Wanted by Kelly Elliot {Review + Giveaway}

New Adult Contemporary Romance

Kindle format purchased from Amazon

Verbally abused by her mother for years, 18 year old Ellie Johnson always believed she would never be loved or wanted by anyone. She focused all of her attention on her grades and getting into the University of Texas to start a new life away from her mother. The last thing Ellie expected was to fall in love with Gunner Mathews, a starting linebacker for the University of Texas football team and not to mention, her brothers best friend. Gunner only had two passions in life, football and his grandfather’s ranch, until he falls for his best friends little sister. He will stop at nothing to show Ellie how much he wants her, even if it means he has to move faster than she would like. 

Gunner knows they are meant to be together forever, but Ellie keeps denying her feelings out of fear of being hurt again. Every time he gets close to winning her love, something pushes her away again. Will Ellie ever be able to let go of the past and let him into her heart and will Gunner be patient enough to wait for her?

What will it take for them to realize they are all each other have ever WANTED?

Can you imagine being told by your mother that no one would ever want or love you? Ellie was told this for years. Her mother blamed her for being left by her husband. Ellie was convinced at a young age that she would never be wanted or loved by anyone other than her big brother Jefferson. Her first two boyfriends only reinforced the idea by cheating on Ellie for sex.

 You will love her best friend Arianna. She is gifted in profanity and is loyal and protective of Ellie. Ari's mother imparts the great wisdom of Katherine Hepburn, "If you don't like being treated like a doormat then get the fuck off the floor."  With that in mind after she catches her boyfriend cheating, Ellie hits him in the face as hard as she could. Jefferson comes to the rescue but it's the gorgeous Gunner that really saves her. He's Jefferson's best friend and roommate. Just one look at him and Ellie is thinking 'Ryan who'.

Gunner

Ellie wants to protect her heart because boys have always proven to bastards. But she can't deny she is drawn to Gunner. Gunner doesn't even try to deny that he is instantly attracted to Ellie. He knows how broken she is and just wants to love her and be patient with her until she's ready. Their biggest challenge will be overcoming Ellie's self doubt.

The story alternates between Ellie and Gunner's POV. Gunner was fortunate to have amazing grandparents. His father is a controlling ass hat that basically disowns Gunner for choosing college and football over going into the Army. He's also had to very little contact with his mother because of his dad controlling her. His biggest challenge is getting Ellie to trust his love for her.

Jefferson surprises both Ellie and Gunner by encouraging  them to have a relationship. While things develop between them, Jefferson and Arianna are trying to figure their feelings out as well. It's like two love stories in one. Both couples have really steamy moments. I mean real pantie soaker moments. No virgins to be found at the end of this story. I love the happy ending for Ellie and Gunner. Jeff and Ari have a major bomb dropped on them at then end. I really look forward to Jeff and Ari's story in book two titled Saved.

About the Author:

Really I'm just a wife to a wonderful Texas cowboy who has a nack for making me laugh almost daily and supports my crazy ideas and dreams for some unknown reason...he claims it's because he loves me.....so I'll just go with that one! I'm also a mom to an amazing daughter who constantly is asking me to make her something to eat while she has her fingers moving like mad on her cell phone sending out what I'm sure is another very important text message! Oh...and I like to sit down and write in my spare time! I live in the Texas hill country and one of my favorite things to do is go for hikes around our property with my second favorite man, Gus....my chocolate lab and my sweet girl Rose, our golden retriever. When I'm not outside helping the hubby haul brush or move rocks or whatever fun chore he has in store for me that day, you will find me inside reading, writing or watching HGTV and soaking in a nice hot bubble bath.....yeah that last one I just made up but it sure does sound nice!

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