What do you think?
Rate this book
Forgiven #1
Forgiven
What happens when one moment changes the course of your entire life? Do you sit back and accept it, or fight to live the life you choose? Caleb Jacobs has a past that has haunted him for two years. Knowing he can never forgive himself for the events that led to his departure, Caleb chooses to live a quiet life—concentrating on school, sports, and shots. But when he is paired with Angie for a history project he realizes that no matter how much you try to hide from your past, one way or another it will find you.
Angelina Powers knows what she wants from life. Growing up with only an alcoholic father for company, Angie learned early on in life that you can only count on yourself. But that doesn’t stop her wishing for her white knight. She’s confident, happy and focused…until she meets Caleb. So how will she feel when her potential white knight turns out to be more of a black shadow?
Angelina Powers knows what she wants from life. Growing up with only an alcoholic father for company, Angie learned early on in life that you can only count on yourself. But that doesn’t stop her wishing for her white knight. She’s confident, happy and focused…until she meets Caleb. So how will she feel when her potential white knight turns out to be more of a black shadow?
ebook
First published August 9, 2013
39 people are currently reading
1582 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Brooke
35 books504 followers
Rebecca Brooke is the author of the Traded Series, as well as other contemporary and paranormal books. She grew up in the shore towns of South Jersey. She loves to hit the beach, but always with her kindle on hand. She is married to the most wonderful man, who puts up with all of her craziness. Together they have two beautiful children who keep her on her toes. When she isn’t writing or reading (which is very rarely) she loves to bake and watch episodes of This is Us and Game of Thrones.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
April 10, 2014
I'm usually overly nice and generous with reviews. Especially with Indie books. This time? Nope. Not gonna happen.
I don't know where this whole trend of putting these abuse boyfriends into books and then romanticizing their behavior started. But it's disgusting. I can look past some "Alpha" tendencies. Some girls like that edge and aggression. I get it. But whenever there is blatant and unapologetic abuse? No. Get out. This book is full of it. I would get sick to my stomach while reading this. I don't know what book everyone read who gave this five stars, but can I read it instead, please?
The worst part about this book? This guy, Caleb, knows he's an abusive asshole. "Put in a good word... I don't get it? I was a total asshole to her." Yes. Straight out of the book, y'all. But wait, that's not all! There are so many references by multiple guys in this story about how they want to have sex with Angie. Does anyone realize she's more than a vagina on legs? No? No one? Right. Let's continue. Caleb is full of anger. Not like the sign yourself up for anger management classes anger. It's more of the how much longer until we get to the scene where Angie is covering up her black eye from him? "Rage coursed through my veins like acid." "I could still feel the jealousy eating away at me. I needed to hit something." "I threw myself into the passenger seat and punched the dashboard." But Caleb's anger isn't limited to just other men and Angie. Here's his thoughts on Angie's best friend and roommate: "I was going to throttle that girl if she didn't let me talk to Angie."
And now for the part that absolutely had me finished with this book before I even reached 50%. Caleb sees Angie in a club dancing with another guy. He immediately goes to Angie and grabs her arm. The other guy is telling him to back off because it's clear that Angie doesn't want Caleb around. After threatening the other guy, Caleb turns his aggression on Angie. "I pulled on my arm. "Get. Your. Fucking. Hands. Off. Of. Me." I said, enunciating each word so he understood. "Not until we talk!" he snapped." Yep. Later on, Angie notices how there are red marks on her arm from where his fingers had dug into her. I'm not even making this up. It's this bad.
So. Can we talk about the moment whenever Caleb stalked Angie and kidnapped her? She goes out on a date with the other guy from the scene before. He waits all night until they return to her apartment building. Caleb winds up breaking the other guy's nose. He then chases Angie as she tries to run inside. "I reached the door just as she was trying to shut it in my face-- but I was quicker, and placed my foot between the door and frame." "I used this distraction to push the door open and wrap my arms around Angie's waist. I picked her up and carried her toward her room. "We're going to talk...even if I have to hold you down so you'll listen to what I have to say." She tried to kick and slap me as I walked through the apartment, "Put me down, you asshole!" she yelled." Then she proceeds to forgive him and give in to his demands. That's the moment I was done.
Somehow, I finished the book. It never redeemed itself. The secret from Caleb's past? Lame and glaringly obvious. In no way did it make up for his actions and demeanor. It was an excuse for him to act the way he did. In all honesty, the only way I would recommend this book is to someone doing a study on Stockholm Syndrome, because that's the only way I can believe that Angie willingly got into a relationship with Caleb. I was too disgusted and upset while reading this book that I can't even comment on the author's writing. Though, I will say the excessive cursing took away from the story. I don't mind cursing at all; I am guilty of having a potty mouth. But there was so much in this book that it was comical. My goal throughout this book was to not throw up.
I'm sorry I ranted a bit. This book really got under my skin. If you liked it, I honestly want to know why. Explain it to me. If you haven't read it, take my review and every other review with a grain of salt. Read it yourself and see what you think of it. But as far as recommending it to anyone, never.
**I received a copy of this for free in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Rebecca Brooke and Book Enthusiast Promotions.
I don't know where this whole trend of putting these abuse boyfriends into books and then romanticizing their behavior started. But it's disgusting. I can look past some "Alpha" tendencies. Some girls like that edge and aggression. I get it. But whenever there is blatant and unapologetic abuse? No. Get out. This book is full of it. I would get sick to my stomach while reading this. I don't know what book everyone read who gave this five stars, but can I read it instead, please?
The worst part about this book? This guy, Caleb, knows he's an abusive asshole. "Put in a good word... I don't get it? I was a total asshole to her." Yes. Straight out of the book, y'all. But wait, that's not all! There are so many references by multiple guys in this story about how they want to have sex with Angie. Does anyone realize she's more than a vagina on legs? No? No one? Right. Let's continue. Caleb is full of anger. Not like the sign yourself up for anger management classes anger. It's more of the how much longer until we get to the scene where Angie is covering up her black eye from him? "Rage coursed through my veins like acid." "I could still feel the jealousy eating away at me. I needed to hit something." "I threw myself into the passenger seat and punched the dashboard." But Caleb's anger isn't limited to just other men and Angie. Here's his thoughts on Angie's best friend and roommate: "I was going to throttle that girl if she didn't let me talk to Angie."
And now for the part that absolutely had me finished with this book before I even reached 50%. Caleb sees Angie in a club dancing with another guy. He immediately goes to Angie and grabs her arm. The other guy is telling him to back off because it's clear that Angie doesn't want Caleb around. After threatening the other guy, Caleb turns his aggression on Angie. "I pulled on my arm. "Get. Your. Fucking. Hands. Off. Of. Me." I said, enunciating each word so he understood. "Not until we talk!" he snapped." Yep. Later on, Angie notices how there are red marks on her arm from where his fingers had dug into her. I'm not even making this up. It's this bad.
So. Can we talk about the moment whenever Caleb stalked Angie and kidnapped her? She goes out on a date with the other guy from the scene before. He waits all night until they return to her apartment building. Caleb winds up breaking the other guy's nose. He then chases Angie as she tries to run inside. "I reached the door just as she was trying to shut it in my face-- but I was quicker, and placed my foot between the door and frame." "I used this distraction to push the door open and wrap my arms around Angie's waist. I picked her up and carried her toward her room. "We're going to talk...even if I have to hold you down so you'll listen to what I have to say." She tried to kick and slap me as I walked through the apartment, "Put me down, you asshole!" she yelled." Then she proceeds to forgive him and give in to his demands. That's the moment I was done.
Somehow, I finished the book. It never redeemed itself. The secret from Caleb's past? Lame and glaringly obvious. In no way did it make up for his actions and demeanor. It was an excuse for him to act the way he did. In all honesty, the only way I would recommend this book is to someone doing a study on Stockholm Syndrome, because that's the only way I can believe that Angie willingly got into a relationship with Caleb. I was too disgusted and upset while reading this book that I can't even comment on the author's writing. Though, I will say the excessive cursing took away from the story. I don't mind cursing at all; I am guilty of having a potty mouth. But there was so much in this book that it was comical. My goal throughout this book was to not throw up.
I'm sorry I ranted a bit. This book really got under my skin. If you liked it, I honestly want to know why. Explain it to me. If you haven't read it, take my review and every other review with a grain of salt. Read it yourself and see what you think of it. But as far as recommending it to anyone, never.
**I received a copy of this for free in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Rebecca Brooke and Book Enthusiast Promotions.
March 21, 2015
A love triangle - The hero, Caleb and his dead love, Lily. And the heroine, Angie.
The source of angst, the plot, is based on his love for his deceased gf and his inability to move on:
“I was dating a girl named Lily. She was one of the most beautiful girls I’d ever seen.”
“Lily and I became almost inseparable”
“The tears started to run down his face. “I tried to stop, but the roads were still wet and I lost control of the car.”
“Lily wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the car.”
“I watched Lily close her eyes for the last time.” His sobs increased.
The heroine IS special to him, here's at least one reason:
“ “..............you and Lily have the exact same eyes. I’d never seen them before or since…until I met you.”"
The poor heroine (the living one) is understanding, but of course it hurts:
“He still wasn’t looking at me and the thought of him loving someone else had me slowly dying inside."
He hurts her terribly, continuously throughout the book as he waffles around and again, just before the end:
“If you can find it in your heart to forgive me one more time, I will never hurt you again,”
She loves him, forgives him (again) and is appeased by his determination to prove his love for her. Especially when he alters his tattoo (the one he had done to remember his dead gf by) to incorporate his feelings towards her. Well, he doesn't alter it as much as added onto it, but I know there are heroines who can be quite happy with this kinda thing....
*shudder*
The source of angst, the plot, is based on his love for his deceased gf and his inability to move on:
“I was dating a girl named Lily. She was one of the most beautiful girls I’d ever seen.”
“Lily and I became almost inseparable”
“The tears started to run down his face. “I tried to stop, but the roads were still wet and I lost control of the car.”
“Lily wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the car.”
“I watched Lily close her eyes for the last time.” His sobs increased.
The heroine IS special to him, here's at least one reason:
“ “..............you and Lily have the exact same eyes. I’d never seen them before or since…until I met you.”"
The poor heroine (the living one) is understanding, but of course it hurts:
“He still wasn’t looking at me and the thought of him loving someone else had me slowly dying inside."
He hurts her terribly, continuously throughout the book as he waffles around and again, just before the end:
“If you can find it in your heart to forgive me one more time, I will never hurt you again,”
She loves him, forgives him (again) and is appeased by his determination to prove his love for her. Especially when he alters his tattoo (the one he had done to remember his dead gf by) to incorporate his feelings towards her. Well, he doesn't alter it as much as added onto it, but I know there are heroines who can be quite happy with this kinda thing....
*shudder*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2013
5 stars beautiful read prefect amount of drama and a brilliant love story must read for everyone ;)
August 15, 2013
4.5 stars
I had been desperate to read this book since I saw the cover for it, so when I got an email about a Blog Tour I quickly signed up! This book started off at 4 stars with me! I did find it a bit slow and the characters were a bit over the top, but as the book progressed it started to turn into something beautiful! This impressed me! I didn't really expect to love it as much as I did! The plot of Forgiven was beautiful! There were these two characters who were broken and trying to deal with so much not knowing that together they were stronger! The plot did start a bit slow, but it quickly picked up and I was unable to put this book down! It developed very well and I really enjoyed it! The amount of swear words in this book did annoy me a little! There were quite a lot of them and sometimes I found it a bit unnecessary! I swear sometimes as well, but the amount of times the characters did in this book distracted me a little! I thought that I was going to have problems connecting with the main characters at the start of this book, but as it progressed I was able to connect with them perfectly! Caleb was the main male character and he was such a douche to start off with! As the book progressed he changed completely though! He turned into this protective, loving guy! I loved this side of him and I loved how cute he was with Angie! I could tell he really loved her! Caleb was living with a secret and this secret could either break his relationship with Angie or make it stronger! I did think that it took a while for the actual secret to come out, but I did have my suspicions! Angie was the main female character and she was so lovely! I didn't really expect to like her when I first met her, but she was a likable character! She had a tough home life and that was enough to break anyone, but Caleb was there for Angie and he was able to show her that there is so much more to life! Angie was a fragile character, but she put on a brave face and I really admired her for that! I loved that this book was written from both Caleb and Angie's point of views as they were both battling they own demons and it was amazing to see them battling them separately and then together! I'm wouldn't think that this book could turn into a series as Caleb and Angie's relationship and story was fully resolved in this book and it developed further than I thought it would, but maybe the next book will be about a different character or something like that! I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book and I'll anxiously be awaiting its release! The cover for Forgiven is so pretty! It's what attracted me to the book in the first place! It's stunning! Big thank you to Rebecca for an ARC of Forgiven and to Hooked on Books and Fictional Men’s Books for Ho’s for having me on the Blog Tour!
I had been desperate to read this book since I saw the cover for it, so when I got an email about a Blog Tour I quickly signed up! This book started off at 4 stars with me! I did find it a bit slow and the characters were a bit over the top, but as the book progressed it started to turn into something beautiful! This impressed me! I didn't really expect to love it as much as I did! The plot of Forgiven was beautiful! There were these two characters who were broken and trying to deal with so much not knowing that together they were stronger! The plot did start a bit slow, but it quickly picked up and I was unable to put this book down! It developed very well and I really enjoyed it! The amount of swear words in this book did annoy me a little! There were quite a lot of them and sometimes I found it a bit unnecessary! I swear sometimes as well, but the amount of times the characters did in this book distracted me a little! I thought that I was going to have problems connecting with the main characters at the start of this book, but as it progressed I was able to connect with them perfectly! Caleb was the main male character and he was such a douche to start off with! As the book progressed he changed completely though! He turned into this protective, loving guy! I loved this side of him and I loved how cute he was with Angie! I could tell he really loved her! Caleb was living with a secret and this secret could either break his relationship with Angie or make it stronger! I did think that it took a while for the actual secret to come out, but I did have my suspicions! Angie was the main female character and she was so lovely! I didn't really expect to like her when I first met her, but she was a likable character! She had a tough home life and that was enough to break anyone, but Caleb was there for Angie and he was able to show her that there is so much more to life! Angie was a fragile character, but she put on a brave face and I really admired her for that! I loved that this book was written from both Caleb and Angie's point of views as they were both battling they own demons and it was amazing to see them battling them separately and then together! I'm wouldn't think that this book could turn into a series as Caleb and Angie's relationship and story was fully resolved in this book and it developed further than I thought it would, but maybe the next book will be about a different character or something like that! I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book and I'll anxiously be awaiting its release! The cover for Forgiven is so pretty! It's what attracted me to the book in the first place! It's stunning! Big thank you to Rebecca for an ARC of Forgiven and to Hooked on Books and Fictional Men’s Books for Ho’s for having me on the Blog Tour!
November 14, 2017
Forgiven is a nice title for this book. Angie lived a hard tough life. She grew up with a mother who left her at age 7. An alcoholic father, who verbally abused her all of her life. But yet she still forgave them in her heart and grew up to be a wonderful human being. Now Caleb is an complete a$$hole! But he has dark demons of his own to conquer. (He hasn't learn the power of forgiveness yet.) They meet because they have to do a project together for class. He doesn't like to meet new people but they have an attraction to each other that he wants to deny. He kept hurting Angie's feelings by being an A$$hole. Until it all changed.... Will Caleb finally get the girl? Or is she just too good for him? (I think she is, she forgives him too much). Man up Caleb! No cliffhanger! Just your nice HEA!!
December 15, 2013
Forgiven by Rebecca Brooke
Review by Jen (BestSellers & BestStellars)
Forgiven was a beautiful story. You feel like you are part of the story, feeling everything that the characters are going through. It will make you laugh and cry. It was a sweet romance between two characters that have troubling pasts. It was an enjoyable read. Rebecca Brooke did a great job with incorporating such a heavy issue of alcohol abuse into the story.
What happens when one moment changes the course of your entire life? Do you sit back and accept it, or fight to live the life you choose? Caleb Jacobs has a past that has haunted him for two years. Knowing he can never forgive himself for the events that led to his departure, Caleb chooses to live a quiet life—concentrating on school, sports, and shots. But when he is paired with Angie for a history project he realizes that no matter how much you try to hide from your past, one way or another it will find you.
Angelina Powers knows what she wants from life. Growing up with only an alcoholic father for company, Angie learned early on in life that you can only count on yourself. But that doesn’t stop her wishing for her white knight. She’s confident, happy and focused…until she meets Caleb. So how will she feel when her potential white knight turns out to be more of a black shadow?
“Sometimes bad things happen to good people. It just means we need to learn how to forgive and move on.”
I really liked Angelina. She is smart, beautiful, strong, and focused. Even though she has grown up with an alcoholic father, she didn’t let the effects of that stop her. She received a scholarship to attend college and focus on her future. After being paired up with Caleb for a history project, Angie has this immediate attraction to him. Caleb continuously fights the attraction, which only angers Angie.
“Sorry? Sorry? I keep hearing that from you. I am not a goddamn yo-yo. You can’t keep pulling me to you with your ‘sorries,’ and then pushing me away with your distance.”
Oh Caleb! I loved him so much. He is smart, athletic, and HOT!! Two years ago, Caleb dealt with a tragic event. Everyone back in his hometown blames him for what happened, which leads him to blame himself, and he knows he can never forgive himself for it. My heart broke for him because he didn’t think he deserved to be with Angie.
“She deserved to be protected and loved - things I would’ve loved to do for her. I wanted to be her knight in shining armor. The only problem was I wasn’t a knight - I was more like a demon trying to steal her soul.”
I really loved Emily and Josh. Emily and Josh are Angie’s and Caleb’s best friends, as well as their roommates. Emily and Josh both realize the attraction and connection between Angie and Caleb and they try to get them together. I definitely loved how Josh always managed to make Caleb angry when he mentioned Angie and the feelings that Caleb had for her, knowing that once Caleb was frustrated enough, he would admit it.
“Fine, I think she is sexy as hell and I would love to do more than work on a stupid fucking project with her! I want to take her to dinner and spoil her the way she deserves to be. I want her more than I have ever wanted a woman. But it doesn’t change anything so why should I dwell on something I can’t have,” I growled.
I really enjoyed this book. The connection between Angie and Caleb was so amazing. Both of these wonderful characters have such traumatizing pasts, and it really was beautiful to watch them move past it and focus on their futures, especially together.
The quality of writing was great. The story was well-written and very enjoyable to read. This was such an amazing romance between two characters that had such an intense attraction and connection to each other. The story kept me interested and I found myself looking forward to the next page. I could not put it down!
4.5 Diamonds for this wonderful story!!
Review by Jen (BestSellers & BestStellars)
Forgiven was a beautiful story. You feel like you are part of the story, feeling everything that the characters are going through. It will make you laugh and cry. It was a sweet romance between two characters that have troubling pasts. It was an enjoyable read. Rebecca Brooke did a great job with incorporating such a heavy issue of alcohol abuse into the story.
What happens when one moment changes the course of your entire life? Do you sit back and accept it, or fight to live the life you choose? Caleb Jacobs has a past that has haunted him for two years. Knowing he can never forgive himself for the events that led to his departure, Caleb chooses to live a quiet life—concentrating on school, sports, and shots. But when he is paired with Angie for a history project he realizes that no matter how much you try to hide from your past, one way or another it will find you.
Angelina Powers knows what she wants from life. Growing up with only an alcoholic father for company, Angie learned early on in life that you can only count on yourself. But that doesn’t stop her wishing for her white knight. She’s confident, happy and focused…until she meets Caleb. So how will she feel when her potential white knight turns out to be more of a black shadow?
“Sometimes bad things happen to good people. It just means we need to learn how to forgive and move on.”
I really liked Angelina. She is smart, beautiful, strong, and focused. Even though she has grown up with an alcoholic father, she didn’t let the effects of that stop her. She received a scholarship to attend college and focus on her future. After being paired up with Caleb for a history project, Angie has this immediate attraction to him. Caleb continuously fights the attraction, which only angers Angie.
“Sorry? Sorry? I keep hearing that from you. I am not a goddamn yo-yo. You can’t keep pulling me to you with your ‘sorries,’ and then pushing me away with your distance.”
Oh Caleb! I loved him so much. He is smart, athletic, and HOT!! Two years ago, Caleb dealt with a tragic event. Everyone back in his hometown blames him for what happened, which leads him to blame himself, and he knows he can never forgive himself for it. My heart broke for him because he didn’t think he deserved to be with Angie.
“She deserved to be protected and loved - things I would’ve loved to do for her. I wanted to be her knight in shining armor. The only problem was I wasn’t a knight - I was more like a demon trying to steal her soul.”
I really loved Emily and Josh. Emily and Josh are Angie’s and Caleb’s best friends, as well as their roommates. Emily and Josh both realize the attraction and connection between Angie and Caleb and they try to get them together. I definitely loved how Josh always managed to make Caleb angry when he mentioned Angie and the feelings that Caleb had for her, knowing that once Caleb was frustrated enough, he would admit it.
“Fine, I think she is sexy as hell and I would love to do more than work on a stupid fucking project with her! I want to take her to dinner and spoil her the way she deserves to be. I want her more than I have ever wanted a woman. But it doesn’t change anything so why should I dwell on something I can’t have,” I growled.
I really enjoyed this book. The connection between Angie and Caleb was so amazing. Both of these wonderful characters have such traumatizing pasts, and it really was beautiful to watch them move past it and focus on their futures, especially together.
The quality of writing was great. The story was well-written and very enjoyable to read. This was such an amazing romance between two characters that had such an intense attraction and connection to each other. The story kept me interested and I found myself looking forward to the next page. I could not put it down!
4.5 Diamonds for this wonderful story!!
December 14, 2013
**JUST BOOKED received an ARC for an honest review**
A BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY when two people learn to leave their own self-sheltered cocoons and make the change to venture out to spread their wings to experience life through forgiveness and love.
Forgiven is about Angelina Powers and Caleb Jacobs struggling with their own dark secrets as to why they cannot love. Caleb is the hottest guy on campus with the most beautiful eyes, but he keeps to himself and if approached he can be a real jerk. Angelina is gorgeous with beautiful auburn hair and eyes that resemble dark chocolate, but not are her sweet so her affections personality. Angelina and Caleb first meet when a professor pairs them for a class project. They immediately find themselves feeling an attraction to each as if destiny is pulling them together to discover love, but they will need to bury their past to move forward and sometime the hardest to overcome is FORGIVENESS.
“I told you, bad things happen to good people. I learned a long time ago to forgive” - Angelina
Forgiven is the perfect title for Rebecca Brooke’s new romance novel, because it depicts how our hearts not only allows us to forgive the past but sometimes grows even larger as we live new experiences allowing us to love again. Please note this is a BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY, that will you feeling many emotions as the characters did, you will find yourself SAD, CRYING, MAD, LAUGHING, and FALLING in LOVE again.
Rebecca Brooke’s first novel in the Forgiven series, Forgiven, receives 4.5 BEAUTIFUL STARS!
A BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY when two people learn to leave their own self-sheltered cocoons and make the change to venture out to spread their wings to experience life through forgiveness and love.
Forgiven is about Angelina Powers and Caleb Jacobs struggling with their own dark secrets as to why they cannot love. Caleb is the hottest guy on campus with the most beautiful eyes, but he keeps to himself and if approached he can be a real jerk. Angelina is gorgeous with beautiful auburn hair and eyes that resemble dark chocolate, but not are her sweet so her affections personality. Angelina and Caleb first meet when a professor pairs them for a class project. They immediately find themselves feeling an attraction to each as if destiny is pulling them together to discover love, but they will need to bury their past to move forward and sometime the hardest to overcome is FORGIVENESS.
“I told you, bad things happen to good people. I learned a long time ago to forgive” - Angelina
Forgiven is the perfect title for Rebecca Brooke’s new romance novel, because it depicts how our hearts not only allows us to forgive the past but sometimes grows even larger as we live new experiences allowing us to love again. Please note this is a BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY, that will you feeling many emotions as the characters did, you will find yourself SAD, CRYING, MAD, LAUGHING, and FALLING in LOVE again.
Rebecca Brooke’s first novel in the Forgiven series, Forgiven, receives 4.5 BEAUTIFUL STARS!
August 18, 2013
Caleb he seriously need to grow on me he was just an a** for the first few chapters, "I don't care what you think. NOW GET THE EFF AWAY FROM ME." See total a**, BUT Angie that girl gives him lip and doesn't run away like a scared puppy, "dammit, you're such a self-absorbed a**hole. I want to talk to you about the project, nothing else." She nodded in the direction of my car. "Josh only told me where I could find you." She pointed her finger straight at me. "You're the one assuming I want something more from you. I'm a good student, here on a scholarship that I can't afford to lose." She put her hands on her hips, her gaze boring into mine. "If I do poorly in this class, I'll lose it. You've no right to judge what type of partner I'll be. All I know is that I can't complete this assignment by myself." Then as the book went on I saw that there was more than a**hole-ness to Caleb and I started to fall for him, "s***, would she be offended if I slept in just my boxers. "Baby, is it alright if I sleep in my boxers?" He turns out to be loving (even though he doesn't want to admit it) and caring especially when certain situations arise, "sorry baby, you are just so effing sexy...I can't control my reaction to you." (okay maybe that quote didn't persuade my argument to him being caring but you have to read the whole scene to figure out what I mean.) I truly did like this book and I really would love to read Josh's story, or even Emily or maybe even Josh and Emily maybe getting together?
August 16, 2013
I was so surprised by this book. I usually wait a while after a book comes out to read reviews and wait for it to get a rating but I am so happy I read this book right away. It is a remarkable story of finding love and learning to forgive- not only others but yourself as well. I would not change anything about this book. I think the characters were very well written and I couldn't help but fall in love with not only Caleb and Angie but Emily and Josh as well. I hope Josh will be getting his own book. I have a feeling he will. He played such a huge part in Caleb and Angie's relationship and he really was an amazing friend. This story was fun and real and I didn't want it to end. I cannot wait for more from this author. I loved the writing style...it was the perfect balance of dialogue and descriptive writing for me. Don't waste anymore time and take my advice and purchase it! You will not be sorry.
August 26, 2013
Bravo! I felt a lot of feels reading Forgiven. Anger, sadness, annoyance, yada yada. As readers that's what we want right, to feel something. Well I did. I loved Caleb from the beginning, I wanted to fix or mother him, but at the same time he was infuriating. So much angst and drama with a HEA.
August 12, 2013
What an emotional roller coaster. This book kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what Caleb was hiding. I love how the characters were portrayed. Emily was absolutely hilarious, can't wait to see what the next book in the series is about. This is a MUST READ!
February 8, 2014
What a sweet but deep story! I really enjoyed it. Caleb and Angie both had fears to overcome and together they did it. With ups and downs they got there.
Need more Josh :) he needs his own book!
Need more Josh :) he needs his own book!
August 17, 2013
FANTASTIC BOOK and we finally see a male lead who is the insecure one in the relationship not the other way around (although it did get annoying after a while)
September 5, 2013
Forgiven is a beautiful love story about two broken soles who are trying to deal with their pasts and learning how to forgive, not only others but themselves as well.
Caleb Jacobs' past has been haunting him for two years. One tragic event changed his life forever. Caleb has been struggling with the guilt from that night. He can't forgive himself for what happened and won't allow himself to move on. He finds comfort with alcohol because it numbs the pain that he feels everyday. He drinks every night just to help him sleep and avoid the nightmares that he has. He chooses to leave his small town and get a fresh start at a university where no one will knows him. Caleb focuses on school, football, and partying all while keeping people at arms length. His world changed in a blink of an eye, when his history teacher announced, "Caleb Jacobs will be working with Angelina Powers."
When Caleb laid eyes on Angelina Powers, his attention was immediately drawn to her eyes. Caleb knew at that moment, his world was turned upside down. Caleb has seen eyes like that before, only now he sees them in his nightmares. Caleb decides to do what Caleb does best, he acts like a complete asshole and is totally rude to Angelina and refuses to be her partner for their history project.
Angelina (Angie) Powers has a past of her own. A past that only her best friend, Emily knows about. Angie's mother left when she was young, and her father was an alcoholic who verbally abused Angie for years, until she left home to attend college. From years of verbal abuse, Angie has built a wall around her heart, never allowing anyone to get too close. Angie is furious at how rude Caleb was to her and she refused to receive a failing grade on this project. She demands that Caleb and her find a common ground in order to complete the project at hand, and then they will go their separate ways. It was evident that they both found each other attractive. Sparks were flying between them, the only question was, would either of them act on their feelings.
Caleb agrees to work with Angie on the project; they would get it down as quickly as possible and they would never speak again.. However, Caleb's plan didn't go as he had planned. He was drawn to Angie, he knew he was falling and falling fast. Caleb feels he is not worthy someone's love, that he didn't deserve it. Angie has turned his world upside down. Caleb struggles with trying to keep Angie at arms length, however always within his reach. He convinces himself that he doesn't deserve her, but no one else does either.
My heart broke for Caleb because he didn't think he deserved to be with Angie.
"She deserved to be protected and loved - things I would've loved to do for her. I wanted to be her knight in shining armor. The only problem was I wasn't a knight - I was more like a demon trying to steal her soul." ~ Caleb
Caleb's best friend/roommate, Josh sees the change in Caleb and knows it is because of Angie. Josh knows that Caleb has fallen for Angie, it appears that Caleb needed a little push to admit it to himself. Caleb and Josh have been living with each other for two years and Josh never pushes Caleb to talk about his past. He only pushed him to admit his feelings for Angie.
"Fine, I think she is sexy as hell and I would love to do more than work on a stupid fucking project with her! I want to take her to dinner and spoil her the way she deserves to be. I want her more than I have ever wanted a woman. But it doesn't change anything so why should I dwell on something I can't have." ~ Caleb
Both Angie and Caleb were struggling with the ghosts of their pasts. Angie learned a long time ago to forgive those who hurt her. Angie knows that Caleb has a past, but she never pushes him to tell her. Caleb found out about Angie's past when he showed up unexpectedly at her apartment. Angie tells herself that she will wait for him to tell her when and if he is ever ready. She knows he is carrying some sort of guilt from his past, can she convince Caleb to forgive himself? Angie continuously tells Caleb "Sometimes bad things happen to good people. It just means we need to learn how to forgive and move on." Will he eventually realize the truth behind Angie's words? Could Angie show Caleb how to forgive? Can Angie show Caleb that he deserved to have love in his life?
Angie has been waiting for her knight in shining armor, someone that could save her from her life. What she didn't know was that her knight in shining armor, was Caleb Jacobs. Angie couldn't keep living her life in the past, in order for her to be happy, she needed to live for her future. The only problem was, Caleb was not ready to openly love Angie.
Then we have Emily. Emily is Angie's best friend/roommate. She is a firecracker, to say the least. If you hurt Angie, then you hurt Emily and she is coming after you. Caleb learned this very fast. Emily had her targets set on Caleb. She warned Caleb repeatedly not to break Angie's heart. Could Caleb be trusted with Angie's heart? Would Emily ever trust Caleb not to shatter her best friend's heart?
I have to tell ya, Forgiven was definitely an emotional ride. I was laughing one minute and then crying the next. The chemistry between the characters was amazing. I could picture the storyline unfolding before my eyes. There were times that I wanted to smack Caleb in the back of his head for his actions and his indecisiveness got on my damn nerves. But I had to take a step back and realize that he is a 20 year old college student that experienced something that I would not wish upon my worst enemy. He needed to work some stuff on his own and learn to love himself, before he could love Angie the way she deserved to be loved.
I think Rebecca did a fabulous job with this book. I think the storyline flowed effortlessly and I couldn't put the book down, because I was dying to know what was going to happen next. I enjoyed reading from both Angie and Caleb's POV. I got to see both sides of the stories and truly feel what they were feeling. I am excited to see where the series goes next. I loved all of the sub-characters. Josh and Emily were great and they were great friends to both Caleb and Angie. They stood by their friends and always offered them their shoulder to lean on or cry on. Every person should have a friend like Emily and Josh.
Caleb Jacobs' past has been haunting him for two years. One tragic event changed his life forever. Caleb has been struggling with the guilt from that night. He can't forgive himself for what happened and won't allow himself to move on. He finds comfort with alcohol because it numbs the pain that he feels everyday. He drinks every night just to help him sleep and avoid the nightmares that he has. He chooses to leave his small town and get a fresh start at a university where no one will knows him. Caleb focuses on school, football, and partying all while keeping people at arms length. His world changed in a blink of an eye, when his history teacher announced, "Caleb Jacobs will be working with Angelina Powers."
When Caleb laid eyes on Angelina Powers, his attention was immediately drawn to her eyes. Caleb knew at that moment, his world was turned upside down. Caleb has seen eyes like that before, only now he sees them in his nightmares. Caleb decides to do what Caleb does best, he acts like a complete asshole and is totally rude to Angelina and refuses to be her partner for their history project.
Angelina (Angie) Powers has a past of her own. A past that only her best friend, Emily knows about. Angie's mother left when she was young, and her father was an alcoholic who verbally abused Angie for years, until she left home to attend college. From years of verbal abuse, Angie has built a wall around her heart, never allowing anyone to get too close. Angie is furious at how rude Caleb was to her and she refused to receive a failing grade on this project. She demands that Caleb and her find a common ground in order to complete the project at hand, and then they will go their separate ways. It was evident that they both found each other attractive. Sparks were flying between them, the only question was, would either of them act on their feelings.
Caleb agrees to work with Angie on the project; they would get it down as quickly as possible and they would never speak again.. However, Caleb's plan didn't go as he had planned. He was drawn to Angie, he knew he was falling and falling fast. Caleb feels he is not worthy someone's love, that he didn't deserve it. Angie has turned his world upside down. Caleb struggles with trying to keep Angie at arms length, however always within his reach. He convinces himself that he doesn't deserve her, but no one else does either.
My heart broke for Caleb because he didn't think he deserved to be with Angie.
"She deserved to be protected and loved - things I would've loved to do for her. I wanted to be her knight in shining armor. The only problem was I wasn't a knight - I was more like a demon trying to steal her soul." ~ Caleb
Caleb's best friend/roommate, Josh sees the change in Caleb and knows it is because of Angie. Josh knows that Caleb has fallen for Angie, it appears that Caleb needed a little push to admit it to himself. Caleb and Josh have been living with each other for two years and Josh never pushes Caleb to talk about his past. He only pushed him to admit his feelings for Angie.
"Fine, I think she is sexy as hell and I would love to do more than work on a stupid fucking project with her! I want to take her to dinner and spoil her the way she deserves to be. I want her more than I have ever wanted a woman. But it doesn't change anything so why should I dwell on something I can't have." ~ Caleb
Both Angie and Caleb were struggling with the ghosts of their pasts. Angie learned a long time ago to forgive those who hurt her. Angie knows that Caleb has a past, but she never pushes him to tell her. Caleb found out about Angie's past when he showed up unexpectedly at her apartment. Angie tells herself that she will wait for him to tell her when and if he is ever ready. She knows he is carrying some sort of guilt from his past, can she convince Caleb to forgive himself? Angie continuously tells Caleb "Sometimes bad things happen to good people. It just means we need to learn how to forgive and move on." Will he eventually realize the truth behind Angie's words? Could Angie show Caleb how to forgive? Can Angie show Caleb that he deserved to have love in his life?
Angie has been waiting for her knight in shining armor, someone that could save her from her life. What she didn't know was that her knight in shining armor, was Caleb Jacobs. Angie couldn't keep living her life in the past, in order for her to be happy, she needed to live for her future. The only problem was, Caleb was not ready to openly love Angie.
Then we have Emily. Emily is Angie's best friend/roommate. She is a firecracker, to say the least. If you hurt Angie, then you hurt Emily and she is coming after you. Caleb learned this very fast. Emily had her targets set on Caleb. She warned Caleb repeatedly not to break Angie's heart. Could Caleb be trusted with Angie's heart? Would Emily ever trust Caleb not to shatter her best friend's heart?
I have to tell ya, Forgiven was definitely an emotional ride. I was laughing one minute and then crying the next. The chemistry between the characters was amazing. I could picture the storyline unfolding before my eyes. There were times that I wanted to smack Caleb in the back of his head for his actions and his indecisiveness got on my damn nerves. But I had to take a step back and realize that he is a 20 year old college student that experienced something that I would not wish upon my worst enemy. He needed to work some stuff on his own and learn to love himself, before he could love Angie the way she deserved to be loved.
I think Rebecca did a fabulous job with this book. I think the storyline flowed effortlessly and I couldn't put the book down, because I was dying to know what was going to happen next. I enjoyed reading from both Angie and Caleb's POV. I got to see both sides of the stories and truly feel what they were feeling. I am excited to see where the series goes next. I loved all of the sub-characters. Josh and Emily were great and they were great friends to both Caleb and Angie. They stood by their friends and always offered them their shoulder to lean on or cry on. Every person should have a friend like Emily and Josh.
October 26, 2013
Given by the author for an honest review
It was AMAZING!! I loved it! It became one of my favorite books of all time!
In fact, I read it twice in 2 days! Yeah it is that addictive!!
I loved it from the first page to the very last..I adored Angie and I fell hard for Caleb..One of the best couples…Plus, I really loved the 2 points of view..Both of them are equally amazing! As you know writing both POVs is very tricky and almost always the one will be better than the other..In this case, both are brilliant and I strongly believe this is one of Rebecca’s biggest accomplishments (regarding Forgiven)!
I guarantee you will fall in love with both main characters, as well as the rest of the cast…Yepp I cannot stop praising this book and the author!!
>>Angie had such a hard life. Having one parent leave you and then the other turning into a drunk darkened her soul. It shattered her self-confidence and her self-esteem. Parents are the ones who are supposed to love you unconditionally. So if they don’t, you start wondering what is wrong with you, when in reality there’s something seriously wrong with them. Angie was so lucky she met Emily so fast in campus, because she really needed her support. As you’ll see while reading the book, Angie is quite adorable. Everyone likes her and no one has a bad thing to say about her. She is hot, sweet, a good friend, smart and funny. I really admire her spirit! In fact, I loved everything about her..Perhaps, it’s because she reminds me of me so much..Nah I’m kidding..She is an incredible young woman and a great role model. And I loved the way she handled Caleb. Oh I keep thinking some certain scenes that may involve someone been thrown over someone’s shoulder and get carried to someone’s bedroom…Vague enough?..
Angie is the woman you wish to be, the woman you wish to have and the person you wish to have in your life..
>>Caleb made lots of mistakes along the way.. And when he finally got the stick out of his ass, he was falling down against the same path yet again later..As I’ve claimed before, guilt I such a powerful emotion. The lack of it leaves you a person without humanity, while its intense presence can break you in half and never let you be whole again. Caleb let that guilt eat him alive. Until Angie and someone’s interference. When that interference happened, I want to thank and kiss that person a thousand times.. It was so sad when fell out of the wagon, but don’t get your guns out of your closet –It’s pretty obvious that something else is going on and yes you will be biting your nails until you figure out what!!
In conclusion, there is not a thing I would change about Forgiven. I adore it!
Brilliant & One of a kind!! It will leave you breathless and hungry for more..
And fortunately for us, Rebecca Brooke is currently writing the next book Redemption about Josh (I love that guy!) and Lauren!! I hope Angie and Caleb are featured..
It was AMAZING!! I loved it! It became one of my favorite books of all time!
In fact, I read it twice in 2 days! Yeah it is that addictive!!
I loved it from the first page to the very last..I adored Angie and I fell hard for Caleb..One of the best couples…Plus, I really loved the 2 points of view..Both of them are equally amazing! As you know writing both POVs is very tricky and almost always the one will be better than the other..In this case, both are brilliant and I strongly believe this is one of Rebecca’s biggest accomplishments (regarding Forgiven)!
I guarantee you will fall in love with both main characters, as well as the rest of the cast…Yepp I cannot stop praising this book and the author!!
>>Angie had such a hard life. Having one parent leave you and then the other turning into a drunk darkened her soul. It shattered her self-confidence and her self-esteem. Parents are the ones who are supposed to love you unconditionally. So if they don’t, you start wondering what is wrong with you, when in reality there’s something seriously wrong with them. Angie was so lucky she met Emily so fast in campus, because she really needed her support. As you’ll see while reading the book, Angie is quite adorable. Everyone likes her and no one has a bad thing to say about her. She is hot, sweet, a good friend, smart and funny. I really admire her spirit! In fact, I loved everything about her..Perhaps, it’s because she reminds me of me so much..Nah I’m kidding..She is an incredible young woman and a great role model. And I loved the way she handled Caleb. Oh I keep thinking some certain scenes that may involve someone been thrown over someone’s shoulder and get carried to someone’s bedroom…Vague enough?..
Angie is the woman you wish to be, the woman you wish to have and the person you wish to have in your life..
>>Caleb made lots of mistakes along the way.. And when he finally got the stick out of his ass, he was falling down against the same path yet again later..As I’ve claimed before, guilt I such a powerful emotion. The lack of it leaves you a person without humanity, while its intense presence can break you in half and never let you be whole again. Caleb let that guilt eat him alive. Until Angie and someone’s interference. When that interference happened, I want to thank and kiss that person a thousand times.. It was so sad when fell out of the wagon, but don’t get your guns out of your closet –It’s pretty obvious that something else is going on and yes you will be biting your nails until you figure out what!!
In conclusion, there is not a thing I would change about Forgiven. I adore it!
Brilliant & One of a kind!! It will leave you breathless and hungry for more..
And fortunately for us, Rebecca Brooke is currently writing the next book Redemption about Josh (I love that guy!) and Lauren!! I hope Angie and Caleb are featured..
November 22, 2013
The story started pretty good, mystery, hot guys, a secret from the past, a hot best friend, a loyal and sassy girl friend. The plot was interesting and I was really hooked at the beginning of the story.
At first I got Caleb´s reticence to work with Angie and what he did in the beginning to avoid a possible confrontation but after the 3rd time he run away I was just completely pissed with him and with Angie. I mean, I believe in 2nd chances but forgiving over and over again is kind of an auto punishment. I mean, he was being an asshole some times and she just took him back, I don´t get it. Well, to be honest I get that that it is what the idea of the book is about, to forgive. But I really think human beings can forgive the same person just a couple of times. If I were Angie, I´d have dumped him. So much pain is no worth anything. But as usually happens in books and real life people just avoid talking about the problem. I really believe many things could have been solved just by talking.
The narrative was fluid and I read it really easily but it was a completely turn off from the story to hear so many curses and bad words, not just from the boys but also from the girls. It distracted me and I didn´t like it at all. I mean, every chapter had cursing, I noticed. And this is not the first time that happens to me while reading a book. I get that the protagonists are College students in their early 20s but I am a College student that has just turn 21 and yes I curse sometimes and say bad words but just when I think that something really bad had happen. I don´t use f*** in almost every conversation I have. And as I said before, I had this issue with other books. And I really don´t know why this happen. Do authors think young people are a kind of mini gangster or that we lack of education?. Or maybe it is a cultural thing and US youth curse that much?
Overall I enjoyed reading this book, the story was catching and most of the characters were really nice. I can´t wait to read the next book and know about Josh´s story, he was my favourite character.
At first I got Caleb´s reticence to work with Angie and what he did in the beginning to avoid a possible confrontation but after the 3rd time he run away I was just completely pissed with him and with Angie. I mean, I believe in 2nd chances but forgiving over and over again is kind of an auto punishment. I mean, he was being an asshole some times and she just took him back, I don´t get it. Well, to be honest I get that that it is what the idea of the book is about, to forgive. But I really think human beings can forgive the same person just a couple of times. If I were Angie, I´d have dumped him. So much pain is no worth anything. But as usually happens in books and real life people just avoid talking about the problem. I really believe many things could have been solved just by talking.
The narrative was fluid and I read it really easily but it was a completely turn off from the story to hear so many curses and bad words, not just from the boys but also from the girls. It distracted me and I didn´t like it at all. I mean, every chapter had cursing, I noticed. And this is not the first time that happens to me while reading a book. I get that the protagonists are College students in their early 20s but I am a College student that has just turn 21 and yes I curse sometimes and say bad words but just when I think that something really bad had happen. I don´t use f*** in almost every conversation I have. And as I said before, I had this issue with other books. And I really don´t know why this happen. Do authors think young people are a kind of mini gangster or that we lack of education?. Or maybe it is a cultural thing and US youth curse that much?
Overall I enjoyed reading this book, the story was catching and most of the characters were really nice. I can´t wait to read the next book and know about Josh´s story, he was my favourite character.
December 28, 2013
This book has been on my Kindle and TBR list forever, and now I’m kicking myself for not getting to it sooner. All I have to say is OMG this book is AMAZING!
Caleb and Angie both have pasts they would like to forget, and ones that haunt them daily. When they are paired up to work together, things do not go so well at first, and this starts one hell of a roller-coaster of a story!
Where to start? Caleb, oh wow, he is troubled and something has happened in his past, (you don’t find out until the characters in the book do about what it is) but you know that it was bad for how he thinks of himself and what he does and doesn’t deserve, my heart broke for him at times, and I wanted to punch him for being stupid at other times, but all in all I freaking loved Caleb, you can tell he’s doing what he thinks is best (even if he is completely wrong) and you love him for that.
Angie, wow, this girl, my heart broke for her so many times in this book, but getting to see her overcome the past, and become a stronger person and let someone in, really made me love her too. I loved how she stood up for herself at times, and I cried along with her at some parts of the story.
I loved the “Bad things happen to good people” saying in the book, and not only does this apply to the main characters, but almost everyone I know in real life. It’s how you deal with those things that defines you (even if it takes a while like these characters).
The secondary characters were also a riot! I loved Josh and along with the other characters was a little scared of Emily!
This story grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go, I absolutely loved it and recommend it to anyone and everyone! Hats off to Rebecca Brooke for writing such an amazing story. Love, LOVE, LOVED IT!! <3
Caleb and Angie both have pasts they would like to forget, and ones that haunt them daily. When they are paired up to work together, things do not go so well at first, and this starts one hell of a roller-coaster of a story!
Where to start? Caleb, oh wow, he is troubled and something has happened in his past, (you don’t find out until the characters in the book do about what it is) but you know that it was bad for how he thinks of himself and what he does and doesn’t deserve, my heart broke for him at times, and I wanted to punch him for being stupid at other times, but all in all I freaking loved Caleb, you can tell he’s doing what he thinks is best (even if he is completely wrong) and you love him for that.
Angie, wow, this girl, my heart broke for her so many times in this book, but getting to see her overcome the past, and become a stronger person and let someone in, really made me love her too. I loved how she stood up for herself at times, and I cried along with her at some parts of the story.
I loved the “Bad things happen to good people” saying in the book, and not only does this apply to the main characters, but almost everyone I know in real life. It’s how you deal with those things that defines you (even if it takes a while like these characters).
The secondary characters were also a riot! I loved Josh and along with the other characters was a little scared of Emily!
This story grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go, I absolutely loved it and recommend it to anyone and everyone! Hats off to Rebecca Brooke for writing such an amazing story. Love, LOVE, LOVED IT!! <3
November 23, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Forgiven, by Rebecca Brooke. It is a story of forgiving yourself as well as forgiving others. It is also a lesson on seeing that bad things can happen to good people.
The story starts off with intrigue in it, when you are left wondering why there is a court case. Then fast forward and you have the feeling that something really dark happened, you just at that moment don't know what. While, the story may have started out slow, I did not feel that jeopardized the effectiveness of the flow of the story. I had a desire to know what was going to happen, and my heart went at times from heartbreaking feeling to a feeling of anger for what was happening to the characters.
The one aspect of the story that I enjoyed was the fact that the secondary characters complemented the primary characters of the story (Angie and Caleb). That is what made it from a good book to a superb book.
In addition Rebecca gives you the necessary background on Angie and Caleb without going all out on detail. The story left you with enough detail so you the reader could understand how the characters personality were developed.
Right now I am on a little bit of a Caleb and Angie withdrawal. I hope we get to see some more of them when the series continues. The next story I would love to see is Josh's story. Or at least Emily's story. Hummm, maybe Nick would have a chance at an awesome story as well.
NOTE: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts off with intrigue in it, when you are left wondering why there is a court case. Then fast forward and you have the feeling that something really dark happened, you just at that moment don't know what. While, the story may have started out slow, I did not feel that jeopardized the effectiveness of the flow of the story. I had a desire to know what was going to happen, and my heart went at times from heartbreaking feeling to a feeling of anger for what was happening to the characters.
The one aspect of the story that I enjoyed was the fact that the secondary characters complemented the primary characters of the story (Angie and Caleb). That is what made it from a good book to a superb book.
In addition Rebecca gives you the necessary background on Angie and Caleb without going all out on detail. The story left you with enough detail so you the reader could understand how the characters personality were developed.
Right now I am on a little bit of a Caleb and Angie withdrawal. I hope we get to see some more of them when the series continues. The next story I would love to see is Josh's story. Or at least Emily's story. Hummm, maybe Nick would have a chance at an awesome story as well.
NOTE: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2016
Forgiven by Rebecca Brooke is a tragic and beautiful and ultimately forgiving tale of overcoming your past and learning to move forward. Told from both Caleb and Angie's points of view, this story slowly builds your insight into their past and how it has built the people they are today. The beautiful thing about their relationship is that you also get to see how their love heals who they were.
Caleb is a loner, he gets along with his roommate Josh because neither one has any desire to dig into their pasts. They each have things best left forgotten. Caleb denies his attraction to Angie for as long as possible believing he does not deserve her, but the feelings he has for her outweigh his desire to protect her from himself.
Angie has dealt with emotional and verbal abuse for almost as long as she can remember so when her history professor assigns Caleb as her project partner and she gets a rude brush off from him she knows it's the last thing she needs. Well, almost the last thing, a failing grade for not working as a team on this project is the LAST thing she needs.
Together they grow stronger and learn to forgive themselves for the bad things that have happened to them.
Caleb is a loner, he gets along with his roommate Josh because neither one has any desire to dig into their pasts. They each have things best left forgotten. Caleb denies his attraction to Angie for as long as possible believing he does not deserve her, but the feelings he has for her outweigh his desire to protect her from himself.
Angie has dealt with emotional and verbal abuse for almost as long as she can remember so when her history professor assigns Caleb as her project partner and she gets a rude brush off from him she knows it's the last thing she needs. Well, almost the last thing, a failing grade for not working as a team on this project is the LAST thing she needs.
Together they grow stronger and learn to forgive themselves for the bad things that have happened to them.
September 9, 2013
Angelina Powers didn't have what you would call a typical childhood growing up. Her mom took off when she was young and her dad turned to alcohol. She learned fast that the only person she could depend on was herself.
Caleb Jacobs' life changed two years ago after a terrible tragedy. Not willing or able to forgive himself, he threw himself into school and sports.
Then one day fate stepped in and brought them together. There was something about Angie that served as a constant reminder of the loss he suffered two years ago and he will try anything to avoid her. Will he succeed? Or will his feelings towards her get the better of him? Will Angie allow herself to open up and let someone in? Or will her insecurities from years of verbal abuse from her father get in the way?
"Sometimes bad things happen to good people. It just means we need to learn how to forgive, and move on."
I loved this book! I totally felt like I was a part of this story and found myself laughing and crying along with the characters. The characters were very well developed and the story was as well. What a great story about forgiveness and learning to move on. There were times I just wanted to smack Caleb and tell him to realize what he had. I LOVED Angie's friend Emily - what a spitfire! Caleb's friend Josh was awesome as well! Can't wait to read his story!
Caleb Jacobs' life changed two years ago after a terrible tragedy. Not willing or able to forgive himself, he threw himself into school and sports.
Then one day fate stepped in and brought them together. There was something about Angie that served as a constant reminder of the loss he suffered two years ago and he will try anything to avoid her. Will he succeed? Or will his feelings towards her get the better of him? Will Angie allow herself to open up and let someone in? Or will her insecurities from years of verbal abuse from her father get in the way?
"Sometimes bad things happen to good people. It just means we need to learn how to forgive, and move on."
I loved this book! I totally felt like I was a part of this story and found myself laughing and crying along with the characters. The characters were very well developed and the story was as well. What a great story about forgiveness and learning to move on. There were times I just wanted to smack Caleb and tell him to realize what he had. I LOVED Angie's friend Emily - what a spitfire! Caleb's friend Josh was awesome as well! Can't wait to read his story!
February 9, 2014
This is another coming-of-age book set on a college campus. Both Caleb and Angelina have secrets from their past that are going to come out. I’m going to tell you now that when I started reading the book, I did not like Caleb – at all. It took some time for me to warm up to him, he was just keeping his secrets and was an ass to Angelina. Honestly, he was and that’s the best word for it.
Angelina had been through so much in her young life; verbal abuse since the age of 7. She was making a better life for herself by going to college and getting away from her father. The way that Caleb treated her was horrible and I honestly didn’t think that I would end up liking him at all, but he grew on me (in a good way). There was a sweet, loving, gentle side to him that he couldn’t fully show until the secret came out.
I liked the secondary characters of Emily and Josh. I’d really like to see what secrets Josh has hidden and see if he can find someone to love. Emily is like a tiny pit-bull if someone messes with her friends, and she is feisty.
I’m putting Forgiven by Rebecca Brooke in the sweet romance category and adding to my beach read list. It’s a good story, with no cliffhanger and a very happy ending.
Angelina had been through so much in her young life; verbal abuse since the age of 7. She was making a better life for herself by going to college and getting away from her father. The way that Caleb treated her was horrible and I honestly didn’t think that I would end up liking him at all, but he grew on me (in a good way). There was a sweet, loving, gentle side to him that he couldn’t fully show until the secret came out.
I liked the secondary characters of Emily and Josh. I’d really like to see what secrets Josh has hidden and see if he can find someone to love. Emily is like a tiny pit-bull if someone messes with her friends, and she is feisty.
I’m putting Forgiven by Rebecca Brooke in the sweet romance category and adding to my beach read list. It’s a good story, with no cliffhanger and a very happy ending.
September 14, 2013
Didn't love but didn't hate it I just didn't get it. I just didn't feel that connection to the characters like I wanted to the first few chapters started off with high hopes but then it died. Really didn't feel that connection to Caleb/Angie just wasn't anything special about them. Before you knew it they were all in love and couldn't be with one another when was I supposed to feel that happen. And one of my biggest pet peeves in books are when one of the characters keep saying "I'm not good for you we can't be you deserve better". Shut up already we got it and we get it you think I can do better how many times are you going to say it. But they weren't the only characters that were underdeveloped the supporting characters just fell flat. So why did I give it 3 stars instead of 1 you ask? Well because even though it had many holes I still actually like it. It was like watching that cheesy movie and know you should turn the channel but you can't because you have been caught up in it and must see how it ends. That was this book and yes I would probably read book 2 because sometimes you just need books like this a nice and easy read!!
September 24, 2013
This story captured me from the very beginning. Caleb was the perfect boy on the outside...smart, sexy, football star. He appeared to have it all going on. He lived the college boy dream...classes, sports, parties, girls. Never tied to anything. Never connecting. Nobody knew his secret, nobody knew his pain. He let nobody in. He didn't think he deserved it. Angie was beautiful and extremely dedicated to her studies. She was trying to make herself a better life than she grew up with and she wasn't letting anyone stand in her way. They get stuck as partners for an assignment. No matter hw they each try to reason with the professor to get out of the assignment, she won't allow them out of it. Together they must find a compromise to get this project done. Through this process they learn about themselves and each other. Each step is difficult and painful. They learn to not only trust, but to forgive. This is a touching story of lost hearts.
September 30, 2013
OK so I really did not expect to love this book as much as I did! I guess I have been getting tired of reading all this young love stuff, but this was well written. The characters were brought to life with great care. I enjoyed reading about the entire cast of characters brought forth by Rebecca Brooke. Angie & Caleb both had secrets, none of them as horrible as they each thought of their own truths. The past is the past, and each of us needs to be forgiven, not just from who we wronged but from ourselves. Young love....there really is nothing like it. I must say that I really did not like Caleb at the beginning of the book, but he grew on me. I am not sure I liked Angie either, even though I knew she was strong, she wasn't when it came to Caleb, which just aggravated me. I like strong women, since I am one, so it was hard to read about someone taking someone back so many times after he hurt her. Although there is a HEA so all is good.
October 8, 2013
FORGIVEN (FORGIVEN 1) by REBECCA BROOKE
Forgiven is like a coming out of age story only it is in a college setting. I enjoyed reading it. It was short but sweet and a kind of story that you would want to read to have a break from all the tears filled books you just finished.
The characters in this story are at first may seem different from each other but after a couple of chapters, you get that they actually have similarities in more ways than one. They fit and together they healed each other. Rebecca wrote this story in a simplest way possible and ended up giving her readers a sweet, young and love filled story that everyone can appreciate. :)
♥♥♥♥
** Also posted on my TUMBLR account & AMAZON
http://xoxopimpimxoxo.tumblr.com/post...
Forgiven is like a coming out of age story only it is in a college setting. I enjoyed reading it. It was short but sweet and a kind of story that you would want to read to have a break from all the tears filled books you just finished.
The characters in this story are at first may seem different from each other but after a couple of chapters, you get that they actually have similarities in more ways than one. They fit and together they healed each other. Rebecca wrote this story in a simplest way possible and ended up giving her readers a sweet, young and love filled story that everyone can appreciate. :)
♥♥♥♥
** Also posted on my TUMBLR account & AMAZON
http://xoxopimpimxoxo.tumblr.com/post...
August 31, 2013
This book was so good. The story was well developed. As were the main characters. The supporting characters were pretty amazing too. This story had just the right amount of romance, suspense and drama. All of my favorite things.
In the beginning, Caleb comes across as a total ass. But I could tell that deep down, he had a good heart but was drowning in guilt. He just needed someone to be patient with him and to love him. Angie had a terrible childhood but was fighting to make life as normal as possible. She has great friends and love certainly wasn't on her mind. Until she and Caleb were assigned as partners in a class project. They have this electric chemistry. Their relationship isn't perfect, but they work through some tough secrets and issues. I loved the ending! Great book.
In the beginning, Caleb comes across as a total ass. But I could tell that deep down, he had a good heart but was drowning in guilt. He just needed someone to be patient with him and to love him. Angie had a terrible childhood but was fighting to make life as normal as possible. She has great friends and love certainly wasn't on her mind. Until she and Caleb were assigned as partners in a class project. They have this electric chemistry. Their relationship isn't perfect, but they work through some tough secrets and issues. I loved the ending! Great book.
August 30, 2013
I'm not entirely sure why this book bothered me so much, but Caleb's repeated cowardice, heavy handednes, and willingness to continually throw Angie away were just a complete turnoff for me. I honestly liked the side characters of Emily and Josh much better than Angie and Caleb. In the end I definitely think this author has potential, but this book just wasn't for me.
September 23, 2013
Oh Caleb. What a confusing yet loving man! I loved this book! It wasn't to depressing yet filled with emotions! Both Caleb and Angie have had a troubled past both in very different ways! They find each other and can't stay away. Caleb has issues and while he loves Angie he doesn't think he deserves her and pushes her away many times. It was a great read and I couldn't put it down!
September 16, 2013
What a sweet but deep story! I really enjoyed it. Caleb and Angie both had fears to overcome and together they did it. With ups and downs they got there. This is a true story of love and trust and true forgiveness.
Need more Josh :) he needs his own book!
Need more Josh :) he needs his own book!
September 21, 2013
Ok, this book was sweet and romantic. But I honestly think she was way too good for him! I loved her, though. All her insecurities were so well founded. She was real. I really enjoyed this book. Who's story comes next? Emily or Josh? I hope both!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews