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Secret #3
Lifted
What if your soulmate could never be your bedmate?
Tessa Denison knows who she is—she never has and as far as she’s concerned, never will date men. Though she struggles with coming to terms with the loss of her parents at a young age and her very protective and overbearing brother, Trey, her sexuality and free-loving lifestyle have never given her a moment’s pause.
Tyson Clark is a screw-up. Or at least that’s what his sister Lisa and his parents would say. After a second failed attempt to complete his degree, he’s in San Francisco crashing at Lisa’s place trying to figure out his next move when he meets Tessa, the latest woman his sister is pretending not to be sleeping with.
Tessa and Tyson’s connection is immediate, powerful and soon becomes far stronger than either of them have ever experienced. But the problem is … their bond is far less than one of them wants, and precisely what the other needs.
Tessa Denison knows who she is—she never has and as far as she’s concerned, never will date men. Though she struggles with coming to terms with the loss of her parents at a young age and her very protective and overbearing brother, Trey, her sexuality and free-loving lifestyle have never given her a moment’s pause.
Tyson Clark is a screw-up. Or at least that’s what his sister Lisa and his parents would say. After a second failed attempt to complete his degree, he’s in San Francisco crashing at Lisa’s place trying to figure out his next move when he meets Tessa, the latest woman his sister is pretending not to be sleeping with.
Tessa and Tyson’s connection is immediate, powerful and soon becomes far stronger than either of them have ever experienced. But the problem is … their bond is far less than one of them wants, and precisely what the other needs.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2014
69 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Nia Forrester
67 books953 followersI live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 6, 2014
Staying True to her Cause...
I enjoyed this project and found myself getting caught up in it no time. With "Lifted", Nia Forrester reminds me of the art of story-telling. She slowly and meticulously weaves you into the the psyches of her characters, giving you front row privy to their struggles.
"Lifted" is different in that Nia exposes her genius as she taps into a woman with an unfamiliar sexuality. Tessa is a woman with no direction, very little accomplishments, notoriously flaky, and frankly, unlike any girlfriend on my roster. However, Forrester was able to articulate her so well that she became someone I sympathized with and then transitioned to someone I cared for in no time.
In this book, there's no variation to Forrester's craft or artistry; there's only a stroke of her genius. Nia professes to be an author of woman-centered fiction for today's women of color. She didn't drop the ball. She only selected characters to challenge her craft, and once again proved her mastery in this game.
Seamlessly, she guided me onto a journey involving a lifestyle that I'd never ventured. Without effort, she exposed me to an alluring affair between two unlikely companions. All of this and I felt satisfied...and schooled. Tessa and Ty's journey was believable, revealing and intriguing to me as a reader.
Oh, I got lifted in "Lifted," securing Nia Forrester as a mainstay on my tablet. She's staying true to her mission. Don't miss her flight.
I enjoyed this project and found myself getting caught up in it no time. With "Lifted", Nia Forrester reminds me of the art of story-telling. She slowly and meticulously weaves you into the the psyches of her characters, giving you front row privy to their struggles.
"Lifted" is different in that Nia exposes her genius as she taps into a woman with an unfamiliar sexuality. Tessa is a woman with no direction, very little accomplishments, notoriously flaky, and frankly, unlike any girlfriend on my roster. However, Forrester was able to articulate her so well that she became someone I sympathized with and then transitioned to someone I cared for in no time.
In this book, there's no variation to Forrester's craft or artistry; there's only a stroke of her genius. Nia professes to be an author of woman-centered fiction for today's women of color. She didn't drop the ball. She only selected characters to challenge her craft, and once again proved her mastery in this game.
Seamlessly, she guided me onto a journey involving a lifestyle that I'd never ventured. Without effort, she exposed me to an alluring affair between two unlikely companions. All of this and I felt satisfied...and schooled. Tessa and Ty's journey was believable, revealing and intriguing to me as a reader.
Oh, I got lifted in "Lifted," securing Nia Forrester as a mainstay on my tablet. She's staying true to her mission. Don't miss her flight.
September 23, 2014
***** AN APB PERSPECTIVE REVIEW****
Take a trip with me down Lifted Lane……
Where do I begin…. Well first off I give my Congrats to Nia Forrester, once again you have not disappointed me as a loyal fan or as an avid reader. You have taken such a touchy and explosive topic and birthed another creative masterpiece. You took me on a journey with Tessa and Ty but mostly Tessa for me. Tessa who was ready for something more, but would not allow herself to even believe she deserved more. Tessa who hid behind sarcasm and the mask of alcohol afraid to even fathom that she could love or be loved really. Then comes Ty and she connects his need for more to her need for more and finally allows the light of real love to invade her darkness. Lifted has several meanings, to move, to move higher to rise from the ground. We see Tessa move from a starving relationship where she is drowning to a steady offering with Ty. (sidebar) I know a lot of you had or have issue with the gay element of the book but people please open your minds.. That is such an insignificant part of the book it is not even really about that.. Yes it has its place but it is only one block in the building. We see Tessa rise and grow beyond her menial life, and only meaningless hookups to understanding and giving of herself to another human, not man not woman but human. Some people have said she is messy, I say Tessa is human….. We saw her put an end to her lack of living by gradually stepping out of the spot within herself that kept her fearful. Her crutches of Trey and Anzu and also her strengths of Trey and Anzu. Nia told the story of a woman finding herself, learning to love and recognize love in others and the knowledge that it does not always revolve around the body parts we were each born with…..but the bigger and stronger organ called the Heart… Great Job Nia Forrester…. Good Damn Writing.. but then its You….
Take a trip with me down Lifted Lane……
Where do I begin…. Well first off I give my Congrats to Nia Forrester, once again you have not disappointed me as a loyal fan or as an avid reader. You have taken such a touchy and explosive topic and birthed another creative masterpiece. You took me on a journey with Tessa and Ty but mostly Tessa for me. Tessa who was ready for something more, but would not allow herself to even believe she deserved more. Tessa who hid behind sarcasm and the mask of alcohol afraid to even fathom that she could love or be loved really. Then comes Ty and she connects his need for more to her need for more and finally allows the light of real love to invade her darkness. Lifted has several meanings, to move, to move higher to rise from the ground. We see Tessa move from a starving relationship where she is drowning to a steady offering with Ty. (sidebar) I know a lot of you had or have issue with the gay element of the book but people please open your minds.. That is such an insignificant part of the book it is not even really about that.. Yes it has its place but it is only one block in the building. We see Tessa rise and grow beyond her menial life, and only meaningless hookups to understanding and giving of herself to another human, not man not woman but human. Some people have said she is messy, I say Tessa is human….. We saw her put an end to her lack of living by gradually stepping out of the spot within herself that kept her fearful. Her crutches of Trey and Anzu and also her strengths of Trey and Anzu. Nia told the story of a woman finding herself, learning to love and recognize love in others and the knowledge that it does not always revolve around the body parts we were each born with…..but the bigger and stronger organ called the Heart… Great Job Nia Forrester…. Good Damn Writing.. but then its You….
February 23, 2019
My least favorite book of the series, but I sloughed through because I always endeavor to finish what I start.
Be forewarned, this book is not nearly as captivating as the first two, but to each their own.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
Be forewarned, this book is not nearly as captivating as the first two, but to each their own.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
September 21, 2014
As I laid in my bed with tears running down my face after finishing Lifted I was reminded why I love Nia Forrester's writing so much. Ms. Forrester never fails to touch me on emotional level. Whether you like or dislike the characters that she creates, agree with who they are or what they believe about themselves and the decisions they make she writes them in such a way that you cannot in someway be drawn to them. In the past she has found a way to redeemed the most vile of people, made you understand that being controlling in a relationship is not bad when both parties understand who they are to each other and that what some see is outwardly cold and distant is often just the armor of protection.
In Lifted we learn that labels such as gay and selfish don't have to define a person. It's what is in your heart, the path you've walked, lessons learned and the journey you are willing to take that makes you who you are.
When I first was first introduced to Tessa in the book Secret I thought of her as someone trying desperately to find a way not to need anyone. She had lost so much at such a young age, she had truly become the "rebel without a cause". At the same time I respected her for identifying and acknowledging who she was as a person, especially being that she was so young.
For these two reasons specifically I was curious to see how Ms. Forrester was going to navigate Tessa's emotional journey in Lifted. I can't begin to imagine the level of responsibility she must have felt to write an honest, respectful story that did not betray who Tessa was, knowing that the stigma around the subject line could and would possibly offend so many.
In the second book of the Secret series, The Art of Endings Tessa had "convinced" her brother Trey that she was mature and capable enough to move far away from him and become a business owner. With clear doubts and knowing her innate ability to irresponsible he allowed her to walk her own path, realizing that she had to begin to figure her life out on her own. In Lifted we quickly see that far away from her protective brother's watchful eye not much about her has changed.
Lifted begins with Tessa meeting Ty the brother of the woman she is currently in a "relationship" with. The connection between these two kindred spirits is instant. Both understanding what it is like to be considered the misguided one. Along with the strong understanding of each other is also a very strong attraction. For Ty it is understandable, Tessa is a stunningly beautiful girl however for Tessa these feelings are confusing because she is and has always known she was gay. With this in mind I go back to my comment about the author's responsibility of being respectful to who Tessa was and the evolution of her relationship with Ty.
And the delicate balance of the responsibility begins with Ty. I had oftener wondered how Ms. Forrester was going to create this male soulmate for Tessa without him coming off as some guy just trying to prove he could turn a lesbian out. She had a responsibility to him as well to tell his story and his journey to Tessa.
Ty is younger than Tessa and if possible even more unfocused and lost. It would have been easy to just write him off as a temporary lapse in judgement for Tessa. Instead we are introduced to a young man that while still trying to figure his life out knows that come what may he wants that life to include Tessa. This is a complicated, undefinable relationship these two have and any way they find to define it some destruction will inevitably come from it.
I don't like providing spoilers in my reviews and there is so much I want to say about this story because it was so very well written. Ms. Forrester did not disappoint and she found a way to tell a very emotional, thought provoking story that allowed both Tessa and Ty to be who they were and make no apologies about it. Tessa didn't betray who we knew her to be but the growth and understanding of who she could be was astounding.
I don't know where Ty and Tessa will end up a year or ten years from now and for the first time I don't think I need to know because as I sit here writing this review the tears are once again falling. They are falling from just the memory of their story and I know that it will live in me forever. Their journey, especially Tessa's truly lifted me up and for me that was enough.
September 17, 2014
A superb ending to the Secrets series (or is it the end???). I was so confused about Tessa. On the one hand, I didn't like her (she was selfish, egotistical, irresponsible, etc.) but, like she has done so many times, the author wrote the character is such a way that by the end of the book, I came to understand her, and gasp!!! even like her. Her issues with her sexual identity, her feelings about her brother, everything! The writing, is, as always, phenomenal. Ms Forrester captured the struggles many men and women have with their identity - that often the "degree of gayness", if you will, ranges from one end of the spectrum to the other. And Ty - poor, misunderstood Ty - I think we all know someone like him. And Lisa - egads!! you could easily call her a bitch, but that's too easy. Such a complicated woman and her character was written with such depth! Well rounded characters, spot on dialogue - just an absolute joy to read. Eagerly awaiting her next book...
March 13, 2015
I didnt think I would like Tessa at all after reading about her in Secret and The Art of Endings. She was Trey's younger sister that was pretty much a slacker and stayed drunk. From page one of Lifted I knew I was gonna love this story. I fell in love with Tessa instantly. After reading the reviews I almost didn't read this one. Alot of people judged this book on the subject matter but if you think this story is just about a lesbian you missed out an amazing read. Lifted is about a young woman evolving and trying to find herself. This book was sooooooo good and my favorite in the Secret series! Her and Ty were simply beautiful. I enjoyed the little drama with Lisa. Nia, please tell her story next! The therapy sessions with the therapist was a bonus! The ending was unexpected and perfect.
March 25, 2015
I love Nia Forrester and have read all of her books but this one did not do it for me.
January 7, 2025
Tiring
Tessa got on my nerves from beginning to end. She was selfish, shallow and took the life out of everything around her. Ty may have been young but he was more mature than her. She was such a woe is me, feel sorry for me person, she just sucked as a person. She had a rebuttal for everything, even in therapy that didn't seem to do any good for her. She was spoiled and entitled, such a waste of space because nobody knew how to help her, not even herself, she was such an unnecessary burden on those around her that loved her including herself. Sometimes it takes us a while to figure out who we are and what we want to be, but do something Tessa was annoyingly tiring.
Tessa got on my nerves from beginning to end. She was selfish, shallow and took the life out of everything around her. Ty may have been young but he was more mature than her. She was such a woe is me, feel sorry for me person, she just sucked as a person. She had a rebuttal for everything, even in therapy that didn't seem to do any good for her. She was spoiled and entitled, such a waste of space because nobody knew how to help her, not even herself, she was such an unnecessary burden on those around her that loved her including herself. Sometimes it takes us a while to figure out who we are and what we want to be, but do something Tessa was annoyingly tiring.
April 26, 2021
Unexpected
I thought Tessa was predictably unpredictable, but Nia made sure to keep me on the edge of my seat. I love that Nia Forrester creates these strong feminine characters who hardly ever back down and aren’t crippled by love. The therapist and shaylas warm family and the sterile Lisa are all well crafted cast members in Tessa’s story, yet another Nia Forrester book I couldn’t put down. As always great highlights and phrases that make you think about your own life in depth. Thank you
I thought Tessa was predictably unpredictable, but Nia made sure to keep me on the edge of my seat. I love that Nia Forrester creates these strong feminine characters who hardly ever back down and aren’t crippled by love. The therapist and shaylas warm family and the sterile Lisa are all well crafted cast members in Tessa’s story, yet another Nia Forrester book I couldn’t put down. As always great highlights and phrases that make you think about your own life in depth. Thank you
May 14, 2017
Deep
I read the other two Secret Series books but hesitated reading this one until I read 30 Days 30 Stories. Reading the story about Tess peaked my interest. She was definitely a "wild child" but her story was complicated and her journey "deep". Lifted emphasized the benefit of working with a therapist and talking through your problems. Congratulations Me. Forrester you did it again.
I read the other two Secret Series books but hesitated reading this one until I read 30 Days 30 Stories. Reading the story about Tess peaked my interest. She was definitely a "wild child" but her story was complicated and her journey "deep". Lifted emphasized the benefit of working with a therapist and talking through your problems. Congratulations Me. Forrester you did it again.
December 11, 2018
Great
I liked that she let go and let him in and helped herself also with her shrink. He finally stopped letting Lisa dictate his relationship about her. Lisa will always be mad because I really think she fell for her but she didn't feel that way about her or any women. I just would have liked more to this ending other than got it because neither had a job and money will run out. Overall good book for a series.
I liked that she let go and let him in and helped herself also with her shrink. He finally stopped letting Lisa dictate his relationship about her. Lisa will always be mad because I really think she fell for her but she didn't feel that way about her or any women. I just would have liked more to this ending other than got it because neither had a job and money will run out. Overall good book for a series.
May 25, 2017
Loved it!
First of all, I loved how imperfect the main characters were. Even more so, I loved how they were not fixed by the story's end. To me, that illustrated that there was absolutely nothing wrong with them freely living imperfectly. They didn't have to have all their stuff together.
First of all, I loved how imperfect the main characters were. Even more so, I loved how they were not fixed by the story's end. To me, that illustrated that there was absolutely nothing wrong with them freely living imperfectly. They didn't have to have all their stuff together.
December 9, 2018
Amazing writing
While I loved Trey and Shay and even loved Darren and Paige, I wasn’t crazy about Tessa. She wasn’t a character I thought I cared enough about to read a whole book about her. Then we meet Ty and I care about him even less 😂. But the magic pen of this author kept me engaged and suddenly I’m rooting for Tessa and Ty!
While I loved Trey and Shay and even loved Darren and Paige, I wasn’t crazy about Tessa. She wasn’t a character I thought I cared enough about to read a whole book about her. Then we meet Ty and I care about him even less 😂. But the magic pen of this author kept me engaged and suddenly I’m rooting for Tessa and Ty!
January 16, 2019
I LOVED Tessa's beautifully flawed personality and just knew that meeting her male equivalent in Tyson was a recipe for disaster. However, the 2 of them seemed to be what the other needed. While Tessa appeared as an aloof ne'er do well, she was actually pretty astute and cognizant of who she was as an individual, even when that didn't completely or effectively translate in her professional life or with personal decisions made.
Living for the pleasure and praise of others is sure to leave all parties involved both jaded and dissatisfied. Sometimes, while our loved ones genuinely have our best interests at heart, loving from afar is the most effective method in allowing that wayward person in our life the space to see the bigger, global picture on their own and in their own time.
Living for the pleasure and praise of others is sure to leave all parties involved both jaded and dissatisfied. Sometimes, while our loved ones genuinely have our best interests at heart, loving from afar is the most effective method in allowing that wayward person in our life the space to see the bigger, global picture on their own and in their own time.
December 6, 2020
Very interesting
Wow the the journey had so much turbulence! I mean Tess definitely had some major identity issues but I love how she determined to take it day by day. I think what is important to know is that we must not limit ourselves to live within the boxes and concrete identities that society has placed on us.
Wow the the journey had so much turbulence! I mean Tess definitely had some major identity issues but I love how she determined to take it day by day. I think what is important to know is that we must not limit ourselves to live within the boxes and concrete identities that society has placed on us.
November 11, 2021
Brilliant storytelling!
No matter what Nia Forrester writes, I always find myself so immerse in her storytelling, that I'm always caught off guard when it comes to an end! If that isn't a mark of great writing, I don't know what is! Tessa and Ty's story was no different. This was yet another unique tale, from a very unexpected perspective
No matter what Nia Forrester writes, I always find myself so immerse in her storytelling, that I'm always caught off guard when it comes to an end! If that isn't a mark of great writing, I don't know what is! Tessa and Ty's story was no different. This was yet another unique tale, from a very unexpected perspective
January 10, 2019
The study has many turns
Although the story had many turns, each step had a profound impact on the story. A man going after a woman who was extremely out of bounds on the surface. The tangle web wove an amazing tale.
Although the story had many turns, each step had a profound impact on the story. A man going after a woman who was extremely out of bounds on the surface. The tangle web wove an amazing tale.
June 8, 2022
Lost then Found
This was interesting to read..Texas's story. Texas's life was a product of her trauma and she bonded with a kindred spirit. Very thought provoking. Still love Trey and Shayla ..really fun couple.
This was interesting to read..Texas's story. Texas's life was a product of her trauma and she bonded with a kindred spirit. Very thought provoking. Still love Trey and Shayla ..really fun couple.
December 14, 2017
4.5 Stars
August 5, 2019
Beautiful series!
Both of them were lost, but happy he didn’t gave up
and take the lead in their relationship. Traveling the world, just amazing 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Both of them were lost, but happy he didn’t gave up
and take the lead in their relationship. Traveling the world, just amazing 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
June 10, 2023
Very interesting it will make you think and continue to read with interest.
February 26, 2019
Unexpected Story
This book is about how love knows no boundaries. The situation is one I’ve never read before and I love it!!!
This book is about how love knows no boundaries. The situation is one I’ve never read before and I love it!!!
September 21, 2014
When I first heard that Nia Forrester was working on Lifted and it would be the third book in the Secret series, I was ready to jump for joy--especially when I heard that this time the focus would be on Tessa, Trey's younger, a tad bit irresponsible sister. Tessa was one of my favorite characters from Secret and the Art of Endings and I always wanted to know more about her.
This time, we find Tessa in San Francisco, avoiding the friends she'd moved there with since she has lost interest in the bakery they'd started together. Tessa's living in a crappy apartment, waiting bar at a gay country-western bar called the Hood Range and involved with a woman called Lisa who refuses to come out of the closet. It's fairly obvious that Tessa is dissatisfied in love and in life. With each of her therapy sessions with Dr. Young, we get a sense of a young woman who is frustrated, resentful and (though she would never admit it) afraid. She's considering ending her relationship with Lisa because she knows they are destined to fail and whatever attraction she had for Lisa has faded with each time Tessa is forced to pretend she is just a friend. And Tessa doesn't really see them as being in a relationship--they are just hooking up, with no real strings attached.
Enter Lisa's younger, a tad bit irresponsible brother, Ty. While Tessa is initially forced to pretend she and Lisa are "just friends", she finds herself drawn to Ty. There is definite chemistry between them--which Tessa tries to deny at first. She has so thoroughly defined who she is by the fact that she has always been attracted to women that what she feels for Ty unsettles her. And his being Lisa's brother doesn't really help things. Soon Tessa and Ty are hanging out, hiding their friendship from Lisa, spending most nights together and growing more and more attached to one another without realizing it. Only Dr. Young and Anzu, Tess's closest friend, seem to be able to see that what's going on between Tessa and Ty is more than just friendship and sooner or later Tessa will have to face the music.
I really loved how Nia handled the most complicated question in Lifted: how do we define ourselves? Are we defined simply by who we usually have sex with, or by who we love? This is an issue that Tessa struggles with throughout Lifted and it rings true without ever making the reader feel like Tessa is someone who should not be taken seriously. Tessa and Ty's relationship and how it grows makes for an interesting story. And how those around them react to it, plus the secrets both keep and how they are revealed....it's a compelling novel. You'll find it difficult to put down.
Kudos to Nia for taking on such a charged topic and creating such a beautiful love story. The demanding reader in me wants to read more about Ty and Tessa, but the ending was so satisfying. Sometimes we don't need to know everything. Imagining the continuation of the adventure is equally fulfilling.
This time, we find Tessa in San Francisco, avoiding the friends she'd moved there with since she has lost interest in the bakery they'd started together. Tessa's living in a crappy apartment, waiting bar at a gay country-western bar called the Hood Range and involved with a woman called Lisa who refuses to come out of the closet. It's fairly obvious that Tessa is dissatisfied in love and in life. With each of her therapy sessions with Dr. Young, we get a sense of a young woman who is frustrated, resentful and (though she would never admit it) afraid. She's considering ending her relationship with Lisa because she knows they are destined to fail and whatever attraction she had for Lisa has faded with each time Tessa is forced to pretend she is just a friend. And Tessa doesn't really see them as being in a relationship--they are just hooking up, with no real strings attached.
Enter Lisa's younger, a tad bit irresponsible brother, Ty. While Tessa is initially forced to pretend she and Lisa are "just friends", she finds herself drawn to Ty. There is definite chemistry between them--which Tessa tries to deny at first. She has so thoroughly defined who she is by the fact that she has always been attracted to women that what she feels for Ty unsettles her. And his being Lisa's brother doesn't really help things. Soon Tessa and Ty are hanging out, hiding their friendship from Lisa, spending most nights together and growing more and more attached to one another without realizing it. Only Dr. Young and Anzu, Tess's closest friend, seem to be able to see that what's going on between Tessa and Ty is more than just friendship and sooner or later Tessa will have to face the music.
I really loved how Nia handled the most complicated question in Lifted: how do we define ourselves? Are we defined simply by who we usually have sex with, or by who we love? This is an issue that Tessa struggles with throughout Lifted and it rings true without ever making the reader feel like Tessa is someone who should not be taken seriously. Tessa and Ty's relationship and how it grows makes for an interesting story. And how those around them react to it, plus the secrets both keep and how they are revealed....it's a compelling novel. You'll find it difficult to put down.
Kudos to Nia for taking on such a charged topic and creating such a beautiful love story. The demanding reader in me wants to read more about Ty and Tessa, but the ending was so satisfying. Sometimes we don't need to know everything. Imagining the continuation of the adventure is equally fulfilling.
October 10, 2014
Confession: I am a HUGE Nia Forrester fan, but I had ZERO interest in reading this book, because I didn't really like Tessa in the previous books in this series, and didn't care to read about her. In addition, Tessa had me convinced that she was a lesbian, so what in the heck is she doing with a man? I think my biggest fear was that the author wasn't going to be able to pull this book off, and I was going to lose a little love for her (this has happened with another of my favorite authors and I'm having a hard time getting over it, lol). Normally when Ms. Forrester releases a book, I HAVE to read it as soon as it comes out. I was on vacation when this book came out and bought it right away, but waited to read it.
After my return home (and reading the positive reviews), I decided to give the book a shot. I'm happy to report that my worry was all in vain, because Ms. Forrester is still at the top of her game! I was drawn in from page one, and although Tessa is still not one of my favorite people, her story was captivating. I was 23 when I lost my mother, and I continue to feel that loss deeply 27 years later. The author does an amazing job of capturing how that loss has affected Tessa (who was 13), and shapes how she approaches life, relationships, everything. I found it interesting that she was never intimate with a male; I'm thinking that the loss of her mom and that female energy and emotional connection may have contributed to her only seeking relationships with women, but I'm having trouble verbalizing it.
Without giving too much away, I thought I was going to be put off by the Lisa, then Tyson dynamic, but the progression of the story takes care of all that. I could why things happened the way that they did. Speaking of Lisa, I couldn't stand her. She wasn't in an ideal situation, but she was...ugh! Anzu was quite a character, and just the kind of friend that Tessa needed. I've always been ambivalent about Trey, but loved him in almost every interaction he had with Tessa. He's such a good brother.
I wanted to shake Tyson and Tessa so many times; instead each time they annoyed me, I whispered a prayer of thanks that my own twenty-somethings aren't as unfocused and irresponsible as these two. It was a nice change of pace to read about two perfectly imperfect characters, though. Nice to see their growth, as well.
I apologize profusely for doubting your writing skills, Ms. Forrester. You have a gift and I'm so glad you're sharing it with us. I eagerly look forward to whatever is next!
After my return home (and reading the positive reviews), I decided to give the book a shot. I'm happy to report that my worry was all in vain, because Ms. Forrester is still at the top of her game! I was drawn in from page one, and although Tessa is still not one of my favorite people, her story was captivating. I was 23 when I lost my mother, and I continue to feel that loss deeply 27 years later. The author does an amazing job of capturing how that loss has affected Tessa (who was 13), and shapes how she approaches life, relationships, everything. I found it interesting that she was never intimate with a male; I'm thinking that the loss of her mom and that female energy and emotional connection may have contributed to her only seeking relationships with women, but I'm having trouble verbalizing it.
Without giving too much away, I thought I was going to be put off by the Lisa, then Tyson dynamic, but the progression of the story takes care of all that. I could why things happened the way that they did. Speaking of Lisa, I couldn't stand her. She wasn't in an ideal situation, but she was...ugh! Anzu was quite a character, and just the kind of friend that Tessa needed. I've always been ambivalent about Trey, but loved him in almost every interaction he had with Tessa. He's such a good brother.
I wanted to shake Tyson and Tessa so many times; instead each time they annoyed me, I whispered a prayer of thanks that my own twenty-somethings aren't as unfocused and irresponsible as these two. It was a nice change of pace to read about two perfectly imperfect characters, though. Nice to see their growth, as well.
I apologize profusely for doubting your writing skills, Ms. Forrester. You have a gift and I'm so glad you're sharing it with us. I eagerly look forward to whatever is next!
February 7, 2020
I didn’t think there was a way for me to think that Tess could genuinely fall for a guy but somehow Mia got me to believe that Tess’s love for Ty ( and his for her) was real. Bravo
September 17, 2014
APB Perspective Reviews : *****
I was afraid to read this book because I didn't know how she ( Nia) would write this story , her books are never predictable , that's why I get nervous before I open her books . When I started reading Tessa and Ty's story I didn't really like them, and I was wondering how the author was going to make me care for these characters ? I should have known better, the Tessa and Ty I didn't like much at the beginning of the book, turned into a couple I loved rooted for by the end. This book is the third installment from Secret Series and I must say it's my favorite. I liked the counseling sessions Tessa had they was a clever way for us to know her better and were a well written addition to the story. I also liked and appreciated Ty's storyline . When I started this book I didn't know what was going to happen , or if I was going to happy about it ,but when I was more than please with what I read.
I was afraid to read this book because I didn't know how she ( Nia) would write this story , her books are never predictable , that's why I get nervous before I open her books . When I started reading Tessa and Ty's story I didn't really like them, and I was wondering how the author was going to make me care for these characters ? I should have known better, the Tessa and Ty I didn't like much at the beginning of the book, turned into a couple I loved rooted for by the end. This book is the third installment from Secret Series and I must say it's my favorite. I liked the counseling sessions Tessa had they was a clever way for us to know her better and were a well written addition to the story. I also liked and appreciated Ty's storyline . When I started this book I didn't know what was going to happen , or if I was going to happy about it ,but when I was more than please with what I read.
September 16, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed Tessa and Tyson's story. There was so much Chemistry oozing from the pages that I couldn't put this book down, even though I should have been reading "Turn if the Screw" for my LIT assignment for this week, lol. Anyway, I will not spoil it for anyone by giving details about the story's plot, but I have to reveal that I have always felt that Tessa wanted to prove who she was even if it meant that what proved was not the truth. She wanted to prove that she was not afraid to admit that she was gay. I initially felt bad for Lisa but she had no one to blame but her self on how things ended up, I wish the Epilogue would have given a little inkling about what was happening with Shayla and Trey. Is there a possibility of a book 4 Nia, lol? Great job of continuing to display excellent writing skills. I can't wait to read your next release.
October 3, 2014
So it doesn't seem possible that Nia can write a bad word. She really gets into her characters heads and hearts so much so that she feels what they feel and can be their messenger. And she delivers yet again in Lifted. I will admit that I wasn't too keen on getting to know Tessa but after reading lifted and learning her and understanding her complexities she is much like the lot of us. Wanting a lil piece of happiness even when we sort of don't expect it but silently expecting it. I never share what actually goes on in the books I review, I tend to focus on the delivery of the story. Let's just say Lifted has been signed, sealed and delivered. Read it. You'll love it too!
September 18, 2014
Nia really surprised me with this one. A lesbian heroin, that was a first. Starting out I didn't know if I would really like this one with the girl on girl action, but it really grew on me. Probably because the soulfulness of Ty. He just seemed so much wiser beyond his years, and he was really the strength that Tessa needed. Their relationship was unconventional but somehow it worked and I liked it. I feel like there is more to their story, and I am anxious to see how it plays out. I'm hoping for a follow up in the future.
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