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Stonewood Brothers #3
Thrive
Thrive is a gripping friends-to-lovers standalone romance.
One kiss.
One little misstep.
It completely changed everything.
We're best friends, colleagues, the actor and the assistant.
One little kiss shouldn't change that.
He shouldn't change that.
Except now I'm flying to his small hometown, leaving my city behind to walk through dirt roads in my stilettos just for him.
Spending a month with him to get this movie filmed should be easy for us. I've been his PA for years with no hiccups. We always conquer every obstacle and we have a friendship strong enough to defeat even the toughest odds.
This should be easy except...
That kiss.
Neither one of us has forgotten it.
Our one and only misstep.
Will it have us barreling toward love... or disaster?
One kiss.
One little misstep.
It completely changed everything.
We're best friends, colleagues, the actor and the assistant.
One little kiss shouldn't change that.
He shouldn't change that.
Except now I'm flying to his small hometown, leaving my city behind to walk through dirt roads in my stilettos just for him.
Spending a month with him to get this movie filmed should be easy for us. I've been his PA for years with no hiccups. We always conquer every obstacle and we have a friendship strong enough to defeat even the toughest odds.
This should be easy except...
That kiss.
Neither one of us has forgotten it.
Our one and only misstep.
Will it have us barreling toward love... or disaster?
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2020
2022 people are currently reading
7722 people want to read
About the author
Shain Rose
18 books7,313 followersStay connected with Shain and check out her:
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/author.shainrose/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.shai...
Website: https://www.shainrose.com
Shain Rose is an author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She fights for love one word a time. Those happily ever afters can be difficult to get to sometimes!
When she isn't writing, she's spending the days with Doc G, Liv and Gray Gray, and their wild golden retriever. She and Doc G drink way too much coffee, eat way too much candy, and fight like they've been married for hmm how long has it been now?
Life is good when the kids are behaving.
On the off chance she's not writing or spending time with family and friends, she's calling them to talk. And if no one answers.... then she's reading and watching trashy TV.
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/author.shainrose/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.shai...
Website: https://www.shainrose.com
Shain Rose is an author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She fights for love one word a time. Those happily ever afters can be difficult to get to sometimes!
When she isn't writing, she's spending the days with Doc G, Liv and Gray Gray, and their wild golden retriever. She and Doc G drink way too much coffee, eat way too much candy, and fight like they've been married for hmm how long has it been now?
Life is good when the kids are behaving.
On the off chance she's not writing or spending time with family and friends, she's calling them to talk. And if no one answers.... then she's reading and watching trashy TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
August 5, 2022
I have to stop reading books because I saw one out of context line on tiktok
July 26, 2022
It wasn't crazy explosive like tiktok suggested but tiktok lies a lot lol. There was chemistry and story but I felt like too many times it tried to be deep that it came off as kinda lame and forced.
There were quite a bit of grammatical and structural errors. A few paragraphs or sentences would be repeated and kind through you off a bit. Nothing were it was confusing per say but definitely noticeable.
I will say that this really is a book you can read as a standalone. While we got cameos from the brothers and their partners it didn't feel like we were miss key parts of Jay's story by not having read the other books. I mean if you want to read about Breys and Jays friendship by all means read the first book. Honestly though, I had no interest in their relationship, let alone Breys relationship whit her husband. I'm pretty sure it's safe to say I'm not interested in the other brothers stories to go back and read about them.
All in all it was a solid read though.
There were quite a bit of grammatical and structural errors. A few paragraphs or sentences would be repeated and kind through you off a bit. Nothing were it was confusing per say but definitely noticeable.
I will say that this really is a book you can read as a standalone. While we got cameos from the brothers and their partners it didn't feel like we were miss key parts of Jay's story by not having read the other books. I mean if you want to read about Breys and Jays friendship by all means read the first book. Honestly though, I had no interest in their relationship, let alone Breys relationship whit her husband. I'm pretty sure it's safe to say I'm not interested in the other brothers stories to go back and read about them.
All in all it was a solid read though.
February 7, 2023
Would be higher but I do not understand why he needed to randomly be a drug addict for no good reason.
December 3, 2020
This is my first book by this author, book 3 in the Stonewood Brothers series. I never felt as though I missed anything but it certainly made me curious about the other brothers. I downloaded book 1 before I was even halfway into Thrive, I was hooked and I needed more of this world.
The very first chapter had me emotionally invested in Jay and Mikka. Even under the undesirable circumstances the chemistry between Jay and Mikka was electrifying that was only a taste of what was to come.
It only took a few chapters before I was fully immersed in this world. The pain and circumstances these characters were living had a strangle hold on my emotions that held me captive until the end.
One moment, one kiss, set off a domino effect that changed the course of their lives. Mikka went through a painfully rough time over several months that ultimately destroyed pieces of her. My chest ached with tears going down my cheek as I felt all of her pain directly in my heart.
One moment, one hug, Jay knows there’s something amiss with his head clear he makes it his mission to get to the bottom of it. You could feel the intensity of their connection igniting the air around them at times. It was as if their heart spoke to one another without the need to verbalize what was running through their head. They had both just come out the other side of traumatically heartbreaking situations making it hard for them to navigate the intensity between them.
I felt like the author portrayed the pain, guilt, and devastation of these very serious situations in a way that made them feel genuine, as it could have been someone we know. These characters showed an incredible amount of self-healing as they worked their way towards making what they had into much more than friends.
This was an all-consuming read. Jay and Mikka had a connection that was so deep they were seared on each other’s souls. An impeccable balance of witty banter, angst, heartbreak, healing, steam, and the quirkiness of a small town.
The small town of Greenville is full of quirky, entertaining and especially lovable characters that I’m looking forward to spending more time with.
The very first chapter had me emotionally invested in Jay and Mikka. Even under the undesirable circumstances the chemistry between Jay and Mikka was electrifying that was only a taste of what was to come.
It only took a few chapters before I was fully immersed in this world. The pain and circumstances these characters were living had a strangle hold on my emotions that held me captive until the end.
One moment, one kiss, set off a domino effect that changed the course of their lives. Mikka went through a painfully rough time over several months that ultimately destroyed pieces of her. My chest ached with tears going down my cheek as I felt all of her pain directly in my heart.
One moment, one hug, Jay knows there’s something amiss with his head clear he makes it his mission to get to the bottom of it. You could feel the intensity of their connection igniting the air around them at times. It was as if their heart spoke to one another without the need to verbalize what was running through their head. They had both just come out the other side of traumatically heartbreaking situations making it hard for them to navigate the intensity between them.
I felt like the author portrayed the pain, guilt, and devastation of these very serious situations in a way that made them feel genuine, as it could have been someone we know. These characters showed an incredible amount of self-healing as they worked their way towards making what they had into much more than friends.
This was an all-consuming read. Jay and Mikka had a connection that was so deep they were seared on each other’s souls. An impeccable balance of witty banter, angst, heartbreak, healing, steam, and the quirkiness of a small town.
The small town of Greenville is full of quirky, entertaining and especially lovable characters that I’m looking forward to spending more time with.
November 21, 2020
Thrive broke my heart and put it back together. Shain Rose writes another breathlessly poignant romance that shows the flaws, the rawness, the reality of loving. It's an absolute masterpiece that had me emotionally consumed throughout.
I wasn't prepared for both of the main characters to consume me the way they did. Mikka and Jay were dying in their own struggling lives but they survived by being friends and THRIVED once they became lovers.
One kiss pushes them further down roads of abuse and addiction. Their fight to find away out is real, raw, and gripping. Shain Rose writes of these obstacles like she knows them.
As Mikka tries to move forward, the job she holds dear makes her PA with Jay in his small hometown. He's just getting out of rehab and they're not at all ready for the chemistry they still have for one another. BUT they are there for one another and their relationship grows slowly, like a watered plant with lots of care and sunshine.
Jay is had me. I loved him from the very beginning and til the end.
5 star read.
I wasn't prepared for both of the main characters to consume me the way they did. Mikka and Jay were dying in their own struggling lives but they survived by being friends and THRIVED once they became lovers.
One kiss pushes them further down roads of abuse and addiction. Their fight to find away out is real, raw, and gripping. Shain Rose writes of these obstacles like she knows them.
"I recoiled like a beaten animal at the volume. The jumpiness was an instinct I’d thought had been long forgotten. It’d been almost a year since he’d acted out , a year of us rebuilding from the last incident. But muscle memory always took over when adrenaline and fear kicked in. My body instantly didn’t trust him, instantly categorized him as a threat. The trust we’d once had with one another was snapped that quickly. Shattered to pieces all over the beautiful tiling of the floor we’d picked out together."
As Mikka tries to move forward, the job she holds dear makes her PA with Jay in his small hometown. He's just getting out of rehab and they're not at all ready for the chemistry they still have for one another. BUT they are there for one another and their relationship grows slowly, like a watered plant with lots of care and sunshine.
"We got through LA together. And we got buried in this toxic hole. I’m digging us out, Meek. You can grab a shovel and help or lay there and watch. Either way, I got you.”
Jay is had me. I loved him from the very beginning and til the end.
5 star read.
December 18, 2020
Honestly i liked the story at first but after like 3 chapters in i started disliking it, anyone who reads my reviews knows that the #1 thing i hate are doormats, i hate week heroines! I cant fucking stand them! Nothing stops me from finishing a book faster than reading about a weak ass hero and heroine and thats the problem i had with this story. The heroine in here mikka i think her name is, is the definition of a doormat! What it doesn't say in the synopsis is that mikka already has a boyfriend when her and our hero jay kiss so if your sensitive to cheating then you are warned but that wasn't the problem i had, my problem is what happened before the kiss! You see mikka was understandably pissed off that jay stood her up cause they were supposed to meet to talk about his script since she's jays assistant again this isnt the problem i had, mikka was already mad cause her boyfriend has been distancing himself from her recently and doesn't really put a effort in their relationship anymore so mikka being desperate for his attention she puts on some sexy lingerie and you know how her boyfriend reacts to her attempted seduction? He laughs at her and tells her to go to work! Seriously? 🙄 and this is when i started getting pissed at the apparent heroine, she starts complaining to jay that she was upset that her boyfriend has been being distant and treating her like crap she says she doesnt care how badly he treats her cause she knows they are meant to be together, are you fucking serious? You complain that your boyfriend is a asshole but wont do anything cause you think hes your soulmate? Oh my god i could not to continue! I felt so bad for jay for having such a shitty love interest! I wanted to keep going just to see of mikka's boyfriend was cheating on her so i could laugh at her but i would never torture myself and do that! 😜😭👎🤷 jay is the only reason i gave this book 2 stars instead of 1! I said it in past reviews and I'll say it again, i dont understand how shitty books get so much praise and so much High ratings cause this book was garbage! Its not hard to write strong heroines! What? Is that the only way author's think their books will be successful? Cause almost every book i read someone is a doormat and its getting ridiculous! This is why prefer watching tv than reading cause at least in tv the characters are strong not fucking weak as doormats that cant stand up for themselves! Even fanfictions are better written then this!🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2020
Lesson of the Day: I got you
This book made me cry. There was a lot of personal shit that came up for me and it was a tough read. I had to stop a lot and think about the choices I made in the past and the people I spent time with. It made me reflect a lot.
I relate to both Jay and Meeka. I have addiction issues and can see how being addicted to drugs and being addicted to "not failing" a relationship can be equal.
I love this conversation between the therapist and Jay:
Therapist: Stress of a job is a trigger for a lot of people.
Jay: I'm always going to struggle, aren't I?
Therapist: It's what makes addicts some of the strongest people you'll ever meet.
It's exhausting having a never ending craving for what makes you forget and feel great...living life with an invisible obstacle like this is fucking hard.
Jay wanted to battle addiction on his own, but that's not how it works. You have to find support and I'm glad he comes to his senses.
And Meeka...damn girl. It's so hard to escape from toxicity. Understanding your relationship is hard. Do you stay because you love your partner or because you don't want your relationship to be a failure? Man. Seriously.
This book threw all of my past shit in my face like it was a reminder I needed: maybe I'm still broken, too. But, like Jay and Meeka, I've got strength and support and if I fail, I know I can start again. Each day is a new beginning.
Jay and Meeka's love is beautiful.
Thanks for writing this book, Shain Rose.
This book made me cry. There was a lot of personal shit that came up for me and it was a tough read. I had to stop a lot and think about the choices I made in the past and the people I spent time with. It made me reflect a lot.
I relate to both Jay and Meeka. I have addiction issues and can see how being addicted to drugs and being addicted to "not failing" a relationship can be equal.
I love this conversation between the therapist and Jay:
Therapist: Stress of a job is a trigger for a lot of people.
Jay: I'm always going to struggle, aren't I?
Therapist: It's what makes addicts some of the strongest people you'll ever meet.
It's exhausting having a never ending craving for what makes you forget and feel great...living life with an invisible obstacle like this is fucking hard.
Jay wanted to battle addiction on his own, but that's not how it works. You have to find support and I'm glad he comes to his senses.
And Meeka...damn girl. It's so hard to escape from toxicity. Understanding your relationship is hard. Do you stay because you love your partner or because you don't want your relationship to be a failure? Man. Seriously.
This book threw all of my past shit in my face like it was a reminder I needed: maybe I'm still broken, too. But, like Jay and Meeka, I've got strength and support and if I fail, I know I can start again. Each day is a new beginning.
Jay and Meeka's love is beautiful.
Thanks for writing this book, Shain Rose.
December 19, 2020
I have been waiting for Thrive since author Shain announced it
Author Shain did not disappoint me as usual
Jay and Mikka’s story totally owned my heart
I still admire the author’s style, the way she narrated, and her knowledge of what she wanted to write
Thrive is one of the best books for 2020
The story is fascinating and interesting
The relationship between the hero and the heroine in the story was everything to me
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞.
Author Shain did not disappoint me as usual
Jay and Mikka’s story totally owned my heart
I still admire the author’s style, the way she narrated, and her knowledge of what she wanted to write
Thrive is one of the best books for 2020
The story is fascinating and interesting
The relationship between the hero and the heroine in the story was everything to me
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞.
November 22, 2020
Love and life are battlefields and Shain Rose wages the war for her characters in this moving story about finding love while battling abuse and addiction. This book is going to stay with me for days. I laughed, I cried, and I related to their struggles.
Full review to come soon.
I received an ARC and will be leaving an honest review.
Full review to come soon.
I received an ARC and will be leaving an honest review.
November 24, 2020
I'm a fan of Shain Rose's writing and this story doesn't disappoint. It was a great story, with painful and sensitive topics, but it also had fun moments and I enjoyed reading it.
I loved Jay and Mikka together even if sometimes I really wanted to strangle Mikka for her actions. On the other hand, I liked how Jay fought for Mikka, how he fought his addiction, and how he always took care of his loved ones. Overall, their journey to happiness is full of hard and painful obstacles, but that's why their destination is so beautiful.
I loved Jay and Mikka together even if sometimes I really wanted to strangle Mikka for her actions. On the other hand, I liked how Jay fought for Mikka, how he fought his addiction, and how he always took care of his loved ones. Overall, their journey to happiness is full of hard and painful obstacles, but that's why their destination is so beautiful.
Read
July 20, 2022I read 30% of the book and could not read anymore. Both the characters were not interesting. Jay was too pushy and too annoying. Mikka was a doormat (not in relation to what went down later with her and Dougie; that, I can understand), and also very annoying. The execution was not my cup of tea.
Also, “Little Pebble”? A for creativity, I guess, but with all the possible nicknames… Jay went with Little Pebble?
Also, “Little Pebble”? A for creativity, I guess, but with all the possible nicknames… Jay went with Little Pebble?
September 13, 2022
Well... I hate to admit it, but this one was my least favorite. I loved Jay in all the other books but I don't think this one did him justice. I loved seeing everyone again and that ending was really good, but I don't know, I feel like something was missing from it, or maybe it was just me.
But anyway, the Stonewood brothers series is amazing and I will be sure to reread this soon. I love the crew!
But anyway, the Stonewood brothers series is amazing and I will be sure to reread this soon. I love the crew!
December 7, 2020
Hello to my new book boyfriend, Jay! 💕
Gawd, how I love him!
After he nearly destroyed himself and his career with his addiction he found a way out - in rehab and with the help of his best friend Mikka.
Mikka is a strong woman but found herself in domestic violence as she told her long time boyfriend that she kissed Jay.
BUT, that's why I couldn't give the book the full stars, I wanted to shake some sense into her. She clawed onto her relationship with her actual boyfriend for years, although she knew deep down that he wasn't right for her. It wasn't love what she felt for him anymore, she felt obligated.
𝑫𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒊𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑱𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓.
The problem was that Mikka was raised to be the best and failing in a relationship made her feel not to be on top.
Eventually she broke up with him (yes!!!!) and finally gave into her feelings with Jay.
Jay made it clear more than once that he wanted HER, just her and wasn't interested in other women, but Mikka struggled to believe him.
Both, Jay and Mikka, are two broken souls who healed each other over the time.
Although Mikka needed some time to trust Jay outside of their friendship to form a relationship (I mean, she just left a toxic relationship), I loved every page of this book and can recommend it to you.
♡I kindly received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.♡
Gawd, how I love him!
After he nearly destroyed himself and his career with his addiction he found a way out - in rehab and with the help of his best friend Mikka.
Mikka is a strong woman but found herself in domestic violence as she told her long time boyfriend that she kissed Jay.
BUT, that's why I couldn't give the book the full stars, I wanted to shake some sense into her. She clawed onto her relationship with her actual boyfriend for years, although she knew deep down that he wasn't right for her. It wasn't love what she felt for him anymore, she felt obligated.
𝑫𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒊𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑱𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓.
The problem was that Mikka was raised to be the best and failing in a relationship made her feel not to be on top.
Eventually she broke up with him (yes!!!!) and finally gave into her feelings with Jay.
Jay made it clear more than once that he wanted HER, just her and wasn't interested in other women, but Mikka struggled to believe him.
Both, Jay and Mikka, are two broken souls who healed each other over the time.
Although Mikka needed some time to trust Jay outside of their friendship to form a relationship (I mean, she just left a toxic relationship), I loved every page of this book and can recommend it to you.
♡I kindly received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.♡
January 12, 2021
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Review/Reseña en Español/English
Español
Puede que contenga spoilers pero siento es necesario.
El tercer libro de esta serie trata del hermano más joven, Jay Stonewood, un actor en ascenso de Hollywood, quien está teniendo problemas con sus adicciones, y Mikka Chang su asistente personal y mejor amiga, quien se encuentra en problemas al no dejar una relación muy desafortunada.
Este libro es algo fuerte, debido a que trata un tema delicado de abuso doméstico, Mikka es una mujer muy fuerte y perfeccionista, quien tiene problemas para aceptar cuando algo no salió como ella quería, eso implica también en sus relaciones. Me gusto como se presentó el abuso que ella sufría, ya que fue realista, creo que todas conocemos una amiga o familiar que está en una relación toxica, y piensa que fue un accidente o que no volverá a suceder y pueden arreglarlo, buena la respuesta es va a suceder de nuevo.
El personaje de Mikka fue triste y más porque pensaba que era su culpa, que podía cambiarlo y como dijo el libro las relaciones abusivas son un tipo de adicción, que Mikka no quería dejar. Me gusto ver el cambio de su personaje y cuando pudo afrontarlo me encanto.
Ahora Jay, tuvo una buena vida creciendo pero aun así cayo en el camino de las drogas, sentí que su recuperación fue algo rápida, pero a lo largo del libro vimos como tenía problemas para afrontarlo. Es un buen amigo y aunque quería que MIkka se olvidara de su relación, él sabe que no es fácil y me gusto que le diera su espacio y estuviera apoyándola, fue lindo.
Aunque me gustó mucho su relación y sus peleas, me hubiera gustado que se desarrollara un poco más la relación, siento que el libro se enfocó más a cómo afrontan sus problemas.
Personajes secundaros.
Lorraine, mi personaje favorito okay?, la amo, me encanto su relación con MIkka y como la apoyaba después de lo que paso. Definitivamente puede hacer lo que quiera, se merece toda la felicidad en el mundo.
La madre de Mikka, también la ame, es increíble cómo se preocupa y cuida a su hija, su tienda no lo esperaba pero me agrada.
Los habitantes del pueblo, me encantaron, fue un buen lugar para desintoxicarse y respirar, justo lo que necesitaban.
Douggie, el (ex)novio de Mikka, obviamente lo odie, pero fue un buen personaje, porque representaba todo lo que un hombre abusivo es, las humillaciones, abusos y después las palabras lindas. Una muy mala persona, pero muy bien por parte de la autora por crear un personaje real.
Fue un buen libro, me gusto el camino de recuperación de ambos y especialmente que hablaran, casi todos los personajes eran directos y decían las cosas como son, me encanto. Le recomiendo el libro a los que les gusta el romance, pero consideren que tiene temas fuertes de abuso de pareja.
TW: abuso doméstico, violencia, relaciones toxicas, uso de drogas, intento de secuestro.
Género: romance, contemporáneo, friends to lovers
Heroína: 9/10
Héroe: 8/10
Romance: 7/10
Escenas sexuales: 7/10
Violencia/ escenas turbias: 7/10
Trama: 7/10
Redacción: 9/10
English
It may contain spoilers but I feel it’s necessary.
The third book in this series is about the youngest brother, Jay Stonewood, a rising Hollywood actor, who is struggling with his addictions, and Mikka Chang, his personal assistant and best friend, who finds herself in trouble by not leaving a very unfortunate relationship.
This book is somewhat strong, because it deals with a sensitive issue of domestic abuse, Mikka is a very strong and perfectionist woman, who has trouble accepting when something doesn’t go as she wanted, that also implies in her relationships. I liked how the abuse she suffered was presented, since it was realistic, I think we all know a friend or relative who is in a toxic relationship, and thinks it was an accident or that it will not happen again and they can fix it, well the answer is no, it's going to happen again.
Mikka's character was sad and more because she thought it was her fault, that she could change it and, as the book said, abusive relationships are a form of addiction, which Mikka did not want to leave. I liked seeing the change in her character and when she was able to face it, I loved it.
Now Jay, had a good life growing up but still fell into the path of drugs, I felt that his recovery was a little bit quick, but throughout the book we saw how he had problems coping with it. He is a good friend and although he wanted MIkka to forget about her relationship, he knows that it is not easy and I liked that he gave her space and was supporting her, it was nice.
Although I really enjoyed their relationship and their fights, I wish the relationship developed a bit more, I feel like the book focused more on how they deal with their problems.
Secondary characters.
Lorraine, my favorite character okay? I love her, I loved her relationship with MIkka and how she supported her after what happened. She can definitely do whatever she wants, she deserve all the happiness in the world.
Mikka's mother, I also love her, it’s incredible how she cares and takes care of her daughter, her store… did not expect it but I like it.
Douggie, Mikka's (ex) boyfriend, obviously I hated him, but he was a good character, because he represented everything that an abusive man is, the humiliations, abuses and then the sweet words. A very bad man, but very good on the part of the author for creating a real character.
It was a good book, I liked the recovery path of both and especially that they spoke, almost all the characters were direct and said things as they are, I loved it. I recommend the book to those who like romance, but consider that it has strong themes of abuse.
TW: domestic abuse, violence, toxic relationships, drug use, attempted kidnapping.
Genre: romance, contemporary, friends to lovers
Heroine: 9/10
Hero: 8/10
Romance: 7/10
Steamy Scenes: 7/10
Violence/dark scenes: 7/10
Plot: 7/10
Writing: 9/10
Review/Reseña en Español/English
Español
Puede que contenga spoilers pero siento es necesario.
El tercer libro de esta serie trata del hermano más joven, Jay Stonewood, un actor en ascenso de Hollywood, quien está teniendo problemas con sus adicciones, y Mikka Chang su asistente personal y mejor amiga, quien se encuentra en problemas al no dejar una relación muy desafortunada.
Este libro es algo fuerte, debido a que trata un tema delicado de abuso doméstico, Mikka es una mujer muy fuerte y perfeccionista, quien tiene problemas para aceptar cuando algo no salió como ella quería, eso implica también en sus relaciones. Me gusto como se presentó el abuso que ella sufría, ya que fue realista, creo que todas conocemos una amiga o familiar que está en una relación toxica, y piensa que fue un accidente o que no volverá a suceder y pueden arreglarlo, buena la respuesta es va a suceder de nuevo.
El personaje de Mikka fue triste y más porque pensaba que era su culpa, que podía cambiarlo y como dijo el libro las relaciones abusivas son un tipo de adicción, que Mikka no quería dejar. Me gusto ver el cambio de su personaje y cuando pudo afrontarlo me encanto.
Ahora Jay, tuvo una buena vida creciendo pero aun así cayo en el camino de las drogas, sentí que su recuperación fue algo rápida, pero a lo largo del libro vimos como tenía problemas para afrontarlo. Es un buen amigo y aunque quería que MIkka se olvidara de su relación, él sabe que no es fácil y me gusto que le diera su espacio y estuviera apoyándola, fue lindo.
Aunque me gustó mucho su relación y sus peleas, me hubiera gustado que se desarrollara un poco más la relación, siento que el libro se enfocó más a cómo afrontan sus problemas.
Personajes secundaros.
Lorraine, mi personaje favorito okay?, la amo, me encanto su relación con MIkka y como la apoyaba después de lo que paso. Definitivamente puede hacer lo que quiera, se merece toda la felicidad en el mundo.
La madre de Mikka, también la ame, es increíble cómo se preocupa y cuida a su hija, su tienda no lo esperaba pero me agrada.
Los habitantes del pueblo, me encantaron, fue un buen lugar para desintoxicarse y respirar, justo lo que necesitaban.
Douggie, el (ex)novio de Mikka, obviamente lo odie, pero fue un buen personaje, porque representaba todo lo que un hombre abusivo es, las humillaciones, abusos y después las palabras lindas. Una muy mala persona, pero muy bien por parte de la autora por crear un personaje real.
Fue un buen libro, me gusto el camino de recuperación de ambos y especialmente que hablaran, casi todos los personajes eran directos y decían las cosas como son, me encanto. Le recomiendo el libro a los que les gusta el romance, pero consideren que tiene temas fuertes de abuso de pareja.
TW: abuso doméstico, violencia, relaciones toxicas, uso de drogas, intento de secuestro.
Género: romance, contemporáneo, friends to lovers
Heroína: 9/10
Héroe: 8/10
Romance: 7/10
Escenas sexuales: 7/10
Violencia/ escenas turbias: 7/10
Trama: 7/10
Redacción: 9/10
English
It may contain spoilers but I feel it’s necessary.
The third book in this series is about the youngest brother, Jay Stonewood, a rising Hollywood actor, who is struggling with his addictions, and Mikka Chang, his personal assistant and best friend, who finds herself in trouble by not leaving a very unfortunate relationship.
This book is somewhat strong, because it deals with a sensitive issue of domestic abuse, Mikka is a very strong and perfectionist woman, who has trouble accepting when something doesn’t go as she wanted, that also implies in her relationships. I liked how the abuse she suffered was presented, since it was realistic, I think we all know a friend or relative who is in a toxic relationship, and thinks it was an accident or that it will not happen again and they can fix it, well the answer is no, it's going to happen again.
Mikka's character was sad and more because she thought it was her fault, that she could change it and, as the book said, abusive relationships are a form of addiction, which Mikka did not want to leave. I liked seeing the change in her character and when she was able to face it, I loved it.
Now Jay, had a good life growing up but still fell into the path of drugs, I felt that his recovery was a little bit quick, but throughout the book we saw how he had problems coping with it. He is a good friend and although he wanted MIkka to forget about her relationship, he knows that it is not easy and I liked that he gave her space and was supporting her, it was nice.
Although I really enjoyed their relationship and their fights, I wish the relationship developed a bit more, I feel like the book focused more on how they deal with their problems.
Secondary characters.
Lorraine, my favorite character okay? I love her, I loved her relationship with MIkka and how she supported her after what happened. She can definitely do whatever she wants, she deserve all the happiness in the world.
Mikka's mother, I also love her, it’s incredible how she cares and takes care of her daughter, her store… did not expect it but I like it.
Douggie, Mikka's (ex) boyfriend, obviously I hated him, but he was a good character, because he represented everything that an abusive man is, the humiliations, abuses and then the sweet words. A very bad man, but very good on the part of the author for creating a real character.
It was a good book, I liked the recovery path of both and especially that they spoke, almost all the characters were direct and said things as they are, I loved it. I recommend the book to those who like romance, but consider that it has strong themes of abuse.
TW: domestic abuse, violence, toxic relationships, drug use, attempted kidnapping.
Genre: romance, contemporary, friends to lovers
Heroine: 9/10
Hero: 8/10
Romance: 7/10
Steamy Scenes: 7/10
Violence/dark scenes: 7/10
Plot: 7/10
Writing: 9/10
December 2, 2020
This is my first book by this author and it wont be my last. Great story, two main protagonists are well written with a beautiful story of heartbreak and love. The tale had me wanting to know more about the other brothers but I could read this book without having to read their tales.
Both of our heroes have their trials and torments to deal with and you are carried along on an emotional ride with them.
The story doesn't have boring pages of inaction or dreamy descriptions of the surroundings just story through and through. I have read too many books where you feel there is too much padding and not enough action but this book does not disappoint from page one. That is why I am still here at 1 am having just had to finish the book off.
The book was given to me for free by the author and voracious readers only.
It has been a pleasure to read and review. The sex scenes are hot but not overly so and compliment the book well. If you want some company over these winter months (and I'm in lock down here in the UK due to the pandemic) you couldn't do better than to invest in this book.
Both of our heroes have their trials and torments to deal with and you are carried along on an emotional ride with them.
The story doesn't have boring pages of inaction or dreamy descriptions of the surroundings just story through and through. I have read too many books where you feel there is too much padding and not enough action but this book does not disappoint from page one. That is why I am still here at 1 am having just had to finish the book off.
The book was given to me for free by the author and voracious readers only.
It has been a pleasure to read and review. The sex scenes are hot but not overly so and compliment the book well. If you want some company over these winter months (and I'm in lock down here in the UK due to the pandemic) you couldn't do better than to invest in this book.
November 26, 2020
Jay and Mikka have a great friendship but she also works for him as his personal assistant. They both have issues going on in their lives but Jay has some more serious problems. The story follows both of them as they try to navigate feelings for each other while fighting the demons that haunt them. Their road is not an easy one but it keeps getting harder and harder to fight the attraction. I love the story as is deals with issues that are so real and I loved how well the two main characters are great together. I don't want to give too much away because the book should be experienced and not just told about. Another great story by this author!!!
November 30, 2020
I've been WAITING for Jay's book ever since he first showed up in Inevitable! What I wasn't expecting was learning something about him in the very first line of this book.
Oh Jay. You still have my heart. Your tender heart, your loyal heart, your drive to do better for others still makes me swoon.
And Mikka! I love her. Her drive, her family, her love for... well, you'll see. The twist at the end had me clutching my Kindle and I just couldn't put the book down!
A fabulous end to the Stonewood brothers series. I'm sad to see them go, but glad we got another peek into their lives.
One last thing-- I really want to visit a small town festival now... and eat some pie.
Oh Jay. You still have my heart. Your tender heart, your loyal heart, your drive to do better for others still makes me swoon.
And Mikka! I love her. Her drive, her family, her love for... well, you'll see. The twist at the end had me clutching my Kindle and I just couldn't put the book down!
A fabulous end to the Stonewood brothers series. I'm sad to see them go, but glad we got another peek into their lives.
One last thing-- I really want to visit a small town festival now... and eat some pie.
November 28, 2020
Deep but honest. Thrive leads you into a heady world of celebrity, partying and players.
Jay the movie star and his PA slash best friend are easy to love, reading about their battles, their growth throughout the story is steady and well executed by the author. A joy to read even when the going gets tough for Jay as he progressed through addiction & as Mikka bubbles and pushes for perfect when her own life tumbles around her. One epic kiss from Jay shakes the foundations of their relationship and hers with her boyfriend. Abuse of two kinds is worked through beautifully. Shain Rose again makes romance real, strong, and especially emotional.
Jay the movie star and his PA slash best friend are easy to love, reading about their battles, their growth throughout the story is steady and well executed by the author. A joy to read even when the going gets tough for Jay as he progressed through addiction & as Mikka bubbles and pushes for perfect when her own life tumbles around her. One epic kiss from Jay shakes the foundations of their relationship and hers with her boyfriend. Abuse of two kinds is worked through beautifully. Shain Rose again makes romance real, strong, and especially emotional.
December 1, 2020
I've been waiting not so patiently for Jay since I met him in Inevitable! He's still the sweet, lovable guy I fell for while reading Brey's story, but MORE. He's broken and gritty and just everything I wanted him to be. He and Mikka don't have a pretty or easy story, but if you've read anything by Shain Rose you should know those aren't her deal. She doesn't pull any punches but you will get your HEA!
Love. Love, love, love. I'm so sad to see this series go, but so glad I got to visit these amazing brothers and the women who tamed them!
Love. Love, love, love. I'm so sad to see this series go, but so glad I got to visit these amazing brothers and the women who tamed them!
March 16, 2025
Ich mochte es schon ist eher zwischen 3 und 4 aber. Der anfang war bisschen hollprig aber die story ist ganz nice. Trauma wird halt thematisiert und daher ist FL am anfang bisschen schwierig nachzuvollziehen, aber wie gesagt es hat seinen grund. War mein erstes Buch von ihr und wie gesagt movhte ich den Schreibstil udn hab dann halt das zweite gelsen. Klischee-szenen sind vorhanden tho
December 4, 2020
Thrive by Shain Rose is book Three in the Stonewood Brothers Series. This is the story of Jay and Mikka. I have read the previous books which did add to my enjoyment of this book, but I did feel this can be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Mikka and Jay share a friendship along with a working relationship. They both did have some heavy topics that they were going through but this author handled them nicely. I do recommend this book along with this author's writing.
June 1, 2024
So... this wasn't as good as Reverie, but not terrible. Overall, it was a compelling story, the pace felt natural, the drama was realistic, the struggles of both our MCs were also understandable. I loved the MMC, Jay, he was a great character imo and his struggle felt quite real. I did not enjoy our MFC, she was too flaky, she would make up her mind about a situation and you would think it was a definitive decision and then 1 page later we would be back to square one. I did not like that at all. Either she has a revelation or she doesn't, make up your mind. I still love Shain Rose's books and looking forward to the next one !
December 28, 2020
Mikka works as a PA for Jay. They have worked together for years and have a deep bond of friendship. That friendship is tested by Jays use of drugs. To Jay he is having fun; but to Mikka he is destroying everything they have worked for. After Mikka catches him, he kisses her; and the kiss changes everything between them. Mikka is distressed and informs her boyfriend; this sets off violence in their relationship. Jay is unaware as he is in rehab. When he comes out he can see what has happened; and he's not going to stop until his little pebble is his.
Amazing storytelling! The love and friendship between Mikka and Jay is touching and beautifully written. The story is compelling to read. Jay and Mikka are always 'there' for one another through thick and thin. There will be triggers of domestic violence as Mikkas boyfriend becomes jealous and jobless. Jay is determined to be the friend she needs. Told from dual POVs reveals intimately their thoughts feelings and emotions as they explore their relationship and navigate through the many twists, turns and obstacles. There's a HEA
Amazing storytelling! The love and friendship between Mikka and Jay is touching and beautifully written. The story is compelling to read. Jay and Mikka are always 'there' for one another through thick and thin. There will be triggers of domestic violence as Mikkas boyfriend becomes jealous and jobless. Jay is determined to be the friend she needs. Told from dual POVs reveals intimately their thoughts feelings and emotions as they explore their relationship and navigate through the many twists, turns and obstacles. There's a HEA
February 22, 2022
One out-of-context quote on Tik Tok hooked me. And this time I actually dug a little deeper to get more on what the story was. So me not liking this book is not because of false advertising.
I just didn't like it. Stories overall tropes? Fine. Execution not so much. I dId not like Jay and I barely liked Mikka so their relationship felt so so bland. Reading this book made me feel like I was in elementary school again with no reading comprehension. NO idea what was happening AT ALL so the two getting together just felt ehhh.
Not the worst thing I read but it just was not fun to read not even in a hating way.
1.5/5
I just didn't like it. Stories overall tropes? Fine. Execution not so much. I dId not like Jay and I barely liked Mikka so their relationship felt so so bland. Reading this book made me feel like I was in elementary school again with no reading comprehension. NO idea what was happening AT ALL so the two getting together just felt ehhh.
Not the worst thing I read but it just was not fun to read not even in a hating way.
1.5/5
December 8, 2020
I absolutely love Mikka and Jay!!! This story was so sweet. A great way to end the series!
September 1, 2023
An amazing twist on a contemporary small town romance. It was different and definitely worth the read
I’m so glad I got to read this book. It was my first read by the author and although it is the 3rd book in the series. It is a standalone and just flowed really well. It’s definitely made me want to read the first 2 books about Jax and Jett. Especially Jett.
This was an amazing contemporary romance with a twist. Such a different take on small town romance and I’ve not read a love story like this. It was intriguing and heart felt. Definitely emotional related and really touched on important topics like abuse and addiction really well. I think the author did an amazing job and loved her writing style. I’ll definitely continue to read from this author especially her first two books.
The author made this book very deep. As in the connection the couple had. I love friends to lover due to how deep it can be and feel for the couple and I felt that as a reader. Especially with the complications these two characters went through. Together and alone. I also loved that it was heavily based around there jobs and focused more on the couple and them battling their issues. This book was about healing and I really loved how it made me feel. I loved Mikka and her personality. How organised she was and how head strong she was. Jay and her definitely complimented each other well.
I highly recommend this book. It was sweet and heart felt. Easy to read and overall a really good book!
I’m so glad I got to read this book. It was my first read by the author and although it is the 3rd book in the series. It is a standalone and just flowed really well. It’s definitely made me want to read the first 2 books about Jax and Jett. Especially Jett.
This was an amazing contemporary romance with a twist. Such a different take on small town romance and I’ve not read a love story like this. It was intriguing and heart felt. Definitely emotional related and really touched on important topics like abuse and addiction really well. I think the author did an amazing job and loved her writing style. I’ll definitely continue to read from this author especially her first two books.
The author made this book very deep. As in the connection the couple had. I love friends to lover due to how deep it can be and feel for the couple and I felt that as a reader. Especially with the complications these two characters went through. Together and alone. I also loved that it was heavily based around there jobs and focused more on the couple and them battling their issues. This book was about healing and I really loved how it made me feel. I loved Mikka and her personality. How organised she was and how head strong she was. Jay and her definitely complimented each other well.
I highly recommend this book. It was sweet and heart felt. Easy to read and overall a really good book!
March 28, 2024
I've already read the entire Shain Rose universe, but I'm rereading more deeply to be able to write my reviews.
Lets start with the Characters.
Mikka, I started loving her and thought she was a really strong character in the first chapters, then I found it hard to understand how she could have gone in that abusive relationship specially with her control tendencies and having a strong mom like her that taught her well. I thought that perhaps more inside the book there would be some big answer to this but no. All the strong willed personality I thought she had became frustrating when it came to her relationship with Doug. I understood her behavior and I did feel bad for what she was going through, but I also felt her actions lead her to that.
Jay, I think the fact that he had a drug and alcohol problem fit really well into the description of the character. He was the youngest of the brothers, spoiled by his parents and full of privilege, he went into the show business and he spiraled down. He was always being the fun, understanding friend and never was business minded. From previous books we know he was in LA, and you would have never guessed he was having issues with substances. I honestly though the book would go more for the route of PA-Actor daily interactions and conflict with the press and such but also living in LA as a young carefree actor, this is also what you know happen to young actors.
Now onto the Story, I really loved Jett’s book and liked a Jax’s as well and the books are cataloged as Billionaires book that this book kind of failed into that powerful CEO setting we had on the previous ones. Yes, I loved that the brothers come from a small town but even on the first books the environment was a wealthy one and this one felt more like a small country like town
The plot of Jay being a star and Mikka his PA had a lot of potential outside the drug plotline, but even In the direction the book took, it had space for more… like we could have seen inside Jay’s rehab center, him having withdraws, a relapse, but no. He one day said no more and that was it.
You could feel the intensity of their relationship and the tension in the air around but Mikka was so focused on making excuses for her abuser that honestly it was irritating. I would have understand if she was in love with her but she saw Dougie for what he was and she kept returning and I feel bad for saying this, but she kind of went in looking for that fate.
I mean, I fail to understand how someone that knows his best friend its this powerful rich man capable of doing anything and she its not willing from the beginning to ask for help. She just wanted to be Douggies savior and seen as the one that fixed everything. And that exact trait she also tried to transfer to Jay…. And that its where it became annoying.
Honestly, the development of both of them seemed fake. Jay’s development was rushed and was like one day he woke up and that was it and Mikka’s felt unreal. I know that sometimes you latch onto your abuser because you mistake their narcissism with love and this happen when you dont know what love is, but Mikka was receiving Jay’s love and also she had her mom that always told her about her value so It felt fake and untrue.
I think this book tried to be deep and meaningful in a way, but did the complete opposite.
Side Characters and Future Glimpses to other books:
〰️Jax, Aubrey, Vic and Jett:
Jay and Brey had such an amazing relationship in previous books and this one its like they are just acquaintances. They went through a lot in their teens that honestly it felt fake in here.
Jax and Jett also seem a bit de-attached from their brother. I get they are working on the company and busy busy but even in the first book we can see more connection between Jay and Jax and here was zero.
〰️Mika’s mom and Dougie:
Mika’s mom was perfect. Strong minded woman that came to this country for a better life and work her way through it, and took pride on her business even if it was a Porn shop. Honestly with a mom so strong like hers I had to much trouble connecting with Mika because I felt she was just throwing aside all the work her mom made.
Dougie is a terrible narcissistic and manipulative human being. Honestly I dont understand how Mika told him about the kiss knowing how abusive he was. Sometimes I felt like she was putting herself purposely onto those situations. You hate so much Dougie that this only means it was really well portrayed, you feel the rage when you read him punching her after the kiss so “she would feel the pain”. You could see his manipulation’s all over the way specially with his hot and cold, push and pull tactics, one moment he is angry and beating her and the other he is crying and asking for forgiveness, that your blood boiled with rage and thats how you know a character was well written.
〰️Town members:
I really loved the Gilmore girls scenery and feeling from this little town. I loved Lorraine and how she embraced Mika and supported Jay.
There was a character name Delilah and damn I must said Shain kind of missed an opportunity here to connect this town to the same small town from the Hardy brothers and sisters it would have been deliciously because it would have also been Dante’s hometown.
〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️
Stonewood Brothers Series
〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️
Inevitable〰️ 3⭐
Reverie〰️ 5⭐
Thrive〰️ 3⭐
〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️
New Reign Mafia Duet Series
〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️
Heart of a Monster
〰️ 4⭐
Love of a Queen〰3⭐
〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️
Tarnished Empire Series
〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️
Shattered Vows〰️ 2⭐
Fractured Freedom〰️ 3⭐
Corrupted Chaos〰️ 5⭐
〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️
Hardy Billionaire Brothers Series
〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️
Between Commitment and Betrayal〰️ 3⭐
Between Love and Loathing〰️ 4⭐
Between Never and Forever〰️ 0.5⭐
Lets start with the Characters.
Mikka, I started loving her and thought she was a really strong character in the first chapters, then I found it hard to understand how she could have gone in that abusive relationship specially with her control tendencies and having a strong mom like her that taught her well. I thought that perhaps more inside the book there would be some big answer to this but no. All the strong willed personality I thought she had became frustrating when it came to her relationship with Doug. I understood her behavior and I did feel bad for what she was going through, but I also felt her actions lead her to that.
Jay, I think the fact that he had a drug and alcohol problem fit really well into the description of the character. He was the youngest of the brothers, spoiled by his parents and full of privilege, he went into the show business and he spiraled down. He was always being the fun, understanding friend and never was business minded. From previous books we know he was in LA, and you would have never guessed he was having issues with substances. I honestly though the book would go more for the route of PA-Actor daily interactions and conflict with the press and such but also living in LA as a young carefree actor, this is also what you know happen to young actors.
Now onto the Story, I really loved Jett’s book and liked a Jax’s as well and the books are cataloged as Billionaires book that this book kind of failed into that powerful CEO setting we had on the previous ones. Yes, I loved that the brothers come from a small town but even on the first books the environment was a wealthy one and this one felt more like a small country like town
The plot of Jay being a star and Mikka his PA had a lot of potential outside the drug plotline, but even In the direction the book took, it had space for more… like we could have seen inside Jay’s rehab center, him having withdraws, a relapse, but no. He one day said no more and that was it.
You could feel the intensity of their relationship and the tension in the air around but Mikka was so focused on making excuses for her abuser that honestly it was irritating. I would have understand if she was in love with her but she saw Dougie for what he was and she kept returning and I feel bad for saying this, but she kind of went in looking for that fate.
I mean, I fail to understand how someone that knows his best friend its this powerful rich man capable of doing anything and she its not willing from the beginning to ask for help. She just wanted to be Douggies savior and seen as the one that fixed everything. And that exact trait she also tried to transfer to Jay…. And that its where it became annoying.
Honestly, the development of both of them seemed fake. Jay’s development was rushed and was like one day he woke up and that was it and Mikka’s felt unreal. I know that sometimes you latch onto your abuser because you mistake their narcissism with love and this happen when you dont know what love is, but Mikka was receiving Jay’s love and also she had her mom that always told her about her value so It felt fake and untrue.
I think this book tried to be deep and meaningful in a way, but did the complete opposite.
Side Characters and Future Glimpses to other books:
〰️Jax, Aubrey, Vic and Jett:
Jay and Brey had such an amazing relationship in previous books and this one its like they are just acquaintances. They went through a lot in their teens that honestly it felt fake in here.
Jax and Jett also seem a bit de-attached from their brother. I get they are working on the company and busy busy but even in the first book we can see more connection between Jay and Jax and here was zero.
〰️Mika’s mom and Dougie:
Mika’s mom was perfect. Strong minded woman that came to this country for a better life and work her way through it, and took pride on her business even if it was a Porn shop. Honestly with a mom so strong like hers I had to much trouble connecting with Mika because I felt she was just throwing aside all the work her mom made.
Dougie is a terrible narcissistic and manipulative human being. Honestly I dont understand how Mika told him about the kiss knowing how abusive he was. Sometimes I felt like she was putting herself purposely onto those situations. You hate so much Dougie that this only means it was really well portrayed, you feel the rage when you read him punching her after the kiss so “she would feel the pain”. You could see his manipulation’s all over the way specially with his hot and cold, push and pull tactics, one moment he is angry and beating her and the other he is crying and asking for forgiveness, that your blood boiled with rage and thats how you know a character was well written.
〰️Town members:
I really loved the Gilmore girls scenery and feeling from this little town. I loved Lorraine and how she embraced Mika and supported Jay.
There was a character name Delilah and damn I must said Shain kind of missed an opportunity here to connect this town to the same small town from the Hardy brothers and sisters it would have been deliciously because it would have also been Dante’s hometown.
〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️
Stonewood Brothers Series
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Inevitable〰️ 3⭐
Reverie〰️ 5⭐
Thrive〰️ 3⭐
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New Reign Mafia Duet Series
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Heart of a Monster
〰️ 4⭐
Love of a Queen〰3⭐
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Tarnished Empire Series
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Shattered Vows〰️ 2⭐
Fractured Freedom〰️ 3⭐
Corrupted Chaos〰️ 5⭐
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Hardy Billionaire Brothers Series
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Between Commitment and Betrayal〰️ 3⭐
Between Love and Loathing〰️ 4⭐
Between Never and Forever〰️ 0.5⭐
July 24, 2022
I had a little bit of hope in the beginning, but it didn't turn out to be much. There were moments that were okay and written relatively okay, but most of the time it was poorly written and frustrating. Both of the main characters seemed really weak and immature to me.
Also, the main character goes from one abusive partner to another controlling partner, and that doesn't do it for me. The second guy is written from the point of view of "oh, he is just looking out for her" but he is still controlling and a little manipulative. Again, just doesn't do it for me - makes we worried younger girls will think this is a good relationship....
I skipped/skimmed pretty much the last 50 pages just because I had gotten that far. Probably not worth the read, although tiktok did a good job getting it on my "to read" list.
Also, the main character goes from one abusive partner to another controlling partner, and that doesn't do it for me. The second guy is written from the point of view of "oh, he is just looking out for her" but he is still controlling and a little manipulative. Again, just doesn't do it for me - makes we worried younger girls will think this is a good relationship....
I skipped/skimmed pretty much the last 50 pages just because I had gotten that far. Probably not worth the read, although tiktok did a good job getting it on my "to read" list.
February 28, 2023
good but not special. My main issue was that when every man addressed a female character, he called them “woman”. It was just weird. Like it’d be one thing for one character to do it as if that’s their thing, but like all the men did it. *ick*
but I mean I enjoyed the plot enough and that it was a quick 297 page read. She cute
but I mean I enjoyed the plot enough and that it was a quick 297 page read. She cute
Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews