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False Impressions
In this sequel to Pictures Don't Lie, Derek Landino is now committed to his new role as reigning monarch over the small, European microstate of Calina. Although he is happily engaged to the love of his life, Christine, he finds himself in a dangerous, politically corrupt environment plagued with a history of revolution, poverty, and assassination attempts.
Unknown to Derek, his precarious situation, which includes friction in his relationship as Christine struggles to adjust to her new life, is about to get even more complicated when he receives a call from his brother Nicola, who needs to urgently flee New York City.
Taking refuge in Calina under Derek's protection, Nicola takes his place as the prince by his brother's side. But, Nicola has always been spoiled and entitled, harboring resentment toward his successful brother. He is unwilling to put much effort into his new responsibilities; that is until he meets Taya Mariano. Taya is a highly motivated, a beautiful politician, and an elected member of the parliament of Calina. As Nicola navigates through the dark scheming world of Calina, he quickly finds himself at a crossroad. And the decision that he must make could place the woman he loves in mortal danger.
In this twisted tale of False Impressions, it isn't clear to see who is good and who is evil. Or, could some be guilty of both?
Unknown to Derek, his precarious situation, which includes friction in his relationship as Christine struggles to adjust to her new life, is about to get even more complicated when he receives a call from his brother Nicola, who needs to urgently flee New York City.
Taking refuge in Calina under Derek's protection, Nicola takes his place as the prince by his brother's side. But, Nicola has always been spoiled and entitled, harboring resentment toward his successful brother. He is unwilling to put much effort into his new responsibilities; that is until he meets Taya Mariano. Taya is a highly motivated, a beautiful politician, and an elected member of the parliament of Calina. As Nicola navigates through the dark scheming world of Calina, he quickly finds himself at a crossroad. And the decision that he must make could place the woman he loves in mortal danger.
In this twisted tale of False Impressions, it isn't clear to see who is good and who is evil. Or, could some be guilty of both?
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 14, 2024
Great read!
This story delves into the challenges of leadership, love, and loyalty as Derek Landino embraces his role as king of Calina. As he navigates a politically volatile environment and works to secure a future with his fiancée Christine, Derek’s life grows even more complicated when his troubled brother Nicola arrives, seeking refuge. Nicola’s journey is equally compelling as he evolves from a resentful, spoiled sibling into someone with newfound purpose, inspired by his attraction to the intelligent and ambitious politician Taya Mariano. With political intrigue, familial tension, and romance all woven together, this novel offers a captivating look at the costs of power, the risks of love, and the importance of family in a high-stakes, royal setting.
This story delves into the challenges of leadership, love, and loyalty as Derek Landino embraces his role as king of Calina. As he navigates a politically volatile environment and works to secure a future with his fiancée Christine, Derek’s life grows even more complicated when his troubled brother Nicola arrives, seeking refuge. Nicola’s journey is equally compelling as he evolves from a resentful, spoiled sibling into someone with newfound purpose, inspired by his attraction to the intelligent and ambitious politician Taya Mariano. With political intrigue, familial tension, and romance all woven together, this novel offers a captivating look at the costs of power, the risks of love, and the importance of family in a high-stakes, royal setting.
April 3, 2024
There is a quote by author and poet Michael Bassey Johnson that goes, “Those without an idea of who you are make you become what they think.” And when it comes to Ace Bryann’s thriller False Impressions, this quote couldn’t ring truer.
In an upscale club in New York, where socialites and celebrities schmooze with one another, we are introduced to the rather charming, resentful, and down-on-his-luck Nicola “Nic” Landino, who is still suffering from the loss of his birthright as the King of Calina a small, independent microstate nestled between Italy, France, and Switzerland, to his brother, Derek Landino. He is the former CEO of the illustrious Land Corp and the current King of Calina.
After swallowing his pride before his brother’s right-hand man, Gregory McKenzie to settle his bar tab, Nicola returns home to even worse news. He not only finds an eviction notice on the front door to his Manhattan penthouse but also finds himself at the end of a threatening call from a nefarious character.
With no other options and his life in danger, Nicola breaks down and calls his brother for help. However, this may be a blessing in disguise for the wayward prince of Calina. Meanwhile, we are reunited with the main pairing in Ace Bryann’s Pictures Don’t Lie, Derek Landino, and Christine Dayne, Derek’s fiancée, and future Queen of Calina still nursing their wounds from the conclusion of the previous novel.
Christine has been suffering from PTSD, terrors, sleepwalking, and severe anxiety over the events of the last novel to the point that despite her love for Derek, she can’t be near him as her attacks worsen in his presence. Derek knows that something is amiss with the love of his life, but waits for her to come to him regarding what she is hiding.
The novel has four main characters and therefore, two main pairings, and the dynamics between our two couples couldn’t be more different. While Derek and Christine’s relationship is rife with trauma from previous events, they show that they are loyal to one another and defend each other through thick and thin, which is a refreshing read.
On the other end, we have Nicola and Taya. On the surface, these two seem like the classic roguish playboy and serious girl in a “will-they-won’t they” situation. However, while they are in this dynamic, it’s due to their respective secrets versus anything else.
While the events of the story take place around the politics of Calina, the overarching plot of the story is how three of our four main characters are judged based on what others put upon them.
The author does a magnificent job of going deep into the country of Calina. As someone who enjoys lore, Calina was fascinating to me and the author goes into painstaking detail on their history, ideologies, languages, traditions, and food.
However, there is one aspect of Calina that the plot of the story circles around and actively affects the majority of characters in it. when Derek takes his place as the King, he becomes a target due to his desire to join the EU. Add in the sympathy some of the citizens feel regarding the very sensitive subject of Marco DeGrassi, and it’s a recipe for a dangerous plot, one that Enzo DeGrassi, the son of Marco DeGrassi, immediately begins.
The descriptions in the story are given in great detail. Special mention goes to the Landino palace as it was described so well, that I could envision myself roaming through the palace as if I were a tourist or a special guest.
The chemistry between the central couples is magnetic and the dynamic that each character have with one another is very well written. And of course, there are some steamy but tasteful moments within the novel that I feel were handled well. Readers will find themselves gripped by this story until the finale where the author leaves space for a potential continuation.
While this book can be read on its own as the author does a great job filling the reader in on the events of the previous book, I would advise reading Pictures Don’t Lie to save on some confusion regarding certain characters and events.
Romance lovers will enjoy False Impressions as a worthy addition to any physical or digital bookcase. False Impressions earns a solid recommendation from me. – Elijah B
In an upscale club in New York, where socialites and celebrities schmooze with one another, we are introduced to the rather charming, resentful, and down-on-his-luck Nicola “Nic” Landino, who is still suffering from the loss of his birthright as the King of Calina a small, independent microstate nestled between Italy, France, and Switzerland, to his brother, Derek Landino. He is the former CEO of the illustrious Land Corp and the current King of Calina.
After swallowing his pride before his brother’s right-hand man, Gregory McKenzie to settle his bar tab, Nicola returns home to even worse news. He not only finds an eviction notice on the front door to his Manhattan penthouse but also finds himself at the end of a threatening call from a nefarious character.
With no other options and his life in danger, Nicola breaks down and calls his brother for help. However, this may be a blessing in disguise for the wayward prince of Calina. Meanwhile, we are reunited with the main pairing in Ace Bryann’s Pictures Don’t Lie, Derek Landino, and Christine Dayne, Derek’s fiancée, and future Queen of Calina still nursing their wounds from the conclusion of the previous novel.
Christine has been suffering from PTSD, terrors, sleepwalking, and severe anxiety over the events of the last novel to the point that despite her love for Derek, she can’t be near him as her attacks worsen in his presence. Derek knows that something is amiss with the love of his life, but waits for her to come to him regarding what she is hiding.
The novel has four main characters and therefore, two main pairings, and the dynamics between our two couples couldn’t be more different. While Derek and Christine’s relationship is rife with trauma from previous events, they show that they are loyal to one another and defend each other through thick and thin, which is a refreshing read.
On the other end, we have Nicola and Taya. On the surface, these two seem like the classic roguish playboy and serious girl in a “will-they-won’t they” situation. However, while they are in this dynamic, it’s due to their respective secrets versus anything else.
While the events of the story take place around the politics of Calina, the overarching plot of the story is how three of our four main characters are judged based on what others put upon them.
The author does a magnificent job of going deep into the country of Calina. As someone who enjoys lore, Calina was fascinating to me and the author goes into painstaking detail on their history, ideologies, languages, traditions, and food.
However, there is one aspect of Calina that the plot of the story circles around and actively affects the majority of characters in it. when Derek takes his place as the King, he becomes a target due to his desire to join the EU. Add in the sympathy some of the citizens feel regarding the very sensitive subject of Marco DeGrassi, and it’s a recipe for a dangerous plot, one that Enzo DeGrassi, the son of Marco DeGrassi, immediately begins.
The descriptions in the story are given in great detail. Special mention goes to the Landino palace as it was described so well, that I could envision myself roaming through the palace as if I were a tourist or a special guest.
The chemistry between the central couples is magnetic and the dynamic that each character have with one another is very well written. And of course, there are some steamy but tasteful moments within the novel that I feel were handled well. Readers will find themselves gripped by this story until the finale where the author leaves space for a potential continuation.
While this book can be read on its own as the author does a great job filling the reader in on the events of the previous book, I would advise reading Pictures Don’t Lie to save on some confusion regarding certain characters and events.
Romance lovers will enjoy False Impressions as a worthy addition to any physical or digital bookcase. False Impressions earns a solid recommendation from me. – Elijah B
December 8, 2024
Ace Bryann’s [i]False Impressions[/i] is a gripping blend of political intrigue, family drama, and romance set in the microstate of Calina. The story follows Derek Landino, a young monarch navigating the complexities of rebuilding his country while managing political opposition and personal conflicts. His progressive push for Calina’s EU entry divides the nation, with some seeing it as a path to freedom and others as a threat to the monarchy.
Derek's personal life is equally complicated. His engagement to Christine, an American who saved his life, is met with mixed reactions—some admire her bravery, while others view her as a foreign influence. Their relationship, forged through trauma, is emotional and poignant. Meanwhile, the developing bond between Derek’s younger brother, Nic, and Tanya, a member of parliament, adds further layers of tension. Their secret connection, complicated by political danger and the weight of royal expectations, threatens both the monarchy and the stability of the country.
The novel’s antagonist, Enzo DiGrassi, works behind the scenes to destabilize Derek’s reign, fueling political unrest and creating a constant sense of danger. Bryann masterfully balances political drama with deeply emotional and personal storylines. The emotional depth of Derek and Christine’s relationship, along with the evolving connection between Nic and Tanya, adds richness to the narrative, complementing the political drama without overshadowing it.
[i]False Impressions[/i] is a fast-paced, dramatic romance novel, with a well-crafted plot that keeps readers invested in the complex relationships and political machinations. The personal stakes—love, loyalty, betrayal—intertwine with the broader political conflict, making this a compelling and unmissable read.
[i]Content Warning:[/i] This novel contains a single scene with sexually explicit content. Reader discretion is advised.
Derek's personal life is equally complicated. His engagement to Christine, an American who saved his life, is met with mixed reactions—some admire her bravery, while others view her as a foreign influence. Their relationship, forged through trauma, is emotional and poignant. Meanwhile, the developing bond between Derek’s younger brother, Nic, and Tanya, a member of parliament, adds further layers of tension. Their secret connection, complicated by political danger and the weight of royal expectations, threatens both the monarchy and the stability of the country.
The novel’s antagonist, Enzo DiGrassi, works behind the scenes to destabilize Derek’s reign, fueling political unrest and creating a constant sense of danger. Bryann masterfully balances political drama with deeply emotional and personal storylines. The emotional depth of Derek and Christine’s relationship, along with the evolving connection between Nic and Tanya, adds richness to the narrative, complementing the political drama without overshadowing it.
[i]False Impressions[/i] is a fast-paced, dramatic romance novel, with a well-crafted plot that keeps readers invested in the complex relationships and political machinations. The personal stakes—love, loyalty, betrayal—intertwine with the broader political conflict, making this a compelling and unmissable read.
[i]Content Warning:[/i] This novel contains a single scene with sexually explicit content. Reader discretion is advised.
November 30, 2024
A Thrilling Tale of Power, Betrayal, and Redemption
False Impressions is a triumph of storytelling, offering a gripping blend of romance, suspense, and political drama. Derek Landino’s struggles as a monarch and Nicola’s journey toward redemption are compelling enough on their own, but it’s the interplay between these arcs and the novel’s broader themes that truly elevate the story. Taya Mariano’s enigmatic presence adds another layer of intrigue, making her a character readers won’t soon forget.
It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with a twist of political thriller. Ace Bryann has once again proven himself a master of his craft, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
False Impressions is a triumph of storytelling, offering a gripping blend of romance, suspense, and political drama. Derek Landino’s struggles as a monarch and Nicola’s journey toward redemption are compelling enough on their own, but it’s the interplay between these arcs and the novel’s broader themes that truly elevate the story. Taya Mariano’s enigmatic presence adds another layer of intrigue, making her a character readers won’t soon forget.
It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with a twist of political thriller. Ace Bryann has once again proven himself a master of his craft, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
March 13, 2025
Suspenseful
From the first page to the last, False Impressions keeps readers on edge with its dynamic mix of romance, suspense, and political drama. Assassination plots, family betrayals, and high-stakes decisions make this book impossible to put down.
The chemistry between the characters, especially Nicola and Taya, adds depth to an already riveting story. Ace Bryann proves once again why he’s a master of the genre, delivering twists that will leave you breathless. Highly recommended!
From the first page to the last, False Impressions keeps readers on edge with its dynamic mix of romance, suspense, and political drama. Assassination plots, family betrayals, and high-stakes decisions make this book impossible to put down.
The chemistry between the characters, especially Nicola and Taya, adds depth to an already riveting story. Ace Bryann proves once again why he’s a master of the genre, delivering twists that will leave you breathless. Highly recommended!
November 13, 2024
An intense thriller romance
Despite not reading the first book in this series, I was immediately drawn in by the lush descriptions and the intense characters. This book plopped me down into the world of royalty and the drama-filled actions of the people trying to overcome challenges while pursuing their lives. I liked it, may read the first one, and certainly am looking forward to the next book.
Despite not reading the first book in this series, I was immediately drawn in by the lush descriptions and the intense characters. This book plopped me down into the world of royalty and the drama-filled actions of the people trying to overcome challenges while pursuing their lives. I liked it, may read the first one, and certainly am looking forward to the next book.
April 14, 2024
This book was so good!!! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This storyline kept me on my toes throughout the entire book. The ending left me shook! 1000/10 recommend!
October 16, 2024
A whirlwind story of voter fraud, murder, organized crime and romance. A non-stop rollercoaster of a book that will hold your attention with every page.
April 5, 2025
The power struggle and betrayal themes were good and the author had a decent writing style. You should give it a go.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews