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KIS #1
Keep It Secret
**Mature Content Warning** Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content.
After the unexpected death of her father, and her mother's emotional abandonment, Ava Veneziano's life is turned upside down...
She turns to drugs, sex, and alcohol as a way to cope with all the destruction in her life, inconsequence, she flunks a grade and loses touch with her favorite cousin Vanessa.
Five years later, Ava and her mother are reunited with the family they'd lost touch with and they end up moving into their home.
Enter Vanessa Saint John...
Vanessa is unawarely beautiful, with an overbearing and controlling mother. She's never been given the opportunity to have a boyfriend or experience life like a normal seventeen year old girl.
However, all of that changes when her cousin Ava moves in, and she finally gets the attention of Gabriel Mason.
The same boy who's also caught the attention of her beloved cousin.
After the unexpected death of her father, and her mother's emotional abandonment, Ava Veneziano's life is turned upside down...
She turns to drugs, sex, and alcohol as a way to cope with all the destruction in her life, inconsequence, she flunks a grade and loses touch with her favorite cousin Vanessa.
Five years later, Ava and her mother are reunited with the family they'd lost touch with and they end up moving into their home.
Enter Vanessa Saint John...
Vanessa is unawarely beautiful, with an overbearing and controlling mother. She's never been given the opportunity to have a boyfriend or experience life like a normal seventeen year old girl.
However, all of that changes when her cousin Ava moves in, and she finally gets the attention of Gabriel Mason.
The same boy who's also caught the attention of her beloved cousin.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2014
9 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Snow
5 books28 followersOlivia Snow lives in a lovely town in Colorado, with her wonderful husband and three beautiful but highly energetic children that she can barely keep up with. Her day is devoted to chasing after her three monsters, cleaning, cooking and often times tearing out her hair.
She loves drinking coffee eating chocolate and cheesecake. In her free time, you can catch her reading a steamy book, watching juicy drama filled reality TV or just cuddling with her yummy hubby.
She loves drinking coffee eating chocolate and cheesecake. In her free time, you can catch her reading a steamy book, watching juicy drama filled reality TV or just cuddling with her yummy hubby.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 27, 2015
4.5 Stars, WTH did I just read Stars!!!!!!!
WOW......I read this last night and talk about a WOW read!!!!!! My first read by this author and I am HOOKED:)
Now, I don't want to say much because I went into this story "blind" and I am so GLAD that I had no idea what to expect. Why, you ask, well this story contained things that are usually on my "do not want to read about" list, lol and there was one particular hard limit for me that personally if I knew about it ahead of time, I would not have read this book and even though I was shell-shocked, I am so GLAD that I didn't know about it ahead of time because I would have missed out on this book:) I was so shocked at that one particular event that I HAD to GO BACK and RE-READ it twice so I could believe it really happened! Yeah, it was a heart stopping moment for me but I got through it and again glad I did, lol.
Now, I am not one for high school age romance and yet the sexual chemistry between Ava and Gabriel......holy wowza, it was HOT freaking stuff!!!!! I kid you not, it was written Sensually, Erotically and PERFECTLY!
I LOVED Ava, as f'ed up as she was, I LOVED this girl. I also loved, lusted after and yet hated Gabriel, lol, sorry you have to read it to know why and I also LOVED Declan, he was an awesome character.
OK, so because I don't want to give away the story, just know that I LOVED it. So much so, that I dove straight away into the next book. I couldn't read this book fast enough, lol, it was addicting, it was full of angst, suspense, it was HOT, I was completely mesmerized but this story and how everything was playing out because I also had no clue what the heck was going to happen. Talk about being glued to a book and oh yeah, literally sitting on the edge of my seat not sure what to anticipate next! The writing was great, it flowed smoothly and flawlessly and I was captured from the start and couldn't put it down until the end. There was no way I was going to bed before I finished it and even got started on the second book too, I HAD to, lol!!!!!! My half point deduction had to do with Gabriel but I can't say why so not to give anything away BUT there was one particular part where I was like WTH and I didn't get it. Meaning I really didn't get it and what the author was doing. I really wish that I had Gabriel's POV because I truly needed it because I was baffled by some of his decisions and actions and I wish I could have been in his head! It was very complex, lololol!!!!!
PS Talk about dysfunction at its finest..... This family gives dysfunction a whole new meaning!!!!!!!
Congrats Olivia Snow, I am an official fan of yours:)
WOW......I read this last night and talk about a WOW read!!!!!! My first read by this author and I am HOOKED:)
Now, I don't want to say much because I went into this story "blind" and I am so GLAD that I had no idea what to expect. Why, you ask, well this story contained things that are usually on my "do not want to read about" list, lol and there was one particular hard limit for me that personally if I knew about it ahead of time, I would not have read this book and even though I was shell-shocked, I am so GLAD that I didn't know about it ahead of time because I would have missed out on this book:) I was so shocked at that one particular event that I HAD to GO BACK and RE-READ it twice so I could believe it really happened! Yeah, it was a heart stopping moment for me but I got through it and again glad I did, lol.
Now, I am not one for high school age romance and yet the sexual chemistry between Ava and Gabriel......holy wowza, it was HOT freaking stuff!!!!! I kid you not, it was written Sensually, Erotically and PERFECTLY!
I LOVED Ava, as f'ed up as she was, I LOVED this girl. I also loved, lusted after and yet hated Gabriel, lol, sorry you have to read it to know why and I also LOVED Declan, he was an awesome character.
OK, so because I don't want to give away the story, just know that I LOVED it. So much so, that I dove straight away into the next book. I couldn't read this book fast enough, lol, it was addicting, it was full of angst, suspense, it was HOT, I was completely mesmerized but this story and how everything was playing out because I also had no clue what the heck was going to happen. Talk about being glued to a book and oh yeah, literally sitting on the edge of my seat not sure what to anticipate next! The writing was great, it flowed smoothly and flawlessly and I was captured from the start and couldn't put it down until the end. There was no way I was going to bed before I finished it and even got started on the second book too, I HAD to, lol!!!!!! My half point deduction had to do with Gabriel but I can't say why so not to give anything away BUT there was one particular part where I was like WTH and I didn't get it. Meaning I really didn't get it and what the author was doing. I really wish that I had Gabriel's POV because I truly needed it because I was baffled by some of his decisions and actions and I wish I could have been in his head! It was very complex, lololol!!!!!
PS Talk about dysfunction at its finest..... This family gives dysfunction a whole new meaning!!!!!!!
Congrats Olivia Snow, I am an official fan of yours:)
December 10, 2014
Book provided in exchange for honest review.
I'm going to start by saying that I don't normally read young adult/new adult stories where the characters are high school age, because I've been out of school for....let's just say it's been a while. And high school was bad enough when I was going, I sure don't want to read about someone else's horrific high school experiences. But I was really impressed with this story, even with all of the antics and secrets that went along with it.
I felt for Ava having to deal with the aftermath of her father's untimely death and how her mother just shut down after; I really wasn't surprised at her choice of turning to alcohol in order to deal with everything. I could also empathize with her about her feelings toward her mother. How do you forgive the one parent who should have been there for emotionally when you lose your other parent? It also didn't help the situation because Ava was more of a Daddy's girl.
I liked how even though five years passed, Ava and Vanessa just rekindled their relationship with relatively few changes. Ava and her mom are back on good terms with Vanessa's family, although Vanessa's mom is the stuff nightmares are made from.
Although not an original plot twist, the love triangle was still an interesting one and the way it played out certainly wasn't expected. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what's going to happen with both Ava and Vanessa.
I'm going to start by saying that I don't normally read young adult/new adult stories where the characters are high school age, because I've been out of school for....let's just say it's been a while. And high school was bad enough when I was going, I sure don't want to read about someone else's horrific high school experiences. But I was really impressed with this story, even with all of the antics and secrets that went along with it.
I felt for Ava having to deal with the aftermath of her father's untimely death and how her mother just shut down after; I really wasn't surprised at her choice of turning to alcohol in order to deal with everything. I could also empathize with her about her feelings toward her mother. How do you forgive the one parent who should have been there for emotionally when you lose your other parent? It also didn't help the situation because Ava was more of a Daddy's girl.
I liked how even though five years passed, Ava and Vanessa just rekindled their relationship with relatively few changes. Ava and her mom are back on good terms with Vanessa's family, although Vanessa's mom is the stuff nightmares are made from.
Although not an original plot twist, the love triangle was still an interesting one and the way it played out certainly wasn't expected. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what's going to happen with both Ava and Vanessa.
April 13, 2015
I can't write a review right now as I am too lost for words. This book was amazing and truly 5* worthy.
*Edit* I am no longer crying, but still can't think what to say ;)
I will admit, I have procrastinated over writing this review. I haven't known what to say, or how to feel. This story left me with a book-hangover the size of the country. I still don't really know what to say about it. I don't want to spoil other people's enjoyment of it. I will say this, prepare yourself for heartbreak and have a box or two of tissues at your side as you reach the end.
Ava's father dies, leaving her world in shreds. She has to become the adult and care for her mother, doing all the things for her mother that she should be doing for her daughter - she fails her daughter epically. Ava turns to drugs, alcohol and sex with multiple partners to numb the pain inside. But nothing can ever truly be enough to block out the death of her beloved father.
Then Ava and her mother are invited to live with her uncle and auntie, the Saint John's. That doesn't exactly excite Ava considering they gave up on her and didn't help out at all after the death of her father. The only person she is remotely looking forward to seeing is Vanessa Saint John, her cousin.
Once Rose and Ava move in with the Saint John's, Ava looks to hook up with the first hot guy she finds. And boy is he hot! Gabriel Mason has the looks, the megawatt smile, everything Ava needs to take her mind off her current predicament. She did not want to move in with the Saint John's so this distraction will do just nicely. But there's more to it than meets the eye. It seems that cousin Vanessa has had her eye on a boy all summer. I bet you can't guess who?!
This story really tugged at my heartstrings. It's great how it's told from dual POV's, both Ava and cousin Van. You really get a feel for both girls. One so broken and one who looks to have everything, but looks can be deceptive. Is anything really as it seems? One thing is for sure, if you scratch the surface, you will find that not all that glitters is gold. Ava and Van are about to have their hearts shattered when their worlds collide.
For only being her debut novel, Olivia Snow writes like someone who has much more experience. Keep It Secret is a beautifully crafted story and had me making an emotional connection with both the girls. It's an intense bonding experience, for sure. KIS is a page-turning novel that will have you at the edge of your seat. By the end I was in floods of tears and in desperate need of the next installment in the series, Keep It Safe.
Thank you for the chance to read your amazing book, Olivia, I felt honoured to be reading it. I look forward to the next book, but at the same time, I don't want my world shattered a second time.
*Edit* I am no longer crying, but still can't think what to say ;)
I will admit, I have procrastinated over writing this review. I haven't known what to say, or how to feel. This story left me with a book-hangover the size of the country. I still don't really know what to say about it. I don't want to spoil other people's enjoyment of it. I will say this, prepare yourself for heartbreak and have a box or two of tissues at your side as you reach the end.
Ava's father dies, leaving her world in shreds. She has to become the adult and care for her mother, doing all the things for her mother that she should be doing for her daughter - she fails her daughter epically. Ava turns to drugs, alcohol and sex with multiple partners to numb the pain inside. But nothing can ever truly be enough to block out the death of her beloved father.
Then Ava and her mother are invited to live with her uncle and auntie, the Saint John's. That doesn't exactly excite Ava considering they gave up on her and didn't help out at all after the death of her father. The only person she is remotely looking forward to seeing is Vanessa Saint John, her cousin.
Once Rose and Ava move in with the Saint John's, Ava looks to hook up with the first hot guy she finds. And boy is he hot! Gabriel Mason has the looks, the megawatt smile, everything Ava needs to take her mind off her current predicament. She did not want to move in with the Saint John's so this distraction will do just nicely. But there's more to it than meets the eye. It seems that cousin Vanessa has had her eye on a boy all summer. I bet you can't guess who?!
This story really tugged at my heartstrings. It's great how it's told from dual POV's, both Ava and cousin Van. You really get a feel for both girls. One so broken and one who looks to have everything, but looks can be deceptive. Is anything really as it seems? One thing is for sure, if you scratch the surface, you will find that not all that glitters is gold. Ava and Van are about to have their hearts shattered when their worlds collide.
For only being her debut novel, Olivia Snow writes like someone who has much more experience. Keep It Secret is a beautifully crafted story and had me making an emotional connection with both the girls. It's an intense bonding experience, for sure. KIS is a page-turning novel that will have you at the edge of your seat. By the end I was in floods of tears and in desperate need of the next installment in the series, Keep It Safe.
Thank you for the chance to read your amazing book, Olivia, I felt honoured to be reading it. I look forward to the next book, but at the same time, I don't want my world shattered a second time.
September 12, 2014
Great job !!!
I will give this book a five star rating for the simple fact that it was well written and the story line was great whilst an so sad that Gabriel dead that kinda of floored me I did not expect that I thought he would be in the hospital and then figured he wanted Ava and not her cousin, but silly me (that's what I get for planning the ending in my head) any who I thought that was a little screwed up the way he told them both he loved them smdh huh ? talk about twisted. And his mom let the cat right out a the bag lol. any way it was an awesome story Even if I am disappointed in the way it ended I guess it's not always happily ever after eh. I understand why it had to end that way. both of them can't have the same guy cousin and all that too, I was sad too reading this and I was happy, lots of emotion running around, especially for Ava. Great job well done.
I will give this book a five star rating for the simple fact that it was well written and the story line was great whilst an so sad that Gabriel dead that kinda of floored me I did not expect that I thought he would be in the hospital and then figured he wanted Ava and not her cousin, but silly me (that's what I get for planning the ending in my head) any who I thought that was a little screwed up the way he told them both he loved them smdh huh ? talk about twisted. And his mom let the cat right out a the bag lol. any way it was an awesome story Even if I am disappointed in the way it ended I guess it's not always happily ever after eh. I understand why it had to end that way. both of them can't have the same guy cousin and all that too, I was sad too reading this and I was happy, lots of emotion running around, especially for Ava. Great job well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2014
First I would like to say that I loved this book!! The story kept me captivate and I did not want to put the book down. Throughout the book I was on a roller-coaster ride full of emotions. I was shockingly surprised at the ending and was happy the author wasn't around me at the time. I went to work and vented about this book and know of at least 3 people whom are going to get this book based on my rantings..lol. This was definitely a book that will forever be on my favorite's list.!!
April 27, 2015
This is book one in the KIS series. Told by two points of view we read about Ava and her cousin Vanessa. While Vanessa has been brought up by an over bearing mother Ava has been on self destruct after the death of her father. As if things aren't complicated enough they both catch the eye of Gabriel Mason.
Great read that had me happy one minute and sad the next. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Great read that had me happy one minute and sad the next. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 25, 2014
Awesome book, shocking ending, I hope there's a second book.
August 1, 2014
Is a great book to read
December 7, 2017
great Story to read, can not wait to read more of this series
November 30, 2014
Keep it Secret 3rd Dec
Keep it Secret is a 3 book series so don't expect to finish this book without a cliff hanger or with all your questions answered, as the book is only the first in the series.
I really enjoyed this story. It kept me interested from start to finish and I didn't want it to end. I can't wait until book 2 comes out. The book was very well written and took me on a massive rollercoaster of emotions all the way through. I never knew what was going to happen or his I was going to feel from one page to the next.
Ava was a good character who has had a hard life. At 13 her dad was killed in a car accident. After the accident Ava's world changed, but just because of her dads death but because her mother changed as she slipped in to a very deep depression, leaving Ava to fend for herself.
Ava's life from then onwards was like a adults. She had to grow up very fast and be the adult. She was trying to keep up with her school work, whilst paying bills, controlling the money, Cole with the grief of losing her dad and her mum not helping plus all the normal teenage drama of growing up. Reading about Ava breaks your heart. She's been to hell and back over and over. Se turned to sex and alcohol to cope. Understandable Ava built up a wall around herself to cope. Which you couldn't blame her for. Turning to sex and alcohol was t the right way to cope, but I understood how that was the only way she could cope. She showed no emotion ever to anyone, but you could tell she was side pressed and angry and barely keeping it together.
Ava's life carried on like this for 5 years. By then she was in an deep. The wall around her was miles high and she still was using sex and alcohol to cope. I found reading this very emotional. The author wrote about Ava and her struggle so well that it really pulled at my heart strings. I was desperate for her to have some one save her and knock down her walks and show her love again, as she hadn't known love for a very long time.
Ava and her mum are reunited with family after 5 years of losing touch with each other. Ava is reunited with her cousin Vanessa and They end up moving in with them. Vanessa's mum was so controlling and treated Vanessa like a little child. Vanessa and Ava had so much in common with both their mums treating them badly over the years. I found it hard reading about how Ava was treated, reading about how Vanessa was treated on top of it was just as hard. Both the girls needed a break. My heart broke for them both. I really hated Both the mums in the story, but Vanessa's mum tops it off as top bitch in the story. Things were going to change for Ava and Vanessa though when Gabriel Mason comes in to the story showing a interest in both Ava and Vanessa. I can see the train wreck that's going to be coming in the following books with Gabriel showing interest in both girls. It's going to get complicated! I can't wait to read book 2 and see how things start changing and how it plays out with the 3 of them plus how the mums are too.
I loved the story. I found it very captivating and heartbreaking. Most of the story I was on the edge of my seat hoping things couldn't get worse, but I'd turn the page and things would get worse for either Ava or Vanessa. The story flowed brilliantly and the characters were very well developed. I really felt I got to know Ava and Vanessa brilliantly through the story. I'm looking forward to finding out more about Gabriel in book 2 and 3.
The end was a complete suprise and a great cliffhanger. The author find a great job at creating a very interesting story with very interesting characters.
I can't wait to read more. Bring on book 2.
4.5 Stars
Keep it Secret is a 3 book series so don't expect to finish this book without a cliff hanger or with all your questions answered, as the book is only the first in the series.
I really enjoyed this story. It kept me interested from start to finish and I didn't want it to end. I can't wait until book 2 comes out. The book was very well written and took me on a massive rollercoaster of emotions all the way through. I never knew what was going to happen or his I was going to feel from one page to the next.
Ava was a good character who has had a hard life. At 13 her dad was killed in a car accident. After the accident Ava's world changed, but just because of her dads death but because her mother changed as she slipped in to a very deep depression, leaving Ava to fend for herself.
Ava's life from then onwards was like a adults. She had to grow up very fast and be the adult. She was trying to keep up with her school work, whilst paying bills, controlling the money, Cole with the grief of losing her dad and her mum not helping plus all the normal teenage drama of growing up. Reading about Ava breaks your heart. She's been to hell and back over and over. Se turned to sex and alcohol to cope. Understandable Ava built up a wall around herself to cope. Which you couldn't blame her for. Turning to sex and alcohol was t the right way to cope, but I understood how that was the only way she could cope. She showed no emotion ever to anyone, but you could tell she was side pressed and angry and barely keeping it together.
Ava's life carried on like this for 5 years. By then she was in an deep. The wall around her was miles high and she still was using sex and alcohol to cope. I found reading this very emotional. The author wrote about Ava and her struggle so well that it really pulled at my heart strings. I was desperate for her to have some one save her and knock down her walks and show her love again, as she hadn't known love for a very long time.
Ava and her mum are reunited with family after 5 years of losing touch with each other. Ava is reunited with her cousin Vanessa and They end up moving in with them. Vanessa's mum was so controlling and treated Vanessa like a little child. Vanessa and Ava had so much in common with both their mums treating them badly over the years. I found it hard reading about how Ava was treated, reading about how Vanessa was treated on top of it was just as hard. Both the girls needed a break. My heart broke for them both. I really hated Both the mums in the story, but Vanessa's mum tops it off as top bitch in the story. Things were going to change for Ava and Vanessa though when Gabriel Mason comes in to the story showing a interest in both Ava and Vanessa. I can see the train wreck that's going to be coming in the following books with Gabriel showing interest in both girls. It's going to get complicated! I can't wait to read book 2 and see how things start changing and how it plays out with the 3 of them plus how the mums are too.
I loved the story. I found it very captivating and heartbreaking. Most of the story I was on the edge of my seat hoping things couldn't get worse, but I'd turn the page and things would get worse for either Ava or Vanessa. The story flowed brilliantly and the characters were very well developed. I really felt I got to know Ava and Vanessa brilliantly through the story. I'm looking forward to finding out more about Gabriel in book 2 and 3.
The end was a complete suprise and a great cliffhanger. The author find a great job at creating a very interesting story with very interesting characters.
I can't wait to read more. Bring on book 2.
4.5 Stars
January 26, 2015
OMG this book was amazing!!! Cousins. Family. Death. Teenagers. Boys/Men. Drugs. Sex. It’s all a part of life but when this life just keeps on hitting you with one bad thing after another what’s a girl to do?
Cousins really can be your siblings. They are for Ava and Vanessa. They are as close as sisters until the day their life was changed forever. I almost said ‘until Ava’s life was changed forever’ but it wasn't just her’s that was affected with the death of her father. Everyone suffered, not only the loss of him, but the loss of what was. The loss of the fully intact family.
When Ava’s dad died suddenly - to say it affected her would be a huge understatement. However, the affect it had on Ava’s mom was devastating. She wouldn’t eat or get out of bed or even use the bathroom. She was just gone. They had to move into a crapy apartment and Ava had to do everything. Take complete care of her mom, pay bills, figure out food….everything. Her mom literally checked out. Ava was thirteen!!!
Vanessa’s loss was more in the loss of never seeing Ava. She eventually moved on and became the golden child for her prominent family. Her parents didn’t do anything to help Ava but try to keep her away and hidden. Secret. Can’t have her messing up their lifestyle and embarrassing them. That’s not how Vanessa see’s it but it’s how her parents have been. It’s been five years and Ava is coming back. Her mom is trying to bounce out of her depression and has asked for help. Can Ava forgive her? Can Ava & Vanessa move forward and become the sister’s they used to be?
Ava is beautiful. Turn heads as she walks by beautiful. Vanessa is too but not in the same way Ava is. Vanessa is more innocent/girl next door pretty where as Ava is sex on a stick/life of the party beautiful. Ava hits up a college party as soon as she gets back to town and meets the drop dead gorgeous Gabriel. However, it will be soon revealed that Vanessa has had a huge crush on him for a long time. Will Ava step aside and let her cousin have him? Even though she’s in complete love with him? The massive event that made me gasp and cry will, I’m sure, shock you too.
What I’ve described above is probably 35% of the series. So much happens to this family. Good, bad, sad, happy, love, heartbreak. Will these two cousins get their HEA? There are other guys. Diesel for Vanessa and Maxwell for Ava. But the HEA I’m talking about isn’t just about men for them. They need to be happy in their life all around. Family, work, each other. Reading the story of how they get there and accomplish things is fascinating and only puts me in awe of Olivia Snow!!! Amazing and wonderful story telling!
I can’t really talk about the rest of the series. I don’t want to spoil it for you. I guess it’s a long story…..I wouldn’t have really realized it or known because I could have read it for a lot longer! I read both books in three days!! I couldn’t get enough.
It’s so good!!! The story, the writing, the characters, the FEEL and depth of this book is simply amazing!!! Olivia Snow has another HUGE fan!!! Read this KIS series and I’m sure you will be too!
Highly Recommend!!!!
Cousins really can be your siblings. They are for Ava and Vanessa. They are as close as sisters until the day their life was changed forever. I almost said ‘until Ava’s life was changed forever’ but it wasn't just her’s that was affected with the death of her father. Everyone suffered, not only the loss of him, but the loss of what was. The loss of the fully intact family.
When Ava’s dad died suddenly - to say it affected her would be a huge understatement. However, the affect it had on Ava’s mom was devastating. She wouldn’t eat or get out of bed or even use the bathroom. She was just gone. They had to move into a crapy apartment and Ava had to do everything. Take complete care of her mom, pay bills, figure out food….everything. Her mom literally checked out. Ava was thirteen!!!
Vanessa’s loss was more in the loss of never seeing Ava. She eventually moved on and became the golden child for her prominent family. Her parents didn’t do anything to help Ava but try to keep her away and hidden. Secret. Can’t have her messing up their lifestyle and embarrassing them. That’s not how Vanessa see’s it but it’s how her parents have been. It’s been five years and Ava is coming back. Her mom is trying to bounce out of her depression and has asked for help. Can Ava forgive her? Can Ava & Vanessa move forward and become the sister’s they used to be?
Ava is beautiful. Turn heads as she walks by beautiful. Vanessa is too but not in the same way Ava is. Vanessa is more innocent/girl next door pretty where as Ava is sex on a stick/life of the party beautiful. Ava hits up a college party as soon as she gets back to town and meets the drop dead gorgeous Gabriel. However, it will be soon revealed that Vanessa has had a huge crush on him for a long time. Will Ava step aside and let her cousin have him? Even though she’s in complete love with him? The massive event that made me gasp and cry will, I’m sure, shock you too.
What I’ve described above is probably 35% of the series. So much happens to this family. Good, bad, sad, happy, love, heartbreak. Will these two cousins get their HEA? There are other guys. Diesel for Vanessa and Maxwell for Ava. But the HEA I’m talking about isn’t just about men for them. They need to be happy in their life all around. Family, work, each other. Reading the story of how they get there and accomplish things is fascinating and only puts me in awe of Olivia Snow!!! Amazing and wonderful story telling!
I can’t really talk about the rest of the series. I don’t want to spoil it for you. I guess it’s a long story…..I wouldn’t have really realized it or known because I could have read it for a lot longer! I read both books in three days!! I couldn’t get enough.
It’s so good!!! The story, the writing, the characters, the FEEL and depth of this book is simply amazing!!! Olivia Snow has another HUGE fan!!! Read this KIS series and I’m sure you will be too!
Highly Recommend!!!!
December 3, 2014
I received a review copy of this book for my stop on the blog tour at Donnie Darko Girl.
Characters who become self destructive after experiencing a traumatic loss are intriguing and interesting to me to read about. Their stories take me to all kinds of emotional places, and Keep It Secret is the kind of book I love to read for this reason. I love taking an emotional journey right along with the characters.
After Ava's father dies from a car accident when she is only thirteen years old, Ava not only has her grief to work through but also must deal with fending for herself after her mother becomes debilitated with crushing depression. Throw in the fact that Ava is a teenager and is going through all of the ups and downs one goes through during those years, and I think you can see why she turns to sex, drugs, and alcohol. Anything to numb the pain.
Five years after the death of her father, Ava and her mother move in with Ava's aunt, uncle, and cousin. Ava and her cousin, Vanessa, used to be as close as sisters, and they're looking forward to becoming close once again. The problem? A boy named Gabriel Mason.
Vanessa has had a different kind of struggle in life than Ava. Her mother is controlling and overbearing, buying love instead of showing it, and criticizing rather than caring. Her father allows her mother to have her way rather than risk rocking the boat. Vanessa has grown up sheltered and involved in so many different activities she doesn't have time to relax or socialize.
With both of these girls hurting in their own ways, I looked forward to seeing them grow close again and help each other work through their pain together as a united front. But then they let a boy get between them, and while I was disappointed this happened, it becomes much more complicated than a boy coming between two cousins. There are a lot of issues surrounding all three of them that make this situation anything but simple, and it was an up and down emotional ride for me as a reader!
I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book and finding out what happens next. I love both Vanessa and Ava for different reasons and also embrace them despite their flaws, which make them more realistic to me anyway. I'm a new Olivia Snow fan!
Characters who become self destructive after experiencing a traumatic loss are intriguing and interesting to me to read about. Their stories take me to all kinds of emotional places, and Keep It Secret is the kind of book I love to read for this reason. I love taking an emotional journey right along with the characters.
After Ava's father dies from a car accident when she is only thirteen years old, Ava not only has her grief to work through but also must deal with fending for herself after her mother becomes debilitated with crushing depression. Throw in the fact that Ava is a teenager and is going through all of the ups and downs one goes through during those years, and I think you can see why she turns to sex, drugs, and alcohol. Anything to numb the pain.
Five years after the death of her father, Ava and her mother move in with Ava's aunt, uncle, and cousin. Ava and her cousin, Vanessa, used to be as close as sisters, and they're looking forward to becoming close once again. The problem? A boy named Gabriel Mason.
Vanessa has had a different kind of struggle in life than Ava. Her mother is controlling and overbearing, buying love instead of showing it, and criticizing rather than caring. Her father allows her mother to have her way rather than risk rocking the boat. Vanessa has grown up sheltered and involved in so many different activities she doesn't have time to relax or socialize.
With both of these girls hurting in their own ways, I looked forward to seeing them grow close again and help each other work through their pain together as a united front. But then they let a boy get between them, and while I was disappointed this happened, it becomes much more complicated than a boy coming between two cousins. There are a lot of issues surrounding all three of them that make this situation anything but simple, and it was an up and down emotional ride for me as a reader!
I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book and finding out what happens next. I love both Vanessa and Ava for different reasons and also embrace them despite their flaws, which make them more realistic to me anyway. I'm a new Olivia Snow fan!
November 27, 2014
For me this book was a very emotional read. Ava (Avie) was pulled out of school because her father was in an accident. She was really close to her father and not so much with her mother. Avie felt like an ugly monster flawed beyond repair. This shell served only as a distraction from what lay within. After her fathers death, her mother went into a deep depression leaving Ava to fend for herself. At the age of fourteen her life consisted of a whirlwind of bills, money, school work, teenage drama and being a caretaker to her mother. Her only escape was sex and alcohol. For five years she kept her fathers last message he left her. Rose and Ava are moving in with her cousin Vanessa and her aunt Cynitha and her uncle Bill. The only person who knows what happend was Declan and he only knows because she was drunk and told him.
Ava is 18 years old, she lost her father at the age of thirteen. She still wears her fathers rosary. She felt her heart become emotionally blocked. She has a difficult time showing any emotion.Doesn't do highschool guys because they brag too much. Rose is Ava's mother, didn't do anything after her husband died. Wasn't a good mother too Ava. A year after her husbands death she finally decided that she was going to get help. Bill is Ava's uncle and he wasn't there for her after her father died. Cynitha is Ava's aunt and she doesn't like Ava. Vanessa is Declan's sister, Ava's cousin and Bill and Cynitha's daughter. She gets treated like a baby. She always does what her mother wants, has a major crush on Gabriel. Declan is Vanessa's older brother, was never there for Vanessa. He is in college. Ava's cousin. Gabriel likes Ava. Takes Ava's advice about asking Vanessa out. TA for swimming class, met Ava at a party. Talon is Gabriels friend met Ava at a party.
This is the first book in the KIS series. I really loved this book, this is my first book by Olivia Snow and it most definitely will not be my last. I loved the story line, how well the characters were developed. I couldn't put this book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I can't wait for book two in this series. Olivia you are an amazing author.
November 15, 2014
Reviewed for hookedonbooks
When Ava was only thirteen, her father was killed in a car accident. After his death, her mother went into a deep depression leaving Ava to fend for herself. Avas heart had become emotionally blocked. No love could enter or leave, she found it difficult to show any emotion. When she did, it was phony. Anger and lust were the only emotions she never faked. By the age of fourteen, her life was a whirlwind of bills, money, schoolwork, teenage drama, and being a caretaker to her mother. Her only escape was self-medicating with sex and alcohol. She didn't know where to start to fix her fucked up issues and the years of self-deprecation?
Five years later, Ava and her mother are reunited with the family they'd lost touch with. They end up moving into their home where Ava is reunited with her cousin Vanessa, who has an over controlling mother, that doesn't allow her to be a normal 17 year old. Well all that is about to change when Gabriel Mason shows interest in her and also Ava !
I really enjoyed Ava and Vanessa's stories, i wanted to lash out at Vanessa's controlling mother, she was a pure bitch, i felt so sorry for poor Rose whose shattered past had broken her relationship with her daughter, it was so nice to see them find each other again and work through there sadness and Gabriel !! I found him hard to get my head around, how different he was with both girls ! I so wanted to see which he would pick but i also wanted to bitch slap him, i guess karma does come around in strange ways !! A really enjoyable read that will keep you hooked throughout the whole novel. I cant wait for book 2 if there is one ?
August 12, 2016
Keep It Secret was intriguing. I loved the story line; we have a girl who has meaningless sex, drinks way too much, and is tough-it sounds cliche and some parts were a bit but this is what Ava and Vanessa's story has to be.
After Ava's dad was killed in a car accident, her life is turned upside down and her childhood is ruined. Her mom checks out of life, her family members give up on her so she's left alone, taking care of her absent minded mother.
Vanessa grew up wealthy. With a mom who controls her, a dad who doesn't challenge his wife and a big brother who never really took her under his wing, Van is left in the dark about alot of things. They think she's fragile and don't want to break her.
**Some slight spoilers***
I liked the whole set up but for the life of me, I couldn't like Gabriel. Sure I liked him when he popped in but after Ava tells him nothing can happen between them because Van is crushing on him and he goes after Van SUPER quickly, I hated him. He did it so fast that I was confused. The ending was supposed to be heartbreaking but I couldn't connect to it. I can't tolerate cheaters. Emotional and/or physical ones. Gabriel pushed all my buttons. Except for the good ones.
Aside from that little problem, I do recommend this book!
Thank you, Olivia for this story! <3
After Ava's dad was killed in a car accident, her life is turned upside down and her childhood is ruined. Her mom checks out of life, her family members give up on her so she's left alone, taking care of her absent minded mother.
Vanessa grew up wealthy. With a mom who controls her, a dad who doesn't challenge his wife and a big brother who never really took her under his wing, Van is left in the dark about alot of things. They think she's fragile and don't want to break her.
**Some slight spoilers***
I liked the whole set up but for the life of me, I couldn't like Gabriel. Sure I liked him when he popped in but after Ava tells him nothing can happen between them because Van is crushing on him and he goes after Van SUPER quickly, I hated him. He did it so fast that I was confused. The ending was supposed to be heartbreaking but I couldn't connect to it. I can't tolerate cheaters. Emotional and/or physical ones. Gabriel pushed all my buttons. Except for the good ones.
Aside from that little problem, I do recommend this book!
Thank you, Olivia for this story! <3
November 30, 2014
I really wanted to read this book after the blurb. I made a mistake an read some reviews and one review was not marked spoiler but gave away the whole story. I debated whether to read it or not. I decided to give it a try and hope that maybe the person I read the review from didn't actually give the story away. Unfortunately they did give the whole story away and it took a little bit away from my enjoyment of the story.
I started out with myself guarded and didn't want to get to emotionally attached to the characters. Olivia Snow writes the characters so well that it's impossible not to get attached to the characters. It's a very emotional read that will pull you right in and you won't want to put it down until the end. Ava's father has passed away and things for Ava and her mother go down hill from there. Ava uses drugs and sex as her coping mechanism. Ava and her mother go to stay with family. There we meet her cousin Vanessa. Vanessa seems to be the opposite of Ava but they get along great. Gabriel has the attention of both Vanessa and Ava. I would have liked to see more of Gabriel and see which one he would have chosen. I can't wait to read more but I will be sure not to read any review first.
A copy was received for a review.
I started out with myself guarded and didn't want to get to emotionally attached to the characters. Olivia Snow writes the characters so well that it's impossible not to get attached to the characters. It's a very emotional read that will pull you right in and you won't want to put it down until the end. Ava's father has passed away and things for Ava and her mother go down hill from there. Ava uses drugs and sex as her coping mechanism. Ava and her mother go to stay with family. There we meet her cousin Vanessa. Vanessa seems to be the opposite of Ava but they get along great. Gabriel has the attention of both Vanessa and Ava. I would have liked to see more of Gabriel and see which one he would have chosen. I can't wait to read more but I will be sure not to read any review first.
A copy was received for a review.
January 13, 2015
When Ava was only thirteen, her father was killed in a car accident. After his death, her mother went into a deep depression leaving Ava to take care of herself. Ava refused to care for anyone, she found it difficult to show any emotion. When she did, it was fake. Anger and lust were the only emotions she never faked. By the age of fourteen, her life was nothing but bills, money, schoolwork, drama, and taking care ofher mother. Her only escape was sex and alcohol. Five years later, Ava and her mother are reunited with the family they'd lost touch with. They end up moving into her Aunt's home where Ava is reunited with her cousin Vanessa, who has an over controlling mother, that doesn't allow her to do anything a 17 year old would. After a quickie at a party Ava finds herself in a difficult situation with her cousin and the guy they both like, putting a tension between the two.
This book keeps your attention from start to finish, you will be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions. I can't wait till book 2 comes out so I can find out what happens next. Anyone who loves real life romance stories will love this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's blog
This book keeps your attention from start to finish, you will be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions. I can't wait till book 2 comes out so I can find out what happens next. Anyone who loves real life romance stories will love this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's blog
March 27, 2015
Wow! What an emotional rollercoaster this story was. Ava was changed by a tragic event that drove her into a downward spiral. Vanessa is a caged bird wanting to be set free and both seem to be in love with the same guy.
I was emotionally drained after reading this story. Ava was my least favorite character, because I felt she was selfish and did not realize that the tragedy not only happened to her, but to her whole family. For some reason I got the impression that the author wanted the reader to be on Ava’s side and for the reader to understand that Ava was hurting; but Ava came across as uncaring and selfish. I connected more with Vanessa (the caged bird). She wanted to be free to be her own person, but she was overshadowed by the steaming locomotive (Ava). I cared so much for Vanessa that I wished that there could have been a different outcome to the events that took place. At times I felt her brother was against her too. I hope Ava and Vanessa can find some peace.
Keep It Secret is a four star book. Even though it is not one of my favorite reads, it was beautifully written with very engaging characters.
4 stars
____
Reviewed by Deborah
I was emotionally drained after reading this story. Ava was my least favorite character, because I felt she was selfish and did not realize that the tragedy not only happened to her, but to her whole family. For some reason I got the impression that the author wanted the reader to be on Ava’s side and for the reader to understand that Ava was hurting; but Ava came across as uncaring and selfish. I connected more with Vanessa (the caged bird). She wanted to be free to be her own person, but she was overshadowed by the steaming locomotive (Ava). I cared so much for Vanessa that I wished that there could have been a different outcome to the events that took place. At times I felt her brother was against her too. I hope Ava and Vanessa can find some peace.
Keep It Secret is a four star book. Even though it is not one of my favorite reads, it was beautifully written with very engaging characters.
4 stars
____
Reviewed by Deborah
November 30, 2014
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review by author Olivia Snow. This is book 1 of the Keep it Secret series by the author and the authors first book.
Ava Veneziano was in a living hell for a year after her father died and her mother shut down, she grew up fast and took a turn into booze, drugs and sex to try and release her hurt. After 5 long years they move to live with her aunt and uncle and she is reunited with her cousin Vanessa. After a quickie at a party Ava finds herself in a difficult situation with her cousin and the guy they both like.
This is an emotional story and the characters of Ava and Vanessa are both strong in their own way. The story line flow was very well written by the author.
This is for any romance book lover who enjoys a real life romance with its ups and downs. For her first book I think this author will be on her way to the top of the charts.
Ava Veneziano was in a living hell for a year after her father died and her mother shut down, she grew up fast and took a turn into booze, drugs and sex to try and release her hurt. After 5 long years they move to live with her aunt and uncle and she is reunited with her cousin Vanessa. After a quickie at a party Ava finds herself in a difficult situation with her cousin and the guy they both like.
This is an emotional story and the characters of Ava and Vanessa are both strong in their own way. The story line flow was very well written by the author.
This is for any romance book lover who enjoys a real life romance with its ups and downs. For her first book I think this author will be on her way to the top of the charts.
December 2, 2014
3.5 Stars
I found this to be an engaging light read from new author Olivia Snow. Her story was interesting, entertaining, and well put together. I found Ava's character to be believable, with depth and feeling. However, I found most of the other characters to be a little shallow and in certain cases the motivation behind their behaviors could have been better developed (especially Gabriel). While I enjoyed the read I have to say, I'm not a huge fan of the cliffhanger ending. I'm giving this book a solid 3.5 stars for a great start by Olivia Snow, I'm looking forward to seeing how this author grows as you can see the pure potential in her initial work.
I found this to be an engaging light read from new author Olivia Snow. Her story was interesting, entertaining, and well put together. I found Ava's character to be believable, with depth and feeling. However, I found most of the other characters to be a little shallow and in certain cases the motivation behind their behaviors could have been better developed (especially Gabriel). While I enjoyed the read I have to say, I'm not a huge fan of the cliffhanger ending. I'm giving this book a solid 3.5 stars for a great start by Olivia Snow, I'm looking forward to seeing how this author grows as you can see the pure potential in her initial work.
January 31, 2015
Emotionally torn
I was caught in the tug of war between these two girls. I loved their love for one another despite there time apart and extreme differences. Gabriel is an amazing character that any girl would love. The very raw and realistic pain in these characters' lives had me crying for a large portion of this book. In the end I was determined that I would never read the second book to have to read more of their pain but after reading the book 2 blurb I can't wait to get started.
I was caught in the tug of war between these two girls. I loved their love for one another despite there time apart and extreme differences. Gabriel is an amazing character that any girl would love. The very raw and realistic pain in these characters' lives had me crying for a large portion of this book. In the end I was determined that I would never read the second book to have to read more of their pain but after reading the book 2 blurb I can't wait to get started.
December 6, 2014
**** I received an arc in exchange for an honest review *****
This book keeps your attention from start to finish, you will be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions so make sure that you have the tissues to hand.
It is the first book that I have read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised.
It is a well written read, and the characters are easily related to.
There is a cliffhanger as the book is part of a 3 book series so be warned
This book keeps your attention from start to finish, you will be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions so make sure that you have the tissues to hand.
It is the first book that I have read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised.
It is a well written read, and the characters are easily related to.
There is a cliffhanger as the book is part of a 3 book series so be warned
December 12, 2014
Olivia Snow knew how to hook her readers when she wrote this book! The characters feels as if they are as real as you and me. The plot is an every day life issue! Well written and will have you flipping the pages! Great book!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
December 27, 2014
This book was awesome! The characters are instantly lovable and they tend to find themselves in some petty messed up situations. The author has a very nice flow to her writing style, which surprised me given that it is her first book. I am excited to see where the series takes us next!
June 11, 2015
Ok Book
This book was ok. But, book 2 was better. You will have to read, this book to understand the 2 part. It was boring, at first, but you have to keep reading. Then at the end you have to read part 2.
This book was ok. But, book 2 was better. You will have to read, this book to understand the 2 part. It was boring, at first, but you have to keep reading. Then at the end you have to read part 2.
December 26, 2014
3.5 stars
Read
January 6, 2015Dnf - 26%
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