Writer Cesca Shakespeare's star is prematurely snuffed out even before the curtain rises for Act I. When the productions leading ma
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★3.5 STARS★
Writer Cesca Shakespeare's star is prematurely snuffed out even before the curtain rises for Act I. When the productions leading man goes AWOL, he takes with him any chance of the play she has written being a success. She's never recovered from the disaster that was once her fledgling career in theatre, and has for the last six year worked (and been fired from) a variety of dead end jobs.
When she finds herself at another loose end, her uncle and confident who can no longer bear to see her throw her talents away insists she take some time to become inspired once again. The theatre runs through her blood and as scared as she is, she agrees she owes it to herself to reconnect with her love of writing.
In the years that her career had stalled, the man she attributes her failures to has much success in Hollywood. Never would be too soon for Cesca were to hear the name Sam Carlton again, so you can imagine her horror when she comes face to face with him instead.
Set in the gorgeous background of Italy, this enemies to lovers romance has all the right ingredients for a delightful pool side read. It's humorous and light, with a generous helping of swoons.
The Darkest Sunrise is the devastatingly climatic conclusion to a story that has riveted me from its very first page. With the shocking devel★4 STARS★
The Darkest Sunrise is the devastatingly climatic conclusion to a story that has riveted me from its very first page. With the shocking developments made in The Darkest Sunrise, Aly did not disappoint in plunging us over the precipice, and in doing so, continuing the gripping roller-coaster of emotions.
The combination of drama and romance was heighted by the vein of heartbreak that flowed throughout the story. As a reader that was fully invested in this couple, I was moved by the repercussions of a fracture which threatened to shatter their foundation.
The sombre mood of this half of the duet is juxtaposed by the raucous urgency for a resolution. I was torn and pulled in different directions, and I dared to predict how it would end. Although there were times I felt it moved a little slowly, I love the story Aly created and developed, and it’s no surprise it will be on list of favourites for the year.
If I may boldly say, this is Aly Martinez at her best. Phenomenal in her storytelling, The Darkest Sunrise is a raw and highly emo
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★5 STARS★
If I may boldly say, this is Aly Martinez at her best. Phenomenal in her storytelling, The Darkest Sunrise is a raw and highly emotive portrayal of two strangers bound together by their grief.
In many ways it reminded me of the poem “Soul meets soul on lovers lips” by Percy Bysshe Shelley. Granted it’s the unstemmed pain which flows though them that is the source of the recognition they share, but in this pain is the beginning of an unlikely but pure and honest relationship that blossoms.
It’s a book that already received much praise and after reading I too am among those showering Ms Martinez with adulation. She drives the story in such a way the reader is invested from the outset and such is the pay off i’m left in desperate need to the conclusion.
For those going in I would say to forget the hype and take it as it comes. If you receive it like I did, you’ll surely want NEED more.
Mila Zelenko was left crushed on what should have been the happiest day of her life. Abandoned and humiliated by the man she loved and tr ★4-4.5 STARS★
Mila Zelenko was left crushed on what should have been the happiest day of her life. Abandoned and humiliated by the man she loved and trusted, she has since closed off her heart and concentrated her efforts in furthering her career.
Her tenacity is rewarded by the receiving a prestigious accolade, but what should be a fulfilling moment instead reopens the chasm of discontent between her personal and work life.
Andrew has been her friend and confidant and has supported her throughout her tough times. Just as the prospect of something romantic begins to grow, the ghost of her past reappears and with it feelings she thought she had long buried.
It was a far cry from the messy melodrama and drawn out angst I envisage when I think of a love triangle. I was enthralled by the thought that had obviously gone into this story, as well as the development of the plot and characters. I truly felt a myriad of emotions when reading but none more so than the joy of Mila’s happy ending.
For someone who was hesitant to pick up a love triangle, I absolutely could not put this down. The Edge of Us is a moving, contemplative read that delivers a powerful yet passionate display of emotion, conflict and tangible magnetism.
In the interest of totally honesty I was fully aware of what the forbidden element entailed going into the story. On any other day it wou ★2.5/3 STARS★
In the interest of totally honesty I was fully aware of what the forbidden element entailed going into the story. On any other day it wouldn’t have been a topic I would have gone searching for, but with my interest piqued there was no going back.
Truth be told I was looking forward to the illicit thrill of it all. The clandestine, coquettish nature of something that was so wrong, feeling so right. I welcomed having my opinion changed and being enlighten to the unjust forces that stood in the way of an ill-fated relationship. The unadulterated angst, and questionable decisions made under the drunken influence of temptation. Ironically what I thought would have been my biggest sticking point took a back seat to what I would later consider a convolution of over the top drama.
When it came to the characters, I initially found Annie a likeable one. She was career driven, wholly independent, as well as having a good head on her shoulders. Her naivety later on in the story would not only have a negative effect on the way I perceived her, but it also doomed any positive feelings I would have for Jack, justly or unjustly.
There were elements to the story that provoked thought, but unfortunately, on a whole it did not provoke enough of a reaction to leave a lasting impression.
At first glance it’s easy to peg Beard in Mind as an Enemies to Lovers romance. Shelly Sullivan is the newly employed mech
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★4 STARS★
At first glance it’s easy to peg Beard in Mind as an Enemies to Lovers romance. Shelly Sullivan is the newly employed mechanic to the Winston family run auto shop and immediately clashes with Beau. He’s affronted by her hostility to not only himself but to the shops customers. He’s a genuinely easy going individual but there’s something about Shelly that raises his hackles.
Speaking of Shelly, it would take me a while to think of the last time I came across a character as complex as herself. Credit to Penny, she took care and attention with her in the way she was written. In some ways I think she used Beaus character as a device to ask the questions I as a reader and person wanted know.
The revelations in this story are not Shelly’s alone; Beau too experiences some life changing moments and in these moments of Beau’s vulnerability, it’s wonderful to see Shelly blossom and showcase personal develop.
I’m in awe of Penny’s ability to write a swoon worthy romance whilst concurrently tackling serious current issues. Beard in Mind is conscientious and thought provoking romance which was nicely balanced by its comedic value and heart fluttering feels.
I can’t get enough of this band of bearded brothers and am looking forward to what’s in store next.
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