He was nineteen. He was her student. The erotic suggestions his intense green eyes made at her during her lectures would send any sensible woman running for her life. But Lila James had lost her senses many years ago, and Chase Almeida looking at her with sex clouding his gaze was hardly enough to scare her off. She was a respected lecturer at Harvard, his older brother’s bitter ex, and currently up for promotion. A promotion that would surely go up in flames if she entertained the propositions in Chase’s eyes for so much as a single second. He was just a boy with a crush, and Lila knew she could handle it. What she could not handle, however, was his older brother, Jack. Word had it Jack was in town, and he had no immediate plans to return to the island of Manhattan where he belonged. At least… not without her. Strong sexual content Strong language THUNDER ROLLS is an interracial novel with dark elements. It is book two of The Almeida Brothers Trilogy, and is best read in order of publication. Book Lila's Thunder Book Thunder Rolls Book *coming soon*
I'm fascinated by deeply flawed people in impossible situations, and insane people who don't know they're insane. Perfection puzzles me, so my characters are always just a little bit evil--whether they know it or not!
I don't know what to make of this story. It's personally difficult for me to like a story when the heroine is so unlikable. This chick literally goes from one brother to the other, and I'm not totally convinced the one she's currently with is the one she really loves. All three of them-Lila, Jack, and Chase need professional help cause none of them have effectively dealt with the tragedies in their lives and all of that has manifested into this sick ass triangle they now have going on.
Good storytelling cause I couldn't put it down, but the characters themselves - yuck! I would never threaten to kill my own sister because she's in love with the same man. I guess blood ain't thicker than water in this case. I am actually anxious to see how this saga ends cause I'm now vested in it, and it ends on a damn cliffhanger. Hope it doesn't take a year to drop.
Let me start of by saying I love this Author. I usually do not write reviews but I felt compelled to write this one. I enjoyed book one, it was good. Hated book 2, struggling to finish it, skipped over most of the pages. I hate Lila's character in this book; I was constantly turned off by her. I intensely dislike the thought of her and Chase; I think it's all kind of wrong. I'm want to finish the book but I'm too disgusted. Lila comes across as weak, indecisive, slutty and all around hot mess. Sleeping with two brothers knowing how they both feel deeply for her and possibly causing a bigger wedge between the two. Did I say I hate her?? #TeamJack
This was a much improved storytelling from the first in this series. I did cheat and read the blurbs from all 3 stories so the H in the story wasn't a surprise. If you're not like me, you may be surprised.
I was disappointed that Lila's romance kind of left off incomplete. The H asks her to marry him but that was it. A letdown considering most of their courtship was documented including aspects that didn't drive the plot.
This time around, the author was able to capture pathos better and I empathized with Lila and her love triangle with Jack and Chase. Both boys worked hard for her love but one seems to have won out in the end. And the loser gets his own story in book 3.
Complaints- 3rd person pov has improved in this story but still not my favourite. I don't like the way the h is portrayed....her strength and independence seem superfluous. She also cones across as completely wishy-washy in her relationships from not only deciding on one brother but also falling for the right brother. The story was drawn out. The sex scenes were incredibly drawn out but not in a good way. It almost took one whole chapter for them to move forward from kissing to the actual deed. The Harvard students drama was also a bit annoying when thrown in the middle of Lila attempting to establish a relationship with the H. A few minor drama that leads the reader in circles but then comes to an abrupt stop. Perhaps there's answers in the next story because there's no epilogue either.
A Psychologist - that is just wrong on so many levels
I was very disappointed in this book. I was going for more front this book. Here you have a psychologist that knows the lasting effects losing parent and a child's ability to latch on to those showing love. Second, she is his professor and shouldn't be sleeping with him. Third, she was sleeping with the brother. I can go on and on but I just can't. I mean she has a third installment. Really!!! If I was Jack I would take her back. Then I hope Chase leaves her ass cause at the end of the day she is damage goods. She running around helping everyone but her self.
After I read the first book, I had already tire of the back and forth of the main character. Considering that the first didn't have as much of a plot line as this one, I still found this to be boring. I get love triangles, but really.... we kinda already saw who she would end up with by the end of the first book. Least to say it wouldn't have been my pick. To me, I found the main character to be selfish and inconsiderate, only to try and redeem herself thru charitable acts. As for the two brothers, I found them both to be pitiful. The younger one needing a mommy figure, to sooth his boo boos. And the elder one to be terribly lonely. I wish the plot of this series would have been more than just,( I like him, no I hate him. Oh I like his brother, no I love his brother. Oh poor me why do I have two man after me. Oh I should keep away but I need his help.)the indecisiveness of the main character.
Dramatic, climactic! Steamy, sexy, crazy! Lila surrenders to her overwhelming feelings for the younger, caring Almeida brother Chase! Jack is a sore looser who is so unhinged he leaves his bride at the alter!! Lila got the best man!I Can't wait to start book 3 !!
Oo la la! Caliente! Chase Almeida, all grown up! Swoony, mature, wise beyond his years. Sigh. Lila, girl, watch out! Such a fun read. Had me smiling in the middle of the night.
Like the author but Lila is so unlikeable. Sure 40 to 50 or 30 to 40 doesn’t seem problematic when you have life experience but 19 yr olds Aren’t equipped so the premise was a turn off
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
** Reposted & revised from my Amazon review** The second installment of the Almeida Brothers series fell short (very short) of its predecessor. I have three words for regular readers of Trevion's work: Lower your expectations. Where the first book (albeit Lila and Jack focused) provided some balance between Lila and the Almeida brothers and put the reader dead center in the conflict our main protagonist was feeling, this one was very imbalanced and seemed all over the place. Unfortunately, that's only the beginning of the many issues I encountered.
I struggled to finish this book. It drove me crazy and not in a good way! I've had it for a week or more now. Taking this long to read an anticipated book of this size is unheard for me. I've been a fan of some of Burn's previous works, but sadly this one I cannot give a thumbs up to. The issues that cropped up in her previous books, I dismissed as new author hiccups that would smooth out with subsequent books. But it seems that with Thunder Rolls, the same problems exist:
- Head Jumping. Alternating povs that lack fluidity and comes across as "head jumping". This creates a muddled narrative in places.
- Sex, sex and more sex!. If you're a fan of erotica you'll appreciate the abundance of sex in this book. I did not and had to skip over a lot because it became repetitive and frankly boring. There are extended scenes that seem to go on forever (pages upon pages) and frankly, they overpower the narrative and take away from what could have been good storytelling.
- Telenovella. Overwrought melodrama and conflicts thrown in as plot devices.
- Grammatical errors, that simple editing could have fixed. One of the oddest additions by far was the slang repeatedly used in prose; for example "Fixing to" was used numerous times instead of "About to" or another grammatically correct phrase. This was not a matter of dialogue. If it was, I could let it slide as regional dialect...but no it was actually used in the descriptive prose. As a writer, that was maddening to read over and over again!
- Dialogue. Speaking of...there was a lot of dialogue (coupled with actions) that didn't ring true. Harvard professors, attorneys and lecturers excessive usage of slang seem misplaced.
- Character lobotomies. Lila - the main character, introduced to us in the first book was not who we got in the second book. A lot of her actions didn't make sense. Her complete 180 in regard to Chase (in just a year's time, mind you) was completely inauthentic. When I say didn't make sense, I mean, seem really out of the realm of reality and rather lazy writing. Jack lost his fire as well and was the equivalent of wallpaper in this story. His devolution could be called character development, but it's not. Many of his actions this time around didn't ring true to the Jack we were presented with in book one. I won't spoil the story by giving specifics. If you chose to read it you'll find out soon enough.
- Predictability and pretty bows. You'll guess how this all ends well before you get to the conclusion. Another trend I've noticed having now read four Trevion Burns' books. In addition, she tends to introduce real-life conflict, but wrap it up in a neat little bow. This again seems completely out of the realm of reality and damages the authenticity of the overall story.
- The ending. Lackluster, predictable and a tad contrived. This is a trilogy. Unfortunately, by the end of the second book, I have no incentive to read the last. The balance of the overall tale is thrown off in a big way. I believe that Burn's rush to have Lila make a choice created many a lost opportunity to continue the engaging story she began in the first book. The last installment is suppose to be focused on Jack and his attempts to move on, but factoring what I read in this book, I have little interest in going on that journey.
There's more but I'm too tired to list everything.
On a good note, there was one elements I liked. The exchange with Jack and Chase at the end of the book was well-written. From the dialogue to the action of that scene, it was pitch perfect. Too bad the rest of the story couldn't flow in that way. In summary, I feel Jack and Chase's relationship as brothers is the true standout of this book and (sadly) a lost opportunity for the overall story arc. This was one of the strengths of the first book, which I thought would carry over into this one. It didn't. We barely had any interactions with the brothers save that last scene I mentioned above. This is where the true conflict rests and yet for some odd reason, Trevion took the good thing she started and decided to throw a lot of peripheral cliche melodrama against the wall in hopes something would stick with the reader...in the end, it was unnecessary and only bogged the story down. Too bad.
I'm still a champion of Trevion as a writer, but I'm disappointed in this offering. My final rating...
DNF. I got to about 41% and tossed in the towel. The ending was spoiled for me (though I choose to live in denial) and lets just say I'm not happy with the choice that Lila decided to make. I thought I could power through this one, but it was pretty clear who Lila really, truly wanted to be with and I couldn't get past the fact she tutored Chase from the age of 13. (Figured out why this story bothered me so much, seemed to be inspired by Mary Kay Lertourneau) I also found it unrealistic that everyone in Lila's circle was seemingly cool with her being with someone that should have been like a little brother to her. I get it, he's "legal", in college, but I can't look beyond the skeeve factor. Maybe if this had started with them meeting while he was in college instead of knowing him when he was so young, and if she hadn't been so-called in love with Jack, his older brother and hadn't repeatedly smashed him, sure I could have bought into Lila and Chase. So if brother-swapping, a ten-year age gap where the main chick has known her new boo since he was 13 and she was 23 doesn't bother you, then by all means, read and enjoy. It is a well-written novel but the main couple is not my cup of tea.
I Loved that this is a complicated story ,and not your typical predictable romance !!But after reading the summary I had to find out if possible to have a story that seemed lean into a taboo and distasteful territory would crash and burn or can be tastefully done and I wasn't sure how I was feeling about it after book one or even were he was going with it but I'm so glad I stuck it out . This story will definitely take you on a roller coaster of emotion's .Leila made me so angry at time's that I wanted to through my kindle at the wall ,she was so indecisive at time's and got caught in a tug of war not only between brother's but an inner tug of war with some scary choice's regarding love ,her career and her own demons. But young Chase knew his heart and wise beyond his years made the book for me !! I've never encountered a story line like this one and I probably never will . Trevion was already one of my favorite author's but this book cemented him into my number one spot!! Now I'm patiently waiting for the final book to come out
To be honest, at the end of the first book I was rooting for Lila and Jack to be together, but after reading this book. I truly wish they all would have just walked away from each other. Lila is still in love with Jack even though she is in love with Chase too. That is why Jack affects her the way that he does. Jack was wrong for coming to her class and they both were wrong for having sex and Lila was dead wrong for lying to Chase about it.
All three of these characters were messed-up Jack wants Lila, Chase wants Lila and Lila wants them both. Lila finally made a choice in choosing Chase, but she still on some level wants Jack (even Jack can see that and Chase can too). I hope Jack finds happiness with someone else and we all knew that it was not going to be with Kelly.
Loved the second book of the Almeida Brothers Good job Ms Burn. I'm always amazed as female authors how you can get you can get into the head of your male characters and make them surreal. I loved Lilah character, but I loved Those Almeida's. I learned a lot about Jack in the first book. I really loved Chase's storyline on this one. How you developed him and made me feel his heart. He's my favorite character and I hoping in you last book he has a happy ending. He is such a sweetheart but I'll be reading more of your books because you are so creative. Five thumbs up Ms Burn. Excellent job!!!!!
Part of me was angry at Lila...in part one...she did what she was supposed to do when dealing with a troubled grieving teenager...she was the responsible adult...but she was so confused by her feelings between Jack and Chase...she took the position at Harvard knowing full well she would interact with Chase...Jack being Jack shows up there with a surprise...these two adults needed someone with common sense..and that was Chase...he's a sexy mature 19 year-old who rocked the hell outta Lila..omg..it was hot...he finally made her realize that she was worthy of unconditional love..with him...I cannot wait to see the woman who can mend Jack's shattered heart.
The Book That Reminded Me Teacher-Student Tension Is Not For The Weak
This one delivers pure pressure cooker energy. A nineteen year old former student, a teacher trying to keep her dignity from sliding off her desk, and a whole lot of tension that should not feel this compelling but absolutely does.
The age gap works because the emotional stakes feel grounded, not just thrown in for aesthetics. The desire is slow, tense, and prickly in all the right ways. You can practically feel the lecture hall vibrating from all the things unsaid.
Is it morally neat? Absolutely not. Did I still inhale it? Obviously.
Okay I must admit I totally understand the love between Chase and Lila now. I love the way Chase love and hurt its like you feel his happiness or pain. Although Jack can be a jerk at times it broke my heart for him to end up without love. I truly hope Nina can take his mind of Lila. I also hope that we get a chance to see more of Chase and Lila. I need closure!!!!
I freaking love this book. So much so, that I'm paying for it as I type. I stayed up last night because I just could put it down. Chase & Lila were meant to be. Although I have to say I wish we could of read an epilogue so we know where Lila and Chase left off.
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. I hate that Jack can't take no for an answer and is torturing everyone including himself.
I know there will be alot of twist and turns in the final sequel of this book. Hopefully Jack will come to his senses and allow everywhere to be happily ever after
I really liked the first book and how it showed her relationship with Jack. I feel like she disregarded his feelings in book. Chase just seemed liked a immature boy chasing after his crush. I really wanted to like this book but I couldn't get behind Lila and Chase's relationship.
I am disappointed with this book. And a little disgusted about her going at it with Chase. I found myself skipping over those parts because it was kinda disturbing to me that she would be that stupid. In no way can I enjoy a book that entertains the idea of statutory rape. She was incredibly messy and needed a man her own age. No good parent in the world would encourage such a relationship.
I read the first book and was hungry for the next book. I CAN'T get with this chick sleeping with family members especially between siblings. This book may be well written but I couldn't get passed the third chapter once realizing where the story was going. So disappointed!!!
If you enjoyed book 1, or just love steamy romance, or require a plot and substance to your romance reads, you'll enjoy this book. I've read four books by this author and I've never been disappointed. Give it a try!
No spoilers here....The suspense was unexpected. In the beginning I didn't think I was going to like the outcome, however this was a great read. Can't wait for the continuation.
I really enjoyed this book....Chase is hot and intense I just love him. Th e characters are great and the storyline was good as well, I recommend this book.