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Undertow
I’m a poet and a killer.
A hero and a traitor.
I’m their greatest weapon, their prince, and their prisoner.
Trapped in a life I never wanted, I’ve now been thrust into a war that isn’t mine.
For generations, the McArthur and Hartford crime families have feuded over control of a strategic island off the Florida coast. I’ve been sent in to seduce our rival’s daughter and take them down once and for all.
It should have been an easy assignment. I’ve spent my life being groomed for this.
But when our love becomes real, the danger turns deadly.
Because my life is not my own.
Everything about me is a lie.
From the day I was born, I’ve known my tortured story
will be told in blood.
UNDERTOW is a gripping dark romantic suspense standalone, filled with angst, twists, and the raw, honest poetry of being human.
Please this book contains scenes of violence and peril.
A hero and a traitor.
I’m their greatest weapon, their prince, and their prisoner.
Trapped in a life I never wanted, I’ve now been thrust into a war that isn’t mine.
For generations, the McArthur and Hartford crime families have feuded over control of a strategic island off the Florida coast. I’ve been sent in to seduce our rival’s daughter and take them down once and for all.
It should have been an easy assignment. I’ve spent my life being groomed for this.
But when our love becomes real, the danger turns deadly.
Because my life is not my own.
Everything about me is a lie.
From the day I was born, I’ve known my tortured story
will be told in blood.
UNDERTOW is a gripping dark romantic suspense standalone, filled with angst, twists, and the raw, honest poetry of being human.
Please this book contains scenes of violence and peril.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2024
27 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Aly Stiles
37 books506 followersLove. Laugh. Cry.
From angsty and dark to snort-laugh funny, Aly writes romance from her soul to yours.
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From angsty and dark to snort-laugh funny, Aly writes romance from her soul to yours.
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Follow:
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Facebook >> https://www.facebook.com/authoralysti...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 5, 2024
Powerful and raw. This masterpiece by Aly Stiles left me stunned and a bit breathless. Poetry on every page explores pain in all its forms along with the beauty of finding the one person who can see the real you behind all the ugly you’ve been forced to wear.
One of my favorite quotes: “Hope. It’s a foreign land with a rising tide and I’ve stumbled upon it as a castaway, but a moment to breathe feels like resurrection when you’ve spent your whole life underwater.”
Dark, broody, mafia romance at its very best. A 5-star, highly recommend from me.
One of my favorite quotes: “Hope. It’s a foreign land with a rising tide and I’ve stumbled upon it as a castaway, but a moment to breathe feels like resurrection when you’ve spent your whole life underwater.”
Dark, broody, mafia romance at its very best. A 5-star, highly recommend from me.
July 8, 2024
Wow! What did I just read!
Mesmerizing, haunting, a story filled with immense pain and beauty.
Aly has always delivered us novels with characters dealing with troubled pasts and tons of angst! Complicated love stories are her favorite forte, but Shaw and Julie are a level above.
Shaw is a tortured anti hero , a morally gray man a product of his grim reality. A mask hiding his true inner light.
Julia is a pawn in a complicated and dangerous family. She is also hiding behind her role.
Their love story is surely not a fairy tale written in the stars, more like written in the Scars.
What unfolds is a tale filled with danger, intrigue, passion and love set amongst a backdrop of a deceptive paradise.
This book has a brilliant raw beauty in its words and poetry by Aly and her contributing muse Julian Green. Seamlessly dropping you into Shaw's inner soul the poetry and prose of this novel takes your experience as the reader to new heights.
If you loved Camden Walker, Limelight and NSB by Aly, Undertow is going to be your next favorite suspense filled read!
I highly recommend it.
5 STARS!!
Mesmerizing, haunting, a story filled with immense pain and beauty.
Aly has always delivered us novels with characters dealing with troubled pasts and tons of angst! Complicated love stories are her favorite forte, but Shaw and Julie are a level above.
Shaw is a tortured anti hero , a morally gray man a product of his grim reality. A mask hiding his true inner light.
Julia is a pawn in a complicated and dangerous family. She is also hiding behind her role.
Their love story is surely not a fairy tale written in the stars, more like written in the Scars.
What unfolds is a tale filled with danger, intrigue, passion and love set amongst a backdrop of a deceptive paradise.
This book has a brilliant raw beauty in its words and poetry by Aly and her contributing muse Julian Green. Seamlessly dropping you into Shaw's inner soul the poetry and prose of this novel takes your experience as the reader to new heights.
If you loved Camden Walker, Limelight and NSB by Aly, Undertow is going to be your next favorite suspense filled read!
I highly recommend it.
5 STARS!!
July 7, 2024
This is a dark, powerful, romantic suspense. Shaw is a tortured soul born into a life of deceit, violence, and corruption. His life is not his own. Julia Hartford is his target, but he did not anticipate having real feelings for her. They both were manipulating and using each other for their own reasons. Julia is smart and calculated. This book reminds you that what one sees on the outside isn’t always the same as what is on the inside. This book was very well written and was a page-turner. This was my first book by Aly Stiles, but I’m sure it won’t be the last.
August 5, 2024
things that happen in the dark, always come to light
I could not put this book down.
I Tried to, only to be haunted by the NEED to pick it back up and finish it.
Shaws character is hard but raw. His soul tortured and desperate to just be allowed to want something. Anything. He’s a pawn in A story set amongst power hungry families and the cartel, on an island with no way off, violence and destruction the expected reaction to any action.
Shaw finds hope in unlikely places. But hope is a deadly thing in his world.
I loved loved loved this book!
That’s all I can really say. Loved it!
I could not put this book down.
I Tried to, only to be haunted by the NEED to pick it back up and finish it.
Shaws character is hard but raw. His soul tortured and desperate to just be allowed to want something. Anything. He’s a pawn in A story set amongst power hungry families and the cartel, on an island with no way off, violence and destruction the expected reaction to any action.
Shaw finds hope in unlikely places. But hope is a deadly thing in his world.
I loved loved loved this book!
That’s all I can really say. Loved it!
July 12, 2024
I started reading Undertow one night and finished at 6:00 am the next morning. I was literally Up.All.Night. This story is as dark and gorgeous as its cover. Aly Stiles' writing is exquisite. Julian Greene's poetry is deeply evocative. The prose and poetry combine seamlessly to create the most beautiful flow. The plot of Undertow is intricate and well-planned with flawless execution. I had a hard time interrupting my reading to do even the most necessary tasks.
This novel is expressed from a singular point-of-view by its main character, Shaw. He is a true artist whose medium is the written word. Trapped in a violent and unforgiving world, he must rely on his personality and agile intelligence to survive. Undertow is the story of his life in a society ruled by mafioso and gangs.
On this dark stage, Shaw meets another unique artistic being. Their connection is perfectly pure. They are both collectors of unique and intangible objects whose soul-deep connection gives them the courage to up-end their corrupt circumstances and reach for something more. The existence of one depends completely on the other. Their survival lurks in the balance of quick thinking and measured truths.
I love the sublte murky layers that are the base of Undertow and its multi-faceted, strong-willed characters. This book lands among my favorites that Aly Stiles has written. It is so different, but still emotional and angsty as only Aly does. The haunting trecherous journey that Shaw navigates pulled me in from the opening lines and refused to release me until I read the very last word. Undertow is unique and marvelous. It has made its home on my list of all-time favorite reads.
This novel is expressed from a singular point-of-view by its main character, Shaw. He is a true artist whose medium is the written word. Trapped in a violent and unforgiving world, he must rely on his personality and agile intelligence to survive. Undertow is the story of his life in a society ruled by mafioso and gangs.
On this dark stage, Shaw meets another unique artistic being. Their connection is perfectly pure. They are both collectors of unique and intangible objects whose soul-deep connection gives them the courage to up-end their corrupt circumstances and reach for something more. The existence of one depends completely on the other. Their survival lurks in the balance of quick thinking and measured truths.
I love the sublte murky layers that are the base of Undertow and its multi-faceted, strong-willed characters. This book lands among my favorites that Aly Stiles has written. It is so different, but still emotional and angsty as only Aly does. The haunting trecherous journey that Shaw navigates pulled me in from the opening lines and refused to release me until I read the very last word. Undertow is unique and marvelous. It has made its home on my list of all-time favorite reads.
July 2, 2024
The wait is worth it for this story!! I remember when Aly mentioned she was writing this book, and I am so glad that she published this beauty.
Undertow is raw, gritty, angsty, suspenful, beautiful, heartbreaking, and everything in between. Aly is a very talented author who can evoke so many emotions while reading her stories. I love it when she gives us a darker side of her creativity!!
One of my favorite things about this book is the way it is written in only Shaw's POV.
Shaw is a complex character, and he will dig deep and make you feel so many emotions. Your heart will break for the man. I am still trying to get my feelings straight after this book! I loved the dynamics between the characters.
I am so in love with this story! The poetry in this book is beautiful and a great edition to the story.
Undertow is raw, gritty, angsty, suspenful, beautiful, heartbreaking, and everything in between. Aly is a very talented author who can evoke so many emotions while reading her stories. I love it when she gives us a darker side of her creativity!!
One of my favorite things about this book is the way it is written in only Shaw's POV.
Shaw is a complex character, and he will dig deep and make you feel so many emotions. Your heart will break for the man. I am still trying to get my feelings straight after this book! I loved the dynamics between the characters.
I am so in love with this story! The poetry in this book is beautiful and a great edition to the story.
August 14, 2024
When Aly first told me about "Undertow", I was both curious and scared. Curious, because it was way out of my comfort zone and scared... For exact same reason. I'm not a dark romance type of reader. I'm bored with mafia/gangs. Before "Undertow", I read only one book in this topic that kept my interest and it was a YA 😅 But I trust Aly. I trust her words. And oh boy, if all dark romances with mafia in the background were written so well, I'd become an avid dark romance reader.
We meet Roman Shaw when he's deep in trouble. At some point it seems like he always is in some kind of trouble. A tool. Not really a person because no human being should be treated the way he is. He's trapped since the day he was born. And there was only one person in the world who truly cared for him. For this one person he is willing to give up everything, even his life.
"Undertow" introduce us to a chaos of gang war where no one can be the true winner at the end. Not without any loss. Shaw is forced into it and choosing a side will not be easy when both can end up bad. But everything would be easier if he didn't meet this one woman who destroyes all his boundaries. Their love story will cost blood.
I love how Aly creates her characters. Shaw is a layers upon layers of layers. He's so complex. He's an artist but not the kind with head in the clouds. His mind is as sharp as his words. On top of everything he is a surviver. Not by luck. Only by sacrifice.
Then there's Julia. She's a right partner for Shaw to keep up with him. She's so much more than a pretty face. I loved her strength and intelligence but also a deep empathy for someone who grew up in these circumstances.
If someone told me that you can weave in a mafia dark romance some poetry, I would have laughed. I would have if it wasn't a book by the Aly Stiles I know and love. Shaw's poetry added so much value to this book, especially at the end. I couldn't stop myself from crying.
And then there are plot twists. Or rather PLOT TWISTS because these were major one. It does not happen often that I'm caught by surprise like that. Well done, Aly!
If you are a dark romance reader, I highly recommend "Undertow". If you're not, I still recommend giving it a try because it's not a typical dark romance nor a typical mafia romance. It is just... So much more than that.
We meet Roman Shaw when he's deep in trouble. At some point it seems like he always is in some kind of trouble. A tool. Not really a person because no human being should be treated the way he is. He's trapped since the day he was born. And there was only one person in the world who truly cared for him. For this one person he is willing to give up everything, even his life.
"Undertow" introduce us to a chaos of gang war where no one can be the true winner at the end. Not without any loss. Shaw is forced into it and choosing a side will not be easy when both can end up bad. But everything would be easier if he didn't meet this one woman who destroyes all his boundaries. Their love story will cost blood.
I love how Aly creates her characters. Shaw is a layers upon layers of layers. He's so complex. He's an artist but not the kind with head in the clouds. His mind is as sharp as his words. On top of everything he is a surviver. Not by luck. Only by sacrifice.
Then there's Julia. She's a right partner for Shaw to keep up with him. She's so much more than a pretty face. I loved her strength and intelligence but also a deep empathy for someone who grew up in these circumstances.
If someone told me that you can weave in a mafia dark romance some poetry, I would have laughed. I would have if it wasn't a book by the Aly Stiles I know and love. Shaw's poetry added so much value to this book, especially at the end. I couldn't stop myself from crying.
And then there are plot twists. Or rather PLOT TWISTS because these were major one. It does not happen often that I'm caught by surprise like that. Well done, Aly!
If you are a dark romance reader, I highly recommend "Undertow". If you're not, I still recommend giving it a try because it's not a typical dark romance nor a typical mafia romance. It is just... So much more than that.
July 2, 2024
Where do I start?
I honestly don't read a lot of romantic suspense. Not because I don't like it, but because my anxiety just sometimes can't handle it. This book is definitely suspenseful and it had my heart racing.
Shaw was born into a life that he never wanted, but there is no escape. There is a war brewing between two rival families and Shaw is the McArthur's greatest weapon. His mission should be simple: seduce the rival family's daughter and take them down. It should be easy since Shaw has been trained for this his entire life, but he wasn't planning on falling in love with his target. Once true feelings are involved, this dangerous game turns deadly.
As with all of this author's books, Undertow is a beautifully raw work of art. The poetry of Julian Greene is interspersed throughout this story and the dark beauty of his words add another layer to the grittiness of this book.
There are so many twists and turns as Shaw struggles to keep his head above water, some that I suspected and others that I never saw coming. My heart broke for Shaw again and again, and I found myself on the edge of my seat and gripping tight to my Kindle so many times at his suffering and uncertainty.
This is not a story for the faint of heart. There are definite triggers in this story as it is a dark and violent tale at times. In the darkness though, there is beauty. This is a beautiful story of resilience, forgiveness and love.
Much like the poetry that is scattered throughout these pages, the ending of this book could very much be left to interpretation. While it does end...there is not really a cliffhanger here...I personally found myself frantically searching for another page. I just needed more as I read that last line...an extended epilogue, a bonus chapter...anything to give me a little bit more of Shaw's story. I just wasn't ready for it to end.
This is definitely one of those books that I'll keep thinking about for a long time to come.
I honestly don't read a lot of romantic suspense. Not because I don't like it, but because my anxiety just sometimes can't handle it. This book is definitely suspenseful and it had my heart racing.
Shaw was born into a life that he never wanted, but there is no escape. There is a war brewing between two rival families and Shaw is the McArthur's greatest weapon. His mission should be simple: seduce the rival family's daughter and take them down. It should be easy since Shaw has been trained for this his entire life, but he wasn't planning on falling in love with his target. Once true feelings are involved, this dangerous game turns deadly.
As with all of this author's books, Undertow is a beautifully raw work of art. The poetry of Julian Greene is interspersed throughout this story and the dark beauty of his words add another layer to the grittiness of this book.
There are so many twists and turns as Shaw struggles to keep his head above water, some that I suspected and others that I never saw coming. My heart broke for Shaw again and again, and I found myself on the edge of my seat and gripping tight to my Kindle so many times at his suffering and uncertainty.
This is not a story for the faint of heart. There are definite triggers in this story as it is a dark and violent tale at times. In the darkness though, there is beauty. This is a beautiful story of resilience, forgiveness and love.
Much like the poetry that is scattered throughout these pages, the ending of this book could very much be left to interpretation. While it does end...there is not really a cliffhanger here...I personally found myself frantically searching for another page. I just needed more as I read that last line...an extended epilogue, a bonus chapter...anything to give me a little bit more of Shaw's story. I just wasn't ready for it to end.
This is definitely one of those books that I'll keep thinking about for a long time to come.
July 15, 2024
" You know that moment you wake from a nightmare, relieved it wasn’t real? I don’t." I was literally hooked from the first line of this book. Yes, I am a long time fan of Ms Styles, but the prose in Undertow is absolutely next level. I was struggling with how to review this one - because there is just so much darkly beautiful and raw emotion - and looked through my notes. I highlighted 87 different passages. While I frequently mark things that speak to me in books, I'm pretty sure this is a record for me.
The suspense building is INSANE in this one. She has mentioned that this is her darkest book yet, and while that is saying a lot since she writes books that are always emotional and don't shy away from struggles with mental health issues and can stem from dark places but this one is a somewhat different kind of dark. It has a mafia/cartel background that is new for her and shines with her unique style. Did I mention the beauty of her prose??? Again, she has always written in ways that touch my soul but she has really stretched into new territory here.
It hits me that her last release was a rom-com that literally had me laughing out loud in inappropriate places. This one isn't completely devoid of humor, but it amazes me how well she writes in a variety of scenarios/genres/however you would like to categorize it. ALL of her books are well worth reading but for those who dwell on the beauty of poetry this one is absolutely for you.
I hate spoilers so you won't get any of that here. I honestly recommend going in blind (though I do recommend that for most books, especially stand alones.) Enough of my babbling- just grab this now and enjoy your weekend inhabiting this new and different world.
The suspense building is INSANE in this one. She has mentioned that this is her darkest book yet, and while that is saying a lot since she writes books that are always emotional and don't shy away from struggles with mental health issues and can stem from dark places but this one is a somewhat different kind of dark. It has a mafia/cartel background that is new for her and shines with her unique style. Did I mention the beauty of her prose??? Again, she has always written in ways that touch my soul but she has really stretched into new territory here.
It hits me that her last release was a rom-com that literally had me laughing out loud in inappropriate places. This one isn't completely devoid of humor, but it amazes me how well she writes in a variety of scenarios/genres/however you would like to categorize it. ALL of her books are well worth reading but for those who dwell on the beauty of poetry this one is absolutely for you.
I hate spoilers so you won't get any of that here. I honestly recommend going in blind (though I do recommend that for most books, especially stand alones.) Enough of my babbling- just grab this now and enjoy your weekend inhabiting this new and different world.
July 12, 2024
Undertow left me speechless . This dark mafia suspense romance is a powerful story of survival and redemption, love and hope. Undertow is a story that reminds me of a kaleidoscope; with every shift you get a new fractured image, just a facette and never the big picture. And every time you think you figured it out there is a shift and a plot twist that you didn't see coming. The story is told in first person by Shaw and is structured by past and present entries and a poetic journal. Shaw's personality is constantly changing according to who he is at the moment. He's a tortured artistic soul born in a life of violence and deceit. His life is not his own , he doesn't want anything, doesn't expect anything. He's just a means to an end. He's the perfect chameleon operative and is send in undercover. And it all runs deep. And his target is not what he's expecting. Julia is his perfect match. She's equally skilled at deceit and is raised the same way like him . And they both want the same thing. But with all the plays they play there is no way out for them . Undertow is a well written story that will keep you at the edge of your seat with the constant twist and turns but that one last plot twist was everything. Aly Stiles did a wonderful job writing this raw and gripping story and Julian Greene's poetry made it haunting and real . The end of the story was so good and a surprised one but you have to read it to find out . This was my first Aly Stiles novel but won't be the last. Oh , and watch that video that Aly Stiles and Julian Greene made for the book. It's a chef's kiss .
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
July 4, 2024
This is not the kind of book I usually read but I’m glad I did because it made me think. The face of the people we meet may not be the real person but could be the person they want and need us to see.
This is a story of a man who was raised in a dark life by dark parents. But deep down inside of him, he’s a poet, and he wants to be a good man. When he is forced into a life where he has to do the worst things he can imagine the only thing that saves him is his poetry.
When he meets Julia, he finds a person who also loves poetry, but hers is in music. As they grow closer they know that they can’t be together in the end.
This is a heart wrenching story and at the end I was left with questions because there isn’t your usual HEA from other books. I finished hoping they got their happy ending.
This is my first Aly Stiles book and like I said, it made me think but I couldn’t stop reading it. The poetry of Julian Greene is haunting yet beautiful and definitely added to the story. This is a story I’ll be thinking about for awhile, but I can recommend you add it to your TBR.
This is a story of a man who was raised in a dark life by dark parents. But deep down inside of him, he’s a poet, and he wants to be a good man. When he is forced into a life where he has to do the worst things he can imagine the only thing that saves him is his poetry.
When he meets Julia, he finds a person who also loves poetry, but hers is in music. As they grow closer they know that they can’t be together in the end.
This is a heart wrenching story and at the end I was left with questions because there isn’t your usual HEA from other books. I finished hoping they got their happy ending.
This is my first Aly Stiles book and like I said, it made me think but I couldn’t stop reading it. The poetry of Julian Greene is haunting yet beautiful and definitely added to the story. This is a story I’ll be thinking about for awhile, but I can recommend you add it to your TBR.
July 4, 2024
When I received this book as an ARC I didn’t know what to expect. This book is a single POV told by Shaw the MMC. Shaw is a beautiful tortured soul. He is artist and his written word is his art. He is thrust in a world of mafia & gangs. He trying to survive in this world by doing things and seeing things he not proud of. And the torment he goes through is so heartbreaking. During this time he meets Julia, another beautiful soul thrown into the same world as him. Together they find something beautiful in their dark lives. But nothing comes easy for them.
Aly Stiles writing is so unique and different in Undertow. Add Julian Greene’s poetry and the blending of the two was flawless. Aly gave us a story that I never experienced before. It was dark, gritty, full of angst, and emotions. I couldn’t put it down trying to figure out where this story was going to go and how it would end. Undertow was different and raw. There were twist and turns throughout the book. It was a journey I didn’t want to end.
Aly Stiles writing is so unique and different in Undertow. Add Julian Greene’s poetry and the blending of the two was flawless. Aly gave us a story that I never experienced before. It was dark, gritty, full of angst, and emotions. I couldn’t put it down trying to figure out where this story was going to go and how it would end. Undertow was different and raw. There were twist and turns throughout the book. It was a journey I didn’t want to end.
July 12, 2024
Undertow is something
special. I woke up still thinking about it! It’s a masterpiece. Your mind will be completely blown with each turn of the page.
Shaw and Julia had plans. They had their orders. They had dreams that they kept hidden away. Until they met and are swept into each other. When they are forced together, willingly, all the walls, all the secrets, all the twists begin.
Undertow will take you on more than an adventure. It will take you through Shaws pain, the Hartford’s and McArthurs villainous ways, you won’t be able to look away. This is a book that even once you close it, your mind is open, still there in the pages with Shaw.
Aly Stiles shows us that even at our loneliness we are never alone, even at our weakest we are stronger than we imagine and that when someone loves you, you won’t vanish into the crowds.
In true Aly writing, she beautiful blends the heartache with the hope, creativity with the mundane and love with loss, to give us a feat of words.
special. I woke up still thinking about it! It’s a masterpiece. Your mind will be completely blown with each turn of the page.
Shaw and Julia had plans. They had their orders. They had dreams that they kept hidden away. Until they met and are swept into each other. When they are forced together, willingly, all the walls, all the secrets, all the twists begin.
Undertow will take you on more than an adventure. It will take you through Shaws pain, the Hartford’s and McArthurs villainous ways, you won’t be able to look away. This is a book that even once you close it, your mind is open, still there in the pages with Shaw.
Aly Stiles shows us that even at our loneliness we are never alone, even at our weakest we are stronger than we imagine and that when someone loves you, you won’t vanish into the crowds.
In true Aly writing, she beautiful blends the heartache with the hope, creativity with the mundane and love with loss, to give us a feat of words.
July 13, 2024
A MUST READ—4.5 Stars!
I honestly don’t have the capacity to describe how well this book was written. Aly has a gift with prose no matter the genre. She writes emotionally broken and scarred characters who are fighting to break from the chains of darkness that bind them. As a reader you are easily drawn into their world and want nothing more than to break these characters from their prisons.
Undertow was gritty and dark-exposing the lengths one will go to for survival and how to cope with those actions. I was drawn immediately in from the first page through the last. I am still thinking of these characters and how beautifully they were written-their physical and metaphorical scars bleeding from the pages and into my soul.
Every time Aly announces a book I get excited and with every new read I’m so grateful to have found her stories.
I honestly don’t have the capacity to describe how well this book was written. Aly has a gift with prose no matter the genre. She writes emotionally broken and scarred characters who are fighting to break from the chains of darkness that bind them. As a reader you are easily drawn into their world and want nothing more than to break these characters from their prisons.
Undertow was gritty and dark-exposing the lengths one will go to for survival and how to cope with those actions. I was drawn immediately in from the first page through the last. I am still thinking of these characters and how beautifully they were written-their physical and metaphorical scars bleeding from the pages and into my soul.
Every time Aly announces a book I get excited and with every new read I’m so grateful to have found her stories.
July 12, 2024
This book... Don´t know what I can say about it without giving spoilers, because OMG, things happen!! Lots of things!! All The time!! The way Aly Stiles tell this story, in diferent timelines, with poetry between chapters, it´s something I´ve never seen before.
The story is told from the POV of the MMC. And the reader can see what is happening now and what happened months and years ago. The action happens mostly in this little touristic island of the gulf where two families are fighting for control. Shaw, our MMC, is just trying to survive another day in this game he is being forced to play.
If you like mafia movies, star-crossed lovers, spy stories, plot twists, you´ll love this book!! It´s totally a page turner!!
The story is told from the POV of the MMC. And the reader can see what is happening now and what happened months and years ago. The action happens mostly in this little touristic island of the gulf where two families are fighting for control. Shaw, our MMC, is just trying to survive another day in this game he is being forced to play.
If you like mafia movies, star-crossed lovers, spy stories, plot twists, you´ll love this book!! It´s totally a page turner!!
June 29, 2024
I found Aly Stiles by pure dumb luck. I have read all her books, and she is a faves on my Spotify playlists. I expected a good read when I was allowed to review this early. I was drawn in immediately. And I did not put it down until I was finished. I loved the story telling, the characters, I never wanted to grab a character I rip him out of the book to save him so much. It’s gripping, gritty, heartbreaking. I fought for this poor soul the whole way thru. I highly recommend. As I would for any of Aly’s books and music.
July 3, 2024
Please check your trigger warnings.
This is my first read from Aly and it did not disappoint. I read this in about 36 hours.
I was pulled into his story quickly and was held there. His journey was not an easy one to read. It's filled with much trauma and agony.
Each page I turned swept me up into a world of lies and deceit. It had my heart racing. I could feel Shaw's hurt, misery, and fear emanating from the pages.
I did not see the twists coming and I let out an audible gasp when I read it.
The poetry on the pages was dark, emotional, heartbreaking and beautiful.
Thank you Aly for an early copy. This was a fantastic read.
This is my first read from Aly and it did not disappoint. I read this in about 36 hours.
I was pulled into his story quickly and was held there. His journey was not an easy one to read. It's filled with much trauma and agony.
Each page I turned swept me up into a world of lies and deceit. It had my heart racing. I could feel Shaw's hurt, misery, and fear emanating from the pages.
I did not see the twists coming and I let out an audible gasp when I read it.
The poetry on the pages was dark, emotional, heartbreaking and beautiful.
Thank you Aly for an early copy. This was a fantastic read.
July 3, 2024
5 Star Review Undertow by Aly Stiles
This was a departure from what I have come to expect from Aly Stiles.
Julian Greene is a poet and a killer. He lives in a dark and violent world. I’m not a huge fan of mafia romance but this one got to me.
This was a riveting gritty romantic suspense story with equal amounts of suspense and romance with a number of twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
Told from Julian’s point of view it drew me in and refused to let me go until the last word was read.
This was a departure from what I have come to expect from Aly Stiles.
Julian Greene is a poet and a killer. He lives in a dark and violent world. I’m not a huge fan of mafia romance but this one got to me.
This was a riveting gritty romantic suspense story with equal amounts of suspense and romance with a number of twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
Told from Julian’s point of view it drew me in and refused to let me go until the last word was read.
May 31, 2025
God, I wish Aly was a much worse wordsmith than she is! This book slayed me, and I hated every minute I lived it. How could she write such beauty and horror like that? I couldn't help but realize that there are people out there who live that life for real...where did you learn that, Aly? Your work is always a 5 star experience, but this one is off the charts! It broke my heart then gave it back; it's not for the faint at heart, but you MUST read it. It's hard truth. Exceptional writing.
July 11, 2024
4.5 stars
I liked the storyline. It was quite a change from Aly's usual and I loved seeing her branch out and do something unusual. Shaw was a great, tortured character. He was the highlight for me and I did enjoy the poetry aspect that went along with his thoughts. The only reason I couldn't rate it higher was that I had a hard time connecting to the romance. Instead of immersing me in it and allowing me to feel it develop, I felt like it was more explained to me.
I liked the storyline. It was quite a change from Aly's usual and I loved seeing her branch out and do something unusual. Shaw was a great, tortured character. He was the highlight for me and I did enjoy the poetry aspect that went along with his thoughts. The only reason I couldn't rate it higher was that I had a hard time connecting to the romance. Instead of immersing me in it and allowing me to feel it develop, I felt like it was more explained to me.
July 13, 2024
An unexpected yet surprising read. It's written poise is verbally poetic, engaging and realistic. The words flow effortlessly unveiling a story that ensnares and captivates you from start to finish. A gripping, thrilling, dark, gritty, raw, page turner filled with angst and so many twists. This is a phenomenal story.
July 12, 2024
This book has been an experience! It's more than a read; It is a description of a tormented soul trying desperately to stay afloat in a sea of sharks while hanging on to the shreds of a tattered and torn humanity. Shaw is a clever man, able to use his wits and subterfuge to protect someone else. He is a heartbreaking character in his courage, fortitude and determination. He is able to don masks to hide his true self, one which is facing greater and greater pressure. And it was hard to see how he was going to survive in the intense, densely plotted and beautifully written book. The narrative is enhanced by the inclusion of the poetry of Julian Greene, and it must be said that much of Aly's writing is also poetry in prose form.
This is a book worthy of its 5 stars. It kept me riveted throughout, with my heart in my mouth for so much of the time. Heroes come in many guises, and Jonah is one. 💖💖💖💖💖
This is a book worthy of its 5 stars. It kept me riveted throughout, with my heart in my mouth for so much of the time. Heroes come in many guises, and Jonah is one. 💖💖💖💖💖
July 12, 2024
Undertow by Aly Stiles is a new to me Author read and I have to say, I found it intriguing. I felt like we would get pieces of the puzzle as the story progressed that lead to an ending I didn't see coming. I enjoyed the book and would definitely like to read more books from this Author.
August 10, 2024
I admit, at first this book took me a minute to get into. It was completely out of my usual comfort zone when it comes to the type of romance books I usually pick up…..
But once I understood the format a little bit better, I started over……all of a sudden I really got into Shaw’s head. The story had me catch my breath in surprise more than a few times. It was haunting and a bit triggering, but to me that’s the measure of a really gripping, well written story. I found myself very emotionally caught up in this book with all of its unexpected turns. The poetry was truly beautiful. It was my first read by Aly Stiles and definitely will not be my last. I have a feeling “ Undertow” will be a frequent reread for me.
But once I understood the format a little bit better, I started over……all of a sudden I really got into Shaw’s head. The story had me catch my breath in surprise more than a few times. It was haunting and a bit triggering, but to me that’s the measure of a really gripping, well written story. I found myself very emotionally caught up in this book with all of its unexpected turns. The poetry was truly beautiful. It was my first read by Aly Stiles and definitely will not be my last. I have a feeling “ Undertow” will be a frequent reread for me.
July 12, 2024
Dang, Aly, you master of words. If I could just hop into your magnificent brain for 5 minutes and absorb your genius, I’d be ever so thankful. Your artistry and craftsmanship are seriously unparalleled.
Undertow is nothing like I’ve ever read from Aly, but yet the tortured artist, the depth of emotion, the magic of her prose, all that was there in spades. I continue to fall in love with Aly’s writing more and more with each of her releases. She’s just that good.
Star-crossed lovers, mystery, intrigue; what more could you ask for? I’m not typically a mob/crime family reader, but I will read anything (& everything) that Aly writes, so I dove into this book headfirst. And I wasn’t let down. Undertow was gut-wrenching, heart-tugging, fast-paced, and all the other hyphenated descriptors. It was nothing and everything like Aly. The number of highlights I made of phrases that spoke to me was 🤯 but honestly didn’t surprise me. Like, “Too bad blood splashes the same on gold as it does on concrete.” Come on! Gah, so poetic. So impactful.
Ms. Stiles, I truly hope you are rewarded for pouring your soul into the pages of this story. You deserve for the world to know your name and inhale your talent through every word, sentence, phrase, paragraph…congrats on blowing my mind once again.
Undertow is nothing like I’ve ever read from Aly, but yet the tortured artist, the depth of emotion, the magic of her prose, all that was there in spades. I continue to fall in love with Aly’s writing more and more with each of her releases. She’s just that good.
Star-crossed lovers, mystery, intrigue; what more could you ask for? I’m not typically a mob/crime family reader, but I will read anything (& everything) that Aly writes, so I dove into this book headfirst. And I wasn’t let down. Undertow was gut-wrenching, heart-tugging, fast-paced, and all the other hyphenated descriptors. It was nothing and everything like Aly. The number of highlights I made of phrases that spoke to me was 🤯 but honestly didn’t surprise me. Like, “Too bad blood splashes the same on gold as it does on concrete.” Come on! Gah, so poetic. So impactful.
Ms. Stiles, I truly hope you are rewarded for pouring your soul into the pages of this story. You deserve for the world to know your name and inhale your talent through every word, sentence, phrase, paragraph…congrats on blowing my mind once again.
July 4, 2024
This book is a ride! A long emotional ride, full of twists and turns. I’m never disappointed when I pick up this authors work. Her willingness to write characters that are dark and emotionally tormented is one of my favorites things. Shaw is a masterpiece of love and hate twisted into perfection. Well done!
July 7, 2024
Just wow!! Such an amazing book combining beautiful poetry with a haunting story full of twists and turns. Shaw is obviously a pawn in a cartel war. Can love possibly win in such dire circumstances? You will not want to put this down.
July 12, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect going in to this story. Its a complicated one of trauma and intrigue. Shaw has sacrificed his life of freedom to protect others, under the control and employ of the McArthur's he has lost sight of his real self. I found Shaw too complex to explain, even he didn't understand if he was a good guy. Only his poetry begins to reveal his inner turmoil. The relationship between him and Julia was difficult and confusing, it was hard to see how a happy ending could be possible with all the obstacles in their way.
As always Aly writes with depth and emotion to draw us into this underworld. I enjoyed the intricacy and tangled nature of the suspense, alongside the tortured nature of the poetry.
As always Aly writes with depth and emotion to draw us into this underworld. I enjoyed the intricacy and tangled nature of the suspense, alongside the tortured nature of the poetry.
July 29, 2024
First book I’ve read by Aly Styles and it won’t be my last!
Love a good mafia read & Undertow did not disappoint! It’s edgy and poetic, and the suspense had me reading wayyy past my bedtime!
Love a good mafia read & Undertow did not disappoint! It’s edgy and poetic, and the suspense had me reading wayyy past my bedtime!
July 20, 2024
I really enjoyed Undertow by Aly Stiles. I could see the author wanted the emotion to come across raw and unfiltered. To shatter you and burrow in the way the characters especially Jonah were feeling. Jonah was a mystery from the beginning, a puzzle you were trying to put together but felt like you were missing pieces. As the story went on you could see even he didn’t fully know who he was, he knew to a degree he didn’t want to be what he’d been made to become and you could feel he wanted to be a better person, a person worthy of Julia and her love. Julia was an interesting heroine herself she seemed to have her puzzle pieces but didn’t know where they joined- Jonah was the final piece and helped right her other pieces in the correct spots. Both were in a life neither chose and wanted a freedom they didn’t feel was attainable no matter how badly they wanted it. Their love was a manipulation from the start but something beautiful grew and when they were finally honest with one another, trusted one another as much as they could. Both of their smarts were put to the test. Both were very smart individuals but together they were formidable especially when you put in the love they had for one another and the lengths they’d go to protect the other. Their chemistry was there from the start but the tragedy and beauty of their love grew from there. Jonah’s backstory was tragic and his pain bled onto the pages when we learned everything from his past, his traumas and how he’d ultimately gotten into the life. I loved that last chapter, seeing what had become of them. I did feel like the first chapter was a bit like throwing someone into the deep end and expecting them to know how to swim, it was sort of like we should’ve known stuff but didn’t. There was also sometimes i felt that the story didn’t flow super well. However, overall this was a beautifully tragic story and was done well. I will be reading more by Aly and i encourage others to give this story a go.
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