Lia’s meant to be on cloud nine: ever since she and Alastair finally confessed their love for one another, their relationship has never been so good.
Her British-born Adonis is all intent on sweeping her off her feet, showering her with gifts and affection more than worthy of the girlfriend of an international, millionaire businessman!
But their past seems to be intent on dragging the both of them down, and the hushed gossip of a dark secret begins to cause havoc to Lia’s life…
With an ocean separating her from her love, Lia can’t help but wonder if she can ever feel secure with a man who still plays everything so close to his chest, including her.
Lynn Montagano writes contemporary romance with darker themes and emotionally complex characters.
She's a cat mom, unapologetic football fan, and has a thing for Tony Stark. When Lynn isn't writing, you can most likely find her cheering loudly for her beloved New England Patriots, trying to herd cats, or traveling somewhere (probably London).
This was okay. It frustrated me a little bit because it seems like Lia always finds herself in situations where she's not supposed to be in. She knows her ex cannot be trusted and has deep-seated psychological issues and yet, she insists on dealing with him and giving him the upper hand every single time.
The whole reveal about the thing that could destroy Lia was anticlimactic. Alaistair's own issues and secrets was frustrating. I get that he's supposed to be closed off but still, it was too much for me. Overall, this book didn't wow me enough to read the next book in the trilogy. I don't even think this series needs another book.
Received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.
In this second story of Lynn Montagano's BREATHLESS trilogy, we watch Lia and Alistair fall further in love, and with it, we see many side players trying to step in the way. One of the aspects I appreciated the most with this second installation was that it's mentioned that Lia and Alistair's romance was quick -- they met, they 'fell in love', and now between the two of them, their racking up airline miles like it's cool. Surely they (err, Lia) hadn't thought it completely through... Right?
As much as I enjoyed that foresight of the characters, and therefore the author, I equally appreciated the fight Lia and Alistair put up for themselves.
When Lia's ex comes back into the picture, I wasn't quite sure where everything was going to go. While he wasn't the nicest man in book one, his colors truly show here and his side-character rants were the driving force in this story.
I did feel that Lia's dealing with Nathan was a bit much at times, and there was at least one point in which I wanted to shake her (but she ended up making the correct decision in the end, so I forgave her for that misstep).
Where the characters were all introduced and their characterizations formed in the previous book, it was good to see consistency between book one and book two. There were points in the plot line of this particular one that felt stagnant. Granted, I often feel that 'book two' in a trilogy is the filler book, and honestly, this one wasn't really all that much different. The bottom line of this particular book, though, was that you had to fight for what you wanted. Watching that fight was enjoyable.
This was just so frustrating to read. Amelia was an idiot! She claimed to be this strong independent women but fails every. single. time. What really made me not like this book is the fact that Amelia believed what her a**hole ex said and then went to him for help! What the actual flip, she confides in him for help, instead of going to Holden! I was annoyed. The first book was good but this one was just annoying and Amelia is once again an idiot. I am getting really tired of reading about stupid female leads. GRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Unravel Me, Lynn Montanago Review from jeannie zelos book reviews So, the description asks if we fell in love with Lia and Alistair in Catch my Breath? Well, yes, I did! It was a perfect read, and I was really pleased to get book two for review, and as Lynn seems to write quickly hopefully there's not too long to the last part...and the good news for those who like me Hate cliff-hangers – once again this ends at a natural break, with a hint for what comes next but no cliff-hanger. Thanks Lynn :-) So, we catch up with Lia and Alistair. Once again there's travel, and a cross country romance that brings it’s own problems, but this time there's more thrown in the mix and the dastardly Nathan appears, doing his usual stirring and of course Alistair is very unhappy. What secrets is Nathan holding though? What does he know when he's so secretive about revealing anything, but telling Lia he still loves her and just wants to help. Can she trust him? It’s a great read again, with a perfect mix of hot and sensual sex, balanced with a terrific story. I need a story first and sex second mix. A book with all sex little story just doesn’t cut it for me. Nathan is a real anti hero and so perfect here, and Alistair is so in love with Lia, but still finding his way in such an unfamiliar situation for him. They had a lot to cope with and his past is still bringing problems not just to his mental state, but in the real world too. Lia loves him, but gets frustrated sometimes at his unflinching over protectiveness – he can't seem to help being that way, and yet it reminds her too much of Nathan. The secondary characters, her friends and family, work colleagues and his acquaintances are good – they help the balance of story, sex and excitement. Overall its a book I raced through, really easy to read and kept me enthralled in the story. I need to feel attached to my characters, if I don't connect with them and care about what happens I can't enjoy a book, and here I love Lia and Alistair and am rooting for their happy ending. Stars: Five again – its a terrific second part and a great follow up to the perfect beginning novel. One for the keepers files! ARC received from Netgalley and publishers
While I rated the first book in the series 3 stars, it was enjoyable enough for me to want to find out more about Lia and Alastair and give this book a go. I was interested to see where the author would take the story and even though overall I enjoyed this easy read, it has left me with mixed opinions.
I liked the pacing of the book. Everything moved at a quick speed, keeping my interest, but there was also plenty of detail. I like Lynn's style of writing. It has its quirks, and humorous remarks that kept putting a smile on my face while reading it. I especially liked it when it was during Lia's speech. It made her likable and I enjoyed that she was independent. Even though Alastair tried to be the protective male and at times was a little controlling (not in a bad way), she still kept her own mind, stubbornness and was determined to see things through. I will admit her naivety about her ex irked me a little as it happened a few too many times for me to not question why she didn't just cut him out and why she believed him after his history.
Similarly, I think I liked Alastair. He's a bit cheesy for me, but I think the fact that the author works the fact that he know this into his character helps lessen the cringe factor. However, I still am undecided on how I really feel about him. He's a strange character in that you never really see his true colours as he's very guarded. I'm also not a fan of the constant British references--but that's a major pet peeve of mine.
As for the plot, it did hold my interest and I did enjoy the book as a whole. I did find the secret a little predictable so I was waiting for things to happen a lot of the time. And I did feel maybe it could have been condensed a little a few times things became repetitive. However, I'm curious to see what is going to happen in the final book and this one held my attention well enough for me to want to complete the series. All I hope is hat there is a bit of a different plot line.
Overall, these books are fun, easy reads. I like the author's style and although it has split my opinion, I did enjoy it.
“Hello?” I mumbled into the pillow. I think the phone was at my ear. The ringing finally stopped. Squinting at the clock on my nightstand I learned it was barely five in the morning. “Did I wake you, kitten?” Blood sang through my veins hearing Alastair’s velvety English accent through the phone. I smiled. “You’re five hours ahead of me. You know you did.” His low, throaty laugh curled my toes. I half expected to turn and see him lying next to me. “Sorry. I wanted to hear your voice. I don’t like waking up alone.” “I know the feeling,” I said, sliding my hand along the cool sheets where his body should have been. “Are you working from home today?” “No. The office. I’m in between meetings. I have about seven minutes to give you my undivided attention.” I laughed, stretching my legs. “Well, well Mr. CEO. A whole seven minutes? How do you plan to spend this time?” “Enjoying the sound of your voice,” he answered, lowering his tone. “I like hearing you first thing in the morning.” I closed my eyes, amazed at how fast my heart was beating. Goosebumps rippled across my skin. The effect he had on me transcended an ocean and several time zones. “Are you trying to seduce me over the phone?” “Only if you want me to. Although I’d need more than,” he paused, ”six minutes.” “I doubt that,” I muttered, kicking off the blankets. My internal body temperature was off the charts. Another one of his deep, sexy laughs quickened my pulse. “Patience, love.” “I’m barely awake. You’re a tease with a gorgeous accent who knows how to push my buttons. Thin ice, Holden, thin ice.” “I should wake you up early more often. Which buttons am I pushing, exactly?” Christ. I could almost see the smile on his lips. Shifting on the mattress, I curled up on my side. The pillow he’d used still smelled like him. I inhaled deeply, wishing I could wrap myself around him. “Patience, chief.” “Fair enough.”
'Unravel Me' plays out the next chapter of Lia's complicated relationship with media mogul Alastair. The setting for this second book is detailed and interesting. I liked the TV news references and secondary characters. It is full of insider knowledge that gives the story its realistic, contemporary edge.
Alastair's and Lia's long distance love affair leads to misunderstanding, vulnerability and heartache for both of them. It also allows a sinister antagonist to threaten Lia and make her doubt Alastair's motives.
What keeps me reading this series is the obvious love between Alastair and Lia. This strong bond makes it possible for Lia to forgive and ignore Alastair's often unreasonable dominant behaviour, even though her ex had similar traits.
This story manages to convey the themes of dominance and subservience in a sexual relationship without graphic detail, which makes it an easier read for mainstream romance lovers.
'Unravel Me' is an enticing mix of angst and humour delivered by believable characters. Cleverly interwoven mystery and suspense enhance the story's romance and passion. I look forward to the next chapter of Alastair's and Lia's volatile love story.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley.
Unravel Me was one of the most attention-grabbing, fast-paced books I have read all summer. I was quite literally enthralled from beginning to end. Dark, intense, and solidly hot, this book took hold of my imagination and would not let go.
What I Liked: The characters were beyond interesting. Nathan, Olivia and Brent were menacing. The mysterious uncle was seemingly covert. Stephanie and Paxton were fiercely loyal. The supporting characters were notable enough to make me wonder about their angle and how they fit into the grand scheme of things.
The descriptive details of everything from clothing to settings to emotions were plentiful and yet there was always an air of something more.
Questions were asked and answered, but still more questions came. (I want to know more! What is the deal with Alastair??? Will Lia ever see all of him? What can be so damaging that he goes from one mood extreme to another the way he does? How could she marry him when this unknown overwhelming secret loomed over their relationship?)
Lia and Alastair definitely had something special. It was deep and timeless. It was potent. It was playful. It was riveting. These two worked so well. They made sense together. It's like they were drawn to each other and could not stand apart from one another without withering in some way.
Of course, I must now read the first book and all the others in this series. Will I ever understand this dark past that makes Alastair feel so unworthy? What happened to him? Will he and his beloved make it? As you can likely tell, I am well and truly hooked.
Rating: 4/5 Recommend: Yes Bookshelf Worthy: Yes Hard copy vs Digital copy: Either Status: Mature (Profanity, Sexual Content, Adult Situations) Audience: Adult/New Adult HEA: Yes?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
*I received this book from Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest review*
In book two we pick right back up with Lia and Alistair's relationship where it left off. After getting back together at the end of Catch My Breath, the two fall into an easy life together. That is just at the beginning. Soon issues arise with Alastair not being open and honest enough with Lia and Nathan's presence throughout this second installment make it hard for her to move on and for him to trust her when he's seeing photos in the tabloids of them and knowing they are in contact.
This story was had me even more on edge than part one. Wondering what was going on with Nathan? Is he the bad guy? Is Alastair the bad guy? What is he hiding from Lia. There were a lot of really good romantic moments and the two grew as characters and as a couple, but mam some of the twists about all the reasons Nathan was trying to get her to stay away from Alastair and all the details he is still hiding from her, turned this into a real stressful read at times for me.
I'm glad this book ended with kind of a bit of closure, and can't wait to read the conclusion to see what else Lynn has in store for these two. I'm jumping right to the conclusion now, Effortless, and look for my review on that tomorrow!
Book Summary Published by - HarperCollins UK, HaperImpulse Release Date - 17th July 2014 My Rating - 2 stars
Review To say I was disappointed by this book would be an understatement. I hadn't read the first in The Breathless Series, but I had been assured by a friend that I wouldn't need to, and she was right on that front. Nope, that wasn't what disappointed me, what let me down was the over the top drama and intentional antagonism by Lia. There were so many points where I wanted to choke her Homer/Bart Simpson style while bashing her head against a steel pole!!! I mean, was it intentional that it's been written as though she's a little touched in the head? Cause she sure is one special girl....and not in a good way. I don't know if it was the way it was written or poor plotting, but the secret keeping by Alaistair and revelation of what could destroy Lia was annoying and seriously underwhelming, not to mention anticlimactic. Overall the whole story arc in this book was dis-enchantingly frustrating.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 2 of the series and I have not read book 1. I was a little lost on a couple of things in the book and it would have been better if I had read book 1. This is a love story about a control freak guy (sound familiar) and a girl with an ex that won't seem to leave her alone. This is a great series for people who want a more cleaned up version of Fifty Shades of Grey. Most of the sex is left up to the imagination so if you are more into the erotica scene, this series is not for you.
I was engaged in the story until about 75% in. After that I wanted to just get to the end. I felt it dragged a bit towards the end. Book 3 will need to read to find out if Alastair and Lia get their HEA.
Overall, I thought it was a good story line, well blended characters and a good read for those that are romance fans.
Unravel Me continues Lia and Alastair’s story. When the first book, Catch My Breath ended it looked as if all would be well but not the case in Unravel Me. The media, a vindictive ex, personal secrets, and pasts come back to haunt them in this book. As their relationship becomes more complicated, the story becomes more captivating. Even though Alastair is still too arrogant by far, I am just as invested as ever to see if they will sort through all the drama to find real lasting love.
I am very surprised that they are not more reviews at this time. I think Lynn Montanago has all the making of a best-selling author. The two books in this series are entertaining, interestingly written with characters that you can respect as well as like.
Usually I don’t comment on covers but I love these covers with the contrasting black and white with a single color. I find this unique like the stories themselves.
We head back for more of the story we began in Catch My Breath and we begin to learn more about the main characters and how they are dealing with their relationship. This time some major roadblocks are thrown in and we see how they handle both the situations and each other. Some of the things that come at them include people from the past and secrets they have kept. This book in the series really begins to fill in a lot of the details that we didn't know about in the first and it really draws you into the story. We really learn a lot more about Alastair in this book. The author has a way of describing things that makes you feel like you are there and experiencing it.
In the next chapter for Alistair and Lia, there's more drama, more suspense, and more broody Alastair. I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow and blossom in this book. Even when life through wrenches at them they found a way to make it through and come out with a better bond than before. I found that this one I never wanted to put it down i wanted to know what was going to happen next. And in the end I'm still wondering what is going to happen next in book three.
Wayyyy too much time given to keeping a secret that anyone would have figured out about 50 pages into the first book. This book could have been the last and it could have been a novella. I do enjoy Montagano's writing style, very witty and hot to say the least. But, needs a wee bit more substance I think, the big sad angsty billionaire's secret is getting a bit overdone.
This was just an ok story for me. Nothing really stood out for me, except that the author gives great and vivid discriptions. The storyline was ok but I just couldn't connect with the characters. There were many times I wanted to just shake or smack Lia. WhIle this could appeal to some, this just wasn't a book for me.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via NETGALLEY.
Why do they always become needy and stupid? I can't stand when they start of strong and then bam the main female becomes this whinny, desperate lady that can't seem to make her own decisions anymore. Ugh!!!
The second book in Alistair and Lia's story gives us more details into Alistair's background. Really enjoying this series! Onto the next and final book