thebritishbibliophile_'s review
4.0
'An interesting take on a guy-meets-girl, online friends meet in the real world. Except, one knows who the other is, the other does not.'
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for sending me an ebook Advanced Readers Copy for me to read and review.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I first came across Isabel last year thanks to Grey's Promo, with her then upcoming novel 'Misplaced Mistletoe', to which I also gave four stars. 'Crushed's blurb along with Isabel's writing, was enough to tempt me into taking a chance on this novel to see if something other than a holiday romance would capture my interest in reading more of Isabel's work.
This time around the story focuses on Vivianne and Erik, a bookstore owner and an undercover hunted hacker respectively. Two completely opposite ends of the spectrum, brought together by the love of a shared gaming experience that has spanned well over a decade. The two under all circumstances of chance, were unlikely to ever meet or know the other outside of the world that they had met in, but fate had other ideas. So did chance.
Erik's character was completely adorable. He was written and came across as a big, broad, handsome man which by all accounts and usual romance book standard fare, would usually mean he's either cocky, big-for-his-boots or someone high up in the chain of command (usually a CEO with a domineering presence). But he was the opposite. Not large and in charge, but large and sweet. Kind and considerate. His intentions are good-measured, although a little backwards, and his nerdy vibe even though only on the page, is again completely adorable!
Vivianne was exactly the same as both Erik and I as a reader discovered together, she was completely the reverse of what you would expect her character as a small-town bookstore owner to be. It goes to show we can't judge on stereotypes in books or the real world, as Vivianne much like Erik, was a pleasure to read and get to know. Again, she has her own flaws which makes her only the more human, instead of just a character in the book.
Neither Erik or Vivianne were perfect as people, which makes them only the more relatable and genuine. I loved seeing these two both in their own worlds, and colliding into Vivianne's real world where inevitably at some point in the book, the truth would be revealed as to who they both were to one another. I looked forward to that moment greatly and was not disappointed with it or how Vivianne reacted. You'll see for yourself when you read it too. It was great!
At times the story did seem to linger in places when the pace could have been sped up a bit, perhaps a juicer bit sneaked in here and there, but that didn't devalue the book any less for me. I enjoyed the development of the storyline and how Erik and Vivianne developed with it.
As always when you think you've got things sussed out, the twist comes in and that's exactly how it was with Crushed. I will hand on heart admit that I thought at one point that things were finally in a suitable place until, surprise! A twist. Of course as the pages were getting less and less I was hoping for it to be solved before the final page--as I'm not a massive fan at all of cliffhangers--but luckily for me, the ending was just right.
4/5 stars for Isabel and 'Crushed'
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for sending me an ebook Advanced Readers Copy for me to read and review.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I first came across Isabel last year thanks to Grey's Promo, with her then upcoming novel 'Misplaced Mistletoe', to which I also gave four stars. 'Crushed's blurb along with Isabel's writing, was enough to tempt me into taking a chance on this novel to see if something other than a holiday romance would capture my interest in reading more of Isabel's work.
This time around the story focuses on Vivianne and Erik, a bookstore owner and an undercover hunted hacker respectively. Two completely opposite ends of the spectrum, brought together by the love of a shared gaming experience that has spanned well over a decade. The two under all circumstances of chance, were unlikely to ever meet or know the other outside of the world that they had met in, but fate had other ideas. So did chance.
Erik's character was completely adorable. He was written and came across as a big, broad, handsome man which by all accounts and usual romance book standard fare, would usually mean he's either cocky, big-for-his-boots or someone high up in the chain of command (usually a CEO with a domineering presence). But he was the opposite. Not large and in charge, but large and sweet. Kind and considerate. His intentions are good-measured, although a little backwards, and his nerdy vibe even though only on the page, is again completely adorable!
Vivianne was exactly the same as both Erik and I as a reader discovered together, she was completely the reverse of what you would expect her character as a small-town bookstore owner to be. It goes to show we can't judge on stereotypes in books or the real world, as Vivianne much like Erik, was a pleasure to read and get to know. Again, she has her own flaws which makes her only the more human, instead of just a character in the book.
Neither Erik or Vivianne were perfect as people, which makes them only the more relatable and genuine. I loved seeing these two both in their own worlds, and colliding into Vivianne's real world where inevitably at some point in the book, the truth would be revealed as to who they both were to one another. I looked forward to that moment greatly and was not disappointed with it or how Vivianne reacted. You'll see for yourself when you read it too. It was great!
At times the story did seem to linger in places when the pace could have been sped up a bit, perhaps a juicer bit sneaked in here and there, but that didn't devalue the book any less for me. I enjoyed the development of the storyline and how Erik and Vivianne developed with it.
As always when you think you've got things sussed out, the twist comes in and that's exactly how it was with Crushed. I will hand on heart admit that I thought at one point that things were finally in a suitable place until, surprise! A twist. Of course as the pages were getting less and less I was hoping for it to be solved before the final page--as I'm not a massive fan at all of cliffhangers--but luckily for me, the ending was just right.
4/5 stars for Isabel and 'Crushed'
mrsmar10thereader's review
4.0
White hat hackers being hunted? Eric, smart and talented and trying to stay one step ahead of the past, doesn't have time for anything or anyone. That's with the exception of Vivi. The girl behind the screen who has been there for years playing games with him online. In an effort to finally meet, he inadvertently puts her in danger...the only woman he's ever cared for. Julie masterfully shapes these characters into their beings, their personalities, that you would think you were reading about someone you knew. Great read and highly recommend you give it a go.
thebritishbibliophile's review
4.0
'An interesting take on a guy-meets-girl, online friends meet in the real world. Except, one knows who the other is, the other does not.'
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for sending me an ebook Advanced Readers Copy for me to read and review.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I first came across Isabel last year thanks to Grey's Promo, with her then upcoming novel 'Misplaced Mistletoe', to which I also gave four stars. 'Crushed's blurb along with Isabel's writing, was enough to tempt me into taking a chance on this novel to see if something other than a holiday romance would capture my interest in reading more of Isabel's work.
This time around the story focuses on Vivianne and Erik, a bookstore owner and an undercover hunted hacker respectively. Two completely opposite ends of the spectrum, brought together by the love of a shared gaming experience that has spanned well over a decade. The two under all circumstances of chance, were unlikely to ever meet or know the other outside of the world that they had met in, but fate had other ideas. So did chance.
Erik's character was completely adorable. He was written and came across as a big, broad, handsome man which by all accounts and usual romance book standard fare, would usually mean he's either cocky, big-for-his-boots or someone high up in the chain of command (usually a CEO with a domineering presence). But he was the opposite. Not large and in charge, but large and sweet. Kind and considerate. His intentions are good-measured, although a little backwards, and his nerdy vibe even though only on the page, is again completely adorable!
Vivianne was exactly the same as both Erik and I as a reader discovered together, she was completely the reverse of what you would expect her character as a small-town bookstore owner to be. It goes to show we can't judge on stereotypes in books or the real world, as Vivianne much like Erik, was a pleasure to read and get to know. Again, she has her own flaws which makes her only the more human, instead of just a character in the book.
Neither Erik or Vivianne were perfect as people, which makes them only the more relatable and genuine. I loved seeing these two both in their own worlds, and colliding into Vivianne's real world where inevitably at some point in the book, the truth would be revealed as to who they both were to one another. I looked forward to that moment greatly and was not disappointed with it or how Vivianne reacted. You'll see for yourself when you read it too. It was great!
At times the story did seem to linger in places when the pace could have been sped up a bit, perhaps a juicer bit sneaked in here and there, but that didn't devalue the book any less for me. I enjoyed the development of the storyline and how Erik and Vivianne developed with it.
As always when you think you've got things sussed out, the twist comes in and that's exactly how it was with Crushed. I will hand on heart admit that I thought at one point that things were finally in a suitable place until, surprise! A twist. Of course as the pages were getting less and less I was hoping for it to be solved before the final page--as I'm not a massive fan at all of cliffhangers--but luckily for me, the ending was just right.
4/5 stars for Isabel and 'Crushed'
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for sending me an ebook Advanced Readers Copy for me to read and review.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I first came across Isabel last year thanks to Grey's Promo, with her then upcoming novel 'Misplaced Mistletoe', to which I also gave four stars. 'Crushed's blurb along with Isabel's writing, was enough to tempt me into taking a chance on this novel to see if something other than a holiday romance would capture my interest in reading more of Isabel's work.
This time around the story focuses on Vivianne and Erik, a bookstore owner and an undercover hunted hacker respectively. Two completely opposite ends of the spectrum, brought together by the love of a shared gaming experience that has spanned well over a decade. The two under all circumstances of chance, were unlikely to ever meet or know the other outside of the world that they had met in, but fate had other ideas. So did chance.
Erik's character was completely adorable. He was written and came across as a big, broad, handsome man which by all accounts and usual romance book standard fare, would usually mean he's either cocky, big-for-his-boots or someone high up in the chain of command (usually a CEO with a domineering presence). But he was the opposite. Not large and in charge, but large and sweet. Kind and considerate. His intentions are good-measured, although a little backwards, and his nerdy vibe even though only on the page, is again completely adorable!
Vivianne was exactly the same as both Erik and I as a reader discovered together, she was completely the reverse of what you would expect her character as a small-town bookstore owner to be. It goes to show we can't judge on stereotypes in books or the real world, as Vivianne much like Erik, was a pleasure to read and get to know. Again, she has her own flaws which makes her only the more human, instead of just a character in the book.
Neither Erik or Vivianne were perfect as people, which makes them only the more relatable and genuine. I loved seeing these two both in their own worlds, and colliding into Vivianne's real world where inevitably at some point in the book, the truth would be revealed as to who they both were to one another. I looked forward to that moment greatly and was not disappointed with it or how Vivianne reacted. You'll see for yourself when you read it too. It was great!
At times the story did seem to linger in places when the pace could have been sped up a bit, perhaps a juicer bit sneaked in here and there, but that didn't devalue the book any less for me. I enjoyed the development of the storyline and how Erik and Vivianne developed with it.
As always when you think you've got things sussed out, the twist comes in and that's exactly how it was with Crushed. I will hand on heart admit that I thought at one point that things were finally in a suitable place until, surprise! A twist. Of course as the pages were getting less and less I was hoping for it to be solved before the final page--as I'm not a massive fan at all of cliffhangers--but luckily for me, the ending was just right.
4/5 stars for Isabel and 'Crushed'
memull17's review
3.0
We first met Erik in his sister Cali’s story in First Light. Erik is a hactivist now working for the US government to provide cybersecurity and help take down his old partner. Erik and his team have been laying low for awhile when boredom gets the best of him and he seeks out his old gaming friend in person. He didn’t know what to expect and Vivi was certainly more than he could ever imagine. Erik is drawn to Vivi but he knows he should stay away for her safety. Vivi wonders about the mysterious nerd that’s taken up residence in her store to work and she finds herself drawn to him in more ways than one. Can they even be together safely or will their respective pasts come back to haunt them?
I really enjoy books written in dual POVs especially when you know the characters are going to be complex and guarded. Erik is definitely guarded and rightfully so with his past. Vivi is also guarded in a way because of her family name. I appreciated the added bit of suspense with Erik and Vivi story and the gamer angle fit them well. This is the first book in The Twisted Vines trilogy by @isabeljolieauthor so you already know there’s more to this story that hasn’t been written yet.
Rating 3.5 stars
Thank you @greyspromo and @isabeljolieauthor for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
I really enjoy books written in dual POVs especially when you know the characters are going to be complex and guarded. Erik is definitely guarded and rightfully so with his past. Vivi is also guarded in a way because of her family name. I appreciated the added bit of suspense with Erik and Vivi story and the gamer angle fit them well. This is the first book in The Twisted Vines trilogy by @isabeljolieauthor so you already know there’s more to this story that hasn’t been written yet.
Rating 3.5 stars
Thank you @greyspromo and @isabeljolieauthor for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
brendaa_cuellar's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
I enjoyed this book, it was a cute romance that satisfies the craving for a quick, fun romance read. The pacing was nice, the development of the characters was also very interesting, and the suspense of the story had me wanting to find out how it all ends, as well as how all the past choices they have made would affect their current relationship.
This was my first book by this author, there were some things I enjoyed a lot like the pacing, the flow, the main prompt, the references to the wine industry (I just love stories that involve wine), and the connection at the beginning with the characters. But towards the end of the book I lost that connection, some matters were left unresolved (where did the guy that was looking for Erik go?) and some issues between the main paring were solved via plot devices that we all are too familiar with. In the end, the circumstances take the main characters' focus off their unresolved problems with one another and push them together, making them they had issues to resolve between them, rushing the ending towards the good old happily ever after.
I the storytelling of the book but was dissatisfied with the conclusion, happily ever after endings just for the sake of it are not my thing, I would have liked to see them work through their real issues.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I want to thank Hidden Gems and the author for providing me with this eARC.
This was my first book by this author, there were some things I enjoyed a lot like the pacing, the flow, the main prompt, the references to the wine industry (I just love stories that involve wine), and the connection at the beginning with the characters. But towards the end of the book I lost that connection, some matters were left unresolved (where did the guy that was looking for Erik go?) and some issues between the main paring were solved via plot devices that we all are too familiar with. In the end, the circumstances take the main characters' focus off their unresolved problems with one another and push them together, making them they had issues to resolve between them, rushing the ending towards the good old happily ever after.
I the storytelling of the book but was dissatisfied with the conclusion, happily ever after endings just for the sake of it are not my thing, I would have liked to see them work through their real issues.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I want to thank Hidden Gems and the author for providing me with this eARC.
strawberrysara's review
1.0
FUCK man this made me angry just thinking about it. It was so HORRIBLY written i just can't. The idea? Fantastic. But alas, everything else made it horrible.
If you know any GOOD hacker or just gamer romances PLEAAAASE let me know it is a must
If you know any GOOD hacker or just gamer romances PLEAAAASE let me know it is a must
kygirlreads's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
Vivi and Erik are sweet and adorable together ❤️ the steam is definitely there too! While I get the trauma and fear Erik has over things that have happened in the past, his paranoia is extreme at times and his utter lack of social skills is cringe inducing. I thought Vivi was very well written and portrayed beautifully, but I thought Erik was still a bit rough around the edges. However, I can see the cause due to his hacking/gaming background. I would’ve liked to see him more confident in the relationship by the end of the book (not just the epilogue - which was great!)
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