Covet

Deceptive Desires #0.5

by Amarie Avant

For Jonathan Liam Delacroix Lemaitre II, everything revolved around the love of his life: Raven Shaw. But they were too young and too destructive.

Raven thought they would always be friends, yet Liam knew a different truth. The son to a vast Legacy, he is shipped off to Paris at a tender age, leaving Raven to fend for herself, full of questions and doubts.

Now, he has returned to town and determined to get back in her good graces. Gone is the clumsy, fat boy he once was. In his place stands a man ready to take on the world, with the woman he wants at his side. Raven, on the other hand, can see the new man but still searches for echoes of her friend. Who is this handsome guy that has swept into her life? He was Liam, but he wasn’t HER Liam…. And she wasn’t sure if he ever could be.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Interracial Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Romantic Suspense, Young Adult

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2016

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Amarie Avant focuses on writing romantic suspense, contemporary romance, dark romance with the occasional redeemable anti-hero.

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Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you could see my "Read" Shelf and the genre that I have been submerging myself in, then you would know that this is one of the few "romance" books that I have read. For going through a phase of reading only "High Fantasy" you know that this is on the other far side of the spectrum.

Why? Well, to be honest, I read this because of the blog tour, but damn, how happy I am that I did. I lost myself in this story of Liam and Raven. This was written with the reader in mind because every emotion, whether it be joy or sadness effected every part of me.

The development of the main characters was deep and thought provoking and the interest level was perfect!

I can't wait to read more from this author!

[Flip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a ARC. Oh man I can tell you right now that this book was AMAZING!!!!! you could feel the love of Raven and Liam. I won't give too much away but Raven is fantastic main female character she was strong and always spoke her mind. As for Liam he was good too but for me he really didn't stand out as much Raven did, I feel like he allowed his family to control him too much but that's just my opinion. But once this epic book does comes out I will recommend that everyone should read it. Thank you again Amarie Avant for allowing me to read and to review your novel fabulous job my dear!!!!

[Janice Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I've come to expect from Amarie Avant is an emotional story. The love, the build up and the sexual aspect of this unforgettable couple was everything! Ms. Avant knows how to capture the attention of readers, force you to care, and then slowly take you through it. Covet is no exception.
I absolutely loved getting to know Raven and Liam, as the young friends grew into something much more. The plot unraveled as the past and present collided. It seemed like everyone had some kind of secret, one that was capable of ruining families and destroying hearts. The suspense was/is great! Readers can expect to be reminded of the ins and outs of young love but make no mistake, this series is set to be anything but your typical, run of the mill. I am ready and waiting for the next book in the series, as I'm certain it's another must read!

[Lindaisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75

Cover buys! -- Sometimes they’re great, sometimes they suck. And sometimes they’re live Covet...You should really walk away but you just CAN’T!

This book was touted as a Romantic Mystery which drew my attention in the first place, well that and the cover. I like pretty people okay? Anyway, when this book came across my kindle recommendations, I was in the mood for a mystery romance. Something more than a book about a couple falling in love and having to get over their trials and tribulations and proving their love to one another...I have to say Covet is more of a Romantic DRAMA than it is a mystery.

I’ll say this book was okay. I enjoyed it that’s for sure. Its a book that features two characters who are teenagers but it’s definitely an ADULT book as they’re doing ADULT things. I think Amarie tried to get the whole “mystery” element in by having a bunch of secrets and questions regarding parentage of the two main characters Liam and Raven but it came off more like a reality TV show mess. Which is entertaining don’t get me wrong...but nothing about it was mysterious. 

I can’t really say if I liked the main characters or not. Like I said the book was entertaining and so were the characters...even though I THINK Raven might be crazy? I’m not sure. She would do things that would have me like “wtf” and then in the very next breath would act like nothing happened and be normal again...Weird. I woke up at 6:40 am on Sunday morning and couldn’t go back to sleep so I stayed up and finished this book. 

It’s advertised as prequel to Envy which is technically book one. The author even goes on to say in the notes of Envy that you don’t have to read Covet...but i’m telling you right now, if you’re going to read this soap opera of a series you HAVE to read this book. There’s just too much that goes on and that is explained in this book that you would be going into the next book completely blind if you skip this one.

Recommendation: A strong maybe. Its one of those books where you have to be in the mood to just let a book be and you can’t be waiting to read something else either because you’ll lose interest.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

As close friends, Raven and Liam looked after each other, stood together against the world and had a brilliant supportive relationship . . . . until the day they kissed. That was when Liam left, sent away to Paris. Now he’s back. Their attraction to each other is as strong as ever but both have changed in the intervening years and trust doesn’t come easy. He’s changed the most dramatically, no longer overweight but now the epitome of tall, athletic and handsome. Has his personality changed, too? Does Raven really want to find out and risk him disappearing from her life again?

This is a story of teen romance and historic family secrets impacting on the latest generation. As more events from the past are revealed it seems they have the power to ruin romance and destroy families, especially in the hands of the power wielding patriarch of one family. The enthralling story is a roller coaster ride filled with ups, downs, twists and turns and ends on one heck of a cliffhanger - I can’t wait to read the sequel!

I was gifted a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Covet: Deceptive Desires
Author: Amarie Avant
Publisher: Blu Savant Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Covet: Deceptive Desires" by Amarie Avant

My Thoughts....

Definitely a attention Grabber!

Be ready for a little bit of it all as this author will take you through lots of 'deception, drama
hurt, secrets and lies' with all the twist and turns with such emotions that will keep you on the edge of your seat. What will happen to these two young friends .... lovers....Raven and Liam?
And what about those other intriguing characters in this good read...some you like others
well...still well developed, portrayed and believable giving the reader one heck of a good read. It was quite interesting as the readers will be lead to see the 'past and present collide' in this story. However, we will be left waiting [cliffhanger]for the next series to see how this story will all come out.

[Pam Nelson]

40% DNF - ARC

Just to choppy, I kind of get where the story was going but it just didn't flow well for me.
I am sorry I just couldn't finish.

All the best to this author, but this book just didn't do it for me, sorry.

*All my Reviews are 100% honest and my own.*

[Michelle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an Advanced Copy of this book to post an honest review. Let's get the overview out of the way first. This book is centered around two main characters, Liam and Raven. They are surrounded by shadowy individuals such as Elise, Jonathon, Charlene, Monica, Chris, Damon, Alvin and just a few others to help round out this peculiar cast. Liam and Raven are childhood friends that have had a connection almost from their very first encounter. Raven was in many ways Liam's protector and the more aggressive one of the two while growing up. After Liam abruptly leaves their midst with no further communication or interaction, Raven learns to wrap her heart in ice and only counts on the steady force and support of her grandparents. She continues to grow and while it may appear to everyone around her that she is a happy well-adjusted teenager, Raven's feelings and emotions have been frozen in time from the moment that little Liam walked out of her life. Fast forward a few years later and both Raven and Liam have grown and changed tremendously. Liam's overweight appearance has blossomed into a handsome, sculpted physique and what once was soft and pudgy is now sleek, hard, and toned. Raven likewise has grown in beauty. She hasn't grown much in stature being that she is a little over 5 feet tall but her beauty at least in Liams' eyes seems to have blossomed beyond description. After the initial shock and recognition sets in for Raven on who the handsome stranger is that she encounters in the mall, she quickly slides back into her icy shell and ice queen facade that she has learned to perfect over time. Liam's persistence and the feelings that never really died begin to thaw the coldness that has enveloped Raven. Now to tell more would only give away some of the subtlety and intrigue that makes this story a 5 star read. What I will say is that Ms. Amarie Avant crafted a tale that infused the old-worldly feel of New Orleans and the Creole obsessive mentality of their pure legacies. I enjoyed the glimpse of some of the cultural references that only can be found in one of the most exciting cities in the south. The glimpses that we were able to get of the inner turmoil that Raven experienced caused even me to shed several tears. Her anguish was on par with a catastrophic event of severe magnitudes. Ms. Amarie Avant was able to artistically paint a picture that enabled the reader to physically feel the emotional upheaval and pain that this poor child lived through. The fact that all of these adults in their lives harbored secrets and callously pulled the strings behind the scenes for their own selfish motivations had me 38 degrees hot. I like that Ms. Amarie introduced us to Liam and Raven at such a young age to give us the insight needed to better appreciate the adults that I'm sure we will get to know in the next installment. What can I say?? Ms. Amarie Avant is a creator of fictional characters and worlds that will capture your imagination and transport you on a literary odyssey only fit for the literary elite to enjoy. She is conscientious about being true to her craft and telling a well-developed and entirely refreshing new story. The plot was new and not the same old rehashed scenarios that seem to be par for the course in today's fiction. I honestly can't WAIT for the next installment. Not many author's get my unwavering stamp of approval but Ms. Amarie Avant has done just that. I will forever be among the masses who clamors for more and more of the gift bestowed upon her by the literary gods of Olympus!! Great Job Ms. Amarie Avant!! Kudos can't wait for the next segment until then I guess I will just have to flip back to page 1 and allow you to take me on this unbelievable ride again!!!!

[Karen's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

****ARC given in exchange for honest review***

Liam and Raven are childhood friends who whenever you saw one you saw the other. Raven couldn't remember a day that she didn't have Liam by her side, until one day when he was abruptly ripped from her life. Raven never thought, that after almost 4 years, that Liam would walk back into her life, With the reappearance of Liam comes startling revelations that change what they thought they knew and force them look at each other differently.
This story had a lot of ups and downs and sometimes it becomes a little confusing as to who's speaking at any given moment. Overall I enjoyed getting to know Liam and Raven and finding out what makes them who they have become, and let me tell you, they both have some troubling issues going on in their young lives. As soon as you think one mystery is solved, another one pops up and makes you think these two will never make it through all that's coming their way. I look forward to seeing if these two are strong enough to fight through the turmoil coming their way and whether they will survive together or apart. I give this one 3.5 stars.

[Nene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book as an ARC reader for my honest review. I loved it and Liam mother I can't wait to see what happens to her. I loved Raven and Liam together , but in my opinion Liam did not have a backbone maybe in the next book he will . I can say all that I want to say b/c it will give away to much of the story but I can't wait for the next book and Sept 29 the is to long for me. (Lol)

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a start to a series. I can tell it's all gonna be

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/23/2018)!💝

Blurb:
For Jonathan Liam Delacroix Lemaitre II, everything revolved around the love of his life: Raven Shaw. But they were too young and too destructive.

Raven thought they would always be friends, yet Liam knew a different truth. The son to a vast Legacy, he is shipped off to Paris at a tender age, leaving Raven to fend for herself, full of questions and doubts.

Now, he has returned to town and determined to get back in her good graces. Gone is the clumsy, fat boy he once was. In his place stands a man ready to take on the world, with the woman he wants at his side. Raven, on the other hand, can see the new man but still searches for echoes of her friend. Who is this handsome guy that has swept into her life? He was Liam, but he wasn’t HER Liam…. And she wasn’t sure if he ever could be.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a copy of the arc for review purposes. It has in no way affected my review.

The story revolves around two childhood friends Liam and Raven. Liam is the rich heir to a fortune and Raven is the parentless average child. Even though they are from complete opposite sides of the tracks they become fast friends. Suddenly his parents send him away to Paris to live with his grandfather. Raven is devastated. She's been raised by her grandparents and is very wary of other people. Even though she knows it is not Liam's fault that he left, she feels like he abandoned her. After three years with absolutely no contact, Liam shows back up and they begin to try to make up for lost time. This is where all hell breaks loose.

This book has so much potential however it was very disjointed. There is a lot going on but some of the transitions are not great. This causes it to not read as smoothly as it should. The author tried to put a lot of the characters own thoughts into the book which added to the plot. It helped you know where they were even in the midst of the chaos around them. I did enjoy the story line and wanted to know what happens next. There are lots of twists and turns one of which I didn't see coming.

I know the book is not done with it's final edits. I'm hoping that once those are completed the issues that I had will be fixed. This was a good quick summer read. Thank you Amarie for the opportunity to review it. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Lady Heather]

Romance, Coming of age, New Adult



COVET Deceptive Desires #1

BLURB

For Jonathan Liam Delacroix Lemaitre, everything revolved around the love of his life: Raven Shaw. But they were too young and too destructive.
Raven thought they would always be friends, yet Liam knew a different truth. The son to a vast Legacy, he is shipped off to Paris at a tender age, leaving Raven to fend for herself, full of questions and doubts.
Now, he is back in town and determined to get back in her good graces. Gone is the clumsy, fat boy he once was. In his place stands a man ready to take on the world, with the woman he wants at his side. Raven, on the other hand, can see the new man but still searches for echoes of her friend. Who is this guy that has swept into her life? He was Liam, but he wasn’t HER Liam…. And she wasn’t sure if he ever could be.



EXCERPT

Liam had been so very attentive as Raven trailed around the museum like a buzzing bee. She’d wanted to hate Paris, hate all of France, since it was where Liam had gone years ago. But the history was rich with culture, and he knew it all.
“Why do I have the feeling you've memorized this before today?” She shook her head, holding up the brochure.
“I resent that,” he said, stepping closely to her as they stood beneath a miniature “Arc de Triomphe.” “God, you have gorgeous lips, Raven. As you fucking smile at me, tease me.”
Her pink tongue came out and slid over her bottom lip. Though she said nothing, her eyes twinkled dangerously.
“I'm gonna kiss you,” Liam warned.
“We're only friends—childhood friends—despite the romanticism. Don't push your luck, Liam,” she said, though she was smart enough to back away. Since they stood in a rendition of Paris, her ass bumped into the wrought iron railing overlooking the Seine River.
“Oh but I intend to push my luck. You've fought me tooth and nail this far, why give up?” He took one step closer. That single step maxed out the few inches she had left. Now she was stuck. The knuckle of his index finger moved lazily over her lips, outlining the lusciousness of them.
His mouth teased hers without coming to rest on it. Cock heavy, weighted in his jeans, Liam continued to coax her mouth just a little. He willed her to open up wide.
“Liam, we are at a museum,” she gasped against his lips.
“Kiss me or fight me. I promise I only kiss back. But be warned.” He placed his palms on either side of the railing. “My fight back is to take you over the knee as I promised you a few months ago.”
At that, Raven pushed hard against his chest. “Whoop me and you’ll be sorry.”
He reversed the threat, while his left hand grabbed as much of her ass as he could. She moaned deeply against his lips. The sound made him harder than ever. Liam's mouth crashed down on hers, bruising, possessing it. Their tongues rolled and coiled. Reaching on her tippy toe, Raven yearned for more as his arms wrapped around her waist.
“I could fuck you where we stand,” he groaned against her neck as they caught their breaths.
“Then fuck me, Liam.”
He stepped back instantly. If she'd been any other girl, he'd give her the amount of respect she'd offered herself. Fuck her anywhere, anytime she agreed.
“We're at a museum, Raven,” he said. Truth was she was waiting for marriage. He knew. She knew.
“You told me the very same thing a minute ago, Liam. You also told me, upon arrival, that nobody else would come into this entire museum let alone this showroom.”
His hands went to his tousled blond hair. “Yeah, well, I have a bit of self-control. But not that much, Raven.”
She felt taken aback by the steel in his tone.
“I wanted a kiss. But like I said, gorgeous, we keep going at it and there goes my restraint, Re.”
“I want you to lose control,” she said, licking him on the neck. Then she blew on that spot. “I want to feel you, Liam.” She glanced up at him. Yes, he knew exactly what she meant. “You wanted to bring me back to life. So far so good, baby, I just need you.”
She craved a deeper connection. The why he lived so near for two years and had stayed so far meant zilch at this moment. There was one ounce of numbness in her heart left, clinging to her. Liam had the key to take it all away. She kissed him hard on the lips.





Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...


About the Author:



Mother of two. Wife of one alpha. And alpha to his alpha. Lover of thrills and enticingly sexy chills.

Azusa Pacific University alumni where God comes first. This dyslexic and highly attention deficit author has received two Bachelors and a Masters in Counseling. Though sociopaths are very interesting, and coupon shopping is just as thrilling as action or cartoon movies, Amarie Avant has taken on romance. Beware anytime you open an Amarie Avant novel: This is not your ordinary love story…

Catch up on Amarie’s debut series FEAR (also an Amazon best seller) while you wait.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/l/B00U7Z4ED2
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmarieAvant

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting storyline

I continue to love Liam and Raven. Liam and Raven still love each other and they have a child together. What is going to happen next?

[Shanta Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has so many twists that it will leave you with your mouth hanging open. Raven has had a tough life growing up. Not being raised by her mom and not knowing who her father is. Lucky for her she had two loving and supportive grandparents in her corner along with her best friend Liam. Liam comes from a well to do family who looks down on Raven for more reasons than one but as kids they never knew why. Being attracted to Raven, Liam is caught kissing her and is sent away to Paris by his mom to live with his grandparents. Raven is lost without him but unsuspectingly runs into him at the mall her senior year of high school. She learns that he has been back for at least two years and wonders why he never tried to contact her. From this meeting their relationship blossoms again. Unfortunately for them what they believe are in the cards are not because of the secrets, lies, and manipulation from Liam's parents, Elise & Jonathon. Elise is harboring more secrets than is allowed in one story and her biggest one could make or break her entire family. I did not want this story to end when it did but now I have to wait until part two to find out the fate of Liam & Raven. Great job Amarie!

[BreakingtheEpigraph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book. This is my review and how I see it. Amarie Avant, I am so mad right now and you are so wrong for what transpires here. The book is just that good and suspenseful, I never saw that coming.

This story is about Jonathan Liam Lemaitre and Raven Shaw, best friend since they were little, until Liam was ripped out of her life by his mother and sent to France. In their senior year of high school Liam reconnects with Raven to claim the love of his life. Raven is dating Chris and that soon comes to an end.

Liam and Raven begin to connect in a way Liam's family never wanted them too, there are secrets surrounding them they have no clue about until just before they go to visit Raven's mother and what Liam stumbles across and Raven finds out later will rock thier world to its core.

These two have no idea how far the rabbit hole goes. The decisions that were made before they were even born. What Liam and Raven don't know, they are just two pawns in a game they don't know they are playing.

A good read by Amarie Avant, I can't wait to read part two.

This is my review and how I see it.

[Lynda Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nail Biting!

So..I was conflicted about Raven's age. ...at first...but then I realized this young lady's life was impacted at an early age...even though she was sexually innocent..she was chronologically older....Liam was also forced to grow up early....their parental units were very dysfunctional...Raven had her grandparents thankfully and Liam had his eccentric grandparents who were devoid off maternal and paternal instincts..Elise is your quintessential spoiled princess who would do anything to destroy everyone who dares to come between her, the legacy or her son Liam....twisted....her father is even worse...everyone is a pawn...especially Raven...she has been a target since toddler years and didn't even know it..and then when they finally declared their undying love for one another....coveting dearer it's ugly head...In the worst possible way....Nail biting again...

[Crystal Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Liam and Raven. The story starts with them as teenagers, seniors in high school. It tells us how their friendship developed, got lost for a minute and reconnected. I liked the connection of the two even as teenagers. The romance was done tastefully and you can feel the love the two felt for each other. Liam is rich and privileged but he is down to earth despite his upbringing. Raven was raised by her grandparents because her mom gave her away, she didn’t know who her dad was. This story has romance, drama, boy a lot of drama, mystery and does end on a cliff hanger but with this couple you really don’t want it to end! I think Author Amarie Avant did a wonderful job in making this a series, it gives you the added time that you need to understand Liam and Raven without being overwhelmed.

[Cosalyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmmmm

The 5 star reviews fooled me into reading this. I believe in unbiased views when reading a novel. Whether I'm a huge fan or a newbie to your work I believe in giving a fair review. So here goes my opinion of this novel: This book was lacking. There was no clear direction at times. Raven was too extra for me and Liam well he was just Liam. Nothing flowed smoothly to me. It was all choppy and erratic. It jumped from one scene to another with no real clear time line. It just seemed to me as though it were a cluster of thoughts typed out on paper. Development of this story could have been a lot better. The potential to be great is there and I'm sure this author is an awesome writer but this book fell flat to me. It's definitely not 5 stars and I wouldn't say that it's a 1 star read so I'm going with a 2.

[Pamelon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I loved this book. RAVEN, the heroin was strong, loving, loyal and a fighter. She knew what she wanted. The secondary characters were amazing and helped in making this story so great. Liam is another story...I was so disappointed in his sorry @$$ that started to put the book down...but I didn't and I'm glad kept reading.. This book was so real that's why I kept going but Liam needs to grow some BALLS REAL FAST! He needs to be taken down a couple pegs and I feel Raven is going to fix him Real good. He was childish, selfish and weak....all bad qualities in anyone especially the freaking HERO of the story. I love Raven she's loyal and deserves wayyyyyy better than his @$$. I feel a change in the air

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deceptive is the right title

I wanted to love the book . But, I just couldn't . I found all of the characters to be annoying down to their five-year-old daughter . I found myself scratching my head and saying " wait, what!" at some of the plot twists . Frankly, by the end of the book I was just bored and could care less what happens to these folks. I enjoyed the first book in the series and had waiting excitedly for the second , but I'm very disappointed . This would have been a much better book had she just wrapped up the plot twist from the first book and just called it a day!

[Terena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am having a difficult time leaving this rating at 2 stars. I would love to bump it down to 1! Why are there so many 5 star ratings here?

The book was difficult to read, the dialect was certainly questionable and the characters were unbelievable. It was painful to read - I kept wishing I was at the end.

Raven and Liam are not people that I would enjoy being around. It was as if they didn't even know one another. Their descriptions of each other varied from page to page and any attraction between them was unbelievable.

The story was disjointed, confusing, at times boring and most importantly not interesting enough to read any of the remaining books in the series.

[Tina Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...

This is my first Amarie Avant book, but it will definite not be my last. I'm finding to read book 2 of this Intriguing 'Deceptive Desires' series. Liam and Raven story, "Covet", tugs at your heart, especially for readers who love to read about destined lovers. I hate Elise, and I hate Jonathan's weak behind even more. I started reading the sneak peek for book two, and now I'm upset that it ended so quickly.
T

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I just want to say that I absolutely love Raven. She is a strong, feisty woman that doesn't take crap from anyone! This is a book that will keep you turning pages until you get to the end, and man what an ending! There are so many secrets in this book and I can't wait for the next book to see what is exposed. I won't give you any spoilers, but I really think this is a great book. I won't say anything bad about Liam, but I hope he can redeem himself, lol.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT?????? OMG NOOOO!!! I'm so confused right now. Wow okay!! The secrets, the lies, and the manipulation!! That should be the name of this book. My heart breaks for Raven and Liam buddy you are on my s**t list!! How are you going to what you did years ago to her again!!! Jonathan punk ass ain't s**t and I need for someone to off Elise!!

[Adrienh1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I was given a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review*** Review to follow...

3.5 mystery-filled angsty stars!!!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the slow read but still likable

This book it's kind of on a slow build up. But it's still a good book to read.... Just not really my up of tea.

The two main leads Liam and Raven known each other since they were babies. They became the best of friends, but Laim was sent away after his mother catches him kissing Raven.

Now Liam back and he wants Raven to be his with all his soul. Now Raven has feeling for Liam, but she is conflicted between how she really feels and meeting this new Liam.

I really enjoy when the main leaders have history between each other. And I enjoy it more when the author gives you a peep here and there on there past lives. You really get a better feeling of character development. And at times a juicier story out of it.

But in this case everything was on the slow side. I never wanted a speed up on the time line as I did in this book.

A couple things that I had issues with and the biggest one is Raven. Raven, is one character who I feel like made little to no character development. Yeah she misses her mom, and she feels like the odd ball. But she has 2 loving grandparents who will die for her. And a best friend who literally kisses the floor she walks on. She comes off beyond tough and unsatisfied with her life. I, the reader, just couldn't find it in myself to like her very much. It's like she plays the role of victim too much it was on the annoying side.
And let me not get started on the choices she ends up making. Smh this girl needed a slap in the head more then a couple of times.

She really is her mother daughter. And her mother.. real peace of work that one. I get why she made the choices she did. But her actions and words in the book makes you want to slap her as well.

I swear the only one that had some tough growing was Liam. Now Liam has his problems as well. And he's not all that good as well. But even still he made his intentions more then clear where he wanted to be.

All I can say lot of miscommunication, and unsaid words and actions. And if that's not the butt of it all this books ends in a damn cliffy. 🙄

Come On! I'm throwing the towel in. 😒

This story is a good story, once you get Pass the dry spells and the slowness of it. I'm more so looking foe the action aspect of it that I hope would be in the other books.

But for now I'm going to step away from this series. As I said this book isn't my cup of tea and it could be someone else's. I really enjoy Amarie Avant work but this one fell through on me. I am not giving up on the series just stepping away for a bit. I'm still curious about a lot of things 🤔, so in the future I'll most likely look into the other parts.

[Lebrondae Shei · Rating 1 out of 5]

Such a disappointment and let down

One of the worse books I have read in a long time!! And I purchased 2 and 3 before reading the first instalment!!! I will never do that again; a lesson learnt. There is no emotive language, no transition structure from one page to another, no show just straight up tell, very unbelievable storyline from the standpoint of the heroine side, which does not convey that Raven has any emotional pain from the abandoning from her mother and her so called baby-father. Who the hell are these new friends of Raven's in the next sneak view instalment preview that the author have given us 10 chapters of!!!!! Which by the way is five years down the road. What this author should have done is written about the struggles of raising a child for 5 years as a single mum, living on the 50k that the baby-father threw at her for the abortion, which she had to spend half of that money getting health care for her grandfather's illness with cancer, also what it was like living with a broken heart from the one person she thought who would always be there for her when she needed him most, her one true love, her childhood friend, her first sweetheart, who just turned his back on her without putting up a fight to stay together, and the comparison with Liam living five years without his one true love by his side; as he climbed the corporate ladder living as a multimillionaire being manipulated by his mother and grandfather for those amount of years; then wasting those pages by giving a sneak view of what is in the next instalment of this continuous saga. This story had so much potential to be written with emotional fact then plot holes if the author had really cared enough about her characters, I have no connection or really care about any of these people's lives, concerning the hero and heroine,also they have no lust/love connections either. Such a disappointing read; and a whole lot of drivel and blah of written words that has been strung callously together with no thorough thought.

[sjoyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains Spoilers: This book was a struggle to read. There were too many characters and subplots that made no sense, as well as grammatical errors and disjointed writing. Liam, a wealthy creole, French white man and Raven, an African-American woman with blue eyes were best friends from the age of two. When they were fourteen, Liam was sent away. They're now 17 and 18 year old seniors in high school and they get back together. Raven always blamed Liam for deserting her as if a fourteen year old had control of his life. She's an extremely angry and violent girl and thought nothing of fighting.. They were in love.

Raven, deserted by her mom, Charlene, was raised by her grandparents, Annette and Otis. Otis, Raven's grandfather appeared to be the only sane person in the book. Jonathan, Liam's Dad, only cared about money. His mother, Elise was self-centered, and vicious. Liam's maternal grandfather, Lacroix, was simply evil. Raven's best friend, Monica and her boyfriend, Christopher, were both deceitful. There were lots of other characters in the book in addition to many subplots that were nonsensical.

Liam was very sexually active but still was too sexually experienced for an eighteen year old. Raven was a virgin and intended to remain so until she married. However, she almost immediately started having sex with Liam, and it certainly was no teenaged sex. Liam and Raven were well-defined characters as were some of the other characters. There were good back stories for some of them. This is the best thing I can say about the book. The book had too many unnecessary characters and subplots and many unresolved issues and problems. The book ended in a cliffhanger and it appears the next book in the series will be a cliffhanger also. I don't plan on reading any more books in this series.