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Twisted Roses #1
Lies Like Love
I made a mistake.
Hearts are the most fragile part of the body, and I trusted mine with Jude Carlisle.
My villain. My weakness. My stepbrother.
Fairytales have a way of turning the most innocent things wicked.
Jude lied through his teeth, and I fell for every word. Then he burned both our families to the ground in a sick game of revenge and never looked back.
When I see him again years later—tattooed, pierced, as vicious and lethal as ever—I should know better. Except this time, I'm not the girl looking for a hero. And I'm tempted to let Jude eat me alive if it means I'll finally be his.
I thought I knew the truth.
I thought I unmasked all the monsters.
I thought I understood how our story would end.
But the trouble with wolves is they’re always lying. And what big lies mine told.
Hearts are the most fragile part of the body, and I trusted mine with Jude Carlisle.
My villain. My weakness. My stepbrother.
Fairytales have a way of turning the most innocent things wicked.
Jude lied through his teeth, and I fell for every word. Then he burned both our families to the ground in a sick game of revenge and never looked back.
When I see him again years later—tattooed, pierced, as vicious and lethal as ever—I should know better. Except this time, I'm not the girl looking for a hero. And I'm tempted to let Jude eat me alive if it means I'll finally be his.
I thought I knew the truth.
I thought I unmasked all the monsters.
I thought I understood how our story would end.
But the trouble with wolves is they’re always lying. And what big lies mine told.
445 pages, ebook
Published September 29, 2023
883 people are currently reading
2,853 people want to read
About the author
Eva Simmons
23 books644 followersEva Simmons writes dark and dreamy romance with book boyfriends who challenge your morals and hold your heart hostage.
When Eva isn’t dreaming up new worlds or devouring every book she can get her hands on, she can be found spending time with her family, painting a fresh canvas, or playing an elf in World of Warcraft.
Eva is currently living out her own happily ever after in Nevada with her family.
You can find Eva online at:
www.evasimmons.com
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https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eva-s...
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https://www.tiktok.com/@evasimmonsbooks
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Books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Eva-Simmons/e/...
When Eva isn’t dreaming up new worlds or devouring every book she can get her hands on, she can be found spending time with her family, painting a fresh canvas, or playing an elf in World of Warcraft.
Eva is currently living out her own happily ever after in Nevada with her family.
You can find Eva online at:
www.evasimmons.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/evasimmonsb...
BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eva-s...
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@evasimmonsbooks
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEvaSim...
Books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Eva-Simmons/e/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
May 18, 2024
I needed this book. I’ve been in a slump and Jude and Felicity got me out of it. Dark romance with the stepbrother trope and it was so entertaining and addictive. Their chemistry and tension was so good. I couldn’t stop reading. The history they share only added to a more layered connection.
Jude is dark romance hero perfection. Crazy obsessed with Felicity. Sometimes it can be OTT but here it worked for me because of their past and he’s an interesting man who hides so much. Felicity has been sheltered and paraded around by her family. Her only solace was Jude. This couple was amazing and so were the side characters. I’m excited to continue this series cause I’m hooked.
Jude is dark romance hero perfection. Crazy obsessed with Felicity. Sometimes it can be OTT but here it worked for me because of their past and he’s an interesting man who hides so much. Felicity has been sheltered and paraded around by her family. Her only solace was Jude. This couple was amazing and so were the side characters. I’m excited to continue this series cause I’m hooked.
October 4, 2023
3.5 🌟
A lot of things I really loved but also a lot that seemed repetitive and over the top
A lot of things I really loved but also a lot that seemed repetitive and over the top
September 13, 2023
The BEST step sibling romance I’ve read to date!!! I could not get enough of this book and I already want to read it again. I already knew Eva could do no wrong but this book just confirmed it.
Felicity and Jude were step-siblings eleven years ago before their lives fell apart and they parted ways. Now after stepping foot into his tattoo shop, Fel is back in Jude’s life and unwillingly they keep crashing into each other as Fel works to unravel what really happened eleven years ago.
The TENSION between these two was off the charts. The magnetic pull they had definitely couldn’t be ignored. Jude is no longer the all American high school football player, grunged up and damaged, working as a piercer at a tattoo shop. Fel is trying to escape the chains of the pristine posh life she grew up in by selling her own jewelry. She meets him again in his shop and although they try to deny themselves of each other, they keep finding their way back. I loved that Jude was over the top protective of Fel, and that he was so dirty. Fel’s charisma and fierce energy was a delight to read. The spice was DELICIOUS, had me blushing and putting my phone down.
All in all, a 10/10 read from Eva!!!
Felicity and Jude were step-siblings eleven years ago before their lives fell apart and they parted ways. Now after stepping foot into his tattoo shop, Fel is back in Jude’s life and unwillingly they keep crashing into each other as Fel works to unravel what really happened eleven years ago.
The TENSION between these two was off the charts. The magnetic pull they had definitely couldn’t be ignored. Jude is no longer the all American high school football player, grunged up and damaged, working as a piercer at a tattoo shop. Fel is trying to escape the chains of the pristine posh life she grew up in by selling her own jewelry. She meets him again in his shop and although they try to deny themselves of each other, they keep finding their way back. I loved that Jude was over the top protective of Fel, and that he was so dirty. Fel’s charisma and fierce energy was a delight to read. The spice was DELICIOUS, had me blushing and putting my phone down.
All in all, a 10/10 read from Eva!!!
September 29, 2023
If Eva writes it, you know I'm gonna read it. One of my fav things about Bookstagram is finding smaller authors and HYPING the sh*t out of them. She 100% deserves all the love and hype!!
I absolutely LOVED Jude and Fel's story. I'm obsessed with the way Eva has gone about writing a step sibling romance. So many people are hesitant about them and this has been my fav I've read so far. I am FERAL for a man obsessed and Jude 100% is that. He's so possessive and protective of Fel and loves her with his entire heart. Fel is such a beautiful and strong FMC and I love the way she fully loves and accepts Jude for everything he was and is.
I never imagined Jude and Fel having a second chance aspect to their story and that's one of MY tropes. The past and present timeline was done SO well. I was constantly turning the page to see what happened in the past and what was gonna happen next. The twist and turns had me SHOOK and I genuinely just loved this entire book. And the smut?? It sure was DELICIOUS. If you're into a pierced MMC, you're gonna have fun with Jude!
I love that this book is still set in the Enemy Muse world and loved seeing sprinkles of it. I cannot wait for the next book in the series! And seriously, if you're iffy about step sibling romances, I'd 100% recommend giving this one a shot. It may change your mind!
Thank you Eva and Wordsmith Publicity for this ARC!
I absolutely LOVED Jude and Fel's story. I'm obsessed with the way Eva has gone about writing a step sibling romance. So many people are hesitant about them and this has been my fav I've read so far. I am FERAL for a man obsessed and Jude 100% is that. He's so possessive and protective of Fel and loves her with his entire heart. Fel is such a beautiful and strong FMC and I love the way she fully loves and accepts Jude for everything he was and is.
I never imagined Jude and Fel having a second chance aspect to their story and that's one of MY tropes. The past and present timeline was done SO well. I was constantly turning the page to see what happened in the past and what was gonna happen next. The twist and turns had me SHOOK and I genuinely just loved this entire book. And the smut?? It sure was DELICIOUS. If you're into a pierced MMC, you're gonna have fun with Jude!
I love that this book is still set in the Enemy Muse world and loved seeing sprinkles of it. I cannot wait for the next book in the series! And seriously, if you're iffy about step sibling romances, I'd 100% recommend giving this one a shot. It may change your mind!
Thank you Eva and Wordsmith Publicity for this ARC!
February 14, 2024
DNF @70%
This book felt so so long and I'm sure I can guess the ending. I think the characters are making the conflict more than it has to be. It felt like a I-made-this-decision-to-protect-you-and-I-won't-tell-you-why-but-just-trust-me. Our FMC just wants answers and the MMC won't give them to her but insists shes the only girl in the world for him. After 300 pages, it was getting exhausting. Also, I don't know why they like each other, other than they're physically attracted to each other.
This book felt so so long and I'm sure I can guess the ending. I think the characters are making the conflict more than it has to be. It felt like a I-made-this-decision-to-protect-you-and-I-won't-tell-you-why-but-just-trust-me. Our FMC just wants answers and the MMC won't give them to her but insists shes the only girl in the world for him. After 300 pages, it was getting exhausting. Also, I don't know why they like each other, other than they're physically attracted to each other.
November 4, 2023
4,5 ✨
I found this book totally at random but the blurb got me curious so I decided to pick it up and wow what a surprise 👀
This book was a freaking roller coaster and the characters got me addicted since the beginning.
Felicity and Jude couldn't be more different but the way they complemented each other was crazy good. And the tension. . . jesus this two were like magnets and were so freaking hot together 🥵
The characters were really good and so was the plot. The mystery got me curious till the end and I really enjoyed the development of the relationship of these two.
This was an amazing read and for sure one of my favorites this month.
Now I'm also SO curious with the other couples in the series and I CAN'T wait to have their stories.
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: stepbrothers, second chance, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, forced proximity, retelling (Little Red Riding Hood)
▬ 𝐭𝐰: suicide, violence, pedophilia
I found this book totally at random but the blurb got me curious so I decided to pick it up and wow what a surprise 👀
This book was a freaking roller coaster and the characters got me addicted since the beginning.
Felicity and Jude couldn't be more different but the way they complemented each other was crazy good. And the tension. . . jesus this two were like magnets and were so freaking hot together 🥵
The characters were really good and so was the plot. The mystery got me curious till the end and I really enjoyed the development of the relationship of these two.
This was an amazing read and for sure one of my favorites this month.
Now I'm also SO curious with the other couples in the series and I CAN'T wait to have their stories.
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: stepbrothers, second chance, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, forced proximity, retelling (Little Red Riding Hood)
▬ 𝐭𝐰: suicide, violence, pedophilia
March 18, 2024
This book was so dang good. It’s the first in the Twisted Roses series.
There is so much tension and chemistry between Fel and Jude. These two have gone 11 years without being in each others lives, and old feelings are coming back full force. Even though they are not wanted.
Fel and Jude met while in their early teens. They’re immediately drawn to one another. But plot twist, their single parents decide to get together, get married and now they are step siblings. That only lasted for 2 years, abruptly splitting Fel and Jude up when her mom suddenly dies from suicide. Fel has a lot of anger and blame towards Jude. His only remark is he has absolutely zero regrets.
11 years go by when Fel, who now owns a small jewelry business, walks into Jude’s tattoo / piercing shop to possibly work out a deal for them to sell her jewelry. She had absolutely no idea that she would be face to face with her ex-stepbrother. One who isn’t the young, teenage boy she once knew. Jude is now tall, muscular, tattooed/pierced, and hot as hell🥵 And also has a very shitty attitude about reuniting with Fel. He is a total ass to her. But we love that shit, don’t we?😂
There are so many feelings that have been buried between these too that are coming out strong now that they will be working together.
It’s such a wild book going from friends to stepsibilings to enemies to lovers.
I loved everything about Jude. He’s a total ass, but he holds so many secrets to protect the person he has loved since day one. He’s protective and possessive.
So many secrets and plot twists come out at the end, it literally made my head spin.
I completely recommend this series. I can’t wait to read more 💋
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
#lieslikelove #evasimmons #twistedrosesseries #spicybooks #darkromannce #smut #romancebooks #stepsiblings #enemiestolovers #kindleunlimited #kindle
December 29, 2023
My first Eva Simmons book & not my last!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! This story was dark and twisted and beautiful and spicy, and kept me wanting more!
This was my first Eva Simmons book and it will absolutely not be my last!
Jude and Felicity were step siblings for all of two years as teens but their family was quickly broken apart by death and DRAMA. Jude then disappears from her life for the next eleven years before they run into each other again, and Felicity finds out just how many secrets Jude has been hiding.
This book went back and forth between present and the time when they were a “family” (using that word loosely) and builds up to what really happened to them. This book kept me awake way too late because I did not want to put it down until I got answers!
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙁𝙚𝙡, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮.“
The tension between Jude and Felicity was so achingly beautiful, but when they finally snapped WHEW the spice was so good.
I cannot wait to read more from this author!
I would 100% recommend this book. Check trigger warnings first!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! This story was dark and twisted and beautiful and spicy, and kept me wanting more!
This was my first Eva Simmons book and it will absolutely not be my last!
Jude and Felicity were step siblings for all of two years as teens but their family was quickly broken apart by death and DRAMA. Jude then disappears from her life for the next eleven years before they run into each other again, and Felicity finds out just how many secrets Jude has been hiding.
This book went back and forth between present and the time when they were a “family” (using that word loosely) and builds up to what really happened to them. This book kept me awake way too late because I did not want to put it down until I got answers!
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙁𝙚𝙡, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮.“
The tension between Jude and Felicity was so achingly beautiful, but when they finally snapped WHEW the spice was so good.
I cannot wait to read more from this author!
I would 100% recommend this book. Check trigger warnings first!
October 26, 2023
Love this story!
Couldn’t put it down…❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Couldn’t put it down…❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
June 20, 2024
(I received an ARC for this book)
Trigger Warnings include:
morally grey and possessive hero who harms/murders for the heroine (on page), stepbrother/stepsister romance, sex with physical restraint and mild breath play, drug use, death, violence, suicide of a family member, sexual assault/exploitation/abuse of a minor (discussed on page but not explicitly shown), blackmail, grooming
The characters for this series were hinted at during Enemy Muse (one of my all time favorite series) and I said “yes please”! I saw the tropes for this book, and I said “yes PLEASE”! And then I read the blurb and said “YES PLEASE”. I loved everything about this book. The characters, the forbidden element, the dark themes, the obsessed morally gray pierced piercer. (I liked him a LOT!) Jude and Fel were both born with silver spoons, but some unspeakable things in their pasts cause them both to spit them out to chase away their ghosts. Fel knew all about the darkness under Jude’s good boy facade. She didn’t fear it as a teenager, and she doesn’t fear it now over a decade later. Fel has a fire inside her, and she won’t let Jude extinguish it. And I LOVED that about her! I am obsessed with their obsession with each other. I couldn’t get enough! I knew very early on that this was gonna really hit my heart. And boy…was I right! Their pain instantly became my pain. And I wanted to burn the world down with them. This made my dark heart VERY giddy! I am SO excited for more of this series! The only downfall to this book? The itch to get a new tattoo started in the first chapter!
Red: 48
My Favorite Quotes:
• “Eyes on me. Watch what you make me do.”
• “Stop trying to get under my skin.” “Stop pretending I’m not still there.”
• “You really shouldn’t look at me like that.”
• “When I f!ck you, I guarantee it will be so hard and deep I’ll hit places no man has come close to reaching.”
• “You and I are inevitable.”
• “You’re my downfall.”
• “Just because I can’t touch you doesn’t mean you aren’t mine.”
• “No looking away while your p!ssy cries for me.”
• “I own your pleasure like I own your pain.”
• “You’re worth protecting.”
• “I want you to watch every wicked thing you let me do to you.”
• “You’ll always belong with me.”
• “I’ve got you. Always have. Always will.”
• “If you want your prayers answered, you better f!cking pray to me.”
• “Be a good girl for me now, and tonight I’ll show you just how much I enjoyed this.”
• “Nothing is ever past tense with you.”
• “Every part of me has only ever lived for you.”
• “I’m going to f!ck this mouth until you learn not to tease me with it.”
• “If my girl is going to come for me, I’m going to feel it.”
8/10 Dirty Birdy
5/10 Dark Romance
6/10 Enemies to Lovers
5/10 Forbidden Relationship
5/10 Second Chance
9/10 Series
This is my review for Heart Sick Hate
This is my review for Cold Hard Truth
This is my review for Word to the Wise
Trigger Warnings include:
morally grey and possessive hero who harms/murders for the heroine (on page), stepbrother/stepsister romance, sex with physical restraint and mild breath play, drug use, death, violence, suicide of a family member, sexual assault/exploitation/abuse of a minor (discussed on page but not explicitly shown), blackmail, grooming
The characters for this series were hinted at during Enemy Muse (one of my all time favorite series) and I said “yes please”! I saw the tropes for this book, and I said “yes PLEASE”! And then I read the blurb and said “YES PLEASE”. I loved everything about this book. The characters, the forbidden element, the dark themes, the obsessed morally gray pierced piercer. (I liked him a LOT!) Jude and Fel were both born with silver spoons, but some unspeakable things in their pasts cause them both to spit them out to chase away their ghosts. Fel knew all about the darkness under Jude’s good boy facade. She didn’t fear it as a teenager, and she doesn’t fear it now over a decade later. Fel has a fire inside her, and she won’t let Jude extinguish it. And I LOVED that about her! I am obsessed with their obsession with each other. I couldn’t get enough! I knew very early on that this was gonna really hit my heart. And boy…was I right! Their pain instantly became my pain. And I wanted to burn the world down with them. This made my dark heart VERY giddy! I am SO excited for more of this series! The only downfall to this book? The itch to get a new tattoo started in the first chapter!
Red: 48
My Favorite Quotes:
• “Eyes on me. Watch what you make me do.”
• “Stop trying to get under my skin.” “Stop pretending I’m not still there.”
• “You really shouldn’t look at me like that.”
• “When I f!ck you, I guarantee it will be so hard and deep I’ll hit places no man has come close to reaching.”
• “You and I are inevitable.”
• “You’re my downfall.”
• “Just because I can’t touch you doesn’t mean you aren’t mine.”
• “No looking away while your p!ssy cries for me.”
• “I own your pleasure like I own your pain.”
• “You’re worth protecting.”
• “I want you to watch every wicked thing you let me do to you.”
• “You’ll always belong with me.”
• “I’ve got you. Always have. Always will.”
• “If you want your prayers answered, you better f!cking pray to me.”
• “Be a good girl for me now, and tonight I’ll show you just how much I enjoyed this.”
• “Nothing is ever past tense with you.”
• “Every part of me has only ever lived for you.”
• “I’m going to f!ck this mouth until you learn not to tease me with it.”
• “If my girl is going to come for me, I’m going to feel it.”
8/10 Dirty Birdy
5/10 Dark Romance
6/10 Enemies to Lovers
5/10 Forbidden Relationship
5/10 Second Chance
9/10 Series
This is my review for Heart Sick Hate
This is my review for Cold Hard Truth
This is my review for Word to the Wise
October 4, 2023
4.5 STARS
This is a beautifully multifaceted story with grit, fiery characters and soulful, savage love.
Felicity and Jude, teens from wealthy, socialite families meet at a social gathering their parents insist they attend, the two have an immediate connection and attraction. Fast forward just a bit and their parents announce they are getting married…. They are now Step siblings before they had a chance to blink.
Jude and Felicity now live together and are seen as family by others. Over the course of two years they develop a relationship with feelings, the physical part is forbidden and they don’t act on it.
Big things happen after two years, some are alluded to and some remain a mystery until towards the end. Jude and Fel (Felicity) cut ties and she feels extreme animosity towards him, we have to slowly unravel why and what she blames him for.
Eleven years later they meet unexpectedly at the tattoo shop he works at as a body piercer. There is so much tension between them, it burns hot and heavy.
They keep crossing paths, there’s taunting, banter and a hot underlying attraction.
They begin a new kind of relationship, Fel still feels hurt and distrustful, but she can’t deny her feelings go deep for Jude.
I love the darker, grey vibes of the characters and story. It’s a gritty, stepbrother, forbidden romance that’s also great because they get a second chance to be together *if* they are brave enough and communicate.
I really like both characters so much. I love their fiery interactions and the sexual side is incredibly fierce and sexy. It’s is all kinds of hot and spicy!
Their emotional connection is incredible as well, they are the kind of couple that’s feels inevitable, like destiny. They show consideration and care for each other in very lovely ways. I’m such a sucker for grittier stories and characters that also have sweet, swoony moments.
Towards the end all of the suspicions, unanswered questions and secrets begin to unravel and it was so much more than I expected. It’s a fantastic part of the story, I love that I didn’t guess the big reveals. It was written really well!
I love the history of the pair, I love their adult journey back together and the story is incredibly interesting and well paced. I love the characters and the multilayered story. The love and romance is stormy, intense and really surprisingly tender at times. I felt for the characters, I was so satisfied and I enjoyed all of their story.
This is a beautifully multifaceted story with grit, fiery characters and soulful, savage love.
Felicity and Jude, teens from wealthy, socialite families meet at a social gathering their parents insist they attend, the two have an immediate connection and attraction. Fast forward just a bit and their parents announce they are getting married…. They are now Step siblings before they had a chance to blink.
Jude and Felicity now live together and are seen as family by others. Over the course of two years they develop a relationship with feelings, the physical part is forbidden and they don’t act on it.
Big things happen after two years, some are alluded to and some remain a mystery until towards the end. Jude and Fel (Felicity) cut ties and she feels extreme animosity towards him, we have to slowly unravel why and what she blames him for.
Eleven years later they meet unexpectedly at the tattoo shop he works at as a body piercer. There is so much tension between them, it burns hot and heavy.
They keep crossing paths, there’s taunting, banter and a hot underlying attraction.
They begin a new kind of relationship, Fel still feels hurt and distrustful, but she can’t deny her feelings go deep for Jude.
I love the darker, grey vibes of the characters and story. It’s a gritty, stepbrother, forbidden romance that’s also great because they get a second chance to be together *if* they are brave enough and communicate.
I really like both characters so much. I love their fiery interactions and the sexual side is incredibly fierce and sexy. It’s is all kinds of hot and spicy!
Their emotional connection is incredible as well, they are the kind of couple that’s feels inevitable, like destiny. They show consideration and care for each other in very lovely ways. I’m such a sucker for grittier stories and characters that also have sweet, swoony moments.
Towards the end all of the suspicions, unanswered questions and secrets begin to unravel and it was so much more than I expected. It’s a fantastic part of the story, I love that I didn’t guess the big reveals. It was written really well!
I love the history of the pair, I love their adult journey back together and the story is incredibly interesting and well paced. I love the characters and the multilayered story. The love and romance is stormy, intense and really surprisingly tender at times. I felt for the characters, I was so satisfied and I enjoyed all of their story.
December 3, 2023
I debated on 3 or 4 stars :
I was hooked from the beginning, now staying hooked was the problem. I liked the characters decent enough but I can't say I loved them. What I don't understand and a lot of authors do this, is when the fmc is trying to make it on her own and be independent but they are literally doing odd jobs. Several times we read that felicity was trying to make it making and selling her jewelry and how she could barely afford to make ends meet, come on go out and get a real job. It frustrates me because instead of being independent like the author intends she's naive and irresponsible especially at 26. I thought for sure I'd love this book since the fmc and mmc are in their late 20s but unfortunately they acted like adolescents to me. Felicity also just took whatever anyone told her and ran with it never really demanding answers. Jude was decent enough but he was made to be a big bad wolf throughout the entire book when in reality he really wasn't. Yes he won a few fights and stabbed a few people but other than that he was an ordinary person "with darkness inside " . It also got really repetitive and boring. The entire book was setting up the big secrets which didn't come until around 70% and by the time the secrets started to unravel it was pretty anticlimactic since it was drawn out. Sex scenes were good enough, really no complaint there. I really wanted to like this book and give 4 stars but the more I read the more I got annoyed and I was ready to finish it just for it to be over with. I feel as though a good 30% of the monologue and repetition of " we're forbidden" blah blah blah could have been cut and it would've made for a better read. Also why were they so forbidden and taboo when they were only step siblings for 2 years ? They also met before the parents got married. My personal opinion I don't see that as taboo. Overall decent enough read. I will read crew and echos story.
I was hooked from the beginning, now staying hooked was the problem. I liked the characters decent enough but I can't say I loved them. What I don't understand and a lot of authors do this, is when the fmc is trying to make it on her own and be independent but they are literally doing odd jobs. Several times we read that felicity was trying to make it making and selling her jewelry and how she could barely afford to make ends meet, come on go out and get a real job. It frustrates me because instead of being independent like the author intends she's naive and irresponsible especially at 26. I thought for sure I'd love this book since the fmc and mmc are in their late 20s but unfortunately they acted like adolescents to me. Felicity also just took whatever anyone told her and ran with it never really demanding answers. Jude was decent enough but he was made to be a big bad wolf throughout the entire book when in reality he really wasn't. Yes he won a few fights and stabbed a few people but other than that he was an ordinary person "with darkness inside " . It also got really repetitive and boring. The entire book was setting up the big secrets which didn't come until around 70% and by the time the secrets started to unravel it was pretty anticlimactic since it was drawn out. Sex scenes were good enough, really no complaint there. I really wanted to like this book and give 4 stars but the more I read the more I got annoyed and I was ready to finish it just for it to be over with. I feel as though a good 30% of the monologue and repetition of " we're forbidden" blah blah blah could have been cut and it would've made for a better read. Also why were they so forbidden and taboo when they were only step siblings for 2 years ? They also met before the parents got married. My personal opinion I don't see that as taboo. Overall decent enough read. I will read crew and echos story.
June 5, 2024
"He was supposed to be mine."
"You and I are inevitable, Fel. Always have been. Whatever illusion you've held onto as to why I haven't claimed you yet is wrong."-Lies Like Love (Twisted Roses Book 1), By Eva Simmons
Felicity Alcott & Jude Carlisle
Ekkkkkk!!!! 🔥🔥 This book!! I read it in two days, I couldn't put it down. My friend Jules found it, asked me if I wanted to Buddy Read with her, and I'm so glad she did.
They were everything. Ex step siblings, he is a piercer/tattoo artist, she just so happens to make custom body jewelry. See where I'm going with this?
They have a wild history. Their parents were only married for a couple of years, but Jude notices her before their parents even meet. They have this amazing connection. It's everything!!!
Their parents are the worst humans ever. They both drew the short end of the stick on that one. But when 11 years pass and they find each other again, whewwwww, baby tensions are high!
Slow burn, push and pull, ansgty, hot alpha all the things. Please check trigger warnings on Eva's website as this has some very dark subject matter.
This was my first Eva Simmons read, and I can't wait to read more of her books! So so good...and the ending was chefs kiss!!! @evasimmonsbooks @julesreadsromance #lieslikelove #twistedroses #evasimmons #slowburn #booksandchatswithnickib #judeandfelicity
"You and I are inevitable, Fel. Always have been. Whatever illusion you've held onto as to why I haven't claimed you yet is wrong."-Lies Like Love (Twisted Roses Book 1), By Eva Simmons
Felicity Alcott & Jude Carlisle
Ekkkkkk!!!! 🔥🔥 This book!! I read it in two days, I couldn't put it down. My friend Jules found it, asked me if I wanted to Buddy Read with her, and I'm so glad she did.
They were everything. Ex step siblings, he is a piercer/tattoo artist, she just so happens to make custom body jewelry. See where I'm going with this?
They have a wild history. Their parents were only married for a couple of years, but Jude notices her before their parents even meet. They have this amazing connection. It's everything!!!
Their parents are the worst humans ever. They both drew the short end of the stick on that one. But when 11 years pass and they find each other again, whewwwww, baby tensions are high!
Slow burn, push and pull, ansgty, hot alpha all the things. Please check trigger warnings on Eva's website as this has some very dark subject matter.
This was my first Eva Simmons read, and I can't wait to read more of her books! So so good...and the ending was chefs kiss!!! @evasimmonsbooks @julesreadsromance #lieslikelove #twistedroses #evasimmons #slowburn #booksandchatswithnickib #judeandfelicity
September 15, 2023
This is a step sibling slow burn, second chance romance. Fel & Jude meet in their teens and later find out their parents are getting engaged. After 2 years of their lives turning upside down and their parents marriage ending in tragedy they are separated. 11 years later Fel walks into a tattoo shop where Jude works at as a piercer. There is so much tension and anger between them but Jude is so overprotective and possessive with her immediately. Their paths continue to cross and you see their second chance start to develop.
So many things happen in this story that I didn’t see coming and I really enjoyed it. I also liked the side characters in this book and looking forward to read their stories in this series.
Thank you Eva Simmons & Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC.
So many things happen in this story that I didn’t see coming and I really enjoyed it. I also liked the side characters in this book and looking forward to read their stories in this series.
Thank you Eva Simmons & Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC.
August 26, 2024
Him: I did it for her, but she will never know the truth. It's to protect her. She's always been mine. Even when she shouldn't have been. But she was aways mine. Also, I want to sex her up a bunch.
Her: It's his fault my mom is dead. But I really like him and want him to sex me up real bad.
Imagine the above thoughts being repeated a million different times in a million different overly wordy ways. Now you don't have to read the book. You're welcome.
Her: It's his fault my mom is dead. But I really like him and want him to sex me up real bad.
Imagine the above thoughts being repeated a million different times in a million different overly wordy ways. Now you don't have to read the book. You're welcome.
June 29, 2024
Sometimes I wish I could mute my hormones so that I'd waste less time on books like this.
Lies is ridiculously melodramatic. The prose is very purple. The events are souped up to the max.
I just wanted to shake this couple and be like CHILL THE FUCK OUT.
Ugh.
Lies is ridiculously melodramatic. The prose is very purple. The events are souped up to the max.
I just wanted to shake this couple and be like CHILL THE FUCK OUT.
Ugh.
May 27, 2024
2.5 stars
They were separated for a decade for no reason.
Stupidddddd
They were separated for a decade for no reason.
Stupidddddd
September 19, 2023
5⭐️/ 4🌶️
*Thank you to WordSmith Publicity and Eva Simmons for providing me an ARC Copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
*Check Trigger Warnings before reading!
Eva Simmons has quickly become an author whose stories have not only caught my attention, but introduced me to some morally gray characters, ahem, such as, Jude Carlisle. This romance wasn’t your traditional, “boy meets girl”, nor was it innocent or sweet, it was all kinds of tension, bad boy, super sexy, hot, and did I mention taking a walk on the wild side? Because, I SURE FELT THAT WAY READING THIS BOOK! This was a taboo romance that had me thinking, “OH MY GOD!” repeatedly over the course while reading. Fel and Jude’s story wasn’t just in the present, but also in their past from when they were briefly step siblings! Also, fair warning, this is a taboo (stepbrother) romance so, if that isn’t your jam, then don’t read it, but like…Come on, you gotta admit you’d be curious to read how Jude and Fel’s story is like!!!
Once upon a time, Jude and Fel met as teenagers, although their story seemed like it was heading in a happy direction, their story ultimately changed when they found out they were going to become step siblings. Getting to see both the past and present showed how much had changed between Fel and Jude. In the present, Jude and Fel didn’t get along, didn’t like each other, and based off the hints that Fel and Jude mentioned, something horrible happened in their past. I got the sense that, before Jude and Fel’s parents married each other, there was a bit of a budding romance started to build between Fel and Jude, but obviously with them becoming step siblings, that put the breaks on anything romantic from ever happening.
Jude and Fel weren’t on the best of terms to put it lightly, but with being back in each other’s lives, they were some things bound to happen between them. Even early on, between moments of tension, and a bit of animosity, there was something underlying in the way Fel and Jude were with each other. For all the ways that Jude was a bit of an a-hole and morally gray behavior, at his core he truly wanted to protect Fel, even back when they were teenagers! For all the wrongs reasons and bad things he’s done, in Jude’s perspective, it was all worth it, in order to protect Fel. Similarly, as much as Fel hated Jude and for what he did in their past, she couldn’t help but feel safe around him and tell him things she shouldn’t necessarily tell him, but did.
The way that Fel and Jude were together was downright sexy, hot, passionate, and layers upon layers of intimacy that spanned years from their past to the present in which we see them. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story, but OH MY GOD IT WAS BOMB! Whenever it was in Jude’s perspective and he would talk about the way he felt about Fel had me excited, mentally jumping and screaming for joy, and going feral with the way that man was a filthy dirty talker, I LOVED IT! Fel and Jude felt a strong connection even back when they first met, and the chemistry was still strong throughout the entire story! Also, I love a man being obsessed with his love interest, but add onto that the way JUDE WAS OBSESSED (AND A MORALLY GRAY MAN) FOR FEL AND I ATE IT ALL UP!
"Just like I'd sell my soul for her, she can't deny I'm the drug in her veins. I'm the high she's chased until she couldn't help but feed her addiction.
Inevitable— just like I told her. There's no escape.”
Obsessed much, YES! I absolutely loved the way Jude was lowkey unhinged and honestly devoted to Fel, that man fell first for Fel SINCE FOREVER AGO! (Sigh) it was all amazing *Me realizing i’m fantasizing about a morally gray man (Jude) who stabbed another guys hand for touching his love interest (Fel).
This book was a first for me, in that it was my first time reading a stepbrother romance, and… OH MY GOSH! THE STUFF THAT WENT DOWN BETWEEN FEL AND JUDE WAS HOT! Eva Simmons clearly knows how to write Spice, and boy did she bring it with this story! I kid you not between my bouts of, “oh *bleep* I’m going to hell” and “THIS IS HOT AF!” I was caught up in the whirlwind of sexual tension, man obsessed Jude, and again the spice delivered! Jude was a morally gray man, and he was just full of surprises that caught me off guard in the best ways possible! Ahem for example, CERTAIN PIERCINGS ON SPECIFIC BODY PARTS BELONGING TO JUDE! LORD HAVE MERCY! WOO! Jude gave BDE and had the evidence to back it up! Fel may have looked “innocent”, but my girl was anything but that. Fel secretly had a little bit of darkness to her, and with Jude she let that part of herself out and free! The way that Eva Simmons writes her male lead characters always has me rethinking my type of fictional male characters!
Oh my goodness! The plot twists that were revealed in this story took me by surprise! When the truth came out in the open to Fel, I was just as devastated for her as she was. Jude truly did what he could in order to protect Fel even all those years ago when they were teenagers, and even when that made Fel believe Jude was a villain, Jude wouldn’t change a thing of what he did. Towards the ending, things got drastically darker and dramatic! I was fully on edge and wanting to know what was going on?! Without spoilers, I’ll just say that it was crazy and shocking once I got to the climax/ ending, I’m still kind of shook at what I read, but whoa, it was wild!
YOU GUYS! I’M UTTERLY OBSESSED WITH JUDE AND FEL! Going into this story, I genuinely wasn’t sure if I was going to love it or hate it, but thankfully I LOVED IT! This was my first time reading a stepbrother romance, and honestly it was amazing! This book could have easily been written in a way that made it horribly wrong, but Eva Simmons wrote this story in a way that was exciting, sexy, fun, and emotionally heart wrenching. Also, with exploring all of the darkness surrounding Fel and Jude’s life illustrated all the hardships and obstacles they endured in order to finally reach their happily ever after. I loved the dark fairy tale vibe of the story, it wasn’t too much, but subtle throughout the story. Jude was so morally gray, possessive, obsessed, and devoted to Fel that I ignored some red flags in favor of cheering him on! WOO! YASS JUDE! Also, the way that Jude was utterly unapologetic, mixing pain and pleasure, and THE DIRTY TALK! AHHHH THAT MAN HAD ME FERAL THE WHOLE WAY THROUGH! Fel and Jude’s romance was dark, beautiful, raw, and passionate that I simply could not get enough of! I have to say, this is by far hands down my favorite story that Eva Simmons has written! With twisted family secrets, “touch her and die” vibes (literally! Jude doesn’t play around!), SPICE GALORE! And Fel and Jude simply being perfect together, this is a must read and in my opinion a great book to dip your toes into a taboo romance! Also, do yourself a favor and read the epilogues! Even more great scenes of my faves Fel and Jude!
*Thank you to WordSmith Publicity and Eva Simmons for providing me an ARC Copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
*Check Trigger Warnings before reading!
Eva Simmons has quickly become an author whose stories have not only caught my attention, but introduced me to some morally gray characters, ahem, such as, Jude Carlisle. This romance wasn’t your traditional, “boy meets girl”, nor was it innocent or sweet, it was all kinds of tension, bad boy, super sexy, hot, and did I mention taking a walk on the wild side? Because, I SURE FELT THAT WAY READING THIS BOOK! This was a taboo romance that had me thinking, “OH MY GOD!” repeatedly over the course while reading. Fel and Jude’s story wasn’t just in the present, but also in their past from when they were briefly step siblings! Also, fair warning, this is a taboo (stepbrother) romance so, if that isn’t your jam, then don’t read it, but like…Come on, you gotta admit you’d be curious to read how Jude and Fel’s story is like!!!
Once upon a time, Jude and Fel met as teenagers, although their story seemed like it was heading in a happy direction, their story ultimately changed when they found out they were going to become step siblings. Getting to see both the past and present showed how much had changed between Fel and Jude. In the present, Jude and Fel didn’t get along, didn’t like each other, and based off the hints that Fel and Jude mentioned, something horrible happened in their past. I got the sense that, before Jude and Fel’s parents married each other, there was a bit of a budding romance started to build between Fel and Jude, but obviously with them becoming step siblings, that put the breaks on anything romantic from ever happening.
Jude and Fel weren’t on the best of terms to put it lightly, but with being back in each other’s lives, they were some things bound to happen between them. Even early on, between moments of tension, and a bit of animosity, there was something underlying in the way Fel and Jude were with each other. For all the ways that Jude was a bit of an a-hole and morally gray behavior, at his core he truly wanted to protect Fel, even back when they were teenagers! For all the wrongs reasons and bad things he’s done, in Jude’s perspective, it was all worth it, in order to protect Fel. Similarly, as much as Fel hated Jude and for what he did in their past, she couldn’t help but feel safe around him and tell him things she shouldn’t necessarily tell him, but did.
The way that Fel and Jude were together was downright sexy, hot, passionate, and layers upon layers of intimacy that spanned years from their past to the present in which we see them. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story, but OH MY GOD IT WAS BOMB! Whenever it was in Jude’s perspective and he would talk about the way he felt about Fel had me excited, mentally jumping and screaming for joy, and going feral with the way that man was a filthy dirty talker, I LOVED IT! Fel and Jude felt a strong connection even back when they first met, and the chemistry was still strong throughout the entire story! Also, I love a man being obsessed with his love interest, but add onto that the way JUDE WAS OBSESSED (AND A MORALLY GRAY MAN) FOR FEL AND I ATE IT ALL UP!
"Just like I'd sell my soul for her, she can't deny I'm the drug in her veins. I'm the high she's chased until she couldn't help but feed her addiction.
Inevitable— just like I told her. There's no escape.”
Obsessed much, YES! I absolutely loved the way Jude was lowkey unhinged and honestly devoted to Fel, that man fell first for Fel SINCE FOREVER AGO! (Sigh) it was all amazing *Me realizing i’m fantasizing about a morally gray man (Jude) who stabbed another guys hand for touching his love interest (Fel).
This book was a first for me, in that it was my first time reading a stepbrother romance, and… OH MY GOSH! THE STUFF THAT WENT DOWN BETWEEN FEL AND JUDE WAS HOT! Eva Simmons clearly knows how to write Spice, and boy did she bring it with this story! I kid you not between my bouts of, “oh *bleep* I’m going to hell” and “THIS IS HOT AF!” I was caught up in the whirlwind of sexual tension, man obsessed Jude, and again the spice delivered! Jude was a morally gray man, and he was just full of surprises that caught me off guard in the best ways possible! Ahem for example, CERTAIN PIERCINGS ON SPECIFIC BODY PARTS BELONGING TO JUDE! LORD HAVE MERCY! WOO! Jude gave BDE and had the evidence to back it up! Fel may have looked “innocent”, but my girl was anything but that. Fel secretly had a little bit of darkness to her, and with Jude she let that part of herself out and free! The way that Eva Simmons writes her male lead characters always has me rethinking my type of fictional male characters!
Oh my goodness! The plot twists that were revealed in this story took me by surprise! When the truth came out in the open to Fel, I was just as devastated for her as she was. Jude truly did what he could in order to protect Fel even all those years ago when they were teenagers, and even when that made Fel believe Jude was a villain, Jude wouldn’t change a thing of what he did. Towards the ending, things got drastically darker and dramatic! I was fully on edge and wanting to know what was going on?! Without spoilers, I’ll just say that it was crazy and shocking once I got to the climax/ ending, I’m still kind of shook at what I read, but whoa, it was wild!
YOU GUYS! I’M UTTERLY OBSESSED WITH JUDE AND FEL! Going into this story, I genuinely wasn’t sure if I was going to love it or hate it, but thankfully I LOVED IT! This was my first time reading a stepbrother romance, and honestly it was amazing! This book could have easily been written in a way that made it horribly wrong, but Eva Simmons wrote this story in a way that was exciting, sexy, fun, and emotionally heart wrenching. Also, with exploring all of the darkness surrounding Fel and Jude’s life illustrated all the hardships and obstacles they endured in order to finally reach their happily ever after. I loved the dark fairy tale vibe of the story, it wasn’t too much, but subtle throughout the story. Jude was so morally gray, possessive, obsessed, and devoted to Fel that I ignored some red flags in favor of cheering him on! WOO! YASS JUDE! Also, the way that Jude was utterly unapologetic, mixing pain and pleasure, and THE DIRTY TALK! AHHHH THAT MAN HAD ME FERAL THE WHOLE WAY THROUGH! Fel and Jude’s romance was dark, beautiful, raw, and passionate that I simply could not get enough of! I have to say, this is by far hands down my favorite story that Eva Simmons has written! With twisted family secrets, “touch her and die” vibes (literally! Jude doesn’t play around!), SPICE GALORE! And Fel and Jude simply being perfect together, this is a must read and in my opinion a great book to dip your toes into a taboo romance! Also, do yourself a favor and read the epilogues! Even more great scenes of my faves Fel and Jude!
September 30, 2024
3 / 5 ☆
tropes: dark romance - forbidden romance - morally gray mmc - touch her and die - second chance romance - EX stepbrother
➥ the twists and turns in this book were wild. everytime i thought i had a handle on what was going on, the proverbial rug was pulled out from under me. this story follows fel and jude, who met when they were teenagers and had feelings for each other. they had to ignore those feelings when their parents unexpectedly got married and they became step siblings for around a year, until fel’s mother died and jude’s dad was sent to prison.
fel and jude then lost touch for 11 years and reunited out of chance. as the story goes on, you find out that there was a lot more going on behind the scenes with their past and families, and what fel thinks happened to her mother and stepfather become more and more unclear.
what does become clear though, is the lengths jude would go to for fel, and what he would do to keep her safe and for himself.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
“Stop trying to get under my skin, Jude.”
“Stop pretending I’m not still there.”
“You want my heart?” I let her go and reach in my back pocket, pulling out my knife. Flipping it around, I press the point of the blade against my chest with one hand and use the other to force hers to the handle. “Then carve it from my fucking chest and get a real good look. Slice your name into it like it doesn’t already exist there. Hold it, break it. Do whatever your little soul desires.” Her chest is heaving as I wrap both my hands around hers now, forcing her to grip the knife handle tighter. The blade digs through my shirt and draws a drop of blood. “It means nothing.” I squeeze her hands. “Hearts are blind and worthless. My heart beat for you because you were forbidden and it’s a stupid organ. My heart isn’t where you are. You’re in my fucking marrow, my nerves, my bloodstream. You’re the constant pressure between my temples and every ache in my bones. You’re embedded so deep, you hurt unlike any drop of ink or piercing. So if you want my heart, take it, along with everything else. Consume me. End me. Every part of me has only ever lived for you.”
tropes: dark romance - forbidden romance - morally gray mmc - touch her and die - second chance romance - EX stepbrother
➥ the twists and turns in this book were wild. everytime i thought i had a handle on what was going on, the proverbial rug was pulled out from under me. this story follows fel and jude, who met when they were teenagers and had feelings for each other. they had to ignore those feelings when their parents unexpectedly got married and they became step siblings for around a year, until fel’s mother died and jude’s dad was sent to prison.
fel and jude then lost touch for 11 years and reunited out of chance. as the story goes on, you find out that there was a lot more going on behind the scenes with their past and families, and what fel thinks happened to her mother and stepfather become more and more unclear.
what does become clear though, is the lengths jude would go to for fel, and what he would do to keep her safe and for himself.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
“Stop trying to get under my skin, Jude.”
“Stop pretending I’m not still there.”
“You want my heart?” I let her go and reach in my back pocket, pulling out my knife. Flipping it around, I press the point of the blade against my chest with one hand and use the other to force hers to the handle. “Then carve it from my fucking chest and get a real good look. Slice your name into it like it doesn’t already exist there. Hold it, break it. Do whatever your little soul desires.” Her chest is heaving as I wrap both my hands around hers now, forcing her to grip the knife handle tighter. The blade digs through my shirt and draws a drop of blood. “It means nothing.” I squeeze her hands. “Hearts are blind and worthless. My heart beat for you because you were forbidden and it’s a stupid organ. My heart isn’t where you are. You’re in my fucking marrow, my nerves, my bloodstream. You’re the constant pressure between my temples and every ache in my bones. You’re embedded so deep, you hurt unlike any drop of ink or piercing. So if you want my heart, take it, along with everything else. Consume me. End me. Every part of me has only ever lived for you.”
September 26, 2023
3.75/5✨
4/5🌶
After discovering Eva with the Enemy Muse series, I had to jump on this when I saw she was coming out with a new series. I'm so glad I did!
In this story, Jude and Felicity (Fel) initially met while they were in high school, and they soon become friends. But fate has different plans for them as they find themselves as step-siblings. However, as they navigate pushing away feelings they have for one another, they find a place of sanctuary, a place of home, and comfort in one another. Things are too good to be true when suddenly the world is soon ripped apart and a true hatred develops. 11 years later, they find themselves entangled in each other's lives once again, and they quickly discover the flames. They go through a whirlwind of emotions about a love that never burned out.
Jude, this man is unhinged, but what can I say? I have a type. He's a man full of complications who has turned his back on the world, as he is now filled with darkness, depth, and tattoos. Felicity is our book-obsessed damsel in distress. I loved her growth as she sought out a new path for what once consumed her heart.
Eva did a fantastic job with this first installment of the series. There was a lot that impressed me, but I also experienced severe mental whiplash. However, Eva has a terrific knack for engrossing me in her stories, but in this particular case, she had me shook and left me reeling. As I got to know the cast of characters, I felt that I had been transported into this story, from strolling through the streets of Los Angeles to the gritty details of the tattoo parlor. I already have a few favorites, and I'm eager to see what else Eva has in store for the rest of the series, especially with Crew's book next.
Please check TW; this is very dark and has some heavy subject matters.
Read if you love:
-Morally gray MMC
-Twisted family
-Spice
-Obsessed and Possessive MMC
-Forbidden romance
-Forced proximity
- Hate to love
- Fairy tale elements
-Angst
-Found Family
-Tattoo owner piercer/jewelry designer
Thank you to Eva and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review. 💚
4/5🌶
After discovering Eva with the Enemy Muse series, I had to jump on this when I saw she was coming out with a new series. I'm so glad I did!
In this story, Jude and Felicity (Fel) initially met while they were in high school, and they soon become friends. But fate has different plans for them as they find themselves as step-siblings. However, as they navigate pushing away feelings they have for one another, they find a place of sanctuary, a place of home, and comfort in one another. Things are too good to be true when suddenly the world is soon ripped apart and a true hatred develops. 11 years later, they find themselves entangled in each other's lives once again, and they quickly discover the flames. They go through a whirlwind of emotions about a love that never burned out.
Jude, this man is unhinged, but what can I say? I have a type. He's a man full of complications who has turned his back on the world, as he is now filled with darkness, depth, and tattoos. Felicity is our book-obsessed damsel in distress. I loved her growth as she sought out a new path for what once consumed her heart.
Eva did a fantastic job with this first installment of the series. There was a lot that impressed me, but I also experienced severe mental whiplash. However, Eva has a terrific knack for engrossing me in her stories, but in this particular case, she had me shook and left me reeling. As I got to know the cast of characters, I felt that I had been transported into this story, from strolling through the streets of Los Angeles to the gritty details of the tattoo parlor. I already have a few favorites, and I'm eager to see what else Eva has in store for the rest of the series, especially with Crew's book next.
Please check TW; this is very dark and has some heavy subject matters.
Read if you love:
-Morally gray MMC
-Twisted family
-Spice
-Obsessed and Possessive MMC
-Forbidden romance
-Forced proximity
- Hate to love
- Fairy tale elements
-Angst
-Found Family
-Tattoo owner piercer/jewelry designer
Thank you to Eva and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review. 💚
September 14, 2023
I knew I was all in on Lies Like Love from the moment I read, “Stepbrother, Body Piercer” on the description for the MMC. That was literally all I needed to know to smash that “Add to TBR” button. And I was in no way disappointed by those two factors, but this book had so much more going for it than just a dark, taboo romance. When Fel and Jude meet as teenagers they have no idea that their flirtations will be cut short by the announcement that their parents are engaged. They have no idea that they will spend the next two years getting closer to each other and wishing they could have the one person that is off limits to them. They have no idea that when their parents’ marriage ends in tragedy that it’ll be 11 years before they cross paths again. And they have no idea that the sparks that have always flown between them never went anywhere.
The tension in this book is so good, and not just between Jude and Fel. As they come back together and piece together what really happened that fateful night 11 years ago a whole new set of problems comes to the surface and the big reveal on that literally had my jaw dropping. Be prepared to sprint through the last third of the book because you’re not going to be able to put it down until you find out what happens next.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC.
The tension in this book is so good, and not just between Jude and Fel. As they come back together and piece together what really happened that fateful night 11 years ago a whole new set of problems comes to the surface and the big reveal on that literally had my jaw dropping. Be prepared to sprint through the last third of the book because you’re not going to be able to put it down until you find out what happens next.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC.
May 5, 2024
When my book bestie said how good this series was I knew I had to check it out. “Lies Like Love” is the first book I’ve read by Eva & I can’t believe I haven’t read it sooner! This book has it all- it’s a dark & spicy step sibling romance w/lots of secrets, & a huge plot twist I did NOT expect. This book keeps you invested trying to put the puzzle pieces together. I had so many theories & ideas running through my head about why Jude kept his secrets yrs prior, & why he’d walk away f/Fel when he cared so much for her. So I needed answers! I wanted to know what those secrets were & what could possibly make a man who’s so protective & obsessed about his girl, walk out of her life- and stay away for over a decade.
I loved Jude, he had serious touch her & die vibes! He was so protective & obsessed, & his possessive & controlling nature was HOT! Fel was pretty incredible too! She was sassy & smart, but in the bedroom she was submissive!
I can’t wait to dive into book 2! And I definitely want to check out Eva’s other series too!
I loved Jude, he had serious touch her & die vibes! He was so protective & obsessed, & his possessive & controlling nature was HOT! Fel was pretty incredible too! She was sassy & smart, but in the bedroom she was submissive!
I can’t wait to dive into book 2! And I definitely want to check out Eva’s other series too!
September 17, 2023
I was given the opportunity to read the ARC ebook from Wordsmith Publicity for an honest review.
Step siblings in a dark past, Jude ran and avoided being anywhere near Felicity ever again. Eventually years later, they’re somehow reunited and he’s a different version of the boy she fell in love with (tattooed, pierced, and lethal). Fel still hates him for everything he put their family through, but why is she still tempted to let him ruin her?
*read trigger warnings*
This was a super fast paced, addicting read! It was super dark and twisted while also being super spicy. The plot was unbelievable, I thought I had predicted how it was going to end but I was wrong. I can’t wait to read the second book of the series and more from this author!
Step siblings in a dark past, Jude ran and avoided being anywhere near Felicity ever again. Eventually years later, they’re somehow reunited and he’s a different version of the boy she fell in love with (tattooed, pierced, and lethal). Fel still hates him for everything he put their family through, but why is she still tempted to let him ruin her?
*read trigger warnings*
This was a super fast paced, addicting read! It was super dark and twisted while also being super spicy. The plot was unbelievable, I thought I had predicted how it was going to end but I was wrong. I can’t wait to read the second book of the series and more from this author!
May 21, 2024
✨It’s unhinged.
It’s unhealthy.
She hates me for it.
And I don’t give a fuck.
She might not be my stepsister anymore, but it doesn’t mean she’s not off limits. ✨
I absolutely loved this book. The twisted world of the rich with their games and all the lies they thought they would bring to the grave.
Jude and Felicity were trapped in a world they didn’t belong to with parents who only saw them as a way to keep ties and money going.
Two years their parents were married before it all fell apart and Jude left. Jude knew more about the darkness of their world and hid everything from Fel, trying to protect her.
Felicity needed his protection but she didn’t understand the cost.
The tension, the push and pull the lies and the absolute crazy twist at the end, this book keeps you sucked in from beginning to end.
#books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookcommunity #lieslikelove #darkromance
September 2, 2024
Lies Like Love is the first book in the brand new Twisted Roses series. It has a step brother trope that is on the dark side with witty banter and smexy times and unpredictable suspense.
Jude Carlisle and Felicity Alcott meet as teenagers and are complete opposites but still find each other interesting and that doesn't change when their parents marry. They just can't give into their attraction. He's her protector until her world falls apart and she blames him.
Eleven years later she walks into his shop for a business proposal and she's drawn right back into the web of lies.
Jude has always known she was his soulmate. He will protect her to the end of time to keep her safe. Someone knows they are together again and sets out to split them up.
Will a ghost from the past continue to set the rules or will they be set free from all the lies so they can love freely?
Jude Carlisle and Felicity Alcott meet as teenagers and are complete opposites but still find each other interesting and that doesn't change when their parents marry. They just can't give into their attraction. He's her protector until her world falls apart and she blames him.
Eleven years later she walks into his shop for a business proposal and she's drawn right back into the web of lies.
Jude has always known she was his soulmate. He will protect her to the end of time to keep her safe. Someone knows they are together again and sets out to split them up.
Will a ghost from the past continue to set the rules or will they be set free from all the lies so they can love freely?
December 17, 2024
“Hearts are blind and worthless. My heart beat for you because you were forbidden and it’s a stupid organ. My heart isn’t where you are. You’re in my fucking marrow, my nerves, my bloodstream. You’re the constant pressure between my temples and every ache in my bones. You’re embedded so deep, you hurt unlike any drop of ink or piercing. So if you want my heart, take it, along with everything else. Consume me. End me. Every part of me has only ever lived for you.”
(4.75⭐️)
(4.75⭐️)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2025
4 ⭐️
Well, this was surprisingly good. It was a multifaceted story between Fel and Jude, who are step siblings, and harbour a painful secret that has kept them apart for just over a decade. The tension between them was really well crafted, as they’re back in each other’s lives again, and they can’t seem to stay away.
Jude is a literal walking red flag, though. No doubt about that.
Tropes
Morally grey mmc
Touch her and die
Possessive anti-hero
Step-sibling romance
Well, this was surprisingly good. It was a multifaceted story between Fel and Jude, who are step siblings, and harbour a painful secret that has kept them apart for just over a decade. The tension between them was really well crafted, as they’re back in each other’s lives again, and they can’t seem to stay away.
Jude is a literal walking red flag, though. No doubt about that.
Tropes
Morally grey mmc
Touch her and die
Possessive anti-hero
Step-sibling romance
September 30, 2024
In all honesty, this book failed to please me. I couldn't emphatize with neithr of the characters, they just drag on and on their obsession on one another. And though it has some surprises, they are not enough to maintain us. their borderline, almost psychotic personality, their codependence, made me wonder how on earth did they managed to keep apart for 11 years.
November 2, 2024
Tatsächlich eins meiner liebsten Bücher in diesem Jahr. An sich bin ich nicht so ein fan wenn es ständig Rückblicke in die Vergangenheit d. Charaktere (vor allem in kursiv) gibt, aber hier hat es echt gut gepasst und war ein wichtiger Teil.
Sehr toll geschrieben!!!!!
Sehr toll geschrieben!!!!!
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