The plot was interesting because it talked about a topic that is not developed often. It felt real that part. My problem was the characters, it was too much, too soon. Too perfect for my liking.

DNF 15%

I just couldn't get into this book, not at all. The book opens with Molly and her struggle to deal with the pain she has everyday due to juvenile arthritis. For me, it went beyond her struggle and turned into woe is me rather than showing her strength.

Then we have Brock who as a good Samaritan stops to help Molly when she falls trying to cross the street. The idea that he can tell what's wrong with her simply by looking at her hands is a little far fetched to me, but I ignored it. Until two minutes later when he's telling her how strong and beautiful she is. Ummmm, you just met her and know nothing about her. She hasn't showed you her strength yet!

This is the second book by this author I've read and neither have been a hit with me, so I'm going to bow out and say this author isn't for me.

A fun romance which I liked a lot but don't think ill remember this after a while, if you want something fun and romantic, give it a go.

After reading As I Am by Mel Teshco, I will never assume to think that I know how people who are in chronic pain are feeling. For the most part the romance was a predictable billionaire type romance but the characters especially Molly was anything but. Seeing how Molly worked to stay positive and live her own level of normalcy with a cruel illness is nothing short of aspiring.

Brock is a self-made billionaire who believes must like Molly that he is undeserving of a true love. His money made life easier for many, but I like that there is more to him than his wealth. The other supporting cast are also charming. Well, that is except for one relative but maybe he will have his own story in the future. You get the idea that he has plenty of demons too.

I associate this writer with very steamy romance books, so I hesitated to request a copy. It did have an instant lust/love relationship with explicit scenes. However, I found that it also had a strong story-line with a refreshing uniqueness to it. I so loved that all are worthy of love, not just the “Bold and Beautiful” people of life. The title stands out too, it says so well what this story is really all about.

What a fantastically emotional and romantic read. Molly is a struggling arthritis ridden young woman whom is trying to assert herself and survive each day.
Brock is the self made millionaire whom initially tries to help a stranger that is in the same situation as his sister whom then falls for her.
What follows is their battle with her insecurities and illness and his past and judgemental brother.
A romantic and lovely read that tackles the trials of a relationship in such a sweet, mostly emotional read.
Felt it was too short and rushed through some scenes, chapters, that could have been explored a bit more.

As I Am by Mel Teshco. This is Molly Sursock and Brock Owens' story. The story was little slow in the beginning but I really liked how the author pulled everything together. The author did a great job explaining the struggles someone with juvenile arthritis l FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

As I Am follows Molly and Brock’s relationship and all of the beauty and hardships that they experience along the way. Can they find love despite of their completely different lives? Is Brock only interested in Molly to somehow still feel closer to his deceased sister who had the same disease? Overall, this was a cute book. Not the best romance novel I have ever read, but it was a sweet, easy read. I would still definitely recommend this book, especially to anyone who likes romances. This book also discusses the struggles of dealing with the disease Rheumatoid Arthritis. Learning more about this disease and all of the pain that comes with it was one of my favorite aspects of the book; so interesting and eye-opening! Check out As I Am!

Just a nice little romance. I probably liked more than others might because I could relate to the main character, having an autoimmune disorder that makes me feel like I'll never find the right person that will understand.

This is a touching (and sensual) book about how humanity can go beyond the bonds of a crippling disease and show a kinder, loving face. As I Am brings together two characters both affected by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Molly Sursock suffers from it and lives her life the best she can while dealing with unbearable pain on a daily basis. Brock Owens’ half-sister suffered with the disease until she could take it no longer. Molly and Brock meet when she falls in a busy intersection and he rescues her. From that point on, Molly’s world begins to change and her doubts about Brock’s motives creep into her thoughts-is he trying to find redemption from his sister’s suicide by helping Molly or does he truly feel something deep inside for her.
All he can offer is love, care and adoration for her-not to mention all the things she is unable to provide for herself on her meager income. Did I mention he is rich beyond dreams?

As I Am by Mel Teshco
Molly is no stranger to being sick having been regularly in and out of hospitals since the age of 5. She knows her limits and capabilities better than anyone, until she meets a handsome stranger whose compassion and understanding might just have her questioning her entire perspective.
Insightful, eye-opening, and bold, As I Am explores the story of a woman who must question everything she thought about being independent and fearless.
this is and Brock Owens and Molly Sursock's story.
Molly Sursock winced as she stepped carefully off the sidewalk, following the thick stream of businessmen and women. Not to mention tourists, moms with strollers, and various city workers as they crossed the busy city street.
Sydney’s lunchtime foot traffic, horrendous as always.
Another car horn sounded, strident and loud. A car door opened and clunked shut, even as she tried to make her legs cooperate. Fat chance. As she struggled, a man’s voice washed over her, soothing and mellow.
“Let me help you.” As she struggled, a man’s voice washed over her, soothing and mellow.
Such simple words, yet relief left her almost dizzy. She looked up, but even through the haze of her tears and hurting, she recognized a suited god when she saw one.
“My name is Brock. Brock Owens.”
As I Am by Mel Teshco is a 4 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Mel Teshco .
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."

Mel's Books with Tule:
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High Class
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As I Am

An amazing, realistic depiction of what it’s like to live with arthritis through the perspective of the young female character, Molly.
The story is full of significant and emotional moments, where the fragility of life is a constant reminder to live life at its fullest.
I also loved to read a story taking place in a different and beautiful city, Sydney.
Yet, the instant attraction rarely works for me and I really prefer slow burn romances and relationships that take time to develop. The hero’s admiration for the heroine seemed so rushed - they’ve just met and he’s already telling her she’s “the most beautiful, courageous woman” he’s ever met. I’m not a fan of the “rich man falling for the poor girl” trope either.
But Brock’s determination ends up being as solid and deep-rooted as Molly’s courage and strength.
So, it was an enjoyable read, with great secondary characters, yet often I was reading it feeling as an onlooker and not really immersed in it.

This is my first book by this author and it was quite a nice story. Molly comes across as fiercely independent and trying to get along even with her illness when Brock comes in on his white horse to whisk her away, although Molly is reluctant. I would’ve liked more of a back story of both Molly and Brock but all in all it was a good read

As I Am is a lovely romance, lovingly written by someone who understands that of all the challenges we must face in life, falling in love should’t be one of them.

Molly was diagnosed with arthritis at age five and has endured the many procedures, medications, home remedies and last chance ideas throughout her life. Now a young woman, Molly has carved out an independent life, one with her own apartment and job… even if the job comes with a very unpleasant boss, it’s still a paycheck and providing for herself. She knows her abilities and limitations well and she simply goes about living her life… just like everyone else. A fall while crossing a busy street will change at least two lives in ways neither expected. Brock understands the affect arthritis has on lives, he also understands Molly’s needs in ways that other men have not. What began as a helping hand quickly turns into a romance that Molly is reluctant to believe in long term. After all, Brock is a wealthy business owner, far above her in so many ways that she cannot believe she could ever fit into his world. As you’ll see in this story it’s up to Brock to show Molly how perfectly they do fit together – and how love can last a lifetime with the right person.

I enjoyed my time spent in Brock and Molly’s world. As the mother of a young man with a nerve/muscular disease I completely enjoyed the straightforward way that Molly’s life in reality was described. And I truly appreciated that there was no need to feel sorry for Molly, simply let her live her life to the fullest – that’s all anyone wants. The challenges that this couple face are mostly from outside forces, and perhaps Molly’s disbelief in being able to keep Brock happy. I loved how Brock simply loved Molly, treated her as any woman, of course he wanted to spoil her – that’s what lovers do, especially if they’re rich and can afford to. *grin*

I had a good time with As I Am and would recommend it to any Contemporary Romance reader who enjoys a good romance, interesting characters, lively secondary characters that help bring the story alive and a very satisfying happy ever after.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.

This should be categorized as love fantasy because that's what it is a fantasy. Love at first sight and all her problems fixed with money.

As I Am by Mel Teshco. A heart-warming story. A fast paced story of the unexpected. But totally enjoyable. I look forward to reading more by this author.