This is a well written story which is focused entirely on the two main characters. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed getting familiar with their writing style. I didn’t necessarily connect with the story itself but I found the main characters interesting enough that it didn’t matter. I loved the connection between them. They had an undeniable chemistry that just seemed to work for them. I thought this book was a great way to get a feel for this authors writing style. I showed what kind of work they produced and has definitely piqued my interest for further books. I am going to explore what else they have to offer, including any more in this series.
This book is a great sports romance story with a enemies-to-lovers theme. The players had an interesting history which coloured their first few interactions and set the tone for the entertaining story we got. It is quite a slow burn story but for me, that just gave us more time to get to know the characters and love them for who they are. The book is a well written story that is a great mix of good story-telling, romance and spice. This is the first book that I had read by this author and it can definitely be read as a standalone. Having read this book however, I know I will be going back to read the others because I enjoyed this one so much. This is a great book and I am excited to read more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2024-02-09 15:39:232024-02-14 13:11:53Dirty Heartbreaker (Hamilton Steelhawks Series) by A. C. Sheppard – Review by Kerry Baker
Jumping on mid series, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was expecting. I was pleasantly surprised to figure it could truly be read as a stand alone; however, rven with that being said I will be going back to read the previous books in the series just based solely on the little tidbits you get on the previous characters storyline throughout the book.
Suckered into helping a friend, Jackson, after he tells a lie the will majority affect both thier lives. Once Ros agrees to help keep up the ruse, things really get interesting. Will the two be able to stay just friends? Get a HEA? Or ruin a great friendship forever? Pick up the book and give it a read to find out. I would recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sarah Kinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSarah King2024-02-09 14:31:372024-02-16 08:37:13Fashionably Fake (Kings of Screen Series) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Sarah King
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/74958545-fashionably-fake” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Fashionably Fake” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1671716644l/74958545._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/74958545-fashionably-fake”>Fashionably Fake</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20965421.Morgana_Bevan”>Morgana Bevan</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6249005044″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Ros is a fashion designer, Jackson a Scottish actor. Neither one of them has been lucky in the relationship department. Jackson tells the publicity that he and Ros are together. Which makes her angry. But can she bring her walls down and really fall in love with Jackson. Can he get Ros to truely fall for him. This was such a great read. It’s the 4th book but can be read as a stand alone.<br /> <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2024-02-09 10:18:142024-02-16 08:36:24Fashionably Fake (Kings of Screen Series) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Tori Mitton
This book was an ok read for me. I thought the overall story was good but it just didn’t hit all the way for me. I liked Gabriel’s character development more than Harper but feel that Harper wasn’t as developed as a character the way I felt he was. I would have liked to see more for Harper. I also feel like the details in his development made you want to really hate him. It was a little too dark for my comfort.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trish Annhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrish Ann2024-02-09 09:43:202024-02-16 08:36:02Deceptively Yours (Titans of Chicago Series) by Anise Storm – Review by Trish Ann
Ashton is a strong, Independent woman when she is in her job is formidable but there is a secret which is buried deep down and she is nervous to let lose, her submissive side. Ashton believed she had “retired” from the scene but when she decides to give Shattered Embrace a chance but will see get what she wants and who she wants??
Zach in his day to day job is the CEO of a major company, but he has a secret where he and his brother co-own a BDSM Club. Memberships are hard to come by and have a vigorous process until one application peaks his interest, so when he discovers its the new consultant they have hired he decides to give into the obvious chemistry they have but is she really the submissive he wants and requires?
This is the first book I have read by this author and lets say it won’t be the last. I loved the character of Ashton, all strong and determined in her day job but knows what she wants and is ready to take it if needs be. When you add into the mix of Zach’s character the chemistry just explodes off the page.
The way the story weaves and slowly opens up Ashton’s story is brilliant and the at time soft approach of Zach is beautiful to read. The secondary characters also add another layer to the story and hoping that some of them get there stories in the future.
Thank you for adding another book boyfriend to my list and hope to read more of the wonderful group of people in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2024-02-09 06:28:332024-02-14 13:09:19Hidden Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Angela Shirley
Dirty Heartbreaker is book three in the Hamilton Steelhawks series. I would recommend reading this series in order because some of the characters were in the previous books and it makes for a better reading experience overall. I couldn’t put this one down. It was steamy and had a good plot and it was a sports Romance. I am definitely a sucker for those! I enjoyed the main characters Colby and Gabriella. They make the story enjoyable and I was egar to see how their story would play out. I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future! Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anastasia Dodsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnastasia Dodson2024-02-08 23:06:092024-02-16 08:35:40Dirty Heartbreaker (Hamilton Steelhawks Series) by A. C. Sheppard – Review by Anastasia Dodson
I’ve been a die hard fan of this author since the first titan series that they did, so when I saw this had released i was right there ready to get it. I loved the trope in this book; lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers. It is an HEA, but PLEASE read the content warnings before you jump in to the book. I made the mistake of not paying attention was quite thrown off by some of the things that happened in this book. That being said, I think the author did a beautiful job of managing the trauma that comes with some of the events of the books, and I look forward to the next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lucy Machardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLucy Machard2024-02-08 22:46:202024-02-16 08:35:32Deceptively Yours (Titans of Chicago Series) by Anise Storm – Review by Lucy Machard
The Rocklyn’s Collection is a variety of romances between the Rocklyn cousins that brings the reader to experience different types of relationships. Happy, sad, love, friendship, love and hate. A love for one another that reads right through the page and into the reader’s heart. Not without its share of drama each of the 7 books focuses on a different Rocklyn offspring. One of those series you don’t want to put down. Just one more page, 2 hours later not realizing what that one page turned into. 7 stories and my favorite’s were books 1, 3, & 4. And no, I can’t pick one from there. Some of them feature second chance romance. Some feature workplace type romance. And some feature just needing to know who that person is and doing everything in their power to find out. Book 1 Lovers in Training features the oh so stubborn Shannon and her savior/client Tate who can’t get enough of her. Book 2 Maybe Lovers features bartender Carly and elusive not readily available Dr. Jeff. Book 3 Rainy Day Lovers features Roman who had always been taken by the woman who gave him courage to take the next step and get himself off the streets, Raina. Book 4 Encore Lovers features Emerson and the oldest Rocklyn winery son Matt Jr. as they rediscover what once was, when he made the regretful decision to walk away and marry someone of his father’s choosing. Book 5 Never Lovers features the rekindling childhood romance between Patrice and Monty. Getting past the tragedies that tore them apart and finding out another again while being snowed in together. Book 6 Improbable Lovers features the aloof(to his family) form military man Grant and stuntwoman Keisha while they navigate this feeling between them. Two both stubbornly independent people are in a new territory when they realize they want the other to be part of their lives. Book 7 Windswept Lovers is the final book in this series set and it features wild child Tucker Rocklyn finally finding a woman in Max that can bring him to his knees. Just one problem: she’s the housekeeper of the woman that wants to make him hers. Just a brief insight into each story. The instant love through some has you wondering what substance the story has, but it’s there. It’s used as a building block of development. Others it builds to love. It’s a series I will probably start over again on a rainy day. Maybe just maybe you may feel the same way as well!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Beverly Place-Finniehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBeverly Place-Finnie2024-02-08 22:35:592024-02-16 08:35:24The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Beverly Finnie
The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set (Books 1-7)
Collections like this make me happy, I can binge a series of books instead of the dreaded waiting for the next book to come out.
We get to know the Rocklyn family and follow them as they fall in love with their people. Each couple meets in a different way and face their own challenges but they work through it to end up with their happy endings.
I loved each couple for different reasons, but think my favorite meets was Raina in Rainy Day Lovers which is the third book in the collection.
This series has been a great way to fill my days as I recover and plan to see what else has to offer.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2024-02-08 22:21:472024-02-15 12:12:47The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Robin Rankin
Fashionably Fake: A Fake Relationship Hollywood Romance (Kings of Screen Celebrity Romance Book 4)
Jackson needs help deflecting a scandal in the press and instantly inserts his foot into his mouth and turns Ros’s life on its ear.
Ros’s friendship with Jackson has grown a lot since they met at the wedding and she doesn’t want to mess it up no matter the conflict in her head and heart. Her childhood tramas continue to impact her and how she lives her life.
This was a sweet story about friends becoming lovers and everything they each go through in the transition. It was great catching up with the boys. They are such a fun group.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2024-02-08 22:05:532024-02-15 12:12:37Fashionably Fake (Kings of Screen Series) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Robin Rankin
I love Alicia Street books. They’re always just so juicy. They have such amazing stories, and this collection doesn’t disappoint. Each of the 7 books offers a story packed with all the yummy things. Great characters, great world building, romance, and a great story. It took me 3 days, but I was literally fighting sleep because they were so good. I couldn’t pick a favorite if you asked me to, but just know this, you won’t be let down. I can’t wait to read them again!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Manda Kellyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngManda Kelly2024-02-08 22:01:372024-02-16 08:35:08The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Manda Kelly
This was a fun, contemporary friends to lovers romance…Fashionably Fake is Book 4 in this series…I thought this story was very enjoyable..the chemistry between Ros and Jackson was off the chart. Friendship, undisclosed feelings and banter..what will come of Ros and Jackson……..
Hollywood is all about facade….that is what Jackson is finding out being a well known actor, knowing he needs to clean up his act a bit. When Jackson confronts Ros with a proposition of one year of being together as a “couple”, what could he lose…..but Ros is hesitant, swearing not to get her heart broken again…she decides to take Jackson on his offer. Knowing how their friendship is…what can happen when Ros and Jackson blur the lines of that friendship when Ros is trying to fight off the feelings while Jackson is trying to embrace them.
Definitely have to read and find out what happens. This is a very good story, easy to read and I just loved the banter between Jackson and Ros.
Hidden Mischief is the first book in the Shattered Embrace series. It honestly read like a debut novel, it might be, I haven’t read this author before, so pardon me if I’m wrong. I had a really hard time settling on a rating. I ended settling with a 3.5 and I know that seems like I didn’t like it but I did I just wasn’t enamored with it. I understood Ashton’s trauma and appreciated Zachary’s willingness to work through it with her, and help her explore herself more, and come to terms with what she likes for herself. Joining his club in search of a Dom/Sub relationship was just the very beginning. I liked them together too but everything happened so fast and I just feel like there’s so much more story to tell. I’d like to continue the series to get a better feel for the characters and see the authors writing talent grow.
WOW! This has been the most incredible boxed set I have read in quite a long time. I thought it was going to take me ages to get through this as it is 7 books, but I literally devoured them in one weekend. After loving the first two, I was worried that the series would have a lesser quality as the books went on. I’m pleased to say that they were all phenomenal, which is nearly an impossible feat with 7 entire books! You’ll be on an emotional rollercoaster throughout this series as we get to know all of the characters’ quirks and relationship webs. I kept falling in love with each character, all of which were incredibly well-developed. The flow of each story was seamless, and I never felt any awkward moments where I was pulled out of the book. I am experiencing such a deep book hangover as I didn’t want to part with these characters at all. This author has definitely made it to my watch list and I’m highly recommending this boxed set to everyone I know!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2024-02-08 20:02:502024-02-15 12:17:36The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Shannen Kern
This series has been so incredible, and this installment is no different! The author has such a way of crafting their stories that once you open the first page, you cannot pull away. I lost an entire afternoon being sucked into this world, but I have zero regrets. The book is told in dual points of view which is an automatic bonus for me. It helps shape the story to hear from both Ros and Jackson’s perspectives. I’m a big fan of fake relationship tropes as well, and the author truly brought a refreshing take to them. While this is part of the series, it is possible to read this as a standalone, so don’t let this being the 4th book put you off at all! I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next.
Who doesn’t love romance? All the books and characters flow together smoothly. I love how this book highlights the importance of family and love. I highly recommend this whole series.
I live for reading an entire collection at once rather than waiting for each new release. Each book brought the story of another Rocklyn family member and their love interest. Despite practically being royalty due to their vineyard the Rocklyn family has their share of issues, especially when it comes to love. Alicia Street’s writing is engaging and easy to read. Each character pulls you in and has you rooting for their happily ever after. Throughout the series Tucker was always a hoot. I was glad to see him get his own story to round out the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Pesekhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Pesek2024-02-08 19:28:122024-02-16 08:32:22The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Megan Pesek
This series is focused on the Rocklyn family. I love how the stories are all different, but they wind together a little as the characters in each story are family. Each story was a pretty quick read and was highly enjoyable. This was a series in which it was very easy to binge read. I just wanted to read, read, read to soak up as much as this family and their lives as I could. They all had their issues, but they were all easy to love.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Crystal Brehanthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCrystal Brehant2024-02-08 19:22:452024-02-16 08:32:14The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Crystal Brehant
Dont let the length discourage you! These stories are totally worth it! There are so many emotions within each story. We have happy, sad, steamy, and everything in between!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kay Striteskyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKay Stritesky2024-02-08 19:18:542024-02-16 08:31:56The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Kay Stritesky
This is the 4th book of the Kings of Screen but can be read as a standalone. The author is very adept at weaving in the important details of the previous stories and keeping the reader from feeling like they are missing something. The characters are so fun to read and go on this “fake” relationship with. It is told in both POV’s which I personally love because you get to see both characters fall for each other in their own words. This was a great read and will definitely leave you going back for the first three!
This book was not what I was expecting. It was pretty vanilla to me, however the heat between Ashton an Zach was quite steamy! If you are new to spicy books or BDSM then this is the perfect beginner book for you.
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up by her. I enjoy her writing skills as well as her attention to details that make her stories pop. Her characters are connectible and certainly bring heat and romance to the story. This book is no different. This is the first book in a new series for this author and what a great start it is. I enjoyed how I was pulled into the story by the characters. I enjoyed watching their growth as well as their attraction throughout the story. Their chemistry is off the charts for sure. This is a second chance romance story but is their love strong enough to survive the evil that is lurking? You don’t want to miss what happens with these characters for sure. This is a fast paced, engaging story that is hard to put down and easy to read. I really enjoyed this book and what the characters bring to the story. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2024-02-08 17:06:122024-02-15 12:10:34Deceptively Yours (Titans of Chicago Series) by Anise Storm – Review by Bobbi Wagner
What an absolutely amazing collection of fabulous stories from a truly talented author. It if so filled with wonderful heartfelt characters and creative, extremely well written storylines, you really wont want to put it down. There plenty of steamy moments but there is laughter and sadness, hope and fun banter, past hurts to overcome and even some danger. Don’t miss this!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2024-02-08 14:40:182024-02-16 08:29:55The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Jules Herbert
This is over 1000 pages…7 books of sweet couples trying to find their way. Some of these characters go many many years before finding the one they are meant to be with. All of these books are great. Of course everyone has their favorites. Personally it was hard to choose a few favorites out of the series. Rainy Day Lovers is by far one of my faves! All of the characters were totally loveable. The Rocklyn’s are just an average amazing family with great family Values they make the readers root For them all thru each page. Rainy…well really what’s there not to love. This girl is an amazing person even at such a young age, she volunteers and helps People when she can. I was so happy to see her find someone. Maybe Lovers….Jeff, boy oh boy what in the world did he get himself into being engaged to Peyton. I cannot believe how she got away with everything she did for as long as she did. I loved the bartender Carly. She was another one of my Favorite characters in The collection The author did amazing with each one of these books.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Mulveyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Mulvey2024-02-08 14:07:422024-02-16 08:29:49The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Michelle Mulvey
This is the first book in the Shattered Embrace series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. What I loved about this book is how deep the author goes with her characters and setting the scene instead of it being a few words and then action. The build up of the characters attraction and witnessing their interactions really brought them to life for me. This is a dom/sub relationship and the author does a great job of giving the reader a complete and full understanding of what exactly that entail in an open and honest way. Zachery is a strong Dom. He runs a club and well as other businesses. He is successful and has never wanted to settle down until he meets Ashton.
Ashton is a sub. She wants to joined Shattered Embrace to rediscover herself. What she doesn’t expect is that the man she is employed by as a consultant is the same man who holds the key to the door of the club she wanted to join.
The attraction is immediate but can they mix business and pleasure? What I love about Aston is that she isn’t a typical shy, meek sub. Even with her Dom she is sassy and says what she thinks which only intrigues Zachery even more? Could Ashton be the one the finally make Zachery settle down? Will the chemistry between them be too much to handle? As the story progresses we learn much about the characters and just how perfectly matched they are. I can’t wait to read the next book.
This is an interesting story covering a lifestyle I really know nothing about. I am not a huge fan of BDSM books and was unaware this was one. In here we follow Ashton on a journey of self discovery. I think I learned as much as she did. Ha ha! She is surrounded by Doms unbeknownst to her. Each is learning how to deal with each other in this new role from her besties, old classmates and family. This is an okay story but just not for me.
I enjoyed this book. I always love a fake romance that actually blossoms into a relationship. Jackson and Ros worked well together and had good chemistry. This author does a good job weaving the plot and making each book feel different within the genre. I look forward to more by this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trish Annhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrish Ann2024-02-08 08:18:452024-02-16 08:20:11Fashionably Fake (Kings of Screen Series) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Trish Ann
5 Stars The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street
The Rocklyns Collection is a boxset of seven books in the Rocklyns Series. Each book follows a different Rocklyn sibling and can be read as standalones but I’m a sucker for reading series in order. This Collection is a Contemporary Romance that will have you turning the pages till the end. I’m definitely putting this collection on my list of rereads. If you’re looking for a good second chance romance, opposites attract, forbidden love then this is a boxset for you. Each story has ,drama ,secrets, forbidden love and so much more. I highly recommend reading this collection and I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2024-02-08 04:18:402024-02-15 12:04:33The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Deceptively Yours is the first book in the Titans of Chicago series by Anise Storm. This is the start of a new spin-off series (from Titans of Manhattan), this time set in Chicago. I have loved reading the Titans of Manhattan, so it was a given that I would be diving into this book as soon as it released. This is a bit of a darker romantic suspense with trigger warnings for violence, SA, and more- so keep that in mind before diving in. The story is a second chance romance with forced proximity, painful past history, hurt, tension, chemistry, sparks, sizzle, emotion, lies, secrets, angst, drama, tension, intrigue, action, flashbacks, and is told from a duel (alternating) POV. There were parts of the story which were heart-wrenching at times, where I really felt for the character/s. And as I mentioned above, some of the subject-matter could be considered triggers for some readers – so be warned. This is not a light and fluffy read. Our FMC especially, has been through the wringer. Though, I have to be honest here, I have really struggled with my thoughts on this book and how to put them into my review. As I have mentioned, I have read most of Ms. Storm’s books now and have enjoyed my reading journey with her. But I really struggled reading this book for numerous reasons, one of which was that it felt like it was (almost) written by a completely different author, and not up to Ms. Storm’s usual ‘polish’ (so sorry, Ms. Storm). Let me try and explain. First of all, our MC’s are only 26 and so much has happened to them over the years- as they have gone from childhood friends to teen sweethearts, to then being ripped apart by harrowing circumstances at the age of sixteen. So, I really feel that these two needed to be slightly older now (perhaps 29/30) to really ‘fit’ the storyline/circumstances/life better. But, in saying that, there was a lot of dialogue/inner thoughts which ‘sounded’ much older and more ‘formal’- especially when we were reading from a sixteen-year-olds perspective. There were times that the dialogue just didn’t feel realistic for the situation or characters circumstances/ages, which pulled me out of the story and disrupted the ‘flow’. Then there was repeated information, in the form of inner thoughts/dialogue which was frustrating having to ‘hear’ something we already knew, repeatedly. After a while it just seemed like manufactured angst/drama. Then there was the use of wrong terms (from my perspective) which pulled me out of the story and had me re-reading to confirm what I just read. Which again, is my own perspective/‘issues’ with this book- as others might not even notice or care. There were also terms, sentences/dialogue that seemed quite ‘clunky/bumpy/unneeded/confusing, which made for a choppy feel, and again, pulled me out of the story. And the tenses of the story were in conflict at times, too. I feel that most of these issues could have been caught during the beta read/editing process and would have made the story so much more polished — made it flow/feel so much better (but again, this is just my personal opinion). Then there were the characters – who frustrated me to death with their miscommunications/misunderstandings/manufacturing angst and drama- I went from really feeling for them to wanting to knock their heads together, and that made it hard for me to fully connect with them and invest in their story. I am not trying to sound ‘nit-picking’ here, just trying to convey how I feel, and why this just didn’t connect with me the way I had hoped…… But having loved Ms. Storm’s other works, I am looking forward to seeing what comes next. Happy reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2024-02-08 01:22:532024-02-14 13:08:43Deceptively Yours (Titans of Chicago Series Book #1) by Anise Storm – Review by Angela Hayes
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