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Dimarco #1
Lucy
A chance encounter and a man’s tenacity proves that love can heal even the most hardened heart.
Four years ago, something happened that changed Lucy Reynolds forever. Or so she thought. Standing on the edge of change, staring at the light, but living in the shadows, she’s still terrified of moving forward. But one weekend changes everything.
Her best friend.
His brother.
This is not a love triangle.
It’s Lucy finding herself in a million tiny pieces and allowing a family to put her back together, showing her the freedom in love, family, and laughter.
But when her past catches up with her and she’s faced with the same terror she thought she finally escaped, will she retreat into the shadows? Or will she allow love to guide her into the light?
This is the first book in the Dimarco Series. Can be read as a standalone.
Four years ago, something happened that changed Lucy Reynolds forever. Or so she thought. Standing on the edge of change, staring at the light, but living in the shadows, she’s still terrified of moving forward. But one weekend changes everything.
Her best friend.
His brother.
This is not a love triangle.
It’s Lucy finding herself in a million tiny pieces and allowing a family to put her back together, showing her the freedom in love, family, and laughter.
But when her past catches up with her and she’s faced with the same terror she thought she finally escaped, will she retreat into the shadows? Or will she allow love to guide her into the light?
This is the first book in the Dimarco Series. Can be read as a standalone.
238 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2016
63 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Hanks
23 books273 followersJennifer Hanks is a busy author and mom. Her stories are contemporary romance and romantic suspense, all with the underlying message of the power and strength in love. She’s also a sucker for a Happily-Ever-After. Her love of reading and books in general started at a very young age and has steadily grown into a love of writing as well. She admits to being addicted to all things romance and has no plans of quitting her habit. Jennifer lives in Pennsylvania with her two children. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found with her kids at their various activities. Her house is frequently filled with any combination of her children’s friends, nieces, nephews and a variety of pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 13, 2019
Spoilers ahead, 2.5*
Lucy is introduced to the DiMarco clan when she's asked by her best friend Ben to pretend to be his girlfriend at a family gathering. She's instantly accepted with open arms and feels guilty for the deception but there's nothing to be done even though she can't stop looking at one brother in particular. After a bit of back and forth the truth is revealed months later and she and Christian finally give in to the chemistry between them.......then he runs. He thinks his brother will eventually declare his feelings for Lucy so he stays away from her until she's attacked and he realizes he isn't willing to stay away anymore.
Lucy on her own I liked well enough. Her relationship with Ben was cute and funny and I enjoyed her closeness will her brother, though I did hope for more of him. The mcs actually spent the first part of the book before and after their one night together,apart. At every encounter Lucy however shows that she's attracted to Christian even though he turns away from her at each one. Eventually she realizes that she deserved better but she's attacked by the same psycho who attacked her years ago.
Christian wasn't my kind of hero, he was possessive when he ran into Lucy but had no problem leaving her behind for his reasons. He was wishy washy and immature and got on my nerves. When they finally get another night together and Lucy runs he's beyond pissed, maybe forgetting the times he'd done the very same thing to her.
I really thought after the attack they'd work things out finally but that added drama just capped it off for me. I'm interested in the family enough to try another book in the series.
Attempted rape
Physical assault
No OM/OW drama
In the timeframe when Christian ran we didn't get an idea if he'd been with OW so I wasn't pleased
Lucy and Been were just friends
Lucy is introduced to the DiMarco clan when she's asked by her best friend Ben to pretend to be his girlfriend at a family gathering. She's instantly accepted with open arms and feels guilty for the deception but there's nothing to be done even though she can't stop looking at one brother in particular. After a bit of back and forth the truth is revealed months later and she and Christian finally give in to the chemistry between them.......then he runs. He thinks his brother will eventually declare his feelings for Lucy so he stays away from her until she's attacked and he realizes he isn't willing to stay away anymore.
Lucy on her own I liked well enough. Her relationship with Ben was cute and funny and I enjoyed her closeness will her brother, though I did hope for more of him. The mcs actually spent the first part of the book before and after their one night together,apart. At every encounter Lucy however shows that she's attracted to Christian even though he turns away from her at each one. Eventually she realizes that she deserved better but she's attacked by the same psycho who attacked her years ago.
Christian wasn't my kind of hero, he was possessive when he ran into Lucy but had no problem leaving her behind for his reasons. He was wishy washy and immature and got on my nerves. When they finally get another night together and Lucy runs he's beyond pissed, maybe forgetting the times he'd done the very same thing to her.
I really thought after the attack they'd work things out finally but that added drama just capped it off for me. I'm interested in the family enough to try another book in the series.
Attempted rape
Physical assault
No OM/OW drama
In the timeframe when Christian ran we didn't get an idea if he'd been with OW so I wasn't pleased
Lucy and Been were just friends
September 2, 2018
Lucy by Jennifer Hanks is book One in the Dimarco series. This is the story of Lucy Reynolds and Christian Dimarco.
Lucy is best friends with Ben Dimarco who she met in collage. When he has her to come home with him to be his pretend girlfriend she slowly agrees to it. There she meets his old brother Christian who they have a fast attraction too. But the pretense of her being his brother girlfriend slows them down.
Christian has issue he needs to work on and even though he finds out that Lucy isn't really Ben's girlfriend he still thinks there is something there so he tries to stop his growing feelings until he just can't.
Once I read the book I had to read the other just because of this author writing...loved the characters in this book and wanted to read the other stories.
Lucy is best friends with Ben Dimarco who she met in collage. When he has her to come home with him to be his pretend girlfriend she slowly agrees to it. There she meets his old brother Christian who they have a fast attraction too. But the pretense of her being his brother girlfriend slows them down.
Christian has issue he needs to work on and even though he finds out that Lucy isn't really Ben's girlfriend he still thinks there is something there so he tries to stop his growing feelings until he just can't.
Once I read the book I had to read the other just because of this author writing...loved the characters in this book and wanted to read the other stories.
July 11, 2019
Ben Dimarco decides to ask his best-friend Lucy to pretend to be his girl-friend and attend his brother’s wedding with him, something that would have ended up being ok if he didn’t have any brothers, because when Lucy meets his family she is a hit, and one brother in particular finds himself fighting to keep away from what he thinks is his brother’s girl. Once the truth is out, big brother doesn’t do what I hoped, and it takes
Lucy, I liked as a character I do wish we saw a tad more of her brother, he seems nice. Lucy’s parents, needed a bucket of ice-cold water to fall on them to wake them up from the apathy they seem to suffer from, when it comes to their kids. What is it with horrid parents in the books I’ve been reading in recent years, so often there is at least one set/parent that sucks?! Luckily the Dimarco parents make up for it.
was ok but not a main character/hero that I really liked or adored. He did plenty of running and yet the judgement when Lucy does it, my middle finger wanted to rise. was in the military, having been honourably discharged due to an injury, yet at times he doesn’t come across as being as mature as I would have liked. His age is not mentioned (as far as I can recall) but he is older than Ben and Lucy, and yet sometimes he almost felt more like a somewhat petulant/indecisive hero in a YA book.
I enjoyed the banter between the brothers, and the strong family bond that was depicted. I do feel that things needed to be slowed down a bit, and given some depth, but this book had me interested enough to start reading another book in the series, immediately after.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired via KU.
Lucy, I liked as a character I do wish we saw a tad more of her brother, he seems nice. Lucy’s parents, needed a bucket of ice-cold water to fall on them to wake them up from the apathy they seem to suffer from, when it comes to their kids. What is it with horrid parents in the books I’ve been reading in recent years, so often there is at least one set/parent that sucks?! Luckily the Dimarco parents make up for it.
was ok but not a main character/hero that I really liked or adored. He did plenty of running and yet the judgement when Lucy does it, my middle finger wanted to rise. was in the military, having been honourably discharged due to an injury, yet at times he doesn’t come across as being as mature as I would have liked. His age is not mentioned (as far as I can recall) but he is older than Ben and Lucy, and yet sometimes he almost felt more like a somewhat petulant/indecisive hero in a YA book.
I enjoyed the banter between the brothers, and the strong family bond that was depicted. I do feel that things needed to be slowed down a bit, and given some depth, but this book had me interested enough to start reading another book in the series, immediately after.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired via KU.
July 8, 2019
Lucy has always been close to her best friend Ben DiMarco but there has never been a relationship to speak of as they formed a stronger bond when Ben helped save Lucy from a dangerous assault while at university. Now one of Ben's brothers is getting married and Lucy has been talked into by Ben to come as and meet his family and pretend to be his girlfriend as Ben changes girlfriends like socks and doesn't want his mum setting him up with anyone. Of course, Lucy agreed but that was before she got to know the DiMarco family and Ben's brothers and sister. Lucy who comes from an estranged family unit has never experienced so much love like the DiMarco Clan. Soon Lucy finds herself caught up in their family and their love. She has also caught the eyes of Ben's older brother Christian DiMarco, of course, he is quiet and intense and won't touch Lucy as he believes she is Ben's and is following the Brother code. What happens though when Christian finds out about the truth behind Ben and Lucy and their fake romance? Will he claim what is his? Lucy, on the other hand, is strong and independent, what will happen when a dangerous man from her past ends up stalking her and lands her in the hospital and aims to hurt the people around her? Will this be a short-lived romance between Christian and Lucy or will he fight for what he wants despite Lucy's protests? Lucy also ends on a cliffhanger and makes way for Book #2 Sydney. I wasn't sure what to expect with this series but really found myself loving the strong family sense and love that radiated through the DiMarco family and felt like I wanted to be a part of that particular family.
June 6, 2018
Lucy is the first book in a series about a huge family of brothers and a younger sister, the DiMarcos. I have to say, I loved this—book series that follow family are some of my favorites. Mainly because of the wonderful character development; I think that’s always important. The first book is filled with some angst, romance, and sexy time. Sexy time because all the men in this book are hot...I’m surprised my kindle didn’t melt ha-ha.
The only complaint I have is that I felt at times the story was full of repetition. There were many times the hero would slam or back the heroine into a wall or into a door or something. I’m not usually that picky but when it happens so often, that I start noticing, that’s when i know it happens too much. I’d also like to point out that while I never take away for grammar, I did notice quite few grammatical errors and some instances where it was awkward.
Despite that, Lucy was so fun to read and I enjoyed the banter she had with Ben, her best friend. The very man who wanted her to become a fake girlfriend in front of his family because he’s a manwhore. And he doesn’t want mama to know it! It’s the weekend that Lucy is pretending to be the “girlfriend” of Ben, that she has an instant attraction to one of his brothers, Christian.
Christian is moody and broody; my favorite type of man. He struggles with wanting his brother’s “girl”. The chemistry between Chris and Lucy in undeniable but there were times in the book where I wanted to smack both of them. Which brings me to Lucy. Her actions almost put her in the TSTL category. And while she was called out on that behavior and corrected her ways, it still doesn’t change the fact that I seriously disliked her in hat moment.
Overall, if you’re into series that involve family members and character driven plots, this is for you! With the way the book ended, I absolutely think you need to read be books in order to fully appreciate them.
*Thank you to the author for providing a copy for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The only complaint I have is that I felt at times the story was full of repetition. There were many times the hero would slam or back the heroine into a wall or into a door or something. I’m not usually that picky but when it happens so often, that I start noticing, that’s when i know it happens too much. I’d also like to point out that while I never take away for grammar, I did notice quite few grammatical errors and some instances where it was awkward.
Despite that, Lucy was so fun to read and I enjoyed the banter she had with Ben, her best friend. The very man who wanted her to become a fake girlfriend in front of his family because he’s a manwhore. And he doesn’t want mama to know it! It’s the weekend that Lucy is pretending to be the “girlfriend” of Ben, that she has an instant attraction to one of his brothers, Christian.
Christian is moody and broody; my favorite type of man. He struggles with wanting his brother’s “girl”. The chemistry between Chris and Lucy in undeniable but there were times in the book where I wanted to smack both of them. Which brings me to Lucy. Her actions almost put her in the TSTL category. And while she was called out on that behavior and corrected her ways, it still doesn’t change the fact that I seriously disliked her in hat moment.
Overall, if you’re into series that involve family members and character driven plots, this is for you! With the way the book ended, I absolutely think you need to read be books in order to fully appreciate them.
*Thank you to the author for providing a copy for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 25, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this book. This was my first book by the author and the writing was pretty good. But, while I enjoyed the main premise of the story, I felt like there was just too much going on. Everything felt super rushed. I felt like things could have been drawn out more. Yet, at the same time, I couldn’t stop reading the book because I wanted to see how it ended. So, it was very interesting, but moved too fast. I will still pick up the next book in the series because I am invested in these characters.
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2023
I liked this a lot and was surprised to see it's the author's first book. Looking forward to more.
September 3, 2018
Rating - 4
This book seriously took me through all the emotions! I chose to go in blind on this one, and it certainly took me for a ride. I fell for these characters from the very beginning. That’s not to say I didn’t want to yell and scream at them from time to time, but I was fully invested from the very beginning. This book has it all. Romance, suspense, drama, the love of family, and a strong sense of community make this book such a fantastic read.
I love Lucy. She is a sweet girl. While she is quiet and tends to keep to herself, she would walk through fire for those she loves. I loved watching her transform as she spends time with the Dimarco family. I loved watching her open up and embrace the person she wanted to be. While it may have been her downfall at times, I loved watching her gain the confidence she needed to truly live.
Christian was an interesting character for me. I always understood his motivations, but I still tended to have a love/hate relationship with him. In fact, I’m still holding a bit of a grudge against him for one thing he did. Christian is the broody, strong, silent type. It was hard to get a read on him originally, but it quickly became clear that he was a man who valued loyalty and wanted to protect those he loved. It was interesting to see his insecurities from time to time, because he seems like the guy who wouldn’t want anyone to know he had them.
This is a great series opener, because we really get to know the family as a whole, and I love the Dimarcos! They are such a supportive, loving family. I really enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and am looking forward to seeing them come up again over and over throughout the series. The blurb comes right out and tells you this is not a love triangle, which I appreciate, but remember, I went in blind. I originally fell for Ben, not Christian. I’m not going to lie. I’m still in love with Ben. I can’t wait to get to his story! This series has so much potential with so many amazing characters. I can’t wait to continue on!
This book seriously took me through all the emotions! I chose to go in blind on this one, and it certainly took me for a ride. I fell for these characters from the very beginning. That’s not to say I didn’t want to yell and scream at them from time to time, but I was fully invested from the very beginning. This book has it all. Romance, suspense, drama, the love of family, and a strong sense of community make this book such a fantastic read.
I love Lucy. She is a sweet girl. While she is quiet and tends to keep to herself, she would walk through fire for those she loves. I loved watching her transform as she spends time with the Dimarco family. I loved watching her open up and embrace the person she wanted to be. While it may have been her downfall at times, I loved watching her gain the confidence she needed to truly live.
Christian was an interesting character for me. I always understood his motivations, but I still tended to have a love/hate relationship with him. In fact, I’m still holding a bit of a grudge against him for one thing he did. Christian is the broody, strong, silent type. It was hard to get a read on him originally, but it quickly became clear that he was a man who valued loyalty and wanted to protect those he loved. It was interesting to see his insecurities from time to time, because he seems like the guy who wouldn’t want anyone to know he had them.
This is a great series opener, because we really get to know the family as a whole, and I love the Dimarcos! They are such a supportive, loving family. I really enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and am looking forward to seeing them come up again over and over throughout the series. The blurb comes right out and tells you this is not a love triangle, which I appreciate, but remember, I went in blind. I originally fell for Ben, not Christian. I’m not going to lie. I’m still in love with Ben. I can’t wait to get to his story! This series has so much potential with so many amazing characters. I can’t wait to continue on!
September 13, 2018
Lucy by Jennifer Hanks had such an odd feel for me. Lucy had just graduated with her Masters and Christian (who's age is never mentioned but has been in and out of the military) is older than her and Ben. So this should have had a more Contemporary feel. Unfortunately, it read more NA boarding on YA to me. I had several issues with this story and yet I will probably read the next one. Infer what you will about my sanity...😂
Lots of running away from both parties until we finally get our HEA. Jennifer Hanks left a dangling thread at the end that I will not be able to resist. Plus the series in on Kindle Unlimited. Fingers crossed that Sydney will have a better story flow!
See my full review on:
Lots of running away from both parties until we finally get our HEA. Jennifer Hanks left a dangling thread at the end that I will not be able to resist. Plus the series in on Kindle Unlimited. Fingers crossed that Sydney will have a better story flow!
See my full review on:
August 18, 2018
Lucy by Jennifer Hanks is one of those books that she’s you by surprise.
Hanks gives you characters that are heart warning, funny, witty, and sassy. However, she also applies layers to each character and her storyline that give it true depth of emotions.
I loved reading Lucy’s story, and watching her storyline unfold. Especially with the Dimarco clan. They are truly s it’s family that will keep you on your toes.
This is one book I’ll be recommending to all my friends.
5 Stars
Hanks gives you characters that are heart warning, funny, witty, and sassy. However, she also applies layers to each character and her storyline that give it true depth of emotions.
I loved reading Lucy’s story, and watching her storyline unfold. Especially with the Dimarco clan. They are truly s it’s family that will keep you on your toes.
This is one book I’ll be recommending to all my friends.
5 Stars
September 5, 2018
Hanks will take you on many twists and turns, in the first Dimarco Series book.
You will fall in love with the Dimarco family immediately. The Dimarco brother put off the devilishly roguish feel of a typical historical romance but it's so sexy and modern. Handsome, mysterious, but also so protective and loyal. Play vibes with heart pure gold! I am truly obsessed with this book family. especially the dad Jack he is everything you want in a father figure for your new favorite book family!
Jennifer Hanks creates seamless troupe transition through out this first book. In the begin this story feels like a fake relationship, then becomes a best friends bother and then to an almost but not totally enemies to lovers. At no point does any of these feel awkward or like too much has been crammed in to one book.
I will say this is not my favorite hero but I am not really as into the broody types which can make suspense a little more difficult for me to read. However the chemistry between Christian and Lucy was so dang hot I could not get enough of the moments they were together. Really light your kindle on fire hot.
In the end Christian is a broody, sexy, alpha hero and he has great chemistry with the heroine which was definilty enough to hook me. Lucy was such a sweet heroine but also very independent and very relatable. Her personal struggle were all to familier but the way she handles them I found refreshing.
Now the reason this has four stars instead of five is at the end I did not care for the way the hero made her feel about running away and maybe that is because it's exactly what I would do but I don't feel that the hero ever truly owned up to his mistake especially the big one he made in her apartment (Spoiler alert) He tells her she is not worth it and leaves her when he thinks that his little bother actually has feeling for her along with several other things that is making him feel like he can't and shouldn't be with Lucy. I feel like most of the issues in their relationship is worked out but there is never a closing conversation about him straight up saying "your not worth it" and she does not really confront him about it outright. I am able to get past this though and do what most readers do when they feel like a loose end is not tied up right. rewrite it in my head so it is tied up in a pretty satisfying bow.
You will fall in love with the Dimarco family immediately. The Dimarco brother put off the devilishly roguish feel of a typical historical romance but it's so sexy and modern. Handsome, mysterious, but also so protective and loyal. Play vibes with heart pure gold! I am truly obsessed with this book family. especially the dad Jack he is everything you want in a father figure for your new favorite book family!
Jennifer Hanks creates seamless troupe transition through out this first book. In the begin this story feels like a fake relationship, then becomes a best friends bother and then to an almost but not totally enemies to lovers. At no point does any of these feel awkward or like too much has been crammed in to one book.
I will say this is not my favorite hero but I am not really as into the broody types which can make suspense a little more difficult for me to read. However the chemistry between Christian and Lucy was so dang hot I could not get enough of the moments they were together. Really light your kindle on fire hot.
In the end Christian is a broody, sexy, alpha hero and he has great chemistry with the heroine which was definilty enough to hook me. Lucy was such a sweet heroine but also very independent and very relatable. Her personal struggle were all to familier but the way she handles them I found refreshing.
Now the reason this has four stars instead of five is at the end I did not care for the way the hero made her feel about running away and maybe that is because it's exactly what I would do but I don't feel that the hero ever truly owned up to his mistake especially the big one he made in her apartment (Spoiler alert) He tells her she is not worth it and leaves her when he thinks that his little bother actually has feeling for her along with several other things that is making him feel like he can't and shouldn't be with Lucy. I feel like most of the issues in their relationship is worked out but there is never a closing conversation about him straight up saying "your not worth it" and she does not really confront him about it outright. I am able to get past this though and do what most readers do when they feel like a loose end is not tied up right. rewrite it in my head so it is tied up in a pretty satisfying bow.
October 19, 2018
I finished Lucy a few days ago. I purchased it based on the recommendations of other readers and I don't know if I have high standards but when I purchase a book I really do not expect to find glaring typos, grammatical errors and poor editing. The story is a common trope. Lucy is a recent college graduate and her best friend Ben asks her to come home to his brother's wedding to pretend to be his girlfriend. Apparently he doesn't want his parents bothering him about having a steady girlfriend. Everyone in Ben's family likes Lucy. His older brother Christian is no exception however he seems to really be interested in her but would never make a move on his brother's girl...until he does. Lucy is equally attracted to Christian and is mad at Ben for making her agree to this charade. This ridiculous charade will continue on for awhile until Ben finally comes clean. We don't get a lot of insight into Christian's thoughts for the majority of the story and frankly I was tired of Lucy constantly thinking the same thing over and over. I felt as if I was reading the thoughts of the average junior high girl. The worst part of reading Lucy was that under all the glaring problems was an interesting story but the numerous typos, grammatical errors and constant repetition of the same thoughts destroyed any enjoyment of the story. So my advice to readers is, if you expect to read a professionally written romantic suspense book skip this one. There are so many great authors out there that will give you an amazing story and you won't feel the need to have to highlight all the errors to make it to the end. I will not be continuing with this series because life is to short to read substandard work and my money could be better spent.
October 5, 2018
'Lucy' is the first in a series of the Dimarco family. There are several hot men (and one sister) and Lucy has befriended one of them, Ben, at college. He asks her to accompany him to his brother's wedding as his fake girlfriend and she reluctantly agrees. There she meets his family and she is immediately attracted to one of them, Christian, but as she is his brother's fake girlfriend, nothing comes of it.
A month later however Ben asks her to do it again (he hasn't 'broken up with her') and things with Christian come to a head. Chris does behave like a douchebag in my opinion but it is obvious Lucy and Christian do have a spark between them. When Lucy takes a job in their home town, they are thrown together and when Lucy is in danger, he is there for her (grumpy and all).
I liked the family bond with the Dimarco family and the story kept me reading. I do think the characters were not really fleshed out. All the hot brother's were interchangeable in my eyes, Christian was no different than for example Brody or Jake. Lucy did some really stupid things (TSTL) and it had consequences. But overall I liked the story and the little suspense there was. Written well with some grammatical errors. The epilogue brought us to the next book, which I do want to read :-)
*** I received an ARC via Netgalley. Opinions are my own and voluntarily given. ***
A month later however Ben asks her to do it again (he hasn't 'broken up with her') and things with Christian come to a head. Chris does behave like a douchebag in my opinion but it is obvious Lucy and Christian do have a spark between them. When Lucy takes a job in their home town, they are thrown together and when Lucy is in danger, he is there for her (grumpy and all).
I liked the family bond with the Dimarco family and the story kept me reading. I do think the characters were not really fleshed out. All the hot brother's were interchangeable in my eyes, Christian was no different than for example Brody or Jake. Lucy did some really stupid things (TSTL) and it had consequences. But overall I liked the story and the little suspense there was. Written well with some grammatical errors. The epilogue brought us to the next book, which I do want to read :-)
*** I received an ARC via Netgalley. Opinions are my own and voluntarily given. ***
May 25, 2019
Whew. Give me a Dimarco sibling! Lucy is the first book in the Dimarco series. Lucy is a great starter book to a series. You meet everyone and fall in love with the family, but you also get a good glimpse into the couple. This story has action, romance, and a bit of confusion. It was a great story.
The plot and characters in this book are great. The secrets hidden by the main character really adds to the story. I loved Lucy and how resilient she is. I loved Christian. He really showed that honor is a good thing. He also showed that will power is only so strong. I enjoyed both of these characters.
The heat in this book is on point. I liked these scenes between the two characters. I really enjoyed how they had an instant chemistry between the two. The build up and back and forth in the relationship was perfect.
The writing style of this story is good. The pace of the story is steady. I loved the world development. I liked that it was told in a dual point of view. I liked how the author added the action into the story. It felt organic.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed this story. Lucy was a great first book that made me crave more. I cannot wait to continue on and read the rest of the series.
Plot: 5/5
Character: 5/5
Heat: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
The plot and characters in this book are great. The secrets hidden by the main character really adds to the story. I loved Lucy and how resilient she is. I loved Christian. He really showed that honor is a good thing. He also showed that will power is only so strong. I enjoyed both of these characters.
The heat in this book is on point. I liked these scenes between the two characters. I really enjoyed how they had an instant chemistry between the two. The build up and back and forth in the relationship was perfect.
The writing style of this story is good. The pace of the story is steady. I loved the world development. I liked that it was told in a dual point of view. I liked how the author added the action into the story. It felt organic.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed this story. Lucy was a great first book that made me crave more. I cannot wait to continue on and read the rest of the series.
Plot: 5/5
Character: 5/5
Heat: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
December 21, 2018
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
This book straddled the line between 'I like it' and 'this is not my vibe'. Its the story of a girl who agreed to pretend to be her best friends girlfriend at his family event but awkwardly falls for his (weird) brother. I liked the story but the characters were all so stereotypical and unlikable. Here's the thing, I love romance novels and if it was only a romance I wouldn't care about character development. But the author tried to do more with the book. There was family drama and thriller-like (but not really) parts ... so character development was necessary, but didn't come. They were all one note.
Also, as much as I usually like unlikable characters, when its a love story-ish and the main male character is emotionally unstable with creepy ass tendencies then its a no for me dawg (seriously how many times did he 'trap' her by backing her up against something with his hands on either side).
Finally there was just so much unnecessary repetition that it drove me absolutely crazy. I also didnt think the story needed to be as long as it was. Overall Meh but with potential. I guess. I probably wont read the rest of the series ...
This book straddled the line between 'I like it' and 'this is not my vibe'. Its the story of a girl who agreed to pretend to be her best friends girlfriend at his family event but awkwardly falls for his (weird) brother. I liked the story but the characters were all so stereotypical and unlikable. Here's the thing, I love romance novels and if it was only a romance I wouldn't care about character development. But the author tried to do more with the book. There was family drama and thriller-like (but not really) parts ... so character development was necessary, but didn't come. They were all one note.
Also, as much as I usually like unlikable characters, when its a love story-ish and the main male character is emotionally unstable with creepy ass tendencies then its a no for me dawg (seriously how many times did he 'trap' her by backing her up against something with his hands on either side).
Finally there was just so much unnecessary repetition that it drove me absolutely crazy. I also didnt think the story needed to be as long as it was. Overall Meh but with potential. I guess. I probably wont read the rest of the series ...
September 12, 2020
Gah! I don't think saying I absolutely loved this book completely expresses how much I enjoyed reading this book.
I was recommended this book because I was in the mood for something that gave me some KA (Kristen Ashley) vibes, but was a series about siblings, cousins, a group of friends, ect.
The Dimarco family is a large loving family. You have all ranges of personalities between the 7 brothers.
Lucy is Christian Dimarco's story of finally falling for a woman that makes him work for it and keeps him on his toes to keep up with her.
I think what I really enjoyed about this book was that Lucy really is the epitome of a strong woman who is determined to right the wrongs that she believes she brought to the door of the Dimarco family. She also at the end of the book has to fight for what she really wants for her future. Christian, after he gets his head out of his rear-end proves to Lucy that he wants her, but at the end, Lucy has to fight her demons, her guilt, and her fear to prove to Christian that she is ready to move on with her life.
I was recommended this book because I was in the mood for something that gave me some KA (Kristen Ashley) vibes, but was a series about siblings, cousins, a group of friends, ect.
The Dimarco family is a large loving family. You have all ranges of personalities between the 7 brothers.
Lucy is Christian Dimarco's story of finally falling for a woman that makes him work for it and keeps him on his toes to keep up with her.
I think what I really enjoyed about this book was that Lucy really is the epitome of a strong woman who is determined to right the wrongs that she believes she brought to the door of the Dimarco family. She also at the end of the book has to fight for what she really wants for her future. Christian, after he gets his head out of his rear-end proves to Lucy that he wants her, but at the end, Lucy has to fight her demons, her guilt, and her fear to prove to Christian that she is ready to move on with her life.
October 11, 2018
An invitation to play Ben Dimarcos girlfriend for the weekend at a family wedding,was not something Lucy Reynolds wanted to do, but Ben was her best friend and she would do anything for him even if she really didn't want to. Lucy only had Ben and her brother Logan,her parents were always absent in their childrens lifes and thats all Lucy and Logan knew.
Arriving at the Dimarcos they invite Lucy in and make her family right away,thats the Dimarco way.
The weekend proves a little harder than Lucy thought it would be,who knew that Bens brother Christian would spark her interest.
Christian was moody and worried his twin Cam has been missing for 2years and the family really felt the lose.Than Lucy walks into his life and he can't have her she belongs to Ben.
When Lucy forces Ben to come clean to his family all bets are off,Christian wants to claim Lucy.When Lucy thinks that her life is looking good ,her past comes back to take from her again.
Arriving at the Dimarcos they invite Lucy in and make her family right away,thats the Dimarco way.
The weekend proves a little harder than Lucy thought it would be,who knew that Bens brother Christian would spark her interest.
Christian was moody and worried his twin Cam has been missing for 2years and the family really felt the lose.Than Lucy walks into his life and he can't have her she belongs to Ben.
When Lucy forces Ben to come clean to his family all bets are off,Christian wants to claim Lucy.When Lucy thinks that her life is looking good ,her past comes back to take from her again.
May 8, 2020
The premise of going to a family wedding as the fake date of one brother and falling for a different brother was interesting. I also thought Lucy was an interesting heroine in the beginning.
Unfortunately, I did not like Christian as the hero. He seemed pushy, overbearing, and really bad at communicating. From the first time he shows up at Lucy's apartment, sleeps with her, and then makes her feel bad as he leaves, I did not find him romantic or alpha in a good way. I think it doesn't help that the reader doesn't get his POV until about halfway through the book. At one point, right after a traumatic experience for Lucy he pushes until she tells him about a past assualt she had in college.
I am also not usually a fan of instalove and this, like the prequel novella, features that. I didn't see much time spent together with Lucy and Christian actually really connecting before they were suddenly in love.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Unfortunately, I did not like Christian as the hero. He seemed pushy, overbearing, and really bad at communicating. From the first time he shows up at Lucy's apartment, sleeps with her, and then makes her feel bad as he leaves, I did not find him romantic or alpha in a good way. I think it doesn't help that the reader doesn't get his POV until about halfway through the book. At one point, right after a traumatic experience for Lucy he pushes until she tells him about a past assualt she had in college.
I am also not usually a fan of instalove and this, like the prequel novella, features that. I didn't see much time spent together with Lucy and Christian actually really connecting before they were suddenly in love.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2018
A few months ago I started this book and put it down after two chapters. I could not get into it. Today I started where I left off and started reading again. I was hooked by chapter 6.
Such a sweet story between Lucy and Christian.
It starts off with Lucy going to a family wedding with her friend, Ben. The two of them pretend to be dating. She sees Christian and sparks fly. Love at first sight, but He is pissed at himself for being attracted to his brother’s girlfriend. It does come out that they aren’t dating and are just friends. Too bad he believe Ben secretly loves her.
Without ruining the story, just know, this is a sweet love story with a happily ever after.
This is my first book by this author. It is book one in the series. I feel it could be read on its own.
Such a sweet story between Lucy and Christian.
It starts off with Lucy going to a family wedding with her friend, Ben. The two of them pretend to be dating. She sees Christian and sparks fly. Love at first sight, but He is pissed at himself for being attracted to his brother’s girlfriend. It does come out that they aren’t dating and are just friends. Too bad he believe Ben secretly loves her.
Without ruining the story, just know, this is a sweet love story with a happily ever after.
This is my first book by this author. It is book one in the series. I feel it could be read on its own.
November 10, 2018
Seriously love!
Hot alpha brothers, shy nerdy girl, and the willingness to help your best friend no matter what...what could go wrong? Ben and Lucy have been best friends since they met when she became his tutor. He may be a ladies man but for Lucy... he is the one who she can count on. When he needs her help she agrees knowing it is a bad idea but when she meets Christian their little lie seems like the worst choice ever.
Christian is intense alpha male who has fallen for his brothers girl. Only things are not what they seem and they will be put on one wild and crazy ride filled with insecurities, someone hiding in the shadows, and a big loved filled crazy family.
I insanely loved this book and cant wait for more.
Hot alpha brothers, shy nerdy girl, and the willingness to help your best friend no matter what...what could go wrong? Ben and Lucy have been best friends since they met when she became his tutor. He may be a ladies man but for Lucy... he is the one who she can count on. When he needs her help she agrees knowing it is a bad idea but when she meets Christian their little lie seems like the worst choice ever.
Christian is intense alpha male who has fallen for his brothers girl. Only things are not what they seem and they will be put on one wild and crazy ride filled with insecurities, someone hiding in the shadows, and a big loved filled crazy family.
I insanely loved this book and cant wait for more.
April 27, 2020
The DiMarco family may just get a place on my list of favorite book families. I am so in love with all them.
I really really love a hot, sexy, possessive alpha and that is exactly what you get with Christian. As with his brother Jackson, Christian knows right away that Lucy is it for him, trouble is he thinks she is with his brother, Good news for him is that Lucy and Ben are just friends and will never be more. Unfortunately that isn’t the only thing standing it the way of these two. Lucy has a stalker who is out to make sure she doesn’t live,
You definitely get it all with this book. Some insta love, an incredible family, some suspense and action, and in the end an HEA and the promise of more with this family,
I really really love a hot, sexy, possessive alpha and that is exactly what you get with Christian. As with his brother Jackson, Christian knows right away that Lucy is it for him, trouble is he thinks she is with his brother, Good news for him is that Lucy and Ben are just friends and will never be more. Unfortunately that isn’t the only thing standing it the way of these two. Lucy has a stalker who is out to make sure she doesn’t live,
You definitely get it all with this book. Some insta love, an incredible family, some suspense and action, and in the end an HEA and the promise of more with this family,
February 28, 2019
This book had me wishing I had a big large family! This book has everything, lies, humor, extreme chemistry with a moody alpamale. You can't help but fall in love with this big loud family, their love for one another knows zero bounds, and they are constantly welcoming new people in. I really would like to see this dining room in person one day. Lucy is a sweet girl, who moves back to town and fakes a relationship with her friend Ben, but instantly feels a deep connection with his brother Christian. You will love him because even though he's very moody and kind of a jerk, he has very good reasons and they boil down to family. I can't wait for the next book (s)!
June 10, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform for this partnership.
I was immediately attracted to this beautiful book cover.
We learn that four years ago Lucy's life changed completely and forever. She is in millions of little pieces and a family will help her to rebuild herself by showing her love, family spirit and smile.
But her past will catch up with her.
A first book read in one go so much I hooked on the story so moving, captivating, addictive, captivating and full of suspense and twists and turns and I hooked on the character of Lucy who I found endearing.
I was immediately attracted to this beautiful book cover.
We learn that four years ago Lucy's life changed completely and forever. She is in millions of little pieces and a family will help her to rebuild herself by showing her love, family spirit and smile.
But her past will catch up with her.
A first book read in one go so much I hooked on the story so moving, captivating, addictive, captivating and full of suspense and twists and turns and I hooked on the character of Lucy who I found endearing.
June 17, 2019
This book was some kinda real! The series is about the Dimarco family that is fiercely loving and open to their family and friends, with 7 boys and a daughter, I guess you have to be!
When Ben Dimarco brings home his best friend to pretend to be his girlfriend (for reasons that I am super interested in knowing) he does not realize that he is changing Lucy's life forever. She might have never been attracted to Ben and seeing him more as a brother, but his actual brother Christian is a WHOLE different story.
Dive into this book and see what happens!! I gotta tell you its definitely worth the read!
PS I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily and honestly reviewing it!
When Ben Dimarco brings home his best friend to pretend to be his girlfriend (for reasons that I am super interested in knowing) he does not realize that he is changing Lucy's life forever. She might have never been attracted to Ben and seeing him more as a brother, but his actual brother Christian is a WHOLE different story.
Dive into this book and see what happens!! I gotta tell you its definitely worth the read!
PS I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily and honestly reviewing it!
October 2, 2018
Stories with "fake boyfriend/girlfriend" are not uncommon. When Lucy reluctantly agrees to be her good friend Ben's date to his brother's wedding she can't have ever thought she'd meet the man of her dreams there. Or that he'd be Ben's brother Cameron. Cam has never been this attracted to a woman and it's killing him that she's his brother's girlfriend and therefore off limits. Cam fights his attraction which just adds to his almost unpleasant attitude toward Lucy. There are a few moments when she sees through his foul temper and thinks maybe he feels the same attraction for her that she feels for him. For a long time, this couple can't get together but it wouldn't be a romance novel if they didn't eventually. What makes is a really good read is the tension between these two. Hanks spends a good many pages creating characters that we care about and can sympathize with. She also gives us some pretty horrific, gut-wrenching scenes to give the book an intense level of suspense too.
I like Lucy. I loved Cam and every bit of his tortured soul. I wanted them to find their happily ever after. I was scared, laughingly engaged and irritated all while moving through this story. In other words, Hanks did a great job of putting me through all kinds of emotions before a satisfied sigh at the end.
If you like suspense there's enough to keep you wondering. If you like romance, there's plenty of that with all kinds of conflict to spice it up. There's just enough hot sex too. Whichever of these is your preference you'll find what you're looking for in Lucy. I didn't waste any time moving right into the next book, Sydney.
I like Lucy. I loved Cam and every bit of his tortured soul. I wanted them to find their happily ever after. I was scared, laughingly engaged and irritated all while moving through this story. In other words, Hanks did a great job of putting me through all kinds of emotions before a satisfied sigh at the end.
If you like suspense there's enough to keep you wondering. If you like romance, there's plenty of that with all kinds of conflict to spice it up. There's just enough hot sex too. Whichever of these is your preference you'll find what you're looking for in Lucy. I didn't waste any time moving right into the next book, Sydney.
April 2, 2019
This is Christian and Lucy’s story.
Christian comes from a large family (seven boys,one girl). Lucy comes home with another brother from college. Yep, you see where this is going. Eek! MESSY or so Christian thinks. Yikes!
I love Lucy she is wonderful for the entire Dimarco clan. Yes this book has a lot going on with some intrigue included. Umm if you have issues with physical assault enter this read cautiously. Even saying that, it is a really good story. The steamy parts make up for it. Haha! Happy Reading!
Christian comes from a large family (seven boys,one girl). Lucy comes home with another brother from college. Yep, you see where this is going. Eek! MESSY or so Christian thinks. Yikes!
I love Lucy she is wonderful for the entire Dimarco clan. Yes this book has a lot going on with some intrigue included. Umm if you have issues with physical assault enter this read cautiously. Even saying that, it is a really good story. The steamy parts make up for it. Haha! Happy Reading!
May 4, 2020
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The concept sounded great and started off decently. But I just could never root for Christian after his constant behavior.
Then, what really killed it for me was Lucy being bullied by the entire family. Sure she should have communicated better but no one else was any better until they were ganging up on her. Chris left her over and over and only came back after crap hit the fan. She has reason to have doubts. Give the girl a break.
Lots of drama and sex but not really any communication or romance.
Then, what really killed it for me was Lucy being bullied by the entire family. Sure she should have communicated better but no one else was any better until they were ganging up on her. Chris left her over and over and only came back after crap hit the fan. She has reason to have doubts. Give the girl a break.
Lots of drama and sex but not really any communication or romance.
August 31, 2018
I love books like this that welcome us to a huge family. Lucy gets asked by her best friend Ben to act like his girlfriend and go to a wedding. What Lucy didn’t expect was one look at Christian and she wishes she was with him instead. I loved the angst in this book the drama but mostly the tight family. I felt every character and that’s so hard in stories but the author truly pulled it off. 5/5 stars
September 26, 2018
I loved this book! The story has so many layers to it but I never felt like it was taking me all over the place. It was beautifully written!
Lucy is the first of a series and introduces you to the DiMarco family in a way that you are already vested and ready for the next story in the series.
I read this book without any spoilers and I'm glad because I got to experience the build-up of the story. That would be my only recommendation - don't spoil the story for yourself!!!
Lucy is the first of a series and introduces you to the DiMarco family in a way that you are already vested and ready for the next story in the series.
I read this book without any spoilers and I'm glad because I got to experience the build-up of the story. That would be my only recommendation - don't spoil the story for yourself!!!
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