Apart

by C.J. Pastore

"C. J. Pastore’s fast, dramatic thriller Apart follows a young couple who are menaced by a vengeful Russian gangster. With exciting scenes and stimulating dialogue, the novel is a page turner from start to finish...Apart is a soapy thriller packed with action scenes and spattered in blood. With a shocking reveal in every scene, this novel turns the heat to high—and cooks with gas."
Foreword Clarion Reviews

Growing up is hard. No one knows that better than Alicia Cesare.
As a child, Alicia struggled to free herself from the cloying shadow of her mother’s depression and the overprotectiveness of a meddlesome family. Now, with a top-selling fashion design and a passion-filled relationship with New York City real estate mogul Chase Reardon, being an adult isn’t so bad … until she’s viciously attacked by a Russian drug lord out for the blood of anyone that matters to Chase.
Under constant surveillance from family and a team of ex-special-ops Marines, Alicia remains determined to maintain her freedom and grow her fashion brand. This does not sit well with Chase, who considers Alicia’s behavior as much of a threat to her safety as the drug lord himself.
Chase thought his service to the United States ended, but when he’s called to duty overseas, he readily responds. What’s meant to be a simple mission unravels into a dangerous separation for the new lovers.
No matter how independent Alicia thinks she is, nothing could have prepared her for this twist of fate.
Trapped in a web of lethal reprisals from Chase’s past, Alicia struggles to protect herself and those she cares about while grappling with loss, need and the transcendent force of unconditional love.

388 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2018

About the author

C. J. Pastore lives in Manhattan with her husband and two children. When not pounding the keyboard, she enjoys jogging, hiking, reading, and traveling. Immersing herself in other cultures, laughing, eating and drinking with the local populace are favorite pastimes. She holds true to Anne Frank's belief that “people are really good at heart,” and deems that whether walking in your own neighborhood or traversing the globe, the kindness and well-meaning wishes of others can be absorbed and reflected.

As a former writer of curriculum and teacher mentor, C.J Pastore has published articles in TESOL Journal and Social Studies and the Young Learner. Essays on the global rights of Children have been published in The Citizen. Captive of a Commoner, Book I in the Commoner series, is her first foray into the world of romance writing.

To learn more about C. J., visit her online at www.cjpastore.com.

Reviews

[Ana (thestarslisten) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

If you like stories about your boyfriend’s past coming to haunt you and everyone you love, mixed with a husband getting deployed, then this book is for you.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I can’t say I am crazy about this sequel. Compared to the first book, Captive of a Commoner is way better. However, considering the theme for this book where they’re fresh relationship is being put to the test by keeping Chase and Alicia apart it really gives off the vibe of sadness, worry, and learning how to stand strong despite all that’s happening around their lives. The first book was all adventure and excitement while this one kept me on edge by worrying when Dmitri will strike again.

I do love books which give me insights of lives of people with challenges beyond every day problems such as where to find a job or whether your significant other is cheating on you or not or other women hitting on your man. I can’t say much since this is a spoiler free review, but to get a feel of the vibe I’m talking about here I’ll just say this. Alicia and Chase are in a blooming relationship, a lot has happened since the end of book 1 and now Chase is being deployed and the length of is absence cannot be determined.

There’s all this worry, and stress, Alicia is trying to stay afloat by creating new designs and each design marks something in her life. Still written in the single point of view of Alicia, her world being put on a roller coaster ride since being reunited with Chase Reardon.

I can’t say I love this book, there’s just too much of Alicia’s thoughts and flashbacks of her sad past but I can’t say I hate it too. Stuck in the middle I give it a 3 out of 5 stars.

I know now that time is real and not because it can be measured in hours or days or even decades. Time breathes because of change. Change signals the passing of stretches of periods.

[BookWormAli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This would have been a 5 star book for me....except for a major issue I have with

CHEATING! I think most readers would honestly be extremely upset with cheating on a military husband who went missing 2 weeks prior. It was out of character and seemed thrown in. It honestly ruined the last 25% of the book for me, because I kept hoping I read it wrong or Thomas slipped her something. Cheating is not something I'm ok with reading and I read some messed up stuff...but this uh uh...Hell NAW!

The continuation for this story started off amazing and pulled me into the romance that is Chase and Alicia. It was messy and complicated and they both had issues. I liked that Alicia wanted to stand on her own feet but also listened to the people around her.

I liked Chase and his alpha personality. However I felt as if he became more controlling in this book, and after reading the trigger scene for me it seemed as if it was to counter Alicia's perceived weakness.

I know I'm basing a lot off one scene and I tried to get over it but I cant. I want my characters to be in a romance and be honest, This felt off and it took me from excited and on edge of my seat to apathetic over the whole book. That being said some people may have no issue with it but I did.

I gave it two stars because the writing was flowing and the plot was good.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apart is C.J. Pastore's debut novel. I enjoyed the descriptions of a day in the life of an aspiring fashion designer.
This book was difficult to get into. The similes and metaphors throughout the first few chapters was annoying and a bit much. I think similes are fun, but when one appears in every other sentence, it ruins the moment.
Once I got into the nitty gritty, I enjoyed it. I had a few ideas swirling In my head regarding the villain and some of the not-so- subtle hints.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a bit of drama but is willing to wade though the fluff.
- enjoy

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was given to me as an arc from netgalley. My review is 100% honest and my own opinions.

Book #2 of the captive of a commoner series.

This novel, even though it is the second book in the captive of a commoner series, it read well as a standalone. I did not read the first book in the series before reading it and was not confused about what was going on or it didn't have any plot holes to leave you questioning what was going on.(edit) upon further look (I ended up reading the first book as well) I would strongly advise to read the first book first since you get more character development and background.

This book had me twisting and turning and with me at the edge of my seat l, I didn't know what was going to happen next. It had adventure, grief, longing, suspense, drama, romance and danger. One thing I dislike about the book was the author wrote the MFC to be dim minded and not think what she does which leads her into more danger. Besides that I really did enjoy this story I really did wish that I had read the first book before this one but I realized too late what I had done (totally my fault).

I really liked how Pastore was able to show the grief that Alicia has to go through between PTSD from her past and when chase is called back to duty. I hope that chase can see where his loyalty lies or should I say where it should lie or will he feel guilty and be pulled back to his loyalty to the Marines.

There was some romance but way more drama and definitely thrilling and suspenseful

[Nebulous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apart is the second book of the Captive of a Commoner series, and I would strongly recommend reading the first book to get acquainted with Alicia & Chase. This book was a rollercoaster ride for me, for I experienced multiple emotions while reading. With the looming threat of a Russian Gangster, the bond between Alicia and Chase is put to the test when he's been called back to Afghanistan for duty. The growing melancholy and sadness that envelops both characters are gut-wrenching. I appreciate the author's take on presenting realistic conflicts and the push and pull effect between protagonists. Alicia and Chase are battling their demons and insecurities, which strains their relationship. The dialogues and narration are well balanced, which adds to the depth of both characters. The conflict and subsequent resolution add a dramatic and domestic thriller allure with gripping action scenes. I couldn't put this book down. A 4 star read.

Thank you to NetGalley and New Rose Press for an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a sequel. I didn't actually know this going in and was thrust into the middle of Chase and Alicia's relationship and their trials as Chase gets redeployed overseas and the trials of having a madmen stalk your family.

The story was good, the writing was great I just couldn't get on board with the main characters self doubts, reckless and stupid behaviour. I just got so frustrated reading her perspective that I nearly gave up on this book.

I might have been rooting for the characters more if I had read the first book and learned to like Chase's overbearing and dominating behaviour.

This book was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. It took me a while to get into the book as I did not realize that it was the second book of a trilogy. Not having read the first book "Captive of a Commoner" I feel left me at a disadvantage. However, I did enjoy what I could glean of it. There was suspense and super attraction between the main characters Alicia and Chase. Well written and the characters were developed and complex. A good read.

[Cassandra's Rebellion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a continuation of a previous book that I should have read before moving on to this one. I lost interest several times due to the drawn-out nature of the book. This book should have been combined with the previous one instead of dragging it out into two books. The character building was limited due to this issue as were the feelings involved. Complementary copy provided by NetGalley for my honest review and opinion.

[Donnajo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book from NetGalley

Apart by C. J. Pastore. It might have taken me awhile to get into the book but once I did I enjoyed the characters and dialogue. The storyline is erotic with a mix of suspense. I look forward to reading more by the author.

[Geraldine · Rating 2 out of 5]

A continuation from the last book "Captive of a Commoner" that I'm not all that sure was needed. It felt like a very long extended epilogue that plodded along and appeared at the end to be signed off as completing the series but left some of the same unanswered questions and situations unresolved from the first book. Will there be another book?

[MGG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apart continues seamlessly from C.J. Pastore’s first book in the series, Captive of a Commoner. I enjoyed this sequel. This story kept my interest especially as it relates to current problems that people in love have to deal with. Gripping adventure as the main characters fight to stay alive and to preserve their love for each other. I’d read this author’s work again.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

Enjoyed the second book but I hope there is more to follow, there is still so many un answered question dimitri he needs to pay, what as fiona got to do with it all. I hope there is more to follow.

[Marissa DeCuir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apart is a coming of age story about a young girl finding her independence, with a wonderful dash of romance and suspense!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! I am so glad I was able to get my hands on this book, it is definitely a must read.

[Kelly Akemann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good characters and good plot. I enjoy the writing style of the author. I have read others by the author and enjoyed them.

[Jessica Clements · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was an okay read. Good storyline, and decent characters. It isn't in my preferred narrative but it was good, nonetheless. I would recommend this book

[Ellen Whitfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is ADDICTIVE! I can't get enough of Alicia and Chase -- their relationship is so well developed, and their chemistry is crazy hot. This is exactly what a romance novel should be like!

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apart is a book that you won't likely forget. I know that I won't. It's one of those books you want to read again. I'll be honest that I had trouble getting into the book, so I read from the middle to end, and then I began at beginning of book and read to the middle. This helped me to follow the book and fall in love with the characters, although I also developed a distaste for the "bad guys". This book is a steamy romance, but it also contains suspense as well as featuring characters who are active military who experience deployments.
The deployments challenge the young newlyweds and create tension for a number of characters in the book. Chase has to plan for his wife, Alicia's, safety from the dangerous people from his past, and he won't be there for most of the time.
I rate this book 4 stars, as I did notice a few editing errors which did detract from my enjoyment of the book. I highly recommend this book to adults. Disclosure: There are sex scenes as well as some offensive language. This book is written for mature readers.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley and New Rose Press in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Shelby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an e arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I thought Apart was fine. I had a few issues here and there but overall it was just an ok read from me.

[Dana Kenzi · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book starts off with a flashback from Chase’s point of view from his time in the military, and the scene describes an attack by terrorists. The chapter focuses on all the wrong details. It doesn’t explain how Chase knew one was a suicide bomber, and then a character yells “IED” and Chase jumps away, but it was never stated where the bomb was or how Chase knew which direction to leap for.

Then the first chapter starts with Alicia, who’s only referred to as Ms. Cesare at first, and there’s no name card for her at the beginning of the chapter. Her boyfriend, Chase, starts ranting at a detective for triggering Alicia who had been sexually assaulted. It’s clunky exposition in long paragraphs that made my eyes skim through it. I had to go back and reread to understand what was going on, but the paragraph length is not pleasing to the eye.

Chapter one ended with a name drop of a character I knew nothing about. I kept asking myself who the characters were as people kept mentioning them. I understand that this book is part two in a series, but more explanation without assumption would be helpful.

The more I read the book, the less interested I became in the story. The chemistry between Alicia and Chase wasn’t established well. All I knew is that he was overly protective of her. Nothing about how she felt about him other than jealousy when his ex was mentioned.

The book failed to capture my interest, and there were too many times where I was confused as to what was happening. Therefore I had to DNF the book, and I’m giving it 1 star.