Dirt

Evergreen #1

by Cassia Leo

The hard-hitting, emotional first installment in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Cassia Leo.

Jack and I had everything. Then, in one brutal instant, the universe tilted on its side, discarding us into black nothingness.

Now, I have a cocky a**hole for a husband.

The only way we communicate anymore is when we’re fighting or f**king.

With nothing left to lose, I write Jack a goodbye letter and head for Portland, where I quickly meet a neighbor who helps me find a job.

My new neighbor—hot, tattooed ex-soldier Isaac Evans—is complicated. Nevertheless, we form a fast friendship, bonding over our mutual desire to create something beautiful from the wreckage of our lives.

But despite the distance between us, Jack and I are still trying to make things work—fighting and f**king dirtier than ever. And he doesn’t appreciate my new friendship with Isaac. Not one f**king bit.

Genres: Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Suspense, Amazon

375 pages, Unknown Binding

First published December 31, 2017

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cassia Leo grew up in California and has lived in three different countries. She loves to travel and her dream is to one day score a record deal based on her awesome shower singing skills. She is the author of the Shattered Hearts series (Relentless, Pieces of You, Bring Me Home). She is also the author of the popular Luke and Chase series.

Come chat with her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorcassialeo or Twitter:www.twitter.com/AuthorCassiaLeo

Or you can follow her blog at http://cassialeo.com to stay up to date on new releases and giveaways.

Thanks for reading!

Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure how I feel about this book. I was expecting something dark, twisted, dirty and revenge like and that isn't what this book was AT ALL. It was basically just a relationship on the rocks story with two annoying main characters, with a third (whose purpose is still unclear) thrown in. *shrug*





The writing was good. The pace was great. The plot was engaging but not very exciting. I kind of felt like not much really happened. It lacked intrigue. I wanted to read more about Jack's hunt for the person who caused their tragedy. I dunno, it wasn't boring per se, but I felt like I was just reading the day-to-day lives of two people who separate. Which didn't make for the most riveting of reads. Perhaps it will pick up in the next book (fingers crossed). Surprisingly, I didn't find this one very angsty. Oh sure there was a lot of acrimonious words hurled back and forth by the two main characters, but it never felt gut clenching. There was no OW drama. There is another man, and he causes some drama right at the end, but "I" wouldn't call it OM drama in the sexual or even emotional sense. The sex scenes were hot and fairly plentiful.





The book isn't heavy on secondary characters, and there is only one that plays a large part in the book. Issac was an interesting development. I am not sure at this point what part he will play and to what extent. There is a time jump of three weeks where presumably Isaac and Laurel form a friendship, but we see none of that which made Isaac's character underdeveloped and made his feelings for Laurel unbelievable. That said, I am interested to see what the author plans to do with him in book two. Neither main characters were at all likable. I could go on for days about what an a$$hole Jack was, but suffice it to say I wouldn't have shed a tear if he had taken a header of a very tall cliff never to be heard from again. I guess I was supposed to feel sympathy for the tragedy that befell them, but both had their heads SOOO far up their a$$es that all I felt was the urge to throat punch them repeatedly. Last, this one ends on a HUGE cliffhanger. I'm not sure how I feel about it. Part of me was thinking; THANK GOD...let's make it a quicky so everyone can move on and heal.





So yea, a mixed bag with this one. I was disappointed that this didn't turn out to be what I was hoping it would be, but I am intrigued to see where this author will go with this couple enough I will give book two a read. This one gets a thumbs up from yours truly.

[Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“ We weren’t just lovers. We weren’t just husband and wife. We weren’t just best friends. We were survivors, bound to each other by the excruciating torture no one should ever have to endure.

Well this story certainly came out with a bang! I was hoping for an immediate emotional connection with these characters and I have to say, I got it within the first chapter. “Dirt" isn’t your ordinary story. This dealt with loss, revenge, and picking up the broken pieces when your entire world was literally blown away. It dugged deep into the every day life of two people who meant everything to each other and the aftermath of their shattered lives.



Jack and Laurel had it all. Perfect marriage, successful business, and a loving home that they made together over the years. Life is good, their love is on fire, and their bond couldn’t be anymore stronger. When tragedy strikes close to home, their perfect lives are no longer their own. What happens when the life you’ve dreamed of, suddenly gets taken away without any remorse.

Everyone deals with grief in their own different ways and for Jack and Laurel, their method of working things out was not the best, but that was how they coped. In the beginning I truly felt their grief as if it was my own and I couldn’t imagine the pain that they were going through. It was hard and I loved how the author portrayed their individual struggles and that made it extremely difficult to stop reading. It was engaging, sexy, heartbreaking, and passionate.



“You can have anyone and everything you want….Why are you still fighting for me?

Because you’re not anyone or anything….

You’re everything”.

I wasn’t expecting this kind of story if I'm being honest. I was looking for a more angst fest revenge plot but I have to say that I did like this story. I loved Jack and Laurel. Their love was EVERYTHING! You literally felt it every time they were in a room together and they showed it quite often too. You didn’t have to question their love or commitment to each other because you knew it was there. My problem was their coping mechanism when it came to working things out. I wanted them to do things differently and just communicate with each other.

Add in some secondary characters who were close to stealing the show, and you’ve got yourself some complicated chain of events in this story. If you’re looking for an emotional story about love and sacrifices, then this one is for you.

Please note that this is book one in a three part series and it does end on a cliffhanger.



   

[TJ *Book Twins Reviews* · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS
This pretty much sums up my thoughts after flipping the last page of Dirt!



I literally sat on the edge of my bed for a few minutes in shock. Like, did this seriously just happen?



So, long story short, this book left me split down the middle. There was so much about it that I really enjoyed. The book pulled me in immediately. It's unique. I've never read a plot like this before and it got me right in the feels up front. I adore that. The opener is a real shocker, it's fantastic. If angst, drama, and captivating cliffys are your jam, I definitely suggest giving this book a try.
Here's where things went astray. I didn't connect with either character. Due to the nature of their relationship and the conflicts they face, I felt sorry for them, but neither really grabbed ahold of me. Their relationship seemed to be based purely on physical attraction. The back and forth drama eventually broke me down.

Additionally, the introduction of the secondary character ramped up the drama without really playing into the main action of the story. Surely we'll get more of his role in book 2, so I'll reserve judgement until then.

So, to sum up, if you love drama angst, and shocking endings, grab this right now. It's your jam. If you prefer a strong connection to the characters and action, this may still be your jam, but I was hoping for a little more.

I'm intrigued by the plot and definitely want to see how the story ends, so I'm all in for the long haul. Looking forward to Book 2.



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[Paganalexandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Laurel were the poster children of the American dream. He is the handsome tech CEO, she the devoted wife, and new mother to their beautiful son. An unfathomable tragedy turns that perfection into a nightmare of epic proportions. They separate as a means to preserve sanity, and marriage before their low blows kill what love that still exists. The last thing this situation needs is Laurel's swoon worthy new neighbor Isaac, always willing to lend a hand, or listening ear...


The Good:
1. This was such an intense read. I could not even take sides because everyone had a point. This couple is not fighting about toilet seats, or toothpaste on the sink. It all felt way too real at times.

2. Jack and Isaac are both beautifully flawed. Despite the setup of the blurb, Isaac is a minimal threat to the marriage. There are no bad guys, or angels.

3. Laurel is very relatable. She brings a little drama, but the kind you root for.

The Bad:
1. This is not for my book friends looking for low angst. This isn't even a romance to be honest. It is very Shonda-land, beautifully tragic.

2. It ends in a cliffhanger.

Final Thoughts:
Despite this being more dark chick-lit than romance, it got me totally hooked. Fans of Roya Carmen's The Rule Breakers series The Ground Rules should give this a try. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book.

*received ARC from Netgalley

[Christine (Shh Moms Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn that was completely addicting and left me wanting more!!! Dirt is the first book in a new series by Cassia Leo and follows the story of Laurel and Jack as they try to navigate their life after the most traumatic experience anyone can go through.
Their life though still filled with passion and heat lacks that all encompassing love they once shared because of heartbreak and hurt and not being able to move forward.
I felt their pain and sorrow and despite the separation I could see the love that was still present.
But without trust there can’t be forgiveness or the possibility of moving forward when you can’t be completely open with your loved one.
Cassia Leo knows how to write heat and omg that was sexy as hell but even more I loved the suspense and that cliffhanger...just WHOA!!!
I hope we don’t have too long to wait because I can’t read the next book in the series to see how this will all play out.
I haven’t read a Cassia Leo book in a long time and am so glad I was able to early read this one...bring on book two!!!!

[Lillian ☁ Cloud 9 Books ☁ · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** 4.5 Stars *****

After a tragic event, Laurel and Jack's marriage suffered the aftereffects. Jack wanted revenge and justice. Laurel wanted to let it go and move on.

The two couldn't find the balance they previously had, so Laurel moved to her mother's house in Portland during the separation.

As she started to fix up her mother's home and garden, she developed a relationship with her sexy neighbor. A relationship that didn't involve sex or money.

Isaac is patient, attentive, and kind. Although at times I was hoping for the marriage to work, I also really enjoyed the relationship between Laurel and Isaac. If you asked me which man is better, I wouldn't be able to answer you because I liked them both. I loved Jack's dominating personality and desire to protect, and I loved Isaac's patience and kindness.

If you're not into books about cheating (even emotionally), then this one is probably not going to be enjoyable for you. But if you like steamy romances with crossroads, pick this up. Cassia Leo's writing is absolutely addicting.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this book took me way longer to read than I had anticipated. :/

My review is definitely more on the unpopular side, so please remember it's my take on the book. And parts of it may seem like I am being an asshole, but it's these instances that hurt the book for me.

I had no expectaions going into this book. I know who Cassia is but have never read of any of her books before. Her writing technique was difficult for me to grasp on to; it felt sort of all over the place. Her writing style is new to me and one that I think will need to grow on me.

This book is told from 3 POV's where two of them are the main characters, Jack and Laurel. The third is Isaac and I am still trying to figure out how he's play an intricate enough part in this book that requires chapters from his POV at this point in the story. He's apparently suppose to cause apprehension between Jack and Laurel, but I found the friendship between Laurel and Isaac very lacking and just not believable. There was a 3 week time span that was skipped and we are to assume that this where Laurel and Isaac became closer. Since there is only one time mentioned about their interactions, it was hard to believe anything was there.

Laurel and Jack are an interesting couple. They seem to have this intense love for another and one hell of sex life. But after suffering their great losses, they both have a really tough time dealing with how to move on. Jack delves into finding out the culprits and ignores his wife completely. Laurel isn't able to talk about that night and pretty much wants to start anew and move forward with her life.

Without going into too much detail about the story, Laurel is very indecisive on her thoughts and actions. One minute she's needs space and time from Jack and the next she can't stand being away from him. And yes, I get that she's suppose to be missing her husband, but she has no backbone with sticking to her guns. She drove me nuts - Jack would want something and she'd initially say no but he'd come back with stipulations and she'd give in. Hell, she went from stating she needed another two weeks before moving back home because she wanted to properly quick her job to the very next day stating that she would be moving back home that the weekend. WTF?!?!

Then there's Jack and his obsession to find the killer. I found this whole part lacking the intensity it needed til the end. There was no sense of urgency from him on this. He just came across as obsessed and used his abilities to try and find the killer. I was just annoyed with Jack and thought he saw his wife as no more than a piece of property and just his fuck toy to avoid dealing with talking things out. I didn't feel any love from him towards Laurel at all.

So yea, had this story not picked up in the last 15-20%, I am not sure I could have rated it a 3 star. The majority of the book played out like a couple who was separated and needed to work on things. There was no drama or angst and definitely hardly any suspense. There were very few sex scenes that were hot, but most that were mentioned were glazed over, however you got the idea that there sex life was pretty off the charts, smoking hot.

Overall, it is fairly well written. The majority of the book was about a couple going through separation. For me, the part was pretty boring. Had it not been for the curiosity of where Jack's obessions was going and how Isaac played into this whole thing, I would not have finished the book. The last 15% definitely had me interests more piqued and had me turning the pages and helped move the book to 3 stars.

Let's hope we don't have to wait long for the next book!

[Rejane]

I read some books from this author in the past. I enjoyed them. I have a couple more in my “want to read “ shelf. But nowadays, these 3 words make me pass a long way from this book: “Three books series”. Isn’t that overrated? IMO, it is. It’s tiresome.
And a hint of a triangle?! Zero patience

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Carlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirt is book one in the new Evergreen series from Cassia Leo and it's the kind of book where you can't talk about much without giving the plot away. It features massive heartbreak and angst, the kind Cassia Leo is famous for. It's sexy, unique, and impossible to put down. Laurel is one of three main characters, her life in tattered pieces after a disastrous evening that has left her struggling to pick up the pieces. Her husband, Jack, won't let go of that night, hell bent on discovering the truth and lost to their marriage beyond their destructive fights and emotion-driven passion. They want to save their marriage, save their memories, but distance is growing between them. Laurel finds independence in her mother's house, distracted from the past and her crumbling marriage by gardening, a blossoming career, new friendships in Dylan and isaac, the handsome, kind man next door her mother was so fond of.

Talk about a book that you can't walk away from. I started it and realized within just a few pages that this was the kind of book that required all my attention. Two days later I set aside a few hours and I ignored everything to power through Dirt. I immediately connected with Laurel and her desire to find life again. The events leading to her anxiety, to her struggling marriage, were difficult to read through, but really well written. I could feel her depression, her barely there hope through the words. Jack is the kind of character with a POV that feels unreliable, leaving me unsure of his character and his true intentions. Isaac is sweet, the friend that Laurel needs during it all, but also the keeper of his own messed up tale. It's a twisted book filled with questions and passion, the true story not yet revealed. It's a darker book from Cassia Leo, but one her fans should take a chance on.


I really struggled with my final rating of Dirt, my enjoyment leaning towards a 5 and my struggle with the detail taking it into the 4 star range. I read this book in one sitting, finished it desperate to get the next book right away and also a bit disappointed in how much more complex it could've been and wasn't. The storyline is so unique, the characters aren't like others I've read, and yet the chemistry and the push-and-pull between them is classic Cassia Leo. It's the type of book I love to read, but it didn't bring the heat. There were times when I was reading that I felt like it could've been a tad sexier, a bit darker, and a whole lot more fleshed out. I could feel the electric energy between Laurel and Jack, but I didn't quite feel like Isaac ever moved out of a secondary character role, even with his own POV chapters. I am looking forward to how the next book in the series takes the questions we are left with and moves us into a storyline that dives deeper into the tie between Laurel, Jack, and Isaac. Love triangle, anyone? I know Cassia Leo's writing really well though and I have no doubt that the mind-blowing cliffhanger from Dirt will lead into an incredible story in book two, Seed, and I can't wait for it.


Dirt is the much hyped new release from Cassia Leo and the first in a new, darker series titled Evergreen. It features a beyond-sexy cover, an intriguing blurb, and a twisted, angst-driven story inside its pages. It was a must read for me, the promise of darkness and secrets just what I wanted from one of my favorite authors.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5, Gimmie The Next Book NOW, Stars!!

“Forgiveness is for pussies. All I wanted was revenge.”

“How could two people who knew each other the way we did feel like strangers?”

“I think you only get one true love in this life. And if it’s not the fight-me-tooth-and-nail, leave-me-bloody-and-gasping-for-air-kind of love, I don’t want it.”

“Sometimes, all someone needs is for one person to say yes instead of no.”

I want to yell! I want to scream! I want to rage!! I can’t even right now!! I mean, what did I just read?? I can not believe this story ended the way that it did. I am so angry!! I want to throw my kindle!! But, I wont’t that. If I throw my kindle, I won’t be able to read the next book when it comes out and believe me when I tell you, I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!!!!

Dirt is one of those books that I know I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Talk about a book that evokes a million different emotions!! Happiness. Sadness. Anger. Grief. Loss. So. Many. Emotions. Dirt started off with a bang and kept me riveted the entire time. I can not even begin to put myself in Laurel and Jack’s shoes. To experience what they’ve experienced….I found myself glued to Laurel’s story; totally understanding where she was coming from and why she did the things that she did. She didn’t know how to fix things or how to move on, but knew something had to be done…And Jack….His loss became his obsession. He’s dealing, but not really dealing. There is something incredibly off with him and I just know he’s hiding something…He’s no way perfect and his decisions are questionable. Is there hope for these two? And how, how, how does Isaac factor into all of this???

Dirt was an intriguing read from beginning to end. It consumed me and angered me and played with my emotions. This story is not an easy one and deals with some tough subject matter. I mean, how were these characters supposed to move on? How do they find the will to live? To keep going each and every day? How do you pick up the pieces and save what is lost? When is enough, enough? And the anger…How do you forgive and move past the anger?? I can not even begin to dissect all the feelings and emotions I have right now. But, I will say this, this book took me on one heck of a ride and I will be waiting impatiently to get my hands on the next book…..

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

[Lisa Aiello · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this through NetGalley for my honest review.

3.5 stars for me

I am not sure what to think right now and am torn. So I shall do the rambly thing....On the one hand, I really enjoyed the premise of this story a lot. I was completely intrigued and flew threw the book. Jack and Laurel suffer a huge tragedy, and their marriage is at a stalemate and in seriously decline. We start out seeing Laurel leaving Jack, but he comes after her, and they do what they do best, they have sex - hot and heavy sex, almost hateful sex. That's the only way they truly communicate. But it isn't enough for Laurel anymore, and she decides to stay gone until Jack agrees to go to counseling. He does so, but with great reservation. It looks like they might just make some progress. However...dun dun duhhhhhh...while Laurel is away at her mother's old home, she meets her somewhat dark and broody neighbor, Isaac, and they form a friendship, which you never really get to see develop. You're just kind of told it develops. There is no action or angst or slow steamy buildup (at least that you see within the pages). It's just suddenly the neighbor admits to loving her at a really inopportune time. She is completely unaware why he would feel that way. It just seems like a really lost opportunity. Like the story is so much bigger than the writing. I could have used about 150 more pages of her time with Isaac. It would have added so much to the storyline at least for me. There just doesn't seem to be enough depth to that part of the story. This does have a killer cliffhanger...like totally out of the blue, OMG WTF moment...but in a good way. I will most definitely be going back for Book 2 because I have to know where that cliffie is leading.

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books

Cocktails and Books received this book for free from Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.This book and I had a difficult relationship.  Seems I wanted one thing and that didn't jive with where the book was going.

Jack and Laurel suffer a horrible tragedy, but they don't grieve it together.  Jack is set on revenge, taking to Facebook and investigators to find who destroyed half of his family.  Laurel is left feeling abandoned by Jack in his quest for justice.  The only time these two seem to do any kind of communicating is through sex.  Laurel has enough and decides she needs a break.

I could understand Laurel's need to escape, but I thought the way she went about it was wrong.  To me, this whole relationship lacked any kind of communication.  Even when it seemed like they might be heading down the right path, you could tell one or both of them wasn't being truly honest (which shoots the whole premise of what they're trying to do out the window).  

And the ending left me confused and wondering why we just spent the past 300 pages trying to get these two to figure their marriage out.  It did prove my whole point about communication.

[Alecia (The Staircase Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT!?!
SERIOUSLY!?!?!
How could you end a novel like this!
I need more!!!!!!!

Dirt is a heart wrenching novel about a husband and a wife going through life's worst tragedy. This story is the aftereffects of how a tragedy such as this one can slowly destroy a marriage until there is nothing left.

Laurel has had enough of her husband Jack obsessing over the tragedy that took place two years ago. Jack has broken promise after promise and Laurel is sick of it. She decides a separation is needed so she packs and heads to her Mother's house in Portland. While there, Laurel finds there is more to life than just being Jack's wife. But Jack is a stubborn man and will do anything to win not only Laurel's heart but also her trust back.

Usually when rating a novel with an extreme cliffhanger such as this, I tend to drop a star. However this novel is so freaking amazing and it deserves a full rating!

Part one of Laurel and Jack's story is intense. I was swept away in this novel of heartbreak and finding the courage to move on from such tragedies. But nothing could predict that ending fast enough for it not to shock the hell out of me. I didn't see it coming. HOLY SH*T. My heart is still racing!

I cannot wait to read SEED and get some much needed answers!
I NEED ANSWERS!

[Nicole Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassia Leo--the only woman who can break me with a prologue, feign putting me back together again with every passing chapter, and then deliver a fatal karate chop to the neck with an ending.
If there's one thing Cassia excels at, it's making you doubt what you know to be true; not just in her stories, but in your own life. As you grow closer to these relatable characters, you begin seeing yourself in their words, their actions, their feelings. You think you know them because, in some small part, they are you. They possess the best and worst traits humanity has to offer. You believe in them, hurt for them, break right beside them... only to be completely friggin blindsided when they branch off in a way you never expected and you feel strangled by their betrayal.
This is Dirt.
It's gritty and raw beneath your feet, giving life to something beautiful while at the same time holding the secrets of a thousand muddy sins. It's love and loyalty and passion, until you turn a corner and discover obsession and paranoia and greed.
As per usual for Cassia, she introduces you to a perfect love—right up to the moment when you realize that there's no such thing as perfection, especially when it comes to 'til death do us part'.
Flaws are inescapable.  Failure is unavoidable. And when everything comes to an end and the sunshine is stolen from our lives, all any of us have left is dirt...

[Tianna✸loves books✸]

Pretty messed up shit I guess.
Haven't read it. But from what I have gathered from other reviews. The wife wants divorce. And at the end of the book husband fucks her and says I want a divorce. And she is like..what? You wanted it right? Stupid woman.

[Jae Mod · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**


Astonishing amounts of grief, anger and passion fill the many pages of Dirt, the first installment of the Evergreen series by Cassia Leo. A very unique, raw tale of two shattered souls that will leave you speechless.


When your perfect life is undoubtedly shattered beyond measure and now you look into a broken mirror, one you don’t recognize, you must learn to cope. As you replace the broken pieces, you learn they don’t fit tight and snug like before, they are raw, they are jagged. What you see before you is now a shell of a life, a marriage now that is a shell of itself. The other half you once loved wholeheartedly has been stolen by a tragedy and both of you must pay the price. The shattered mirror that is distorted, will it ever be perfect again?


“We were survivors, bound to each other by the excruciating torture no one should ever have to endure.”


Cassia plots a new type of series that is well written and brings you face to face with many emotions in a time of hardships. She develops three main characters that battle different inner turmoil and fight within themselves for strength. This book has too many twists and details to leave a descriptive review as I don’t want to disclose too much information. But what I will say is Dirt will have you engaged from beginning to end. My emotions were met with sorrow for their tragedy, anger for their struggles and coping and passion in their need. Some characters you will love, some you will hate. But isn’t that with all great tales?


Enticing and entertaining as I am eager to see how the continuation in Seed plays out. Get ready to become Dirty!


5 Stars

[Tracy *To the point Reviews* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Boy!

Where do I go with this? it's difficult given the circumstances that befell these two MC's.

The books start right in the meat of things. A perfect couple with a perfect life and a healthy sex life to boot. Then... Tragedy.

Two years after this tragedy, their marriage is falling apart. And even though they love one another, the heroine has been left to the wayside while her husband obsesses over solving the crime that changed their lives. The neglect the heroine feels paired with her thwarted attempt at therapy has left her with no other options but to leave. Herself suffering from PTSD and major anxiety disorder, she tries to go live at her deceased mother's house, but her husband doesnt want to let her go. These two have been dealing (or rather, avoiding) their issues through lots of sex. But we begin to see it's a manipulation tactic by her husband, who loves her to no end, yet has little to no regard for her needs.

In other words, he's a selfish prick! He runs circles around her, finally promising anything she's wanted in order to get her back home. However, he reneges on everything. Musing about never really giving in to her requests.

Meanwhile, her mother's neighbor (An apparent Jason Momoa look-alike...hello??) helps her with refurbishing her mother's neglected garden... The two seem to have much in common. And you can see where things might go in the wrong (Or right?) direction for the two. However the heroine resists. her love for her husband is still her primary focus.

I dont want to say anymore. Rest assured, there really is no cheating in this first installment. However, the story ends in an ugly cliffhanger where her husband, believing she cheated, has sex with her then tells her he wants a divorce.

Motherfucker! Lets see what happens in the next book.

[Paula Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing I love more than starting a book and getting hooked from the first chapter. But every time I read one of Cassia Leo's books, I know this is going to happen.

My emotions were all over the place with this book. What Jack and Laurel go through will break your heart. They are both dealing in their own ways, and both trying to stay strong and keep it all together.

It is such an emotional story, but there are also some laugh-out-loud moments, which I think really balanced things out and made this book even better.

Jack is such a strong character. He’s very alpha, but I think he’s just trying to stay strong for Laurel after everything that they’ve been through. His family is his world, and he will do anything to protect the ones he loves.

Laurel is beautiful. She is a strong character and is doing the best she can. Even though they are going through some really tough times, her love for Jack is obvious. But sometimes love might not be enough.

We also meet Isaac in this first book. I am looking forward to reading more about him as the series moves forward. He has also been through so much in his life, and has seen and done things that would break anyone. I do love the friendship he and Laurel have. I think they are good for each other.

I love all the other characters in this book especially Dylan. He is such a sweetheart and just makes me smile. He is one of those characters that you wish you had as a friend.

This story is going to take you on a roller coaster of emotions, and this is what makes this such a brilliant book. I highly recommend DIRT, and cant wait for the next book in this series.

[Lisa Marie ~ Words We Love By · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirt came up on the PR lists and I thought it sounded good. A three part series but I can deal with that. Cassia Leo was a name I had heard before but never read anything by her so I figured I would give it a try. I am damn happy and damn frustrated. Happy, because Dirt was outstanding. Tension, angst, heartbreak, love, all the goodies that I only like IF it is written well and Dirt is very well written. Frustration because there are some authors who leave you cliffhanging where it's cool. You can mull over the story, wonder a bit as you wait for the next part. Then there are the authors who KNOW how to cliff you like a mo'fo'. You know, where you look at those last words and say NO FUCKING WAY! Where you move your finger on the page like it will magically produce more pages? That would be Ms. Leo.

Dirt is the story of Jack and Laurel, who after facing the worst as parents, find that they are not who they used to be. Each are broken in different ways and struggling to find balance in a world tilted off its axis. Laurel, plagued by PTSD and anxiety, is clearly someone who needs someone to understand her. Jack is trying to deal by becoming protector and avenger. Both are so disconnected from each other that they fail to see each other drowning. Told mostly from what is going on with Laurel, the story unfolds steadily as she finds a starting point to her healing.

Touching, heartfelt, pull at all the feels, Dirt is a great read. The second part comes out in March/April 2018.

[Brenna Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and addictive!

Cassia Leo’s Dirt was like no other story I’ve read before. Unique, refreshing, totally immersive and with plot twists that had me catching my breath over and over again. Don’t miss out on this fantastic, hooky read!

[Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!

Jack and Laurel had it all. Love, marriage, happiness. Until one night tragedy strikes and everything changes. Now, two years later, Laurel decides that she needs to move on and find a meaning for her life. Even if that means a separation from Jack. But will Jack let her go?

I loved Dirt! Jack and Laurel's story sparked my interest when I read Dirt's blurb and it hooked me once I started reading. Theirs is a heartbreaking story, full of drama, angst and grief, with hot sexy scenes and small light-hearted moments. Jack and Laurel's story took me in a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I didn't regret one bit. And adding Isaac's mysterious story? It kept me wanting more and find out everything about him.
I really loved the multiple POVs. It was really amazing getting inside Laurel's, Jack's and Isaac's heads. And the cliffhanger? I need Seed now!

Laurel is a strong woman but she's going through a very difficult time. She lost a lot and even though she loves Jack, she wants more than their arguments and angry sex. She's trying to find herself again and find a new purpose for her life.
Jack is still grieving and how he's dealing with it is affecting his relationship with Laurel and his work. He loves Laurel and doesn't want to lose her but it's very difficult to him not having answers for what happened and to try to move on with life. He can be very sweet but also a jerk.
Isaac is a mystery. He's the dark and brooding ex-military and he's been through a lot. He's very sweet and kind, but also very protective. He feels a deep connection with Laurel but knows she's still married.

Cassia Leo hit the jackpot with Dirt! This is the perfect beginning for what seems to be a fantastic series and I can't wait to read the Evergreen series. She created amazing characters that are very easy to connect with. Her writing style is flawless and she has the ability to make us feel everything the characters are feeling and cry, scream, and laugh him them. The cliffhanger left me wanting more and I can't wait to read what happens next!

[Jena]

Self note avoid


This series has cheating in later books.

[Karen Cimms · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm hooked!

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m kind of speechless after reading Dirt. Cassia Leo has delivered, in my opinion, her best book yet! It’s a top 2018 and All-Time favorite read for me!!! To say, this is an emotional read would be a mild understatement. Laurel and Jack had a life and marriage people dream about. Then, in an instant, their world was turned upside down, and their lives would never be the same. The two of them would also change as individuals. Grief has a way of doing that to a person.

“We weren’t just lovers. We weren’t just husband and wife. We weren’t just best friends. We weren’t just occasional enemies. We were survivors, bound to each other by the kind of excruciating torture no human should ever have to endure.”

This isn’t just a story about a couple who have lost it all; it’s a story of grief and how people deal with it differently. Laurel and Jack live together, but they couldn’t be further apart emotionally. Laurel feels like she has also lost Jack who locks himself in his office searching for the person who took everything from them and plotting his vengeance. Laurel is left with her feelings of guilt and pain. The only way the two communicate is through screaming matches and then angry sex. She has had enough and decides she has to leave to save herself and maybe her marriage.

She and Jack are definitely not done. Jack makes that abundantly clear. As she starts to heal and begins finding herself again, she develops a friendship with her handsome as h$$$ neighbor which Jack definitely doesn’t like. Yeah, things are going to get more complicated.

I know I have been somewhat vague about the plot in my review, but I don’t want to spoil a thing for readers. At times, this is a very difficult book to read. It involves a loss no one should ever have to endure, especially the time in which it happens. Something that should be celebrated between a couple is now tainted with pain and loss. My heart bled for both Jack and Laurel. Leo made me feel their pain and Laurel’s anger at Jack. He could only focus on his anger, but as I said, people deal with grief very differently.

What make this book so incredibly gripping and emotional is that Leo gives us a look into this couple’s past. It is very clear that there is a deep love between these two, and there has been for a very long time. I just found myself hoping they could find their way back to one another.

As if the book couldn’t get any better, Leo gave me an ending I won’t soon forget!!!! She definitely has me waiting on pins and needles for the next book!!!! WOW!!! Cassia Leo was one of the very first indie writers I read. I fell in love with her then, and as the years have passed, she has only gotten better. If you read one book in 2018, this one is it!!!!

***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***

[Chelé-----4 The Love of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY FIRST 5 STAR OF THE YEAR!! Cassia absolutely KILLED it with this story! From the first chapter you're already pulled in and wishing your eyes could move faster over the words. Dirt is gritty, maddening, heartbreaking, it's emotional and sad but really alluring and seductive!! Leo's writing is really smart and sharp!

I whole heartrendingly believe that for this particular type of story you need to go in knowing NOTHING! So, my review will be short and to the point because I actually don't want you wasting too much time reading this because you should be one clicking and devouring!!

Jack and Laurel have a very close, beautiful, strong and steamy relationship, they are each others equals in every sense of the word and their sex life is OFF the charts. One evening. One moment. One instant changes their world forever! It's something so horrible and unimaginable, it shakes them to their core making them question everything they've ever believed in. It is absolutely gut wrenching.

Trying to pick up the pieces of their lives they deal with this tragedy in different ways, it has caused them to develop some very unhealthy coping mechanism. Laurel makes a heart breaking decision and decides to write Jack a "Dear John" letter and leaves him. Jack (who is so F*cking alpha I LOVE him) will never let Laurel be anything but his so the letter doesn't go over well.

Laurel's new neighbor Isaac is....charming, handsome, strong, loyal, smart and he's trying to put the good parts of his life back together too. He and Laurel form a tight bond pretty quickly. There's a glance. A look. A touch and someone is falling. Both of them knows nothing can happen but we don't always listen to our mind when the hearts involved.

I would be doing you a disservice if I didn't mention an element to this story. I don't want you going in thinking it's just a second chance or contemporary romance because it's so much more! There's definitely a suspenseful, sinister, revengy (not a word) aspect to the plot as well, all I can say is enjoy the ride!!!

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well what a mixed bag of nuts this one brought out. I just say cliffy alert I was not prepared. I had an idea this is a series yeah but somehow I think. I didn't know what to expect going in but it was definitely not anything I had in mind it wasn't convoluted. Knowing Cassia there is drama and some angst to be had.

So these two had a terrible and awful thing happen that shifted the course of their relationship. Everything was fine and dandy then bam.Well suffice to say they could've coped better. Much better lots of acerbic words and all that that could be dealt better. I didn't like either of them and they needed a kick. I lost the feeling bad for them part along this whole relationship drama.

While I'm intrigued by the plot and it's fast paced it's like waiting for a shoe to drop feeling. There's some undeveloped plot with another guy Isaac, I had no idea how they got close since there is a time skip. In a way I'm ok that the triangle wasn't heavy or really fleshed out.. Yet. Remains to be seen.

So this is mostly I feel an introduction to the series. Little pieces to start us off and well then something happens and we have a cliffy. I'm still curious on how this all plays out. I'm in the middle right now I need to see more to really have a good feel.

*** ARC Provided for an honest review ***

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[Coco.V]

💝💝FREE on Amazon today (5/4/2018)!💝💝

The hard-hitting, emotional first installment in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Cassia Leo.

Jack and I had everything. Then, in one brutal instant, the universe tilted on its side, discarding us into black nothingness.

Now, I have a cocky a**hole for a husband.

The only way we communicate anymore is when we’re fighting or f**king.

With nothing left to lose, I write Jack a goodbye letter and head for Portland, where I quickly meet a neighbor who helps me find a job.

My new neighbor—hot, tattooed ex-soldier Isaac Evans—is complicated. Nevertheless, we form a fast friendship, bonding over our mutual desire to create something beautiful from the wreckage of our lives.

But despite the distance between us, Jack and I are still trying to make things work—fighting and f**king dirtier than ever. And he doesn’t appreciate my new friendship with Isaac. Not one f**king bit.

[Shyralf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars! Wow...holy cliffhanger! I love a good Marriage strife trope, and this one was a doozie. Jack and Laurel are married when they experienced a tragic loss, both of them are still trying to come to grips with there current circumstance. So why not throw in another guy ( Isaac) to make everything even more complicated? So can you say love triangle? Yes! I love those too. I like where this is going and it’s a trilogy.

[Adelweeis · Rating 5 out of 5]

How could you end a novel like this!!!

I need the next book!!!
At the beginning the story I'm TeamJack but the end I'm so confused, I'm so speechless. How you could end a novel like this!!! That was completely addicting and left me wanting more!!!

[Envywho · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started of strong but fizzled out towards the middle of the book. So I had to stop, too many books to read.