Lets Talk about.. Thoughtless

As I mentioned a few days ago, I was part of a reading Challenge on Goodreads last month.  One of the books I choose to read was entitled Effortless by SC Stephens.  This, however, was the second book in a series so, of course, I had to read the first as well (I ended up working the first one into the challenge as well).  Well 2 days later and I am addicted.  I loved these 2 books.  I finished them very quickly because I just didn't want to put them down.  Literally I stayed up WAY to late reading Thoughtless. I managed to force myself to put down Effortless about midnight the following night, but was reading again when I woke up at 4am (too used to the baby waking up then, I automatically wake up regardless) and my mind just drifted back to the series.

The original book (Thoughtless) was published in 2009, so it isn't a new book, but I only recently discovered it while browsing some lists on Goodreads.  However, the sequel (Effortless) just recently was published.  I like finding series when I can read the entire thing at once, I don't have the patience to wait for the next installment.  Rumor is, however, that I will still have to wait for the third installment.

Thoughtless and Effortless are well written romance novels (and trust me that is a not usually the case) that follows the lives of Denny, Kiera, and Kellan.  Don't worry this is a straight romance, no "kink" thrown in just for the sake of it (which is another thing I truly appreciate about this series).  It is written from the first person view of Kiera and starts as She and her boyfriend of 2 years make a major life change and move from their home of Ohio to Seattle as Denny takes a new job and Kiera transfers to University of Washington to follow her man.  To save money they rent a room from Denny's high school friend Kellan, who happens to the the lead singer of a local Rock band the D-Bags.

You follow the choices the Kiera makes and, while you want to strangle her or hate her, you find yourself pulling for her to make the right decisions.. but you often question what is the right decision.  All three main characters are sympathetically portrayed by Stephens with strengths and flaws present in the real world.

 

Effortless continues the story a few months after Thoughtless leaves off.  You watch Kiera and Kellan as they struggle to come to terms with a relationship built on infidelity and the distance in insecurities budding fame breeds.  Her heart is firmly planted on the road with her lover, but her head won't let her forget the past.  It is the story of a sweet girl and a hot rocker who love each with everything in their beings.

Each novel has it's own conclusion and enough back story that it could be a stand alone novel, but I think they are much better read together.  I am not saying these stories are without flaws, but once again, I choose to look past those flaws in favor of a compelling and sweet story that will leave you wondering and imagining long after you have read the final words.

Luckily for the fans of Kiera and Kellan, Thoughtless #3 (as yet untitled) is rumored to be in the works!  I, for one, am eagerly anticipating it.

 

Note: I was not compensated in any way for my opinion.  I chose to read these books of my own accord and purchased them myself.