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My Anti-Hero
I shouldn't have agreed to this. What was I thinking?
Appearing on a local news show? Just because something happened to me?
I live mostly in isolation on purpose.
But here I am.
I was so nervous that I needed the make-up chair, twice.
And then I walked past his room.
He's a giant--no softness, all muscle.
And a rich beard that made me want to rub myself all over it.
He made me see stars, literally because the second time I saw him, I tripped.
Or I would've, but he caught me, and the cameras were rolling.
Soon, that clip will be trending because he wasn't just another guest on the show.
He's Brett Broudou, the Kings' newest football star.
We couldn't be more opposite.
The only special thing about me is the reason I was on the show.
Brett, the Super Bowl champion, and me, the survivor who helped bring down the infamous Midwest Butcher.
Brett might not think he's anyone's hero, but he's about to become mine.
Appearing on a local news show? Just because something happened to me?
I live mostly in isolation on purpose.
But here I am.
I was so nervous that I needed the make-up chair, twice.
And then I walked past his room.
He's a giant--no softness, all muscle.
And a rich beard that made me want to rub myself all over it.
He made me see stars, literally because the second time I saw him, I tripped.
Or I would've, but he caught me, and the cameras were rolling.
Soon, that clip will be trending because he wasn't just another guest on the show.
He's Brett Broudou, the Kings' newest football star.
We couldn't be more opposite.
The only special thing about me is the reason I was on the show.
Brett, the Super Bowl champion, and me, the survivor who helped bring down the infamous Midwest Butcher.
Brett might not think he's anyone's hero, but he's about to become mine.
564 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2024
2493 people are currently reading
2505 people want to read
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January 29, 2024
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
🌺 𝐌𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈-𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎 🌺 Is a full length romance book by Tijan. Spoken in 'dual perspectives. ❥ Brett & Billie ❥
This book was 4 years in the making!! And I'm so glad she decided to share it with us!! Yet again she cemented why she's one of my unicorn authors, I don't think there's one book of hers I have not liked. And this one was no different, with this author I don't even have to read the blurb before I jump in, just her as a writer is enough for me to jump all in, blind and all.
Guys this was so different to anything she's ever written before, but then what can't she write!! I was pulled in straight away. Our heroine is so unique and up there with her quirkiness, is socially awkward and a semi recluse who has a unique bond with her chickens.
THEN: At the age of twelve Billie went through something truly horrific, a life changing event that into her adult years she's still dealing with the aftershocks of being the soul survivor of a brutal home invasion where the serial killer murdered her best friend and parents who the media nabbed the Midwest Butcher which with her testimony helped towards apprehending him.
A week later she lost two family members which resulted with her being placed into foster care. Living on a farm under the loving care of an amazing couple and their daughter who love Billie like she was their own.
NOW: She decides to do a media interview and tell her side of the story of the events which took place that day, it's here where she meets Brett Broudou after geek fangirling she literally fell into his arms.
Brett's life wasn't a sweet smelling bouquet of roses either, he'd gone through some things, and still had that baggage tying him down. Sports was his saviour, otherwise he would've gone down a dark path.
‘𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝. 𝙃𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚. 𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝘼𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙'𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩, 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞-𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤. 𝘼𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙢𝙚𝙩 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩.’On the outside he was all big and rough, intimidating, like a big grizzly bear, but with her he was like a marshmallow, protective and always strived to make her stay in the light with him.
February 11, 2024
3⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ Texas
Publication date ~ February 8, 2024
Est page Count ~ 456 (66 chapters + 3 e's)
Audio length ~ 14 hours 31 minutes
Narrators ~ Andi Arndt, Teddy Hamilton
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ sports ~ NFL, serial killer survivor, flashbacks, found family, insta~lust, some steamage
Billie & Brett had a meet cute when he saved her from tripping, but then we're suddenly in insta-lust territory.
I've read a few of this author's books and they're pretty much all the same in that the heroine has suffered a trauma and the hero swoops in and vows to protect her. That's fine because it's her thing, but this one was just okay for me.
Obviously you feel bad for what Billie went through when she was 12. Escaping a serial killer and then losing her mom and brother 2 days later. But I never really warmed up to her. She has an obsession with animals, especially chickens, even drooling at goat yoga because she was so excited, so weird.
While I do like a protective fella, Brett was a little too protective, boarding on possessive And if that's the case how in the heck did he allow the whole gas station scene to come about. As soon as she opens the door you know something bad is going to go down. Also, was not feeling Brett's reaction to the L word.
If you couldn't tell I was not a super big fan of these characters. I wasn't feeling their 'need' for each other at the most inopportune times and I absolutely could not stand the nickname he gave her, it turned my stomach hearing it. I did like Billie's found family and how super protective they were of her, even if the 'sister' was a little much at times
Overall, it was a bit predictable. As far as the whole serial killer reveal, eh it was fine. Also, liked how some of Tijan's other book characters make an appearance here.
Narration notes:
Andi is perfect as always. Teddy is mostly okay, except for her lady voices.
*Thanks to the author. Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ Texas
Publication date ~ February 8, 2024
Est page Count ~ 456 (66 chapters + 3 e's)
Audio length ~ 14 hours 31 minutes
Narrators ~ Andi Arndt, Teddy Hamilton
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ sports ~ NFL, serial killer survivor, flashbacks, found family, insta~lust, some steamage
Billie & Brett had a meet cute when he saved her from tripping, but then we're suddenly in insta-lust territory.
I've read a few of this author's books and they're pretty much all the same in that the heroine has suffered a trauma and the hero swoops in and vows to protect her. That's fine because it's her thing, but this one was just okay for me.
Obviously you feel bad for what Billie went through when she was 12. Escaping a serial killer and then losing her mom and brother 2 days later. But I never really warmed up to her. She has an obsession with animals, especially chickens, even drooling at goat yoga because she was so excited, so weird.
While I do like a protective fella, Brett was a little too protective, boarding on possessive And if that's the case how in the heck did he allow the whole gas station scene to come about. As soon as she opens the door you know something bad is going to go down. Also, was not feeling Brett's reaction to the L word.
If you couldn't tell I was not a super big fan of these characters. I wasn't feeling their 'need' for each other at the most inopportune times and I absolutely could not stand the nickname he gave her, it turned my stomach hearing it. I did like Billie's found family and how super protective they were of her, even if the 'sister' was a little much at times
Overall, it was a bit predictable. As far as the whole serial killer reveal, eh it was fine. Also, liked how some of Tijan's other book characters make an appearance here.
Narration notes:
Andi is perfect as always. Teddy is mostly okay, except for her lady voices.
*Thanks to the author. Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
February 16, 2024
An original story that I really enjoyed!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜❤️💖
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌎
Character development: 😟🙁☺️😍🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Willow (a.k.a. Billie) - she was an introvert that lived mostly like a hermit, though she still agreed to be interviewed on a local news channel for something that happened to her years ago. She was so nervous she was sweating like crazy, and she had to be made up and touched up again before going on. She does graphic design from her home. Though she can be around people, she was a foster kid who found a family that liked her and raised her till she turned eighteen and she lived in their guest house.
The Hero: Brett - he is the latest star of the Kings football team, a defensive end. They had won the Super Bowl last year. He was tall, muscular and broody. He never played football in hight school but was recruited by Cal U after a scout saw him playing football with friends. He ended up being a first round draft pick and spent years with Kansas City until he came to the Kings last year. He was at the station for an interview.
The Story: Billie nearly fell on her way onto the set, in front of the cameras and Brett caught her before she hit the floor. She covers well, by telling the interviewer that she can be clumsy sometimes. Billie is on the show because when she was twelve, she was the only survivor of the serial killer, the Midwest Butcher. She was able to get through the interview and spoke to Brett in the elevator out of the building. That is when he asks her out on a date. Though something goes wrong, and things don’t work out.
I liked both of these characters; they both have tragic backgrounds but have overcome them rather well. I liked the way Billie stands up for herself despite her slightly shy and introverted personality. There were also some great supporting characters in this book including Billie’s foster sister and her husband, Channing Monroe from The Boy I Grew Up With, Stone Reeves from Enemies and Mason Cade from the Fallen Crest series.
The story about Billie being the only survivor of a serial killer was much more involved than I thought it would be and I won’t go into that much since I don’t want to spoil the book. However, it was very interesting to me. I really liked that storyline. This book more than held my interest throughout the entire thing. There were some surprises that I never would have guessed and some that I suspected all along, but overall, it was an original story that I really enjoyed.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration. It was narrated by Andi Arndt and Teddy Hamilton. These two are both very good narrators and two of my favorites. They are both great at showing emotion through their voice and have very pleasant-sounding voices.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜❤️💖
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌎
Character development: 😟🙁☺️😍🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Willow (a.k.a. Billie) - she was an introvert that lived mostly like a hermit, though she still agreed to be interviewed on a local news channel for something that happened to her years ago. She was so nervous she was sweating like crazy, and she had to be made up and touched up again before going on. She does graphic design from her home. Though she can be around people, she was a foster kid who found a family that liked her and raised her till she turned eighteen and she lived in their guest house.
The Hero: Brett - he is the latest star of the Kings football team, a defensive end. They had won the Super Bowl last year. He was tall, muscular and broody. He never played football in hight school but was recruited by Cal U after a scout saw him playing football with friends. He ended up being a first round draft pick and spent years with Kansas City until he came to the Kings last year. He was at the station for an interview.
The Story: Billie nearly fell on her way onto the set, in front of the cameras and Brett caught her before she hit the floor. She covers well, by telling the interviewer that she can be clumsy sometimes. Billie is on the show because when she was twelve, she was the only survivor of the serial killer, the Midwest Butcher. She was able to get through the interview and spoke to Brett in the elevator out of the building. That is when he asks her out on a date. Though something goes wrong, and things don’t work out.
I liked both of these characters; they both have tragic backgrounds but have overcome them rather well. I liked the way Billie stands up for herself despite her slightly shy and introverted personality. There were also some great supporting characters in this book including Billie’s foster sister and her husband, Channing Monroe from The Boy I Grew Up With, Stone Reeves from Enemies and Mason Cade from the Fallen Crest series.
The story about Billie being the only survivor of a serial killer was much more involved than I thought it would be and I won’t go into that much since I don’t want to spoil the book. However, it was very interesting to me. I really liked that storyline. This book more than held my interest throughout the entire thing. There were some surprises that I never would have guessed and some that I suspected all along, but overall, it was an original story that I really enjoyed.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration. It was narrated by Andi Arndt and Teddy Hamilton. These two are both very good narrators and two of my favorites. They are both great at showing emotion through their voice and have very pleasant-sounding voices.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
April 1, 2024
3.5 stars
I was so excited when I found out My Anti Hero was Bret Broudou’s story. I rooted for him in the ‘Fallen Crest’ books. He’s now a professional athlete and meets Billie. I liked Billie and I liked Bret. I never really felt their connection and that is so important, especially with insta-love. The story was interesting and definitely had a twist at the end, but not being able to connect with the romance aspect of it put a damper on it for me. It could have been a me thing as I see so many great reviews for this one! Tijan is such a readable author and her books are addictive!
I was so excited when I found out My Anti Hero was Bret Broudou’s story. I rooted for him in the ‘Fallen Crest’ books. He’s now a professional athlete and meets Billie. I liked Billie and I liked Bret. I never really felt their connection and that is so important, especially with insta-love. The story was interesting and definitely had a twist at the end, but not being able to connect with the romance aspect of it put a damper on it for me. It could have been a me thing as I see so many great reviews for this one! Tijan is such a readable author and her books are addictive!
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Andi Arndt & Teddy Hamilton
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 14h 32m
February 8, 2024
"There was something about her. It felt like I was fighting gravity if I wasn't moving to her side or pulling her to me."
Billie Harm was the only survivor of the infamous Midwest Butcher.
She has been in the spotlight since she was a kid.
But this is the first time she's appearing on a news show. Doing an interview on her own terms.
And who just happens to be in the same day?
Brett Broudou, the King's newest football star.
And Billie's new admirer…
"The guy, whoever he was, had me seeing stars. And I wasn't like this. Ever."
Brett Broudou is Football's rising star.
Doing interviews and PR left and right.
But that one interview will change everything.
He will be pulled into a world he did not expect for the girl he did not expect.
But is she willing to be pulled into his world as well?
"If I'd missed out on a chance with you, that would've been a milestone in regret."
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
"I felt safe. I didn't know this man , but some part of me said I already did, and that maybe I was the safest I'd ever been when I was with him. That meant everything."
This is the second Tijan book that I have read and it is the second one I am giving a 5 star rating. Every book is a banger it sucks you in and does not let you go!! Trust me when I say this book will not be leaving my mind any time soon because OMFG THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING!! This True Crime x Football crossover is something I did not know I needed but now I swear runs through my veins!!
"For all the chaos in the world, there was also magic."
Let's start with out survivor Billie Harm. I mean her backstory is just scarring for life but she is honestly a badass and I love her for it! She is an amazing FMC and she takes legit no shit from anyone! Her and Brett's insta lust was legit everything and I loved it! And her obsession with the fucking chickens was hilarious and I was like "you go glen coco. You do you."
"I could protect myself. And the best weapon I had? I was a woman, and he would underestimate me. Everyone did."
And we have Brett Broudou. Our resident football star. He falls and falls hard people. And we love to see it don't !!we!! I mean classic football star falls for the serial killer survivor story. And Brett delivers!! He is possessive, thank you very much, he is protective, he will slam you into a wall if you so much as look at his woman wrong, and that might have been a sneak peak or something lol. But anyway Brett gets my vote thank you all!!
"I needed to go slow. I needed to savor this, be respectable. She deserved the world."
The playlist what I would like to call a journey in Billie and Brett's relationship because I was OBSESSED thank you very much:
(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4zN... )
🎵 "Survivor" - 2WEI, Edda Hayes
🎵 "Lemon Lime Lips" - Naethan Apollo
🎵 "Cupid - Twin Ver." - FIFTY FIFTY, Sabrina Carpenter
🎵 "Touch" - Little Mix
🎵 "Lonely" - Noah Cyrus
🎵 "EXTRA EXTRA" - Chandler Leighton
🎵 "I Sent My Therapist To Therapy" - Alec Benjamin
🎵 "Shivers" - Ed Sheeran
🎵 "I Wanna Be Yours" - Arctic Monkeys
🎵 "Mad World" - Demi Lovato
🎵 "A Sky Full of Stars" - Coldplay
🎵 "The Archer" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Water Fountain" - Alec Benjamin
🎵 "Still Alive" - Demi Lovato
🎵 "Family Line" - Conan Gray
🎵 "Cruel Summer" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Shameless" - Camila Cabello
🎵 "Women Don't Owe You Sh*t" - ASTON
🎵 "Skin" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎵 "Starboy" - The Weeknd, Daft Punk
🎵 "Nightmares" - Ellise
🎵 "Beautiful Things" - Benson Boone
🎵 "Ocean Eyes" - American Avenue
🎵 "Heart Of Glass" - Miley Cyrus
🎵 "butterflies" - GAYLE
🎵 "Once In A Lifetime" - All Time Low
🎵 "People Watching" - Conan Gray
🎵 "Like I Can" - Sam Smith
🎵 "On My Mind" - Ellie Goulding
🎵 "Slow Down" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "Something Just Like This" - The Chainsmokers, Coldplay
🎵 "Karma" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Northern Attitude" - Noah Kahan, Hozier
🎵 "Glimpse of Us" - Joji
🎵 "Wonder" - Shawn Mendes
🎵 "Because Of You" - Kelly Clarkson
🎵 "golden hour" - JVKE
🎵 "Wildest Dreams (Taylor's Version)" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Sucker" - Jonas Brothers
🎵 "what it means to be a girl" - EMELINE
🎵 "What Was I Made For?" - Billie Eilish
🎵 "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" - Jax
🎵 "GOSSSIP" - Maneskin, Tom Morello
🎵 "Fire On Fire" - Sam Smith
🎵 "Constellations - Piano Version" - Jade LeMac
🎵 "Starving" - Hailee Steinfeld, Grey, Zedd
🎵 "my worst enemy" - Bailey Spinn
🎵 "Yes, And" - Rain Paris
🎵 "nameless" - Stevie Howie
🎵 "Can't Do Better" - Kim Petras
🎵 "They Don't Know About Us" - One Direction
🎵 "Love In The Dark" - Adele
🎵 "Slow Dance" - AJ Mitchell, Ava Max
🎵 "Dazed & Confused" - Ruel
🎵 "Worst Case Scenario" - Loveless
🎵 "Always Been you" - Jessie Murph
🎵 "Only Girl (In The World)" - Rihanna
🎵 "Flawless" - The Neighbourhood
🎵 "Can I Be Him" - James Arthur
🎵 "Need You Now" - Lady A
🎵 "Call Out My Name" - Kelly Clarkson
🎵 "eyes don't lie sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎵 "I GUESS I'M IN LOVE" - Clinton Kane
🎵 "Nonsense" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎵 "If I Can't Have You" - Shawn Mendes
🎵 "SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK" - Joji
🎵 "Afterglow" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Human" - Rag'n'Bone Man
🎵 "PITY PARTY" - Neoni, Ellise
🎵 "Earned It" - The Weeknd
🎵 "Tattoo" - Loreen
🎵 "Don't Give Up On Me" - Andy Grammer
🎵 "OWN MY MIND" - Maneskin
🎵 "Movement" - Hozier
🎵 "Lipstick" - Charlie Puth
🎵 "Worst Of You" - Maisie Peters
🎵 "Skyfall" - Adele
🎵 "Seven" - Jung Kook, Latto
🎵 "Midnight Rain" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Little Girl Gone" - CHINCHILLA
🎵 "That Part" - Lauren Spencer Smith
And just in case you were wondering about Brett…
"It's like this mouth was made just for me."
"Because you're mine, Billie. Mine to protect. Mine to pleasure. Mine. All mine."
"I'm going to do delicious things to you. I'm going to tie you up. I'm going to bend you over. I'm going to make you scream until you beg for my cock inside you, and then we're going to do it all over again."
🏈 Tropes 🏈
🐔 Sports Romance (Football)
🐔 Bad Boy x Good Girl
🐔 Grumpy x Sunshine
🐔 Opposites Attract
🐔 Romantic Suspense
🐔 Insta Lust
Book edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C2kl67HLlY_/
Billie Harm was the only survivor of the infamous Midwest Butcher.
She has been in the spotlight since she was a kid.
But this is the first time she's appearing on a news show. Doing an interview on her own terms.
And who just happens to be in the same day?
Brett Broudou, the King's newest football star.
And Billie's new admirer…
"The guy, whoever he was, had me seeing stars. And I wasn't like this. Ever."
Brett Broudou is Football's rising star.
Doing interviews and PR left and right.
But that one interview will change everything.
He will be pulled into a world he did not expect for the girl he did not expect.
But is she willing to be pulled into his world as well?
"If I'd missed out on a chance with you, that would've been a milestone in regret."
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
"I felt safe. I didn't know this man , but some part of me said I already did, and that maybe I was the safest I'd ever been when I was with him. That meant everything."
This is the second Tijan book that I have read and it is the second one I am giving a 5 star rating. Every book is a banger it sucks you in and does not let you go!! Trust me when I say this book will not be leaving my mind any time soon because OMFG THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING!! This True Crime x Football crossover is something I did not know I needed but now I swear runs through my veins!!
"For all the chaos in the world, there was also magic."
Let's start with out survivor Billie Harm. I mean her backstory is just scarring for life but she is honestly a badass and I love her for it! She is an amazing FMC and she takes legit no shit from anyone! Her and Brett's insta lust was legit everything and I loved it! And her obsession with the fucking chickens was hilarious and I was like "you go glen coco. You do you."
"I could protect myself. And the best weapon I had? I was a woman, and he would underestimate me. Everyone did."
And we have Brett Broudou. Our resident football star. He falls and falls hard people. And we love to see it don't !!we!! I mean classic football star falls for the serial killer survivor story. And Brett delivers!! He is possessive, thank you very much, he is protective, he will slam you into a wall if you so much as look at his woman wrong, and that might have been a sneak peak or something lol. But anyway Brett gets my vote thank you all!!
"I needed to go slow. I needed to savor this, be respectable. She deserved the world."
The playlist what I would like to call a journey in Billie and Brett's relationship because I was OBSESSED thank you very much:
(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4zN... )
🎵 "Survivor" - 2WEI, Edda Hayes
🎵 "Lemon Lime Lips" - Naethan Apollo
🎵 "Cupid - Twin Ver." - FIFTY FIFTY, Sabrina Carpenter
🎵 "Touch" - Little Mix
🎵 "Lonely" - Noah Cyrus
🎵 "EXTRA EXTRA" - Chandler Leighton
🎵 "I Sent My Therapist To Therapy" - Alec Benjamin
🎵 "Shivers" - Ed Sheeran
🎵 "I Wanna Be Yours" - Arctic Monkeys
🎵 "Mad World" - Demi Lovato
🎵 "A Sky Full of Stars" - Coldplay
🎵 "The Archer" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Water Fountain" - Alec Benjamin
🎵 "Still Alive" - Demi Lovato
🎵 "Family Line" - Conan Gray
🎵 "Cruel Summer" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Shameless" - Camila Cabello
🎵 "Women Don't Owe You Sh*t" - ASTON
🎵 "Skin" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎵 "Starboy" - The Weeknd, Daft Punk
🎵 "Nightmares" - Ellise
🎵 "Beautiful Things" - Benson Boone
🎵 "Ocean Eyes" - American Avenue
🎵 "Heart Of Glass" - Miley Cyrus
🎵 "butterflies" - GAYLE
🎵 "Once In A Lifetime" - All Time Low
🎵 "People Watching" - Conan Gray
🎵 "Like I Can" - Sam Smith
🎵 "On My Mind" - Ellie Goulding
🎵 "Slow Down" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "Something Just Like This" - The Chainsmokers, Coldplay
🎵 "Karma" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Northern Attitude" - Noah Kahan, Hozier
🎵 "Glimpse of Us" - Joji
🎵 "Wonder" - Shawn Mendes
🎵 "Because Of You" - Kelly Clarkson
🎵 "golden hour" - JVKE
🎵 "Wildest Dreams (Taylor's Version)" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Sucker" - Jonas Brothers
🎵 "what it means to be a girl" - EMELINE
🎵 "What Was I Made For?" - Billie Eilish
🎵 "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" - Jax
🎵 "GOSSSIP" - Maneskin, Tom Morello
🎵 "Fire On Fire" - Sam Smith
🎵 "Constellations - Piano Version" - Jade LeMac
🎵 "Starving" - Hailee Steinfeld, Grey, Zedd
🎵 "my worst enemy" - Bailey Spinn
🎵 "Yes, And" - Rain Paris
🎵 "nameless" - Stevie Howie
🎵 "Can't Do Better" - Kim Petras
🎵 "They Don't Know About Us" - One Direction
🎵 "Love In The Dark" - Adele
🎵 "Slow Dance" - AJ Mitchell, Ava Max
🎵 "Dazed & Confused" - Ruel
🎵 "Worst Case Scenario" - Loveless
🎵 "Always Been you" - Jessie Murph
🎵 "Only Girl (In The World)" - Rihanna
🎵 "Flawless" - The Neighbourhood
🎵 "Can I Be Him" - James Arthur
🎵 "Need You Now" - Lady A
🎵 "Call Out My Name" - Kelly Clarkson
🎵 "eyes don't lie sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎵 "I GUESS I'M IN LOVE" - Clinton Kane
🎵 "Nonsense" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎵 "If I Can't Have You" - Shawn Mendes
🎵 "SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK" - Joji
🎵 "Afterglow" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Human" - Rag'n'Bone Man
🎵 "PITY PARTY" - Neoni, Ellise
🎵 "Earned It" - The Weeknd
🎵 "Tattoo" - Loreen
🎵 "Don't Give Up On Me" - Andy Grammer
🎵 "OWN MY MIND" - Maneskin
🎵 "Movement" - Hozier
🎵 "Lipstick" - Charlie Puth
🎵 "Worst Of You" - Maisie Peters
🎵 "Skyfall" - Adele
🎵 "Seven" - Jung Kook, Latto
🎵 "Midnight Rain" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Little Girl Gone" - CHINCHILLA
🎵 "That Part" - Lauren Spencer Smith
And just in case you were wondering about Brett…
"It's like this mouth was made just for me."
"Because you're mine, Billie. Mine to protect. Mine to pleasure. Mine. All mine."
"I'm going to do delicious things to you. I'm going to tie you up. I'm going to bend you over. I'm going to make you scream until you beg for my cock inside you, and then we're going to do it all over again."
🏈 Tropes 🏈
🐔 Sports Romance (Football)
🐔 Bad Boy x Good Girl
🐔 Grumpy x Sunshine
🐔 Opposites Attract
🐔 Romantic Suspense
🐔 Insta Lust
Book edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C2kl67HLlY_/
February 20, 2024
2.5 stars
Meh…
What is this? A sports romance? A ridiculous serial killer romance? Who knows 🤷🏽♀️
Meh…
What is this? A sports romance? A ridiculous serial killer romance? Who knows 🤷🏽♀️
February 11, 2024
I really wanted to love this one, but it just didn't hit for me. In fact, I would say the best part about the audiobook was the the narration. The narrators were fantastic, Andi Arndt and Teddy Hamilton are two of my favourite narrators of all time and they executed this perfectly.
I actually anticipate there will be a lot of people who really love this book - I just had far too many issues with it to enjoy it.
I found so many of the characters traits conflicting, it felt longer than it needed to be, it did not hold my attention at times and the romance was entirely rushed and brushed over with lust to get to the overarching plot.
Brett is a broody star football player who doesn't let anyone in and comes from a very shady past. Even though this book is written from two POVs, I don't feel that we actually got to know Brett very well which made it hard for me to understand to his character.
Billie is a sweet and slightly nerdy girl who is the only survivor - at 12 years old - of a notorious serial killer. She is a bit of a social pariah, but is strong and well trained to keep herself safe with plenty of safety planning and various contingencies in place.
Don't get me wrong, I love a protective/possessive alpha-hole as much as the next girl, HOWEVER, the way this was presented was just not it for this storyline in my opinion. Billie survived by hiding under the bed at her friends house as her friend's entire family gets slaughtered. The entire world knows this... and yet, Brett seems to think it's perfectly acceptable to use his physical size to back her into a corner, touch and grab her (not intimately) without her consent, TWICE. Both times while she was on a date with another man - who also was giving major red flags. A woman who shies away from physical touch and has experienced trauma and who you met because of her doing an interview for domestic violence... That's who you think it's okay to use your physical size for intimidation and put your hands on without consent? Nope. Nuh-uh.. didn't like it. Like I said, I'm down for an alpha-hole and all of those things in the right context, but this just wasn't it.
Brett and Billie were straight up horny for each other - which is fine. But there was very little actual romance, it was strictly "you're hot, I wanna bang you, you're mine forever now" with next to no relationship building or development. I feel like exploring this relationship more would have done wonders for character development.
Even once they got together, I expected him to dote on her and romance her a bit. Maybe show her what it's like to be loved, but nope. He went straight into argumentative, overbearing, asshole, who did not allow her to have any autonomy. Also, he basically forced her to expose her every secret and horror filled traumatic moment with him (most of which is public, but still), and refused to share ANYTHING with her about his past.
*spoiler warning*
It seemed incredibly convenient that while dragging up all of Billie's crazy history, the media never once mentioned that her brother's body was never found at the scene of the car accident? Like... no missing child investigation or....?
I suspected that the butcher was Billie's father, but the revelation about her mother attempting to commit a murder-suicide of her son, so he doesn't end up like his father like 3 days after Billie had to listen to her father murder her friend's entire family? How about getting your son some help and supporting your daughter through her trauma, rather than dumping her in the foster system. And try reporting that your husband/ex beats the shit out of you and is a serial killer. I understand Billie's mom was a victim of domestic violence and likely terrified, but if she knew that her ex/husband was starting to show their son the ropes, she also clearly knew he was killing people too.
None of it sat well with me and was all just too convenient or too ridiculous to be believable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review.
I actually anticipate there will be a lot of people who really love this book - I just had far too many issues with it to enjoy it.
I found so many of the characters traits conflicting, it felt longer than it needed to be, it did not hold my attention at times and the romance was entirely rushed and brushed over with lust to get to the overarching plot.
Brett is a broody star football player who doesn't let anyone in and comes from a very shady past. Even though this book is written from two POVs, I don't feel that we actually got to know Brett very well which made it hard for me to understand to his character.
Billie is a sweet and slightly nerdy girl who is the only survivor - at 12 years old - of a notorious serial killer. She is a bit of a social pariah, but is strong and well trained to keep herself safe with plenty of safety planning and various contingencies in place.
Don't get me wrong, I love a protective/possessive alpha-hole as much as the next girl, HOWEVER, the way this was presented was just not it for this storyline in my opinion. Billie survived by hiding under the bed at her friends house as her friend's entire family gets slaughtered. The entire world knows this... and yet, Brett seems to think it's perfectly acceptable to use his physical size to back her into a corner, touch and grab her (not intimately) without her consent, TWICE. Both times while she was on a date with another man - who also was giving major red flags. A woman who shies away from physical touch and has experienced trauma and who you met because of her doing an interview for domestic violence... That's who you think it's okay to use your physical size for intimidation and put your hands on without consent? Nope. Nuh-uh.. didn't like it. Like I said, I'm down for an alpha-hole and all of those things in the right context, but this just wasn't it.
Brett and Billie were straight up horny for each other - which is fine. But there was very little actual romance, it was strictly "you're hot, I wanna bang you, you're mine forever now" with next to no relationship building or development. I feel like exploring this relationship more would have done wonders for character development.
Even once they got together, I expected him to dote on her and romance her a bit. Maybe show her what it's like to be loved, but nope. He went straight into argumentative, overbearing, asshole, who did not allow her to have any autonomy. Also, he basically forced her to expose her every secret and horror filled traumatic moment with him (most of which is public, but still), and refused to share ANYTHING with her about his past.
*spoiler warning*
It seemed incredibly convenient that while dragging up all of Billie's crazy history, the media never once mentioned that her brother's body was never found at the scene of the car accident? Like... no missing child investigation or....?
I suspected that the butcher was Billie's father, but the revelation about her mother attempting to commit a murder-suicide of her son, so he doesn't end up like his father like 3 days after Billie had to listen to her father murder her friend's entire family? How about getting your son some help and supporting your daughter through her trauma, rather than dumping her in the foster system. And try reporting that your husband/ex beats the shit out of you and is a serial killer. I understand Billie's mom was a victim of domestic violence and likely terrified, but if she knew that her ex/husband was starting to show their son the ropes, she also clearly knew he was killing people too.
None of it sat well with me and was all just too convenient or too ridiculous to be believable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2024
This is Brett’s story for the Fallen Crest world
Gah I really liked this man❤️
This is a relationship based story about 2 people who don’t find it easy to trust. They have an intense and immediate attraction but have to navigate a lot together and independently to get to a HEA.
There’s a stalker and a serial killer storyline that I loved it added lots of mystery and suspense.
🥀 Hero:
Brett- football player 36? he’s in his mid 30s. He has tons of family drama his his life and a very complicated relationship with his family.
He was so sweet and swoon for our h. He was protective and a really good guy all around.
He was the shining star in this book😍
🦋 Heroine:
Billie- 32 yrs
she is the only survivor of a famous serial killer and this leads to her being kinda a recluse. She keeps her friends and family very close. She also has a very complicated family history.
She was sweet kinda a damsel in distress but also not. She was kinda quirky and although I didn’t hate her I also don’t connect to her. She was and Ok character
💭 POV:
First person duel
🔥 Burn Rate:
Medium
it’s insta attraction but it takes them a while to build and grow their relationship.
😡/😍 Angst level:
Medium at times low at other times
❤️🔥 Sexy times & Descriptive sex: yes and very hot 🔥
🌓 Push/Pull:
Yes both at times push away
☠️ OW/OM Drama:
No OWD
OMD- she goes on a few dates w a detective who really likes her. It’s early in. Before they are together and after he made an ass out of himself so he kinda pushed her into it.
🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None
🤬 Cheating:
None
👰🏼♀️ Virgins:
None
She had 2 previous relationships- one w a girl and one with a boys it’s been 7 yrs since she was with anyone.
He has had 5 GF in the past but we don’t get any deets about any of them or when he was with anyone last. Hes NOT a manwhore.
⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
No but there is a bit of drama that makes you think there might be
Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
Stalker
Serial killer
Drug abuse
Child neglect and abuse
🌈Epilogue:
Yes very sweet
🥂HEA:
Yes 🥳🥳
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
Gah I really liked this man❤️
This is a relationship based story about 2 people who don’t find it easy to trust. They have an intense and immediate attraction but have to navigate a lot together and independently to get to a HEA.
There’s a stalker and a serial killer storyline that I loved it added lots of mystery and suspense.
🥀 Hero:
Brett- football player 36? he’s in his mid 30s. He has tons of family drama his his life and a very complicated relationship with his family.
He was so sweet and swoon for our h. He was protective and a really good guy all around.
He was the shining star in this book😍
🦋 Heroine:
Billie- 32 yrs
she is the only survivor of a famous serial killer and this leads to her being kinda a recluse. She keeps her friends and family very close. She also has a very complicated family history.
She was sweet kinda a damsel in distress but also not. She was kinda quirky and although I didn’t hate her I also don’t connect to her. She was and Ok character
💭 POV:
First person duel
🔥 Burn Rate:
Medium
it’s insta attraction but it takes them a while to build and grow their relationship.
😡/😍 Angst level:
Medium at times low at other times
❤️🔥 Sexy times & Descriptive sex: yes and very hot 🔥
🌓 Push/Pull:
Yes both at times push away
☠️ OW/OM Drama:
No OWD
OMD- she goes on a few dates w a detective who really likes her. It’s early in. Before they are together and after he made an ass out of himself so he kinda pushed her into it.
🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None
🤬 Cheating:
None
👰🏼♀️ Virgins:
None
She had 2 previous relationships- one w a girl and one with a boys it’s been 7 yrs since she was with anyone.
He has had 5 GF in the past but we don’t get any deets about any of them or when he was with anyone last. Hes NOT a manwhore.
⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
No but there is a bit of drama that makes you think there might be
Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
Stalker
Serial killer
Drug abuse
Child neglect and abuse
🌈Epilogue:
Yes very sweet
🥂HEA:
Yes 🥳🥳
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
February 11, 2024
I'm so happy to have Brett's story!! I felt so bad for him when he wanted Sam from Fallen Crest High so many books ago. He was such a good guy, just with the wrong crowd. I loved every bit of this book and I'm so happy he got his version of Sam. Not that Billie is anything like Sam...but in a way she is. She's strong, loyal, and loves with all her heart. This audiobook made me so happy and I almost wish there were more to tell for this couple. I would love to read more. However, the epilogues were also very satisfying. All around this gets my five heart emoji stars!
February 2, 2024
Insta-love is not my cup of tea. There is very little romance with next to no relationship building or development here. I much prefer the sweet, drawn out tension of a slow burn. That will they/won’t they, that back and forth, is just way more appealing to me. DNF.
May 11, 2024
🎧🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧🎧
I have questions ... but mostly ...
There’s very little about this story that I liked. It’s problematic and most of it didn’t make much sense. I wasn’t bored, but 14 hours is a LONG time … feel me? I honestly don’t know why half the circumstances in the book were even part of the story.
My biggest concern and confusion stems from the complete loss of cohesion to the story. There seemed to be lots going on but yet nothing at all.
I know Tijan's work. I've read/listened to countless of her stories and she is *unique* in her style but this was beyond her uniqueness. It was just ... wrong.
ALC provided by Dreamscape Media via NetGalley for an honest review
I have questions ... but mostly ...
There’s very little about this story that I liked. It’s problematic and most of it didn’t make much sense. I wasn’t bored, but 14 hours is a LONG time … feel me? I honestly don’t know why half the circumstances in the book were even part of the story.
My biggest concern and confusion stems from the complete loss of cohesion to the story. There seemed to be lots going on but yet nothing at all.
I know Tijan's work. I've read/listened to countless of her stories and she is *unique* in her style but this was beyond her uniqueness. It was just ... wrong.
ALC provided by Dreamscape Media via NetGalley for an honest review
March 3, 2024
2.5 Stars? Rounded up being generous because I did want to find out how it all turned out. The character's dialogue and actions felt overly dramatic, ridiculous and not true-to-life to me. I didn't get the instalove romance. I can get behind instant attraction if I feel it. Not the case here. I think the story would've benefited from some editing down as well.
I love Andi Arndt's narration, but even she couldn't fully save the story for me. This is my first time reading *listening* to Tijan and I've seen good things, so maybe this is a fluke? Maybe someone can recommend another to try. I've seen a lot of praise for Tijan, so I'd like to give the author another try at some point.
A copy was kindly provided by Dreamscape Media via Libro.fm in exchange for an honest review.
I love Andi Arndt's narration, but even she couldn't fully save the story for me. This is my first time reading *listening* to Tijan and I've seen good things, so maybe this is a fluke? Maybe someone can recommend another to try. I've seen a lot of praise for Tijan, so I'd like to give the author another try at some point.
A copy was kindly provided by Dreamscape Media via Libro.fm in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2024
Once again I am reminded why I love Tijan’s mind! Her stories are unlike any other out there! She weaves such riveting tales that catch you off guard and take you on a roller coaster of emotions!
My Anti-Hero is more than anything I ever imagined it to be! Billie’s story is filled with so many emotions. Her character growth and just overall backstory is one that will shake you to your core. Billie will easily become a favorite heroine because of her strength and resilience. The book is one of her longer ones because Tijan handled the building of Billie with the utmost care! You get to see who she is on a soul deep level. You get so close to her you almost feel apart of her story.
Brett is the perfect piece to complete the puzzle that is Billie! He brings into her life what she’s always been missing, love and protection ! He pushes her and builds her up and she in return she does the same. These two were absolutely perfect. The way they just understood one another and the patience they had. The broken inside him speaks to broken inside her and together they are whole! Brett is the perfect Anti-Hero because he’s more than a hero could ever be he’s her own everything!
I am in total awe of this book. The passion in Tijan’s writing can be felt through the pages. Her words just create such beautifully polished storylines that suck you in and hold until you’ve read every last word. The ending of this book….holy hot dang! I am flabbergasted and want more but in the best way possible. I hope to see Billie and Brett pop up again because these two have my heart!
My Anti-Hero is more than anything I ever imagined it to be! Billie’s story is filled with so many emotions. Her character growth and just overall backstory is one that will shake you to your core. Billie will easily become a favorite heroine because of her strength and resilience. The book is one of her longer ones because Tijan handled the building of Billie with the utmost care! You get to see who she is on a soul deep level. You get so close to her you almost feel apart of her story.
Brett is the perfect piece to complete the puzzle that is Billie! He brings into her life what she’s always been missing, love and protection ! He pushes her and builds her up and she in return she does the same. These two were absolutely perfect. The way they just understood one another and the patience they had. The broken inside him speaks to broken inside her and together they are whole! Brett is the perfect Anti-Hero because he’s more than a hero could ever be he’s her own everything!
I am in total awe of this book. The passion in Tijan’s writing can be felt through the pages. Her words just create such beautifully polished storylines that suck you in and hold until you’ve read every last word. The ending of this book….holy hot dang! I am flabbergasted and want more but in the best way possible. I hope to see Billie and Brett pop up again because these two have my heart!
February 1, 2024
I recieved a free copy of this title to read & review for Wicked Reads
DNF @40%
I will preface this review by stating it is purely based on reader preference.
Tijan is a favorite of mine. Some books I've read half a dozen times or more.
Review under construction at 27%. In fact, I just slid out of a bubble bath, stalked stark naked through my house, trailing water behind me the whole way, just to get my phone. I'm back in the tub, close to midnight, rage typing this in an email draft.
As I prefaced, this is focused on my reading preferences, not Tijan's writing.
I am bewildered, though.
Other than what lies beneath, this in your face, cavity-inducing romance is so not Tijan's speed. So bewildered.
An instantaneous relationship that started immediately on page one is not healthy for the two people with abusive pasts. Full. Stop.
Insta-anything is the top of my list of pet peeves. Due to the fact that I miss out on the important tension-filled getting to know you portion as the characters fill this reader in. Otherwise, they're just 1D characters on the page that have no emotional connection to each other or this reader, so I don't care what happens just because the author says so.
Show me, don't just tell me.
Night 3 of my bathtime routine. Soak & read for an hour. I've read for over 3 hours and am only at 27%. Not hooked as I usually am by Tijan. I am a voracious reader who can mainline 2 to 3 books per day. If this wasn't for review, I would have tossed in the towel 3 nights ago on page 3.
Page One. Word One.
Chaotic, too much info-filled intro of a meet cute. Insta-lust. Massive deathknell for me.
I read on. A blip of drama had me hopeful for some much-needed angst to break up all this sugary sweet insta.
It lasted like 2 pages. All fixed by 10%
I'd prefer Travis. & Billie treated Travis horribly, I might add. Rude. Didn't flesh with the character traits we were told but not shown. At least there was "some" getting-to-know-you stuff between them.
By 27%... Brett just left an NFL game that ended less than an hour ago. He managed to get off the field, shower, change, do interviews, sign autographs, get out of a packed stadium parking lot & gridlock highway (anyone here ever been to an NFL game & just drove off, not to mention the trek to the parking lot) drive to the country... in under and hour...
...to meet the family. (This is why my floors are wet rn)
Is there a time-traveling element at play here?
Never been on a single date. Shared a 2-hour call off-page to where the readers didn't get to know the characters... and Brett is already meeting the parents, sister, BiL, & 2 neices.
This is like my worst insta-lust/love/connection/relationship nightmare of the 80s Harlequin kind.
There's a darker story woven beneath. One I want to read. The only reason I continue to read. It hasn't manifested yet but I'm crossing all my body parts.
I don't like Brett or Billie. I couldn't care less about a pair of characters mashed together like a pair of Barbies during my childhood. What little wasn't told but was shown (anything dealing with Travis), they are mega AHs.
Don't get me started on the foster sister. Tijan meant it to be levity. Freeze outs, silent treatments, blow-ups, hysterics, all because she didn't get info fast enough... modeled behavior in front of 2 young daughters. Running roughshod over the family. The parents & her husband enabling it. It wasn't funny. It was childish, toxic. It's abusive to utilize these manipulative and controlling behaviors on your family members. It's not cute or funny.
With Billie's past, she needed support & space to be herself. I couldn't imagine the parents being like "Give Lo what she wants & she'll like you. Have boundaries and she'll be abusive" to an orphan who escaped a serial killer. But... that's exactly what kept happening. "Talk to your sister." "Applogize or we'll all be punished." "Go on, now."
Are you freaking me, here?
Suffering onward in hopes the darker elements manifest & takes foster sister with them. It feels like they'll be curtain shopping, a ring, a white dress, & a farm wedding with paparazzi in the next chapter though. Probably forced proximity in his secure, uber rich digs for her safety.
I'd rather read a novel from the chicken's POV at this point...
I hope there is more random pickup trucks on long, country driveway action headed my way soon. Just saying.
I'm back. DNF @40% couldn't do it.
Brett is a walking red flag & I cannot ship this OTT romance (the past that is interesting is merely window dressing)
Between using a private detective to locate Travis & interrupting their date (twice) and getting on any man in Billie's proximity, he is the poster boy for DV. Possessive (not protective) Stalking. Controlling. Compounded exponentially with their backgrounds & instantaneous relationship & nonstop sicky sweet love-bombing. Anyone with sense would be concerned.
I'm out. I kept waiting for something, anything but staring moony-eyed at each other to happen, but I can't do it any longer.
Hot. Rich. NFL player with a dark past.
Orphaned survivor of a serial killer.
All the good stuff was surface level with nonstop insta-love front & center.
Baffled.
DNF @40%
I will preface this review by stating it is purely based on reader preference.
Tijan is a favorite of mine. Some books I've read half a dozen times or more.
Review under construction at 27%. In fact, I just slid out of a bubble bath, stalked stark naked through my house, trailing water behind me the whole way, just to get my phone. I'm back in the tub, close to midnight, rage typing this in an email draft.
As I prefaced, this is focused on my reading preferences, not Tijan's writing.
I am bewildered, though.
Other than what lies beneath, this in your face, cavity-inducing romance is so not Tijan's speed. So bewildered.
An instantaneous relationship that started immediately on page one is not healthy for the two people with abusive pasts. Full. Stop.
Insta-anything is the top of my list of pet peeves. Due to the fact that I miss out on the important tension-filled getting to know you portion as the characters fill this reader in. Otherwise, they're just 1D characters on the page that have no emotional connection to each other or this reader, so I don't care what happens just because the author says so.
Show me, don't just tell me.
Night 3 of my bathtime routine. Soak & read for an hour. I've read for over 3 hours and am only at 27%. Not hooked as I usually am by Tijan. I am a voracious reader who can mainline 2 to 3 books per day. If this wasn't for review, I would have tossed in the towel 3 nights ago on page 3.
Page One. Word One.
Chaotic, too much info-filled intro of a meet cute. Insta-lust. Massive deathknell for me.
I read on. A blip of drama had me hopeful for some much-needed angst to break up all this sugary sweet insta.
It lasted like 2 pages. All fixed by 10%
I'd prefer Travis. & Billie treated Travis horribly, I might add. Rude. Didn't flesh with the character traits we were told but not shown. At least there was "some" getting-to-know-you stuff between them.
By 27%... Brett just left an NFL game that ended less than an hour ago. He managed to get off the field, shower, change, do interviews, sign autographs, get out of a packed stadium parking lot & gridlock highway (anyone here ever been to an NFL game & just drove off, not to mention the trek to the parking lot) drive to the country... in under and hour...
...to meet the family. (This is why my floors are wet rn)
Is there a time-traveling element at play here?
Never been on a single date. Shared a 2-hour call off-page to where the readers didn't get to know the characters... and Brett is already meeting the parents, sister, BiL, & 2 neices.
This is like my worst insta-lust/love/connection/relationship nightmare of the 80s Harlequin kind.
There's a darker story woven beneath. One I want to read. The only reason I continue to read. It hasn't manifested yet but I'm crossing all my body parts.
I don't like Brett or Billie. I couldn't care less about a pair of characters mashed together like a pair of Barbies during my childhood. What little wasn't told but was shown (anything dealing with Travis), they are mega AHs.
Don't get me started on the foster sister. Tijan meant it to be levity. Freeze outs, silent treatments, blow-ups, hysterics, all because she didn't get info fast enough... modeled behavior in front of 2 young daughters. Running roughshod over the family. The parents & her husband enabling it. It wasn't funny. It was childish, toxic. It's abusive to utilize these manipulative and controlling behaviors on your family members. It's not cute or funny.
With Billie's past, she needed support & space to be herself. I couldn't imagine the parents being like "Give Lo what she wants & she'll like you. Have boundaries and she'll be abusive" to an orphan who escaped a serial killer. But... that's exactly what kept happening. "Talk to your sister." "Applogize or we'll all be punished." "Go on, now."
Are you freaking me, here?
Suffering onward in hopes the darker elements manifest & takes foster sister with them. It feels like they'll be curtain shopping, a ring, a white dress, & a farm wedding with paparazzi in the next chapter though. Probably forced proximity in his secure, uber rich digs for her safety.
I'd rather read a novel from the chicken's POV at this point...
I hope there is more random pickup trucks on long, country driveway action headed my way soon. Just saying.
I'm back. DNF @40% couldn't do it.
Brett is a walking red flag & I cannot ship this OTT romance (the past that is interesting is merely window dressing)
Between using a private detective to locate Travis & interrupting their date (twice) and getting on any man in Billie's proximity, he is the poster boy for DV. Possessive (not protective) Stalking. Controlling. Compounded exponentially with their backgrounds & instantaneous relationship & nonstop sicky sweet love-bombing. Anyone with sense would be concerned.
I'm out. I kept waiting for something, anything but staring moony-eyed at each other to happen, but I can't do it any longer.
Hot. Rich. NFL player with a dark past.
Orphaned survivor of a serial killer.
All the good stuff was surface level with nonstop insta-love front & center.
Baffled.
February 14, 2024
My Anti-Hero was the first Tijan book I listened to and wowzer Teddy Hamilton and Andy Arndt brought on the heat!!!!
I enjoyed the audiobook a lot and breezed through the book within a couple days, the last day was actually a marathon listening. Also, have to admit it was at times almost too hot to listen to. 😆
About the story:
I found Brett Broudou's story interesting, especially regarding his backstory. I'm a big FCH fan, also Mason and Sam were the first Tijan couple that made a home in my heart. And I enjoyed the cameos and the links to FC.
So, Brett and Billie went insta lust on each other, which is typical for Tijan. It was a bit OTT - which is also very Tijan. I'm just getting a bit tired of it. Overall, the book was just an ok read for me. Probably because I wasn't prepared for it being a romantic suspense novel. With a heavy dose of mystery, and a WTF ending! Which unfortunately didn't sync with me. The ending really threw me. Couldn't wrap my mind around it.
But in the end, I'm never not reading a Tijan book. Her books are extremely entertaining, and sooner or later there will be another favorite, just wait and see.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
I enjoyed the audiobook a lot and breezed through the book within a couple days, the last day was actually a marathon listening. Also, have to admit it was at times almost too hot to listen to. 😆
About the story:
I found Brett Broudou's story interesting, especially regarding his backstory. I'm a big FCH fan, also Mason and Sam were the first Tijan couple that made a home in my heart. And I enjoyed the cameos and the links to FC.
So, Brett and Billie went insta lust on each other, which is typical for Tijan. It was a bit OTT - which is also very Tijan. I'm just getting a bit tired of it. Overall, the book was just an ok read for me. Probably because I wasn't prepared for it being a romantic suspense novel. With a heavy dose of mystery, and a WTF ending! Which unfortunately didn't sync with me. The ending really threw me. Couldn't wrap my mind around it.
But in the end, I'm never not reading a Tijan book. Her books are extremely entertaining, and sooner or later there will be another favorite, just wait and see.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
April 1, 2024
2.75 STARS
THE ANTI-HERO
● Willow aka Billie (32) & Brett
● graphic designer / newest football player for the Kings
● former foster kid (from the age 12)
● Billie was the only survivor of the serial killer, the Midwest Butcher
● insta-love/lust
● found family
● “true crime
THE ANTI-HERO
● Willow aka Billie (32) & Brett
● graphic designer / newest football player for the Kings
● former foster kid (from the age 12)
● Billie was the only survivor of the serial killer, the Midwest Butcher
● insta-love/lust
● found family
● “true crime
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Andi Arndt & Teddy Hamilton
Length: 14H 32M
February 8, 2024
5 Spicy Suspense Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely LOVED and devoured this book! It has so many of my Favorite Tropes in it -
Overprotective & Possessive MMC ✓
Alpha Hero ✓
Broody Athlete ✓
Bad Boy/Good Girl ✓
Anti-Hero ✓
Found Family ✓
Grumpy/Sunshine ✓
Opposites Attract ✓
Soul Mates ✓
Sports Romance ✓
Tortured Lead ✓
Tragic Past ✓
Lust at First Sight ✓
LOTS of Spice ✓
And Romantic Suspense ✓ Which is more of a new one for me. I had no idea how much I loved and needed a romantic suspense in my life until My Anti-Hero. This book was intense. And on the darker side. Yet still sweet, at its core. Tijan definitely brought her A Game. The book was an extremely well thought out and plotted suspense. With lots of twist and turns. As soon as you figure out something, another curve ball is unexpectedly thrown your way. The book has many layers. And the ending. THE ENDING. In true Tijan fashion.
Billie is quirky and such a sweetheart. Definitely the “sunshine” in the relationship. Don’t let that fool you though. She has an inner strength that has seen her through hell and back. She has endured a lot of past trauma (extreme trauma) and it does continue throughout the book, please check TW. And throughout it all, she remains kindhearted. Yet keeps her circle very small and at an arm’s length. Very sheltered. Except maybe her chickens.
And Brett Broudou…HOLY HOTNESS! I was not expecting this. Especially being such a Fallen Crest fan. He was everything I want and love in a MMC - Alpha, Broody, Overprotective & Possessive, Dominant, an Athlete and Sexy as Sin. He’s very closed off and standoffish. They both are closed off, in their own ways. And both have trust issues and secrets. He is held back emotionally by his past - his family and life events from growing up in Roussou. They have shaped his life, how he lives and who he is.
Their Chemistry is off the charts Spicy.
OFF. 👏🏻 THE. 👏🏻 CHARTS. 👏🏻.
And their Connection is so deep, soul deep. Lust at First Sight & true Soulmates. And even amongst all the trauma & drama, they actually have a really sweet meet-cute. They are both so new at relationships and falling in love. There’s an innocence to their love. They both complete and bring out the best in one another. They help each other open up, break down walls, build trust and let people in. As their relationship develops, they both evolve individually and as a couple. And grow into the people they never thought they could be. In the relationships they never thought they could have.
Tijan did such an amazing job laying out and developing this storyline. She also provided us with amazing side characters (mainly family & teammates) that have so much depth and personality. I especially loved Roger. Wine Roger. Beer Roger. All the Rogers. It also had a lot of great Cameos. Brett is from Roussou and some are from there. He also plays football on the same NFL team as another one of Tijan’s male leads. They all added so much to the book, along with well timed comic relief and witty batter.
Go into this book as blindly as possible. I went into it only knowing it was a sports Romance, was a suspense and had Brett Broudou (& Roussou) in it. And I’m so glad I did. This book was such a pleasant surprise. Once you start you can’t stop. So prepare yourself.
I literally could go on and on about all the things I love about this book and the reasons everyone should read it. It’s definitely a new favorite book and book couple of mine. I highly recommend it! One of my top 2024 reads.
I absolutely LOVED and devoured this book! It has so many of my Favorite Tropes in it -
Overprotective & Possessive MMC ✓
Alpha Hero ✓
Broody Athlete ✓
Bad Boy/Good Girl ✓
Anti-Hero ✓
Found Family ✓
Grumpy/Sunshine ✓
Opposites Attract ✓
Soul Mates ✓
Sports Romance ✓
Tortured Lead ✓
Tragic Past ✓
Lust at First Sight ✓
LOTS of Spice ✓
And Romantic Suspense ✓ Which is more of a new one for me. I had no idea how much I loved and needed a romantic suspense in my life until My Anti-Hero. This book was intense. And on the darker side. Yet still sweet, at its core. Tijan definitely brought her A Game. The book was an extremely well thought out and plotted suspense. With lots of twist and turns. As soon as you figure out something, another curve ball is unexpectedly thrown your way. The book has many layers. And the ending. THE ENDING. In true Tijan fashion.
Billie is quirky and such a sweetheart. Definitely the “sunshine” in the relationship. Don’t let that fool you though. She has an inner strength that has seen her through hell and back. She has endured a lot of past trauma (extreme trauma) and it does continue throughout the book, please check TW. And throughout it all, she remains kindhearted. Yet keeps her circle very small and at an arm’s length. Very sheltered. Except maybe her chickens.
And Brett Broudou…HOLY HOTNESS! I was not expecting this. Especially being such a Fallen Crest fan. He was everything I want and love in a MMC - Alpha, Broody, Overprotective & Possessive, Dominant, an Athlete and Sexy as Sin. He’s very closed off and standoffish. They both are closed off, in their own ways. And both have trust issues and secrets. He is held back emotionally by his past - his family and life events from growing up in Roussou. They have shaped his life, how he lives and who he is.
Their Chemistry is off the charts Spicy.
OFF. 👏🏻 THE. 👏🏻 CHARTS. 👏🏻.
And their Connection is so deep, soul deep. Lust at First Sight & true Soulmates. And even amongst all the trauma & drama, they actually have a really sweet meet-cute. They are both so new at relationships and falling in love. There’s an innocence to their love. They both complete and bring out the best in one another. They help each other open up, break down walls, build trust and let people in. As their relationship develops, they both evolve individually and as a couple. And grow into the people they never thought they could be. In the relationships they never thought they could have.
Tijan did such an amazing job laying out and developing this storyline. She also provided us with amazing side characters (mainly family & teammates) that have so much depth and personality. I especially loved Roger. Wine Roger. Beer Roger. All the Rogers. It also had a lot of great Cameos. Brett is from Roussou and some are from there. He also plays football on the same NFL team as another one of Tijan’s male leads. They all added so much to the book, along with well timed comic relief and witty batter.
Go into this book as blindly as possible. I went into it only knowing it was a sports Romance, was a suspense and had Brett Broudou (& Roussou) in it. And I’m so glad I did. This book was such a pleasant surprise. Once you start you can’t stop. So prepare yourself.
I literally could go on and on about all the things I love about this book and the reasons everyone should read it. It’s definitely a new favorite book and book couple of mine. I highly recommend it! One of my top 2024 reads.
May 24, 2024
Words used to mean things.
A SERIAL killer is not the same thing as a copycat killer, stalking and targeting an old victim of the "serial killer" and the people around her. Eventually you find out it wasn't even random the first time either. I honestly couldn't get past this one thing, but a lot of the rest of this was stupid too.
A SERIAL killer is not the same thing as a copycat killer, stalking and targeting an old victim of the "serial killer" and the people around her. Eventually you find out it wasn't even random the first time either. I honestly couldn't get past this one thing, but a lot of the rest of this was stupid too.
February 11, 2024
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Lately Tijan has been a hit or miss author for me and more often than not her books have only been okay for me. My Anti-Hero is sadly another just okay one. I thought it was interesting and the suspenseful parts were intriguing and kept me reading. But there were also a lot of other parts that didn't do it for me. Billie and Brett both had some past trauma and it felt like that trauma was competing against each other. Billie's past was more focused on and that was fine but there were a lot of times that Brett's past was only mentioned and then resolved off page. It made the whole scenario with his siblings feel unnecessary since it wasn't fleshed out enough in my opinion.
I was honestly surprised by the direction the story went since the blurb had me thinking it would be more cutesy than suspenseful but maybe that was just me. Overall, I read through this pretty quickly because I didn't want to put it down. So in my book that's a win. I do wish that I had enjoyed it more than I did but it wasn't bad.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Lately Tijan has been a hit or miss author for me and more often than not her books have only been okay for me. My Anti-Hero is sadly another just okay one. I thought it was interesting and the suspenseful parts were intriguing and kept me reading. But there were also a lot of other parts that didn't do it for me. Billie and Brett both had some past trauma and it felt like that trauma was competing against each other. Billie's past was more focused on and that was fine but there were a lot of times that Brett's past was only mentioned and then resolved off page. It made the whole scenario with his siblings feel unnecessary since it wasn't fleshed out enough in my opinion.
I was honestly surprised by the direction the story went since the blurb had me thinking it would be more cutesy than suspenseful but maybe that was just me. Overall, I read through this pretty quickly because I didn't want to put it down. So in my book that's a win. I do wish that I had enjoyed it more than I did but it wasn't bad.
February 9, 2024
2.5 stars. I’m hit or miss with this author, and this book started out as a hit, and then quickly ended up being a miss.
This is about Billie (32) and Brett (I don’t think his age is said, but I assume it’s around that, too). He’s an NFL player on the local team who has won the Super Bowl before. She’s the only survivor of a serial killer – she’s kept a low profile ever since, but she decides to do a rare TV interview on a news show while Brett is doing one, too. That’s how they meet.
That’s a great premise! They’re both famous in different ways, for different reasons, which is interesting. And, she doesn’t want the attention that comes with dating a famous athlete, because a lot of serial killer wannabe weirdos try to get to her. This author LOVES writing a book where the hero is famous or high-profile, and the heroine doesn’t want to be in the spotlight for dark personal reasons. This book started out feeling like it could be a fresh version of that. But then it flopped.
The combination of "romance novel with an pro-athlete hero" and "true crime," seemed intriguing at first. But it ended up being awkward, and this book wasted that good premise. Because soon, everything got overshadowed by a run-of-the-mill serial killer plot that could have been in any book, with any kind of characters. What was the point of having an NFL player hero, when this book was more interested in serial killer stuff? (And, it wasn't even well-done serial killer stuff. It lurches into the plot erratically, and it doesn't totally make sense, if you think about it too deeply).
Dusty and Stone from Enemies are in this, and so is Mason Kade from this author’s Fallen Crest books. It was nice to see them (and honestly, that may be why I rounded this up to 3 stars). But their appearances just reminded me that this author was better at juggling the different flavors of drama (romance, family drama, and some crime stuff) in their books than in this.
It was too strong on the insta-love between Billie and Brett. Which was a shame, because they both had past baggage and bad family members - so, it would have been a great opportunity for them to connect over that. But instead, they just had insta-love and then their problems were treated as separate plot threads, in a book that was already chaotic and all over the place.
This author also loves quirky side characters, but Billie's foster sister was annoying. We were clearly supposed to find her endearing. And, clearly, this book was trying to get us to suspect 1 guy in their inner circle as the killer, and then that was a red herring. But it never followed up to explain why Billie kept getting a weird feeling about him, then! Her character was also inconsistent. We were told that she’s always vigilant and prepared for danger and creeps. But then at one point, she’s drunk and opens her hotel room door to a random stranger. Huh?
Most baffling of all, pretty early in the book, it was VERY obvious what the real story was with the serial killer being but that was treated as a huge “reveal” at the end that was apparently supposed to shock us. What was the point of making the final line of the book? Ending the book on that note also made this feel like more of a serial killer book, where the romance and the “hero is an NFL player” parts were afterthoughts.
This author often has good ideas for books, but her executions are so chaotic, this may be my last read from her.
This is about Billie (32) and Brett (I don’t think his age is said, but I assume it’s around that, too). He’s an NFL player on the local team who has won the Super Bowl before. She’s the only survivor of a serial killer – she’s kept a low profile ever since, but she decides to do a rare TV interview on a news show while Brett is doing one, too. That’s how they meet.
That’s a great premise! They’re both famous in different ways, for different reasons, which is interesting. And, she doesn’t want the attention that comes with dating a famous athlete, because a lot of serial killer wannabe weirdos try to get to her. This author LOVES writing a book where the hero is famous or high-profile, and the heroine doesn’t want to be in the spotlight for dark personal reasons. This book started out feeling like it could be a fresh version of that. But then it flopped.
The combination of "romance novel with an pro-athlete hero" and "true crime," seemed intriguing at first. But it ended up being awkward, and this book wasted that good premise. Because soon, everything got overshadowed by a run-of-the-mill serial killer plot that could have been in any book, with any kind of characters. What was the point of having an NFL player hero, when this book was more interested in serial killer stuff? (And, it wasn't even well-done serial killer stuff. It lurches into the plot erratically, and it doesn't totally make sense, if you think about it too deeply).
Dusty and Stone from Enemies are in this, and so is Mason Kade from this author’s Fallen Crest books. It was nice to see them (and honestly, that may be why I rounded this up to 3 stars). But their appearances just reminded me that this author was better at juggling the different flavors of drama (romance, family drama, and some crime stuff) in their books than in this.
It was too strong on the insta-love between Billie and Brett. Which was a shame, because they both had past baggage and bad family members - so, it would have been a great opportunity for them to connect over that. But instead, they just had insta-love and then their problems were treated as separate plot threads, in a book that was already chaotic and all over the place.
This author also loves quirky side characters, but Billie's foster sister was annoying. We were clearly supposed to find her endearing. And, clearly, this book was trying to get us to suspect 1 guy in their inner circle as the killer, and then that was a red herring. But it never followed up to explain why Billie kept getting a weird feeling about him, then! Her character was also inconsistent. We were told that she’s always vigilant and prepared for danger and creeps. But then at one point, she’s drunk and opens her hotel room door to a random stranger. Huh?
Most baffling of all, pretty early in the book, it was VERY obvious what the real story was with the serial killer being but that was treated as a huge “reveal” at the end that was apparently supposed to shock us. What was the point of making the final line of the book? Ending the book on that note also made this feel like more of a serial killer book, where the romance and the “hero is an NFL player” parts were afterthoughts.
This author often has good ideas for books, but her executions are so chaotic, this may be my last read from her.
February 6, 2024
I struggled with this audiobook. I couldn’t connect with the characters at all. I am not a fan of insta love, which is what this book was. No romance, just lust.
Billie is the only survivor of a serial killer, the Midwest Butcher. Brett Broudou is an NFL player. Both have had tragic pasts so the insta love between them brought up instant red flags.
The narrators, Teddy Hamilton and AndI Arndt, were wonderful, though. They helped me to keep listening when I wanted to DNF.
I’ve read this author’s last few releases and this book just didn’t feel like her writing or tone.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Libro FM for the advanced listener copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Billie is the only survivor of a serial killer, the Midwest Butcher. Brett Broudou is an NFL player. Both have had tragic pasts so the insta love between them brought up instant red flags.
The narrators, Teddy Hamilton and AndI Arndt, were wonderful, though. They helped me to keep listening when I wanted to DNF.
I’ve read this author’s last few releases and this book just didn’t feel like her writing or tone.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Libro FM for the advanced listener copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 9, 2024
No stars from me. I just listed a star to get my review registered.
DNF @8%. WTF was I reading? This was a hot mess—super choppy writing. I literally couldn’t find one thing I liked about these characters. Billie/Willow was straight up weird. Additionally, I don’t want to read about bi-sexual characters. Apologies, no disrespect to anyone, just my preference. Too many names thrown out in so few pages. Colby Doubard and Brett Broudou. Their last names have almost the same letters. Travis, Lo, Vicky,Howard, Roger, Mason, Sylvia Rivera and of course the Midwest Butcher. This story was just introducing characters at lightning speed. I couldn’t keep up with it. This was a no for me.
DNF @8%. WTF was I reading? This was a hot mess—super choppy writing. I literally couldn’t find one thing I liked about these characters. Billie/Willow was straight up weird. Additionally, I don’t want to read about bi-sexual characters. Apologies, no disrespect to anyone, just my preference. Too many names thrown out in so few pages. Colby Doubard and Brett Broudou. Their last names have almost the same letters. Travis, Lo, Vicky,Howard, Roger, Mason, Sylvia Rivera and of course the Midwest Butcher. This story was just introducing characters at lightning speed. I couldn’t keep up with it. This was a no for me.
February 15, 2024
If you are a Tijan fan, you will probably like this book. This was my first by her in a long time and I wanted to read it because I love dark heroes, tortured pasts and anti-heroes. The minute Billie sees Brett, she is in love and the minute Brett sees Billie, he is instantly in protection mode. They both have a fierce draw to one another and while Brett is a little over the top at times (the interrupted dates.. ), it is endearing to see a big man all growly. There are multiple stories going on in the background and a bit of mystery and suspense. Billie is a serial killer survivor and wants to stay hidden, but a media appearance and subsequent relationship with a football star brings all the crazies out. Brett comes from a rough background and has his own demons. Will Billie's love be enough to not let him go back to his old ways? Will he be able to protect her from the threats that are out there?
I wanted to love this book. There were so many things I love about a book like, this but the insta love was so over the top that I struggled right from the get go. Billie was an odd character to try to warm up to as well, and Brett was just.. a lot. The ending was action packed and it was nice to see things all come full circle, but there were scenes that I felt were skipped over and I didn't really feel the affect I was hoping to feel.
I wanted to love this book. There were so many things I love about a book like, this but the insta love was so over the top that I struggled right from the get go. Billie was an odd character to try to warm up to as well, and Brett was just.. a lot. The ending was action packed and it was nice to see things all come full circle, but there were scenes that I felt were skipped over and I didn't really feel the affect I was hoping to feel.
February 17, 2024
Dear beloved adored Tjian
It is so painful to tell u that this book was too much
Too much mystery and crimes…,
Too much.sub plots too much romance
Too much like a salad that is a mixed badly mixed genre
Sorryyyyy 3 stars for the Kades and Stone Reeves Cameo
It is so painful to tell u that this book was too much
Too much mystery and crimes…,
Too much.sub plots too much romance
Too much like a salad that is a mixed badly mixed genre
Sorryyyyy 3 stars for the Kades and Stone Reeves Cameo
February 13, 2024
Meh… And that is disappointing because I absolutely loved Brett in the Fallen Crest series. He was a smaller side character but left such a strong and lasting impression that even years after having read that series, I still remember him and was excited to get a book about him.
Sadly, the story ended up with too many things glossed over and not truly explored to allow me to really love the book. Here’s the summation:
Downsides:
1. Insta Lust. BIG time, immediately and the only thing holding the relationship together if one judges by what is given.
2. Almost complete telling rather than showing in every aspect of the book.
3. Suspense/kinda thriller plotline is where the “meh” comes from - and once again, surface only. We are told about it all but never really feel and understand any motivations behind the actions.
4. The football/ serial killer combo didn’t work well for me. They seemed to be completely different storylines that didn’t blend well together. Then, throw in the family drama… maybe it’s just me but the whole just didn’t gel and flow.
Upsides:
1. Brett, gotta love him no matter what.
2. Kudos to the author for exploring a serial killer survivor. Although I think it needed a TON more depth, the challenges Billie experiences and struggles she deals with are enlightening on many levels.
3. All kinds of fun cameos with other beloved characters from previous series! The Kades, Channing, Reeves and more!
4. The two twists at the end were great surprises. The first needed more understanding but the second was genius!
SOPE, I bet you caught my overall frustration being the book is completely surface with very little depth underneath. Still, if one wants a decent story and/or to see whatever happened to a beloved secondary character from the previous series, I would still recommend the read.
Sadly, the story ended up with too many things glossed over and not truly explored to allow me to really love the book. Here’s the summation:
Downsides:
1. Insta Lust. BIG time, immediately and the only thing holding the relationship together if one judges by what is given.
2. Almost complete telling rather than showing in every aspect of the book.
3. Suspense/kinda thriller plotline is where the “meh” comes from - and once again, surface only. We are told about it all but never really feel and understand any motivations behind the actions.
4. The football/ serial killer combo didn’t work well for me. They seemed to be completely different storylines that didn’t blend well together. Then, throw in the family drama… maybe it’s just me but the whole just didn’t gel and flow.
Upsides:
1. Brett, gotta love him no matter what.
2. Kudos to the author for exploring a serial killer survivor. Although I think it needed a TON more depth, the challenges Billie experiences and struggles she deals with are enlightening on many levels.
3. All kinds of fun cameos with other beloved characters from previous series! The Kades, Channing, Reeves and more!
4. The two twists at the end were great surprises. The first needed more understanding but the second was genius!
SOPE, I bet you caught my overall frustration being the book is completely surface with very little depth underneath. Still, if one wants a decent story and/or to see whatever happened to a beloved secondary character from the previous series, I would still recommend the read.
February 6, 2024
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book, I have only read a handful of Tijan’s books and I have really enjoyed each one of them. She’s an incredible storyteller and this book did not disappoint!
Billie has been through some dark things in her life, she survived being killed by a serial killer, and she was the only one who survived the Midwest Butcher. Her story isn’t an easy one, it’s full of emotion, heartache and pain with that comes her strength and resilience. She’s one of the strongest female main characters I have ever read and I think Tijan did an excellent job and wrote her story out beautifully. I felt so much for this girl!
Brett is someone Billie didn’t realise she needed in her life until they met at a TV station. They immediately connected and found they both had an attraction for each other. Brett is different from Billie. He has a very large personality that you can’t help but want to be around, but behind that personality is the trauma he’s gone through himself and somewhat is still trapped in a dark place but he’s doing everything he can to push himself to make a better life for himself and he has, but when his family is in danger, he will do anything to protect them.
This was a slow burn and I loved seeing the connection grow between these two as the story progressed. They had immediate attraction but it was more insta-lust, not insta-love so getting to read these two as they got to know each other and learn was such an amazing thing!
I’m not going to give too much of the story away, but I will say… expect the unexpected!
5 STARS!!
Billie has been through some dark things in her life, she survived being killed by a serial killer, and she was the only one who survived the Midwest Butcher. Her story isn’t an easy one, it’s full of emotion, heartache and pain with that comes her strength and resilience. She’s one of the strongest female main characters I have ever read and I think Tijan did an excellent job and wrote her story out beautifully. I felt so much for this girl!
Brett is someone Billie didn’t realise she needed in her life until they met at a TV station. They immediately connected and found they both had an attraction for each other. Brett is different from Billie. He has a very large personality that you can’t help but want to be around, but behind that personality is the trauma he’s gone through himself and somewhat is still trapped in a dark place but he’s doing everything he can to push himself to make a better life for himself and he has, but when his family is in danger, he will do anything to protect them.
This was a slow burn and I loved seeing the connection grow between these two as the story progressed. They had immediate attraction but it was more insta-lust, not insta-love so getting to read these two as they got to know each other and learn was such an amazing thing!
I’m not going to give too much of the story away, but I will say… expect the unexpected!
5 STARS!!
February 26, 2024
DNF at 53%. I can’t with this anymore. I give up. The writing is bad. Half of the shit I read was entirely unnecessary. The romance/sex scenes are boring and because of the poor writing, pretty cringe. The “plot” is so all over the place and I just don’t care. I don’t care about either of them. I don’t care about what’s maybe going on or drudging through all the boring and stupid to maybe finally get to something interesting. The most interesting thing was the fucking chickens. Yeah, I’m done.
February 9, 2024
My first official Tijan ‘DNF’
I am in shock at this but this was just not jelling for me. I did not feel this one at all! Sigh!
I am in shock at this but this was just not jelling for me. I did not feel this one at all! Sigh!
February 17, 2024
If you're a fan of Tijan and/or her Fallen Crest books or American football romance, then you might enjoy this. It was an okay read, despite being an insta-love (lust). The story was wild, but I got a little confused by some of the dialogue and the actions of the characters based on the dialogue; how did Brett know some guys were going to be trouble when one of the guys threw an arm around him in excitement? And then, what was Travis' deal? Creepy. Why was Lo so clingy to Billie (it seemed super possessive, bordering on stalkerish). I had a hard time understanding the plot around the bad guy...just huh? But, points for a Mason Kade and Sam appearance. The third star was for them, otherwise it would be a 2 star read.
My taste in books has changed so much since I first read Tijan back in 2020. It's wild, like if I went back and read the Fallen Crest books now, would I enjoy them at all??? Best not test that theory...I'd like to look back on those stories with fondness, you know? ✌
My taste in books has changed so much since I first read Tijan back in 2020. It's wild, like if I went back and read the Fallen Crest books now, would I enjoy them at all??? Best not test that theory...I'd like to look back on those stories with fondness, you know? ✌
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