Amazing Ace or is it Grace, nope, Ace!
First I need to say that this "group" of books - because that's what they are. They are all complete standalones - absolutely no connection with one another. When you see the books together, the covers look as though they are written as a series and I'm pretty sure Bella Jewel meant for it to stand out as her "Romantic Suspense Books" but I changed it up (in my head of course) to "Psychos In The Woods" - does that mean each book is based on their stories in the woods - NO! Blind Date actually takes place in the city, so - you'll have to read the book(s) to know why I chose to name these books. I have read each one and I must say that going from strictly MC Bella who was my hero just for that! - proved that she can change genres flawlessly. I mean, without fail! I have found each book in this "Psychos In The Woods" group unbelievably creative in storytelling, in character development, in making sure each detail is there for the reader to see the whole story, no questions asked.
As I started to read the "Prologue", I immediately thought to myself - "here we go again, game on!" It was chilling and creepy and gave you that instantaneous sense of unease. So I can officially say that, yes, the book was another of Bella Jewel's addicting reads that began from the very first page to the very end.
We first meet Hartley, a woman who is lost in life and has forgotten how to live it. She has been through too much pain and she has succumbed to living life day after day, numb and feeling hopeless. Then you have her best friend Taylor, who is constantly trying to get her (Hartley) out of her funk and chip away at some of that wall that Hartley has built. She succeeds.
Then comes Ace! I'm not even going to say one word about Ace because why bother ruining the story. You really HAVE to read this gripping, angsty, suspenseful, and dark romance novel.
The story is full of unpredictability which I LOVE because many suspense novels can be pretty predictable - don't get me wrong - Bella doesn't shy away from telling you the obvious, which is another reason why I LOVE this book. (Does this make any sense?)
Yes, the author pretty much states the obvious yet manages tons of unpredictability. That sums that up - and don't forget - she throws in the sexy, hot and juicy too. (*ponders, I might have to go back and reread a few parts after I write this.)
“What am I feeling right now then?” “You’re nervous because I’m sitting here without a shirt. You’ve looked at my body three times now. I’d bet any money your heart is racing. You’re also terrified by what just happened. You’ve rubbed your hands over your shorts twice, before fumbling them together in your lap.” I blink, and then glance down to where my hands are indeed fumbling together in my lap. “I didn’t look at you three times!” I did. I really did."
So all in all, if you're looking for an incredible "Romantic Suspense" book - look no further. You've come to the right stop. And if you haven't read the others, do so - as I said above - each book is completely different than the other. Bella Jewel has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is in fact a genius in this particular genre, I only cross my fingers and toes that she continues writing more books in the "Psychos In The Woods" group.
OUTSTANDING READ!
*this review is affiliated with The Book Bistro