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Two Sides: Gianna
Have you ever lied? Held secrets? Betrayed someone? I have. McKenzie and I were best friends, soul sisters. We shared everything...or so she thought. To everyone I was perfect and happy. No one knew the real me. That was until I saw him. Everything changed the second we laid eyes on each other. The world stopped moving and only we existed in it. But it just added to the secrets and lies, it became too much and I couldn't tell apart what was real and what wasn't. This story is for anyone, who has ever lied and lived to regret it... Erotic Romance. Mature Audiences.
242 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2014
69 people are currently reading
1856 people want to read
About the author
M. Robinson
75 books6,546 followersM. Robinson is the Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling Author crowned as the “Queen of Angst” by readers around the world. Dive into her visionary world that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and leave you wanting more. She writes everything from contemporary to suspense romance and is best known for her novel, El Diablo.
When M isn’t in the cave writing her next epic love story, you will find her shopping and living on a boat in Florida with her real life pirate, her lobster, her husband Bossman. Sipping on Starbucks and hanging out with their two dogs, a German shepherd mix and a gordito Wheaten Terrier reading a good book. Or spending time with her family, who she is extremely close with.
Above all, M loves her readers more than anything and loves to connect with them! She is on all social media platforms @authormrobinson but you will find her in her happy place the most. Her VIP Reader Group on Facebook or her second favorite happy place, Instagram.
Stay connected!
When M isn’t in the cave writing her next epic love story, you will find her shopping and living on a boat in Florida with her real life pirate, her lobster, her husband Bossman. Sipping on Starbucks and hanging out with their two dogs, a German shepherd mix and a gordito Wheaten Terrier reading a good book. Or spending time with her family, who she is extremely close with.
Above all, M loves her readers more than anything and loves to connect with them! She is on all social media platforms @authormrobinson but you will find her in her happy place the most. Her VIP Reader Group on Facebook or her second favorite happy place, Instagram.
Stay connected!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
April 3, 2017
★★★★★! Shhh… (stand-alone, w/ companion book). Brilliant! Mind-blowing! Heart-wrenching! Mysterious! Dark! Forbidden! Captivating!
“I lived my “true” life for seven months. It was beautiful, it was chaotic, it was crazy… it was us. It was love.”
These books are companion books and should be read together:
Shhh…
The truth about Mack
Gianna Edwards, Gia aka G and McKenzie Perry, Mack were childhood friends, their parents socialized and they grew up like sisters. But along the way something went horribly wrong; their friendship broken and lives ruined. Gia’s life took a twisted turn into the darkness and she has barely existed since then.
Two teenagers caught in a scandal that rocked their community.
Shhh… (stand-alone) is a skillfully crafted and shocking tale with many taboos; underage sex and drinking, extramarital affairs, sex with older, forbidden men, lying on the witness stand, self-sabotage, substance abuse, suicide attempts, mental illness, promiscuity, non-consensual sex and violence.
Center stage Gia and Mack; Master manipulators, victims, both or neither?
This is not your next fluffy romance. Shhh… is raw, addictive and gut wrenching. A life full of regrets. But when the dust settles this is also a breathtaking, butterflies-in-your-belly love story that might just melt your heart! Shhh…
“Open your legs,” he ordered. “Wider.” He rubbed and slapped my pussy, taking turns in making me jump and struggle. His hand found my throat again, but this time he had more leverage to squeeze since he was facing me. “Trust me with your body,” he coaxed.”
Shhh,.. told from Gia’s POV is the slow unfolding of a derailment of several lives. It blew me away! Captivated me! Kept me on my toes! Story alternates between the present and past to come full circle in the future with a (bittersweet) ending and an epilogue NOT to be missed. The truth will set them free, but it will leave you reeling.
I am looking forward to reading The truth about Mack, to get her story that was mostly just hinted to.
Spellbinding and complex plot! Anticipation! Swoon-worthy hero! Clandestine! An against-all-odds and soul-searching love! Passion!
“He fucked me with anger, he fucked me with passion, he fucked me for all the pain and punishment I put him through, but most importantly, he fucked me with love.”
***
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Sexual tension rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 5++ stars
Dialogue rating: 4.5 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 5+ stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
May 25, 2016
"Shhh..."he whispered.
Shhh and The Truth About Mack are the same story from different pov's written by different Author's.It really doesn't matter which order they are read in,in fact you don't have to read both books as each could be read as a standalone but to get the best out of the story I would definitely recommend reading them both.
I've just reviewed The Truth about Mack so I hope I'm not repeating myself....
Shhh is Gia's story...
Mack and Gia have been best friends all their lives.They have shared everything together....
Gia has always envied Mack and has tried her whole life to be what people want her to be.When she is 15 she meets a gorgeous,sweet 18 yr old,Jake.He absolutely adores her,they date for a few years and while she has feelings for him it's not the all consuming love she craves.Everything in her life is about to change in the form of a forbidden relationship.She and the man try to resist each other but embark on a passionate affair which is set to cause devastation for themselves and everyone around them
This story starts in the present and like the other book goes back and forward from past to present while the story is told.
Don't go into this thinking it's the same as Mack's story because there's so much more to it as the story unfolds.
While reading this I honestly couldn't decide who was playing who,until the end....and what an ending!!
I had to go back and read it over and over to make sure I'd read it correctly...something I was totally not expecting but oh so good.
This is dark and gritty and these Author's certainly don't hold back
I have been totally immersed in these two books over the last few days and I'm really surprised they haven't got more ratings.
Just a wonderful dark and twisted story that I have really enjoyed!!
September 2, 2014
4.5 WHAT. DID. I. JUST. READ. STARS.
Genre: Erotic Thriller
FULL review posted 9-1-14
NOW LIVE ON AMAZON! US Link: http://amzn.com/B00N7VSXXU
I don’t even know what to say about this book. It’s like being lead on the path of no return. Once you know all the players and what happened you can never go back. It will hit you right in the feels.
Gianna is a liar and a betrayer; her memory bank is where she secures all of her secrets…secrets that have been kept for over seven years. Don’t get it twisted, this was not always who she was, it’s the person she became due to events that transpired in her teens. To a young girl who felt she had no other way out.
No way out of her pain.
No way out of the love that still haunts her.
Her way out of the lies that seem to hold her.
No way out of the betrayals she lived through.
A love that binds
Raised in the small town of Shayla Harbor, Gianna grew up in a loving home with both parents. Her best friend Mack grew up right alongside her. The girls become inseparable as children, becoming more so sisters than best friends. Their parents are very close friends as well as colleagues so it seemed like fate that these two young girls would be as close as ever.
On the outside Gianna seems happy; on the inside she’s a total wreck not only does she start to experience those horrible growing pains as a teen but she finds herself trying to compete with her sister and best friend Mack. Whereas Mack is a good student with good grades and receives praise for it, Gia falters and struggles to maintain her grades. The good thing about the love that bonds together sisters is that Mack helps Gia whenever she sees her stumble and vice verse.
When the girls enter high school Gia get’s a boyfriend, experiences her first kiss and eventually has sex for the first time. It is when she falls in love for the first time one would think that everything is perfect. Only there is NOTHING worst then falling in love with someone you can’t have. Where the simple pure natural act of falling in love as a teenage girl seems easy Gia’s fall is a slippery slope that if not traveled carefully could end in DISASTER.
A disaster of lies.
A disaster of betrayal.
A disaster of pain.
A disaster that haunts her seven years later.
Gianna is hanging on by a thread away from family with no friends falling deeper in to a dark hole. When her past comes back to haunt her it brings forth more secrets. Secrets that swallow her whole. Gianna is broken…shattered…and she truly believes there is NO WAY to put herself back together again.
If I push and let go you’re done. And not so much as one person will know it. They will just think that you’re hiding. All you’ve ever done in your life is hide. Look ahead of you…do you see the clarity. Do you see who is in control?”
“Yes…” I sobbed.
“Should I let you go? Do you want to die?” he bellowed.
When I didn’t answer he pushed me forward and let go, “NO!” I screamed, as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me back in making us both fall to the ground with me in his arms. My body shook and I started to cry hysterically.
“Shhh…” he repeated my ear, “That’s what I thought.”
I clung to his arms like a baby, I clung to him wanting him to hold me and love me and tell me he was lying, I clung to him like he was my everything.
He rocked me back and forth, “Shhh…”
My Thoughts
This book is very raw and gritty. When it starts you are thrust in to Gianna’s present day darkness before being taken back to her past to learn what lead up to her living her life so recklessly.
The story flows well and packs a mean left hook as surprising secrets are revealed. I was kept on the edge of my seat trying to figure out the why’s and how’s behind some of the characters actions.
What you need to know: All readers need to be aware that there is more than just one side to a story. This is Gianna’s side, I suggest you also readShhh... Mack's Sideby Jettie Woodruff.
My Ratings
Characters- Crazy, Manipulative and did I say CRAZY
Writing Style- Beyond edgy. M. Robinson has NO boundaries
Plot/Storyline- An erotic thriller that has a young woman facing her past, recounting her mistakes and admitting her betrayals.
Steam Factor- High/Steamy on a scale of 1-10 I say 8
Entertainment Level- Lo-Med-Hi I would say High so many twist and turns my head spun
Overall- I LOVED IT! READ THE BOOK!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to: www.realitybites-letsgetlost.blogspot...
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/realitybitesletsgetlost
Genre: Erotic Thriller
FULL review posted 9-1-14
NOW LIVE ON AMAZON! US Link: http://amzn.com/B00N7VSXXU
I don’t even know what to say about this book. It’s like being lead on the path of no return. Once you know all the players and what happened you can never go back. It will hit you right in the feels.
Gianna is a liar and a betrayer; her memory bank is where she secures all of her secrets…secrets that have been kept for over seven years. Don’t get it twisted, this was not always who she was, it’s the person she became due to events that transpired in her teens. To a young girl who felt she had no other way out.
No way out of her pain.
No way out of the love that still haunts her.
Her way out of the lies that seem to hold her.
No way out of the betrayals she lived through.
A love that binds
Raised in the small town of Shayla Harbor, Gianna grew up in a loving home with both parents. Her best friend Mack grew up right alongside her. The girls become inseparable as children, becoming more so sisters than best friends. Their parents are very close friends as well as colleagues so it seemed like fate that these two young girls would be as close as ever.
On the outside Gianna seems happy; on the inside she’s a total wreck not only does she start to experience those horrible growing pains as a teen but she finds herself trying to compete with her sister and best friend Mack. Whereas Mack is a good student with good grades and receives praise for it, Gia falters and struggles to maintain her grades. The good thing about the love that bonds together sisters is that Mack helps Gia whenever she sees her stumble and vice verse.
When the girls enter high school Gia get’s a boyfriend, experiences her first kiss and eventually has sex for the first time. It is when she falls in love for the first time one would think that everything is perfect. Only there is NOTHING worst then falling in love with someone you can’t have. Where the simple pure natural act of falling in love as a teenage girl seems easy Gia’s fall is a slippery slope that if not traveled carefully could end in DISASTER.
A disaster of lies.
A disaster of betrayal.
A disaster of pain.
A disaster that haunts her seven years later.
Gianna is hanging on by a thread away from family with no friends falling deeper in to a dark hole. When her past comes back to haunt her it brings forth more secrets. Secrets that swallow her whole. Gianna is broken…shattered…and she truly believes there is NO WAY to put herself back together again.
If I push and let go you’re done. And not so much as one person will know it. They will just think that you’re hiding. All you’ve ever done in your life is hide. Look ahead of you…do you see the clarity. Do you see who is in control?”
“Yes…” I sobbed.
“Should I let you go? Do you want to die?” he bellowed.
When I didn’t answer he pushed me forward and let go, “NO!” I screamed, as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me back in making us both fall to the ground with me in his arms. My body shook and I started to cry hysterically.
“Shhh…” he repeated my ear, “That’s what I thought.”
I clung to his arms like a baby, I clung to him wanting him to hold me and love me and tell me he was lying, I clung to him like he was my everything.
He rocked me back and forth, “Shhh…”
My Thoughts
This book is very raw and gritty. When it starts you are thrust in to Gianna’s present day darkness before being taken back to her past to learn what lead up to her living her life so recklessly.
The story flows well and packs a mean left hook as surprising secrets are revealed. I was kept on the edge of my seat trying to figure out the why’s and how’s behind some of the characters actions.
What you need to know: All readers need to be aware that there is more than just one side to a story. This is Gianna’s side, I suggest you also readShhh... Mack's Sideby Jettie Woodruff.
My Ratings
Characters- Crazy, Manipulative and did I say CRAZY
Writing Style- Beyond edgy. M. Robinson has NO boundaries
Plot/Storyline- An erotic thriller that has a young woman facing her past, recounting her mistakes and admitting her betrayals.
Steam Factor- High/Steamy on a scale of 1-10 I say 8
Entertainment Level- Lo-Med-Hi I would say High so many twist and turns my head spun
Overall- I LOVED IT! READ THE BOOK!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to: www.realitybites-letsgetlost.blogspot...
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/realitybitesletsgetlost
August 26, 2015
WOOOOHOOOO! If you read The Truth About Mack and you're wondering about Gia's story...I found it! Gias POV and it's on KU! Can't wait to get to this one soon!
http://www.amazon.com/Shhh-M-Robinson...
Loved getting Gia's POV. I thought she was such a bad person while reading The Truth About Mack but she was just messed up like Mack. Even though this was pretty much the same story it felt different. I felt this book was a bit darker. I could feel how hurt James was and he wanted his revenge. I loved James in both books and I'm happy how everything turned out.
http://www.amazon.com/Shhh-M-Robinson...
Loved getting Gia's POV. I thought she was such a bad person while reading The Truth About Mack but she was just messed up like Mack. Even though this was pretty much the same story it felt different. I felt this book was a bit darker. I could feel how hurt James was and he wanted his revenge. I loved James in both books and I'm happy how everything turned out.
January 2, 2016
4.5 stars
Gianna Edwards grew up in a fairly privileged world but her world consists of lies and deceit. Gianna doesn’t feel like she can show anyone her true side because she fears rejection and learned that it is just easier to maintain an outer shell that people want to see. Even with Mack, her life-long best friend, she won’t reveal her real desires and dreams because she is constantly being compared to her by her parents, friends and teachers. Despite being on the cheerleading squad, getting good grades and dating Jake Henderson, the star football player, Gianna’s self-esteem is a bottomless pit. She is always doing what’s expected of her, but no one ever sees her true self.
“If people knew who I really was, they wouldn’t like me, they wouldn’t want to be me… they would know the truth, and that would be much scarier than the façade.”
It isn’t until Gianna’s senior year in high school when she meets Mr. Nichols and feels a true connection with another person, it’s just that James Nichols is her English teacher. Oh yes, I’m hot for teacher! Lol! Immediately, Gianna and James have a connection, but adding to their taboo relationship is the fact he is married. What ensues is a series of events that will lead Gia and James down a dark path.
“Do you want this?” he asked after a long silence. “Because once we cross this line there is no going back. Do you understand me? You’re mine,” he demanded, once again gripping my throat.”
This book explored the depths people will go to get what they desperately seek in love, friendship, acceptance or trust. Have you ever wanted to be accepted and loved for your truest self? Have you exposed all your weaknesses? Have you ever wanted to make someone hurt for breaking your heart? We all have our limits and when expectations shatter, to what extent will we act on our basest emotions? When is it just time to face reality?
"If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?" I recited Shakespeare back to him.”
For me, I was completely immersed in the world of Gianna and James. I really liked how the chapters alternated between the past and present and the pacing especially added tension when James exposed his other side. What I really enjoyed was the unexpected elements to the plot, as the author was not afraid to push the limits to see how her characters would react to certain situations. While reading, my emotions ranged from hope, anger, distrust, lust, love and hate. You will not know where all it all stands until the very end, and if you’re like me, you’ll be hooked from the beginning. I highly recommend!!
“Shhh…” That sound would forever be embedded in my mind.”
Gianna Edwards grew up in a fairly privileged world but her world consists of lies and deceit. Gianna doesn’t feel like she can show anyone her true side because she fears rejection and learned that it is just easier to maintain an outer shell that people want to see. Even with Mack, her life-long best friend, she won’t reveal her real desires and dreams because she is constantly being compared to her by her parents, friends and teachers. Despite being on the cheerleading squad, getting good grades and dating Jake Henderson, the star football player, Gianna’s self-esteem is a bottomless pit. She is always doing what’s expected of her, but no one ever sees her true self.
“If people knew who I really was, they wouldn’t like me, they wouldn’t want to be me… they would know the truth, and that would be much scarier than the façade.”
It isn’t until Gianna’s senior year in high school when she meets Mr. Nichols and feels a true connection with another person, it’s just that James Nichols is her English teacher. Oh yes, I’m hot for teacher! Lol! Immediately, Gianna and James have a connection, but adding to their taboo relationship is the fact he is married. What ensues is a series of events that will lead Gia and James down a dark path.
“Do you want this?” he asked after a long silence. “Because once we cross this line there is no going back. Do you understand me? You’re mine,” he demanded, once again gripping my throat.”
This book explored the depths people will go to get what they desperately seek in love, friendship, acceptance or trust. Have you ever wanted to be accepted and loved for your truest self? Have you exposed all your weaknesses? Have you ever wanted to make someone hurt for breaking your heart? We all have our limits and when expectations shatter, to what extent will we act on our basest emotions? When is it just time to face reality?
"If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?" I recited Shakespeare back to him.”
For me, I was completely immersed in the world of Gianna and James. I really liked how the chapters alternated between the past and present and the pacing especially added tension when James exposed his other side. What I really enjoyed was the unexpected elements to the plot, as the author was not afraid to push the limits to see how her characters would react to certain situations. While reading, my emotions ranged from hope, anger, distrust, lust, love and hate. You will not know where all it all stands until the very end, and if you’re like me, you’ll be hooked from the beginning. I highly recommend!!
“Shhh…” That sound would forever be embedded in my mind.”
August 19, 2014
ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review
☆☆☆☆☆ 5 Shhh…Stars ☆☆☆☆☆
Shhh...Just Listen… Are you ready for one mind-fuck, suspenseful thrilling book ride full of twist and turns? If so, then Shhh...Gianna’s Side by M. Robinson is the book for you. M. Robinson will have you saying WTF, OMG, and at the same time have you swooning for one hot english teacher that can recite and whisper quotes and sweet nothings of Shakespeare. Shh..Gianna’s Side had it all from forbidden romance, friendship, sex, lies and betrayals. You know what they say the most dangerous lies are the lies you to tell yourself. So M. Robinson will take you on one journey where the lies, truths, and love begins to get blurred. And so begins the tale of Gianna Edwards, where her once secret life built on lies, deceit, and betrayals are exposed. They say the truth will set you free. Will this be the case for Gianna Edwards? Or are some lies better kept Shhhh..?
Young, beautiful, and raised from an affluent family, Gianna Edwards had it all. She had parents that adore her. A boyfriend that worshipped the ground she walked on. And lastly a best friend, whom she considers a sister in McKenzie Perry. She had it all and every reason to be happy and in love. But behind Gia’s eyes, lies a broken girl who is lost, unhappy and just living to exist and go through the motions. A girl who is living a life built on lies and pleasing her family and friends. Simply, Gianna Edwards is trapped in her good girl image.
It is so true when they say you can lie to everyone else, but you can never really lie to yourself. And for Gianna, this is the truth. Well the truth of the matter, Gia was looking for a way to separate herself from McKenzie and find her true identity. For so long, it was always Gia and Mack. It was like they were a packaged deal and the limelight was focused on her best friend, Mack. Being in the shadows of Mack, Gia wanted to break free. Free where she didn’t have to lie and just be G.
For the first time in a long time, Gianna Edwards finally felt free when she meets Mr. James Nichols, her high school English teacher. With sexual tension and chemistry brewing between the two, lines are crossed and lives are forever changed. The walls and facade that Gia thought she had perfectly manicured and perfected comes crumbling down, when Mr. Nichols can see the real Gianna Edwards. He doesn’t believes the lies she tells people. He sees G. They say you can’t help who you fall in love with, and in this case Mr. Nichols and Gia embark on one hell of a forbidden romance.
As Gia and James embark on their secret love affair, lives are forever changed. The love Gia has for James is forever imprinted in her heart and soul. The moment James entered her life there was no turning back. She belonged to him. And she was his. It was the kind of love that transcends all the odds and obstacles stacked against them. A romance filled with passion and love. A love so fierce that they are willing to cross a line knowing that there is no turning back. So what happens when lies and betrayals comes shattering down? A love gone horribly wrong? A mistake that can’t be taken back? And 18 years of friendship are gone in an instant?
One night, one mistake, and one lie ruined the lives of not just one person but so many others. And so in Shhh..Gianna’s Side, M. Robinson will take her readers on a journey of Gia on how that one fatal night forever changed her life. M.Robinson goes in depth of the struggles and inner turmoils of Gianna Edwards. There is nothing pretty or sugarcoating about it, Gia’s lies finally caught up to her. This is not a lighthearted story but a beautiful tale of raw emotions. Gianna Edwards is a woman exposed. Her sadness and heartbreak is written all over her face. Emptiness and void is filled with the abuse of alcohol and random sex. Her hatred for herself is on her skin. Her regrets and burdens lies deep within her. Her vulnerability is out there and apparent. Through this emotional and mindfuck rollercoaster of a story, can Gianna finally be released of her inner demons and find redemption?
What I love about Shhh… is that its not your ordinary love story. It is fucked up, raw, honest and real. The raw vulnerability and sadness is what made me love Shhh...Gianna’s Side. Life is not perfect. The truth hurts. And behind Gianna eyes, lies a woman wanting to shed all the lies, mistakes, and regrets. And so begins the tale of Gianna as she takes us on her version of the truth. I think this quote from Marilyn Monroe sums it best to describe Ms. Gianna Edwards:
"I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle. But, if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."~Marilyn Monroe
All I can say is, go read Shhh...Gianna’s Side by M. Robinson. It will take you on one mind-fuck of a roller-coaster ride full of twist and turns. And at the end of the book, you will be left saying WTF that was a brilliant ending. Expect the unexpected and hold on to the edge of your seats because M. Robinson will having you begging for more Gianna and Mr. Nichols. Oh and as for HEA ending, I guess you have to go and read Shhh...Gianna Side.. let me just tell you the pure brilliance of M. Robinson is that she keeps her readers on their toes and guessing.
☆☆☆☆☆ 5 Shhh…Stars ☆☆☆☆☆
Shhh...Just Listen… Are you ready for one mind-fuck, suspenseful thrilling book ride full of twist and turns? If so, then Shhh...Gianna’s Side by M. Robinson is the book for you. M. Robinson will have you saying WTF, OMG, and at the same time have you swooning for one hot english teacher that can recite and whisper quotes and sweet nothings of Shakespeare. Shh..Gianna’s Side had it all from forbidden romance, friendship, sex, lies and betrayals. You know what they say the most dangerous lies are the lies you to tell yourself. So M. Robinson will take you on one journey where the lies, truths, and love begins to get blurred. And so begins the tale of Gianna Edwards, where her once secret life built on lies, deceit, and betrayals are exposed. They say the truth will set you free. Will this be the case for Gianna Edwards? Or are some lies better kept Shhhh..?
Young, beautiful, and raised from an affluent family, Gianna Edwards had it all. She had parents that adore her. A boyfriend that worshipped the ground she walked on. And lastly a best friend, whom she considers a sister in McKenzie Perry. She had it all and every reason to be happy and in love. But behind Gia’s eyes, lies a broken girl who is lost, unhappy and just living to exist and go through the motions. A girl who is living a life built on lies and pleasing her family and friends. Simply, Gianna Edwards is trapped in her good girl image.
It is so true when they say you can lie to everyone else, but you can never really lie to yourself. And for Gianna, this is the truth. Well the truth of the matter, Gia was looking for a way to separate herself from McKenzie and find her true identity. For so long, it was always Gia and Mack. It was like they were a packaged deal and the limelight was focused on her best friend, Mack. Being in the shadows of Mack, Gia wanted to break free. Free where she didn’t have to lie and just be G.
For the first time in a long time, Gianna Edwards finally felt free when she meets Mr. James Nichols, her high school English teacher. With sexual tension and chemistry brewing between the two, lines are crossed and lives are forever changed. The walls and facade that Gia thought she had perfectly manicured and perfected comes crumbling down, when Mr. Nichols can see the real Gianna Edwards. He doesn’t believes the lies she tells people. He sees G. They say you can’t help who you fall in love with, and in this case Mr. Nichols and Gia embark on one hell of a forbidden romance.
As Gia and James embark on their secret love affair, lives are forever changed. The love Gia has for James is forever imprinted in her heart and soul. The moment James entered her life there was no turning back. She belonged to him. And she was his. It was the kind of love that transcends all the odds and obstacles stacked against them. A romance filled with passion and love. A love so fierce that they are willing to cross a line knowing that there is no turning back. So what happens when lies and betrayals comes shattering down? A love gone horribly wrong? A mistake that can’t be taken back? And 18 years of friendship are gone in an instant?
One night, one mistake, and one lie ruined the lives of not just one person but so many others. And so in Shhh..Gianna’s Side, M. Robinson will take her readers on a journey of Gia on how that one fatal night forever changed her life. M.Robinson goes in depth of the struggles and inner turmoils of Gianna Edwards. There is nothing pretty or sugarcoating about it, Gia’s lies finally caught up to her. This is not a lighthearted story but a beautiful tale of raw emotions. Gianna Edwards is a woman exposed. Her sadness and heartbreak is written all over her face. Emptiness and void is filled with the abuse of alcohol and random sex. Her hatred for herself is on her skin. Her regrets and burdens lies deep within her. Her vulnerability is out there and apparent. Through this emotional and mindfuck rollercoaster of a story, can Gianna finally be released of her inner demons and find redemption?
What I love about Shhh… is that its not your ordinary love story. It is fucked up, raw, honest and real. The raw vulnerability and sadness is what made me love Shhh...Gianna’s Side. Life is not perfect. The truth hurts. And behind Gianna eyes, lies a woman wanting to shed all the lies, mistakes, and regrets. And so begins the tale of Gianna as she takes us on her version of the truth. I think this quote from Marilyn Monroe sums it best to describe Ms. Gianna Edwards:
"I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle. But, if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."~Marilyn Monroe
All I can say is, go read Shhh...Gianna’s Side by M. Robinson. It will take you on one mind-fuck of a roller-coaster ride full of twist and turns. And at the end of the book, you will be left saying WTF that was a brilliant ending. Expect the unexpected and hold on to the edge of your seats because M. Robinson will having you begging for more Gianna and Mr. Nichols. Oh and as for HEA ending, I guess you have to go and read Shhh...Gianna Side.. let me just tell you the pure brilliance of M. Robinson is that she keeps her readers on their toes and guessing.
April 11, 2018
3.25 Shhh... stars!
This was my first M. Robinson book. I liked it, but I didn't loved it. Story never felt boring, there was enough angst with many questions and wondering about ending. I decided I won't read Mack story written by Jettie Woodruff. Partly because I already know the ending, well at least main facts.
This was thriller with dark erotic-romance elements.
This was my first M. Robinson book. I liked it, but I didn't loved it. Story never felt boring, there was enough angst with many questions and wondering about ending. I decided I won't read Mack story written by Jettie Woodruff. Partly because I already know the ending, well at least main facts.
This was thriller with dark erotic-romance elements.
October 21, 2014
4.5 STARS 
After reading The truth about Mack, I thought I already knew the whole story, so I waited a few days to read Gianna's side.. But I couldn't be more WRONG .
There's a hell of a lot more things we don't know.
The beginning was a bit slow, I guess because I really hated Gianna. But I am glad I read her side of story.
"I am Gianna Edwards. But the truth is.. I have no idea who I am."
"If people knew who I really was, they wouldn't like me, they wouldn't want to be me..they would know the truth, and that would be much scarier than the façade."
This story is about SECRETS, LIES, BETRAYAL, REVENGE . It's something you have never read about.
I've lied to everyone since I can remember. I can't go back now. It's too late.
Gianna and Mack are bestfriends since forever. They have a perfect life, the future already planned and above all, they have each other.
But what if it's not what they want? What if they are the opposite of what they show to the world? What if they are hiding ugly truths from each other??
"Sometimes things don't work out the way you assume they will."
"At least when you buy something broken you can return it, but what do you do when that's not an option? When you have no choice but to wake up every morning with a smile on your face because that's what people expect."
This story is strong, dark, twisted. While reading the second part of the book, I was like this
AND THE ENDING ?! Did not expect that..really.
Do I recommend this story?? YES.
Which side of story should you read first? On my opinion, it's better to read first Mack's side and then this book..but it's up to you.
After reading The truth about Mack, I thought I already knew the whole story, so I waited a few days to read Gianna's side.. But I couldn't be more WRONG .
There's a hell of a lot more things we don't know.
The beginning was a bit slow, I guess because I really hated Gianna. But I am glad I read her side of story.
"I am Gianna Edwards. But the truth is.. I have no idea who I am."
"If people knew who I really was, they wouldn't like me, they wouldn't want to be me..they would know the truth, and that would be much scarier than the façade."
This story is about SECRETS, LIES, BETRAYAL, REVENGE . It's something you have never read about.
I've lied to everyone since I can remember. I can't go back now. It's too late.
Gianna and Mack are bestfriends since forever. They have a perfect life, the future already planned and above all, they have each other.
But what if it's not what they want? What if they are the opposite of what they show to the world? What if they are hiding ugly truths from each other??
"Sometimes things don't work out the way you assume they will."
"At least when you buy something broken you can return it, but what do you do when that's not an option? When you have no choice but to wake up every morning with a smile on your face because that's what people expect."
This story is strong, dark, twisted. While reading the second part of the book, I was like this
AND THE ENDING ?! Did not expect that..really.
Do I recommend this story?? YES.
Which side of story should you read first? On my opinion, it's better to read first Mack's side and then this book..but it's up to you.
September 2, 2014
LIVE -----> http://amzn.to/W5ESKQ
Please take note that my previous review was from Mack's POV.
This review is now from Gianna's POV.
STARS - 5
POV - Gianna
HEA:
RELEASE DATE: 1 September 2014
I've read all this authors books and I loved it! This was so different from her other series but it was PERFECT.
I would like to congratulate both Author on 2 Amazing Books!
This is my GIANNA
This books alternates between past and present! Usually I don't like a book that goes from past to present but I really wanted to know what happened in the past and what made Gia who she was today.
My review for Shhh from Mack's side I didn't post 'n pic of the 'Man' because I don't think one should because it gives away a lot of the story.
If you didn’t know Shhh is 2 books by 2 different authors. Shhh by M Robinson from Gia's point of view. And Shhh by Jettie Woodruff is from Mack's POV .
Initially I was going to just read one of these books but I am so glad that I am getting the chance to read both books. Because both stories is so different. I think everybody should read BOTH of the books.
I first read Mack's side. And I really wanted to read Gia's side of the story as well.
I am Gianna Edwards. But the truth is... I have no idea who I am
Gia and Mack have been friends since they were little. They grew up next to each other, they we wearing the same clothes, has the same parties.They both always wanted to be better than the 'other' one! Gia and Mack had plans for the future, they wanted to go to the same college, study the same and live happily every after.
But life doesn't all work out as you've planned it.
Everything happens for a reason. Don't do something today that you will regret tomorrow
Gia made some BIG mistakes, and there were people that had to pay for it in the end! And at the end of the day for WHAT?
I still feel if Gia told Mack to Jump she jumped.
I actually don't think you can call them BEST friends, yes friends but actually they didn't know each other that well. (They hid some scary stuff from each other) and I don't think if it is your best friend you should hide so much secrets. Every person has secrets but usually you don't keep that many from your friends.
FAVOURITE QUOTES / LINES
The lies we shared together would forever bind us.
I've lied to everyone since I can remember. I can't go back now. It's too late.
Eh I won't tell if you don't. Secrets are fun
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FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/ijustlovetoread1
BLOG: www.ijustlovetoread.wordpress.com
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/justlovetoread1
An ARC provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review!
Please take note that my previous review was from Mack's POV.
This review is now from Gianna's POV.
STARS - 5
POV - Gianna
HEA:
RELEASE DATE: 1 September 2014
I've read all this authors books and I loved it! This was so different from her other series but it was PERFECT.
I would like to congratulate both Author on 2 Amazing Books!
This is my GIANNA
This books alternates between past and present! Usually I don't like a book that goes from past to present but I really wanted to know what happened in the past and what made Gia who she was today.
My review for Shhh from Mack's side I didn't post 'n pic of the 'Man' because I don't think one should because it gives away a lot of the story.
If you didn’t know Shhh is 2 books by 2 different authors. Shhh by M Robinson from Gia's point of view. And Shhh by Jettie Woodruff is from Mack's POV .
Initially I was going to just read one of these books but I am so glad that I am getting the chance to read both books. Because both stories is so different. I think everybody should read BOTH of the books.
I first read Mack's side. And I really wanted to read Gia's side of the story as well.
I am Gianna Edwards. But the truth is... I have no idea who I am
Gia and Mack have been friends since they were little. They grew up next to each other, they we wearing the same clothes, has the same parties.They both always wanted to be better than the 'other' one! Gia and Mack had plans for the future, they wanted to go to the same college, study the same and live happily every after.
But life doesn't all work out as you've planned it.
Everything happens for a reason. Don't do something today that you will regret tomorrow
Gia made some BIG mistakes, and there were people that had to pay for it in the end! And at the end of the day for WHAT?
I still feel if Gia told Mack to Jump she jumped.
I actually don't think you can call them BEST friends, yes friends but actually they didn't know each other that well. (They hid some scary stuff from each other) and I don't think if it is your best friend you should hide so much secrets. Every person has secrets but usually you don't keep that many from your friends.
FAVOURITE QUOTES / LINES
The lies we shared together would forever bind us.
I've lied to everyone since I can remember. I can't go back now. It's too late.
Eh I won't tell if you don't. Secrets are fun
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/ijustlovetoread1
BLOG: www.ijustlovetoread.wordpress.com
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/justlovetoread1
An ARC provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review!
September 15, 2014
Shhh... I'm Fucked.
September 12, 2014
5 Unpredictable Stars
Well, well, well... Who could guess that end?
Again so many lies, deceits and betrayal.
After reading both books I have chosen my team.
I am taking Mack's side.
Gi was evil in my opinion, a selfish and manipulative bitch.
There is no excuse for what she did.
Both girls were guilty, however Mack had a mental instability/disorder.
I think M Robinson made a great job developing Gia's character.
I HATE Gia.
Well, well, well... Who could guess that end?
Again so many lies, deceits and betrayal.
After reading both books I have chosen my team.
I am taking Mack's side.
Gi was evil in my opinion, a selfish and manipulative bitch.
There is no excuse for what she did.
Both girls were guilty, however Mack had a mental instability/disorder.
I think M Robinson made a great job developing Gia's character.
I HATE Gia.
November 24, 2014
4.5 stars*
Having read Mack's Side (The Truth About Mack) first, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what would happen within this story. Yet, Gianna revealed a numbers of surprises. After reading Mack's perspective, I really didn't care much for Gianna, but after walking in Gianna's shoes and seeing the big picture, I've come to realize that she's as much a victim as those she set out to hurt. More so, perhaps.
I don't mean to be vague with this review. Allow me to start over....
McKenzie Perry and Gianna Edwards have known one another since birth, practically, and are best of friends. And as best of friends, they know each other's deepest, darkest secrets. Or do they? As it turns out, they each hold their share of some pretty twisted secrets. It's hard to get into details without giving away the story and I refuse to do that. So all I'll say is that I truly enjoyed reading both books--both sides of the story.
Gianna is so screwed up in many ways...she really is a broken girl who has faced more than her fair share of problems. This book takes you on the roller-coaster ride of her life. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to get pretty bumpy....
*I did note some inconsistencies within the book, though they really didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story so I'm rounding up.
Having read Mack's Side (The Truth About Mack) first, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what would happen within this story. Yet, Gianna revealed a numbers of surprises. After reading Mack's perspective, I really didn't care much for Gianna, but after walking in Gianna's shoes and seeing the big picture, I've come to realize that she's as much a victim as those she set out to hurt. More so, perhaps.
I don't mean to be vague with this review. Allow me to start over....
McKenzie Perry and Gianna Edwards have known one another since birth, practically, and are best of friends. And as best of friends, they know each other's deepest, darkest secrets. Or do they? As it turns out, they each hold their share of some pretty twisted secrets. It's hard to get into details without giving away the story and I refuse to do that. So all I'll say is that I truly enjoyed reading both books--both sides of the story.
Gianna is so screwed up in many ways...she really is a broken girl who has faced more than her fair share of problems. This book takes you on the roller-coaster ride of her life. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to get pretty bumpy....
*I did note some inconsistencies within the book, though they really didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story so I'm rounding up.
September 7, 2014
I’m a BIG M. Robinson fan…& have been since her first book VIP. When I signed up for this blog tour… I knew going in…that this book was going to be different from her other books. I was so excited to read a different side from my favorite author.
I feel like I should say this before I dive into my review. You can love an authors with all your heart. Sometimes… They write a book that just wasn’t for you. And that’s how I’m feeling right now.
I thought this book was ok but I didn’t love it.
For me… right away… You can tell the difference.
The writing was way different… The pace of the book was a lot slower. Overall… I was just having a really hard time getting into the book.
I think what was throwing me off and I think will throw off a lot of other people if they read both sides is this…
In both synopsis… Both authors say…
Jettie Woodruff
“To find out Gia’s side read Shhh….Gianna’s side”
M. Robinson
“This is Gianna’s side. To know the other, continue reading Shhh… Mack’s side”
This book is suppose to be different POV’s of the same story…
But, in reality it was just two authors going their own way in this story. You need to have some measure of similarities.
You can’t go into this making up a whole new person.
Yes they have similarities in some places…
But I needed the timeline to somewhat match up to each other books.
I read Mack’s story first which set the tone of this book for me. And I can’t help but feel that there was a miscommunication along the way in these two books.
There should be some similarities in the timeline.
-how they met
-growing up
-the dynamic between Gia and Mack
-The incident
And you don’t get that at all. This was like reading a whole new book.
Mack in this book… Is not the Mack in Jettie’s book.
I can tell you right now… These books are night & day!!
So to even say….
read Mack’s story to find out her side… I think should be taken out. Because, it makes no sense…at all.
I think these books should be market separately. Not mentioned each other’s books at all. Just to avoid confusion.
Because….I guess what it all boils down to is this…
who’s side you read first & what version you liked better.
(Which I hate… because I don’t want to pick sides!!
And I think both authors are very talented.)
Ok.. I’ll just jump right in to my review…
17% in & I have no clues as to where this story is going yet.
I’m finding it hard to connect with the story & Gia’s character.
At this point in the book… Something should be said as to why Gia is feeling the way she is…unhappy.
I understand Gia is feeling differently then her peers. That she doesn’t want to disappoint her parents. That she feels inferior to her best friend Mack. She’s even a little jealous of her.
But as I keep reading.. She doesn’t sound depressed.
She sounds more lost.. Just going through the motions. Typical teenage behavior.
I just don’t know why this came about.
Why is she so unhappy with her life?
Why does she feel this way?
People get depressed for all different reason… What was it for her. What was that one moment in her life that changed it all.
Did she have a chemical imbalance that made her physically unable to have feelings?? I don’t think so…because towards the end of the book…you see Gia deal with her demons and is no longer “unhappy”. She’s free.
Being so little & not being able to be happy is pretty big.
It needed an exclamation as to why.
There wasn’t a lot of description in some of the events that took place. Some of it just felt rushed.
Especially the relationship between James & Gia. You get a lot of flashbacks. Bits and pieces here and there. I wanted the more…. More background of them. I guess I wanted more details…
I wanted the whole teacher/student forbiddenness.
Things didn’t start to pick up for me until about 70% in. When all the answers started to come out…and I think that’s what saved the book from going down in stars for me.
Over all it was a very interesting read.
I liked the concept of this book..
Would I read more by this author… Yes I would.
This book may not have been my favorite… But I still think she’s a great author.
** ARC provided by author for an honest review **
-Michelle
I feel like I should say this before I dive into my review. You can love an authors with all your heart. Sometimes… They write a book that just wasn’t for you. And that’s how I’m feeling right now.
I thought this book was ok but I didn’t love it.
For me… right away… You can tell the difference.
The writing was way different… The pace of the book was a lot slower. Overall… I was just having a really hard time getting into the book.
I think what was throwing me off and I think will throw off a lot of other people if they read both sides is this…
In both synopsis… Both authors say…
Jettie Woodruff
“To find out Gia’s side read Shhh….Gianna’s side”
M. Robinson
“This is Gianna’s side. To know the other, continue reading Shhh… Mack’s side”
This book is suppose to be different POV’s of the same story…
But, in reality it was just two authors going their own way in this story. You need to have some measure of similarities.
You can’t go into this making up a whole new person.
Yes they have similarities in some places…
But I needed the timeline to somewhat match up to each other books.
I read Mack’s story first which set the tone of this book for me. And I can’t help but feel that there was a miscommunication along the way in these two books.
There should be some similarities in the timeline.
-how they met
-growing up
-the dynamic between Gia and Mack
-The incident
And you don’t get that at all. This was like reading a whole new book.
Mack in this book… Is not the Mack in Jettie’s book.
I can tell you right now… These books are night & day!!
So to even say….
read Mack’s story to find out her side… I think should be taken out. Because, it makes no sense…at all.
I think these books should be market separately. Not mentioned each other’s books at all. Just to avoid confusion.
Because….I guess what it all boils down to is this…
who’s side you read first & what version you liked better.
(Which I hate… because I don’t want to pick sides!!
And I think both authors are very talented.)
Ok.. I’ll just jump right in to my review…
17% in & I have no clues as to where this story is going yet.
I’m finding it hard to connect with the story & Gia’s character.
At this point in the book… Something should be said as to why Gia is feeling the way she is…unhappy.
I understand Gia is feeling differently then her peers. That she doesn’t want to disappoint her parents. That she feels inferior to her best friend Mack. She’s even a little jealous of her.
But as I keep reading.. She doesn’t sound depressed.
She sounds more lost.. Just going through the motions. Typical teenage behavior.
I just don’t know why this came about.
Why is she so unhappy with her life?
Why does she feel this way?
People get depressed for all different reason… What was it for her. What was that one moment in her life that changed it all.
Did she have a chemical imbalance that made her physically unable to have feelings?? I don’t think so…because towards the end of the book…you see Gia deal with her demons and is no longer “unhappy”. She’s free.
Being so little & not being able to be happy is pretty big.
It needed an exclamation as to why.
There wasn’t a lot of description in some of the events that took place. Some of it just felt rushed.
Especially the relationship between James & Gia. You get a lot of flashbacks. Bits and pieces here and there. I wanted the more…. More background of them. I guess I wanted more details…
I wanted the whole teacher/student forbiddenness.
Things didn’t start to pick up for me until about 70% in. When all the answers started to come out…and I think that’s what saved the book from going down in stars for me.
Over all it was a very interesting read.
I liked the concept of this book..
Would I read more by this author… Yes I would.
This book may not have been my favorite… But I still think she’s a great author.
** ARC provided by author for an honest review **
-Michelle
June 19, 2021
4.5 stars
September 2, 2014
First off let me say I am so glad I read Mack's side first. If I didn't read Mack's side first I would have been totally lost and confused with the way the story unfolded. There were so many times in this book I had to ask huh or what in the world is going on? So in Mack's side we met Gianna and I was really hoping so would redeem herself in her own book but I am still left kind of confused about who Gianna really is. G/Gia/Gianna/Ms.Edwards are all the names she goes by in this book. One minute she was sweet Gianna and the next she was G the dirty girl and then Gia the loving best friend. I just felt like I couldn't really keep up with her personalities and her character was kind of all over the place. For her and Mack to be best friends they didn't really know anything about each other which happens sometimes but my main concern was why was Gianna so jealous of Mack?? I didn't really get that part ever through the whole entire book!! Then I really didn't see the connection with Gia and her parents like I did in Mack's side. Her parents were barely even mentioned in this book. I thought her and Kyle were super close and he was a great father???? Also the relationship with her and Mr.Nichols started off with flirting and I could see that part but the part I never really understood was were in the world was the connection between the two. One minute they were flirting in class and out of class the next thing they are having a full blown affair. The only remotely romantic thing that happened was Mr. Nichols reading her Shakespeare through 35% of the book. The last two chapters were the best ones out of the whole book. That's where I got somewhat of the answers I was looking for. We find out why the girls did what they did and who was behind certain things. But where was Gia's big HEA??? It was very rushed at the end. Just bam there is Gia doing good and then there is Mr. Nichols walking up to her. Did they end up together?? Did she change for the better? Did things ever straighten out for her and Mack?? So many questions I still have that were not answered. Then the epilogue was very weird to me not really any explanation of why or how Jake found out about anything!! I highly recommend reading Mack's side first it answers a lot more questions and gives you better insight to what's actually happening!!
August 20, 2014
I was given an ARC for an honest review and I cant be any more honest than this. I have no idea if it was the authors intention to create a character to hate rather than to love but I have never disliked a character as much as I dislike Gianna Edwards.
I started reading this book wanting answers. I wanted to know just exactly why Gianna turned out the way she did. What happened to turn her into this Cold, Calculating manipulative whore. She is so self-absorbed I don't think she even knew herself.
Gianna is from a very wealthy and much respected family and yes is expected to adhere to her family's public image, the perfect daughter, the perfect student. It must be so hard to keep up the pretense.
We have Gianna, Gia, G, Miss Edwards. They are all the same person and I truly think that Gianna was suffering from some kind of multiple personality disorder. She doesn't know who she is and throughout beginning to end neither did I. There was no explanation as to why she felt so alone, broken, inadequate and held so little self-worth and was self-loathing.
Mack and Gia are meant to be best friends, close as sisters. Only they are both hiding their own secrets from one another. In reality they were strangers living side by side. It just shows that you only really know what a person wants you to see. Gianna either used sex or manipulated people to her own advantage, to gain whatever she wanted from them.
This book was filled with loads of sex scenes, some set in possibly disturbing situations and surrounded within the web of lies and deception.
I started reading this book wanting answers. I wanted to know just exactly why Gianna turned out the way she did. What happened to turn her into this Cold, Calculating manipulative whore. She is so self-absorbed I don't think she even knew herself.
Gianna is from a very wealthy and much respected family and yes is expected to adhere to her family's public image, the perfect daughter, the perfect student. It must be so hard to keep up the pretense.
We have Gianna, Gia, G, Miss Edwards. They are all the same person and I truly think that Gianna was suffering from some kind of multiple personality disorder. She doesn't know who she is and throughout beginning to end neither did I. There was no explanation as to why she felt so alone, broken, inadequate and held so little self-worth and was self-loathing.
Mack and Gia are meant to be best friends, close as sisters. Only they are both hiding their own secrets from one another. In reality they were strangers living side by side. It just shows that you only really know what a person wants you to see. Gianna either used sex or manipulated people to her own advantage, to gain whatever she wanted from them.
This book was filled with loads of sex scenes, some set in possibly disturbing situations and surrounded within the web of lies and deception.
September 9, 2014
And the shocks keep coming!!!
Well I read this after reading Mack's side of the story and yeah I pick team Mack.
Gianna is a Biach to the core.
Even so, this was a brilliant book and I am so very glad that I've read both sides to this madness...
And the end... Whoah! Jake Jake....
I never expected that!
Anyways... Another round of applause please for this series..
Well I read this after reading Mack's side of the story and yeah I pick team Mack.
Gianna is a Biach to the core.
Even so, this was a brilliant book and I am so very glad that I've read both sides to this madness...
And the end... Whoah! Jake Jake....
I never expected that!
Anyways... Another round of applause please for this series..
September 8, 2014
Absolutely Brilliant I so enjoyed this side of the story from G Gia and Gianna. A total mind f**k. We really get inside her head a find why she is like she is. Not enough love and attention from her parents and always being judged against Mackenzie her so called best friend.
We get answers to all the lies, secrets, betrayal, love and loss.
Gia becomes obsessed with Mr Nichols her new English teacher. He turns in to a great character/monster (asylum) telling his side of the story.
Also we get a bit of Jake Gia's boyfriend.
Entertaining the whole way through and would so recommend this sexy hot physco read.
That ending had me doing a double take had to read the epilogue twice just for it to sink in.
This is definitely going down as one of my favourites for 2014.
We get answers to all the lies, secrets, betrayal, love and loss.
Gia becomes obsessed with Mr Nichols her new English teacher. He turns in to a great character/monster (asylum) telling his side of the story.
Also we get a bit of Jake Gia's boyfriend.
Entertaining the whole way through and would so recommend this sexy hot physco read.
That ending had me doing a double take had to read the epilogue twice just for it to sink in.
This is definitely going down as one of my favourites for 2014.
September 28, 2015
Review soon...
November 8, 2014
You may or may not know that this was once a co-written book by two Authors that was split into two version of the same story line....who's side will you read and believe??? Shhh...Gia's Side or Shhh... Mack's Side ( by Jettie Woodruff).
I am NOT one to do spoliers....especially considering I am reading these books as an ARC but I will say that you NEED to read both sides to fully experience the wild, shocking ride. We are talking need therapy while and after reading them....I still find myself zoned out processing all that happened as if I were right there with them. I am sitting on pins and needles waiting on someone-anyone to finish both sides so we can recover together!!!!!!
In this book you see just how lies and deception impact not only your present situation but everything else in life too. It's a vicious cycle...you tell one to cover up the another and before you know it it's consumed you. As we all know....eventually the truth will always come out....then what?? Does one ever heal after they learn the truth or do they secretly lock it away and seek out revenge in their own mind. Shhh.....don't ask..don't tell and no one ever gets hurt. OR do they.......
This is a must read....there is kitty smackin hotness and lots and lots of skeltons in closets that need to come out. So I encourage you to prepare yourself before you embark on this roller coaster of emotion. Pay very close attention to what you are reading. For me having read Mack's side first I found myself easily confused in areas but I went in seeking answers. I got those answers and even more than I bargained for at the end.
Fasten your seat belts people and you can message me for support later......
I am NOT one to do spoliers....especially considering I am reading these books as an ARC but I will say that you NEED to read both sides to fully experience the wild, shocking ride. We are talking need therapy while and after reading them....I still find myself zoned out processing all that happened as if I were right there with them. I am sitting on pins and needles waiting on someone-anyone to finish both sides so we can recover together!!!!!!
In this book you see just how lies and deception impact not only your present situation but everything else in life too. It's a vicious cycle...you tell one to cover up the another and before you know it it's consumed you. As we all know....eventually the truth will always come out....then what?? Does one ever heal after they learn the truth or do they secretly lock it away and seek out revenge in their own mind. Shhh.....don't ask..don't tell and no one ever gets hurt. OR do they.......
This is a must read....there is kitty smackin hotness and lots and lots of skeltons in closets that need to come out. So I encourage you to prepare yourself before you embark on this roller coaster of emotion. Pay very close attention to what you are reading. For me having read Mack's side first I found myself easily confused in areas but I went in seeking answers. I got those answers and even more than I bargained for at the end.
Fasten your seat belts people and you can message me for support later......
September 3, 2014
*I was kindly gifted an arc in exchange for an honest review*
There are always two sides to every story. Especially when they are told by two entirely different people. This is Gianna's side.
When I finished this book I was left with more questions than answers.
Why did Gianna do what she did, what made her the person she was, and where did she get her warped sense of loyalty? None of these questions were fully answered.
Gianna had everything at her fingertips. Money, adoring parents, a best friend who was like a sister to her. Yet, it wasn't enough for her. She needed more. Then she met him and her world changed.
Suddenly a forbidden love and a night of deceit sent her reeling. Nothing could keep her grounded. She sends herself down a self destructing spiral that nothing good could come out of...the biggest question I have is WHY?!? If I had that answer, I might have been able to understand Gianna a bit better and might have liked her more. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason for her self destructing behavior, other than she was a spoiled brat. We got to see the different sides of Gianna. I often wondered if she didn't suffer from DID- dissociative identity disorder. Her relationship with her best friend isn't explored very far either. I never did really feel the connection between them. Even her relationship with the infamous Mr Nicols was confusing at times. I wish that we could have seen more of the behind the scenes. We did get a lot of sex, that certainly wasn't lacking.
I wanted to love this book, I really did. Most importantly, I wanted answers.
There are always two sides to every story. Especially when they are told by two entirely different people. This is Gianna's side.
When I finished this book I was left with more questions than answers.
Why did Gianna do what she did, what made her the person she was, and where did she get her warped sense of loyalty? None of these questions were fully answered.
Gianna had everything at her fingertips. Money, adoring parents, a best friend who was like a sister to her. Yet, it wasn't enough for her. She needed more. Then she met him and her world changed.
Suddenly a forbidden love and a night of deceit sent her reeling. Nothing could keep her grounded. She sends herself down a self destructing spiral that nothing good could come out of...the biggest question I have is WHY?!? If I had that answer, I might have been able to understand Gianna a bit better and might have liked her more. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason for her self destructing behavior, other than she was a spoiled brat. We got to see the different sides of Gianna. I often wondered if she didn't suffer from DID- dissociative identity disorder. Her relationship with her best friend isn't explored very far either. I never did really feel the connection between them. Even her relationship with the infamous Mr Nicols was confusing at times. I wish that we could have seen more of the behind the scenes. We did get a lot of sex, that certainly wasn't lacking.
I wanted to love this book, I really did. Most importantly, I wanted answers.
October 18, 2014
I think I need to read Jettie Woodruffs The Truth about Mack at some point to feel like I have the whole story. I had to read the epilogue twice to let it all sink in!
July 12, 2018
OMG. This book. Just wow
September 7, 2014
I’m a BIG M. Robinson fan…& have been since her first book VIP. When I signed up for this blog tour… I knew going in…that this book was going to be different from her other books. I was so excited to read a different side from my favorite author.
I feel like I should say this before I dive into my review. You can love an authors with all your heart. Sometimes… They write a book that just wasn’t for you. And that’s how I’m feeling right now.
I thought this book was ok but I didn’t love it.
For me… right away… You can tell the difference.
The writing was way different… The pace of the book was a lot slower. Overall… I was just having a really hard time getting into the book.
I think what was throwing me off and I think will throw off a lot of other people if they read both sides is this…
In both synopsis… Both authors say…
Jettie Woodruff
“To find out Gia’s side read Shhh….Gianna’s side”
M. Robinson
“This is Gianna’s side. To know the other, continue reading Shhh… Mack’s side”
This book is suppose to be different POV’s of the same story…
But, in reality it was just two authors going their own way in this story. You need to have some measure of similarities.
You can’t go into this making up a whole new person.
Yes they have similarities in some places…
But I needed the timeline to somewhat match up to each other books.
I read Mack’s story first which set the tone of this book for me. And I can’t help but feel that there was a miscommunication along the way in these two books.
There should be some similarities in the timeline.
-how they met
-growing up
-the dynamic between Gia and Mack
-The incident
And you don’t get that at all. This was like reading a whole new book.
Mack in this book… Is not the Mack in Jettie’s book.
I can tell you right now… These books are night & day!!
So to even say….
read Mack’s story to find out her side… I think should be taken out. Because, it makes no sense…at all.
I think these books should be market separately. Not mentioned each other’s books at all. Just to avoid confusion.
Because….I guess what it all boils down to is this…
who’s side you read first & what version you liked better.
(Which I hate… because I don’t want to pick sides!!
And I think both authors are very talented.)
Ok.. I’ll just jump right in to my review…
17% in & I have no clues as to where this story is going yet.
I’m finding it hard to connect with the story & Gia’s character.
At this point in the book… Something should be said as to why Gia is feeling the way she is…unhappy.
I understand Gia is feeling differently then her peers. That she doesn’t want to disappoint her parents. That she feels inferior to her best friend Mack. She’s even a little jealous of her.
But as I keep reading.. She doesn’t sound depressed.
She sounds more lost.. Just going through the motions. Typical teenage behavior.
I just don’t know why this came about.
Why is she so unhappy with her life?
Why does she feel this way?
People get depressed for all different reason… What was it for her. What was that one moment in her life that changed it all.
Did she have a chemical imbalance that made her physically unable to have feelings?? I don’t think so…because towards the end of the book…you see Gia deal with her demons and is no longer “unhappy”. She’s free.
Being so little & not being able to be happy is pretty big.
It needed an exclamation as to why.
There wasn’t a lot of description in some of the events that took place. Some of it just felt rushed.
Especially the relationship between James & Gia. You get a lot of flashbacks. Bits and pieces here and there. I wanted the more…. More background of them. I guess I wanted more details…
I wanted the whole teacher/student forbiddenness.
Things didn’t start to pick up for me until about 70% in. When all the answers started to come out…and I think that’s what saved the book from going down in stars for me.
Over all it was a very interesting read.
I liked the concept of this book..
Would I read more by this author… Yes I would.
This book may not have been my favorite… But I still think she’s a great author.
** ARC provided by author for an honest review **
I feel like I should say this before I dive into my review. You can love an authors with all your heart. Sometimes… They write a book that just wasn’t for you. And that’s how I’m feeling right now.
I thought this book was ok but I didn’t love it.
For me… right away… You can tell the difference.
The writing was way different… The pace of the book was a lot slower. Overall… I was just having a really hard time getting into the book.
I think what was throwing me off and I think will throw off a lot of other people if they read both sides is this…
In both synopsis… Both authors say…
Jettie Woodruff
“To find out Gia’s side read Shhh….Gianna’s side”
M. Robinson
“This is Gianna’s side. To know the other, continue reading Shhh… Mack’s side”
This book is suppose to be different POV’s of the same story…
But, in reality it was just two authors going their own way in this story. You need to have some measure of similarities.
You can’t go into this making up a whole new person.
Yes they have similarities in some places…
But I needed the timeline to somewhat match up to each other books.
I read Mack’s story first which set the tone of this book for me. And I can’t help but feel that there was a miscommunication along the way in these two books.
There should be some similarities in the timeline.
-how they met
-growing up
-the dynamic between Gia and Mack
-The incident
And you don’t get that at all. This was like reading a whole new book.
Mack in this book… Is not the Mack in Jettie’s book.
I can tell you right now… These books are night & day!!
So to even say….
read Mack’s story to find out her side… I think should be taken out. Because, it makes no sense…at all.
I think these books should be market separately. Not mentioned each other’s books at all. Just to avoid confusion.
Because….I guess what it all boils down to is this…
who’s side you read first & what version you liked better.
(Which I hate… because I don’t want to pick sides!!
And I think both authors are very talented.)
Ok.. I’ll just jump right in to my review…
17% in & I have no clues as to where this story is going yet.
I’m finding it hard to connect with the story & Gia’s character.
At this point in the book… Something should be said as to why Gia is feeling the way she is…unhappy.
I understand Gia is feeling differently then her peers. That she doesn’t want to disappoint her parents. That she feels inferior to her best friend Mack. She’s even a little jealous of her.
But as I keep reading.. She doesn’t sound depressed.
She sounds more lost.. Just going through the motions. Typical teenage behavior.
I just don’t know why this came about.
Why is she so unhappy with her life?
Why does she feel this way?
People get depressed for all different reason… What was it for her. What was that one moment in her life that changed it all.
Did she have a chemical imbalance that made her physically unable to have feelings?? I don’t think so…because towards the end of the book…you see Gia deal with her demons and is no longer “unhappy”. She’s free.
Being so little & not being able to be happy is pretty big.
It needed an exclamation as to why.
There wasn’t a lot of description in some of the events that took place. Some of it just felt rushed.
Especially the relationship between James & Gia. You get a lot of flashbacks. Bits and pieces here and there. I wanted the more…. More background of them. I guess I wanted more details…
I wanted the whole teacher/student forbiddenness.
Things didn’t start to pick up for me until about 70% in. When all the answers started to come out…and I think that’s what saved the book from going down in stars for me.
Over all it was a very interesting read.
I liked the concept of this book..
Would I read more by this author… Yes I would.
This book may not have been my favorite… But I still think she’s a great author.
** ARC provided by author for an honest review **
July 30, 2015
**** Shhh!......Shoot me stars****
Uzun bir zamandır kitap arayışında olan ben böyle bir kitapla ayaklarımın altından zeminin bir anda çekileceğini nereden bilebilirdim ki!
bir hikaye düşünün ki her okuduğunuz sayfayla yeni bir pencereye açılıyor kapılar.. her söylenen kelimeyle farklı bir renge bürünüyor hikaye...
karakterler çok farklı ve kabul etmeliyim ki kızımız da oğluşumuz da ki kendisi kızımızdan bayağı bir büyük beni çok sarstı ve şaşırttı.....
ilk sayfalarda hikayenin ne olduğunu anlamaya çalışarak geçirdim vaktimi olay örgüsü şöyle ki bir şimdiki zaman bir geçmiş ve bir de sanırım arada bir kızımızın kendi iç dünyasıyla konuşmaları var.. ilk başta sıkıldığımı düşünüyordum ki ilerleyen sayfalarda ilk sayfaların aksine dili daha bir akıcı olmaya ve Girdap gibi içine çekmeye başladı beni...
nasıl anlatsam diye düşünmeden kendimi edemiyorum çünkü söyleyeceğim her söz hikayeyi ele verecek ve hikayenin sihri kaçacakmış gibi hissediyorum..
öncelikle bildiğiniz tüm hikayeleri unutun!
ilk kelimelerinden son satırlarına kadar sizi kesinlikle şaşırtan bir hikaye... her ne kadar kendi kafamda senaryolar üretsem de hiçbiri çıkmadı ve beni alt üst etmeyi başardı....
Gianni 18 yaşındaki hikayemizin kahramanı ve çok yakın arkadaşı mack var ikisi gerçek bir arkadaş hatta kız kardeş gibiler aralarından su sızmıyor tabiri caizze...
acaba gerçekten öylemi .???
bir de gizemli öğretmenimiz Nicholas var.. ve kızımızın aşkı gibi düşüneceğimiz jake..
siz en iyisi her şeyi boşverin çünkü hiç birisi düşüdüğünüz gibi çıkmıyor..
tıpkı kitabın bazı bölümlerinde Bay Öğretmen ya da kızımız Gianne nin dediği gibi Shhhh!.....
ve birde kızımız uzun bir süre birisi tarafından kaçırılıp işkenceye maruz kalıyor mu ne !
aşk, fazlasıyla var ...
ihanet...
yalanlar..
hayalkırıklığı...
intikammm......
aklınıza gelebilecek tüm varyasyonların hepsi öyle güzel işlenerek size sunulmuş ki sadece bunu okuyabilecek sinirleriniz olmalı ve romanın son sayfasına kadar yetecek sabrınız. Çünkü bol gözyaşı pişmanlık boşa geçmiş yıllar ve hüzün var. sonu mutlu son mu diye sorarsanız
sadece kitabı okuyun derim...
you need to learn something about secrets,
little girl,
they always come out.
One way or another, the truth has a way of coming out and makig itself known when you least expect it.
Shhh! I was liar..
you were liar..
there were love and not love..
everthing were a liar or?
this is really one of the strange beautiful heartbroken novels I have ever read till now.
just prepare yourself to everthing for this one, there are :
love
hate,
pain
tears
rape
kidnapping
truths
years in the prison
living like dead
alcolic
and so on.
ı was realy confused the very beginning of novel at first but later I found my peace with book and kept to read it.. And from the beginning to end you can not guess what will happen or what is the reveal of secret. With every page and word you will find new point of view or different kind of notion which make you drop your mouth open !
I love it, really love it..
while reading it I was devastating and frustrated with lots of people but I really am happy to read it..
Shhh!
Today is not yesterday and wont be tomorrow but you will not undersdant me unless you dont know my past.
I m Gianne there were lots of people in me I was someone who wasnt really me..
I hope you find a courage to read it and I will assure you will like it !
September 13, 2014
3 Stars
Humans have a sick fascination with watching another's downfall. That's the only plausible explanation I could come up with, for why I was fascinated watching Gianna's self loathing, her hatred towards herself and others, her constant negative emotions. After having read so many books, it takes a lot for me to actually feel sad or remorseful about books anymore. And I did, I did connect with all she did, all the mistakes she made, all the ways she hurt herself and others, and also her reasons behind it. What fell short in this book was the writing. The scenes are horribly disconnected, this book needs a very thorough editing too. And the plot line would have been a success if the very last and last to last elements weren't there. Those who have read the book, know exactly what I'm talking about.
There's a Mack's side too, and though I really want to know how her story turned out, I just can't bring myself to read about a girl who {MAJOR SPOILER} . Doesn't matter what her reasons were for it. Gianna always had a good reason for what she did, even if they were terribly twisted.
I don't know if I would recommend this book to anyone. Its not for everyone that's for sure. But if you can stomach some really gory things, I think you'll like it.
Humans have a sick fascination with watching another's downfall. That's the only plausible explanation I could come up with, for why I was fascinated watching Gianna's self loathing, her hatred towards herself and others, her constant negative emotions. After having read so many books, it takes a lot for me to actually feel sad or remorseful about books anymore. And I did, I did connect with all she did, all the mistakes she made, all the ways she hurt herself and others, and also her reasons behind it. What fell short in this book was the writing. The scenes are horribly disconnected, this book needs a very thorough editing too. And the plot line would have been a success if the very last and last to last elements weren't there. Those who have read the book, know exactly what I'm talking about.
There's a Mack's side too, and though I really want to know how her story turned out, I just can't bring myself to read about a girl who {MAJOR SPOILER} . Doesn't matter what her reasons were for it. Gianna always had a good reason for what she did, even if they were terribly twisted.
I don't know if I would recommend this book to anyone. Its not for everyone that's for sure. But if you can stomach some really gory things, I think you'll like it.
September 7, 2014
I read Mack's side first, and I thought that this would be the other side and it was to a certain extent. But it was quite a bit shorter than what I expected. It also had a lot of flip-flopping around which was very confusing. One minute you are in the present, then she is married, and then BAM, back in high school with Mr. Nichols! I didn't understand why Gia was so jealous of Mack, and I thought that she would redeem herself by the end of the book. It all wraps up and the very end and you are still more confused than ever! Is there going to be another book from a different POV? What is going on?????
September 2, 2014
*ARC provided in exchange for honest review* For your next fix: http://www.pageturningbookjunkie.blog...
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5 out of 5 Shhh...go read this book, Dark and Emotionally Gripping Stars!
Hot damn! What an amazing ride that was. I truly didn't know what to expect from this book, and I'm glad that I left all those expectations at the door. Always expect the unexpected when it comes to M. Robinson and her maddening temptress ways. I read Shhh...Mack's side first, so I knew the main gist of what would eventually happen, but all that led up to that point was thrilling to read from Gianna's side. You really do need to read both books to truly understand the intensity and devastation of what these two girls went through. It was so enlightening to read how extremely different Mack and Gia were, but how similar some of their internal struggles were.
"They needed flawlessness and excellence, and on the outside, I portrayed it to a T. But on the inside, I was dying. Damaged goods. At least when you buy something broken you can return it, but what to you do when that's not an option?" -Gianna
It's crazy how close these two girls were to each other and how much they loved one another, but at the same time neither one of them showed their real selves. Gianna hid behind the illusion of perfect that she felt she had to live up to in order to not disappoint her parents. While Mack felt the void of love from her father, Gianna struggled with similar feelings from her own father. She felt like Mack was always favored by her father, which began to fuel her lack of self worth. Gianna was far from the flawless picture that she painted for everyone else to see. Once that seed of self loathing is planted, it becomes much harder to uproot those deep seeded feelings. Gianna found two things that she was better at then Mack...dance and her sexuality. She took those two things and focused all her attention on them.
"It didn't make me feel slutty or easy, it made me feel empowered, like I had finally found a tool that I could use to get my way. I hadn't realized how big a weapon I owned with my sexuality and it made me feel free. It was a feeling unlike any other." -Gianna
Gianna found comfort in her budding relationship with Jake, but he was older and when he went away to college it just wasn't the same. Adding her own dark hidden desires and her growing insecurities, and you can see it was doomed from the start. Then in steps the forbidden wild card...a man she was connected with on an out of this world way, but was off limits in every seemingly conceivable way. He was the first and only person she was her real self with, no hiding behind faux veils of perfection, just the true and emotionally vulnerable Gianna. I couldn't wait to get to this part of the book. It was like the pinnacle ultimate juicy part of a TV soap opera story...the part that you've been waiting all week for! The forbidden love is always my favorite...if it's supposed to be so forbidden, then maybe they shouldn't make the fruit so damn enticingly delicious!
"We were exactly the same. I knew in that moment he was as lost as I was and our lives crashed together for a reason. Everything happens for a reason, and he was my reason." -Gianna
They say all is fair in love and war, but this particular love caused an utterly destructive war that caused irreparable damage to many lives in the process. HEA's are nowhere is sight after the horrid ugliness begins. There are so many damn secrets and lies told that I don't know how someone didn't just burst from the unbearable load. Forgiveness and understanding seem unfathomable for anybody involved in this tangled web or deceit and betrayal. I was on the edge of my seat when reading what happened that night from Gianna's side, since she was way more involved then Mack was. Damn these girls were really put through the emotional wringer. Gianna was forced to live a life, if you want to call it a life, without the one man she truly loved all because of her lies and secrets. Will all the secrets be finally revealed? Will revenge be sought? How will they be able to move on from all the destruction?
"He fucked me with anger, he fucked me with passion, he fucked me for all the pain and punishment I put him through, but most importantly, he fucked me with love. Right into my soul where he was forever engrained." -Gianna
I thought I knew who was behind all of it and the reasons why, but I was wrong. Seems like there were even more strings being pulled by puppeteers we hadn't even considered. Well played M. Whatever preconceived notions I had, they were shattered by Gianna's side of the story. I was grunting and growling in frustration with these girls. If they would just have let each other in and leaned on one another, so much of that mess could have been avoided. But then again, that wouldn't have made for such a devilishly enticing story. I love M. Robinson's saucy, dirty, twisted mind (fan girl for life). Job well done indeed...such a gripping and and emotional story. Like I said before...I strongly insist for all my book junkies out there to read both of these books. You don't want to miss out on this story!
Find me: http://www.facebook.com/pageturningbo...
Blog: http://www.pageturningbookjunkie.blog...
Twitter: PageTurning_BJ
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5 out of 5 Shhh...go read this book, Dark and Emotionally Gripping Stars!
Hot damn! What an amazing ride that was. I truly didn't know what to expect from this book, and I'm glad that I left all those expectations at the door. Always expect the unexpected when it comes to M. Robinson and her maddening temptress ways. I read Shhh...Mack's side first, so I knew the main gist of what would eventually happen, but all that led up to that point was thrilling to read from Gianna's side. You really do need to read both books to truly understand the intensity and devastation of what these two girls went through. It was so enlightening to read how extremely different Mack and Gia were, but how similar some of their internal struggles were.
"They needed flawlessness and excellence, and on the outside, I portrayed it to a T. But on the inside, I was dying. Damaged goods. At least when you buy something broken you can return it, but what to you do when that's not an option?" -Gianna
It's crazy how close these two girls were to each other and how much they loved one another, but at the same time neither one of them showed their real selves. Gianna hid behind the illusion of perfect that she felt she had to live up to in order to not disappoint her parents. While Mack felt the void of love from her father, Gianna struggled with similar feelings from her own father. She felt like Mack was always favored by her father, which began to fuel her lack of self worth. Gianna was far from the flawless picture that she painted for everyone else to see. Once that seed of self loathing is planted, it becomes much harder to uproot those deep seeded feelings. Gianna found two things that she was better at then Mack...dance and her sexuality. She took those two things and focused all her attention on them.
"It didn't make me feel slutty or easy, it made me feel empowered, like I had finally found a tool that I could use to get my way. I hadn't realized how big a weapon I owned with my sexuality and it made me feel free. It was a feeling unlike any other." -Gianna
Gianna found comfort in her budding relationship with Jake, but he was older and when he went away to college it just wasn't the same. Adding her own dark hidden desires and her growing insecurities, and you can see it was doomed from the start. Then in steps the forbidden wild card...a man she was connected with on an out of this world way, but was off limits in every seemingly conceivable way. He was the first and only person she was her real self with, no hiding behind faux veils of perfection, just the true and emotionally vulnerable Gianna. I couldn't wait to get to this part of the book. It was like the pinnacle ultimate juicy part of a TV soap opera story...the part that you've been waiting all week for! The forbidden love is always my favorite...if it's supposed to be so forbidden, then maybe they shouldn't make the fruit so damn enticingly delicious!
"We were exactly the same. I knew in that moment he was as lost as I was and our lives crashed together for a reason. Everything happens for a reason, and he was my reason." -Gianna
They say all is fair in love and war, but this particular love caused an utterly destructive war that caused irreparable damage to many lives in the process. HEA's are nowhere is sight after the horrid ugliness begins. There are so many damn secrets and lies told that I don't know how someone didn't just burst from the unbearable load. Forgiveness and understanding seem unfathomable for anybody involved in this tangled web or deceit and betrayal. I was on the edge of my seat when reading what happened that night from Gianna's side, since she was way more involved then Mack was. Damn these girls were really put through the emotional wringer. Gianna was forced to live a life, if you want to call it a life, without the one man she truly loved all because of her lies and secrets. Will all the secrets be finally revealed? Will revenge be sought? How will they be able to move on from all the destruction?
"He fucked me with anger, he fucked me with passion, he fucked me for all the pain and punishment I put him through, but most importantly, he fucked me with love. Right into my soul where he was forever engrained." -Gianna
I thought I knew who was behind all of it and the reasons why, but I was wrong. Seems like there were even more strings being pulled by puppeteers we hadn't even considered. Well played M. Whatever preconceived notions I had, they were shattered by Gianna's side of the story. I was grunting and growling in frustration with these girls. If they would just have let each other in and leaned on one another, so much of that mess could have been avoided. But then again, that wouldn't have made for such a devilishly enticing story. I love M. Robinson's saucy, dirty, twisted mind (fan girl for life). Job well done indeed...such a gripping and and emotional story. Like I said before...I strongly insist for all my book junkies out there to read both of these books. You don't want to miss out on this story!
Find me: http://www.facebook.com/pageturningbo...
Blog: http://www.pageturningbookjunkie.blog...
Twitter: PageTurning_BJ
May 24, 2016
Aand best book to go under the 'What-did-I-just-read' category goes to this one.
My reaction to the entire thing:
No seriously. What just happened? What did I just read? NONE of the characters were remotely redeeming-they were all wacked out and completely batshit crazy. Manipulating, calculating, liars, and just plain evil.
So we have Gianna/G/Gia who has a serious case of identity crisis. In the beginning I thought she may have had a multiple personality disorder or something. She is unhappy with being 'Gianna' and 'Gia' both of which she feels like she only is because she is a people pleaser. She doesn't feel comfortable being that girl - the girl who is the 'perfect' best friend, daughter, student. She basically doesn't recognize the girl in the mirror and is stuck inside herself. (haha news flash: EVERYONE goes through something like this at one point in his or her life whether it be in grade school, high school, college or in their adult life. It's usually when I person takes a look at the life she has surrounded herself with-the company she keeps, the job she has, etc and figures out what changes need to be made in order to be happy.) ANYWAYs.. Her best friend is Mack and she is constantly compared to her. Although, I think Gianna does most of the comparing vs. everyone else. She doesn't feel like she can measure up so she has a competition in her mind going with Mack. Mack doesn't know this though so it's just Gianna being her crazy self. The two are supposedly BEST friends however, they basically keep everything from each other. They both have secrets and I didn't feel the love AT ALL between the two. I don't want to spoil anything because the secrets they have basically kept me reading and I wanted to know why everyone was so damn insane. But adult Gianna's solution to basically effing up her own life to the extreme is to come up with 'G'- kinda like an alter ego that she makes excuses for. She's floundering and needs a scapegoat. 'G' is her worst possible self. Selfish, evil and destructive to her self and to others. Then the ending happened and my brain is all:
So:
-The flashbacks of her and the teacher were way too short - That should have been more of the book considering they are supposed to be 'in love'. And half of those flashbacks consisted of Shakespeare quotes. The author should have definitely gone into more depth of their relationship, especially since it was a forbidden one.
-This book was all over the place. It starts in the present, then flashes back to when they were kids, and continues to switch back and forth between, the present, the past and flashbacks. It was too much.
-I hated all of the characters. I would not have bat an eye if they all died a fiery death.
My reaction to the entire thing:
No seriously. What just happened? What did I just read? NONE of the characters were remotely redeeming-they were all wacked out and completely batshit crazy. Manipulating, calculating, liars, and just plain evil.
So we have Gianna/G/Gia who has a serious case of identity crisis. In the beginning I thought she may have had a multiple personality disorder or something. She is unhappy with being 'Gianna' and 'Gia' both of which she feels like she only is because she is a people pleaser. She doesn't feel comfortable being that girl - the girl who is the 'perfect' best friend, daughter, student. She basically doesn't recognize the girl in the mirror and is stuck inside herself. (haha news flash: EVERYONE goes through something like this at one point in his or her life whether it be in grade school, high school, college or in their adult life. It's usually when I person takes a look at the life she has surrounded herself with-the company she keeps, the job she has, etc and figures out what changes need to be made in order to be happy.) ANYWAYs.. Her best friend is Mack and she is constantly compared to her. Although, I think Gianna does most of the comparing vs. everyone else. She doesn't feel like she can measure up so she has a competition in her mind going with Mack. Mack doesn't know this though so it's just Gianna being her crazy self. The two are supposedly BEST friends however, they basically keep everything from each other. They both have secrets and I didn't feel the love AT ALL between the two. I don't want to spoil anything because the secrets they have basically kept me reading and I wanted to know why everyone was so damn insane. But adult Gianna's solution to basically effing up her own life to the extreme is to come up with 'G'- kinda like an alter ego that she makes excuses for. She's floundering and needs a scapegoat. 'G' is her worst possible self. Selfish, evil and destructive to her self and to others. Then the ending happened and my brain is all:
So:
-The flashbacks of her and the teacher were way too short - That should have been more of the book considering they are supposed to be 'in love'. And half of those flashbacks consisted of Shakespeare quotes. The author should have definitely gone into more depth of their relationship, especially since it was a forbidden one.
-This book was all over the place. It starts in the present, then flashes back to when they were kids, and continues to switch back and forth between, the present, the past and flashbacks. It was too much.
-I hated all of the characters. I would not have bat an eye if they all died a fiery death.
August 16, 2014
M has done it again. I couldn't put this book down. Page after page, I was brought into the lies and betrayals of Gianna- as well as everyone else's she encountered- as she tried to live for everyone except herself. Perfection is a facade and within the tangled web of deception, somewhere is a semblance of truth.
Gia/G/Gianna... Who is she? She was the perfect daughter. The popular student. The devoted girlfriend. The envy of everyone in town especially as the best friend to Mack. And then a night occurs where everything changes. Public perception labels her a victim. Then an alcoholic. And utterly isolated alone. Chance encounters and choices made in the past always impact the future...especially when the truth comes out.
The epilogue was a mixture of wow and WTF which I didn't want to end. It was a mind fuck and I loved all of the twists as I devoured each chapter. With typical M Robinson panty melting scenes, it was a brilliantly written dark read that captured so many emotions.
Five stars for this highly recommended book.
Gia/G/Gianna... Who is she? She was the perfect daughter. The popular student. The devoted girlfriend. The envy of everyone in town especially as the best friend to Mack. And then a night occurs where everything changes. Public perception labels her a victim. Then an alcoholic. And utterly isolated alone. Chance encounters and choices made in the past always impact the future...especially when the truth comes out.
The epilogue was a mixture of wow and WTF which I didn't want to end. It was a mind fuck and I loved all of the twists as I devoured each chapter. With typical M Robinson panty melting scenes, it was a brilliantly written dark read that captured so many emotions.
Five stars for this highly recommended book.
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