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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, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2023
About the author
Eva Simmons
18 books247 followersEva Simmons writes hot, heartbreaking romance with complex heroines, and broken, dirty-talking bad boys who fall hard for them.
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...
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@evasimmonsbooks
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https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEvaSim...
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 153 reviews
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!!!
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
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!
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…❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
October 16, 2023
So much fun! Spice was great, I loved the characters and their stories. Amazing tension and family drama up the wazoo! Really entertaining read. *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 7, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥.5
“Jude is my villain. My weakness. My stepbrother. I’ll let him rip my heart from my chest and drain it for all its worth because loving him means I don’t want him any other way.”
This is the first book in the Twisted Rose series and I couldn’t put it down.
This story follows, Felicity and Jude who use to be step-siblings until lies torn them apart. Eleven years later, they meet unexpectedly at his tattoo shop where she wants to sell her jewelry, Jude happens to work there as a piercer. Now they find themselves in each others lives again, all the feelings they tried to bury are still there. The pull between them is strong and even thought is clear they should stay away, they can’t. Jude will do anything for Felicity even stay away for her own good but there’s something about her that calls to him just like when they were young, how she knows he the villain, and still doesn’t care even though she should be running in the other direction. You know Villains love turning innocent things wicked, and what more innocent then her. But just like him something inside her that comes out when he’s around, and she will to let him eat her alive her very own wolf, if that means she can finally be his. But can there be trust after so many lies? Can they finally have their Ever After or will their family secrets get in their way?
These two had a connection from the beginning and every time they see each other theres a pull between them and the more time they spend together trying to push each other, the more the tension between them builds and ultimately snaps. They definitely didn’t disappoint in the spice department, that rooftop scene🥵. They are broken in a way that only the other could fix just by being there. I just love how possessive and unhinged Jude was when it come to Felicity. This book keep me at the edge of my seat there’s a lot of twist & turns. Their character development and journey throughout the book was amazing. Overall, this book has a bit of everything secrets, romance, trauma, spice and so much more. I can’t wait for next book.
I would recommend if you like:
🤍Step-sibling romance
🖤Dark Fairytale Vibe
🤍Touch her & Die
🖤Twisted Family secrets
🤍Steamy Scenes 🔥
A special thanks to Eva Simmons for giving me an ARC!!!
🔥🔥🔥.5
“Jude is my villain. My weakness. My stepbrother. I’ll let him rip my heart from my chest and drain it for all its worth because loving him means I don’t want him any other way.”
This is the first book in the Twisted Rose series and I couldn’t put it down.
This story follows, Felicity and Jude who use to be step-siblings until lies torn them apart. Eleven years later, they meet unexpectedly at his tattoo shop where she wants to sell her jewelry, Jude happens to work there as a piercer. Now they find themselves in each others lives again, all the feelings they tried to bury are still there. The pull between them is strong and even thought is clear they should stay away, they can’t. Jude will do anything for Felicity even stay away for her own good but there’s something about her that calls to him just like when they were young, how she knows he the villain, and still doesn’t care even though she should be running in the other direction. You know Villains love turning innocent things wicked, and what more innocent then her. But just like him something inside her that comes out when he’s around, and she will to let him eat her alive her very own wolf, if that means she can finally be his. But can there be trust after so many lies? Can they finally have their Ever After or will their family secrets get in their way?
These two had a connection from the beginning and every time they see each other theres a pull between them and the more time they spend together trying to push each other, the more the tension between them builds and ultimately snaps. They definitely didn’t disappoint in the spice department, that rooftop scene🥵. They are broken in a way that only the other could fix just by being there. I just love how possessive and unhinged Jude was when it come to Felicity. This book keep me at the edge of my seat there’s a lot of twist & turns. Their character development and journey throughout the book was amazing. Overall, this book has a bit of everything secrets, romance, trauma, spice and so much more. I can’t wait for next book.
I would recommend if you like:
🤍Step-sibling romance
🖤Dark Fairytale Vibe
🤍Touch her & Die
🖤Twisted Family secrets
🤍Steamy Scenes 🔥
A special thanks to Eva Simmons for giving me an ARC!!!
October 1, 2023
Boy oh boy could you feel the tension from these two! Right from the beginning, you could feel something between them. It's easy to figure out that Fel is extremely shy and innocent and dare I say, perhaps a little naive. She hasn't seen Jude in 11 years and he's definitely not the same boy she used to know.
Jude is dark, he's doing everything he can to keep Fel away from him. In the beginning we don't know what happened, but we get flashbacks here and that give crumbs and leaves you dying to know what caused Jude to disappear.
I absolutely love this writing! For me, it's dark and gritty, but also deep. Sentences flow so smoothly which makes it so easy to lose yourself in the story. This is a twisted fairytale full of secrets and lies.
I absolutely love Jude and Fel, these two have got to be one of my favourite couples. The chemistry they have is undeniable, I can almost feel my kindle burning up! Despite Jude's dark, grumpy exterior, his love for Fel is as clear as day. He's completely possessive over her, he's intense and he's not afraid to tell her how it is. She's his, end of. He's rough, he's dominant, he's absolutely sinful! And I'm loving every pierced, delicious piece of him!
The secrets that surround what happened all those years ago still linger and now Jude has more of the story which only makes us, the reader, all the more eager to know what's going on. Eva really knows how to build the tension, with the right amount of pace to keep us at arm's length.
Brilliant build up, because as we closer to the end of the book, the worse my anxiety gets as I start to concoct all of these elaborate scenarios in my head!
When the lies stopped and the truth was finally revealed, it certainly wasn't what I was expecting. Neither was that twist! I did not see that coming! I really felt sorry for Felicity, she spent her whole life being manipulated and lied to, and I'm not surprised with how she was toward the end. The things her family did was despicable, something no child should suffer, especially from family.
I honestly think I've found my new favourite book boyfriend! I am in love with Jude! Who knew he could be sweet! I love that he's so different with Fel, softer, especially when it matters.
They grew up the same but they became different people. Once Jude decided he's done fighting the inevitable, he would burn the world for her.
This was an exceptionally well written story, I loved the spice, I loved the pace, I loved everything about this story! I'd recommend this to anyone who loves a second chance romance with an overly possessive, dominant MMC, that will unalive anyone that touches his girl, who has a sinfully wicked dirty mouth and pierced for her pleasure!!!!
I will definitely be reading more from this author! Thank you!
Jude is dark, he's doing everything he can to keep Fel away from him. In the beginning we don't know what happened, but we get flashbacks here and that give crumbs and leaves you dying to know what caused Jude to disappear.
I absolutely love this writing! For me, it's dark and gritty, but also deep. Sentences flow so smoothly which makes it so easy to lose yourself in the story. This is a twisted fairytale full of secrets and lies.
I absolutely love Jude and Fel, these two have got to be one of my favourite couples. The chemistry they have is undeniable, I can almost feel my kindle burning up! Despite Jude's dark, grumpy exterior, his love for Fel is as clear as day. He's completely possessive over her, he's intense and he's not afraid to tell her how it is. She's his, end of. He's rough, he's dominant, he's absolutely sinful! And I'm loving every pierced, delicious piece of him!
The secrets that surround what happened all those years ago still linger and now Jude has more of the story which only makes us, the reader, all the more eager to know what's going on. Eva really knows how to build the tension, with the right amount of pace to keep us at arm's length.
Brilliant build up, because as we closer to the end of the book, the worse my anxiety gets as I start to concoct all of these elaborate scenarios in my head!
When the lies stopped and the truth was finally revealed, it certainly wasn't what I was expecting. Neither was that twist! I did not see that coming! I really felt sorry for Felicity, she spent her whole life being manipulated and lied to, and I'm not surprised with how she was toward the end. The things her family did was despicable, something no child should suffer, especially from family.
I honestly think I've found my new favourite book boyfriend! I am in love with Jude! Who knew he could be sweet! I love that he's so different with Fel, softer, especially when it matters.
They grew up the same but they became different people. Once Jude decided he's done fighting the inevitable, he would burn the world for her.
This was an exceptionally well written story, I loved the spice, I loved the pace, I loved everything about this story! I'd recommend this to anyone who loves a second chance romance with an overly possessive, dominant MMC, that will unalive anyone that touches his girl, who has a sinfully wicked dirty mouth and pierced for her pleasure!!!!
I will definitely be reading more from this author! Thank you!
October 6, 2023
*ARC review*
She my night be my stepsister anymore, but it doesn’t mean she’s not off limits.
Fel and Jude was destined to be together, even if their journey was a tough one filled with secrets and obstacles.
“If this were a fairytale, like the ones you’re always reading, I’d follow you to the end.”
Fel is a very strong FMC most of the time, and I loved that she was determined to stand on her own, make her own way and not bow down to expectations. However, she still held on to anger towards Jude, and their past is still burdening her. Around Jude, she had trouble being strong, almost like she subconsciously knew she didn’t had to be anything else than herself. I was really rooting for her to find success on her own, and appreciated how she turned her back on her toxic family.
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.
Jude is SO.DAMN.FINE! He had a lot of secrets, and a somewhat shitty way of treating Fel, even if it were for her own good. However, he is also super protective and gave of strong ‘touch her and die’ vibes. His past was not easy, and he gave up a lot, but I really admire how he pulled through and made it out in the end. He is such an interesting character, filled with tattoos and piercings, and a fierce, calculated underground fighter.
If I fuck her like I’m breaking her, I don’t have to accept the fact that she’s actually the one destroying me.
Together Fel and Jude just clicked. Their chemistry and connection was palpable and immediate. The hate Fel had towards Jude was justified, I think, but it made it even more scorching when they were together. The spice is very hot, and man, does Jude have a mouth on him!
“I own your pleasure like I own your pain. Every good and bad thing belongs to me.”
“There’s only one prize I’m after, one prize I’ve ever been after. And it’s going to break you when I finally take it. But you’re going to beg me to keep going because there will be no turning back.”
“Oh no, Red. No looking away while your pussy cries for me.”
I really loved how this book is written, both in regards to the writing itself, but also the pacing and the use of flashbacks. It is clear from the start, that something bad happened when they were still stepsiblings, but the whole thing is surrounded in mystery. Fel had her version of events and who was to blame (Jude!), but then when reading Jude’s POV he has a whole other take. We also see a whole other side to him and his feelings about Fel when reading his thoughts, compared to their earlier interactions. It was very interesting, and I was immediately hooked and just wanted to find out everything.
Also, the Twisted Roses, is such a good set up for a series, and I can’t wait for the rest of the gang to get their story. I loved the camaraderie, love and respect they all had for each other, and how they have embraced and helped Jude, even if he is not making it easy and is determined not to need anything from anyone.
Eva did such a good job with this book, and I have to go back and read some of her prior books now.
She my night be my stepsister anymore, but it doesn’t mean she’s not off limits.
Fel and Jude was destined to be together, even if their journey was a tough one filled with secrets and obstacles.
“If this were a fairytale, like the ones you’re always reading, I’d follow you to the end.”
Fel is a very strong FMC most of the time, and I loved that she was determined to stand on her own, make her own way and not bow down to expectations. However, she still held on to anger towards Jude, and their past is still burdening her. Around Jude, she had trouble being strong, almost like she subconsciously knew she didn’t had to be anything else than herself. I was really rooting for her to find success on her own, and appreciated how she turned her back on her toxic family.
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.
Jude is SO.DAMN.FINE! He had a lot of secrets, and a somewhat shitty way of treating Fel, even if it were for her own good. However, he is also super protective and gave of strong ‘touch her and die’ vibes. His past was not easy, and he gave up a lot, but I really admire how he pulled through and made it out in the end. He is such an interesting character, filled with tattoos and piercings, and a fierce, calculated underground fighter.
If I fuck her like I’m breaking her, I don’t have to accept the fact that she’s actually the one destroying me.
Together Fel and Jude just clicked. Their chemistry and connection was palpable and immediate. The hate Fel had towards Jude was justified, I think, but it made it even more scorching when they were together. The spice is very hot, and man, does Jude have a mouth on him!
“I own your pleasure like I own your pain. Every good and bad thing belongs to me.”
“There’s only one prize I’m after, one prize I’ve ever been after. And it’s going to break you when I finally take it. But you’re going to beg me to keep going because there will be no turning back.”
“Oh no, Red. No looking away while your pussy cries for me.”
I really loved how this book is written, both in regards to the writing itself, but also the pacing and the use of flashbacks. It is clear from the start, that something bad happened when they were still stepsiblings, but the whole thing is surrounded in mystery. Fel had her version of events and who was to blame (Jude!), but then when reading Jude’s POV he has a whole other take. We also see a whole other side to him and his feelings about Fel when reading his thoughts, compared to their earlier interactions. It was very interesting, and I was immediately hooked and just wanted to find out everything.
Also, the Twisted Roses, is such a good set up for a series, and I can’t wait for the rest of the gang to get their story. I loved the camaraderie, love and respect they all had for each other, and how they have embraced and helped Jude, even if he is not making it easy and is determined not to need anything from anyone.
Eva did such a good job with this book, and I have to go back and read some of her prior books now.
October 6, 2023
"𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲, 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥."
"𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭?"
"𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐞."
Jude and Felicity (Fel) were step-siblings for two years when they were teenagers. They both grew up in wealthy society feeling like that lifestyle didn’t fit. When their parents’ marriage ends incredibly badly Jude disappears from Fel’s life. Eleven years later, the two cross paths again and it’s immediately apparent that the draw that they have always felt toward each other has not lessened with time. But their past is so full of secrets and lies, it might not be possible for them to move past it.
𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.
Jude is a moody, dark-haired, tattooed body piercer who uses underground fighting to soothe his rage. Fel is innocent and sheltered and is trying to make a life for herself without her family’s money. Once Fel is back in Jude’s life, it quickly becomes apparent that he will stop at nothing to protect her from any threats - past, present or future.
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐈’𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠.
I had such high expectations for this book and let me just say I was NOT disappointed!! This book is incredible! The story and world that Eva created is intriguing and complex. There are secrets and lies exposed and some twists and turns that I did not see coming! The tension between Jude and Fel as they fight their own feelings and each other is so, so good! And when they finally give in…the spice is *chef’s kiss*!
Jude is unapologetically morally gray and Fel has his whole heart and soul (and he definitely has mine). Fel is feisty and enjoys challenging Jude while he helps her find her inner strength and confidence. The other characters in the book were so intriguing! Lies Like Love is Book 1 in the Twisted Roses series and I’m so excited to see where the next book takes us! In the meantime, I will be diving into Eva’s Enemy Muse series while I wait!!
"𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐅𝐞𝐥."
"𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞. 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥."
"𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭?"
"𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐞."
Jude and Felicity (Fel) were step-siblings for two years when they were teenagers. They both grew up in wealthy society feeling like that lifestyle didn’t fit. When their parents’ marriage ends incredibly badly Jude disappears from Fel’s life. Eleven years later, the two cross paths again and it’s immediately apparent that the draw that they have always felt toward each other has not lessened with time. But their past is so full of secrets and lies, it might not be possible for them to move past it.
𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.
Jude is a moody, dark-haired, tattooed body piercer who uses underground fighting to soothe his rage. Fel is innocent and sheltered and is trying to make a life for herself without her family’s money. Once Fel is back in Jude’s life, it quickly becomes apparent that he will stop at nothing to protect her from any threats - past, present or future.
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐈’𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠.
I had such high expectations for this book and let me just say I was NOT disappointed!! This book is incredible! The story and world that Eva created is intriguing and complex. There are secrets and lies exposed and some twists and turns that I did not see coming! The tension between Jude and Fel as they fight their own feelings and each other is so, so good! And when they finally give in…the spice is *chef’s kiss*!
Jude is unapologetically morally gray and Fel has his whole heart and soul (and he definitely has mine). Fel is feisty and enjoys challenging Jude while he helps her find her inner strength and confidence. The other characters in the book were so intriguing! Lies Like Love is Book 1 in the Twisted Roses series and I’m so excited to see where the next book takes us! In the meantime, I will be diving into Eva’s Enemy Muse series while I wait!!
"𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐅𝐞𝐥."
"𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞. 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥."
October 2, 2023
Full Review posted at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog
It’s a known fact by now that I’m a HUGE fan of Eva Simmons’s books. When she announced she was going to write a darker and steamier series, I immediately added it to my TBR, especially since I enjoyed her other two series, Seattle Singles, and Enemy Muse. I loved that she centered her new series where the main characters own and work at a tattoo parlor. I already knew from the first chapter that this book was going to be another book I was going to have a hard time putting down.
Eva Simmons knows how to write sweet guys in her romance stories, but when it comes to Jude Carlisle, he’s anything but sweet. She wrote an MMC that is downright an a-hole to the FMC, but you ignore those red flags because it’s obvious he’s doing it to protect her from something or someone, and maybe it’s from him. I will always love characters like Jude because it was obvious he had a story behind him that needed to be told, and I loved when he finally gave into those feelings he had for Felicity. He’s not the sweet-talking guy in the bedroom; he’s the downright dirty, do-as-you-are-told guy, otherwise suffer the consequences. He is all about Felicity, too, when he does give in, and he won’t let anyone take her from him. I could type up the whole review about him solely, but how about I go into why I loved Felicity, too?
I thought Eva’s other series were friggin’ fantastic, but after reading this book and learning all about Jude Carlisle and his fellow tattoo artists and friends, Sage and Crew, this series may take the top spot away from the Enemy Muse series, and I LOVED that series! I wish I could give this book more than five stars; that’s how much I enjoyed it. It’s definitely steamier, and I loved that Eva went dark with this one. I can’t wait to read Sage and Crew’s books because you get a taste of those guys in Jude’s book.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. I highly recommend this book to readers who love tattooed/pierced MMCs who immediately let the FMC know he’ll never be her hero because he prefers being the villain, especially when he’s protecting her.
Favorite Quote(s): “Eyes on me, Red.” Jude wraps his hand a final time. “Watch what you make me do.”
Fel can run, but she can’t hide. And she can hate me all she wants–she’s mind now. I’m not giving her back to them.
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.
“Don’t you dare look away from me when I’m touching you, Felicity.” He leans in to graze his lips over mine in a taunt. “I want you to watch every wicked thing you let me do to you. Deny it all you want; we both know you’ve always dreamed of being my bad girl.”
It’s a known fact by now that I’m a HUGE fan of Eva Simmons’s books. When she announced she was going to write a darker and steamier series, I immediately added it to my TBR, especially since I enjoyed her other two series, Seattle Singles, and Enemy Muse. I loved that she centered her new series where the main characters own and work at a tattoo parlor. I already knew from the first chapter that this book was going to be another book I was going to have a hard time putting down.
Eva Simmons knows how to write sweet guys in her romance stories, but when it comes to Jude Carlisle, he’s anything but sweet. She wrote an MMC that is downright an a-hole to the FMC, but you ignore those red flags because it’s obvious he’s doing it to protect her from something or someone, and maybe it’s from him. I will always love characters like Jude because it was obvious he had a story behind him that needed to be told, and I loved when he finally gave into those feelings he had for Felicity. He’s not the sweet-talking guy in the bedroom; he’s the downright dirty, do-as-you-are-told guy, otherwise suffer the consequences. He is all about Felicity, too, when he does give in, and he won’t let anyone take her from him. I could type up the whole review about him solely, but how about I go into why I loved Felicity, too?
I thought Eva’s other series were friggin’ fantastic, but after reading this book and learning all about Jude Carlisle and his fellow tattoo artists and friends, Sage and Crew, this series may take the top spot away from the Enemy Muse series, and I LOVED that series! I wish I could give this book more than five stars; that’s how much I enjoyed it. It’s definitely steamier, and I loved that Eva went dark with this one. I can’t wait to read Sage and Crew’s books because you get a taste of those guys in Jude’s book.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. I highly recommend this book to readers who love tattooed/pierced MMCs who immediately let the FMC know he’ll never be her hero because he prefers being the villain, especially when he’s protecting her.
Favorite Quote(s): “Eyes on me, Red.” Jude wraps his hand a final time. “Watch what you make me do.”
Fel can run, but she can’t hide. And she can hate me all she wants–she’s mind now. I’m not giving her back to them.
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.
“Don’t you dare look away from me when I’m touching you, Felicity.” He leans in to graze his lips over mine in a taunt. “I want you to watch every wicked thing you let me do to you. Deny it all you want; we both know you’ve always dreamed of being my bad girl.”
October 10, 2023
LIES LIKE LOVE by Eva Simmons
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/ 5
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️/5
Cover Photographer: Wander Aguiar
Cover Model: Ben B
~When you meet your soulmate and watch her get ripped from your hands, you don’t hesitate when you finally have her back again.~
🖤 What happens when you fall for your stepbrother at fifteen and then he breaks your heart in the worst way? Jade and Felicity come face to face after eleven years when Felicity’s best friend drags her to Twisted Roses a tattoo parlor to convince the shop to sell her handmade jewelry, unbeknownst to her who is working there. The feelings that she thought she buried years ago come back full force when their eyes meet.
🖤 Eva Simmons newest book Lies Like Love takes you on a wild ride of deceit, betrayal, and the most honest true love ever written about what a guy would do to protect the one he loves. I am repeatedly reminded of how this author can completely consume my life with her words. Her newest male lead character, Jude Carlisle , dominates the pages of this book with his bad boys ways, pierced c#*k, and the fierce way he loves Felicity Alcott. This book will leave you shocked with an ending you don’t see coming. So take a chance ‘to the end’ in the tattoo and piercing world of the newest series Twisted Roses, book one Lies Like Love by Eva Simmons (a spin off of her Enemy Muse series).
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/ 5
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️/5
Cover Photographer: Wander Aguiar
Cover Model: Ben B
~When you meet your soulmate and watch her get ripped from your hands, you don’t hesitate when you finally have her back again.~
🖤 What happens when you fall for your stepbrother at fifteen and then he breaks your heart in the worst way? Jade and Felicity come face to face after eleven years when Felicity’s best friend drags her to Twisted Roses a tattoo parlor to convince the shop to sell her handmade jewelry, unbeknownst to her who is working there. The feelings that she thought she buried years ago come back full force when their eyes meet.
🖤 Eva Simmons newest book Lies Like Love takes you on a wild ride of deceit, betrayal, and the most honest true love ever written about what a guy would do to protect the one he loves. I am repeatedly reminded of how this author can completely consume my life with her words. Her newest male lead character, Jude Carlisle , dominates the pages of this book with his bad boys ways, pierced c#*k, and the fierce way he loves Felicity Alcott. This book will leave you shocked with an ending you don’t see coming. So take a chance ‘to the end’ in the tattoo and piercing world of the newest series Twisted Roses, book one Lies Like Love by Eva Simmons (a spin off of her Enemy Muse series).
September 22, 2023
(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
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
October 3, 2023
"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 30, 2023
Lies Like Love #1 in a new series by Eva Simmons.
5⭐️
4🌶️
Tropes
Step siblings (ex)
Possessive
Touch her d*e
Pierced
Opposites attract
Pining
Jealousy
What a ride this book took me on! Jude is possessive in all the best ways! I absolutely loved him. Fel is such an interesting fmc who despite her upbringing was so down to earth and had a feisty personality.
Jude and Fel were inevitable from the very first time Jude laid his eyes on here at fifteen. Their friendship in the beginning was so powerful. His love and possession knows no end!
The relationship is not always healthy but I loved their story. How intense they are that nothing else matters as much as their all consuming connection to each other.
I thought all of the other guys were interesting that Jude is friends with and I can’t wait to read more about them, Echo seems like a feisty bada** and I need more about her too!
I highly recommend reading this new series, if you like tatted, pierced bad boys with a secret heart of gold for the girl he loves!
5⭐️
4🌶️
Tropes
Step siblings (ex)
Possessive
Touch her d*e
Pierced
Opposites attract
Pining
Jealousy
What a ride this book took me on! Jude is possessive in all the best ways! I absolutely loved him. Fel is such an interesting fmc who despite her upbringing was so down to earth and had a feisty personality.
Jude and Fel were inevitable from the very first time Jude laid his eyes on here at fifteen. Their friendship in the beginning was so powerful. His love and possession knows no end!
The relationship is not always healthy but I loved their story. How intense they are that nothing else matters as much as their all consuming connection to each other.
I thought all of the other guys were interesting that Jude is friends with and I can’t wait to read more about them, Echo seems like a feisty bada** and I need more about her too!
I highly recommend reading this new series, if you like tatted, pierced bad boys with a secret heart of gold for the girl he loves!
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.
January 27, 2024
4.5/5 stars
Tropes:
~ Step-sibling romance
~ second chance (ish)
~ loathe to lovers
~ possessive Anti-Hero
~ Morally Gray
~ Dark FairyTale Vibe
I truly didn’t expect to love this book, I didn’t know what I’d think about the step-sibling trope, since I’ve never really read a book with it, but I was very surprised at how strange it was,
It was probably because they were step-siblings eleven years ago, and only for a few years, the tension between the two of them was apparent from the very beginning,
You see the hatred they have for one another, yet you don’t understand why,
Why do they hate one another?
Why did he leave eleven years ago?
What is he hiding? And what has he lied about?
I was on the very edge of my seat the whole time, trying to figure out what happened, what role Jude played in it, why He kept Felicity (Fel) in the dark about it,
I devoured this book in two sittings, wanting answers, and loving the burning tension between the two, the obsession this man had for her, was very hidden in the beginning, clouded within the hatred he used to keep her away from him for her good,
But then you see them getting a second chance in a way, this time not step-siblings any longer, but with years of unanswered questions on her side,
And when those questions were finally answered, I was truly shocked, my jaw was on the flow, permanently glued there.
All in all, I loved this book, and recommend you guys read it! I won’t say anything else about it, because the mystery of not understanding what’s going on, and why they hate one another so much, just makes it that much better!
Very happy I was able to get an early copy of this!
Tropes:
~ Step-sibling romance
~ second chance (ish)
~ loathe to lovers
~ possessive Anti-Hero
~ Morally Gray
~ Dark FairyTale Vibe
I truly didn’t expect to love this book, I didn’t know what I’d think about the step-sibling trope, since I’ve never really read a book with it, but I was very surprised at how strange it was,
It was probably because they were step-siblings eleven years ago, and only for a few years, the tension between the two of them was apparent from the very beginning,
You see the hatred they have for one another, yet you don’t understand why,
Why do they hate one another?
Why did he leave eleven years ago?
What is he hiding? And what has he lied about?
I was on the very edge of my seat the whole time, trying to figure out what happened, what role Jude played in it, why He kept Felicity (Fel) in the dark about it,
I devoured this book in two sittings, wanting answers, and loving the burning tension between the two, the obsession this man had for her, was very hidden in the beginning, clouded within the hatred he used to keep her away from him for her good,
But then you see them getting a second chance in a way, this time not step-siblings any longer, but with years of unanswered questions on her side,
And when those questions were finally answered, I was truly shocked, my jaw was on the flow, permanently glued there.
All in all, I loved this book, and recommend you guys read it! I won’t say anything else about it, because the mystery of not understanding what’s going on, and why they hate one another so much, just makes it that much better!
Very happy I was able to get an early copy of this!
September 15, 2023
Okay wow. I absolutely loved this! The angst, tension, love, heartbreak and emotions in this was incredible. What a ride! Eva has an amazing way of writing where you are sucked right in and feel every emotion coming through the words and this book was no exception.
My heart broke for these two, with Jude feeling like he was protecting her despite it breaking his own heart and Fel thinking the people she loved had left her. But their connection went beyond anything that was thrown their way, they were inevitable and always bound to find each other again.
Jude is the ultimate antihero and the way he loves, protects and watches over Fel will have you melting in a puddle. There is nothing he won’t do for her and this only strengthened over time, it never faded despite their time apart. I enjoyed how we got the flashbacks of their past, without it being too much or a constant back and forth. It was well balanced and helped build the story.
The plot in this had me completely invested, there were so many twists and secrets, I needed to know what was going to happen next. I loved the element of suspense it added to the story, it really heightened the emotions felt. It has set up for an incredible series, setting the foundations with amazing characters with a great dynamic. I loved the crumbs Eva gave us for Crew’s book, and I’m really looking forward to his story.
My heart broke for these two, with Jude feeling like he was protecting her despite it breaking his own heart and Fel thinking the people she loved had left her. But their connection went beyond anything that was thrown their way, they were inevitable and always bound to find each other again.
Jude is the ultimate antihero and the way he loves, protects and watches over Fel will have you melting in a puddle. There is nothing he won’t do for her and this only strengthened over time, it never faded despite their time apart. I enjoyed how we got the flashbacks of their past, without it being too much or a constant back and forth. It was well balanced and helped build the story.
The plot in this had me completely invested, there were so many twists and secrets, I needed to know what was going to happen next. I loved the element of suspense it added to the story, it really heightened the emotions felt. It has set up for an incredible series, setting the foundations with amazing characters with a great dynamic. I loved the crumbs Eva gave us for Crew’s book, and I’m really looking forward to his story.
January 5, 2024
I saw stepsiblings and immediately said yes. As you should, too.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐬𝐨 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞—𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞.
I really liked Jude and Fel in this. They aren’t “true” stepsiblings currently - you find out early on that her mom passed and they were only “family” for like 2 years, so the familial connection is a thin cord but still…I’ll take it.
Jude is a slightly unhinged, possessive piercing artist; Fel is trying to start up a jewelry business. They are instant fire with good chemistry. There’s an ongoing mystery about what happened with her mom that quite honestly gave me Rina Kent vibes in terms of the resolution lol 👀 IYKYK. And once the spice hits, it be spicin. 🥵
The author has a really specific kind of prose, that is very beautiful and descriptive. That said, there were too many parts that were these flowery declarations or descriptions of the relationship and it was just too much. I also didn’t buy why Jude felt like she was off limits at this point of their lives, and the story dragged slightly. That said, the book was for sure enjoyable and a must read for anyone who enjoys the tropes:
-second chance
-stepsiblings
-dislike to love
-possessive, tatted/pierced 🍆 mmc
-wacko family craziness
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐬𝐨 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞—𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞.
I really liked Jude and Fel in this. They aren’t “true” stepsiblings currently - you find out early on that her mom passed and they were only “family” for like 2 years, so the familial connection is a thin cord but still…I’ll take it.
Jude is a slightly unhinged, possessive piercing artist; Fel is trying to start up a jewelry business. They are instant fire with good chemistry. There’s an ongoing mystery about what happened with her mom that quite honestly gave me Rina Kent vibes in terms of the resolution lol 👀 IYKYK. And once the spice hits, it be spicin. 🥵
The author has a really specific kind of prose, that is very beautiful and descriptive. That said, there were too many parts that were these flowery declarations or descriptions of the relationship and it was just too much. I also didn’t buy why Jude felt like she was off limits at this point of their lives, and the story dragged slightly. That said, the book was for sure enjoyable and a must read for anyone who enjoys the tropes:
-second chance
-stepsiblings
-dislike to love
-possessive, tatted/pierced 🍆 mmc
-wacko family craziness
September 29, 2023
Jude is the bad boy, the anti-hero, the man who will do anything for Felicity, if only she knew the whole truth…
Fel and Jude were once stepsiblings, his father and her mother were married for a few years. And Fel has had a crush on Jude from the moment she met him…
Now, eleven years later, she finds herself in front of him again. And even though she hates him for what happened all those years ago, she may still have some feelings for him too.
I fell head over heels for this book and the characters. Fel is the sweet girl, trying to find her place in the world on her own. And Jude, there is so much to say for him, but I won’t give anything away. This is a book you have to read.
It is a darker, stepsiblings romance, but the whole story behind it all, it makes so much sense in the end. And that twist, nope, did not see that one coming. And that’s what I love about Miss Simmons books, with each book of her, I’m lost in the book from the first page, and I don’t want them to end… I’m glad I get to see Fel and Jude again in Crew’s book… wondering how that one will go.
Fel and Jude were once stepsiblings, his father and her mother were married for a few years. And Fel has had a crush on Jude from the moment she met him…
Now, eleven years later, she finds herself in front of him again. And even though she hates him for what happened all those years ago, she may still have some feelings for him too.
I fell head over heels for this book and the characters. Fel is the sweet girl, trying to find her place in the world on her own. And Jude, there is so much to say for him, but I won’t give anything away. This is a book you have to read.
It is a darker, stepsiblings romance, but the whole story behind it all, it makes so much sense in the end. And that twist, nope, did not see that one coming. And that’s what I love about Miss Simmons books, with each book of her, I’m lost in the book from the first page, and I don’t want them to end… I’m glad I get to see Fel and Jude again in Crew’s book… wondering how that one will go.
September 19, 2023
Jude was Fel’s stepbrother and they had been close when they were teens. Fel’s mom had married Jude’s dad just when they had met. So being a couple couldn’t happen. At this point I’m not sure what the problem is, because they’re not blood relative. Something tragic went down but I don’t know why or how he’s involved. This story is moving at an extremely slow pace. It’s a back and forth of them hating each other but not hating each other at all. These two fell in love while in high school, so the love story is long. This book has it all, it’s dark, kinky, sexy, there’s mystery, family secrets, and a bit of possessive obsession. It drags a bit in the middle but quickly moves to dangerous situations. I really enjoyed this book, gave it four stars and I recommend it.
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