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The Wreck
Wrenched apart by tragedy, they’re brought back together by love.
Carly Holbrook and Brian Westbury are weeks away from their high school graduation, and their future seems bright with promise. Everything changes one spring night when their six closest friends, including Brian’s younger brother, are killed in a fiery car accident that Carly and Brian witness.
The trauma leaves Carly unable to speak, and Brian is forced to make unimaginable decisions about a future that once seemed so certain. With Carly incapable of going forward with their plans, Brian leaves home and Carly for good. Fifteen years later, disturbing new clues indicate the accident that wrecked so many lives wasn’t an accident at all, bringing Brian home to face a past—and a love—he’s never forgotten.
Content warning: A storyline involving sexual assault may be disturbing to some readers.
Carly Holbrook and Brian Westbury are weeks away from their high school graduation, and their future seems bright with promise. Everything changes one spring night when their six closest friends, including Brian’s younger brother, are killed in a fiery car accident that Carly and Brian witness.
The trauma leaves Carly unable to speak, and Brian is forced to make unimaginable decisions about a future that once seemed so certain. With Carly incapable of going forward with their plans, Brian leaves home and Carly for good. Fifteen years later, disturbing new clues indicate the accident that wrecked so many lives wasn’t an accident at all, bringing Brian home to face a past—and a love—he’s never forgotten.
Content warning: A storyline involving sexual assault may be disturbing to some readers.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2011
About the author
Marie Force
172 books8,088 followersMarie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 456 reviews
March 24, 2011
Awwwe man, I ended up being so disappointed in The Wreck it broke my heart. I love second chance at love novels and I like Marie Force's writing style, I really do. I was just so let down after the turn the book took after the first quarter of it was under my belt that I have to voice my sorrows.
Brian and Carly are high school seniors who have been dating a long time and are absolutely in love with each other. They are only weeks away from graduating when they witness a horrific car accident while walking home. In the flaming car is not only 6 of their best friends but Brian's younger brother Sam as well. While trying to cope with the loss of his best friends, the loss of his brother crushes Brian but he tries to pick up the pieces while helping his parents through their grief as well. On the other hand Carly has shut down completely. She cannot talk, she refuses to leave the house and is unable to attend college with Brian in another state as they both intended on doing.
With no other choice Brian moves on with his life, attends college and moves away from their small town. Fifteen years later events bring Brian back to the town, his parents and to Carly. Here's where my issues and the spoilers begin. Brian and Carly have not seen each other in 15 years, Brian has been married twice in that time and within 2 pages they are in love again as if nothing happened and on their way to getting married. Ok, I can get past this. They really were a great "first love couple" and I can accept this lack of development. But then we throw in the suspense portion of the plot. A HUGE hint is given early on in the mystery (I won't tell you what it was so don't worry about that big of a spoiler) and you follow this along throughout the book totally knowing whodoneit. So, now we have 2 strikes against The Wreck. At this point I'm still content with it, not happy per say but tolerating the book then BAM the worst possible thing happens... They bust out the secret baby. WHAT?!!! Yes, halfway through the book between one page and another Brian looks at Carly's niece and says "wow she looks a lot like you Carly. And she has hazel eyes. Is she ours?" Then literally the next word "Yes." Then later Brian asks "when was she born? Oh Brian she was born on Sam's first birthday after he died." Again WHAT??? It was like the author needed some filler and decided to throw in the drama of the infamous secret baby.
Needless to say Brian forgives Carly for never mentioning to him or his grieving parents that he had a daughter who was born on his brother's birthday. This is complete crap. At that point I was done, I hated Carly for being so stupid and selfish as to take away a child from a man who just months earlier lost his beloved brother. Not to mention Brian's parents who just lost their son. I couldn't read anymore of Carly's blithering crap so I skipped to the end to make sure I wasn't crazy thinking the author would actually make the villain that obvious. She did.
I hate to write any kind of bad review about an author whose work I usually respect and like. This however was an exception and though my review may be one as well, The Wreck in my opinion lived up to its title. The first 50 pages while Brian and Carly were in high school and before they met up again were very likable and I loved Brian (at that point) which is the only reason I gave this book 2 instead of 1 star.
Brian and Carly are high school seniors who have been dating a long time and are absolutely in love with each other. They are only weeks away from graduating when they witness a horrific car accident while walking home. In the flaming car is not only 6 of their best friends but Brian's younger brother Sam as well. While trying to cope with the loss of his best friends, the loss of his brother crushes Brian but he tries to pick up the pieces while helping his parents through their grief as well. On the other hand Carly has shut down completely. She cannot talk, she refuses to leave the house and is unable to attend college with Brian in another state as they both intended on doing.
With no other choice Brian moves on with his life, attends college and moves away from their small town. Fifteen years later events bring Brian back to the town, his parents and to Carly. Here's where my issues and the spoilers begin. Brian and Carly have not seen each other in 15 years, Brian has been married twice in that time and within 2 pages they are in love again as if nothing happened and on their way to getting married. Ok, I can get past this. They really were a great "first love couple" and I can accept this lack of development. But then we throw in the suspense portion of the plot. A HUGE hint is given early on in the mystery (I won't tell you what it was so don't worry about that big of a spoiler) and you follow this along throughout the book totally knowing whodoneit. So, now we have 2 strikes against The Wreck. At this point I'm still content with it, not happy per say but tolerating the book then BAM the worst possible thing happens... They bust out the secret baby. WHAT?!!! Yes, halfway through the book between one page and another Brian looks at Carly's niece and says "wow she looks a lot like you Carly. And she has hazel eyes. Is she ours?" Then literally the next word "Yes." Then later Brian asks "when was she born? Oh Brian she was born on Sam's first birthday after he died." Again WHAT??? It was like the author needed some filler and decided to throw in the drama of the infamous secret baby.
Needless to say Brian forgives Carly for never mentioning to him or his grieving parents that he had a daughter who was born on his brother's birthday. This is complete crap. At that point I was done, I hated Carly for being so stupid and selfish as to take away a child from a man who just months earlier lost his beloved brother. Not to mention Brian's parents who just lost their son. I couldn't read anymore of Carly's blithering crap so I skipped to the end to make sure I wasn't crazy thinking the author would actually make the villain that obvious. She did.
I hate to write any kind of bad review about an author whose work I usually respect and like. This however was an exception and though my review may be one as well, The Wreck in my opinion lived up to its title. The first 50 pages while Brian and Carly were in high school and before they met up again were very likable and I loved Brian (at that point) which is the only reason I gave this book 2 instead of 1 star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2018
Be warned!!!! You will need a box of tissue to read this. I literally cried through the entire book.
May 12, 2011
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It's official. I'm ditching the tough chick stigma and giving over to the sappy, weepy girlie girl that cries over every one of Marie Force's novels. What's up with that, Marie? I'm 6 for 6 now.
The Wreck is Carly Holbrook & Brian Westbury's love story...two high school seniors that have found "the one" in each other and realize it for the blessing it is. They are planning to go away to college together in the fall & will be living together in an apt. off campus. A few weeks before graduation, Brian & Carly are hanging out with their 5 closest friends and Brian's younger brother, Sam. Ok, 6 closest friends. Deciding they want a pizza, the kids climb into Sam's station wagon but Brian & Carly back out at the last minute because they want to "spend some time together" (ack! I can't say it because I have a 17-yr-old daughter lol). Lying together under the willow tree, Brian asks Carly to marry him. Why sneak and live together when they can just get married a little earlier than they originally planned? Naturally, Carly says "yes" and for these two the future looks bright and the possibilities endless.
As Brian is walking Carly home later that night, a car crashes into a tree directly in front of them and bursts into flames...killing all 6 occupants. The night that was meant to signify the beginning of their lives together becomes the nightmare responsible for separating the two for the next 15 years.
"Every dream I've ever had begins and ends with you. No matter how much time passes, if you want to come home, I'll be here. I love you always. Only you."
~ note from Carly that Brian carries with him for 15 years ~
Although the plot centers around an elusive serial killer who has terrorized the small, close-knit town for almost 2 decades, this book is first and foremost a romance! Did Brian & Carly have a love connection strong enough to sustain them 15 years? Was it powerful enough to withstand marriages to others, psychological/traumatic disorders, and, completely different lifestyles? Yes, yes yes to all the above! We're talking Marie Force here... master author of tear-jerking, soul-searching, heart-wrenching contemporary romance novels that will break your heart one minute and see it overflowing with happiness the next. She writes the hottest, sexiest heroes that love their women with all they've got and don't give a damn who knows it. She isn't afraid to engage sensitive subjects and use them in her stories. In fact, there is a plot device used in The Wreck that is often debated by readers... one controversial enough to turn a 5* read into a 2* read for some. So she's got huevos. I think it's great!
Overall, this is an excellent love story with a hero to die for and a heroine to cheer for. But be warned: It is a heart-wrenching story so you'll need a box of tissue handy at all times because the teary moments sneak up on you from out of nowhere. If you've enjoyed anything written by Marie Force...Line of Scrimmage, Everyone Loves a Hero, True North, etc...I promise you this is more of the same and you will be pleased that I rambled on and on about it until you finally caved.
The Wreck is available for Kindle at Amazon for only $2.99 and if you don't have a Kindle you can download one to your PC for free and read it there! Enjoy!
5+ stars
It's official. I'm ditching the tough chick stigma and giving over to the sappy, weepy girlie girl that cries over every one of Marie Force's novels. What's up with that, Marie? I'm 6 for 6 now.
The Wreck is Carly Holbrook & Brian Westbury's love story...two high school seniors that have found "the one" in each other and realize it for the blessing it is. They are planning to go away to college together in the fall & will be living together in an apt. off campus. A few weeks before graduation, Brian & Carly are hanging out with their 5 closest friends and Brian's younger brother, Sam. Ok, 6 closest friends. Deciding they want a pizza, the kids climb into Sam's station wagon but Brian & Carly back out at the last minute because they want to "spend some time together" (ack! I can't say it because I have a 17-yr-old daughter lol). Lying together under the willow tree, Brian asks Carly to marry him. Why sneak and live together when they can just get married a little earlier than they originally planned? Naturally, Carly says "yes" and for these two the future looks bright and the possibilities endless.
As Brian is walking Carly home later that night, a car crashes into a tree directly in front of them and bursts into flames...killing all 6 occupants. The night that was meant to signify the beginning of their lives together becomes the nightmare responsible for separating the two for the next 15 years.
"Every dream I've ever had begins and ends with you. No matter how much time passes, if you want to come home, I'll be here. I love you always. Only you."
~ note from Carly that Brian carries with him for 15 years ~
Although the plot centers around an elusive serial killer who has terrorized the small, close-knit town for almost 2 decades, this book is first and foremost a romance! Did Brian & Carly have a love connection strong enough to sustain them 15 years? Was it powerful enough to withstand marriages to others, psychological/traumatic disorders, and, completely different lifestyles? Yes, yes yes to all the above! We're talking Marie Force here... master author of tear-jerking, soul-searching, heart-wrenching contemporary romance novels that will break your heart one minute and see it overflowing with happiness the next. She writes the hottest, sexiest heroes that love their women with all they've got and don't give a damn who knows it. She isn't afraid to engage sensitive subjects and use them in her stories. In fact, there is a plot device used in The Wreck that is often debated by readers... one controversial enough to turn a 5* read into a 2* read for some. So she's got huevos. I think it's great!
Overall, this is an excellent love story with a hero to die for and a heroine to cheer for. But be warned: It is a heart-wrenching story so you'll need a box of tissue handy at all times because the teary moments sneak up on you from out of nowhere. If you've enjoyed anything written by Marie Force...Line of Scrimmage, Everyone Loves a Hero, True North, etc...I promise you this is more of the same and you will be pleased that I rambled on and on about it until you finally caved.
The Wreck is available for Kindle at Amazon for only $2.99 and if you don't have a Kindle you can download one to your PC for free and read it there! Enjoy!
5+ stars
July 21, 2012
I was really torn on the rating for this one, on one hand, I wanted to give it 4 stars for making me care about the characters, on the other hand I wanted to give it 2 stars for the sheer dumb f*cking stupidity of many of the main characters’ actions. Gah!
“I’ve wanted you … since I was old enough to know what want was. I’ll always want you. Always…. I love you so much, so very, very much.”
Carly and Brian have liked each other since they were kids and dated straight through high school. They were planning on getting married straight out of school and spending the rest of their lives together. On the night they were planning on announcing their engagement, their 6 best friends (including Brian’s brother) are killed in a horrific car crash. Carly is traumatized by witnessing it and goes into shock, rendering her mute – from that moment on, she just can’t bring herself to speak to anyone for anything, she doesn’t ever want to leave her house and she refuses to go near a car. At first, Brian sticks around and tries to be supportive but when she shows no signs of improvement, he makes a hard choice and decides move ahead with his plans for college (*SNIFFF*). Despite trying to get Carly to join him, she ultimately chooses to stay – unable to move past the trauma.
“Every dream I’ve ever had begins and ends with you. No matter how much time passes, if you want to come home, I’ll be here. I love you always. Only you.”
There is also a bit of a murder mystery twist to the story regarding how the accident came about that takes up a good chunk of the book. There is a serial rapist and murderer on the loose targeting the popular kids in their small town who is also tied to the accident. I have to say that this part of the story was pretty intriguing and kept me very interested to see who the bad guy was.
Then, about half way through the book, after 15 years of complete disconnect (no talking, no writing, no seeing each other, period) and 2 loveless, hollow marriages later, Brian returns home. When he sees Carly, they immediately reconnect as though they were only separated yesterday and just pick up their romance right where it left off prior to the accident. It was like he never left, they literally just lapse right back into being together. Despite the lighting pace though, it is rather swoony :)
“With his hands on her face, he asked, “Has there been anyone else?”
She shook her head.
“Carly,” he whispered as he leaned in to kiss her…
“I can’t start this all up again and then watch you leave,”…
“If we start this up again, I’ll never let you go. I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.” He captured her mouth in a hot, passionate kiss that was full of longing… “And when the time comes for me to leave, either you’ll go with me, or I won’t go at all.”
And throughout all this, there is a murderer to catch!
I felt very conflicted about the book. I was just so torn back and forth between feeling all swoony over their romance and just frustrated to all hell over their decisions. It just seemed like every time there was a decision to make, they picked the wrong one. I mean, it still all worked out in the end, but it could have been SO much easier.
I kept trying to be sympathetic to Brian when he talked about his failed marriages and how they didn’t work because every time he said ‘I do’ his heart was crying out for Carly, but if that was the case, then WHY DIDN’T HE JUST GO BACK TO HER???
And how could they leave everything for 15 years being as in love with each other as they were?? I just couldn’t get over that. I guess , at first it made me question how much they could have really cared for each other, but by the end I realized that they both really just made a lot, and I mean a lot of freaking dumb decisions. The love was there, but the brains… not so much.
It frustrated me to no end the way Carly and Brian reacted after the accident. Their separation made ZERO sense to me. About Carly, I understand that what she went through was traumatic, but it seems to me, if she actually cared about Brian, she’d make a bit more of an effort to get past her problems. And as for Brian, I would have thought that if he’d cared enough for Carly, he would have maybe pushed her a little more to try and get past her inhibitions that were preventing them from living their life together… but instead he just accepted her decision and left. Point blank, cold turkey, poof! Gone for 15 years! And I mean, I know that Carly’s loss sucked from the accident, but Brian lost his brother and he was able to at least continue living. I totally understand her being a mute, but in my opinion, she should have been a mute if thats what she needed and still gone with him!!
While their reunion was very welcome, I felt it was a little rushed. But, if you could mentally get past the stupidity and speed of some of their actions, Brian and Carly were quite adorable and swoony together in the second half of the book – with plenty of steamy scenes (this is not a YA book). I liked them together but at the same time, I really just wanted to throttle them.
I also totally went through what I’m now gonna refer to as the “accident syndrome" in this book. Thats where a big huge (usually car) accident happens VERY early on in the books – within the first chapter or 2 and although you feel terrible for the characters, its hard to actually connect with their loss because you just don’t know the characters who died well enough.
Honestly though, I have to say that while Brian did do a few throttle-worthy things, it was Carly that really kept making the face-palm-enducing decisions. She’s like that character who, in a horror movie, you just know is gonna die first or be the one to give away their position to the bad guys *shakes head* lol, sigh.
Overall, if you are a bit of a tolerant reader, you might really enjoy this book. I know it had a lot of high ratings, but in order for me to fully enjoy a book, I have to be able to respect their decisions more. So overall, it was okay. I didn't love it, I didn't hate it, I even liked many parts of it, but my frustration prevented me from rating it higher.
The story did have a HEA but the ending was rather abrupt and could definitely have benefited from an epilogue.
Here's how I see Brian and Carly:
For more of my reviews, visit Aestas Book Blog
And come join the Aestas Book Blog Facebook Page
“I’ve wanted you … since I was old enough to know what want was. I’ll always want you. Always…. I love you so much, so very, very much.”
Carly and Brian have liked each other since they were kids and dated straight through high school. They were planning on getting married straight out of school and spending the rest of their lives together. On the night they were planning on announcing their engagement, their 6 best friends (including Brian’s brother) are killed in a horrific car crash. Carly is traumatized by witnessing it and goes into shock, rendering her mute – from that moment on, she just can’t bring herself to speak to anyone for anything, she doesn’t ever want to leave her house and she refuses to go near a car. At first, Brian sticks around and tries to be supportive but when she shows no signs of improvement, he makes a hard choice and decides move ahead with his plans for college (*SNIFFF*). Despite trying to get Carly to join him, she ultimately chooses to stay – unable to move past the trauma.
“Every dream I’ve ever had begins and ends with you. No matter how much time passes, if you want to come home, I’ll be here. I love you always. Only you.”
There is also a bit of a murder mystery twist to the story regarding how the accident came about that takes up a good chunk of the book. There is a serial rapist and murderer on the loose targeting the popular kids in their small town who is also tied to the accident. I have to say that this part of the story was pretty intriguing and kept me very interested to see who the bad guy was.
Then, about half way through the book, after 15 years of complete disconnect (no talking, no writing, no seeing each other, period) and 2 loveless, hollow marriages later, Brian returns home. When he sees Carly, they immediately reconnect as though they were only separated yesterday and just pick up their romance right where it left off prior to the accident. It was like he never left, they literally just lapse right back into being together. Despite the lighting pace though, it is rather swoony :)
“With his hands on her face, he asked, “Has there been anyone else?”
She shook her head.
“Carly,” he whispered as he leaned in to kiss her…
“I can’t start this all up again and then watch you leave,”…
“If we start this up again, I’ll never let you go. I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.” He captured her mouth in a hot, passionate kiss that was full of longing… “And when the time comes for me to leave, either you’ll go with me, or I won’t go at all.”
And throughout all this, there is a murderer to catch!
I felt very conflicted about the book. I was just so torn back and forth between feeling all swoony over their romance and just frustrated to all hell over their decisions. It just seemed like every time there was a decision to make, they picked the wrong one. I mean, it still all worked out in the end, but it could have been SO much easier.
I kept trying to be sympathetic to Brian when he talked about his failed marriages and how they didn’t work because every time he said ‘I do’ his heart was crying out for Carly, but if that was the case, then WHY DIDN’T HE JUST GO BACK TO HER???
And how could they leave everything for 15 years being as in love with each other as they were?? I just couldn’t get over that. I guess , at first it made me question how much they could have really cared for each other, but by the end I realized that they both really just made a lot, and I mean a lot of freaking dumb decisions. The love was there, but the brains… not so much.
It frustrated me to no end the way Carly and Brian reacted after the accident. Their separation made ZERO sense to me. About Carly, I understand that what she went through was traumatic, but it seems to me, if she actually cared about Brian, she’d make a bit more of an effort to get past her problems. And as for Brian, I would have thought that if he’d cared enough for Carly, he would have maybe pushed her a little more to try and get past her inhibitions that were preventing them from living their life together… but instead he just accepted her decision and left. Point blank, cold turkey, poof! Gone for 15 years! And I mean, I know that Carly’s loss sucked from the accident, but Brian lost his brother and he was able to at least continue living. I totally understand her being a mute, but in my opinion, she should have been a mute if thats what she needed and still gone with him!!
While their reunion was very welcome, I felt it was a little rushed. But, if you could mentally get past the stupidity and speed of some of their actions, Brian and Carly were quite adorable and swoony together in the second half of the book – with plenty of steamy scenes (this is not a YA book). I liked them together but at the same time, I really just wanted to throttle them.
I also totally went through what I’m now gonna refer to as the “accident syndrome" in this book. Thats where a big huge (usually car) accident happens VERY early on in the books – within the first chapter or 2 and although you feel terrible for the characters, its hard to actually connect with their loss because you just don’t know the characters who died well enough.
Honestly though, I have to say that while Brian did do a few throttle-worthy things, it was Carly that really kept making the face-palm-enducing decisions. She’s like that character who, in a horror movie, you just know is gonna die first or be the one to give away their position to the bad guys *shakes head* lol, sigh.
Overall, if you are a bit of a tolerant reader, you might really enjoy this book. I know it had a lot of high ratings, but in order for me to fully enjoy a book, I have to be able to respect their decisions more. So overall, it was okay. I didn't love it, I didn't hate it, I even liked many parts of it, but my frustration prevented me from rating it higher.
The story did have a HEA but the ending was rather abrupt and could definitely have benefited from an epilogue.
Here's how I see Brian and Carly:
For more of my reviews, visit Aestas Book Blog
And come join the Aestas Book Blog Facebook Page
July 18, 2012
Spoiler Free Review A MUST READ!!!!
5 HUGE BRIGHT STARS
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance- Suspense/Mystery/Thriller
Special thanks to Jackie aka Splage for lending me this!!:)
Every dream I've ever had begins and ends with you. No matter how much time passes, if you want to come home, I'll be here. I love you always. Only you."-Carly in The Wreck
This book had me in tears. The love, the Anguish and the Heartache was hard to evade as you read hoping to find a Happily Ever After.
15 Years ago just a few weeks shy of High school graduation Brian Westbury watches as his six best friends burn to death in a car wreck. A car his younger brother was driving. After vowing never to return to the small town he was born and raised in Brian finds the strength to go off to college as planned only alone and without the love of his life. Carly Holbrook.
Carly Holbrook has been in love with Brian ever since she can remember. Even though he left 15 years ago after the death of their best friends Carly still loves him. And she is very proud that he has stuck to his goals of becoming a law attorney. After the night of the wreck Carly was forever changed. She screamed so loud, so hard and for so long she lost her ability to speak. She now lives as a mute; and has not uttered a single word for 15 years.
When an emergency brings Brian back to his hometown he wonders if Carly his one true love will still be open to him with the words she wrote so long ago. Unfortunately danger is on the prowl and its main target is about to catch whats been coming for it for 15 years.
Fave lines from the book
“I wondered if anyone ever thought as they smiled for a photograph that someday a particular instant caught on film would be all that was left of them.” -Brian
"Brian Westbury loves Carly Holbrook." -Brian
"I can't start this all up again and then watch you leave" -Carly
"If we start this up again, I'll never let you go. I wouldn't make the same mistake twice." -Brian
Thoughts
This book is A MUST READ. YES it is that good! The writing is good the plot is good the love story is AWESOME! Brian and Carly share something rare and i very much enjoyed reading it!
Carly-OMG what can i say about her she is sooooo loving and kind. She is a wonderful sister and an awesome aunt loved by all her family. Carly is also very brave and stronger than what the reader is led to believe.
Brian-Was soooo strong. for him to be able to adjust and move forward after something so traumatic was amazing. And when you hear him speak to his mom about how he was able to do it... It makes you love him even more. His love for Carly was powerful i think it could stand up against anything without falter.
My Ratings
Characters- Lovable
Writing Style- Very Calculated, Solid and Cunning
Plot/Storyline- Highly Emotional, Intense, Savory and Favorable
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I LOVED IT!!!! READ IT!!!!!
5 HUGE BRIGHT STARS
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance- Suspense/Mystery/Thriller
Special thanks to Jackie aka Splage for lending me this!!:)
Every dream I've ever had begins and ends with you. No matter how much time passes, if you want to come home, I'll be here. I love you always. Only you."-Carly in The Wreck
This book had me in tears. The love, the Anguish and the Heartache was hard to evade as you read hoping to find a Happily Ever After.
15 Years ago just a few weeks shy of High school graduation Brian Westbury watches as his six best friends burn to death in a car wreck. A car his younger brother was driving. After vowing never to return to the small town he was born and raised in Brian finds the strength to go off to college as planned only alone and without the love of his life. Carly Holbrook.
Carly Holbrook has been in love with Brian ever since she can remember. Even though he left 15 years ago after the death of their best friends Carly still loves him. And she is very proud that he has stuck to his goals of becoming a law attorney. After the night of the wreck Carly was forever changed. She screamed so loud, so hard and for so long she lost her ability to speak. She now lives as a mute; and has not uttered a single word for 15 years.
When an emergency brings Brian back to his hometown he wonders if Carly his one true love will still be open to him with the words she wrote so long ago. Unfortunately danger is on the prowl and its main target is about to catch whats been coming for it for 15 years.
Fave lines from the book
“I wondered if anyone ever thought as they smiled for a photograph that someday a particular instant caught on film would be all that was left of them.” -Brian
"Brian Westbury loves Carly Holbrook." -Brian
"I can't start this all up again and then watch you leave" -Carly
"If we start this up again, I'll never let you go. I wouldn't make the same mistake twice." -Brian
Thoughts
This book is A MUST READ. YES it is that good! The writing is good the plot is good the love story is AWESOME! Brian and Carly share something rare and i very much enjoyed reading it!
Carly-OMG what can i say about her she is sooooo loving and kind. She is a wonderful sister and an awesome aunt loved by all her family. Carly is also very brave and stronger than what the reader is led to believe.
Brian-Was soooo strong. for him to be able to adjust and move forward after something so traumatic was amazing. And when you hear him speak to his mom about how he was able to do it... It makes you love him even more. His love for Carly was powerful i think it could stand up against anything without falter.
My Ratings
Characters- Lovable
Writing Style- Very Calculated, Solid and Cunning
Plot/Storyline- Highly Emotional, Intense, Savory and Favorable
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I LOVED IT!!!! READ IT!!!!!
March 9, 2011
WOW, what a pleasant surprise!!! This book popped up as a post from Marie Force's facebook last night that it was on sale for $2.99, for that price I expected it to be a novella, I was happy to see it' a full book. This is a suspense/romance.
I LOVED IT!!!! The Wreck is a KEEPER!!! I was so excited to finally find a book that was so good I couldn't put it down. Because since reading Saddled and Spurred by Lorelei James, last Tuesday, which was so incredible, none of the 6 books I've tried to read since have held my interest, UNTIL I saw this post. I immediately went to amazon, bought The Wreck for my kindle and started reading, I couldn't put it down. It was 3:15 am when I finished.
From the beginning scene in Toby's basement, to the very end, I was drawn into Carly and Brian's emotions and the emotions of their families, this book was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I was also able to clearly see New England as described in the book. This is definitely a KEEPER!!! This is the second book I have read by Marie Force, but it definitely won't be the last!!!
Note: to my friends that love erotic stories, I wouldn't say this is erotic, but it does have some pretty good scenes.
I LOVED IT!!!! The Wreck is a KEEPER!!! I was so excited to finally find a book that was so good I couldn't put it down. Because since reading Saddled and Spurred by Lorelei James, last Tuesday, which was so incredible, none of the 6 books I've tried to read since have held my interest, UNTIL I saw this post. I immediately went to amazon, bought The Wreck for my kindle and started reading, I couldn't put it down. It was 3:15 am when I finished.
From the beginning scene in Toby's basement, to the very end, I was drawn into Carly and Brian's emotions and the emotions of their families, this book was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I was also able to clearly see New England as described in the book. This is definitely a KEEPER!!! This is the second book I have read by Marie Force, but it definitely won't be the last!!!
Note: to my friends that love erotic stories, I wouldn't say this is erotic, but it does have some pretty good scenes.
Shelved as 'avoid'
April 17, 2023Not for me.
spoilers
MCs been apart for 15 years.
Shes the love of his life, but he's been married to ow twice...and the h's been keeping a secret baby from him all this time.
spoilers
MCs been apart for 15 years.
Shes the love of his life, but he's been married to ow twice...and the h's been keeping a secret baby from him all this time.
July 8, 2011
This is the first story I have read by Ms. Force and it certainly won't be the last!
The story is about two high-school sweethearts Brian and Carly. Carly is a cheerleader with great grades, and Brian an amazing athlete. Brian doesn't want to be an all-star athlete, he wants to be a lawyer. They plan to get married and go to school together.
They have an awesome future together, until one night a car accident kills 6 of their best friends including Brian's younger brother Sam.
Brian and Carly witness the car accident and can do nothing to save their friends. Their grief nearly destroys them. Carly can't speak after the accident because of the trauma, and Brian wants to move on with Carly, but doesn't know how to reach her or deal with his own loss and grief....so he leaves to go to school, and doesn't come back for 15 years until his father (the towns Chief of Police) collapses due to a case he's working on.
The case his father's working on is a man who kidnaps, rapes, and tortures Cheerleaders, and one of Carly's nieces friends has been taken leaving the town once again traumatized.
This is a story of such loss, and survival, and also the incredible love these two characters have for one another!
I was in tears so many times because my heart broke for the circumstances these two had to live through just to survive.
AN AMAZING READ!!!
The story is about two high-school sweethearts Brian and Carly. Carly is a cheerleader with great grades, and Brian an amazing athlete. Brian doesn't want to be an all-star athlete, he wants to be a lawyer. They plan to get married and go to school together.
They have an awesome future together, until one night a car accident kills 6 of their best friends including Brian's younger brother Sam.
Brian and Carly witness the car accident and can do nothing to save their friends. Their grief nearly destroys them. Carly can't speak after the accident because of the trauma, and Brian wants to move on with Carly, but doesn't know how to reach her or deal with his own loss and grief....so he leaves to go to school, and doesn't come back for 15 years until his father (the towns Chief of Police) collapses due to a case he's working on.
The case his father's working on is a man who kidnaps, rapes, and tortures Cheerleaders, and one of Carly's nieces friends has been taken leaving the town once again traumatized.
This is a story of such loss, and survival, and also the incredible love these two characters have for one another!
I was in tears so many times because my heart broke for the circumstances these two had to live through just to survive.
AN AMAZING READ!!!
March 27, 2011
I loved this book and Marie Force has become one of my favorite authors. I don't know how to explain it well but her writing style just "clicks" with me. The Wreck like past Force books grabbed my attention from the beginning and I could not put it down until I knew the characters had their HEA.
The Wreck is a beautiful story about good, decent people who have had terrible, life changing tragedies happen to them and about the heartbreaking decisions people make to deal with them. Warning- this is a tearjerker. Have tissues nearby when you read this. There were so many times while reading The Wreck my throat tightened and I had tears in my eyes; I even let out a couple sobs. I don't think I got this teary eyed since reading Linda Howard's, Cry No More.
This is a great read and I recommend it for fans of contemporary and suspensful romance.
The Wreck is a beautiful story about good, decent people who have had terrible, life changing tragedies happen to them and about the heartbreaking decisions people make to deal with them. Warning- this is a tearjerker. Have tissues nearby when you read this. There were so many times while reading The Wreck my throat tightened and I had tears in my eyes; I even let out a couple sobs. I don't think I got this teary eyed since reading Linda Howard's, Cry No More.
This is a great read and I recommend it for fans of contemporary and suspensful romance.
June 19, 2019
Tragisch, fesselt und nimmt mit.
Brian und Carly wollen gleich nach der High School heiraten und zusammen aufs College. Doch bevor es dazu kommen kann, beobachten sie wie ihre besten Freunde und Brians Bruder bei einen Autounfall ums Leben kommen.
Vom Anblick des brennenden Autos und der Explosion ist Carly traumatisiert, kann nicht mehr sprechen und weigert sich das Haus zu verlassen. Brian kümmert sich um sie, während sie es nicht mal schafft ihm bei der Beerdigung seines Bruders zur Seite zu stehen. Aber er erkennt, dass die Folgen des Unfalls Carly verändert haben und verlässt die Stadt ohne sie.
15 Jahre später kommt Brian nach Hause. Sein Vater, der Sheriff ist krank, ein Vergewaltiger hat es auf beliebte Cheerleader abgesehen und eine geheimnisvolle Gestalt irritiert Autofahrer auf der Straße. Dann werden Nachrichten für Carly hinterlassen und es stellt sich die Frage ob der Unfall damals wirklich ein Unfall war...
15 Jahre, in denen die beiden keinen Kontakt haben. Bei Carly hat sich kaum etwas verändert während Brian in New York erfolgreich ist und zwei nicht so erfolgreiche Ehen hinter sich hat. Und auf den ersten Blick ist es, als wäre keine Zeit vergangen und die beiden versuchen da weiterzumachen, wo sie vor dem Unfall aufgehört haben.
Das ist der Teil, der mir nicht gefallen hat. Erst haben die beiden mich frustriert, weil er zu verständnisvoll war und sie sich etwas mehr Mühe hätte geben müssen. Dann ist die Sache zwischen ihnen sehr übereilt und wirkt dadurch viel zu kitschig. Aber danach sind sie dann toll zusammen.
Nur Carlys Verhalten erschließt sich mir oft nicht. Auch wenn sie durch ihre Entscheidungen stark scheinen lassen, sind sie doch falsch.
Die Sache mit Zoe ist ein gelungener Twist aber irgendwie auch zu schnell vergeben.
Ansonsten konnte ich gut mit den Protagonisten mitfühlen. Ihre Geschichte ist ergreifend, aufregend und spannend. Sowohl der Teil um Brian und Carly, als auch die Mystery. Und die Darstellung des Unfalls und der Folgen für alle ist herzzerreißend.
Brian und Carly wollen gleich nach der High School heiraten und zusammen aufs College. Doch bevor es dazu kommen kann, beobachten sie wie ihre besten Freunde und Brians Bruder bei einen Autounfall ums Leben kommen.
Vom Anblick des brennenden Autos und der Explosion ist Carly traumatisiert, kann nicht mehr sprechen und weigert sich das Haus zu verlassen. Brian kümmert sich um sie, während sie es nicht mal schafft ihm bei der Beerdigung seines Bruders zur Seite zu stehen. Aber er erkennt, dass die Folgen des Unfalls Carly verändert haben und verlässt die Stadt ohne sie.
15 Jahre später kommt Brian nach Hause. Sein Vater, der Sheriff ist krank, ein Vergewaltiger hat es auf beliebte Cheerleader abgesehen und eine geheimnisvolle Gestalt irritiert Autofahrer auf der Straße. Dann werden Nachrichten für Carly hinterlassen und es stellt sich die Frage ob der Unfall damals wirklich ein Unfall war...
15 Jahre, in denen die beiden keinen Kontakt haben. Bei Carly hat sich kaum etwas verändert während Brian in New York erfolgreich ist und zwei nicht so erfolgreiche Ehen hinter sich hat. Und auf den ersten Blick ist es, als wäre keine Zeit vergangen und die beiden versuchen da weiterzumachen, wo sie vor dem Unfall aufgehört haben.
Das ist der Teil, der mir nicht gefallen hat. Erst haben die beiden mich frustriert, weil er zu verständnisvoll war und sie sich etwas mehr Mühe hätte geben müssen. Dann ist die Sache zwischen ihnen sehr übereilt und wirkt dadurch viel zu kitschig. Aber danach sind sie dann toll zusammen.
Nur Carlys Verhalten erschließt sich mir oft nicht. Auch wenn sie durch ihre Entscheidungen stark scheinen lassen, sind sie doch falsch.
Die Sache mit Zoe ist ein gelungener Twist aber irgendwie auch zu schnell vergeben.
Ansonsten konnte ich gut mit den Protagonisten mitfühlen. Ihre Geschichte ist ergreifend, aufregend und spannend. Sowohl der Teil um Brian und Carly, als auch die Mystery. Und die Darstellung des Unfalls und der Folgen für alle ist herzzerreißend.
February 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book a lot! A quick, page-turning binge.
The plot was complex and had unique qualities. I enjoyed the well-developed characters, including some surprising curveballs and interwoven side characters. The story managed to evoke a decent amount of emotions in the reader, which is always a plus for me.
The story felt a bit choppy at times, which might be due to the book's length - an average amount of pages. Although it didn't reduce the impact of the story, I believe that the author could have explored some scenes in more detail instead of jumping around. The story's predictability was also a minor drawback.
I'd give this one 4 stars. It is a good blend of genres which I think makes it stand out despite its predictability.
The plot was complex and had unique qualities. I enjoyed the well-developed characters, including some surprising curveballs and interwoven side characters. The story managed to evoke a decent amount of emotions in the reader, which is always a plus for me.
The story felt a bit choppy at times, which might be due to the book's length - an average amount of pages. Although it didn't reduce the impact of the story, I believe that the author could have explored some scenes in more detail instead of jumping around. The story's predictability was also a minor drawback.
I'd give this one 4 stars. It is a good blend of genres which I think makes it stand out despite its predictability.
April 21, 2017
2.5 stars
Make no bones about it, The Wreck, is aptly titled, so expect an emotionally drama-filled plot that surrounds the issues of losing love ones and losing innocence.
The author's writing is efficient, almost evenly distributing details in the minds of the main characters and secondary characters alike, which is probably why the reader may not connect with either of the two main people, Carly and Brian.
Meet Carly, the perky cheerleader, girl next door type, who has loved Brian since she was thirteen, and cannot imagine life without him as her husband and the father of her 2.5 kids. This is, of course, until the minute she and Brian witness the terrible tragedy that takes away 6 of their best friends, including Brian's brother. Carly struggles physically with this more than Brian to the point where she is literally incapable of moving on.
Though losing his brother is painful, more painful is the unbelievable loss of the love of his life, Carly. Brian struggles with this, but hollowly gets on with his life.
Two plots then run parallel: Brian and his father's growing suspicions about the tragedy being deliberately planned by a mysterious man and the unveiling Carly's life over the past 15 years. For the most part, the reader can pick up on the clues to guess the "perp" who is responsible for not only the tragedy, but the recent rapes and murders happening around the area (the author again is efficient in adding in the nuances of psycho-sociological theory of serial killers to make things plausible). Though the culprit is reasonably obvious, the explanation isn't. And while you are guessing "who did it?", you may not pick up on the subtle clues about the secret clouding Carly's careful existence. So it is safe to say that surprise and suspense are deliberately strong elements in this plot.
(snickers)
What is not deliberately strong is characterization(I think I need a KA re-read). My peeves were directly with the heroine, first and foremost and with the hero, secondary. From Carly's hang-ups to her lack of strength to her decision making, this heroine made me want to slap her into next week. The people around her forgive her too easily, but I couldn't, no matter that the author made the dialogue poignantly filled with what-ifs and "it's for the best". Then, out of nowhere, this angelically weak heroine finds the strength to do something that is SO far out of character, in the face of danger, at the end. Sorry, I couldn't buy it. So, that leaves the hero. Nope, couldn't get with him either. Enough said.
This book read like a soap opera. If it had more sizzle in the romance of the couple, I could have forgiven the lack of character development. Yet, the strong issue of family and some parts with Brian's parents almost leaned me towards forgiving it.
Now I feel like I've ranted, but I do recommend this book if you like to read about tragedies, and you like to read a suspense just for the hell of testing your skill at prediction.
Make no bones about it, The Wreck, is aptly titled, so expect an emotionally drama-filled plot that surrounds the issues of losing love ones and losing innocence.
The author's writing is efficient, almost evenly distributing details in the minds of the main characters and secondary characters alike, which is probably why the reader may not connect with either of the two main people, Carly and Brian.
Meet Carly, the perky cheerleader, girl next door type, who has loved Brian since she was thirteen, and cannot imagine life without him as her husband and the father of her 2.5 kids. This is, of course, until the minute she and Brian witness the terrible tragedy that takes away 6 of their best friends, including Brian's brother. Carly struggles physically with this more than Brian to the point where she is literally incapable of moving on.
Though losing his brother is painful, more painful is the unbelievable loss of the love of his life, Carly. Brian struggles with this, but hollowly gets on with his life.
Two plots then run parallel: Brian and his father's growing suspicions about the tragedy being deliberately planned by a mysterious man and the unveiling Carly's life over the past 15 years. For the most part, the reader can pick up on the clues to guess the "perp" who is responsible for not only the tragedy, but the recent rapes and murders happening around the area (the author again is efficient in adding in the nuances of psycho-sociological theory of serial killers to make things plausible). Though the culprit is reasonably obvious, the explanation isn't. And while you are guessing "who did it?", you may not pick up on the subtle clues about the secret clouding Carly's careful existence. So it is safe to say that surprise and suspense are deliberately strong elements in this plot.
(snickers)
What is not deliberately strong is characterization(I think I need a KA re-read). My peeves were directly with the heroine, first and foremost and with the hero, secondary. From Carly's hang-ups to her lack of strength to her decision making, this heroine made me want to slap her into next week. The people around her forgive her too easily, but I couldn't, no matter that the author made the dialogue poignantly filled with what-ifs and "it's for the best". Then, out of nowhere, this angelically weak heroine finds the strength to do something that is SO far out of character, in the face of danger, at the end. Sorry, I couldn't buy it. So, that leaves the hero. Nope, couldn't get with him either. Enough said.
This book read like a soap opera. If it had more sizzle in the romance of the couple, I could have forgiven the lack of character development. Yet, the strong issue of family and some parts with Brian's parents almost leaned me towards forgiving it.
Now I feel like I've ranted, but I do recommend this book if you like to read about tragedies, and you like to read a suspense just for the hell of testing your skill at prediction.
July 21, 2011
I am a Marie Force junkie and once again loved this book and her formula. The Wreck story is a heartbreaker and is absolutely tragic. It starts out with 8 best friends at a party, all great kids and just weeks away from graduation, except, Sam, who is a junior and the younger brother of the hero, Brian. Two of them, Carly and Brian, are madly in love, destined for each other and have a fabulous future already planned together. Brian wants to be a lawyer and Carly a teacher, they plan to get married while at University of Michigan, and live happily ever after. But after a horrific car accident that they both witness, their futures are forever changed. Carly becomes almost catatonic, is unable to even speak and refuses to ever leave her house. Brian is lost and needs her and after trying to break through to her fails, decides to leave and vows never to return. It was so sad, Marie Force just has a way of making you feel all the emotions the characters are going through- it is truly devastating.
The story moves ahead 15 years and really takes a different turn. It becomes a mystery as you discover that the car accident wasn't an accident at all and there are other murders and rapes exposed that might be connected to the main tragedy. I also was hit by a few more big twists and secrets that did blindside me and as a result I couldn't put the book down.I only had one slight negative and that was after the fast start of the book there was a little slow down until Carly and Brian came together 15 years later. I don't know if I have ever felt so strongly that the H&h were so deserving of a HEA as Brian and Carly were. They had such a beautiful love at the start and I was so thankful they found it again in the end.
May 22, 2011
Ohh My God Absolutely
Marie as a writer is awesome,loved the way she writes and she has her ways with words,she brings out emotions so well as a reader i was so involved with the characters i cried with them,laughed with them and was so happy when they got their truly deserved HEA
I was so gripped from the first page till the end,the twist n turns shocked me,i also tried to solve it along with detectives but mine guess was wrong and the person who did the criminal when it was reveled my mouth was left hanging open
Carly my heart went out to her god she lost so much after the accident her love,her voice,her baby but still she worked her ways and stood on her feet but major applause to Carly's parents the way they supported her and also gave ultimatums when necessary,they are such great parents,Carly is one brave woman and at the end the way she handles the situation with such courage is so applaudable,i support her decision of keeping the baby secret and giving away cause the circumstances in which they both were the child would have not gotten right secure loving home and parents,they both were so young and torn by the tragedy,atleast in midst of saying the truth and making 3 lives miserable least one of them got a happy perfect life
Brian a good son,brother,lover and lawyer,he lost much more then Carly,his brother cum best friend,all other 6 best friends and Carly whom he loves cho much,i support n respect all his decisions except one that is marrying Beth n Jane,when he married Beth he was looking for i dunno may be replacement of Carly or searching Carly in Beth which was wrong and never did he shared such a big part of his life with Beth which was unfair to her but least she got her happiness with someone else and when he married Beth he was trying to move ahead which is fine but his reasons were wrong here after divorce when he knew he can never replace or find Carly anywhere else why he went ahead and married Jane,i know his reasons for marrying Jane was of convenience it was reasonable and both agreed to reasons but of getting married to her he should have being in an short term relationship cause later she fell in love and started planning family and then he walked out saying i never agreed to it,i know it was Jane who changed the rules but somehow unintentionally he broke her heart, but least later he came to his senses and devoted his time on work
Both the families suffered and lost so much but they stayed together and supported each other i liked the bonding between them a lot,their friendship stood all the test and finally both families also got their happiness
Carly-Brian when met again they got back together,it was 15 years late never 2 late,liked the way this time Brain was determined not let go his Carly and stay and stick with her no matter what,i was so happy they got their HEA after they lost so much,i was really
by the end
A great read,definetely a keeper
Recommend it
Marie as a writer is awesome,loved the way she writes and she has her ways with words,she brings out emotions so well as a reader i was so involved with the characters i cried with them,laughed with them and was so happy when they got their truly deserved HEAI was so gripped from the first page till the end,the twist n turns shocked me,i also tried to solve it along with detectives but mine guess was wrong and the person who did the criminal when it was reveled my mouth was left hanging open
Carly my heart went out to her god she lost so much after the accident her love,her voice,her baby but still she worked her ways and stood on her feet but major applause to Carly's parents the way they supported her and also gave ultimatums when necessary,they are such great parents,Carly is one brave woman and at the end the way she handles the situation with such courage is so applaudable,i support her decision of keeping the baby secret and giving away cause the circumstances in which they both were the child would have not gotten right secure loving home and parents,they both were so young and torn by the tragedy,atleast in midst of saying the truth and making 3 lives miserable least one of them got a happy perfect life
Brian a good son,brother,lover and lawyer,he lost much more then Carly,his brother cum best friend,all other 6 best friends and Carly whom he loves cho much,i support n respect all his decisions except one that is marrying Beth n Jane,when he married Beth he was looking for i dunno may be replacement of Carly or searching Carly in Beth which was wrong and never did he shared such a big part of his life with Beth which was unfair to her but least she got her happiness with someone else and when he married Beth he was trying to move ahead which is fine but his reasons were wrong here after divorce when he knew he can never replace or find Carly anywhere else why he went ahead and married Jane,i know his reasons for marrying Jane was of convenience it was reasonable and both agreed to reasons but of getting married to her he should have being in an short term relationship cause later she fell in love and started planning family and then he walked out saying i never agreed to it,i know it was Jane who changed the rules but somehow unintentionally he broke her heart, but least later he came to his senses and devoted his time on work
Both the families suffered and lost so much but they stayed together and supported each other i liked the bonding between them a lot,their friendship stood all the test and finally both families also got their happiness
Carly-Brian when met again they got back together,it was 15 years late never 2 late,liked the way this time Brain was determined not let go his Carly and stay and stick with her no matter what,i was so happy they got their HEA after they lost so much,i was really
by the endA great read,definetely a keeper
Recommend it
May 6, 2012
In a small town , Caryl and Brian are the golden couple (cheerleader, handsome boy, group of nice friends, bright future...). Everything changes one spring night when their six closest friends, including Brian's younger brother, are killed in a fiery car accident that Carly and Brian witness. The trauma leaves Carly unable to speak.
I have a soft spot for second chances novels and for little town settings. But it wasn’t enough to make me like this book.
Carly lets witnessing an accident destroy her life: her dreams of becoming a teacher, the love of her life... It is really inconceivable that she spends the next 15 years waiting tables. I hated the twist in the middle .
Brian, Brian needs fifteen years to enquire about the love of his life. Wow. I think I prefer to be loved a little less.
And the suspense plot, well, it didn’t make much sense. For a serial killer it wasn’t really consistent.
Anyway I was able to finish it. Hence the two stars.
I have a soft spot for second chances novels and for little town settings. But it wasn’t enough to make me like this book.
Carly lets witnessing an accident destroy her life: her dreams of becoming a teacher, the love of her life... It is really inconceivable that she spends the next 15 years waiting tables. I hated the twist in the middle .
Brian, Brian needs fifteen years to enquire about the love of his life. Wow. I think I prefer to be loved a little less.
And the suspense plot, well, it didn’t make much sense. For a serial killer it wasn’t really consistent.
Anyway I was able to finish it. Hence the two stars.
April 11, 2011
4 ½ big stars! Phew…what an emotional read!!
I don’t know how I came upon this book, but I am glad I did. After reading another book from this author, Love at First Flight, and being disappointed, she definitely redeemed herself with this one. I was so distracted with this book that I put down another one that I was reading. I just wanted to get a taste of it by reading the first chapter, and I NEEDED to find out what was to become of Brian and Carly. Be prepared to do a lot of hand-wringing, crying and gasping. At times I felt like my heart was in my throat, and the next I was sighing with relief. This is one of those books that will have you thinking about it long after you put it down.
April 9, 2024
This is the first book I have read of Marie Force, and it certainly was a good one!
It takes place in Granville, RI, a great place to call your hometown.
Filled with lots of steamy romance, you will be reaching for the Kleenex lots of mystery and suspense to keep you going until the very end.
I guess the only thing it didn’t have was a furry friend! Whew, 15 years is a long time to be going without any.
It takes place in Granville, RI, a great place to call your hometown.
Filled with lots of steamy romance, you will be reaching for the Kleenex lots of mystery and suspense to keep you going until the very end.
I guess the only thing it didn’t have was a furry friend! Whew, 15 years is a long time to be going without any.
October 25, 2011
This story is about Carly and Brian who met when they were thirteen years old and have been together ever since. Towards the end of their senior year of high school, several of their best friends and Brian's brother, Sam, get into a car wreck and all are killed horribly. Is it an accident or something more sinister?
This book is one wreck after another, literally. There is so much violence in this book that it almost overshadows all the sweet romantic parts. And to be honest, there are a few major parts that are just not realistic but don't let that deter you. It is a very emotional read with lots of highs and lows and keeps you wondering if Brian and Carly will ever get together!
There is a major bombshell a little after two thirds of the book that completely took me off guard. I still don't know how I feel about it.
I do have to say that I really enjoyed all the family relationships, especially Brian's dad. And I loved the small hometown feel "where everybody knows your name".
Favorite lines:
"Every dream I've ever had begins and ends with you. No matter how much time passes, if you want to come home, I'll be here. I love you always. Only you."
and of course....
"Carly Holbrook loves Brian Westbury."
This book is one wreck after another, literally. There is so much violence in this book that it almost overshadows all the sweet romantic parts. And to be honest, there are a few major parts that are just not realistic but don't let that deter you. It is a very emotional read with lots of highs and lows and keeps you wondering if Brian and Carly will ever get together!
There is a major bombshell a little after two thirds of the book that completely took me off guard. I still don't know how I feel about it.
I do have to say that I really enjoyed all the family relationships, especially Brian's dad. And I loved the small hometown feel "where everybody knows your name".
Favorite lines:
"Every dream I've ever had begins and ends with you. No matter how much time passes, if you want to come home, I'll be here. I love you always. Only you."
and of course....
"Carly Holbrook loves Brian Westbury."
March 17, 2013
Carly and Brian, high school teens in love get engaged only moments before their 6 best friends, including Brian's brother, die in a car accident. Carly is left unable to speak, and Brian makes the difficult decision to move on without her.
Fifteen years later Brian returns home after learning the accident might not have been so accidental. Will Carly and Brain revive their romance? And what really happened on that deserted road to cause the accident?
Writer Marie Force expects us to believe this car accident immediately killed the driver and all 5 passengers, that the police and ambulance workers know this in a matter if minutes.
Then she expects us to buy that Carly is so traumatized she stops speaking, yet is willing to communicate thru writing, and her parents don't insist in therapy or hospitalizing her when she also develops agoraphobia. The most her mother does is insist she shower and help around the house. Force obviously didn't do any research in PTSD or selective mutism.
I was so glad that Brian stopped enabling Carly and that he went onto college without her. I liked Brian, but had no patience for Carly not trying to help herself.
This could have been a much better book.
Fifteen years later Brian returns home after learning the accident might not have been so accidental. Will Carly and Brain revive their romance? And what really happened on that deserted road to cause the accident?
Writer Marie Force expects us to believe this car accident immediately killed the driver and all 5 passengers, that the police and ambulance workers know this in a matter if minutes.
Then she expects us to buy that Carly is so traumatized she stops speaking, yet is willing to communicate thru writing, and her parents don't insist in therapy or hospitalizing her when she also develops agoraphobia. The most her mother does is insist she shower and help around the house. Force obviously didn't do any research in PTSD or selective mutism.
I was so glad that Brian stopped enabling Carly and that he went onto college without her. I liked Brian, but had no patience for Carly not trying to help herself.
This could have been a much better book.
July 20, 2021
This was already boring and had to skim through but I had to stop reading when it’s revealed Carly the h lied about being on BC, got pregnant and gave away the baby and the father who loved her didn’t know for 15 DAMN YEARS! I didn’t care for the stupid excuses and Carly was just stupid and selfish. The book was absolutely ridiculous. The H lost his brother and that what she does to him and his parents and it all was resolved like it was forgivable… DNF
October 23, 2013
Hmmmmm. Sweet but boring seems to be the word I'd use to describe Marie Force's works. I thought this one would be filled with angst but there is only a little dose of it. I think Brian and Carly were fairly medocre characters and maybe that's what I didn't enjoy about this book. The plot was interesting but I think it was the characters that left this book at 3 stars. Maybe 2.5 even.
December 7, 2015
Wonderful book. Great love, inspiring friendship, loving family and gripping suspense. This book will make you cry like a baby! Couldn't put it down. One of the best! Highly recommend it!
February 28, 2021
A solid 3.5 for me. There was plenty I enjoyed about the story a fast pace mystery that did have a decent ending. The story takes place in Rhode Island a state I know well so it’s always fun to read about an area you have connections to. But i can do without an over abundance of bedroom scenes...
Two more books to complete my alphabet challenge ! Yippee 🥳
Two more books to complete my alphabet challenge ! Yippee 🥳
July 20, 2012
I’m a wee bit torn about this book. Parts of it were really great, and other parts… not so much.
The beginning of the book was great. There is a good introduction to Brian and Carly as a young, but very much in love couple with marriage in their sights and clear plans for their future. But everything is torn apart when they witness the car accident that claims the lives of their six best friends (including Brian’s brother).
The accident and its aftermath were really well written, and I absolutely loved Brian’s character. He was so strong trying to deal with the devastation, and as if that wasn’t enough, my heart broke for him all over again as he tried to be there for Carly when she completely fell apart.
“We can have everything we’ve ever dreamed of, but I can’t do it by myself. You have to help me, Carly. You have to try.” His voice broke, and tears filled his eyes. “Please.”
…
He looked up at her with heartbroken eyes. “Talk to me, Carly,” he begged. “I need you.”
When Brian leaves town to go to College and move on with his life, Carly is still completely traumatised and is not capable of going with him. The scene where they say their goodbyes is absolutely gut wrenching!
And then that’s it between them for 15 years! Really? Yes, really. No calls, no contact with each other’s families (despite the fact that their parents are friends), nothing! Weird! Then Brian has to return home, and the two of them are finally reunited. The scene where they see each other again was really gorgeous, and was actually very believable, but then it all fell into a too-good-to-be-true hole. Everything everybody said or did was just perfect, and it all came together way too easily . I’m a huge fan of swoony romances, and second chances and all, but this one felt too idealistic for me at times.
There was a very interesting twist which I thought was good, and added some much needed conflict to the story. Again, it was heartbreaking, and left me wanting to slap certain characters, but I liked the way it played out.
Running alongside the romance, was a mystery / suspense storyline relating back to the initial accident that started off fairly minor and ended up being the major climax of the book. I suspected the bad guy fairly early on in the story, but it didn’t really take anything away from the suspense of the ending, which was really creepy, but really good.
This was a good read, and I’m giving it 3.5 stars. I’m obviously in the minority with this, but I just have to say that I actually found myself angry with Carly - I know that she was suffering after what she had been through, and I felt really sorry for her, but some of her decision making was just so frustrating. Yes she explains her reasons for her behaviour later in the book, but for me I just don’t think it was excuse enough for why she did what she did. And I think Brian deserved better from her.
I was very happy to see that these two got their HEA though :)
The beginning of the book was great. There is a good introduction to Brian and Carly as a young, but very much in love couple with marriage in their sights and clear plans for their future. But everything is torn apart when they witness the car accident that claims the lives of their six best friends (including Brian’s brother).
The accident and its aftermath were really well written, and I absolutely loved Brian’s character. He was so strong trying to deal with the devastation, and as if that wasn’t enough, my heart broke for him all over again as he tried to be there for Carly when she completely fell apart.
“We can have everything we’ve ever dreamed of, but I can’t do it by myself. You have to help me, Carly. You have to try.” His voice broke, and tears filled his eyes. “Please.”
…
He looked up at her with heartbroken eyes. “Talk to me, Carly,” he begged. “I need you.”
When Brian leaves town to go to College and move on with his life, Carly is still completely traumatised and is not capable of going with him. The scene where they say their goodbyes is absolutely gut wrenching!
And then that’s it between them for 15 years! Really? Yes, really. No calls, no contact with each other’s families (despite the fact that their parents are friends), nothing! Weird! Then Brian has to return home, and the two of them are finally reunited. The scene where they see each other again was really gorgeous, and was actually very believable, but then it all fell into a too-good-to-be-true hole. Everything everybody said or did was just perfect, and it all came together way too easily . I’m a huge fan of swoony romances, and second chances and all, but this one felt too idealistic for me at times.
There was a very interesting twist which I thought was good, and added some much needed conflict to the story. Again, it was heartbreaking, and left me wanting to slap certain characters, but I liked the way it played out.
Running alongside the romance, was a mystery / suspense storyline relating back to the initial accident that started off fairly minor and ended up being the major climax of the book. I suspected the bad guy fairly early on in the story, but it didn’t really take anything away from the suspense of the ending, which was really creepy, but really good.
This was a good read, and I’m giving it 3.5 stars. I’m obviously in the minority with this, but I just have to say that I actually found myself angry with Carly - I know that she was suffering after what she had been through, and I felt really sorry for her, but some of her decision making was just so frustrating. Yes she explains her reasons for her behaviour later in the book, but for me I just don’t think it was excuse enough for why she did what she did. And I think Brian deserved better from her.
I was very happy to see that these two got their HEA though :)
August 20, 2014
Strange and high drama. Two stars for Force's writing style. But I really didn't care for the story itself.
I didn't like Carly.
I could understand Carly's initial reaction to witnessing the affects of a car wreck. i could even understand being struck mute....MAYBE for a little while. God know people handle trauma in different ways. But she just came across as weak and selfish not traumatized to me. Brian's brother died. He has to carry on even though he is devastated. The one person he needs is acting like she loves him, can write him a love letter. But just doesn't speak. Doesn't leave her house, and let alone get in a car. But she wants Brian with her. (Not her there for him) Again, whatever. Oh and the muteness lasts 15 years. She is a mute waitress. Living on her own. Brian is a high profile lawyer in NY. Two time divorcee. They never contact each other in 15 years. Enter, a potential serial killer who seems to have a 15 year grudge against Carly. Brian shows back up after a 15 year absence (he swore he would never come back) because his father was hospitalized.
Carly regains her voice back like the day before Brian comes back, after she sees a dead girl. She screams at a car wreck goes mute for 15 years. Screams at a dead girl and gets her voice back.
Within a DAY, he and Carly have reconnected and are having unprotected baby making sex, while concerned about this potential serial killer threat. Oh and they are re-engaged. Though Brian asked her if she would mind being his 3rd wife. Wow, and I thought my husband had the worse proposal award! He also wants her to quit her job so she can plan their wedding in three weeks again while a serial killer is on the loose. They haven't been around each other in 15 years! They were 18 when last around each other. Again, whatever.
Then there is the book deal breaker for me. Pretty much ruined the book that was already sliding down hill.
Apparently Carly had Brian's baby and had it had home (she couldn't leave her house remember) Carly lies about being on the pill, while she was mute so she could get pregnant. She does, but she then she give the baby to her sister to raise and doesn't tell Brian about it in 15 years? She unselfishly didn't want to do that to Brian and because she couldn't raise a baby while being mute. Though I might add she made the decision to lie to Brian about being on the Pill so she could potentially get pregnant while she was mute. She was the epitome of selfish. She disgusted me. Plus the whole thing was just creepy, bizarre and implausible.
Carly's parents should have got her psychiatric help. Her whole family was weird. Brian should've got shut of Carly.
Actually I liked younger Brian better than older Brian and older Carly was more intolerable than younger Carly. An eye roller for me was when Carly says two days after recover her voice that she lost for 15 freaking years.. "Don't treat me like I am fragile" Really? Seriously? I don't know, is the next scary thing that you see going to make you mute again?
The writing was actually good. The narration reminded me of a female Joe Friday from Dragnet. Because I could speed up the narration on my Fire it was actually pretty tolerable. A narrator can make or break a book for me.
Maybe it was the narration that left me feeling listless and flat with this story. Probably that and a few of the inconsistencies and contrivances that bugged the hell out of me and just didn't let it live up to its potential for me. It left me feeling icky.
I didn't like Carly.
I could understand Carly's initial reaction to witnessing the affects of a car wreck. i could even understand being struck mute....MAYBE for a little while. God know people handle trauma in different ways. But she just came across as weak and selfish not traumatized to me. Brian's brother died. He has to carry on even though he is devastated. The one person he needs is acting like she loves him, can write him a love letter. But just doesn't speak. Doesn't leave her house, and let alone get in a car. But she wants Brian with her. (Not her there for him) Again, whatever. Oh and the muteness lasts 15 years. She is a mute waitress. Living on her own. Brian is a high profile lawyer in NY. Two time divorcee. They never contact each other in 15 years. Enter, a potential serial killer who seems to have a 15 year grudge against Carly. Brian shows back up after a 15 year absence (he swore he would never come back) because his father was hospitalized.
Carly regains her voice back like the day before Brian comes back, after she sees a dead girl. She screams at a car wreck goes mute for 15 years. Screams at a dead girl and gets her voice back.
Within a DAY, he and Carly have reconnected and are having unprotected baby making sex, while concerned about this potential serial killer threat. Oh and they are re-engaged. Though Brian asked her if she would mind being his 3rd wife. Wow, and I thought my husband had the worse proposal award! He also wants her to quit her job so she can plan their wedding in three weeks again while a serial killer is on the loose. They haven't been around each other in 15 years! They were 18 when last around each other. Again, whatever.
Then there is the book deal breaker for me. Pretty much ruined the book that was already sliding down hill.
Apparently Carly had Brian's baby and had it had home (she couldn't leave her house remember) Carly lies about being on the pill, while she was mute so she could get pregnant. She does, but she then she give the baby to her sister to raise and doesn't tell Brian about it in 15 years? She unselfishly didn't want to do that to Brian and because she couldn't raise a baby while being mute. Though I might add she made the decision to lie to Brian about being on the Pill so she could potentially get pregnant while she was mute. She was the epitome of selfish. She disgusted me. Plus the whole thing was just creepy, bizarre and implausible.
Carly's parents should have got her psychiatric help. Her whole family was weird. Brian should've got shut of Carly.
Actually I liked younger Brian better than older Brian and older Carly was more intolerable than younger Carly. An eye roller for me was when Carly says two days after recover her voice that she lost for 15 freaking years.. "Don't treat me like I am fragile" Really? Seriously? I don't know, is the next scary thing that you see going to make you mute again?
The writing was actually good. The narration reminded me of a female Joe Friday from Dragnet. Because I could speed up the narration on my Fire it was actually pretty tolerable. A narrator can make or break a book for me.
Maybe it was the narration that left me feeling listless and flat with this story. Probably that and a few of the inconsistencies and contrivances that bugged the hell out of me and just didn't let it live up to its potential for me. It left me feeling icky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2011
This was the first book by Marie Force that I've read and I'll be looking for more. The suspence was done well and the characters were fully developed. If I had paid full price I would have thought that I had gotten my money's worth.
Carly (h) had everything she ever wanted and her whole future ahead of her. Just about to graduate from Highschool with a scholarship for collage and Brian (H) the love of her life, she couldn't be happier.
Brian felt on top of the world, he just asked Carly to marry him and with their future looking so bright he felt nothing could go wrong. Then a tragedy so big hit that Carly couldn't heal from and Brian had no choice but to move on with his life.
Now 15 years later he has to return home and there is a serial killer on the lose and it looks like it's connected to Carly. When he sees her again they both know all of the feelings that they had for each other are still there however so are all of the same problems, Carly hasn't spoken a word since the tradedy. She's working through her fears but it's taken a long time to make any progress. Can they find away to rebuild what they had and stay alive at the same time??
One of the things I really liked was how Marie Force showed the characters dealing with their grief. No one deals with greif the same way and that's why so many relationships are torn apart. Most people see their own pain and how it's affecting them and when they see others acting differnet than they are they don't understand, it's the whole "This happend to me too but you don't see me...." thing. It makes for an emotional read.
Carly (h) had everything she ever wanted and her whole future ahead of her. Just about to graduate from Highschool with a scholarship for collage and Brian (H) the love of her life, she couldn't be happier.
Brian felt on top of the world, he just asked Carly to marry him and with their future looking so bright he felt nothing could go wrong. Then a tragedy so big hit that Carly couldn't heal from and Brian had no choice but to move on with his life.
Now 15 years later he has to return home and there is a serial killer on the lose and it looks like it's connected to Carly. When he sees her again they both know all of the feelings that they had for each other are still there however so are all of the same problems, Carly hasn't spoken a word since the tradedy. She's working through her fears but it's taken a long time to make any progress. Can they find away to rebuild what they had and stay alive at the same time??
One of the things I really liked was how Marie Force showed the characters dealing with their grief. No one deals with greif the same way and that's why so many relationships are torn apart. Most people see their own pain and how it's affecting them and when they see others acting differnet than they are they don't understand, it's the whole "This happend to me too but you don't see me...." thing. It makes for an emotional read.
May 21, 2011
First book I've read of Marie Force, and I was so impressed. This is a book i could not put down. One night I stayed up till 3, and had to force myself to go to bed. This is a KEEPER!!
The Wreck has a little of everything from romance, supense, danger, sex, heartache, and grief. Just my kind of read.
Carly and Brian are high school lovers. Everything is picture perfect until one fateful day...that is all taken away and their love is tested beyond reason. In one moment, they lose all their best friends, and Brian loses his brother. Witnessing the crash, traumatizes Carly into silence. She cannot speak no matter how hard she tries. Suddenly, Brian is forced to chose between helping her through her trauma or continuing with his plans for college.
Losing Brain sets the stage for a lonely existence for Carly. 15 years later, they meet again, and their love is awakened. Carly still cannot speak until a sexual predator begins raping and killing young girls in their town.
Over time, Carly is suddenly faced with the realization that her friends deaths 15 years earlier was a mistake. The intended victim was her. The serial rapist is after her and his actions ultimately began and will end with her.
Just when she finally has everything she has ever wanted, she is faced with the reality that she may lose it all if the serial killer has his way.
Excellent suspenseful read!
The Wreck has a little of everything from romance, supense, danger, sex, heartache, and grief. Just my kind of read.
Carly and Brian are high school lovers. Everything is picture perfect until one fateful day...that is all taken away and their love is tested beyond reason. In one moment, they lose all their best friends, and Brian loses his brother. Witnessing the crash, traumatizes Carly into silence. She cannot speak no matter how hard she tries. Suddenly, Brian is forced to chose between helping her through her trauma or continuing with his plans for college.
Losing Brain sets the stage for a lonely existence for Carly. 15 years later, they meet again, and their love is awakened. Carly still cannot speak until a sexual predator begins raping and killing young girls in their town.
Over time, Carly is suddenly faced with the realization that her friends deaths 15 years earlier was a mistake. The intended victim was her. The serial rapist is after her and his actions ultimately began and will end with her.
Just when she finally has everything she has ever wanted, she is faced with the reality that she may lose it all if the serial killer has his way.
Excellent suspenseful read!
August 4, 2011
Although I read this quickly and it was a pretty good story, the characters fell flat for me.
I never connected, never felt any emotion, and this should have been gut wrenching.
This was my first Marie Force. I'll try another before I give up.
I never connected, never felt any emotion, and this should have been gut wrenching.
This was my first Marie Force. I'll try another before I give up.
October 4, 2012
Really really liked it. The mystery/suspense was a huge part of the story, but it wasn't overwhelming. The romance/love story eventually concluded, but they sure did have a rough go of it. Considering the circumstances that the couple was thrown in to as teenagers and then, still living with it 15 years later, I don't know that it's fair to say that Brian was for too forgiving for the secret that Carly kept from him. She explains herself well enough, I guess.
They were destined to be together, it was just a long, rough road.
They were destined to be together, it was just a long, rough road.
February 16, 2020
A very absorbing and heart-tugging romantic suspense set within a tragic situation. The circumstances seemed to make the love story more poignant. Adding in the suspense and other surprise developments made this a really good book. Childhood lovers Carly and Brian see their six close friends die in a car accident and are overwhelmed with grief.
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