Shelly Crane
Author of Significance
About the Author
Series
Works by Shelly Crane
Undeniably Fated (Significance, #6) 13 copies
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Gender
- female
Members
Reviews
Pardon me a minute while I gush all over this review. Shelly Crane is one of my most fave authors, so I never hesitate to purchase her books as soon as it's been released. Crane is only one of two authors who evokes that kind of dedication from me. I was continually stalking Smash Into You, waiting for it's release and some how I missed it's release date by four days, I couldn't even look myself in the mirror. LOL. Anyway, it was the day before my B'day so I thought it would be a nice gift show more to myself to just relax with something romantic and sweet. Crane is certainly a romantic and I didn't expect anything less from this book. It did not disappoint. Okay, okay, enough gushing, (probably not), on with the review.
It's probably too cliche to say that Smash Into You was not what I expected but it's true. I didn't expect the suspense, mystery, and the action. Never read anything quite like this from Crane before. Oh for sure it had the expected intense romance, and lets not forget the swoon, oh the swoon. I've read a few excerpts that made it seem like it would just be about a boy and a girl finding love but I did not predict such a thrillingly, mysterious and heartwarming ride. It was a boy and a girl trying to heal their emotional scars, finding their place in the world, making things right and of course falling in love.
Jude at first comes across as the typical player but there is more to him than meets the eye. He hates being a heart breaker so he steers clear of girls who's heart he knows he could completely ruin; especially since he doesn't stay in one place for very long. He lives his life on the run and can't afford to get too close to anyone, else they suffer the same fate. What I like about Jude is even the girls who throw themselves at him he finds it in himself to show them some kind of respect. Being involved with them is more about punishing himself, he cannot afford to fall in love, he doesn't deserve it. I love that Crane's heroes are always gentlemanly, and romantic as hell, no matter how badass they may be. Jude is no different, he was very protective and respectful towards Marley.
Marley surprised me, the first few scenes with her did not prepare me for how much of a tough chick she would turn out to be. All the adversities that she and Jude faced did not turn her into a whimpering coward. Marley went with the flow, she adjusted to the moment quickly with sincerity and grit. Marley is as damaged as Jude, but she doesn't wear it on her sleeve. She like him as avoided getting attached but she's not as jaded as Jude, as she keeps referring to him as. Again another strong character, Crane's female characters aren't always caught up with their insecurities, and they tend to be more tenacious and resilient.
Another aspect of Crane's books that I love is how these couples seem to have some kind of destiny type of connection. I'm always a sucker for stuff like that, you know the soul mate, it was destiny for us to meet kind of thing? I can't help it, it's so swoony. That part of the story was very surprising.
Smash Into You was thrilling, and as sweet as can be. As you might have read from the synopsis, Jude is on the run from some guy that keeps chasing him from town to town, city to city. Well, this is his journey to finding out why this guy, 'Biloxi' wants him dead and how can he fix it so that he can have the life his mother wanted for him. Along the way he ran into Marley and for the first time he wants more for himself. But he doesn't want her to live the life he's been living. Can he make things right and have the girl of his dreams? Can he and this intriguing girl heal each other's wounds? And can they have their HEA? You'll just have to read it to find out. show less
It's probably too cliche to say that Smash Into You was not what I expected but it's true. I didn't expect the suspense, mystery, and the action. Never read anything quite like this from Crane before. Oh for sure it had the expected intense romance, and lets not forget the swoon, oh the swoon. I've read a few excerpts that made it seem like it would just be about a boy and a girl finding love but I did not predict such a thrillingly, mysterious and heartwarming ride. It was a boy and a girl trying to heal their emotional scars, finding their place in the world, making things right and of course falling in love.
Jude at first comes across as the typical player but there is more to him than meets the eye. He hates being a heart breaker so he steers clear of girls who's heart he knows he could completely ruin; especially since he doesn't stay in one place for very long. He lives his life on the run and can't afford to get too close to anyone, else they suffer the same fate. What I like about Jude is even the girls who throw themselves at him he finds it in himself to show them some kind of respect. Being involved with them is more about punishing himself, he cannot afford to fall in love, he doesn't deserve it. I love that Crane's heroes are always gentlemanly, and romantic as hell, no matter how badass they may be. Jude is no different, he was very protective and respectful towards Marley.
Marley surprised me, the first few scenes with her did not prepare me for how much of a tough chick she would turn out to be. All the adversities that she and Jude faced did not turn her into a whimpering coward. Marley went with the flow, she adjusted to the moment quickly with sincerity and grit. Marley is as damaged as Jude, but she doesn't wear it on her sleeve. She like him as avoided getting attached but she's not as jaded as Jude, as she keeps referring to him as. Again another strong character, Crane's female characters aren't always caught up with their insecurities, and they tend to be more tenacious and resilient.
Another aspect of Crane's books that I love is how these couples seem to have some kind of destiny type of connection. I'm always a sucker for stuff like that, you know the soul mate, it was destiny for us to meet kind of thing? I can't help it, it's so swoony. That part of the story was very surprising.
Smash Into You was thrilling, and as sweet as can be. As you might have read from the synopsis, Jude is on the run from some guy that keeps chasing him from town to town, city to city. Well, this is his journey to finding out why this guy, 'Biloxi' wants him dead and how can he fix it so that he can have the life his mother wanted for him. Along the way he ran into Marley and for the first time he wants more for himself. But he doesn't want her to live the life he's been living. Can he make things right and have the girl of his dreams? Can he and this intriguing girl heal each other's wounds? And can they have their HEA? You'll just have to read it to find out. show less
Originally Posted at my Book Blog, at concisebookreviewsbymichelle.blogspot.com
Let me start by saying this cover is amazing, love how we can see Maggies ‘Visionary’ tattoo. Anyway, this book is just as amazing as the other two. I really am impressed with Shelly Crane’s writing style and how she brings it all to life for us. I know there is some grammar errors and typos, but I look past that, as sometimes things slide by, and I know I have a eye for mistakes, I should be an editor, as show more nothing slides by my eyes, lol, but I am not. So I judge on the story and the way it’s written, and I will say, it was beautifully written. It really was. I care so much at what happens to Maggie, Caleb, Jen, Peter, Rachel, Kyle, Bish, her dad Jim.
This book starts up right where the last left off, its like a continuation, and I like that, especially when I have the next book ready to read, unfortunately I have to wait for the 4th bummer.
Well, in this book Maggie has the reunification and has to be there and finds not only does she have the old enemies (well, the Watson family anyway) she also has new enemies, the council, (or more like the Watson on the council) This goes much further than it has before. They are quire horrible, they are pulling Maggie and Caleb apart, not caring about the fact he is her Significant, and they will both be in major pain, the demand they be apart. Then while Caleb is locked in a gross horrible cell, Maggie is forced to meet the demands of her new government.
The council wants her to stay at the palace all the time. The worst part, is that she would be alone, untrusted and kept in the dark and Maggie really doesn’t have a choice. That is, unless she is ready to defy- and recreate this world that is now her own. She knows she must do this, it’s what her big vision showed her, but how exactly to do that, she is unsure.
I was floored at times at some of the revelations in this book, we find out some pretty major things, so many twist and turns, and some things that come along that just made me “WHAT??” and freak out, lol. But I loved every minute of it. This whole series is amazing, and you need to read them all to really enjoy this book, it’s like one continues book, split up into parts, but I love that. I am so happy that Kyle found someone, and that develops well in this book, Kyle is back to his carefree, happy clown around self, that Maggie loves, as her friend, like it should be. I won’t go into much details that will spoil the story for you, just some highlights is all.
I was so heartbroken at a loss that they have toward the end, but I won’t say who, but it just made me get tears in my eyes.
I was surprised in a good way too at some of the events that unfold in this book. The twist and turns sure have you on the edge of your seat too.
I love how strong Maggie becomes, especially after she decides to defy the council, (like the name of the book, a hint there, lol) She gets some help from an unexpected source that had me intrigued too.
Here is a rather funny part I quoted here, where Caleb snuck to Maggies room (which is charmed against abilities, including their need to touch, so they still have the withdrawals, and they need to go into the hall to get relief from them, this is the part where they are in the hall, but not dressed, underwear is all, lol)
Kindle Location 3355
“Let’s go get dressed.”
I looked down at him and saw that he was in his underwear still. I couldn’t help but smile, but then we heard a door open. Gran came out of her room, stopping dead in her tracks at seeing her grandson in his skivvies.
I waited for her to blush, or something, anything, but she just stood there. Caleb coughed uncomfortably and pulled me in front of him. It was the first time he’d ever put me in front of him. Usually it was the other way around. And then Gran’s cackle started. She laughed so hard and pointed, even doubling over as she did so.
“Gran, come on,” Caleb complained to her and then bent his head to look at me when I started laughing too.
“I’m sorry,” I said,”but its funny!” “Caleb,” Gran laughed and gasped for breath, “just tell me you didn’t walk all the way from your cell that way and I’ll be fine.” (of course Maggie broke him out of his cell when they stuck him in it, she was not going stand for that!)
A few sentences later Caleb and Maggie get back in the room:
Kindle location 3375
Caleb jerked me into the room and quickly shut the door as he flipped on the lights. “Well, that was just great,” he said sarcastically.
“I’m sure she’s seen your cute behind before,” I told him as I went to my suitcase. “I’m sure she changed plenty of your diapers.” He grimaces. “I don’t want to think about it.” I just laughed at him more.
Got to love Caleb, such a sweet guy.
This quote is priceless, and will get your curiosity up, lol
Kindle location 3842 Maggie speaking to Caleb:
“You do realize that you completely threw Kyle under the bus,” I told him, “Like threw him under and then put it in reverse.”
One more cute quote, this is Jen’s daughter Maris (think she’s 8) She is talking with Bish, who just said she was good at tossing grapes in the air and catches with her mouth,
Kindle location: 5733
“Hey, Maria. You’re pretty good at that, kid,” He said
“I know,” she spouted. “This boy at school taught me. But then he pulled my ponytail on the playground the next day, so I’m not really friends with him anymore.” “Why did he pull your ponytail?” “Momma says boys are mean when they like you,” she whispered in a disgusted voice. “But I think Momma’s been misinformed.”
That was priceless. I love how we get more of Bish in a different way in this book, he isn’t present as much as the last, but when he is, it’s good, and important. And what goes down with Maggies father is great too.
I can’t really describe how much I loved this book, and the series as a whole. I also enjoyed the 3 chapters’ from Caleb’s POV the short book is called Reverence. I know it’s a free download at Smashwords I think, not sure where else it can be picked up. It has a short part from the beginning of the next and final book in the series called Independence.
Go read this series, you won’t be disappointed. show less
Let me start by saying this cover is amazing, love how we can see Maggies ‘Visionary’ tattoo. Anyway, this book is just as amazing as the other two. I really am impressed with Shelly Crane’s writing style and how she brings it all to life for us. I know there is some grammar errors and typos, but I look past that, as sometimes things slide by, and I know I have a eye for mistakes, I should be an editor, as show more nothing slides by my eyes, lol, but I am not. So I judge on the story and the way it’s written, and I will say, it was beautifully written. It really was. I care so much at what happens to Maggie, Caleb, Jen, Peter, Rachel, Kyle, Bish, her dad Jim.
This book starts up right where the last left off, its like a continuation, and I like that, especially when I have the next book ready to read, unfortunately I have to wait for the 4th bummer.
Well, in this book Maggie has the reunification and has to be there and finds not only does she have the old enemies (well, the Watson family anyway) she also has new enemies, the council, (or more like the Watson on the council) This goes much further than it has before. They are quire horrible, they are pulling Maggie and Caleb apart, not caring about the fact he is her Significant, and they will both be in major pain, the demand they be apart. Then while Caleb is locked in a gross horrible cell, Maggie is forced to meet the demands of her new government.
The council wants her to stay at the palace all the time. The worst part, is that she would be alone, untrusted and kept in the dark and Maggie really doesn’t have a choice. That is, unless she is ready to defy- and recreate this world that is now her own. She knows she must do this, it’s what her big vision showed her, but how exactly to do that, she is unsure.
I was floored at times at some of the revelations in this book, we find out some pretty major things, so many twist and turns, and some things that come along that just made me “WHAT??” and freak out, lol. But I loved every minute of it. This whole series is amazing, and you need to read them all to really enjoy this book, it’s like one continues book, split up into parts, but I love that. I am so happy that Kyle found someone, and that develops well in this book, Kyle is back to his carefree, happy clown around self, that Maggie loves, as her friend, like it should be. I won’t go into much details that will spoil the story for you, just some highlights is all.
I was so heartbroken at a loss that they have toward the end, but I won’t say who, but it just made me get tears in my eyes.
I was surprised in a good way too at some of the events that unfold in this book. The twist and turns sure have you on the edge of your seat too.
I love how strong Maggie becomes, especially after she decides to defy the council, (like the name of the book, a hint there, lol) She gets some help from an unexpected source that had me intrigued too.
Here is a rather funny part I quoted here, where Caleb snuck to Maggies room (which is charmed against abilities, including their need to touch, so they still have the withdrawals, and they need to go into the hall to get relief from them, this is the part where they are in the hall, but not dressed, underwear is all, lol)
Kindle Location 3355
“Let’s go get dressed.”
I looked down at him and saw that he was in his underwear still. I couldn’t help but smile, but then we heard a door open. Gran came out of her room, stopping dead in her tracks at seeing her grandson in his skivvies.
I waited for her to blush, or something, anything, but she just stood there. Caleb coughed uncomfortably and pulled me in front of him. It was the first time he’d ever put me in front of him. Usually it was the other way around. And then Gran’s cackle started. She laughed so hard and pointed, even doubling over as she did so.
“Gran, come on,” Caleb complained to her and then bent his head to look at me when I started laughing too.
“I’m sorry,” I said,”but its funny!” “Caleb,” Gran laughed and gasped for breath, “just tell me you didn’t walk all the way from your cell that way and I’ll be fine.” (of course Maggie broke him out of his cell when they stuck him in it, she was not going stand for that!)
A few sentences later Caleb and Maggie get back in the room:
Kindle location 3375
Caleb jerked me into the room and quickly shut the door as he flipped on the lights. “Well, that was just great,” he said sarcastically.
“I’m sure she’s seen your cute behind before,” I told him as I went to my suitcase. “I’m sure she changed plenty of your diapers.” He grimaces. “I don’t want to think about it.” I just laughed at him more.
Got to love Caleb, such a sweet guy.
This quote is priceless, and will get your curiosity up, lol
Kindle location 3842 Maggie speaking to Caleb:
“You do realize that you completely threw Kyle under the bus,” I told him, “Like threw him under and then put it in reverse.”
One more cute quote, this is Jen’s daughter Maris (think she’s 8) She is talking with Bish, who just said she was good at tossing grapes in the air and catches with her mouth,
Kindle location: 5733
“Hey, Maria. You’re pretty good at that, kid,” He said
“I know,” she spouted. “This boy at school taught me. But then he pulled my ponytail on the playground the next day, so I’m not really friends with him anymore.” “Why did he pull your ponytail?” “Momma says boys are mean when they like you,” she whispered in a disgusted voice. “But I think Momma’s been misinformed.”
That was priceless. I love how we get more of Bish in a different way in this book, he isn’t present as much as the last, but when he is, it’s good, and important. And what goes down with Maggies father is great too.
I can’t really describe how much I loved this book, and the series as a whole. I also enjoyed the 3 chapters’ from Caleb’s POV the short book is called Reverence. I know it’s a free download at Smashwords I think, not sure where else it can be picked up. It has a short part from the beginning of the next and final book in the series called Independence.
Go read this series, you won’t be disappointed. show less
Oh my, where to begin. I am completely and totally in love with Mason. Talk about swoon-worthy. I am a huge Shelly Crane fan and I have all her books, but Wide Awake has quickly become one of my absolute favorites out of all of them. When you read the synopsis, it sounds really sad, and the situation is sad...I mean, Emma, and I loved Emma, has been in a coma for six months and is in Hospice, then when she wakes up, she can't remember anything from her life before. Tragic, very tragic, but show more something beautiful is birthed out of the place of death and blossoms into an absolutely wonderful love story, one that despite the heartache, is filled with immeasurable joy.
I totally adored the relationship between Mason and Emma. Yes, they had chemistry and the romance was hot, but their's is a love that goes so much
deeper. Shelly Crane has a gift for making you believe in magical pure love, soul mates, and wraps it all up in a wonderful story in the process that completely captures your attention. You can't help but fall in love with Mason and Emma, especially Mason. He has been through things that no one should have to endure, especially at his age, and he is perfect for Emma. I also loved watching Emma's character develop, and her interactions with not only Mason, but her family and friends also, as well as Mason's family and friends. The story is intense and deals with some difficult issues, but it is also heartwarming and beautiful in the process, and is something contemporary romance fans will not want to miss. I cannot wait to read Mason's brother Milo's story, Wide Open, which is releasing later this year. show less
I totally adored the relationship between Mason and Emma. Yes, they had chemistry and the romance was hot, but their's is a love that goes so much
deeper. Shelly Crane has a gift for making you believe in magical pure love, soul mates, and wraps it all up in a wonderful story in the process that completely captures your attention. You can't help but fall in love with Mason and Emma, especially Mason. He has been through things that no one should have to endure, especially at his age, and he is perfect for Emma. I also loved watching Emma's character develop, and her interactions with not only Mason, but her family and friends also, as well as Mason's family and friends. The story is intense and deals with some difficult issues, but it is also heartwarming and beautiful in the process, and is something contemporary romance fans will not want to miss. I cannot wait to read Mason's brother Milo's story, Wide Open, which is releasing later this year. show less
"To be all in, no regrets, no turning back, no matter the consequences. It felt a lot like freedom."
oooh, action packed and full of answers to questions I've been wondering. Happy, sad, frustrated and angry - this book made me feel all of those and more. The writing is so well done that even the sappy moments, I don't want to roll my eyes. I just smile and roll with them.
I love this series. I can't wait for the next one!
oooh, action packed and full of answers to questions I've been wondering. Happy, sad, frustrated and angry - this book made me feel all of those and more. The writing is so well done that even the sappy moments, I don't want to roll my eyes. I just smile and roll with them.
I love this series. I can't wait for the next one!
You May Also Like
Statistics
- Works
- 29
- Members
- 1,778
- Popularity
- #14,480
- Rating
- 4.0
- Reviews
- 113
- ISBNs
- 61
- Languages
- 3
- Favorited
- 4