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All the Missing Pieces
Reese Carlisle hates her life. Three years after her father’s arrest for one of the largest embezzlement schemes in history, twenty million dollars is still missing, and the world believes she knows where it is. Two years after her brother’s death, they still think she killed him. One year later, she’s still hiding. When the loneliness is too much, she seeks out strangers for one dark night, no questions asked. She makes up a name, puts on a disguise, and tries to forget. One night she meets a new man. She tells him her name is Denise, she’s a dental assistant, and she loves dogs. He tells her she’s smart, she’s pretty, she’s funny. Things she hasn’t heard in too long. Things that are too good to be true…
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2020
About the author
Julianna Keyes
15 books702 followersJulianna Keyes is a Canadian writer who has lived on both coasts and several places in between. She's been skydiving, bungee jumping and white water rafting, but nothing thrills - or terrifies - her as much as the blank page. She loves Chinese food, foreign languages, baseball and television, not necessarily in that order, and will go to her grave swearing that 'ain't' is not a word. She has volunteered in Zambia, taught English in China, and dreams of seeing pink dolphins in the Amazon. It'll happen.
She also writes happily offbeat thrillers as Elaine Murphy.
She also writes happily offbeat thrillers as Elaine Murphy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 26, 2024
5 STARS!!
Morally gray characters + this author + a pressure cooker of a plot = a very enjoyable wild ride.
This would probably be classified as a thriller over a romance, but there was still plenty of heat to fit in between the unravelling of the plot. It proved to be a wonderful change of pace, but with enough 'familiarity' to keep me well satisfied.
I was hooked right from the beginning, when the nail biting began.😂 I was so worried that Chris wasn't who he said he was, that Reese was - despite all her precautions - about to get run over by his ulterior motives. That I cared so much about Reese was a miracle in itself, lol, with her two lives clashing at every turn.
If you're looking for something different in the form of a fast-paced plot that will keep you guessing, while cheering for two characters you're not sure you should like, this is it!
I'm terrified he can see how much I want something. If I want something, he can withhold it. If I have something he can take it.Gah! Julianna Keyes is a writing Goddess!
Morally gray characters + this author + a pressure cooker of a plot = a very enjoyable wild ride.
This would probably be classified as a thriller over a romance, but there was still plenty of heat to fit in between the unravelling of the plot. It proved to be a wonderful change of pace, but with enough 'familiarity' to keep me well satisfied.
I was hooked right from the beginning, when the nail biting began.😂 I was so worried that Chris wasn't who he said he was, that Reese was - despite all her precautions - about to get run over by his ulterior motives. That I cared so much about Reese was a miracle in itself, lol, with her two lives clashing at every turn.
If you're looking for something different in the form of a fast-paced plot that will keep you guessing, while cheering for two characters you're not sure you should like, this is it!
May 1, 2022
If you like morally gray, terribly flawed characters, Julianna Keyes has hopefully been on your radar. She writes crisp, tight books focused on character development. When I saw she was writing suspense, I figured she'd get it right, because she does so well threading things together. Her writing is so nice to read in that its unpretentious and lively, but her books can be difficult to take emotionally. This book is not an exception. Reese has lost everything--her family, her fortune, and her identity. She's in hiding and it's slowly revealed how she got there. In sections headed 'when, what," etc, Keyes focuses on unfolding a mystery that exists for all the characters, including who the hell each other are.
And yes, there's err...romance and sex. There's hot sex against a window, since hot stranger sex is how Reese connects to others while maintaining anonymity. Interestingly, this really felt like the The Takedown Trilogy. That's how we meet the hero, whoever he is...and I couldn't put this down. I had to-because I actually fell asleep with 12 pages left.
Hardcore romance readers be warned though--this won't unfold typically.
Anyway, read all the Keyes.
Trigger warnings though: this book has a grief backstory and a
And yes, there's err...romance and sex. There's hot sex against a window, since hot stranger sex is how Reese connects to others while maintaining anonymity. Interestingly, this really felt like the The Takedown Trilogy. That's how we meet the hero, whoever he is...and I couldn't put this down. I had to-because I actually fell asleep with 12 pages left.
Hardcore romance readers be warned though--this won't unfold typically.
Anyway, read all the Keyes.
Trigger warnings though: this book has a grief backstory and a
September 8, 2020
It is hard to categorize. It is part romance, part mystery. It is 100% fun.
Reese was uber rich, spoiled, and obsessed with appearing in the media. Three years ago, her father was arrested for embezzling 220 million dollars, 20 millions of which had not been recovered. She went into hiding because everyone was after her, thinking she knew where the money was.
Reese is a heroine with whom I generally would not sympathize, but Julianna Keyes made her very relatable. She is paranoid about people recognizing her so uses a slew of disguises and fake names, for good reasons. She has a difficult relationship with her father, also for good reasons. And has self-destructive behavior when it comes to sex, for slightly less although still good reasons.
Then Chris crosses a path a couple of times, one of which results in a very hot sex scene. It seems like coincidence. Chris seems like a good guy genuinely interested in knowing Reese but then the coincidences start piling up.
I was hooked from the beginning and intrigued. I went from thinking that Reese was too paranoid to thinking that Chris really after her. What was most satisfying is that Reese was smart and witty and wholly a woman and did find her way out. Completely entertaining.
Reese was uber rich, spoiled, and obsessed with appearing in the media. Three years ago, her father was arrested for embezzling 220 million dollars, 20 millions of which had not been recovered. She went into hiding because everyone was after her, thinking she knew where the money was.
Reese is a heroine with whom I generally would not sympathize, but Julianna Keyes made her very relatable. She is paranoid about people recognizing her so uses a slew of disguises and fake names, for good reasons. She has a difficult relationship with her father, also for good reasons. And has self-destructive behavior when it comes to sex, for slightly less although still good reasons.
Then Chris crosses a path a couple of times, one of which results in a very hot sex scene. It seems like coincidence. Chris seems like a good guy genuinely interested in knowing Reese but then the coincidences start piling up.
I was hooked from the beginning and intrigued. I went from thinking that Reese was too paranoid to thinking that Chris really after her. What was most satisfying is that Reese was smart and witty and wholly a woman and did find her way out. Completely entertaining.
October 27, 2020
Reese Carlisle (called Pieces by her father) is having a bad life. Her father was arrested 3 years for embezzlement. Twenty Million dollars are still missing and the Feds want it ... and so do a particular couple of men that it was stolen from. Her brother died in a one-car accident ... Reese was with him in the car.
She's been called all sorts of things .. most not printable here. The FBI thinks she knows where the missing money is. They think she knew about the crime, even though there is absolutely nothing connecting her. They think she killed her brother .. but there's no proof of that either.
It's been two years since her brother died .. the only family she had left. She's more or less barricaded herself in her apartment .. rented under an assumed name... to keep reporters away. The loneliness gets to her from time to time and those are the few nights she strays outside... wig in place, disguise complete, new name & history firmly in place... and tries to forget what her real life is like.
One night she meets a new man .... She tells him her name is Denise, she's a dental assistant and she loves dogs. He tells her she's beautiful, she's smart, she's funny.
They're both lying.
Well written, suspense and mystery begins on the very first page and never lets up until the last word is read. There is always that thought that something is coming ... something dark and secretive. When the ending comes, it's unexpected, explosive. The characters are deftly drawn and I like how Reese interacts with not only her father, but the new man, as well.
Many thanks to the author / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Romantic Suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 18, 2021
28 year old Reese Charlotte Carlisle lives a life mostly in seclusion, ever since her life had changed so drastically upon the scandal that had broken her family apart. With her father in jail, her brother no more, Reese is all alone in the world and she prefers the anonymity her current life affords her. The only voice she allows herself is the meaningless one night stands she engages in on occasion, assuming different identities that suits her when the mood strikes.
On the fateful night she comes across Chris Sherwood, Reese is Denise, a dental assistant who is divorced and loves dogs. Something about Chris shakes her up in a way she does not like, and even though she thinks that she got away scot-free, that is hardly the case.
Before Reese knows it, Chris worms his way into her life and by the time she realizes the blunder she has made, it is too late to walk away unscathed. It is then Reese is forced to face the past she put on the back burner and truly assess what her father had done, putting her at risk and at the mercy of those who may not think twice about putting her in harms way.
All the Missing Pieces is romantic suspense at its finest – the first novel of its kind by Ms. Keyes. I have enormously enjoyed Ms. Keyes’ writing in her contemporary novels such as Time Served and Going the Distance. While her Burnham College series and other young adult novels have been a hit or miss with me, this novel I tell you, hits all those spots and then some.
The brilliance of Ms. Keyes as a writer explodes unto the pages with All The Missing Pieces, and the story clawed its way into my heart from the very start. The Julianna Keyes that I fell in love with when I first stumbled upon Time Served, which resulted in me quickly catching up with her entire backlist of published works, echoes with every single word in the story. Her writing has become more refined and forceful in a way that readers will definitely take notice of in this novel.
All The Missing Pieces is entirely written in the first person from Reese’s point of view. Rather than making the reader feel as if they are losing out on essential details, it somehow adds to the lure the story presents. What I loved most about the novel is that there is no repetition, no tiresome inner monologues, no rehashing details to death in the lengthy read that this turned out to be. I loved the fact that with this novel, Ms. Keyes has let her creativity take her to places where she might never have gone otherwise. I loved the fact that she has created a character that you can root for amidst everything that was happening.
The ending when it finally came, seemed fitting. Some readers however may not like Chris for what he does, but I understood where he was coming from, and it made the connection between Reese and himself all that more meaningful given the history. A brand new start with the man who forced his way into Reese’s life and forged that connection initially based on lies and half truths, coming to her finally as who he is, with no secrets between them was poetic to me.
The most brilliant aspect to the story is how Reese’s character evolves throughout – from the spoiled rich girl to the woman who is on the run from life itself, to becoming the stronger version of who she can be, while tending to the broken girl within, who died a brutal death in the wake of the truth behind her father’s actual treachery.
Never let it be said that authors venturing into new sub genres is a bad thing. Ms. Keyes has proven her talent in weaving a story that stands out amidst everything else. Recommended for fans of romantic suspense!
Final Verdict: With All the Missing Pieces, Ms. Keyes proves her mettle as a writer and her mastery when it comes to shifting through different sub-genres in the world of romance!
Rating = 4.75/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
On the fateful night she comes across Chris Sherwood, Reese is Denise, a dental assistant who is divorced and loves dogs. Something about Chris shakes her up in a way she does not like, and even though she thinks that she got away scot-free, that is hardly the case.
Before Reese knows it, Chris worms his way into her life and by the time she realizes the blunder she has made, it is too late to walk away unscathed. It is then Reese is forced to face the past she put on the back burner and truly assess what her father had done, putting her at risk and at the mercy of those who may not think twice about putting her in harms way.
All the Missing Pieces is romantic suspense at its finest – the first novel of its kind by Ms. Keyes. I have enormously enjoyed Ms. Keyes’ writing in her contemporary novels such as Time Served and Going the Distance. While her Burnham College series and other young adult novels have been a hit or miss with me, this novel I tell you, hits all those spots and then some.
The brilliance of Ms. Keyes as a writer explodes unto the pages with All The Missing Pieces, and the story clawed its way into my heart from the very start. The Julianna Keyes that I fell in love with when I first stumbled upon Time Served, which resulted in me quickly catching up with her entire backlist of published works, echoes with every single word in the story. Her writing has become more refined and forceful in a way that readers will definitely take notice of in this novel.
All The Missing Pieces is entirely written in the first person from Reese’s point of view. Rather than making the reader feel as if they are losing out on essential details, it somehow adds to the lure the story presents. What I loved most about the novel is that there is no repetition, no tiresome inner monologues, no rehashing details to death in the lengthy read that this turned out to be. I loved the fact that with this novel, Ms. Keyes has let her creativity take her to places where she might never have gone otherwise. I loved the fact that she has created a character that you can root for amidst everything that was happening.
The ending when it finally came, seemed fitting. Some readers however may not like Chris for what he does, but I understood where he was coming from, and it made the connection between Reese and himself all that more meaningful given the history. A brand new start with the man who forced his way into Reese’s life and forged that connection initially based on lies and half truths, coming to her finally as who he is, with no secrets between them was poetic to me.
The most brilliant aspect to the story is how Reese’s character evolves throughout – from the spoiled rich girl to the woman who is on the run from life itself, to becoming the stronger version of who she can be, while tending to the broken girl within, who died a brutal death in the wake of the truth behind her father’s actual treachery.
Never let it be said that authors venturing into new sub genres is a bad thing. Ms. Keyes has proven her talent in weaving a story that stands out amidst everything else. Recommended for fans of romantic suspense!
Final Verdict: With All the Missing Pieces, Ms. Keyes proves her mettle as a writer and her mastery when it comes to shifting through different sub-genres in the world of romance!
Rating = 4.75/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
December 22, 2020
The book was a bullet ride; it captured me with the encapsulation of life that Reese was lining where her father was in prison for embezzlement and the feds were after those millions until she met a man who praised her and she told him things about herself. But both were lying.
My first book by this author, I flew through the book as it was fast-paced, there were enough twists and action to keep me hooked to my kindle. The writing made me excited to know what would happen to Reese and who the new man was. That curiosity and the sense of impending danger helped me read the book in 2 sittings. You see, I had to sleep too.
Quite a fun read, full of danger and secrets.
My first book by this author, I flew through the book as it was fast-paced, there were enough twists and action to keep me hooked to my kindle. The writing made me excited to know what would happen to Reese and who the new man was. That curiosity and the sense of impending danger helped me read the book in 2 sittings. You see, I had to sleep too.
Quite a fun read, full of danger and secrets.
August 24, 2020
The perfect combination of romance and mystery (which are 2 of my favorite genres)! I could not put this book down!
Reese Carlisle has been in hiding for the last 3 years going under different aliases to protect herself from the public eye. Her father was arrested for the biggest embezzlement scheme in history, stealing $220 million. The FBI has recovered all but the last $20 million and everyone thinks that Reese knows where it is. Reese’s image has been completely dismantled from the public labeling her a liar, whore and killer after her brother’s untimely death. In order for Reese to keep an inkling of a life, she volunteers every week at a food bank and goes on dates with guys she meets on an app, always using a different name. She always keeps herself at arms length with these men, hiding under false layers, until one day she meets Chris who changes everything.
This book had me on the edge of my seat questioning if she did or didn’t do it the entire time. It was the perfect amount of sexy and suspenseful! I highly recommend this book!
A very special thanks to NetGalley and Julianna Keyes for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! This book will be available on 09/21/2020!
Reese Carlisle has been in hiding for the last 3 years going under different aliases to protect herself from the public eye. Her father was arrested for the biggest embezzlement scheme in history, stealing $220 million. The FBI has recovered all but the last $20 million and everyone thinks that Reese knows where it is. Reese’s image has been completely dismantled from the public labeling her a liar, whore and killer after her brother’s untimely death. In order for Reese to keep an inkling of a life, she volunteers every week at a food bank and goes on dates with guys she meets on an app, always using a different name. She always keeps herself at arms length with these men, hiding under false layers, until one day she meets Chris who changes everything.
This book had me on the edge of my seat questioning if she did or didn’t do it the entire time. It was the perfect amount of sexy and suspenseful! I highly recommend this book!
A very special thanks to NetGalley and Julianna Keyes for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! This book will be available on 09/21/2020!
August 13, 2020
This is a really great, sexy, thriller of a ride. Apparently, the author is known for romance books (not really my genre). However, this is a fabulous, exciting tale about a woman whose father has been imprisoned for embezzlement and who is trying to get her life back together after much media speculation about her role in his crimes.
In doing so she has become a hermit except for her evening forays to meet strangers where she adapts a different role each time.
This is, until she meets a stranger who seems too good to be true.....
It's difficult to describe how the above premise pulls you in, but, pull you in it does and genuinely doesn't give up until the very last page. The writing is excellent and the characters so well rounded and interesting.
It kept me on my toes with a 'did she / didn't she?" all the way through. I'm not going to say more as I don't want to spoil it, but, I'd highly recommend this book for those who enjoy psychological thrillers - this isn't marketed as one, but, it hit the spot for me.
Thanks so much to Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview and Congratulations to Julianna Keyes - I'm sure this is going to be such a hit!
In doing so she has become a hermit except for her evening forays to meet strangers where she adapts a different role each time.
This is, until she meets a stranger who seems too good to be true.....
It's difficult to describe how the above premise pulls you in, but, pull you in it does and genuinely doesn't give up until the very last page. The writing is excellent and the characters so well rounded and interesting.
It kept me on my toes with a 'did she / didn't she?" all the way through. I'm not going to say more as I don't want to spoil it, but, I'd highly recommend this book for those who enjoy psychological thrillers - this isn't marketed as one, but, it hit the spot for me.
Thanks so much to Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview and Congratulations to Julianna Keyes - I'm sure this is going to be such a hit!
August 17, 2020
the plot sounded interesting, and it was in general. however, it took me a while to get into it and i feel like it was because of the writing style. i felt like it didn't matched the story or the genre and it made it hard for me to connect to anyone in the story. once things got going, about 20% into the book, it got better. it was an quick, fun, what's-gonna-happen-next? type of story, which i enjoyed. it was a cool mix of romance and mystery, and a good time overall.
September 22, 2020
Julianna Keyes has returned with a brand new genre for her: romantic suspense. This first foray into this new area was quite well done. It kept my interest throughout trying to put all the pieces of this puzzle together.
Reese is basically a hermit, after her father’s arrest for embezzlement, and her brother’s death. She’s the only Carlisle left, and has been a constant target for the public. She goes into hiding and only comes out for dates where she takes on a brand new persona every time. She is nervous and paranoid, always feeling like someone’s watching her. I have to say she was quite smart with the way she did things. She had an elaborate system just to come home. She meets a man one night who is a real nice guy. She breaks all her dating rules to stay around him. But, he’s hiding something too.
There is definitely more mystery than suspense. There are some suspenseful moments sprinkled in. It moved quickly, and then the end is revealed, and it took me completely by surprise! I still have so many questions after that ending! I would recommend this.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Reese is basically a hermit, after her father’s arrest for embezzlement, and her brother’s death. She’s the only Carlisle left, and has been a constant target for the public. She goes into hiding and only comes out for dates where she takes on a brand new persona every time. She is nervous and paranoid, always feeling like someone’s watching her. I have to say she was quite smart with the way she did things. She had an elaborate system just to come home. She meets a man one night who is a real nice guy. She breaks all her dating rules to stay around him. But, he’s hiding something too.
There is definitely more mystery than suspense. There are some suspenseful moments sprinkled in. It moved quickly, and then the end is revealed, and it took me completely by surprise! I still have so many questions after that ending! I would recommend this.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 3, 2022
That was batshit. And I couldn’t put it down. While it was dark and uncomfortable - it didn’t go anywhere truly awful.
Keyes is just brilliant.
Keyes is just brilliant.
August 6, 2020
I’ve enjoyed Julianna Keyes’ Charleston Thrashers sports romances so thought I’d give her sexy suspense a try. It didn’t disappoint.
I liked Reese’s journey and while I started out feeling pity for her character, somewhere along the line that pity turned into respect. She found her life of solitude getting more difficult and I thought the story that unfolded when she stepped out of the security of her small lonely world intriguing and well constructed.
Even though this isn’t specifically a romantic suspense, if you like that genre, this is a great book to try.
I liked Reese’s journey and while I started out feeling pity for her character, somewhere along the line that pity turned into respect. She found her life of solitude getting more difficult and I thought the story that unfolded when she stepped out of the security of her small lonely world intriguing and well constructed.
Even though this isn’t specifically a romantic suspense, if you like that genre, this is a great book to try.
November 11, 2020
This was a very pleasant surprise! I thought this would be more thriller/suspense, rather than mystery/suspense, but I'm not mad about that. It was pretty obvious to me that Reece wasn't in danger from Chris (though ). Somewhat related to the second thing in the spoiler cut: I would have liked maybe 5% more answers about Chris, and honestly about Reece's life between her fathers arrest and when the book takes place.
October 1, 2020
I mostly read romance these days, the high anxiety books that I read primarily for years no longer hold much appeal. (I get too tense, and can't stand the suspense, at my middle age.) Because I love Julianna Keys's books, I was excited to give this one a try.
All the Missing Pieces hooked me from the start. I read it in one sitting and didn't get bored at any point. The suspense is there, but I never felt overwhelmed by the chaos in the book.
Romance is also present in the book, but I think it was a quieter part of the book. As much sex as the book had, there was only a bit of romance, and I felt like it worked really well for these characters in this story. I suppose I believe in insta-attraction a lot more than insta-love.
Both Reese and Chris were well written. I enjoyed the dance between them with the push and pull of distrust they had for each other. Neither character was a normal happy-go-lucky person. The both were scarred by life (we learned more about Reese's scars, but Chris clearly had some hardcore baggage of his own). And, although the romance in this book was dark, it never turned ugly or what I would categorize as abusive.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense or romantic suspense.
I received an ARC of this book.
All the Missing Pieces hooked me from the start. I read it in one sitting and didn't get bored at any point. The suspense is there, but I never felt overwhelmed by the chaos in the book.
Romance is also present in the book, but I think it was a quieter part of the book. As much sex as the book had, there was only a bit of romance, and I felt like it worked really well for these characters in this story. I suppose I believe in insta-attraction a lot more than insta-love.
Both Reese and Chris were well written. I enjoyed the dance between them with the push and pull of distrust they had for each other. Neither character was a normal happy-go-lucky person. The both were scarred by life (we learned more about Reese's scars, but Chris clearly had some hardcore baggage of his own). And, although the romance in this book was dark, it never turned ugly or what I would categorize as abusive.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense or romantic suspense.
I received an ARC of this book.
September 5, 2020
'TONIGHT MY NAME IS Denise.'
This is the opening line of this book.
There's a reason Reese is living like a hermit. Three years ago, his father got arrested for stealing 200 million dollars. But 20 million dollars is still missing and they think she knows where it is. Then, his brother Alex dies in an accident. They think she killed her own brother. So basically, Reese is hiding.
In these 3 long years, when loneliness gets too much to bear, she pretends to be someone else and meets people. Just on date. Date over, that character over. But then she meets a stranger ___a nice, handsome stranger ___ finds him again, and again, and she tends to ignore her own dating rules.
It's a romantic suspense novel, well, more inclined towards romance. Okay, kind of erotic but the intimate scenes are handled well, that they didn't seem vulgar. The suspense angle gets more visible in the second half and it's equally intriguing, with some unexpected twists.
I really like the writing style. It's engaging with a reader friendly voice. The protagonists are easily likeable. The dialogues, the conversations are very interesting that helps you connect with the protagonists. I liked the Reese-Chris chemistry. I really liked the ending. It's satisfying. Overall, enjoyed reading this book. Recommended if you enjoy this genre.
Thank you, Netgalley for the ARC.
This is the opening line of this book.
There's a reason Reese is living like a hermit. Three years ago, his father got arrested for stealing 200 million dollars. But 20 million dollars is still missing and they think she knows where it is. Then, his brother Alex dies in an accident. They think she killed her own brother. So basically, Reese is hiding.
In these 3 long years, when loneliness gets too much to bear, she pretends to be someone else and meets people. Just on date. Date over, that character over. But then she meets a stranger ___a nice, handsome stranger ___ finds him again, and again, and she tends to ignore her own dating rules.
It's a romantic suspense novel, well, more inclined towards romance. Okay, kind of erotic but the intimate scenes are handled well, that they didn't seem vulgar. The suspense angle gets more visible in the second half and it's equally intriguing, with some unexpected twists.
I really like the writing style. It's engaging with a reader friendly voice. The protagonists are easily likeable. The dialogues, the conversations are very interesting that helps you connect with the protagonists. I liked the Reese-Chris chemistry. I really liked the ending. It's satisfying. Overall, enjoyed reading this book. Recommended if you enjoy this genre.
Thank you, Netgalley for the ARC.
January 21, 2026
4 stars ⭐️
Ok I was very skeptical going into this mainly because I neverrrrr read a book with less than 1000 ratings (for good reason), but this was really good!! So well written!
Ok I was very skeptical going into this mainly because I neverrrrr read a book with less than 1000 ratings (for good reason), but this was really good!! So well written!
September 24, 2020
Having loved many of Julianna Keyes's books I knew I needed to read All the Missing Pieces. And I was right- the story did not disappoint and was full of atmospheric moments. It's satisfying in both the romance and suspense department.
I liked seeing the contrast between past and present Reese. Compared to the proud and flashy old her, the new Reese was miserable and paranoid. Her change in demeanor was justified given her whole world was turned upside down by two life-changing occasions. The way she currently lived was no way to live yet through all of the bad, Reese kept her head on straight (mostly) and survived.
I was very intrigued by the mysterious stranger Reese met. However, I would've liked more background on him. After finishing the book I feel like I still wasn't clear on who he was and what exactly he wanted from Reese. The tension between them though! They were no nonsense and steaming hot.
Julianna Keyes's writing style is right up my alley. Whether she writes another suspense like All the Missing Pieces or more romance I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for her future books.
I liked seeing the contrast between past and present Reese. Compared to the proud and flashy old her, the new Reese was miserable and paranoid. Her change in demeanor was justified given her whole world was turned upside down by two life-changing occasions. The way she currently lived was no way to live yet through all of the bad, Reese kept her head on straight (mostly) and survived.
I was very intrigued by the mysterious stranger Reese met. However, I would've liked more background on him. After finishing the book I feel like I still wasn't clear on who he was and what exactly he wanted from Reese. The tension between them though! They were no nonsense and steaming hot.
Julianna Keyes's writing style is right up my alley. Whether she writes another suspense like All the Missing Pieces or more romance I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for her future books.
October 1, 2020
3.5 stars
I like almost everything Julianna Keyes writes. I liked this, too. But.
All the Missing Pieces is dark and depressing - and I struggled to cozy up to our heroine/survivor Reece. The plot feels a tad too predictable almost from the moment we meet the second half of the "romantic" pairing and realize he's up to shenanigans. Fortunately, Keyes keeps a few secrets as the novel unfolds, and readers will have to wait to the near end for answers about a big secret our heroine may or may not be keeping.
All the Missing Pieces has a couple of gotcha moments I didn't see coming, and because of these I'm grudgingly agreeing that it earns its "suspense" label. On the other had, the 'romance' in this story is something of a joke. There is very little relationship development on page or off, and it's a BIG leap for this reader to believe the principal couple have a happy ever after in their future. I'm ride or die for the HEA so....this ending doesn't quite check that box.
On that note, suspense readers will be unsurprised by the last few paragraphs, although I wish the scene carried on longer. I was waiting for it...but the execution is underwhelming. I still have a LOT of questions about this character and his history and WTF could possibly come next.
TBH, I didn't find All the Missing Pieces very suspenseful or romantic, but it is entertaining. I'm happy to follow Keyes into almost any new romance genre she wants to try. I don't think this is even close to some of her best work...but it was a nice diversion from my usual reads.
Recommended with reservations.
I like almost everything Julianna Keyes writes. I liked this, too. But.
All the Missing Pieces is dark and depressing - and I struggled to cozy up to our heroine/survivor Reece. The plot feels a tad too predictable almost from the moment we meet the second half of the "romantic" pairing and realize he's up to shenanigans. Fortunately, Keyes keeps a few secrets as the novel unfolds, and readers will have to wait to the near end for answers about a big secret our heroine may or may not be keeping.
All the Missing Pieces has a couple of gotcha moments I didn't see coming, and because of these I'm grudgingly agreeing that it earns its "suspense" label. On the other had, the 'romance' in this story is something of a joke. There is very little relationship development on page or off, and it's a BIG leap for this reader to believe the principal couple have a happy ever after in their future. I'm ride or die for the HEA so....this ending doesn't quite check that box.
On that note, suspense readers will be unsurprised by the last few paragraphs, although I wish the scene carried on longer. I was waiting for it...but the execution is underwhelming. I still have a LOT of questions about this character and his history and WTF could possibly come next.
TBH, I didn't find All the Missing Pieces very suspenseful or romantic, but it is entertaining. I'm happy to follow Keyes into almost any new romance genre she wants to try. I don't think this is even close to some of her best work...but it was a nice diversion from my usual reads.
Recommended with reservations.
June 10, 2024
3.5 rounded up
Big city socialite, Reese, has been in hiding for years following a scandal involving her father and their fortune. Between her Saturday visits to prison to see her father, she keeps her loneliness at bay by going on dates with random men disguised as different women each time. The monotony of her life in interrupted by a chance encounter on the side of the road involving a flat tire and a handsome stranger.
This story take a bit of time to unfold but was interesting once things started to happen. I also found the fmc an interesting character to follow even when things were still unfolding. The story has a variety of morally grey characters in this story and some darker themes of death and suicide ideation. I did feel the story wasn't quiet clearly told at times and the ending took a bit too long to wrap up. But overall it was entertaining. This ends with HFN on the romance front.
If you like mysteries/suspense with a bit of grey romance and grey characters give this one a shot.
Big city socialite, Reese, has been in hiding for years following a scandal involving her father and their fortune. Between her Saturday visits to prison to see her father, she keeps her loneliness at bay by going on dates with random men disguised as different women each time. The monotony of her life in interrupted by a chance encounter on the side of the road involving a flat tire and a handsome stranger.
This story take a bit of time to unfold but was interesting once things started to happen. I also found the fmc an interesting character to follow even when things were still unfolding. The story has a variety of morally grey characters in this story and some darker themes of death and suicide ideation. I did feel the story wasn't quiet clearly told at times and the ending took a bit too long to wrap up. But overall it was entertaining. This ends with HFN on the romance front.
If you like mysteries/suspense with a bit of grey romance and grey characters give this one a shot.
June 9, 2021
Once I got into it I was definitely hooked, however I don't think the payoff was the best.
I never fully connected with Chris. I was interested in finding out who he really was but once we passed that I didn't feel we got to know him enough since the plot took over.
The plot was a fun ride and was what kept me turning the pages but the culmination of it all didn't reach the same level of enjoyment as the rest of the book.
I never fully connected with Chris. I was interested in finding out who he really was but once we passed that I didn't feel we got to know him enough since the plot took over.
The plot was a fun ride and was what kept me turning the pages but the culmination of it all didn't reach the same level of enjoyment as the rest of the book.
August 10, 2020
"You always want to believe you'll be the hero of your own story."
Thank you @NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! All The Missing Pieces will be available 09/21/2020!
My Synopsis
Reese Carlisle has undergone a major shift in priorities the last three years. She used to only focus on when the next party was, avoiding the paparazzi, and getting ready to take over the family business. Now, three years after her father was arrested for embezzling $120 million dollars, she's a hermit. She reads that people claim she knows where the money is. After her brother died, the public makes it known they think she killed him.
To make sure her vocal chords still work, sometimes she meets strangers for a night out, but there's rules. No more than two drinks and never fall asleep at their place, just to name a few. Tonight she's Denise, a dental assistant who loves dogs. He seems genuine, different than the others, and saying all the things she didn't realize she missed.
Reese should've known things can be too good to be true. If only he believed good girls like her don't dig holes.
My Review
To those who constantly ask me for a recommendation with suspense and steam...this is your book! Excuse me while I open up a window because that was more than I was expecting!
After reading the summary presented, I thought this was going to be a shallow thriller with a spoiled brat protagonist I'd grow to hate. I was wrong, I was so very wrong, and I apologize to Keyes. Reese's perspective was absolutely captivating and instantly hooked me. You get a feel for how exhausting it is purposely avoiding other people and feel sympathy for her, after all, she's just trying to do what's best for what remains of her family. The few people Reese interacts with is a glimpse of how even though she's put up walls to shield her from the public, she still a human with emotions.
Let's be honest, when Chris arrives into the picture, it starts raising red flags. I still didn't guess to what extent he was involved and it kept me guessing until the big reveal. Some endings I feel are out of step with the rest of the book and don't merge smoothly, and this is an example of an ending done right. It was satisfying, believable, and left just enough to my imagination. Pre-order this now, you will not regret it.
Thank you @NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! All The Missing Pieces will be available 09/21/2020!
My Synopsis
Reese Carlisle has undergone a major shift in priorities the last three years. She used to only focus on when the next party was, avoiding the paparazzi, and getting ready to take over the family business. Now, three years after her father was arrested for embezzling $120 million dollars, she's a hermit. She reads that people claim she knows where the money is. After her brother died, the public makes it known they think she killed him.
To make sure her vocal chords still work, sometimes she meets strangers for a night out, but there's rules. No more than two drinks and never fall asleep at their place, just to name a few. Tonight she's Denise, a dental assistant who loves dogs. He seems genuine, different than the others, and saying all the things she didn't realize she missed.
Reese should've known things can be too good to be true. If only he believed good girls like her don't dig holes.
My Review
To those who constantly ask me for a recommendation with suspense and steam...this is your book! Excuse me while I open up a window because that was more than I was expecting!
After reading the summary presented, I thought this was going to be a shallow thriller with a spoiled brat protagonist I'd grow to hate. I was wrong, I was so very wrong, and I apologize to Keyes. Reese's perspective was absolutely captivating and instantly hooked me. You get a feel for how exhausting it is purposely avoiding other people and feel sympathy for her, after all, she's just trying to do what's best for what remains of her family. The few people Reese interacts with is a glimpse of how even though she's put up walls to shield her from the public, she still a human with emotions.
Let's be honest, when Chris arrives into the picture, it starts raising red flags. I still didn't guess to what extent he was involved and it kept me guessing until the big reveal. Some endings I feel are out of step with the rest of the book and don't merge smoothly, and this is an example of an ending done right. It was satisfying, believable, and left just enough to my imagination. Pre-order this now, you will not regret it.
August 18, 2020
Thank You Netgalley and Julianna Keyes for giving me the unedited version of this book! This review is completely based on my honest opinion.
Reese Carlisle hates her life. Three years ago, her father was arrested for the biggest embezzlement in the history reportedly stealing 220 million dollars. The 200 million dollars have recovered the the 20 million is still missing. The media has tainted Reese's image, labeling her as a liar, whore and after her brother's death, murderer and many believe that Reese knew where that 20 million dollars was. But Reese live in a secluded life style, volunteering at the Food Bank and occasionally going on dates, under a different name.
Then on one of those dates, posing as Denise, she meets the stranger. Then comes the climax of the story.
The plot line actually intrigued me--it sounded so interesting. The first few chapters were a bit boring but then eventually it got interesting and I got so hooked into the story that I simply couldn't put it down!!! The book became more like a cat and mouse chase, the stranger and Reese aka Denise, and we wonder why this stranger is so interested in Reese. The story is completely told from Reese's perspective so as a reader we wonder if she is actually hiding something, or simply an innocent victim being in the wrong place at the wrong time or perhaps an unreliable character. I also liked the developing friendship between Reese and Rodney at the Food Bank--thought it was cute. There were twists towards the end of the book though to me, the ending was a bit predictable. There was an unexpected twist at the end and the family secrets that came to unravel towards the end of the book. The sex parts in the story is not that of a big deal--usually reading sex parts sometimes made me uncomfortable but in this case, it was OK. The author's writing style was good, doing a great job of making the reader hooked into the story and join the wild ride with Reese.
This is the first book I have read from this author. Julianna Keyes is known for writing romantic novels and this is her first thriller/romantic book. I must say, she did a good job with this thriller, as I really enjoyed reading this book. Worth four stars!
Reese Carlisle hates her life. Three years ago, her father was arrested for the biggest embezzlement in the history reportedly stealing 220 million dollars. The 200 million dollars have recovered the the 20 million is still missing. The media has tainted Reese's image, labeling her as a liar, whore and after her brother's death, murderer and many believe that Reese knew where that 20 million dollars was. But Reese live in a secluded life style, volunteering at the Food Bank and occasionally going on dates, under a different name.
Then on one of those dates, posing as Denise, she meets the stranger. Then comes the climax of the story.
The plot line actually intrigued me--it sounded so interesting. The first few chapters were a bit boring but then eventually it got interesting and I got so hooked into the story that I simply couldn't put it down!!! The book became more like a cat and mouse chase, the stranger and Reese aka Denise, and we wonder why this stranger is so interested in Reese. The story is completely told from Reese's perspective so as a reader we wonder if she is actually hiding something, or simply an innocent victim being in the wrong place at the wrong time or perhaps an unreliable character. I also liked the developing friendship between Reese and Rodney at the Food Bank--thought it was cute. There were twists towards the end of the book though to me, the ending was a bit predictable. There was an unexpected twist at the end and the family secrets that came to unravel towards the end of the book. The sex parts in the story is not that of a big deal--usually reading sex parts sometimes made me uncomfortable but in this case, it was OK. The author's writing style was good, doing a great job of making the reader hooked into the story and join the wild ride with Reese.
This is the first book I have read from this author. Julianna Keyes is known for writing romantic novels and this is her first thriller/romantic book. I must say, she did a good job with this thriller, as I really enjoyed reading this book. Worth four stars!
September 23, 2020
Reese Carlisle lives deep in the shadows of Holden City, a far cry from her former life in the spotlight. Once a golden girl with the world at her feet, her life sits in tatters after losing it all. And while Reese doesn't allow herself many comforts, or human contact, she has been known to slap on a wig, fake her identity and go out on a date now and then...
And then she meets the man who will once again rip her world apart... Chris Sherwood.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All the Missing Pieces was an absorbing, intense and jaw dropping read. Reese's struggle to live her life after becoming a pariah starts to unravel, and it all begins with a mystery man who keeps showing up when she least expects him. It has been a long time since Reese has allowed anyone to get as close to her as Chris seems to so effortlessly achieve, but letting her guard down may just prove to be the biggest mistake of her life... thus far...
With the recent loss of her brother and her father in prison, Reese has been hiding out from the scrutiny and disdain of the public eye. In her utter desolation, she finds comfort in only a select few things, volunteering at the local food bank and the occasional hook-up. Until she meets Chris and suddenly, she finds herself wanting to spend more than one night together, and to share things about herself that she hasn't spoken about with any other living soul. But, is Chris too good to be true, or is Reese throwing away a new chance at life with her inherent distrust...
This was an excellent read! With a bit of a slow start, it started picking up about halfway through the book, and I was completely unable to put it down! While light on the romance, Reese and Chris's connection and story was one that will stick with you. Deceit, lies and missing money, Reese has been holding her secrets close, but meeting Chris will change it all...
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
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And then she meets the man who will once again rip her world apart... Chris Sherwood.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All the Missing Pieces was an absorbing, intense and jaw dropping read. Reese's struggle to live her life after becoming a pariah starts to unravel, and it all begins with a mystery man who keeps showing up when she least expects him. It has been a long time since Reese has allowed anyone to get as close to her as Chris seems to so effortlessly achieve, but letting her guard down may just prove to be the biggest mistake of her life... thus far...
With the recent loss of her brother and her father in prison, Reese has been hiding out from the scrutiny and disdain of the public eye. In her utter desolation, she finds comfort in only a select few things, volunteering at the local food bank and the occasional hook-up. Until she meets Chris and suddenly, she finds herself wanting to spend more than one night together, and to share things about herself that she hasn't spoken about with any other living soul. But, is Chris too good to be true, or is Reese throwing away a new chance at life with her inherent distrust...
This was an excellent read! With a bit of a slow start, it started picking up about halfway through the book, and I was completely unable to put it down! While light on the romance, Reese and Chris's connection and story was one that will stick with you. Deceit, lies and missing money, Reese has been holding her secrets close, but meeting Chris will change it all...
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
Check out the Blog!
http://nightbirdnovels.com/2020/09/21...
Follow Me on Instagram
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
August 23, 2020
This one just didn’t quite hit the spot for me.
Reese Carlisle is basically a hermit. She lives unhappy in the wake of her father’s crime of major embezzlement.
She dons different personalities with fake names to hookup with guys from a dating site, just so she can have a little human contact. One night, while out on a date with Doug, she meets Chris, who’s clearly out of place in this upscale restaurant with his elbow patches and fake Rolex. She ends up running into Chris multiple times and starts catching some feelings.
However, Reese can’t let on to who she really is, because then Chris will also want to know, like everyone else, where’s the missing two million?
I felt this was more romance than thriller. The writing was good, the characters good, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. There’s quite a lot of sex scenes, which is fine, the story as a whole just didn’t jive with me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Reese Carlisle is basically a hermit. She lives unhappy in the wake of her father’s crime of major embezzlement.
She dons different personalities with fake names to hookup with guys from a dating site, just so she can have a little human contact. One night, while out on a date with Doug, she meets Chris, who’s clearly out of place in this upscale restaurant with his elbow patches and fake Rolex. She ends up running into Chris multiple times and starts catching some feelings.
However, Reese can’t let on to who she really is, because then Chris will also want to know, like everyone else, where’s the missing two million?
I felt this was more romance than thriller. The writing was good, the characters good, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. There’s quite a lot of sex scenes, which is fine, the story as a whole just didn’t jive with me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2021
I enjoyed this, Ms. Keyes is a great storyteller and her stories pull you in, and this has an interesting plot. I enjoyed that Reese was a flawed heroine. The plot had a few surprises. I will say the romance was a little less satisfying, but I don’t think this was intended as a romance. Ms. Keyes heroes often don’t do any groveling or even apologizing, yet are seemingly forgiven for some pretty bad actions. Of course this not being a romance might explain some of that, but I’ve noticed it in some of her romance novels too. As the story is told from Reese’s POV, it’s almost impossible to believe she just moved past some things that were done without an apology of any sort. Assuming an apology could suffice. But I think that was my only problem with this, otherwise it was very well done. I’d be happy to read more books in this vein!
June 4, 2021
All the missing pieces Jules Keyes. Omg I loved this book. Reese was such a compelling character, with her past and secretive routines and her sheer strength to survive. But her carelessness with men, especially chris, was so refreshing because how can someone so careful to hide their identity be so foolish with people they’re getting the most intimate with?? I LOVED THEIR DYNAMIC and absolutely adoreddd how the story turned out. I loved how she wasnt greedy like her father and didn't keep the money and actually resolved everything. AND OMG HER AND CHRIS AT THE END URGHHH I wish we got a more elaborate scene of them reuniting because NOW IM LEFT WANTING MOREEE. But all in all a fantastic book loved it.
September 6, 2020
*Copy provided by publisher in exchange for a review*
This book was just twist after twist after twist. The first 20% was extremely slow and took me a while to get through but when the book picked up it didn’t stop. I really liked the twists and how Reese handled everything she discovered. While she was annoying at times, she wasn’t a weak character and I appreciated how she looked out for herself and how she handled the entire situation. While I did like the book, I felt it could have been developed a bit more with more active side characters. The storyline had a big plot but everything that happened lacked the oomph and drama that it could have had.
This book was just twist after twist after twist. The first 20% was extremely slow and took me a while to get through but when the book picked up it didn’t stop. I really liked the twists and how Reese handled everything she discovered. While she was annoying at times, she wasn’t a weak character and I appreciated how she looked out for herself and how she handled the entire situation. While I did like the book, I felt it could have been developed a bit more with more active side characters. The storyline had a big plot but everything that happened lacked the oomph and drama that it could have had.
September 21, 2020
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
3.75 Hearts A bit romance, a bit mystery and a whole lot of good read. After Reese’s dad goes to jail for stealing a butt-load of money Reese goes into hiding, sorta. She is still out in the world but under a bunch of pseudonyms and back stories. Then she meets Chris.
There are a lot of things to figure out while we enjoy the HOT romance between “Denise”/Reese and Chris. Does Reese have or know where the missing $20M went? If Reese isn’t who she says she is, how do we know Chris is?
Fun fast read that has a bit of everything.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 Hearts A bit romance, a bit mystery and a whole lot of good read. After Reese’s dad goes to jail for stealing a butt-load of money Reese goes into hiding, sorta. She is still out in the world but under a bunch of pseudonyms and back stories. Then she meets Chris.
There are a lot of things to figure out while we enjoy the HOT romance between “Denise”/Reese and Chris. Does Reese have or know where the missing $20M went? If Reese isn’t who she says she is, how do we know Chris is?
Fun fast read that has a bit of everything.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
I read more romance novels than I care to admit and they’ve always kept me entertained. Over the last few months - okay, the last year - there have been many DNF romance on my shelf. I felt like I was reading the same stories, same characters, and same themes. I found myself growing bored with Romance. What Ms. Keyes has done here is something rather remarkable. Not only writing an interesting romance novel but creating a entirely new genre. I was excited, on the edge of my seat, anxious, and entertained.
September 29, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of All the Missing Pieces in exchange for an honest review. This is not normally a genre I find myself reading, but I'm so glad I took a chance on this book. I was quickly immersed into the story, and asking myself, "what is going on?" The more I read, the more I wanted to figure out what was happening. It became really "real" when Reese found out Chris wasn't what he appeared. I never saw that one coming. This was a great find, and I'd highly recommend reading this book.
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