| Title | : | Waking Up (Healing Hearts, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1497440068 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 534 |
| Publication | : | First published March 22, 2014 |
But one night changes everything for her.
Suddenly she’s alone. She’s afraid to trust and afraid to love. Most of all she’s afraid she’s broken beyond repair. Nightmares torment and haunt her every time she closes her eyes.
Will she ever be the same?
For Tucker Stavros it looks to the outside world like things come easy for him. He’s gorgeous, rich, famous, has a hot girlfriend. Hell, he’s a movie star. If women aren’t trying to get with him then men are wishing they are him. What they don’t see is the broken child hiding behind the smiles he fakes for the cameras. They don’t see the man who wakes up drenched in sweat from his nightmares from a past he can’t escape.
Betrayal sent him running.
A chance encounter throws Tucker and Adriana together. They try to fight their attraction for each other. They feel they’re too broken for the other.
Will they continue to suffer in the hell of dreamland separately or will they find that Waking Up to real life together can be so much sweeter?
Waking Up (Healing Hearts, #1) Reviews
-
This book is NOTHING like I was expecting it to be. Not on the first page, not 20 pages in, not 150 pages in. It was constantly surprising me because even when I was sure I knew what was going to happen, oh how off base I was. I spent the entire time clutching my iPad like a lifeline. I cried, I yelled, I was shocked, and I was in love. I felt every emotion in the book. I will say as a warning to all that there is a sequel coming, so if you were expecting every loose end to be tied up in a pretty bow- forget it now. Tucker is an amazingly deep character even though I think he probably focused on sex too often rather than more emotional connections. Adri, well I am going to let everyone make their own decisions about Adri. She has had a rough go of it and I understand why she is the way she is but man did I want to smack the crap out of her a billion times. This is an amazing heartwrenching book and EVERYONE needs to read this. I literally read it ALL in one night, I couldn't stop!! I love Renee's writing and I am dying waiting for the sequel to this book!!!
*This was an ARC given to me for an honest review. -
Guilt, sorrow, longing, pain, emptiness; these are just a few of the emotions that Adriana Manroe is dealing with after the death of her husband Alex, the love of her life,
"I miss you so much Alex. I wish I could kiss you one more time. Touch you... in any way. I don't know how to do this without you."
How can she ever bring herself to move on?
Tucker Stavros; the movie star, the man everyone want to be or be with. He seems to have it all. But when he is betrayed by his girlfriend of two years, he can't take it anymore and takes off.
Tucker, on his quest to just getting away from it all, finds himself taking the advice of his Grams and ends up on the doorstep of Adriana. Unbeknownst to him, this angel of beauty is a broken soul.
They end up on a journey of self discovery; both broken and not knowing how to move on, they seem to help each other. They both seem to have a way to break down each others walls in a way no one else has been able to before. They both find themselves wanting something more but just not knowing how to get there and make it possible.
This a beautiful story. Yes, it has heartache and sorrow, but it also is a story of finding a way to move on in life and allow yourself to feel for another person again. This story is about love lost and love gained, passion in a way of sorrow and passion in a way of love and lust. This book will grip you and hold you hostage, daring you to put it down. You will go though a range of emotions, just like the characters in this book.
Oh, but don't get me wrong, this book is also a HOTT read. Yes, this is a very steamy read as well and you wont be disappointed.
"SHHH Tucker. Don't ruin it. I want this. You. Take me to my room please." Adriana
"I've wanted you, this since you turned around and smiled at me in your driveway. I thought... I thought... well i thought I was looking at an angel. All the times we've started and stopped." Tucker
The flow to this story and the connection you have to this book is perfect. You can't help but feel what they feel and want more.
I highly recommend this book and give it a much deserved 5 star rating. Thank you for such a great story with amazing characters!! -
Wow, the feels you get from reading this book, you go through so many emotions and often all at once you feel Adriana's pain over the death of her husband Alex. She shuts everybody out not willing to hear his name or even touch her friends and keeping them from touching her without going into a panic/anxiety attack that cripples her.
We meet movie star Tucker Stavros, who also knows pain, heartbreak, devastation. His girlfriend of two years who is also a tv star betrayed him and he is over everything so he gets into his truck and takes off for no where in particular.
Somehow he ends up in Adriana's driveway, where from the moment they meet they start changing without even releasing it, helping each other with there pain and demons breaking down each other, not sure what to do with these feelings they are getting especially Adriana.
She feels guilty that she is betraying Alex and the love they had for each other, its absolutely heartbreaking the emotional turmoil she goes through on a daily basis and how it affects Tucker who finds himself feeling more for her everyday.
The sex is pretty hot, but I think its more about the emotions people grow through and the way they handle that grief, I loved that its a dual POV and also you get to hear Adriana's friends they have a chapter each, you get the experience there pain over losing there friend Alex but also Adriana. You will fall in love with all the characters, the story the flow, the feels you get from it you won't regret it. I need more, I need to know how Tucker's and Adriana's story ends I need book 2.
5 HIGHLY EMOTIONAL STARS!! -
4.5 out of 5 Hollywood Heart throb stars!
Having not not read the synopsis of this book before I began reading and had no idea what I was in for. It was a pleasant surprise. While the dual POV from the main characters slowed my reading down at the beginning, once additional characters were introduced into the story, the book progressed at a nice pace.
Adri and her friends are very likable characters. They are a tight knit group with a long storied history and are bound by a strong love for one another. Adri is struggling with a difficult life event and when a handsome stranger/non stranger arrives out of nowhere. Being the trusting individual she is, she invites Tucker, into her home after he helps her with her groceries. She enjoys having someone to cook for and showcase her culinary talents for.
Tucker has hit the road trying to distance himself from a very bad and public breakup. Trying to stay under the radar is wearing on his nerves and he takes the advice of someone he loves and goes off the beaten path.
Renee takes these two very vulnerable individuals, throws them together in what seeks like a completely plausible situation and makes you feel for them, fall in love with them and has you wanting them to fall in love with each other. The baggage that each carries creates so much conflicted tension that the tears welled up for me time after time.
This is the first book in the series and I look forward to seeing where it takes these characters whom I have grown to love. -
This sounds SO good.
-
Adriana Monroe has been living the last sixteen months of her life in Hell. If you could even call it living. Her husband and best friend, Alex, was killed in a car accident. They had known each other since they met in Kindergarten. In her attempts to deal with what has happened, Adriana has been pretending to be fine when she is around their close-knit group of friends. But she is secretly dying inside and is thinking she needs to move away from them and all of her memories of Alex.
Tucker Stavros is a movie star that is haunted by his past and running from his present devastation. He has no plan and is driving aimlessly to get away from it all, with the only contact he has being his grandmother and best friend, Eddie. And then he stumbles across Adriana.
Neither one of them are prepared for the reactions they have to one another. Adriana, for the first time since Alex died, feels alive for the first time. Tucker has always felt lost and abandoned. But Adriana makes him feel at home. And he wants to keep that feeling.
My heart breaks for both of them. Adriana has such a hard time dealing with Alex's death that she just can't decide anything. And that both breaks my heart and makes me mad at her! Tucker wants to help and protect her but realizes she hasn't let go of Alex yet. Tucker struggles with his own demons, and his view of the whole situation breaks my heart. I just want to comfort him all by myself!
The book's first few chapters are told in dual points of view, however they are merely re-tellings of the same scenes. That did bother me at first because it seemed to drag things out too long for my liking. But, as the book progresses the story moves along more quickly.
I can say that I really did like this book a lot. The story intrigued me and made me want more. Especially with the way the book ends! I could not believe I was left hanging like that! You must read this book so you can understand what I am talking about!! After such a great story, I certainly hope there is a resolution in a future book that I don't have to wait for forever!!!
As for whether or not Adriana and Tucker ever admit their feelings to one another....... I'll never tell. ;) -
This was Renee Dyer's debut novel and holy hell it was HOT!!! She did an outstanding job writing this. She brought in everyone's point of view and made it work amazingly.
Adriana Monroe had everything she could ever want, an amazing job, the best friends anyone could ask for and the love of her life , Alex. One horrible night her world came crashing down hard. A year later she is still grieving the death of Alex. All she is is an empty shell that can't feel anymore. Her friends try to help her but she wont let anyone in. All she wants to do is drown in her pity.
Tucker " freakin " Stavro's is a hot movie star who has had a horrible childhood. All he wants to do is be normal. Be treated normal. Not have the paparazzi all over him 24/7. When he walks in on his girlfriend of two years cheating on him he knows he needs to get away for a while. Clear his head. In the craziest way ever he runs into Adriana and for both of them there is an instant attraction. Tucker brings out the Adriana that no one has seen in a year. Friendly, playful Adriana. She makes Tucker feel normal. She treats him like a human being instead of some big shot actor. They both know that being around the other is changing them for the better but also scares the crap out of them. They never thought they could feel again they only thought that their lives were meant to be miserable. Can they get over their pain and start to let one another in or are they to broken to try? -
I loved this book! I couldn't put it down. I sat for hours reading it.
The book is packed full of emotions. And trust me you will feel everyone right along with the characters.
The entire book is very personal and heartfelt.
The book is based over a couple week period of time. We come to know Adriana a widow who is living her life as an otherwise empty shell, and Tucker the famous movie star trying to get away from the publicity and cheating girlfriend.
Along with them we have a group of supportive and protecting set of friends to Adriana.
Adriana lost her husband a year ago in a car wreck. She lost more then a husband but no one in her world knows of this until she shares the information with Tucker of all people.
Tucker is a very understanding man, he understands she misses her dead husband but we still see his pain as he suffers through watching her talk to "Alex" and miss him so much.
How will it all play out? Will they end up together?
I can't wait for book two. Seriously like I need it right now. -
Oh boy oh boy are you all in for a treat when this book is published. Hot, funny, and some great storytelling. UNBELIEVABLE that this story is from a first time author. I can so see this being a movie.
Cannot tell you anything about it specifically but I found it amazing. -
This book was 5+ stars and I need the next one like yesterday! Summer better get here real soon! What a great book with so much emotion!!!
-
Loved the story. I cannot wait for the next book.
-
SNS Overall Rating: 4.5
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
A pleasant journey of growing into a love relationship with some mighty demons to overcome by Adriana and Tucker. Even though they are attracted to each other, they each have built walls around their hearts. Enjoyed reading their thoughts as they struggle with conflicting emotions. One wants to nudge them together, encouraging them to take a leap of faith. Tucker only wants to be loved for himself and not for his money or fame or as a substitute for Alex. Rejection and abandonment are Tucker's issues while guilt and self loathing are Adriana's.
My favorite scene was the afternoon she confronted the Wicked Witch from the North....Hallelujah!! In spite of feistiness, her insecurities are so huge and her mind is so twisted when it comes to Alex. Learning to accept what is and to let go are two important lessons for her to learn. I'm hooked...I must have the next book! I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Five Stars!
~~~~~~~~~~Sharlene's ★★★★✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Waking Up is the first installment in the Healing Hearts series. Tucker and Adriana are two tortured souls - one more than the other. They are tossed together and try to work out their troubles together.
The characters were all great. I fell in love with each and every one of them. You even see a lot of the secondary characters in this story. The way the author incorporates multiple POV is terrific. I love seeing how each individual reacts and thinks about the situation at hand. You would think this would get confusing but each character/couple is so different that it is easy to tell them all apart. Even though I love this aspect of the book, the author tends to overdo it in the beginning. Instead of continuing the story with each of the main characters, she reiterates the same scene over and over. So there tends to be a lot of repeating scenes in this installment. I did find myself skimming these sections as it felt redundant to me. I also found myself getting very frustrated with Adriana. She really needs to bury her husband once and for all! Tucker is very sweet and extremely patient. I found myself yelling at him to get over her and move on but he has more patience than I ever could.
The story itself is kind of stereotypical - big famous movie star meets little miss small town. But the way they meet and stay interacting was unique enough in itself to keep my interest. Very easy to read. However, it felt a little drawn out to me. I felt the book could have been a little bit shorter.
This is not a standalone but doesn't have a huge cliffhanger (just a little one). Here's hoping that Adriana can finally make up her mind in the next installment. -
Waking up (Healing Hearts #1) by Renee Dyer
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Adriana Monroe had everything, the love of her life, great friends and a great job but in a split second she loses him, her husband, her best friend, her Alex. The loss is gut wrenching and everything and everyone reminds her of him. One chance meeting of actor Tucker Starvos proves to change everything.
Incredible debut novel by Renee Dyer, this was “Mommy Porn” if you will, or a Housewives fairy tale. Tucker needs to escape his own life and sets out on an adventure that ends him up in Adriana’s driveway. The relationship starts fast, seriously who says “climax” to someone they barely know over eggs? Adriana is looking to escape her own life and the sadness of missing Alex, so much to the point of leaving her home and her friends until Alex shows up. Both Adriana and Alex have their own demons, but both are drawn to each other and open up a little bit more each day. Their relationship is sweet, they both truly care about each other, and they are hot together! It’s also very clear that the author is a music fan, since specific songs are tossed out at certain times; being a music fan myself I love that. This is a hot book with tons of drama. How did I not know this was a series? Now I need the next book in the series now. But fear not, this isn’t a gut wrenching ending, you can live with this cliffhanger. My only complaint was the dual POV, I don’t mind the dual pov but sometimes I thought we were replaying the same scene again.
I am so happy that I was able to read and review this book, I can’t wait to read the rest of the story, and I think all the supporting characters were a great addition and prove to give us more to this story. -
I have to start this one by saying how brilliantly Renee Dyer wrote this book, it is definitely a roller-coaster of heart filled emotions. This book flows so well through the story and there is never a dull moment, I really struggled to put it down!! When Adrianna lost her husband it completely destroyed her and she doesn’t know if she’ll ever be the same again. You feel every emotion that Adrianna is going through and how heartbroken she is trying to carry on living without Alex by her side. Her group of friends are brilliant but fiercely protective and fiery Mickayla has you laughing out loud. Tucker enters Adrianna life and turns her whole world upside down suddenly he’s making her feel things again that she’s not sure she can handle. Adrianna sees Tucker as a man not a celebrity and he’s also not sure what to do with how he feels around Adrianna he wants to run but he can’t bring himself to leave.
“Your beauty has the power to bring me to my knees.”
Tucker’s grams raised him and is his world and ultimately what leads him to Adrianna in the first place after telling him to have an adventure, she’s a true believer that everyone will see “the smile” and find true love and some are lucky to find it twice and she doesn’t hesitate to tell Tucker to chase after what his heart wants.
“I want to be the person you reach for when you wake up from your nightmares, the person you call when you have a bad day, the one you share your happiness with.”
I’m so grateful I bought Waking up after the second book eyes wide open was released if not I would have been devastated as Renee Dyer leaves the book on a cliffhanger and I couldn’t wait to find out what the future has in store for Adrianna and Tucker, so eyes wide open is next for me to read. -
Adrianna has been living inside her grief and pain ever since her husband Alex died. For sixteen months she hasn't really lived. Just going through the motions. Tucker an actor got in his truck and took off after finding out his girlfriend of two years had been cheating on him for most of that time. Bad enough to know about it, but to actually see it. A couple of weeks away from the her and the set of his show was just what he needed. Taking his grandmothers advice to drive around the town of Epping in New Hampshire, take in the sites, the houses and people watch. He finds himself in a neighborhood with some serious eye catching homes and years. When he sees one of the most beautiful women ever. Looking for an excuse to talk to her he stops to ask directions. Adrianna knows who he is but doesn't act all fan girl invites him in.
What can I say about this book. It was one awesome read. I loved Adrianna and Tucker. Both were broken souls looking to rise above it. But not having any clue how to get there. They were perfect for each other. The sadness, the broken hearts just tore at your own soul. Wishing with your everything that they can work through it and find happiness with each other. Definitely a tear jerker. Adrianna's group of friends just made the story that much better. Then the conversations between her and Alahna about books and book boyfriends. You can't help laughing your butt off. So many of those books I have read and it just makes it that much more amusing. -
Reading a story about a woman who has lost her husband is heart wrenching. Adriana struggles to let her late husband Alex go and her family and friends are worried for her. One day a sexy hot movie star turns up in her driveway, unable to turn the sexy Tucker Stavros away she offers to cook a meal for him. There is a underlining connection there but Adri refuses to see it or allow herself to feel it.
Tucker has been hurt and cheated on so he travels to clear his head. When he meets the very beautiful Adriana, he also senses the connection but feels she won't let him in. I had high hopes for them. Slowly they connect but not 100%, Adri is still clinging to Alex for dear life even though Tucker wants more from her. I really wanted to shake Adri and tell her to just let Tucker in. But on the other side I wanted to shake Tucker and tell him she isn't worth it. Talk about push and pull feelings. Her friends accept him and I loved the banter between them and how they accepted Tucker into their little crew. She hurts him more than she knows but Tucker sticks it out, until he has to go back to work. Adri takes their newly started relationship and crushes it by leaving him at the airport after a goodbye kiss.
I really hope that Adri lets him in, in the #2 book, they both deserve to be happy and fingers crossed it's with each other.
Amy*
Eye Candy Bookstore (Manager) -
Amazing! Beautifully written! I couldn't get enough of Tucker and Adriana!
Okay ladies fair warning you are going to need a glass of wine and a big box of tissues for this one. But let's start with the fact that Adriana and her friends rock! I can see me in each and every one of her, (as she calls them) Bitches! Let's see Adriana and Ahlana are addicted to their kindle's and have a slew of book-T's to go along with their Book Boyfriends. Mickayla loves her Super Natural and of course they both LOVE DEAN!!!! Dea she just loves to live and laugh! Okay ladies they are all me!!! I love Renee for writing me into her book. Okay, Okay back to the book review. This book is simply Amazeballs, even though I cried and got mad and yeah fell in love with my Newest Book Boyfriend,(gotta make the shirt)Tucker, who is an actor on a TV show and play a Vampire!!! OMG, ladies I can't tell you how much these character call to my life!
The Love that Tucker shows to Adriana is simply worth all the tears that I shed while reading it.
Don't get me wrong I was more than a little upset with Adriana a couple of times, but I understood her pain and hesitation.
This book will make you laugh, cry, want to kick butt, cry, love so much your heart will explode, cry and leave you wanting more! On to book 2!!! I can't wait. Awesome job Renee can't wait for the next one. :) -
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book, I literally just finished it, you know when you read a book and have to write about it straight away and tell everyone about it, thats how i feel about this book. Cant believe this is Renee's debut novel, feels like she been doing it forever.
With this book you go through so many emotions along with Adriana, the pain,guilt and heartache.
Adriana has spentthe past sixteen months numb over the death of her husband Alex,She can even bear to her his name being mentioned, sge completely shuts downs and cant even handle being touched by her friends, i have to mention her group of friends coz they great and always have her back.
In comes Tucker Stavros into her life and bam things change (could to say i LOVE Tucker so much sigh, he is getting away from his own mess, his girlfriend of 2 years cheated on him, (why he is HOT)Tucker is a big well known actor and nothing like you expect, hes hot but so sweet to. They both help each other heal in a way no one else could.
This book has it all its HOT sweet and pulls on your emotions.
I couldnt put this book down read it in one sitting.
CANT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK ENOUGH 5 MASIVE*****.
CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 2 NEED MORE TUCKER -
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! I literally just finished it. You know when you read a book and have to write about it straight away and tell everyone about it??? Thats how I feel about this book. I can't believe this is Renee's debut novel! It feels like she has been doing it forever.
With this book you go through so many emotions along with Adriana, the pain,guilt and heartache.
Adriana has spent the past sixteen months numb over the death of her husband Alex. She can't even bear to hear his name being mentioned, she completely shuts downs. She can't even handle being touched by her friends... (I have to mention her group of friends 'cause they great and always have her back.)
In comes Tucker Stavros into her life and bam!!! Things change (could to say i LOVE Tucker so much?? *sigh*) He is getting away from his own mess, his girlfriend of 2 years cheating on him (but why???? he is sooo HOT!!!). Tucker is a well known actor but nothing like you expect. He's hot but so sweet too.
They both help each other heal in a way no one else could.
This book has it all! It's HOT, sweet and pulls on your emotions.
I couldn't put this book down, read it in one sitting.
CAN'T RECOMMEND THIS BOOK ENOUGH!!
5 MASSIVE*****
CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 2!!! NEED MORE TUCKER!!!! -
This is one of those "grip you from page one and doesn't let you go even after the book has ended" stories. Thankfully I have book two ready to go as soon as I finish this review. Adrianna has been through hell and back. Suffered more loss than it seems anyone could survive. She hasn't been living because of the pain and the guilt she feels. She even has pushed the people closest to her back so that they don't know the truth of her heartbreak. Her secrets keep them in the dark.
Tucker has just been blindsided by his girlfriend Victoria. He has left Vancouver trying to escape the pain he now feels. But being a movie star, it isn't always easy to hide. He finds himself in a small town in New Hampshire and in Adrianna's neighborhood. Actually, in front of her house. When these two meet, everything starts changing for them. They seem to be healing each other. But guilt doesn't always let you move on and learning to let go isn't something that either of them really know how to do. Can these two find a way to rebuild all they have lost? And can they find a way to do that together? Or will the pain and guilt that has ate at Adrianna for so long be the end of her healing and set her back again? Highly recommend this book! ~Chell -
This is book one in the Healing Hearts series. After reading it I was shocked to realise it was a debut novel by this author. Oh my dayz - this author can certainly write.
Adriana has been through hell. Although she's acting as if she's ok to her friends, inside she's dying. Tucker is a really hot movie star. Away from the cameras he's broken. When these two bump into each other the attraction is instant. Can these two broken souls move on from their past and find happiness?
This is a brilliant story. It's an emotionally charged story. Beautifully written this book is sad, funny and steamy. So looking forward to reading book two. -
Renee Dyer knows how to bring a story to life, and her characters know how to bring your emotions to the surface! From sexy, troubled Tucker to Sweet, broken Adriana, and every character in between. Their stories intertwine in a way that makes you feel as if you're with old friends. Sassy Mick will have you laughing at her brazen unfiltered remarks, Tucker & Adriana will both cause you aches of the soul, each character is so real, so unique that you can't help but fall in love with them all. As Renee's storytelling expertise has you floating through the story as if you're actually a part of it all. I can't wait to read Eyes Wide Open, to see how their lives evolve & the story plays out.
-
I was gifted a copy for an honest review!
I absolutely LOVE this story and it has so much depth I couldn't put it down.....
I wasn't a fan of the multiple POV at first but it grew on me and gave the storyline deeper meaning for me.
This story is about loss, love and healing in several levels throughout the book.
Tucker oh man Tucker yum yum!!! I am truly a Tucker slut for life!!! I loved Adri and all of the characters. There is a realism to the story that had me crying, laughing and yelling at my kindle!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more about all of the characters -
This was a very emotional read. I still am reeling from everything that this book made me feel. The ending was...I don't even know how to describe it...I loved it and hated it. I just can't wait for Book 2!! I hope that there is a book 2! Everyone should go read this book! Thanks Sarah R. for recommending it to me!!
-
So happy I was gifted this book, now i have found an amazing Author i will read all of her books this was one of those books you don't want to put down once you start reading, now that I am finished this book I am off to buy her second one in this series so I can see how this turns out, Thank you so much Renee, Loved it and recommend you all buy it, Cheers
-
Adriana still suffers the loss of her husband, best friend and soul mate. Tucker who lost his mother early on and his father. Both unexpectedly find each other and work on healing. Get caught up in the characters. The group of friends make you want to be a part of them. Touching romance. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
-
This book was great! I absolutely loved Tucker, he's so sweet and sexy. He truly helped Adriana wake up. This book invoked so many different emotions. Of course I hated the ending but not because it was bad just because I'm selfish and need the next book now!
-
OMG loved it! Absolutely. love Tucker and my heart breaks for both his and Adriana's broken selves. They both deserve love only if Ariana coukx realize Alex would want her happy. Looking forward to part 2 of their story.
