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Believe #1

Make Me Believe

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Sometimes, a chance meeting is just the push you need in order to break free from the darkness within…

My name is Emma, I’m 23, and I’ve never been kissed. I’m no virgin…But kissing is too intimate, too intense, and I don’t want that – not ever. I like sex, though, and most of my hook-ups don’t seem to mind the no-kissing part.

But then I meet Daniel, who’s such a geek, and definitely not the kind of guy I’d normally take an interest to. He’s the shy, quiet type, but with such a charming smile, and he makes my heart race – something I’ve never experienced before.

Daniel has his own issues to work through, and I know my hardened heart shouldn’t melt when he looks at me. I really shouldn’t be falling for him, either, but somehow, he manages to tear down my walls, and I’m scared…because once he learns my secrets, he’ll want nothing to do with me.

All I know is that Daniel makes me feel things that I have never felt before – but do I dare let down my walls and confide in him?

Will I let him be my first kiss?

This is my story, and I’ll reveal everything in my own sweet time…

Just don’t expect all the hearts-and-flowers stuff.
Life is messy, and mine is no different…


INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS

***Due to possible ‘triggers’ and adult situations (yes, there is lots of sex in this book) it is not recommended to persons under the age of 18.

ebook

First published July 5, 2015

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About the author

Karen Ferry

14 books371 followers
Anglophile and bookaholic Karen Ferry is a native of Denmark who loves Italian food, travelling, and spending time with her laidback husband and active children.

When she’s not busy working in the shipping industry, she dives into New Adult, Contemporary Romance, and Romantic Suspense – the same genres she loves to write.
She can never get enough of romance or collect too many book boyfriends, either.

Karen also writes erotic contemporary romance under the pen name, Evie Bramble. More information about these titles will be posted on her blog soon!

To keep up with Karen's work, sign up to her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bhP08n

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,102 reviews1,337 followers
July 6, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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Do you believe in fairy tales? Prince Charming? Love? Happily Ever Afters? As most young little girls, we all of have read some kind of fairy tale that dealt with a prince charming or a knight in shining armor. We were told these young men could sweep you off your feet and you could live happily ever after. But as adults, some begins to lose faith in the magic of love. For some, the idea of prince charming is just a fairy tale. But in Karen Ferry's debut book, Make Me Believe, Karen makes her readers BELIEVE. Believe in the power of love, happily ever after, second chances, and healing.

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Do opposites attract? Can a shy geeky virgin be the one to sweep a feisty sassy tattoo beauty off her feet and make her believe that she is worthy of love? In Make Me Believe, Ms. Ferry takes her readers on emotional journey of sweet, pure, raw, beautiful love. This book was able to weave friendship, healing, second chances and steam with the story of Daniel and Emma. Daniel is not your typical alpha dominant hero. Nope, he's simply your geeky virgin hero who has a heart of gold. And this geeky hero was able to make you heart swoon and heal the broken pieces of your heart. And that's what he did for Emma.

Emma is the complete opposite of Daniel. Sex was used as an outlet for her to escape her demons and past. It was her way to feel numb that is until Daniel showed her what it truly meant to slow down. The relationship between these two was a slow burn that really emphasized two people getting to know each other, walls breaking down, and matters of the heart being treasured. What Ms. Ferry did was allowed her readers to feel the gambit of emotions that Emma was feeling from love, happiness, truth, hope, and respect. She allowed Emma to see beyond meaningless sex but true deep friendship that blossomed to a real caring and healthy relationship. Once the walls of Emma's heart was exposed, Ms. Ferry was able to turn up the heat and steam between Emma and Daniel. And let me just say, this geeky virgin hero was a fast learner. (wink)

#MakeMeBelieve1

So if you are looking for a book where emotions are tangible, palpable, and raw then look no further than Make Me Believe by Karen Ferry. Ms. Ferry did an amazing job for her debut book highlighting and showcasing that love indeed heals. The power of love is an amazing feeling and for any romance junkie, Karen really does make you believe. So believe me when I say, that this book was an addictive sweet read that will spellbind you when two unlikely opposites find themselves on a collision course of love.


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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly... Karen Ferry
Profile Image for Talltree.
2,081 reviews25 followers
January 2, 2017
Sweet, sexy and low-angst romance between sassy bad-girl British h with a heart of gold and shy virgin H set in Denmark. The h had issues with an incident which happened in her past and the H had issues with dyslexia and stuttering and also a sad home life. H/h both helped each other along and it was nice to see how into each other/good to each other they always were. I liked the unusual setting, the extended epilogues and the sex scenes were hot, I especially liked that the h was pretty sexually liberated and not the standard-issue virgin. 4.5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2015
Warning: Chocolate & Tissues Required!

For once I’m almost at a loss for the words (totally unheard of might I add) to describe how phenomenal this book is. The storyline is like nothing I’ve ever read before and features some emotional & thought provoking subjects about what would you do in the characters situation? How would you deal if that happened to you? I don’t want to give too much away here as I think a lot of my enjoyment of the book was the moments where I felt like I was getting hit by a 2x4!!

I’m completely in love with Daniel #geeksrule & Emma is one kick ass heroine who does her best to overcome a life altering experience. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable from the start. Daniel wears his heart on his sleeve, none more so than at this moment:

“I want you so much, every single part of you – the light, the darkness, and the in-between.”

I went through a whole gamut of emotions during this book laughing, crying (a lot – both happy & sad!), smiling you name it I did it. Thank goodness I had one of my #bookbesties to message while reading it. Queue sappy grin at end:

“I believe in fairytales again.”

Karen I applaud you – what an amazing debut!! You’ve got a fan for life.

Now when is Suzy’s book out?.........
Profile Image for Aaly.
1,357 reviews55 followers
October 16, 2015
*** I was given a copy for an honest review. ***

Thanks Karen!! Review to come:

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*** Copy kindly provided by the author of an honest review. ***


Can you see the huge and goofy smile on my face?? How can I not read a story when a nerdy, geeky man is involved! After finishing it, I am definitely fangirling and swooning over Daniel. All the feels! This story and characters melt and warmed my heart! More seriously, I enjoyed every moment and I couldn't put it down!

Okay, I stop rambling.

This story is kinda lighthearted, even if the past of each characters (especially Emma) is pretty dark, with a perfect blend, of sweetness, emotion and sex (I am not complaining), but I wasn't expecting as much and it didn't bother me at all. So enjoyable! Keep talking nerdy to me!I enjoyed how Emma and Daniel tried to take a chance and not fooling around their feelings.

They are both scared to engage a sense of relationship, it was a slow burn romance, with some strong sexual vibes.This novel has definitely this peculiar straightforwardness line throughout the story, that I really appreciated.

I have to say it, but I love when the male character is a nerdy and geeky guy, definitely sexy and so endearing because of their clumsiness with women! Don't forget Emma, with her sizzling personality, and her love for books!

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It's kinda refreshing to read about this. Outside, the perfect geek, so shy and not at ease with people and inside, oh la la, ... I think I still haven't gotten over it.

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Besides these parts, the characters were well-developed and I was eager to discover all their secrets. I can relate to Emma and Daniel for their bookworm side, totally understanding that you could easily get lost in a book. So high-five again!

The contrast between Emma and Daniel's personalities and how hot they were together was an interesting one, keeping on my toes. Daniel you are a fast learner!!!

I was warned about the sex parts, but holy guacamole! I'm so glad to read it at home and not on the train, like I always do, because our Daniel is a naughty and dirty talker! I'm blushing again!!!

Emma has some demons haunting her and she avoided intimacy, or mostly to fall in love with someone. Sex was just a release and a way to escape from it ... Until Daniel. It was nice for a change to see that he could be in charge and definitely domineering! (my glasses are fogging again, just thinking about it ... Damn it's getting hot in here!)

I enjoyed the non overwhelming drama: not crazy exes or too much crazy things going on; just two people with issues and scars trying to move on and finally found someone in which they can rely on.

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It was Interesting to see how each characters deal with their issues, Emma was so closed off and meeting Daniel was the trigger for something new, craving not only for his body but also for more, letting her feel again. Her story broke my heart!

Daniel was dealing on his own but his perseverance to make Emma believe again was just powerful, and even if he had endure a lot when he was younger, he completely won me over. He didn't give up fighting. He was her anchor as she was his. Giving her time, even if sometimes he was impatient, trying to understand her issues.

The incredible dynamic between Emma and Daniel was mind-blowing, addictive, a primal need; and these two come from far! She's sending confidence when he was showing his shyness, and when it comes physical, it was the opposite.

Their first encounter was quite sweet and totally natural. They have two different personalities which perfectly melt. Her ability to make him blush makes me smile. They were honest with each other, but with a certain reserve, not wanting to push the other away. For the record, there were a lot of heat emanating from this and slowly increasing until the real deal. They were friends with a lot of dirty thoughts got each other. From the moment they met, Emma's life was changing for the best, that sometimes things happened for a reason, and that you have to take the chance when you get it!

As you might guess I really love this book and I can't read more about Karen Ferry!!! Book crush alert! I want my own Daniel too!! So thank you so much for the gift Karen and for Wenn for the rec!

*** My rating : ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ***


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Profile Image for Komal Chandwani.
Author 3 books101 followers
July 27, 2015
Karen has done a lovely job in executing this story. From start to end, the story flows smoothly and not even once did I feel the need to stop and read it again because I felt confused. This is one of the best reads of 2015. I am glad to have this on my kindle.

The story progresses with the readers being introduced to Emma and we get a glimpse of her thoughts. Its rather intriguing, something that keep us going further to unravel the truth. Our geek guy, Daniel, meets Emma on the train (and is a bit clumsy). Emma finds him cute, but also thinks of him as a distraction.

Emma is a sassy girl as opposed to Daniel who is portrayed as a shy character. But somehow these two fit perfectly when together. Yes, they are poles apart and both have their issues, yet they sync together.

Sex is an outlet for Emma whereas Daniel teaches her that slowing down in a relation means something. It helps to cherish those moments which someone couldn't have felt with just quick sex.

Karen takes you on a journey making you feel each emotion. It starts with fun, teasing, hardships, walls breaking down and yes, the crying sappy part. But it is totally worth it. Make Me Believe has strong characters with whom you fall in love with.

Daniel has a major role to play along with Emma's best friend Suzy. Daniel is your hot geeky clumsy guy who will make you fall in love and make you believe in fairytales.

Well, isn't this what the author wants us to know? *wink*

Karen, my love, I thank you for writing this story. This romance between two adults who are poles apart makes me want to believe that true love exists and that hope should never be given up. I look forward to the next book, sweetheart.

Profile Image for Madiha J Bookblogger.
150 reviews37 followers
July 4, 2015
4.5 Sweet Geeky Stars

It was such a beautiful read. A sweet, romantic and strong book that keeps you engulfed completely in the story. The kick-ass sassy Emma with tattoos and piercings, having one night stands with no strings attached, running from the demons of her past, meet Daniel the sweet yet hot Geeky guy.

He somehow convinces Emma to be his tutor and in return agrees to be her fake boyfriend. But the fate has made some other choices for them.
The story was quite different and unique. Even the characters were also very different from what I have been reading nowadays.

Daniel was far more different from the typical Angry-alpha-bossy-fighters. He was a sweet yet HOT HOT HOT Geeky guy. I LOVED HIM !!
I loved Emma's character as well.. The strong independent girl she is, i just loved her whole heartedly !

Amazing book. Full of love, life, emotions and intensity that will keep you stick to your Ereader !
Profile Image for Maïwenn  B.
309 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2015
Make Me Believe is an amazing book.

I laughed, I swooned, I cried, and most of all I loved Daniel and Emma with ALL MY HEART.

The storyline of this book is quite unusual in the way that it makes you think about what you would have done in their situation.
They both have some family issues, and are dealing with it in their own way.

But they are ALWAYS, ALWAYS supportive of each other.

Daniel is this nerdy guy, a bit shy, not really comfortable around girls. And Emma is his opposite. BUT it is just a mask. One, she takes off when with Daniel.

This is a friends to lovers story with its funny as hell moment, heart-breaking revelations, and sexy times!

I've tried to hold back, but I can't do it anymore. I want you so much, every single part of you - the light, the darkness, and the in-between.


I want me some Daniel!!! Oh boy, he has this way of talking dirty/sexy/sweet at the same time. Wow!
Profile Image for alessandra.
17 reviews16 followers
July 21, 2015
I loved Daniel so so much... he was just so fucking PERFECT! emma not so much though. 3,5 stars for me :)
Profile Image for N Swaffar.
859 reviews26 followers
July 8, 2015
**ARC provided by author, in return for an honest review.**

Emma was going on through life with a relationship complex, because of what she went through in her past. So instead of giving her heart to anyone, she chose to enjoy sex instead. Kissing to her was more intimate than giving her body to someone, so no one had ever had a privilege of kissing her and that was alright with her. But the day she met Daniel, her new co-worker and next door neighbor her whole world started to change. Everyday, being around him made her want more, which confused her every time. She never wanted to kiss anyone ever, until Daniel came into her life. He may have been shy and inexperience around women, but when he was around her he became a whole different person. He becomes a man in charge, that demanded what he wanted. He made her ladybits dance and her stomach flutter every time he was around. He was caring, sweet, a bit of a dork and he can cook. The closer they got, the more she wanted a future with him. But will she ever let go of her past, to let Daniel in her heart completely? Only she knows the answer to that.

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Both characters in this story have their own past that they continue to deal with and only sharing will completely let them free to fully love each other. This is a sweet sweet romance that will make you believe in happily ever after. Daniel will make you fall in love, even if you didn’t believe in love. He is one of the sweetest book boyfriend you will ever have a pleasure of meeting, with an added bonus alpha male characteristics. Then there’s Emma, who is rough around the edges, that don’t want to show weakness. But when Daniel came into her life, he became her weakness. Emma never believed in love, but with Daniel she started to. Daniel did everything and anything to make Emma believe that love do exist, that if she lets him in..she will have the love that they both deserve. A love strong and consuming, that will make your heart soar. Oh let me tell you, when these two decided to take their love to a whole new level, wow. Can I say Hot? At the park and the excitement of being caught. Restaurant play time and so on. These two may have waited a little while to have each other completely, but their play times have been always fun and sexy. This is a really great debut book by Karen Ferry. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next. Love it.

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:::REVIEW IS ALSO ON FOUR CHICKS FLIPPING PAGES:::
http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...

Karen Ferry
Profile Image for Jasmine.
999 reviews86 followers
November 16, 2015
**I received a copy in exchange for an honest review**

Make Me Believe is a story of learning to live, learning to love, and learning to let go. It's also a debut novel for Karen Ferry, and I have to say, I really enjoyed the story. It also happens to be based on true events.

Enter Emma. She's twenty-three, feisty, and she's never been kissed. She's a bit jaded when it comes to romance, and really, the only thing that matters to her is sex. However, Emma also has a secret.

Then we have Daniel. Shy, innocent, sweet Daniel. He's twenty-four, a bit geeky, and has also never been kissed.

What happens when these two opposites meet? Something amazing. Call it fate. Call it luck. Call it whatever you want. But everything that happens after Emma and Daniel discover one another seems to happen for a reason, and when the two decide to start a tentative "friendship", if you will, it's a wonderful thing to behold.

When I first started this book, I had a hard time connecting with Emma. I may have even rolled my eyes at her behavior. But as the book progressed, I felt myself easing up on my dislike for Emma. She isn't all bad, even though some of the things she does are a bit...undesirable.

Daniel, though, charmed my pants off (not really lol) from the very first moment he was introduced. He's actually the type of guy I have a thing for, so I quite enjoyed his character. There was only one small thing that sort of threw me off, and that happens a little later on in the book.

Plot-wise, I felt the book chugs along at a steady, decent pace. There were some scenes that I was like, seriously? Only because, even though I knew there would be a lot of sexy times in the book, I still felt like there didn't need to be as many as there were.

Pros: Daniel. I totally pictured him as Noah Segan.

More pros: Emma's boss. He's a fun character. Kind of cheeky, but very kind and protective towards Emma. Also, Daniel and Emma's relationship progression . The overall plot. The story's pacing.

Cons: Emma's behavior. It was a bit much for me at times. The sexy times. Also a bit much at times. I enjoy adult content in books as much as the next person, but sometimes it gets a bit overwhelming and tedious. There were also some editing issues I noticed, but nothing too major to really throw me out of the book.

Overall, I was very pleased with Make Me Believe, and I give kudos to Karen Ferry for writing something I'm sure was very therapeutic. I rate it four stars.
Profile Image for Michelle .
2,054 reviews291 followers
July 28, 2015
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**Make Me Believe is the first in a new adult contemporary romance series, called the Believe series. This is Karen Ferry's first book and it is inspired by true events. I love that she shares a note with readers about this at the start of the story. It made me wonder the whole time I was reading which parts were true and which were fictionalized. I thought her sharing that with us made this book a little more special in my eyes. That being said, I liked Make Me Believe, but I didn't over the moon love it. It was a decent enough read for me, but left me feeling kind of blah for the whole book.

I liked Daniel and I liked Emma, so it wasn't really a character issue. I thought they were each charming and had great chemistry together. I'm not really sure what it was. I think the book just felt kind of choppy to me. But enough about that, lets talk about what I liked about Make me Believe. I love the concept of the story. Emma is from England and she moves to Copenhagen for university, where she meets Daniel in the bookstore she works in.

Daniel is dyslexic and wants Emma to help tutor him so he will be ready for university. I thought it was really endearing how awkward and nervous Daniel was. He was starting university at age 24 and he was embarrassed about that as well as about his dyslexia. I liked that aspect of the story, and I thought it was handled really well. I couldn't get a good mental image of Daniel though because at first he was described as geeky and gangly with pretty eyes, and then very shortly thereafter he was described as gorgeous by the same character. But putting that aside, I loved Daniel. He was hands down my favorite character in Make Me Believe.

There are some other plots running along side the school tutoring plot, and I thought Karen Ferry did a great job juggling the plotlines and making them work together. I think a lot of people will really enjoy Make Me Believe as it is a very nice romance. I liked it, and I love the cover. The colors and overall look of it are beautiful. Make me Believe was a decent read for me, but lacked something that was hard to pin down, which prevented me from really loving the story. I'll always have a soft spot for Daniel though.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Profile Image for Romancing Susan (Monti).
192 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2015
Whoa! One would never believe that this author’s mother tongue is not English. Whether it is American English or British English doesn’t matter. What matter’s is that this book is GOOD! Truly Amazing! Set in Copenhagen, Make Me Believe is about Emma, a 23 year old girl who has never been kissed. Not because she is shy because she does love sex. She just doesn’t see the need to connect intimately especially with what happened to her in the past. She thinks she’s weak but to tell you the truth, she’s not. Trust me, she’s not weak…a little crazy, not the loony bin kind crazy, but the good crazy which makes her perfect to “preppy” Daniel.

I fell in love with Daniel the moment he pops into Emma’s life. A person, who has gone through life so much, yet remains strong and optimistic in life. He is a geek (a very handsome geek) who wears horn-rimmed glasses, his feelings right on his sleeve. A heart filled with compassion. Never giving up on things just because life is not all hearts and flowers.

I guess when destiny is calling, no matter how you avoid it; it’ll come calling. Daniel needing a tutor for his problem, Emma working at the right place at the right time. Their connection was instant. I love how Karen Ferry kept me on my toes. Almost revealing what happened to Emma then slows it down a bit. It was like foreplay for me, keeping me close to O and then bringing it back down again and when it finally comes, I see stars! 5 freaking stars for Daniel & Emma. Daniel was oh so super lovable. Always supportive and kept it strong for Emma. Sigh…

Congratulations on a very well done job! You make a believer out of me Karen. That life is really like a fairy tale when one takes full charge of what you want in life. If one truly believes that it’ll happen.

#geeksrule. Can’t wait for Suzy’s story. I wonder if Suzy will also have a geek in her life.
Profile Image for A little birdie told me....
627 reviews30 followers
April 29, 2018
I'm not sure at all how to review this one. I liked the story, even though things unfolded slowly. I liked the backgrounds of each of the main characters. I loved the secondary characters. So why didn't I like the story more?

I was really intrigued the foreign-exchange concept. Certainly immersing oneself in a new culture with a new language to learn must be strange, but I felt that piece of the story was abandoned to make way for the rather cumbersome romance between Emma and Daniel. But maybe it was cumbersome because they were just both so... strange, and not different culture strange.

Daniel, nerdy and shy Daniel, I loved. However, at the beginning of the story, he seemed so socially backward. In fact, I waited for the reveal that he was slightly autistic, which would have been an interesting twist. No such reveal was made. Then, when things heated up between him and Emma, his character quickly changed, like lightening fast. This shy, awkward, not-comfortable-around-women geek suddenly became a take-charge, dirty-talking, public-sex-having alpha male. I liked both personas, but the second didn't fit the guy from the beginning of the story at all. The changes just didn't seem likely.

I also felt a let down in the way Emma chose to obtain "closure" from her past. She had an opportunity most don't get in her experience, and she opted to not have the closure. As the reader, I needed it. I was disappointed in her decision to end things the way she did, and I'm aware how selfish that is of me.

I liked the flow of the book, once it finally started flowing. My impatience aside, I await the next book by the author.
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,657 reviews21 followers
June 2, 2016
4.75 stars

I loved this book, I really enjoyed the characters and the story. You were given great insight into the character of Emma and what makes her tick. Emma has a past that she still struggles to deal with that has made her closed off to relationships. On the train one morning, on her way to work she meets Daniel, who has fallen over. She soon meets him again as he is the nephew of her boss Mr Anderson and has come to work in the bookshop with her.

Daniel is shy, constantly blushes and is a bit awkward but quickly comes to feel comfortable around Emma as she helps him out as he is new in town. When Emma gets a message from her brother (whom she doesn't have a good relationship with- you find out why towards the end) and wants to meet up while he will be in Copenhagen in a couple of months. Emma is hoping that Daniel can act as a bit of buffer and wants Daniel to become her 'fake' boy-friend. However, both Emma and Daniel share an attraction and soon the feelings and relationship become real. Although both have things about their past to share before anything has the chance to become permanent.

I really enjoyed this book and I especially loved Daniel. I always have a thing for the shy and inexperienced guys but who also know what they want.
Profile Image for C.J. Fallowfield.
Author 45 books763 followers
July 4, 2016
What a great debut novel! I really enjoyed this erotic romance by Karen Ferry. Emma, a girl with a tragic, past moves from the UK to Copenhagen, working in a bookshop and deals with her past with a string of one-night stands. Then she meets the bookshop owners nephew, Daniel. What follows is a really sweet love story, that seamlessly wraps up romance, steamy erotica and emotional tugs at the heartstrings that had me flipping the pages keen to know the outcome. I'm seriously impressed that not only is this a debut novel by Ferry, but English isn't her native tongue. Looking forward to seeing more books by this author, one to watch!
***I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review***
Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews53 followers
September 1, 2016
Such a beautiful story! Emma has nightmares about something horrible that happened when she was younger. Emma has never kissed anyone and doesn't do relationships she's afraid of opening her heart. Daniel geek, awkward virgin and very nervous around woman but what happens when he meets Emma and needs help? Such a great story about opening your heart out and giving trust to someone who truly loves you for you! I loved this book so much Emma such a strong woman and yes at times stubborn but so happy she found love. Daniel such a shy alpha male which was weird how a flip of a switch how comfortable he became I loved that about him! A great summer romance book! 5/5 stars Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
Profile Image for Morgan Terry.
103 reviews7 followers
April 24, 2016
This book requires more than five stars! I was very impressed with the phenomenal story line and writing considering this is from a first time author!!! The story sucked me in immediately and it only got hotter, better and kept me in a rollercoaster of emotions! Emma is certainly a survivor with a hard shell and only Daniel (a very hot geek;-)) is able to crack through even though he himself had a difficult past. This book definitely proves that love can literally fall at your feet at any given moment, and with a little help and understanding, can be a savior to even the most broken of souls. Fantastic job Karen :-)
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews10 followers
Want to read
July 30, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/30/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Jody.
2,075 reviews55 followers
July 27, 2015
Readers who love the theme of opposites attracting will find themselves drawn to the sweet and sensual romance between the colorful yet emotionally bruised Emma and the geeky Daniel with a painful past of his own. Told in dual POVs readers are drawn into their world where faith, love, and healing really do exist and is what brings them together as they work towards their HEA by putting their pasts behind them. From start to finish I was drawn to these vividly depicted characters and was cheering them on every step of the way as they moved from friends to lovers.

Emma's running from a past just hinted at throughout the early stages of the book, hiding behind alcohol, one-night stands, and sarcasm. She's run all the way to Copenhagen where she finds refuge working at a bookstore with Mr. Andersen, the sweet fatherly figure owner, her friend Suzy, and a small group of colorful denizens surrounding the bookstore. She's slowly coming to realize though that her way of coping isn't working and that her friends are running out of patience with her secretive nature and self-destructive behavior. Into her emotionally chaotic life comes the geeky yet shy and unassuming Daniel who's a mystery to her and who becomes an obsession for her to figure out. Figuring him out leads to numerous close encounters that slowly become romantic. With Daniel she finally understands the power of love and the importance of connecting with another person. With his support she'll finally deal with her past instead of hiding behind her usual facade in a emotionally intense journey to HEA. From the start Emma captures your attention with her strong will, unapologetic sexuality, and larger than life attitude. Seeing her past pain bleed into her everyday life had me aching for her. There was a foreboding feeling all along regarding her past that was palpable and that had me wanting to know more. Emma's a memorable heroine and I loved her interactions with Daniel that crackled with electricity.

Daniel's a truly wonderful character, the quintessential hero in his words and deeds. He was a bit geeky with his drab clothes, horn-rimmed glasses, and clumsy nature but you can't help being drawn to him. He has a heart of gold and understands Emma's painful past, never pushing her and helping her appreciate going slow with relationships. He's had a painful past of his own with his stuttering and dyslexia but has never let it hold him back. He knows what he wants out of life and isn't afraid to go after it...and in this case it's Emma he wants. He doesn't hide behind the past but rather focuses on the future he hopes to have with Emma. Daniel's a bit shy and unassuming at first but being around Emma brings out a confident and sexy side that's immensely appealing and results in some very scorching sexual interludes as this virgin shows how good of a student he really is under Emma's tutelage. I found myself smiling whenever he was on the scene and I've now added him to my list of book boyfriends.

For a debut novel Ms. Ferry shows lots of talent as she beautifully wove together a sweet yet sensual romance with heavy emotional issues. Though the start of the book is a bit slow I enjoyed the overall journey between these two very different characters who discovered more in common the deeper their connection became. Along with such strong lead characters was a colorful cast of secondary characters that were immensely supportive and memorably unique. The city of Copenhagen played a big role as well in bringing Daniel and Emma together and its vivid depiction helped to immerse me even further in this compelling and heartwarming story. Readers wanting a book that will put a smile on your face while leaving you tingly with a steamy romance will want to add this book to your bookshelf and watch where Ms. Ferry takes us next!
1,557 reviews39 followers
February 22, 2017
Voilà un roman étonnant qui s’il n’innove pas trop dans les thèmes abordés devrait vous plaire grâce à ses héros et notamment le délicieux Daniel qui ne correspond pas vraiment aux critères habituels de la romance. Mais revenons au début !

Tout d’abord et c’est intéressant, nous allons suivre une jeune britannique qui a choisi délibérément de vivre au Danemark. Elle a vingt-trois ans et on comprend vite qu’elle adore voyager mais que faire ses études dans ce pays n’est pas qu’un pur choix personnel. Elle a fui quelque chose. Emma fait la fête, aime le sexe et porte en elle un terrible fardeau dont nous ne saurons la totalité que bien plus loin dans le roman. Mais elle a un lourd passé. Elle travaille dans une librairie, au milieu des livre dont elle raffole et pour un monsieur assez âgé qui va lui présenter un beau jour son neveu, Daniel. Entre en scène alors un héros comme vous en avez peu vu et c’est la force du roman. Daniel est une sorte de geek, grand et dégingandé, qui porte d’affreuses lunettes et des vêtements peu en rapport avec son âge – vingt-quatre ans. Daniel n’est pas très sûr de lui, a une fâcheuse tendance à s’emmêler les pieds et à tomber. Il est dyslexique et a une mémoire photographique. Bref… c’est l’anti-héros de la romance NA. A priori, il n’a rien pour plaire, mais il forme un mix intéressant.




http://romance-bluemoon.com/2017/02/1...
Profile Image for Mignon Mykel.
Author 80 books673 followers
July 26, 2015
3.5 / 5 stars
Received a review copy in exchange for an honest review; original tour content can be found at:
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20... (7/27)

This book didn't quite get to where I wanted it to go. First off, the cover is flipping gorgeous -- it was that and honestly only that, that made me want to read the book. The synopsis was a bit lengthy for me, but in a summarized form, I figured I could like the book.

I didn't exactly not like the book -- there's plenty that was done right -- I just didn't connect to it like I wanted to.

Emma's life hasn't been peaches and cream by any means. After a day gone terribly wrong, she is semi-estranged from her brother, she moved to a different country as an exchange studen, and doesn't do relationships. One night stands? Yes. Kissing, holding hands, getting to know one another? Abso-freaking-lutely not. Rarely does she run in to her nightly conquests, so she doesn't typically worry about it -- I say rarely, because there is that one or two occasions.

Emma's boss at the bookstore she works at would like her to befriend his nephew -- he's newer to the area and is slightly awkward. Her boss thinks that she can help him open up. What he fails to tell her, though, is that Daniel is actually her neighbor.

I wanted to like Emma. However, I knew I wasn't going to connect with her fully simply from the first chapter and the way it was written (shaking hands after sex? Oh, the irony) -- and I have a terrible time saying that, due to the fact that the story has basis off of true events and I'd hate to offend the author.

I really liked Daniel. Don't get me wrong, I really, really love my alpha males, but there's something about Daniel that pulls you in. He's shy and awkward, blushes on a dime... He was just...

Cute. Eventually, though, he gets more confidence and shows some alpha-tendencies.

Under it all, he's an extremely bright individual -- but with learning disabilities as well as social disabilities, he's never truly reached his full potential. Emma helps him overcome all of these obstacles -- she offers to tutor him if he stands-in as her pretend boyfriend for her family's sake. Daniel proves to not be a full pushover, though, when she tells him she needs him to change his wardrobe -- she typically goes for the bad boy, and Daniel's preppy clothes most certainly don't fit the bill.

I loved that even though he was Emma's complete opposite, he wanted to be her savior. He woke to her nightmares and wanted to help her. He rushed to her side and wanted to be the one she would confide in.

MAKE ME BELIEVE has it's ups and downs. The dark pasts of the characters, the working together and finding that things aren't always as they appear, the attraction that blossoms between two people who would never think that they'd ever like that other person... it was a sweet story (and the epilogue? Daniel's epilogue? Gosh, I loved it). I just couldn't fully connect with the story; it felt too much like skimming the surface, never truly diving deep into the heart of the matter, so I found myself reading over the story, trying to find places to connect to.
Profile Image for Becca.
687 reviews54 followers
November 20, 2015
4.5 Stars - Karen Ferry has certainly made her presence known with her debut novel, Make Me Believe. This beautiful novel embodies the new adult genre with its raw emotion and constantly evolving characters, making me excited for all that is to come from this great new author. Make Me Believe is Emma and Daniel’s story. I enjoyed watching this couple face their demons, themselves, and each other as they navigated their growing feelings and ever-changing lives. Karen Ferry’s writing is unapologetically honest, heartbreaking, pure, and hopeful, giving voice to a pain that is all too real. Make Me Believe is the kind of story you don’t just read, but one you wholly experience.

Emma and Daniel both embark upon a transformative journey in this novel and one of my favorite parts of the book was watching that evolution. I loved Emma immediately. As Daniel broke down Emma’s defenses, her underlying vulnerability and uncertainty pulled at me, proving her to be undeniably human and ensuring the connection I felt with her. Daniel’s growth as a character was something entirely different. While Emma had to be broken down, Daniel needed to be built up. Make Me Believe chronicled the clumsy nerd discovering his inner alpha, leaving me totally blown away by his confidence, protectiveness, and insatiable hunger for physical connection. The juxtaposition of Daniel’s personal journey with Emma’s was stunning, sparking a heat between them that burned up the pages, adding a significant steam factor to this book.

Make Me Believe’s true charm lies in its simplicity. Karen Ferry forgoes the theatrics and focuses the story on the emotional journey her characters experience. I love the natural ease that seems to come with reading familiar angst and genuine feeling without the distraction of over-the-top drama. While Emma and Daniel’s story was far from smooth sailing, I could easily lose myself in their journey; always able to appreciate the authenticity of their experiences. I enjoyed the small details of life that Karen Ferry scattered throughout this story. They grounded her characters and gave them a dimensionality that ensured the reader’s ability to relate to them fully. Make Me Believe is a great new adult read full of scarred hearts, all-consuming love, and unwavering hope that will definitely make you believe in this new author. I can’t wait to see what Karen Ferry comes up with next!
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews37 followers
October 4, 2015
4.5 out of 5
This is a book that is beautifully crafted, completely indulgent and sensationally simplistic, all the while packing a punch that you will be unable to shy away from.
Emma and Daniel are super characters, they have a depth that the author goes to great lengths to develop.
But there is an air of intrigue that surrounds them both that immediately draws you as the reader into their world.
Emma has a bit of a kick to her character, she seems streetwise, more socially aware, although not entirely comfortable in it but Daniel on the other hand came across as the quintessential shy guy.
The two of them were the sort of characters that society would normally determine should never be together but don’t they always make the most engaging of couples, this pairing is proof to us all that somewhere out there, the person that completes us is just waiting to fall into our life and no matter our preconceptions, they will find their way to us.
Together they were two halves of the whole.
Emma is living in Denmark, studying and working having left her family at home in England. Daniel is related to the owner of the bookstore where Emma works and moves into the flat next door.
As a dyslexic student Daniel who asks Emma for help tutoring him as he prepares to start his studies. It is the first tentative steps towards developing what grows into being a very comfortable friendship but was always going to morph into so much more.
I like the vulnerability that the author loaded into Daniel’s character, the fact that he was the antithesis of what we would expect the normal hero of books in this genre to be, they are usually so self-confident and assured, many of them are so alpha and macho that you would be foolish to consider that a credible hero could be anything else… well think again ladies because Daniel is everything they are not and I loved him for that!
I struggled slightly with Emma in the beginning, I was more confused about the way she was than I would have liked, but I suppose that was because the author just seemed to keep Emma’s secrets very closely guarded.
When they are eventually revealed, I could understand the whole scenario better but it wasn’t until her brother’s arrival in Copenhagen that I honestly felt as if I got to see the woman in her entirety, completely laid bare and it was then that she found her place in my heart.
A super read that has now brought a new author to my one-click favourites list.
Profile Image for R.C. Martin.
Author 31 books290 followers
July 26, 2015
5 Stars!
Gifted an advanced copy for an honest review.

Truth: it wasn't until I was about 75% through the book that I decided to rate the story 5 stars. For the majority of the novel, I was hovering around the 4 star rating...but the way Karen handled the conflict--I adore stories where I'm constantly waiting for the predictable chain of events to happen, waiting for the drama that is usually labeled as inevitable, but then I'm pleasantly surprised when it doesn't come! Instead, what I didn't see coming slowly reveals itself and I get to bask in what I hold most dear.

I don't know that I always understood Daniel and his shy vs. confident ways, but his tender heart was too wonderful not to believe. I loved him from the start. There's something about the vulnerability of a man that is just downright sexy. He was always unapologetic about the feelings he harbored in his heart and I appreciated that about him. As for Emma, I think it took me a few chapters to wrap my head around how she was depicted, but once I was in the story, I really liked her. And the more I got to know her and the more she opened herself up, the more I cherished her.

Karen's voice is unlike any that I've read before. I think a lot of that has to do with the culture in which she lives and the language that she hears and (I assume) speaks, along with the fact that her characters exist in that world too. There were some phrases I didn't understand but, other than that, I really enjoyed the way it was delivered. If there was one thing that stood out to me the most, it was the slight lack of consistency of word choice in her characters dialogue. I'm not even sure it's something that many people would care about--but it made me pause. Honestly, if there was anything else that was holding me back from loving this story, I can't remember...because Karen made me fall in love with Daniel and Emma.

The pace of the story was wonderful. The gradual progression of their relationship was great. When I had to put the book down, I was anxious to get back to it. And I can honestly say that I could pick it up again tomorrow and read it all over again. It was a sweet and steamy read that I would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for  All Is Read-Lexy .
215 reviews16 followers
August 8, 2015
WOW! I had to keep reminding myself that this was Karen Ferry’s debut novel. At no point did this story give off any type of vibe other than with writing that seemed to be from a seasoned published writer! With writing and a superb plot, Make Me Believe does just that. I definitely believe Karen Ferry will become a distinguished writer.
So let me start from the beginning of my experience with Karen Ferry and MMB…

It was a warm summer night and everyone was snuggled in their beds…. Hahahaha I’m just joking. Well not really. But one night I was hanging out at an online party celebration (which are starting to become a much bigger trend and very successful in gaining new readers in my opinion) and happened to come across a certain teaser media image for Make Me Believe. Well from then I was hooked. I loved the very idea of the book. And when I got to finally read it, I was completely blown away with just how good it was. The flow never once stalled for me, it was edited well, and I fell in love with the characters. It makes me feel good when I can read a story and the characters’ progression and maturity are written with such clarity that they’re almost tangible. MMB pulled me in with all its nuances that totally makes this story unique and tingle all over.

Karen Ferry has actually made me blush!! ME! BLUSHING! WHILE READING! And I don’t blush. EVER  But that’s beside the point. What my point is, that for this debut author she has written a story that I truly love. I loved that the setting was in Copenhagen. I giggled and smiled when I would read words that made a point to remind me that the characters were speaking in another language other than English, because I am reading in English. I loved that the essence of the story was European in my mind. I appreciated the respect and positivity that was conveyed when speaking of some serious and sometimes debilitating social issues that people can be plagued with. I was consumed with the passion that ebbed and flowed through the pages.

Through it all, at the end of the day, I am reminded why I write reviews and why I blog them. Because I have found a story that I enjoyed so much that I need to let the world know it and say simply, enjoy this story and share your review too.
Profile Image for Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf.
483 reviews84 followers
July 29, 2015
Suppressed secrets lead Emma to have panic attacks, lots of one stand stands and zero intimacy…until she meets Daniel, the geeky, unsure, innocent nephew of her boss. His presence alone changes something in Emma, forcing her to want to deal with her issues and face her demons. This one is a slow burn – if you’re looking for fast and loose, then you’re not going to be pleased; but really – just allow yourself the pleasure of the slow build. When it finally erupts, it’s worth it.

I really really liked Daniel and his sweet naivety. His issues were present, but not too much of a focus. He’s a bit of a contradiction: he may be inexperienced, but he’s a hell of a dirty talker. I’m chalking that one up to an over active imagination and porn research. Well done, Daniel. Emma has a lot more experience – like a lot a lot. However, she’s somehow managed to never actually kiss anyone. How you can possibly manage to have THAT many sexual encounters and dodge The Kiss?! It’s sort of impressive if you think about it.

I wasn’t really sure where the author was going with some of the storyline. I felt that clues were being dropped for big blowouts that never came. I’m not upset that the Big Misunderstanding didn’t happen – I was just confused about why I was led to believe it was going to happen. I digress…

ANYWAY, I was pretty pleased that Emma wasn’t stringing Daniel along while she tried to figure things out. The relationship between the two of them just works and the story flowed well. Daniel is incredibly patient and Emma is giving all that she can – even when it’s not much. Oh. & the sex is really hella freaking hot. I’m a bit scorched.

Sexual tension, scattered emotions and all consuming love highlight this plot. Overall, a very sweet story of what happens when you allow yourself to FEEL. 3.75 stars!

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
Profile Image for Ashley Holbert.
534 reviews53 followers
March 1, 2021
Overall Opinion: I've had this on my Kindle since the book came out, so I decided to give it a try after months of having a broken Kindle. I had many problems with this book to be honest. I wanted to like this book( I really did), but unfortunately I just didn't.

What I Liked:
I Loved how intriguing the synopsis. That's one of the reasons why I wanted to read the book. It's about a girl who has some hidden issues, so she copes with sex basically. I thought it would be a good read.
The cover. This cover is gorgeous. I love the purples, and the overall feel the cover brings.
I enjoyed how easy it was too read. That's the good thing about contemporaries; they are one of the easiest genres to read.

What I Didn't Like:
The writing. Something about the writing bugged me. At times it was too descriptive; whether the places Emma goes or even the sex scenes. I'm all for sex in a book, but it has to be balanced with whatever the plot of the book is.
The POV switch. I didn't know this was duel POV until like eleven chapters in, so the placement of those changes are a little weird. I didn't enjoy Daniel's POV, because it didn't feel needed in the story.
The characters. For the most part the characters were okay, it was just a few things that bothered me. Emma's problem for me was centered on her ways of coping. She says she copes with random hook-ups, but she never hooked-up with anyone since the very beginning of the book. This was a problem for me because it didn't support her thought process. Daniel's problem with me was his 180 degree personality switch. He went from a adorable, clumsy guy to an alpha male, and that felt unrealistic.
The issues the characters dealt with. While I'm glad that both characters are working on their issues, I felt like some of the conflicts were unnecessary to the overall story.

Recommendation: I'm not sure if I would recommend this, so it's up to you if this sounds like your kind of book. A 2.5/5 stars book.
Profile Image for EscapeNBooks.
809 reviews
December 15, 2015
4.5 stars

“This is it: the moment I hand over my heart to her, unafraid of what the consequences might be.”

Make Me Believe is the debut novel by Author Karen Ferry. It is a beautiful story of overcoming the past to find new beginnings and hope for the future.

“Daniel makes me want to believe in fairytales again even if I did give up on them many years ago.”

Daniel is such an interesting character. He is smart, quirky, and quickly becomes a smoldering hot man. He is quite a match for Emma, as she is quick-witted, feisty, and a force to be reckoned with.

“I’ve met someone, and even though we barely know each other, I have this almost unbearable wish to feel his lips on mine.”

Told in dual points of view from both Emma Daniel, Make Me Believe was a sweet and sexy read that offered a unique story feel. Being introduced to Daniel and learning the many mysterious aspects of his personal and sexual life were surreal and cute. He was such a great character to follow, as his growth in the story was fast-paced and quick-learned. There was a different chemistry between he and Emma in the story that was not run-of-of-the-mill. I love how they initially met and their second reintroduction. It was totally them.

The scenes that were set by Author Karen Ferry added to an already lovely story line; I recall one in particular that will forever be burned into my mind, and will never be able to look at a park bench as simple ever again. The pace of the story also contributed to my overall love for this story. I look forward to more from this author in the future.

“I want you so much, every single part of you - the light, the darkness, and the in-between.”
Profile Image for Beauté De Livres  (Vivian Freeman).
227 reviews22 followers
November 6, 2015
Make Me Believe is the perfect combination of heartwarming and heartache. Karen Ferry has written her debut novel with characters that readers will relate to and fall madly and deeply in love with. Inspired by true events, readers can’t help but try to guess which parts of her life Karen has revealed.

Introducing us to Emma, Karen Ferry brings to live this gorgeous quirky human being with an old soul, who is desperately trying to repair her broken spirit. Moving to a different country, Emma seeks a fresh start; a new beginning.
Her life, her rules!

Then she meets Dan – gorgeous, nerdy and equally quirky.

In a coincidental meeting their lives are entwined and before they know it, they are both living and breathing all the mixed emotions that surround their time together. With secrets that infiltrate every waking second of their lives both Dan and Emma avoid being honest with one another and that includes admitting to their growing feelings and the undeniable chemistry between them.

Make Me Believe exposes so many vulnerabilities and so much pain for both Emma and Dan but as they finally succumb to their desires, readers will hope that Emma and Dan can find their way out of the darkness and bring each other into the light.

Karen Ferry’s debut novel has touched on topics that are often put in the too hard basket. Delicately writing about pain and heartache, Ferry ensures she uses her supporting characters to show the importance of support and loyalty. Make Me Believe shows off Ferry’s writing skills, her empathy and above all, all the possibilities for her and her characters.
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