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Come to the United States, they said.
Freedom and endless opportunities for all, they said.
So we did—made the ninety-mile trek overseas from Havana to Key West.
What they didn’t tell us was how hard these supposed opportunities would be to obtain when you’re an illegal alien. A fact that forced both my brother and I onto a dark path in an effort to help our family.
The difference between Tommy and I?
He didn’t get caught.
Had I stayed away from Arcángel—the illusive, faceless mastermind behind the Upper Echelon—I might not have gotten caught either.
Now, I’m paying the price, rotting away at the hands of the judicial system and facing possible deportation after serving my time.
Can’t get worse, right?
Wrong.
Enter Andrés Bala—the new C.O. at the Annex who fits the tall, dark, and handsome stereotype to a T. It’s clear the man wants me, and I don’t understand why.
Why I want him.
I’m a criminal...he strives for justice.
So wrong yet so right, we end up crossing the line, and after a sneaky, whirlwind affair, he vows to wait for me.
The question now can Andrés handle la Jefa outside the confines of her cage?
Freedom and endless opportunities for all, they said.
So we did—made the ninety-mile trek overseas from Havana to Key West.
What they didn’t tell us was how hard these supposed opportunities would be to obtain when you’re an illegal alien. A fact that forced both my brother and I onto a dark path in an effort to help our family.
The difference between Tommy and I?
He didn’t get caught.
Had I stayed away from Arcángel—the illusive, faceless mastermind behind the Upper Echelon—I might not have gotten caught either.
Now, I’m paying the price, rotting away at the hands of the judicial system and facing possible deportation after serving my time.
Can’t get worse, right?
Wrong.
Enter Andrés Bala—the new C.O. at the Annex who fits the tall, dark, and handsome stereotype to a T. It’s clear the man wants me, and I don’t understand why.
Why I want him.
I’m a criminal...he strives for justice.
So wrong yet so right, we end up crossing the line, and after a sneaky, whirlwind affair, he vows to wait for me.
The question now can Andrés handle la Jefa outside the confines of her cage?
331 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2020
39 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Dee Garcia
45 books867 followersDee Garcia is a voracious fan of romance novels and a long time lover of the written word. Her mission is to craft unique, compelling stories that will give her readers a place to briefly escape the trials and tribulations of everyday reality. With headstrong heroine's who don't need a man to stand on their own two feet, Dee hopes to leave her mark in the Indie world, one plot twist at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
June 1, 2020
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
BIRDY: is the first full length forbidden romance book in the duet ' UPPER ECHELON', by new to me author Dee Garcia. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'
Not gonna lie, I'd tried getting into this but only a few chapters in I struggled to get into it, so I put it aside, picked it up again one day later and I’m so freaking glad I gave this another chance! That second chance is exactly what this book needed because I ended up inhaling this book and like others before me I fell under this authors spell.
If you’re after something unique, with a strong heroine, two love interests, then look no further than Birdy.
Birdy has only had two love interests in her life, the first one nearly broke her, the second one is in the process of fixing her. But to understand this we need to go back.
Meet Benita Adriana Villanueva, She prefers to go by Benni, her street name is Birdy or la Jefa, she's a twenty eight year old illegal Cuban immigrant. She works for Angel and they also have a long distance no strings attached sexual arrangement. Other than business she knows absolutely nothing else about him. He was the man that recruited her. He owns the Upper echelon, which is an international highly covert organisation.
Out of the blue he wants to switch things up and make her his permanently. But just when she's going to give him her answer she's arrested for trafficking a large quantity of drugs. Now she's going down for seven years because of him. She'll be thirty five when she's released.
It's here whilst under lock and key where she meets CO Balla. He wants her as soon as his eyes clap on her, he knows it's wrong, it's not long until things essculate with stolen glances, notes exchanged, whispered calls, it's all going to thrown us into a forbidden love that's going to spiral out of control if they get caught. He could lose everything and she could get more time.
The reason why this didn't get 5 stars from me (and please don't shoot me) is that some interactions between Hero:1 and Birdy is in Spanish a majority have translations but not all do which kind of took it away from me because I do not understand Spanish at all. But I do believe the book needed their native tongue incorporated within the storyline, I just wish all were broken down into english. That was my only negative with this book. Other than that this for me would've been a five star read for sure..
* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *
May 31, 2020
“ I won’t lie to you.
I fucked up.
For real, this time.”
Where the hell is book 2?!!! How are we supposed to survive this right now? The possibilities are endless and I feel like part 2 is going to give us one heck of showdown and some unexpected surprises. Birdy was the type of read that I didn’t see coming and for that alone, I enjoyed the heck out of it.
The entire time that I was reading this book, I felt like I was a watching a tv show play out!!. It was sexy, gritty, forbidden, and you had to know what was going to happen next. Birdy was a bad a** female heroine and this girl knew how to hold her own. I wanted this chick in my corner if things if things were to ever go south because she knew how to handle herself. I also really liked that she knew she made some poor choices and she owned up it even if it was a little too late because of her predicament.
I wont even lie and say that I was at ease the entire time while reading this story because I was not. The majority of the setting of the story took place in a prison and I was waiting for some craziness to go down!! Add in the fact that we also had a forbidden romance brewing in the background which made the risks even more extremely high, I was ready to bite off all of my fingernails!! These characters took a lot but they gave even more and in return they made fall in love with them.
If you’re in the mood for a somewhat dark forbidden romance with a bad a** heroine who’s story you will find rooting for, then this one is for you.
Please Note: this is part of a series and part one ends on a cliffhanger.
May 31, 2020
There's a reason Dee Garcia is queen and Birdy proves that. She slayed with this book! Gahhh! I'm such a sucker for cartel/crime romances and this one did not disappoint. In fact, she had me hooked right from the get-go with the off-the-charts heat that burned me each time I flipped a page! The intense connection between these characters can be felt all the way down to your curling toes! I know you're not supposed to root for the baddies, but I so did. I'm not even sorry for it either. I cannot wait to see where Dee takes us next in this Upper Echelon world! Five GIMME MORE PAPI LOVES MAMI Stars!
June 5, 2020
***5 "No hay nadie como tu....There's no one like you!" stars***
#AVAILABLE NOW
Being bad did always taste so much sweeter.
To be totally honest with you, i wasn't expecting to love this book so much!!!
Yes, this wasn't my first rodeo with Dee Garcia, but even from the blurb, i really didn't know what to wait with this book!!! The only sure thing is that i was inrigued.
Honestly, i haven't read anything similar before and i catch myself to enjoying it way too much!!!
Birdy or La Jefa pulled me under her spell and i need the next book as i need my next breath!!!
I'm sure that the things from now on will be extremely interesting!!!
"I won't lie to you.
I fucked up.
For real, this time."
Benni, aka La Jefa or Birdy, had taken the wrong path!!! A path that she always knew that was wrong, but still the power and the money that she had earned was making her feel untouchable!!!
Add to that that her man was Arcángel, the leader of this madness (the illusive, faceless mastermind behind the Upper Echelon!) and then you know that she was in very deep shit!!!
"He's driving me crazy; that's what he's doing. I mean, here I am, walking myself into the inferno despite knowing how it'll end up.
Why?
Because Arcangel was handcrafted by the devil himself. He's the embodiment of sin and temptation wrapped up in a suave, tattooed package that I can't resist."
Unfortunately, Birdy get caught unexpectandly one day and she was put behind bars for seven whole years...
If she haven't got involved with Angel, she might never got caught...
She was betrayed and now, she is paying the price.
Her life is destroyed and her heart is broken. Could things get worse???
"I'm a hard-ass bitch.
My heart, though?
Not so much."
At the present, Benni is already four years in prison, but she still haven't learned her lesson, even though she is trying to be discreet!!!
In jail, she has troubles too, but different kind of the ones from before.
She has lost hope that she could get away from this hellhole sooner than doing her whole sentence...
Enter to that Andrés Bala, the new CO (correctional officer) of the prison and things are going to complicated even more...
"The world around me had lost its lustrous color, all its vibrant hues drained in entirety until only shades of gray, black, and white existed.
But in came Andrés, splattering different colors on the dark monochrome canvas that is my life with a single look."
Birdy, she is still trying to forget Angel after the bad that he brought upon her life, but now, she is starting to feel great attraction toward Andrés.
And it seems that this attraction is mutual for both sides!
So, what is going to happen with these two???
Can they cross the line and what consequences do they have to pay??
"There's never going to be the right time for us while she's in there -when we're not supposed to be an us, to begin with."
Well... I freakin' loved Birdy. This girl was a badass. She wasn't backing out on anything. She had balls and she was just taking whatever the damn she wanted.
I liked how she was, even though she was getting in big troubles all the time...
Honestly, i liked that I've read a book about a woman being in prison. It was a very intriguing and captivating concept!!!!
I loved how hers and Andrés connection was playing out!!!!
"Just like Angel was toxic for me, I'm toxic for Andrés. He shouldn't want anything with me. At the end of the day, he is a good guy, and what am I?
A criminal -someone who's made awful choices and only cared about the consequences when it was too late."
As for the romance part??? I'm on a big dilemma in here!!!
I loved Andrés so much... He was sweet, he was kind and at the same time, he was hot and an alpha male... He was in deep shit with Birdy, but he fell for her from the very first moment and his feelings were making him reckless!!!! I believe that he was good for Benni...
But.... There was Angel!!!! And I believe that he has true feelings for his mami and he won't let her go!!! Even after all these years that they were apart!!!
Even though that he was the opposite of Andrés, i loved him too!!!! He was intense and broody and i'm a sucker for this type of men on books!!!
So, can you feel my dilemma???
"I need her to be mine when she walks free, and I'll do whatever it takes.
Whatever it fucking takes." {Andrés}
"I think you had me before I had you." {Angel}
No, this book didn't end on a huge cliffy to drive you crazy, but still... after taking a taste of the prologue of the second book, I'm very intrigued, cause now, the things will get more interesting and I believe that the things will get complicated with these three!!!
Gawd!!! August 25th seems so far away right now!!!
"I'm gonna get my girl back.
When it's all said and done, Benita Adriana Villanueva will be mine.
Mark my words."
***I received an Arc for the exchange of an honest review***
#AVAILABLE NOW
Being bad did always taste so much sweeter.
To be totally honest with you, i wasn't expecting to love this book so much!!!
Yes, this wasn't my first rodeo with Dee Garcia, but even from the blurb, i really didn't know what to wait with this book!!! The only sure thing is that i was inrigued.
Honestly, i haven't read anything similar before and i catch myself to enjoying it way too much!!!
Birdy or La Jefa pulled me under her spell and i need the next book as i need my next breath!!!
I'm sure that the things from now on will be extremely interesting!!!
"I won't lie to you.
I fucked up.
For real, this time."
Benni, aka La Jefa or Birdy, had taken the wrong path!!! A path that she always knew that was wrong, but still the power and the money that she had earned was making her feel untouchable!!!
Add to that that her man was Arcángel, the leader of this madness (the illusive, faceless mastermind behind the Upper Echelon!) and then you know that she was in very deep shit!!!
"He's driving me crazy; that's what he's doing. I mean, here I am, walking myself into the inferno despite knowing how it'll end up.
Why?
Because Arcangel was handcrafted by the devil himself. He's the embodiment of sin and temptation wrapped up in a suave, tattooed package that I can't resist."
Unfortunately, Birdy get caught unexpectandly one day and she was put behind bars for seven whole years...
If she haven't got involved with Angel, she might never got caught...
She was betrayed and now, she is paying the price.
Her life is destroyed and her heart is broken. Could things get worse???
"I'm a hard-ass bitch.
My heart, though?
Not so much."
At the present, Benni is already four years in prison, but she still haven't learned her lesson, even though she is trying to be discreet!!!
In jail, she has troubles too, but different kind of the ones from before.
She has lost hope that she could get away from this hellhole sooner than doing her whole sentence...
Enter to that Andrés Bala, the new CO (correctional officer) of the prison and things are going to complicated even more...
"The world around me had lost its lustrous color, all its vibrant hues drained in entirety until only shades of gray, black, and white existed.
But in came Andrés, splattering different colors on the dark monochrome canvas that is my life with a single look."
Birdy, she is still trying to forget Angel after the bad that he brought upon her life, but now, she is starting to feel great attraction toward Andrés.
And it seems that this attraction is mutual for both sides!
So, what is going to happen with these two???
Can they cross the line and what consequences do they have to pay??
"There's never going to be the right time for us while she's in there -when we're not supposed to be an us, to begin with."
Well... I freakin' loved Birdy. This girl was a badass. She wasn't backing out on anything. She had balls and she was just taking whatever the damn she wanted.
I liked how she was, even though she was getting in big troubles all the time...
Honestly, i liked that I've read a book about a woman being in prison. It was a very intriguing and captivating concept!!!!
I loved how hers and Andrés connection was playing out!!!!
"Just like Angel was toxic for me, I'm toxic for Andrés. He shouldn't want anything with me. At the end of the day, he is a good guy, and what am I?
A criminal -someone who's made awful choices and only cared about the consequences when it was too late."
As for the romance part??? I'm on a big dilemma in here!!!
I loved Andrés so much... He was sweet, he was kind and at the same time, he was hot and an alpha male... He was in deep shit with Birdy, but he fell for her from the very first moment and his feelings were making him reckless!!!! I believe that he was good for Benni...
But.... There was Angel!!!! And I believe that he has true feelings for his mami and he won't let her go!!! Even after all these years that they were apart!!!
Even though that he was the opposite of Andrés, i loved him too!!!! He was intense and broody and i'm a sucker for this type of men on books!!!
So, can you feel my dilemma???
"I need her to be mine when she walks free, and I'll do whatever it takes.
Whatever it fucking takes." {Andrés}
"I think you had me before I had you." {Angel}
No, this book didn't end on a huge cliffy to drive you crazy, but still... after taking a taste of the prologue of the second book, I'm very intrigued, cause now, the things will get more interesting and I believe that the things will get complicated with these three!!!
Gawd!!! August 25th seems so far away right now!!!
"I'm gonna get my girl back.
When it's all said and done, Benita Adriana Villanueva will be mine.
Mark my words."
***I received an Arc for the exchange of an honest review***
May 26, 2020
Wow. Dee Garcia blew this book out of the water. I have read all of her books and this has got to be my favorite.
Benni is my ultimate girl crush. She is such a bad a**.
Andrés is swoon worthy. And such a good guy.
I absolutely loved that most of this took place in prison. I have a serious obsession over prison shows. I am really sad about Benni and Lena though.
This book gets all the stars from me!
I was given an arc copy for my honest review.
Benni is my ultimate girl crush. She is such a bad a**.
Andrés is swoon worthy. And such a good guy.
I absolutely loved that most of this took place in prison. I have a serious obsession over prison shows. I am really sad about Benni and Lena though.
This book gets all the stars from me!
I was given an arc copy for my honest review.
May 25, 2020
***5 Stars***
I gotta say I loved this book...but, as with most duets, I can only say so much.
So what can I say about this baby?
I loved Birdy aka Bennie aka al Jefa. This woman is perfectly imperfect and embraces it all. She’s sassy, intelligent and stubborn. She has her faults, and is well aware of them and how they could end up being her downfall, but once she makes a decision, she sticks to it.
As for the romance side of things...we have Andrés and it was hard not to love the guy...really really hard not to because he’s got that alpha good man thing going on and it was potent, but then there is Arcángel, he falls on the other side of the coin and is just as potent.
While the ending isn’t one of those “OMFG” cliffies, it definitely has me wishing Arcángel was on the kindle now because things are about to get all kinds of interesting for Birdy and I cannot wait to see just where everyone will end up when everything is said and done!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
I gotta say I loved this book...but, as with most duets, I can only say so much.
So what can I say about this baby?
I loved Birdy aka Bennie aka al Jefa. This woman is perfectly imperfect and embraces it all. She’s sassy, intelligent and stubborn. She has her faults, and is well aware of them and how they could end up being her downfall, but once she makes a decision, she sticks to it.
As for the romance side of things...we have Andrés and it was hard not to love the guy...really really hard not to because he’s got that alpha good man thing going on and it was potent, but then there is Arcángel, he falls on the other side of the coin and is just as potent.
While the ending isn’t one of those “OMFG” cliffies, it definitely has me wishing Arcángel was on the kindle now because things are about to get all kinds of interesting for Birdy and I cannot wait to see just where everyone will end up when everything is said and done!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
October 20, 2021
This was my first time to experience this author and I’m blown away! There was just something about Birdy that just drew you in. I was so engrossed with the story!! Phenomenal book!!
June 6, 2020
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars! Omg can’t wait for the next book. August is too faraway. This is going to be one hell of a love triangle.
June 26, 2020
After I finished reading Birdy, the first question I asked myself was… How TF is this my first ever read of Dee Garcia’s? It sure as hell won’t be my last!
Badass heroine – seriously, I had the biggest girl crush.
Two sexy as sin alpha men – I cannot, for the life of me, choose between the two. Damn you, Garcia!
A killer plot that had me turning the pages like my fingers were on fire – think forbidden romance. Love triangles. Love and love loss.
It’s safe to say… I’m #TeamBenni
Is it August yet??! *cries in Spanish*
Badass heroine – seriously, I had the biggest girl crush.
Two sexy as sin alpha men – I cannot, for the life of me, choose between the two. Damn you, Garcia!
A killer plot that had me turning the pages like my fingers were on fire – think forbidden romance. Love triangles. Love and love loss.
It’s safe to say… I’m #TeamBenni
Is it August yet??! *cries in Spanish*
August 16, 2020
I was held captive by the words in this book, and I loved every moment of it.
Each book is a tale woven so well, with characters you fall hard for. Her twists and turns make for a fantastic reading ride. These characters are no different. I can't wait for the next book.
Each book is a tale woven so well, with characters you fall hard for. Her twists and turns make for a fantastic reading ride. These characters are no different. I can't wait for the next book.
June 1, 2020
A roller coaster🎢 of emotions. Hang on for dear life and pray August comes soon enough 🙌🏻 Not sure I can wait until book two of this series is out 😭
May 26, 2020
One of my most anticipated reads this month! This book has completely and utterly captured my attention, and my skin is permanent goosebumps waiting for book 2.
I didn’t really know where this author was going with this book before I dove in. I just knew I was going to get an amazing female main character-because that’s what this author writes, and had no idea i was going to feel like i was slapped upside the head because not only did she create one hotter than hades male, but two. The book is hot-from the very beginning we’re blessed with some of the naughtiest scenes, yet they’re so real-so realistic that it literally plays like a movie in my head. (Like I said, #blessed) this authors intimate scenes are so vivid-every interaction between characters is so vivid I can feel the emotion, chemistry, and hear coming directly from my kindle.
I literally don’t know any Spanish, so it was so relieving for this author to put translations after almost every phrase. I felt like I was so in tune with the story I would go back and read and be like “YEAH BENNI she said that what an absolute queen!” The authors dialogue is just so frantically genuine-it just builds up these characters to a degree that is unmatched by any other author.
This book was packed with adventure, betrayal, heartbreak, love, and every other emotion in between-it really had everything. Benni has been one of my favorite characters this author has ever writes. She doesn’t lay down for anyone, and is just as strong willed as you wish every heroine to be.
Book 2 just became my most anticipated book ALL year. So excited.
I didn’t really know where this author was going with this book before I dove in. I just knew I was going to get an amazing female main character-because that’s what this author writes, and had no idea i was going to feel like i was slapped upside the head because not only did she create one hotter than hades male, but two. The book is hot-from the very beginning we’re blessed with some of the naughtiest scenes, yet they’re so real-so realistic that it literally plays like a movie in my head. (Like I said, #blessed) this authors intimate scenes are so vivid-every interaction between characters is so vivid I can feel the emotion, chemistry, and hear coming directly from my kindle.
I literally don’t know any Spanish, so it was so relieving for this author to put translations after almost every phrase. I felt like I was so in tune with the story I would go back and read and be like “YEAH BENNI she said that what an absolute queen!” The authors dialogue is just so frantically genuine-it just builds up these characters to a degree that is unmatched by any other author.
This book was packed with adventure, betrayal, heartbreak, love, and every other emotion in between-it really had everything. Benni has been one of my favorite characters this author has ever writes. She doesn’t lay down for anyone, and is just as strong willed as you wish every heroine to be.
Book 2 just became my most anticipated book ALL year. So excited.
August 3, 2020
This was a unique story, that is not over. There was also this grittiness to it, with a touch of taboo and darkness that made it really quite interesting and now I am dying to see where it goes.
Birdie, aka Benita or Bennie, has grown up poor but finds opportunity in the worst of places. This opportunity leads her to another incarceration and one step closer to kissing the American dream behind. Angel is behind all of her bad decisions, but even that is not enough to keep him far from her mind. What the two of them had was nothing short of explosive.
But while Bennie is serving her time, like the good little criminal, CO Bala comes waltzing into her world. Andres sees nothing but poor choices when it comes to Bennie but he can't for the life of him stay away. He is a good guy, does the right things but working at this prison is making him questions all of his good intentions.
Bennie is a tough cookie, she is hard as nails and takes charge no matter where she is. But what has this life brought her thus far, certainly not the dreams she was hoping for. Now she has a choice, a very difficult choice and only time will tell what she will choose. While this is a book one and the story is not done, it doesn't leave us in a terrible place. I think it was smart to end where it did because now we have time to theorize what is going to happen and build anticipation for the next book. I'm just hoping it isn't too long of a wait.
May 25, 2020
Who did a happy jig when this book landed on her kindle? This girl, did. I might have let out a squeal too. And by might, I TOTALLY did. I love this author. I tell all my friends about her. I have had dreams that I have had a Kathy Bates #1 fan Misery type of moment where I only feed her if she gives me new words. My level of devotion to her books is extreme. #thestruggleisreal #sorrynotsorry.
My particular interest in this story is because Andrés is a muse I also am in love with. I had no idea when I shared a social media post about him that he would take off. AND before anyone can claim him, he is MINE. I saw him first. I BEGGED for a story to be written about him and this amazing author picked up that gauntlet and ran with it. However, I had no idea that she was going to do this to me though. First, she creates a fearless female, Benita, that I have a major girl crush on. This girl is fuego. She gives zero pinches of squirrel crap and is loyal to the extreme. Secondly, she starts the book with a scene that is hotter than a Las Vegas sidewalk in August. Third, and then she created a new man named Arcángel. Wait, what?!?! NOOOOOOO. How can she do this? She can't possibly make me interested in two men, can she?!?! Oh, but she did. How can she do this? The answer is simple, she is that insanely talented when it comes to writing.
Great world-building, plausible storyline, a touch of forbidden, angst, second chances, and the set-up for a very interesting part two of this duet makes this even better than I anticipated (although to be fair, I really don't want to have to choose but knowing this author even if my guy doesn't win she will make me not feel too terribly disappointed.) I appreciated that even though parts of this story were spoken in Spanish that she translated it in a way that was cohesive to the story and also allowed me to understand without having to get out my Spanish to English dictionary. Granted, I took Spanish in college, and even though my name is Maria, it doesn't mean that I could decipher what it meant which is why I liked how she did it fluidly in the story.
Eagerly awaiting book two that releases in August. Happy Birthday to me three days early! Off topic, this cover is SUBLIME. No wonder, I have a girl crush.
My particular interest in this story is because Andrés is a muse I also am in love with. I had no idea when I shared a social media post about him that he would take off. AND before anyone can claim him, he is MINE. I saw him first. I BEGGED for a story to be written about him and this amazing author picked up that gauntlet and ran with it. However, I had no idea that she was going to do this to me though. First, she creates a fearless female, Benita, that I have a major girl crush on. This girl is fuego. She gives zero pinches of squirrel crap and is loyal to the extreme. Secondly, she starts the book with a scene that is hotter than a Las Vegas sidewalk in August. Third, and then she created a new man named Arcángel. Wait, what?!?! NOOOOOOO. How can she do this? She can't possibly make me interested in two men, can she?!?! Oh, but she did. How can she do this? The answer is simple, she is that insanely talented when it comes to writing.
Great world-building, plausible storyline, a touch of forbidden, angst, second chances, and the set-up for a very interesting part two of this duet makes this even better than I anticipated (although to be fair, I really don't want to have to choose but knowing this author even if my guy doesn't win she will make me not feel too terribly disappointed.) I appreciated that even though parts of this story were spoken in Spanish that she translated it in a way that was cohesive to the story and also allowed me to understand without having to get out my Spanish to English dictionary. Granted, I took Spanish in college, and even though my name is Maria, it doesn't mean that I could decipher what it meant which is why I liked how she did it fluidly in the story.
Eagerly awaiting book two that releases in August. Happy Birthday to me three days early! Off topic, this cover is SUBLIME. No wonder, I have a girl crush.
June 9, 2020
Birdy is the first book in Upper Echelon Duet by Dee Garcia. It had been a bumpy read for me, all the while. I wanted to put it down at times while at the same time continue. I was in such a dilemma!
Birdy takes us to the story of a notorious mystery man Angel and his dirty secret Benita. When they meet, sparks fly and does their romance continues. However, a situation soon becomes a disaster and Benita, now Birdy, has to pay a heavy price. Birdy is a woman of righteousness and loud. Sassy and rotal firecracker. I loved her character so so much. I got tangled in the romance between Birdy - Angel and Andres - the cop who is a new recruit in the jail that our heroine is kept in and serving her sentence.
I felt the romance was quick and so was their love. There wasn't a strong pillar for either of the characters. The scenes kept jumping from one side to another. Basically, I couldn't connect or deal with either characters, emotionally.
The story was a good one and ends on a cliffhanger that took my breath away. I wasn't ready yet I was all in, it seemed. The sex was less but could have been more between the lead couple, only we don't know who's the good and who's the bad guy just yet! Ouch.
Overall, Birdy was a decent read for me. I thank Candi Kane PR for providing me with a complementary review copy.
"Ángel may have been the illusive one between the two, but Andrés will now and forever be the one that got away. The one I was never supposed to have. And I’m not so sure I’ll ever be the same again."
Birdy takes us to the story of a notorious mystery man Angel and his dirty secret Benita. When they meet, sparks fly and does their romance continues. However, a situation soon becomes a disaster and Benita, now Birdy, has to pay a heavy price. Birdy is a woman of righteousness and loud. Sassy and rotal firecracker. I loved her character so so much. I got tangled in the romance between Birdy - Angel and Andres - the cop who is a new recruit in the jail that our heroine is kept in and serving her sentence.
I felt the romance was quick and so was their love. There wasn't a strong pillar for either of the characters. The scenes kept jumping from one side to another. Basically, I couldn't connect or deal with either characters, emotionally.
The story was a good one and ends on a cliffhanger that took my breath away. I wasn't ready yet I was all in, it seemed. The sex was less but could have been more between the lead couple, only we don't know who's the good and who's the bad guy just yet! Ouch.
Overall, Birdy was a decent read for me. I thank Candi Kane PR for providing me with a complementary review copy.
"Ángel may have been the illusive one between the two, but Andrés will now and forever be the one that got away. The one I was never supposed to have. And I’m not so sure I’ll ever be the same again."
May 26, 2020
I've been excited to dive into this book ever since I first heard about it and even the prologue is more than enough proof that this is a book you don't want to miss out on!
From the very first page I was hooked and unable to look away, so even though I try to write reviews as I read, I think this one will be short as a) I'm too busy reading to think of what to say and b) I don't want to ruin a second of this epic journey, can already tell it's going to rip me apart at the end considering it's a duet.
So much happens within these pages, even by 30% your head will be exploding, so stock up on tequila and smokes if you want to make it till the end... Trust me you do!!!
I can't even hint at likes or dislikes of characters or plot, since every piece of the puzzle at this point would be a spoiler. Basically stop reading reviews, one click immediately and start reading. You won't regret it for a second.
This book was exactly what I've been craving for a long time and made this dark heart so happy. Cannot wait to till I can get my hands on the second half of this story.
From the very first page I was hooked and unable to look away, so even though I try to write reviews as I read, I think this one will be short as a) I'm too busy reading to think of what to say and b) I don't want to ruin a second of this epic journey, can already tell it's going to rip me apart at the end considering it's a duet.
So much happens within these pages, even by 30% your head will be exploding, so stock up on tequila and smokes if you want to make it till the end... Trust me you do!!!
I can't even hint at likes or dislikes of characters or plot, since every piece of the puzzle at this point would be a spoiler. Basically stop reading reviews, one click immediately and start reading. You won't regret it for a second.
This book was exactly what I've been craving for a long time and made this dark heart so happy. Cannot wait to till I can get my hands on the second half of this story.
May 25, 2020
Oh...My....G............
Okay. I finished this in less than 24 hrs if that's any indication of how much I loved it. Dee Garcia is able to captivate you so fully with her words that it truly flies by, and before you know it, you're on the last page ACHING for more.
Birdy was everything I expected X 100. Angel and Andres? *phew*. I can't even properly form words to express how much I love them BOTH. How are we expected to choose between them? Impossible.
And Benni? Aka Birdy...love her. As the title leads you to believe, she steals the show. I'm so tempted to break the law just to re-enact my own Birdy roleplay 🤷🏼♀️
Masterpiece, all the way around. I cannot WAIT for book 2!
Okay. I finished this in less than 24 hrs if that's any indication of how much I loved it. Dee Garcia is able to captivate you so fully with her words that it truly flies by, and before you know it, you're on the last page ACHING for more.
Birdy was everything I expected X 100. Angel and Andres? *phew*. I can't even properly form words to express how much I love them BOTH. How are we expected to choose between them? Impossible.
And Benni? Aka Birdy...love her. As the title leads you to believe, she steals the show. I'm so tempted to break the law just to re-enact my own Birdy roleplay 🤷🏼♀️
Masterpiece, all the way around. I cannot WAIT for book 2!
May 25, 2020
Dee Garcia is an amazing author and Birdy completely blew my mind! Whatever you are expecting going into the book, it delivers it tenfold and leaves you wanting the second part of the duet RIGHT AWAY! The characters will draw you in with a SUPER strong leading lady and an extremely interesting love interest situation..........
All in all, I am HOOKED and blown away from what I just finished reading! I cannot wait for the 2nd book and highly recommend you checking this book out- 4.5 outta 5 stars from me!
PS: Thank you to Dee Garcia and Candi Kane PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
All in all, I am HOOKED and blown away from what I just finished reading! I cannot wait for the 2nd book and highly recommend you checking this book out- 4.5 outta 5 stars from me!
PS: Thank you to Dee Garcia and Candi Kane PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
June 2, 2020
I’ve read a few of this authors stories so I was super excited to read this one. I wasn’t disappointed as this was real good. This book blew my mind. I literally inhaled it and pulled an all nighter to read it. I made that mistake of trying to read a chapter before bed and yes you guessed it I stayed up and read it all.
Birdy/Bennie is a hot strong main character. You can’t help but like her and I was so rooting for her.
Can’t wait for book two. Hopefully we won’t be waiting too long. I’ll definitely be reading this again. Highly recommend this gem.
Birdy/Bennie is a hot strong main character. You can’t help but like her and I was so rooting for her.
Can’t wait for book two. Hopefully we won’t be waiting too long. I’ll definitely be reading this again. Highly recommend this gem.
May 26, 2020
Absolutely loved Birdy!!! This story is so original and the plot grabs your attention from the start. Birdy was such a kicka$$ heroine that I couldn’t quit reading until the end! And the hero’s, Angel and Andres were equally swoon worthy!!
This book does end on a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting the next book, so be prepared! I can’t wait to read book 2!
This book does end on a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting the next book, so be prepared! I can’t wait to read book 2!
February 14, 2021
Why are more people not reading this? This was really freaking good.
The only reason it is not 5 stars because some of the book slowed down the story a bit but I was having a good time!
Also the first time I have read a book and listened to the Spotify playlist attached to it at the same time. It is such a mood. I loved it!
The only reason it is not 5 stars because some of the book slowed down the story a bit but I was having a good time!
Also the first time I have read a book and listened to the Spotify playlist attached to it at the same time. It is such a mood. I loved it!
June 19, 2020
This story pulls you right in and has you hanging on to the edge of your seat. This story is a very intense read and will have you read in one sitting and hanging on the edge through out this action packed page turning read.
June 6, 2020
Wheww! This book was so good. I cant wait for the next one. I need more of Andres and Benni!!!!
May 26, 2022
Oh my god oh my god! Definitely a page-turner. On my way to book 2
Oh no where's book 2????? 😩😩😩
I juusst finished it like 10 minutes ago and now i just found out that it has been rewritten
Oh no where's book 2????? 😩😩😩
I juusst finished it like 10 minutes ago and now i just found out that it has been rewritten
August 11, 2020
Dee Garcia was new to me as an author. Let's just say I now stalk her online. LOL
Dee has a way with words and knows exactly how to you pull you in to the story, the characters and their surroundings. The story is fast paced and emotional. And oh lawd, so so hot and steamy!!!
I laughed, cried and got angry, so get ready to feel all the feels with this one.
Can't wait for the story to continue and see who will be the last man standing!!
#TeamAngel
Dee has a way with words and knows exactly how to you pull you in to the story, the characters and their surroundings. The story is fast paced and emotional. And oh lawd, so so hot and steamy!!!
I laughed, cried and got angry, so get ready to feel all the feels with this one.
Can't wait for the story to continue and see who will be the last man standing!!
#TeamAngel
June 8, 2020
Dee Garcia has become one of my to-go authors lately. This book is unlike anything I have read this year. Birdy is a tough girl that falls in love with the wrong man. When Birdy ends up in jail she thinks this is the end of her life.
Birdy is messed up in all the wrong and right ways. She is strong and feisty and you have to love her for everything she does and doesn't due, because it brings her to someone special.
I refuse to give anything away, Birdy is a special story that should be read. Birdy has some major decisions to make and I want to see where it goes.
May 26, 2020
This story is addictive (thinking you are going to read just a few chapters is a lie, lol). I started this and could not put it down. The characters mesmerized me with their depth, personality, heart, gruffness, determination, patience, strength and beauty. I fell for Benni, for Angel and for Andres, it is impossible not to. The world in which this story takes place feels real and organic but aso dark and hopeful. The richness of the world is amazing, some place I want to visit (only with Benni's protection of course). I loved every page and cannot wait for book two. I highly recommend this story to all. 4.5 stars.
June 13, 2020
Amazing as usual
Dee is a brilliant author. Inspiring to me and a huge idol for me. I love seeing her brilliance and though she’ll never know how much of an inspiration she is to me, I know it. This book just proves what an amazing mind she has!
Dee is a brilliant author. Inspiring to me and a huge idol for me. I love seeing her brilliance and though she’ll never know how much of an inspiration she is to me, I know it. This book just proves what an amazing mind she has!
July 1, 2021
My Review: 5 stars!
** ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for my honest review **
Ooh boy. This was one wild ride! And all I can say now is… I needs me the second book, asap!! 🙏🙏🙏 This, chicos and chicas is how world-building, character growth, build-up and overall story development is done! *mic drop*🎤
Right off the bat, it read like I was reading a script for a brand spanking new, completely bad-ass mafia drama show. I kid you not — the way Dee Garcia has written this story I could instantly picture it like it was happening right in front of me.
Hey, TV execs, where you at?
This is my first book ever from Dee Garcia, but I am kicking myself for not having read any of her books previous to this one. But hey… if you’re like me who hasn’t read anything of hers, then Birdy is not a bad place to start! 😉
I’ve read a handful of five star rated books this year, but there’s something so uniquely quintessential about this one that’s making it stand out just a smidge more from the rest.
Maybe, like I said earlier that it read like it was made for screen and it’s so visually appealing.
Maybe it’s because Birdy (aka Benni) is someone I effortlessly related with instantly in the sense of family dynamics, that strong family bond and upbringing. Oh and then there’s her attitude to boot!
Or maybe the fact that it oozes such strong culture due to Birdy’s Cuban heritage, and the Spanish that organically flows out midst thoughts and conversations throughout the entire book. I’m not Cuban. I’m Filipina, who has.. who knows how much Spanish in her blood (probably 0.001%) but nevertheless grew up with a similar background and dynamics, and seeing how Birdy was with her family was just something that I could totally relate with.
Whatever the reason, all I know is I connected, I was hooked, and I was 100% invested in her story.
Birdy is probably one of the most fiercest female fictional characters I’ve ever encountered in a contemporary setting, albeit dark, but still very much present day setting. She first comes onto the scene seemingly confident, sure of herself and stubborn as hell. But as the story develops you see a lot more of her vulnerability and emotion that she tries so hard to hide from others in order to protect herself. There’s such a likability about her despite the things she does in this book that clearly goes against one’s good moral compass.
Call me just a little evil, but I love characters who go through struggles, grow from their experiences and come through to the other side having some kind of progression in their lives and their character. But I also love those characters who have certain traits that never change no matter what they’ve gone through in their lives. In Birdy’s case, it was her sass. She was sassy before everything went down, and she stayed hella sassy all throughout her years in prison.
That sass also added some lightheartedness into an otherwise dank and bleary atmosphere that most of Birdy’s story dwells in. Add in some colourful secondary characters with attitudes and unique personalities of their own and you can call this a telenovela meets Prisonbreak: Bitch Edition. And I’m saying this all from love! 😜 The ladies that’s imprisoned along with Birdy are craaaay (not doubt about that) but just as easily relatable, just as lovable, and just as resilient. They all have their stories and they’re trying to survive each day in that concrete box.
If you like a bit of girl power in your reads, then you have it in spades with this one.
This book is told from multiple POVs, in a first person narrative. No matter which point of view you’re reading, you’ll not only see the story line develop further, but you get snippets into these protagonists’ inner workings. But the peculiar thing? As much as you read about these characters thoughts at the present time, you don’t actually get their motive in its entirety. Both Ángel and Andrés play prominent roles in Birdy’s life yet anything outside concerning Birdy is a mystery. I only hope that that will all change in the next book.
Now you’re probably wondering… You have Birdy. Then there’s Ángel. And then there’s Andrés. Are we sniffing a love triangle here??
Well, you’d be sniffing right! And like any good, juicy love triangle… there’s always one you’re gonna like a little more than the other. Problem in this case? Both Ángel and Andrés are just too damn addictive that depending on who’s POV you’re reading at the time, you’ll be swooning over that character. Ay! It’s tough. 😅 I tell ya, Birdy is one lucky chicky (excuse the pun).
Besides the crazy inmates with Birdy, Dee Garcia has also written her two leading men with such different auras, that there’s no way you’d be confusing one with the other. They’re written in almost as if they’re black and white. Good vs Evil. Angel vs Devil. You get my gist. They’re opposites. And the only thing they have in common is their want for Birdy.
You see the constant struggle Birdy goes through having fallen for these two and the consequences of it all. And having to juggle that with the problems she’s left behind before she went into imprisonment.
I’m not big on love triangles in my romance reads. So why did I read this one? Because I completely missed the (very obvious) flashing neon sign mentioning of two different male leads when I read the blurb! 🤦♀️ I was too preoccupied with Birdy being La Jefa and getting caught to link her to two different men. LOL. But after having read this book, I’m not at all regretting having to read through a love triangle. The story, in opinion was so well executed that if I did find fault (which I didn’t), I still wouldn’t have rated it lower.
There was so much happening in this book, yet it was consistent in its plot development. The story gradually evolved, with a constant buildup and edge of your seat moments. The world Dee Garcia has created is full and rich with detail and ambiance. I can’t pinpoint just one highlight in this book because there were just so many good aspects.
Her friendships with the ladies in prison. It’s strong and loyal, and everything you wish to have in any friend.
Her family. I don’t want to say any spoilers but just know I teared up in one particular scene. Not gonna lie, at the time I was reading it I was a little miffed with Dee having wrote that scene in, but now I’ve had time to let it all sink in and just accept it. *mumbles* But why, Dee?! 🙈
Then, there’s of course the swooniness.. *waggles eyebrows* So much fangirling, and squealing. This, chicas… is what will keep you reading all night. The romance. The desperation for contact. The feels.
Ugh.
I can on hope and pray this level of superior story telling continues well into the second book!
If you enjoy story lines that are on the heavy side of family, full of angst, suspense, some unpredictability, with romance dripped in drama, then you gotta get on board with Birdy. It doesn’t disappoint. This is full adult romance, sexual content and all! It is one part of a duet… so it does end on a cliffhanger. Although a fairly well-concluded ending where you’re not left with your hands in the air, screaming “Why, Dios, why!?” But it will leave you sighing — so bear that in mind!
Oh and I can’t forget… if you have a fondness for love triangles, and possibly getting second lead syndrome, then that’s another reason to read this one!
** Full Review on my Blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
** ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for my honest review **
Ooh boy. This was one wild ride! And all I can say now is… I needs me the second book, asap!! 🙏🙏🙏 This, chicos and chicas is how world-building, character growth, build-up and overall story development is done! *mic drop*🎤
Right off the bat, it read like I was reading a script for a brand spanking new, completely bad-ass mafia drama show. I kid you not — the way Dee Garcia has written this story I could instantly picture it like it was happening right in front of me.
Hey, TV execs, where you at?
This is my first book ever from Dee Garcia, but I am kicking myself for not having read any of her books previous to this one. But hey… if you’re like me who hasn’t read anything of hers, then Birdy is not a bad place to start! 😉
I’ve read a handful of five star rated books this year, but there’s something so uniquely quintessential about this one that’s making it stand out just a smidge more from the rest.
Maybe, like I said earlier that it read like it was made for screen and it’s so visually appealing.
Maybe it’s because Birdy (aka Benni) is someone I effortlessly related with instantly in the sense of family dynamics, that strong family bond and upbringing. Oh and then there’s her attitude to boot!
Or maybe the fact that it oozes such strong culture due to Birdy’s Cuban heritage, and the Spanish that organically flows out midst thoughts and conversations throughout the entire book. I’m not Cuban. I’m Filipina, who has.. who knows how much Spanish in her blood (probably 0.001%) but nevertheless grew up with a similar background and dynamics, and seeing how Birdy was with her family was just something that I could totally relate with.
Whatever the reason, all I know is I connected, I was hooked, and I was 100% invested in her story.
Birdy is probably one of the most fiercest female fictional characters I’ve ever encountered in a contemporary setting, albeit dark, but still very much present day setting. She first comes onto the scene seemingly confident, sure of herself and stubborn as hell. But as the story develops you see a lot more of her vulnerability and emotion that she tries so hard to hide from others in order to protect herself. There’s such a likability about her despite the things she does in this book that clearly goes against one’s good moral compass.
Call me just a little evil, but I love characters who go through struggles, grow from their experiences and come through to the other side having some kind of progression in their lives and their character. But I also love those characters who have certain traits that never change no matter what they’ve gone through in their lives. In Birdy’s case, it was her sass. She was sassy before everything went down, and she stayed hella sassy all throughout her years in prison.
That sass also added some lightheartedness into an otherwise dank and bleary atmosphere that most of Birdy’s story dwells in. Add in some colourful secondary characters with attitudes and unique personalities of their own and you can call this a telenovela meets Prisonbreak: Bitch Edition. And I’m saying this all from love! 😜 The ladies that’s imprisoned along with Birdy are craaaay (not doubt about that) but just as easily relatable, just as lovable, and just as resilient. They all have their stories and they’re trying to survive each day in that concrete box.
If you like a bit of girl power in your reads, then you have it in spades with this one.
This book is told from multiple POVs, in a first person narrative. No matter which point of view you’re reading, you’ll not only see the story line develop further, but you get snippets into these protagonists’ inner workings. But the peculiar thing? As much as you read about these characters thoughts at the present time, you don’t actually get their motive in its entirety. Both Ángel and Andrés play prominent roles in Birdy’s life yet anything outside concerning Birdy is a mystery. I only hope that that will all change in the next book.
Now you’re probably wondering… You have Birdy. Then there’s Ángel. And then there’s Andrés. Are we sniffing a love triangle here??
Well, you’d be sniffing right! And like any good, juicy love triangle… there’s always one you’re gonna like a little more than the other. Problem in this case? Both Ángel and Andrés are just too damn addictive that depending on who’s POV you’re reading at the time, you’ll be swooning over that character. Ay! It’s tough. 😅 I tell ya, Birdy is one lucky chicky (excuse the pun).
Besides the crazy inmates with Birdy, Dee Garcia has also written her two leading men with such different auras, that there’s no way you’d be confusing one with the other. They’re written in almost as if they’re black and white. Good vs Evil. Angel vs Devil. You get my gist. They’re opposites. And the only thing they have in common is their want for Birdy.
You see the constant struggle Birdy goes through having fallen for these two and the consequences of it all. And having to juggle that with the problems she’s left behind before she went into imprisonment.
I’m not big on love triangles in my romance reads. So why did I read this one? Because I completely missed the (very obvious) flashing neon sign mentioning of two different male leads when I read the blurb! 🤦♀️ I was too preoccupied with Birdy being La Jefa and getting caught to link her to two different men. LOL. But after having read this book, I’m not at all regretting having to read through a love triangle. The story, in opinion was so well executed that if I did find fault (which I didn’t), I still wouldn’t have rated it lower.
There was so much happening in this book, yet it was consistent in its plot development. The story gradually evolved, with a constant buildup and edge of your seat moments. The world Dee Garcia has created is full and rich with detail and ambiance. I can’t pinpoint just one highlight in this book because there were just so many good aspects.
Her friendships with the ladies in prison. It’s strong and loyal, and everything you wish to have in any friend.
Her family. I don’t want to say any spoilers but just know I teared up in one particular scene. Not gonna lie, at the time I was reading it I was a little miffed with Dee having wrote that scene in, but now I’ve had time to let it all sink in and just accept it. *mumbles* But why, Dee?! 🙈
Then, there’s of course the swooniness.. *waggles eyebrows* So much fangirling, and squealing. This, chicas… is what will keep you reading all night. The romance. The desperation for contact. The feels.
Ugh.
I can on hope and pray this level of superior story telling continues well into the second book!
If you enjoy story lines that are on the heavy side of family, full of angst, suspense, some unpredictability, with romance dripped in drama, then you gotta get on board with Birdy. It doesn’t disappoint. This is full adult romance, sexual content and all! It is one part of a duet… so it does end on a cliffhanger. Although a fairly well-concluded ending where you’re not left with your hands in the air, screaming “Why, Dios, why!?” But it will leave you sighing — so bear that in mind!
Oh and I can’t forget… if you have a fondness for love triangles, and possibly getting second lead syndrome, then that’s another reason to read this one!
** Full Review on my Blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
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