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Tap Left
Daire: There’s a thin line between hate and tolerance, and it seems to sit squarely between us. Lola Bell could easily bring an army of men to their knees… as long as she never opened her mouth. She’s soft in too many ways. A people pleaser who goes the extra mile. Some might call her an easy target. In short, she has all of the qualities that I despise. But when it comes to me, she doesn’t hesitate to fling her poison arrows my way. She has every right to her feelings. Over the years, I’ve given her plenty of ammo. Yeah, I hate Lola. But it doesn’t stop me from wanting her too. When she makes me a proposition I can’t refuse, there’s just one problem. She tastes so f*cking sweet. So f*cking good. So f*cking mine. This is a full length standalone.art… for good.
284 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2017
447 people are currently reading
1419 people want to read
About the author
A. Zavarelli
56 books7,555 followersA. Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.
When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.
She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.
Facebook Page- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAuthor
Facebook Reader Group- https://geni.us/FemmeFatales
Mailing List: https://geni.us/ucfAZH1
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Bookbub- https://geni.us/AZavarelliBookbub
Twitter- https://geni.us/AZavarelliTwitter
Website- https://www.azavarelli.com
When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.
She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.
Facebook Page- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAuthor
Facebook Reader Group- https://geni.us/FemmeFatales
Mailing List: https://geni.us/ucfAZH1
Instagram- https://geni.us/AZavarelliInstagram
Amazon- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAmazon
Bookbub- https://geni.us/AZavarelliBookbub
Twitter- https://geni.us/AZavarelliTwitter
Website- https://www.azavarelli.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews
November 1, 2017
Genre: Romance
POV:
HEA?
Grumpy and jaded Adrian Daire is a successful CEO and Lola Bell is a small-time business owner who’s had nothing but bad luck in the romance department. Lola wants to secure a long-lasting relationship and Daire agrees to school her on attracting the right kind of man. Lies and secrets from the past are spilled out along the way, and there’s some drama mixed in, too.
This was a cute story but it was reminiscent of other romance books I’d read. I’d still recommend this book to romance readers who like the douchebag male lead hooking up with the naive pretty girl formula.
*ARC kindly provided by Ashleigh Zavarelli in exchange for an honest review.
POV:
HEA?
Grumpy and jaded Adrian Daire is a successful CEO and Lola Bell is a small-time business owner who’s had nothing but bad luck in the romance department. Lola wants to secure a long-lasting relationship and Daire agrees to school her on attracting the right kind of man. Lies and secrets from the past are spilled out along the way, and there’s some drama mixed in, too.
This was a cute story but it was reminiscent of other romance books I’d read. I’d still recommend this book to romance readers who like the douchebag male lead hooking up with the naive pretty girl formula.
*ARC kindly provided by Ashleigh Zavarelli in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2021
4 Powerless Against It Stars ⭐
In her mind, she is the Eat, Pray, Love to my Wolf on Wall Street.
Lola Bell is a loveable hot mess. Unable to say no, she's constantly being taken advantage of. When a breakup sends her over, it finally dawns on her. If she doesn’t make some changes, not only will she remain a pushover, but she could lose her bookstore.
I hate Lola. But it doesn’t stop me from wanting her too.
I saw her first. I wanted her first.
Successful businessman Adrian Daire and Lola share a past that wrecked them both. What remains is Bad Blood and guilt that makes them barely tolerant of each other. Why they keep in contact is anyone’s guess until an opportunity presents itself.
“It’s just that…” she whispers. “I don’t know what guys want. I need… help.”
She doesn’t need help. She needs a muzzle because if she doesn’t stop talking I’ll be balls deep inside of her and there’s not a thing she could do that wouldn’t fucking please me.
The fine line between love and hate is about to be crossed. Where Lola is tired of hooking up with the wrong kind of men, Daire agrees to mentor her in exchange for her submissiveness and availability in the bedroom. The one place where he can be honest with himself. He wants her for himself.
Fucking Lola is fun, but fucking her for always is what dreams are made of.
Thinking this is a temporary arrangement while the other is scheming to keep her; their fuckfest is unravelling past hurts that plague them both. As a result Lola feels inferior and Daire pretends to be heartless and mean. They're at their finest when they're lashing out at each other. But everyone has their limits.
Expecting a light hearted second chance romance, Tap Left was a lovers battlefield. Between two feuding former friends and a campaign to win her affections, this story was nothing like I expected. Dealing with some heavy topics, it had my emotions swinging like a pendulum...
In her mind, she is the Eat, Pray, Love to my Wolf on Wall Street.
Lola Bell is a loveable hot mess. Unable to say no, she's constantly being taken advantage of. When a breakup sends her over, it finally dawns on her. If she doesn’t make some changes, not only will she remain a pushover, but she could lose her bookstore.
I hate Lola. But it doesn’t stop me from wanting her too.
I saw her first. I wanted her first.
Successful businessman Adrian Daire and Lola share a past that wrecked them both. What remains is Bad Blood and guilt that makes them barely tolerant of each other. Why they keep in contact is anyone’s guess until an opportunity presents itself.
“It’s just that…” she whispers. “I don’t know what guys want. I need… help.”
She doesn’t need help. She needs a muzzle because if she doesn’t stop talking I’ll be balls deep inside of her and there’s not a thing she could do that wouldn’t fucking please me.
The fine line between love and hate is about to be crossed. Where Lola is tired of hooking up with the wrong kind of men, Daire agrees to mentor her in exchange for her submissiveness and availability in the bedroom. The one place where he can be honest with himself. He wants her for himself.
Fucking Lola is fun, but fucking her for always is what dreams are made of.
Thinking this is a temporary arrangement while the other is scheming to keep her; their fuckfest is unravelling past hurts that plague them both. As a result Lola feels inferior and Daire pretends to be heartless and mean. They're at their finest when they're lashing out at each other. But everyone has their limits.
Expecting a light hearted second chance romance, Tap Left was a lovers battlefield. Between two feuding former friends and a campaign to win her affections, this story was nothing like I expected. Dealing with some heavy topics, it had my emotions swinging like a pendulum...
November 8, 2017
2.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: I didn't write this review right away, because I didn't really know what to write tbh. I feel like it was supposed to be similar to those successful books about a mistreating a-hole H that ends up being head over heels for the h and it missed the mark. I was confused by the H's behavior and attitude majority of the book, and not in a good way. I also didn't like the h all that much. There was way too much inner dialogue and referencing to the past that we don't get revealed until later in the book, so it also felt like it dragged a lot of the book. I thought the ending was rushed in a way that I didn't feel secure in their relationship or fully understand the jump into a HEA. I think "missed the mark" is my main point here -- because I did feel like it had potential and I have liked this author's works in the past, but I felt like it just didn't quite get there...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Lola and Adrian's story. They've known each other for years, and don't necessarily like each other. After being burned by a now ex-boyfriend, Lola asks Adrian for some help with finding her HEA and not allowing herself to get hurt in the process. Adrian is known for being apathetic and Lola is known for not being able to say no, so they are a disaster waiting to happen. They end up crossing the line and start a no-strings-attached affair that turns into more. There are some fights, some hot sexy times, and some big secrets revealed...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Lola and Adrian's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Okay. It felt slow at times, but I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, they've known each other for years.
H rating: 2.5 stars. Adrian. I didn't understand majority of his behavior. He was hot, but he was also a major jerk a lot of the time -- and not in the way I usually like 🤷🏻♀️
h rating: 2.5 stars. Lola. I felt conflicted with her tbh. I needed her to be stronger at times, but I also appreciated her loyalty. She felt like a doormat to me a good bit 😬
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Some D/s, spanking and light bondage.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Not really
OW/OM drama: Yes, but pretty mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had okay closure and what I would reluctantly call a HEA ending. I didn't personally feel secure in their relationship at the end, but they are in a good place ... I'm sure others would have no problem calling this a HEA.
How I got it: This was included with my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: I didn't write this review right away, because I didn't really know what to write tbh. I feel like it was supposed to be similar to those successful books about a mistreating a-hole H that ends up being head over heels for the h and it missed the mark. I was confused by the H's behavior and attitude majority of the book, and not in a good way. I also didn't like the h all that much. There was way too much inner dialogue and referencing to the past that we don't get revealed until later in the book, so it also felt like it dragged a lot of the book. I thought the ending was rushed in a way that I didn't feel secure in their relationship or fully understand the jump into a HEA. I think "missed the mark" is my main point here -- because I did feel like it had potential and I have liked this author's works in the past, but I felt like it just didn't quite get there...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Lola and Adrian's story. They've known each other for years, and don't necessarily like each other. After being burned by a now ex-boyfriend, Lola asks Adrian for some help with finding her HEA and not allowing herself to get hurt in the process. Adrian is known for being apathetic and Lola is known for not being able to say no, so they are a disaster waiting to happen. They end up crossing the line and start a no-strings-attached affair that turns into more. There are some fights, some hot sexy times, and some big secrets revealed...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Lola and Adrian's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Okay. It felt slow at times, but I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, they've known each other for years.
H rating: 2.5 stars. Adrian. I didn't understand majority of his behavior. He was hot, but he was also a major jerk a lot of the time -- and not in the way I usually like 🤷🏻♀️
h rating: 2.5 stars. Lola. I felt conflicted with her tbh. I needed her to be stronger at times, but I also appreciated her loyalty. She felt like a doormat to me a good bit 😬
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Some D/s, spanking and light bondage.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Not really
OW/OM drama: Yes, but pretty mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had okay closure and what I would reluctantly call a HEA ending. I didn't personally feel secure in their relationship at the end, but they are in a good place ... I'm sure others would have no problem calling this a HEA.
How I got it: This was included with my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
October 31, 2017
4 "I love to hate you" stars
Lola Bell
She's awkward, a bit nerdy, clumsy, chaotic and open-hearted, wild in her uncorrupted ways...and she's been through enough of the heartache, she needs a solid guy, who's got his shit together. And she needs to make herself marketable. She needs to learn to play the game, learn and pick up what men want in women, so she could finally find the right one for her.
Adrian Daire
He's the absolute definition of a cold hearted bastard. Reclusive, blunt, and downright mean. An insufferable mastermind who overchieves at everything he does. He's obnoxious, flippant, defensive, and good but not nice.
He's the last thing she needs in her life but they are connected by the past, loss and guilt layered with hatred and resentment and something more neither of them is aware of.
And he's the last person she'd look up for help and yet again, here they both are, discussing the arrangement of the learning game.
"I need you to teach me how to play the game."
"What game Lola?"
"The dating game," I huff. "The how to act like you don't give a fuck game. The bullshit that guys love. I need to not care so much. Or get attached too soon. Or just generally screw it up the way I always do. I need you to make me marketable.
But their encounters have a heavy background from the past and it's the only thing they can't escape from...no matter what they wanna call this sexcapade, charade...pretense...
Grief is a bond that is unbreakable. it doesn't care about time, or differencies in personalities, or what's right and wrong. Grief is raw and messy, and it's the most intimate thing you can share with another human being.
And as this totally dysfunctional yet carnal relationship they enter in with each other reaches its breaking point when long burried emotions come rising to the surfice, breaking the silence of years long hidden truths.
We have too much history between us, too many unresolved feelings and painful memories. We're both too proud to admit that we resent the other. And when you mix guilt and blame and anger with intimacy, it can only end in disaster.
and what they have is chaos unraveling, the miscommunication, the misunderstandings, the words left unsaid, only bring them to the edge of a cliff of either never-ending hurt
We're good at hurting each other, but we're not good at loving each other.
BUT something's gotta give in this final admittion, willingness, surrender and acceptance...and most of all forgiveness
I'm caught up in it now, for better or worse. I've tapped into a long-repressed craving, and I want more. I want to ride this storm out and hope that in the end, i'm strong enough to withstand it.
Ashleigh Zavarelli is my "go-to-author" cause she always manages to pull me into the emotional turmoil her characters are going through and I love to be there with them, rooting, compromising, re-thinking, re-processing and just basically feeling along with them. This is one of the best portrayals of the dysfunctional emotional cluster between two stubborn people who are trying to protect themselves from hurt in a way that they end up doing just that -hurt each other cause of the things left unspoken, in denial until the erected walls come crumbling down leaving them bare to face each other for who they truly are and what they mean to each other.
And just around 80% of this emotional, carnal angst and palpitation from the excitement, in the process of resolving their relationship, everything simmers down, including the built up tension which led towards the mellowed down notion of the romantic HEA. And this time, I was kinda left short for the whole culminating emotional relief cause of the overly sweet ending, of this second chance romance drama, thus my final rating of 4 stars.
***ARC given by the author in exchange for an honest review***
release date: November 2nd
October 31, 2017
To quote myself: “That cover... I want to lick it.” and, having never read A. Zavarelli before, that was incentive enough to rectify that. I love an enemies-to-lovers when it’s done right, bringing a believable feel to a couples hostility around one another, all whilst covering up something more and building up to the moment when all that pent-up feeling erupts. And Lola Bell and Adrian Daire are a couple who press each other’s buttons in every way possible.
“He's order, and I am chaos. We don't mix.”
Having just hit thirty, bookstore owner, Lola is determined her next thirty years will see her find her happy ever after. She and Daire have a complex history that goes way back, and when he demands dinner on her birthday, she makes a snap decision that with plenty of experience under his belt, he’s the man to show her how to play the dating game. A belt she soon finds herself undoing on a fairly regular basis.
The chemistry between Daire and Lola is explosive, they don’t hold back on the sexy and although when clothed Daire isn’t so much of a talker, favouring sarcasm above much else, when the clothes are off he’s a dirty mouth on him. And as the story progresses the angst element comes into play, revelations come to light, emotions heighten and we discover the pain both he and Lola are harbouring: there is far more to them than first impressions suggest.
“There are always strings. And sometimes they are sticky and messy, and you can’t seem to sever them no matter what you do.”
Together Lola and Daire prove that there is indeed a fine line between loving and loathing, keeping you on your toes as they battle their feelings and emotions. At times they were blatantly cruel and thoughtless with one another and I leapt from wanting to shake some sense into the pair of them to questioning if they were even right for one another, to wanting to hug and squeeze them both tightly as they show their more vulnerable sides.
“I don’t know how to be the man you deserve. I only know that I want to try.”
Heading into the end things did feel a little rushed at points and I would have liked to have seen more rather than be told, but that aside I can certainly say what lay beneath that lickable cover was a resounding success of a story. If you’re in the market for a hot, sexy and heartfelt read with perfectly imperfect characters and subtle undertones of You’ve Got Mail amongst the angstier content, then Tap Left is definitely worth a click.
“You only get one life. It’s time to grab it by the balls.”
“He's order, and I am chaos. We don't mix.”
Having just hit thirty, bookstore owner, Lola is determined her next thirty years will see her find her happy ever after. She and Daire have a complex history that goes way back, and when he demands dinner on her birthday, she makes a snap decision that with plenty of experience under his belt, he’s the man to show her how to play the dating game. A belt she soon finds herself undoing on a fairly regular basis.
The chemistry between Daire and Lola is explosive, they don’t hold back on the sexy and although when clothed Daire isn’t so much of a talker, favouring sarcasm above much else, when the clothes are off he’s a dirty mouth on him. And as the story progresses the angst element comes into play, revelations come to light, emotions heighten and we discover the pain both he and Lola are harbouring: there is far more to them than first impressions suggest.
“There are always strings. And sometimes they are sticky and messy, and you can’t seem to sever them no matter what you do.”
Together Lola and Daire prove that there is indeed a fine line between loving and loathing, keeping you on your toes as they battle their feelings and emotions. At times they were blatantly cruel and thoughtless with one another and I leapt from wanting to shake some sense into the pair of them to questioning if they were even right for one another, to wanting to hug and squeeze them both tightly as they show their more vulnerable sides.
“I don’t know how to be the man you deserve. I only know that I want to try.”
Heading into the end things did feel a little rushed at points and I would have liked to have seen more rather than be told, but that aside I can certainly say what lay beneath that lickable cover was a resounding success of a story. If you’re in the market for a hot, sexy and heartfelt read with perfectly imperfect characters and subtle undertones of You’ve Got Mail amongst the angstier content, then Tap Left is definitely worth a click.
“You only get one life. It’s time to grab it by the balls.”
November 11, 2017
4.5 Stars
Filthy talking alpha-hole? Hell yes. Sign me up!! I’m about that life!! Add in pool sex
AND an emotional back story that’s sure to get me all up in my emotions and I’m all in!!
Tap Left is an emotional, scorching hot, and superb frenemies to lovers story. Adrian Daire and Lola Bell set the pages ablaze while simultaneously healing some very ugly wounds between them. It’s angsty, gritty, and at times ugly, but that’s life. If you’re looking for a book that packs an emotional punch, look no further!
I adore A. Zavarelli for that reason. She took a super fun trope and stamped her signature twist of dark and edgy on it. I was quite blown away. I think Daire might be new favorite A. Zavarelli hottie. He’s a sexy, well-dressed alpha-hole on the surface, but so much more underneath.
While I still love my BU fellows to hell and back, Daire’s dirty mouth set my heart (and panties) ablaze!
Grab it today! Recommended to romance lovers who adores Frenemies to Lovers, Dirty Talking Alpha-holes, and Sweet Heroines.
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
Facebook Blog Page
Twitter
Subscribe to Blog
Filthy talking alpha-hole? Hell yes. Sign me up!! I’m about that life!! Add in pool sex
AND an emotional back story that’s sure to get me all up in my emotions and I’m all in!!
Tap Left is an emotional, scorching hot, and superb frenemies to lovers story. Adrian Daire and Lola Bell set the pages ablaze while simultaneously healing some very ugly wounds between them. It’s angsty, gritty, and at times ugly, but that’s life. If you’re looking for a book that packs an emotional punch, look no further!
I adore A. Zavarelli for that reason. She took a super fun trope and stamped her signature twist of dark and edgy on it. I was quite blown away. I think Daire might be new favorite A. Zavarelli hottie. He’s a sexy, well-dressed alpha-hole on the surface, but so much more underneath.
While I still love my BU fellows to hell and back, Daire’s dirty mouth set my heart (and panties) ablaze!
Grab it today! Recommended to romance lovers who adores Frenemies to Lovers, Dirty Talking Alpha-holes, and Sweet Heroines.
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
Facebook Blog Page
Subscribe to Blog
November 12, 2017
He used the magic word…
I don’t go looking for angsty reads but somehow, I start them and can’t look away. Some frustrate me to no end and leave me feeling Hulk like anger. Others make me psychoanalyse the characters and I picture sitting them down and giving them advice. In Tap Left, I kind of didn’t realise what I was getting. I bought it on the release date and I can’t pinpoint what made me one-click. It wasn’t just that the cover was HOT!! It wasn’t just that it was by A. Zavarelli either. It could have been the blurb, but I don’t think it was just that. I think all three of those things helped, but there’s one thing that would have forced my one-click finger. There’s this word you see. This particular word gets my heart pumping. This word, when mentioned by the hero, has the ability to make me shudder, shake and shiver. This word is why I read romance.
I am a big sucker when the hero gets possessive and territorial (hmmm…that’s probably why I love paranormal so much). Of course, there are stipulations. It cannot be used when the hero and heroine just meet (CREEPY). It cannot be used like two blokes fighting over a toy (DOUCHEWAFFLE). It cannot be used by the psychotic serial killer looking for his next prey (SCARY). It really just needs to be used the right way. So, you put MINE in the blurb you better make sure you’re doing it the right way.
Tap Left was kind of messy. The main characters have messed up pasts and some serious history to overcome. I admit that I spent most of the first half putting all the pieces of the puzzle together. I wanted to know why someone so horrible and acted so meanly, made such an effort to be in the heroine’s orbit. I struggled to understand why the heroine was so hard on herself. Why do people make their lives so much harder by caring about others before themselves?
Sassy's rambling, skip to the next paragraph to avoid, her OTT mumbo jumbo. See, I’m a firm believer that if I’m happy, everyone around me will be happier too. But, then again, I’ve learnt to be that way. I forget that these young whipper-snappers haven’t been around the block a time or two. I’m using 42-year-old logic when, at their age, I was making the same bloody mistakes. This is the part I reach in most books where I want to step into the pages and give them a word of advice. My advice would be…find your happy place, communicate and last but definitely not least, if you can love them at their worst you will love them even more at their best.
Tap Left was a little bit kinky, of the HOT and STEAMY kind. I loved most of their “play” but one scene made me want to kick the hero where the sun don’t shine. Both characters are dealing with damaged pasts and have issues with guilt and neglect. Their self-loathing makes them act out in ways that hurt and manipulate. I always saw their actions as reactions to protect themselves. If you hurt them and walk it’s better than being hurt and left behind.
I haven’t read many books like Tap Left as I tend to tap out before it takes a stranglehold. I experienced the highs and lows and felt my heart break and flutter with their emotions. I took a deep breath when the emotions got too much to control my anger, frustration, lust and sorrow. In the end, I finished with a smile and a sigh. I enjoyed the journey, and again, A. Zavarelli has given me something that I thought I wouldn’t want but loved in the end.
I don’t go looking for angsty reads but somehow, I start them and can’t look away. Some frustrate me to no end and leave me feeling Hulk like anger. Others make me psychoanalyse the characters and I picture sitting them down and giving them advice. In Tap Left, I kind of didn’t realise what I was getting. I bought it on the release date and I can’t pinpoint what made me one-click. It wasn’t just that the cover was HOT!! It wasn’t just that it was by A. Zavarelli either. It could have been the blurb, but I don’t think it was just that. I think all three of those things helped, but there’s one thing that would have forced my one-click finger. There’s this word you see. This particular word gets my heart pumping. This word, when mentioned by the hero, has the ability to make me shudder, shake and shiver. This word is why I read romance.
The magic word is…MINE
I am a big sucker when the hero gets possessive and territorial (hmmm…that’s probably why I love paranormal so much). Of course, there are stipulations. It cannot be used when the hero and heroine just meet (CREEPY). It cannot be used like two blokes fighting over a toy (DOUCHEWAFFLE). It cannot be used by the psychotic serial killer looking for his next prey (SCARY). It really just needs to be used the right way. So, you put MINE in the blurb you better make sure you’re doing it the right way.
Tap Left was kind of messy. The main characters have messed up pasts and some serious history to overcome. I admit that I spent most of the first half putting all the pieces of the puzzle together. I wanted to know why someone so horrible and acted so meanly, made such an effort to be in the heroine’s orbit. I struggled to understand why the heroine was so hard on herself. Why do people make their lives so much harder by caring about others before themselves?
Sassy's rambling, skip to the next paragraph to avoid, her OTT mumbo jumbo. See, I’m a firm believer that if I’m happy, everyone around me will be happier too. But, then again, I’ve learnt to be that way. I forget that these young whipper-snappers haven’t been around the block a time or two. I’m using 42-year-old logic when, at their age, I was making the same bloody mistakes. This is the part I reach in most books where I want to step into the pages and give them a word of advice. My advice would be…find your happy place, communicate and last but definitely not least, if you can love them at their worst you will love them even more at their best.
Tap Left was a little bit kinky, of the HOT and STEAMY kind. I loved most of their “play” but one scene made me want to kick the hero where the sun don’t shine. Both characters are dealing with damaged pasts and have issues with guilt and neglect. Their self-loathing makes them act out in ways that hurt and manipulate. I always saw their actions as reactions to protect themselves. If you hurt them and walk it’s better than being hurt and left behind.
I haven’t read many books like Tap Left as I tend to tap out before it takes a stranglehold. I experienced the highs and lows and felt my heart break and flutter with their emotions. I took a deep breath when the emotions got too much to control my anger, frustration, lust and sorrow. In the end, I finished with a smile and a sigh. I enjoyed the journey, and again, A. Zavarelli has given me something that I thought I wouldn’t want but loved in the end.
November 30, 2017
3 – 3.5 Stars
I was really surprised I saw a A. Zaverelli book pop up on my Amazon. I thought I signed up for notifications. I one-clicked this sucker so fast.
I went into this book blindly but judging by the cover I knew it would be a light-hearted book. I’m all for authors trying new genres (only if it works out in my favor). Zaverelli is known for her steamy and slightly darkish reads (not too dark, except for Beast and that one I couldn’t finish).
Tap Left isn’t a bad book, it just didn’t jive with me. At least the last 50% didn’t.
When I started the book it was really good. I found it entertaining, witty and I really liked the characters. The push and pull between the Hero and Heroine was amazing, but when I got to the last 30% of the book, things sorted fizzed out for me.
I got bored at some parts and the plot felt very contrived.
- Heroine would get upset for some reason (usually REALLY silly and instead of asking the Hero, she would yell and storm out)
- Heroine would go to best gal-pals or someone to “talk” about it
- Hero would forgive her
- Hero would then get upset for some reason (usually Really silly and instead of asking the Heroine, he would yell and storm out)
- Hero would go and “talk” about it with someone.
- Heroine would forgive him
Rinse and repeat.
The relationship was giving me whip-lash, by the 100th fight, I just gave up. I’m all for fighting and tension, but do that in the beginning of the book, but when it’s stretched out for the ENTIRE book, it just wasn’t my cuppa.
I still love this author and I don’t even mind the lighter tone of this one, but I do hope there is a new “formula” with the next book.
I was really surprised I saw a A. Zaverelli book pop up on my Amazon. I thought I signed up for notifications. I one-clicked this sucker so fast.
I went into this book blindly but judging by the cover I knew it would be a light-hearted book. I’m all for authors trying new genres (only if it works out in my favor). Zaverelli is known for her steamy and slightly darkish reads (not too dark, except for Beast and that one I couldn’t finish).
Tap Left isn’t a bad book, it just didn’t jive with me. At least the last 50% didn’t.
When I started the book it was really good. I found it entertaining, witty and I really liked the characters. The push and pull between the Hero and Heroine was amazing, but when I got to the last 30% of the book, things sorted fizzed out for me.
I got bored at some parts and the plot felt very contrived.
- Heroine would get upset for some reason (usually REALLY silly and instead of asking the Hero, she would yell and storm out)
- Heroine would go to best gal-pals or someone to “talk” about it
- Hero would forgive her
- Hero would then get upset for some reason (usually Really silly and instead of asking the Heroine, he would yell and storm out)
- Hero would go and “talk” about it with someone.
- Heroine would forgive him
Rinse and repeat.
The relationship was giving me whip-lash, by the 100th fight, I just gave up. I’m all for fighting and tension, but do that in the beginning of the book, but when it’s stretched out for the ENTIRE book, it just wasn’t my cuppa.
I still love this author and I don’t even mind the lighter tone of this one, but I do hope there is a new “formula” with the next book.
January 4, 2018
Narrator Review:
Aaron Shedlock and Tracy Marks are new narrators for me and I enjoyed both of them in this story. I have no complaints to the performance and would listen to more books they narrate. I would recommend the audible version of this book.
Story Review:
This is my first book by A. Zavarelli and I'm very much impressed with the way she took one of my least favorite tropes and had me completely sucked into the story.
This was a hate to lovers trope and let me tell you, you can really feel the hate in the beginning of this story. It felt like torture whenever these two spent any time together. As the pieces of the past started to unfold, you slowly realize that the reason for the hate isn't what you might think.
There were so many times I wondered why these two continued to put themselves through all this angst when they could have just walked away from each other. The truth is, they really couldn't walk away. They needed each other and I really like how this author unfolded the story the way that she did.
This is one of those stories that you really got to stick with. You truly see the characters evolve. The ending was just that much sweeter for all the change that happened and the way these two finally faced past demons.
Aaron Shedlock and Tracy Marks are new narrators for me and I enjoyed both of them in this story. I have no complaints to the performance and would listen to more books they narrate. I would recommend the audible version of this book.
Story Review:
This is my first book by A. Zavarelli and I'm very much impressed with the way she took one of my least favorite tropes and had me completely sucked into the story.
This was a hate to lovers trope and let me tell you, you can really feel the hate in the beginning of this story. It felt like torture whenever these two spent any time together. As the pieces of the past started to unfold, you slowly realize that the reason for the hate isn't what you might think.
There were so many times I wondered why these two continued to put themselves through all this angst when they could have just walked away from each other. The truth is, they really couldn't walk away. They needed each other and I really like how this author unfolded the story the way that she did.
This is one of those stories that you really got to stick with. You truly see the characters evolve. The ending was just that much sweeter for all the change that happened and the way these two finally faced past demons.
October 31, 2017
Lola B is a simple girl with simple dreams.
Love. Marriage. Kids.
And she keeps making wrong choices all the time !!
If I had any sense about me, I would have walked away from this dysfunctional relationship years ago. But my brain is programmed to want all the things I’m not supposed to have. Chocolate. Candy. Assholes.
So she's on a wheel , running and getting nowhere, with "Bad Choices" song playing in the background. She's had her heart broken when younger and her nemesis is hell bent on poking her every year. She hates his face -Adrian Daire , might as well be the Devil himself, the way LB hates him with her every pore.
He's order, and I am chaos. We don't mix.
She’s tarred me as a sellout. A slave to the corporate world. A dispassionate jackass with a blackened heart. In her mind, she is the Eat, Pray, Love to my Wolf on Wall Street.
And as the story unfolds you see the things they've been hiding, the layers to their disorders, the hidden secrets in their closets. Things are definitely not what they seem to be always.
Eyes DO deceive you at times !!
And they Hate each other...well apparently !
“Sometimes the things we hate so much in others are a reflection of the way we feel about ourselves,Sometimes, we don't love what's good for us. Sometimes we board a sinking ship and punch the ticket anyway. Because self-sacrifice is such a romantic notion. Until you grow up. And then it isn't.
I loved the characters to an extent. The story was very novel, very different. Lola frustrated me no end with her ASSumptions!!😠
She's a grown up , yet continues to behave childishly, running from problems is her MO. Assuming everything that's not true and believing in all the untruths...very annoying
Adrian in all his assholery is a tragic figure, my sympathies lied with him. This only flaw- He was silent pretty much his entire life.
The world keeps on spinning regardless of what year you’re stuck in.”
And he is still stuck in the years of their adolescence.
He didn't speak then, he doesn't speak now.
Too much stoicism and misplaced honour is self deprecating and is the root cause of their self loathing and negative self confidence . The back and forth was a bit dragged on. Hot and cold attitudes a bit stretched , yet ,I couldn't stop reading the book though.
If I had to sum up the story in a line, I'd say
wrong choices at the wrong time
Be ready to bear the consequences
4 ThatGuy stars
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Love. Marriage. Kids.
And she keeps making wrong choices all the time !!
If I had any sense about me, I would have walked away from this dysfunctional relationship years ago. But my brain is programmed to want all the things I’m not supposed to have. Chocolate. Candy. Assholes.
So she's on a wheel , running and getting nowhere, with "Bad Choices" song playing in the background. She's had her heart broken when younger and her nemesis is hell bent on poking her every year. She hates his face -Adrian Daire , might as well be the Devil himself, the way LB hates him with her every pore.
He's order, and I am chaos. We don't mix.
She’s tarred me as a sellout. A slave to the corporate world. A dispassionate jackass with a blackened heart. In her mind, she is the Eat, Pray, Love to my Wolf on Wall Street.
And as the story unfolds you see the things they've been hiding, the layers to their disorders, the hidden secrets in their closets. Things are definitely not what they seem to be always.
Eyes DO deceive you at times !!
And they Hate each other...well apparently !
“Sometimes the things we hate so much in others are a reflection of the way we feel about ourselves,Sometimes, we don't love what's good for us. Sometimes we board a sinking ship and punch the ticket anyway. Because self-sacrifice is such a romantic notion. Until you grow up. And then it isn't.
I loved the characters to an extent. The story was very novel, very different. Lola frustrated me no end with her ASSumptions!!😠
She's a grown up , yet continues to behave childishly, running from problems is her MO. Assuming everything that's not true and believing in all the untruths...very annoying
Adrian in all his assholery is a tragic figure, my sympathies lied with him. This only flaw- He was silent pretty much his entire life.
The world keeps on spinning regardless of what year you’re stuck in.”
And he is still stuck in the years of their adolescence.
He didn't speak then, he doesn't speak now.
Too much stoicism and misplaced honour is self deprecating and is the root cause of their self loathing and negative self confidence . The back and forth was a bit dragged on. Hot and cold attitudes a bit stretched , yet ,I couldn't stop reading the book though.
If I had to sum up the story in a line, I'd say
wrong choices at the wrong time
Be ready to bear the consequences
4 ThatGuy stars
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January 2, 2018
Ok, so i didn't hate this book, but i didn't love it either!
This is a story of Lola and Daire, they have known each other for years, he is a very successful businessman and she is a plain, pretty owner of a small business and unlucky in the love department.
Daire however is an expert in the bedroom department and Lola asks him for help.
The only thing about this story is that Daire was a dick, plain and simple, i usually like the whole douche to nice guy story, but he didn't seem to change at all throughout the book.
Lola was a walking doormat and took everything Daire said & did to her, until about the last 10% where she suddenly discovered her lady balls.
This takes Alpha-douche to a whole new level.
Audio narration was by Tracy Marks and Aaron Shedlock, it was OK but the male voices from Tracy were a bit odd.
This is a story of Lola and Daire, they have known each other for years, he is a very successful businessman and she is a plain, pretty owner of a small business and unlucky in the love department.
Daire however is an expert in the bedroom department and Lola asks him for help.
The only thing about this story is that Daire was a dick, plain and simple, i usually like the whole douche to nice guy story, but he didn't seem to change at all throughout the book.
Lola was a walking doormat and took everything Daire said & did to her, until about the last 10% where she suddenly discovered her lady balls.
This takes Alpha-douche to a whole new level.
Audio narration was by Tracy Marks and Aaron Shedlock, it was OK but the male voices from Tracy were a bit odd.
December 30, 2017
Audible: Narrated by Tracy Marks and Aaron Shedlock
This duo did an excellent job bringing Lola Bell/LB and Dare to life. They were a perfect combination and I couldn’t imagine anyone else doing a better job of narrating these characters. Aaron hit the mark for Dare and all his alpha-holeness while Tracy was a great counterpoint with the sweetness of LB. I will definitely be watching for more from either or both of these narrators in the future.
Whoa! I absolutely loved this story! It was riddled with angsty secrets as well as heartache and I literally yearned for this couple to work through their past issues as well as their current ones so they could find their ever after. Yet, it actually felt like that might not happen. There was so much history between them. Layers and layers that even communicating might never heal. Mental road blocks as well as physical ones. I kept reminding myself this had to end with a HEA in order to get through some of the tougher scenes.
Lolla Bell was a sweet heroine with some insecurities. Dare was the perfect alpha-hole. If the author had not given his point of view I might not have been able to connect with him. But I did. And I actually loved him. He had been through so much and his POV gave me insight into the pain and grief he carried inside.
This was a great read/listen and the only thing I didn’t like about it was the times I had to turn it off.
Dual POV
Possible Triggers -
Safety -
This duo did an excellent job bringing Lola Bell/LB and Dare to life. They were a perfect combination and I couldn’t imagine anyone else doing a better job of narrating these characters. Aaron hit the mark for Dare and all his alpha-holeness while Tracy was a great counterpoint with the sweetness of LB. I will definitely be watching for more from either or both of these narrators in the future.
Whoa! I absolutely loved this story! It was riddled with angsty secrets as well as heartache and I literally yearned for this couple to work through their past issues as well as their current ones so they could find their ever after. Yet, it actually felt like that might not happen. There was so much history between them. Layers and layers that even communicating might never heal. Mental road blocks as well as physical ones. I kept reminding myself this had to end with a HEA in order to get through some of the tougher scenes.
Lolla Bell was a sweet heroine with some insecurities. Dare was the perfect alpha-hole. If the author had not given his point of view I might not have been able to connect with him. But I did. And I actually loved him. He had been through so much and his POV gave me insight into the pain and grief he carried inside.
This was a great read/listen and the only thing I didn’t like about it was the times I had to turn it off.
Dual POV
Possible Triggers -
Safety -
October 31, 2017
3.5 stars
Tap Left is the newest release by A. Zavarelli, and while I thought going in it was going to be light and cute it was actually a lot more. Daire and Lola have a very toxic relationship. Their connection goes back to their younger days while Lola was dating Daire's step brother Ryan. There are a lot of painful times between the two and Daire while sexy is also very cruel but Lola is too so it makes for lots of arguing and hurt feelings. I have to say that when these two decide to have a sexual relationship its super hot. Now while I couldn't put this book down there were things that made me crazy and stopped me from loving it. My biggest issue is the lack of communication, it makes for the same arguments that seemed to be a constant between the two. I also wish we got to see them as an actual couple with out the time limit. I felt they were apart and then boom back together The End. Overall it was an enjoyable read and while I had issues I would definitely recommend it.
**Thank You to A. Zavarelli for my ARC**
Tap Left is the newest release by A. Zavarelli, and while I thought going in it was going to be light and cute it was actually a lot more. Daire and Lola have a very toxic relationship. Their connection goes back to their younger days while Lola was dating Daire's step brother Ryan. There are a lot of painful times between the two and Daire while sexy is also very cruel but Lola is too so it makes for lots of arguing and hurt feelings. I have to say that when these two decide to have a sexual relationship its super hot. Now while I couldn't put this book down there were things that made me crazy and stopped me from loving it. My biggest issue is the lack of communication, it makes for the same arguments that seemed to be a constant between the two. I also wish we got to see them as an actual couple with out the time limit. I felt they were apart and then boom back together The End. Overall it was an enjoyable read and while I had issues I would definitely recommend it.
**Thank You to A. Zavarelli for my ARC**
January 14, 2018
Tap Left is a Love-Hate book if ever there is one. Both Lola and Daire are tied together in an endless cycle of grief, guilt, blame and hurt. But underneath it all, whether they know it or admit it, there is a love there that has been percolating since they were in high school. One could say the main object that blocks them is the memory of another man but in all honesty reading this book, it was their own feelings about each other, their absolutely frustrating inability to communicate and tell the truth and the constant push and pull.
Lola was a hot mess and sometimes the most annoying. heroine I've ever read. Her ability to cut and run was constant and her snap judgements and 'all over the place' didn't make her that much better. But Daire was the one that saved the story and kept you coming back ready to read another chapter. Sure, Daire was an asshole on the outside and terrible at communicating what he felt but there was a strange sense of honour hidden within him and a complete Alpha Asshole covering a very soft core. This type of trope has been done before and kind of wish it had been done slightly different but I'm still glad I stuck it out and completed it. I'd take Daire any day of the week and because of that I'll give it a 3.75.
Lola was a hot mess and sometimes the most annoying. heroine I've ever read. Her ability to cut and run was constant and her snap judgements and 'all over the place' didn't make her that much better. But Daire was the one that saved the story and kept you coming back ready to read another chapter. Sure, Daire was an asshole on the outside and terrible at communicating what he felt but there was a strange sense of honour hidden within him and a complete Alpha Asshole covering a very soft core. This type of trope has been done before and kind of wish it had been done slightly different but I'm still glad I stuck it out and completed it. I'd take Daire any day of the week and because of that I'll give it a 3.75.
October 29, 2017
Tap Left was heartbreakingly beautiful from beginning to end ! Lola and Daire started out as a hot mess. I loved both of their characters so much! Even when I thought Daire was just being a jerk. They fought it for so long and tried to protect their hearts but they were only fooling each other . Exorcising their demons and moving on was terrible. My heart ached for them. But Twizzlers helped lol! I was so excited for this release and it did not disappoint! A Zavarelli can deliver her writing with so much emotion and really down to earth characters .She will always be one of my absolute favourite authors!
October 31, 2017
Whenever I hear there is a new A. Zavarelli book, I can not jump aboard fast enough! I absolutely FLOVED Tap Left. It was EVERYTHING I loved in a book and more. Daire was a complete Alphahole. He was domineering, mean and arrogant. But Lola was his kryptonite. There was something about this quirky, sassy spitfire that he could not stop thinking about for years. I absolutely LOVED them together.
Lola Bell and Adrian Daire have a tumultuous relationship. Marred by a shared tragic past, Lola and Daire have remained in contact for over a decade as their connection, though painful, is a need they both have and are drawn to. When another dating disaster happens, Lola decides she needs Daire's help to turn her into a master at not caring about anyone and anything, like him. She wants to be more cold and unfeeling and molded into what guys like Daire want in a woman. And who else to teach her to find Mr. Right and all the games she needs to play than Mr. Cold and Unfeeling himself? But what happens when old secrets and painful memories come out and are not what they both always thought to be true? Can past hurts, resentments and vulnerabilities be put aside for love's sake?
Gahhh! I loved this novel. Daire was the epitome of a mean boy that just couldn't help himself. I loved his connection to Lola and despite their past baggage and secrets, could not get enough. I really did fall in love with this damaged man with his many hidden facets. You could tell that he was harboring a lot of pain behind his forbidden persona. HE WAS SO DELICIOUS!!! And the Smexytimes? Good Lord did this author steam up my kindle!! I loved every dirty moment!! I also REALLY loved the separate storyline of Lola and her Tap Left suitor. It hit me right in the heart with all the feels!
All in all, while this was something a little different from the dark and edgier novels we've come to expect from this author it was no less AMAZING. She knocked it out of the park. I did not want to leave their world and wanted an epilogue to their epilogue LOL. I wish I could give it five million stars but will have to settle for just five!! Bravo! 5 Stars! ~Ratula
Lola Bell and Adrian Daire have a tumultuous relationship. Marred by a shared tragic past, Lola and Daire have remained in contact for over a decade as their connection, though painful, is a need they both have and are drawn to. When another dating disaster happens, Lola decides she needs Daire's help to turn her into a master at not caring about anyone and anything, like him. She wants to be more cold and unfeeling and molded into what guys like Daire want in a woman. And who else to teach her to find Mr. Right and all the games she needs to play than Mr. Cold and Unfeeling himself? But what happens when old secrets and painful memories come out and are not what they both always thought to be true? Can past hurts, resentments and vulnerabilities be put aside for love's sake?
Gahhh! I loved this novel. Daire was the epitome of a mean boy that just couldn't help himself. I loved his connection to Lola and despite their past baggage and secrets, could not get enough. I really did fall in love with this damaged man with his many hidden facets. You could tell that he was harboring a lot of pain behind his forbidden persona. HE WAS SO DELICIOUS!!! And the Smexytimes? Good Lord did this author steam up my kindle!! I loved every dirty moment!! I also REALLY loved the separate storyline of Lola and her Tap Left suitor. It hit me right in the heart with all the feels!
All in all, while this was something a little different from the dark and edgier novels we've come to expect from this author it was no less AMAZING. She knocked it out of the park. I did not want to leave their world and wanted an epilogue to their epilogue LOL. I wish I could give it five million stars but will have to settle for just five!! Bravo! 5 Stars! ~Ratula
October 30, 2017
Lola decided she wanted to get married when she realized the guy she'd been dating for years wasn't Mr. Right. She turned to her old friend Daire to get dating advice. The two of them had a long lasting love/hate relationship.
I couldn't put it down. I stayed up all night reading it. Just like with every other A. Zavarelli book I've ever read, it was easy to get sucked in from the start. Compared to her other books, this was much tamer. It wasn't a standard type of contemporary romance because Daire was a major asshole. If some chapters hadn't been from his POV I would have hated the guy.
I had mixed feelings this book. Some parts were incredibly aggravating. Daire was a dick. It was a constant state of being for him. It was his way of avoiding discussing his feelings. Lola was the type to make assumptions and never bothered to look any deeper. A lot of their problems would have been solved if they had bothered to be honest and communicate with each other. The angst was killing me after a while. Chances are this is one of those books other people will like a lot more than me, so go read it.
Thanks so much to A. Zavarelli for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
I couldn't put it down. I stayed up all night reading it. Just like with every other A. Zavarelli book I've ever read, it was easy to get sucked in from the start. Compared to her other books, this was much tamer. It wasn't a standard type of contemporary romance because Daire was a major asshole. If some chapters hadn't been from his POV I would have hated the guy.
I had mixed feelings this book. Some parts were incredibly aggravating. Daire was a dick. It was a constant state of being for him. It was his way of avoiding discussing his feelings. Lola was the type to make assumptions and never bothered to look any deeper. A lot of their problems would have been solved if they had bothered to be honest and communicate with each other. The angst was killing me after a while. Chances are this is one of those books other people will like a lot more than me, so go read it.
Thanks so much to A. Zavarelli for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
May 1, 2018
An angst read that's worth it.
To be honest I was so confused at first about Daire and Lola's relationship and wanting to rate this lower was beyond with how I felt for this story. But as you read on you finally realise the hurt, the hate, the angst, the confusion and especially the blame game and worst of all trust and communication drove this story into something that I felt for these two heartbroken pair. Now, there were times that I became annoyed at Lola and I thought Daire was a bit of an a$$ but when everything came to light the betrayal and the hurt I knew that I was cheering for their pride to be set aside and just open up. Superb angst writing by the author.
To be honest I was so confused at first about Daire and Lola's relationship and wanting to rate this lower was beyond with how I felt for this story. But as you read on you finally realise the hurt, the hate, the angst, the confusion and especially the blame game and worst of all trust and communication drove this story into something that I felt for these two heartbroken pair. Now, there were times that I became annoyed at Lola and I thought Daire was a bit of an a$$ but when everything came to light the betrayal and the hurt I knew that I was cheering for their pride to be set aside and just open up. Superb angst writing by the author.
February 10, 2022
Recensione in Anteprima sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
Lola aveva un fidanzato da cinque anni. Un ragazzo che vestiva sempre in maniera impeccabile, ed era consulente finanziario. Svolgeva un ottimo lavoro e Lola sentiva che era proprio quello di cui aveva bisogno, ma non c’erano farfalle né fuochi d’artificio quando stava insieme a lui. Anzi, a dirla tutta non c’erano mai stati.
Così ci aveva pensato bene e preso la decisione di lasciarlo, per dedicarsi maggiormente al suo negozio di libri.
Ogni anno, nello stesso giorno, riceveva la telefonata da parte Adrian Daire, che conosceva fin dai tempi della scuola, e che negli anni era diventato un uomo d’affari di successo. Uno stereotipo vivente, una vera delizia per gli occhi. Alto quasi un metro e novanta, era un dio tra gli uomini, con gli occhi color nocciola tempestoso e i capelli neri come la notte.
Ma era anche un uomo opprimente e pesante:
«Una mente insopportabile che lo fa eccellere in tutto quello che fa. È antipatico, impertinente, sulla difensiva, buono ma non gentile. In poche parole, è uno stronzo di prima categoria».
Ma sotto quella patina di sarcasmo, nello stimato dirigente pubblicitario di Chicago Lola era convinta ci fosse molto di più. Lo conosceva da prima che iniziasse ad indossare completi su misura e ancor prima che arrivasse al titolo di CEO. E soprattutto era custode dei suoi segreti più oscuri.
Ne era attratta e le piaceva, non poteva fingere che non fosse così, ma era consapevole che tra loro non avrebbe mai potuto esserci niente.
Fino a che….un accordo particolarmente intrigante e seducente, che avrebbe soddisfatto entrambi, li vide complici e uniti.
🖋️Devo ammettere che è stata una lettura diversa da quel che mi aspettavo, diversa anche dallo stile a cui l’autrice ci ha abituate, e questo mi ha sorpresa.
I protagonisti non potrebbero essere più diversi: Daire è un tipo duro, sfuggente e sarcastico, che mostra senza alcun problema la propria oscurità come fosse un vanto, in realtà il suo scopo è quello di nascondere a tutti la sua più grande fragilità, quella che lo fa soffrire da anni e che gli provoca dei pesanti sensi di colpa.
Con Lola ha instaurato un rapporto conflittuale, frutto di incomprensioni, verità nascoste e sentenze di colpevolezza mai confermate. Tra loro c’è un’evidente carenza di comunicazione, almeno per quel che concerne situazioni importanti che hanno condiviso in passato, e che a mio parere l’autrice avrebbe potuto maggiormente approfondire per meglio comprendere le dinamiche ostili e contrastanti che intercorrono tra loro.
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia ARC in Anteprima
Lola aveva un fidanzato da cinque anni. Un ragazzo che vestiva sempre in maniera impeccabile, ed era consulente finanziario. Svolgeva un ottimo lavoro e Lola sentiva che era proprio quello di cui aveva bisogno, ma non c’erano farfalle né fuochi d’artificio quando stava insieme a lui. Anzi, a dirla tutta non c’erano mai stati.
Così ci aveva pensato bene e preso la decisione di lasciarlo, per dedicarsi maggiormente al suo negozio di libri.
Ogni anno, nello stesso giorno, riceveva la telefonata da parte Adrian Daire, che conosceva fin dai tempi della scuola, e che negli anni era diventato un uomo d’affari di successo. Uno stereotipo vivente, una vera delizia per gli occhi. Alto quasi un metro e novanta, era un dio tra gli uomini, con gli occhi color nocciola tempestoso e i capelli neri come la notte.
Ma era anche un uomo opprimente e pesante:
«Una mente insopportabile che lo fa eccellere in tutto quello che fa. È antipatico, impertinente, sulla difensiva, buono ma non gentile. In poche parole, è uno stronzo di prima categoria».
Ma sotto quella patina di sarcasmo, nello stimato dirigente pubblicitario di Chicago Lola era convinta ci fosse molto di più. Lo conosceva da prima che iniziasse ad indossare completi su misura e ancor prima che arrivasse al titolo di CEO. E soprattutto era custode dei suoi segreti più oscuri.
Ne era attratta e le piaceva, non poteva fingere che non fosse così, ma era consapevole che tra loro non avrebbe mai potuto esserci niente.
Fino a che….un accordo particolarmente intrigante e seducente, che avrebbe soddisfatto entrambi, li vide complici e uniti.
🖋️Devo ammettere che è stata una lettura diversa da quel che mi aspettavo, diversa anche dallo stile a cui l’autrice ci ha abituate, e questo mi ha sorpresa.
I protagonisti non potrebbero essere più diversi: Daire è un tipo duro, sfuggente e sarcastico, che mostra senza alcun problema la propria oscurità come fosse un vanto, in realtà il suo scopo è quello di nascondere a tutti la sua più grande fragilità, quella che lo fa soffrire da anni e che gli provoca dei pesanti sensi di colpa.
Con Lola ha instaurato un rapporto conflittuale, frutto di incomprensioni, verità nascoste e sentenze di colpevolezza mai confermate. Tra loro c’è un’evidente carenza di comunicazione, almeno per quel che concerne situazioni importanti che hanno condiviso in passato, e che a mio parere l’autrice avrebbe potuto maggiormente approfondire per meglio comprendere le dinamiche ostili e contrastanti che intercorrono tra loro.
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia ARC in Anteprima
February 10, 2022
Amo i libri di Ashleigh Zavarelli, amo il suo stile di scrittura da sempre. E adoro il fatto che riesca sempre a coinvolgermi e farmi appassionare ai suoi bellissimi personaggi.
InTap Left la Zavarelli ci propone una storia molto particolare, con una trama un pò diversa dai suoi precedenti romanzi e con due protagonisti interessanti.
Lola Bell è una piccola proprietaria di una libreria che non naviga in buone acque, molto goffa, dolce, altruista, incasinata, e non molto fortunata in amore ed è alla ricerca dell'uomo della sua vita.
Adrian Dare, un CEO di grande successo. Presuntuoso, cinico, ferito nel corpo e nell'anima. Accetta di aiutare Lola nei suoi modi, e su come attirare l'attenzione di un uomo.
Nel corso della loro relazione imperfetta e disfunzionale, tra segreti del passato, bugie che vengono a galla e sesso infuocato, tutto precipita e si tramuta in sofferenza, rivelazioni dolorose, angoscia e caos emotivo.
Nel complesso Tap Left è stata una bella lettura, e mi è piaciuta molto l'altalena di emozioni che l'autrice mi ha suscitato, la narrazione fluida e scorrevole.
Il doppio pov aiuta a delineare bene la psicologia dei personaggi e a svelare man mano i misteri e i segreti che non ci sono chiari all'inizio.
Lo consiglio a chi ama le storie d'amore complesse e sofferte.
L'unica pecca per la quale non dò il voto pieno, è qualche refuso qua e là, e il termine "fallo" che non trovo consono al genere. E che purtroppo le tradutrici della CE usano ripetutamente in tutti i libri.
InTap Left la Zavarelli ci propone una storia molto particolare, con una trama un pò diversa dai suoi precedenti romanzi e con due protagonisti interessanti.
Lola Bell è una piccola proprietaria di una libreria che non naviga in buone acque, molto goffa, dolce, altruista, incasinata, e non molto fortunata in amore ed è alla ricerca dell'uomo della sua vita.
Adrian Dare, un CEO di grande successo. Presuntuoso, cinico, ferito nel corpo e nell'anima. Accetta di aiutare Lola nei suoi modi, e su come attirare l'attenzione di un uomo.
Nel corso della loro relazione imperfetta e disfunzionale, tra segreti del passato, bugie che vengono a galla e sesso infuocato, tutto precipita e si tramuta in sofferenza, rivelazioni dolorose, angoscia e caos emotivo.
Nel complesso Tap Left è stata una bella lettura, e mi è piaciuta molto l'altalena di emozioni che l'autrice mi ha suscitato, la narrazione fluida e scorrevole.
Il doppio pov aiuta a delineare bene la psicologia dei personaggi e a svelare man mano i misteri e i segreti che non ci sono chiari all'inizio.
Lo consiglio a chi ama le storie d'amore complesse e sofferte.
L'unica pecca per la quale non dò il voto pieno, è qualche refuso qua e là, e il termine "fallo" che non trovo consono al genere. E che purtroppo le tradutrici della CE usano ripetutamente in tutti i libri.
January 19, 2018
Enjoyment: ♥♥♥♥
Narration by Tracy Marks & Aaron Shedlock: ♥♥♥½
Plot: ♥♥♥½
Writing: ♥♥♥½
This book wasn’t what it appeared but I enjoyed it. At first glance, I thought it was story featuring a rich douchebag named Adrian Daire and a sweet poor young woman named Lola Bell. They shared a past that included a loss of someone that connected them. It became increasingly obvious that Daire’s feigned indifference was nothing but a ruse to cover up his attraction and affection for Lola.
The author wove a story where the reader had to dig past the surface to truly see these broken characters and their pain. As their past unravels, Daire and Lola are forced to deal with what has been between them, the secrets, the pain and the lies. The journey isn’t a smooth or straight one. However, in it’s darkness of this story, there was always an undercurrent of hope. I didn’t know how or in what way, but I knew that love would conquer all here.
I really liked Daire because he wasn’t the jerk I thought he was and he sacrificed much. I also liked Lola because she was compassionate and not the airhead that I she appeared.
I would have loved it if the author gave us a little more depth regarding the person that connected Lola and Daire. What inspired such loyalty and sense of protection from all? I didn’t understand why everyone risked all and continued to preserve the memory.
The story was different and the characters were seriously flawed but I found them likeable. I found myself engaged to their plight. The love scenes were steamy and their chemistry was undeniable. Still the thread that bound them together didn’t make sense to me. I do love the fact that the characters grew and evolved as the plot developed. The ending was the best part of the story. It was the culmination of the journey.
Final Rating: ✯✯✯½
Narration by Tracy Marks & Aaron Shedlock: ♥♥♥½
Plot: ♥♥♥½
Writing: ♥♥♥½
This book wasn’t what it appeared but I enjoyed it. At first glance, I thought it was story featuring a rich douchebag named Adrian Daire and a sweet poor young woman named Lola Bell. They shared a past that included a loss of someone that connected them. It became increasingly obvious that Daire’s feigned indifference was nothing but a ruse to cover up his attraction and affection for Lola.
The author wove a story where the reader had to dig past the surface to truly see these broken characters and their pain. As their past unravels, Daire and Lola are forced to deal with what has been between them, the secrets, the pain and the lies. The journey isn’t a smooth or straight one. However, in it’s darkness of this story, there was always an undercurrent of hope. I didn’t know how or in what way, but I knew that love would conquer all here.
I really liked Daire because he wasn’t the jerk I thought he was and he sacrificed much. I also liked Lola because she was compassionate and not the airhead that I she appeared.
I would have loved it if the author gave us a little more depth regarding the person that connected Lola and Daire. What inspired such loyalty and sense of protection from all? I didn’t understand why everyone risked all and continued to preserve the memory.
The story was different and the characters were seriously flawed but I found them likeable. I found myself engaged to their plight. The love scenes were steamy and their chemistry was undeniable. Still the thread that bound them together didn’t make sense to me. I do love the fact that the characters grew and evolved as the plot developed. The ending was the best part of the story. It was the culmination of the journey.
Final Rating: ✯✯✯½
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
January 5, 2018
First book of 2018! Little over 4 stars.
Gotta Have Romance with a Kick January Non-PNR Group Read.
Also I really enjoyed this book! The way this author writes captivated me. It's snarky, but also uses analogies to convey certain points. It flows poetically there in the beginning. I loved it. The story between Lola and Adrian is intense and filled with a past full of angst. The breadcrumb trail happens with regards to this.
Both Adrian and Lola are in love with each other but don't feel they are worthy of that love. Each for different reasons.
This book is also sizzling hot if you enjoy the dirty talk and how crazy some of the scenes are. But they do sizzle.
I had some issues, as I always do with this sort of thing, when people are fighting and then have sex. I'm too pissed off to think of anything but what pissed me off. It's just odd and jars me from the book.
Otherwise I loved it. Even when they were shitty to each other I loved it. Great story. Devoured it.
Only reason I didn't rate it 5 was because it didn't completely blow me away. It was almost there but not quite!
Gotta Have Romance with a Kick January Non-PNR Group Read.
Also I really enjoyed this book! The way this author writes captivated me. It's snarky, but also uses analogies to convey certain points. It flows poetically there in the beginning. I loved it. The story between Lola and Adrian is intense and filled with a past full of angst. The breadcrumb trail happens with regards to this.
Both Adrian and Lola are in love with each other but don't feel they are worthy of that love. Each for different reasons.
This book is also sizzling hot if you enjoy the dirty talk and how crazy some of the scenes are. But they do sizzle.
I had some issues, as I always do with this sort of thing, when people are fighting and then have sex. I'm too pissed off to think of anything but what pissed me off. It's just odd and jars me from the book.
Otherwise I loved it. Even when they were shitty to each other I loved it. Great story. Devoured it.
Only reason I didn't rate it 5 was because it didn't completely blow me away. It was almost there but not quite!
November 1, 2017
Tap Left
By: A. Zavarelli
4 Stars
Lola has one desire in life…
Have a relationship that turns into marriage, bringing on kids and happiness.
The dark cloud has been following Lola for quite some time. Recently breaking up with her ‘boyfriend’ of 5 years, Lola realizes that in order to stop attracting the ‘loser’ boyfriends she has, she needs to make some changes.
Adrian Daire…Successful, Attractive and tells you how it is with no filters. Sounds like the perfect person to help Lola make the changes to become more marketable.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a smooth read that flowed great. The hidden story is there. Until you hear the story from the person involved, never come to conclusions.
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By: A. Zavarelli
4 Stars
Lola has one desire in life…
Have a relationship that turns into marriage, bringing on kids and happiness.
The dark cloud has been following Lola for quite some time. Recently breaking up with her ‘boyfriend’ of 5 years, Lola realizes that in order to stop attracting the ‘loser’ boyfriends she has, she needs to make some changes.
Adrian Daire…Successful, Attractive and tells you how it is with no filters. Sounds like the perfect person to help Lola make the changes to become more marketable.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a smooth read that flowed great. The hidden story is there. Until you hear the story from the person involved, never come to conclusions.
Follow us on:
FB – https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
October 30, 2017
Lola to the left....Daire to the doggone right! I can’t think of another couple who deserved a good ole southern talking to! Whether the story has an HEA or not, it’s a thin line between love and hate, Lola and Daire! Where are you two on the spectrum?
Why would Lola ask Daire for ANYTHING? Obviously they have history. Not all good. What in her psyche made her ask of all people in the world, Daire, to help her change? That one question drove me completely crazy! But then BOOM! This chick knew what she was doing. Rather it be unconsciously or consciously, Lola made a bold chess move! What will be Daire’s next move?
For a minute there I coulda sworn their antics and meaningless physical release was gonna force me on meds! How stubborn can two people be at one time?!!
I knew going in this book would be different. I had to clear my mind and all expectations of previous reads by Zavarelli and embrace the new. Tap Left is a very well written story. Lola and Daire create the kind of drama you can’t walk away from and be ok!
4 stars!
Why would Lola ask Daire for ANYTHING? Obviously they have history. Not all good. What in her psyche made her ask of all people in the world, Daire, to help her change? That one question drove me completely crazy! But then BOOM! This chick knew what she was doing. Rather it be unconsciously or consciously, Lola made a bold chess move! What will be Daire’s next move?
For a minute there I coulda sworn their antics and meaningless physical release was gonna force me on meds! How stubborn can two people be at one time?!!
I knew going in this book would be different. I had to clear my mind and all expectations of previous reads by Zavarelli and embrace the new. Tap Left is a very well written story. Lola and Daire create the kind of drama you can’t walk away from and be ok!
4 stars!
November 15, 2017
This story enough to make my emotion up side down and i can’t stop reading cause i need to know more.
And it also want to makes me jump in the story and slap the guy my self
And it also want to makes me jump in the story and slap the guy my self
August 6, 2019
Super hard to rate. Daire is an asshole. He's degrading and insulting to Lola. Somehow I'm still rating it high because the author blew me away with her writing and emotion for both characters. She brought me around - not 100%, but I understood and wanted to feel compassion for him. I've also never highlighted so many quotes in a book. Overall this pulled me in and made me feel (good/bad). Love it or hate it, I won't forget it.
November 2, 2017
Tap Left is a heartbreakingly emotional and beautiful read that will stay with you long after you read it. Lola and Daire start off as enemies that soon turn to lovers and that makes this one of my favorite type of reads, an enemies to lovers story. Daire and Lola’s relationship is so toxic and at first I didn’t think they could even work as a couple. I thought they were a trainwreck waiting to happen but they had this spark, this intense chemistry and soon they had won me over and I couldn’t stop reading, waiting for that moment that spark would turn into an inferno . They have this connection, the connection goes back to their younger days while Lola was dating Daire's step brother Ryan. That is a painful time for both of them since Ryan is no longer alive. In the beginning of the story, Daire is horribly cruel to Lola and she just doesn’t know why they are even meeting and she hates when they do meet for they end up sniping at one another, especially since she isn’t married yet with children and that is her dream. Lola wants so badly to have a family and to be loved and wanted. While Daire is super rich and has made it big and seems to have it all together while she doesn’t have anything. The gist of the story is Lola asked Daire to help her change yet why would SHE ask HIM for help at all? That is the conundrum of this story..but as you read and see their chemistry , you realize that these two have it bad for one another. Lola Bell and Adrian Daire are this couple who press each other’s buttons quite hard –I see how this is gonna go –He’s order while she’s chaos. It is such a rollercoaster emotional ride. I loved watching them finally let go and embrace how they feel for one another –not saying they accepted it and there were several revelations, twists and turns that set the story on its ear but it was beautiful when Lola and Daire admitted their feelings = I had to have tissues for this story for the heartbreaking moments and I ate candy for the funny/sexual tension moments. A Zavarelli has written a fabulous enemies to lovers story , one with heart and sassy banter.
My Rating: 4.8 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book at no cost for an honest review***
My Rating: 4.8 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book at no cost for an honest review***
January 1, 2018
I’m a huge fan of A Zavarelli, her writing has not let me down yet, and Tap Left did not disappoint. Adrian Daire is the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend (to read about, maybe not to date), I could read about guys like him every day. Successful, moody, demanding, protective, secretive, sexy alpha. Never willing to show any vulnerability, keeping his true feelings hidden in order to protect his true love. Speaking of his true love, all Lola Bell wants is to be loved and to find her happy ever after, she always seems to go for the bad boys. In order to attract the right kind of man she decides to ask Daire for assistance in sprucing up her image. Daire and Lola have a lot of history, not all good, but desperate times call for desperate measures. They have a very volatile relationship and it would appear that their obsession for each other is going to be counter productive to Lola finding a ‘nice’ guy. Daire is of the belief that no one is good enough for Lola, not even him. A story filled with secrets, lies and a few surprises.
November 14, 2017
What a complex emotional plot....my head is still spinning.
This story has it all: codependency, addicts,head games, emotional blackmail, guilt, wrong choices, consequences, deception, heart wrenching feelings, growth from ass to pretty good guy, misunderstandings, miscommunications, sex, angry sex, heartbreak, love, acceptance, honesty, and truth.
I know lots of words, but to talk about this is to spill all the drama. Drama with a capital D. Sometimes it was too much and I had to just take a break from it.
If you can deal with all the words above you will like it.
I received a copy from the author for a honest review. Thank you for the copy. Ms. Zavarelli has really shown her diversity in writing.
This story has it all: codependency, addicts,head games, emotional blackmail, guilt, wrong choices, consequences, deception, heart wrenching feelings, growth from ass to pretty good guy, misunderstandings, miscommunications, sex, angry sex, heartbreak, love, acceptance, honesty, and truth.
I know lots of words, but to talk about this is to spill all the drama. Drama with a capital D. Sometimes it was too much and I had to just take a break from it.
If you can deal with all the words above you will like it.
I received a copy from the author for a honest review. Thank you for the copy. Ms. Zavarelli has really shown her diversity in writing.
December 20, 2017
3.5 stars. This was a story that had me curious from the start, both Lola and Adrian had a bit up a rough upbringing and now in the present doing rather well for themselves career wise with Lola being a bookstore owner and Dare a CEO, relationship wise not so much. When Lola is set on changing herself to not be a pushover and find a man to walk down the aisle with she reaches out to Dare. From time to time I felt a little drag in the storyline but I continued on because I still have some interest in the events taking place. In the end I’m happy I completed their story because there was a huge uplift once I got over the hump. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
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