| Title | : | 77 Steps |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 300 |
| Publication | : | First published June 6, 2015 |
The only real thing going for Kelinda Milliken is her grant work at the University of Texas in Austin, where she examines specimens day after day with a vaccine for HIV in sight.
That is until…
Kelinda finds herself home in Edgewood, Maine to bury her mother and settle her very wealthy estate. Although Maine is the last place she wants to be, she finds herself trapped in her past while going through her mother’s things to find all the secrets she’d kept from Kelinda for years.
Rory McCary, a professional snowboarder, has never forgotten his first true love. Even though he’s set to walk down the aisle to a beautiful, amazing woman, he can’t get the past out of his head.
Rory’s hang-ups over the past reaches a boiling point when he realizes his ex-girlfriend, Keely, is back in town and dealing with a life altering hardship.
With every attempt to avoid her, he finally gives in to face the only woman who ever walked away from him only to find out that everything that happened was a lie.
77 Steps Reviews
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Wow! Another incredible journey from Alisa! This story is about Keely and Rory. Keely had a rough relationship with her mother but with a weekend away she meets Rory and they have a wonderful but secret romance. There are twists and now Keely finds herself back in Maine after her mother passed. Thinking this will be a quick trip she's surprised to find so many secrets that were kept from her. Rory is now engaged but news that she is back has him reliving the past. There is just so much intensity in the writing and story telling. I was constantly wondering where things were going to end up. Just when you think you know something something new pops up. An absolute blast to read!
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SNS Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~~
Kelinda's heart was smashed to pieces 7 years ago by Rory and she left and never returned her hometown Edgewood, Maine. Tragedy strikes and she has to return to Edgewood where she is surrounded with lies and half truths. Nothing is what it seems now or 7 years ago. Can she wade through the lies and will that path put her in Rory's life again or will she be separated from him forever never to be whole again?
Wow! This book was amazing and I there are twists and turns in it that I never expected. I literally couldn't put it down. I lost sleep and was late to my own birthday dinner because of this book. I was left with my mouth hanging open in some parts and in shock that what just happened, happened. I absolutely loved the characters and the supporting characters were great too. I think I fell a little in love with Joss. Another hit from Alisa Mullen, I don't think she knows how to write a bad book. She left me speechless and on the verge of tears. There were villains and heroes in this book that left you guessing and wondering what was going to happen next. -
I really do need to read more of this authors books. This book brings back to me what a great storyteller this author is.
Seven years after her life fell apart Kelinda finds herself back in Maine for her mothers funeral and to deal with her estate.
What will she do when secrets and lies are revealed?
How will she cope when she sees Rory again?
Rory's sorted his life. Will he want to see Kelinda again?
This was an addictive story. I did not want to put it down. Loved the twists. Great main characters and secondary characters. Loved it. -
ALL DONE!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
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I loved loved 77 Steps. Omg you totally blew me away with it... The heartache was so real. I couldn't put it down. Well done love!
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Wow! Loved it. Very Original! Real life with lots of twists and turns. Hard to stop reading as the book just flowed from chapter to chapter. A must read!
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Well let me tell you, this is storytelling at its very best! Author Alisa Mullen has successfully taken me on a wonderful rollercoaster of emotions. She had me guessing from star to finish and never were any of my plot twist guesses correct. I was fully captivated by the emotions of the two main characters Rory and Kelinda, I felt every ounce of their pain and happiness. This story is unique from its cover, which I love, to its setting and the storyline. I absolutely loved it and it certainly cements Alisa Mullen as one of my all-time favourite authors! If I could award it 77 stars I happily would, but 5 will have to suffice ~ Rosie
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Another amazing read from Alisa Mullen!!! I am such a huge fan of all of Alisa's books and 77 Steps was no different! There is never anything "typical" in her stories and this book was full of surprises! I highly recommend this one and as always, I can't wait for more from this author!
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This started out good. There were secrets, cruelty and an odd personality. All the stuff I enjoy.
But there was something missing. As the story went on, something felt out of place. A couple of things in the story really should have been avoided, but it was more than that. I don't know if it was the romance or the storyline...not sure. BUT I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it. -
STORY: 4 stars
PERFORMANCE: 3 stars
OVERALL: 3.5-4 stars
77 STEPS is a new adult romance about a popular, confident guy and a self-conscience brainiac. With that alone, this book would be boilerplate but it's not; it actually contains some mystery and suspense which was unexpected and entertaining.
The female main character in this book supposedly counts steps (why the book is called 77 STEPS). Her compulsion to count could've been the foundation for a quirky character with OCD tendencies yet the author didn't go that route - her counting was only mentioned in passing, never presented as a problematic behavior. If Ms. Mullen had expanded on this character's mental health, I think it would've added more flair to the story.
Despite this, Mullen did a fantastic job of developing each of the characters and their ever changing relationships. I could FEEL the excitement between the main characters when they first met and continued to feel the passion, heartache and love between them afterwards. Speaking of passion, I would've like for Mullen to have expanded on the sex scenes. I understand if her desire was to keep this book appropriate for teenagers but I'm not a teen :-)
77 STEPS is well written yet there is a lot room for improvement. Assuming that the narrator read each and every word, I noticed numerous occasions where the dialogue sounded stiff and unrealistic. For example, the characters said things such as, "you are right" instead of, "you're right". There were also several words that were used repeatedly such as, "wicked" and, "incredulity". Worst of all was @ 77% into the book where there is a phone conversation that is written twice verbatim from the perspectives of the two people having the conversation. A good editor should've caught that.
Overall, 77 STEPS is an enjoyable story. I immediately felt the connection between the two main characters and enjoyed watching their love story unfold, collapse and come back together again. I appreciated that their reasons for breaking up weren't petty like they are in many romances novels.
PERFORMANCE
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Aria Abienta. Although it's unfortunate, I have to admit that I probably would have enjoyed this book even more if I had read it instead of listening to it. Abienta isn't a terrible narrator but can she definitely use some more acting classes. -
Often it is our family who hold us back the most and who from the outside it can seem like that at times they want the best for us , but more so it is to protect their secrets from the world. Growing up Kelinda lived quite a sheltered life as her mother didn't let her spend alot of times out of the house except for during school time , so she never went to parties or hung out in the mall or spent time with guys. That was until one of her classmates invited her to watch her during her snowboard competition and so began Kelinda's first social trip into the world and she loved it , during the competition - one of the competitors and apparently the hottest guy there Rory takes a shine to Kelinda and during that weekend the pair spend a lot of time together. Then the weekend is over and reality sets in with the truth that Kelinda believes that what she had with Rory was just a fluke and a weekend fling as someone like that could never be interested in a girl like her. The truth though is that he loves her and so with much persuasion , the pair start secretly dating and then comes time to figure out a future plan with colleges and life. They start planning until one day, Kelinda recieves a letter from Rory breaking up with her and she leaves town never looking back. That is until her mother dies and she is forced to come back seeing as she is her mother's only living relative and we discover that Rory got a letter too. While cleaning out her mother's house, Kelinda comes across a box of letters that Rory had written to Kelinda and then the truth starts to unfold that he loved her all along and that everything including her birth was a lie - who is Kelinda really and will she be able to move on with her new knowledge and claim the love of her life or has he moved on without her ?
Find out in 77 Steps by Alisa Mullen, a story of standing up for yourself and making your way to what you want and deserve in life and that sometimes in order to grow, you must take a step back from your family and discover life on your own. -
This book is fantastic. It is well written, smooth flowing and easy to read. The characters and their emotions are depicted extremely well. I love a good romance book. Reading this book reminded me of watching a daytime soap-opera.
The book starts out with Keely as a teenager. Her mother has always kept her at arms length, but never lets her out of her sight. She feels the need to control every aspect of Keely's life. Keely is a sciency nerd who doesn't really have any friends, no hobbies, and basically no life. When she is unexpectedly allowed to go to the mountain with a classmate from her private school, her whole world changes. She meets him.
Rory is a year older than Keely. He is a skater/snowboarder. He is known as a player as he likes to flirt with every girl he comes in contact with. He is competing in the same competition as Keely's classmate, and at the end of the competition when Keely is dragged to the photo shoot, she catches Rory's eye.
He brings out the life in her and she brings out the best in him. Will her mother allow her to date him? Being teenagers will they plan a life together or go their seperate ways?
There were so many unexpected twists and turns in this book you never knew what was going to happen next. I was captivated from the first page and couldn't put the book down. I instantly fell in love with the characters. Throug the book we learn more about the main characters and really get to know them, where they're coming from and why they are the way they are.
I recommend this book to those who love romance and drama. 4 Stars from me
Review for Mommy's Naughty Playground -
77 Steps was a a big a surprise! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Marla's Review :
Unique, heart breaking, and beautiful. It took me a day or two to process what actually took place in this story. The beginning of this story was so sweet. A young heart throb with a snowboard career ahead of himself falling for the smart, beautiful, nerdy rich girl.
I loved how I felt about them in the beginning of this story. It made you feel young and alive.
"We broke apart but a strong, gloved hand held my upper arm with force. “Who are you?”Rory asked, looking at my face with an expression of wonder or maybe just incredulity."
It stirred up so many feelings! You couldn't help but want nothing but the best for them. I loved how Alisa wrote the beginning of this story and was crushed by the cruelty of some people in this story! There were twists and turns. It made it hard to breath. It crushed me and me wander how people could do this and keep such secrets away from their children.
The rejection both the couple faced, the fact they were up against people who should have been their biggest supporters. I had to take a moment and really process what Alisa was portraying before me, by the end of it I was like did I love it? Did I hate it? I think there are books that tell a beautiful story. A story that can portray young love, hate, suspense, and provoke thought. So yea I really liked this story. Read this! let it settle. Remind yourself of the beginning and love who they become in the present. I hope there will be more to Rory and Keels!
“You were made for me, Keels. You are mine. You always were.” -
This is keely and rorys story
Kelinda left Maine seven years ago after Rory broke her heart,now shes returned home for her mothers funeral. While sorting through her mothers things she stumbles on secrets and lies from the past things that were hidden from her.
Rory is now a professional snow boarder,hes now engaged but hes never forgotten Kelinda and he too struggles with the past.When he finds out Kelinda is back and struggling to cope he faces problems with his own past.Faced with new truths and revelations will Kelinda finally be able to move on and have Rory back in her life or is it too late when hes set to marry?
When they set eyes on each other after so many years the chemistry,the spark is still there between them Rory realises he still has feelings for her too, will she give him another chance?Will they be able to overcome everything that’s thrown at them and finally face the future together?Or will outside forces conspire against them once again.
With twists and turns this book will definitely keep you gripped.The writing and characters are fantastic.I really enjoyed it start to finish. You feel the anguish and pain,the joy and happiness as if you were there with them.Great read and I look forward to reading more of this authors work. -
I received a copy from United Indie Book Blog in exchange for an honest review.
Kelinda aka Keely is the ultimate nerd girl , a gifted student with an artist for a mother BUT her mother is very protective so much so that she feels like a prisoner , her mother seems to be a bit of a narcissist actually .
They share a very emotionally detached relationship , almost clinical.
Sadie , school friend and snow boarder gets Kelinda to go to a snowboarding event with her and it's here where her life changes, thanks to Rory,the delicious snow boarding champ !
The relationship between Kalinda and Rory was intense , yet pure and innocent♥ despite their age their love with was real until a narcissistic self centred ass stepped in and played with their lives.....just heart breaking!
6 YEARS LATER
Heading back home to bury her mother nothing is going to prepare Kalinda for the clusterf@#$ that is about to go down!
FFF! I could just bitch slap her mother for what's she done and left poor Kalinda to pick up all the pieces.
Despite all the heartache Kalinda discovers that she has an amazing support system with people who have her best interests at heart ♥
Alisa Mullen is definitely going to be getting more one clicks from me ! -
Wow, this book is a great read! We meet Kelinda (Keely) and Rory when they are in high school. They seem very different but they fall in love. Rory is a skater and a snowboarder with a reputation as a player. Keely doesn't go out much and is more worried about school work then boys. Their paths cross and a relationship blossoms from there. They seem perfect together then with life changes coming something happens that pushes them apart.
Years later Keely returns to Maine to bury her mother. Rory is still in Maine. Rory is now engaged to Alexis. Rory and Keely paths cross once again but the connect and spark is still there but they have a lot of past to get through first. I loved Rory and Keely, their characters where very well written. Alexis is a great character too, she's the one love to hate.
There are so many surprising twists in this story, just when you think all the secrets and lies are out in the open another one surfaces. I definitely recommend this one, you won't be disappointed.
A copy was received for a review -
❤❤❤❤❤
Kelinda's heart was smashed to pieces 7 years ago by Rory and she left and never returned her hometown Edgewood, Maine. Tragedy strikes and she has to return to Edgewood where she is surrounded with lies and half-truths. Nothing is what it seems now or 7 years ago. Can she wade through the lies and will that path put her in Rory's life again or will she be separated from him forever never to be whole again?
Wow! This book was amazing and I there are twists and turns in it that I never expected. I literally couldn't put it down. I lost sleep and was late to my own birthday dinner because of this book. I was left with my mouth hanging open in some parts and in shock that what just happened, happened. I absolutely loved the characters and the supporting characters were great too. I think I fell a little in love with Joss. Another hit from Alisa Mullen, I don't think she knows how to write a bad book. She left me speechless and on the verge of tears. There were villains and heroes in this book that left you guessing and wondering what was going to happen next. -
The synopsis tells you everything you need to know except that you should really read this book. It's worth the credit.
Really well written, engaging and enjoyable story. Could not stop listening.
A wonderful roller-coaster ride of emotions from innocence, love and happiness to betrayal, deceit, heartbreak, hate back to hope, love and happiness.
Talk about a life altering Betrayal. What a manipulative bitch of a mother. While it's not a completely original concept for a book, there are several elements that do make it an original plot line. There are so twists in the story, you are never quite sure what's going to happen next.
This is the first time I have listened to this narrator. Aria Abienta did a really good job with the narration. Pleasant voice easy on the ears. Nice smooth even narration. Good character voices. She brought the characters to life. I would absolutely listen to her narrate other books.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com -
4 –Star Review
This is the first book that I have read by Alisa Mullen, and it brought out every emotion I could experience as a reader. The story line is original, and the author interweaves several plot twists to keep you on your toes.
After her mother’s funeral, Kelinda Milliken returns to Maine to sort out the estate. After seven years, she finds herself reliving the past. Rory McCary is set to marry, but once he sees Kelinda, those feelings he had for his first love suddenly resurface. He can’t get Kelinda out of his mind. But is Kelinda willing to give Rory a second chance? And what kind of hidden secrets are waiting to be discovered?
Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, a new twist would throw me off. Ms. Mullen’s writing is great, and the character development is perfect in this book. It is a definite recommendation from me.
Review posted for Hooked on Books. -
I really enjoy Alisha Mullen’s book and this one is no exception. She has a way to pull every emotion imaginable out of you with her writing and makes it such an enjoyable read. Kelinda Milliken returns to her home state after her mother’s death to deal with her estate and runs into her high school flame Rory. Rory is set to marry another woman but when he sees Keely again old feelings well up. As Keely is going through her mother's things her and Rory discover that her mother staged their breakup and Keely’s birth is also a lie. All the twists and turns in this read will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time, and you definitely won't want to put it down. I really enjoyed that this has such an original storyline and the characters are well developed. I look forward to this author’s next book.
Reviewed by Lee'Anne -
This is the first book that I have read by Alisa Mullen, and it brought out every emotion I could experience as a reader. The story line is original, and the author interweaves several plot twists to keep you on your toes.
After her mother’s funeral, Kelinda Milliken returns to Maine to sort out the estate. After seven years, she finds herself reliving the past. Rory McCary is set to marry, but once he sees Kelinda, those feelings he had for his first love suddenly resurface. He can’t get Kelinda out of his mind. But is Kelinda willing to give Rory a second chance? And what kind of hidden secrets are waiting to be discovered?
Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, a new twist would throw me off. Ms. Mullen’s writing is great, and the character development is perfect in this book. It is a definite recommendation from me.
Review posted for Hooked on Books. -
Where to begin. This was quite an emotional roller coaster. It's starts out as a cute high school first love story. Kelinda and Rory, two total opposites but seem so right for each other. They find each other in the most unusual way and continuo their loving relationship until one day a letter changes everything. Their hopes and dreams destroyed they live their separate life's miles apart from each other. When an unexpected turn of events brings them back together only to complicate things more then anyone could have ever imagined. Will they get a second chance at happiness together? Will they be able to overcome the immense obstacles in their path? What an incredible story of two people so meant for each other but pulled apart by the people they loved. I could not put it down. A definite recommend.
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I really enjoy Alisha Mullen’s book and this one is no exception. She has a way to pull every emotion imaginable out of you with her writing and makes it such an enjoyable read. Kelinda Milliken returns to her home state after her mother’s death to deal with her estate and runs into her high school flame Rory. Rory is set to marry another woman but when he sees Keely again old feelings well up. As Keely is going through her mothers things her and Rory discover that her mother staged their breakup and Keely’s birth is also a lie. All the twists and turns in this read will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time, and you defiantly won’t want to put it down. I really enjoyed that this has such an original story line and the characters are well developed. I look forward to this author’s next book.
**Received this book in exchange for an honest review!** -
Tied for number one in the MindF*ck book of 2015. HOLY SMOKES!!!!! Alisa did a wonderful job on this story and a wonderful job messing with everyone's mind. WOW!!!! Very well written and full of twist and turns that you don't see coming. I know my mind was blow and going OMG!! NO WAY!!! Just an amazing read. Look forward to book 2.
