Series
Title: The Reflection series
Including: Between the Pain, After the
Pain
Author: Gia Riley
Released: June 2014 & Sept
2014
Find on
Goodreads
Graduating
from nursing school and finding herself thrown into the real world,
twenty-two year old Hallie Dawson is determined to prove herself on
the job. A chance encounter on the first day has charming Ryan
Andrews showing up everywhere she goes. With only a string of random
hook-ups and one failed relationship in her past, Hallie isn’t
used to being pursued. For the first time, two men desire her. Will
she choose the right one – or does fate hold all the
cards?
Between
the Pain is a Contemporary Romance novella about finding love - and
being brave enough to follow your heart. Will Hallie end up in the
arms of her true love or are the moments in between her pain forming
the real story.
Timing is
everything.
A
fraction of a second, one altered course, one note -- change her life
forever.
The song
ends and we’re left in the middle of the dance floor
staring at each other. Neither of us makes a move to say anything
else. Why can’t I just say yes like any other normal girl
would?
One of
the bartenders is on the small stage announcing a drink special and
something about a band starting in fifteen minutes. I’m too
busy looking into Ryan’s eyes to really care about either
of those two things right now. Before I have a chance to get my words
of acceptance out, Ryan decides to end the
moment.
“Think
about it, about what I said. It’s just a date and I
don’t care if we do it like everyone else or not. Well I
care how we do it but that isn’t important right
now.” The heat in his gaze makes me take a step back, not
because I’m not feeling it, but because I am feeling it.
I’ve never had a reaction quite like this one before.
I’m quickly figuring out Ryan isn’t like most
guys and I think he’s just the adventure I need to help
break out of my shell.
Does
everything really happen for a reason?
Hallie
Dawson is battling with a broken heart yet determined to give love a
second chance. Once again, time isn’t in her favor. Her
moments After the Pain are filled with promises of a better future
and personal secrets. With mysterious notes continuously haunting her
and a secret friendship with a fellow musician, Hallie is struggling
to stay true to her heart.
Tall,
dark and handsome, Sean Thomas, is tired of being second best. This
time, the good guy refuses to finish last. If he wants to get the
girl, he’s going to have to confront the one person who
broke his heart. His past is on a collision course with his future
– will he be able to hang onto his connection with
Hallie?
After the
Pain is a Contemporary Romance novel about restoring faith in the
beauty of love. Can Sean put the pieces of Hallie’s heart
back together? Will love conquer all, or will jealousy and secrets
tear them apart?
“Wow,
babe,” Sean says when he gets out of the shower. I should
thank him for the compliment but I’m enjoying my own view
right now. His towel is slung around his hips, taunting me. I want
nothing more than to yank on the small corner holding it in place. I
keep my eyes locked on his and can physically see the second he
realizes my intentions.
“Hallie,
what are you doing?”
“Exploring.”
When I reach him, my hands untuck the corner of the towel, sending it
falling to the floor. My hands start at his broad shoulders making
sure to touch every single velvety inch of skin in front of me. I
place my lips on his chest, sucking up the water droplets left
behind. “Shit, baby. Your mouth feels
incredible.”
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- I have
a degree in Behavioral Science.
- I’m a huge college football
fan.
- I don’t write in
order.
- Secretly, I’d love to be
country singer and live in Nashville. I guess it’s not a
secret anymore.
- I’ve been to eleven
countries but never ventured out of North America.
- I’d rather pick truth than
dare.
- My first concert was Boyz II
Men.
- I’m a germaphone.
- I’d like to spend the day
with Jimmy Fallon, Melissa McCarthy, and Kristen Wiig.
- I’ve never owned an iphone.
I’m a Samsung Galaxy girl.
I'm
a lover of all things romance and a firm believer that everyone
deserves a happily ever after. Currently residing in the small but
mighty state of Delaware, I take pride in creating characters who are
real, personable, and entertaining.
When
I'm not busy working on my next book, I can be found roaming
the isles of Kirkland's or up to my elbows in
Play-doh.
"I've
learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget
what you did, but people will never forget how you made them
feel." ~Maya Angelou
REVIEW:
Book 1 - Between the Pain
3.5 stars
This book was really well written. It started off great and then it just fell flat. I get the plot twist but it just didn't do it for me. I wanted so badly for the story to go in another direction. I absolutely adored Ryan & Hallie. I never connected with Sean in the beginning of the story so it was very difficult for me to suddenly switch my emotions.
I'm curious as to what book 2 will bring.....
Book 2 - After the Pain 4 stars
Well book two was definitely more to my liking. Sean is still around and I guess I've come to accept that that is not going to change. However, Hallie and Sean both have a lot to deal with in this book. And a lot of it revolves around Sean's past this time. We are also introduced to Colby who I really like. The ending leaves me questioning where this story is going. Is this the end of Hallie & Sean's story or will there be more? Could be interesting to see. :) |