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Shattered Promises #1
Shattered Promises
**Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content.
(A re-imagining of my young adult book, The Fallen Star, told as a New Adult Paranormal)
For twenty-one year-old Gemma, life has never been normal. She knows nothing about her past and has been haunted by the same monsters in her nightmares for the last few months. Unemotional and numb to life, she feels disconnected from everyone. Until the very first day she cries. After that, nothing in her life is the same.
Her emotions slowly surface and she starts experiencing love, happiness, and anger, feelings she never knew existed. But they leave her confused and she doesn’t know whether to embrace them or run away from them.
Her life only gets more complicated when she meets Alex. Sexy, arrogant, and secretive, Alex can get under Gemma’s skin like no one can. Yet she’s drawn to him by an invisible connection she has no control over. She’s also seen him before. In her nightmares.
Every part of Gemma’s mind is screaming at her to stay away from Alex, but every other part of her is begging to get close to him. But the closer she gets, the more she realizes Alex knows more about her than he originally let on.
As secrets about her past unravel, Gemma’s life becomes threatened. She needs to figure out what’s going on, before she winds up dead. But the only person she can turn to for answers is the one person she isn’t sure she can trust.
(A re-imagining of my young adult book, The Fallen Star, told as a New Adult Paranormal)
For twenty-one year-old Gemma, life has never been normal. She knows nothing about her past and has been haunted by the same monsters in her nightmares for the last few months. Unemotional and numb to life, she feels disconnected from everyone. Until the very first day she cries. After that, nothing in her life is the same.
Her emotions slowly surface and she starts experiencing love, happiness, and anger, feelings she never knew existed. But they leave her confused and she doesn’t know whether to embrace them or run away from them.
Her life only gets more complicated when she meets Alex. Sexy, arrogant, and secretive, Alex can get under Gemma’s skin like no one can. Yet she’s drawn to him by an invisible connection she has no control over. She’s also seen him before. In her nightmares.
Every part of Gemma’s mind is screaming at her to stay away from Alex, but every other part of her is begging to get close to him. But the closer she gets, the more she realizes Alex knows more about her than he originally let on.
As secrets about her past unravel, Gemma’s life becomes threatened. She needs to figure out what’s going on, before she winds up dead. But the only person she can turn to for answers is the one person she isn’t sure she can trust.
284 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2013
1053 people are currently reading
14160 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Sorensen
411 books20.2k followersJessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.
http://www.jessicasorensen.com
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February 27, 2013
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May 7, 2014
☆
Warning: colorful language abound!
Shattered Promises is absolutely ridiculous.
Now lets all be honest with ourselves for a moment, shall we? When you see a book with a title like this on top of a cover like that there are certain assumptions that are fairly safe to make. Chief among them is that this is not literary genius with deep characters and a multidimensional plot. Instead rather you conjure up a little dash of insta-love, controlling love interest who is moody and borderline abusive, and a not so special girl who turns out to be chock full of key to the world's salvation special . Awww yeah. You could say I had a good idea of what I was walking into, and of course I went willingly. When I realized that this was a retelling of a YA book made specifically more smexy for adults I was totally interested.
So we start off with this chick Gemma, a college student with some issues and pretty purple eyes. Apparently she's never felt an emotion in her life. That is until somewhat recently where she starts having traumatizing dreams and all sorts of emotional turmoil. As far as she knows, her parents died when she was one and she's been living with her maternal grandparents ever since. They are incredibly withholding on all things and Gemma has grown up without affection, love, or guidance. As a mother with two daughters I find this to be incredibly difficult to process, children that grow up in environments like this typically have some kind of sever psychosis. Not Gemma though, she's just frustrated and shit. Yeah. OK.
Then Gemma meets Alex and there is actual electricity between them, although he's incredibly rude to her and she's obsessed with him instantly. Of course this is how it plays out. Alex, the douchecanoe extraordinaire is one of the worst characters of all time. I just barely tolerated him until about 30% and then it bloomed into deep and consuming loathing.
Alex of course holds the answers to Gemma's past and in true shitbag form he withholds the things he thinks will make her mad at him. Duh. There could be no rapey sexual tension without these things slipping, and his reaction is to literally pin her down with his body and say things like this:
This specific scenario happens several times throughout this fucking book. He physically restrains her so she cannot leave the conversation because he loves her. Isn't he just so charming? Just the take charge, physically assertive dreamboat everyone female lusts after?
You know what a man does when a woman doesn't want to continue a discussion and wants to remove herself? HE FUCKING LEAVES HER THE FUCK ALONE. IT'S CALLED RESPECT. RESPECT FOR HER MIND. RESPECT FOR HER EMOTIONAL STATE. RESPECT FOR HER BODY. RESPECT FOR HER CHOICE TO SAY "YOU ARE A LYING SCUMBAG AND LEAVE ME ALONE".
Nahhhhhh, it's totally foreplay and shit.
Not only does Alex physically assault her he also manufactures complete dependence on him and his opinions and she starts asking him for permission for things. The single best aspect of this book is Laylen, a sexy vampire who has some neat tricks up his sleeve. At one point Gemma is having a sort of panic attack and Laylen offers to calm her down with his cool vampire ability. It's important to the plot that Gemma stay calm so, Laylen asks her if she wants his help. It plays out like this:
Laylen asks Gemma.
Gemma looks to Alex.
Alex gives Laylen his permission, this one time.
Laylen ignores Alex, and asks Gemma again.
Gemma agrees.
Alex is so upset about how calm she is, he takes her to the car and gets her off because he's jealous that Laylen was the one to make her calm.
As far as the world goes it's actually pretty interesting. Keepers, Forseeres, vampires, werewolves, faeries, underworld, others worlds, wicca, dark angels, it's a smorgasbord of any and all things paranormal which I actually enjoy. I wish so much that female authors would stop writing male leads who are physically and emotionally abusive. Give me an empowered female author who will not write about men fundamentally disrespecting women, who write a male lead that does not physically overpower her unless she wants him to, PLEASE. I cannot read anymore books like this, it's fucking disturbing.
On a side note: If there was a book about Laylen, I'd read it. Otherwise I will not be reading anymore of this author.
Warning: colorful language abound!
Shattered Promises is absolutely ridiculous.
Now lets all be honest with ourselves for a moment, shall we? When you see a book with a title like this on top of a cover like that there are certain assumptions that are fairly safe to make. Chief among them is that this is not literary genius with deep characters and a multidimensional plot. Instead rather you conjure up a little dash of insta-love, controlling love interest who is moody and borderline abusive, and a not so special girl who turns out to be chock full of key to the world's salvation special . Awww yeah. You could say I had a good idea of what I was walking into, and of course I went willingly. When I realized that this was a retelling of a YA book made specifically more smexy for adults I was totally interested.
So we start off with this chick Gemma, a college student with some issues and pretty purple eyes. Apparently she's never felt an emotion in her life. That is until somewhat recently where she starts having traumatizing dreams and all sorts of emotional turmoil. As far as she knows, her parents died when she was one and she's been living with her maternal grandparents ever since. They are incredibly withholding on all things and Gemma has grown up without affection, love, or guidance. As a mother with two daughters I find this to be incredibly difficult to process, children that grow up in environments like this typically have some kind of sever psychosis. Not Gemma though, she's just frustrated and shit. Yeah. OK.
Then Gemma meets Alex and there is actual electricity between them, although he's incredibly rude to her and she's obsessed with him instantly. Of course this is how it plays out. Alex, the douchecanoe extraordinaire is one of the worst characters of all time. I just barely tolerated him until about 30% and then it bloomed into deep and consuming loathing.
Alex of course holds the answers to Gemma's past and in true shitbag form he withholds the things he thinks will make her mad at him. Duh. There could be no rapey sexual tension without these things slipping, and his reaction is to literally pin her down with his body and say things like this:
"You're not going anywhere until you tell me why you were crying."
"Fight all you want, you can't do anything about it. I'm the one in control here."
This specific scenario happens several times throughout this fucking book. He physically restrains her so she cannot leave the conversation because he loves her. Isn't he just so charming? Just the take charge, physically assertive dreamboat everyone female lusts after?
You know what a man does when a woman doesn't want to continue a discussion and wants to remove herself? HE FUCKING LEAVES HER THE FUCK ALONE. IT'S CALLED RESPECT. RESPECT FOR HER MIND. RESPECT FOR HER EMOTIONAL STATE. RESPECT FOR HER BODY. RESPECT FOR HER CHOICE TO SAY "YOU ARE A LYING SCUMBAG AND LEAVE ME ALONE".
Nahhhhhh, it's totally foreplay and shit.
Not only does Alex physically assault her he also manufactures complete dependence on him and his opinions and she starts asking him for permission for things. The single best aspect of this book is Laylen, a sexy vampire who has some neat tricks up his sleeve. At one point Gemma is having a sort of panic attack and Laylen offers to calm her down with his cool vampire ability. It's important to the plot that Gemma stay calm so, Laylen asks her if she wants his help. It plays out like this:
Laylen asks Gemma.
Gemma looks to Alex.
Alex gives Laylen his permission, this one time.
Laylen ignores Alex, and asks Gemma again.
Gemma agrees.
Alex is so upset about how calm she is, he takes her to the car and gets her off because he's jealous that Laylen was the one to make her calm.
GROSS. WORST. HATE IT.
As far as the world goes it's actually pretty interesting. Keepers, Forseeres, vampires, werewolves, faeries, underworld, others worlds, wicca, dark angels, it's a smorgasbord of any and all things paranormal which I actually enjoy. I wish so much that female authors would stop writing male leads who are physically and emotionally abusive. Give me an empowered female author who will not write about men fundamentally disrespecting women, who write a male lead that does not physically overpower her unless she wants him to, PLEASE. I cannot read anymore books like this, it's fucking disturbing.
On a side note: If there was a book about Laylen, I'd read it. Otherwise I will not be reading anymore of this author.
October 10, 2014
I’m not a huge fan of paranormal books but this story grabbed my attention from the very beginning. The main character Gemma is just fantastic and Jessica Sorensen’s writing had me hooked!
"For as long as I can remember, I've never been able to feel any emotion. Sadness, happiness, love; they are all just words to me. They have no more meaning or importance than the shoes on my feet."
Gemma is a senior in college with gorgeous violet eyes who has NEVER experienced an emotion. She has been an outsider just going through life never feeling or connecting until the day she cries. From the day she cries, feelings and emotions rush through her while she struggles to keep them in check, she starts to question her life as well as her past.
Gemma starts to experience intense nightmares and visions all of which are centered around the same individuals whom she has never met.
One day at school, she sees the man from her dreams and rushes to get to him. To her shock, she can’t resist the urge to touch him. Yes touch him!! Alex is rude and blows her off and makes her feel crazy to have approached him.
"And you look like a love sick girl. Sorry to break it to you, but you're not my type so you might as well get it out of your head that anything will ever happen between us."
Alex and his sister Aislin turn up in Gemma’s class and are grouped with her for a project. Alex and Gemma’s attraction and banter had me fully engrossed along with her dreams which he stars in. Alex is witty and alluring and a reader just can’t get enough of him!
When Alex can’t ignore or deny his connection/attraction to Gemma any longer, things go a bit crazy.
Is our main character just plain crazy? Or is there so much more going on than she is aware of?
Well...
"Sit down and I'll try to explain. Even though, it's going to be nearly fucking impossible."
Alex tells Gemma what’s going on as in who is chasing her and why.
Gemma has a star inside her that holds all sorts of immense power that can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
Then there’s a rundown of paranormal beings, lands and magic that exists in this story: Death Walkers, Foreseers, Wicca magic, Black magic, Keepers, portals, vampires, werewolves, Black Angels, Water Faeries, shape-shifters, The Underworld, City of Crystal, the Sword of Immortality.
This is where I was like...
Yeah I know a lot to take in right! But Alex is all sorts of hot and their connection is amazing. The story moves so quickly that I just went with it.
"Gemma, I think I should stop...I don't want to. You make me...Fuck, you make me feel alive."
Gemma questions who to trust and their reasons for helping or chasing her. The ending isn’t a cliffhanger, it leaves a reader eager to see what happens next!
Side note: Laylen the vampire was all sorts of crazy hot as well. I'm hoping he will be in the next book!
"For as long as I can remember, I've never been able to feel any emotion. Sadness, happiness, love; they are all just words to me. They have no more meaning or importance than the shoes on my feet."
Gemma is a senior in college with gorgeous violet eyes who has NEVER experienced an emotion. She has been an outsider just going through life never feeling or connecting until the day she cries. From the day she cries, feelings and emotions rush through her while she struggles to keep them in check, she starts to question her life as well as her past.
Gemma starts to experience intense nightmares and visions all of which are centered around the same individuals whom she has never met.
One day at school, she sees the man from her dreams and rushes to get to him. To her shock, she can’t resist the urge to touch him. Yes touch him!! Alex is rude and blows her off and makes her feel crazy to have approached him.
"And you look like a love sick girl. Sorry to break it to you, but you're not my type so you might as well get it out of your head that anything will ever happen between us."
Alex and his sister Aislin turn up in Gemma’s class and are grouped with her for a project. Alex and Gemma’s attraction and banter had me fully engrossed along with her dreams which he stars in. Alex is witty and alluring and a reader just can’t get enough of him!
When Alex can’t ignore or deny his connection/attraction to Gemma any longer, things go a bit crazy.
Is our main character just plain crazy? Or is there so much more going on than she is aware of?
Well...
"Sit down and I'll try to explain. Even though, it's going to be nearly fucking impossible."
Alex tells Gemma what’s going on as in who is chasing her and why.
Gemma has a star inside her that holds all sorts of immense power that can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
Then there’s a rundown of paranormal beings, lands and magic that exists in this story: Death Walkers, Foreseers, Wicca magic, Black magic, Keepers, portals, vampires, werewolves, Black Angels, Water Faeries, shape-shifters, The Underworld, City of Crystal, the Sword of Immortality.
This is where I was like...
Yeah I know a lot to take in right! But Alex is all sorts of hot and their connection is amazing. The story moves so quickly that I just went with it.
"Gemma, I think I should stop...I don't want to. You make me...Fuck, you make me feel alive."
Gemma questions who to trust and their reasons for helping or chasing her. The ending isn’t a cliffhanger, it leaves a reader eager to see what happens next!
Side note: Laylen the vampire was all sorts of crazy hot as well. I'm hoping he will be in the next book!
March 1, 2013
Gemma’s life has not been normal. She has lived her twenty one years numb. No feelings, no one who loves her or cares, and no one she loves. She grew up with her distant grandparents, and now she lives a lone in an apartment by her school.
Why do people laugh? What makes them cry? Smile? What allows them to love? These are the questions I’ve asked myself for nearly the last twenty one years.
What makes people feel?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve never been able to feel any emotion. Sadness, happiness, love; they are all just words to me.
One day, its like a switch is flipped. It starts with a tingle, then out of no where, she starts to have feelings. She cries. She laughs. She feels. And for the first time she can remember, she dreams. Her dreams are strange, but they star a handsome dark haired, green eyed man. Then one day, while walking to class, she sees him. She feels the electricity between them.
Gemma doesn’t know how to feel about Alex. He is nothing like the Alex of her dreams. He is cocky, a smart ass, arrogant- as she would say Mr. Sexy Douche Bag
“Are you always this much of an asshole or do you just save it for me?”
“I save all of it just for you.”
After she meets Alex and his sister, stranger things start happening to Gemma. Her dreams start to become a reality, and things she’s read about are really out there. She learns some huge things about her past, and has to figure out what to do with all of this information.
And suddenly I understand what has been wrong with me for the last twenty-one years. I am not crazy. I am the star.
When the action starts happening, she and Alex’s relationship gets even more complicated. As more of Gemma’s past comes to light, she has trouble knowing who to trust. Gemma doesn’t know how to feel. Alex is conflicted about what he ‘should’ do and what he wants to do, its just a mess. A complicated mess.
“I just can’t- I don’t have any control over anything when I’m with you and, honestly, I’m sick of fighting it.”
There was so much paranormal craziness going on in this one, I could never explain it all. Think of all the paranormal creatures you’ve heard of, and some you haven’t and they are probably in this book!
When I picked this book up, I had no idea what it was about, I just knew it was by Jessica Sorenson and I wanted to read it! Jessica is such a talented author, so that was enough for me! I wish I would have read The Fallen Star series first, because it took me a minute to figure out what was going on. I guess I’ll have to get to that soon :D I love a good PNR, and this story was amazing! It was interesting, had some action, some steam, overall a great new adult fantasy/paranormal read! Gemma was a great heroine, Alex was a bipolar jerk at times, but I still loved him, and Laylen- he was all kinds of awesome! I want more Laylen! Happy there wasn’t a huge cliff hanger, but I still am anxious to read the next book to see what happens!
Some of my favorite lines...
“I’m a person. I breathe, I have blood inside me.” My voice trembles as i toss the knife on the floor. “I’m not just a fucking star!”
“I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise I’ll save you no matter what.”
“Gemma, I think you should stop... I don’t want to. You make me... Fuck, you make me feel alive.”
Why do people laugh? What makes them cry? Smile? What allows them to love? These are the questions I’ve asked myself for nearly the last twenty one years.
What makes people feel?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve never been able to feel any emotion. Sadness, happiness, love; they are all just words to me.
One day, its like a switch is flipped. It starts with a tingle, then out of no where, she starts to have feelings. She cries. She laughs. She feels. And for the first time she can remember, she dreams. Her dreams are strange, but they star a handsome dark haired, green eyed man. Then one day, while walking to class, she sees him. She feels the electricity between them.
Gemma doesn’t know how to feel about Alex. He is nothing like the Alex of her dreams. He is cocky, a smart ass, arrogant- as she would say Mr. Sexy Douche Bag
“Are you always this much of an asshole or do you just save it for me?”
“I save all of it just for you.”
After she meets Alex and his sister, stranger things start happening to Gemma. Her dreams start to become a reality, and things she’s read about are really out there. She learns some huge things about her past, and has to figure out what to do with all of this information.
And suddenly I understand what has been wrong with me for the last twenty-one years. I am not crazy. I am the star.
When the action starts happening, she and Alex’s relationship gets even more complicated. As more of Gemma’s past comes to light, she has trouble knowing who to trust. Gemma doesn’t know how to feel. Alex is conflicted about what he ‘should’ do and what he wants to do, its just a mess. A complicated mess.
“I just can’t- I don’t have any control over anything when I’m with you and, honestly, I’m sick of fighting it.”
There was so much paranormal craziness going on in this one, I could never explain it all. Think of all the paranormal creatures you’ve heard of, and some you haven’t and they are probably in this book!
When I picked this book up, I had no idea what it was about, I just knew it was by Jessica Sorenson and I wanted to read it! Jessica is such a talented author, so that was enough for me! I wish I would have read The Fallen Star series first, because it took me a minute to figure out what was going on. I guess I’ll have to get to that soon :D I love a good PNR, and this story was amazing! It was interesting, had some action, some steam, overall a great new adult fantasy/paranormal read! Gemma was a great heroine, Alex was a bipolar jerk at times, but I still loved him, and Laylen- he was all kinds of awesome! I want more Laylen! Happy there wasn’t a huge cliff hanger, but I still am anxious to read the next book to see what happens!
Some of my favorite lines...
“I’m a person. I breathe, I have blood inside me.” My voice trembles as i toss the knife on the floor. “I’m not just a fucking star!”
“I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise I’ll save you no matter what.”
“Gemma, I think you should stop... I don’t want to. You make me... Fuck, you make me feel alive.”
June 7, 2013
New Cover!
March 13, 2013
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
3.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult-Paranormal Romance
Can you imagine spending your life void of any emotions
no happiness,
no sadness,
no lust,
no love,
no hate... Just, nothing... Empty. Well, that's the life Gemma has led.
As far back as Gemma can remember she has spent her life isolated and emotionally disconnected from the world. She has no friends and her grandparents may as well be non existent because they show her no love or affection at all.
'Why have I never felt anything? Am I broken? Crazy? Or, are there just some people who go through life like me—peacefully disconnected?'
Why do people laugh?
What makes them cry?
Smile?
What allows them to love?
These are the questions I’ve asked myself for nearly the last twenty-one years. What makes people feel? I don’t understand what produces emotion and I’m supposed to be writing a paper on human emotion for my Sociology class.'
When the book opens Gemma is reflecting on why she has lacked the ability to feel her whole life. She has no idea that after 21 years of having expressed no emotion..that today is the day she will feel for the first time EVER. Out of nowhere she is hit with a multitude of emotions all at once.
'I’m stunned. Shocked. Terrified. Because, for the first time in my life, I’m crying.'
Recently she has been having nightmares. Nightmares filled with monsters who want her dead. And after experiencing a plethora of emotions all at once she is suddenly trying to tame them. How does one respond to lust for the first time? How does one respond to pain? These are all things she needs to figure out but it's all put on hold when Alex strolls in to her life. She knows that she has seen him before... In her nightmares.
The first time they touch it feels like an electrical current humming through her body.
It soon becomes clear that Gemma's life is in danger and that Alex knows why. Is he her savior or her captor? It's hard to tell since one moment he acts hot and the next he acts cold towards her.
“I don’t understand. One minute you’re being nice to me and the next you’re being a jerk.”
“That’s because I’m conflicted,” he states, touching the scratches on his neck.
“About what?”
“About doing what I want and what’s right.”
~Gemma and Alex
Truths are slowly made clear and who to trust quickly becomes distorted.
My Thoughts
I liked it! Sorensen created a nice magical world where fey, witches, vamps, shifters and seers all abound. The concept was very "the fate of the world depends on a girl" which is not the most unique... But she did a good job with her characters and plot twist,that alone kept the ball rolling full steam ahead.
I must admit I was not completely sucked in until around 72% where the story line picked up. Alex brought the sexiness as well as Laylen... As a matter of fact I would have liked more Laylen!
Oh and btw, it ends with a total cliffhanger.
My Ratings
Characters- Fun and free spirited
Writing Style- Good
Plot/Storyline- Good with great twist and turns
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I liked it!! Check it out!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
**Copy kindly provided by the author for an honest review**
3.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult-Paranormal Romance
Can you imagine spending your life void of any emotions
no happiness,
no sadness,
no lust,
no love,
no hate... Just, nothing... Empty. Well, that's the life Gemma has led.
As far back as Gemma can remember she has spent her life isolated and emotionally disconnected from the world. She has no friends and her grandparents may as well be non existent because they show her no love or affection at all.
'Why have I never felt anything? Am I broken? Crazy? Or, are there just some people who go through life like me—peacefully disconnected?'
Why do people laugh?
What makes them cry?
Smile?
What allows them to love?
These are the questions I’ve asked myself for nearly the last twenty-one years. What makes people feel? I don’t understand what produces emotion and I’m supposed to be writing a paper on human emotion for my Sociology class.'
When the book opens Gemma is reflecting on why she has lacked the ability to feel her whole life. She has no idea that after 21 years of having expressed no emotion..that today is the day she will feel for the first time EVER. Out of nowhere she is hit with a multitude of emotions all at once.
'I’m stunned. Shocked. Terrified. Because, for the first time in my life, I’m crying.'
Recently she has been having nightmares. Nightmares filled with monsters who want her dead. And after experiencing a plethora of emotions all at once she is suddenly trying to tame them. How does one respond to lust for the first time? How does one respond to pain? These are all things she needs to figure out but it's all put on hold when Alex strolls in to her life. She knows that she has seen him before... In her nightmares.
The first time they touch it feels like an electrical current humming through her body.
It soon becomes clear that Gemma's life is in danger and that Alex knows why. Is he her savior or her captor? It's hard to tell since one moment he acts hot and the next he acts cold towards her.
“I don’t understand. One minute you’re being nice to me and the next you’re being a jerk.”
“That’s because I’m conflicted,” he states, touching the scratches on his neck.
“About what?”
“About doing what I want and what’s right.”
~Gemma and Alex
Truths are slowly made clear and who to trust quickly becomes distorted.
My Thoughts
I liked it! Sorensen created a nice magical world where fey, witches, vamps, shifters and seers all abound. The concept was very "the fate of the world depends on a girl" which is not the most unique... But she did a good job with her characters and plot twist,that alone kept the ball rolling full steam ahead.
I must admit I was not completely sucked in until around 72% where the story line picked up. Alex brought the sexiness as well as Laylen... As a matter of fact I would have liked more Laylen!
Oh and btw, it ends with a total cliffhanger.
My Ratings
Characters- Fun and free spirited
Writing Style- Good
Plot/Storyline- Good with great twist and turns
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I liked it!! Check it out!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
**Copy kindly provided by the author for an honest review**
Want to read
January 13, 2013http://jessicalouise82.wordpress.com/
Jessica Sorensen can do no wrong, other then leave me with a cliffhanger at the end of a brilliant book , lol!
Can't wait for this next read!!
Jessica Sorensen can do no wrong, other then leave me with a cliffhanger at the end of a brilliant book , lol!
Can't wait for this next read!!
Want to read
March 2, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/7/2019)! 🎁
February 27, 2017
Her life had been a cold and lonely existence. No one seemed to care about her, even the grandparents she lived with. Even Gemma couldn’t summon any emotion in her life, she just was, just existed. If was like the day her parents died, even though she can’t remember them, her heart and soul shut down. Graduating and leaving home, she has a few years of college under her belt, still moving in a cocooned world of not feeling, until suddenly, there was color and she did feel something, was it emotion? Did it start with her nightmares? Confused, frustrated and unsure of what was happening, suddenly, there he was, the man in her nightmares and she felt like she knew him, but how?
His name was Alex and Gemma does the unimaginable when she sees him, she actually touched him, like enjoying a piece of fine silk and for as gorgeous as he is on the outside, the man is a jerk, rude, arrogant and condescending, even cruel at times. So why is she drawn to him like a moth to flame? Why does his closeness make her “feel” even more? He is both hot and cold, and Gemma can’t even tell if she can trust him, but what choice does she have? He knows something about Gemma and she must know the truth. What she discovers is both life altering, stupefying and deadly, and instead of setting her free, the truth will have her bound up in a game of supernatural tug-o-war as factions work to save her or see her dead.
SHATTERED PROMISES by Jessica Sorensen takes us on a journey slightly off the beaten and well-used path of YA paranormal suspense. Gemma is emotionally stunted, and only now discovers why she is suddenly “feeling” things. Alex, quite frankly, is an arrogant arse, but he has a lot to hide that could save Gemma her newfound pain. Calling upon other paranormal creatures, there is deceit at every turn and now Gemma must decide who to trust with her life. A little dark, certainly edgy and veiled in an uncovered mystery, Ms. Sorensen’s gives few glimpses at what truly is going on ahead of time or what to expect from the next book in this intriguing series.
Series: Shattered Promises - Book 1
Publication Date: February 24, 2013
Publisher: Jessica Sorensen
Genre: NA Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 336 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
His name was Alex and Gemma does the unimaginable when she sees him, she actually touched him, like enjoying a piece of fine silk and for as gorgeous as he is on the outside, the man is a jerk, rude, arrogant and condescending, even cruel at times. So why is she drawn to him like a moth to flame? Why does his closeness make her “feel” even more? He is both hot and cold, and Gemma can’t even tell if she can trust him, but what choice does she have? He knows something about Gemma and she must know the truth. What she discovers is both life altering, stupefying and deadly, and instead of setting her free, the truth will have her bound up in a game of supernatural tug-o-war as factions work to save her or see her dead.
SHATTERED PROMISES by Jessica Sorensen takes us on a journey slightly off the beaten and well-used path of YA paranormal suspense. Gemma is emotionally stunted, and only now discovers why she is suddenly “feeling” things. Alex, quite frankly, is an arrogant arse, but he has a lot to hide that could save Gemma her newfound pain. Calling upon other paranormal creatures, there is deceit at every turn and now Gemma must decide who to trust with her life. A little dark, certainly edgy and veiled in an uncovered mystery, Ms. Sorensen’s gives few glimpses at what truly is going on ahead of time or what to expect from the next book in this intriguing series.
Series: Shattered Promises - Book 1
Publication Date: February 24, 2013
Publisher: Jessica Sorensen
Genre: NA Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 336 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 6, 2014
4.5 Stars!!!
I loved it!!! Such an interesting and unique story!!!
“Why do people laugh? What makes them cry? Smile? What allows them to love? These are the questions I’ve asked myself for nearly the last twenty-one years.”
Gemma has been living without experiencing any emotions for the last 21 years. Until one day when she suddenly felt everything...and she starts crying without a reason. After that...she slowly starts feeling. This is all new to her and she doesn’t know what to do. She doesn’t have any friends or family to help her or to answer her questions. She has been living with her grandparents before going to university but they are cold and weird people. So she is all alone. This is until she meets HIM- an arrogant and sexy stranger. But Gemma knows Alex literally from her dreams. And all of the sudden he is everywhere – her astronomy class, group work, etc. She feels something strange every time she sees him...like electricity.
“I’m just a confused girl stuck in a world that doesn’t make sense.”
When Gemma starts to experience some strange things...Alex is finally going to open up and tell her the truth- that he is there to protect her and to tell her how important she is. Apparently she is the only person who can save the world...!!!Gemma is introduced to a totally different world full with magic, vampires, witches, Death Walkers, Foreseers, ghosts and many other weird creates. Also...this world is full with evil...
Gemma and Alex will start an adventure together which will prove to be quite dangerous.
I really liked the story. It’s is interesting, action-packed, funny at times and there are some seriously hot moments between Gemma and Alex. I liked all the characters. Gemma was a bit annoying at times but it’s not all the time so overall she was okay ;) I can’t wait to start the next one and I have a feeling this will soon become one of my favourite series ;)
For more reviews check our book blog: The Blue Owlary
I loved it!!! Such an interesting and unique story!!!
“Why do people laugh? What makes them cry? Smile? What allows them to love? These are the questions I’ve asked myself for nearly the last twenty-one years.”
Gemma has been living without experiencing any emotions for the last 21 years. Until one day when she suddenly felt everything...and she starts crying without a reason. After that...she slowly starts feeling. This is all new to her and she doesn’t know what to do. She doesn’t have any friends or family to help her or to answer her questions. She has been living with her grandparents before going to university but they are cold and weird people. So she is all alone. This is until she meets HIM- an arrogant and sexy stranger. But Gemma knows Alex literally from her dreams. And all of the sudden he is everywhere – her astronomy class, group work, etc. She feels something strange every time she sees him...like electricity.
“I’m just a confused girl stuck in a world that doesn’t make sense.”
When Gemma starts to experience some strange things...Alex is finally going to open up and tell her the truth- that he is there to protect her and to tell her how important she is. Apparently she is the only person who can save the world...!!!Gemma is introduced to a totally different world full with magic, vampires, witches, Death Walkers, Foreseers, ghosts and many other weird creates. Also...this world is full with evil...
Gemma and Alex will start an adventure together which will prove to be quite dangerous.
I really liked the story. It’s is interesting, action-packed, funny at times and there are some seriously hot moments between Gemma and Alex. I liked all the characters. Gemma was a bit annoying at times but it’s not all the time so overall she was okay ;) I can’t wait to start the next one and I have a feeling this will soon become one of my favourite series ;)
For more reviews check our book blog: The Blue Owlary
March 7, 2013
Blech. About the only good thing I can say about this is that the writing itself wasn't awful. (I'm talking mechanics here, the pacing was terrible.) Alex, the main love interest, is rapey and is so moody he might as well be bipolar. Our protagonist, Gemma, reacts strangely to situations and is difficult to relate to. Characters ramble a lot. Despite her supposed interest in Alex, Gemma still seemed pretty willing to jump a secondary love interest's bones, which made me dislike her even more. (Not that I would blame her if she did dump Alex, mind you, because I spent most of the book wanting to claw his eyes out.)
By the end of this book, I was skimming. Can't say I'll be picking up any more of Ms. Sorensen's books.
By the end of this book, I was skimming. Can't say I'll be picking up any more of Ms. Sorensen's books.
March 8, 2013
My initial assessment holds true.
At first, I made it to up to 41%
I had to stop.
>It was the umpteenth time he'd subdued her with his body to "calm her down".
>By that point I was simply, "Alex, I dub thee Douche bag. Capital D"
>Because the next time he did the same thing, I really did hope she'd "calm down" with her foot up his ass.
And to think I was liking all the confusion of her maybe I'm crazy/maybe I'm not at the beginning. Now that? That was a promising start, it had me thinking SHATTERED PROMISES as more than just sexy-times. And it was more than sexy times, I suppose. Except it went ever where. In trying to lay down their world and saying that yes, werewolves or vampires or *insert any other paranormal creature that may catch your fancy here* were real or that yes, bla bla was a so-and-so well none of those things actually got pulled together.
I said 'd get back to this and I did but yeah, I didn't love this one. Finishing it only by the powers of skimming. Am I going to read the next one? Maybe not... the only other Sorensen book I've read was impressive and that was contemporary, perhaps I should stick to that kind of stuff.
At first, I made it to up to 41%
I had to stop.
>It was the umpteenth time he'd subdued her with his body to "calm her down".
>By that point I was simply, "Alex, I dub thee Douche bag. Capital D"
>Because the next time he did the same thing, I really did hope she'd "calm down" with her foot up his ass.
And to think I was liking all the confusion of her maybe I'm crazy/maybe I'm not at the beginning. Now that? That was a promising start, it had me thinking SHATTERED PROMISES as more than just sexy-times. And it was more than sexy times, I suppose. Except it went ever where. In trying to lay down their world and saying that yes, werewolves or vampires or *insert any other paranormal creature that may catch your fancy here* were real or that yes, bla bla was a so-and-so well none of those things actually got pulled together.
I said 'd get back to this and I did but yeah, I didn't love this one. Finishing it only by the powers of skimming. Am I going to read the next one? Maybe not... the only other Sorensen book I've read was impressive and that was contemporary, perhaps I should stick to that kind of stuff.
February 24, 2013
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I don’t know how Jessica Sorensen does it but each book she writes sucks me in hard and doesn’t spit me back out! Her writing takes me to a whole new place that I don’t ever want to leave in this imaginary world with amazing characters and sexy male leads. Shattered Promises is like nothing I have read before from Ms. Sorensen. I adored The Secret of Ella & Micha, I devoured The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden, and now I am completely in love with Shattered Promises. Though beware it is a Paranormal ADULT book.
Shattered Promises starts off amazing and sucked me in with the opening line…
“Why do people laugh? What makes them cry? Smile? What allows them to love? These are all questions I’ve asked myself for nearly the last twenty-one years. What makes people feel?”
That is what twenty-one year old Gemma asks herself every day. She feels absolutely nothing. She keeps to herself, goes to school and work but it’s like she doesn’t really exist. Then one night she meets Alex, sexy, yummy, strong Alex. Flash back memories AND emotions enter Gemma as she meets Alex, memories of him, of them together. She begins to feel.
Gemma knows nothing of her past but what she was told, that her parents died when she was one years old and was raised by her unloving, emotionless Grandparents. Gemma’s life seems pointless until Alex enters her life and everything Gemma thinks she knows about the world and herself changes and she can never go back.
I have not always been a fan of paranormal books, it takes a real good story and romance involved plot to get me even interested and Shattered Promises did just that. First, I loved the character of Gemma. I found her character unlike any female lead I have ever read before. She was discovering herself and her past throughout the book and I felt like I was growing right along with her. Then there is Alex, the electricity between these two… (Literary light bulbs combust when they kiss) steams the pages, their scenes were HOT but not in an erotic way. More like a fun, realistic way. Now, don’t think this book is overly romantic with “I love yous” because it’s not. Their story is sweet and sexy but I don’t want to give away too much about their relationship because that is the whole story. Alex and his fun sister Aislin are Keepers (they protect mankind basically from bad things) and are trying to save Gemma from being found by the Death Walkers. Then there is Laylen, a Vampire but a sexy rock star type vampire with a tattoo and lip ring! Girls you will love him! I still adore Alex though, he is there to protect Gemma from a distance but he can’t stay away, their connection is just too strong.
“Because I can’t seem to stay away from you for some God damn, annoying reason.” – Alex
“I just can’t - I don’t have any control over anything when I’m with you and, honestly, I’m sick of fighting it.” – Alex
There are werewolves, Foreseers, Death Walkers, Vampires, Keepers, The Underground world, and so much more. I really don’t know how Jessica was able to keep the story from not being over the top with all these villains and still keep it as real as a paranormal novel can be. I loved everything about this book and was able to follow along with the story and the characters very easily. I am in love with Jessica Sorensen’s writing style and what I loved about her books Secret of Ella & Micha and The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden came across in Shattered Promises too.
I am beyond excited to read book two in the Shattered Promises series. I can see Alex and Gemma being one of my favorite book couples. Their connection is quiet a story I can’t wait to finish. Book two is full of possibilities and am so excited to see what twist and turns comes next.
I give Shattered Promises 4.5 Stars.
**I received an ARC copy in return for an honest review **
I don’t know how Jessica Sorensen does it but each book she writes sucks me in hard and doesn’t spit me back out! Her writing takes me to a whole new place that I don’t ever want to leave in this imaginary world with amazing characters and sexy male leads. Shattered Promises is like nothing I have read before from Ms. Sorensen. I adored The Secret of Ella & Micha, I devoured The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden, and now I am completely in love with Shattered Promises. Though beware it is a Paranormal ADULT book.
Shattered Promises starts off amazing and sucked me in with the opening line…
“Why do people laugh? What makes them cry? Smile? What allows them to love? These are all questions I’ve asked myself for nearly the last twenty-one years. What makes people feel?”
That is what twenty-one year old Gemma asks herself every day. She feels absolutely nothing. She keeps to herself, goes to school and work but it’s like she doesn’t really exist. Then one night she meets Alex, sexy, yummy, strong Alex. Flash back memories AND emotions enter Gemma as she meets Alex, memories of him, of them together. She begins to feel.
Gemma knows nothing of her past but what she was told, that her parents died when she was one years old and was raised by her unloving, emotionless Grandparents. Gemma’s life seems pointless until Alex enters her life and everything Gemma thinks she knows about the world and herself changes and she can never go back.
I have not always been a fan of paranormal books, it takes a real good story and romance involved plot to get me even interested and Shattered Promises did just that. First, I loved the character of Gemma. I found her character unlike any female lead I have ever read before. She was discovering herself and her past throughout the book and I felt like I was growing right along with her. Then there is Alex, the electricity between these two… (Literary light bulbs combust when they kiss) steams the pages, their scenes were HOT but not in an erotic way. More like a fun, realistic way. Now, don’t think this book is overly romantic with “I love yous” because it’s not. Their story is sweet and sexy but I don’t want to give away too much about their relationship because that is the whole story. Alex and his fun sister Aislin are Keepers (they protect mankind basically from bad things) and are trying to save Gemma from being found by the Death Walkers. Then there is Laylen, a Vampire but a sexy rock star type vampire with a tattoo and lip ring! Girls you will love him! I still adore Alex though, he is there to protect Gemma from a distance but he can’t stay away, their connection is just too strong.
“Because I can’t seem to stay away from you for some God damn, annoying reason.” – Alex
“I just can’t - I don’t have any control over anything when I’m with you and, honestly, I’m sick of fighting it.” – Alex
There are werewolves, Foreseers, Death Walkers, Vampires, Keepers, The Underground world, and so much more. I really don’t know how Jessica was able to keep the story from not being over the top with all these villains and still keep it as real as a paranormal novel can be. I loved everything about this book and was able to follow along with the story and the characters very easily. I am in love with Jessica Sorensen’s writing style and what I loved about her books Secret of Ella & Micha and The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden came across in Shattered Promises too.
I am beyond excited to read book two in the Shattered Promises series. I can see Alex and Gemma being one of my favorite book couples. Their connection is quiet a story I can’t wait to finish. Book two is full of possibilities and am so excited to see what twist and turns comes next.
I give Shattered Promises 4.5 Stars.
**I received an ARC copy in return for an honest review **
April 11, 2013
In twenty one years, Gemma, a beautiful girl with violet eyes, was never able to feel anything. She never had any kind of emotions. She doesn't have friends, her parents died when she a was baby and she lived all her life with her cold hearted grandparents. Not that she would mind, after all she have no feelings.
“For as long as I can remember, I've never been able to feel any emotion. Sadness, happiness, love; they are all just words to me. They have no more meaning or importance than the shoes on my feet.”
Until that one day, out of nowhere, she cries. She doesn't know why she cries or what triggered it. She just cries and from that moment on, everything changes.
She starts having nightmares that look to real and starts having every sort of feelings: Anger, sadness, doubts… and when Alex suddenly enters in her life, attraction and lust, and maybe love.
In the beginning Alex is an asshole. He treats her really bad but somehow is always around her. After he appears things starts to be even stranger. And after a while there’s no denying that there’s something wrong with her and that Alex know exactly what it is.
When she starts to being chased by strange creatures he has to tell her the truth: She has the power of a fallen star trapped inside her and there are people that want that power at all costs. He is part of a group that keeps the world safe and his job is to keep Gemma’s safe.
He was trained not to feel anything, not to do anything except for his job. That’s why he doesn't know how to deal with her and his feelings. He are breaking every rule just by talking to her but he can’t stay apart either.
“You want to know something real about me, Gemma? I’m empty. Dead. Completely numb inside, except for when I’m around you.”
And when the story starts to develop and secrets start to be revealed there’s no more turning back and you get completely sucked into the book.
I’m usually not the biggest fan of paranormal fantasy (there’s some I really liked, obviously, but it isn't normally the genre I go for) and this book completely seduce me. Jessica Sorensen didn't disappoint.
The story is very good, the characters are really well achieved (I normally don’t love the heroines, but I liked Gemma a lot) and there are a lot of paranormal creatures (and I mean… A LOT! Since vampires, faeries, witches, angels… we see it all!)
Not to mention, Alex is sexy as hell. Even when he's being an asshole.
I’m now anxiously waiting for the next one! :)
“For as long as I can remember, I've never been able to feel any emotion. Sadness, happiness, love; they are all just words to me. They have no more meaning or importance than the shoes on my feet.”
Until that one day, out of nowhere, she cries. She doesn't know why she cries or what triggered it. She just cries and from that moment on, everything changes.
She starts having nightmares that look to real and starts having every sort of feelings: Anger, sadness, doubts… and when Alex suddenly enters in her life, attraction and lust, and maybe love.
In the beginning Alex is an asshole. He treats her really bad but somehow is always around her. After he appears things starts to be even stranger. And after a while there’s no denying that there’s something wrong with her and that Alex know exactly what it is.
When she starts to being chased by strange creatures he has to tell her the truth: She has the power of a fallen star trapped inside her and there are people that want that power at all costs. He is part of a group that keeps the world safe and his job is to keep Gemma’s safe.
He was trained not to feel anything, not to do anything except for his job. That’s why he doesn't know how to deal with her and his feelings. He are breaking every rule just by talking to her but he can’t stay apart either.
“You want to know something real about me, Gemma? I’m empty. Dead. Completely numb inside, except for when I’m around you.”
And when the story starts to develop and secrets start to be revealed there’s no more turning back and you get completely sucked into the book.
I’m usually not the biggest fan of paranormal fantasy (there’s some I really liked, obviously, but it isn't normally the genre I go for) and this book completely seduce me. Jessica Sorensen didn't disappoint.
The story is very good, the characters are really well achieved (I normally don’t love the heroines, but I liked Gemma a lot) and there are a lot of paranormal creatures (and I mean… A LOT! Since vampires, faeries, witches, angels… we see it all!)
Not to mention, Alex is sexy as hell. Even when he's being an asshole.
I’m now anxiously waiting for the next one! :)
February 14, 2013
This is not like Jessica's other books, AT ALL! She takes the Fallen Star series and turns into an erotic rollercoaster ride of emotions. Get it? Gemma? Emotions? Imagine never feeling any emotions and then BAM! they all hit you, and Lust, is the strongest one to feel. Yeah, that's Gemma.
I loved Alex in this version! He's so different from the original series. He lets go of his emotions, and doesn't try to push them down as much as before.
Nic was alot easier to dislike. He's more aggressive and perverted, if you can believe that.
Aislin is basically the same.
Laylen... yummy. He takes advantage of his vampirism in this version, and it's hot! Love Laylen!
Just all around, this book was fantastic! I couldn't peel myself away from it (not eating till my stomach screamed at me, you get the idea).
There was a LOT of new things going on this version. New concepts, twists, but overall the same plot; well, maybe...
I loved Alex in this version! He's so different from the original series. He lets go of his emotions, and doesn't try to push them down as much as before.
Nic was alot easier to dislike. He's more aggressive and perverted, if you can believe that.
Aislin is basically the same.
Laylen... yummy. He takes advantage of his vampirism in this version, and it's hot! Love Laylen!
Just all around, this book was fantastic! I couldn't peel myself away from it (not eating till my stomach screamed at me, you get the idea).
There was a LOT of new things going on this version. New concepts, twists, but overall the same plot; well, maybe...
February 9, 2016
Gemma lebt ohne Gefühle und an ihre Vergangenheit kann sie sich auch nicht erinnern. Doch plötzlich brechen Gefühle über sie hinein. Ganz besonders intensiv wird es, als ihr Alex begegnet, aus dem sie nicht schlau wird, Mal ist er kalt wie Eis, mal knistert es heftig zwischen ihnen.
Es war ja eigentlich alles irgendwie frisch und interessant, aber so ganz hat mich die Geschichte nicht gepackt. Die sexy Momente waren zwar ansprechend geschrieben, aber irgendwie wurde es mir irgendwann zu viel und auch die Gefühle und Reaktionen der Heldin in diesen Momenten fand ich oft ziemlich übertrieben.
Es war ja eigentlich alles irgendwie frisch und interessant, aber so ganz hat mich die Geschichte nicht gepackt. Die sexy Momente waren zwar ansprechend geschrieben, aber irgendwie wurde es mir irgendwann zu viel und auch die Gefühle und Reaktionen der Heldin in diesen Momenten fand ich oft ziemlich übertrieben.
February 23, 2013
Mary Elizabeth's Review
Jessica Sorensen's re-imagining of the Fallen Star Series was like reading a whole new book. The series was perfect. I enjoyed the series immensely. The story was so unique. Now adding Alex and Gemma a few years older was so intriguing. This series has so much to do with discovering and understanding your feelings, that it was a real hit for me. I was introduced to these characters in a new light. Alex and Gemma were able to pursue their feelings in a whole new way.
Some of the scenes were pretty intense. Especially the dream/visions of Gemma and Alex. I was pretty excited for these because I knew we would get to relive them again a second time. The writing was mature and tasteful. I was all but swooning for Alex, even more the second time around. Gemma was honest, mature, and trustworthy. I loved these two. I really felt what these two were going through. So many questions were unanswered that only Alex could answer for her. What they shared was so wonderful.
This book was as perfect as it gets. I can't wait to see what happens with the other books. If it is anything like the first book in the re-imagining, I bet it will be amazing. This was such a wonderful new concept. It really was like reading a whole new book. Which I think says so much about Jessica's writing. I was on the edge of my seat unable to put it down. These characters opened my eyes again to their amazing journey. And I know this just the beginning for their adventure.
Jessica Sorensen's re-imagining of the Fallen Star Series was like reading a whole new book. The series was perfect. I enjoyed the series immensely. The story was so unique. Now adding Alex and Gemma a few years older was so intriguing. This series has so much to do with discovering and understanding your feelings, that it was a real hit for me. I was introduced to these characters in a new light. Alex and Gemma were able to pursue their feelings in a whole new way.
Some of the scenes were pretty intense. Especially the dream/visions of Gemma and Alex. I was pretty excited for these because I knew we would get to relive them again a second time. The writing was mature and tasteful. I was all but swooning for Alex, even more the second time around. Gemma was honest, mature, and trustworthy. I loved these two. I really felt what these two were going through. So many questions were unanswered that only Alex could answer for her. What they shared was so wonderful.
This book was as perfect as it gets. I can't wait to see what happens with the other books. If it is anything like the first book in the re-imagining, I bet it will be amazing. This was such a wonderful new concept. It really was like reading a whole new book. Which I think says so much about Jessica's writing. I was on the edge of my seat unable to put it down. These characters opened my eyes again to their amazing journey. And I know this just the beginning for their adventure.
July 18, 2013
1. I got this one for free on amazon...so don't judge me.
2. It belongs to the new adult genre and it is delicious...the simple fact that I typed that statement has me judging myself.
3. It is basically a Mortal Instruments rip off with explicit sex scenes, so if you didn't like one, you may not find joy in the other.
4. For those of you who did enjoy mortal instruments and didn't know about this book until you saw it pop up in your feed, you're welcome :)
2. It belongs to the new adult genre and it is delicious...the simple fact that I typed that statement has me judging myself.
3. It is basically a Mortal Instruments rip off with explicit sex scenes, so if you didn't like one, you may not find joy in the other.
4. For those of you who did enjoy mortal instruments and didn't know about this book until you saw it pop up in your feed, you're welcome :)
February 19, 2013
I don't even have WORDS to describe this! This book blew me away! The story is so unique and the characters are fantastic. I was up all night making sure I read every last word and now I can't wait to see what happens next!!
Highly recommend this!!
Oh, and did I mention that it's HOT!? As in, some of the hottest stuff I've read? Yes, it's true!
Highly recommend this!!
Oh, and did I mention that it's HOT!? As in, some of the hottest stuff I've read? Yes, it's true!
February 8, 2013
This book is absolutely amazing! Jessica has taken a story I adore, kicked it up a notch and then turned it on it's head. I love that this is a NA paranormal read. It is like a little gift wrapped bundle of my favorite things. Here are ten random reasons why I think this book is made of amazing topped with awesomesauce and sprinkled with spectacular:
1) It is an "I can not put this book down and if you even think about asking me to then you should be very afraid" book.
2) There is a scene so hot in this book that I was afraid my Kindle would melt.
3) All bets are off. Everything you thought you knew about the Fallen Star means nothing. In a great way!
4) Laylen... oh yes, Lalen is back and oh so much better than before ;)
5) Nicholas .... I know another one name reason, but it is such a different reason then Laylen. You need to just trust me on this one.
6) As awesome as The Fallen Star series is, you can only reread it so many times before you want to know more. I should know. I have reread each book before the next one came out.
7) New Adult Para!!! Yep, that is the whole reason right there. I think this is a genre with a huge void. We need more.
8) Jessica Sorensen wrote it. I do not know about you, but if she wrote a self help book about the best ways to watch paint dry, I would read it. Why? Because everything I have read of hers is amazing and I have read it all.
9) All the things you wish had happened in The Fallen Star, but knew could not happen because it was YA are now a possibility!
1o) You do not have to know a think about the Fallen Star series to become completely and utterly sucked into this book and the world Jessica has created.
I highly recommend this book and am anxiously waiting for more books in this series. The characters seem almost real to me and the story is hot, filled with adventure, and unique. It is the perfect blend of new adult and paranormal. Being new adult, I highly suggest you be at least 17 plus before you read this book.
1) It is an "I can not put this book down and if you even think about asking me to then you should be very afraid" book.
2) There is a scene so hot in this book that I was afraid my Kindle would melt.
3) All bets are off. Everything you thought you knew about the Fallen Star means nothing. In a great way!
4) Laylen... oh yes, Lalen is back and oh so much better than before ;)
5) Nicholas .... I know another one name reason, but it is such a different reason then Laylen. You need to just trust me on this one.
6) As awesome as The Fallen Star series is, you can only reread it so many times before you want to know more. I should know. I have reread each book before the next one came out.
7) New Adult Para!!! Yep, that is the whole reason right there. I think this is a genre with a huge void. We need more.
8) Jessica Sorensen wrote it. I do not know about you, but if she wrote a self help book about the best ways to watch paint dry, I would read it. Why? Because everything I have read of hers is amazing and I have read it all.
9) All the things you wish had happened in The Fallen Star, but knew could not happen because it was YA are now a possibility!
1o) You do not have to know a think about the Fallen Star series to become completely and utterly sucked into this book and the world Jessica has created.
I highly recommend this book and am anxiously waiting for more books in this series. The characters seem almost real to me and the story is hot, filled with adventure, and unique. It is the perfect blend of new adult and paranormal. Being new adult, I highly suggest you be at least 17 plus before you read this book.
March 18, 2013
Well.
I found the Fallen Star series by JS to be enjoyable, and when I saw this (basically just the characters when they're in college and a few years older, plus a couple of sexual situations) I was really excited to read it, because I've been a little obsessed over NA books lately.
But, I was so disappointed with this. When I read the prologue (which was fantastic) I thought, "Yeah, this is gonna be a great book!", and it just .. wasn't.
Gemma, the protagonist, I found to be very unlikeable. At first, she couldn't feel any emotion whatsoever, then Alex (the love interest) came along and suddenly she could feel. A couple of her most felt emotions was annoyance and anger, which admittedly pissed me off, because the situations in which she felt them were totally stupid. I hate that, and some of her actions annoyed me, too.
By the time I was about 40% of the way through, I just skipped to the end, I just couldn't read anymore. And fuck, that cliffhanger -- I wanted to throw my damn iPad at the wall.
I found the Fallen Star series by JS to be enjoyable, and when I saw this (basically just the characters when they're in college and a few years older, plus a couple of sexual situations) I was really excited to read it, because I've been a little obsessed over NA books lately.
But, I was so disappointed with this. When I read the prologue (which was fantastic) I thought, "Yeah, this is gonna be a great book!", and it just .. wasn't.
Gemma, the protagonist, I found to be very unlikeable. At first, she couldn't feel any emotion whatsoever, then Alex (the love interest) came along and suddenly she could feel. A couple of her most felt emotions was annoyance and anger, which admittedly pissed me off, because the situations in which she felt them were totally stupid. I hate that, and some of her actions annoyed me, too.
By the time I was about 40% of the way through, I just skipped to the end, I just couldn't read anymore. And fuck, that cliffhanger -- I wanted to throw my damn iPad at the wall.
February 17, 2013
AHHHHHHHHHHHHH OMFG! AHHHHHHHHHHHH (temper tantrum done!) Alex I love you but man oh man you made me work for it! Your such an ass at times, "Suddenly his expression slips into a scowl. "I'm sorry, but did I give you permission to put your hands on me?" UGH come on Alex! Of course I forgive you as your just to sexy for your own damn good, "He is leaning back in his chair with his arms tucked behind his head and his eyes are half open. His shirt is riding up and his rock hard abs are peeking out..." Ladies do you now understand why I forgive his a**holeness. I love the banter that goes on between Gemma and Alex although at times I don't think she appreciates it but I do haha:
He stares at me silently like he's trying to read my mind. "Do you want to talk about anything?"
I'm stunned. "With you?"
His lips bow upward and his eyes glimmer mischievously. "You say that like I just asked you to have sex with me."
Alex was never one to hold his feeling and emotions in which I really admire that about him, "Because I can't seem to stay away from you for some God damn, annoying reason." Don't worry gang Gemma is totally Alex's match as when that girl gets pissed it's for real, "Don't hurt myself or don't feel the pain? Which one is it, Alex. Which one really matters to you?" I'm thinking there's going to be another bookie that follows this one as some things were left unconcluded. Which I can't wait!
He stares at me silently like he's trying to read my mind. "Do you want to talk about anything?"
I'm stunned. "With you?"
His lips bow upward and his eyes glimmer mischievously. "You say that like I just asked you to have sex with me."
Alex was never one to hold his feeling and emotions in which I really admire that about him, "Because I can't seem to stay away from you for some God damn, annoying reason." Don't worry gang Gemma is totally Alex's match as when that girl gets pissed it's for real, "Don't hurt myself or don't feel the pain? Which one is it, Alex. Which one really matters to you?" I'm thinking there's going to be another bookie that follows this one as some things were left unconcluded. Which I can't wait!
March 4, 2013
I feel like a guppy out of water. I'm an incoherent, babbling fool. This book seemed to suck the words right out of my head but I'll try to make this review worth it. I think New Adult books by the likes of Jessica Sorensen, Rachael Wade and Jennifer Armentrout may have ruined YA books for me. Now before you go throwing books at my head, just hear me out! This book has the anticipation with all of the angst you'd expect from a YA read except it is more graphic and has follow through. I'm an adult so it makes sense why it would appeal more to me.
Scattered Promises will have your heart beating a mile a minute and then abruptly stop. I have to admit that I have not read the original YA version, The Fallen Star. I'm afraid that it wont compare to this one but I will give it a try. I don't think Jessica Sorensen can write a bad book based on the ones that I've read. It is unlike many of the paranormal romance books that I've read and is an exhilarating tale of the story of a fallen star. This book just quenches a thirst that I've been dying to fulfill. It even has one of those douchey boys you can't help but fall in love with. You may want to keep a tissue nearby....not for your tears but for all of the drooling that will ensue. There are so many twists and turns that leave you begging for more. There were some things that were left unanswered and have me itching for the next book. I really need to thank Delphina for introducing me to Jessica's books.
Scattered Promises will have your heart beating a mile a minute and then abruptly stop. I have to admit that I have not read the original YA version, The Fallen Star. I'm afraid that it wont compare to this one but I will give it a try. I don't think Jessica Sorensen can write a bad book based on the ones that I've read. It is unlike many of the paranormal romance books that I've read and is an exhilarating tale of the story of a fallen star. This book just quenches a thirst that I've been dying to fulfill. It even has one of those douchey boys you can't help but fall in love with. You may want to keep a tissue nearby....not for your tears but for all of the drooling that will ensue. There are so many twists and turns that leave you begging for more. There were some things that were left unanswered and have me itching for the next book. I really need to thank Delphina for introducing me to Jessica's books.
July 22, 2015
Rating 3.5
Shattered Promises is definitely an intriguing story where we see paranormal on a completely different level. You definitely get a mix of fantasy, paranormal and a little bit of mythology all thrown together and this book and I definitely liked the factor in this book and being honest there are a shit ton of questions. What makes this book so interesting is all the unknown answers, the never ending heated moments, the questioning of how to respond to a hot character, etc.
The main character Gemma definitely has a lot riding on her shoulders especially with the big things about her, she doesn’t remember her past and until recently had no idea what emotions even were and how they worked. That alone is pretty messed up, but how she deals with everything in the book is pretty impressive, personally I would be a freakin train wreck and want to kill everyone, but she holds herself together fairly well, even when she cracks sometimes.
Like I mentioned before there are several very intriguing things about this story and I’m definitely extremely curious to see where things will go in this book, I definitely need answers and want to know how all the relationships pan out, want to know more about Gemma’s past and what she is exactly meant for and how to do it.
Shattered Promises is definitely an intriguing story where we see paranormal on a completely different level. You definitely get a mix of fantasy, paranormal and a little bit of mythology all thrown together and this book and I definitely liked the factor in this book and being honest there are a shit ton of questions. What makes this book so interesting is all the unknown answers, the never ending heated moments, the questioning of how to respond to a hot character, etc.
The main character Gemma definitely has a lot riding on her shoulders especially with the big things about her, she doesn’t remember her past and until recently had no idea what emotions even were and how they worked. That alone is pretty messed up, but how she deals with everything in the book is pretty impressive, personally I would be a freakin train wreck and want to kill everyone, but she holds herself together fairly well, even when she cracks sometimes.
Like I mentioned before there are several very intriguing things about this story and I’m definitely extremely curious to see where things will go in this book, I definitely need answers and want to know how all the relationships pan out, want to know more about Gemma’s past and what she is exactly meant for and how to do it.
April 1, 2013
Wow!!! Everything that comes from this author is gold! It's as if she is Midas and turns everything to gold, in a good way. I haven't been disappointed by anything she had written. I thought her NA novels were fudging amazing, and they are don't get me wrong. But I love when there is Paranormal things involved and that just made it better. I read it in once sitting as I am sure others will too. Jessica keep it up and keep them coming, you are fantastic.
Shattered Promises is suspenseful, sexy, and had you on the edge of your seat wondering what the next page is going to hold. I had no idea what was wrong with Gemma. It takes a good author to spin a world that keeps you wondering, and takes hold of your mind.
Shattered Promises is suspenseful, sexy, and had you on the edge of your seat wondering what the next page is going to hold. I had no idea what was wrong with Gemma. It takes a good author to spin a world that keeps you wondering, and takes hold of your mind.
August 9, 2016
I am torn between 3.5 to 4 STARS! I have mixed feelings re this start of the series.... And it's FREE right now...
For the free purchase links and my review, click here : SLITSREAD
For the free purchase links and my review, click here : SLITSREAD
September 4, 2016
Origianl review posted: http://aliisbookjungle.com/2/category...
WOW. That’s the first word that comes to mind. I’m just a teensy bit obsessed with Jessica Sorensen *hold thumb and forefinger apart*, in fact it was the Fallen Star series that introduced me to her work so for her to do a reimagining of the series made my year! Not gonna lie I was thinking how she would go about doing this and whether it would actually work, and all I can say is she nailed it! Lemme just say you don’t need to read the Fallen Star series to read this, because it’s more than capable of being a standalone, but I’d recommend reading them ‘cause it helps and well I just loved drawing the comparisons.
Now don’t get me wrong I love the Fallen Star series, but I totes love this more. Probably because it was better suited to my age, either way I thought it was great and I fell in love with the characters all over again. Gemma was a much stronger character in this book, I found her to be a little too easy when it came to Alex but in this I felt she definitely gave back as good as she got. She’s strong, honest, sweet, amusing and mature. It felt like she was meant to be this age rather than in high school, it helped make the adventure that much more exciting and went a long way in getting you to connect with her. She’s always known there’s something not right with her, I mean her emotions? Non-existent. Enter Alex and his sister Aislin, and everything she knew is blown to pieces. She’s different alright, in fact she’s special and she has a big purpose to fulfill. We are thrown into a world of myths, stars, witches, Keepers, vampires, faeries…essentially all things paranormal. The attraction between her and Alex is magnified by like a bajillion in this reimagining, and I loved every bloody second of it. One criticism I have from the Fallen Star series is that I didn’t feel there was ENOUGH chemistry I didn’t feel like it was strong enough to have its desired effect, you know us going all crazy for them to get together. But in Shattered Promises Jessica smashed it, the heat between them is scorching and the sparks that fly practically jump out at you. I mean all that sexual tension built, and built till it finally went BOOM!
"Gemma, I think I should stop...I don't want to. You make me...Fuck, you make me feel alive."
“I can’t stop with you.” There’s a plea in his voice, like he’s begging me to make him stop.
Oh my Alex. I loved him in the original as a young boy, but as a man I damn near passed out! He has all the appealing factors, hot, broody, sexy as all get out and THE most amazing green eyes ever! Of course being a man this time around his mean streak makes you wanna punch him, but I felt it added to his character as we’re given a better insight to who he is and why he is the way he is. I mean he’s the first to admit he doesn’t understand anything he’s feeling, and like the original he believes he shouldn’t be feeling anything at all so Gemma’s like an enigma for him. Unlike the original they pursue their feelings for each other not only the whole way through but in a new way, which I freaking loved as this was another thing that frustrated me in the series. The scenes between him and Gemma will have you fanning yourself, and swooning like a lovesick puppy with his possessiveness. He explained everything, begrudgingly, and we saw his vulnerable moments something we don’t encounter in the Fallen Star series. I loved this new side to him, and I was practically screaming at my Kindle for him to wake up and stake his claim I mean there’s only so long you can live in denial.
“I can tell when you’re lying by the way you’re biting your lip.” He lets his weight descend back toward me. “Just like I can tell when you’re pissed off by the way your jaw tenses.” His body is back on me and I lay immobile beneath him as he continues with his voice softer. “Just like I can tell when I’m embarrassing you because your cheeks turn pink.” His face lowers towards mine and I notice for the first time that he has a faint scar just below his eye. His breath is hot against my ear and neck; my eyes uncontrollably shut as he whispers, “Or how I can tell when you’re getting turned on by the way you get distracted and how your body shudders.”
Everything was a lot more intense, the action, the chemistry, the drama and the visions. I feel Jessica delivered it rather beautifully, if I do say so myself, the writing style is tasteful there’s never a moment where you think it’s over done or Jessica is trying to hard it all flows naturally. There are so many twists and turns you’ll be on the edge of your seats with anticipation, holding your breath in sheer excitement and melting into a puddle of goo through the intense scenes with Alex and Gemma. The dreams and visions in this book seem to take on a life of their own, in so much more detail it entices you in and it just fuelled my thirst for more to be honest. The character development in this book was intriguing and made me crave more, I loved the new dimension to Laylan, I definitely drooled over him a little and was more than curious to see how his relationship with Gemma would pan out. To say this is different as NA is an understatement, even if you’ve read the Fallen Star series this book will still throw you because it is not in any way predictable, something I’ve seen a few reviews say, there is always an element of surprise.
I give this book 5 wonderful stars and recommend to all. I think there was a lot of pressure for Jessica to deliver this as reimagining, it could be a success or it could be a fail. I can’t tell ya’ll how happy I am to report it is definitely a success, and in my humble opinion 100xs better as a New Adult than YA. Jessica does not disappoint, not that I thought she would I have literally all her books and I have no complaints I love them all. That said, I cannot wait to see what happens next, I mean the cliff-hanger was awesome as it served its purpose, to drive me insane with want for the next book. So what are you waiting for? BUY NOW!
Facebook page: Alii's Book Jungle
Twitter: GeektasticAlii
WOW. That’s the first word that comes to mind. I’m just a teensy bit obsessed with Jessica Sorensen *hold thumb and forefinger apart*, in fact it was the Fallen Star series that introduced me to her work so for her to do a reimagining of the series made my year! Not gonna lie I was thinking how she would go about doing this and whether it would actually work, and all I can say is she nailed it! Lemme just say you don’t need to read the Fallen Star series to read this, because it’s more than capable of being a standalone, but I’d recommend reading them ‘cause it helps and well I just loved drawing the comparisons.
Now don’t get me wrong I love the Fallen Star series, but I totes love this more. Probably because it was better suited to my age, either way I thought it was great and I fell in love with the characters all over again. Gemma was a much stronger character in this book, I found her to be a little too easy when it came to Alex but in this I felt she definitely gave back as good as she got. She’s strong, honest, sweet, amusing and mature. It felt like she was meant to be this age rather than in high school, it helped make the adventure that much more exciting and went a long way in getting you to connect with her. She’s always known there’s something not right with her, I mean her emotions? Non-existent. Enter Alex and his sister Aislin, and everything she knew is blown to pieces. She’s different alright, in fact she’s special and she has a big purpose to fulfill. We are thrown into a world of myths, stars, witches, Keepers, vampires, faeries…essentially all things paranormal. The attraction between her and Alex is magnified by like a bajillion in this reimagining, and I loved every bloody second of it. One criticism I have from the Fallen Star series is that I didn’t feel there was ENOUGH chemistry I didn’t feel like it was strong enough to have its desired effect, you know us going all crazy for them to get together. But in Shattered Promises Jessica smashed it, the heat between them is scorching and the sparks that fly practically jump out at you. I mean all that sexual tension built, and built till it finally went BOOM!
"Gemma, I think I should stop...I don't want to. You make me...Fuck, you make me feel alive."
“I can’t stop with you.” There’s a plea in his voice, like he’s begging me to make him stop.
Oh my Alex. I loved him in the original as a young boy, but as a man I damn near passed out! He has all the appealing factors, hot, broody, sexy as all get out and THE most amazing green eyes ever! Of course being a man this time around his mean streak makes you wanna punch him, but I felt it added to his character as we’re given a better insight to who he is and why he is the way he is. I mean he’s the first to admit he doesn’t understand anything he’s feeling, and like the original he believes he shouldn’t be feeling anything at all so Gemma’s like an enigma for him. Unlike the original they pursue their feelings for each other not only the whole way through but in a new way, which I freaking loved as this was another thing that frustrated me in the series. The scenes between him and Gemma will have you fanning yourself, and swooning like a lovesick puppy with his possessiveness. He explained everything, begrudgingly, and we saw his vulnerable moments something we don’t encounter in the Fallen Star series. I loved this new side to him, and I was practically screaming at my Kindle for him to wake up and stake his claim I mean there’s only so long you can live in denial.
“I can tell when you’re lying by the way you’re biting your lip.” He lets his weight descend back toward me. “Just like I can tell when you’re pissed off by the way your jaw tenses.” His body is back on me and I lay immobile beneath him as he continues with his voice softer. “Just like I can tell when I’m embarrassing you because your cheeks turn pink.” His face lowers towards mine and I notice for the first time that he has a faint scar just below his eye. His breath is hot against my ear and neck; my eyes uncontrollably shut as he whispers, “Or how I can tell when you’re getting turned on by the way you get distracted and how your body shudders.”
Everything was a lot more intense, the action, the chemistry, the drama and the visions. I feel Jessica delivered it rather beautifully, if I do say so myself, the writing style is tasteful there’s never a moment where you think it’s over done or Jessica is trying to hard it all flows naturally. There are so many twists and turns you’ll be on the edge of your seats with anticipation, holding your breath in sheer excitement and melting into a puddle of goo through the intense scenes with Alex and Gemma. The dreams and visions in this book seem to take on a life of their own, in so much more detail it entices you in and it just fuelled my thirst for more to be honest. The character development in this book was intriguing and made me crave more, I loved the new dimension to Laylan, I definitely drooled over him a little and was more than curious to see how his relationship with Gemma would pan out. To say this is different as NA is an understatement, even if you’ve read the Fallen Star series this book will still throw you because it is not in any way predictable, something I’ve seen a few reviews say, there is always an element of surprise.
I give this book 5 wonderful stars and recommend to all. I think there was a lot of pressure for Jessica to deliver this as reimagining, it could be a success or it could be a fail. I can’t tell ya’ll how happy I am to report it is definitely a success, and in my humble opinion 100xs better as a New Adult than YA. Jessica does not disappoint, not that I thought she would I have literally all her books and I have no complaints I love them all. That said, I cannot wait to see what happens next, I mean the cliff-hanger was awesome as it served its purpose, to drive me insane with want for the next book. So what are you waiting for? BUY NOW!
Facebook page: Alii's Book Jungle
Twitter: GeektasticAlii
February 28, 2013
Gemma Lucas is a 21 year old college student. She has never been normal and has absolutely no memory of her past. How can you really be normal when you are numb to any feelings and have eyes the color of violet? She was raised by her grandparents due to her parents being killed when she was really young. Her relationship with her grandparents is... well, let’s just say they treat their newspaper better than they treat her. Gemma grew up disconnected to everything and everyone. She is numb, she has never cried nor felt pain, no love, no happiness, no sadness and no fear- Nothing, Nada, Zilch! One day school, while walking to her car something happens that brings her to her knees. She is inundated with emotions she has NEVER felt before. She feels as if she is drowning and that is when reality hits her and it freaks her out because she realized she is crying for the first time ever.
Within the next couple of months her emotions slowly start to surface and she starts to feels things she has never felt before, feelings she didn’t know existed. As great as these feelings are for her, they leave her very much confused. Did I mention that she starts having weird dreams about guys she has never met but yet she feels that she has always known and oh yeah, then she starts experiencing visions that are mind-blowingly real?
*Enter hot guy here* Meet Alex, tousled dark brown hair, green eyes and a well- defined muscular body. Cocky, a bit arrogant and very secretive. He is HOT and Gemma is stunned when she sees that this is the guy from her dreams and he is standing right in front of her. His reaction to her is not what she expects. He is hot and cold with her, one minute he is flirting with her and the next minute he is treating her like he can’t stand to be around her. Alex and his sister Aislin are in Gemma’s astronomy class and all three have been assigned to work together on a group project.
Alex decides to bring Gemma to a party so that he can pick something up, plus he is meeting his sister there. Gemma is nervous and starts seeing things that she has only read about in books, things she knows don’t exist. Getting her away from the crowd, they end up in a bedroom and this is when things heat up. *Raising eyebrows* the chemistry between Gemma and Alex is literally glass shattering in a fantastic way! After this, Gemma’s life changes in drastic ways. She is almost killed by things that shouldn’t exist and Alex is there to save her. When he fights these unknown things, he isn’t fazed by it. It is like he does it for a living, doesn’t even bat his eye, he acts like he is used to it.
Gemma is now on the run, her life is in danger and she has no clue why. Alex and Aislin are doing what they can to protect her. When Gemma finds out the truth, that someone took her emotions and feelings away she is devastated and when she learns even more about her past, the world as she knows it comes crashing down. Gemma has no choice but to trust Alex, a person she isn’t sure she can trust. He hasn’t been very forthcoming with information and it seems all he has done is kept secrets from her and at the same time, she loves him.
An enemy they never knew existed surfaces and Gemma’s life and emotions are threatened yet again, Alex is placed in a position when he has to choose between what is expected of him and the woman he loves.
Ms. Sorenson did a wonderful job creating these characters. Some of the scenes where SMOKING HOT! OMG, LOVED IT! I couldn’t put this book down. I read the original Fallen Star series and enjoyed it; it didn’t ruin anything for this story. Quite a few aspects of the story have changed. The re-imagining of this story it is just FANTASTIC. The characters are sexier, stronger, and smarter. This story has a bit of everything; suspense, romance, betrayal and friendship.
I couldn’t put this book down and was so frustrated when it ended. Did I mention that it leaves you hanging and wanting more? I am so very much looking forward to book 2!
Within the next couple of months her emotions slowly start to surface and she starts to feels things she has never felt before, feelings she didn’t know existed. As great as these feelings are for her, they leave her very much confused. Did I mention that she starts having weird dreams about guys she has never met but yet she feels that she has always known and oh yeah, then she starts experiencing visions that are mind-blowingly real?
*Enter hot guy here* Meet Alex, tousled dark brown hair, green eyes and a well- defined muscular body. Cocky, a bit arrogant and very secretive. He is HOT and Gemma is stunned when she sees that this is the guy from her dreams and he is standing right in front of her. His reaction to her is not what she expects. He is hot and cold with her, one minute he is flirting with her and the next minute he is treating her like he can’t stand to be around her. Alex and his sister Aislin are in Gemma’s astronomy class and all three have been assigned to work together on a group project.
Alex decides to bring Gemma to a party so that he can pick something up, plus he is meeting his sister there. Gemma is nervous and starts seeing things that she has only read about in books, things she knows don’t exist. Getting her away from the crowd, they end up in a bedroom and this is when things heat up. *Raising eyebrows* the chemistry between Gemma and Alex is literally glass shattering in a fantastic way! After this, Gemma’s life changes in drastic ways. She is almost killed by things that shouldn’t exist and Alex is there to save her. When he fights these unknown things, he isn’t fazed by it. It is like he does it for a living, doesn’t even bat his eye, he acts like he is used to it.
Gemma is now on the run, her life is in danger and she has no clue why. Alex and Aislin are doing what they can to protect her. When Gemma finds out the truth, that someone took her emotions and feelings away she is devastated and when she learns even more about her past, the world as she knows it comes crashing down. Gemma has no choice but to trust Alex, a person she isn’t sure she can trust. He hasn’t been very forthcoming with information and it seems all he has done is kept secrets from her and at the same time, she loves him.
An enemy they never knew existed surfaces and Gemma’s life and emotions are threatened yet again, Alex is placed in a position when he has to choose between what is expected of him and the woman he loves.
Ms. Sorenson did a wonderful job creating these characters. Some of the scenes where SMOKING HOT! OMG, LOVED IT! I couldn’t put this book down. I read the original Fallen Star series and enjoyed it; it didn’t ruin anything for this story. Quite a few aspects of the story have changed. The re-imagining of this story it is just FANTASTIC. The characters are sexier, stronger, and smarter. This story has a bit of everything; suspense, romance, betrayal and friendship.
I couldn’t put this book down and was so frustrated when it ended. Did I mention that it leaves you hanging and wanting more? I am so very much looking forward to book 2!
March 3, 2013
Originally posted on my blog!! :) :)
As it states this is a reimagining of her YA series The Fallen Star. I absolutely love the fact that she's started doing this for a couple of her YA series. While I'm not saying that there's something wrong with them I really enjoy those for the genre that they're in. They're great! But it's also just as fun to hear these stories on a bit of a higher level. Instead of being in high school, they're in college so the age level is different. The situations are different. More mature. Some parts are the same along with the dialogue which is cool but there is still quite a bit of a difference between the two enough to make it feel like a different series. (To me..)
I love the characters. They're so full of life and emotions, struggles, wants, needs, desires. Gemma just struggles with emotions in general having not felt a thing for 17 years. Nothing. No happiness, sorrow, anger...anything. And her reactions to situations are very fitting for someone in her position. She really grows emotionally as the story goes on, with everything she has to deal with. And Alex, as he is described by Gemma in the book as being hot one minute and cold the next, as if he were bipolar, it's kind of how I feel about him. There are times I'm rooting for him and times when I just wanna scream at Gemma to just run! *sigh* and then of course I have a major soft spot in my heart for Laylen :) Maybe it's the whole vampire thing, but I simply adore him.
This book has the perfect ending. I know if you've read it you're probably saying to yourself right now "what on earth is she talking about?!" Trust me I'm right there with you. Cliffhangers suck ! They drive me crazy. All this build up and then you're left at the end thinking, "are you kidding me? You stop there???" But that's just the point. It leaves you dying for the next book. Which I so very much am. And the thing that sucks is... this one JUST CAME OUT. Fractured Souls, the next book in the series is expected to publish in June...that's like...SO LONG. *Siiiiiiiiiiiiigh* Oh well that just gives me extra motivation to finish the YA version of this story line :D
Truth be told, the whole reason I started reading the Fallen Star series was due to a teaser that Jessica Sorensen put up from this book back around the beginning of February, you can find that teaser here to avoid spoilers if you don't want them, but it was the first teaser I had seen for Shattered Promises and I was quite literally needing to fan myself after seeing that. I had Fallen Star in my NOOK already for a while, but other books kept getting put in front of it...it kept getting shoved to the back of my pile. But once I read that teaser, even though it was going to be a YA version and a bit tamer than this one, I immediately started reading it. And even though I haven't finished, yet, I'm totally loving both of these series. I mean I know basically they're the same thing plot wise but they're both told in a very different way and are equally satisfying. June cannot get here fast enough!!
As it states this is a reimagining of her YA series The Fallen Star. I absolutely love the fact that she's started doing this for a couple of her YA series. While I'm not saying that there's something wrong with them I really enjoy those for the genre that they're in. They're great! But it's also just as fun to hear these stories on a bit of a higher level. Instead of being in high school, they're in college so the age level is different. The situations are different. More mature. Some parts are the same along with the dialogue which is cool but there is still quite a bit of a difference between the two enough to make it feel like a different series. (To me..)
I love the characters. They're so full of life and emotions, struggles, wants, needs, desires. Gemma just struggles with emotions in general having not felt a thing for 17 years. Nothing. No happiness, sorrow, anger...anything. And her reactions to situations are very fitting for someone in her position. She really grows emotionally as the story goes on, with everything she has to deal with. And Alex, as he is described by Gemma in the book as being hot one minute and cold the next, as if he were bipolar, it's kind of how I feel about him. There are times I'm rooting for him and times when I just wanna scream at Gemma to just run! *sigh* and then of course I have a major soft spot in my heart for Laylen :) Maybe it's the whole vampire thing, but I simply adore him.
This book has the perfect ending. I know if you've read it you're probably saying to yourself right now "what on earth is she talking about?!" Trust me I'm right there with you. Cliffhangers suck ! They drive me crazy. All this build up and then you're left at the end thinking, "are you kidding me? You stop there???" But that's just the point. It leaves you dying for the next book. Which I so very much am. And the thing that sucks is... this one JUST CAME OUT. Fractured Souls, the next book in the series is expected to publish in June...that's like...SO LONG. *Siiiiiiiiiiiiigh* Oh well that just gives me extra motivation to finish the YA version of this story line :D
Truth be told, the whole reason I started reading the Fallen Star series was due to a teaser that Jessica Sorensen put up from this book back around the beginning of February, you can find that teaser here to avoid spoilers if you don't want them, but it was the first teaser I had seen for Shattered Promises and I was quite literally needing to fan myself after seeing that. I had Fallen Star in my NOOK already for a while, but other books kept getting put in front of it...it kept getting shoved to the back of my pile. But once I read that teaser, even though it was going to be a YA version and a bit tamer than this one, I immediately started reading it. And even though I haven't finished, yet, I'm totally loving both of these series. I mean I know basically they're the same thing plot wise but they're both told in a very different way and are equally satisfying. June cannot get here fast enough!!
March 26, 2019
As the author notes above, this is supposed to be a New Adult version of one of her young adult books. What you get is a book in a college setting with characters who are supposed to be in their 20's, but really act like 13-year-olds. If you can believe it, that's not even the worst thing about the book.
I made it 43% into the book through sheer willpower and my perpetual reluctance to leave books unfinished. I hate not reading to the end, not knowing for sure whether I'm right about my plot predictions or not. I finally told myself it'd be okay to let this one go, because even though I was almost halfway through the story, I still had very little clue about what the hell was going on.
Gemma's scintillating first-person narration is a glimpse into the mind of a girl that has very little sense of self. She grew up in a repressed household and has apparently never felt any emotions whatsoever. Until one day she randomly sees something (I can't even remember what it was, that's how uninteresting it was) and she suddenly feels ALL OF THE EMOTIONS in one go. That's when the author decides to FAST FORWARD. We don't even get to see how Gemma copes with this new ability of having feelings; we get to see her some months later and she's a college senior and you'd never tell she delivered that stupid prologue in the first place.
Almost immediately after that we are introduced to Alex, whose mood swings are so intense and unpredictable, I cannot believe this guy doesn't see a psychiatrist on the daily. He's a complete asshole to Gemma and treats her with very little respect, often disregarding her wishes and withholding information from her. It's a classic case of an abusive relationship being romanticized by a YA/NA author. That alone should've made me stop reading, but I thought maybe this would turn out to be one of those "good girl reforms bad guy" type of stories.
I was wrong. This turned into one of those "what the fuck is this story even about" stories. When we finally get to the plot, we find out that Gemma's mother was killed by someone shoving some fallen star power in her and Fetus Gemma somehow absorbed it and was born with the powers. And her grandparents that were total assholes to her weren't even her grandparents, they were part of some weird keeper order (which Alex and his sister and pretty much everyone) belongs to that wants to protect the star. And get this, they hardly talk about Gemma as Gemma. She's clearly just the vessel for the star power. So fucking infuriating.
And before Gemma - or you - have any questions answered, we learn about vampires and fairies and other mystical made up creatures that want to kill Gemma and get the star power for themselves. Gemma and the reader are constantly made fun of and kept in the dark. We never learn anything about any of what is going on.
This book is terrible and I won't recommend it to anyone. And skip the YA version of it as well while you're at it, because it sucks just as much. I just hope the author's work that got published isn't as bad.
I made it 43% into the book through sheer willpower and my perpetual reluctance to leave books unfinished. I hate not reading to the end, not knowing for sure whether I'm right about my plot predictions or not. I finally told myself it'd be okay to let this one go, because even though I was almost halfway through the story, I still had very little clue about what the hell was going on.
Gemma's scintillating first-person narration is a glimpse into the mind of a girl that has very little sense of self. She grew up in a repressed household and has apparently never felt any emotions whatsoever. Until one day she randomly sees something (I can't even remember what it was, that's how uninteresting it was) and she suddenly feels ALL OF THE EMOTIONS in one go. That's when the author decides to FAST FORWARD. We don't even get to see how Gemma copes with this new ability of having feelings; we get to see her some months later and she's a college senior and you'd never tell she delivered that stupid prologue in the first place.
Almost immediately after that we are introduced to Alex, whose mood swings are so intense and unpredictable, I cannot believe this guy doesn't see a psychiatrist on the daily. He's a complete asshole to Gemma and treats her with very little respect, often disregarding her wishes and withholding information from her. It's a classic case of an abusive relationship being romanticized by a YA/NA author. That alone should've made me stop reading, but I thought maybe this would turn out to be one of those "good girl reforms bad guy" type of stories.
I was wrong. This turned into one of those "what the fuck is this story even about" stories. When we finally get to the plot, we find out that Gemma's mother was killed by someone shoving some fallen star power in her and Fetus Gemma somehow absorbed it and was born with the powers. And her grandparents that were total assholes to her weren't even her grandparents, they were part of some weird keeper order (which Alex and his sister and pretty much everyone) belongs to that wants to protect the star. And get this, they hardly talk about Gemma as Gemma. She's clearly just the vessel for the star power. So fucking infuriating.
And before Gemma - or you - have any questions answered, we learn about vampires and fairies and other mystical made up creatures that want to kill Gemma and get the star power for themselves. Gemma and the reader are constantly made fun of and kept in the dark. We never learn anything about any of what is going on.
This book is terrible and I won't recommend it to anyone. And skip the YA version of it as well while you're at it, because it sucks just as much. I just hope the author's work that got published isn't as bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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