A resident of London, UK, E.J. Shortall writes contemporary romantic fiction with a slant on the steamy side. Writing characters described as 'real' and 'relatable', E.J. creates stories that will draw you in a leave you wanting more.
Looking at the gushing reviews and high rating for this I wonder if we read the same book. This was only an OK read for me. The writing style didn't do much for me, featuring lots of cliches, well worn phrases and some really cheesy dialogue that had me wincing at times. I'm afraid the plot wasn't particularly original either. I only kept reading because I hoped, as per the gushing reviews, that it was going to deliver something startling that would blow me away. Unfortunately though, it didn't.
Amber is starting again after her ex of ten years dumps her. First night out she meets Craig. Insta love follows. Amber changes her mind so often and has several screeching tantrums and sulks that didn't really endear her to me or ring true for a woman in her late twenties. Meanwhile Craig has a secret and regularly blows cold whenever she gets closer to him. There was a huge build up and fall out from his 'secret' but I never really got why he kept it secret in the first place when the secrecy itself was more damaging. I guess Craig needed something to make him a little more interesting but it didn't make sense to me.
It's a complete story, although there's a second book available. I didn't love this one, but each to their own I suppose.
I loved this debut novel and first book in a series by E.J. Shortall! This story is full of heartache, passion and ultimately love. E. J. created beautiful characters that you can totally relate to in many ways. She has a way of picking you up and transporting you into her story and you can so easily get lost in her characters. Her secondary characters Becki and Scott are also very integral to the story. They add an element of humor that has you laughing throughout!
Craig is a tall drink of water and the sexual chemistry between both Craig and Amber is very hot. There are lots of sexy moments throughout this book. Even though this book is part of a series, it does not have a cliffhanger at the end of this first book. It does however leave you wondering where the story is going to go.
If you love a sweet love story filled with passion, then this is the story for you. I am looking forward to more from this author in the future! (Thank you so much E.J. for allowing me to beta read your story and help you reach your goal of becoming a self-published author)
I give Silver Lining 5 stars.!!! How would you feel to be a high school sweetheart, getting ready to be married. Weeks before the wedding , Amb’s soon to be fiance approaches her and drops the bomb. Marriage isn’t for him..talk about feeling jilted…great timing wouldn’t you agree? That is how this story starts, draws you in and I could not help but to sympathize and think well, what now? So, is she going to kick him to the curb? Will Amber just take the high road and just walk away without running him over along the way.1962691_466549766779537_978705798_n
Amber meets Craig, not long after the being jilted by ex-fiance David.. Talk about a whirl wind.. this romance had me wrapped and giggling at every turn. Leaving you with my favorite 2 quotes through the book .. This is a must read and I can’t wait to read Sliver Dove.
“I want to taste and touch every inch of your perfect skin.�
“He really is my Sliver Lining, He gives me hope and optimism for a brighter future.�
This was given to me for a honest review~~ Reviewed by Heather W.
I loved this book. After being in what she later figures out is a controlling, love-less engagement with her boyfriend of 10 years, Amber finds herself dumped. Amber swears off men and begins to regain herself. On her first night out with her girlfriend, she dances with a gorgeous man. They later run into each other and against Amber's better judgement, she agrees to go out with Craig. Amber quickly finds herself falling for Craig but feels that he is holding something back. Silver Linings follows Amber's journey to find happiness and feel loved, cherished, and protecting. I thought the story was sweet, and well developed. I am looking forward to reading the continuation of Amber and Craig's story in EJ 's next book.
Silver lining.... Ej shortall We were given an arc copy if this story for an honest review. 4**** Awww such a sweet story! Craig and Amber are like the couple next door we can see there ment to be together, Craig is a normal everyday man, apart from being wealthy :) but is hiding secrets... Amber is going through heartbreak who just wants to start over. Emma you have written this story extremely well, it has some sad parts and some very happy parts. You kept up with the emotion and makes the reader feel it as we read. All in all a jolly good book.. :)
Very rarely are authors first books written so beautifully. This book is descriptive, well written and has a proper love story to boot. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Silver Lining and am looking forward to book 2 later this year. Congrats on an amazing book!!
Silver Lining draws you in and has you hooked before the end of the first chapter, with the raw emotions, secrets, heartbreak you want to know more and fast. The story begins with Amber a smart beautiful school teacher who just got out of a long relationship that has yet to have any closers. She moves into a new house and is ready to start fresh and a new relationship is the last thing on her mind. Going out with her friends, she meets Craig, a gorgeous guy that has no problem showing how much he wants to get to know her, but she’s not so sure. After meeting Craig a chain of events leads to them on a course that will change things forever.
The characters in this novel are written with such eye for detail that they feel real and true to themselves. Each choices they make leads them and you to understand them more. Making you care for each character and want what’s best for them. I short terms the authenticity of the characters was one of my favorite parts. Amber is a character that you want to root for, after her hearts been broken because she is sweet, smart and a little naive, but understandable. Craig is a totally book boyfriend with his alpha tendencies and protective nature. He is also a little bit of a bad boy and has some secret you’re not sure what it is, but you know it’s going to come out, good or bad. The whole book I was I willed Craig to tell Amber what he was hiding before something happen, but in the end the twisted and turns made an amazing novel. I can’t wait for the next book in this series, even if I am happy with the ending and could be a standalone.
I have to say that E.J. created a book that I read twice so far and may read again before long, the plot, characters and romance makes this book on that I adore. 5 out of 5 Stars (if I could give more stars I would)
Are you looking for a genuinely feel-good story about two wonderful people coming together to complete each other? You’re in luck, because this story has all of that and more.
Amber is a woman coming out of a horrible relationship, moving into the world on her own for the first time. Craig is a successful businessman with a semi-truck full of baggage and a long-standing choice to never settle down. All bets are off when they spot each other across a crowded dance floor however.
“Don’t you get it? Don’t you see? You’ve come along and completely blindsided me with your beauty and grace. From the moment I first saw you, I’ve wanted you, Amber. Do you hear that? I. Want. You.�
Amber and Craig dive head first into a whirlwind romance that has everyone’s head spinning, but will fear and Craig’s baggage keep them apart in the end?
I adored the authenticity of the characters in this book. Amber is a sweet, smart woman who while lacking self-confidence and world experience has so much to offer and knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to open herself up to get it. Craig is single-minded in his pursuit of Amber and it’s charming and refreshing to see a man (even through his baggage) stay true to his heart, open himself up and really go for what he wants.
“You waltzed into my life like a stick of dynamite, blowing apart the walls I had built around my heart. You showed me that true, genuine love does exist.�
This book is a steamy, sexy, fun journey with a fantastic cast of characters that made me laugh out loud, tear up right alongside each one and cheer for them all endlessly. I’m looking forward to reading the next book!
Craig Silver is a sexy, green eyed rich hottie who thinks no woman will ever change him and his ways...........that is until he sees Amber at a club one night and that all changes. He knows that Amber will be his no matter what he has to do but Craig has secrets. Will he be able to share them with Amber before its to late?
As hard as Amber wants to fight her feelings for Craig, she can't help but be charmed by him. What will happen when her ex David refuses to give up on her and wants her back? Will the secrets that Craig have keep hidden from her cause her to end things forever?
This was such a great addicting story. Once I started it, I didn't want to put it down. My heart broke for Amber and what she had been thru but I love how when she needs to, she fights back. I love how we also get a side story on her friend Becki and her boyfriend Scott. Becki was such a great friend to Amber. Go one click this book now, you won't regret it :)
I love this book. The main character, Amber, represents many females who have had their hearts broken. I love the plot because it builds you up to the moment of climax. There were so many good scenes, that you are just in anticipation of wanting to know what the breaking point was. This book will have you sitting at the edge of the chair, not wanting to know what Craig did wrong, but also wanting to get to the happy ending. I love Craig’s character the most, because even though he was shown as the typical playboy type, he’s sweet, caring and just plain sexy. And he was not really a playboy, nope. This book was called Silver Lining, referring to the girl finding a silver lining after all the things she went through. But I could say also that Craig found his silver lining. Because after years of being known as the ultimate playboy, he finally found that one girl who believed in him for himself, and not what others were saying about him. :)
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review Rating: 4.5 I just finished Silver Lining and it was such an amazingly sweet little story. Amber hasn't had it easy in the relationship department but then again neither has Craig...one if the many reasons they fit. Amber is every bit your girl next door. She's sweet, open, beautiful and holds on to hope even after she feels all reason to hope is gone. Craig is a great guy from a great family that just ended up losing his way after a while after the death of his father. And because if that he made some bad decisions that were still haunting him 12 years later. Yes, it was love at 1st sight pretty much but the characters still acknowledged the fact that they know nothing about one another and in order to move past the lust portion of love at first sight then they need to be open and get to know one another. And here's where the drama begins. Craig is hiding a pretty big secret and amber has a bit of a trust issue due to her previous relationship. She knows she can't fully give him her heart if he can't trust her with everything that he is. It doesn't hurt that the sex is pretty hot too. Maybe a bit too many sex scenes but who's really going to complain about that when they're this yummy. I truly enjoyed this story and can't wait to see what the future holds for these 2 in the next book.
This happens more than once. I'm drawn into a book because of the cover and I immediately find myself loving what I've started to read.
That's exactly what happened with Silver Lining.
I immediately felt for Amber. She was happy. She had it all. She was planning her wedding to the love of her life - then all of a sudden, it was over. She was left with tons of questions and loads of heartache.
With some pushing from her best friend, she heads out for a night on the town to try to ease her pain. It's there that she sees Craig.
Craig is hot and oozes sexual energy. Their attraction is immediate and even though Amber is scared, she can't fight the pull to Craig.
But she is scared. She's been hurt badly and is afraid of it happening again. Will she let Craig in?
Craig has his own secret. He goes from girl to girl in order to keep himself from revealing too much. But did Amber get under his skin? Is she the one girl that will make him commit?
I loved this story - I really did. While it had it's share of steamy moments, it was an over all sweet romance.
E.J. Shortall sure made a name for herself with this one!
While Silver Lining can be read as a standalone book, E.J. is working on the second story, Silver Dove!
I give this one 5 stars and can't wait to read more from E.J.!
This book grabbed me right from the start... The instant draw between Amber and Craig had me hooked!
I empathised with Amber - after all, who hasn't had their heart broken? She's sweet, if a little naive, and I found myself wanting things to work out for her but she's understandably afraid to open her heart again.
Craig is super hot. He's got some great alpha tendencies and although he's harbouring a secret, and a few of his own demons, I couldn't help but will him to put his trust in Amber.
As always, secrets will come out eventually, with dire consequences. Will they find their silver lining?
Without spoiling the book before you've read it, I'll end by saying you won't regret reading this and I'll certainly be looking forward to the second book!
Beautifully written, EJ Shortall has me hooked for more. Im totally engrossed in this story. Watching Amber and Craig unfold in front of your eyes. This book is not the usual typical love story. Not predictable. Each chapter has something new. Funny, sad, wow, oooooooo. ;-). A must read. Looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Silver Lining has a delightful real life undertone. The emotional ranges are powerful, for giggles to tears. I found this book to be a real joy....E.J. Shortall, has captured my heart.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Insecurities? Yes, Amber has a ton of them. Who wouldn't? After spending ten years with a man who proclaimed to love her, asked her to marry him and then called the wedding off two weeks before the big day, Amber Merchant has plenty of reasons to be wary of anyone. Only after she moves out of the home she shared with David, does she realize the true scope of the his manipulations he had on her life.
Moving to a new apartment, Amber is intent on starting a new life, sans men. She needs to figure out who she is and why she left herself be manipulated for so long. A chance encounter during a night out with her bestie, causes Amber to re-think her stance on men.
Craig "Dev" Silver, is man with a past, or so Amber's bestie tells her. Still, there is something about Craig that pulls her to him. Amber is honest with Craig about her past and insists that in order for a relationship to work between, he needs to be totally honest with her.
Amber can sense that Craig is holding something back, but is certain that whatever it is, it will not turn her against him. Or will it?
Take the journey of how Amber and Craig meet and watch their relationship grow. I'm curious to find out their journey leads.
Let me start by staying that I enjoyed this story.
Amber Merchant after being in a relationship with her fiance for a couple of years finds out what a true ass he really was. David (ex-fiance) came home one day to say he cannot get married to Amber.
Amber devastated after spending so many years with a man she thought was 'The One' is now trying to pick up the pieces of her life and mend her broken heart. With the support from her best friend Becki, Amber is learning what it means to live again and what she was truly missing while she was with David all those years.
Amber does what any scorn women would do, she moved out and swore off men. Little did she know that she would meet a man that would find his way into her heart suddenly.
Craig Silver is a hottie. A successful businessman, a man that knows how to kick around a ball( in shorts I might add) and who has more mood swings than I do on the time of the month lol. Craig was so secretive, mysterious even. You couldn't deny that Craig's character was loving, funny, passionate and protective.
A really good story overall. I liked that Amber slowly grew out of her shell and got over a lot of her insecurities in order to be happy again. E.J. Shortall did a great job throwing in some curves ball that had me shouting� I KNEW IT!!!� with a great ending.
I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a book to make you feel good.
Enter Craig Silver, dark haired, green eyed rich hottie. He see's Amber at a club and they dance, no names are exchanged but be he is drawn to this blonde beauty. Their paths cross again, and then again. He must have her! He is a alpha male of sorts but not too over the top. Just the right amount of dominance. But he is hiding something, he has mood swings worse than a woman with PMS!
Amber's ex David the Douche is refusing to let go, Craig is hiding something and she is doubting if she can trust him with her heart. But our head and our hearts are not always on the same page. Can she survive more devastation? Will Craig's past be her breaking point?
This is a quick, good read of love and trust. I am curious about what the future holds for Craig and Amber, Scott and Becki.
This was a nice easy, quick read and I look forward to reading more of Amber and Craig’s story.
Amber is a character that any girl that has had a broken heart can relate with. Starting over on her own for the first time in ten years, she struggles with who she really is. After having a guy define who you are and what you do, the struggle to find yourself that a lot of us have experienced. There were times I felt like slapping her for being “stupid� but when thinking about it I honestly wonder if I wouldn’t have done the same thing or thought the same thing if it was happening to me.
Craig is your typical player. He has his own issues to deal with but decides that he doesn’t want to deny the attraction he has to Amber. Amber and Craig meet at a club by chance and then some unexpected circumstances put them in the same place again. They are a cute couple who the reader can really route for.
While there is another book coming out, there is no cliffhanger at the end of this book. I really look forward to seeing where the author takes this couple.
I really loved this book. Amber was so easy to like. Her broken heart and trust issues made her very relatable. The instant connection between her and Craig was sizzling! I read this book in one day because I couldn't wait to find out if their love would make it. I am looking forward to the next book but truly hope I don't have to wait long. There is just something about that rugged, sexy, defend-you-to-the-ends-of-the-earth kind of guy that is so hot. I was rooting for Amber and Craig the whole way!
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."
This is a well written book, with interesting characters and good dialogue. It was an engaging read, and there could easily be a spin off, which I would snap up. I particularly enjoyed that it was set in the UK.
I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author.
was given this book for an honest reveiew.. I thought it was really good and funny. A very enjoyable read and just enough angst put in the book. A job well done by the author and for it being her debut book I was impressed. I enjoyed the book but it did take a couple chapters to hook me, but once I made it through those chapters I really enjoyed it. I really like the main female character and I can't wait to read the next one..
A cute little read, 4 stars from me for the simple fact it was well written and the first book I have finished and not wanted to biff it againt the wall in a while!!
There were a few things that didn't work for me but over all they didn't really matter in the long run, and I still really enjoyed the ride.
I will be back I hope in a few days to post a real review
Just finished Silver Lining, It's an addictive read, impossible to put down. The storyline is fantastic and really pulls you in. It's so well written you feel like you know the characters personally. The ending had me in tears! Very much looking forward to the next installment! 5*
As I am a lover of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romances, Silver Dove was an atypical read for me. I haven't been a true lover of contemporary romance in some time and this one book has changed that. I'm so glad I signed up for this blog tour because...
I loved this!
EJ has a command of the English language that thrilled me. This is a second chances story, a tale which follows the life of a woman who has been hurt and is finding her way through life again. As a woman who has been there, I can relate to Amber. Sure, there were a handful of times where I wanted to shake her, and also shake the hottie leading man of the story, but I never felt as if the storyline became a trite rehash of the same old thing. There's a twist hidden there that you'll have to read on your own, and that changes everything. While reading this novel, I encountered some definite surprises that I just didn't expect to see! This flawless novel was beautifully put together. I read long into the night and snuck a few pages while at school because I simply had to know what happened next.
Now, I know that I said I wanted to shake these two lovers, but that's a GOOD thing. The author is supposed to make you feel and experience emotion with their writing. I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel to this book.ÌýBefore I end this ramble about a wonderful novel, I have to mention the sex first. Normally, I get a little bored with an abundance of sex. I suffer from too much of a good thing syndrome where I roll my eyes and grit through it, or even flip pages to get to the next part. I didn't this time. I read every single word and anxiously awaited the next scene. I greedily devoured the pages like Silver Lining was a textual piece of cake in my favorite flavor.
You see this guy on the right hand side? ÌýThat's pretty much how I felt while I was reading the first romp between Amber and her hunky stud. Come to think of it, I do have a single, serious complaint about this novel. EJ... I'm sorry to tell you this but. Ìý
You made it too short.ÌýToo short.ÌýToo short!ÌýI wanted more and I wept myself to sleep once I finished the last page, for now I know there will be many weeks before I can read the next installment of Amber's story. Have no fear though people. There's no cliffhanger here, I'm just greedy for more of this author's talent.
Craig Silver is the last person that Amber needs in her life. Craig has his own demons and a history of one night stands with meaningless affairs. Craig is content with his life that is, until he sees Amber. The push-pull attraction of these two will take you on an adventure filled with love, truth, and deception. With their pasts chasing them these two have to decide which path to take. Choose the past or take a gamble on the future?
I read this book in a day; I just couldn’t put it down! EJ Shortall has you hooked from the moment you meet Craig Silver the tall, dark and handsome man who is as affected by Amber as she is affected by him. This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, one minute you’re laughing along with them, the next your heart is racing, and another moment you are angry at the situations that arise in the story.
If you love romance, humour, and surprises give this book a try! EJ Shortall does not give away plot lines easy and delivers on the elements of surprise.
Amber has had her heart broken.. Not just broken but stomped on too! Craig has a huge secret that he just doesn't find right time to tell her. They have loyal besties that are there through it all with emotional support & friendship. When Amber & Craig get together it is an instant attraction that slowly develops into love! There is just the right amount of romance, steam & angst to keep you hooked from beginning to end. This book has moments that make you want to shake some sense into both Amber & Craig, it has moments that will make you want to slap them upside the head & it has moments that make you go aaahhhhh!! If you love a good romance that has the right amount of everything then this is for you! E.J Shortall has written a beautiful sexy love story & I can't wait to see what she gives us next!!
I am so pleased I found this book now when there isn't a long wait to the sequel. Not that it's a cliffhanger but I need more of Craig. Soon.
Any best friend that has 'beautifying' in her dictionary is my kinda gal so Rebecca Townsend rocks in my book. Even Scott sounded dreamy.
The heroin was a little weepy for my taste but I rooted for her just the same. Craig is a dish & so beautifully written. I love that all the British terms were kept in, too.
The settings were perfect, the plot line was gripping from the opening page & even though I kinda guessed Craig's secret it was still brilliantly written.
THAT scene with David genuinely had my heart racing & the book on the whole took me through the wringer & put me through the motions. As I already said, I definitely want this Silver sequel.