Cover Image: Until You Loved Me

Until You Loved Me

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Member Reviews

This is my second book from this author and even though I love her writing and the way she says her stories I found myself strangling with this one.The was a little bit more drama in the story that in my opinion was unnecessary.The mystery around the hero was intersting and this make me keep reading it.Overall it was a great story but not my favorite from this author.

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This is the ultimate beach read, a quick read, a sweet romance and a happily ever after. Ellie gets pulled to a nightclub by her friends to try to get over her ex-fiance who she caught cheating with another man.

Ellie finds herself being hit on by a tall, dark, mysterious man and decides to take a chance. They both find themselves so comfortable with the other person and sharing more than they thought they would. I really liked Ellie's character and how she wasn't influenced by money. I also liked Hunter's grit and strength even with his history. He helps others who don't have anyone to show them their worth.

It shows a small insight into what some people will do for money. It was a cute story and showed depth of character.

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Brenda Novak writes an "opposites attract" sort of story in this new entry in the Silver Springs series. Ellie is a scientist working on diabetes research and Hudson is a rich and famous NFL player with issues left over from having been abandoned as an infant. The plot takes off when she becomes pregnant after a one night stand and the two of them need to work out where they want to go from there. Ms. Novak's characters are always interesting and the secondary characters add to the story development. I will be looking forward to the next installment!

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Brenda Novak has introduced us to the New Horizons Boys Ranch in her latest Siler Springs Series, a ranch to give troubled teenagers a second chance to turnaround and a chance for a new lease of life.

“Until You Loved Me” is an emotional journey of an abandoned baby boy Hudson King, now an NFL superstar and rich to the core. And he owes Aiyana and The Horizons Boys Ranch for his giving him a purpose and direction to his life. Yet his past haunts him with unanswered questions. A chance encounter with a scientist though gives him some reprieve, and surprise, surprise, a chance at becoming a father.

Ellie Fisher the scientist wants one night to ride the wild side, to forget a nasty breakup with her fiancée and she sure lives up to it with Hudson King. And that one night of being wild and naughty makes her pregnant and a chance of motherhood.

Pro-sportsman, public figure, handsome Hudson King meets the quite, nerdy, workaholic, no-idea-about-sports Ellie Fisher. Sparks fly, attraction flares and now a child bonds them together under the same roof, giving them a chance at love and forever. Practical and analytical Ellie supports Hudson through the drama and the trauma of his past, and the ever kind and giving Hudson makes sure Ellie is being treated with love, care and respect.

A beautifully narrated story of support and care, love and understanding, redemption and fulfillment, “Until You Loved Me” is a perfect blend of emotions and romance that gives Hudson and Ellie their happily ever after. Brenda Novak is an amazing writer that I admire and enjoy her stories when she blends real life experiences to the story, adding that twist of charisma and genuinity.

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This is a story that really pulled me in from the begining. Each of the characters have interesting back stories that make them very compelling and complicated. There are a lot of messages to learn throughout the story about acceptance and forgiveness and destinty, but those are woven into the story in a way that is not heavy handed and add to the experience rather than pull the reader out.

There really is a lot to love about this book. I love how Hudson King got his name. I enjoyed the bit of mystery through the book. I enjoyed the absurdness of Ellie's ex-fiance.

This is a quick read and could easily be read as a stand alone. It is a great introduction to anyone who has never read one of Brenda Novak's Contemporary Romances before.

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Until You Loved Me

Brenda Novak



UNTIL YOU LOVED ME is the third book in the Silver Springs series by Brenda Novak. Ellie Fisher catches her fiancé in bed with another man and to say she is devastated is a huge understatement. After sulking, crying, and barely living, her best friend finally convinces Ellie to go out for a night of fun. At the club, she meets Hunter and her life will never be the same. They spend a hot and wild night together and don’t even exchange numbers or last names. When Ellie finds out she is pregnant, she has no idea how to contact Hunter and even wonders if she wants to.

While watching football at a coworkers house she is in for quite a shock. There is Hunter on TV. It seems he is a famous quarterback and he forgot to mention it to her. Oh well, he doesn’t really know that she is a scientist either. They didn’t do too much talking if you know what I mean! Ellie now has a way to get in touch with Hunter and let him know about the baby. It’s the right thing to do, or at least Ellie thinks it is until Hunter totally freaks out on her. He accuses her of setting the whole thing up and trying to make him pay her off. That is the last thing Ellie wants or needs but Hunter isn’t convinced. Hold on to your seats my reading friends, this is a wild and crazy ride. UNTIL YOU LOVED ME had me flipping the pages like crazy! I had to know what was going to happen to these two.

I read UNTIL YOU LOVED ME in one sitting yesterday. It was just that fun and interesting. Yes, Ellie and Hunter both have trust issues and neither one of them is looking for a relationship. Their story is an engaging one but also heart wrenching. It’s exactly why I love this series and can’t wait to read more of it. Brenda Novak has now become an auto buy author for me. She really pulls me in from the very first pages and never lets me go. The mystery that comes along with this wonderful story really hooked me and I found myself praying for a good outcome for Hunter. The twists and turns really kept me emotionally invested from beginning to end and I am so excited to continue this series.

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This was a really emotional read. It's well paced and written well.

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This was my first book by Brenda Novak and I was drawn to the storyline in the blurb. Unfortunately, I am not connecting with these characters at all. It started out promising, though I feel like the storytelling was a bit all over the place. I felt like there was a lot of filler that didn't necessarily drive the story forward. I also struggled a little bit with the writing style (or maybe it was the formatting?) - it was sometimes difficult for me to tell right away when the story switched POV and it pulled me out of the story, confused for a moment until I readjusted.

The premise had a lot of promise (and is really right up my alley) but the execution didn't work for me. I found myself skimming while trying to make the story move along more quickly and in the end I felt disconnected from it enough to not feel at all invested in how it finished. In the end, this one was not for me, though I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to read/review.

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Until You Loved Me got me with the premise. A famous quarterback, a scientist and one night in Miami. Hook. The Scientist, our Heroine Ellie, has no idea who Hudson really is. She meets him at the club she was forced to come to with her friends, when he buys her a drink. Line. After realizing their chemistry is off the charts, they take off and spend one passion- =filled night together. Ellie leaves the next morning with the promise of never seeing him again, until a couple of months later, she realizes that they’re irrevocably tied together. Sinker.

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What I really enjoyed about this book was how intricate the plot really is. There’s more than just an accidental pregnancy here and the character evolution is not only from the heroine. Hudson was one of the best characters, his background is unique and his quest to find out more information had me very curious! Hudson was both vulnerable and also a very tough character to crack as life hasn’t always been so good to him. Once he got over the initial shock he was there for Ellie 1000%. His romantic side was so sweet and swoonworthy.

Ellie is a scientist and a lot more technical. She’s recovering from a heartbreak and didn’t see Hudson’s charm battling her inhibitions into submission. He’s more than just a quarterback and is ready to show Ellie just that. Ellie was a strong, level headed character who also had her moments of vulnerability. These two very strong, very capable people found each other and turned their lives right side up. My only qualm with the story is the stilted language used but that could be attributed to the POV used.

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There are several familiar tropes in Until You Loved Me but they all work to make a interesting and riveting story. Ellie Fisher walks on the wild side after finding her fiancé in bed with another man. She is just not the one night stand type but it was fun to see her break out of her usual mode. Too bad that something unexpected happens as a result. Hudson King is named for the two streets where he was found as a new born. He does not let anyone near. In his life everyone has left him and he just does not believe in a permanent relationship. The two are made for each other they just have a hard time believing it. Novak usually tackles a serious issue in her books and this one is no exception. Ellie is a scientist looking for a cure for diabetes. Another very serious issue came up when Hudson tries to find his birth parents. That one added a lot of tension to the plot. I hated to see the book end as both characters were part of such a great story.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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DNF

Not for me, to me it was a romance written for old grannies.

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I though this was a good solid addition to the Silver Springs Series. Ellie and Hunter were great characters, and I liked seeing them get to know and finally trust one another.

Ellie is a scientist who researches Diabetes, and Hunter is an NFL star. Neither is in the market for a relationship, but they share a steamy night together without exchanging last names. When Ellie finds that she is pregnant, she doesn't know how to track down the father of her baby, but imagine her surprise when she sees him on TV while watching afternoon football with friends!

Hunter is initially glad when Ellie contacts him, but as soon as he finds out he is to be a father, he goes into total meltdown and accuses her of purposefully trapping him. Ellie is having one of this, so, stunned from his violent reaction, she orders him away and tells him she wants nothing to do with him, and nothing from him.

Once Hunter calms down, he has his work cut out for him trying to smooth things over with Ellie. Ellie is really a sweetheart, and she only wants what is best for her child, so she soon forgives Hunter for treating her badly. What follows is the feelings that develop between the two as they get to know one another and prepare to be parents together.

Other than wanting to shake Hunter a few times, I really enjoyed every bit of this story! I had a very enjoyable afternoon while reading this one. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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FINAL DECISION: My favorite book in the series. This unexpected pregnancy story moves in a direction I did not expect and I really enjoyed the quiet and personal relationship that develops between Ellie and Hudson.

THE STORY: After the betrayal by her fiance, Ellie Fisher tosses off her normal staid scientific personality and has a one night stand with a stranger. Finding herself pregnant, Ellie finds out that the stranger is actually a famous quarterback, Hudson King. Hudson, scarred by his abandonment as an infant and his time in foster care, at first believes that Ellie planned to "catch" him. But the reality of their baby drives him to want to be a part of his child's life. The two agree to live together in Silver Springs until after the baby's birth. As these two get to know one another, they find the passion that immediately flared between them reigniting.

OPINION: I really enjoyed this book. The story didn't go in the fashion I expected and I enjoy being surprised by the direction a story goes in. Ellie and Hudson have a personal and emotional journey and I liked the slow buildup to their happy ending.

I have become a fan of these small town romance series. Although this book has characters who both come from the big city, there is something quiet and intimate about their relationship as it takes place in Silver Springs. The best part of this book is the day to day living where Ellie and Hudson work out and work through their relationship.

Ellie is a woman who has been concerned primarily with her work. The betrayal by her fiance tosses her into Hudson's arms. The two have a connection that goes beyond sexual but both turn away after that first night. The unexpected pregnancy brings them back together in difficult circumstances. Ellie's inherent decency causes her to tell Hudson of her pregnancy. I liked that because when she discovers who Hudson is some of the details made me think that Hudson would discover the pregnancy in another manner. I was impressed that the story didn't go for the over-dramatic plot device but rather the personal work that has to be done between these characters.

Can I say that Hudson is adorable? He is a man who is struggling as this book goes on. Not only do we have the unexpected pregnancy but also Hudson's attempts to discover his origins. There are both interesting parallels and interesting differences between Hudson's past and the present. Those issues are subtexts to the story which give it depth and meaning, but don't distract from the central story of Ellie and Hudson. (I also love a man who cares for a sick woman). Hudson's commitment phobia is completely understandable considering his past. I loved how he works through his issues and demonstrates what a decent and caring and kind man he is.

The plot in the story about Hudson's past brought some drama to the book that really takes place on the ground of two people living together and learning about one another and building a relationship.

This is the best of the series so far.

WORTH MENTIONING: I wish we had seen more of the characters from the first two books in the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: UNTIL YOU LOVED ME is the third book in the Silver Springs series. It can be read as a standalone because the books are only loosely connected by the location and the hero's connection with the New Horizons Boys Ranch.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a review or write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

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When Ellie's life implodes after she catches her fiance in bed with a male coworker, she decides that she will go out with her friends and try to put it behind her. At the club, she meets a good looking guy named Hudson and on impulse spends the night with him. In the morning she sneaks out without a word and figures that's the end of her little fling. Sometime later, she discovers that she has a little bundle to remember that night by and she has no idea how to reach the father.
In reality, Hudson is a famous NFL player who grew up in the system and has deep trust issues, especially around family. When Ellie sees him on TV and goes to speak to him it doesn't go well. After Hudson calms down, he seeks Ellie out and they decide to try a temporary marriage.
This is a fairly common romance novel theme but I really enjoyed the way Ms. Novak played it out. Ellie is a meek pushover at times and a strong mom to be at others. Hudson has reasons for being distrustful but he embraces impending fatherhood with relish. The two actually very compatible if they can just see past their own issues and give the relationship a chance. Minimal spiciness but a very enjoyable love story. This whole series has been one good read after another and based on the teaser at the end, the next book looks very good as well.

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Wow! I was emotionally exhausted after reading Ellie and Hudson's journey. I loved that Hudson turned his childhood hardships into something wonderful; giving his time and resources to New Horizons. Ellie's smart wit and strength added so much to the story. The best part, for me, was how seamlessly the author blended Hudson's aloof character with Ellie's enormous heart - allowing me to quickly accept the briskness of their relationship.

These characters were so easy to love - Highly Recommended!

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Until You Loved Me by Brenda Novak is #3 in the Silver Springs series. However it is perfect also as a stand alone as I hadn't read the previous two, yet didn't need to, to fully get involved in this story.

And get involved I did. I read through it speedily, picking it up every spare moment as I became engrossed in the story of Ellie and Hudson King.

Ellie is a delight, she is a very bright clever young woman, somewhat serious, involved in important work as a scientist. However she is just off the end of a broken engagement, I mean you would if you came home and found your significant other in bed with another man. While her heart is somewhat broken, her head is in the right place and when after a one night stand she finds she is pregnant, she isn't easily pushed around.

Hudson King is a big football player, has made millions and every football fan in the country would know and recognise him. (Not Ellie, she has no interest whatsoever in game and wouldn't know a player if she fell over him!) Oh that's right she did fall over him!

Hudson was found under a bush as a child and he has no family, even though he has some great friends and has over the last ten years or so endeared himself to a group of difficult boys whom he delights in mentoring. Hudson has huge trust issues - do people really see him or do they see big, famous and rich? He'd like to know his parentage and has hired a PI to see what he can find. And believe me that's when the "fun" starts. Those causing the "fun" though don't reckon on a very smart Ellie.

I enjoy this kind of romance trope and it worked beautifully in Until You Loved Me. Loved the two main characters, the mystery and suspense and the final outcome.

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I admit I have not read the previous books in the series but it can be read as a stand alone.

I have read quite a few books by Brenda Novak but this is my least favourite. The story was ok but I felt like I already read similar stories.

I was entertained but I don't think I will ever read the other books in the series.

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One night ... to forever? A quick jump from strangers to living together for this drama filled story line. Each of them have their own things they are working through, but they are quick to jump in and try to make the best of the situation life gave them. It's an interesting plot, but it drug on a bit. Something just didn't quite click enough to make me really entrenched into the story line with them. I'm loving the series as a whole, but this would be my least favorite of the bunch so far.

Reeling from her fiance cheating on her (with another man!), Ellie Fisher lets her friend drag her out to a hot Miami nightclub to take her mind off of things. It's definitely not her cup of tea, and she never in her life thought she would meet a sexy stranger and go back to his hotel with him for a one-night-stand ... and yet here she is a few weeks later .. pregnant to prove it!

Los Angeles Devils quarterback Hudson King isn't one to sleep around either, but he was taken with Ellie and couldn't resist the temptation. He's shocked ... and not at all happy ... when Ellie tracks him down to tell him she's pregnant. After it sinks in, he contacts her to make amends for his poor reaction when she told him because after living his life as an orphan with no family, he refuses to have his kid settle for less than all of him. He convinces Ellie to move to Silver Springs with him to try to get to know each other and work out a way to co-parent their baby.

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This author brings you another amazing story, which you will want to keep reading till the end. This is a beautiful romance story between the characters. The characters are very well developed and you will just fall in love with them as you read. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

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The new book in Brenda Novak's Silver Springs series features Hudson, a pro football player, and Ellie, a scientist. He has major trust issues and she's just broken her engagement to her long-time fiancé after she discovered his affair. Hudson and Ellie meet at a Miami club and hit it off even though neither is looking to become involved. But this night will change the course of two lives in unexpected ways. Can these two wounded people open themselves to the possibility of happiness and all life has to offer? I enjoyed finding out. Novak's novel combines romance, glamorous settings and characters, and a bit of mystery - plus an appearance by one or two familiar characters from previous books in the series. Recommended to fans of the author and contemporary romance. Although this is book 3 in a series it can stand alone.

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