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AnyDayNow #2
Ripple Effect
A Seismic AttractionShe's living next door to a superstar... and doesn't even know it.International pop star RJ Contreras finds himself at a crossroads when his mega famous boy band, AnyDayNow, breaks up. After his solo career fails to take off, RJ retreats to a no-frills apartment where he can hide out from the world and lick his festering wounds.But when Dani, the girl next door, starts slipping 'good neighbor' contracts under his door and complaining about his behavior through strategically placed Post-it-Notes, RJ snaps out of his self-absorbed melancholy to wage war.
In the middle of one of their epic battles, Mother Nature takes her swing and plunges both RJ and Dani into the rubble of a 7.1 earthquake. With their lives hanging in the balance, these former enemies must join forces to survive inside an apartment building only standing on its last few legs. But nothing is certain in an upside-down world where the sacrifices are gut-wrenching and where even the power of first love might not be enough to save them.
“Dani was the only thing in my life that made my pulse race the way it had when I was on stage. I needed her anger like I needed my life back.” – RJ Contreras
In the middle of one of their epic battles, Mother Nature takes her swing and plunges both RJ and Dani into the rubble of a 7.1 earthquake. With their lives hanging in the balance, these former enemies must join forces to survive inside an apartment building only standing on its last few legs. But nothing is certain in an upside-down world where the sacrifices are gut-wrenching and where even the power of first love might not be enough to save them.
“Dani was the only thing in my life that made my pulse race the way it had when I was on stage. I needed her anger like I needed my life back.” – RJ Contreras
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2021
About the author
J. Bengtsson
12 books1,548 followershttps://jbengtssonbooks.com/newsletter
J. (Jill) Bengtsson is the bestselling author of the Cake Series. She writes contemporary novels focused on love, humor, passion, and family. Her heroines are strong, nurturing, and quirky while her heroes are what dreams are made of - gorgeous, committed, and in need of a little saving. A native Californian, Jill’s novels are set under the glittering lights of the West Coast entertainment industry.
They are for the dreamer in all of us.
Jill resides in Ventura County, California. She’s married to the Swedish boy she met as an exchange student her junior year in college and they have three children, a golden retriever, and two ragdoll cats.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales by J. Bengtsson by signing up for her newsletter https://jbengtssonbooks.com/newsletter
For more Cake experiences, check out the audiobooks.
https://www.audible.com/author/J-Beng...
The audiobook series feature top narrators by Andi Arndt, Joe Arden and Zachary Webber.
*Cake A Love Story was nominated for an Audie Award for Best Romance of 2018.
jbengtssonbooks.com
jill@jbengtssonbooks.com
www.facebook.com/jbengtssonauthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theba...
J. (Jill) Bengtsson is the bestselling author of the Cake Series. She writes contemporary novels focused on love, humor, passion, and family. Her heroines are strong, nurturing, and quirky while her heroes are what dreams are made of - gorgeous, committed, and in need of a little saving. A native Californian, Jill’s novels are set under the glittering lights of the West Coast entertainment industry.
They are for the dreamer in all of us.
Jill resides in Ventura County, California. She’s married to the Swedish boy she met as an exchange student her junior year in college and they have three children, a golden retriever, and two ragdoll cats.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales by J. Bengtsson by signing up for her newsletter https://jbengtssonbooks.com/newsletter
For more Cake experiences, check out the audiobooks.
https://www.audible.com/author/J-Beng...
The audiobook series feature top narrators by Andi Arndt, Joe Arden and Zachary Webber.
*Cake A Love Story was nominated for an Audie Award for Best Romance of 2018.
jbengtssonbooks.com
jill@jbengtssonbooks.com
www.facebook.com/jbengtssonauthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theba...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
December 13, 2021
Holy Moly, y'all. My heart is going to need a minute to recover from this one.
I somehow had no idea what I was getting into when I started reading Ripple Effect. I mean, I am familiar with J. Bengtsson's writing - so I know it would be emotionally gripping and compulsively readable. But I still didn't expect...this. For my heart to race as my eyes greedily tore through page after page, completely unable to put it down, completely unable to breathe for a while there, and completely - totally swept away by RJ and Dani's unconventional love story.
I don't want to go into too much detail because I think some of the magic is in not knowing what to expect. Just know that there is so much to love here. From the gritty, "ripped from the headlines" storyline, to the intense romance that flares between RJ and Dani, to - honestly - every single secondary character who added depth and a sort of sweetness and levity to the story, boosting it to next level territory for me. The banter is pure perfection, the writing is smart and snappy, and the storytelling is insanely compelling. My heart didn't come away unscathed, but this story was worth every skipped beat in the end.
Ripple Effect was another J. Bengtsson masterpiece for me. The ending filled my heart to bursting and left me with that euphoric book high I am forever chasing. I feel a little out of sorts now that it's over, but I'm so happy to have taken this ride. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
I somehow had no idea what I was getting into when I started reading Ripple Effect. I mean, I am familiar with J. Bengtsson's writing - so I know it would be emotionally gripping and compulsively readable. But I still didn't expect...this. For my heart to race as my eyes greedily tore through page after page, completely unable to put it down, completely unable to breathe for a while there, and completely - totally swept away by RJ and Dani's unconventional love story.
I don't want to go into too much detail because I think some of the magic is in not knowing what to expect. Just know that there is so much to love here. From the gritty, "ripped from the headlines" storyline, to the intense romance that flares between RJ and Dani, to - honestly - every single secondary character who added depth and a sort of sweetness and levity to the story, boosting it to next level territory for me. The banter is pure perfection, the writing is smart and snappy, and the storytelling is insanely compelling. My heart didn't come away unscathed, but this story was worth every skipped beat in the end.
Ripple Effect was another J. Bengtsson masterpiece for me. The ending filled my heart to bursting and left me with that euphoric book high I am forever chasing. I feel a little out of sorts now that it's over, but I'm so happy to have taken this ride. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
February 7, 2023
DNF@ 11% coz boring. My 1st book by this author so not sure if this is typical of how she writes.
20s ex-Boy Band member H & 20s elementary-school teacher h were meh characters. So was the overall writing. Not that it was bad per se but it failed to invoke excitement/tension/emotion. Even the attempts at humor to setup H and h’s love-hate neighbor relationship weren’t that funny. I could appreciate the humor but it didn't make me laugh out loud.
Sexual History:
No info on h’s dating & sexual history so far. H had girls throwing themselves at him as a popular popstar. No info on serious relationships.
20s ex-Boy Band member H & 20s elementary-school teacher h were meh characters. So was the overall writing. Not that it was bad per se but it failed to invoke excitement/tension/emotion. Even the attempts at humor to setup H and h’s love-hate neighbor relationship weren’t that funny. I could appreciate the humor but it didn't make me laugh out loud.
Sexual History:
No info on h’s dating & sexual history so far. H had girls throwing themselves at him as a popular popstar. No info on serious relationships.
December 29, 2021
I don’t even know where to start with this review so I’ll start by saying that J. Bengtsson has a way of turning ripped from the headlines moments into gut wrenching, heartfelt, emotional love stories that are unlike any other. She proves that again with Ripple Effect. This is an enemies to lovers story but in reality is more of a story about humanity, selflessness, survival, hope, and love. I’m just going to say be prepared for the unexpected, be prepared to feel heart pounding emotion, be prepared to ask yourself hard questions about if you could do that same thing if it came down to it, and be prepared to be awed by this amazing story. I have been a big supporter of this author since Cake was released and I have loved some books more than others, but Ripple Effect is one of her best.
RJ (Chad) and Dani are neighbors in a high rise run-down apartment building in L.A. since RJ moved in they’ve had an ongoing feud fueled by Dani’s love of good neighbor contracts and post-it not reminders. There in person exchanges are sarcastic, smart, and intense but not in a bad way more like in a foreplay way to be honest. There’s a lot of “hate” between them, yet there is also this simmering chemistry. The fact that they both have noticed each other despite RJ’s overgrown beard and Unabomber vibes and Danni’s overly cheery and goody-goody attitude is very telling. I don’t want to go into a lot of details because I believe that reading this book and getting the full effect from the author’s words is important, but I will say both these characters have interesting backgrounds that have shaped them into the people they are today and when a natural disaster has them trapped together, it becomes evident that despite their previous bickering they are good human beings that obviously care more than they let on.
This wasn’t a typical romance; this was a story of two people put into a situation that most people hope to never be in and overcome odds despite the perilous situation. Danni went above and beyond to help RJ and proved that she was stronger than anyone gave her credit for, she was an amazing human being, and that she performed well under pressure. I’m actually getting goose bumps thinking about how she went out of her way, how calm she remained in a crisis, and they heartwarming discussions they share during their ordeal.
I was mesmerized by the depth of this story, the flawless writing, and the emotional connection between the two main characters. Ripple Effect was an extraordinary, captivating, and unique love story and absolutely one of my favorite books of 2021.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
RJ (Chad) and Dani are neighbors in a high rise run-down apartment building in L.A. since RJ moved in they’ve had an ongoing feud fueled by Dani’s love of good neighbor contracts and post-it not reminders. There in person exchanges are sarcastic, smart, and intense but not in a bad way more like in a foreplay way to be honest. There’s a lot of “hate” between them, yet there is also this simmering chemistry. The fact that they both have noticed each other despite RJ’s overgrown beard and Unabomber vibes and Danni’s overly cheery and goody-goody attitude is very telling. I don’t want to go into a lot of details because I believe that reading this book and getting the full effect from the author’s words is important, but I will say both these characters have interesting backgrounds that have shaped them into the people they are today and when a natural disaster has them trapped together, it becomes evident that despite their previous bickering they are good human beings that obviously care more than they let on.
This wasn’t a typical romance; this was a story of two people put into a situation that most people hope to never be in and overcome odds despite the perilous situation. Danni went above and beyond to help RJ and proved that she was stronger than anyone gave her credit for, she was an amazing human being, and that she performed well under pressure. I’m actually getting goose bumps thinking about how she went out of her way, how calm she remained in a crisis, and they heartwarming discussions they share during their ordeal.
I was mesmerized by the depth of this story, the flawless writing, and the emotional connection between the two main characters. Ripple Effect was an extraordinary, captivating, and unique love story and absolutely one of my favorite books of 2021.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
December 31, 2021
This book is nothing short of a miracle called love. A fantastic tale of surviving in the face of death and continuing to heal and grow over time.
Bengtsson has outdone herself by bringing us Chad Woodcock aka RJ Contreras and his neighbour, Dani who has a large family of 111 siblings.
Yes, you heard that right. How?
Read the book!!!!
Anyway RJ is a solitary figure with Alexa for company. he's a maverick, a disillusioned former boy band heartthrob. His life is now spent holed up in a sad looking neighbourhood trying to decipher his standing in life. He's sort of a poster child for personal identity crisis.
Both neighbours detest each other and are at loggerheads almost all the time.
But fate has other plans for them.
A tremor. A trembling. A roar and the earth falls beneath their feet.
Now both are trapped and stuck.
Dani reluctantly, albeit single mindedly is on a mission to save him. She dons her angel wings and flies on compassion to bring RJ back to life.
RJ has an epiphany and the survivalist soul kicks in high gear.
Both end up saving each other, in every way a human can be saved
This book is LIKE NOTHING I've ever read before!!!
It's magical, it's life changing and makes you believe in the divine phenomenon. It teaches you to trust, believe and grab every moment of your life as they come, with both hands and savour every microsecond you're breathing.
I'm utterly amazed at the incredibly Talented J, for having a varied spectrum of tropes and genres in her book kitty. Her writing is superlative and the narrator Stella Hunter & Teddy Hamilton have done an OUTSTANDING JOB of bringing the characters to life.
5 stars for Tremblers that brought them together...TWICE!!
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Bengtsson has outdone herself by bringing us Chad Woodcock aka RJ Contreras and his neighbour, Dani who has a large family of 111 siblings.
Yes, you heard that right. How?
Read the book!!!!
Anyway RJ is a solitary figure with Alexa for company. he's a maverick, a disillusioned former boy band heartthrob. His life is now spent holed up in a sad looking neighbourhood trying to decipher his standing in life. He's sort of a poster child for personal identity crisis.
Both neighbours detest each other and are at loggerheads almost all the time.
But fate has other plans for them.
A tremor. A trembling. A roar and the earth falls beneath their feet.
Now both are trapped and stuck.
Dani reluctantly, albeit single mindedly is on a mission to save him. She dons her angel wings and flies on compassion to bring RJ back to life.
RJ has an epiphany and the survivalist soul kicks in high gear.
Both end up saving each other, in every way a human can be saved
This book is LIKE NOTHING I've ever read before!!!
It's magical, it's life changing and makes you believe in the divine phenomenon. It teaches you to trust, believe and grab every moment of your life as they come, with both hands and savour every microsecond you're breathing.
I'm utterly amazed at the incredibly Talented J, for having a varied spectrum of tropes and genres in her book kitty. Her writing is superlative and the narrator Stella Hunter & Teddy Hamilton have done an OUTSTANDING JOB of bringing the characters to life.
5 stars for Tremblers that brought them together...TWICE!!
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
January 1, 2022
Misleading blurb
So, here's the thing. This wasn't bad, but I was looking forward to a playful, enemies to lovers-style, neighbors romance (as promised by the blurb), and that lasted for all of twentyish pages before it turned into a sugary sweet survival romance. I wanted the neighbors to lovers romance, the passing of notes and the mistaken identity. I didn't want the most upbeat, low angst, survival romance I've ever read. So, while this was okay, it certainly wasn't what I was hoping for when I read the blurb.
Since this doesn't really follow the blurb, any summary I give is going to be spoilery, so this is your warning. Essentially, the story follows RJ, a musician who tried to make a go of a solo career after the popular boy band he was in aged out of the demographic. After that failed spectacularly, RJ grew a beard, moved to a cheap apartment, and laid low to avoid the spotlight. Over the last several months, his infuriatingly sexy neighbor has driven him a little crazy, and it's not until a major earthquake demolishes their apartment complex that they spend any time together. Dani hasn't been the biggest fan of her neighbor, "Chad," but watching him struggle to survive changes everything. Dani realizes that she has strong feelings for Chad/RJ... but they'll need to make it to safety if they have any hope of a future.
Now, the act of nature element is hinted at in the blurb, but I expected there to be more to the story before that, especially since the neighbors to lovers dynamic is the focus. That just wasn't the case. We get the quickest of summaries of their relationship - they've been living next door to each other and bickering for months when the book begins - and then BAM, earthquake. Dani and RJ actually don't spend a lot of time on the page together before they're fighting for survival and exchanging "I love yous." The story is pretty unique and somewhat compelling, so I stuck around to see how things turned out - but the relationship development is weak at best. I liked the survival element, and had there been 100ish pages of bickering before that happened, this would've been a LOT stronger. The tone was also much, much lighter than anticipated for such a serious topic. It was jarring to have RJ be trapped and literally fighting to live while also having sweet exchanges with Dani and getting turned on. I guess this one just didn't hit right for me, it was kind of weird. But I do think the story is interesting and different than the norm, so it was sort of a mixed bag for me.
So, here's the thing. This wasn't bad, but I was looking forward to a playful, enemies to lovers-style, neighbors romance (as promised by the blurb), and that lasted for all of twentyish pages before it turned into a sugary sweet survival romance. I wanted the neighbors to lovers romance, the passing of notes and the mistaken identity. I didn't want the most upbeat, low angst, survival romance I've ever read. So, while this was okay, it certainly wasn't what I was hoping for when I read the blurb.
Since this doesn't really follow the blurb, any summary I give is going to be spoilery, so this is your warning. Essentially, the story follows RJ, a musician who tried to make a go of a solo career after the popular boy band he was in aged out of the demographic. After that failed spectacularly, RJ grew a beard, moved to a cheap apartment, and laid low to avoid the spotlight. Over the last several months, his infuriatingly sexy neighbor has driven him a little crazy, and it's not until a major earthquake demolishes their apartment complex that they spend any time together. Dani hasn't been the biggest fan of her neighbor, "Chad," but watching him struggle to survive changes everything. Dani realizes that she has strong feelings for Chad/RJ... but they'll need to make it to safety if they have any hope of a future.
Now, the act of nature element is hinted at in the blurb, but I expected there to be more to the story before that, especially since the neighbors to lovers dynamic is the focus. That just wasn't the case. We get the quickest of summaries of their relationship - they've been living next door to each other and bickering for months when the book begins - and then BAM, earthquake. Dani and RJ actually don't spend a lot of time on the page together before they're fighting for survival and exchanging "I love yous." The story is pretty unique and somewhat compelling, so I stuck around to see how things turned out - but the relationship development is weak at best. I liked the survival element, and had there been 100ish pages of bickering before that happened, this would've been a LOT stronger. The tone was also much, much lighter than anticipated for such a serious topic. It was jarring to have RJ be trapped and literally fighting to live while also having sweet exchanges with Dani and getting turned on. I guess this one just didn't hit right for me, it was kind of weird. But I do think the story is interesting and different than the norm, so it was sort of a mixed bag for me.
December 12, 2021
I've been anxiously waiting for their story for.ev.er!!!🤩😍
Going to preface this with I received an ARC from the author and all words are my opinion and honest review.
I devoured this book!!! Absolutely devoured it!! We got a little 5 chapter tease of RJ and Dani's story in a previous charity short edition last year. I've been anticipating this story for over a year!!!
It DID NOT disappoint! The banter between RJ and Dani with the post it notes just seemed like introverts flirting to me!!! This is definitely an enemies to lovers slow burn romance!! Lots of angst but lots of tender and freaking REAL moments. Earthquakes are real folks and deadly. I love how this author takes on a natural disaster and creates these heartbreaking, life-changing moments!!
This is a story about how celebrity doesn't exempt you from the facts of life and how heroes come in all packages!! How do not give up! And also how two people who went through the same event can cope differently. One single conversation changed how RJ's perspective of his life after the quake was going to be lived. Dani wasn't aware of it and her reaction to the tragedy was different. But in the end, a HEA for them was very well done!!!
I can't recommend this book enough!! Just know going in, this IS a tragic event, but the love will shine through!!
And just sayin' Dani's sperm siblings ROCKED!!! That was definitely some needed comic relief!! :)
PS. You might wonder why I didn't five star it. There was ONE thing that pulled me out of the story. JUST ONE, but it was personal to me.
Going to preface this with I received an ARC from the author and all words are my opinion and honest review.
I devoured this book!!! Absolutely devoured it!! We got a little 5 chapter tease of RJ and Dani's story in a previous charity short edition last year. I've been anticipating this story for over a year!!!
It DID NOT disappoint! The banter between RJ and Dani with the post it notes just seemed like introverts flirting to me!!! This is definitely an enemies to lovers slow burn romance!! Lots of angst but lots of tender and freaking REAL moments. Earthquakes are real folks and deadly. I love how this author takes on a natural disaster and creates these heartbreaking, life-changing moments!!
This is a story about how celebrity doesn't exempt you from the facts of life and how heroes come in all packages!! How do not give up! And also how two people who went through the same event can cope differently. One single conversation changed how RJ's perspective of his life after the quake was going to be lived. Dani wasn't aware of it and her reaction to the tragedy was different. But in the end, a HEA for them was very well done!!!
I can't recommend this book enough!! Just know going in, this IS a tragic event, but the love will shine through!!
And just sayin' Dani's sperm siblings ROCKED!!! That was definitely some needed comic relief!! :)
PS. You might wonder why I didn't five star it. There was ONE thing that pulled me out of the story. JUST ONE, but it was personal to me.
December 20, 2021
What a book hangover this story caused! This author will consistently give us an emotional and cerebral book. For me, this means a book I do not want to put down because I am invested from start to finish.
From the slow burn, enemies to lovers, to the banter, an event that creates its own drama, I was turning pages as fast as I could. The life situations of the characters added to the story, but when things get tough, the strength and support shine through.
I know my words are vague, but the most significant impact of this story is the way it unfolds.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
From the slow burn, enemies to lovers, to the banter, an event that creates its own drama, I was turning pages as fast as I could. The life situations of the characters added to the story, but when things get tough, the strength and support shine through.
I know my words are vague, but the most significant impact of this story is the way it unfolds.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
December 10, 2021
Having just come off of reading another book about a boy band, I honestly thought this would be more of the same, giving the ins and outs of the world these young and talented men are a part of. Well, I couldn't have been more off base because Ripple Effect was nothing I expected and I couldn't be happier. J. Bengsston wrote a storyline that took me on a ride of epic proportions as RJ Contreras and Dani Malone find themselves fated to not only meet but find in each other the soulmate they were sure didn't even exist. These two start out as barely tolerable neighbors to one another in a highrise in L.A. whose sometimes hostile banter, albeit very witty and had me laughing out loud more than once, only gave them more ammunition for their next encounter. Dani is a sweetheart, the first-grade teacher who is beloved by her students alike and who has an unusual set of siblings who keep her both entertained and supported. Not understanding her Yeti-looking neighbor, she often muses about how she can make his life a bit more miserable than she assumes it is. But never did she realize who her neighbor really was and how their lives would be inexplicably entwined one fateful day.
As that afore-mentioned fate would have it, the world drops out below them, both figuratively and literally and the story takes a turn that had me gasping for air much like that for RJ and Dani. I did not see this twist coming and from this moment on, the amount of emotion and soul-baring truths that come to light in the direst of circumstances had my heart in my throat as a race against time changes everything for these two.
Since I went into this book blind, I want the same for every reader of this extraordinary tale, so I won't give much more away. Laughing one minute and then having to turn away for a moment or two as tears filled my eyes, I took this journey page by page, both never wanting it to end while wanting everything and more for RJ and Dani no matter what might happen next. There are incredible scenes that show strength and courage and ones that show a lifetime of hurt and pain suffered from memories that never seem to want to fade. But overall, the path to happiness for RJ and Dani, even though it was filled with more than they both thought they could handle, was a rebirth of sorts. Realizations that the love of others doesn't only have to be by blood and that the wisdom of someone you only got to speak with for a few important moments gives you the strength to be better, were most definitely life-altering moments for both RJ and Dani. The former boy band performer and the first-grade teacher have this incredible connection and I'm quite sure all that they experienced together and apart will only make their union that much stronger. A gale-force wind indeed.
When RJ and Dani's worlds are fully exposed and the dust finally settles, I was left with a huge smile on my face especially with an epilogue and last lines that had me tearing up once again. There is so much that occurs in this book that will have you chuckling one minute and shocked the next. I am in awe of how Bengsston tied everything together seamlessly and I will definitely be going back to read Bodhi's story looking forward to getting more from this wonderful group of guys.
Ripple Effect is one extraordinary tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat in the most entertaining of ways. Featuring wonderful characters in RJ and Dani and those who support them when needed the most, the writing is superb and truly perfect from start to finish. I honestly couldn't ask for more and am beside myself I got to read these impeccable words.
5 huge stars!!!
As that afore-mentioned fate would have it, the world drops out below them, both figuratively and literally and the story takes a turn that had me gasping for air much like that for RJ and Dani. I did not see this twist coming and from this moment on, the amount of emotion and soul-baring truths that come to light in the direst of circumstances had my heart in my throat as a race against time changes everything for these two.
Since I went into this book blind, I want the same for every reader of this extraordinary tale, so I won't give much more away. Laughing one minute and then having to turn away for a moment or two as tears filled my eyes, I took this journey page by page, both never wanting it to end while wanting everything and more for RJ and Dani no matter what might happen next. There are incredible scenes that show strength and courage and ones that show a lifetime of hurt and pain suffered from memories that never seem to want to fade. But overall, the path to happiness for RJ and Dani, even though it was filled with more than they both thought they could handle, was a rebirth of sorts. Realizations that the love of others doesn't only have to be by blood and that the wisdom of someone you only got to speak with for a few important moments gives you the strength to be better, were most definitely life-altering moments for both RJ and Dani. The former boy band performer and the first-grade teacher have this incredible connection and I'm quite sure all that they experienced together and apart will only make their union that much stronger. A gale-force wind indeed.
When RJ and Dani's worlds are fully exposed and the dust finally settles, I was left with a huge smile on my face especially with an epilogue and last lines that had me tearing up once again. There is so much that occurs in this book that will have you chuckling one minute and shocked the next. I am in awe of how Bengsston tied everything together seamlessly and I will definitely be going back to read Bodhi's story looking forward to getting more from this wonderful group of guys.
Ripple Effect is one extraordinary tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat in the most entertaining of ways. Featuring wonderful characters in RJ and Dani and those who support them when needed the most, the writing is superb and truly perfect from start to finish. I honestly couldn't ask for more and am beside myself I got to read these impeccable words.
5 huge stars!!!
December 19, 2021
(audiobook+ebook) I wasn’t prepared. So stupid of me–I know the author has a unique way of mixing family drama, and emotional and physical trauma. She did it again.
The first act was already pleasant enough. A deliciously witty tale of enemies to lovers between a depressed ex-rockstar who’s hiding from the world and a feisty teacher who can’t stand her neighbor. The banter was fun. And the author takes her time detailing who they are. We get their sad story–RJ and the hateful parasites who take advantage of his money and fame, Dani and her multiple siblings who came, like her, from a test tube.
So when the second act starts, we know them, and we love them. And we also know how much they hate each other. Or do they? Because in the middle of the life threatening crisis that takes place, they only have each other. Watching them in survival mode was emotionally taxing. It was intense, a little funny, a lot sad, but beautiful nonetheless. The real heart of this book.
Last act is the aftermath, and there’s a lot to unravel. The changes in Dani and RJ’s relationship, some more family drama and, of course, the direct consequences of the crisis. Be prepared for PTSD, love, anger, depression, comfort, support. It was, too, an intense part of the book, up to the absolutely perfect epilogue.
Writing was good, smart and funny, with striking images. One of the best books I’ve read this year. Be warned though, it isn’t for the faint of heart–but when is this author? There are some gruesome moments, while not exactly explicit. Nothing is gratuitous though, they’re steps in the characters’ journey. The book wouldn’t be what it is without them.
And what made it even better? The audiobook! The narrators delivered one of their best performances, full of snark and energy, but able to convey deeper emotions when needed. Highly recommended.
Quickie
- Series: standalone (but linked to the Cake series)
- Hashtags: #rock star romance #enemies to lovers #slow burn
- Triggers: mention of cheating, emotional abuse, depression, multiple injuries and death, mutilation, PTSD
- Main couple: Dani Malone & RJ Contreras
- Hotness: 2/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + not a dull moment in this book
- – though it was fun, I didn’t get the point of Dani being one of the many children of a sperm donor (original backstory though)
The first act was already pleasant enough. A deliciously witty tale of enemies to lovers between a depressed ex-rockstar who’s hiding from the world and a feisty teacher who can’t stand her neighbor. The banter was fun. And the author takes her time detailing who they are. We get their sad story–RJ and the hateful parasites who take advantage of his money and fame, Dani and her multiple siblings who came, like her, from a test tube.
So when the second act starts, we know them, and we love them. And we also know how much they hate each other. Or do they? Because in the middle of the life threatening crisis that takes place, they only have each other. Watching them in survival mode was emotionally taxing. It was intense, a little funny, a lot sad, but beautiful nonetheless. The real heart of this book.
Last act is the aftermath, and there’s a lot to unravel. The changes in Dani and RJ’s relationship, some more family drama and, of course, the direct consequences of the crisis. Be prepared for PTSD, love, anger, depression, comfort, support. It was, too, an intense part of the book, up to the absolutely perfect epilogue.
Writing was good, smart and funny, with striking images. One of the best books I’ve read this year. Be warned though, it isn’t for the faint of heart–but when is this author? There are some gruesome moments, while not exactly explicit. Nothing is gratuitous though, they’re steps in the characters’ journey. The book wouldn’t be what it is without them.
And what made it even better? The audiobook! The narrators delivered one of their best performances, full of snark and energy, but able to convey deeper emotions when needed. Highly recommended.
Quickie
- Series: standalone (but linked to the Cake series)
- Hashtags: #rock star romance #enemies to lovers #slow burn
- Triggers: mention of cheating, emotional abuse, depression, multiple injuries and death, mutilation, PTSD
- Main couple: Dani Malone & RJ Contreras
- Hotness: 2/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + not a dull moment in this book
- – though it was fun, I didn’t get the point of Dani being one of the many children of a sperm donor (original backstory though)
January 10, 2022
I never saw that coming. What an ending. J. Bengtsson knows how to write suspenseful books. I loved it
December 9, 2021
Be prepared to clear your schedule and forgo sleep because once you crack open the pages of this book, you will not want to put it down until you’ve read every last word! In fact, Ripple Effect was so amazing that I am ready for re-read! I can honestly say that every book this author writes leaves me breathless, swooning, and laughing all while pulling at my heartstrings. I never know what to expect when diving into her books other than she will ensnare my attention right from the first page and I will remain in its thrall until the very end. Ripple Effect is captivating and original while her characters are endearing and unique with exceptionally interesting backstories. I adored both RJ and Dani and their journey was a fascinating one. This novel is a page turner for sure! It is fast paced with humor and even suspense. Often times I was on the edge of my seat, anxious to know what would happen next! Yes, I am being vague on purpose, but seriously this celebrity, enemies-to-lovers romance is a must read. You will not be disappointed!
I voluntarily read an early version of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I voluntarily read an early version of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
December 26, 2021
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Trope: enemies to lovers
Angst:😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
Triggers: natural disaster
Just wow! This story was not one I saw coming. I was expecting the typical enemies to lovers, lots of snark, and a dash of drama, but I was not prepared for what I got - a total emotional rollercoaster ride! I was laughing, I was crying, I was gripped all the way to the end. RJ, aka Chad, is a wonderfully flawed hero that will have you marveling over his transformation. This was a truly beautiful story that was a slow burn out of necessity by the storyline. Highly recommend!
Ripple Effect is considered a standalone, but does have characters from Like the Wind. Ripple Effect is in first person from dual perspective.
Trope: enemies to lovers
Angst:😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
Triggers: natural disaster
Just wow! This story was not one I saw coming. I was expecting the typical enemies to lovers, lots of snark, and a dash of drama, but I was not prepared for what I got - a total emotional rollercoaster ride! I was laughing, I was crying, I was gripped all the way to the end. RJ, aka Chad, is a wonderfully flawed hero that will have you marveling over his transformation. This was a truly beautiful story that was a slow burn out of necessity by the storyline. Highly recommend!
Ripple Effect is considered a standalone, but does have characters from Like the Wind. Ripple Effect is in first person from dual perspective.
December 31, 2021
OTT
Well not what I was expecting
Not bad neither good
Well not what I was expecting
Not bad neither good
December 15, 2021
This is a complete standalone novel, although it can be linked with a previous book from this author, called Like The Wind. The two main male characters were band members but now going solo. I wouldn’t necessarily call this a rockstar romance but it’s definitely an enemies to lovers one.
RJ Contreras knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom..well he thought he did when the boy band he was apart of broke up and his first solo album failed. He’d never felt so low, and that’s saying something coming from his family life. He decides he needs some time to just wallow and keep out of the spot light for a while and goes incognito as Chad Woodcock. Little did he know things were about to take an even bigger plunge into the ground for him. And it’s not due to the fiery little pocket rocket of a woman that lives next door to him. Dani Malone gives as good as she gets from Chad and not because she has so many siblings, it was the way she was raised, by a strong woman. Both of them will need that strength, determination and work together to get them out of the next big challenge coming their way.
This book was totally different to what I was expecting, and in a good way. In saying that, when you look at the circumstances in JB’s previous books, it not that surprising at all. The banter was funny but what got me more was the compassion these two had for each other when the going got tough. They each helped the other out of a difficult situation and supported one another back to full health.
I also adored the epilogue completely! Down to the very last word! Made my heart sing.
RJ Contreras knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom..well he thought he did when the boy band he was apart of broke up and his first solo album failed. He’d never felt so low, and that’s saying something coming from his family life. He decides he needs some time to just wallow and keep out of the spot light for a while and goes incognito as Chad Woodcock. Little did he know things were about to take an even bigger plunge into the ground for him. And it’s not due to the fiery little pocket rocket of a woman that lives next door to him. Dani Malone gives as good as she gets from Chad and not because she has so many siblings, it was the way she was raised, by a strong woman. Both of them will need that strength, determination and work together to get them out of the next big challenge coming their way.
This book was totally different to what I was expecting, and in a good way. In saying that, when you look at the circumstances in JB’s previous books, it not that surprising at all. The banter was funny but what got me more was the compassion these two had for each other when the going got tough. They each helped the other out of a difficult situation and supported one another back to full health.
I also adored the epilogue completely! Down to the very last word! Made my heart sing.
December 29, 2021
Audiobook Review
Ripple Effect is a slow-burn/enemies to lovers romance. The story is phenomenally written and the characters had a vice grip on my heart from beginning to end. This is not your typical rockstar romance. It is uniquely written with a twist I could have never been prepared for.
Dani is a school teacher, she is passionate, quirky, and a super fun character. She is a fighter and I looked up to her fierce determination. RJ is hiding out, in a mediocre apartment, laying low after a failed attempt at a solo career. He is feeling sorry for himself and who better to push him out of his comfort zone than his beautiful, outspoken neighbour, Dani.
Throughout listening to this audiobook it took me on an epic journey of emotion. These characters face an enormous tragedy together, and experiencing how they both navigated that was equally humorous, emotional and suspenseful. I adored the way they supported one another through love, patience and strength after all they went through and their connection was unbreakable. The narration done by Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter was fantastic. The heavy, thick emotions portrayed by them both were outstanding and pulled at my heartstrings. I highly recommend this!
*ALC provided in exchange of an honest review.
Ripple Effect is a slow-burn/enemies to lovers romance. The story is phenomenally written and the characters had a vice grip on my heart from beginning to end. This is not your typical rockstar romance. It is uniquely written with a twist I could have never been prepared for.
Dani is a school teacher, she is passionate, quirky, and a super fun character. She is a fighter and I looked up to her fierce determination. RJ is hiding out, in a mediocre apartment, laying low after a failed attempt at a solo career. He is feeling sorry for himself and who better to push him out of his comfort zone than his beautiful, outspoken neighbour, Dani.
Throughout listening to this audiobook it took me on an epic journey of emotion. These characters face an enormous tragedy together, and experiencing how they both navigated that was equally humorous, emotional and suspenseful. I adored the way they supported one another through love, patience and strength after all they went through and their connection was unbreakable. The narration done by Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter was fantastic. The heavy, thick emotions portrayed by them both were outstanding and pulled at my heartstrings. I highly recommend this!
*ALC provided in exchange of an honest review.
April 25, 2022
Mild spoilers ahead!
This was a fantastic book, and not at all what I was expecting! While the first quarter of the book features exactly what is described in the blurb, the book takes a turn, becoming a romantic suspense featuring a natural disaster. This is a little bit of a spoiler, but also, if you don’t want to read a natural disaster romance, this book can be triggering or upsetting to some.
I didn’t realize that this is the second in a series, and the first one featured another member of the boy band experiencing a major natural disaster and falling in love simultaneously (Boy, these boys can multitask).
I was a tad too old to be a fan of One Direction, but I did see the similarities between One Direction and AnyDayNow while reading this book. Despite not necessarily getting all the references, I still loved it! You don’t need to be a fan to appreciate this book. So I recommend this book to those who, like me, can only name one OneDirection singer (Harry Styles obviously).
5 stars!
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2022: This book fulfills the "A book about a band or a musical group" category.
This was a fantastic book, and not at all what I was expecting! While the first quarter of the book features exactly what is described in the blurb, the book takes a turn, becoming a romantic suspense featuring a natural disaster. This is a little bit of a spoiler, but also, if you don’t want to read a natural disaster romance, this book can be triggering or upsetting to some.
I didn’t realize that this is the second in a series, and the first one featured another member of the boy band experiencing a major natural disaster and falling in love simultaneously (Boy, these boys can multitask).
I was a tad too old to be a fan of One Direction, but I did see the similarities between One Direction and AnyDayNow while reading this book. Despite not necessarily getting all the references, I still loved it! You don’t need to be a fan to appreciate this book. So I recommend this book to those who, like me, can only name one OneDirection singer (Harry Styles obviously).
5 stars!
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2022: This book fulfills the "A book about a band or a musical group" category.
December 10, 2021
Ripple Effect by J. Bengtsson was not what at all what I was expecting...in fact, it was even BETTER! This enemies to lovers slow burn story with crazy, gripping unexpected twist took my heart on a wild, epic ride that I ultimately did not want to end. Bentgsson has a way with creating characters that leave a lasting, memorable impression that you can't help but fall deeply and madly in love with.
Dani and RJ have been living in apartments right next door to each other for the past five months. RJ seems to be a bitter grump and loves nothing more than irritating Dani in any way possible. Little does Dani know, that RJ may not be exactly who he says he is. Dani is quite the complex character herself being charismatic first grade teacher, and a member of the Lucky Swimmers Club. However on one fateful day, Dani and RJ experience something traumatic that will throw them together in a life and death situation that will change their lives and bond them forever.
Overall, I was captivated with story from start to finish! If you love an emotional, heartfelt story with a redeeming charismatic rockstar, a fierce determined heroine, a crazy life earth-rumbling moment, slow burn steamy perfection, reliable band mates, loyal friends, and a simply satisfying HEA, that will make your heart swoon and super happy, then you need Ripple Effect in your life. I always look forward to more from J. Bengtsson.
Dani and RJ have been living in apartments right next door to each other for the past five months. RJ seems to be a bitter grump and loves nothing more than irritating Dani in any way possible. Little does Dani know, that RJ may not be exactly who he says he is. Dani is quite the complex character herself being charismatic first grade teacher, and a member of the Lucky Swimmers Club. However on one fateful day, Dani and RJ experience something traumatic that will throw them together in a life and death situation that will change their lives and bond them forever.
Overall, I was captivated with story from start to finish! If you love an emotional, heartfelt story with a redeeming charismatic rockstar, a fierce determined heroine, a crazy life earth-rumbling moment, slow burn steamy perfection, reliable band mates, loyal friends, and a simply satisfying HEA, that will make your heart swoon and super happy, then you need Ripple Effect in your life. I always look forward to more from J. Bengtsson.
December 28, 2021
I read until my eyes were falling out of my head last night and got up early to finish this incredible, moving story that had my stomach in knots and my heart beating nineteen to the dozen. I truly didn't expect what happened, even though I know that Julie's books always have that element of the unexpected, and Ripple Effect more than brings that to the table...in spades. This is an excellent example of well crafted, emotionally mature writing which has both wit, humour and heart. It's sensitively approaches circumstances which are challenging and brings us characters which will stay with you long after you have read those last beautiful words. Absolutely outstanding! 💖💖💖💖💖
December 30, 2021
All the stars!
This slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers dramedy was EVERYTHING! You will laugh, swoon, and enjoy a perfect dose of the feels. Dani is my hero! The banter between Dani and RJ was priceless! I loved these two characters. I’m so in love with this book! Dramedy GOLD!!!!
This slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers dramedy was EVERYTHING! You will laugh, swoon, and enjoy a perfect dose of the feels. Dani is my hero! The banter between Dani and RJ was priceless! I loved these two characters. I’m so in love with this book! Dramedy GOLD!!!!
November 13, 2022
4.5 stars!
An enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance with a twist, this is an intense and emotional read with a gorgeous love story, and I couldn’t put it down!
This is the second book in the AnyDayNow series (which is called the Disaster Flick series on Amazon and the author’s website, which is a little confusing, but whatever). There is a little bit of backstory, and character crossover from the first book of the series (Like the Wind), but you could read this one as a standalone. Just beware spoilers from the storyline of the first book.
Following the break up of boy band AnyDayNow, singer RJ Contreras decided to go solo. Used to worldwide adoration by teenage girls, he had high hopes for his career, but his first album release bombed, as did his dreams of solo stardom, and he has hit rock bottom, not knowing what to do with his life. So he is wallowing in a cheap and nasty apartment, hiding his true identity and ignoring his bandmates and trying to figure out where it all went wrong.
Dani lives in the apartment next to Bodhi. She’s a perky first grade teacher who loves order and organisation, and who is unsuccessfully trying to find love. Her love life has been seriously lacking, mostly because she is the offspring of a prolific sperm donor and she’s terrified that every man she goes on a date with may, in fact, be genetically related to her (a very random fact that that is actually a fabulously fun addition to the story). And she’s struggling to cope with her scruffy, obnoxious neighbour.
The beginning of this book is so fun. A broody ex-rock star living in secret and a quirky young ray of sunshine – neighbours who hate each other. She hates his mess, noise and rudeness. He hates her rules, and the snarky post-it notes she leaves for him. Their arguing has become routine at this point, and it’s so entertaining watching them go head-to-head.
But one moment changes everything. A tragedy that changes the whole direction of the story, and their lives, and bringing an intense, emotional and unputdownable read.
RJ and Dani are forced to confront everything about themselves and rely on each other in a way they’ve never done with anybody before. They are there for each other in the most extreme of circumstances, and the care they show for each other provides the opportunity for them to truly connect, to open up to each other, and to recognise the truth about their deep feelings for each other.
Though the events of the story happen over a short timeframe, the actual pacing of it feels a lot slower, so we have time to get to know the characters and become invested in them as a couple, and I truly felt everything along with them. And seeing them confess all and find something so magical in the middle of disaster was so beautiful.
I was captivated by their story, and love that we follow them through the before, during and aftermath of such a life-changing experience, and seeing how much it changes them. Because in addition to everything happening between them, they both have personal issues to deal with, and facing death and having time to think and talk about it all, they’re both ready to face up and take action. And watching them take charge of their lives and fight for their happiness is so satisfying! And, of course, I loved seeing them fight for each other, and to hold on to the connection that they found together.
It’s all very extreme and intense, but I’m a disaster flick junkie, so I was completely in my element with this story.
Bodhi, Breeze and the rest of the AnyDayNow boys all make an appearance, and I loved seeing them again. There’s such a fun dynamic between the guys who consider themselves brothers in every way. I’d love to read more about them!
There’s an epilogue which finishes the book off beautifully, and I loved seeing RJ and Dani get their HEA.
Such a great read – 4.5 stars.
An enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance with a twist, this is an intense and emotional read with a gorgeous love story, and I couldn’t put it down!
This is the second book in the AnyDayNow series (which is called the Disaster Flick series on Amazon and the author’s website, which is a little confusing, but whatever). There is a little bit of backstory, and character crossover from the first book of the series (Like the Wind), but you could read this one as a standalone. Just beware spoilers from the storyline of the first book.
Following the break up of boy band AnyDayNow, singer RJ Contreras decided to go solo. Used to worldwide adoration by teenage girls, he had high hopes for his career, but his first album release bombed, as did his dreams of solo stardom, and he has hit rock bottom, not knowing what to do with his life. So he is wallowing in a cheap and nasty apartment, hiding his true identity and ignoring his bandmates and trying to figure out where it all went wrong.
Dani lives in the apartment next to Bodhi. She’s a perky first grade teacher who loves order and organisation, and who is unsuccessfully trying to find love. Her love life has been seriously lacking, mostly because she is the offspring of a prolific sperm donor and she’s terrified that every man she goes on a date with may, in fact, be genetically related to her (a very random fact that that is actually a fabulously fun addition to the story). And she’s struggling to cope with her scruffy, obnoxious neighbour.
The beginning of this book is so fun. A broody ex-rock star living in secret and a quirky young ray of sunshine – neighbours who hate each other. She hates his mess, noise and rudeness. He hates her rules, and the snarky post-it notes she leaves for him. Their arguing has become routine at this point, and it’s so entertaining watching them go head-to-head.
Dani was the only thing in my life that made my pulse race the way it had when I was on stage. I needed her anger like I needed my life back.
But one moment changes everything. A tragedy that changes the whole direction of the story, and their lives, and bringing an intense, emotional and unputdownable read.
RJ and Dani are forced to confront everything about themselves and rely on each other in a way they’ve never done with anybody before. They are there for each other in the most extreme of circumstances, and the care they show for each other provides the opportunity for them to truly connect, to open up to each other, and to recognise the truth about their deep feelings for each other.
Though the events of the story happen over a short timeframe, the actual pacing of it feels a lot slower, so we have time to get to know the characters and become invested in them as a couple, and I truly felt everything along with them. And seeing them confess all and find something so magical in the middle of disaster was so beautiful.
I was captivated by their story, and love that we follow them through the before, during and aftermath of such a life-changing experience, and seeing how much it changes them. Because in addition to everything happening between them, they both have personal issues to deal with, and facing death and having time to think and talk about it all, they’re both ready to face up and take action. And watching them take charge of their lives and fight for their happiness is so satisfying! And, of course, I loved seeing them fight for each other, and to hold on to the connection that they found together.
It’s all very extreme and intense, but I’m a disaster flick junkie, so I was completely in my element with this story.
Bodhi, Breeze and the rest of the AnyDayNow boys all make an appearance, and I loved seeing them again. There’s such a fun dynamic between the guys who consider themselves brothers in every way. I’d love to read more about them!
There’s an epilogue which finishes the book off beautifully, and I loved seeing RJ and Dani get their HEA.
Such a great read – 4.5 stars.
December 29, 2021
4.25 STARS
The first half or more of this book has such a unique and different premise. It’s like no other romance I’ve read, I was so intrigued and invested in these characters and their situation.
In the very beginning they have great enemies banter/interaction. The heat and tension is so fun.
These neighbors who exchange passive/aggressive post-it’s was a very cute and fun aspect that I loved.
➖It’s actually an intense story, I recommend going in blind. No spoilers. It’s quite an experience!
The circumstances are really different, extreme and surprising.
The reason it’s not a 5 star for me is that the last 20 percent or so of the book was light, easy and sweet.
For me, it was just a bit too easy. I wanted more angst, depth or darkness. More struggles for the characters.
That’s obviously personal preference mostly.
I think because most of the book had such a strong sense of gravity and seriousness it was an odd change of tone to me.
➖I think many people will love this very original romance.
I really appreciate the unique story, the likable characters and the consuming emotions between RJ and Dani.
I did enjoy and like this story. I wanted the intensity to last through to the end.
➖Overall it’s very unique, memorable and a fast paced story. I really appreciate the originality, especially in a romance. It’s not a story I’ll forget.
The first half or more of this book has such a unique and different premise. It’s like no other romance I’ve read, I was so intrigued and invested in these characters and their situation.
In the very beginning they have great enemies banter/interaction. The heat and tension is so fun.
These neighbors who exchange passive/aggressive post-it’s was a very cute and fun aspect that I loved.
➖It’s actually an intense story, I recommend going in blind. No spoilers. It’s quite an experience!
The circumstances are really different, extreme and surprising.
The reason it’s not a 5 star for me is that the last 20 percent or so of the book was light, easy and sweet.
For me, it was just a bit too easy. I wanted more angst, depth or darkness. More struggles for the characters.
That’s obviously personal preference mostly.
I think because most of the book had such a strong sense of gravity and seriousness it was an odd change of tone to me.
➖I think many people will love this very original romance.
I really appreciate the unique story, the likable characters and the consuming emotions between RJ and Dani.
I did enjoy and like this story. I wanted the intensity to last through to the end.
➖Overall it’s very unique, memorable and a fast paced story. I really appreciate the originality, especially in a romance. It’s not a story I’ll forget.
December 28, 2021
Universal / Audio
Dani and Chad have been living next to each other in their apartment building for sometime, letting their animosity build. She can't stand his noisy, annoying self, and he can't stand her uptight self-righteousness. Then one horrific event happens, and they're seeing each other in a whole new way. Will this tragedy bring them together? Or will Chad's circumstances make it impossible?
Wow, I definitely was not expecting this story. Though it is indeed funny and witty when the two of them engage in lots of snappy, snarky banter while dueling it out over their shared dislike of each other, it's also much more. It's full of heart, and the growth both of them do over the course of the story, especially Chad (RJ), is fantastic. Their chemistry is hot, their circumstances are tragic, but they love hard. Just like I love them and their story. Can't wait for more from J. Bengtsson now.
ARC provided by Grey's Promotions for an honest review.
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December 19, 2021
*ALC received from Audibly Addicted in exchange for my honest review. *
Y'all... I was not prepared for this book at all... My heart is going to be feeling the aftershocks for days...
RJ's band broke up and his solo career ended before it even started. Now, he is hiding away in an apartment where no one would suspect who he is living under the name "Chad Woodcock". All RJ wants to do is wallow in his pity, but his new neighbor is making that rather impossible. Slipping notes under his door about being a good neighbor and banging on his wall but now, he has finally had it and it is time to make the gorgeous but infuriating neighbor pay.
Dani is done playing nice with her ogre neighbor. She has tried everything to get him to be considerate but now, it is war, and she has every plan to win. Everything in her life has been leading up to what happens next and as the earth shatters around them she is left wandering if her scruffy neighbor isn't the one she has been waiting for all along.
Teddy Hamilton & Stella Hunter are two of my favorite narrators, but this book showed me a whole new side to both. There wasn't one moment through this entire story that I didn't feel every single emotion that these characters shared. Stella's voice broke my heart when Dani's heart was breaking and when RJ feared what was to come, I could feel it from Teddy. At this point I didn't think there was anything that these two narrators could do that could make me love them more, but I was wrong.
Ripple Effect was one of the hardest books I've ever had to review... Keeping the storyline a secret while still giving my feelings on the events that happened has proved to be impossible. This book literally ripped my heart out with 28 minutes of straight crying and too many times I was terrified of the outcome. Even as the end of the story neared, I couldn't grasp exactly everything that had happened.
This was my first J. Bengtsson novel and even with the ugly crying I am dying to get my hands on more of her books. Reading is meant to evoke all sorts of feelings and this book pulled every single emotion out of me. Dani & RJ's story wasn't easy, it was hard, but it was entirely worth it just to make it to that sweet spot we all love about a good romance.
Y'all... I was not prepared for this book at all... My heart is going to be feeling the aftershocks for days...
RJ's band broke up and his solo career ended before it even started. Now, he is hiding away in an apartment where no one would suspect who he is living under the name "Chad Woodcock". All RJ wants to do is wallow in his pity, but his new neighbor is making that rather impossible. Slipping notes under his door about being a good neighbor and banging on his wall but now, he has finally had it and it is time to make the gorgeous but infuriating neighbor pay.
Dani is done playing nice with her ogre neighbor. She has tried everything to get him to be considerate but now, it is war, and she has every plan to win. Everything in her life has been leading up to what happens next and as the earth shatters around them she is left wandering if her scruffy neighbor isn't the one she has been waiting for all along.
Teddy Hamilton & Stella Hunter are two of my favorite narrators, but this book showed me a whole new side to both. There wasn't one moment through this entire story that I didn't feel every single emotion that these characters shared. Stella's voice broke my heart when Dani's heart was breaking and when RJ feared what was to come, I could feel it from Teddy. At this point I didn't think there was anything that these two narrators could do that could make me love them more, but I was wrong.
Ripple Effect was one of the hardest books I've ever had to review... Keeping the storyline a secret while still giving my feelings on the events that happened has proved to be impossible. This book literally ripped my heart out with 28 minutes of straight crying and too many times I was terrified of the outcome. Even as the end of the story neared, I couldn't grasp exactly everything that had happened.
This was my first J. Bengtsson novel and even with the ugly crying I am dying to get my hands on more of her books. Reading is meant to evoke all sorts of feelings and this book pulled every single emotion out of me. Dani & RJ's story wasn't easy, it was hard, but it was entirely worth it just to make it to that sweet spot we all love about a good romance.
December 12, 2021
I have a dilemma. I thought that I'd finalized my "Top Reads of 2021" list, but then I read this book. Now, I have to reconsider. This story was so much more than I was expecting, and I wasn't really prepared for it.
This book drew me in from the start. I was instantly amused by the sarcasm and witty banter between our two main characters, RJ (aka Chad) and Dani. Then, came the post-it notes...and if I wasn't fully engrossed before then, well...that did it for me. What can I say? I love any story that involves notes, letters, texts, and the like. So, I was all in. But then...
Then, came an earth-shattering twist that I did not see coming. I was completely blindsided by this storyline, and I felt EVERYTHING. I FELT every single heartbreaking decision, every cruel twist of fate, every fear and every tear right along with these characters. At that point, I could not put this book down. I couldn't walk away. I was consumed by this story.
I absolutely adored RJ and Dani. Whether alone or together, these two characters had my heart. I cried some tears reading their story, but I laughed so many times too, sometimes even through my sobs. This is by no means your typical enemies-to-lovers romance, and I loved this original story and the way that the author developed this relationship. There were a lot of ups and downs, scenes that left me an emotional wreck, but by the very end? Perfection. The ending of this book was absolute perfection.
Although I've only read a few of this author's books (and I need to change that!), she never disappoints. Until I pick up another one of her books, I forget what an amazing storyteller she really is, and she's proved that again with Ripple Effect. Yep, I think that I need to go back and revise of Top Reads list for this year...
This book drew me in from the start. I was instantly amused by the sarcasm and witty banter between our two main characters, RJ (aka Chad) and Dani. Then, came the post-it notes...and if I wasn't fully engrossed before then, well...that did it for me. What can I say? I love any story that involves notes, letters, texts, and the like. So, I was all in. But then...
Then, came an earth-shattering twist that I did not see coming. I was completely blindsided by this storyline, and I felt EVERYTHING. I FELT every single heartbreaking decision, every cruel twist of fate, every fear and every tear right along with these characters. At that point, I could not put this book down. I couldn't walk away. I was consumed by this story.
I absolutely adored RJ and Dani. Whether alone or together, these two characters had my heart. I cried some tears reading their story, but I laughed so many times too, sometimes even through my sobs. This is by no means your typical enemies-to-lovers romance, and I loved this original story and the way that the author developed this relationship. There were a lot of ups and downs, scenes that left me an emotional wreck, but by the very end? Perfection. The ending of this book was absolute perfection.
Although I've only read a few of this author's books (and I need to change that!), she never disappoints. Until I pick up another one of her books, I forget what an amazing storyteller she really is, and she's proved that again with Ripple Effect. Yep, I think that I need to go back and revise of Top Reads list for this year...
December 28, 2021
𝐑𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭, an enemies to lovers tale with an earth-shaking twist, is LIVE and also available in audiobook!
Narrators: Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter
DOWNLOAD the audiobook NOW 👉🏻 https://amzn.to/316Cg74
One-Click the Ebook NOW 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JRZQWHD
"𝘙𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴��� 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘵." - 𝘒𝘢𝘺 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
BLURB:
She's living next door to a superstar... and doesn't even know it.
International pop star RJ Contreras finds himself at a crossroads when his mega famous boy band, AnyDayNow, breaks up. After his solo career fails to take off, RJ (a.k.a. Chad Woodcock) retreats to a no-frills apartment where he can hide out from the world and lick his festering wounds.
But when the girl next door starts slipping 'good neighbor' contracts under his door and complaining about his behavior through strategically placed Post-it-Notes, RJ snaps out of his self-absorbed melancholy to wage war.
Nothing short of an act of nature could repair the relationship between these two strong-willed enemies. But guess what Fate has in store?
Watch the trailer here--> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUNW6...
Narrators: Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter
DOWNLOAD the audiobook NOW 👉🏻 https://amzn.to/316Cg74
One-Click the Ebook NOW 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JRZQWHD
"𝘙𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴��� 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘵." - 𝘒𝘢𝘺 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
BLURB:
She's living next door to a superstar... and doesn't even know it.
International pop star RJ Contreras finds himself at a crossroads when his mega famous boy band, AnyDayNow, breaks up. After his solo career fails to take off, RJ (a.k.a. Chad Woodcock) retreats to a no-frills apartment where he can hide out from the world and lick his festering wounds.
But when the girl next door starts slipping 'good neighbor' contracts under his door and complaining about his behavior through strategically placed Post-it-Notes, RJ snaps out of his self-absorbed melancholy to wage war.
Nothing short of an act of nature could repair the relationship between these two strong-willed enemies. But guess what Fate has in store?
Watch the trailer here--> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUNW6...
December 14, 2021
Oh my goodness…..the blurb for this book does not do it any justice! The story packs a major punch but it is written with such a wonderful subtle touch, it creeps up on you and gently eases you in until you can’t put it down, until you are completely invested in all the characters and their unique stories.
This is nowhere near what I expected but everything I didn’t know I wanted!!
Ms Bengtsson pulls you into the story with its amazing, complex characters, intelligent writing and wonderful humour, then holds you captive with a really amazing story with quirks and drama that you couldn’t predict, one that will break your heart and have you furiously turning pages….desperate for the outcome that you want, but still not sure if you will be rewarded with it…….then you will be left at the end with a warm feeling of rightness and a new appreciation for the people you hold dear….it may even have you pulling them tighter and closer.
An absolute joy of a book that I am so delighted to have read. Don’t skip ahead, don’t try to figure the story out, just immerse yourself in the journey with Dani and RJ and let their perfect connection pull you through to a beautiful ending!
This is nowhere near what I expected but everything I didn’t know I wanted!!
Ms Bengtsson pulls you into the story with its amazing, complex characters, intelligent writing and wonderful humour, then holds you captive with a really amazing story with quirks and drama that you couldn’t predict, one that will break your heart and have you furiously turning pages….desperate for the outcome that you want, but still not sure if you will be rewarded with it…….then you will be left at the end with a warm feeling of rightness and a new appreciation for the people you hold dear….it may even have you pulling them tighter and closer.
An absolute joy of a book that I am so delighted to have read. Don’t skip ahead, don’t try to figure the story out, just immerse yourself in the journey with Dani and RJ and let their perfect connection pull you through to a beautiful ending!
April 7, 2024
I don't know even how to start to say how much I loved this book. But I'll try.
First, the banter between Dani and RJ/Chad is everything. Both of them are so full of spunk and sass. They charmed me with their sarcasm and their humor and their animosity towards each other.
I have the biggest girl crush on Dani that I've had on a female character in a long time. She was strong, funny, and captivating. But she still felt like a real genuine person. And RJ is a bit broken in the beginning but completely captivating. They were both so perfectly imperfect.
The way they saved each other throughout the book was so good. They really were what the other needed. In all the ways.
So many emotions. So many ugly cries. So many laughs. This was a beautiful book and I loved every single second of it.
First, the banter between Dani and RJ/Chad is everything. Both of them are so full of spunk and sass. They charmed me with their sarcasm and their humor and their animosity towards each other.
I have the biggest girl crush on Dani that I've had on a female character in a long time. She was strong, funny, and captivating. But she still felt like a real genuine person. And RJ is a bit broken in the beginning but completely captivating. They were both so perfectly imperfect.
The way they saved each other throughout the book was so good. They really were what the other needed. In all the ways.
So many emotions. So many ugly cries. So many laughs. This was a beautiful book and I loved every single second of it.
December 9, 2021
Woah that’s was a thrill ride that I was not expecting!
I was honored to get to read this ARC and man am I glad that I was chosen.
First off RJ and Dani have the best banter, the tension and enemies to lovers aspect of this book is on point.
Dani is such a bad ass, strong and opinionated just like I love my female MC. The strength that she exudes as a character is excellent!
RJ starts off like most enemies to loves do. As a complete ass that you easily fall in love with
The journey that both these characters go on, is a thrill ride. However the growth throughout the chapters that they both go through the development that each character makes draws you in !
This is a 5 star and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I did !
I was honored to get to read this ARC and man am I glad that I was chosen.
First off RJ and Dani have the best banter, the tension and enemies to lovers aspect of this book is on point.
Dani is such a bad ass, strong and opinionated just like I love my female MC. The strength that she exudes as a character is excellent!
RJ starts off like most enemies to loves do. As a complete ass that you easily fall in love with
The journey that both these characters go on, is a thrill ride. However the growth throughout the chapters that they both go through the development that each character makes draws you in !
This is a 5 star and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I did !
December 29, 2021
Wow! I honestly had no idea where this story was going to go and I could never have guessed. My heart was leaping out of my chest for most of the story! What a bold, emotional journey.
Dani and RJ’s romance is the stuff of legends: from enemies to soulmates. What a great story! I don’t want to spoil a thing, just read this!
I received an advance copy of this book from Grey’s Promotions and these are my honest opinions.
Dani and RJ’s romance is the stuff of legends: from enemies to soulmates. What a great story! I don’t want to spoil a thing, just read this!
I received an advance copy of this book from Grey’s Promotions and these are my honest opinions.
November 1, 2022
Amazon #1 Rock #1 Pop #1 Natural disasters
Wow. I loved this book. The story draws you in like an every day neighbor encounter until that neighbor has made you pretty mad....and then you're in "it" together.....
I wondered how you'd top the prior band member, Bodhi's encounter with wild fires.
I'm sorry California has so many natural disasters to capture in stories, even "sinkholes"!!??
Well, I had to take a "nap" to finish book. It reads fast.....but I'll read again....a favorite.
Wow. I loved this book. The story draws you in like an every day neighbor encounter until that neighbor has made you pretty mad....and then you're in "it" together.....
I wondered how you'd top the prior band member, Bodhi's encounter with wild fires.
I'm sorry California has so many natural disasters to capture in stories, even "sinkholes"!!??
Well, I had to take a "nap" to finish book. It reads fast.....but I'll read again....a favorite.
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