Sometimes, in a world of infinite possibilities, you are lucky enough to find your soulmate…
Izzy
I found my soulmate at only eight years old. Of course, I didn’t realize it then, I just knew he was my very best friend. When he gave me my first kiss, I could have easily gifted him my heart right there and then. However, after promising me his love, he abandoned me, leaving me to face my demons all alone. Years of building a wall around my heart passed by before he decided to seek me out again. By then, it was too late; I had already lost the part of me he once knew.
Theo
Families are complicated; you could say I’m living proof of that. You see, I’m adopted, so when I found my soulmate, I didn’t let the fact that she was my cousin stop me from falling for her just that little bit more each day. However, just as we found love, we were forced apart by an ocean. An ocean and so much more. By the time I could get back to her, she had already moved on, leaving me devastated. The years passed by, but I never forgot her; how could I? So, now I’ve returned to claim back the girl who should have been mine. The trouble is, I’m not sure that girl exists anymore.
You'd think being a writer, I would find this an easy feat, but talking about myself always leaves me a little stumped. So, I beg for your forgiveness when I attempt to give you a little bit of waffle about me. I'm a mother, wife and primary school teacher, who has found a passion for reading and writing. It's become so addictive I no longer watch TV, instead I get lost in alternative realities and frequently lie awake in the middle of the night with random ideas for what to put my characters through next. Music is often my muse but I also love to include real life experiences in my books. I want people to be able to relate to my characters and to know that they're not the only ones to go through certain difficulties, anxieties or embarrassing situations. I like to think my stories are different from one another, some being romantic comedies whilst others are full of suspense. Hopefully you agree and will enjoy getting lost inside of my head for a while. My serving suggestion is to indulge with a side dish of something sweet, something comfy and where possible, a golden retriever to curl up next to.
Ok. What. A. Ride. I'm sure Taylor puts crack into her words as all I seem to do is eat her stories up. Where to start?! Izzy - this girl. My hurt heart so bad for her. She was so brave and courageous. She went through so much but fought to come out the other side. Theo was also so perfect. His care for Izzy melted my cold heart. Together they are everything. And deserve all the love and care. As usual a few twists and turns chucked in for good measure. Such a heartbreakingly beautiful book.
Great start to a new series! The author brings strong characters in Izzy and Theo and takes you into their lives with a best friends to love in this heartbreaking story. She deals with abuse, trauma and a ton of emotions in realistic fashion. It's well written with descriptive scenes, moves fluidly and is a terrific read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
The book is a great start to the new series. It kept me so engrossed but disturbed at the same time that I had to force myself to take breaks. The story is beautifully written, although I'm not usually a big fan of FOV and present tense books. The most upsetting scenes are written as flashbacks and in epistolary form. The author knows how to build up the suspense with expected and unexpected twists and turns and maintain it until the end. This is one of those books where you have an inkling of what might happen and hope to the last that you're wrong. I would recommend that all interested readers read the trigger warnings and take them seriously. The story is disturbing, heart-wrenching and heartwarming all in one, a real whirlwind of emotions. The main characters are wonderfully developed and very likeable. I particularly liked the deep bond between them.
As an unwanted child, Izzy was neglected by her parents, abused by her brother and humiliated and bullied by her older sister. The only people she ever loved were her grandmother and her cousin Theo, who was also her best friend and childhood crush. To protect and defend herself, she always behaved rudely and quick-tempered. And she still does this as an adult. She suppresses any kind of emotion and seeks out danger. She hides behind a mask of indifference and doesn't allow herself to be vulnerable.
Theo was adopted by his parents as a baby and is devastated when his family moves to England. A typical handsome Californian sunny boy, he is disgusted by his English relatives, with the exception of his grandmother and his fiery younger cousin Izzy, who becomes his soulmate and with whom he falls in love. Unfortunately, he can't help her, and when his family returns to America, he has to leave her to her fate. Years later, they meet again at her sister's wedding, and her grandmother makes them a proposition: if they fake an engagement for six months and live together, they will inherit her entire fortune. Theo could never forget Izzy and is still in love with her, but the walls she has erected, are insurmountable and she may never be able to trust anyone again…
There are so many amazing things about this book that I struggle with where to begin.
Let's start with the tropes and a friendly nudge to check your trigger warnings.
•Forbidden Love •Second Chance Romance •Who hurt you?
Normally, I give background on the setup in a review, but this story is so well laid out that I couldn't do it justice; it's worth just diving in and getting to it. But I will do my best!
Theo and Izzy are cousins who met when they were 10 and 8 years old, respectively. Theo's adopted and is moving from America to England because of his father and uncle's business. He's devastated about it and really doesn't know his extended family all that well, but he knows enough to find them largely unpleasant.
Izzy is the black sheep. From a young age, her family does not understand or appreciate her. She finds refuge in Nonna, and eventually Theo. Izzy and Theo grow together through adolescence, forging a wonderful friendship. They are soulmates, and when they finally come together, things explode. Theo was set to return to the States before that, and when it comes down to it, he promises to come back for her.
Theo does come back, but it's been 12 years. Can they really bridge that gap and find what they used to have together? What happened in the time in between?
This is a beautiful, devastating, twisted love story. The characters jump off the page, and with every twist and turn they experience, your heart truly aches. I loved every minute of this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The start to the Reawakened series where their past dictated their future and their path, yet it also seemed to bring them full circle. Izzy and Theo grew up together from the moment they met. They knew they belonged with each other even at a young age, barely able to understand what soulmates were, but they knew they belonged with one another. They were happy until he disappeared leaving her behind never to hear a word from him ever again and that broke her. Theo was adopted grew learning that Izzy was his cousin but even knowing his heart couldn’t understand why or what happened so he does the only thing he knows that will bring him a little peace heads back to find his girl twelve years later. Izzy has been through so much considering her family didn’t like her, so they abused her among other stuff she goes through making you want to reach through the pages giving her a huge hug telling her to hold on her time is coming. Theo never stopped loving her or trying to get back to her by the time he does he realizes she isn’t the girl he left behind but small parts of her are still present and he is willing to love any/all parts of her but will she accept him, will she forgive him, will she understand why he didn’t come for her, can they build something from what was left and can they find happiness again?
Theo and Izzy have a deep connection since they were children and are almost inseparable. Yet circumstances keep them apart for years and through that time, Izzy faces harrowing circumstances. This story definitely is one about healing and overcoming the odds, as we steadily piece together the story and see how our characters come to terms with the challenges facing them and the struggles that they overcome. Izzy is definitely a strong person here because despite the difficulties that befall her, she still manages to open her heart to others and find solace. She might not forgive but she moves on to embrace her relationship with Theo. We must also applaud Theo who proves he will never stop loving her and be the pillar that she needs. He is protective and sincere. Shout out as well to cute pup Stella, for her bravery and loyalty to our couple. We also meet several side characters, some who play large roles in shaping the couple’s story, either for better or for worse. Overall, this was another engaging read by this author. She does a great job exploring her characters and bringing you on a journey with them as they grow and find their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'd describe this book as a modern-day Cinderella, except her glass slipper is a chaotic mess of real life, and Prince Charming didn't return when she needed him most, therefore she had to try to save herself and survive. Brace yourself for a cocktail of love, heartbreak, and the kind of shocks that will have you mentally shouting at Izzy's family. Shout I did, and I think when you have these mental arguments, that's a sign of a good book and characters that have stuck with you. Her family is dreadful, but Izzy's reactions are portrayed with genuine honesty, showing her external resilience and internal struggle.
There's an unexpected plot twist towards the end that really caught me off guard, adding a delightful surprise to what you might initially think is the reason behind her family's hatred of her. The characters grow and change in ways that are as compelling as they are relatable.
Let me leave you with a quote that's as straightforward as it is heart-wrenching: “His bluntness is enough to have me laughing out loud, and I remember how much I love him for his ability to make me feel this good. I’ve missed him so much over the years, even if he did forget about me.”
I’d recommend this book and other books this author has written. Another great one to add to the shelf.
☆☆☆☆.☆ Star rating. I went into this book with very little idea what I would be reading about. I found the author to have done a great job with the plots and storyline as a whole. My favorite character in the book is Nona. You have the main characters, Theo and Izzy, plus the characters such as mom, dad, siblings.
It took me longer to finish this book due to my health but I'm glad I was provided with the opportunity to read this authors written artwork. You will go through an emotional rollercoaster. So many times I wanted to yell at Izzy to just speak up, then as each plot passes and things are revealed, I hated just about every supporting character. This book will have you feeling so many emotions and will break your heart over and over.
No worries though, my one spoiler...there is a HEA ending, so read on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ms Scott writes stories that are full of emotion, with characters that have suffered trauma or unthinkable acts in their pasts and presents and Chase is no different, it will tear you apart as you are gripped tight from start to finish, immersed in Izzy and Theo's story, before putting the pieces back together and leaving you in a hopeful place. Theo is adopted by Francis and Wyatt, his parents who together cannot have children. Izzy is the daughter of Wyatt 's brother Craig, and when they first meet, him ten years old, her eight, their destiny together is forged. Their story is heartbreaking as it unfolds, the depth of hate and betrayal Izzy is surrounded by in her immediate family and the missed opportunities to reunite with Theo. That their beloved Grandmother brings them back together, providing the love and support Izzy especially needs, brings light, as does Izzy and Theo 's relationship, into the darkness of her past. Gripping, sad, shocking, and hopeful, a great read.
Iam a big fan of this Author and we have a new series .and this book is the first one and it's so good. It's a very emotional read. Izzy has the most horrible life as a child her parents are snobs, and her brother and sister are horrible to her. Then everything changes her cousin Theo and her aunt and uncle move to the London from America so Izzy and Theo become best friends he hates the way she is treated their grandmother is the only one that shows Izzy any affection now Theo and Izzy are not blood cousins as Theo is adopted and the young boy and girl have feelings for each other but sadly. Theo has to go back to America. And leaves a very heartbroken Izzy. Even as she grows older the bullying and violence gets worse. And then Theo is back. Can they make it? an amazing read but have the tissues ready
Instantly I remember why I love Taylor’s books from the first page, she has a wonderful way of drawing you in and I could easily have read this in 24hrs. Beautifully written making you want to turn the pages well into the night.
Theo and Izzy are cousins but Theo was adopted by Izzy’s aunt and uncle so they are not blood cousins and their relationship developed from a beautiful friendship to something much much more but Izzy has always been the black sheep of her family and is treated terribly by them and when Theo leaves to go back to America her life takes an awful turn and they don’t meet back up until years later when Izzy is broken and is no longer the girl Theo used to know.
Izzy and Theo’s love story in place is hard to read so please check the trigger warnings if you have any triggers but their HEA is so worth while! And Nonna is the most beautiful side character!
Izzy had a tough life with her family and the abuse shebsiffered in silence, her only solace was Theo her adopted cousin. But when Theo and his family move across the ocean Izzys life spiral more, now years on Theos back and he wont break his promise a second time he will protect her. Well writtenthebstory is hard with emotions and trauma your heart breaks for Izzy, woth dark themes desires and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Taylor is honestly one of my most favourite authors. Her style of writing and characters are just always amazing. This book follows the heartbreaking, beautiful, tender love story between Theo and Izzy. What an absolute roller coaster of a ride, with surprising twists and turns along the way. This is just a fantastic read that l didn't want to end. Please note check trigger warnings ⚠️ before reading as it deals with some sensitive subjects. If l could give it more stars l would. MUST READ 📚
After being seperated from each other for over 10 years, Theo is back to finally get the girl that he had to leave behind but so much has been happened since the last time he saw his soul mate. It was beautifully written and there's a lot of trauma to unpack and for the both of them to unravel the damage that was done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first in a new series, and this is Theo and Izzy’s story. This is a well written story which is an action packed, emotional roller coaster, with soulmates, vulnerability, family, friendships, suspense, intrigue, challenges, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, unpredictable, haunting, twisted, and steamy, heartwarming page turner. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What an emotional read. I loved Theo and Izzy. Izzy despite having a horrible home life is still such a bright and funny character. Theo returns after leaving her 10 years ago ready to win her back. I loved reading about these two and how he would do anything to protect her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The storyline is so good!! Once I started reading about Izzy and Theo, I had a hard time putting the book down. I don't want to provide any spoilers but my heart definitely broke for Izzy. I would recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first story in the Reawakened series, Izzy and Theo's story. A great start to the series, it is well written with strong characters and held my interest. I want to read the next story. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, there is a lot here. The twists and ot definition are incredible. I loved it. I will say it has a few dark concepts but it's not detailed. Loved this! It will hit you in the feels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This made my heart heart for Izzy - story of heartbreak, loss, hurt and betrayal by those who are supposed to love you but also of love and strength. Well written I couldn’t put it down.
Theo and Izzy are a couple who overcome some of the worst that life throws at you. Their relationship can be seen as forbidden because of their family but yet they have always had a connection since an early age and even when their lives go their separate ways they have never lost that love for one another.
Taylor K Scott is an author that I recommend you read and yes check triggers because she does tackle those subjects. My heart literally bursts when I read her work and yes my eyes cry too!
Was definitely a page turner, the story was both funny and sad at times, definitely might need some tissues. Glad it all work out in the end, because izzy sure went through alot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.