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Thoughtless #5
Untamed
#1 New York Times bestselling author S.C. Stephens brings us the next book in her Thoughtless series!
The spotlight doesn't only shine. Sometimes it burns.
Being the bad-boy bassist for the world's hottest band has earned Griffin Hancock some perks: a big house, a fast car, and most importantly his incredible wife, Anna. The one thing it hasn't brought him is the spotlight. Anna tells him to be patient, that his talent will win out. But Griffin is through waiting for permission to shine.
Without warning, Griffin makes a shocking decision and takes the gamble of a lifetime. Suddenly he's caught up in a new level of lights, cameras, and chaos. One that pushes his relationship with Anna to its limits. Anna has always found his unpredictable behavior sexy, but lately he's seen an ache in her eyes--and it has his soul in knots. Just as the recognition Griffin seeks is finally within reach, the thing he loves most in life could be slipping through his fingers...
The spotlight doesn't only shine. Sometimes it burns.
Being the bad-boy bassist for the world's hottest band has earned Griffin Hancock some perks: a big house, a fast car, and most importantly his incredible wife, Anna. The one thing it hasn't brought him is the spotlight. Anna tells him to be patient, that his talent will win out. But Griffin is through waiting for permission to shine.
Without warning, Griffin makes a shocking decision and takes the gamble of a lifetime. Suddenly he's caught up in a new level of lights, cameras, and chaos. One that pushes his relationship with Anna to its limits. Anna has always found his unpredictable behavior sexy, but lately he's seen an ache in her eyes--and it has his soul in knots. Just as the recognition Griffin seeks is finally within reach, the thing he loves most in life could be slipping through his fingers...
416 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2015
About the author
S.C. Stephens
39 books17.1k followersS.C. Stephens is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who enjoys spending every free moment she has creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance.
Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.
In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer's block reducing music, heading out to the movies, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.
Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.
In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer's block reducing music, heading out to the movies, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 978 reviews
November 5, 2015
*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author in Exchange for an Honest Review}
(BR with Dee)
The guys needed to accept my greatness instead of trying to bury it even further. Yeah, since the very beginning of the band, they'd been too busy holding me back to truly appreciate me. And now I'd bumped into the proverbial ceiling with the D-Bags, and I had nowhere left to go.
Ever since I heard that S.C. Stephens was writing Griffin's story, I have been waiting on pins & needles to get my hands on this book. Thoughtless is one of my all time favorite books and Kellan Kyle will always be my number one book boyfriend! So I was more than excited to get more of Kellan and to get a deeper insight into Griffin and Anna's life together.
To be honest, I never really cared for Griffin. He always seemed to be a huge douchebag, and I mean he is the only one out of the group that deserves that label. I just didn't understand why Anna was so crazy for him. At first I did think she was a bit self absorbed but she proved to be a really strong woman with a huge heart. I wondered why she would lower her standards by hooking up with Griffin.
For almost three quarters of this book, I was convinced Griffin was a complete idiot with no redeeming qualities. All he did was whine about how he wanted his chance to be in the spotlight, and there were times I actually did feel a little bad for him. No matter how many times he asked if he could play lead guitar or do lead vocals for just one song, he would always get shot down by the band. Through it all Anna was always there for him. She was his rock and she never failed to let him know that he was the shining star in her eyes, and his little girls adored him. I was actually really in awe of Anna in this book. She definitely turned out to be one amazing character.
I was worried this book was going to consist of nothing but Griffin complaining about his place in the band, and also of he and Anna constantly having sex. But Griffin is going to make some HUGE MISTAKES through the course of this story. Finally this man is going to have to take a long hard look at himself and the way he's gone about his life since the D-Bags became famous.
Will Griffin learn the error of his ways before it's too late? Will he lose everything that truly matters in his life? I won't tell. You'll have to read this book to find out!! I will say that I ended up enjoying this book and OMG, I did a bit of swooning over my Kellan!! The man is PERFECTION!!!
{ARC Generously Provided by Author in Exchange for an Honest Review}
(BR with Dee)
The guys needed to accept my greatness instead of trying to bury it even further. Yeah, since the very beginning of the band, they'd been too busy holding me back to truly appreciate me. And now I'd bumped into the proverbial ceiling with the D-Bags, and I had nowhere left to go.
Ever since I heard that S.C. Stephens was writing Griffin's story, I have been waiting on pins & needles to get my hands on this book. Thoughtless is one of my all time favorite books and Kellan Kyle will always be my number one book boyfriend! So I was more than excited to get more of Kellan and to get a deeper insight into Griffin and Anna's life together.
To be honest, I never really cared for Griffin. He always seemed to be a huge douchebag, and I mean he is the only one out of the group that deserves that label. I just didn't understand why Anna was so crazy for him. At first I did think she was a bit self absorbed but she proved to be a really strong woman with a huge heart. I wondered why she would lower her standards by hooking up with Griffin.
For almost three quarters of this book, I was convinced Griffin was a complete idiot with no redeeming qualities. All he did was whine about how he wanted his chance to be in the spotlight, and there were times I actually did feel a little bad for him. No matter how many times he asked if he could play lead guitar or do lead vocals for just one song, he would always get shot down by the band. Through it all Anna was always there for him. She was his rock and she never failed to let him know that he was the shining star in her eyes, and his little girls adored him. I was actually really in awe of Anna in this book. She definitely turned out to be one amazing character.
I was worried this book was going to consist of nothing but Griffin complaining about his place in the band, and also of he and Anna constantly having sex. But Griffin is going to make some HUGE MISTAKES through the course of this story. Finally this man is going to have to take a long hard look at himself and the way he's gone about his life since the D-Bags became famous.
Will Griffin learn the error of his ways before it's too late? Will he lose everything that truly matters in his life? I won't tell. You'll have to read this book to find out!! I will say that I ended up enjoying this book and OMG, I did a bit of swooning over my Kellan!! The man is PERFECTION!!!
November 3, 2015
4”The Hulk will see you now...” STARS
Griffin Hancock faces a crushing rise and fall while he learns some really important lessons. His monstrouscock ego takes a huge hit and he undergoes some major growth in this story. Griffin wants more of the spotlight. He wants a shot at the lead guitar position and he's just flat out tired of way he is being treated by the band. Matt is still on my shit list-
”The only thing that put a slight damper on the awesomeness of my life was my inferior position in the band.”
Griffin and Anna are a fantastic couple and their kids are too darn cute. Griffin decides it’s time for his star to rocket further and he takes his family to L.A. to pursue other opportunities. I was hurt right along with him during certain scenes. Of course readers will be delighted that his trademark sense of humor prevails through the whole story.
”Two hours later I had brown fucking hair. She’d chopped it too. It was longer than Matt’s, shorter than Kellan’s, somewhere in between like…Denny. Fuck. I looked like Denny now.”
I honestly related to his stubborn pride and refusal to be wrong even as things kept spiraling downward. His desire to fix things was well delivered. So go figure I connected with Griffin!
”I’d thrown my life away for an illusion.”
S.C. Stephens delivered a well written tale of humility for my second favorite D-Bag.
Griffin Hancock faces a crushing rise and fall while he learns some really important lessons. His monstrous
”The only thing that put a slight damper on the awesomeness of my life was my inferior position in the band.”
Griffin and Anna are a fantastic couple and their kids are too darn cute. Griffin decides it’s time for his star to rocket further and he takes his family to L.A. to pursue other opportunities. I was hurt right along with him during certain scenes. Of course readers will be delighted that his trademark sense of humor prevails through the whole story.
”Two hours later I had brown fucking hair. She’d chopped it too. It was longer than Matt’s, shorter than Kellan’s, somewhere in between like…Denny. Fuck. I looked like Denny now.”
I honestly related to his stubborn pride and refusal to be wrong even as things kept spiraling downward. His desire to fix things was well delivered. So go figure I connected with Griffin!
”I’d thrown my life away for an illusion.”
S.C. Stephens delivered a well written tale of humility for my second favorite D-Bag.
August 11, 2017
4***Surprisingly Emotional ~Stars
Genre:Contemporary Romance
Type: Book 4 of Thoughtless Series
POV: First Person – Male
This was such an amazing roller coaster ride. I was laughing so hard the first thirty five percent of the book. Then I was getting super anxious and nervous I didn't know exactly what to do with myself my anxiety levels were driving me mad; I was watching Griffin heading out for disaster and I just couldn't stop him. I was so pained and scared for what was to come. His awesomeness only was going to go far and when he least expected he hit rock bottom as it was predicted and WOW I didn't realized how much I was going to hurt for him.
Untamed takes place after the Thoughtless trilogy and is told only from Griffin's point of view. Griffin Hancock; the bassist of the D-Bags had been married to Anna and had a gorgeous beautiful three year old daughter which by the way was just adorable. They had another baby girl on the way; they were not messing around that's for sure. He was just so darn adorable when it came to his girls; yes I used that word twice already because I loved that about Griffin the cocky one yes that one he threw me off with his love for Anna and his now two daughters. He wanted to be good for them but his stubbornness to not pay attention to things; his self-centered and big ego got him in a big hole that had me crying so hard when it finally hit.
Griffin was so jealous of Kellan the entire time he never admitted to it, he had too much pride to admit it; he was bound to be better he wanted to be like Kellan in his mind he was better than being behind the bass he wanted a lead guitarist or vocal position and he was going to do anything to get it. He tried talking to the boys but no one would take him serious. So he finally had a chance to prove himself of his worth and oh boy the struggles and the messed up he did to get there was well hard to watch. I loved Kellan out of all the boys Kellan was amazing on this book and even Kiera surprised me with her appearance right around seventy five percent I couldn't have been so glad to see her on this book.
Matt and Griffin fought a lot just like family usually do but it got so bad that they stopped talking to each other. Griffin believed that Matt and the band was holding him down from his spotlight; he was so absorbed on what he wanted that forgot to appreciate what he already had in the palm of his hands and when he finally reached that moment that he realized he utterly fucked up I was a bubbling mess of tears. I loved Anna on this book; she was perfect for Griffin they were best friends. Their children was their foundation, their trust for each other and their sex life damn they were so damn good for each other. They had sex everywhere and anywhere where Mr. Hancock needed a hand Anna was just there just as needy as him. Their relationship was badass I loved it. She understood his needs and always supported him until too many lies; she just couldn't stay with him the lies was what hunted her the most. She could of go broke and lost it all and still supported him if it wasn't because he hid a lot of stuff from her and made a full of herself and himself.
I was going through so much feeling and emotions I basically cried a river for the last thirty percent of the book. Some tears of sadness, some were frustration and some were of happiness. This book definitely makes you feel so much. I loved the way the author twisted the ending it was just amazing, I had this big hole in my belly right about 95% up to the point of feeling ill but the way the last five percent turned out was a ride I was not expecting and it was completely worth all the angst and nerve wracking. The ending was absofuckinglutly AMAZING. If you are a Griffin fan and a D-Bags fan you will truly love this book but if you didn't like Griffin on the series this book might not be for you it's like thoughtless on steroids haha. I didn't know what I was expecting to read but I sure didn't expect this book to be so fantastic specially the way Griffin LOVE yes he LOVED his girls. That was what did it for me his love for his girls just made this book so worth the heartache and pain in my chest. Sure it was long book and yes Griff annoyed me at times but the ride was so well worth it. This book was so much more than a cocky boy it was about learning that one day you could have it all but in a blink of an eye you could lose it all and it's up to you to let go of your ego and step back up and be humble and earn it all back up the hard way.
"ARC Kindly provided via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review."
Book Series Order:
***ALREADY LIVE***
AMAZON PURCHASE LINK
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Genre:Contemporary Romance
Type: Book 4 of Thoughtless Series
POV: First Person – Male
"She had my back, she believed in me. That relief was what kept me going. Anna was the fuel to my awesome-train."
This was such an amazing roller coaster ride. I was laughing so hard the first thirty five percent of the book. Then I was getting super anxious and nervous I didn't know exactly what to do with myself my anxiety levels were driving me mad; I was watching Griffin heading out for disaster and I just couldn't stop him. I was so pained and scared for what was to come. His awesomeness only was going to go far and when he least expected he hit rock bottom as it was predicted and WOW I didn't realized how much I was going to hurt for him.
Untamed takes place after the Thoughtless trilogy and is told only from Griffin's point of view. Griffin Hancock; the bassist of the D-Bags had been married to Anna and had a gorgeous beautiful three year old daughter which by the way was just adorable. They had another baby girl on the way; they were not messing around that's for sure. He was just so darn adorable when it came to his girls; yes I used that word twice already because I loved that about Griffin the cocky one yes that one he threw me off with his love for Anna and his now two daughters. He wanted to be good for them but his stubbornness to not pay attention to things; his self-centered and big ego got him in a big hole that had me crying so hard when it finally hit.
"I had smarts. Smarts, skills, and looks. I was the whole package-a triple threat of awesomeness."
Griffin was so jealous of Kellan the entire time he never admitted to it, he had too much pride to admit it; he was bound to be better he wanted to be like Kellan in his mind he was better than being behind the bass he wanted a lead guitarist or vocal position and he was going to do anything to get it. He tried talking to the boys but no one would take him serious. So he finally had a chance to prove himself of his worth and oh boy the struggles and the messed up he did to get there was well hard to watch. I loved Kellan out of all the boys Kellan was amazing on this book and even Kiera surprised me with her appearance right around seventy five percent I couldn't have been so glad to see her on this book.
Matt and Griffin fought a lot just like family usually do but it got so bad that they stopped talking to each other. Griffin believed that Matt and the band was holding him down from his spotlight; he was so absorbed on what he wanted that forgot to appreciate what he already had in the palm of his hands and when he finally reached that moment that he realized he utterly fucked up I was a bubbling mess of tears. I loved Anna on this book; she was perfect for Griffin they were best friends. Their children was their foundation, their trust for each other and their sex life damn they were so damn good for each other. They had sex everywhere and anywhere where Mr. Hancock needed a hand Anna was just there just as needy as him. Their relationship was badass I loved it. She understood his needs and always supported him until too many lies; she just couldn't stay with him the lies was what hunted her the most. She could of go broke and lost it all and still supported him if it wasn't because he hid a lot of stuff from her and made a full of herself and himself.
"The two of us together were explosive. No, mind-blowind. No…life-altering….Anna just got me, and fully satisfied me like nobody else."
"My regret…I'd been handed fame on a platter and hadn't appreciated it until it was too late."
I was going through so much feeling and emotions I basically cried a river for the last thirty percent of the book. Some tears of sadness, some were frustration and some were of happiness. This book definitely makes you feel so much. I loved the way the author twisted the ending it was just amazing, I had this big hole in my belly right about 95% up to the point of feeling ill but the way the last five percent turned out was a ride I was not expecting and it was completely worth all the angst and nerve wracking. The ending was absofuckinglutly AMAZING. If you are a Griffin fan and a D-Bags fan you will truly love this book but if you didn't like Griffin on the series this book might not be for you it's like thoughtless on steroids haha. I didn't know what I was expecting to read but I sure didn't expect this book to be so fantastic specially the way Griffin LOVE yes he LOVED his girls. That was what did it for me his love for his girls just made this book so worth the heartache and pain in my chest. Sure it was long book and yes Griff annoyed me at times but the ride was so well worth it. This book was so much more than a cocky boy it was about learning that one day you could have it all but in a blink of an eye you could lose it all and it's up to you to let go of your ego and step back up and be humble and earn it all back up the hard way.
"ARC Kindly provided via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review."
Book Series Order:
***ALREADY LIVE***
AMAZON PURCHASE LINK
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
November 3, 2015
★★★★★ 5 Stars ★★★★★
Now LIVE!
Amazon US | Amazon UK"
I seriously have a LOT of love for this book, it touched me in ways I never expected it to and it was such a pleasant surprise. I never thought I would love Griff as much as I did, but he was a spectacular character and deserved the spotlight that he so desperately craved.
Untamed takes place after the Thoughtless trilogy, Bassist, Griffin Hancock is married to Keira's sister Anna, and together they have a young daughter and another on the way.
Griff, is the band member without a serious bone in his body. He is hilariously funny and narcissistic, but whilst he is starting to get bitter about the constant adoration that is being thrown Kellan's way, and the fact that his cousin Matt is the lead guitarist and refuses to give Griff a chance at the spotlight, his band-mates are equally as exacerbated about his self absorbed and entitled ways.
When Griff gets a chance to prove his worth, things only get worse before they get better. This book is a journey that takes us through his personal ups and downs of trying to find his place in the world-a self destructive discovery that will have you laughing one minute and frustrated the next.
Throughout this, Anna is by his side and supports him with everything he chooses to do. Griff may be all about himself, but there is no doubt of his love for his wife and babies. Their relationship was a strong one, and they suit each other down to the ground. Their sex life was off the charts and their policy of being brutally honest with each other made for a great foundation.
However, when Griff starts doubting himself, probably for the first time in his life, he starts keeping things to himself and this leads to a few rocky moments between the pair, which had me wanting to shout into my kindle at him for being a dick, but ultimately everything happened for a reason and a massive learning curve for both of them.
This book was so funny, but also had me in tears a few times. I loved how Griff grew as a person and his redemption was fantastic. I felt so sorry for him at times and wanted to give him a big hug, I know he went about things the wrong way but at the end of the day he just wanted to be seen for his talents and not just someone in the background.
He is a larger than life character and deep down past his sarcastic and egotistical ways, he had a huge heart. He just didn't know how to give it freely. I adored Anna, I loved how she loved him quite unconditionally despite his outlandish and embarrassing ways, she saw his true worth and always believed in him.
I would say this is a must read for those who have read the Thoughtless trilogy, fans or not. It was a sweet and funny love story, and a massive self discovery of one of the funniest characters to have ever graced my kindle.
Five stars from me.
Untamed is a standalone, but a follow on from the Thoughtless Trilogy, told in Griff's POV.
ARC gratefully received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Now LIVE!
Amazon US | Amazon UK"
I seriously have a LOT of love for this book, it touched me in ways I never expected it to and it was such a pleasant surprise. I never thought I would love Griff as much as I did, but he was a spectacular character and deserved the spotlight that he so desperately craved.
Untamed takes place after the Thoughtless trilogy, Bassist, Griffin Hancock is married to Keira's sister Anna, and together they have a young daughter and another on the way.
Griff, is the band member without a serious bone in his body. He is hilariously funny and narcissistic, but whilst he is starting to get bitter about the constant adoration that is being thrown Kellan's way, and the fact that his cousin Matt is the lead guitarist and refuses to give Griff a chance at the spotlight, his band-mates are equally as exacerbated about his self absorbed and entitled ways.
"I don't know how much longer I can wait, Anna. They're holding me underwater and I'm drowning. Something's gotta change. And soon."
When Griff gets a chance to prove his worth, things only get worse before they get better. This book is a journey that takes us through his personal ups and downs of trying to find his place in the world-a self destructive discovery that will have you laughing one minute and frustrated the next.
Throughout this, Anna is by his side and supports him with everything he chooses to do. Griff may be all about himself, but there is no doubt of his love for his wife and babies. Their relationship was a strong one, and they suit each other down to the ground. Their sex life was off the charts and their policy of being brutally honest with each other made for a great foundation.
However, when Griff starts doubting himself, probably for the first time in his life, he starts keeping things to himself and this leads to a few rocky moments between the pair, which had me wanting to shout into my kindle at him for being a dick, but ultimately everything happened for a reason and a massive learning curve for both of them.
This book was so funny, but also had me in tears a few times. I loved how Griff grew as a person and his redemption was fantastic. I felt so sorry for him at times and wanted to give him a big hug, I know he went about things the wrong way but at the end of the day he just wanted to be seen for his talents and not just someone in the background.
"You're so hot when you come,"
"I know."
And I did. I'd filmed myself jacking off once, just to see what I looked like, and I had to say, it was pretty amazing.
Anna was one lucky woman.
He is a larger than life character and deep down past his sarcastic and egotistical ways, he had a huge heart. He just didn't know how to give it freely. I adored Anna, I loved how she loved him quite unconditionally despite his outlandish and embarrassing ways, she saw his true worth and always believed in him.
"Hancock men are proud, self-absorbed creatures. But lovable, once you look beneath that."
I would say this is a must read for those who have read the Thoughtless trilogy, fans or not. It was a sweet and funny love story, and a massive self discovery of one of the funniest characters to have ever graced my kindle.
Five stars from me.
Untamed is a standalone, but a follow on from the Thoughtless Trilogy, told in Griff's POV.
ARC gratefully received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Shelved as 'on-hold'
November 1, 2015I hate to do this... but I'm going to put this on hold for a while. I'm not in the mood for it right now and Griffin is getting on my nerves a bit. I'm at 33% and I'm sure I'll come back to it when I'm more in the mood for this kind of read, but for now- MOVING ON :D
July 3, 2017
A Cautionary Tale About The Trappings Of Fame
As much as it pains me to admit this, I didn't love this book. I absolutely love this series and was sure that I'd love Griffin's book also. Surprisingly, I just didn't. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make myself love this book.
Some things are best in small doses. It ends up that Griffin's special brand of obnoxious was just too much for me to handle in larger doses. It was painful to watch him destroy his life, like watching a train wreck in agonizingly slow motion.
For the first 70 - 80% of this book, Griffin's self-absorbed, unappreciative and melodramatic inner monologue was nearly unbearable. Talk about lacking self-awareness! I thought that Griffin's story would reveal a more sensitive, human side to the overly obnoxious D-bag that I grew to reluctantly love in the earlier books in the series.
Unfortunately, that didn't happen until maybe the last 20% or so. Up until that point, I just wanted to shake him or knock some sense into him. If hating the main character was the goal, Ms. Stephens hit her mark. Reading about Griffin's downward spiral was just sad.
While Griffin does eventually see the error of his ways, it took far to long in my humble opinion. It isn't until the last 20% or so that the story finally starts to turn in a better direction. Yet, even as Griffin sets out to redeem himself, the story had an overwhelmingly depressing vibe.
Eventually, the book does end with what is supposed to be a "happy" ending. Maybe I don't deal well with change, but I just wasn't happy with the direction that this book took. I didn't find the "happy" ending to be all that happy at all. The dynamics of the D-bags were forever changed and I just couldn't adjust, personally.
I'm sure many people will love this book and I don't want to spoil that for anyone. Honestly, I had expected this to be an instant hit for me. Unfortunately, it just didn't pan out for me. I found this book to be depressing and painful to read. The story was good in some regards, but just too damn sad for me.
As much as it pains me to admit this, I didn't love this book. I absolutely love this series and was sure that I'd love Griffin's book also. Surprisingly, I just didn't. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make myself love this book.
Some things are best in small doses. It ends up that Griffin's special brand of obnoxious was just too much for me to handle in larger doses. It was painful to watch him destroy his life, like watching a train wreck in agonizingly slow motion.
For the first 70 - 80% of this book, Griffin's self-absorbed, unappreciative and melodramatic inner monologue was nearly unbearable. Talk about lacking self-awareness! I thought that Griffin's story would reveal a more sensitive, human side to the overly obnoxious D-bag that I grew to reluctantly love in the earlier books in the series.
Unfortunately, that didn't happen until maybe the last 20% or so. Up until that point, I just wanted to shake him or knock some sense into him. If hating the main character was the goal, Ms. Stephens hit her mark. Reading about Griffin's downward spiral was just sad.
While Griffin does eventually see the error of his ways, it took far to long in my humble opinion. It isn't until the last 20% or so that the story finally starts to turn in a better direction. Yet, even as Griffin sets out to redeem himself, the story had an overwhelmingly depressing vibe.
Eventually, the book does end with what is supposed to be a "happy" ending. Maybe I don't deal well with change, but I just wasn't happy with the direction that this book took. I didn't find the "happy" ending to be all that happy at all. The dynamics of the D-bags were forever changed and I just couldn't adjust, personally.
I'm sure many people will love this book and I don't want to spoil that for anyone. Honestly, I had expected this to be an instant hit for me. Unfortunately, it just didn't pan out for me. I found this book to be depressing and painful to read. The story was good in some regards, but just too damn sad for me.
November 2, 2015
I know, I know. I'm surprised myself but this book was amazing! This isn't Kellan & Keira 2.0. If you're expecting another rehash of the angst in that series, think again. This book totally has a different feel to it and I found very refreshing.
Griffin won me over. He started off as a cocky, entitled, whiny brat who thinks he's god's gift to mankind. He was arrogant, lazy, and he acted like the world owed him something. He was so annoying. I wanted to put the book down because he was whining all the time. And the rest of the D-Bags were annoying me with their sanctimonious crap, too.
But then slowly but surely, S.C. Stephens took Griffin on a journey, from soaring highs and crashing lows, along with the readers. And in the process, I fell in love with Griffin's character and the way he humbled himself when he realized just how much he messed up. For the most part, this was a coming-of-age tale full of regret, love, compassion, friendship forgiveness and family.
And speaking of family, Griffin's family was a strong presence in this book. And again, it's so refreshing to actually read about a normal family who love and support each other. Griff's family weren't perfect but they played a huge role in Griffin's character development.
Aside from the beautiful and cathartic journey Griffin went through, there are so many things to love about this book.
First off, Anna. Seriously. Anna rocks. She and Griffin are perfect together. Their relationship is so refreshing and so different from Keira and Kellan. It's them. They totally rocked it. And when it was time to make a difficult decision, Anna didn't balk. She stood by her decision and I applaud her for it.
Second, the romance between Griff and Anna blew me away. I love how Griffin is so in love with Anna and his girls. Even when he was being whiny and arrogant, his redeeming quality has always been his devotion to Anna. No matter how he messed up, you can really feel how much he loves his wife and his girls. I love their relationship. They're playful, fun and insanely hot together. There were so many laugh out loud moments for me because duh, Griffin is Griffin. And even when he was annoying, he's still funny as hell.
Thirdly -- and I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I actually liked Keira in this book. Sure, she still blushes like a tomato but she became the sensible one when the rest of the band weren't. I'm still not in love with her character the way I am with Anna but Keira grew on me.
And last but not the least, Ms. Stephens did a phenomenal job with the male POV. It's so different from Thoughtful. The decision to write this book all in Griffin's POV was spot on. The story came alive because Griffin was a compelling character. And even though he changed, he was still Griffin. Just a better version of him.
This book really took me by surprise. I loved the pacing and how the story progressed. And the epilogue was just a sweet icing on top of an already delicious cake.
And oh...this is my second 5 stars in a row! Two 5 stars in a row! OMG! That never happened to me before.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Griffin won me over. He started off as a cocky, entitled, whiny brat who thinks he's god's gift to mankind. He was arrogant, lazy, and he acted like the world owed him something. He was so annoying. I wanted to put the book down because he was whining all the time. And the rest of the D-Bags were annoying me with their sanctimonious crap, too.
But then slowly but surely, S.C. Stephens took Griffin on a journey, from soaring highs and crashing lows, along with the readers. And in the process, I fell in love with Griffin's character and the way he humbled himself when he realized just how much he messed up. For the most part, this was a coming-of-age tale full of regret, love, compassion, friendship forgiveness and family.
And speaking of family, Griffin's family was a strong presence in this book. And again, it's so refreshing to actually read about a normal family who love and support each other. Griff's family weren't perfect but they played a huge role in Griffin's character development.
Aside from the beautiful and cathartic journey Griffin went through, there are so many things to love about this book.
First off, Anna. Seriously. Anna rocks. She and Griffin are perfect together. Their relationship is so refreshing and so different from Keira and Kellan. It's them. They totally rocked it. And when it was time to make a difficult decision, Anna didn't balk. She stood by her decision and I applaud her for it.
Second, the romance between Griff and Anna blew me away. I love how Griffin is so in love with Anna and his girls. Even when he was being whiny and arrogant, his redeeming quality has always been his devotion to Anna. No matter how he messed up, you can really feel how much he loves his wife and his girls. I love their relationship. They're playful, fun and insanely hot together. There were so many laugh out loud moments for me because duh, Griffin is Griffin. And even when he was annoying, he's still funny as hell.
Thirdly -- and I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I actually liked Keira in this book. Sure, she still blushes like a tomato but she became the sensible one when the rest of the band weren't. I'm still not in love with her character the way I am with Anna but Keira grew on me.
And last but not the least, Ms. Stephens did a phenomenal job with the male POV. It's so different from Thoughtful. The decision to write this book all in Griffin's POV was spot on. The story came alive because Griffin was a compelling character. And even though he changed, he was still Griffin. Just a better version of him.
This book really took me by surprise. I loved the pacing and how the story progressed. And the epilogue was just a sweet icing on top of an already delicious cake.
And oh...this is my second 5 stars in a row! Two 5 stars in a row! OMG! That never happened to me before.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
February 26, 2015Next THOUGHTLESS series book is Griffin's!!
Griffin Hancock is tired of being stuck behind Kellan Kyle's spotlight. He's the best, the main event, and everyone should know it. He has Anna, and his beautiful daughter Gibson, to hell with the rest of them. A new venture presents itself, and Griffin decides this is his chance. When he tells the band about his new side gig, they tell him it's a terrible idea, so Griffin breaks ties with the band. Anna tries to be supportive of Griffin, but soon she's done, too. Realizing all he's lost, Griffin looks to find a way back to the life he threw away... but can he convince Anna that he's a changed man?
Griffin Hancock is tired of being stuck behind Kellan Kyle's spotlight. He's the best, the main event, and everyone should know it. He has Anna, and his beautiful daughter Gibson, to hell with the rest of them. A new venture presents itself, and Griffin decides this is his chance. When he tells the band about his new side gig, they tell him it's a terrible idea, so Griffin breaks ties with the band. Anna tries to be supportive of Griffin, but soon she's done, too. Realizing all he's lost, Griffin looks to find a way back to the life he threw away... but can he convince Anna that he's a changed man?
November 15, 2015
1.5 ★'s
This is Griffin's book, the wild man of the D-bags who's always looking for a fun time and enjoying his fame. He never holds back from what he's feeling and let's everyone know it.
Okay, Griffin is not my favorite D-bag but I was willing to give him a shot. I was curious as to where S.C.S. would take him but no way was I prepared for where she did!
Let me just preface this with saying that for the most part, I enjoy S.C. Stephens work, however, I did not like what happened to Griffin or how he was treated in this book.
Sorry but these were not the same D-bags that we've come to know and love and I was SHOCKED! You know I had wondered when I saw some low star reviews coming in but I really wanted to give this a chance. I feel bad for the Griffin fans...I'm pretty sure they weren't expecting this.
The problem isn't really what Griffin had to go through...it was what the others did TO Griffin to push him into that direction. I'm just really disappointed...and mainly hurt...why would she have them treat Griffin like this? We all know he's a goof off but seriously, was this necessary? It was sooo PAINFUL. And things just never let up...they got worse and worse!
Finally, Griffin has had enough and yes he was a bit of a...
These guys who totally supported each other have turned into something else. I really cannot stand Matt and Evan is a close second. And it kills me to say this about Kellan but I feel really let down. Don't even get me started on Denny!
Griffin tried to keep up his "awesomeness" but he kept getting pushed down. I just wanted someone to toss him a bone...something! But the hits just kept coming...
Griffin dug himself into a hole and it just got bigger and bigger. He did try just about anything and everything to make things right.
All this goes on and on...for about 75% of the book. I had such a hard time reading it. But there are a few bright moments...namely, Anna. Anna and Griffin. Anna, Griffin and their family. That's the Griffin I wanted to read about and that's the Griffin I wanted more of!
I was very hopeful once I was past the 75% mark and things started picking up but oh no, I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up. While there is some positive developments, the main difference is Griffin. He does mature and he definitely becomes the better person but he still got the blame.
Fortunately, the epilogue was decent but the book was just depressing. There was a glimmer of the fun loving Griffin at the end but he will never be the same. Is that a good thing? Well, we all have to grow up but he didn't deserve 95% of how he was treated in the process.
Sadly, I don't think the D-bags will ever have that same type of magic they once had. And I really hope S.C.S. doesn't write a Matt or Evan book...ever! UGH!
Where does that leave me for a star rating? I really want to give this ZERO stars...but Griffin and Anna and their family deserve more than that. So, zero for most of the story and 3 stars for Griffin and Anna...I'll just half it and make it 1.5 stars...the lowest rating I've ever given a book!. :(
Favorite quote:
♥ “Mrs. Anna Hancock…you are my best friend, my partner in crime, my reason for living, and the only thing that really matters to me. Forever only scratches the surface of how long I’ll love you.”
(Prior to review)
ugh....i seriously almost changed my avatar! :(
This is Griffin's book, the wild man of the D-bags who's always looking for a fun time and enjoying his fame. He never holds back from what he's feeling and let's everyone know it.
Okay, Griffin is not my favorite D-bag but I was willing to give him a shot. I was curious as to where S.C.S. would take him but no way was I prepared for where she did!
Let me just preface this with saying that for the most part, I enjoy S.C. Stephens work, however, I did not like what happened to Griffin or how he was treated in this book.
Sorry but these were not the same D-bags that we've come to know and love and I was SHOCKED! You know I had wondered when I saw some low star reviews coming in but I really wanted to give this a chance. I feel bad for the Griffin fans...I'm pretty sure they weren't expecting this.
The problem isn't really what Griffin had to go through...it was what the others did TO Griffin to push him into that direction. I'm just really disappointed...and mainly hurt...why would she have them treat Griffin like this? We all know he's a goof off but seriously, was this necessary? It was sooo PAINFUL. And things just never let up...they got worse and worse!
Finally, Griffin has had enough and yes he was a bit of a...
These guys who totally supported each other have turned into something else. I really cannot stand Matt and Evan is a close second. And it kills me to say this about Kellan but I feel really let down. Don't even get me started on Denny!
Griffin tried to keep up his "awesomeness" but he kept getting pushed down. I just wanted someone to toss him a bone...something! But the hits just kept coming...
Griffin dug himself into a hole and it just got bigger and bigger. He did try just about anything and everything to make things right.
All this goes on and on...for about 75% of the book. I had such a hard time reading it. But there are a few bright moments...namely, Anna. Anna and Griffin. Anna, Griffin and their family. That's the Griffin I wanted to read about and that's the Griffin I wanted more of!
I was very hopeful once I was past the 75% mark and things started picking up but oh no, I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up. While there is some positive developments, the main difference is Griffin. He does mature and he definitely becomes the better person but he still got the blame.
Fortunately, the epilogue was decent but the book was just depressing. There was a glimmer of the fun loving Griffin at the end but he will never be the same. Is that a good thing? Well, we all have to grow up but he didn't deserve 95% of how he was treated in the process.
Sadly, I don't think the D-bags will ever have that same type of magic they once had. And I really hope S.C.S. doesn't write a Matt or Evan book...ever! UGH!
Where does that leave me for a star rating? I really want to give this ZERO stars...but Griffin and Anna and their family deserve more than that. So, zero for most of the story and 3 stars for Griffin and Anna...I'll just half it and make it 1.5 stars...the lowest rating I've ever given a book!. :(
Favorite quote:
♥ “Mrs. Anna Hancock…you are my best friend, my partner in crime, my reason for living, and the only thing that really matters to me. Forever only scratches the surface of how long I’ll love you.”
(Prior to review)
ugh....i seriously almost changed my avatar! :(
October 30, 2015
♥ ♥ ♥ 3.5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥
Griffin's life has been pretty great since his band the D-bags have made it big. He has a lot of money, a big house, expensive cars, and his beautiful family. There can't be anything he could possibly want...wrong, he wants the spotlight. He is tired that everyone has had their moment to shine except for himself, and he can't take another rejection from his band members when he suggest something that might put him there. If his band won't help, than he will get it himself because he done waiting for his moment.
I have been looking forward to reading this book since I found out about its existence. Griffin definitely got my attention in Kellan and Keira's books by being his cocky and brash self. He was also quite funny because of it. In this book, it seems that no matter what Griffin comes up with to have a little spotlight in the band, Matt, Evan, and Kellan kind of give him the brush off. I was actually feeling quite bad for Griffin at one point because of the constant no's thrown his way. But as the book progressed, he just became such a complete douche that he frustrated me to no end. There was the constant lying to Anna, and the pushing of those that cared about him. Not to mention diving into things head first without talking to Anna or thinking about the risks or consequences. He was so arrogant that he thought there was no way his plan would fail. So, when his entire plan came crumbling down, he was left with nothing and alone.
I was so ready for his selfish ways to end, I was so happy when Griffin started to grow and learn from his mistakes. The second part of this book was so much better for me. The first part, was bit slow and kind of felt dragged on a tad bit. In the second part, I regained interest in what was happening. Seeing that change in Griffin and how far he would go for his family was touching. His redeeming quality was definitely his love for Anna and his baby girls. They made a great team in the end. It was a very long journey for Griffin, and definitely painful, but it was still a rather interesting one. I was very happy that I was able to like Griffin again by the end of this. Anna, was awesome. I seriously loved her for doing what she had to do for her girls. The steam was great, but sometimes it was a little too random. The romance between Griffin and Anna was definitely heart warming. Overall, I thought it was really great read.
November 6, 2015
I am not sure I have ever been so conflicted over a book. First, I love this series so much and I actually always loved Griffin, but this book really tested my love.
First, in the beginning Griffin made me want to pull my hair out and scream at my Kindle. He was so self-absorbed and really just a complete D-Bag. I won’t lie in the beginning I laughed at his antics, as a person who usually surrounds herself with male friends I can handle crude. It just started to be too much after awhile.
HOWEVER, I actually think his behavior was necessary for the story and accurate to that of a rockstar. This is why I am conflicted, how can I hold his character against him when it is an accurate protrayal and completely necessary for the stories development. I don’t usually harp on any one thing about a story, but I feel it is necessary here because I want readers who are easily aggitated with Griffin’s behavior to push through. He is worth it!
In the end, I absolutely loved Griffin! Yes, loved him so hard and was cheering for him. I was completely behind him and wanted his success so much that I stayed up reading late into the early morning. I loved how Stephens gave us a new story line that was unique to Griffin and Anna. I loved the concept and was completely engaged.
Griffin with his family and the time with Anna and his girls was priceless, swoon worthy and real. I loved how Griffin learned to appreciate the people and opportunities he has been given, but he still remained true to his character. He was still highly sexual, vulgar and hilarious. I also loved that Anna was his absolute perfect match. She understood Griffin and wanted the same things. She loved Griffin for who he was, not what he did or what he could give her.
This story felt more real to me than most stories I read. Like I said it wasn’t always pretty, at times it was ugly and made me angry, but the realness and emotional growth sold me. I loved this story and highly recommend it. I will warn you that Griffin will test your patience, but he is worth loving and believing in.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2015
★4.5 Tame the Hulk Stars★
Untamed is a rock romance with a twist of self discovery in the mix! Kellan fans need to step aside because Griffin "the bass player of the D Bags" has his own story to tell. D Bags fans will be swept away by Griffin's fall from fame and his tenacity to climb his way back to the top!
Griffin has always been the fun loving "asshole" of the group. He just exudes confidence and cockiness. Many may find his demeanor to be abrasive at best, and yet, I am a true fan. I have great admiration for a person that is unashamed to be who they are. Although Griffin's confidence grew past cute and into the "annoying zone", it was still an entertaining journey to say the least.
"Gorgeous, sexy, horny, and ready to have a good time."-Griffin
Griffin feels like he has been tossed aside by his bandmates. He longs for a shot to sing lead, play lead guitar, just anything lead. "CUE THE SPOTLIGHT!" Griffin's wife Anna has no problem keeping the "Sex GOD" up on his pedestal. The only problem with this scenario is that Griffin's band mates aren't quite on board with giving him the glory he so badly deserves. (Insert sarcasm here)! After not getting the attention he so rightly deserves, Griffin leaves the band and heads off on his own to became a "the true super star" he was meant to be (insert more sarcasm here). However, when the mighty fall it's a long and hard. When the dust settles, what will be left for our cocky hero to cling to? Will Anna remain by his side when she comes to terms with what he has done?
"I'd been given a gift and I hadn't appreciated it. I did now."-Griffin
Truthfully, this was a very long read. The pacing was steady and yet, an exorbitant amount of time was spent on Griffin's need to be the "biggest and the best". I personally enjoyed his outlandish personality and paired with his spunky wife Anna, I was throughly entertained. The story is written in Griffin's POV so there were plenty of smiles, sighs, eye rolling, and even some "come on" moments. There were moments when I truly sympathized with him. His character, albeit unique, was well developed and quite complex! The transformation Griffin makes is extreme and I found it to be a very poignant story of redemption! I think to truly appreciate this read you must be a forgiving person who embraces the flaws in other people! If you are looking for perfection in a character, go back and read Thoughtless because Griffin is, as the title of this book says, "UNTAMED"! He is uncut, uncensored, and raw!
"I'd had it all, and now...I had nothing."-Griffin
The paring of Anna and Griffin adds the sexual steam we have all come to love about S.C. Stephens' writing! The details in the text are rich with vibrance and you are truly transported through each moment effortlessly!
Untamed is a story of a man coming to finding himself. He is forced to examine his roles as a father, husband, musician, brother, son, and friend! Although Griffin is no Kellan Kyle, I found him to be equally as intriguing as a character.
"Mrs. Anna Hancock...you are my best friend, my partner in crime, my reason for living, and the only thing that really matters to me. Forever only scratches the surface of how long I'll love you."-Griffin
Overall, Untamed was a fantastic read. I truly enjoyed the sarcastic wit of the main characters, the extravagant sexual exploits of Griffin and his wife, and the undeniable friction of an individual growing up. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this read to anyone looking for a good laugh with some steamy sex! Just be prepared because it's a long and rocky road! However, it is well worth the trip! I look forward to more from the D-Bags and their endeavors to rule the rock world!
***The Thoughtless Series***
~ARC graciously provided via NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review!~
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
November 7, 2015
4 Total Griffin Redemption Stars
I’ve read all of the Thoughtless books except for Thoughtful. After reading Untamed, I completely 100% want to read Thoughtful now. It’s been years since I’ve read a SC Stephens book, but there’s something about this author that I can’t get enough of.
When I read Thoughtless years ago, I was a newbie NA reader and I hadn’t started to review yet. I was adamant against cheating. As much as I loved Kellan, the cheating gutted me. I feel like now, I have mature and my reading taste has changed. I want to reread the whole series (and I will, on audio, because it’s my favorite form of re-reading) and see it in a new light.
I loved Griffin from the Thoughtless books. I craved him. He made me smile, laugh and is antics totally cut the crazy tension in the books. I’ve been dying for his own story and with 560 pages of Griffin love, you get everything you want, wished and hopeful and more.
Untamed is the 4th book in the Thoughtless series. You technically can read it on its own since it’s Griffin’s book and the previous three books and novella is Kellan’s story, BUT I highly recommend you reading it in order to get the whole affect.
Untamed begins where Reckless left off. Griffin is the bass player for the number one rock band D-bags. The previous three books were Kellan’s story, the lead signer (who I still love to this day). I love the beginning of Untamed. It beings with how Griffin sees life, with his wife, child and bandmates. He’s so self-centered, egotistical and selfish, it’s boarder-line comical and very amusing. His wife, grounds him and if it wasn’t for Anna, I would have serious issues with Griffin (even though I loved him so much from the previous books).
His love for Ann completely had me in this book. He sees nothing but this woman and it will make your heart swoon, sigh and faint. I want my own rocker man now! Griffin sees himself only on the sidelines and he craves fame deeply. He believes he has waited long enough and is urging his bandmates to let him lead in the spotlight.
It was a real struggle reading Griffin’s struggle. I’m so happy this book was 100% from his POV. I felt all of his inner emotions, pain and torment. Griffin strives so hard to gain more than what he already has and he doesn’t value what is already in front of him. I forget that SC Stephens writes angsty books and it had me pulling my hair out. But I love the writing style (does that make sense?). I was addicted to Griffin’s story. I was consumed by his madness and I read this huge book in one sitting!
This book will put you in an up and down roller coaster of emotions. You will want to slap, punch the Hero, but also fall in love with him at the same time. This book is for the fans, absolutely. I highly recommend.
An Arc was provided
Thoughtless AMAZON
Effortless AMAZON
Reckless REVIEW| AMAZON
Thoughtful AMAZON
Untamed AMAZON
I’ve read all of the Thoughtless books except for Thoughtful. After reading Untamed, I completely 100% want to read Thoughtful now. It’s been years since I’ve read a SC Stephens book, but there’s something about this author that I can’t get enough of.
When I read Thoughtless years ago, I was a newbie NA reader and I hadn’t started to review yet. I was adamant against cheating. As much as I loved Kellan, the cheating gutted me. I feel like now, I have mature and my reading taste has changed. I want to reread the whole series (and I will, on audio, because it’s my favorite form of re-reading) and see it in a new light.
I loved Griffin from the Thoughtless books. I craved him. He made me smile, laugh and is antics totally cut the crazy tension in the books. I’ve been dying for his own story and with 560 pages of Griffin love, you get everything you want, wished and hopeful and more.
Untamed is the 4th book in the Thoughtless series. You technically can read it on its own since it’s Griffin’s book and the previous three books and novella is Kellan’s story, BUT I highly recommend you reading it in order to get the whole affect.
Untamed begins where Reckless left off. Griffin is the bass player for the number one rock band D-bags. The previous three books were Kellan’s story, the lead signer (who I still love to this day). I love the beginning of Untamed. It beings with how Griffin sees life, with his wife, child and bandmates. He’s so self-centered, egotistical and selfish, it’s boarder-line comical and very amusing. His wife, grounds him and if it wasn’t for Anna, I would have serious issues with Griffin (even though I loved him so much from the previous books).
His love for Ann completely had me in this book. He sees nothing but this woman and it will make your heart swoon, sigh and faint. I want my own rocker man now! Griffin sees himself only on the sidelines and he craves fame deeply. He believes he has waited long enough and is urging his bandmates to let him lead in the spotlight.
It was a real struggle reading Griffin’s struggle. I’m so happy this book was 100% from his POV. I felt all of his inner emotions, pain and torment. Griffin strives so hard to gain more than what he already has and he doesn’t value what is already in front of him. I forget that SC Stephens writes angsty books and it had me pulling my hair out. But I love the writing style (does that make sense?). I was addicted to Griffin’s story. I was consumed by his madness and I read this huge book in one sitting!
This book will put you in an up and down roller coaster of emotions. You will want to slap, punch the Hero, but also fall in love with him at the same time. This book is for the fans, absolutely. I highly recommend.
An Arc was provided
Thoughtless AMAZON
Effortless AMAZON
Reckless REVIEW| AMAZON
Thoughtful AMAZON
Untamed AMAZON
November 5, 2015
****4 AWESOME Stars****
(Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
(BR with Patty)
D-Bags 4Eva!!!!!
I feel like this book was written for the fans. For all of us D-Bags groupies, this treat of a book is not only about the romantic story between Griffin and Anna but a tribute to all the guys in this wonderful band.
You know, when I was reading The Thoughtless series I loved Griffin's character, he definitely added the humor to a very angsty story but in my mind I thought his personality was mostly an act, just him trying to be the class clown kind of guy. But as I read Untamed I realized that Griffin really believes he is God's best creation and that he was put in this world as a gift for all humanity, and so I spent half of the book laughing out loud at his crazy antics and the other half wanting to reach inside the story to strangle him. Untamed is nothing short of a good time.
I gotta say how much I loved Anna in this book, you see a totally different girl from the one we met in previous books. Motherhood has really made her mature but definitely always keeping her edge. Her love for her husband was completely unconditional and it was a thing of beauty. Anna's love for her family had no bounds and I was so impressed by her character. She was the calm before the storm that is Griffin.
This book is all about Griffin's struggles as he comes to realize his mistakes and mostly his selfishness toward his band mates and family. For most of the book you do see how much he loves Anna and his friends and family but he has a hard time when it comes to expressing his feelings.
I think my favorite thing about this book was to read about what a wonderful yet unconventional father Griffin was. It was equal parts of adorable and entertaining.
"Because without you, I'm not really anything."
"You are the best part of me."
This book ultimately delivers a great message about the beauty of second chances. Be ready to laugh and be blinded by the stars of all rock themed book series ever, The D-Bags are back baby!!!!
My Untamed music playlist:
*Ex's & Oh's by Elle King
*Da Ya Think I'm Sexy? by Rod Stewart
*Sexy And I know It By LMFAO
*S&M Remix by Rihanna
*We Can't Stop by Miley Cyrus
*Raise Your Glass by P!nk
(Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
(BR with Patty)
D-Bags 4Eva!!!!!
I feel like this book was written for the fans. For all of us D-Bags groupies, this treat of a book is not only about the romantic story between Griffin and Anna but a tribute to all the guys in this wonderful band.
You know, when I was reading The Thoughtless series I loved Griffin's character, he definitely added the humor to a very angsty story but in my mind I thought his personality was mostly an act, just him trying to be the class clown kind of guy. But as I read Untamed I realized that Griffin really believes he is God's best creation and that he was put in this world as a gift for all humanity, and so I spent half of the book laughing out loud at his crazy antics and the other half wanting to reach inside the story to strangle him. Untamed is nothing short of a good time.
I gotta say how much I loved Anna in this book, you see a totally different girl from the one we met in previous books. Motherhood has really made her mature but definitely always keeping her edge. Her love for her husband was completely unconditional and it was a thing of beauty. Anna's love for her family had no bounds and I was so impressed by her character. She was the calm before the storm that is Griffin.
This book is all about Griffin's struggles as he comes to realize his mistakes and mostly his selfishness toward his band mates and family. For most of the book you do see how much he loves Anna and his friends and family but he has a hard time when it comes to expressing his feelings.
I think my favorite thing about this book was to read about what a wonderful yet unconventional father Griffin was. It was equal parts of adorable and entertaining.
"Because without you, I'm not really anything."
"You are the best part of me."
This book ultimately delivers a great message about the beauty of second chances. Be ready to laugh and be blinded by the stars of all rock themed book series ever, The D-Bags are back baby!!!!
My Untamed music playlist:
*Ex's & Oh's by Elle King
*Da Ya Think I'm Sexy? by Rod Stewart
*Sexy And I know It By LMFAO
*S&M Remix by Rihanna
*We Can't Stop by Miley Cyrus
*Raise Your Glass by P!nk
October 20, 2015
3.5 Stars for The Hancock Girls
*ARC provided per publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.*
Griffin Hancock is hard to handle. He is the constant life of the party. Nothing is too serious. Hurling lewd insults at whomever is near, taking pleasure whenever he wants, he is a rockstar! Well, take that back, he is part of the famous D-Bags…Kellen Kyle is the Rockstar.
One chance…one moment is all he wants to own a place in the spotlight. But how deserving is the man whose actions are never careful…whose work ethic is absent…whose personality is obnoxious at best? With the constant love and support of his wife Anna, Griffin is ready to take on the world, damn anyone who doesn’t believe in him. No one ever said Griffin Hancock was tame. One snap decision and lives are altered.
This is one of those reads that I would love to split into part one and part two and review seperately. I admittedly struggled through the first part of the book with Griffin’s decision and journey. While I always thought I enjoyed the sassy, lewd behavior that defined him, I did grow a bit tired of his “magnanimous” attitude. Trying to convince the world of your abilities?...
His internal dialogue and decision making were so self-centered and juvenile at times that I just couldn’t comprehend. His only saving grace was his love of Anna and his girls…it was his only redeeming trait! Lie after lie…insult after insult it was difficult to read as he burned bridges at every corner.
While it was a bit sad to see a brazen man fall…it was also a bit satisfying and somewhat beautiful to watch a man finally grow up! I applaud S.C. Stephens for truly redeeming “The Hulk.”! With humble actions and heartfelt emotions, she brought a man back to his humanity…back to his beginnings. The second half of the book was simply feel-good awesomeness. I loved the true love and respect between a husband and a wife, camaraderie and admiration amongst friends, and complete redemption of a man.
It was not an easy or pretty read, but in the end it was satisfying. Tamed may have been Griffin’s book, but it made me fall for female like no other. Anna Hancock is brass balls amazing. She owned the story for me just as she owned Griffin. Together, Anna and Griffin made the angst, made the heat, and made the love story proper. Perhaps, I am like the thousand other D-Bag Fans in that Kellen Kyle will always be #1.
*ARC provided per publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.*
Griffin Hancock is hard to handle. He is the constant life of the party. Nothing is too serious. Hurling lewd insults at whomever is near, taking pleasure whenever he wants, he is a rockstar! Well, take that back, he is part of the famous D-Bags…Kellen Kyle is the Rockstar.
One chance…one moment is all he wants to own a place in the spotlight. But how deserving is the man whose actions are never careful…whose work ethic is absent…whose personality is obnoxious at best? With the constant love and support of his wife Anna, Griffin is ready to take on the world, damn anyone who doesn’t believe in him. No one ever said Griffin Hancock was tame. One snap decision and lives are altered.
This is one of those reads that I would love to split into part one and part two and review seperately. I admittedly struggled through the first part of the book with Griffin’s decision and journey. While I always thought I enjoyed the sassy, lewd behavior that defined him, I did grow a bit tired of his “magnanimous” attitude. Trying to convince the world of your abilities?...
His internal dialogue and decision making were so self-centered and juvenile at times that I just couldn’t comprehend. His only saving grace was his love of Anna and his girls…it was his only redeeming trait! Lie after lie…insult after insult it was difficult to read as he burned bridges at every corner.
While it was a bit sad to see a brazen man fall…it was also a bit satisfying and somewhat beautiful to watch a man finally grow up! I applaud S.C. Stephens for truly redeeming “The Hulk.”! With humble actions and heartfelt emotions, she brought a man back to his humanity…back to his beginnings. The second half of the book was simply feel-good awesomeness. I loved the true love and respect between a husband and a wife, camaraderie and admiration amongst friends, and complete redemption of a man.
It was not an easy or pretty read, but in the end it was satisfying. Tamed may have been Griffin’s book, but it made me fall for female like no other. Anna Hancock is brass balls amazing. She owned the story for me just as she owned Griffin. Together, Anna and Griffin made the angst, made the heat, and made the love story proper. Perhaps, I am like the thousand other D-Bag Fans in that Kellen Kyle will always be #1.
Shelved as 'on-hold-for-now'
February 23, 2016Currently on Netgalley -> https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
9/25/2015
There's just something about Griffin that caught my eye from the start of it all.
RELEASE DATE: 11/3/2015
Pre-order | order: http://amzn.to/1M69XkT
9/25/2015
There's just something about Griffin that caught my eye from the start of it all.
RELEASE DATE: 11/3/2015
Pre-order | order: http://amzn.to/1M69XkT
August 3, 2023
Now it's finally Griffin's time to be the star...at least the star of his own book. ☺
The story doesn't take place during Kellan's books - nope - it's live!
Griff and Anna's daughter Gibson is about 18 months old now and the band is about to go on tour again.
But Griffin - he doesn't want to be the bass-player in the background anymore.
He wants to be a star!
He's always known that he's too awesome to just be a guy in a band - he wants to be the STAR!
When I first joined the D-Bags a few years ago, I had been under the completely logical assumption that once my overall awesomeness was known, I would replace my cousin as the lead guitarist.
But the other D-Bags just don't get him at all - they never listen to any of the ideas he has for the band, they don't want to let him play lead guitar - NOTHING.
He's had it with those guys....family or not - he wants and deserves more!
Nobody put the Hulk in the corner. Nobody.
Perfect timing for Hollywood to come knocking. They want him to play the lead in a new Rock-Star-TV-Series.
Griff packs up his wife and kids and leaves for La-La-Land.
But of course nothing is as easy as he imagined it to be - even though he's sooo awesome ☺
WHAT WiLL HAPPEN TO GRiFFiN & ANNA???
WiLL HiS iDiOCY DRiVE THEM APART???
WiLL THERE BE A CLiFFHANGER???
nope...
I'm not telling you ☺
════════════════════════════════
WAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!
THE HULK IS ON MY KINDLE!!
And gues what???? He's sooooo amazing!
I'm such a huge #KellanKyle fan (aka his number one fan!!!) and Griffin was always just the comic relief in the background - the idiot of the band.
But he's so much more.
And he's so humble too!!!! ☺☺☺
The first chapter - (hm, well, more like 80% of the book) - are just him telling us how awesome he is.
God, that guy!
He's just sooo adorable!
I didn't really know what to expect when I started reading. We all know THE HULK - we also saw tiny glimpses of a guy with feelings in the other books, but we never read about what he thinks and feels.
And it's so beautiful. Well, not really, mostly we just want to grab him and shake him and hit him and grrrrr. But there are sooo many amazingly moving moments in this book. I cried so much with and for Griffin - and I even hated a tiny little bit on all the other D-Bags here and there.
Matt gave me a dumbfounded look, like I was missing something obvious. I hated that look. It made me feel stupid, and I wasn't.
And the moments that are not full of emotions - we just have to laugh about that poor guy. I have no idea how one guy can think so much awesome thoughts about himself. I was constantly shaking my head at his awesomeness. ☺☺☺.... like that sweet quote up there ^^^ which continues as follows:
I had smarts. Smarts, skills, and looks. I was the whole package - a triple threat of awesomeness.
He says so many thinks that made me cry though...
Just once, I'd like people to notice me, ya know? Just once, I want to shine. I want ... I just want a chance.
ugh that poor guy! His total awesomeness hides this whole vulnerable side of him. And it's really hard for him to let other people see that side. But maybe by the end of the book he'll get there ...
He has his sister, who listens to him and tries to help - and he has Anna and his daughters... it's soo adorable the way he acts around his three girls.
This was just the perfect Rockstar Romance - full of feels and laughter and sexy-times!!!
UNTAMED was such an amazingly funny & sexy, but also beautifully emotional & moving book. Griffin really deserved to have his story told. He's just too awesome to not have his own book ☺ You'll laugh, cry and you want to hit him so bad ... but I think he gets it now ... It's never too late to grow up.
November 14, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone Book 4 of Thoughtless series
POV: First Person - Male
Rating:
Griffin Hancock always believed he was destined for greatness. When his band the D-Bags hit it big, he got everything he ever wanted. But apparently everything still wasn’t enough.
When opportunity knocked he jumped on it without much thought. Blinded by his quest for ultimate greatness, he risked everything that was ever important to his life.
Griffin is my second favorite character in the Thoughtless series. I was both apprehensive and ecstatic to read this one, and in the end I did like his book.
Griffin’s charm laid on his “awesomeness”. In the previous book, when we got to see it in bits and pieces, it was highly amusing. But the whole book filled with his “awesomeness” got a little overwhelming for me.
His self absorbing attitude got tiring very quickly and it went on until more than 60% of the book. But once he was at the turning point in his life, that’s when the story got interesting. From that point I rooted for him and yes, forgave him.
I never really liked Anna before, but like Griffin, she grew up. She was the voice of reason behind his uncontrollable antics and both of them really complement each other as a couple.
I like the direction the story went because it fit Griffin perfectly. And I love how the other band members and their significant others played a big part in shaping his life.
What I didn’t particularly like was the epilogue. Personally I feel there’s no need to wrap up everything in a big shiny bow. But that’s just me. If you now me well enough, you’d know I’m a little allergic to that stuff hahah!
Untamed is a journey of the rise and fall of a rockstar. It takes you through a whole cycle of emotions of joy, heartbreak and everything in between.
Books in the series:
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone Book 4 of Thoughtless series
POV: First Person - Male
Rating:
Griffin Hancock always believed he was destined for greatness. When his band the D-Bags hit it big, he got everything he ever wanted. But apparently everything still wasn’t enough.
When opportunity knocked he jumped on it without much thought. Blinded by his quest for ultimate greatness, he risked everything that was ever important to his life.
Griffin is my second favorite character in the Thoughtless series. I was both apprehensive and ecstatic to read this one, and in the end I did like his book.
I was such a good lay, even I wanted to sleep with me.
Griffin’s charm laid on his “awesomeness”. In the previous book, when we got to see it in bits and pieces, it was highly amusing. But the whole book filled with his “awesomeness” got a little overwhelming for me.
Just once, I’d like people to notice me, ya know? Just once, I want to shine.
His self absorbing attitude got tiring very quickly and it went on until more than 60% of the book. But once he was at the turning point in his life, that’s when the story got interesting. From that point I rooted for him and yes, forgave him.
She stood taller, prouder, and even though she was smaller than me, I suddenly felt dwarfed by her presence.
I never really liked Anna before, but like Griffin, she grew up. She was the voice of reason behind his uncontrollable antics and both of them really complement each other as a couple.
I like the direction the story went because it fit Griffin perfectly. And I love how the other band members and their significant others played a big part in shaping his life.
What I didn’t particularly like was the epilogue. Personally I feel there’s no need to wrap up everything in a big shiny bow. But that’s just me. If you now me well enough, you’d know I’m a little allergic to that stuff hahah!
Untamed is a journey of the rise and fall of a rockstar. It takes you through a whole cycle of emotions of joy, heartbreak and everything in between.
Books in the series:
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
October 31, 2015
S.C. Stephens did it again. She left me breathless. With 'Untamed', she had me laughing, fuming, sad, heartbroken and finally joyous. With the follow-up to Kellan and Kierra's story from the 'Thoughtless' series, Griffin gets the chance to share his. And oh, what a story it is.
TRIGGER WARNING: If self-absorbed, immature, liars, who refuse to accept responsibility for themselves and their actions is a problem for you... you may hate Griffin!
SWOON WARNING: If go-all-in, let's have fun-life is a party, let me treat you like the queen you are, men - who love to a fault, and are totally obsessed fathers, and completely and totally in love with one woman... then you may love Griffin!
Me? I fell in love with Griffin, while wanting to shake him. Let's just say, Anna is a saint! And Stephens is brilliant. She maintained Griffin's character throughout the entirety of 'Untamed'. Never once wavering from who he is at his core, even as he grew up and transformed, he was still "Griffin". From the immature, cocky, confident, self-absorbed man, to the self-actualized adult, Griffin never fails to entertain. You can't help but love him. He is protective and tender and loving. The way he is with Anna and his daughters - - - it is heart-meltingly good! Proving he is worthy of being loved and supported.
❝I will not tear up, I will not tear up. It's fine to leave her with an underage stranger.❞
Griffin learns he can't talk his way out of the problems he created by his behavior. And as he struggles with this realization, he is forced to realize his view of "team" was skewed. His level of involvement directly correlated with is level of commitment to the band. And likewise, he spent so much time worrying about what was "owed to him" that he failed to see what was important - his "family".
And it was his family in the end that saved him. His sister Chelsey was supportive and wise, offering tidbits of wisdom that left him food for thought on his dark days. "You forget about what you never had...and you go after what you lost...even if you have to crawl through the mud to do it." Yet, it was his dad's talk was the driving force for Griffin's change:
❝But how you deal with the disappointment is still your choice.
...you could make the best of your situation, pull your head out of the clouds, be responsible and reliable, put your nose to the grindstone, and provide for those who need it. And while you're doing it, you try to remember WHY you're doing it, so you can attempt to get through each day with as much of your sanity intact as possible.❞
Anna was an amazing character as well. She was strong and centered. Exactly what Griffin needed. While she loved to have fun and be spontaneous, she lived her life with her eyes wide open. Aware of life around her, she was one smart cookie! Except where Griffin was concerned. Anna, too loved with her whole heart, which allowed her to not see the warning signs when Griffin was in trouble. I loved that she was not a doormat. She knew she needed to make decisions based on her children and herself. And in doing so, she forced Griffin's hand.
Gibson - that girl is a hoot! I want to read her book as an adult! PLEASE S.C. STEPHENS WRITE IT!
S.C. Stephens did Griffin and Anna's story justice. A story about second chances, redemption, acceptance, and unconditional love, you can't help but to finish reading with a smile on your face and a warm heart.
I compiled a playlist of songs I felt represented their story. (If you didn't already know, in Spotify you can view the lyrics while you listen. This option is on the lower right hand corner.)
My Playlist for Untamed
I hope you enjoy their story, and I hope you will let me know which songs this book inspired for you.
ARC graciously provided from Forever, Grand Central Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2015
(Source: I received a paper copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Little Brown Book Group.)
“Kellen is hogging all the glory and I’m being shoved into the background. He is the talent, my ass.”
I expected this to be one of those books where you dislike the main character at the start, but grow to like them as the book progresses, but having finished, I still don’t like Griffin, so I kind-of liked this book even though I didn’t like him.
Griffin was never my favourite character, and he didn’t grow on me during this book at all. He was rude, crude, selfish, and had no idea the consequences of his actions. He seemed to go out of his way to mess up other people’s relationships, and didn’t even seem to care that much about his own relationships with people. He lied, did things behind people’s backs, and couldn’t even be honest to his own wife! I mean really?!
"You lied to me for months?"
The storyline in this was basically about Griffin thinking that he was more awesome than anyone else, and wanting to prove that by doing things on his own. He totally screwed things up though, as expected, and drove everyone who cared for him away, and it was easy to see why when you considered the things he was doing.
"Dude! Lighten the f*ck up,"
The ending to this was okay, but in my opinion things ended far too well for Griffin, which wasn’t what he deserved at all.
7 out of 10
“Kellen is hogging all the glory and I’m being shoved into the background. He is the talent, my ass.”
I expected this to be one of those books where you dislike the main character at the start, but grow to like them as the book progresses, but having finished, I still don’t like Griffin, so I kind-of liked this book even though I didn’t like him.
Griffin was never my favourite character, and he didn’t grow on me during this book at all. He was rude, crude, selfish, and had no idea the consequences of his actions. He seemed to go out of his way to mess up other people’s relationships, and didn’t even seem to care that much about his own relationships with people. He lied, did things behind people’s backs, and couldn’t even be honest to his own wife! I mean really?!
"You lied to me for months?"
The storyline in this was basically about Griffin thinking that he was more awesome than anyone else, and wanting to prove that by doing things on his own. He totally screwed things up though, as expected, and drove everyone who cared for him away, and it was easy to see why when you considered the things he was doing.
"Dude! Lighten the f*ck up,"
The ending to this was okay, but in my opinion things ended far too well for Griffin, which wasn’t what he deserved at all.
7 out of 10
November 5, 2015
-- Contains mild spoilers -- Read at your own risk --
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - thank you Little Brown Book Group!
1.5 STARS FOR UNTAMED.
This book in a gif:
GRIFFIN, what happened to you??
I'm so disappointed.
This is 100% not the Griffin we knew and loved in the Thoughtless books. Yes, in those books he's a bit of a dick and he would say things to annoy them, but he wasn't this bad. He'd say and do things to upset the people around him, and end up being stuck and alone with only himself to blame.
His ego was massive, he was attention-seeking, fame hungry and was so me me me all the time. Dude - you're a father! Fucking act like one.
I hate people like this, so it's natural that I disliked him in this book. I tried not to hate him, but I did.
Griffin in the end fucking things up so bad that he finally realised what a fucking idiot he is.
His decisions were awful, he'd not listen to anyone who cared about him and make such poor judgments. During this whole book, my face was pretty much like this
like, seriously mate. What is wrong with you? And the amount of lies he told Anna was fucking ridiculous. The thing about Griffin in the Thoughtless books is that he's very honest, which is why he always puts his foot in his mouth, but it's always harmless stuff. Stuff people could laugh about and forget. Not this book though, there was so much lying and going behind Anna's back, and so much 'I'M AWESOME AND BETTER THAN EVERYONE'. It got boring really fast.
And the amount of times the word 'awesome' was used.
Jeeze.
(Just like to point out - there's no cheating in this book, in case you're wondering. It is Griffin, after all)
He screwed up his future, the band, and everything for his wife and children. He really went too far, and it was his own fault. Not him, but this new him. Urgh, I don't like him at all.
It's funny because around the 70% mark, he suddenly changed and he was this other person. I don't want to spoil it too much, but it was as if the reverse button was pushed and he turned into fucking Mother Theresa.
He even started a fucking charity!
what the..
And don't get me started on all the other characters. Kellan and Evan had no opinions on anything (which is unlike Kellan), Kiera was this wise old Dumbledore, Anna was a doormat who had no backbone and just had sex with Griffin and was a baby-machine. Griffin's family were uninteresting and the rest of the characters were unimportant. Le sigh...they're not the characters I know and love at all!
I also think the story was pointless. I don't understand what we're supposed to get from this? It started with them as the D-Bags and ended the same, only with people respecting Griffin less and them having more children. It's not really done anything for the Thoughtless-verse at all, and I would have preferred the series to have ended where the Reckless epilogue finished. I adore the Reckless epilogue, it's so cute and sweet, and a perfect ending to the story. This epilogue? Babies.
So many babies
BABIES EVERYWHERE
It's definitely the fluffiest epilogue I've ever read, and if you like that, then you'll for sure love this one. I did, but even I was like 'alright...enough now' haha. So much pairing off and trying too hard to make sure everyone is happy. We know they're happy, no need to beat it over our heads.
So yes, I'm quite disappointed with this book. It's not at all what I wanted or expected, and I hate to say this, but I won't be re-reading this one. I will be re-reading and re-listening to the other books though because I love the series. Just not impressed with this one.
I'm sorry.
1.5 stars.
------------
UPDATE #3
THERE'S A COVER.
A COVER!!
IT LOOKS AWESOME. I'M SO EXCITED!
GIVE ME THIS BOOK NOW OMFG
UPDATE #2
THE SUMMARY.
THE FUCKING SUMMARY.
HE LEAVES THE DBAGS AND THEN REGRETS IT. MAKES SENSE, IT SOUNDS LIKE GRIFFIN
BUT OMFG.
POST-RECKLESS.
KELLAN KYLE.
BABIES.
GIBSON AND RYDER WILL BE IN IT.
*DIES*
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK!
I NEED THIS BOOK IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW
OMFG
UPDATE
THE BOOK HAS A NAME.
UNTAMED
*squee!*
saying I'm excited is an understatement!
I can't-
*dies*
*comes back to life*
I abso-fucking-lutely love Griffin, no matter how crude he is!
I can't wait to read his book. so can't wait! Yay!
Bring.
It.
On.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - thank you Little Brown Book Group!
1.5 STARS FOR UNTAMED.
This book in a gif:
GRIFFIN, what happened to you??
I'm so disappointed.
This is 100% not the Griffin we knew and loved in the Thoughtless books. Yes, in those books he's a bit of a dick and he would say things to annoy them, but he wasn't this bad. He'd say and do things to upset the people around him, and end up being stuck and alone with only himself to blame.
His ego was massive, he was attention-seeking, fame hungry and was so me me me all the time. Dude - you're a father! Fucking act like one.
I hate people like this, so it's natural that I disliked him in this book. I tried not to hate him, but I did.
Griffin in the end fucking things up so bad that he finally realised what a fucking idiot he is.
His decisions were awful, he'd not listen to anyone who cared about him and make such poor judgments. During this whole book, my face was pretty much like this
like, seriously mate. What is wrong with you? And the amount of lies he told Anna was fucking ridiculous. The thing about Griffin in the Thoughtless books is that he's very honest, which is why he always puts his foot in his mouth, but it's always harmless stuff. Stuff people could laugh about and forget. Not this book though, there was so much lying and going behind Anna's back, and so much 'I'M AWESOME AND BETTER THAN EVERYONE'. It got boring really fast.
And the amount of times the word 'awesome' was used.
Jeeze.
(Just like to point out - there's no cheating in this book, in case you're wondering. It is Griffin, after all)
He screwed up his future, the band, and everything for his wife and children. He really went too far, and it was his own fault. Not him, but this new him. Urgh, I don't like him at all.
It's funny because around the 70% mark, he suddenly changed and he was this other person. I don't want to spoil it too much, but it was as if the reverse button was pushed and he turned into fucking Mother Theresa.
He even started a fucking charity!
what the..
And don't get me started on all the other characters. Kellan and Evan had no opinions on anything (which is unlike Kellan), Kiera was this wise old Dumbledore, Anna was a doormat who had no backbone and just had sex with Griffin and was a baby-machine. Griffin's family were uninteresting and the rest of the characters were unimportant. Le sigh...they're not the characters I know and love at all!
I also think the story was pointless. I don't understand what we're supposed to get from this? It started with them as the D-Bags and ended the same, only with people respecting Griffin less and them having more children. It's not really done anything for the Thoughtless-verse at all, and I would have preferred the series to have ended where the Reckless epilogue finished. I adore the Reckless epilogue, it's so cute and sweet, and a perfect ending to the story. This epilogue? Babies.
So many babies
BABIES EVERYWHERE
It's definitely the fluffiest epilogue I've ever read, and if you like that, then you'll for sure love this one. I did, but even I was like 'alright...enough now' haha. So much pairing off and trying too hard to make sure everyone is happy. We know they're happy, no need to beat it over our heads.
So yes, I'm quite disappointed with this book. It's not at all what I wanted or expected, and I hate to say this, but I won't be re-reading this one. I will be re-reading and re-listening to the other books though because I love the series. Just not impressed with this one.
I'm sorry.
1.5 stars.
------------
UPDATE #3
THERE'S A COVER.
A COVER!!
IT LOOKS AWESOME. I'M SO EXCITED!
GIVE ME THIS BOOK NOW OMFG
UPDATE #2
THE SUMMARY.
THE FUCKING SUMMARY.
HE LEAVES THE DBAGS AND THEN REGRETS IT. MAKES SENSE, IT SOUNDS LIKE GRIFFIN
BUT OMFG.
POST-RECKLESS.
KELLAN KYLE.
BABIES.
GIBSON AND RYDER WILL BE IN IT.
*DIES*
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK!
I NEED THIS BOOK IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW
OMFG
UPDATE
THE BOOK HAS A NAME.
UNTAMED
*squee!*
saying I'm excited is an understatement!
I can't-
*dies*
*comes back to life*
I abso-fucking-lutely love Griffin, no matter how crude he is!
I can't wait to read his book. so can't wait! Yay!
Bring.
It.
On.
Want to read
February 27, 2015We have a cover and blurb! WOOHOOOO!!!!
Griffin Hancock is tired of being stuck behind Kellan Kyle's spotlight. He's the best, the main event, and everyone should know it. He has Anna, and his beautiful daughter Gibson, to hell with the rest of them. A new venture presents itself, and Griffin decides this is his chance. When he tells the band about his new side gig, they tell him it's a terrible idea, so Griffin breaks ties with the band. Anna tries to be supportive of Griffin, but soon she's done, too. Realizing all he's lost, Griffin looks to find a way back to the life he threw away... but can he convince Anna that he's a changed man?
OMG!!! SO FUCKING EXCITED!!!
Griffin Hancock is tired of being stuck behind Kellan Kyle's spotlight. He's the best, the main event, and everyone should know it. He has Anna, and his beautiful daughter Gibson, to hell with the rest of them. A new venture presents itself, and Griffin decides this is his chance. When he tells the band about his new side gig, they tell him it's a terrible idea, so Griffin breaks ties with the band. Anna tries to be supportive of Griffin, but soon she's done, too. Realizing all he's lost, Griffin looks to find a way back to the life he threw away... but can he convince Anna that he's a changed man?
OMG!!! SO FUCKING EXCITED!!!
November 24, 2015
4 Untamable Stars.
This book follows Griffin’s story. After the D-Bags rise to fame, Griffin decides he does not want to be just another member of the bad. He wants to be “the” one. Make it on his own. He wants to be a legend and will do everything to do it. Including leaving his friends, his band and dragging his family to LA because of his own dreams. Anna tries to support him the most she can, but when things starts to get out of control she has to take a position and she chooses their daughters and their security and goes back to Seattle. How long it will take Griffin to notice, that his dream of rising may well be his fall?
To be honest, I was afraid of reading this book. Between the angst fest that was the first three books and the background story of Anna and Griffin, I had some reasons to be hesitant.
Luckily, this was different from the first book in the series, and the couple’s characteristic humor was present frequently. Anna definitely made this book for me, she was loyal and fierce and she fought her ground. She made a hard decision and stand by it, and that’s something to admire. Griffin pissed me off during a good part of the book, but eventually he taught us a lesson of humility and earning a second chance.
Overall, a good book especially if you like the previous one in the series.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
This book follows Griffin’s story. After the D-Bags rise to fame, Griffin decides he does not want to be just another member of the bad. He wants to be “the” one. Make it on his own. He wants to be a legend and will do everything to do it. Including leaving his friends, his band and dragging his family to LA because of his own dreams. Anna tries to support him the most she can, but when things starts to get out of control she has to take a position and she chooses their daughters and their security and goes back to Seattle. How long it will take Griffin to notice, that his dream of rising may well be his fall?
To be honest, I was afraid of reading this book. Between the angst fest that was the first three books and the background story of Anna and Griffin, I had some reasons to be hesitant.
Luckily, this was different from the first book in the series, and the couple’s characteristic humor was present frequently. Anna definitely made this book for me, she was loyal and fierce and she fought her ground. She made a hard decision and stand by it, and that’s something to admire. Griffin pissed me off during a good part of the book, but eventually he taught us a lesson of humility and earning a second chance.
Overall, a good book especially if you like the previous one in the series.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
October 12, 2015
She did it again! Knocked it out of the park!
January 3, 2016
Untamed
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Ohhhh Griffin
Griffin is feelin like no one is giving him a chance to b more centre stage in the band an he want the band to start seein the awesomeness that he sees in himself but the band as routine an they don't want to mess it up everything is goin perfect there the world's biggest band so why change it but Griffin isn't left in it go an the more he pushes the more they say no everyone starts getting a lil pissed of an things get said an b4 we know everything is fallin apart but Griffin does see anything but his awesomeness an that's what needs to change
I find that Anna is a get character in this book I an as way more patience then I would Griffin is a quite selfish through quite a bit of this book but she was there through his most stupid chooses an they were stupid I did start to think that there relationship was just revolved around sexy an let me just say Jesus these 2 r hot together they will have it anyway at anytime with Anna's pregnancy hormones an Griffins Hulk there was nothing stopping these to but I did feel so sorry for Anna she just wanted have her lil family she didn't need fancy things she was happy with a lil house once she had her family around but this is where Griffin didn't listen he just did want he wanted an sod anyone else
I have luvd Griffin through al the thoughtless series an even luvd through half of this but I think I had I started havin a but if a luv/hate relationship with him the first half of the book I wanted to kill him an then the last half I luvd him an the very end I just luvd an adored him how havin the life turn upside down can change u but it change Griffin for the best it was a bit crazy seein him fall out with his bandmates I hated seein it happen but there was a small bit of me that did feel sorry for him I didn't just want the band to listen him but the way he would not think before he spoke an the thinks he said to Matt an Kellen was just out of order sometimes an his don't care attitude was annoyin sometime
I did find this book a lil slow in parts but when it got better it was great I was a lil shocked in parts I can say it wasn't predictable well in some Ye but in others no I know that sound weird sorry
I was so excited when I knew Griffin was getting his own book an I wasn't disappointed I can't give it 5 stars like I thought I would but it was still good an I did enjoy it an I couldnt put it down it was funny getting into Griffins head an god is he crazy sometime an most of the time he thinks with his Hulk but I did enjoy meet in his family an seein how him an Anna get I would of luvd a few chapters of Anna's pov an I thing that's what i missed a lil cause like I said I don't know how she puts up with him sometimes
Overall I did enjoy an I would recommend it how could I not it's Griffin an if u have read the thoughtless series it's well worth it getting more of Kellen an the boys xxx
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Ohhhh Griffin
Griffin is feelin like no one is giving him a chance to b more centre stage in the band an he want the band to start seein the awesomeness that he sees in himself but the band as routine an they don't want to mess it up everything is goin perfect there the world's biggest band so why change it but Griffin isn't left in it go an the more he pushes the more they say no everyone starts getting a lil pissed of an things get said an b4 we know everything is fallin apart but Griffin does see anything but his awesomeness an that's what needs to change
I find that Anna is a get character in this book I an as way more patience then I would Griffin is a quite selfish through quite a bit of this book but she was there through his most stupid chooses an they were stupid I did start to think that there relationship was just revolved around sexy an let me just say Jesus these 2 r hot together they will have it anyway at anytime with Anna's pregnancy hormones an Griffins Hulk there was nothing stopping these to but I did feel so sorry for Anna she just wanted have her lil family she didn't need fancy things she was happy with a lil house once she had her family around but this is where Griffin didn't listen he just did want he wanted an sod anyone else
I have luvd Griffin through al the thoughtless series an even luvd through half of this but I think I had I started havin a but if a luv/hate relationship with him the first half of the book I wanted to kill him an then the last half I luvd him an the very end I just luvd an adored him how havin the life turn upside down can change u but it change Griffin for the best it was a bit crazy seein him fall out with his bandmates I hated seein it happen but there was a small bit of me that did feel sorry for him I didn't just want the band to listen him but the way he would not think before he spoke an the thinks he said to Matt an Kellen was just out of order sometimes an his don't care attitude was annoyin sometime
I did find this book a lil slow in parts but when it got better it was great I was a lil shocked in parts I can say it wasn't predictable well in some Ye but in others no I know that sound weird sorry
I was so excited when I knew Griffin was getting his own book an I wasn't disappointed I can't give it 5 stars like I thought I would but it was still good an I did enjoy it an I couldnt put it down it was funny getting into Griffins head an god is he crazy sometime an most of the time he thinks with his Hulk but I did enjoy meet in his family an seein how him an Anna get I would of luvd a few chapters of Anna's pov an I thing that's what i missed a lil cause like I said I don't know how she puts up with him sometimes
Overall I did enjoy an I would recommend it how could I not it's Griffin an if u have read the thoughtless series it's well worth it getting more of Kellen an the boys xxx
November 7, 2015
4.5 Stars!!!
No shit it's got to be PMS because I actually shed a few tears and that's the last thing I thought I'd be doing with Griffin's story! I mean Griffin! - the largest D of the D-Bags!!! I figured it'd be all fun and games with lots of Griffin cocky-isms but it was so much more. Though there were plenty of typical Griffin antics, there's also a serious tone.
For Griffin the lessons were hard learned and harder earned. They say there's only one way to go when you're at the top and that is down and in true Griffin style, he plummets at super sonic speed.
This is the story of the most offensive member of the DBAGS. His fame, his wife and kids, his unbelievable over inflated ego, his downfall and his struggle to climb back up. And it's a hell of a ride. I really don't think that Griffin's story could have been better written.
S.C. Stephens writing a book entirely in Griffin's POV is eye opening-ly masterful. In the first 60% or so of the book, we are immersed in Griffin's life bubble of awesomeness, and I was actually able to understand where he's coming from (well sometimes), I was able to actually feel his frustration (at least a little) but as the story progresses and his cocky, Griffin-centric view of his own awesomeness continues to be the driving force of his life choices. Then reality hits and the spiral down begins. And let me tell you that my feelings of frustration was overwhelming. I wanted to smack him and shake him!
Because even though I understood him better at the same time I also understood his many flaws.
And when Griffin hits rock bottom is something to behold. It's humbling and this is where the story took a turn for me and when I felt emotions for Griffin that I never thought I'd feel. I loved this part of the book because it surprised me. It was hard lessons and humbleness and heartbreak and ultimately perseverance and I was absolutely glued to my ereader!
What was surprisingly sweet and the one aspect of Griffin's feelings that I never questioned was his love for his girls. We saw just how much he felt for Anna and the kids and it was really endearing. And even though I was never interested in Griffin's sex life - I actually found them really hot together. They really are a great match. They had an understanding of each other that only got better and stronger by the end.
It was nice to catch up to Kellan (as endearing and gorgeous but also gracious as ever) and Kiera plays a small but very pivotal part and I just adorned them. We see what Matt and Evan's been up to. As well as a lot of the characters from the rest of the series.
By the end, Griffin had come full circle. His journey from having it all, to falling, to persevering, to appreciating his life made a great story. A story that surprised me in it's sincerity and depth!
No shit it's got to be PMS because I actually shed a few tears and that's the last thing I thought I'd be doing with Griffin's story! I mean Griffin! - the largest D of the D-Bags!!! I figured it'd be all fun and games with lots of Griffin cocky-isms but it was so much more. Though there were plenty of typical Griffin antics, there's also a serious tone.
For Griffin the lessons were hard learned and harder earned. They say there's only one way to go when you're at the top and that is down and in true Griffin style, he plummets at super sonic speed.
This is the story of the most offensive member of the DBAGS. His fame, his wife and kids, his unbelievable over inflated ego, his downfall and his struggle to climb back up. And it's a hell of a ride. I really don't think that Griffin's story could have been better written.
S.C. Stephens writing a book entirely in Griffin's POV is eye opening-ly masterful. In the first 60% or so of the book, we are immersed in Griffin's life bubble of awesomeness, and I was actually able to understand where he's coming from (well sometimes), I was able to actually feel his frustration (at least a little) but as the story progresses and his cocky, Griffin-centric view of his own awesomeness continues to be the driving force of his life choices. Then reality hits and the spiral down begins. And let me tell you that my feelings of frustration was overwhelming. I wanted to smack him and shake him!
Because even though I understood him better at the same time I also understood his many flaws.
And when Griffin hits rock bottom is something to behold. It's humbling and this is where the story took a turn for me and when I felt emotions for Griffin that I never thought I'd feel. I loved this part of the book because it surprised me. It was hard lessons and humbleness and heartbreak and ultimately perseverance and I was absolutely glued to my ereader!
What was surprisingly sweet and the one aspect of Griffin's feelings that I never questioned was his love for his girls. We saw just how much he felt for Anna and the kids and it was really endearing. And even though I was never interested in Griffin's sex life - I actually found them really hot together. They really are a great match. They had an understanding of each other that only got better and stronger by the end.
It was nice to catch up to Kellan (as endearing and gorgeous but also gracious as ever) and Kiera plays a small but very pivotal part and I just adorned them. We see what Matt and Evan's been up to. As well as a lot of the characters from the rest of the series.
By the end, Griffin had come full circle. His journey from having it all, to falling, to persevering, to appreciating his life made a great story. A story that surprised me in it's sincerity and depth!
Read
October 29, 2015DNF at 30%
Ugh....sadly this one didn't work for me and I couldn't continue reading.
I LOVED Griffin in the prior books and can only say that seeing him in the others POV was awesome - I loved his humor and wit and sarcasm. Unfortunately being in his head didn't work for me as he was conceited and over the top too much. I wanted to love him, but I just didn't and often times found myself holding my breath at what would come out of his mouth next.
I adore SC Stephens..I loved her Thoughtless series - just this one didn't work for me :(
Ugh....sadly this one didn't work for me and I couldn't continue reading.
I LOVED Griffin in the prior books and can only say that seeing him in the others POV was awesome - I loved his humor and wit and sarcasm. Unfortunately being in his head didn't work for me as he was conceited and over the top too much. I wanted to love him, but I just didn't and often times found myself holding my breath at what would come out of his mouth next.
I adore SC Stephens..I loved her Thoughtless series - just this one didn't work for me :(
February 10, 2019
3.5 Stars
Griffin Hancock
Griffin Hancock
March 24, 2017
I had so much excitement for this book. Over the top. EXCITEMENT. The Thoughtless books were some of my favorite reads and Kellan, well top BBF material for sure. So what happened when I got a chance to read Griffin Hancock’s story early? I froze. I was worried I built it up too much, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to put it down and I’d need to use a sick day to stay in bed reading. So I waited. I started it. I put it down. I came back to it. And thus began a cycle of starting and stopping until I got to the part where the entire story changed and I finally got the story I desperately wanted.
We all knew Griffin wasn’t going to be the deepest character. And out of all the D-bags he really was my least favorite. The first 60% of this book just drove that fact home. I really disliked the first part of this book. I knew what the author was doing – I knew that she was giving us Griff in all his moronic glory – that she wasn’t sugarcoating it. But I couldn’t stop thinking that I wish I had been reading Evan’s story instead (still want his damn story!). But as much as I struggled to get through the first half of this book, I didn’t give up. Even though it took me over a week to do so. I knew something was going to shift. I had to see it.
Now the last 40% of this book had me. I couldn’t put it down. I think I cried straight through the last two hours of reading this one. And maybe, just maybe all that struggle of hating Griffin so much during the start is really the cause for all the tears at the end, so maybe the author did an amazing thing by getting this reader to change her mind about this whole story – I am just a little worried that others might not be willing to stick out the start of this to get to the best parts. The parts when Griffin becomes a grown up.
I don’t really know how I feel overall about this book. Part of me wishes I could forget the whole start of this story and just focus on how much I loved the Griffin we saw at the end. But I can’t. I am trying hard to figure out if my feelings are twisted because this just isn’t Kellan, which isn’t fair. That was a hard act to follow. But I am sort of just in the middle of the road with this one.
I can say to readers who may be struggling with the start of this – see it through. Don’t give up because the change in Griffin and his situation does get you to become invested in the story. It will break your heart.
So I guess although I did not love this book, I loved parts. So I am going to just give this 3 stars – right in the middle.
We all knew Griffin wasn’t going to be the deepest character. And out of all the D-bags he really was my least favorite. The first 60% of this book just drove that fact home. I really disliked the first part of this book. I knew what the author was doing – I knew that she was giving us Griff in all his moronic glory – that she wasn’t sugarcoating it. But I couldn’t stop thinking that I wish I had been reading Evan’s story instead (still want his damn story!). But as much as I struggled to get through the first half of this book, I didn’t give up. Even though it took me over a week to do so. I knew something was going to shift. I had to see it.
Now the last 40% of this book had me. I couldn’t put it down. I think I cried straight through the last two hours of reading this one. And maybe, just maybe all that struggle of hating Griffin so much during the start is really the cause for all the tears at the end, so maybe the author did an amazing thing by getting this reader to change her mind about this whole story – I am just a little worried that others might not be willing to stick out the start of this to get to the best parts. The parts when Griffin becomes a grown up.
I don’t really know how I feel overall about this book. Part of me wishes I could forget the whole start of this story and just focus on how much I loved the Griffin we saw at the end. But I can’t. I am trying hard to figure out if my feelings are twisted because this just isn’t Kellan, which isn’t fair. That was a hard act to follow. But I am sort of just in the middle of the road with this one.
I can say to readers who may be struggling with the start of this – see it through. Don’t give up because the change in Griffin and his situation does get you to become invested in the story. It will break your heart.
So I guess although I did not love this book, I loved parts. So I am going to just give this 3 stars – right in the middle.
November 2, 2015
☆☆☆ ARC received by NetGalley ☆☆☆
3.5 STARS
Genre: Rock Star Romance
Cover: 9/10
Writing: 8/10
Heroine: 9/10
Hero: 9/10
Humour: 4/10
Hotness: 4/10
Romance: 7/10
Extra book Details: Hero POV; 1st person. Can be read as a stand alone.
Untamed was well written with some good drama, a love him or hate him hero and a love of my life romance.
With a better first half, Untamed would have been a solid 4 star read for me.
It starts off with Griffin, our hero, wanting more out of his position as the bass player in D-bags. But our beloved Rock band doesn't agree with him, they shun his suggestions to promote himself more, causing a major fallout.
My issues stemmed there. I didn't really see the calm before the storm, I was just thrown into it. I didn't like the Matt, who Griffin had the main feud with, at all. As idiotic as Griffin is, I felt bad for him, he wanted a chance, a very small chance, to have his time in the spotlight. And because Griffin is idiotic, he goes to drastic measures. But I can't help but feel the band pushed him into his actions.
Most of all, the first half waned, and I got bored.
It definitely picked up in the second half. Griffin became a lot more heartwarming, even though he was funny in his first half, he felt so much more human in his second.
I loved, LOVED his romance with Anna. They were so lovely together. I really liked spending time with his down to earth family, and I also loved the drama that peaked at the 70% mark.
Sadly, the D-bags did nothing for me, which was where the drama stemmed, so that fell flat for me. But I did enjoy the lovable idiot that was Griffin and his sexy baby mama Anna.
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