiful, gorgeously romantic, yet tragic story of Abel and Finley. It hurt my soul at the unfairness, but lent light at the beauty of love, living life to the fullest, and seeing through the pain to find your purpose. It hurt my heart, but I wouldn't change the experience of reading them. They were a love of a lifetime condensed in a short amount of time, and it was a completely and utterly beautiful story that enveloped me mind and soul. I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
I can probably count on one hand the books I've read (out of probably almost a thousand at this point) that have made me ugly cry. I mean, snuffling, face swollen, my family thinking they need to call 911 ugly cry, and this one did it. Surrounded by piles of tissues, I inhaled the beautiful, gorgeously romantic, yet tragic story of Abel and Finley. It hurt my soul at the unfairness, but lent light at the beauty of love, living life to the fullest, and seeing through the pain to find your purpose. It hurt my heart, but I wouldn't change the experience of reading them. They were a love of a lifetime condensed in a short amount of time, and it was a completely and utterly beautiful story that enveloped me mind and soul. I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
May 15, 2019
The whole premise for this book is amazing. I am an oncology nurse so I was pleasantly surprised by the realism of what having cancer portrayed in this story. Our heroine really had a bad a$$ day. It’s as if she hits the jack pot on meeting our hero. This was so sweet. I hated that we faded to black and talked about the sex after the fact. There were so many quotes I wanted to add to this review. I don’t want to spoil it for others. I just love the fact that they were polar opposites in the way they were brought up and how they lived their lives. I messed around and was reading this at work. BIG MISTAKE! I was gutted. I LOVED ABEL.Finley is one of the strongest heroines I’ve read. This was my first book by this author and I plan to keep an eye out for what she has out next. I recommend this book.
P. S. I didn’t understand why his family(surgeons) couldn’t do more. She was never taken to these specialty cancer centers ( M. D. Anderson) and seen. She could have been in research studies or clinical trials. I’ve had patients survive brain cancer. Why didn’t his family donate or set up a legacy for her. I’m just saying.
P. S. I didn’t understand why his family(surgeons) couldn’t do more. She was never taken to these specialty cancer centers ( M. D. Anderson) and seen. She could have been in research studies or clinical trials. I’ve had patients survive brain cancer. Why didn’t his family donate or set up a legacy for her. I’m just saying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2019
WARNING: TISSUES REQUIRED to get through this story! Five sobbing but smiling stars!
You'll read this book in far less than ten hours, because you won't put it down! But fair warning: If you like Happily Ever After endings, you won't find one here. You will find a compelling, gut-wrenching story that will shred your emotions and leave you in tears. Guaranteed.
Facing risky surgery for a malignant brain tumor, Finley goes to a Chicago bar and meets Abel, a gorgeous musician. When an immediate and powerful attraction stirs between them, they leave the bar and spend ten incredible hours together, culminating with wild sex in his high-rise apartment. (Nothing too erotic except that sex-against-the-window scene--wow!) By the end of that night, Finley's in love with Abel. Even so, she "ghosts" him and leaves before he wakes up, having told him nothing except her first name. "The truth isn't an option. I don't want him to think of me as the sick girl he spent one night with before she died."
Will Finley survive her surgery? Will Abel find her somehow? If he does, can their love conquer all? I'm not saying. But regardless of how it ends, this book will make you believe in the undying power of love. Experience Ten Hours for yourself. Then you'll dry your tears and smile, especially when you find out there's a sequel to the story! Life goes on.
You'll read this book in far less than ten hours, because you won't put it down! But fair warning: If you like Happily Ever After endings, you won't find one here. You will find a compelling, gut-wrenching story that will shred your emotions and leave you in tears. Guaranteed.
Facing risky surgery for a malignant brain tumor, Finley goes to a Chicago bar and meets Abel, a gorgeous musician. When an immediate and powerful attraction stirs between them, they leave the bar and spend ten incredible hours together, culminating with wild sex in his high-rise apartment. (Nothing too erotic except that sex-against-the-window scene--wow!) By the end of that night, Finley's in love with Abel. Even so, she "ghosts" him and leaves before he wakes up, having told him nothing except her first name. "The truth isn't an option. I don't want him to think of me as the sick girl he spent one night with before she died."
Will Finley survive her surgery? Will Abel find her somehow? If he does, can their love conquer all? I'm not saying. But regardless of how it ends, this book will make you believe in the undying power of love. Experience Ten Hours for yourself. Then you'll dry your tears and smile, especially when you find out there's a sequel to the story! Life goes on.
May 29, 2019
5 STARS
The deck was stacked against Finley Roberts from the beginning. A drug addicted mother and a sperm donor for a father, Finley had her own back.
Jumping from foster home to foster home, she was her own parent. Finley learned to live five feet from the edge with her nose between the pages of a book—all things safe and familiar.
The deck of life shuffles again, Finley finds herself on the wrong side of the table. Dealer has the odds, and there's only one more play to make...and there's everything to lose.
10 hours. That's it.
And Abel Collins is all in
Abel is the Collins' family black sheep.
Perfectly imperfect and loyal to a fault.
A tattooed musical genius with a sense of humor to boot. Abel is delightfully unpredictable, a path definer—everything a real man should be.
Timing is everything.
Timing is a fickle bitch.
Some people appear in your life not when you want them too, but when you need them the most...to teach you something...to show you a piece of yourself that you didn't know existed.
Another cruel twist wrapped in unfairness...or a gift from 'the powers that be' for a young woman who spent a lifetime feeling forgotten.
Finley and Abel's journey will break you
only to put you back together again.
So Why 5 Stars?
I thought about Finley and Abel's story when I went to bed, and when went to work...
Pace was legit for the circumstances. Some may consider it insta-love. It's in the gray area. The dialogue was spot on...probably some of the most thought provoking dialogue I've ever read in romance. Secondary characters were limited, but those involved added to the plot. Speaking of Plot, it was a full circle rip your heart out. Damn. I mean that in the best way. Description were bit hazy for my book brain, but the dialogue made up for that.
Sexy time scenes were super light. There's your warning.
The deeds were summarized. For readers that are here for the glorious dirty words, and pleasurable positions, you won't find those delicious details in this book. With that said, the story was still wonderful. It stayed true to the characters.
Mind blowing sex was not the focus. Forever love was the focus.
Not your typical HEA. But it some ways, it truly was...
Finley and Abel's journey was so much bigger than the HEA label. And the journey does not end here. Add the next book to your TBR. Bring all the tissues. It's going to be a doozy. What Comes After
The deck was stacked against Finley Roberts from the beginning. A drug addicted mother and a sperm donor for a father, Finley had her own back.
Jumping from foster home to foster home, she was her own parent. Finley learned to live five feet from the edge with her nose between the pages of a book—all things safe and familiar.
The deck of life shuffles again, Finley finds herself on the wrong side of the table. Dealer has the odds, and there's only one more play to make...and there's everything to lose.
10 hours. That's it.
And Abel Collins is all in
Abel is the Collins' family black sheep.
Perfectly imperfect and loyal to a fault.
A tattooed musical genius with a sense of humor to boot. Abel is delightfully unpredictable, a path definer—everything a real man should be.
Timing is everything.
Timing is a fickle bitch.
Some people appear in your life not when you want them too, but when you need them the most...to teach you something...to show you a piece of yourself that you didn't know existed.
Another cruel twist wrapped in unfairness...or a gift from 'the powers that be' for a young woman who spent a lifetime feeling forgotten.
Finley and Abel's journey will break you
only to put you back together again.
So Why 5 Stars?
I thought about Finley and Abel's story when I went to bed, and when went to work...
Pace was legit for the circumstances. Some may consider it insta-love. It's in the gray area. The dialogue was spot on...probably some of the most thought provoking dialogue I've ever read in romance. Secondary characters were limited, but those involved added to the plot. Speaking of Plot, it was a full circle rip your heart out. Damn. I mean that in the best way. Description were bit hazy for my book brain, but the dialogue made up for that.
Sexy time scenes were super light. There's your warning.
The deeds were summarized. For readers that are here for the glorious dirty words, and pleasurable positions, you won't find those delicious details in this book. With that said, the story was still wonderful. It stayed true to the characters.
Mind blowing sex was not the focus. Forever love was the focus.
Not your typical HEA. But it some ways, it truly was...
Finley and Abel's journey was so much bigger than the HEA label. And the journey does not end here. Add the next book to your TBR. Bring all the tissues. It's going to be a doozy. What Comes After
May 19, 2019
A 5 Star, Amazing, Gripping, Heartfelt, Beautiful Love Story
Melissa Toppen outdid herself. This book. I can't describe the feeling adequately. It is written so eloquently and captivated me from the very beginning. It was so devastatingly good. I will do my best but it will be hard. This book is my top 2 read EVER. Not just this year. I couldn't put the book down. I read it in one go and I just felt so much. I read this and had to come back and review. It had a lingering effect on me. I was just gutted. I haven't been able to read another since. No matter how hard I try. I can't read a book. Can you say book hangover? I wanted so badly for this to end different. I really did but I think they got what they needed. I read this in one go and I am sure will as well.
Finely receives some shocking news. She has brain cancer and she needs surgery. So as a let's do some things she wouldn't normally do. It made her bold and brave. She is strong she has been through hard times growing up. She needed to get out and left home. She has her sister but that is it.
Abel. I loved that man. He is so full of want for Finley. He makes your heart beat fast and smile. Smile so big. There are five brothers. Then they get some news they weren't expecting. Abel, oh gosh it's so hard to explain without giving it away.
Their connection is instant. They both feel this bond even before they spend their ten hours together. It's magical for them and they fall completely in love. He gets her and she gets him. So after they spend their time together she disappears. He does everything he can to find her. I can't say anything else, just know this a love story among love stories. It will stick with you well after your done. You need a case of kleenex and uninterrupted time.
I can't even say for sure if this review makes sense. I am still trying to process all my things. Good thoughts though.
I recommend this book to everyone I know. Such a beautiful read through and through.
Melissa Toppen outdid herself. This book. I can't describe the feeling adequately. It is written so eloquently and captivated me from the very beginning. It was so devastatingly good. I will do my best but it will be hard. This book is my top 2 read EVER. Not just this year. I couldn't put the book down. I read it in one go and I just felt so much. I read this and had to come back and review. It had a lingering effect on me. I was just gutted. I haven't been able to read another since. No matter how hard I try. I can't read a book. Can you say book hangover? I wanted so badly for this to end different. I really did but I think they got what they needed. I read this in one go and I am sure will as well.
Finely receives some shocking news. She has brain cancer and she needs surgery. So as a let's do some things she wouldn't normally do. It made her bold and brave. She is strong she has been through hard times growing up. She needed to get out and left home. She has her sister but that is it.
Abel. I loved that man. He is so full of want for Finley. He makes your heart beat fast and smile. Smile so big. There are five brothers. Then they get some news they weren't expecting. Abel, oh gosh it's so hard to explain without giving it away.
Their connection is instant. They both feel this bond even before they spend their ten hours together. It's magical for them and they fall completely in love. He gets her and she gets him. So after they spend their time together she disappears. He does everything he can to find her. I can't say anything else, just know this a love story among love stories. It will stick with you well after your done. You need a case of kleenex and uninterrupted time.
I can't even say for sure if this review makes sense. I am still trying to process all my things. Good thoughts though.
I recommend this book to everyone I know. Such a beautiful read through and through.
May 17, 2019
Finley Roberts just received the most devastating news she thought she could ever hear but as she is reeling from the news she happens to meet Abel Collins and for the next 10 hours she begins to
experience life in a way she never imagined she could.
Yet Finley must deal with what is ahead of her and that may be letting go of Abel as she has no idea
what the future holds. But what happens if Abel isn’t willing to let her go?
Can 10 hours change your whole life?
As I began reading this book I wondered if it was going to be one of those books where everything just falls into place or give me the emotional ride of a lifetime. It was definitely the second and have your Kleenex right beside you. OMG!!!
My heart was broken for Finley the moment the book began. I can’t imagine what she was going
through and only having her sister beside her to help her through everything. At nineteen to be faced with such a turn of events was so heartbreaking and I truly was crossing my fingers that everything would work out.
Abel was an awesome character and so full of life. I liked that he was the black sheep of his family and followed his own dreams. I loved how determined he was to find Finley when she disappeared and that showed me how in love he was with her.
I kind of figured that things would come out after everything with his mom and I was just waiting for it.
I liked how everything began to fall into place after that and Abel and Finley became such a good pair and had so much fun together.
Then in a moment my heart began to freak out and the fight that occurred was huge and the tears
began. The trip in the van was so awesome and I loved it soooo much!!! I loved what happened in Vegas and also the tattoos!!!
My heart just shattered and I want more but I am terrified to ask for more!! By Rebecca
experience life in a way she never imagined she could.
Yet Finley must deal with what is ahead of her and that may be letting go of Abel as she has no idea
what the future holds. But what happens if Abel isn’t willing to let her go?
Can 10 hours change your whole life?
As I began reading this book I wondered if it was going to be one of those books where everything just falls into place or give me the emotional ride of a lifetime. It was definitely the second and have your Kleenex right beside you. OMG!!!
My heart was broken for Finley the moment the book began. I can’t imagine what she was going
through and only having her sister beside her to help her through everything. At nineteen to be faced with such a turn of events was so heartbreaking and I truly was crossing my fingers that everything would work out.
Abel was an awesome character and so full of life. I liked that he was the black sheep of his family and followed his own dreams. I loved how determined he was to find Finley when she disappeared and that showed me how in love he was with her.
I kind of figured that things would come out after everything with his mom and I was just waiting for it.
I liked how everything began to fall into place after that and Abel and Finley became such a good pair and had so much fun together.
Then in a moment my heart began to freak out and the fight that occurred was huge and the tears
began. The trip in the van was so awesome and I loved it soooo much!!! I loved what happened in Vegas and also the tattoos!!!
My heart just shattered and I want more but I am terrified to ask for more!! By Rebecca
August 3, 2019
Unlike anything I've ever felt about a book.
I have never had a book touch me all the way down to my soul as this book has. I've read hundreds, maybe thousands of books in my life and I read every single page from beginning to end in the course of-- Holy Crap. I'm not kidding in the slightest when I say I just realized it has taken me 10 hours to finish this book. Annnnd, cue more tears. I had no idea when I started this book at my daughter's naptime that I would be sucked in so deeply.
Finley. Oh my gosh. This girl is so strong & at 19. Wow. Then came Abel and their instant connection that just left me like, whoa. I loved the course of their ten hours, but that was only the beginning.
The deeper I got into the story the more of a roller coaster I became. I was able feel the emotions thru the characters and that right there is great writing.
I don't like to give a lot away but let me make one thing clear. I have never ugly cried over a book more than I have with this one. I mean full out sobbing while my husband and teenage son watch and annoyingly repeat, "It's just a book!" Oh my sweet god in heaven, the have absolutely no idea. This is so much more than "just a book". This is a story that will stick with me forever. One that I will be purchasing in paperback and keeping on my bookshelves as one of my Top 3 favorite of all times.
I recommend this book 1000%. Just be prepared to (want to) read the entire book in one sitting and have that box of tissues ready cause as much as I thought I wasn't really going to need them, YOU WILL DEFINITELY NEED THEM!!! 🙂
A Big, Huge, Ginormous thank you to Melissa for writing such an incredible story. I'm very much looking forward to the continuation of Abel's journey. ❤
I have never had a book touch me all the way down to my soul as this book has. I've read hundreds, maybe thousands of books in my life and I read every single page from beginning to end in the course of-- Holy Crap. I'm not kidding in the slightest when I say I just realized it has taken me 10 hours to finish this book. Annnnd, cue more tears. I had no idea when I started this book at my daughter's naptime that I would be sucked in so deeply.
Finley. Oh my gosh. This girl is so strong & at 19. Wow. Then came Abel and their instant connection that just left me like, whoa. I loved the course of their ten hours, but that was only the beginning.
The deeper I got into the story the more of a roller coaster I became. I was able feel the emotions thru the characters and that right there is great writing.
I don't like to give a lot away but let me make one thing clear. I have never ugly cried over a book more than I have with this one. I mean full out sobbing while my husband and teenage son watch and annoyingly repeat, "It's just a book!" Oh my sweet god in heaven, the have absolutely no idea. This is so much more than "just a book". This is a story that will stick with me forever. One that I will be purchasing in paperback and keeping on my bookshelves as one of my Top 3 favorite of all times.
I recommend this book 1000%. Just be prepared to (want to) read the entire book in one sitting and have that box of tissues ready cause as much as I thought I wasn't really going to need them, YOU WILL DEFINITELY NEED THEM!!! 🙂
A Big, Huge, Ginormous thank you to Melissa for writing such an incredible story. I'm very much looking forward to the continuation of Abel's journey. ❤
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