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Declan Reede: The Untold Story #1-5

Declan Reede: The Complete Untold Story

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Experience Declan’s complete story. Includes RONE-nominated novella “Decide” and an exclusive bonus novella “Decode”.

As high school sweethearts, Declan Reede and Alyssa Dawson didn’t always see eye-to-eye. Especially when it came to his dream of being a driver in the ProV8 series. When he’s offered the chance at the career of his dreams, Declan straps himself in for the ride regardless of the cost.

Older, but not wiser, Declan is on the path to becoming a racing legend. Only, regret haunts him around the track and threatens to send him off-course. When a chance encounter offers the opportunity to correct his mistakes, Declan must learn to manage the curves if he wants to claim the ultimate prize.

**Due to strong language and sexual content not intended for anyone under the age of 18**

1614 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2016

320 people are currently reading
371 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Irwin

41 books437 followers
Purveyor of words. Creator of worlds. Destroyer of feels.

Once upon a time, Michelle worked in a dreary office with only the voices in her head for company. Now, the voices in her head are characters on the page who will break your heart, lift your spirit, and make you feel like you have found new friends.

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5 stars
91 (46%)
4 stars
53 (27%)
3 stars
30 (15%)
2 stars
13 (6%)
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8 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Mojo_Mama.
1,595 reviews833 followers
June 25, 2021
3.5 years later I found the review…LOL

Review for entire series.
Spoilers will, no doubt, abound.

3 stars cuz, holy fuck, was this too long.

I have mixed feelings about this series. The H is certainly terribly vile. But the beauty of having 6000 kindle pages to resolve that is we get to see his unfiltered growth to a BBF.

Would I have ever given such a man a second chance?
Fuck to the no.
Just sayin’

Those pages did, however, give the reader a sense of honest redemption and in Romancelandia THAT is a MF’ing unicorn.

This covers childhood to marriage (and beyond?)...in painstaking detail (get an editor)...and it covers the entire gamut of the H’s sins. And while he’s a total nasty manwhore, ex-addict, racing celebrity who’s generally losing his way in life, his character growth was real and written beautifully in spots.

He never cheated on his h. They broke up after prom and he left shortly after to pursue his racing dreams. And the cliché “forget the pussy you love in random pussy” ensued for 4 years. It’s only covered in flashbacks and they never communicate during the time in which he’s banging those bitches and hos.

So, there’s that.

TBH, the 6000 pages is mostly just about them recovering as a couple and the H’s growth from manho to BBF. But that covered couple drama, appts with H’s psychiatrist, evil ex-OW plotting his destruction, racetrack drama, random information about side characters...and surprisingly very little about the H’s nemesis the gay twin BFF, random shopping trips, panic attacks, ooops babies, and death of child, you name it...kitchen sink.

3 Star reason #2, this plot was so huge it was hard to keep the writing/plotting tight throughout. It dragged in places while being riveting in others. It was a labor of perseverance as a reader to finish this hot mess because of that. It was also interesting to see it play out in such detail...and why I kept reading. That and he turned out to be a phenomenal father...always a bonus.

This was only from the H POV and I hope there is not an opus coming from the h’s perspective cuz I ain’t reading that ;) I don’t want to read how pathetic her life was after the H in 6000 pages of angsty, poor-me heartbreak and no relief. She never even had another lover but she sure as fuck had a hot ex-bf and his twin gay brother as her besties. (*eye-mf’ing-roll*) Please, wtf is it with authors and loser heroines??? I can take the manwhore, but give him a fucking challenge.

That’s another reason for the 3 stars...shitty heroine. 6000 pages of her POV will not make her anything else than a dud
Profile Image for Cheesecake.
2,800 reviews513 followers
March 30, 2019
Sheesh, didn't realize how long this one was when I started it. But it kept me interested during a day of travel.
I did skim a fair bit though.
It's broken into 5 sections (as I guess it used to be a serial) and all from Declan's POV.

Declan is a 25 year old race car driver. He's an irreverent slut and kinda proud of it.
But he wasn't always that way...
When he was in high school he and Alyssa were deeply in love.
I was never really satisfied with the reasons (er rather lack of reasons) for his leaving Alyssa and refusing to look back. But he was 17 at the time and his decisions took a soul destroying toll on him.

At the beginning of the book he is a utter assh*le. There's just no softening that. I would even say he was a PIG. By about a quarter into it (mind you that is 25% of 1246 pages) he starts to mature.
After Declan left Alyssa and refused all contact with her, she had a very dark year. Obviously she was pregnant and unable to tell him because he was being a self centered d*ck.
She becomes stronger for all her trials but remains a goody two shoes.

They meet again by accident (?) 5 years later and are drawn together almost beyond their control. And like I said before, he is a complete douche for the first part of the story. This is NOT an exaggeration.
By the end though I had a pretty good idea of how messed up he had been when they broke up, even if he never admitted it to himself til much later.
There is a lot of information about racing that was interesting as well as descriptive action during the races. There's a lot of side characters that are either nice people or not nice people. While the nice people have a fair bit of depth, the not so nice people are very cookie cutter villains.
Alyssa comes across as a goody two shoes and isn't nearly as interesting as Declan. Declan, well he'll never be a favourite H of mine, but he was entertaining!

My biggest beef was that there was no mention of getting tested for STDs before they restarted their relationship. Just ICK!

If the story had 2/3 less sex, it probably would have been under 1000 pages ; )
But I did like the way Declan seeks professional help for his troubles and his interactions with his daughter were cute and pretty realistic.

overall it was entertaining but if I read this author again, it will have to be a 'normal' sized book and not a serial.

For those who need to know the ugly stuff
safety isn't good
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
January 18, 2023
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/26/2019)! 🎁

Profile Image for Cindy.
901 reviews27 followers
March 13, 2017
I received a copy of this series from Quill & Ink reviews in exchange for an honest review*

WOW!! Holy smokes! What an ABSOLUTE AMAZING series! A definite must read!

Declan Reed and Alyssa Dawson have been best friends for as long as they could remember. Where you saw one, you usually saw the other. But a passionate kiss as teenagers throws them together. Their chemistry HOT! But when Declan decides to follow his dream of being a racer, where does that leave Alyssa?

What I LOVED about this series, is it's strictly told from Declans POV. Not only that it's one HELL OF A RIDE! I absolutely LOVED watching him grow. Although he makes mistakes, and many times I just wanted to slap some sense into him, I couldn't help but love him.

This was my first Michelle Irwin experience, but let me tell you, she is a PHENOMENAL author. From start to finish I was pulled in. Her storytelling FABULOUSLY done! All the twists, and turns, ups, and downs, all the drama, and emotions she put in her writing, and I felt every single one. One of the best written series I've read!
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books92 followers
September 29, 2016
Book: Declan Reede: The Untold Story Complete Series
Author: Michelle Irwin
Publication Date: 8/12/2016
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW

I have read all of the books in this set aside from Decode, which I am reviewing also.
I do believe you get 4 stories plus Decode.
I do not believe that Decide, which is the prequel, is included but I am including my review of that also and let me tell you this set won't disappoint it's a great journey.

Decide - Book #0.5
Let me begin by saying I have read a few books by this author and they just keep getting better. In this short but sweet story we have Declan a young boy who is best friends with a girl his neighbor Alyssa.
All through elementary school and primary school, these two are inseparable. Then when they hit about 15 or so years old things start to change between them. They share their first real kiss and from there they are on again off again as boyfriend / girlfriend. Declan’s father keeps putting in his sons ear that if he is serious about his racing future he needs to leave Alyssa alone because one day she will make him choose. However, Declan does not believe that considering Alyssa was his best friend before anything else and she knows how he feels about racing. But in time Declan sees a change in Alyssa and it’s not a good change and she has now given him an ultimatum her or the racing.

What will Declan do? Will this be the end of their friendship and relationship?

Fantastic short story and I cannot wait to read more in this upcoming series.

Decline - Book 1
Wow have things changed for Declan since we first heard of his story.
He is a racecar driver now but not having a good time of it due to his
Never having let go of his past with Alyssa. His boss sends him off for a vacation and on the plane who does he run into? None other than his past.

Many things transpire and it’s all shock after shock. Alyssa has a huge secret she has kept from him all these years but the real shocker is his parents knew of it.

Can Declan get his life back on track? Can he prove to Alyssa he can be trusted? Fantastic story. Pick up your copy

Deceive - Book 2
Declan is battling so many things at one time. He is having panic attacks and has finally agreed to speak to a shrink. Alyssa wants Declan she always has but he is a freight train going down the wrong track right now. There are so many secrets though in his life and it all revolves around the girl he wants, and his parents and he needs to find out. And WOW does he ever begin to find out. What an explosive story this was. A huge roller coaster of emotions and I was saying words like oh my god, no way and so on, while I read this book. And yes we get a massive cliff hanger. All I can say is pickup your copy and get reading. I would suggest starting with the first book in this series.


Decipher - Book 3
I have enjoyed this series so far and the author doesn't disappoint yet again. Watching Declan grow up has been nothing short of crazy and well it' doesn't get any easier on him in this story. Just when he thinks, he may finally win back Alyssa and life can be great everything yet again goes to hell in a hand basket. Someone has it out for Declan and although Alyssa says she trust him he just can't believe that and is going to do all he can to fix the situation.
We of course get a cliffy, which I hate, but thank goodness, this author is known to write / release pretty quickly. I cannot wait to see if Declan finally can get all he has dreamed of.


Declare - Book 4
What can I say about this final book in this good series?
Declan and Alyssa still have burdens to bare. But Declan has grownup so much and it is showing.
Everything he has ever wanted is finally there for him to grab but will his demons come to the forefront?
Alyssa is planning their future and she has faith in their love. Is there a checkered flag in their future?
So many twists, turns and shockers this book totally blew my mind. I have read all the books in this series and this was my favorite. Loved the ending although it made me feel sad because it took the final book for me to finally like Declan. But there is a sneak peek at the end so I have something to look forward to.
Start with book 1 but get it and get reading.


Decode - Bonus Novella in this set only.

Absolutely loved this short story. We are at the move. Alyssa and Declan and daughter Phoebe are moving back to their hometown and into Declan' childhood home. Its Christmas time and Alyssa has one heck of a surprise for Declan. How will he feel about it? Well he gets another surprise towards the end of this story. This couple is hot as heck and the sparks just fly. Loved it!

I was gifted this book for my honest review
Michelle Irwin
Profile Image for • Island Queen Reads • Ofa •.
765 reviews90 followers
May 9, 2017
When I was looking out for recommendations for a certain type of book, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started Declan Reede. There are no words. A story set in my home town, I was obsessed more over the fact that I recognised the places mentioned in this book and the experiences, than the actual story. This is a story about discovery, a second chance romance unlike any other. A love story about loss, heartbreak & mistakes. A story that will evoke emotions out of you that you never thought possible. It's rollercoaster ride of emotions in the best way. It was a long read, but completely worth it.

And while I absolutely fell in love with this story and the characters, there were are few things that irked me. First of all, I thought Declan was a tad bit annoying. While his vulnerability and sensitive side showed a lot more, the way he acted was annoying. He just acted without thinking about the consequences and I hated that. Even after things were starting to look good for him, he still did stuff that made me want to reach in through the screen and shake the hell out of him.

Alyssa is a character that I absolutely admired. Her strength and her character. How forgiving she was and how much she stuck by her heart, no matter how much her head argued. I love her so much and I can see why Declan loved her too. To go through all of that and come out strong, is nothing short of heroic.

Alyssa's family members kinda bugged the crap out of me. And while I understand the need to defend and look out for Alyssa after everything she'd been through, it was just too much at times, and they needed to let go.

There are ALOT of twists in this story. It's incomprehensible. Just when you think it couldn't get any better or WORSE, Michelle Irwin creates a twist so surprising, you don't know how they're gonna make it out. It's amazing, this story. The kind of love story that will make your heart break and sigh at the same time. Absolutely amazing and I'm so thankful for Michelle Irwin for letting me read her book!
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,645 reviews
September 3, 2016
Decide: prequel

This was a really great story. It's a story about first love and all the dramas and heartaches that come with it when it's competing against lifelong dreams. Declan has been best friends with Alyssa for as long as they can remember. At 15 they decide to take their friendship to the next level and they spend the next two years in an on/off turbulent relationship. Alyssa dreams about going to University, getting married and having kids. Declan dreams of being a proV8 race driver. Can the two find a middle ground so they both get their dreams or will their differences tear them apart? You just have to read to find out.

Decline: Book 1

This was a heartbreaking story. There is so much hurt for Declan and Alyssa from past wrongs and they seem impossible for them to move past. Whether Declan will ever prove to be worthy of Pheobe and Alyssa is still a mystery. He has a lot of demons to exercise before he can be what they need. Alyssa has her demons and issues to work past if she is ever going to be able to open her heart to love again. What will happen for these two is anyone's guess. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I rooting for them.

Deceive: Book 2

Unfortunately, I've had a massive headache for days so it took some time to finish this one but, OMGosh! This is a crazy emotionally draining story. One minute you're up and the next you're down. One minute everything is 'Yes, oh Yes!' and the next they're 'WTF!'. This is truly heartbreaking series. There always seems to be a cliffhanger at the end and it is always on the down side. I know that's the only way to keep the story going but, damn! I am seriously fighting myself on time to write this review so I can get back and see what happens next. I have to know what Alyssa thinks at the end.

Decipher: Book 3

OMGosh! Thank you! Finally one with a bit of an upbeat ending. There were still many ups and downs throughout the story but at least the ending was a bit happier. I can't say more but, I'm moving right along to the next story!

Declare: Book 4

Wow! What an amazing, if not turbulent, journey. Declan and Alyssa certainly had their share of bumps in the road. The started as friends, went to people in love who couldn't be around each other with hurting the other, to hopelessly and completely devoted to one another. They definitely hurt one another along the way but, in the end, they found what was staring them both in the face since they were kids. This is by far my favorite of the series so far but, I still have to read Decode so, that might change. Just have to wait and see what come next!

Decode: Book 4.5

This was an awesome finish for an amazing journey. Hearing a little of what happened between the last chapter and the epilogue of the previous book was exactly the way to end the story. What's better? Finding out there's more for the Reede family in Pheobe's story. Thanks for an emotionally charged and thrilling ride, Michelle.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,225 reviews19 followers
January 12, 2017
Growing up together since they were nine and being the best of friends with Josh and Alyssa Dawson was easy. Their parents were Declan Reede’s parents. Being that he was an only child, it was nice having built in playmates.
When in high school around their sixteenth birthday they explored a kiss and fireworks rocked their world. It was on like nobody’s business. They would meet regularly at their park on a table and talk and make out. Josh was okay with it he liked Declan he mad Lys happy. Yet, their relationship was always an on again of again one. You would never meet two people with hotter tempers. Their love for one another was deep but their ability to talk it through after an argument was not.
Two weeks before the end of school at the prom night hotel they were to stay in they get into a royal fight. This fight was beyond big it was over how they were going to spend their lives. You see Declan was getting ready to sign on the line to reach for his dream of pro V8 racecar driving for the team he always dreamed about.
Lys on the other hand had been accepted to Uni and was trying to talk him into going so he had an education to fall back on in case the car gig didn’t work out. Not knowing Declan’s dad had been brain washing him behind her back. Saying she was trying to trap him through marriage and having children.
In Declan’s moment of panic he said some harsh things to Lys and she ran out of their room. The same room that had just been so perfect. Where they made love for the first time. While that all flashed before him then is when he realized what, he did he ran after her but she was gone. By the time, he gets home her brother Josh is there and beats Declan so badly he had to be taken to hospital.
Later when Lys tries to call he won’t take it. The next day he does say to meet at their park table. He tells her he never wants to see her again. When he turns around and she sees how he’s beaten she is startled. She tries to go to him he back away. He says no she did enough by having Josh do this to him. She gasps. She had no clue. He tells he he’s leaving never to return and never to call him again.
He would come to regret those words. See how that one night changed the lives of Declan and Alyssa forever. See if they really could keep away from each other when they had such a strong bond from childhood.
I love the multitude of layers that Declan has to go through in this book. Yet, through the whole thing he still wants to accept no responsibility for anything emotional yet he wants it fixed. His way.
Although at the beginning she was so strong with her opinions when she is reunited she seems broken to the point of not standing up to him and making him take responsibility for his actions. Ownership. The writing keeps you totally engaged. I give this: 5 stars. Provided by author for honest review. Follow up at: www.1rad-readerreview.com.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Gardner.
333 reviews5 followers
February 25, 2017
These books take you through the relationship of Declan and Alyssa starting from a young age up to their HEA. You will feel the highs and lows, experience the uncertainty and confusion of young love, and feel like giving. Them advise throughout their turbulent relationship. Loved these book. Will be reading more of this author.
Profile Image for Alison.
483 reviews27 followers
September 21, 2016
The Declan Reede series is a captivating and enthralling series that takes you on one hell of an emotional roller coaster!

I really enjoyed this series and was sad when Declan Reede's story came to an end! However with this boxset Michelle gives us a bonus novella and it's not to be missed!

I highly recommend this series and Michelle Irwin is definitely on my list of go to authors!
Profile Image for Bloggers From Down Under .
795 reviews37 followers
August 22, 2016
**received for honest review**

Have you ever read a series and never wanted it to end?

Have you ever read a series where you feel like the people are real?

Have you ever read a series that makes you feel like the characters are your friends?

That’s the way this series makes you feel, you will fall in love with every character and it will just keep you wanting more and more.

The start of series Declan and Alyssa were teenagers he had a dream a passion to become a pro V8 supercar driver, Alyssa didn’t necessarily agree she thought he should go to college.

With many twists and turns throughout the series it had you wanting more and more. It made you want to kill Declan at times with his bull crap selfishness and his sucky attitude and wanted us to hug Alyssa and help her out like she was a real friend (Crazy I know but that how it felt) but in the end love prevails and Declan man’s up and Allyssa opens her heart up to Dec again even when the road is bumpy, true love concurs all.

This Novella made us fall in love with Declan all over again, we love the man that he has now become and the dad that he is now, it’s a beautiful love story with lots of kickers with a fight to the finish line.

It’s an amazing series to watch to people grow apart and then together, it’s a beautiful fairy tale that you can’t get enough of.

Michelle writing as always never disappoints she is able to take you to the moments in the book where you feel like your standing there watching it all unfold some parts have you in tears of joy some have you in tears of sorrow and heart break. It’s an emotional roller coaster and an author that we would read anything from.
This is a must read series and a must follow author we can’t wait to see the next stages of the series to see where it takes us.

Thank you Michelle for an amazing read

5 Massive Stars
Profile Image for Romance Between The Sheets.
1,175 reviews66 followers
October 4, 2016
Please note: This review is for the bonus novella⎯DECODE⎯only, as I've previously reviewed the other books in this series separately.

DECODE takes place before the epilogue in DECLARE, and follows Declan and Alyssa as they extend their family while building up their racing empire. Compared to the tense and dramatic scenes found in all of the previous books, this was mostly light and fun, and included a good amount of humour. From the Santa Claus role-play to Declan trying to navigate the minefield that is Alyssa's pregnancy hormones.

"How the fuck was I going to make it another six months dealing with the confusing logic presented by pregnant Alyssa?"


Things are still going great for them both, but it's not all smooth sailing. Declan learns more about Phoebe's condition, which explains his overprotective tendencies in PHASE, the first book in Phoebe's series. I made the mistake of reading PHASE before DECODE, so now his reactions make perfect sense. Alyssa is still a little insecure in their marriage, and at times unsure how Declan will react when certain things are revealed, but he does a great job of easing her mind.

"I just keep waiting for the other shoe to drop."
"Lys, I threw the other fucking shoe away."


DECODE is told only in Declan's POV and the story takes place over the span of a year. It doesn't end in a cliffhanger and comes with a HEA that left me smiling.

For more reviews, please visit our website: http://romancebetweenthesheets.com/re...
Profile Image for Kathryn Linke .
2,116 reviews24 followers
August 24, 2016
Declan Reede The Untold Story is an entertaining and engaging series.
The books follow the path of Declan and Alyssa from a young age as teenage sweethearts, through to adulthood. Throughout their story we watch them grow and mature as their story progresses with each book.
This series, brings out all your emotions from laugh out loud moments, to tears welling in your eyes.
Declan is a complete bad boy, and at times I was frustrated with his character. He makes you want to slap him upside the head and tell him to man up, smarten up and stop being such an ass. In reality is makes his character all that much more believable and relateable.
Declan and Alyssa are complex, and their tale is endearing and engaging.
This series is a complete steal for 99c so grab it whilst you can.


Reviewed on behalf of Ebook Indulgence
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Profile Image for Clare.
534 reviews16 followers
July 27, 2016
This has become one of my most favourite series ever to read.
Declan Reede goes down a dark path of self destruction but eventually he finds his way back to the light with the help of Alyssa Dawson. They get torn apart as young lovers only to be thrown back together again a few years later and they learn to overcome all the badness and tragedy that is thrown at them along the way.
Dreams become a reality for Declan and Alyssa, because in each book it shows that they both change, grow and mature from being High School sweethearts to responsible adults that learn to live with each others wants and needs and their love shines through.
Declan's story is a whirlwind of emotion that will have you laughing one minute and reading with tears in your eyes the next, but you can't help falling a little more in love with Declan Reede with each and every book.
Brilliant story that deserves everyone of it's 5 stars and more!!
Profile Image for Renée Swann.
Author 15 books82 followers
July 30, 2016
Can we all just take a moment to stare at the cover for the box set?



I love it so much.

I'd definitely tick the box for Declan groupie, even though he's a complete potty mouth, arsehole, and I've wanted to kick his butt on numerous occasions. But...I keep coming back for more every. Damn. Book. Because it's like an addiction, and damn it, I want more!! This can't be the end?!

I highly, highly recommend this series if you love bad boys and happy endings!
12.7k reviews190 followers
December 12, 2016
Declan and Alyssa were high school sweethearts, not always seeing eye to eye. Especially when his wanting to be a famous race driver, comes between them. As he gets older, we see him getting wiser, but has he changed enough to win the girl. A spicy story intended for adults only
Profile Image for Sheena.
988 reviews26 followers
March 22, 2017
I received a copy of this completed series through the Quill and Ink Tour Review Team in exchange for a fair and honest review.....this is a captivating best friends to lovers and second chance story but with so much more surrounding and sandwiched in between ....

... I could write paragraph after paragraph of positive blurb about this awesome book....the writing is excellent with a great plot and pace; the landscape and the characters are well developed with a perfect balance of angst , humour, romance and steamy, hot sexiness....

..written solely from Declan Reede's perspective this wonderful series follows the two main characters Declan and Alyssa, as they negotiate their journey from childhood to adulthood......I grew to love and hate both of them in almost equal measure as their love story stumbles and falters through break ups, make ups, self indulgence, addiction, loss, failure and missed opportunities ..

I was totally enamoured with this unputdownable read that hooked me from the first page and never let up....the emotional drama wrought by the protagonists as well as the addictive storyline of this epic love story was compelling......
Profile Image for Samantha.
631 reviews
March 26, 2017
I'm not surprised at all that I loved this story. Michelle Irwin hasn't written 1 thing that I don't like. This series is great and a epic story of high school sweethearts who are deeply in love and are separated for a while and find each other again with a twist. Lots of mistakes and made and more apologies. Lots of hot steamy scenes too but all together a GREAT STORY.
Profile Image for Marsha.
273 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2017
This collection of stories featuring Declan and Alyssa is absolutely amazing. The characters are strong and relatable really pulling you in and turning page after page never wanting it to stop.The story has strong language and adult situations so definitely not for those under 18. Loved this book and I will read more by this author
Profile Image for Delle.
79 reviews
March 23, 2017
An amazing series. I loved that I had the whole series to read, rather than having to wait for the next part of the story! This is a well written series with twist and turns. Complex characters with great character development throughout. Loved following Declan's journing back to Alyssa!! Didn't want to put my kindle down!!
Profile Image for Lylian.
626 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2017
I'm so glad I got the chance to read this series all in one! Declan and Alyssa gave me the best time reading their story from the very beginning. Highly recommend for goood romance lover
Profile Image for Janet.
419 reviews
August 12, 2016
Declan Reede and Alyssa Dawson have been friends for so long before that fateful card game that began their dating relationship. That kiss launched them both into the world of teenage dating with its ups and downs and the “I can’t be away from you” feelings. Being teenagers they also don’t see eye to eye on his dream of being a driver in the ProV8 series. Alyssa feels Declan should go to college with her and put his race car dreams on hold but Declan feels he doesn’t need a backup plan for after racing. When he’s offered a chance at the career of his dreams, he straps himself in for the ride regardless of the costs.
This series is one major ride. It is told completely from Declan’s point of view. I love how the author is able to write from his point of view as he grows from a teenage Australian boy to an adult on his way to becoming a racing legend. The series takes place in Australia and does use Australian dialect that has you feeling as if you are really there with the characters.
There were so many times where I felt I was watching a train wreck about to happen and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I even was about to throw my kindle over events that needed to have been stopped but couldn’t. I also found myself at times wanting to strangle Declan for his childish and selfish actions yet at other times I totally agreed and with why he reacts the way he did.
The author did such an amazing job with minor details and the twists and turns in the story may leave you with a bit of whiplash, but the author takes us around every corner smoother than any gps. Her ability to keep the details correct with all the turns in the story, with the mystery and suspense of the plot gives us very believable characters.
This series is not a light read but it is very addicting. It is one of my favorite series and Declan is my number one race car driver. Every word is written with a purpose and seeing the characters grow along with the events taking place only adds depth to their personalities. So even though the plot has curves in the road sending the story in a direction I didn’t see coming, it kept me on my toes and turning the pages. I will be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Leah Ford.
629 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2017
This is a voluntary review for an advanced copy
This was a very enjoyable series to read. I was hooked from the start, thank goodness I had the whole series to read or I might have gone nuts!!
The characters are wonderful. The two main characters, Lys and Declan are childhood friends, then sweethearts and finally lovers. To say that things did not bode well in their relationship is an understatement. You are made to dislike Declan to the point of hatred and then you're opinion changes. Lys, you can't help but love her strength and forgiving nature. All the characters in this series are well written and so well developed that you feel you know and understand them. The interaction between all of them throughout the story is believable and smooth.
One thing that kept going through my mind while reading this was the fact that Lys and Declan were so young. The problems they both endured and what they had to do to get their happy ending was wonderful to read. In some places you were right there with them, through the pain and the happiness. I found myself both cursing and routing Declan.
The story itself was fast paced and interesting. In some places I couldn't read quick enough.
I could honestly go on and on about this series but I don't want to give to much away.
Just read this series, you won't be disappointed, but be ready to not get anything done until you have finished!!!
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 7 books33 followers
August 12, 2016

This is an absolutely AWESOME series. Get ready for a roller coaster ride of twists and turns, emotional highs and lows, and everything in between.

Declan and Alyssa grow up and mature as the story unfolds over several years. In the beginning, they are teens just graduating from school. As such, they both have a lot of normal growing up to do. In addition to growing up, Declan has to realize that he is responsible for his own decisions and quit blaming others. Even when he says he is ready, he isn't. Declan has to hit rock bottom and admit he is truly going to lose Alyssa and Phoebe permanently before he "mans up" and begins the hard work of setting his life straight. I enjoyed the way there were no easy answers and quick solutions to the problems Alyssa and Declan faced. It made it realistic.

It is obvious these two were meant to be together. There were times I wanted to grab Declan and shake him til his teeth rattled! Or slap some sense into him!! Still, I was always rooting for them to make it. Rooting for them to find their happiness as a family. You will be rooting for them, too.

I loved this series and highly recommend reading it. If you are looking for a well-written story, with complex characters, that grabs you and never lets go, this is the book for you. You won't be disappointed. You even have the luxury of getting the entire story, with bonus content, all at once. I hated waiting for the next book in the series!! I was so invested in their lives, it was torture to wait!!

I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could.
Profile Image for Jae Mod.
1,719 reviews220 followers
August 15, 2016
***ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***

Michelle Irwin has done it again. The Declan Reede: The Untold Story was an amazing series. This story is a roller coaster of emotions, which is great because it kept me very interested and intrigued throughout.

In this series, we essentially watch Declan and Alyssa grow up. They started out as friends in school, but we are able to watch their relationship blossom and fall in love even though it was rocky at best most of the time.  Alyssa did not approve of Declan's dream of becoming a driver Pro V8 Series, and just wants him to go to school with her. He is eventually offered his dream career. Was that something that he was willing to give up even for Alyssa?


Obviously, Declan and Alyssa were destined to be together, but of course when you have something that you have dreamt of dangled in front of your face it is definitely a tough decision to make.


The roller coaster was trying to figure out if they were going to even talk to each other at some points, let alone get back together, which I was routing for the entire time. The cliffhangers at the end of each book, were just Whoa! I was so relieved when I finally finished the series because everytime I thought I knew what was going to happen, something else did!


What I loved about this series is that Michelle Irwin was really able to grab your attention and kept me wanting to read more. I wasn't able to put my tablet down until I finished! 4 awesome stars.


Reviewed by Natalie M.
Profile Image for Bekah the Awesome.
161 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2016
5 Platypires for the series!! Seriously, I'm not even sure what to do with my life now that this series is over.

So, I read this all backwards, I started with the spinoff series, which, SPOILER: the spinoff series gives you a peek into how the series ends. So, I felt like I knew what I was getting into when I started this series. And to be completed honest, since I was armed with that knowledge, there was a bit of me that wondered if four novels sandwiched between a novella on each end was leaning towards excessive. That bit of me was very much mistaken.

This series is perfect. It's the perfect length. It's the perfect roller coaster of emotions. There's so many twists and turns, and ups and downs, and monkey wrenches (both of the figurative and literal variety) coupled with steamy passionate feels, a bunch of snortlaughs, some pretty intense soul crushing, and some face-palms so hard they left a mark, seriously this series has it all. It's glorious. Read this. Don't just add it to your TBR list, actually read this series.

*I was given a copy of this complete series in exchange for an honest review. It was also demanded, through a shenanigating feud and the purchase of the right to an unvetoable honest review, that I read the very first book in this series. That bit is mostly noteworthy because I wanted to say shenanigating feud a few more times, as the opportunity to do so rarely presents itself.
Profile Image for Maura.
2,185 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2016
Declan Reed (The untold story) Complete Series by Michelle Irwin is the tale of Alyssa and Declan and their epic love story. I am so glad that I read this as the complete series, because if I had to wait for each new book to come out, I think I would have lost my mind.

Declan has always wanted to be a race car driver since he was a little kid. His best friends are Alyssa and her brother Josh and they are like 3 peas in a pod. UNTIL HORMONES... Oh, those dreaded hormones when boys' and girls' roles change and life becomes more gender normative. Girls go to uni, get married and raise a family. Boys go to uni, get a job and support the household. Isn't that what life is all about? (It's not - thank goodness). Declan and Alyssa go from best friends to boyfriend and girlfriend to lovers.Her dreams are different than his "You don't have to be the sensible one all the time, Lys. Dream a little with me, please?". Of course it couldn't be a smooth sail through life. This is seriously an epic love story. There is so much going on in both of their lives - good and bad - that it was a page turner to find out what was next. I enjoyed the way Michele Irwin spun the tale. Not everything was always at it seemed. There were reasons behind every calculated risk and move. At times, Declan and Alyssa were like puppets with others holding the strings. I'm pleased with how it all came together and again I say - so grateful I read the series as one story.
Profile Image for Jacky.
104 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2016
Not recommended to anyone under 18 years of age due to strong language and sexual content.
I have read each of Declan's books from the time Michelle Irwin first published Decide. Her writing is fluent and easy flowing allowing the story to sweep you up and take you on the ride of Declan's life. You ride the highs and lows with him through this romance story against all odds.

Michelle definitely has the wow factor in her writing and grabs you straight up and makes you wanting more even at the very end.

Now you can get the whole story in one very hot sexy package with something a little extra.

Experience Declan’s complete story. Includes RONE-nominated novella “Decide” and an exclusive bonus novella “Decode”.

As high school sweethearts, Declan Reede and Alyssa Dawson didn’t always see eye-to-eye. Especially when it came to his dream of being a driver in the ProV8 series. When he’s offered the chance at the career of his dreams, Declan straps himself in for the ride regardless of the cost.

Older, but not wiser, Declan is on the path to becoming a racing legend. Only, regret haunts him around the track and threatens to send him off-course. When a chance encounter offers the opportunity to correct his mistakes, Declan must learn to manage the curves if he wants to claim the ultimate prize.
Profile Image for Kat.
970 reviews32 followers
October 24, 2016
***4.5 Stars out of 5 Stars***

Michelle Irwin has created a lively series based on the pro v8 racing circuit. With scenes based in Australia including Brisbane, Sydney, and of course my home in New Zealand, and I enjoyed each of these books in this series, and to get the boxset for a new reader means they can devour the books in one go

I am not going to say anything about the plot as it is a book that you can spoil easily and it is finding out what happens next as you turn the page. I read each book non-stop.

Alyssa is such a strong woman, she loves Declan, but will she get passed the baggage of the hurt and pain Declan caused her in the past, Can Declan grow up and beat his demons?

Well, strap in and get ready for the bumpy ride as the couple tries to stay on course and find out who has it in for them.

There is swearing in this series, but the characters portrayed in the book are true to life as I discovered when living in Aussie, I met a few fellas that reminded me of characters in this book, and boy do not EVER disturb anyone who is watching Bathurst!! for the majority of Aussie Racing enthusiasts everything stops and they are glued to the race whether via the TV or at the track.
And if you enjoy this series then check out Phase - which is a spin-off series.
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