After a night-shift shooting of a drug dealer in The Coffee Cave, twelve strangers each walk out with more than $100,000 in dirty money, a pact never to meet again, and the chance to start over …Dillon Varga has always craved the spotlight. Now, with his newfound riches, he jumps at the chance to leave his troubled past behind and take a shot at his future. With his best friend Savannah Miller by his side, Dillon hits the neon lights of Las Vegas for a chance at a spot on the hit TV show American Voice. As they both move up in the singing competition, feelings surface between them that make both singers wonder if there might be more to life than just fame and fortune. Together they'll have to dodge the perils of celebrity judges, sexy competitors, and the truth about the past to find the one thing they desire most -- each other.
Payge Galvin has always wanted to be a writer. She also loves spending time with her friends, so after a few cosmos at the pool with her besties, the idea for her new series UNFILTERED was born. Together the group wrote twelve books about twelve strangers who share a dark secret. . . and who all want to find love—because, really, who doesn't?
Keep up to date on UNFILTERED news by following Payge’s tweets at @PaygeGalvin on Twitter, or keep up with all things UNFILTERED at www.unfilteredbooks.com.
*ARC kindly provided by publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
I've hidden the majority of this review because this book as yet to be released.
Sigh.
I wanted to love this book. I wanted to find out more details about the robbery-ish gone bad. I wanted updates on Sasha and Adam. I wanted tension! I wanted the hot alpha male. I wanted some steamy sexy scenes.
I got…
Something about this book just went very wrong for me. First, I'm not sure how Dillion's tattoo or sex with Aria fit into the book. Does this relate to what happens in future books? Also, I felt like the sex scene with Aria was just thrown in to add some heat. (Much like the sex scene with Sasha in the first book… except, at least her sex scene had some relevance.) Secondly, the chemistry between Dillion and Savannah was lacking… I didn't feel any sexual tension between these "American Sweethearts."
I ended the book feeling: ["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Book two in the Unfiltered Series is every bit as captivating as UNFILTERED AND UNLAWFUL. Honestly, once I started reading I did not put it down until the book was completed. UNFILTERED AND UNKNOWN is more of a straight romance read than book one was. But it has the same depth of realism and emotions that is starting to be a trademark for the series. Dillon’s tale has a very different feel to it than Sasha and Adams, which is to only be expected with a different author penning the story. The concept of the series is so unique that it’s going to be a pleasurable surprise as each a new book is released.
If you’re not aware of how this series came about the short story is; twelve friends; a girl’s night out; an idea to write a series together; oh, and I believe there was a mention of alcohol being involved. ;) However the idea was conceived, the results are turning out to be impressive. They have taken a base storyline that involves twelve people being witnesses to the murder of a drug dealer, and then splitting the huge amount of drug money he was hauling around. Twelve witnesses each with their own story of “what happened next” to be told, and twelve authors to tell those tales. Genius! With so many different authors it will make each story have its own unique voice in the telling.
While Dillon is a delish piece of man flesh Ms. Jaymes doesn’t make him invincible. Dillon comes across as real, with reactions and emotions you would expect from a twenty-three year old male. His awkwardness in expressing feelings is endearing. We are given hints of a horrible childhood he’s not willing to share even with his best friend, Savannah, who he’s in love with. Having been given hints of Dillon’s background story I’m hopefully there will be a future story more focused on him in the future. And longer, Please!
Savannah is more of a mystery to me. It’s not that she’s unbelievable, because she is very easy too relate with. Come on, who wants to be just one in a long string of forgettable one-night-stands when if there is a possibilities of being friends, thereby having Dillon long term. We’re just not given as much information as to her personal story. I do like the way the book is written in first person with alternating perspectives from both Dillon and Savannah.
If you’ve not give this series a try, do yourself a favor and do so!
Highly RECOMMEND to anyone 18 and older because of some luscious mature content.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this novel/novella from Netgalley.
Well, this is the last of the three NA's that I had requested on Netgalley. This one wasn't as good as The Best Kind of Broken, but was, actually, better than the last one I read. I've already forgotten the title of that one, actually.
Oh, right - Breathe Into Me.
Anyway, this book is short and dumb. It has about as much substance as a krispy kreme donut. But, it tasted pretty good going down. The basic premise is a singing show, with our two MC's vying for supremacy and vying for one another's hearts. Yeah, I know, silly.
There is some kind of a backstory going on about a dope murder, which I didn't really get and really didn't care about - the purpose of that story is to put a bunch of ill-gotten gains into the hands of the male MC. It served it's purpose. Shrug.
I wouldn't read any more of the series, but if you are looking for a short, silly, insubstantial book about young hotties, you could do worse than to pick up this one.
This was not as good as the first one, but I still enjoyed it.
The first book was gritty and raw... this one was fluffy and sappy. I just really didn't like the America's Voice plot line. If that sort of story is something you'd like, this would probably be a 4 star read.
It was executed very well, with good writing, good plot, and interesting characters. The story rarely went exactly as I expected. I was mildly surprised often enough, which kept the book engaging until the end.
Honestly, simply reading about America's Voice (American Idol) didn't really do it for me. In fact, I am so adverse to the reality show thing, that it completely lost its steaminess. However, this is a personal issue, not one that reflects on the book itself. It just wasn't for me really.
But even with a plot line I didn't terribly enjoy, the writing style is so good that this was easy to continue with and enjoy despite it. This is a solid author, and I look forward to reading more in this series!
Although it got off to a slow start, I tried to like this book. I was hoping that once I got over the beginning (which was a bit rushed), things would pick up and I would be drawn into the story and not be able to stop reading like I usually do. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
The plot of the story and the characters is just one that couldn't pick me up. The writing style is the only reason I was able to continue. Therefore, I would love to read another book by the author.
As I mentioned before, the beginning was a bit rushed and could have been fleshed out better. Unfortunately, the sex scenes felt to me like they were just thrown in there to be had.
Overall, it's not a book I'll read again, but that's because of the plot. Other titles I would love to read by the author.
Unfiltered & Unknown. Book 2 of the Unfiltered series. Payge Galvin and Lynne Jaymes. Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews. I don't like shorts/novellas, I don't like serialised novels – so what on earth am I doing reading this series?? Well, I'm always on the look for something a bit different and this series is. Its one overall story arc, with a new book each month written about characters from that story, but almost a complete book (I’m assuming we'll meet them again further on – but that a guess, this project is like nothing I’ve read before...) each time and written by different authors. So far there's been two for book one and two – don't know how the rest will play out, but Payge was co-author in book one and two and that's led to a feeling of continuity for me in the writing style. My usual problems with serialised novels – too short and unknown time factor, has been put aside as these are out 14th of each month for 12 months, and the length so far has been perfect. As there's a continuation in a way, the scene setting that takes up so much space in a short isn't needed ,so the length can go mainly on the story for that month. Once again we've two people who would love to get together, but each thinks the other is not interested. Dillon was in the café the night of the shooting, and thinks its time to get out of town. Trying for the TV show American Voice seems worth a shot, the timing is perfect. But leaving Savannah, the girl he really likes is hard, and on impulse he asks her to come with him, she tries out too after much persuasion, and they both get through to the finals, with media tagging them America’s Sweethearts, having seen them together, and got the story they came from small town hundreds of miles away for this chance. Then we get into the world of TV, and all the humour and bitchiness that produces. Its still a short read but the authors manage to keep a perfect balance of drama and action, love and laughing in the story without it feeling rushed or cut off. I think its because they've focussed on one outlet for the story – the TV try outs and it works for me. Dillon and Savannah still dancing round each other trying to cover up feelings, worrying about risking the great friendship they have if rejected. Circumstances test them hard, and there's some real emotion here and great side characters such as Luke. I loved that lad and was cheering for him too. Fabulous ending, worked out perfectly and I hope we do catch up with them later. I'm still not sure where this series is leading, but I’m hooked and along for the journey :) Its priced at £1.02 for 137 pages. Stars: Well, much to my surprise this worked perfectly for me so its a five star rating. ARC supplied by Netgalley
*I received an ARC of this book free from the authors in exchange for an honest review*
Dillon Varga is leaving town with more than 100,000 dollars from a murder that is being covered up by twelve strangers at The Coffee Café. And he is leaving town with no intentions of returning. He gets his chance when the hit TV show American Voice is doing auditions in Las Vegas. While saying goodbye to his best friend Savannah Miller, Dillon realizes he does not want to leave her and asks her to go with him for support.
Savannah Miller tries to keep from being just another notch on Dillon’s belt and keeps the relationship as just friends and keeps the fantasies in her head to herself. When Dillon convinces Savannah to audition for the show and they both move forward in the competition feelings become very hard to keep to yourself when the world knows you as America’s Sweethearts.
When Max comes to see Dillon he lets out a very big secret and Dillon must confess to Savannah if he wants her to trust him again.
This is the second book in the Unfiltered series. This book was not as “hot” as the first book but the storyline is great and the chemistry between Dillon and Savannah is strong. This is definitely a series that I will continue to read as the authors let us explore into the lives of the twelve strangers at The Coffee Café by releasing a book a month.
It is definitely not hard to fall in love with the hot guitar player who can sing as well.
My Favorite Laughable Moments: I love Dillon's roommate! He was a great character with a good sense of humor.
"Are you going to hit on me?" He breaks into a tiny smile. "No. You're not my type."
My Favorite Quote: "The want is so deep, so encompassing that even though I know it's a bad move, I have to make it anyway, no matter what happens tomorrow."
I am thinking this series is going to be a good one! I highly enjoyed the first book Unfiltered & Unlawful and this one was no different. This story was about Dillon who was one of the people there “that night that we shall not speak of” and his best friend/love of his life Savannah. With his share of the money, Dillon leaves to go to Las Vegas to be on the show America’s Voice but before he leaves he wants to see Savannah and leave his second guitar with her. Savannah has had a tragic love life; one you don’t really get into but from what you can tell it was tragic. She tries to deny the feelings she has for Dillon because she’d rather be a friend to him then another notch on his bed post so she keeps quite not saying anything but good luck when leaves. As Dillon is letting Savannah walk away “Come with me” pops out of his mouth and that is how these two end up traveling together to Vegas. Savannah is there for support of her friend until Dillon has the bright idea for her to audition for the show as well. As hesitant as Savannah is she knows she doesn’t have anything to lose auditioning and both of these two get the chance of their life. Will outside forces screw up their chance or will America’s sweethearts put out their own flames? You know the drill read it to find out what happens! This series is made up of 12 different stories each about the characters that were involved in a crime, none of them meant to see or commit; however each leave with 110,000 dollars and a pact to never speak of that night again. Interested yet?? None of the 12 thinks they will find love but each do along the way and these are their stories.
*I received an ARC of this book free from the authors in exchange for an honest review*
This book follows Dillon on his journey after the crazy night at the coffee shop that ended with one man dead and twelve people each walking away with over $100,000 in cash each.
Dillon is an extremely talented musician and decides that now he has the money to follow his dream, and he follows it all the way to Las Vegas for the American Voice tryouts. Before he leaves town there is one thing he has to do, give his best friend his guitar, but when he sees her he realizes he can’t go without her and begs her to go with him…as support.
Standing in the enormous group of people, waiting in line to audition, Dillon decides that Savannah is not only there for support, but there to also try out. It doesn’t take her long to agree to it. Savannah’s been in love with him for years and she’d probably follow him to the moon if he asked.
With Dillon and Savannah both moving with ease through the competition they begin spending more time together and the title they were given as “America’s Sweethearts” begins to feel a little more like the truth. That is until she learns a dark secret about Dillon, about why he left town so quickly.
This is a sweet love story with a few sparks of intensity as Dillon and Savannah’s friendship evolves into more than either could have wished for.
My Favorite Laughable Moment: We love Dillon’s roommate! He was a great character with a good sense of humor.
“Are you going to hit on me?”
He breaks into a tiny smile. “No. You’re not my type.”
My Favorite Quote: “The want is so deep, so encompassing that even though I know it’s a bad move, I have to make it anyway, no matter what happens tomorrow.”
I am thinking this series is going to be a good one! I highly enjoyed the first book Unfiltered & Unlawful and this one was no different. This story was about Dillon who was one of the people there “that night that we shall not speak of” and his best friend/love of his life Savannah. With his share of the money, Dillon leaves to go to Las Vegas to be on the show America’s Voice but before he leaves he wants to see Savannah and leave his second guitar with her. Savannah has had a tragic love life; one you don’t really get into but from what you can tell it was tragic. She tries to deny the feelings she has for Dillon because she’d rather be a friend to him then another notch on his bed post so she keeps quite not saying anything but good luck when leaves. As Dillon is letting Savannah walk away “Come with me” pops out of his mouth and that is how these two end up traveling together to Vegas. Savannah is there for support of her friend until Dillon has the bright idea for her to audition for the show as well. As hesitant as Savannah is she knows she doesn’t have anything to lose auditioning and both of these two get the chance of their life. Will outside forces screw up their chance or will America’s sweethearts put out their own flames? You know the drill read it to find out what happens! This series is made up of 12 different stories each about the characters that were involved in a crime, none of them meant to see or commit; however each leave with 110,000 dollars and a pact to never speak of that night again. Interested yet?? None of the 12 thinks they will find love but each do along the way and these are their stories.
Rating: 3.5 stars In this second installment of the Unfiltered series, I was ready to meet up with Dillon & Savannah. They're both extremely talented singers who take off to Vegas to compete in a popular singing show on TV. Dillon is a member of the 12 from "the incident" in book 1 of the series and this show is his ticket out of town and he couldn't imagine anyone other than Savannah by his side. The story ran just like a season of American Idol in my eyes and I wanted more heat and connection between Dillon and Savannah. The judges, producers, and other contestants from the show added to the twists and turns but I was hoping their connection would've came sooner than as close to the end as it came. I enjoyed the flip POVs from chapter to chapter as this helped build my connection with Dillon and Savannah. I'm going to continue reading this series as I'm tied to the incident as well and want to see how all their lives/connections play out. Give this a try!! Review posted at: http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/2014/...
I didn't really like this one as much as I did the other one in the series. Dillon I sort of liked him not loved him, I mean I liked some things about him, "because....I don't wear underwear." If I didn't know better, I'd think his face was getting a little red." Savannah she has a temper on her, "about what happened at your audition." I can hear my voice rising, but I can't help it. "You practically had Gavin at your feet, but when I asked you, all you said was that they liked it and gave you a ticket." She knows how to entice her man as well, "Savannah stirs and makes a sound like a kitten as she wakes up, turning her head to look at me. "Hello there," she smiles, rolling over to face me, wrapping her legs around mine as she reaches up to kiss me." I'm looking forward to the next installment.
I really tried to like this book. I was hoping that once I got past the beginning with the robbery, which I wish we would have gotten more info on, that things would pick up and I would get sucked in to the story. No such thing happened.
The plot of the story is just one that I couldn't get hooked to. The writing style is the only reason that I was able to continue. If it was another book written by the author, i think I could have loved it.
As stated, there's a robbery-like situation in the beginning. I wanted more information about it. And then the majority afterwards felt like I was reading instead of watching American Idol. And the sex scene that I felt was just thrown in just to have it.
Overall, it's not one that I'll read again. But I do look forward to more from this author.
~*~My Thoughts~*~ A 4 Star Read. I enjoyed this book. It was just like the first in grabbing me and keeping me reading it. Dillon was an awesome character as was Savannah. On the last book i gave it a 4.5 this one got a 4 just because a lot of the relationship seemed the same as the last couple. Both were completely ignorant to the fact that they wanted each other. Also it took forever for them to finally get together. I read these two books back to back maybe if I hadn't done that it wouldn't have seemed like the same situation. All in all it was a good book and ill definitely read the third.
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This book was good. I think it was better than the first one but I seemed to like Adam and Sugar more? It's weird to explain. Just how I feel. Dillon and Savannah are on the road to Las Vegas.
Dillon is keeping a huge secret, and so is Savannah. Together they are going so Dillon can audition for American Voice, but Savannah gets dragged in as well. It's a story of going after their dreams to realize maybe there dream was right in front of them the whole time.
There's still the mystery of the drug dealer and money along with some "competition" from Judges and contestants. but all in all it was good.
Unfiltered and Unknown (Unfiltered #2) by Payge Galvin 2.75 out of 5 Stars
So, odd star rating I know,but basically this is American Idol meets The Voice, with similar judge profiles and rumors, and a cast of singers you either loved to love or loved to hate. While the writing style was actually pretty good, with nice fluidity, good character development and a decent pace, the overall plot was soooo tv fan copied it was predictable and exceptionally anticlimactic. I've heard of fan fiction but I didn't realize people did it with their favorite tv shows.
*A complimentary copy was given in exchange for an honest review* Pippa, My Secret Book Spot
**ARC provided via NetGalley for an honest review**
So I most definitely liked this less than the first book. At least with the first book their was a lead into the book, this one kinda just started with no recap. I could not relate or connect with either main characters in the story. It took me 70% of the book to even start getting interested what was going on; I just felt like I was watching an accelerated season of American Idol. I just kept waiting for something epic to happen or for a consequences of the first night to catch up with him but nothing.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a great insight into the workings of these popular music competitions, but most of all it's a frustrated love story. Dillon and Savannah love each other, but for some reason both try and fight it or ignore it. I love Dillon's character, he could have turned out so differently after his early life but he's a deep down good guy, albeit a lonely one.
There's an interesting sub story regarding how they came to be in Vegas, and I'm sure that's going to play a part in future stories.
This is a cute book. Don’t expect it to be a panty dropper. This a an easy read romance. I think it was a cute book I would recommend my mother in law to read. But I don’t see myself reading the next one as if not steamy enough for me. This book is based around a tv singing competition. Dillion and Savannah have been friends for 3 years. Dillion is very sexual experienced and Savannah will keep herself in his friends zone only. With his dark past, sex, and scandal, can their friendship ever last or even blossom. Note: There is a 2nd book released. April 14, 2014
I love the whole concept of this book and I totally fell for Dillon! This is a must read series. Each book in the series is a novella, so there are not long and drawn out. Love love love this series!
This book wasn't bad, but honestly, it wasn't as good as the first. I felt there was less of a relationship established between the two characters from the beginning, but maybe that's just me.