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fsmeurinne's review against another edition
5.0
Layla and Cain's story was a fantastic romance suspense, the world-building was fantastic, very refreshing and as a technology expert I enjoyed the idea of The Elysian, I wished I could move in. The story started with a slow build, but after that it doesn't stop, the pacing is quite steady until past half and then it picks up. Layla is a character I really liked, her way she interacts and destroy Cain's walls was very entertaining. Cain on the other hand is a character I loved, this type of characters are my cup of tea, I love how their mind works and this book was spot on. The twists and turns had me hearing the audiobook nonstop, I had to pull an all nighter for how good it was. The audiobook is narrated by Sebastian York and Ava Erickson, two superb professional narrators that know how to perform and develop the story to deliver a high quality and excellent audiobook, their pronunciation is always clear, with a great pacing. Their combined voices and performance will have you hooked, the editing was well done, so simply a great audiobook to get to pair it with the book, so you don't miss a thing. I can't wait to see what Ava comes up with next in this great new world.
Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore
Merged review:
Layla and Cain's story was a fantastic romance suspense, the world-building was fantastic, very refreshing and as a technology expert I enjoyed the idea of The Elysian, I wished I could move in. The story started with a slow build, but after that it doesn't stop, the pacing is quite steady until past half and then it picks up. Layla is a character I really liked, her way she interacts and destroy Cain's walls was very entertaining. Cain on the other hand is a character I loved, this type of characters are my cup of tea, I love how their mind works and this book was spot on. The twists and turns had me hearing the audiobook nonstop, I had to pull an all nighter for how good it was. The audiobook is narrated by Sebastian York and Ava Erickson, two superb professional narrators that know how to perform and develop the story to deliver a high quality and excellent audiobook, their pronunciation is always clear, with a great pacing. Their combined voices and performance will have you hooked, the editing was well done, so simply a great audiobook to get to pair it with the book, so you don't miss a thing. I can't wait to see what Ava comes up with next in this great new world.
Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore
Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore
Merged review:
Layla and Cain's story was a fantastic romance suspense, the world-building was fantastic, very refreshing and as a technology expert I enjoyed the idea of The Elysian, I wished I could move in. The story started with a slow build, but after that it doesn't stop, the pacing is quite steady until past half and then it picks up. Layla is a character I really liked, her way she interacts and destroy Cain's walls was very entertaining. Cain on the other hand is a character I loved, this type of characters are my cup of tea, I love how their mind works and this book was spot on. The twists and turns had me hearing the audiobook nonstop, I had to pull an all nighter for how good it was. The audiobook is narrated by Sebastian York and Ava Erickson, two superb professional narrators that know how to perform and develop the story to deliver a high quality and excellent audiobook, their pronunciation is always clear, with a great pacing. Their combined voices and performance will have you hooked, the editing was well done, so simply a great audiobook to get to pair it with the book, so you don't miss a thing. I can't wait to see what Ava comes up with next in this great new world.
Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore
jennifermarie119's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book very much, it was fantastic and thrilling full of twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
Layla Marks is a journalist tasked with writing a story on Cain Archer and his new development the Elysian. Cain is mysterious and they are both are taken with each other from the moment they meet. I loved watching them get to know each other and was on the edge of my seat as the mystery and story unfolded!
The narration was great. Ava Erickson did an amazing as the young and eager reporter and Sebastian York was perfect for the mysterious Cain Archer. Definitely recommend this one for all you romantic thriller lovers!
Layla Marks is a journalist tasked with writing a story on Cain Archer and his new development the Elysian. Cain is mysterious and they are both are taken with each other from the moment they meet. I loved watching them get to know each other and was on the edge of my seat as the mystery and story unfolded!
The narration was great. Ava Erickson did an amazing as the young and eager reporter and Sebastian York was perfect for the mysterious Cain Archer. Definitely recommend this one for all you romantic thriller lovers!
serial_london's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book as an ARC.
Suspense, danger, “I hate everyone but you”, morally grey love interest, dual POV, and dominance. Yup. This is worth the read.
The characters were very addictive. I loved the self awareness of the slight insta-love going on and questioning as to why. The suspenseful part of the plot is a bit of slow burn but the pay off is worth it. It keeps you guessing and I was hooked to see how things would end.
Spice level is moderate but very well done. The contrast of how put together Cain is versus how completely undone he becomes for her is delicious.
Merged review:
I received this book as an ARC.
Suspense, danger, “I hate everyone but you”, morally grey love interest, dual POV, and dominance. Yup. This is worth the read.
The characters were very addictive. I loved the self awareness of the slight insta-love going on and questioning as to why. The suspenseful part of the plot is a bit of slow burn but the pay off is worth it. It keeps you guessing and I was hooked to see how things would end.
Spice level is moderate but very well done. The contrast of how put together Cain is versus how completely undone he becomes for her is delicious.
Suspense, danger, “I hate everyone but you”, morally grey love interest, dual POV, and dominance. Yup. This is worth the read.
The characters were very addictive. I loved the self awareness of the slight insta-love going on and questioning as to why. The suspenseful part of the plot is a bit of slow burn but the pay off is worth it. It keeps you guessing and I was hooked to see how things would end.
Spice level is moderate but very well done. The contrast of how put together Cain is versus how completely undone he becomes for her is delicious.
Merged review:
I received this book as an ARC.
Suspense, danger, “I hate everyone but you”, morally grey love interest, dual POV, and dominance. Yup. This is worth the read.
The characters were very addictive. I loved the self awareness of the slight insta-love going on and questioning as to why. The suspenseful part of the plot is a bit of slow burn but the pay off is worth it. It keeps you guessing and I was hooked to see how things would end.
Spice level is moderate but very well done. The contrast of how put together Cain is versus how completely undone he becomes for her is delicious.
fic_it's review against another edition
1.0
Maybe it’s just me, but this was never ending. I basically DNF bc I made it as far as chapter 12 before getting fed up.
Mind you, again, it’s probably just me, but things felt senselessly drawn out and repeated. Characters seemed wishy-washy and un-compelling for what it is there supposed to have been through or be.
The ML has one POV chapter he basically repeats what he was thinking in one of his first POV’s again practically verbatim and the girl isn’t nearly as strong or keen as I had hoped she would be.
You can’t just SAY a character has a knack for investigative journalism without backing it up with spot on observations and idk, an animal like instinct for things. I realize she’s been stuck in the lighting department for some time now but she’s let herself go soft and dull, crying all the while that she deserves a chance to be more, to have her dream job. Ugh.
The ML is a laugh too. He just kinda thinks to himself- “I like her” and then just rolls with it. But there’s no stellar background noise in his head screaming “wtf bro!? This is not our usual MO!”. Like, wouldn’t it be more fun and interesting if he were like “you made my heart pause! Prepare to die!” And he spends maybe 30 chapters plotting how he’s going to un-alive her? She basically rides in from nowhere town and makes him feel NOT like a sociopath and instead of leaning into those sociopath habits and thoughts he may have he’s like, “hmm, how interesting, I’ll roll with it”. And you don’t see more skis in his mask when she turns around to face him to quickly, or creepy vibes and shudders she feels when they’re alone together and he starts to loosen his hold over his “human” mask.
Basically, this was long and boring for no reason. Everyone felt off point and like the mark was missed for me personally but again. I DNF.
Merged review:
Maybe it’s just me, but this was never ending. I basically DNF bc I made it as far as chapter 12 before getting fed up.
Mind you, again, it’s probably just me, but things felt senselessly drawn out and repeated. Characters seemed wishy-washy and un-compelling for what it is there supposed to have been through or be.
The ML has one POV chapter he basically repeats what he was thinking in one of his first POV’s again practically verbatim and the girl isn’t nearly as strong or keen as I had hoped she would be.
You can’t just SAY a character has a knack for investigative journalism without backing it up with spot on observations and idk, an animal like instinct for things. I realize she’s been stuck in the lighting department for some time now but she’s let herself go soft and dull, crying all the while that she deserves a chance to be more, to have her dream job. Ugh.
The ML is a laugh too. He just kinda thinks to himself- “I like her” and then just rolls with it. But there’s no stellar background noise in his head screaming “wtf bro!? This is not our usual MO!”. Like, wouldn’t it be more fun and interesting if he were like “you made my heart pause! Prepare to die!” And he spends maybe 30 chapters plotting how he’s going to un-alive her? She basically rides in from nowhere town and makes him feel NOT like a sociopath and instead of leaning into those sociopath habits and thoughts he may have he’s like, “hmm, how interesting, I’ll roll with it”. And you don’t see more skis in his mask when she turns around to face him to quickly, or creepy vibes and shudders she feels when they’re alone together and he starts to loosen his hold over his “human” mask.
Basically, this was long and boring for no reason. Everyone felt off point and like the mark was missed for me personally but again. I DNF.
Mind you, again, it’s probably just me, but things felt senselessly drawn out and repeated. Characters seemed wishy-washy and un-compelling for what it is there supposed to have been through or be.
The ML has one POV chapter he basically repeats what he was thinking in one of his first POV’s again practically verbatim and the girl isn’t nearly as strong or keen as I had hoped she would be.
You can’t just SAY a character has a knack for investigative journalism without backing it up with spot on observations and idk, an animal like instinct for things. I realize she’s been stuck in the lighting department for some time now but she’s let herself go soft and dull, crying all the while that she deserves a chance to be more, to have her dream job. Ugh.
The ML is a laugh too. He just kinda thinks to himself- “I like her” and then just rolls with it. But there’s no stellar background noise in his head screaming “wtf bro!? This is not our usual MO!”. Like, wouldn’t it be more fun and interesting if he were like “you made my heart pause! Prepare to die!” And he spends maybe 30 chapters plotting how he’s going to un-alive her? She basically rides in from nowhere town and makes him feel NOT like a sociopath and instead of leaning into those sociopath habits and thoughts he may have he’s like, “hmm, how interesting, I’ll roll with it”. And you don’t see more skis in his mask when she turns around to face him to quickly, or creepy vibes and shudders she feels when they’re alone together and he starts to loosen his hold over his “human” mask.
Basically, this was long and boring for no reason. Everyone felt off point and like the mark was missed for me personally but again. I DNF.
Merged review:
Maybe it’s just me, but this was never ending. I basically DNF bc I made it as far as chapter 12 before getting fed up.
Mind you, again, it’s probably just me, but things felt senselessly drawn out and repeated. Characters seemed wishy-washy and un-compelling for what it is there supposed to have been through or be.
The ML has one POV chapter he basically repeats what he was thinking in one of his first POV’s again practically verbatim and the girl isn’t nearly as strong or keen as I had hoped she would be.
You can’t just SAY a character has a knack for investigative journalism without backing it up with spot on observations and idk, an animal like instinct for things. I realize she’s been stuck in the lighting department for some time now but she’s let herself go soft and dull, crying all the while that she deserves a chance to be more, to have her dream job. Ugh.
The ML is a laugh too. He just kinda thinks to himself- “I like her” and then just rolls with it. But there’s no stellar background noise in his head screaming “wtf bro!? This is not our usual MO!”. Like, wouldn’t it be more fun and interesting if he were like “you made my heart pause! Prepare to die!” And he spends maybe 30 chapters plotting how he’s going to un-alive her? She basically rides in from nowhere town and makes him feel NOT like a sociopath and instead of leaning into those sociopath habits and thoughts he may have he’s like, “hmm, how interesting, I’ll roll with it”. And you don’t see more skis in his mask when she turns around to face him to quickly, or creepy vibes and shudders she feels when they’re alone together and he starts to loosen his hold over his “human” mask.
Basically, this was long and boring for no reason. Everyone felt off point and like the mark was missed for me personally but again. I DNF.
katiereadsalot89's review against another edition
5.0
Here Lies North by Ava Harrison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Merged review:
Here Lies North by Ava Harrison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Merged review:
Here Lies North by Ava Harrison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
strangelynormal's review against another edition
4.0
Layla Marks is enduring a less than fulfilling job in hopes of one day making it as an investigative journalist. An opportunity she cannot refuse lands in her lap as her boss asks her to write an article on The Elysian. The Elysian is a paradise secluded in the mountains of upstate New York. Cain Archer is an eccentric man that has developed a state of the art playground for the uber rich. A community that will anticipate your every need. As part of her exclusive, Layla is given one of the first looks at Elysian but finds more than paradise.
Layla and Cain have this immedient connection that they are not really sure how to handle. Layla has a way of putting Cain’s work into words to share with the world. The author does a great job at making the reader believe in the connection between these two. It is an instant attraction but it is not without reason. The majority of the book creates the back story and foundation for the couple, but because of the prologue you are waiting for the other shoe to drop. The Compass Killer was a well known serial killer in the area that has returned after a seventeen year hiatus. We know it is going to involve our characters in some way.
There were great connections between the characters and the story but I would have liked to have seen more of the suspense part of the story earlier. I appreciated that the characters were able to form a strong connection before things reached a climax but I felt like there was a clear division between the romance and suspense of the story. However, it was more than enough to keep me reading and engaged. I like how even the little things in the story were meaningful and the imagery was stunning. It tells the tale of how both fiction and reality influence our present and there is always more to the story than what we first see.
Merged review:
Layla Marks is enduring a less than fulfilling job in hopes of one day making it as an investigative journalist. An opportunity she cannot refuse lands in her lap as her boss asks her to write an article on The Elysian. The Elysian is a paradise secluded in the mountains of upstate New York. Cain Archer is an eccentric man that has developed a state of the art playground for the uber rich. A community that will anticipate your every need. As part of her exclusive, Layla is given one of the first looks at Elysian but finds more than paradise.
Layla and Cain have this immedient connection that they are not really sure how to handle. Layla has a way of putting Cain’s work into words to share with the world. The author does a great job at making the reader believe in the connection between these two. It is an instant attraction but it is not without reason. The majority of the book creates the back story and foundation for the couple, but because of the prologue you are waiting for the other shoe to drop. The Compass Killer was a well known serial killer in the area that has returned after a seventeen year hiatus. We know it is going to involve our characters in some way.
There were great connections between the characters and the story but I would have liked to have seen more of the suspense part of the story earlier. I appreciated that the characters were able to form a strong connection before things reached a climax but I felt like there was a clear division between the romance and suspense of the story. However, it was more than enough to keep me reading and engaged. I like how even the little things in the story were meaningful and the imagery was stunning. It tells the tale of how both fiction and reality influence our present and there is always more to the story than what we first see.
amandawright's review against another edition
4.0
Overall I really enjoyed this book! It took me a little while to get into the story because personally I'm not a huge fan of instalove/lust. It just takes me a little while longer to become invested in the relationship, but once I did I absolutely fell in in love! Even though the first half was a little slow, once the story picked up I couldn't stop reading! And wow that ending!
whatjennareads's review against another edition
4.0
Who loves romantic suspense thrillers?? If that’s you check this one out!
Lydia is a journalist who is sick and tired of writing about faucets. She really wants to investigate. When she gets the opportunity to visit an opening soon all inclusive one of a kind luxury facility for work she takes it. Who wouldn’t want to spend a week at Paradise? What she doesn’t expect is the billionaire architect to be hot, interesting and not like what all others think about him. Cain Asher has some secrets of his own and he prefers to be left alone. He’s instantly drawn to Lydia. And for some reason she’s allowing him to be open up and explore feelings he’s never had.
Their attraction is instant. However when it’s back to the real world something or better yet someone starts to come between them…the Compass Killer. He’s returned after 17 years. Lydia wants to investigate one of the murders but she ends up bargaining for more than she’d liked and gets the shock of a lifetime!
My thoughts:
•40% of the book is a lot of description of the Elysian. While I understand it was building the relationship between Lydia and Cain it was a lot. The concept is very unique and impressive to come up with however I‘d have liked more conversation and intrigue between the characters.
•The spice was good but I could have done with more however that’s just personal opinion and I am not holding it against the book at all.
Merged review:
Who loves romantic suspense thrillers?? If that’s you check this one out!
Lydia is a journalist who is sick and tired of writing about faucets. She really wants to investigate. When she gets the opportunity to visit an opening soon all inclusive one of a kind luxury facility for work she takes it. Who wouldn’t want to spend a week at Paradise? What she doesn’t expect is the billionaire architect to be hot, interesting and not like what all others think about him. Cain Asher has some secrets of his own and he prefers to be left alone. He’s instantly drawn to Lydia. And for some reason she’s allowing him to be open up and explore feelings he’s never had.
Their attraction is instant. However when it’s back to the real world something or better yet someone starts to come between them…the Compass Killer. He’s returned after 17 years. Lydia wants to investigate one of the murders but she ends up bargaining for more than she’d liked and gets the shock of a lifetime!
My thoughts:
•40% of the book is a lot of description of the Elysian. While I understand it was building the relationship between Lydia and Cain it was a lot. The concept is very unique and impressive to come up with however I‘d have liked more conversation and intrigue between the characters.
•The spice was good but I could have done with more however that’s just personal opinion and I am not holding it against the book at all.
Lydia is a journalist who is sick and tired of writing about faucets. She really wants to investigate. When she gets the opportunity to visit an opening soon all inclusive one of a kind luxury facility for work she takes it. Who wouldn’t want to spend a week at Paradise? What she doesn’t expect is the billionaire architect to be hot, interesting and not like what all others think about him. Cain Asher has some secrets of his own and he prefers to be left alone. He’s instantly drawn to Lydia. And for some reason she’s allowing him to be open up and explore feelings he’s never had.
Their attraction is instant. However when it’s back to the real world something or better yet someone starts to come between them…the Compass Killer. He’s returned after 17 years. Lydia wants to investigate one of the murders but she ends up bargaining for more than she’d liked and gets the shock of a lifetime!
My thoughts:
•40% of the book is a lot of description of the Elysian. While I understand it was building the relationship between Lydia and Cain it was a lot. The concept is very unique and impressive to come up with however I‘d have liked more conversation and intrigue between the characters.
•The spice was good but I could have done with more however that’s just personal opinion and I am not holding it against the book at all.
Merged review:
Who loves romantic suspense thrillers?? If that’s you check this one out!
Lydia is a journalist who is sick and tired of writing about faucets. She really wants to investigate. When she gets the opportunity to visit an opening soon all inclusive one of a kind luxury facility for work she takes it. Who wouldn’t want to spend a week at Paradise? What she doesn’t expect is the billionaire architect to be hot, interesting and not like what all others think about him. Cain Asher has some secrets of his own and he prefers to be left alone. He’s instantly drawn to Lydia. And for some reason she’s allowing him to be open up and explore feelings he’s never had.
Their attraction is instant. However when it’s back to the real world something or better yet someone starts to come between them…the Compass Killer. He’s returned after 17 years. Lydia wants to investigate one of the murders but she ends up bargaining for more than she’d liked and gets the shock of a lifetime!
My thoughts:
•40% of the book is a lot of description of the Elysian. While I understand it was building the relationship between Lydia and Cain it was a lot. The concept is very unique and impressive to come up with however I‘d have liked more conversation and intrigue between the characters.
•The spice was good but I could have done with more however that’s just personal opinion and I am not holding it against the book at all.
fsmeurinne's review against another edition
5.0
Layla and Cain's story was a fantastic romance suspense, the world-building was fantastic, very refreshing and as a technology expert I enjoyed the idea of The Elysian, I wished I could move in. The story started with a slow build, but after that it doesn't stop, the pacing is quite steady until past half and then it picks up. Layla is a character I really liked, her way she interacts and destroy Cain's walls was very entertaining. Cain on the other hand is a character I loved, this type of characters are my cup of tea, I love how their mind works and this book was spot on. The twists and turns had me hearing the audiobook nonstop, I had to pull an all nighter for how good it was. The audiobook is narrated by Sebastian York and Ava Erickson, two superb professional narrators that know how to perform and develop the story to deliver a high quality and excellent audiobook, their pronunciation is always clear, with a great pacing. Their combined voices and performance will have you hooked, the editing was well done, so simply a great audiobook to get to pair it with the book, so you don't miss a thing. I can't wait to see what Ava comes up with next in this great new world.
Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore
Merged review:
Layla and Cain's story was a fantastic romance suspense, the world-building was fantastic, very refreshing and as a technology expert I enjoyed the idea of The Elysian, I wished I could move in. The story started with a slow build, but after that it doesn't stop, the pacing is quite steady until past half and then it picks up. Layla is a character I really liked, her way she interacts and destroy Cain's walls was very entertaining. Cain on the other hand is a character I loved, this type of characters are my cup of tea, I love how their mind works and this book was spot on. The twists and turns had me hearing the audiobook nonstop, I had to pull an all nighter for how good it was. The audiobook is narrated by Sebastian York and Ava Erickson, two superb professional narrators that know how to perform and develop the story to deliver a high quality and excellent audiobook, their pronunciation is always clear, with a great pacing. Their combined voices and performance will have you hooked, the editing was well done, so simply a great audiobook to get to pair it with the book, so you don't miss a thing. I can't wait to see what Ava comes up with next in this great new world.
Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore
Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore
Merged review:
Layla and Cain's story was a fantastic romance suspense, the world-building was fantastic, very refreshing and as a technology expert I enjoyed the idea of The Elysian, I wished I could move in. The story started with a slow build, but after that it doesn't stop, the pacing is quite steady until past half and then it picks up. Layla is a character I really liked, her way she interacts and destroy Cain's walls was very entertaining. Cain on the other hand is a character I loved, this type of characters are my cup of tea, I love how their mind works and this book was spot on. The twists and turns had me hearing the audiobook nonstop, I had to pull an all nighter for how good it was. The audiobook is narrated by Sebastian York and Ava Erickson, two superb professional narrators that know how to perform and develop the story to deliver a high quality and excellent audiobook, their pronunciation is always clear, with a great pacing. Their combined voices and performance will have you hooked, the editing was well done, so simply a great audiobook to get to pair it with the book, so you don't miss a thing. I can't wait to see what Ava comes up with next in this great new world.
Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore