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Sin City Salvation #1
Confess
**Releases September 25th, 2018**
Lucian
A life free from sin.
For seventeen years, I have lived and breathed those words. But there is no balm to the war inside my soul.
Until her.
The mysterious beauty too lethal to taste. She’s a thief, a con, the essence of everything I loathe. Still, she lures me in with her lying eyes.
In the dark of night, she came to confess her sins, and in the light of morning, I plotted to steal her away.
She will be my ruination. My damnation. My biggest regret.
So help me, God.
**
Gypsy
A word of advice? Don’t show me your vulnerabilities because I will find a way to exploit them. I learned the hard way to take what I want from life with no regrets.
Until him.
He’s one of the most hated men in America. A soulless criminal attorney. A recluse. And as of five minutes ago, my new husband.
He wants to keep my secrets and collect my tears, but he should know that a wild animal can’t be domesticated.
I don’t know how to love men. I only know how to leave them.
With everything I want.
Lucian
A life free from sin.
For seventeen years, I have lived and breathed those words. But there is no balm to the war inside my soul.
Until her.
The mysterious beauty too lethal to taste. She’s a thief, a con, the essence of everything I loathe. Still, she lures me in with her lying eyes.
In the dark of night, she came to confess her sins, and in the light of morning, I plotted to steal her away.
She will be my ruination. My damnation. My biggest regret.
So help me, God.
**
Gypsy
A word of advice? Don’t show me your vulnerabilities because I will find a way to exploit them. I learned the hard way to take what I want from life with no regrets.
Until him.
He’s one of the most hated men in America. A soulless criminal attorney. A recluse. And as of five minutes ago, my new husband.
He wants to keep my secrets and collect my tears, but he should know that a wild animal can’t be domesticated.
I don’t know how to love men. I only know how to leave them.
With everything I want.
412 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 24, 2018
1973 people are currently reading
6549 people want to read
About the author
A. Zavarelli
56 books7,498 followersA. Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.
When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.
She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.
Facebook Page- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAuthor
Facebook Reader Group- https://geni.us/FemmeFatales
Mailing List: https://geni.us/ucfAZH1
Instagram- https://geni.us/AZavarelliInstagram
Amazon- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAmazon
Bookbub- https://geni.us/AZavarelliBookbub
Twitter- https://geni.us/AZavarelliTwitter
Website- https://www.azavarelli.com
When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.
She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.
Facebook Page- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAuthor
Facebook Reader Group- https://geni.us/FemmeFatales
Mailing List: https://geni.us/ucfAZH1
Instagram- https://geni.us/AZavarelliInstagram
Amazon- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAmazon
Bookbub- https://geni.us/AZavarelliBookbub
Twitter- https://geni.us/AZavarelliTwitter
Website- https://www.azavarelli.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 871 reviews
February 20, 2019
3.5 Stars
I haven't read any reviews on this ( I typically avoid doing that before I write my own review, as I like my opinions and reviews to be wholly mine), but I can see all the high ratings from all my friends...
...and trust me when I say that I am definitely in the minority on this one with my less than 4-star rating.
But really, though.
And to that, I say this:
*
*
*
You should probably believe everyone else, folks.
Yep, you read me correctly.
As my homie Kelly always says, I probably read this wrong.
And that's ok.
I've been very open lately about that fact that I've been in a pretty decent reading slump, and perhaps this book is just another fallen soldier in that war.
But who knows.
It's all good.
I typically love AZ's books. And based on everyone else's reviews, I feel like I should have loved this one too. I mean, shoot, it was a marriage of convenience trope aka VAL CRACK. But whatevs.
Perhaps I want every book of hers to be a Reaper or a Ghost, which just isn't possible.
I think when you have an author who has penned some of your all-time favorites, you (meaning me) hold them to a higher standard than everyone else, and perhaps judge them more harshly as a result.
Totally unfair, but it is what it is.
I liked this story, but I felt like Lucian and Gypsy's relationship needed a bit more development for me to be truly invested. There was just something missing for me in terms of their love.
Also, I thought the twist ending was kind of weak.
Regardless, as I said, I am in the minority here. I enjoyed this book, just not as much as I expected to.
And that's okay.
In the words of Ariana Grande...Thank u, next.
I haven't read any reviews on this ( I typically avoid doing that before I write my own review, as I like my opinions and reviews to be wholly mine), but I can see all the high ratings from all my friends...
...and trust me when I say that I am definitely in the minority on this one with my less than 4-star rating.
But really, though.
And to that, I say this:
*
*
*
You should probably believe everyone else, folks.
Yep, you read me correctly.
As my homie Kelly always says, I probably read this wrong.
And that's ok.
I've been very open lately about that fact that I've been in a pretty decent reading slump, and perhaps this book is just another fallen soldier in that war.
But who knows.
It's all good.
I typically love AZ's books. And based on everyone else's reviews, I feel like I should have loved this one too. I mean, shoot, it was a marriage of convenience trope aka VAL CRACK. But whatevs.
Perhaps I want every book of hers to be a Reaper or a Ghost, which just isn't possible.
I think when you have an author who has penned some of your all-time favorites, you (meaning me) hold them to a higher standard than everyone else, and perhaps judge them more harshly as a result.
Totally unfair, but it is what it is.
I liked this story, but I felt like Lucian and Gypsy's relationship needed a bit more development for me to be truly invested. There was just something missing for me in terms of their love.
Also, I thought the twist ending was kind of weak.
Regardless, as I said, I am in the minority here. I enjoyed this book, just not as much as I expected to.
And that's okay.
In the words of Ariana Grande...Thank u, next.
September 26, 2018
MY REVIEW: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
CONFESS: Is the first full length novel within the (Sin City Salvation #1) series by A. Zavarelli. In this we meet Gypsy & Lucian
TITLE: Confess
GENRE: Romance
PUBLICATION: September 25th, 2018
Twenty-three year old Gypsy is living life on the edge, a professional con artist that takes what she needs off unsuspecting victims, men that never see her coming, until it’s too late, everybody has a secret. And I was very good at exploiting them… and just like that she’d swindled them out of their money but all in the name of making sure her nineteen year old sister Birdie is taken care of… It was dangerous. In reality, it was the most dangerous job I could possibly pull off, and every time I went into a con, I never knew if I’d really come out alive. But I did it for us.
Lucian was a high profile criminal attorney and had gathered damaging evidence on Birdie and if Gypsy wants to save her she has to agree to the terms Lucian presents to her. He's blackmailing her for two years she will be his wife, if she doesn't agree to his terms she'll be seeing four walls of a prison cell. He was blackmailing me, and I was his captive.
Gypsy’s description of Lucian: A real prince of darkness whose features matched his lightless soul. He had all the trappings of an aristocrat. Broad shoulders, and an angular jaw.
Eyes the colour of hot coffee, and jet black hair with only a hint of silver streaked through the side. In short, he was ridiculously handsome if you were into the devil.
I didn’t know how to love men. I only knew how to leave them, with everything I wanted.
Lucian’s description of Gypsy: Gypsy was tall and curvy in all the right places, flaunting a body not even an airbrush could replicate. She was the woman who brought men to heel, her siren’s song luring them toward an unknown hell.
If I were a sexually motivated man, I might have considered her a nice trophy, but to me she was just another tragedy.
I don’t know how this author does it, but straight away she had woven her magic spell over me and I was hooked, I devoured this, I loved this, I swooned like no other, I cried like there was no tomorrow, I raged at the author for doing what she did, did I forgive her?? Hmmmmm you'll have to read this to find out..Minutes, seconds, hours had no impact whilst I was reading this, outside influences ceased to exist, this author, this book made my top 2018 reads of the year..I loved these characters, I couldn't get enough of them, I didn't want their story to end.
* Teasers used is off the authors facebook page. *
March 18, 2023
4 Dark Avenger Stars ⭐
She was indulging her reckless behavior because she wanted to get high on her favorite drug. Fucking over the men who would fuck her over if given the chance.
Gypsy Blue has risen from a childhood of terrors to become a con artist that even the most powerful can't resist. Wrapped in the finest money can buy, everything she does is for her sister Birdie. Unfortunately, even the best laid plans can disentangle in a heartbeat.
Lucian West is known by reputation only. As a lawyer to the unseemly, he is perceived as ruthless and immoral. But nothing is as it seems. When he decides to lay claim of Gypsy, it is unclear as to his intentions or rationale. What you will learn is that he will stop at nothing to achieve his goal. The first step is blackmailing Gypsy into marriage.
"You’re psychotic, " I shot back.
"Maybe." He offered me a grim smile. "Or maybe I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to you."
Trust me when I say, you want to read Confess without spoilers. What I will reveal is that Lucian is a vigilante for the damaged and broken. Although his intentions are good, his methods are questionable at best. Gypsy is just a fractured piece in his imperfect puzzle.
This marriage is a two-year contract. The alternative is jail for Gypsy. Hence her initial resentment and hatred is real. However, she has never allowed anyone to get close, to help, to mean well. And Lucian’s guidance is unravelling them both.
Don’t fall in love with me, Gypsy.
"Then don’t make me," I whispered.
"I can’t love you back."
This story had so many triggers, but damn it was great. It was heartbreaking and cathartic. Twisted yet romantic. The storyline was unique, unexpected and riveting. However, my only criticism was the ending. It was overly dramatic and unnecessary since this author had already ripped my heart out. Truly this is worth the read just for all the feels you'll be powerless to contain…
She was indulging her reckless behavior because she wanted to get high on her favorite drug. Fucking over the men who would fuck her over if given the chance.
Gypsy Blue has risen from a childhood of terrors to become a con artist that even the most powerful can't resist. Wrapped in the finest money can buy, everything she does is for her sister Birdie. Unfortunately, even the best laid plans can disentangle in a heartbeat.
Lucian West is known by reputation only. As a lawyer to the unseemly, he is perceived as ruthless and immoral. But nothing is as it seems. When he decides to lay claim of Gypsy, it is unclear as to his intentions or rationale. What you will learn is that he will stop at nothing to achieve his goal. The first step is blackmailing Gypsy into marriage.
"You’re psychotic, " I shot back.
"Maybe." He offered me a grim smile. "Or maybe I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to you."
Trust me when I say, you want to read Confess without spoilers. What I will reveal is that Lucian is a vigilante for the damaged and broken. Although his intentions are good, his methods are questionable at best. Gypsy is just a fractured piece in his imperfect puzzle.
This marriage is a two-year contract. The alternative is jail for Gypsy. Hence her initial resentment and hatred is real. However, she has never allowed anyone to get close, to help, to mean well. And Lucian’s guidance is unravelling them both.
Don’t fall in love with me, Gypsy.
"Then don’t make me," I whispered.
"I can’t love you back."
This story had so many triggers, but damn it was great. It was heartbreaking and cathartic. Twisted yet romantic. The storyline was unique, unexpected and riveting. However, my only criticism was the ending. It was overly dramatic and unnecessary since this author had already ripped my heart out. Truly this is worth the read just for all the feels you'll be powerless to contain…
November 21, 2023
"She was the ethereal oasis that men wished they could find in the parched desert. At a different time in my life, I might have been one of them."
"If I were a sexually motivated man, I might have considered her a nice trophy, but to me, she was just another tragedy."
I can't believe I waited that long to read a book by this author and for my first, I listened to the audio version of Confess. I found the narration great and perfectly performed by Tracy Marks and Aaron Shedlock.
First, I would like to say this book is superbly written. A. Zavarelli is a very persuasive, brilliant storyteller and I really liked this emotionally provocative story that has multiple sub-plots running through it, all flawlessly intertwined with one another. I was really close to giving this five stars, but I settled on a 4 stars because while I enjoyed the story, I didn’t fall in love with the characters. Gipsy and Lucian were two interesting characters but it took me a while to be emotionally connected to both of them and to be fully invested in their love story. In the beginning, Lucian came off as abrupt, cold and abrasive and he wasn't the easiest guy to warm up to and Gipsy seemed annoyingly arrogant.
That being said, I was held captive by this story until the very end because I just needed to know how the author would turn things around. And I was not disappointed! This book definitely packed such a punch that saying I’m impressed would be an understatement. I’m glad I took a chance on this book and I will definitely read more from this author. Plus, the cover artwork is fantastic!
"If I were a sexually motivated man, I might have considered her a nice trophy, but to me, she was just another tragedy."
I can't believe I waited that long to read a book by this author and for my first, I listened to the audio version of Confess. I found the narration great and perfectly performed by Tracy Marks and Aaron Shedlock.
First, I would like to say this book is superbly written. A. Zavarelli is a very persuasive, brilliant storyteller and I really liked this emotionally provocative story that has multiple sub-plots running through it, all flawlessly intertwined with one another. I was really close to giving this five stars, but I settled on a 4 stars because while I enjoyed the story, I didn’t fall in love with the characters. Gipsy and Lucian were two interesting characters but it took me a while to be emotionally connected to both of them and to be fully invested in their love story. In the beginning, Lucian came off as abrupt, cold and abrasive and he wasn't the easiest guy to warm up to and Gipsy seemed annoyingly arrogant.
That being said, I was held captive by this story until the very end because I just needed to know how the author would turn things around. And I was not disappointed! This book definitely packed such a punch that saying I’m impressed would be an understatement. I’m glad I took a chance on this book and I will definitely read more from this author. Plus, the cover artwork is fantastic!
January 31, 2019
Gypsy Blue and her sister Birdie are one of a kind. Gypsy is a con-artist, she tricks wealthy, rich men into loosing their guard around her, until she blackmails them with collected "dirty" details about them in exchange for the certain amount of money, in which case, the dirt disappears. It works until Gypsy is approached by one ruthless, determined and unapologetic man - Lucian West, a criminal defence lawyer who uses the same mode operandi on her. He blackmails her into a two years marriage with all the "dirt" he collected on her. While being protective of her sister and trying to avoid the prison threat, Gypsy hatefully signs the deal with the devil.
But as the time slowly passes by, the things, the details, the fissures come cracking through the whole facade and the hidden truths are revealed...making the odds not so strange, to begin with BUT the cracks in each of their inner armour become more and more visible, until its too late to fight against it...
And then, the very beginning seems like the end, as they run on borrowed time, but again, the twists of fate, and the turn ups of events will again, bring out the horrendeous memories of the past interlinked with the very same present, it will awaken the fear and doubts of betrayal, and yet it will be the only way for them to come through it all.
Ashleigh Zavarelli is one of my fave authors, who I happen to respect very much as an individual and as an author, for her visible and palpable notion of awareness of her writing style, meaning she's constantly working on it, improving it, polishes it by making it distinguished and recognizable from one look in.
This is such a layered and complex storyline, even though while reading the blurb you wouldn't get that notion at all, so from that point this was a major absolute surprise.
Equally heart-breakingly haunting and intriguingly taunting in suspense and twist of action, I was immeresed and pulled in from the start, being surprised by the turn of events in the first half of the book, then again in the second half...
So, from the general point of view, i was super stunned and wowed...BUT then, looking for more, I turned my attention to little details. It wasn't really intentional at that point, but more of a need in search of perfection. And yes there were details I tried to overlook and I eventually did, by the end of the story, and still those little fissures lingered in my mind while wrapping aroung the finishing line.
Inspite of those, I found the writing style in this book amazing and thrivingly overwhelming, the story was full of twists and turns, while also overwhelmingly haunting and mysteriously dark-ish in tone and atmosphere and then again, it was actually an emotionally filled out drama of two souls in search for redemption and salvation - one in need of it and the other unaware of the same need.
And yet, when they broke into one another's soul, it was beautiful, sad, yet fulfilling.
So, I'll give 4.5 stars
***ARC kindely provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
But as the time slowly passes by, the things, the details, the fissures come cracking through the whole facade and the hidden truths are revealed...making the odds not so strange, to begin with BUT the cracks in each of their inner armour become more and more visible, until its too late to fight against it...
And then, the very beginning seems like the end, as they run on borrowed time, but again, the twists of fate, and the turn ups of events will again, bring out the horrendeous memories of the past interlinked with the very same present, it will awaken the fear and doubts of betrayal, and yet it will be the only way for them to come through it all.
Ashleigh Zavarelli is one of my fave authors, who I happen to respect very much as an individual and as an author, for her visible and palpable notion of awareness of her writing style, meaning she's constantly working on it, improving it, polishes it by making it distinguished and recognizable from one look in.
This is such a layered and complex storyline, even though while reading the blurb you wouldn't get that notion at all, so from that point this was a major absolute surprise.
Equally heart-breakingly haunting and intriguingly taunting in suspense and twist of action, I was immeresed and pulled in from the start, being surprised by the turn of events in the first half of the book, then again in the second half...
So, from the general point of view, i was super stunned and wowed...BUT then, looking for more, I turned my attention to little details. It wasn't really intentional at that point, but more of a need in search of perfection. And yes there were details I tried to overlook and I eventually did, by the end of the story, and still those little fissures lingered in my mind while wrapping aroung the finishing line.
Inspite of those, I found the writing style in this book amazing and thrivingly overwhelming, the story was full of twists and turns, while also overwhelmingly haunting and mysteriously dark-ish in tone and atmosphere and then again, it was actually an emotionally filled out drama of two souls in search for redemption and salvation - one in need of it and the other unaware of the same need.
And yet, when they broke into one another's soul, it was beautiful, sad, yet fulfilling.
So, I'll give 4.5 stars
***ARC kindely provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
March 14, 2019
"Don't let your past poison what we have."
Confess is the first book in the Sin City Salvation Series. A. Zavarelli offers a dark and twisted contemporary romance full of deception, passion, and love. Gypsy is a con artist who has lived her entire life protecting her younger sister and running away from the demons of her past. When "alpha" defense attorney Lucian West walks into her life, her entire life is turned upside down. Lucian plans to reform Gypsy but as time passes it is Lucian who is transformed.
"You've been mine."Told in multiple POV, Confess is a dark romance with a complex plot, a strong heroine, and a ruthless hero who will not stop until he gets what he wants. The tempo of the read moves at a rapid pace as the suspense continues to build.
"Make me yours."Overall, A. Zavarelli never dissapoints and Confess is sure to please dark romance readers who enjoy an alpha hero and a spunky heroine!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
September 25, 2018
4.5 Stars. This book is an experience. It was as unlike anything I’ve ever read. I spent the first third of this story in a weird sort of state. I experienced the uncertainty that the heroine, Gypsy, felt regarding Lucian’s motives and how all the players fit the puzzle. I was pulled into this universe that Ms. Zavarelli created and I didn’t want to leave.
Lucian was an interesting hero. He was dynamic and imperfect. He was darkness and he was hope. He was a testament to contradictions that simply work. Gypsy was unique. She too was incongruity incarnate. She was fragile yet strong. Lost but secure in her own identity. She needed tenderness as much as she needed authority.
The secondary characters were interesting, particularly a certain Father we meet and I can’t wait to see where this series goes. The plot and writing are unsurprisingly stellar. If you’ve ever read Zavarelli, you know you’re in for quality writing. This book is no different.
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
Lucian was an interesting hero. He was dynamic and imperfect. He was darkness and he was hope. He was a testament to contradictions that simply work. Gypsy was unique. She too was incongruity incarnate. She was fragile yet strong. Lost but secure in her own identity. She needed tenderness as much as she needed authority.
The secondary characters were interesting, particularly a certain Father we meet and I can’t wait to see where this series goes. The plot and writing are unsurprisingly stellar. If you’ve ever read Zavarelli, you know you’re in for quality writing. This book is no different.
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
September 25, 2018
4.5 STARS
Admittedly I didn't even bother to read the blurb to this book in my rush to add it to my TBR. A. Zavarelli is always guaranteed literary crack for me, no blurb needed to confirm.
Confess is the first book in her brand new Sin City Salvation series, and this reader is hooked. Line and sinker.
A late night confessional. A girl that grew up hard and learned to turn the tables by running cons. An enigmatic man shrouded in mystery and hearsay. A bargain for a marriage and a whole lot of twists and turns made this story one addicting page-turner!
Gypsy has never really known true innocence in her childhood. She's only known fierce love and protection of her younger sister. Now that she's older, she's no longer the helpless child that she once was. She's a beautiful con artist that charms and blackmails men out of their money and she has no qualms about it. She'd do anything to provide for her and her sister.
But then a man tilts her world on its axis. Lucian is mysterious and so enigmatic that his presence practically crackles with electricity. He owned me from the very first mention. He's an infamous criminal defense attorney that's known for his genius and ruthlessness in court almost as much as he's known for win his clients' cases. He's also the man that holds the cards to ruin everything Gypsy has built for herself and her sister over the years. All he wants in exchange for his silence is her. She agrees to marry him for two years, do what he wants when he says, all simply because he says it.
What begins as a delicious game of cat and mouse soon turns much more seductive.
As the author begins to peel back the layers, you're left riveted, glued tot he pages, at the edge of your seat, just waiting to see what happens next.
I was also immediately hooked on Birdie and Ace. These secondary characters were a live wire all on their own. I can't wait for their book. Hopefully it'll be a them, anyway. But I digress. Confess wasn't quite the dark and gritty read that I've come to expect from Zavarelli, but it's no less thrilling. It definitely has an edge while it skirts somewhere in that gray and gritty genre. It was deliciously sinful and a page turner from beginning to end. I can't wait for more in this series!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I didn’t know how to love men. I only knew how to leave them, with everything I wanted.
Admittedly I didn't even bother to read the blurb to this book in my rush to add it to my TBR. A. Zavarelli is always guaranteed literary crack for me, no blurb needed to confirm.
Confess is the first book in her brand new Sin City Salvation series, and this reader is hooked. Line and sinker.
A late night confessional. A girl that grew up hard and learned to turn the tables by running cons. An enigmatic man shrouded in mystery and hearsay. A bargain for a marriage and a whole lot of twists and turns made this story one addicting page-turner!
Gypsy has never really known true innocence in her childhood. She's only known fierce love and protection of her younger sister. Now that she's older, she's no longer the helpless child that she once was. She's a beautiful con artist that charms and blackmails men out of their money and she has no qualms about it. She'd do anything to provide for her and her sister.
But then a man tilts her world on its axis. Lucian is mysterious and so enigmatic that his presence practically crackles with electricity. He owned me from the very first mention. He's an infamous criminal defense attorney that's known for his genius and ruthlessness in court almost as much as he's known for win his clients' cases. He's also the man that holds the cards to ruin everything Gypsy has built for herself and her sister over the years. All he wants in exchange for his silence is her. She agrees to marry him for two years, do what he wants when he says, all simply because he says it.
What begins as a delicious game of cat and mouse soon turns much more seductive.
“Then don’t make me,” I whispered.
As the author begins to peel back the layers, you're left riveted, glued tot he pages, at the edge of your seat, just waiting to see what happens next.
I was also immediately hooked on Birdie and Ace. These secondary characters were a live wire all on their own. I can't wait for their book. Hopefully it'll be a them, anyway. But I digress. Confess wasn't quite the dark and gritty read that I've come to expect from Zavarelli, but it's no less thrilling. It definitely has an edge while it skirts somewhere in that gray and gritty genre. It was deliciously sinful and a page turner from beginning to end. I can't wait for more in this series!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
October 3, 2018
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
I have a lot to say about this book, yet I have no clue how to make sense of all the thoughts running through my head. Confess ended up leaving me very conflicted on how I feel about it because I enjoyed many parts of it but there were also a lot of things that I didn't enjoy so much. One of the biggest things for me was the whole father figure thing that Lucian had going on.
Now I'm all on board with the daddy-kink trope that's becoming more and more popular, but this wasn't that. There really wasn't anything sexual about Lucian's "punishments" and instead it just felt like he was trying to be Gypsy's father. There were no sexy spankings, she would have a time out or something similar to that and I just couldn't get into that it much since it took the romance out of the book for me. I can say that a little later in the book I felt like I was maybe starting to get it, but then I never fully understood it.
Overall though, the book kept me intrigued and I did enjoy it as a whole. I liked that Lucian and Gypsy kept me guessing about what could possibly happen in their world next. I am glad that I got to meet these characters and discover their story, even with the bit of weirdness they brought to it, so I'll definitely read more from the series.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
I have a lot to say about this book, yet I have no clue how to make sense of all the thoughts running through my head. Confess ended up leaving me very conflicted on how I feel about it because I enjoyed many parts of it but there were also a lot of things that I didn't enjoy so much. One of the biggest things for me was the whole father figure thing that Lucian had going on.
Now I'm all on board with the daddy-kink trope that's becoming more and more popular, but this wasn't that. There really wasn't anything sexual about Lucian's "punishments" and instead it just felt like he was trying to be Gypsy's father. There were no sexy spankings, she would have a time out or something similar to that and I just couldn't get into that it much since it took the romance out of the book for me. I can say that a little later in the book I felt like I was maybe starting to get it, but then I never fully understood it.
Overall though, the book kept me intrigued and I did enjoy it as a whole. I liked that Lucian and Gypsy kept me guessing about what could possibly happen in their world next. I am glad that I got to meet these characters and discover their story, even with the bit of weirdness they brought to it, so I'll definitely read more from the series.
September 25, 2018
4,5 stars
What a brilliant,addictive,heart wrenching and intense story.The plot was fantastic and I was intrigued from page one till the end!
Lucian and Gypsy’s story was unique.
Gypsy is feisty,strong and sassy!I simply love her. She didn't have the perfect life, her life was difficult.Sometimes I find myself feeling sad for her.Lucian intrigued me so much!He was mysterious and I loved how we slowly learned more about him!
Confess was a fantastic story,it was compelling,fast paced and intense.It has twists and turns that will keep you on the edge and you will crave for more!!
What a brilliant,addictive,heart wrenching and intense story.The plot was fantastic and I was intrigued from page one till the end!
Lucian and Gypsy’s story was unique.
Gypsy is feisty,strong and sassy!I simply love her. She didn't have the perfect life, her life was difficult.Sometimes I find myself feeling sad for her.Lucian intrigued me so much!He was mysterious and I loved how we slowly learned more about him!
Confess was a fantastic story,it was compelling,fast paced and intense.It has twists and turns that will keep you on the edge and you will crave for more!!
December 24, 2018
Confess (Sin City Salvation Book 1) By A. Zavarelli.
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
NARRATION: Dual POV
BOOK DETAILS: Book #1 Sin City Salvation
AUDIO AVAILABLE? Not yet
PUBLICATION DATE: 25th September 2018
I didn’t know how to love men. I only knew how to leave them, with everything I wanted.x
MY THOUGHTS:
Again Ashleigh has graced the pages with her brilliant plotting and surprise twists. I am a big fan of this author and have read all her books. You always know when picking up one of her books that you’ll be checking out from the world for a while until you finish reading its entirety. Putting it down to concentrate on anything else is pointless as your mind runs over and over the story thus far, questioning motives, trying to guess upcoming scenes and procrastinating over the last lines you read.
THE GOOD
Ashleigh has a knack with making new and interesting characters, they are all uniquely different and she is very clever at creating attention to the secondary characters, which in most cases ultimately get their own story. Birdie and Ace were both fascinating characters and I look forward to reading more about them in the series.
There is a BIG twist in this story, I can honestly say my broken heart did not see it coming!
THE BAD
I wanted to feel a deeper emotional connection to Lucian, but it just wasn’t there enough for me. Lucian’s obsession with protecting Gypsy was a little on the creepy side to be honest. He was so intense all the time it was a little off putting, the story was a little slow going in parts but the mystery and plot twists kept the intrigue strong.
THE END
This is a well-polished book. A romance story with a tinge of darkness. It’s layered with mystery, chemistry, love and sadness. In Confess There is an undertone of a message within this story which causes the reader to self-reflex, by showing us the harm and hurt we can cause by seeing an accused as guilty unless proven innocent, or judging person before truly knowing their circumstances or story.
If I were a sexually motivated man, I might have considered her a nice trophy, but to me she was just another tragedy. < b>
MY RATINGS: (All ratings are out of 5)
HERO RATING: 4
HEROINE RATING: 4
BLUSH RATING: 3
ROMANCE RATING:3
PLOT RATING: 5
OVERALL: 4 Stars
I kindly received and ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
Get your copy now at:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HM8WL46
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May 2, 2019
So, I am a huuuuuge sucker for the marriage of convenience trope. Like, humongous.
This book didn't follow the standard formula and I don't know if I love that or hate that.
I devoured it so I'm led to believe I did, after all, love it. lol One thing, however, is that I don't think I was completely invested in these characters and merely curious of the circumstances they found themselves in... which led me to read until the end.
The way these two main characters came to meet, and the way the confessions at the church were woven into the story... well, I found that part to be brilliant and original. I can't say the same about the last part of the book, however. It left me weirdly unsatisfied. I felt like I was sold this ending and I didn't really completely buy it at the end. I do believe this was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed the writing style so it certainly won't be my last.
This book didn't follow the standard formula and I don't know if I love that or hate that.
I devoured it so I'm led to believe I did, after all, love it. lol One thing, however, is that I don't think I was completely invested in these characters and merely curious of the circumstances they found themselves in... which led me to read until the end.
The way these two main characters came to meet, and the way the confessions at the church were woven into the story... well, I found that part to be brilliant and original. I can't say the same about the last part of the book, however. It left me weirdly unsatisfied. I felt like I was sold this ending and I didn't really completely buy it at the end. I do believe this was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed the writing style so it certainly won't be my last.
October 22, 2018
First and foremost, this cover is one of my favorites EVER! Just look at that gorgeousness! Sheer and utter perfection.
I went in blind and had no idea what to expect when I started reading this one. I was completely engrossed from the very start. Flipping the pages so fast, because I loved the setup.
Gypsy was an enigma. Lucian is even more enigmatic. This is the type of book that lulls you in and then completely takes you by surprise. It's kinda brilliant actually! LOL
I loved the main characters. They are completely unique and totally unforgettable! The setup was intriguing. The writing is fantastic as always!
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My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
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I went in blind and had no idea what to expect when I started reading this one. I was completely engrossed from the very start. Flipping the pages so fast, because I loved the setup.
Gypsy was an enigma. Lucian is even more enigmatic. This is the type of book that lulls you in and then completely takes you by surprise. It's kinda brilliant actually! LOL
I loved the main characters. They are completely unique and totally unforgettable! The setup was intriguing. The writing is fantastic as always!
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
Facebook Blog Page
Subscribe to Blog
September 2, 2018
Heart stopping, Heart wrenching, Devastatingly beautiful and perfect. My heart was shredded a few times while devouring this book. There were times I had to stop because I couldn’t breathe...couldn’t continue reading because you could feel every emotion happening. This book broke me in pieces but mended me back - stronger. I’ve never found a book that held so much emotion for me like this. I wasn’t sure I could continue reading but I kept the faith and found that sometimes after the darkest of storms and blackest clouds, comes the sun and rainbows brightening the sky.
I will never forget this story. It’s one that will be etched forever in my heart.
I will never forget this story. It’s one that will be etched forever in my heart.
Read
September 25, 2018CONFESS is now LIVE on Amazon!
Available in Kindle Unlimited.
Check it out here:
https://www.amazon.com/Confess-Sin-City-Salvation-Book-ebook/dp/B07HM8WL46
Available in Kindle Unlimited.
Check it out here:
https://www.amazon.com/Confess-Sin-City-Salvation-Book-ebook/dp/B07HM8WL46
July 27, 2020
DNf at 45%
This book is just absurd, I had high hopes going into this book but it just wasn't for me for too many reasons.
What I felt like doing after reading this book:
Not even 40% through and I had starting skimming through the book because it was just so bad. Now, if you ask me the story of the first 40% of the book that I read, my answer would be I.DONT.KNOW. Not because I was skimming through but because nothing fucking happens. Hell I don't even remember the character names.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: EVERYTHING
- repletion of 'punishment' or maybe it was just the word and not the action(at least hundred times a page)
- and if he does follow through on the 'punishments' they are always absurd like no clothes, cleaning the house, writing the sentence "I'll be good... yada.yada.ya " I mean she isn't two that he makes her write the sentence a hundred times.
- hero constantly doing uncomfortable things to the heroine and then apologising
- hero, even though he knows the heroines past, constantly tests her limits which is uncomfortable for her not to mention the constant jabs.
- H snooping in places he doesn't belong
- h being a doormat
- h not standing up for herself
- H indirectly telling her 'they' mean nothing
IT WAS JUST SO FUN
Not to mention the "issues" the h has (I still don't remember her name)
- she says she loves her sister and would do anything for her
now wait
3
.
2
.
1
.
POOF
BULL-FUCKING-SHIT
because she also mention "sometimes I loathe her for how much I care about her" what now?
There were just too many complains and I cannot fathom how anyone can like this book cause I just wanted to burn my kindle, no wait, I take that back, I wanted to burn those two. Anyways enough of my rant, I hated this book you got the point. Maybe its because its my 4th dnf today and I'm so flustered right now buuuuut thanks to Melaine A. I've now found a successful book so thanks for that girlll.
Maybe I would have like it if I read further or maybe my rant would be longer, either way
This book is just absurd, I had high hopes going into this book but it just wasn't for me for too many reasons.
What I felt like doing after reading this book:
Not even 40% through and I had starting skimming through the book because it was just so bad. Now, if you ask me the story of the first 40% of the book that I read, my answer would be I.DONT.KNOW. Not because I was skimming through but because nothing fucking happens. Hell I don't even remember the character names.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: EVERYTHING
- repletion of 'punishment' or maybe it was just the word and not the action(at least hundred times a page)
- and if he does follow through on the 'punishments' they are always absurd like no clothes, cleaning the house, writing the sentence "I'll be good... yada.yada.ya " I mean she isn't two that he makes her write the sentence a hundred times.
- hero constantly doing uncomfortable things to the heroine and then apologising
- hero, even though he knows the heroines past, constantly tests her limits which is uncomfortable for her not to mention the constant jabs.
- H snooping in places he doesn't belong
- h being a doormat
- h not standing up for herself
- H indirectly telling her 'they' mean nothing
IT WAS JUST SO FUN
Not to mention the "issues" the h has (I still don't remember her name)
- she says she loves her sister and would do anything for her
now wait
3
.
2
.
1
.
POOF
BULL-FUCKING-SHIT
because she also mention "sometimes I loathe her for how much I care about her" what now?
There were just too many complains and I cannot fathom how anyone can like this book cause I just wanted to burn my kindle, no wait, I take that back, I wanted to burn those two. Anyways enough of my rant, I hated this book you got the point. Maybe its because its my 4th dnf today and I'm so flustered right now buuuuut thanks to Melaine A. I've now found a successful book so thanks for that girlll.
Maybe I would have like it if I read further or maybe my rant would be longer, either way
July 20, 2019
Wow! Talk about a wild twisted rollercoaster ride! This book hooked me in from the first page and I couldn’t come up for air until the last page.
Gypsy has a horrible past. The very worst. She’s made herself into the type of woman who acts first utilizing what God gave her in order to survive. But when a man appears from seemingly nowhere and knows things he shouldn’t, she’s stuck with only one choice. To yield. She may not have a lot of options at this point, but she’s not going to make it easy on him. It was only fair, as he was not making it any easier on her.
”But this man took a sledgehammer to my life and demolished the walls I’d built so carefully around myself.”
Lucian was a complete enigma. From the beginning he’s shrouded in mystery, with a reputation that leaves little to be desired. Blackmailing Gypsy for no obvious reason, using authoritarian methods to discipline her bratty attitude, we had no clue as to his motivation.
”I wanted to protect this girl, but I couldn’t deny the urge inside me that wanted to ruin her too.”
This story unfolded one layer at a time, slowly revealing things about both Gypsy and Lucian. Their relationship followed in a similar manner. With each new revelation we are left with more questions. When this couple finally found a place of unity things got explosive! The chemistry between them sizzled across the pages.
And then the real drama and angst started and holy heck, it was intense, jaw dropping, at times devastating and heartbreaking at others, and it absolutely rocked my little book world. There are no words to describe the horror, beauty and gut wrenching desolation found within the pages of this book.
This is an older man/younger woman trope with an intense heat level. I had a few problems with the heroine for a short while following her marriage to the hero, and yet I could totally see that this author was allowing her to be true to her age as well as her past and the emotional issues she needed to deal with. This has several twists and turns that I never saw coming and that I wanted to rage against but couldn’t read fast enough. With the sweetest little ending, it also sets up the next book and I’m so freaking happy I’ve got it queued up and ready to go!
No cliffhangers – HEA
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Gypsy has a horrible past. The very worst. She’s made herself into the type of woman who acts first utilizing what God gave her in order to survive. But when a man appears from seemingly nowhere and knows things he shouldn’t, she’s stuck with only one choice. To yield. She may not have a lot of options at this point, but she’s not going to make it easy on him. It was only fair, as he was not making it any easier on her.
”But this man took a sledgehammer to my life and demolished the walls I’d built so carefully around myself.”
Lucian was a complete enigma. From the beginning he’s shrouded in mystery, with a reputation that leaves little to be desired. Blackmailing Gypsy for no obvious reason, using authoritarian methods to discipline her bratty attitude, we had no clue as to his motivation.
”I wanted to protect this girl, but I couldn’t deny the urge inside me that wanted to ruin her too.”
This story unfolded one layer at a time, slowly revealing things about both Gypsy and Lucian. Their relationship followed in a similar manner. With each new revelation we are left with more questions. When this couple finally found a place of unity things got explosive! The chemistry between them sizzled across the pages.
And then the real drama and angst started and holy heck, it was intense, jaw dropping, at times devastating and heartbreaking at others, and it absolutely rocked my little book world. There are no words to describe the horror, beauty and gut wrenching desolation found within the pages of this book.
This is an older man/younger woman trope with an intense heat level. I had a few problems with the heroine for a short while following her marriage to the hero, and yet I could totally see that this author was allowing her to be true to her age as well as her past and the emotional issues she needed to deal with. This has several twists and turns that I never saw coming and that I wanted to rage against but couldn’t read fast enough. With the sweetest little ending, it also sets up the next book and I’m so freaking happy I’ve got it queued up and ready to go!
No cliffhangers – HEA
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
August 4, 2019
Confess was a great marriage of convenience romance. I enjoyed it because it wasn’t the usual marriage of convenience trope and I was interested in Lucian’s motives for marrying Gypsy. They had some good bantering and Lucian didn’t take crap from Gypsy. He had a plan for his actions and why he made Gypsy go through so much.
What I really struggled with was their connection and chemistry. Lucian came off as more of a parental role figure than a possible love interest and I think it had something to do with how their agreement came about and how he treated her in the beginning. So when it did evolve into more I just couldn’t feel it which was a shame. There’s a seventeen age difference but that didn’t play a role in my disconnect from them as couple.
Gypsy and her sister Birdy was terrific and I’m definitely going to read Birdy’s book. How can I not after reading this one.
What I really struggled with was their connection and chemistry. Lucian came off as more of a parental role figure than a possible love interest and I think it had something to do with how their agreement came about and how he treated her in the beginning. So when it did evolve into more I just couldn’t feel it which was a shame. There’s a seventeen age difference but that didn’t play a role in my disconnect from them as couple.
Gypsy and her sister Birdy was terrific and I’m definitely going to read Birdy’s book. How can I not after reading this one.
May 4, 2019
Saving her from her sins...
Why does A. Zavarelli insist on reminding me that the world really is an ugly place sometimes? In my own little narrow world, my biggest problems centre around balancing my busy schedule with my families busy schedules. I didn’t have to overcome a rough childhood, my boys and I are fairly healthy, and we have enough money to provide ourselves with the essentials and a few treats. Every so often, these reminders make me see that my own little narrow world is pretty bloody awesome. Confess turned my squinty-eyed, moral high-ground judgement into admiration for characters determined to beat and survive their ugly pasts.
I always find it a little weird to say that I “enjoyed” a dark and gritty romance. There is absolutely no way I could say that I was bouncing up and down with joy while reading. I did not end my read with a big goofy smile on my face which is normally my gauge for enjoyment. Completely sucked in, knocked for a sixer, and drowning in tears were some of the emotions I felt. A. Zavarelli manages to bombard me with negative emotions that somehow make me enjoy (again, that weird word) the story even more. How the hell she does this every time, I have no bloody idea…Mad Skills!?!?
I started Confess and after reading the first page I was convinced that it wasn’t going to work for me. I don’t like characters starting off bad because it means I have to get past their evil ways to fall in love with them. After a few chapters, my scowl turned into a contemplative squint that added a few wrinkle lines to my face. I guess real life can get ugly and sometimes bad things are what makes you stronger and helps lead you to become a better person. There were a few times the scowl returned but it was more about assessing what was happening than anything. Again, I keep asking myself, how does all this negativity equal enjoyment??? Should I call it dark enjoyment?
Anyways, Confess was gripping. There were plenty of up and downs to deal with along the way but I managed to weather them all and come out the other side satisfied. Plenty of tropes that would normally have me running for the hills. By starting oblivious to them, I allowed the story to guide me through the rough waters without preconceived judgements ruling. I think by not slamming a trope in our face and then guiding us to the answers for the rest of the book, we can wade through to understanding better. Sometimes, I don’t have the patience, stomach or discipline to wait for the answers. I become judge and juror within the first whiff of scandal, abuse or broken trust. A. Zavarelli seamlessly helps you pass the hurdle and you suddenly realise that what was behind you, was something you normally can’t tolerate. She’s good…damn good.
If you’re looking for a story that will play with your emotions, Confess is definitely worth a try. Heads up...
#Darkenjoyment
#Imustlovecrying
#scowlingforthewin
Why does A. Zavarelli insist on reminding me that the world really is an ugly place sometimes? In my own little narrow world, my biggest problems centre around balancing my busy schedule with my families busy schedules. I didn’t have to overcome a rough childhood, my boys and I are fairly healthy, and we have enough money to provide ourselves with the essentials and a few treats. Every so often, these reminders make me see that my own little narrow world is pretty bloody awesome. Confess turned my squinty-eyed, moral high-ground judgement into admiration for characters determined to beat and survive their ugly pasts.
I always find it a little weird to say that I “enjoyed” a dark and gritty romance. There is absolutely no way I could say that I was bouncing up and down with joy while reading. I did not end my read with a big goofy smile on my face which is normally my gauge for enjoyment. Completely sucked in, knocked for a sixer, and drowning in tears were some of the emotions I felt. A. Zavarelli manages to bombard me with negative emotions that somehow make me enjoy (again, that weird word) the story even more. How the hell she does this every time, I have no bloody idea…Mad Skills!?!?
I started Confess and after reading the first page I was convinced that it wasn’t going to work for me. I don’t like characters starting off bad because it means I have to get past their evil ways to fall in love with them. After a few chapters, my scowl turned into a contemplative squint that added a few wrinkle lines to my face. I guess real life can get ugly and sometimes bad things are what makes you stronger and helps lead you to become a better person. There were a few times the scowl returned but it was more about assessing what was happening than anything. Again, I keep asking myself, how does all this negativity equal enjoyment??? Should I call it dark enjoyment?
Anyways, Confess was gripping. There were plenty of up and downs to deal with along the way but I managed to weather them all and come out the other side satisfied. Plenty of tropes that would normally have me running for the hills. By starting oblivious to them, I allowed the story to guide me through the rough waters without preconceived judgements ruling. I think by not slamming a trope in our face and then guiding us to the answers for the rest of the book, we can wade through to understanding better. Sometimes, I don’t have the patience, stomach or discipline to wait for the answers. I become judge and juror within the first whiff of scandal, abuse or broken trust. A. Zavarelli seamlessly helps you pass the hurdle and you suddenly realise that what was behind you, was something you normally can’t tolerate. She’s good…damn good.
If you’re looking for a story that will play with your emotions, Confess is definitely worth a try. Heads up...
#Darkenjoyment
#Imustlovecrying
#scowlingforthewin
October 5, 2018
I really enjoyed my last read from this author so when I saw the glowing reviews for this I was looking forward to a treat.
I think I read a different book.
For the longest time I couldn't figure out what was going on and I wasn't feeling the chemistry. Then at the 75% point the plot truly jumped the shark. I know it's fiction but please.
Not for me but seems others have loved this so what do I know.
Available on ku and complete story.
I think I read a different book.
For the longest time I couldn't figure out what was going on and I wasn't feeling the chemistry. Then at the 75% point the plot truly jumped the shark. I know it's fiction but please.
Not for me but seems others have loved this so what do I know.
Available on ku and complete story.
dnf
November 23, 2019DNF @ 24%
September 23, 2018
An astounding and alluring tale that'll have you gripping your heart, lest it fall right out of your chest cavity. Poignant from first letter of the prologue to the last letter of the epilogue.
“Some things are not meant to be known until they happen. You can’t change fate, you can only survive it.”
(Believe me, I'm bawling right now just reading the highlights and notes I created, there's pain in my heart and it refuses to die....)
A moving story that shall entertain you, teach you a lesson, show you good in the world and then stomp on your emotions till they're scattered all over the place.
Ashleigh sets forth a virtual tsunami of sentiments and angst and heartache and regrets and salvation, that like just wave after wave relentlessly wash on your being. I let them flow like a stream from my eyes. I was crying hard, trying to dissolve the lump in my throat, but Ash is persistent and merciless in her onslaught. Many a times I cursed at God for the unfairness of it all, then at Ashleigh for being so apparently objective about it all.
I hope it hurt her as much writing it as it did me reading it. She has surpassed herself, her earlier books had a bit of darkness in them, a bite, a fantastic kickass heroine too. But this story (omg😭) has the angstometer breaking. Lucian west may be my MOST FAVORITE ALPHA by her EVER !! And that's saying something after Crow Lachlan, Alexei and Ronan and my personal favorite-Scarlett.
But Attorney Lucian West takes the cake, the muffin, the entire bakery. His nobility and generosity are as huge as all outdoors. His constant selfless attempts to save the "Lost Souls" just doesn't assuage his guilt and burden that he carries in his heart.
The man who went to church on Sundays and blackmailed unsuspecting women like me in his free time. He looked dark as sin, but I couldn’t deny there was light inside of him too.
On one such mission he meets Gypsy Blue who has the knack of bringing men to their knees with her one come-hither looks or her enchanting smile. Then they're hers for plucking ripe out of their possessions and riches. she's on a mission to avenge her life from unsuspecting lecherous men.
She was indulging her reckless behavior because she wanted to get high on her favorite drug. Fucking over the men who would fuck her over if they could.
The union of Lucian & Gypsy is both volcanic and explosive. His authority and her rebellion are fire and oil, feeding off of each other. He's on an unnamed and secret pursuit for her betterment and she is obviously on her typical entitled, spoilt brat-esque behaviour. They both are so broken that they fit together like puzzle pieces, you'd think they'd save each other ? Yes, they do . But then they rip out their hearts too.
She’d transformed herself from a terrorized child who had nothing into a self-indulgent brat who thirsted for money and vengeance. It was time that she had an authority figure to guide her, and more importantly, to humble her.
First temper begets temper, then lust begets lust, lastlly grief begets grief. And in there somewhere a lonely ray of love illuminates them both, just a temporary respite in the dark smog that surrounds them.
She was swollen from my kiss, and I was emptier than I thought a broken man could be. But for the first time in a decade, I remembered what it was like to be whole.
Much happens in their lives but nothing...NOTHING was to prepare me for the 1000 volt jolt and shock that Ashleigh administers sadistically. I was stunned, virtually breathless with trauma and then the collapse of my heart happened . Complete with ugly snot crying and howling like a wounded animal.
Trust me you need a GIANT bottle of wine and a whole pack of Kleenex.
Make that two !!
I held him against me as sobs wracked my body, bleeding out my anger over everything that was so unjust in this world. We cried together, and we held each other, but we didn’t speak. It was one of the only moments in my life I could recall that words weren’t needed. We were in mourning. And today, the sun would not rise.
This story is just like an earthquake waiting to happen, I could feel the tension in the first few chapters, felt some tremors, but nothing would be enough. The massive attack, when it comes, is scary, tragic, horrendous and destructive.
Pick. Up. This. Book !! And come cry with me. I need Hugs😭😢 somebody to hold my sobbing heart saying, "I'm here baby"!!
I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.
Indeed !! This story will stay with me for a long, long time, maybe forever. It hurt so much, I'll be sore for eternity😢
5 "blazing fire stars"
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“Some things are not meant to be known until they happen. You can’t change fate, you can only survive it.”
(Believe me, I'm bawling right now just reading the highlights and notes I created, there's pain in my heart and it refuses to die....)
A moving story that shall entertain you, teach you a lesson, show you good in the world and then stomp on your emotions till they're scattered all over the place.
Ashleigh sets forth a virtual tsunami of sentiments and angst and heartache and regrets and salvation, that like just wave after wave relentlessly wash on your being. I let them flow like a stream from my eyes. I was crying hard, trying to dissolve the lump in my throat, but Ash is persistent and merciless in her onslaught. Many a times I cursed at God for the unfairness of it all, then at Ashleigh for being so apparently objective about it all.
I hope it hurt her as much writing it as it did me reading it. She has surpassed herself, her earlier books had a bit of darkness in them, a bite, a fantastic kickass heroine too. But this story (omg😭) has the angstometer breaking. Lucian west may be my MOST FAVORITE ALPHA by her EVER !! And that's saying something after Crow Lachlan, Alexei and Ronan and my personal favorite-Scarlett.
But Attorney Lucian West takes the cake, the muffin, the entire bakery. His nobility and generosity are as huge as all outdoors. His constant selfless attempts to save the "Lost Souls" just doesn't assuage his guilt and burden that he carries in his heart.
The man who went to church on Sundays and blackmailed unsuspecting women like me in his free time. He looked dark as sin, but I couldn’t deny there was light inside of him too.
On one such mission he meets Gypsy Blue who has the knack of bringing men to their knees with her one come-hither looks or her enchanting smile. Then they're hers for plucking ripe out of their possessions and riches. she's on a mission to avenge her life from unsuspecting lecherous men.
She was indulging her reckless behavior because she wanted to get high on her favorite drug. Fucking over the men who would fuck her over if they could.
The union of Lucian & Gypsy is both volcanic and explosive. His authority and her rebellion are fire and oil, feeding off of each other. He's on an unnamed and secret pursuit for her betterment and she is obviously on her typical entitled, spoilt brat-esque behaviour. They both are so broken that they fit together like puzzle pieces, you'd think they'd save each other ? Yes, they do . But then they rip out their hearts too.
She’d transformed herself from a terrorized child who had nothing into a self-indulgent brat who thirsted for money and vengeance. It was time that she had an authority figure to guide her, and more importantly, to humble her.
First temper begets temper, then lust begets lust, lastlly grief begets grief. And in there somewhere a lonely ray of love illuminates them both, just a temporary respite in the dark smog that surrounds them.
She was swollen from my kiss, and I was emptier than I thought a broken man could be. But for the first time in a decade, I remembered what it was like to be whole.
Much happens in their lives but nothing...NOTHING was to prepare me for the 1000 volt jolt and shock that Ashleigh administers sadistically. I was stunned, virtually breathless with trauma and then the collapse of my heart happened . Complete with ugly snot crying and howling like a wounded animal.
Trust me you need a GIANT bottle of wine and a whole pack of Kleenex.
Make that two !!
I held him against me as sobs wracked my body, bleeding out my anger over everything that was so unjust in this world. We cried together, and we held each other, but we didn’t speak. It was one of the only moments in my life I could recall that words weren’t needed. We were in mourning. And today, the sun would not rise.
This story is just like an earthquake waiting to happen, I could feel the tension in the first few chapters, felt some tremors, but nothing would be enough. The massive attack, when it comes, is scary, tragic, horrendous and destructive.
Pick. Up. This. Book !! And come cry with me. I need Hugs😭😢 somebody to hold my sobbing heart saying, "I'm here baby"!!
I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.
Indeed !! This story will stay with me for a long, long time, maybe forever. It hurt so much, I'll be sore for eternity😢
5 "blazing fire stars"
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September 25, 2018
Gah!! A. Zavarelli is a one-two punch kind of author. She will flat knock you out with her brilliant stories and then have you laying down for days thinking about this unbelievable story. Gypsy and Lucian were everything and I seriously am awestruck by this author's brilliant mind. This story was unique, sexy, heartbreaking, uplifting and ultimately a game changer for this author and the industry as a whole. It made you think and feel and had the power to completely mess you up all while being glued to the pages!
Without giving away any spoilers, We meet a man named Lucian and a woman named Gypsy and the circumstances in which their paths intersect. Holy crap this story was mindblowing and out of this world sexy. I was holding my breath at times because I had no idea in which direction this author would take the story. You honestly have no idea what this story is about and just when you think you do, this author throws a crazy plot twist where your left floundering for answers. This book was truly brilliant and I was hooked on ever word! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Without giving away any spoilers, We meet a man named Lucian and a woman named Gypsy and the circumstances in which their paths intersect. Holy crap this story was mindblowing and out of this world sexy. I was holding my breath at times because I had no idea in which direction this author would take the story. You honestly have no idea what this story is about and just when you think you do, this author throws a crazy plot twist where your left floundering for answers. This book was truly brilliant and I was hooked on ever word! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
November 19, 2019
4.75 Stars !!
The only reason it isn't a full five star is because I needed just a little more "falling in love" time with the characters. That being said this book literally made me cry!!! I was so freaking mad that I had to stop reading and I didn't think I was going to go back and finish it!!! I couldn't believe Ashleigh would do this to me but after having several drinks I finished the book. So glad I did!!!! Lucian and Gypsy will grab you tight and make you fall in love !!!!
The only reason it isn't a full five star is because I needed just a little more "falling in love" time with the characters. That being said this book literally made me cry!!! I was so freaking mad that I had to stop reading and I didn't think I was going to go back and finish it!!! I couldn't believe Ashleigh would do this to me but after having several drinks I finished the book. So glad I did!!!! Lucian and Gypsy will grab you tight and make you fall in love !!!!
October 21, 2018
4.5 INTENSE STARS
A. Zavarelli is always a one click with me so I went into this book blindly. I love the cover and honestly I had no idea what kind of book I was getting into.
I will be honest and say that I started this book and stopped this book a few times. I had to be in the mood to read it. When you start out the book you realize the main Heroine is a total B. She’s a con artist and that usually isn’t my cuppa. I have a hard time in relating to heroines with bad attitudes and bad personality.
Gypsy has had a hard life. I get it. Her past has defined her and so she cons men out of money by using her looks. She’s materialist and other than her sister, she is pretty self absorbed. It was a STRUGGLE to read the beginning of the book. I only kept on reading because I liked the writing style and A. Zavarelli really knows how to hook in her reader.
Lucian is the Hero and you don’t know much about him, other than he’s a lawyer and he’s very carrying. He doesn’t believe in materialist value or self praise. He believes in proving innocent men their innocence. I LOVED Lucian. A. Zavarelli knows how to create a character and get you to feel for them. The author didn’t tell me how to feel towards Lucian, she made me simply feel it and I love that.
Lucian comes into Gypsy’s life and basically blackmails her into marrying him. Marry him for two years or she goes to jail. Don’t you love that storyline? BUT it’s so much more than that kind of story.
The book is complex and a lot goes on, but it’s a good a lot and I found myself drawn to the book the more I read it. I actually woke up at midnight and stayed up until 3AM to finish it because I couldn’t get it out of my mind.
There’s an underlying story that there’s something amiss between Lucian and Gypsy like he’s not giving us the full story and I think because of that it really keeps you glued to the pages. Usually this would drive me insane, but it worked for me. I felt like it was subtle enough to add a little something to the storyline.
Overall, I was really happy with the read and I’m surprised it’s a series only because Confess felt so polished and well-thought-out, like the author took lots of work in getting just right and she did.
A. Zavarelli is always a one click with me so I went into this book blindly. I love the cover and honestly I had no idea what kind of book I was getting into.
I will be honest and say that I started this book and stopped this book a few times. I had to be in the mood to read it. When you start out the book you realize the main Heroine is a total B. She’s a con artist and that usually isn’t my cuppa. I have a hard time in relating to heroines with bad attitudes and bad personality.
Gypsy has had a hard life. I get it. Her past has defined her and so she cons men out of money by using her looks. She’s materialist and other than her sister, she is pretty self absorbed. It was a STRUGGLE to read the beginning of the book. I only kept on reading because I liked the writing style and A. Zavarelli really knows how to hook in her reader.
Lucian is the Hero and you don’t know much about him, other than he’s a lawyer and he’s very carrying. He doesn’t believe in materialist value or self praise. He believes in proving innocent men their innocence. I LOVED Lucian. A. Zavarelli knows how to create a character and get you to feel for them. The author didn’t tell me how to feel towards Lucian, she made me simply feel it and I love that.
Lucian comes into Gypsy’s life and basically blackmails her into marrying him. Marry him for two years or she goes to jail. Don’t you love that storyline? BUT it’s so much more than that kind of story.
The book is complex and a lot goes on, but it’s a good a lot and I found myself drawn to the book the more I read it. I actually woke up at midnight and stayed up until 3AM to finish it because I couldn’t get it out of my mind.
There’s an underlying story that there’s something amiss between Lucian and Gypsy like he’s not giving us the full story and I think because of that it really keeps you glued to the pages. Usually this would drive me insane, but it worked for me. I felt like it was subtle enough to add a little something to the storyline.
Overall, I was really happy with the read and I’m surprised it’s a series only because Confess felt so polished and well-thought-out, like the author took lots of work in getting just right and she did.
October 25, 2018
You can’t change fate; you can only survive it.
This book.
This freaking book.
If you’re looking for an emotional rollercoaster, with a con artist heroine and a hero who gets the bad guys off the hook, then this is that story. But it’s also WAY WAY more than that story as well. I think this story is the true definition of don’t judge a book by your assumptions. This one is deep, emotional, dark, filled with triggers, and just plain good. Can’t wait to see what else could come from other characters!!
This book.
This freaking book.
If you’re looking for an emotional rollercoaster, with a con artist heroine and a hero who gets the bad guys off the hook, then this is that story. But it’s also WAY WAY more than that story as well. I think this story is the true definition of don’t judge a book by your assumptions. This one is deep, emotional, dark, filled with triggers, and just plain good. Can’t wait to see what else could come from other characters!!
February 5, 2021
Lei: un'artista della truffa.
Lui: un avvocato penalista.
Adesso dimenticate qualsiasi aspettativa perché le cose non sono sempre come sembrano.
Io stessa sono rimasta stupita da questa lettura in quanto sembrava il classico plot con i soliti clichè, invece, dopo i primi capitoli è sfociato in una storia originale dai risvolti inaspettati ed intensi, tragicamente intriganti e profondi.
Lucian e Gypsy sono due personaggi davvero interessanti ed unici nel loro genere. Lucian è etichettato come un uomo senza cuore, cinico, e senza morale. Mentre Gypsy è una truffatrice professionista e manipolatrice. Insomma, due personaggi agli antipodi ma, in realtà, perfetti insieme.
Gypsy ha avuto una vita travagliata sin dall'infanzia ed il suo unico obiettivo è sempre stato quello di proteggere sua sorella Birdie dagli abusi e dal dolore che ha dovuto sopportare. E questo, a qualsiasi prezzo!!! La truffa era tutto ciò che sapeva fare, e lei era brava a farlo.
Lucian è un avvocato difensore che accetta i casi solo per il peggiore dei crimini. Conosce il passato di Gypsy e i suoi segreti ed avrà in mano il suo futuro. Ma non è tutto come sembra.
Tanti sono i segreti e i misteri che vi terranno incollati alla lettura!
La loro crescita personale durante la convivenza forzata e il loro graduale innamoramento vi faranno palpitare il cuore ed emozionare tanto.
Ma preparate anche i fazzoletti perché la loro bellissima e tragica storia d'amore vi farà tanto piangere. Quindi siete avvisati!
Tanti saranno gli eventi e tanti i colpi di scena che vi terranno col fiato sospeso fino alla fine.
Una menzione di apprezzamento anche per i personaggi secondari, e per Ace e Birdie, di cui leggeremo nel prossimo capitolo.
E niente: amo la Zavarelli 😍
E ringrazio la CE Grey Eagle Edizioni, per aver portato i suoi libri in Italia, e per la copia ARC💛
Lui: un avvocato penalista.
Adesso dimenticate qualsiasi aspettativa perché le cose non sono sempre come sembrano.
Io stessa sono rimasta stupita da questa lettura in quanto sembrava il classico plot con i soliti clichè, invece, dopo i primi capitoli è sfociato in una storia originale dai risvolti inaspettati ed intensi, tragicamente intriganti e profondi.
Lucian e Gypsy sono due personaggi davvero interessanti ed unici nel loro genere. Lucian è etichettato come un uomo senza cuore, cinico, e senza morale. Mentre Gypsy è una truffatrice professionista e manipolatrice. Insomma, due personaggi agli antipodi ma, in realtà, perfetti insieme.
Gypsy ha avuto una vita travagliata sin dall'infanzia ed il suo unico obiettivo è sempre stato quello di proteggere sua sorella Birdie dagli abusi e dal dolore che ha dovuto sopportare. E questo, a qualsiasi prezzo!!! La truffa era tutto ciò che sapeva fare, e lei era brava a farlo.
Lucian è un avvocato difensore che accetta i casi solo per il peggiore dei crimini. Conosce il passato di Gypsy e i suoi segreti ed avrà in mano il suo futuro. Ma non è tutto come sembra.
Tanti sono i segreti e i misteri che vi terranno incollati alla lettura!
La loro crescita personale durante la convivenza forzata e il loro graduale innamoramento vi faranno palpitare il cuore ed emozionare tanto.
Ma preparate anche i fazzoletti perché la loro bellissima e tragica storia d'amore vi farà tanto piangere. Quindi siete avvisati!
Tanti saranno gli eventi e tanti i colpi di scena che vi terranno col fiato sospeso fino alla fine.
Una menzione di apprezzamento anche per i personaggi secondari, e per Ace e Birdie, di cui leggeremo nel prossimo capitolo.
E niente: amo la Zavarelli 😍
E ringrazio la CE Grey Eagle Edizioni, per aver portato i suoi libri in Italia, e per la copia ARC💛
February 6, 2019
Some things are not meant to be known until they happen. You can’t change fate, you can only survive it.
Confess is my introduction to A. Zavarelli.
I cannot find appropriate words to describe how fantastic this author’s writing is other than it is brilliant. Clear, seamless, compelling and enrapturing. Her carefully constructed sentences will pull you into Lucian West and Gypsy Blue’s heart-wrenching narrative.
Each turn and twist will have you intrigued. Riveted. Wanting more and more. Zavarelli wrote a complex and multi-layered storyline that, with every layer that is disclosed, I was left immersed in this engrossing narrative.
I didn’t know how to love men. I only knew how to leave them, with everything I wanted.
Gypsy has only ever known pain after having her childhood innocence cruelly ripped away, her father an unknown stranger and her mother an absent figure. She only knows what it means to have fierce love for her little sister. And how to con, exploit and blackmail unsuspecting men.
When Gypsy’s methods of exchanging information for something in return is used against her, she has no choice but to make a deal with the devil himself.
Criminal defense attorney and one of the most hated men within Vegas, Lucian has spent the last seventeen years trying to repent for his sins. He’s an enigma. Completely different beyond the media’s description of this quiet, unapologetic lawyer.
“Don’t fall in love with me, Gypsy.”
“Then don’t make me.” I whispered.
Gypsy and Lucian’s attraction towards each other isn’t instant.
In fact, Gypsy loathes Lucian with burning hatred when she’s forced into marriage. Protecting her little sister is more important than anything else in life. Even if it means signing a two year contract.
What pulled this down a little is my inability to understand Lucian’s obsession with wanting to be some kind of paternal figure to Gypsy. It wasn’t verging on Daddy kink whatsoever. And there was nothing sexual about Lucian’s punishments.
Confess is an equally heartbreaking and suspense taunting story filled with unexpected twists that will leave you wide-eyed and shocked, guessing what will happen next in Gypsy and Lucian’s chapter.
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February 13, 2023
3.5 stars but rounded down to 3
So I went from 4* to 3* in less than 12 hours. Sorry I'm being unreliable here but I was conflicted over this rating.
The book deals with some heavy topics and it was a new and original take on the marriage of convenience trope. However, there were some things that bothered me: the hero's choices were not explained enough, the explanation of the plot twist was a bit far fetched and the pacing a tad too slow.
Before going into this book be aware of the trigger warnings: child abuse, child trafficking, terminal illness, sadism.
So what do we have here?
- Taming of the Shrew inspiration
So I went from 4* to 3* in less than 12 hours. Sorry I'm being unreliable here but I was conflicted over this rating.
The book deals with some heavy topics and it was a new and original take on the marriage of convenience trope. However, there were some things that bothered me: the hero's choices were not explained enough, the explanation of the plot twist was a bit far fetched and the pacing a tad too slow.
Before going into this book be aware of the trigger warnings: child abuse, child trafficking, terminal illness, sadism.
So what do we have here?
- Taming of the Shrew inspiration
September 27, 2018
Gostei muito dessa história. Cheia de reviravoltas, com drama, suspense e romance.
Vale a leitura.
Vale a leitura.
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