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Bad Behavior #3
So Wicked
Il destino ha uno strano modo per divertirsi.
La vita di Alexis si basa su due cose: i dolci e i dettagli della sua vecchia esistenza a Chicago, cosa, questa, che lei ha sempre cercato di nascondere in tutti i modi. Tuttavia, ora, certi segreti stanno per essere portati alla luce da un uomo che li conosce.
Marshall è disposto a tutto, specie da quando si è trasferito dall’altra parte del Paese per aprire un cocktail bar esclusivo, eccetto che... lavorare con Alexis, l’ex moglie del suo migliore amico e socio in affari. Inserire nel suo menù i dolcetti alcolici di Alexis sarebbe un valore aggiunto, ma un accordo di questo tipo significherebbe... finire a letto con il nemico!
Combattuti tra la diffidenza e il desiderio, Alexis e Marshall cedono a una relazione proibita e ardente. Sanno che, se qualcuno li dovesse scoprire, le conseguenze sarebbero devastanti, ma... è una cosa difficile da ricordare perché, quando stanno insieme, tutto è davvero bellissimo.
La vita di Alexis si basa su due cose: i dolci e i dettagli della sua vecchia esistenza a Chicago, cosa, questa, che lei ha sempre cercato di nascondere in tutti i modi. Tuttavia, ora, certi segreti stanno per essere portati alla luce da un uomo che li conosce.
Marshall è disposto a tutto, specie da quando si è trasferito dall’altra parte del Paese per aprire un cocktail bar esclusivo, eccetto che... lavorare con Alexis, l’ex moglie del suo migliore amico e socio in affari. Inserire nel suo menù i dolcetti alcolici di Alexis sarebbe un valore aggiunto, ma un accordo di questo tipo significherebbe... finire a letto con il nemico!
Combattuti tra la diffidenza e il desiderio, Alexis e Marshall cedono a una relazione proibita e ardente. Sanno che, se qualcuno li dovesse scoprire, le conseguenze sarebbero devastanti, ma... è una cosa difficile da ricordare perché, quando stanno insieme, tutto è davvero bellissimo.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2017
9 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Marino
8 books63 followersMelissa Marino is a full-time writer and part-time Storm Trooper collector. When she's not writing, you can find her watching Friends reruns, mastering her cupcake frosting swirl and hunting for the perfect red lipstick. Melissa lives in Chicago with her son and very opinionated dachshund.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 11, 2020
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
La cover mi ha attratta fin da subito e la trama intricata mi ha avvolta in una nuvola di aspettativa. Aspettativa che è stata ampiamente superata con questa storia articolata alla perfezione e piena di sentimenti che mi hanno lasciata senza fiato. La storia è abbastanza inusuale, sia nelle trame dei libri che nella vita reale c'è una regola base: mai andare con un ex di un amico/a. Soprattutto se è ex... moglie. Questo libro supera tutte le barriere, le regole e ti lascia con il fiato sospeso. Come i personaggi, anche io ero appesa ad un filo, è giusto? è sbagliato? Dove li porterà? Il lettore percepisce i pensieri dei personaggi e le loro emozioni in modo impattante, tanto sono forti le emozioni che l'autrice trasmette grazie alla sua scrittura. I personaggi sono forti, con un carattere ben delineato. Alexis è indubbiamente il personaggio più complicato che io abbia mai conosciuto, non sono stata d'accordo con la metà delle scelte che ha fatto ma non mi sono nemmeno sentita di odiarla o additarla. Alexis è fragile, indubbiamente rotta dentro da un passato particolarmente difficile che si rispecchia nelle azioni che compie. Nonostante il suo modo di pensare sia molto distante dal mio, ho apprezzato il suo personaggio, il suo dolore è reale e tangibile e questo non ho potuto ignorarlo. Se da un lato è fragile, dall'altro Alexis si è rialzata con la forza di un uragano, piena di voglia di coltivare la sua più grande passione e rifarsi una vita. Marshall ha visto il periodo più buio del suo migliore amico causato dalla sua ex moglie. E' influenzato dal ricordo di Alexis attraverso il dolore del suo migliore amico e, quindi, di riflesso la disprezza. Nonostante siano stati amici da giovani, prima del matrimonio tra i suoi due amici, sono anni che Marshall non vede né sente Alexis. La scena dove si rivedono è forte, per poco non svenivo io oltre ad Alexis e Marshall. L'autrice riesce a far evolvere la storia con una morbidezza nonostante la situazione. Ad ogni pagina mi ha lasciato qualcosa dentro, in alcune scene mi sono venute le lacrime agli occhi dall'emozione che il libro trasmette. Il libro ha temi profondi, l'autrice li tratta con una dolcezza unica. Marshall e Alexis hanno un passato da amici e si rincontrano in modo brusco dopo anni che non si vedono. Nonostante questo, la fiammella dell'attrazione è lì, e cresce pagina dopo pagina fino ad infiammare il libro. I battibecchi e i fraintendimenti tra i due ci saranno e saranno ricchi di pepe. Ho adorato questa coppia così ben assortita, si capiscono con uno sguardo e con una parola di demoliscono. Questo è il primo libro che leggo dell'autrice e sono rimasta impressionata dalla scrittura scorrevole e piena di emozioni, e soprattutto dalla trama così diversa dalle altre...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
La cover mi ha attratta fin da subito e la trama intricata mi ha avvolta in una nuvola di aspettativa. Aspettativa che è stata ampiamente superata con questa storia articolata alla perfezione e piena di sentimenti che mi hanno lasciata senza fiato. La storia è abbastanza inusuale, sia nelle trame dei libri che nella vita reale c'è una regola base: mai andare con un ex di un amico/a. Soprattutto se è ex... moglie. Questo libro supera tutte le barriere, le regole e ti lascia con il fiato sospeso. Come i personaggi, anche io ero appesa ad un filo, è giusto? è sbagliato? Dove li porterà? Il lettore percepisce i pensieri dei personaggi e le loro emozioni in modo impattante, tanto sono forti le emozioni che l'autrice trasmette grazie alla sua scrittura. I personaggi sono forti, con un carattere ben delineato. Alexis è indubbiamente il personaggio più complicato che io abbia mai conosciuto, non sono stata d'accordo con la metà delle scelte che ha fatto ma non mi sono nemmeno sentita di odiarla o additarla. Alexis è fragile, indubbiamente rotta dentro da un passato particolarmente difficile che si rispecchia nelle azioni che compie. Nonostante il suo modo di pensare sia molto distante dal mio, ho apprezzato il suo personaggio, il suo dolore è reale e tangibile e questo non ho potuto ignorarlo. Se da un lato è fragile, dall'altro Alexis si è rialzata con la forza di un uragano, piena di voglia di coltivare la sua più grande passione e rifarsi una vita. Marshall ha visto il periodo più buio del suo migliore amico causato dalla sua ex moglie. E' influenzato dal ricordo di Alexis attraverso il dolore del suo migliore amico e, quindi, di riflesso la disprezza. Nonostante siano stati amici da giovani, prima del matrimonio tra i suoi due amici, sono anni che Marshall non vede né sente Alexis. La scena dove si rivedono è forte, per poco non svenivo io oltre ad Alexis e Marshall. L'autrice riesce a far evolvere la storia con una morbidezza nonostante la situazione. Ad ogni pagina mi ha lasciato qualcosa dentro, in alcune scene mi sono venute le lacrime agli occhi dall'emozione che il libro trasmette. Il libro ha temi profondi, l'autrice li tratta con una dolcezza unica. Marshall e Alexis hanno un passato da amici e si rincontrano in modo brusco dopo anni che non si vedono. Nonostante questo, la fiammella dell'attrazione è lì, e cresce pagina dopo pagina fino ad infiammare il libro. I battibecchi e i fraintendimenti tra i due ci saranno e saranno ricchi di pepe. Ho adorato questa coppia così ben assortita, si capiscono con uno sguardo e con una parola di demoliscono. Questo è il primo libro che leggo dell'autrice e sono rimasta impressionata dalla scrittura scorrevole e piena di emozioni, e soprattutto dalla trama così diversa dalle altre...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
October 23, 2019
Non so da dove cominciare....
L’unica cosa che salva questo libro è l’amore per i dolci!
Alexis lascia il marito e la figlia ancora in fasce. E dopo sei anni e tutte le emozioni possibili per un abbandono si risolvono in una chiacchierata. 🤔 mmhhh
Sarebbe stato caruccio tutto il contesto senza l’abbandono della figlia.
L’unica cosa che salva questo libro è l’amore per i dolci!
Alexis lascia il marito e la figlia ancora in fasce. E dopo sei anni e tutte le emozioni possibili per un abbandono si risolvono in una chiacchierata. 🤔 mmhhh
Sarebbe stato caruccio tutto il contesto senza l’abbandono della figlia.
May 8, 2017
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
4 Forbidden Romance CROWNS
So Wicked chronicles the romance of a truly forbidden couple, an ex-wife and best-friend, and the destruction she left behind when she fled.
The interesting part of both of these characters is how much they have changed in the years since they have last seen each other. Both abandoning high paying business oriented jobs and chasing their dreams, they feel they can see pieces of their old selves in each other but are so different then who they were. These differences allow each of them to look at the one in a new light, and their attraction to the new versions of themselves cannot be contained. Sure there is an attempt to stay loyal and not hurt others, but when thrown into situations where one reacts and not thinks, these two act on feelings and desires. As a reader, I didn't fault them for this or for chasing what make them happy.
This plot line is intriguing. Alexis causes a lot of damage when she flees, and realistically Marshall should want nothing to do with her. Business dealings, however, force his hand, but watching them both struggle with their feelings while trying to respect and honor the past is difficult, leaving the reader torn between wanting these two to go for it and holding back, similar to that of the characters. Readers will appreciate how the author develops the story and resolves it. She gives Marshall and Alexis their HEA while also honoring the other characters and the ending she gave them in previous books.
I found So Wicked to be well-written, engaging, and unique in the angle of the story she took. She is definitely an author I would read again, and this story is definitely worth a read.
--------------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
4 Forbidden Romance CROWNS
So Wicked chronicles the romance of a truly forbidden couple, an ex-wife and best-friend, and the destruction she left behind when she fled.
The interesting part of both of these characters is how much they have changed in the years since they have last seen each other. Both abandoning high paying business oriented jobs and chasing their dreams, they feel they can see pieces of their old selves in each other but are so different then who they were. These differences allow each of them to look at the one in a new light, and their attraction to the new versions of themselves cannot be contained. Sure there is an attempt to stay loyal and not hurt others, but when thrown into situations where one reacts and not thinks, these two act on feelings and desires. As a reader, I didn't fault them for this or for chasing what make them happy.
This plot line is intriguing. Alexis causes a lot of damage when she flees, and realistically Marshall should want nothing to do with her. Business dealings, however, force his hand, but watching them both struggle with their feelings while trying to respect and honor the past is difficult, leaving the reader torn between wanting these two to go for it and holding back, similar to that of the characters. Readers will appreciate how the author develops the story and resolves it. She gives Marshall and Alexis their HEA while also honoring the other characters and the ending she gave them in previous books.
I found So Wicked to be well-written, engaging, and unique in the angle of the story she took. She is definitely an author I would read again, and this story is definitely worth a read.
--------------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
October 30, 2019
4.5🌟
Ero incerta su come l'autrice avrebbe gestito i sentimenti, e tutto il processo che ne consegue, vista la finestra che avevamo avuto su Alexis nel libro precedente in cui non ne usciva pulita, anzi.
Eppure sono rimasta sorpresa su come mi abbia fatto cambiare opinione, pur mantenendo per molto tempo durante la lettura un velo di mistero su questa protagonista anomala.
Non è certo la prima volta che leggo un romance in cui la protagonista era "l'antagonista" di un'altra storia, ma Alexis non è semplicemente questo. Era un'antagonista silenziosa e mi ero fatta un'idea su di lei per quei pochi riferimenti sul passato di Aaron, ma scoprirla vulnerabile e combattiva allo stesso tempo mi ha stupita.
È un personaggio creato sapientemente, mi è piaciuta tantissimo come è stata gestita e raccontata a piccole dosi la sua storia difficile. E cercare di farla avvicinare ad un tipo come Marshall, che -parliamone- oltre ad essere figo è anche premuroso e al tempo stesso scorbutico. Sono la miscela perfetta per una ricetta, ehm un ordigno esplosivo!
Pochi, ma buoni, sono gli ingredienti che troviamo nel libro, e soprattutto lo stile di scrittura dell'autrice e la scelta di dosaggio sono il mix vincente di questo romanzo!
"So Wicked" è un libro che ti sconvolge. Quando lo finisci ti senti riparata, perché sei stata spezzata durante la lettura. È pieno di emozioni e di sentimenti è molto più maturo del primo e lo consiglio a tutte le persone che vogliono perdersi fra le pagine di un buon romance.
Sono certa che questa storia provocherà delle rotture. Chi lo amerà come me e chi invece non ne capirà molte azioni. È una storia fragile e sensibile ed è sicuramente difficile comprenderla e farla propria. È troppo semplice pensare che se fossimo stati nei panni di Alexis avremo agito in maniera diversa in molte occasioni, ma proprio per questo è un libro unico. Una storia mai raccontata, difficile e unica.
Ero incerta su come l'autrice avrebbe gestito i sentimenti, e tutto il processo che ne consegue, vista la finestra che avevamo avuto su Alexis nel libro precedente in cui non ne usciva pulita, anzi.
Eppure sono rimasta sorpresa su come mi abbia fatto cambiare opinione, pur mantenendo per molto tempo durante la lettura un velo di mistero su questa protagonista anomala.
Non è certo la prima volta che leggo un romance in cui la protagonista era "l'antagonista" di un'altra storia, ma Alexis non è semplicemente questo. Era un'antagonista silenziosa e mi ero fatta un'idea su di lei per quei pochi riferimenti sul passato di Aaron, ma scoprirla vulnerabile e combattiva allo stesso tempo mi ha stupita.
È un personaggio creato sapientemente, mi è piaciuta tantissimo come è stata gestita e raccontata a piccole dosi la sua storia difficile. E cercare di farla avvicinare ad un tipo come Marshall, che -parliamone- oltre ad essere figo è anche premuroso e al tempo stesso scorbutico. Sono la miscela perfetta per una ricetta, ehm un ordigno esplosivo!
Pochi, ma buoni, sono gli ingredienti che troviamo nel libro, e soprattutto lo stile di scrittura dell'autrice e la scelta di dosaggio sono il mix vincente di questo romanzo!
"So Wicked" è un libro che ti sconvolge. Quando lo finisci ti senti riparata, perché sei stata spezzata durante la lettura. È pieno di emozioni e di sentimenti è molto più maturo del primo e lo consiglio a tutte le persone che vogliono perdersi fra le pagine di un buon romance.
Sono certa che questa storia provocherà delle rotture. Chi lo amerà come me e chi invece non ne capirà molte azioni. È una storia fragile e sensibile ed è sicuramente difficile comprenderla e farla propria. È troppo semplice pensare che se fossimo stati nei panni di Alexis avremo agito in maniera diversa in molte occasioni, ma proprio per questo è un libro unico. Una storia mai raccontata, difficile e unica.
May 9, 2017
TL;DR: IT WAS CONFUSING IN SOME WAYS AND STILL CONFUSING IN MANY MORE WAYS
***
THE STORY:
So Wicked is the third in a series of so-called Bad Behavior novels, although I think "nonsensical behavior" may have been more apt. Marshall and Alexis run into each other at the bar that Marshall is opening, with the financial backing of her ex-husband that she abandoned, along with her infant daughter, 6 years before. Marshall has a visceral reaction to seeing her again, and lets loose in a string of profanities that could turn a gal's hair white. But sparks fly between them, and leads to something more. So far, interesting premise, right?
Spoilers follow, because I don't think I can fully explain the bizarre trajectory of this novel otherwise.
The jump from mortal enemies to bed buddies is so rapid that it made my head spin. Essentially, he sees her in a short skirt and all of a sudden, all he can think about it getting into them. But somehow, this blooms into love? I find it so hard to believe that Marshall could be so self-righteously angry with her, for leaving her husband and daughter, and then still be mad at her about it but also in love with her at the same time. They're supposed to have this weird bantering thing going on, but it mostly appears to be these screaming matches that get doused immediately, going from 0 to 60 back to 0. I didn't buy their romance. I did buy their visceral hatred of each other.
And of course, near the end, they are found out by the best friend/ex-husband, and that also gets resolved incredibly quickly despite all of the anticipation of the "forbidden" romance. Aaron has completely legitimate reasons to be upset. His best friend didn't tell him he'd not only rediscovered Alexis, but that he was banging her. He found out by walking in on them canoodling (in the bar he invested in)! Alexis disappeared 6 years before without a trace, and he definitely has a bone to pick with her. But the conflict is over after a few words.
Alexis' reasons for abandoning her kid and husband are a little weird, too. She has residual guilt over an incident that caused a death in her past, and the way that it's revealed is so sudden that it carries little weight. She seems to have gained a psychology degree overnight as she comes to terms with this painful past instantly, saying that she can't run from it anymore. It's something she kept from her HUSBAND and the father of her daughter for at least 2 years, but it all comes spilling out when she's triggered by Wizard of Oz, like she's some kind of sleeper agent of sad. It was too much and too sudden.
TECHNICAL ELEMENTS:
Did an editor take a pass through this book? There were so many segments that were straight-up confusing that I have to wonder. The writing is amateur at best, and plainly awful at worst. Here's a selection of some actual sentences from the book:
(FOUR LEGS? What exactly is Marshall hitting on? Most human women I know have 2 legs or fewer.)
Just... what? The whole book is written this way, as if the writer just sat down and wrote the entire thing from beginning to end but never looked back. Aside from some really nonsensical phrasing and weird judgmental asides (such as 'man pain' from above), I noticed some flat-out errors and strange choices in tense. (There are a few flashbacks written in present tense. This seemed like a weird choice to me, when the rest of the book is in past tense.)
I also felt like the whole SHOCKING MYSTERY of Alexis' past was drawn out way too long. Here's the thing: holding out a BIG SECRET is one thing, but when you have a first person account of the person holding the BIG SECRET, it doesn't make much sense. In someone's interior monologue, they aren't going to think stuff like "ooh, that BIG BAD THING I DID THAT HURT PEOPLE THAT HAS NO NAME." They are going to name it. And that's fine! A character's big bad secret can still be a source of conflict even if the reader knows what it is! The point is that the other characters may not know.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I was interested enough in what was going to happen to the characters to keep reading, even if I didn't really buy into Marshall and Alexis' romance. With a great editor, I think this could have been a pretty decent book. There were a lot of funny lines that I enjoyed, and the side characters were a little thinly drawn but lent some good color. I would have changed a lot of things around, made the inciting incident that got the hero and heroine to get kissy a little less contrived, and made the conflict with Aaron actually mean something, and I think a better flow would have improved the book a lot. There's some good bones in here, they just need to be rearranged.
*** EBOOK PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY.COM IN EXCHANGE FOR HONEST REVIEW ***
***
THE STORY:
So Wicked is the third in a series of so-called Bad Behavior novels, although I think "nonsensical behavior" may have been more apt. Marshall and Alexis run into each other at the bar that Marshall is opening, with the financial backing of her ex-husband that she abandoned, along with her infant daughter, 6 years before. Marshall has a visceral reaction to seeing her again, and lets loose in a string of profanities that could turn a gal's hair white. But sparks fly between them, and leads to something more. So far, interesting premise, right?
Spoilers follow, because I don't think I can fully explain the bizarre trajectory of this novel otherwise.
The jump from mortal enemies to bed buddies is so rapid that it made my head spin. Essentially, he sees her in a short skirt and all of a sudden, all he can think about it getting into them. But somehow, this blooms into love? I find it so hard to believe that Marshall could be so self-righteously angry with her, for leaving her husband and daughter, and then still be mad at her about it but also in love with her at the same time. They're supposed to have this weird bantering thing going on, but it mostly appears to be these screaming matches that get doused immediately, going from 0 to 60 back to 0. I didn't buy their romance. I did buy their visceral hatred of each other.
And of course, near the end, they are found out by the best friend/ex-husband, and that also gets resolved incredibly quickly despite all of the anticipation of the "forbidden" romance. Aaron has completely legitimate reasons to be upset. His best friend didn't tell him he'd not only rediscovered Alexis, but that he was banging her. He found out by walking in on them canoodling (in the bar he invested in)! Alexis disappeared 6 years before without a trace, and he definitely has a bone to pick with her. But the conflict is over after a few words.
Alexis' reasons for abandoning her kid and husband are a little weird, too. She has residual guilt over an incident that caused a death in her past, and the way that it's revealed is so sudden that it carries little weight. She seems to have gained a psychology degree overnight as she comes to terms with this painful past instantly, saying that she can't run from it anymore. It's something she kept from her HUSBAND and the father of her daughter for at least 2 years, but it all comes spilling out when she's triggered by Wizard of Oz, like she's some kind of sleeper agent of sad. It was too much and too sudden.
TECHNICAL ELEMENTS:
Did an editor take a pass through this book? There were so many segments that were straight-up confusing that I have to wonder. The writing is amateur at best, and plainly awful at worst. Here's a selection of some actual sentences from the book:
His eyes held to mine, and it was almost uncomfortable until it wasn't.
He was familiar to me in so many ways, but he was someone I didn't know at all in more ways.
...a little ego stroke was a good way to get through the dry spells without thinking you were a washed-up old man without the ability to land anything that didn't have four legs.
(FOUR LEGS? What exactly is Marshall hitting on? Most human women I know have 2 legs or fewer.)
He was clearly in pain, but he was also a man. There was no way of telling if the hit in the side [from a BAR FIGHT] didn't do damage or if it was "male pain"–that common ailment that inflicts itself on the Y chromosome. The female population was unaware if the inability to handle pain was something that men carried with them in their testosterone or if it was safely tucked away in their penis.
After several moments–or maybe it was a hundred, I couldn't tell–his lips and himself, had pulled back.
I thought I understood where she was going, but I didn't understand where it went.
Just... what? The whole book is written this way, as if the writer just sat down and wrote the entire thing from beginning to end but never looked back. Aside from some really nonsensical phrasing and weird judgmental asides (such as 'man pain' from above), I noticed some flat-out errors and strange choices in tense. (There are a few flashbacks written in present tense. This seemed like a weird choice to me, when the rest of the book is in past tense.)
I also felt like the whole SHOCKING MYSTERY of Alexis' past was drawn out way too long. Here's the thing: holding out a BIG SECRET is one thing, but when you have a first person account of the person holding the BIG SECRET, it doesn't make much sense. In someone's interior monologue, they aren't going to think stuff like "ooh, that BIG BAD THING I DID THAT HURT PEOPLE THAT HAS NO NAME." They are going to name it. And that's fine! A character's big bad secret can still be a source of conflict even if the reader knows what it is! The point is that the other characters may not know.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I was interested enough in what was going to happen to the characters to keep reading, even if I didn't really buy into Marshall and Alexis' romance. With a great editor, I think this could have been a pretty decent book. There were a lot of funny lines that I enjoyed, and the side characters were a little thinly drawn but lent some good color. I would have changed a lot of things around, made the inciting incident that got the hero and heroine to get kissy a little less contrived, and made the conflict with Aaron actually mean something, and I think a better flow would have improved the book a lot. There's some good bones in here, they just need to be rearranged.
*** EBOOK PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY.COM IN EXCHANGE FOR HONEST REVIEW ***
October 30, 2019
3.5 stelline
Recensione su https://www.leggereromanticamente.com...
Recensione su https://www.leggereromanticamente.com...
May 13, 2017
ARC REVIEW
So Wicked takes place some time after the events of book two, it follows Aaron's best friend and business partner, Marshall, from Chicago to California opening a brand new bar. Marshall's idea to make the place stand out and be unique was to offer desserts that complimented the drinks he never expected the genius baker who made the delicious confections (I have to admit I would love to try some of them) is none other than Alexis, formerly known as Lexie, Aaron's ex-wife who abandoned her infant daughter. I didn't know what to expect with Alexis but her story when she finally comes out and admits everything to Marshall is so emotional and heart wrenching, she did have a good excuse but it could have been handled differently. This one is probably one of the easiest reads of three and Marshal is definitely the sexiest.
Once Marshall and Alexis get over the initial shock of oh god it's you and the anger that was there, they find themselves trying to ignore the attraction. Marshall has been attracted to her from the beginning but out of respect for Aaron's feeling on Lexie he never made his move. Even now his business relationship, brother like friendship with Aaron is keeping Marshall from acting on this attraction. Alexis has grown so much since she first meet Aaron and Marshal. Alexis is surprised to find the clean cut college boy has turned into a tattooed foul mouthed bad boy. Alexis liked Marshal before but now she finds him down right irresistible. Alexis however is dealing with not only her feelings for Marshall but also trying to overcome the guilt of her past. Only when they give in to each other do they both start dealing with it. Marshal however never told Aaron that Alexis was here let alone started a relationship with her so when he does show up unexpectedly tempers flare and harsh words are spoken.
Overall, as emotional as this book is it's probably one of the most emotionally grown up books with how they reacted and dealt with the problems. I liked that.
So Wicked takes place some time after the events of book two, it follows Aaron's best friend and business partner, Marshall, from Chicago to California opening a brand new bar. Marshall's idea to make the place stand out and be unique was to offer desserts that complimented the drinks he never expected the genius baker who made the delicious confections (I have to admit I would love to try some of them) is none other than Alexis, formerly known as Lexie, Aaron's ex-wife who abandoned her infant daughter. I didn't know what to expect with Alexis but her story when she finally comes out and admits everything to Marshall is so emotional and heart wrenching, she did have a good excuse but it could have been handled differently. This one is probably one of the easiest reads of three and Marshal is definitely the sexiest.
Once Marshall and Alexis get over the initial shock of oh god it's you and the anger that was there, they find themselves trying to ignore the attraction. Marshall has been attracted to her from the beginning but out of respect for Aaron's feeling on Lexie he never made his move. Even now his business relationship, brother like friendship with Aaron is keeping Marshall from acting on this attraction. Alexis has grown so much since she first meet Aaron and Marshal. Alexis is surprised to find the clean cut college boy has turned into a tattooed foul mouthed bad boy. Alexis liked Marshal before but now she finds him down right irresistible. Alexis however is dealing with not only her feelings for Marshall but also trying to overcome the guilt of her past. Only when they give in to each other do they both start dealing with it. Marshal however never told Aaron that Alexis was here let alone started a relationship with her so when he does show up unexpectedly tempers flare and harsh words are spoken.
Overall, as emotional as this book is it's probably one of the most emotionally grown up books with how they reacted and dealt with the problems. I liked that.
March 11, 2018
Dammit! Melissa Marino made me cry in the best possible way. This book is such a great ending to her trilogy. Her best yet!! Funny, steamy, and full of scrumptious desserts!
May 1, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed copy of this book
I didn't know if I wanted to read this book. I mean seriously I thought we hated Alexis. And now... Oh No, I didn't want that. I wanted to hate her some more.
But for an author to take a character that I'm sure most everyone who read this book hated, and turn her into a good guy, well props to you.
Alexis left Chicago and was hoping for a new start. No more drama and no trouble around. But as always that doesn't work when you seem to attract drama. Complications with her dream of being a baker and a sexy forbidden man who can make that happen, well what can she do.
Marshall moved to try and make work his own upscale cocktail bar, but he misses something on his menu. Something that nobody else had on their menu. So can he make a deal with the she-devil herself and what about the sexual chemistry and how will he explain this to his best friend and his business partner?
I enjoyed this book, like I said making a villain into a hero, very hard to do, but I have to say this author pulled it off well. And I suppose like every drama, their is always two sides to a story and here we get to see Alexis as a different person and I have to say by the end of the book, I was convinced that everyone deserves a second chance.
Definitely recommend this series.
Reviewed on behalf of
I didn't know if I wanted to read this book. I mean seriously I thought we hated Alexis. And now... Oh No, I didn't want that. I wanted to hate her some more.
But for an author to take a character that I'm sure most everyone who read this book hated, and turn her into a good guy, well props to you.
Alexis left Chicago and was hoping for a new start. No more drama and no trouble around. But as always that doesn't work when you seem to attract drama. Complications with her dream of being a baker and a sexy forbidden man who can make that happen, well what can she do.
Marshall moved to try and make work his own upscale cocktail bar, but he misses something on his menu. Something that nobody else had on their menu. So can he make a deal with the she-devil herself and what about the sexual chemistry and how will he explain this to his best friend and his business partner?
I enjoyed this book, like I said making a villain into a hero, very hard to do, but I have to say this author pulled it off well. And I suppose like every drama, their is always two sides to a story and here we get to see Alexis as a different person and I have to say by the end of the book, I was convinced that everyone deserves a second chance.
Definitely recommend this series.
Reviewed on behalf of
April 28, 2017
Alexis leaves Chicago behind hoping for a quieter life, one with little drama and no trouble lurking, but she soon learns that her wish, may come with some complications. Complications in the form of a sexy forbidden business man, who knows all her secrets, but also may hold the keys to her success as a baker. Even though he knows her past he is still willing to make her an offer, one that is sure to test boundaries and lead them down a path of trouble. Now she must decide if the success she craves is worth the trouble...
Marshall Rawlins moves across the country to try his hand at running an upscale cocktail bar, but he needs to find that extra special little thing to set him apart from his competitors, and when he discovers these boozy little treats he knows they are just what he is looking for, but the problem is he would have to make a deal with the devil in order to get them. The devil being his best friend and business partner's ex-wife Alexis, he despises the woman, but he knows her treats are too good of a thing to pass on, so he makes her a deal full well knowing it could lead him down a path of trouble. And once the deal is made, the sparks start flying and these two find themselves involved in a forbidden affair that neither one is ready to walk away from...
I had my reservations about this one, mainly the making the villain a likeable heroine part, but I have to say it didn't take me long to come around and start to see her in a different light. Knowing her history I wasn't sure I would be able to let go of my distaste for her, but she found a way to sneak past my defenses and redeem herself, and by the end I found myself in her corner. The more I learned about her the more I began to understand her previous choices, and began to see a woman very deserving of a second chance, and without giving too much away I will just say I was pleased with how it ended. I highly recommend this one, it's a story of second chances with some forbidden romance mixed in here and there, and it made for one heck of a literary escape!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
Marshall Rawlins moves across the country to try his hand at running an upscale cocktail bar, but he needs to find that extra special little thing to set him apart from his competitors, and when he discovers these boozy little treats he knows they are just what he is looking for, but the problem is he would have to make a deal with the devil in order to get them. The devil being his best friend and business partner's ex-wife Alexis, he despises the woman, but he knows her treats are too good of a thing to pass on, so he makes her a deal full well knowing it could lead him down a path of trouble. And once the deal is made, the sparks start flying and these two find themselves involved in a forbidden affair that neither one is ready to walk away from...
I had my reservations about this one, mainly the making the villain a likeable heroine part, but I have to say it didn't take me long to come around and start to see her in a different light. Knowing her history I wasn't sure I would be able to let go of my distaste for her, but she found a way to sneak past my defenses and redeem herself, and by the end I found myself in her corner. The more I learned about her the more I began to understand her previous choices, and began to see a woman very deserving of a second chance, and without giving too much away I will just say I was pleased with how it ended. I highly recommend this one, it's a story of second chances with some forbidden romance mixed in here and there, and it made for one heck of a literary escape!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
May 7, 2017
OK so this is book 3 in this series and in my opinion you really need to read at least book 1 (So Twisted) before diving in to this one. I really recommend reading all three because they are all that good. Honestly, going into this one I was not sure how I was going to like it being that the heroine is Aaron's ex (So Twisted) and biological mother to his daughter. And then the hero of this book is Aaron's best friend. So in my mind I was going no way is Marshall going to fall for his best friend's ex wife/bio mom to his daughter especially knowing all the hell that Aaron went through because Lexie just up and left. However, what I did not plan on falling in love with these two. I had so many questions. Why did Lexie aka Alexis leave her husband and daughter with no more than just a note for one? Ms. Marino does an amazing job turning a "hated" character into one you love. I really did not expect to love this book, but I did. Marshall and Alexis are definitely meant to be just as Aaron and Callie and Abel and Evelyn are. I have said it before in my previous reviews that these books are ones I will reread and I will most definitely be doing that, but I have decided that I am going to need these in paperback too!! Grab all three of these books! You will not regret it!! I can not wait to see what is next!!
May 12, 2017
I wasn't sure how I would be able to be okay with the couple in this book. If you've read So Twisted, which I highly recommend so you get the whole story, you'll know why this pairing makes no sense. I had faith, though, and was not disappointed. I was able to understand Alexis bit and even like her. I liked her and Marshall together even though I knew it could not end well. I loved the story and was happy with how things came together.
April 11, 2017
I first have to give mad props to the huge ladyballs it took for Melissa Marino to even attempt this book. To make someone who's been villainized because of her behavior in previous books lovable? That takes talent, folks. Major talent. I honestly wasn't sure how I'd feel about reading this. I texted Melly about five minutes after starting an all caps question about her choice of love interest for Marshall. I mean..Marshall, Aaron's best friend. His brother from another mother. And Lexie. The ex-wife. The one who walked away from both Aaron and Delilah when she was a baby. How could I even begin to like her, let alone adore her? Melissa made it happen. She worked her magic. She created a wonderful story about two people who were just plain meant to be together, despite the huge odds stacked against them. I was so happy with their growing romance, with the conflict, and with the very sweet ending. I can't wait to see what Marino has in store for readers next!!
November 12, 2019
Recensione sul blog www.leggereromanticamente.com
3.5 stelle
Questo è stato un libro molto difficile per me. In perfetto stile Melissa Marino, anche qui ritroviamo argomenti delicati ed una trama complicata attraverso cui si snoda e si sviluppa la storia d’amore dei protagonisti. Ma questa volta sono proprio 'i protagonisti' a scuotere l’anima del lettore. Chi ha letto la serie credo avrà la mia stessa reazione, cioè un misto di stupore ed incredulità, nel trovarsi davanti come personaggio femminile proprio lei, Lexie, l’ex moglie di Aaron, il protagonista del primo libro, nonché madre della loro piccola Delilah, che lei ha abbandonato ben 6 anni prima. Devo dire che ho ammirato la forza e la determinazione con cui questa autrice ha cercato di spiegare e redimere questo personaggio, costruendo per lei una storia ed un passato molto duri, ed un tumulto interiore tale da arrivare a minare la sua sanità mentale e, di conseguenza, le scelte fatte. Credo sia uno dei personaggi più difficili a cui abbia dato vita. Il percorso di Lexie, o Alexis come si fa chiamare ora, è un viaggio tutto in salita, non solo per lei ma anche per i lettori. Si può realmente lasciare il passato alle spalle? Non è il divorzio da Aaron, o le modalità con le quali si è lasciata il suo matrimonio alle spalle, a far provare al lettore un forte senso di perplessità e diffidenza nei suoi confronti. E’ l’abbandono della figlia che lascia perplessi, e ci si ritrova a sfogliare il libro voracemente per arrivare a capire cosa abbia spinto questa donna a lasciare la sua vita e soprattutto la sua piccola. E se quello di Alexis è un percorso che porta il lettore a capire quello che è avvenuto nella vita, nell’anima e nella mente di questa donna, quello di Marshall, il protagonista maschile, è un altro difficile percorso di accettazione. Accettazione della nuova Alexis, di ciò che ha fatto e di ciò che è diventata, del fatto che si senta attratto da una donna che non solo è l’ex moglie del suo miglior amico ma che lui ha odiato per tanti anni e, per finire, del fatto che nonostante tutto, lui la desideri, se ne innamora e arriva a tradire la fiducia del suo miglior amico pur di stare con lei. Devo dire che l'autrice è riuscita con molta maestria a far in modo che alla fine tutti i personaggi coinvolti in questa storia, Aaron, Callie ( la compagna di Aaron) e Delilah inclusi, arrivino insieme alla stessa meta: il perdono e l'accoglienza, di se stessi e dell'altro. Mai come in questo caso penso che un libro possa portare a valutazioni molto diverse e discordanti tra loro, e ciò è dovuto al tipo di sensibilità che il lettore manifesta rispetto all'argomento trattato. Ho fatto il tifo per Marshall e Alexis, entrambi meritevoli di una seconda occasione. Ho capito i demoni di questa donna, il dolore di Aaron, la forza di Callie e l'amore incondizionato di Marshall. Sono arrivata dove voleva l'autrice, cioè a perdonare e capire Alexis. Quello che però non mi ha convinta è stata la facilità con cui tutto è avvenuto. Un tema così meritava decisamente riflessioni più profonde, più intense e dei tempi decisamente più lunghi per accettare lo sconvolgimento che il ritorno di Alexis porta nella vita di tutti loro, bimba inclusa. Invece mi ha dato l'idea che l'autrice volesse chiudere, mettere un punto senza scandagliare troppo gli animi, cosa impossibile per me dato l'argomento, e il finale è risultato troppo veloce, scontato e banale. Insomma, mi ha lasciato con l'amaro in bocca ed è per questo che ho dato, 3.5 stelle. Ma questo è il 'mio' viaggio emotivo attraverso le pagine di So Wicked, e non rappresenta un giudizio assoluto sulla storia, che comunque è molto ben scritta e coinvolgente. Quindi se avete amato questa serie come me, se volete sperimentare qualcosa di decisamente diverso per capire cosa ne pensiate voi, che aspettate… correte a leggere questo libro!
POV: Doppio
Stile: Scorrevole
Caratteristiche: un libro sulle seconde opportunità, sugli sbagli e la possibilità di rimediare ed essere felici
Sensualità: presente ma contenuta
Finale: conclusivo
3.5 stelle
Questo è stato un libro molto difficile per me. In perfetto stile Melissa Marino, anche qui ritroviamo argomenti delicati ed una trama complicata attraverso cui si snoda e si sviluppa la storia d’amore dei protagonisti. Ma questa volta sono proprio 'i protagonisti' a scuotere l’anima del lettore. Chi ha letto la serie credo avrà la mia stessa reazione, cioè un misto di stupore ed incredulità, nel trovarsi davanti come personaggio femminile proprio lei, Lexie, l’ex moglie di Aaron, il protagonista del primo libro, nonché madre della loro piccola Delilah, che lei ha abbandonato ben 6 anni prima. Devo dire che ho ammirato la forza e la determinazione con cui questa autrice ha cercato di spiegare e redimere questo personaggio, costruendo per lei una storia ed un passato molto duri, ed un tumulto interiore tale da arrivare a minare la sua sanità mentale e, di conseguenza, le scelte fatte. Credo sia uno dei personaggi più difficili a cui abbia dato vita. Il percorso di Lexie, o Alexis come si fa chiamare ora, è un viaggio tutto in salita, non solo per lei ma anche per i lettori. Si può realmente lasciare il passato alle spalle? Non è il divorzio da Aaron, o le modalità con le quali si è lasciata il suo matrimonio alle spalle, a far provare al lettore un forte senso di perplessità e diffidenza nei suoi confronti. E’ l’abbandono della figlia che lascia perplessi, e ci si ritrova a sfogliare il libro voracemente per arrivare a capire cosa abbia spinto questa donna a lasciare la sua vita e soprattutto la sua piccola. E se quello di Alexis è un percorso che porta il lettore a capire quello che è avvenuto nella vita, nell’anima e nella mente di questa donna, quello di Marshall, il protagonista maschile, è un altro difficile percorso di accettazione. Accettazione della nuova Alexis, di ciò che ha fatto e di ciò che è diventata, del fatto che si senta attratto da una donna che non solo è l’ex moglie del suo miglior amico ma che lui ha odiato per tanti anni e, per finire, del fatto che nonostante tutto, lui la desideri, se ne innamora e arriva a tradire la fiducia del suo miglior amico pur di stare con lei. Devo dire che l'autrice è riuscita con molta maestria a far in modo che alla fine tutti i personaggi coinvolti in questa storia, Aaron, Callie ( la compagna di Aaron) e Delilah inclusi, arrivino insieme alla stessa meta: il perdono e l'accoglienza, di se stessi e dell'altro. Mai come in questo caso penso che un libro possa portare a valutazioni molto diverse e discordanti tra loro, e ciò è dovuto al tipo di sensibilità che il lettore manifesta rispetto all'argomento trattato. Ho fatto il tifo per Marshall e Alexis, entrambi meritevoli di una seconda occasione. Ho capito i demoni di questa donna, il dolore di Aaron, la forza di Callie e l'amore incondizionato di Marshall. Sono arrivata dove voleva l'autrice, cioè a perdonare e capire Alexis. Quello che però non mi ha convinta è stata la facilità con cui tutto è avvenuto. Un tema così meritava decisamente riflessioni più profonde, più intense e dei tempi decisamente più lunghi per accettare lo sconvolgimento che il ritorno di Alexis porta nella vita di tutti loro, bimba inclusa. Invece mi ha dato l'idea che l'autrice volesse chiudere, mettere un punto senza scandagliare troppo gli animi, cosa impossibile per me dato l'argomento, e il finale è risultato troppo veloce, scontato e banale. Insomma, mi ha lasciato con l'amaro in bocca ed è per questo che ho dato, 3.5 stelle. Ma questo è il 'mio' viaggio emotivo attraverso le pagine di So Wicked, e non rappresenta un giudizio assoluto sulla storia, che comunque è molto ben scritta e coinvolgente. Quindi se avete amato questa serie come me, se volete sperimentare qualcosa di decisamente diverso per capire cosa ne pensiate voi, che aspettate… correte a leggere questo libro!
POV: Doppio
Stile: Scorrevole
Caratteristiche: un libro sulle seconde opportunità, sugli sbagli e la possibilità di rimediare ed essere felici
Sensualità: presente ma contenuta
Finale: conclusivo
August 14, 2017
So Wicked by Melissa Marino
“Wrong kind of love turned right, 5 stars”
We all know about the “code” between friends, right? If they don’t like someone then you don’t, their ex is like your ex and is off limits, when someone wrongs them they wrong you as well. This is the way it’s been since the start of time. This is the story of a man who magically falls for is his best friend’s ex even though he hates her.
Marshall is loyal in a way that is incredibly sexy. When his best friend’s wife left him he stepped up and helped Aaron in all the ways he could. He may have been a bachelor but he was in love with Aaron’s daughter Delilah and would drop everything for that blue eyed blonde with ringlets. After the death of his mother he went through some life changes and found his true career calling and passion, the bar industry. When the opportunity to open his own bar with the help of Aaron arises he takes it. Yes, it takes him away from the two people he considers family but he has to do it for himself. Only he doesn’t see the storm coming. What will happen when a ghost from his past comes knocking? And will business turn to pleasure?
Alexis ran from her ex-husband and daughter. She was never cut out to be a mother and it was slowly killing her. The ghosts from her past mixed with her daughter wasn’t boding well for her and she thought about ending it. Someone gave her an out she needed and she took it. That doesn’t mean she didn’t love them, she just loved them enough to go. When her ex’s best friend shows up in her town and she’s supposed to do business with him she knows everything is about to change. Because truth be told Marshall is the one she wanted originally.
Marshall and Alexis fight the pull between each other like crazy. The story is intense, one minute you want them to get together and the next you want her far away from Marshall. But it’s not just about them, what about Aaron and Delilah? Can one truly move on from the past or is the past repeating its self? At first I hated this story, only because I didn’t want to know Alexis. When her past was revealed everything suddenly fell into place and made sense. Next thing I knew is I was rooting for Marshall and Alexis and for Aaron to accept them.
Marino set up a story that was perfect about someone moving on and about how the love from the right person can really set one free. The secondary characters new and old were awesome. I loved Alexis best friend. The story just simply fell into place. I would defiantly recommend not only this book but this series to anyone. Here are a couple quotes from So Wicked that I really liked;
“The hint of a garter holding up the lace top of her stocking. I couldn’t help but stare. I don’t think any man could not have, but when she stood back up, she caught me fixated on her legs. Her hands pushed the skirt back into place as her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. The innocent blush. The sexy garters and stockings. It was too much for me.”
“and I knew that when I saw her tomorrow, the harshness of what I’d just said would still be hanging in the air like stale beer and cigarette smoke.”
“There was desire and tragedy and so much hidden beneath the blue. I wanted to reach inside and pull it all out of her. I wanted to lay it in front of her so she could see all the things I did, all the wondrous things that rose above all the past bullshit. It was there. I just couldn’t reach it yet.”
Plot- 5/5
Characters- 5/5
Heat- 5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall- 5/5
**SBR Reviews**
“Wrong kind of love turned right, 5 stars”
We all know about the “code” between friends, right? If they don’t like someone then you don’t, their ex is like your ex and is off limits, when someone wrongs them they wrong you as well. This is the way it’s been since the start of time. This is the story of a man who magically falls for is his best friend’s ex even though he hates her.
Marshall is loyal in a way that is incredibly sexy. When his best friend’s wife left him he stepped up and helped Aaron in all the ways he could. He may have been a bachelor but he was in love with Aaron’s daughter Delilah and would drop everything for that blue eyed blonde with ringlets. After the death of his mother he went through some life changes and found his true career calling and passion, the bar industry. When the opportunity to open his own bar with the help of Aaron arises he takes it. Yes, it takes him away from the two people he considers family but he has to do it for himself. Only he doesn’t see the storm coming. What will happen when a ghost from his past comes knocking? And will business turn to pleasure?
Alexis ran from her ex-husband and daughter. She was never cut out to be a mother and it was slowly killing her. The ghosts from her past mixed with her daughter wasn’t boding well for her and she thought about ending it. Someone gave her an out she needed and she took it. That doesn’t mean she didn’t love them, she just loved them enough to go. When her ex’s best friend shows up in her town and she’s supposed to do business with him she knows everything is about to change. Because truth be told Marshall is the one she wanted originally.
Marshall and Alexis fight the pull between each other like crazy. The story is intense, one minute you want them to get together and the next you want her far away from Marshall. But it’s not just about them, what about Aaron and Delilah? Can one truly move on from the past or is the past repeating its self? At first I hated this story, only because I didn’t want to know Alexis. When her past was revealed everything suddenly fell into place and made sense. Next thing I knew is I was rooting for Marshall and Alexis and for Aaron to accept them.
Marino set up a story that was perfect about someone moving on and about how the love from the right person can really set one free. The secondary characters new and old were awesome. I loved Alexis best friend. The story just simply fell into place. I would defiantly recommend not only this book but this series to anyone. Here are a couple quotes from So Wicked that I really liked;
“The hint of a garter holding up the lace top of her stocking. I couldn’t help but stare. I don’t think any man could not have, but when she stood back up, she caught me fixated on her legs. Her hands pushed the skirt back into place as her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. The innocent blush. The sexy garters and stockings. It was too much for me.”
“and I knew that when I saw her tomorrow, the harshness of what I’d just said would still be hanging in the air like stale beer and cigarette smoke.”
“There was desire and tragedy and so much hidden beneath the blue. I wanted to reach inside and pull it all out of her. I wanted to lay it in front of her so she could see all the things I did, all the wondrous things that rose above all the past bullshit. It was there. I just couldn’t reach it yet.”
Plot- 5/5
Characters- 5/5
Heat- 5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall- 5/5
**SBR Reviews**
May 8, 2017
So Wicked is book #3 in the Bad Behavior series by Melissa Marino. I actually started with book #2, So Screwed and absolutely 100% fell in love! The series has everything, fun, drama, sassy woman, hot as hell men, you get the picture. I’ll be honest though, I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to read this story. How do you take the one woman who has been made to be such a god awful person in the previous books and make her LOVABLE???? AND on top of all of it, add in Aaron’s best friend, Marshall??
Well, Melissa Marino, I have to say that you wrote them FLAWLESSLY.
Alexis has moved from Chicago to escape the husband, child, job she left behind because of her demons. Alexis now has a successful bakery that she absolutely adores and that has given her soul a bit of peace with her past. With a new cocktail bar opening up in the area, Alexis will be working with them to provide her pastries to pair with the drinks.
Marshall is the owner of the cocktail bar and best friend of Alexis’ ex-husband Aaron. He had no idea who was running the bakery business he is now partnering with and is not too happy about it when he finds out it’s Alexis. However, Marshall knows her pastries are a fit for his business and chooses to keep Aaron, who is part owner, out of the loop for the time being. He’s just not sure how all it will work, especially when she’s the one who destroyed his best friend. For years. How do you get over that?
When Marshall and Alexis first meet after all these years, I really wanted to continue to hate her. I mean, she up and left her family! Her child! But when the demons start to show up again, I felt nothing but pure empathy for Alexis. The way Marshall just couldn’t fathom what she did and why and the way he spoke to her, while I understand completely, it utterly broke my heart.
Everyone has a story to tell regardless of what you believe or have heard. When Alexis told hers, I broke. It was the most gut wrenching thing I have read and no longer was she the evil woman from the past. She was just a woman, trying to make a life for herself.
Will Alexis and Marshall be able to work together? Can this attraction between them be something they can act on with their past? What happens when Aaron finds out about them?
This was one of the best series I have ever read, hands down. I just cannot say enough about this story. The way everything played out, the demons that were unleashed and the ending? Get your Kleenex ready. It’s beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of!
Well, Melissa Marino, I have to say that you wrote them FLAWLESSLY.
Alexis has moved from Chicago to escape the husband, child, job she left behind because of her demons. Alexis now has a successful bakery that she absolutely adores and that has given her soul a bit of peace with her past. With a new cocktail bar opening up in the area, Alexis will be working with them to provide her pastries to pair with the drinks.
Marshall is the owner of the cocktail bar and best friend of Alexis’ ex-husband Aaron. He had no idea who was running the bakery business he is now partnering with and is not too happy about it when he finds out it’s Alexis. However, Marshall knows her pastries are a fit for his business and chooses to keep Aaron, who is part owner, out of the loop for the time being. He’s just not sure how all it will work, especially when she’s the one who destroyed his best friend. For years. How do you get over that?
When Marshall and Alexis first meet after all these years, I really wanted to continue to hate her. I mean, she up and left her family! Her child! But when the demons start to show up again, I felt nothing but pure empathy for Alexis. The way Marshall just couldn’t fathom what she did and why and the way he spoke to her, while I understand completely, it utterly broke my heart.
Everyone has a story to tell regardless of what you believe or have heard. When Alexis told hers, I broke. It was the most gut wrenching thing I have read and no longer was she the evil woman from the past. She was just a woman, trying to make a life for herself.
Will Alexis and Marshall be able to work together? Can this attraction between them be something they can act on with their past? What happens when Aaron finds out about them?
This was one of the best series I have ever read, hands down. I just cannot say enough about this story. The way everything played out, the demons that were unleashed and the ending? Get your Kleenex ready. It’s beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of!
September 4, 2023
Dopo aver letto 𝐒𝐨 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐝: 𝐔𝐧 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐳𝐳𝐢, mi sono subito buttata tra le pagine del capitolo conclusivo della serie 𝐀 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫, i due protagonisti mi hanno spiazzato e non poco, perché??
Perché la protagonista femminile è Lexie o come si fa chiamare adesso Alexis, l'ex moglie di Aaron, mentre lui è Marshall, barman e ora socio e amico di Aaron.
Quando Alexis accetta di fornire i dolcetti per il nuovo locale della zona, non immagina che il capo è Marshall il miglior amico del suo ex marito.
Se il lettore rimane spiazzato, immaginate Marshall.
Anche se sono passati diversi anni, e adesso si fa chiamare Alexis, per Marshall è sempre la donna che ha abbondonato la figlia e fatto soffrire il suo amico.
𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐯𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐢 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐢. 𝐄𝐫𝐚 𝐥'𝐞𝐱 𝐦𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐦𝐢𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐨. 𝐀𝐯𝐫𝐞𝐢 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐚 𝐜𝐚@@𝐨 𝐝𝐢 𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧, 𝐦𝐚 𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥'𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐯𝐨 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐢.
L'astio e la diffidenza verso la ragazza non mancano ma presto Marshall deve ricredersi, perché la donna che ha difronte è cambiata, e non parlo solo nell'aspetto fisico ma anche caratterialmente.
Tra battibecchi, litigi e sguardi infuocati tra i due scatta la passione, ma anche i sensi colpa e la paura da parte di Marshall di ferire Aaron.
Mantenere il segreto e vivere il momento permette ai due di scoprirsi, ma cosa succede quando il passato che hai cercato di dimenticare torna a bussare?
Una lettura più che inaspettata, che offre nello stile unico di questa autrice spunti di riflessione.
Una storia dove rabbia e amore, odio e voglia di concedere fiducia fanno a pugni dalla prima all'ultima pagina.
Il ritmo è serrato e non ci sono mai momenti morti durante la lettura.
Se devo trovare un neo, beh, mi è mancato un vero e proprio confronto tra i protagonisti e con Aaron, quando la verità viene a galla.
Umanamente è impossibile passare oltre, alle sofferenze subito, alle menzogne in un lampo, capisco che si tratta di un romanzo, ma l'amarezza rimane lo stesso.
Una storia tormentata e difficile, che consiglio di leggere a chi crede nell'amore che supera tutto.
Perché la protagonista femminile è Lexie o come si fa chiamare adesso Alexis, l'ex moglie di Aaron, mentre lui è Marshall, barman e ora socio e amico di Aaron.
Quando Alexis accetta di fornire i dolcetti per il nuovo locale della zona, non immagina che il capo è Marshall il miglior amico del suo ex marito.
Se il lettore rimane spiazzato, immaginate Marshall.
Anche se sono passati diversi anni, e adesso si fa chiamare Alexis, per Marshall è sempre la donna che ha abbondonato la figlia e fatto soffrire il suo amico.
𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐯𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐢 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐢. 𝐄𝐫𝐚 𝐥'𝐞𝐱 𝐦𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐦𝐢𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐨. 𝐀𝐯𝐫𝐞𝐢 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐚 𝐜𝐚@@𝐨 𝐝𝐢 𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧, 𝐦𝐚 𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥'𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐯𝐨 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐢.
L'astio e la diffidenza verso la ragazza non mancano ma presto Marshall deve ricredersi, perché la donna che ha difronte è cambiata, e non parlo solo nell'aspetto fisico ma anche caratterialmente.
Tra battibecchi, litigi e sguardi infuocati tra i due scatta la passione, ma anche i sensi colpa e la paura da parte di Marshall di ferire Aaron.
Mantenere il segreto e vivere il momento permette ai due di scoprirsi, ma cosa succede quando il passato che hai cercato di dimenticare torna a bussare?
Una lettura più che inaspettata, che offre nello stile unico di questa autrice spunti di riflessione.
Una storia dove rabbia e amore, odio e voglia di concedere fiducia fanno a pugni dalla prima all'ultima pagina.
Il ritmo è serrato e non ci sono mai momenti morti durante la lettura.
Se devo trovare un neo, beh, mi è mancato un vero e proprio confronto tra i protagonisti e con Aaron, quando la verità viene a galla.
Umanamente è impossibile passare oltre, alle sofferenze subito, alle menzogne in un lampo, capisco che si tratta di un romanzo, ma l'amarezza rimane lo stesso.
Una storia tormentata e difficile, che consiglio di leggere a chi crede nell'amore che supera tutto.
May 8, 2017
so wicked is the most emotional of the bad behavior novels, in it marshall rawlins, aaron's best friend, and alexis bell, aaron's ex-wife meet again in san diego when alexis's bakery is unwittingly contracted as the baked goods supplier for ginger, marshall and aaron's new bar. marshall is unbelievably pissed to see alexis again, especially since she seems to be doing so well and all he can think of is aaron's heartbreak and the fact that delilah is growing up without her mother.
but there's always been another side to that story. and alexis lives with the consequences of her choices daily. the most salient is that if she had stayed with aaron she would have killed herself. she believes that being out of delilah's life is the best way to keep delilah safe. even if that feeling is completely irrational and untrue, it's alexis's reality.
at first, marshall isn't willing to see that alexis might have had her reasons for leaving. but this deep-seated attraction to her is an inconvenience that doesn't seem to be dissipating. and the more he finds he can't stay away, the more open he is to hearing alexis's story. when he does finally listen, he understands even if he doesn't really agree. and when he gives in to the attraction that has sparked between them, he makes the choice that he's not going to tell aaron. after all not only is he betraying his best friend by becoming friendly with his ex, he's making it even worse by sleeping with her.
aaron will be their biggest crisis. both marshall and alexis are adults who know exactly what they are feeling. they've experienced loss. they've made impossible choices. they've survived. and so when they fall in love, it's for keeps. together they'll keep their doubts and their crazy at bay. as always, communication is key. and both marshall and alexis are upfront and plainspoken, which makes them perfect for each other.
this series closes out on a high note. and manages to redeem alexis in a way that really works. her choices might not seem fathomable, but at the same time you get it. she didn't leave aaron and delilah behind because she didn't love them or she didn't care. she left them behind because she had no choice. because the alternative would have been worse.
but there's always been another side to that story. and alexis lives with the consequences of her choices daily. the most salient is that if she had stayed with aaron she would have killed herself. she believes that being out of delilah's life is the best way to keep delilah safe. even if that feeling is completely irrational and untrue, it's alexis's reality.
at first, marshall isn't willing to see that alexis might have had her reasons for leaving. but this deep-seated attraction to her is an inconvenience that doesn't seem to be dissipating. and the more he finds he can't stay away, the more open he is to hearing alexis's story. when he does finally listen, he understands even if he doesn't really agree. and when he gives in to the attraction that has sparked between them, he makes the choice that he's not going to tell aaron. after all not only is he betraying his best friend by becoming friendly with his ex, he's making it even worse by sleeping with her.
aaron will be their biggest crisis. both marshall and alexis are adults who know exactly what they are feeling. they've experienced loss. they've made impossible choices. they've survived. and so when they fall in love, it's for keeps. together they'll keep their doubts and their crazy at bay. as always, communication is key. and both marshall and alexis are upfront and plainspoken, which makes them perfect for each other.
this series closes out on a high note. and manages to redeem alexis in a way that really works. her choices might not seem fathomable, but at the same time you get it. she didn't leave aaron and delilah behind because she didn't love them or she didn't care. she left them behind because she had no choice. because the alternative would have been worse.
May 7, 2017
Received in exchange for a honest review.
I so wanted to not like Alexis but dangnabit I couldn’t She was fiesty, snarky, smart and fun. After what she did to Aaron and Delilah you want to growl at her. She messed up Aaron. but as we learn things aren’t always as they seem and in this book we see what really was going on.
Marshall is Aaron’s bestfriend and at one time was friends with Alexis so when she ends up coming into his bar to do business it was a shocker to say the least. I loved the initial reaction he had. He was understandable in his growliness. Overall though Marshall is a great character and so loyal and caring. He fought his feelings for Alexis from the beginning due to his friendship with Aaron. so when he finally does give in to the attraction and feelings for Alexis you know he didn’t do it lightly or without knowing that Alexis was more than a quick romp in the sheets.
Seeing the conflicted feelings of both Alexis and Marshall for each other was endearing. It shows the respect for the past and Aaron they have. It also shows they have grown since last seeing one another. It didn’t help their disposition with others but it does show their maturity. What I loved is we got to see the thoughts of both through the author writing in both their POVs. We see them be conflicted and work through it. We see the indecision of Alexis and how scared she was to open up to Marshall and we see how hard it was on Marshall to keep Alexis from Aaron.
The story had some fun snarky moments. Some great banter and really seductive moments. It shows us the deep bonds of friendship and how serious feelings must be to risk it all. We see the story of second chances and finding the one you are meant to be with and fighting for that. Marshall and Alexis are both strong stubborn characters who grew in the story and who loved one another fiercely. This is their seductive and alluring story and how Alexis finally comes to peace with her past and lets Marshall in and finds love and a future with him.
I so wanted to not like Alexis but dangnabit I couldn’t She was fiesty, snarky, smart and fun. After what she did to Aaron and Delilah you want to growl at her. She messed up Aaron. but as we learn things aren’t always as they seem and in this book we see what really was going on.
Marshall is Aaron’s bestfriend and at one time was friends with Alexis so when she ends up coming into his bar to do business it was a shocker to say the least. I loved the initial reaction he had. He was understandable in his growliness. Overall though Marshall is a great character and so loyal and caring. He fought his feelings for Alexis from the beginning due to his friendship with Aaron. so when he finally does give in to the attraction and feelings for Alexis you know he didn’t do it lightly or without knowing that Alexis was more than a quick romp in the sheets.
Seeing the conflicted feelings of both Alexis and Marshall for each other was endearing. It shows the respect for the past and Aaron they have. It also shows they have grown since last seeing one another. It didn’t help their disposition with others but it does show their maturity. What I loved is we got to see the thoughts of both through the author writing in both their POVs. We see them be conflicted and work through it. We see the indecision of Alexis and how scared she was to open up to Marshall and we see how hard it was on Marshall to keep Alexis from Aaron.
The story had some fun snarky moments. Some great banter and really seductive moments. It shows us the deep bonds of friendship and how serious feelings must be to risk it all. We see the story of second chances and finding the one you are meant to be with and fighting for that. Marshall and Alexis are both strong stubborn characters who grew in the story and who loved one another fiercely. This is their seductive and alluring story and how Alexis finally comes to peace with her past and lets Marshall in and finds love and a future with him.
October 31, 2019
RECENSIONE DI SAMUELA
VOTO: 3
Salve a tutti readers,
il romanzo di cui vi parlerò oggi è So Wicked terzo capitolo della serie A Bad Behavior di Melissa Marino, uscito lo scorso 15 ottobre per la Hope Edizioni. Dopo aver conosciuto le storie dei fratelli Matthews, Aaron e Abel, è arrivato il momento di conoscere Marshall, migliore amico e socio in affari di Aaron.
Chi ha letto i volumi precedenti ha già avuto modo di conoscere il suo personaggio: 34 anni, bellissimo, fisico prestante e pieno di tatuaggi, single per scelta, playboy incallito dal carattere schivo e taciturno. Da quando ha cambiato vita Marshall ha un unico obbiettivo: riuscire ad avviare portandolo al successo un locale tutto da solo. La sua occasione si presenterà quando insieme ad Aaron decideranno di espandersi e avviare un locale in California.
Per Marshall quel cambiamento rappresenterà un vero e proprio nuovo inizio: nuove abitudini, un nuovo clima, nuove amicizie e nuove collaborazioni, ma è così tanto il desiderio di mettersi in gioco che tutte queste novità non lo spaventano affatto.
A spaventarlo, o per dirla meglio, a mandarlo completamente fuori di testa, sarà una vecchia conoscenza, una donna che non vedeva da più di sei anni, che un tempo era stata sua amica, una donna che è stata causa di dolore per due delle persone a lui più care: Aaron e la sua figlioletta Delilah. Lexi, che adesso si fa chiamare Alexis di fatti è l'ex moglie del suo migliore amico e la madre biologica della sua bambina; è la donna che è sparita improvvisamente nel nulla, così da un giorno all'altro senza la minima spiegazione e senza lasciare traccia. Marshall era lì quando è successo, era lì quando la vita del suo migliore amico si sgretolava in un milione di pezzi sotto i suoi occhi; è stato testimone del dolore causato dal suo abbandono ed era sempre lì quando dopo anni passati a commiserarsi, ha ritrovato la serenità insieme ad un'altra donna, Callie, la donna che negli ultimi tre anni ha cresciuto la piccola Delilah come fosse sua figlia.
Ma cosa ci fa Lexi nel suo bar, in California, con una scatola di deliziosi cupcakes ? È lei la proprietaria della piccola pasticceria che preparerà i deliziosi dolcetti da abbinare ai suo famosi cocktail? Dovranno lavorare insieme? E come mai, anche se esteticamente è rimasta uguale, sembra così diversa? Che fine ha fatto la donna impettita, sicura di se e impertinente che aveva sposato il suo migliore amico? Inizialmente sarà la rabbia ad averla vinta e dalla sua bocca usciranno solo parole cattive, pregne di rabbia e disprezzo; da una parte vorrebbe subito raccontarlo al suo migliore amico, ma dall'altra è consapevole che quella scoperta potrebbe riportare a galla vecchie ferite non ancora del tutto rimarginate. Tenere la bocca chiusa sembra la soluzione migliore, almeno fino a quando non avrà ottenuto delle risposte, e per questa ragione deciderà di darle una seconda chance. Forse potrebbe essere l'occasione per scoprire cosa l'ha spinta ad abbandonare la sua famiglia, ma soprattutto scoprire cosa o chi si nasconde dietro quel sorriso triste.
Lexi, o meglio Alexis, aveva bisogno di un nuovo inizio. Ricominciare in una nuova città, lontano dai ricordi, lontana dalla vita che si è lasciata alla spalle. Sei anni prima è fuggita da Chicago, è fuggita da un matrimonio che forse non aveva mai voluto ed è fuggita da lei, Dalilah, la sua bambina. Non è stato facile per lei abbandonarla, ma visto lo stato psicofisico che stava attraversando, lasciarla era l'unico modo per salvarla, per proteggerla da se stessa. Per Alexis non è stata una scelta facile, ma necessaria. Necessaria per il suo bene, ma soprattutto per quello di sua figlia; da allora è andata avanti con la sua vita, o almeno è quello che continua a ripetersi; ha un nuovo lavoro che adora, degli amici, una splendida casa in mezzo al bosco dove la sera può starsene seduta sul portico in tranquillità, ed è proprio quando è da sola nella tranquillità della sua casa che i ricordi tornano a galla e sono talmente dolorosi da toglierle il fiato.
Quando improvvisamente si ritroverà faccia a faccia con il suo passato, un passato con un nome e un corpo da urlo, che risveglierà il suo corpo ormai intorpidito, il vaso di pandora, che per tanto tempo era riuscita a tenere chiuso, si aprirà, e dopo tanti anni dovrà fare i conti con le scelte fatte. Ma sarà pronta a venire a patti con il suo passato, ma soprattutto sarà pronta a cogliere la seconda possibilità che il destino le porge? E come andrà a finire quando Aaron scoprirà che il suo migliore amico non ha fatto altro che mentirgli per mesi?
Devo confessarvi che non è stato facile per me scrivere questa recensione, come non è stato facile decidere che voto attribuire a questa storia. Perché? semplice; la mia parte razionale non avrebbe mai terminato la lettura e quindi ci sarebbe stato poco da valutare, ma il compito di noi blogger è quello di giudicare anche ciò che non rientra nelle nostre corde, senza però tralasciare la parte oggettiva. Oggettivamente So Wicked è un romanzo scritto bene: il ritmo narrativo è incalzante, non ci sono punti morti, e questo è senza dubbio un punto in suo favore che gli permette di raggiungere la sufficienza, ma c'è qualcosa o meglio qualcuno che non mi ha convinta. A non convincermi è stato senza dubbio il personaggio di Alexis; capisco che non è facile per un'autrice riuscire a far redimere un personaggio che nei romanzi precedenti è stato descritto come l'orco cattivo, come un essere spregevole ed egoista, e trovo che la Marino si sia messa veramente in gioco, gliene do atto, ma non credo che ci sia riuscita appieno. Secondo il mio punto di vista -assolutamente opinabile- le ragioni che hanno spinto Alexis ad abbandonare la figlia suonano piuttosto deboli; così come ho trovato debole e oltremodo sbrigativo il confronto tra lei e Aaron. Non si possono superare sei lunghi anni di silenzi e di assenza in una manciata di minuti; mi dispiace, ma da madre non lo accetto. Non posso scendere nei dettagli perché non voglio minimamente fare spoiler, ma ci sono state tante, troppe cose a non convincermi sul suo conto. Mi sarei aspettata di più, molto di più per riuscire a farla redimere ai miei occhi.
Marshall invece è un bel personaggio, molto positivo: ho apprezzato la sua determinazione nel voler comprendere a tutti i costi Alexis, a voler dar voce ai suoi silenzi, a voler restituire la luce ai suoi occhi spenti. Non è stato facile per lui scoprirsi innamorato di una donna che sino a poco prima detestava con tutto se stesso, e per questo dovrà fare i conti con sentimenti contrastanti, ma soprattutto dovrà scegliere a chi dimostrare lealtà.
In conclusione lo consiglio solo se siete facili al perdono, a me personalmente ha lasciato con l'amaro in bocca.
All prossima lettura.
http://bit.ly/32OjWLt
VOTO: 3
Salve a tutti readers,
il romanzo di cui vi parlerò oggi è So Wicked terzo capitolo della serie A Bad Behavior di Melissa Marino, uscito lo scorso 15 ottobre per la Hope Edizioni. Dopo aver conosciuto le storie dei fratelli Matthews, Aaron e Abel, è arrivato il momento di conoscere Marshall, migliore amico e socio in affari di Aaron.
Chi ha letto i volumi precedenti ha già avuto modo di conoscere il suo personaggio: 34 anni, bellissimo, fisico prestante e pieno di tatuaggi, single per scelta, playboy incallito dal carattere schivo e taciturno. Da quando ha cambiato vita Marshall ha un unico obbiettivo: riuscire ad avviare portandolo al successo un locale tutto da solo. La sua occasione si presenterà quando insieme ad Aaron decideranno di espandersi e avviare un locale in California.
Per Marshall quel cambiamento rappresenterà un vero e proprio nuovo inizio: nuove abitudini, un nuovo clima, nuove amicizie e nuove collaborazioni, ma è così tanto il desiderio di mettersi in gioco che tutte queste novità non lo spaventano affatto.
A spaventarlo, o per dirla meglio, a mandarlo completamente fuori di testa, sarà una vecchia conoscenza, una donna che non vedeva da più di sei anni, che un tempo era stata sua amica, una donna che è stata causa di dolore per due delle persone a lui più care: Aaron e la sua figlioletta Delilah. Lexi, che adesso si fa chiamare Alexis di fatti è l'ex moglie del suo migliore amico e la madre biologica della sua bambina; è la donna che è sparita improvvisamente nel nulla, così da un giorno all'altro senza la minima spiegazione e senza lasciare traccia. Marshall era lì quando è successo, era lì quando la vita del suo migliore amico si sgretolava in un milione di pezzi sotto i suoi occhi; è stato testimone del dolore causato dal suo abbandono ed era sempre lì quando dopo anni passati a commiserarsi, ha ritrovato la serenità insieme ad un'altra donna, Callie, la donna che negli ultimi tre anni ha cresciuto la piccola Delilah come fosse sua figlia.
Ma cosa ci fa Lexi nel suo bar, in California, con una scatola di deliziosi cupcakes ? È lei la proprietaria della piccola pasticceria che preparerà i deliziosi dolcetti da abbinare ai suo famosi cocktail? Dovranno lavorare insieme? E come mai, anche se esteticamente è rimasta uguale, sembra così diversa? Che fine ha fatto la donna impettita, sicura di se e impertinente che aveva sposato il suo migliore amico? Inizialmente sarà la rabbia ad averla vinta e dalla sua bocca usciranno solo parole cattive, pregne di rabbia e disprezzo; da una parte vorrebbe subito raccontarlo al suo migliore amico, ma dall'altra è consapevole che quella scoperta potrebbe riportare a galla vecchie ferite non ancora del tutto rimarginate. Tenere la bocca chiusa sembra la soluzione migliore, almeno fino a quando non avrà ottenuto delle risposte, e per questa ragione deciderà di darle una seconda chance. Forse potrebbe essere l'occasione per scoprire cosa l'ha spinta ad abbandonare la sua famiglia, ma soprattutto scoprire cosa o chi si nasconde dietro quel sorriso triste.
Lexi, o meglio Alexis, aveva bisogno di un nuovo inizio. Ricominciare in una nuova città, lontano dai ricordi, lontana dalla vita che si è lasciata alla spalle. Sei anni prima è fuggita da Chicago, è fuggita da un matrimonio che forse non aveva mai voluto ed è fuggita da lei, Dalilah, la sua bambina. Non è stato facile per lei abbandonarla, ma visto lo stato psicofisico che stava attraversando, lasciarla era l'unico modo per salvarla, per proteggerla da se stessa. Per Alexis non è stata una scelta facile, ma necessaria. Necessaria per il suo bene, ma soprattutto per quello di sua figlia; da allora è andata avanti con la sua vita, o almeno è quello che continua a ripetersi; ha un nuovo lavoro che adora, degli amici, una splendida casa in mezzo al bosco dove la sera può starsene seduta sul portico in tranquillità, ed è proprio quando è da sola nella tranquillità della sua casa che i ricordi tornano a galla e sono talmente dolorosi da toglierle il fiato.
Quando improvvisamente si ritroverà faccia a faccia con il suo passato, un passato con un nome e un corpo da urlo, che risveglierà il suo corpo ormai intorpidito, il vaso di pandora, che per tanto tempo era riuscita a tenere chiuso, si aprirà, e dopo tanti anni dovrà fare i conti con le scelte fatte. Ma sarà pronta a venire a patti con il suo passato, ma soprattutto sarà pronta a cogliere la seconda possibilità che il destino le porge? E come andrà a finire quando Aaron scoprirà che il suo migliore amico non ha fatto altro che mentirgli per mesi?
Devo confessarvi che non è stato facile per me scrivere questa recensione, come non è stato facile decidere che voto attribuire a questa storia. Perché? semplice; la mia parte razionale non avrebbe mai terminato la lettura e quindi ci sarebbe stato poco da valutare, ma il compito di noi blogger è quello di giudicare anche ciò che non rientra nelle nostre corde, senza però tralasciare la parte oggettiva. Oggettivamente So Wicked è un romanzo scritto bene: il ritmo narrativo è incalzante, non ci sono punti morti, e questo è senza dubbio un punto in suo favore che gli permette di raggiungere la sufficienza, ma c'è qualcosa o meglio qualcuno che non mi ha convinta. A non convincermi è stato senza dubbio il personaggio di Alexis; capisco che non è facile per un'autrice riuscire a far redimere un personaggio che nei romanzi precedenti è stato descritto come l'orco cattivo, come un essere spregevole ed egoista, e trovo che la Marino si sia messa veramente in gioco, gliene do atto, ma non credo che ci sia riuscita appieno. Secondo il mio punto di vista -assolutamente opinabile- le ragioni che hanno spinto Alexis ad abbandonare la figlia suonano piuttosto deboli; così come ho trovato debole e oltremodo sbrigativo il confronto tra lei e Aaron. Non si possono superare sei lunghi anni di silenzi e di assenza in una manciata di minuti; mi dispiace, ma da madre non lo accetto. Non posso scendere nei dettagli perché non voglio minimamente fare spoiler, ma ci sono state tante, troppe cose a non convincermi sul suo conto. Mi sarei aspettata di più, molto di più per riuscire a farla redimere ai miei occhi.
Marshall invece è un bel personaggio, molto positivo: ho apprezzato la sua determinazione nel voler comprendere a tutti i costi Alexis, a voler dar voce ai suoi silenzi, a voler restituire la luce ai suoi occhi spenti. Non è stato facile per lui scoprirsi innamorato di una donna che sino a poco prima detestava con tutto se stesso, e per questo dovrà fare i conti con sentimenti contrastanti, ma soprattutto dovrà scegliere a chi dimostrare lealtà.
In conclusione lo consiglio solo se siete facili al perdono, a me personalmente ha lasciato con l'amaro in bocca.
All prossima lettura.
http://bit.ly/32OjWLt
May 7, 2017
After reading the Blurb of So Wicked I just knew I had to read this story ,so when I got the chance to read this book early I was so excited and I dived into this story as soon as I possibly could and I loved it!
In this book we follow Alexis and Marshall and lets just say when these two meet again its not love at first site with hearts and rainbows , you see Alexis left her husband ( well now ex husband ) and her child six years ago and Marshall is her ex husband best friend so to say that this makes things complicated is putting it mildly, however Marshall is opening up a new bar and Alexis is a baker who makes excellent baked goods with alcohol in them so they put aside there difference for the most part and work together ,however as they closer and closer that attraction brewing between these two becomes something that neither of them can ignore . I love the romance in this book, there where so many times where I would be swooning over these two , it was sexy , it was fun and at the same time heartwarming.We got moments between them that made me want to fan my self and at the same time we also got to see them open up to each other and be vulnerable and I loved that .I felt that Melissa Marino wrote a perfect story for these characters , I love how everything came full circle , I love that everyone got the happiest ending possible . This book was just so so wickedly good( do you see what I did there? lol )
So Wicked was a sexy , emotional , heartwarming contemporary romance and I cannot wait to see what Melissa Marino writes next .If you love all these things in your stories I suggest you pick up a copy as soon as possible .
In this book we follow Alexis and Marshall and lets just say when these two meet again its not love at first site with hearts and rainbows , you see Alexis left her husband ( well now ex husband ) and her child six years ago and Marshall is her ex husband best friend so to say that this makes things complicated is putting it mildly, however Marshall is opening up a new bar and Alexis is a baker who makes excellent baked goods with alcohol in them so they put aside there difference for the most part and work together ,however as they closer and closer that attraction brewing between these two becomes something that neither of them can ignore . I love the romance in this book, there where so many times where I would be swooning over these two , it was sexy , it was fun and at the same time heartwarming.We got moments between them that made me want to fan my self and at the same time we also got to see them open up to each other and be vulnerable and I loved that .I felt that Melissa Marino wrote a perfect story for these characters , I love how everything came full circle , I love that everyone got the happiest ending possible . This book was just so so wickedly good( do you see what I did there? lol )
So Wicked was a sexy , emotional , heartwarming contemporary romance and I cannot wait to see what Melissa Marino writes next .If you love all these things in your stories I suggest you pick up a copy as soon as possible .
December 26, 2020
Non c’è nulla da fare… La scrittura della Marino è come un droga, ti stordisce, ti rapisce e te ne fa volere ancora.
Ho letto questo libro in una notte, ebbene sì, avete letto bene, una sola notte. Sono partita dicendo, leggo un paio di capitoli e poi a nanna, i due capitoli invece sono arrivati ad essere tutti.
Dopo Abel e Aaron, questo è il turno di incontrare più da vicino Marshall, e se i due fratelli ci erano sembrati sexy e dolcissimi, non sapete cosa vi aspetta da lui. L’uomo tatuato, l’hipster della porta accanto e lo sciupa femmine più in voga di tutta Chicago.
Ma cosa succede se questo essere bellissimo si innamora? Non starò io a dirvelo, perchè dovrete leggere il libro, ma posso assicurarvi che i vostri cuori si scioglieranno, si romperanno e vi faranno piangere tutte le lacrime del mondo.
Un’altra domanda… Cosa succede se il passato e presente si scontrano mortalmente? Può essere un amore “sbagliato”? Possono gli errori del passato minare il futuro?
Anche voi leggendo il libro vi porrete le stesse domande che mi sono posta io per tutta la lettura e arriverete alla fine con il fiatone, come dopo aver corso una maratona, inseguita dai propri fantasmi.
Amici, amici che si ritrovano ad essere innamorati, due ragazzi che provano a respingersi e a respingere ciò che provano.
L’amicizia è alla base di tutto il libro, un amicizia che sembrava essere stata spezzata tanti anni prima, ma che si riversa prepotentemente nei ricordi di Alexis e Marshall.
Un’amore nato per sbaglio, ma si sa, quando Cupido scaglia la propria freccia, non c’è passato che tenga, l’amore è comunque più forte.
Bellissimo, emozionante e assolutamente da leggere.
- Ice Angel
Ho letto questo libro in una notte, ebbene sì, avete letto bene, una sola notte. Sono partita dicendo, leggo un paio di capitoli e poi a nanna, i due capitoli invece sono arrivati ad essere tutti.
Dopo Abel e Aaron, questo è il turno di incontrare più da vicino Marshall, e se i due fratelli ci erano sembrati sexy e dolcissimi, non sapete cosa vi aspetta da lui. L’uomo tatuato, l’hipster della porta accanto e lo sciupa femmine più in voga di tutta Chicago.
Ma cosa succede se questo essere bellissimo si innamora? Non starò io a dirvelo, perchè dovrete leggere il libro, ma posso assicurarvi che i vostri cuori si scioglieranno, si romperanno e vi faranno piangere tutte le lacrime del mondo.
Un’altra domanda… Cosa succede se il passato e presente si scontrano mortalmente? Può essere un amore “sbagliato”? Possono gli errori del passato minare il futuro?
Anche voi leggendo il libro vi porrete le stesse domande che mi sono posta io per tutta la lettura e arriverete alla fine con il fiatone, come dopo aver corso una maratona, inseguita dai propri fantasmi.
Amici, amici che si ritrovano ad essere innamorati, due ragazzi che provano a respingersi e a respingere ciò che provano.
L’amicizia è alla base di tutto il libro, un amicizia che sembrava essere stata spezzata tanti anni prima, ma che si riversa prepotentemente nei ricordi di Alexis e Marshall.
Un’amore nato per sbaglio, ma si sa, quando Cupido scaglia la propria freccia, non c’è passato che tenga, l’amore è comunque più forte.
Bellissimo, emozionante e assolutamente da leggere.
- Ice Angel
May 13, 2017
So Wicked, Melissa Marino
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance
I was in the mood for something light and flirty so chose this one. Well, it is light and flirty but also has some heat and a solid romance behind it.
What coloured it too much for me though was Alexis' past. I just couldn't respect or like someone who could do what she did. I know there were reasons, I know its all explained later in the book, but for me that just didn't fit, didn't excuse her actions.
Though I'd have loved her if I'd met her as she's presented in the novel if I didn't know her past, I did know and I found that changed all that I thought about her.....Wrong? Maybe but internal issues and bias often affect what we read and how we feel about stories and characters.
I could see easily how she and Marshal disliked each other - or hated on Marshals part! The way they slipped slowly into them having a relationship didn't feel right though, just felt a little forced to me.
I did love the bar and the cake parings, my mouth was watering at some of the desserts.
If you want a quick sweet romance and can get over Alexis actions then you may love this.
If you're a surly, judgmental person when it comes to book characters then like me you may find things too difficult to get past.
I can't help how I feel, a well-written book brings characters to life, and then of course I think and judge them as real people.
Stars:Three, a good read with some gentle humour, a real light chick-lit story for summer on the beach.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance
I was in the mood for something light and flirty so chose this one. Well, it is light and flirty but also has some heat and a solid romance behind it.
What coloured it too much for me though was Alexis' past. I just couldn't respect or like someone who could do what she did. I know there were reasons, I know its all explained later in the book, but for me that just didn't fit, didn't excuse her actions.
Though I'd have loved her if I'd met her as she's presented in the novel if I didn't know her past, I did know and I found that changed all that I thought about her.....Wrong? Maybe but internal issues and bias often affect what we read and how we feel about stories and characters.
I could see easily how she and Marshal disliked each other - or hated on Marshals part! The way they slipped slowly into them having a relationship didn't feel right though, just felt a little forced to me.
I did love the bar and the cake parings, my mouth was watering at some of the desserts.
If you want a quick sweet romance and can get over Alexis actions then you may love this.
If you're a surly, judgmental person when it comes to book characters then like me you may find things too difficult to get past.
I can't help how I feel, a well-written book brings characters to life, and then of course I think and judge them as real people.
Stars:Three, a good read with some gentle humour, a real light chick-lit story for summer on the beach.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
May 17, 2017
Off-limits romance with an emotional undertone between a woman and her ex-husband’s best friend
As a big fan of the previous two books in this series, I was a little apprehensive going into this off-limits romance book given the history of the characters (not compulsory to read previous books but having read book 1 in series does help understand bigger picture). However, I was pleasantly surprised and could get on board with the characters as this illicit romance weaves through tangles and webs of past issues and heartaches to make this an intriguing read.
Told from dual points of view, Alexis and Marshall have an attraction but it’s complicated by Alexis’ messy past with Marshall’s best friend. However, through the emotional rollercoaster journey both go on through in the book, it was clear to see how both characters have evolved from when first introduced and to watch them face up to the past. Being truly honest, it does take a little time to fully warm up to both characters but Alexis in particular; the back history revelations do help a little to warm up and understand her actions and emotions.
While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone with a HEA but for fans of the series, it’s nice to catch up with familiar faces and how they were worked into the story where the book is rounded off in a way that’s fitting of all characters.
If you enjoy an illicit style romance, definitely give this a read.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
As a big fan of the previous two books in this series, I was a little apprehensive going into this off-limits romance book given the history of the characters (not compulsory to read previous books but having read book 1 in series does help understand bigger picture). However, I was pleasantly surprised and could get on board with the characters as this illicit romance weaves through tangles and webs of past issues and heartaches to make this an intriguing read.
Told from dual points of view, Alexis and Marshall have an attraction but it’s complicated by Alexis’ messy past with Marshall’s best friend. However, through the emotional rollercoaster journey both go on through in the book, it was clear to see how both characters have evolved from when first introduced and to watch them face up to the past. Being truly honest, it does take a little time to fully warm up to both characters but Alexis in particular; the back history revelations do help a little to warm up and understand her actions and emotions.
While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone with a HEA but for fans of the series, it’s nice to catch up with familiar faces and how they were worked into the story where the book is rounded off in a way that’s fitting of all characters.
If you enjoy an illicit style romance, definitely give this a read.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
December 14, 2017
YES!!! More Bad Behavior!!! Have I mentioned before in my reviews how much I love Melissa Marino’s writing?!?! 2017 is so her year! With her debut of So Twisted (Bad Behavior #1) in 2016 to So Screwed (Bad Behavior #2) earlier this year, Melissa is on a roll!!
Let me say this, I highly recommend that you read this series in order! You will understand once you get to So Wicked. This series comes back full circle with So Wicked.
Alexis left her ex-husband and daughter behind to start a new life. Marshall Rawlings is ready to start his new life and launch an upscale cocktail bar. That is until Alexis comes into his life. Did I mention that Alexis is Marshall’s best friend’s ex-wife?!?! Oh, and did I mention that Marshall’s best friend is Aaron (from book 1 – So Twisted)…. Let the fun begin…
As I have said before, Melissa’s writing is fantastic! I am in love with it!!! Melissa, please, pretty please write more! You have a fan for life!!!
Go! Run! And start reading Melissa’s Bad Behavior series. It is the perfect series to get lost in. You will thank me, I promise.
Let me say this, I highly recommend that you read this series in order! You will understand once you get to So Wicked. This series comes back full circle with So Wicked.
Alexis left her ex-husband and daughter behind to start a new life. Marshall Rawlings is ready to start his new life and launch an upscale cocktail bar. That is until Alexis comes into his life. Did I mention that Alexis is Marshall’s best friend’s ex-wife?!?! Oh, and did I mention that Marshall’s best friend is Aaron (from book 1 – So Twisted)…. Let the fun begin…
As I have said before, Melissa’s writing is fantastic! I am in love with it!!! Melissa, please, pretty please write more! You have a fan for life!!!
Go! Run! And start reading Melissa’s Bad Behavior series. It is the perfect series to get lost in. You will thank me, I promise.
May 10, 2017
So Wicked is a tale that begins in irony and ends with forgiveness. Alexis and Aaron share a common thread. Alexis' ex is Aaron's best friend. Alexis is far from perfect. Her past is littered with the ghosts of her mistakes, but despite actions to the contrary, everyone deserves a second chance. She's still trying to earn hers. Aaron represents her worst fears and her greatest temptation. He's seen her at her worst. Judging and hating Lexie, doesn't stop him from, wanting her. Can he forgive her past, so that they can build a future?
Ms. Marino accomplished an epic feat. She took a character that was beyond redemption and reinvented her into a woman of strength. Her flaws were great, but her determination to become a better person made for a courageous, rocky and taboo filled road. So Wicked shows the bravery of two strong women. Gifted author, Melissa Marino for triumphantly winning over a skeptic like me. Lastly, Alexis for facing he demons and healing her soul.
Ms. Marino accomplished an epic feat. She took a character that was beyond redemption and reinvented her into a woman of strength. Her flaws were great, but her determination to become a better person made for a courageous, rocky and taboo filled road. So Wicked shows the bravery of two strong women. Gifted author, Melissa Marino for triumphantly winning over a skeptic like me. Lastly, Alexis for facing he demons and healing her soul.
October 16, 2017
Actually, 3.5 stars. High props for taking a character who should be entirely unlikable and totally worthy of a reader's disgust, and not only making her human, but selfless in the best possible way. As to the romance ... that's where the rating comes down for me. Marshall's anger and vitriol began so over-the-top that I had difficulty believing not only the turn of feelings, but how quickly it happened. Also, I love introspection and getting into the characters' heads and hearts which was great in the first half, but in the last half of the book, there was too much repeated in too much detail that the reader had already been given in the first half. When I can skip pages and not lose the thread or heart of the story, uh, not a good thing. Still, refreshing and different from anything else I've read in this genre.
August 8, 2018
This is book 3 in the Bad Behavior series and the first read for me by this author. Love reading books with Chicago snippets cause I’m always curious to know if the place is real or make believe. We all know Garrett’s popcorn, how the heck did I not know about a chocolate place and I lived here my while life. Warning this book may cause you to gain weight just reading about these yummy desserts/drinks.
So wicked is about fate and whether its good or bad it was meant to be for Al & Marshall. One thing I loved is that this could have gone south, but they were adults about certain circumstances and it caused closure to many characters. Wells you crack me up and cannot wait to read your story.
So wicked is about fate and whether its good or bad it was meant to be for Al & Marshall. One thing I loved is that this could have gone south, but they were adults about certain circumstances and it caused closure to many characters. Wells you crack me up and cannot wait to read your story.
May 24, 2017
This is the third book of this season. It is the best.
Lexie left her baby and husband. Nobody knew why--or did they? Six years later, she finds herself doing business with her ex-husband's best friend. Sparks fly--both good and bad. Then, of course, they fall in love. They keep the relationship private. Her ex-husband happens upon them in a compromising position. He is angry. He wants answers.
The jump from hate to love was a little abrupt. Other than that, this book was amazing. The ending was perfect. I finished this book in public, and I was laughing and crying to the confusion of all around me. I recommend this.
Lexie left her baby and husband. Nobody knew why--or did they? Six years later, she finds herself doing business with her ex-husband's best friend. Sparks fly--both good and bad. Then, of course, they fall in love. They keep the relationship private. Her ex-husband happens upon them in a compromising position. He is angry. He wants answers.
The jump from hate to love was a little abrupt. Other than that, this book was amazing. The ending was perfect. I finished this book in public, and I was laughing and crying to the confusion of all around me. I recommend this.
November 11, 2019
Come negli altri capitoli, l'autrice anche qui sceglie di caratterizzare i suoi protagonisti in modo molto intenso, vero, rendendoli forti e reali agli occhi del lettore. Le loro storie personali sono raccontate in modo molto intimo, le rivivi appieno e senti ogni loro emozione come se fosse tua. Qui più che mai ho sentito un legame forte con i protagonisti, l'autrice è riuscita a coinvolgermi su tutti i fronti, sia quello emotivo che qui ho sentito parecchio, sia su quello visivo e di immaginazione che grazie alle descrizioni ha reso ogni cosa facile da trasformare in immagini nella mente, e ha fatto volare l'immaginazione.
Recensione completa sul blog.
Recensione completa sul blog.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews