| Title | : | One Hundred Excuses (Aspen Cove, #5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 222 |
| Publication | : | First published November 1, 2018 |
One Hundred Excuses (Aspen Cove, #5) Reviews
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Favorite Quotes:
I’ve found few things grow without care—not a garden and not friendship. Anything worth having is worth cultivating.
He’d stood there staring at the drinks for minutes until the owner, Marge, asked him what the problem was. He explained that he didn’t know what a four-year-old liked. She handed him a six-pack of fruit punch and told him he couldn’t go wrong with sugar and red dye. Two things all kids seemed to love.
She leaned into Sage and whispered, “She doesn’t talk.” Sage smiled. “Sure she does, she just doesn’t use words.”
There were three flavors available. Honeycomb Your Hair, which was bits of honeycombs in vanilla ice cream served in a bowl of cotton candy. Beds Bugs, which was chocolate ice cream with chocolate covered peanuts, drizzled with caramel syrup. Princess and the Pooper, which was rainbow sherbet sprinkled with Pop Rocks and a dollop of fudge.
“I went to prom. I lost my virginity to Roxanne Belvedere under the bleachers at homecoming. I had game.” “Roxanne Belvedere? Sounds like a porn star.”
My Review:
Every time I have read one of these sweet and engaging Aspen Cove novels, I wistfully sigh and wish I knew of such a gentle and supportive community, as small-town living certainly wasn't anything like that in the tiny inbred hillbilly enclave where I, unfortunately, spent my formative years. But isn't that why most of us chose to read fiction? As with the other books in the series, the writing was easy to follow, observantly descriptive, deliciously steamy, and soul-satisfying.
I have adored each quirky character featured in this series and am now completely enamored with their swoon-worthy sheriff. Aiden was the consummate BBF and was uncommonly patient, insightful, thoughtful, and tender for a lawman. He was also the perfect match for the skittish Marina and her traumatized daughter. I appreciate the care and consideration Ms. Collins takes in establishing her uniquely appealing characters. Her storytelling never fails to hold my attention or interest. I especially admired and applauded the endowment of Marina's affirmation and credo of “victor, not a victim,” words we should all live by. -
[I received a digital ARC for an honest review]
This is my second Kelly Collins novel and I enjoyed it as much as the first. One Hundred Excuses is seriously the sweetest most heart-warming story I have read in a while.
Marina has escaped from a horrible situation and has decided to place roots in Aspen Cove. She has decided that she will no longer be a victim but a victor and will protect her daughter no matter what. Her daughter Kellyn is the sweetest little girl in the world. She is skittish and mute because of her traumatic upbringing but when she slowly starts opening up and trusting Aiden it is absolutely heart melting. Her ex has caused her to be more than weary of the opposite sex, and she no plans to involve another man in her and her daughters life. But she can't resist the pull to her caring new neighbor sheriff Aiden Cooper.
Aiden Cooper is the local sheriff who focuses on his job and helping out his neighborhood. He has been cheated on in the past, so he is not currently looking for love when Marina and Kellyn show up next door. The moment he sees them he instantly wants to know more. He wants to protect them and keep them safe, and he wants to see them smile. The time Aiden, Marina and Kellyn spend together is sweet and adorable. There's gardening, swing sets, playground trips, picnics and ice cream stops. Also, the one on one time Aiden and Marina spend together is more than just sex, it was loving and passionate.
I'm looking forward to the next installment in the Aspen Cove series. Fingers crossed its Mark and Poppys story!"Aiden had kissed plenty of woman in his lifetime but none had made his heart twist and tighten in the process. None had made his stomach flip and flop. None had made him wants to climb mountains and slay dragons . That's exactly what Marinas kiss did to him."
"Never in her wildest imagination did she think she'd feel the passion course through her veins like it did when Aiden was near."
3.5/5🌟
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One Hundred Excuses by Kelly Collins
I was given a e arc of this story a little whiles ago. This was my first Kelly Collins story I have read and I found it to be sweet and heart warming.
This story is set in the Aspen Cove series, I enjoyed the writing and the characters, would love to check out the authors other work. -
With October being National Domestic Violence Awareness Month it seems appropriate to read a book with a central theme revolving around this very topic.
One Hundred Excuses had in tears multiple times . The story of Marina and Kellyn and the strong man, Aiden, who saw beyond the brokenness that these two were was incredibly touching. Aiden didn't plow into their lives, but instead by agreeing with Marina's "Victor not the Victim" motto he gentled and eased a kindness around them that neither had really known before which opened their hearts to love once again.
Recently coming from a violent marriage Marina was just looking to make a stable and safe environment for her and her daughter, Kellyn. Aspen Cove was a small town with a big heart, the perfect place to start over. Living next door to the town sheriff, Aiden Cooper, wasn't something Marina expected, but his gentle kindness slowly broke down her defenses and even Kellyn's shy demeanor.
Aiden wasn't looking for love, especially after he caught his fiance having sex with his last partner. Aiden moved to Aspen Cove to get away from all the bad memories and for a peaceful life, but when Marina and Kellyn move in they immediately steal his heart. He finds he'll do anything to protect them especially if it means the safety and wellbeing of his girls.
One Hundred Excuses is so well done and every character you meet in Aspen Cove feels like a friend you've meet before. This is the first book I've read by this author and I instantly fell in love.
Kelly highlights the generosity of people living in small towns and I will say I adore the big hearts of everyone I know since I too live in a small town. It could be why I felt so at home reading her book, but I also feel her writing is very well done.
The topic of domestic violence can be a topic that is hard to discuss, but Kelly does a fantastic job. Excellent job. -
I am stepping back into Aspen Cove after reading book 6 last week to book 5 after missing this book in my kindle. I am loving this series so much I can’t believe I missed one along the way, and what a book to miss. Both the hero and the heroine were strong and endearing character’s that had you fighting for them to find there HEA together. If you have followed any of my review you could not I just love small town romance and Kelly Collins always gives us her all in her stories, with so much more than just a romance but with depth and strong topics. I received a copy of this book and have voluntarily written an honest review.
Marina Caswell is our heroine, she is “a victor not a victim” and this she will show us during this book as she fights for not just herself but for her daughter. Kellyn is a four-year-old that has been through and seen too much for her age and this has caused her to stop speaking. Marina we have had the privilege to read about in an earlier book, so to learn more about her and what caused her to be on the run is very heartwarming. Aspen Cove is the place she had chosen to restart her life with her daughter after an unhappy marriage and a nasty divorce.
We get to learn more about the town's sheriff, Aiden Cooper has he meets the newly single mother and her daughter that have moved in next door. He is good at his job and loves the town he now lives in and didn’t think one set of eyes could change his world. He was hit hard to help and protect which considering his job is another new but the two new girls in his life soon look like becoming a lot more than he ever planned.
Can this new start work out for Marina and Kellyn?
Will the horrors of the past bring a brighter future to one little girl?
Can one man protect and love his town and a very damaged but strong woman? -
This novel will likely be triggering for anyone who has unfortunately experienced domestic abuse. It is not, however a story in which a woman is broken down to the point where she can not leave her abuser. Marina married Craig Caswell within weeks of meeting him because she fell in love with his young daughter. Kelly is mute and clearly traumatised and Marina will do anything to protect her including blackmailing Craig and his powerful family. She pulls up stakes and with Kellyn moves to Aspen Cove, a town where giving to help neighbours is the norm. It turns out her new neighbour is the local sheriff and sparks quickly fly between them.
In some ways the plot is predictable. The interactions between Sherrif Aidan, Marina and Kellyn are heartwarming. Marina is quite independent and determined she will be a victor rather than a victim. There were a few times I wanted to shake her for the choices she made, but she knew what she was about. When her ex started harrassing her she stood strong.
I did find there was a little more description of sexual activity than the story needed but on the whole I enjoyed the book and found it to be a quick read that has a positive message about community and caring. -
Aspen Cove is like Mayberry moved to the Colorado Rockies. It’s a small town with heart, loyal friends, and a strong sense of community. Just the perfect place for Marina and her daughter to start a new life together. Marina’s luck certainly is improving as she moves next store to the absolutely nicest and kindest man ever. Sheriff Aiden Cooper is a keeper. His scenes with Kellyn are so touching.
This is my first book in the Aspen Cove series. It’s a very romantic story, with just the right amount of sexy interludes. It isn’t all “Roses and Sunshine”, as there are tense moments involving Marina’s ex-husband. The story grabbed me enough, to check out this series. -
This is the first book in this series that I have read. I enjoyed it very much. I will have to go back and read the rest. Marina is a woman who is coming out of a terrible marriage and she is raising a 4 year old child. She meets Aiden and they fall in love. Thankfully in the end they get their HEA.
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One Hundred Reasons(Book 1) was a 5-star story but somehow the Aspen Cove series just keeps getting better. Marina had cameos in previous books and all we knew was she was a victim of domestic abuse. In One Hundred Excuses, we finally learn her story and find out she has gone from victim to victor. She is a momma bear who will do whatever it takes to protect Kellyn and give her the life she deserves. Aiden is the perfect man for Marina. He is calm, not easily provoked, caring, compassionate, and loving. He will do whatever it takes to protect Marina and Kellyn. He's pretty close to perfect. The marriage proposal was perfect! *swoon*
I loved the relationship between Aiden and Kellyn. I liked that when Marina got mad at Aiden for going behind her back, she didn't shun him or run away. She needed a little time to process why he did what he did and forgave him. I absolutely LOVED the way Marina took down Craig!
As always, the people of Aspen Cove rallied around and did what they do best: embrace newcomers and help in whatever way they can. I loved catching up with old friends.
I urge you to read One Hundred Excuses and the entire Aspen Cove series. Kelly Collins is a talented author you really need to read. -
5 Stars
Aiden and Marina are not your typical couple. Marina is a single mom in an atypical situation and Aiden is her next door neighbor. As the sheriff Aiden is curious as to her story, he can tell something is up but he isn’t sure what. What starts out as the interaction between two friendly neighbors turns into a strong and needed friendship. Kellyn, Marina’s daughter, is sweet, adorable and struggling with something that happened to her yet no one knows for sure the details. What continues throughout this story is an amazing friendship, that slowly and steadily grows into something much more. There is a sweetness from our hero towards not only Marina but Kellyn as well. The interactions between all three of these characters is heartwarming and I loved reading this book. I also love the authors way of describing our heroine, she is “a victor not a victim” and this is proven time and again throughout the book. If you want a book that will melt your heart and make you feel ALL the feels, while also having a touch of that danger and suspense, then this book is for you!
Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog -
One Hundred Excuses is the next installment in the Aspen Cove series by Kelly Collins, and it’s the most heartbreaking story I have ever read!
Marina Caswell has finally escaped from the monster of an ex-husband, and has managed to take her step-daughter with her! How? By blackmail! And now Kellyn and her and her daughter have finally found a safe place in Aspen Cove, living next door to Aspens sheriff Aiden Cooper! And despite the initial attraction, there is so much damage there, especially to Kellyn, who hasn’t spoken a word in years! But Aiden is determined to protect them, and love them.
But like many things, the monsters never stay away! And now Marina has to fight for her freedom again, but this time she has backup
What a story! It is absolutely magnificent! Now don’t get me wrong, this is not a story where the man rushes in and saves the day! This is very much about women and girls saving themselves! Well to be truthful, the whole series is like that in a way, but in this book, with the nature of the story, it’s so important! And I Loved it.
I give One Hundred Excuses 5 stars! -
4.5 stars from me :)
Moving to a new place is always a big change and a bit of anxiety. For Marina and her daughter it was a new life, new hope and an escape from the nightmare they had been living. Moving beside Sheriff Aiden Cooper would turn out to be the best move possible.
Aiden had one terrible relationship a few years back and really hasn't dated since then- certainly nothing substantial. But having a new neighbor with an adorable four year old is the setting for a beautiful garden to plant.
I really loved this story. Building a new life, being a single mom and being not only survivors but thriv'ers of domestic abuse.
The ex and his family is the darkness you never hope to see but sadly those kind of people do still exist and this story gives victory over them.
This is one special town that every person wishes for.
Steamy, cute, and overcoming the past, plus an adorable girl getting a family, a mom and a dad- that chose her.
I do wonder though are all the Caswell's bad? Or is the lawyer brother maybe not so much (one can hope for one not bad seed).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. -
I do enjoy visiting Aspen Cove. The small town atmosphere, the closeness and support of friends and family make it feel like you are visiting a really special place.
I admired Marina both for getting out of a violent situation, and for the way she got out. It had to be hard for both Marina and Kellyn to trust anyone. The way they both opened up and put their trust in Aiden was really sweet, especially with Kellyn. Kellyn, even speechless played a major part in this story. I loved the way Aiden behaved with Kellyn.
There was also an unexpected twist in this book. I wasn't expecting it, yet, I wasn't surprised either.
The narrator, Logan McAllister, did a really good job. He was able to convey just the right amount of ugliness in the character of Marine's ex husband. I always consider a great narration to be one that let's you get lost in the story and you aren't thinking of whether it's a man or woman speaking.
A sweet, sexy, heartwarming, small town, single mom romance. I look forward to the next Aspen Cove installment.
I voluntarily listened to and reviewed this audio book received from the author. -
Although I have read all the books in this series and loved the stories, this book has a special place in my heart, since I fell in love with little Kellyn and Marina's force in defending her.
After escaping an abusive relationship, Marina and her daughter, Kellyn, stop at Aspen Cove. They will live next to Sheriff Aiden Cooper's house, who from the beginning takes an interest in them and does everything to make them feel welcome in the city. From small gestures of respect to surprises in the middle of the night, it makes him gain the confidence of little Kellyn.
Over time, Aiden can demonstrate that not all men are bad as Marina's ex-husband, and she begins to open up to the possibility of a new love, while Kellyn also opens up for a relationship of confidence with Aiden.
But when Marina's past threatens newly built happiness, will they be able to overcome obstacles and stay together?
I loved the story, the characters, and the chance to see again the characters from the other books.
I highly recommend the reading. -
I was so glad to find out that in One Hundred Excuses we were gonna find out more about Marina and her story. Once again author Kelly Collins has giving me a book that I could get lost in what I would like to call my vacation time to Aspen Cove. We were able to reconnect with some of the other characters we have met in the previous stories. Even with all the characters Kelly is able to give a fresh new story with a different twist for each couple. I love how there are some serious topics that are happening in the world today that this author tackles and can even throw in a little humor in the book to keep you wanting to find out what happens to them in the end. I usually can suck a Kelly Collins book down in one sitting or till my eyes betray me and stop focusing. But do to a family situation a couple of months back I was unable to get into very much reading. But when I saw that I had another invitation to visit Aspen Cove again I knew it was what the doctor had ordered. I will ALWAYS come back to Aspen Cove. <3
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I have read every on of the Aspen Cove books and One Hundred Excuses is another good addition. Sherrif Aiden Cooper has watched everyone around he become lucky in love but now it looks like his turn has finally come. The woman that has caught his eye is single mother Marina Caswell. She and her adorable daughter Kellyn have recently moved in next door. Marina is a divorcee and is rightfully wary of men. She was in an abusive marriage for years, finally found the courage to break free and just wants to create a safe life for herself and her daughter. Aspen Cove seems like the perfect place. Can Aiden get Marina to open up her heart and let him into her life? I cannot tell you anymore without giving away their story of strength and love. One Hundred Excuses is a moving romance but there's still some heat and laughs. It's told from dual POV and it stands alone but I always recommend to serious readers to read the series in order to get the full impact of the characters and their lives.
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I wish I knew of some place in real life that has the same sense of community spirit as Aspen Cove does in this book. I think I’d move there in a heart beat. It’s probably no surprise that I���m a sucker for a man in uniform, which makes Aiden one of my favorite heroes in this series. He’s just the sweetest, most lovable, big ol’ teddy bear. But don’t let that sweetness fool you. When the safety of the people he’s responsible for protecting is threatened, Aiden’s one hundred percent angry grizzly. I adore Marina. Her personal mantra of “Victor, not a Victim” is an anthem we should be encouraging everyone to embrace. This pair works perfectly together. Aiden’s gentle fierce spirit shows both Marina and Kellyn how a truly good man behaves and gives ‘his girls’ a safe place to heal and learn to trust again. I want to see this series continue forever.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author. -
In this warm-hearted romance with some suspense, Marina hides away in Aspen Cove with her four-year-old daughter. Finding that the local sheriff is her new neighbour doesn't exactly fill her with optimism as she knows better than to trust those in authority. However, when Aiden first lays eyes on Marina and Kellyn, his protective instincts are aroused and he vows to do whatever he can to shield and keep the mother and daughter safe. Aspen Cove takes care of its own and Marina and Kellyn begin to find healing, that is until the snake rears its head in their Garden of Eden. In line with the rest of the series, there is healing and redemption as well as romance that touches one at a deep level. The story is well written and kept my interest all the way through. Although this novel is part of a series and characters do overlap, it is nevertheless a standalone with a very satisfactory conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my voluntary review.
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This is the first time in reading this author and even though this one was in a series it was still easily read. After reading it though it did get me interested in the others. Not knowing what to expect it was like entering in slowly so not to miss anything. Marina and Kellyn capture your attention right away with you looking closely. When Aiden enters the picture you know he has a challenge. As this progresses and you feel disgust for the ex you are captured or at least I was by Kellyn. I delighted in her almost more than the adults. You feel so much joy for her triumphs also. She steals it you might say. Each event in here that causes alarm escalates to where you on edge a time or two. Enjoyed from beginning to end.
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One Hundred Excuses - This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it immensely. Well written with good storylines and characters that are likable and decent people. I didn't realize this is part of series because other people and previous history were mentioned in passing as if introduced in another book. BUT this did not diminish my enjoyment of this delightful, heartwarming story.
I had fun with Mrs. Beasley (from Family Affair), I remember when she hit the store shelves in the late 60s. Now I want to read the rest of the stories. I did skip the sex scenes, for me the sexual tension is interesting and written sex is boring.
I found this book on Booksprout.co. 5*
