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Unraveled #3
First to Fail
By day, I'm a strict principal of a private school filled with wealthy families like the one I grew up in. By night, I'm a lithe assassin with a penchant for latex and roller derby. At least my cosplay character is, and I never let my personal life bleed into my professional one. Until the handsome comic book shop owner I had a steamy session with at the local comic con walks into my office.
Chris is the father of one of my students, and completely off limits. I wouldn’t be a good role model for all my young students if I trashed my career over a guy, not even one I can’t quit thinking about.
***
As a business owner and single father, I don’t have time to date. But when work and pleasure collide in a dark corner of the local comic con, I’m willing to make dating a priority. Only the hot cosplayer in the tight body suit disappears in the crowd before I get her real name.
When I see her again, she’s behind an imposing desk, wearing eye glasses instead of a mask, and reprimanding my daughter. Natalia’s determined to keep our roles strictly professional, but I’m determined to get another taste of the uninhibited woman hidden under that business suit.
First to Fail is a full-length standalone novel in the Unraveled series. It was previously published as Based on Principal in the now obsolete Fanboys series.
Chris is the father of one of my students, and completely off limits. I wouldn’t be a good role model for all my young students if I trashed my career over a guy, not even one I can’t quit thinking about.
***
As a business owner and single father, I don’t have time to date. But when work and pleasure collide in a dark corner of the local comic con, I’m willing to make dating a priority. Only the hot cosplayer in the tight body suit disappears in the crowd before I get her real name.
When I see her again, she’s behind an imposing desk, wearing eye glasses instead of a mask, and reprimanding my daughter. Natalia’s determined to keep our roles strictly professional, but I’m determined to get another taste of the uninhibited woman hidden under that business suit.
First to Fail is a full-length standalone novel in the Unraveled series. It was previously published as Based on Principal in the now obsolete Fanboys series.
- GenresForbidden LoveRomance
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2018
13 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Marie Johnston
100 books1,057 followersMarie Johnston is an award-winning, best-selling paranormal and contemporary romance writer. She grew up in the upper Midwest and planned to go to college for English. Didn't happen. She started college in accounting and was awful! Grabbing her inner science geek by the pocket protector, she changed to microbiology and medical technology where her only writing involved scientific articles and procedures.
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 13, 2020
I have enjoyed these three billionaires a heck of a lot! Their stories were exciting and sexy and full of heart. I especially liked this story because of the character growth and deep emotions that carried with it. Natalia and Chris had an instant connection and when the y meet, she is her true self. However, Natalia has lived her life behind a mask, if you will, for most of her life. There are expectations put upon her of who she should be. I’m pretty sure if I leave it at that, most of you will understand what I am trying to say. Chris got to see the real her and they connected instantly, and he loved it, and so did she. But that mask that Natalie wears … Chris can’t live like that because been there, done that, not doing it again … again, I’m sure you get where I am coming from.
This story was more than just a romance story. It’s a story of learning to be true to yourself is the ultimate goal in happiness. It’s the story of learning that expectations of yourself are truly the only ones that count in the long run. It’s a story of growth and family and love and breaking the chains that keep you from being who you really want to be. It was sexy and moving and I enjoyed it very much! Now I can’t wait to get started on the Oil Kings and the Walkers very soon!
This story was more than just a romance story. It’s a story of learning to be true to yourself is the ultimate goal in happiness. It’s the story of learning that expectations of yourself are truly the only ones that count in the long run. It’s a story of growth and family and love and breaking the chains that keep you from being who you really want to be. It was sexy and moving and I enjoyed it very much! Now I can’t wait to get started on the Oil Kings and the Walkers very soon!
February 26, 2019
Category length romance with a lot of pop-culture references that should amuse romance fans who also dig superheroes. Hero is a single dad parenting a rebelling teen daughter. Heroine is a closet comic book nerd and roller derby queen who is the principal of a prestigious private school. After a while the conflict ran thin for me (teenagers, entitled parents at ritzy private schools - no thanks) and how condoms were handled during the sex scenes was not great (expired, but let's use 'em anyway because heroine is on the pill - and then angry sex in the heroine's office with no condom but hey, she's on the pill so...).
I've read worse. I've read better. YMMV.
I've read worse. I've read better. YMMV.
November 2, 2020
4 Star Review of First To Fail (Unraveled #3) by Marie Johnston
Having read and enjoyed the first two books in the series, I was intrigued to see what Marie Johnston had in store for Chris and the woman who would capture his heart, Natalia. To say I was shocked that she was a school principal by day and a cos-play character by night is a bit of an understatement.
Having met Chris at a comic con, she is shocked when he turns up at her school, the parent of one of her students. If there is one thing she does not do is mix business and pleasure, but Chris tempts her beyond reason.
The story was steamy with the chemistry that sizzles between them too hard to ignore despite Natalie doing her best. As the relationship develops Chris realizes that things may be more serious between them than expected . What will happen as the attraction that burns between them consumes them? Will he be able to have the woman he comes to care for and keep his daughter Jaycee from being hurt?
One click and find out.
Having read and enjoyed the first two books in the series, I was intrigued to see what Marie Johnston had in store for Chris and the woman who would capture his heart, Natalia. To say I was shocked that she was a school principal by day and a cos-play character by night is a bit of an understatement.
Having met Chris at a comic con, she is shocked when he turns up at her school, the parent of one of her students. If there is one thing she does not do is mix business and pleasure, but Chris tempts her beyond reason.
The story was steamy with the chemistry that sizzles between them too hard to ignore despite Natalie doing her best. As the relationship develops Chris realizes that things may be more serious between them than expected . What will happen as the attraction that burns between them consumes them? Will he be able to have the woman he comes to care for and keep his daughter Jaycee from being hurt?
One click and find out.
November 5, 2020
Natalia met Chris at Comic Con...after a heated exchange, she gives him her contact details. Chris decides on a three-day window in an effort not to appear overly eager...until he’s summoned to his daughter’s school principal’s office who happens to his Comic con dream girl.
Natalia has no time for a personal life or dating. Once her time at Preston is complete, she would be reassigned to fix the next academy. Because she’s a professional fixer. As the founder granddaughter, she is besieged with accountability.
“Jaycee, why were you late for history?” She preferred the direct approach. She’s not their friend nor was she going to act like it. It was her job to make sure they got a quality education while building respectable character.
“It takes too long to get from my locker to the classroom.” Some days it was hard not to say bullsh*t out loud. Preston Academy was a university prep school that was small enough to be all in one building. Built sixty years ago, it was solid brick like it belonged on a prestigious college campus, and only one addition had been added over the years. Her grandfather’s vision had never been to grow so large they needed to keep adding on. He insisted on quality over quantity. Until her father had taken over. It had cost her friendships and any popularity whatsoever because of all the moving. He’d gone on to build five more similarly sized campuses all over the country. Rich people wanted superior education for their kids and the more limited it was, the more prestigious it felt.
Lowering her guard might lead to professional suicide. Her role is to restructure the school’s reputation after the former principal embezzled funds. If those who resisted her efforts discovered a personal relationship with a student’s father, they would increase their efforts to undermine her.
Jaycee stays with her grandparents one weekend a month. Chris works those weekends and Jaycee dines spends time with her mother. Cierra was making an effort to stay in Jaycee’s life, even if she refused to take any responsibility for her. Chris was a sweet man, he loved his daughter and his shop...Cierra and her parents were pretentious and spared little time for Jaycee.
He’d met her alter ego of Natalia - the cosplay version, Valaria the Assassin, the uptight principal, Ms. Shaw and the roller derby ‘Shaw Shank’. She’s the principal at a prestigious private school.
“How seriously do you think the parents and the school board would take me if they knew I cosplayed—after someone explained what that is—and bashed into other women on roller skates?”
She oftentimes dreamed of speaking her mind, of drafting a disclaimer that parents should sign stating:::
‘Money donated to Preston Academy in no way makes me an authority on how it should be run. If I have ideas and opinions, I will present them at the next school board meeting. However, I will not wine, dine, or bribe my way through the school board members to sway their decision’.
Some of the parents were nice, decent people. Others would use every angle they could to skewer someone who’d done them wrong. And if invalidating Ms. Shaw because of her social activities did the trick, they’d be ruthless.
Natalia has no time for a personal life or dating. Once her time at Preston is complete, she would be reassigned to fix the next academy. Because she’s a professional fixer. As the founder granddaughter, she is besieged with accountability.
“Jaycee, why were you late for history?” She preferred the direct approach. She’s not their friend nor was she going to act like it. It was her job to make sure they got a quality education while building respectable character.
“It takes too long to get from my locker to the classroom.” Some days it was hard not to say bullsh*t out loud. Preston Academy was a university prep school that was small enough to be all in one building. Built sixty years ago, it was solid brick like it belonged on a prestigious college campus, and only one addition had been added over the years. Her grandfather’s vision had never been to grow so large they needed to keep adding on. He insisted on quality over quantity. Until her father had taken over. It had cost her friendships and any popularity whatsoever because of all the moving. He’d gone on to build five more similarly sized campuses all over the country. Rich people wanted superior education for their kids and the more limited it was, the more prestigious it felt.
Lowering her guard might lead to professional suicide. Her role is to restructure the school’s reputation after the former principal embezzled funds. If those who resisted her efforts discovered a personal relationship with a student’s father, they would increase their efforts to undermine her.
Jaycee stays with her grandparents one weekend a month. Chris works those weekends and Jaycee dines spends time with her mother. Cierra was making an effort to stay in Jaycee’s life, even if she refused to take any responsibility for her. Chris was a sweet man, he loved his daughter and his shop...Cierra and her parents were pretentious and spared little time for Jaycee.
He’d met her alter ego of Natalia - the cosplay version, Valaria the Assassin, the uptight principal, Ms. Shaw and the roller derby ‘Shaw Shank’. She’s the principal at a prestigious private school.
“How seriously do you think the parents and the school board would take me if they knew I cosplayed—after someone explained what that is—and bashed into other women on roller skates?”
She oftentimes dreamed of speaking her mind, of drafting a disclaimer that parents should sign stating:::
‘Money donated to Preston Academy in no way makes me an authority on how it should be run. If I have ideas and opinions, I will present them at the next school board meeting. However, I will not wine, dine, or bribe my way through the school board members to sway their decision’.
Some of the parents were nice, decent people. Others would use every angle they could to skewer someone who’d done them wrong. And if invalidating Ms. Shaw because of her social activities did the trick, they’d be ruthless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2020
First to Fail is book three in Marie Johnston’s Unraveled series and the third book I’ve read by this author.
I LOVED this book! I love that the author keeps the comic book theme going throughout this book as well as the two previous books in the series. Even though this book is a standalone, I loved that it incorporates characters from the previous two books.
Natalia is the new principal at an exclusive private school and needs to prove herself. When she goes to the local comic-con in her own character creation she doesn’t expect to become enraptured with someone. She’s new to town and doesn’t want to run the risk of bumping into any of her students or their families.
When she discovers the man she’s completely enraptured with, is none other than the parent of a student she doesn’t know what to do. She finally feels that she can be herself with Chris but after discovering that his daughter is struggling at her new private school and keeps ending up in Natalia’s office, she’s worried about lines crossing.
I loved the banter between the characters and that Chris’ daughter plays such an important role in their relationship. This story takes you on an emotional roller coaster but man is it worth the ride!
I highly recommend this book and the other books in the unraveled series!
I LOVED this book! I love that the author keeps the comic book theme going throughout this book as well as the two previous books in the series. Even though this book is a standalone, I loved that it incorporates characters from the previous two books.
Natalia is the new principal at an exclusive private school and needs to prove herself. When she goes to the local comic-con in her own character creation she doesn’t expect to become enraptured with someone. She’s new to town and doesn’t want to run the risk of bumping into any of her students or their families.
When she discovers the man she’s completely enraptured with, is none other than the parent of a student she doesn’t know what to do. She finally feels that she can be herself with Chris but after discovering that his daughter is struggling at her new private school and keeps ending up in Natalia’s office, she’s worried about lines crossing.
I loved the banter between the characters and that Chris’ daughter plays such an important role in their relationship. This story takes you on an emotional roller coaster but man is it worth the ride!
I highly recommend this book and the other books in the unraveled series!
October 30, 2020
This is the third book in the Unraveled Series but is read as a standalone. You'll enjoy Natalia and Chris's story. A forbidden romance between a principal and a student's father. When they met at a local comic con and had their first tryst neither knew who the other was. Things get a little strained when he goes to a parent conference and finds out that the mystery woman is his daughter's principal. He was such a wonderful father to his daughter Jaycee and to be a great guy. Natalia was not very likable and seemed to be wishy-washy in her attraction to Chris. Overall it was a good story with the usual drama, chemistry, and angst. I read a free book via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to write a review.
November 20, 2019
2.5 - 3 stars - enjoyed the comic book/pop culture references very much, enjoyed the hero. I really wanted to get behind the heroine but she took way too long to find her voice, IMO she was old enough to not cow tow to family pressure in the way she did - it made it hard for me to warm up to her. Plus, the condom usage was handled poorly, do it right or just don't include it.
September 20, 2018
In this book we meet Natalia who is a principal for the private schools her family owns. She’s basically the clean up crew when things are going bad, she comes in takes over and restores order then moves on. Although she clearly respects her job and is impeccable at it, she doesn’t love it because she has to hide a big part of who she is; a closet nerd. She has her other side the super heroine named Valaria who isn’t afraid to be a bit of a nerd and fight crime. Unfortunately she can’t always be Valaria, she’s been struggling to find a relationship that isn’t boring or that the other half can accept Valaria and the things she likes to do when she’s not uptight and in charge.
Then there is Chris he is a co-owner to Arcadia the comic book store. We meet him when he partnered with Mara from book one of fanboys. Chis isn’t just a business owner he’s a father to a wonderful but confused teenage daughter Jaycee. She isn’t a bad kid just trying to figure out where she fits in life with now living with her father who although wasn’t absent when she was younger but he wasn’t as involved as he is now. Her mother decided to stop being a mother and gave Jaycee to Chis permanently. Chis is trying his best to guide her but is still learning the ropes of single parenting. At a comic con event that Arcadia has a booth at he meets Valaria and they have a. Strong connection he asks to see her again but doesn’t want to appear needy. Then his daughter Jaycee gets in trouble with the principal for skipping class and name calling. When Chris gets there he doesn’t at first recognize Natalia as Valaria. The moment he does they both realize a relationship between the two would be difficult at best. Although having not felt such a connection to another woman he wants to try and soon Natalia agrees. The road ahead for them is everything real difficult, trying, steamy, nerdy and completely adorable! It’s definitely worth the read, although out of the series I think the fanboy book one will always win in my heart but this is a very close second.
My review is my own I was not paid or given any compensation for this review. I was selected with a group to do an arc review and this is it.
Then there is Chris he is a co-owner to Arcadia the comic book store. We meet him when he partnered with Mara from book one of fanboys. Chis isn’t just a business owner he’s a father to a wonderful but confused teenage daughter Jaycee. She isn’t a bad kid just trying to figure out where she fits in life with now living with her father who although wasn’t absent when she was younger but he wasn’t as involved as he is now. Her mother decided to stop being a mother and gave Jaycee to Chis permanently. Chis is trying his best to guide her but is still learning the ropes of single parenting. At a comic con event that Arcadia has a booth at he meets Valaria and they have a. Strong connection he asks to see her again but doesn’t want to appear needy. Then his daughter Jaycee gets in trouble with the principal for skipping class and name calling. When Chris gets there he doesn’t at first recognize Natalia as Valaria. The moment he does they both realize a relationship between the two would be difficult at best. Although having not felt such a connection to another woman he wants to try and soon Natalia agrees. The road ahead for them is everything real difficult, trying, steamy, nerdy and completely adorable! It’s definitely worth the read, although out of the series I think the fanboy book one will always win in my heart but this is a very close second.
My review is my own I was not paid or given any compensation for this review. I was selected with a group to do an arc review and this is it.
November 22, 2020
I loved this book!
This is my second Marie Johnston book and I am very impressed by her character building and writing skills. She brings her characters to life on the page so well that you can picture them, hear them- you can picture the scenes of the book in your head as you read them.
She creates multi-faceted complex characters and crafts an interesting world around them. I recommend reading this book if you are a fan of love stories.
I enjoyed Chris and Natalia's story. They had many ups and downs and both characters got on my nerves at certain parts of the story, but their actions were true to character and understandable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my second Marie Johnston book and I am very impressed by her character building and writing skills. She brings her characters to life on the page so well that you can picture them, hear them- you can picture the scenes of the book in your head as you read them.
She creates multi-faceted complex characters and crafts an interesting world around them. I recommend reading this book if you are a fan of love stories.
I enjoyed Chris and Natalia's story. They had many ups and downs and both characters got on my nerves at certain parts of the story, but their actions were true to character and understandable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2018
Based on Principle- is a story about Natalia who has been stuck all of her life doing her parents wishes so she been hiding her true self. Chris gave up his “proper” life for his daughter but had to make her attend the school Natalia is principal at because “it’s her legacy” according to her grandparents. This book is about trying to find and be true to yourself and in the process, finding love. As with all of Ms Johnston’s books, I enjoyed this story and found the characters “quirks” refreshing. Worth the read!
May 7, 2021
Love is not all laughs for these comic lovers
First to Fail is the third book in the Unraveled series and is the story of Chris and Natalia. Their story was an emotional roller-coaster ride taking the read to the highest highs of love and then crashing to the depths of ... Well you get the idea. But sometimes love does win out in the end if you let it, and also are not willing to walk away from it all. I really loved this story and characters.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
First to Fail is the third book in the Unraveled series and is the story of Chris and Natalia. Their story was an emotional roller-coaster ride taking the read to the highest highs of love and then crashing to the depths of ... Well you get the idea. But sometimes love does win out in the end if you let it, and also are not willing to walk away from it all. I really loved this story and characters.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
November 8, 2020
Natalia and Chris met at a comic character event. Even dressed as a comic character he knew she was something else the moment he heard her voice and then there was the instant attraction between them. After sharing a passionate moment he could not wait until he could contact her again. Then he got called to his daughter's preppy school only to find out that she was the principal, which means she is off limits. But chemistry like theirs cannot be denied, and along with the fact that she could be herself with him makes it difficult to stay away from each other. Until she had to introduce him to her parents and he realized that he is still not good enough, same situation as with his daughter's mother. And he would not settle for it which means that there could be no future for them. Natalia is struggling with being the perfect daughter as expected by her parents or letting her true personality came out and letting herself be with the man and young girl who accepts her for who she really is. Will they be able to get past what is expected of them to who they really are and need to be for the people they love? This is a story about people trying to live up to the expectation of others and letting their own dreams go in the process, of trying to be accepted by putting on a facade and learning that being your true self is where happiness lies. I was hooked from the first word I read and voted not put the book down. I loved the characters and they came to life within the pages of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2022
3.5 stars
Based on Principal read as part of the Unraveled boxed set. The weakest of the trilogy with the depiction of the private school governance making no sense. However, the single dad hero is the antitheses of alpha-hole and there are some fun bits around the roller derby.
Based on Principal read as part of the Unraveled boxed set. The weakest of the trilogy with the depiction of the private school governance making no sense. However, the single dad hero is the antitheses of alpha-hole and there are some fun bits around the roller derby.
March 14, 2019
Read for NRCA
November 14, 2020
This is the third book in this series by this author . This book can be read as a stand alone read or as part of the series. This is the story of the characters Natalia and Chris, these two characters have instant chemistry between them. This is a forbidden single dad romance read that will tug at your heart strings. This is a well written story with some drama and angst but with plenty of chemistry.
I was given an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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November 9, 2020
Natalia is a strict principle in a private school, who oftentimes allows people dictate who she needs to be. However, she does have her geek alter ego that allows her to have some crazy fun getting her cosplay on at comic con which is where she met Chris, a comic book store co-owner. They had chemistry, and he planned to call her but he ends up seeing her again across her principal desk since his teenage daughter is in trouble again. That jump starts all the complications from there, and I'm not going to lie, Natalia created several of them herself since she's employing that whole allowing others to dictate her actions once again. I was truly ready to shake her until her teeth rattled since Chris was totally amazing. It's not like he didn't have his own issues, he just wasn't about to let them get in the way. The way he treated both his daughter & Natalia was amazing, so yeah, wasn't the biggest fan of hers for treating him poorly with her back & forth. Don't go by my opinion though because it is just that, an opinion, instead decide for yourselves! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
November 18, 2020
This is a quick and easy read. The storyline is well-crafted, intriguing, suspenseful, has drama and steam. The characters are defined, and likable with sizzling chemistry. I liked it.
November 6, 2020
I have each of these books and can say I loved each of them and waiting/wanting more. Oh, the heat is HOT, and the physical chemistry is captivating so be careful you may just get burned all the heat coming off these pages. There were some "oh no" "oh wow" " what the what" moments and add in uncanny mishaps, mayhem, ups, downs, drama, intrigue, suspense, and secrets. These two meets in an unconventional way at comic con all dressed in their costumes. We met Chris in the first two books a much read trust us. Chris is going through some things in his personal life when he meets Natalia at a comic con only to learn she is a really strict principal at his daughters school after she gets into trouble. But, Natalia background is a lot like his ex(daughter’s mom) and that scares him because that didn’t turn out as expected. Chris has a lot on his plate, his daughter acting out, her grandparents wanting custody, his ex and last the school) a full plate. Now throw in a principle that he falling for and she for him but how will they make it work, how will things end up for Chris and can these two find a way to be happy and balance life and all it throws at them?
November 9, 2020
Third book in the series and I enjoyed it. Single dad falling for his daughter's principal came with a lot of issues. Chris and Natalia had a lot of things in common. Their attraction was intense and HOT. Rich people with influence threatens their budding relationship. I was constantly cheering Chris on...glad that he "stuck to his guns" when handling Natalia and her hangups. I felt sorry for Natalia in a way...she can't be herself on a regular basis but since Chris came into her life things change...and it was for the better. They are very nice people who really are meant for each other and I'm happy things worked out...it was touch and go there for a sec but they had a satisfying HEA. Not sure if the series will continue on but if it will...I'm all in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2020
I fell in love straight away with the open scene of Comic con. You should see my photo on instagram of my comics
I love Natalia she a strict principle with a Greek side. She created her own hero she FANTASTIC. She just wants to keep her two world apart. School and her Geek world.
Chris is part of both of those worlds but he just wants her to fall with him in the madness of love. Not going lie not a fan of Chris's ex in laws. I love how involved he is in Jaycee (daughter) he gave up the business suit that took him away from her and now owns a comic book shop. I need a hot comic book store owner in my life too !!
These books can be read as stand alone.
I love Natalia she a strict principle with a Greek side. She created her own hero she FANTASTIC. She just wants to keep her two world apart. School and her Geek world.
Chris is part of both of those worlds but he just wants her to fall with him in the madness of love. Not going lie not a fan of Chris's ex in laws. I love how involved he is in Jaycee (daughter) he gave up the business suit that took him away from her and now owns a comic book shop. I need a hot comic book store owner in my life too !!
These books can be read as stand alone.
November 9, 2020
A strictly professional romance, yet First To Fail because a Principal by day named Natalia has found interest in a student of hers father, however she didn’t know that until seeing him again after meeting him for the first time at a comic character event. However, their hopeful future falls through when it comes to meeting each others parents. Neither of their parents had approved both Natalia and Chris, so I was a little sad for them. Do they end up living their HEA? Read to find out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2020
This is the third book in the Unraveled Series but is read as a standalone.
I really enjoyed Chris and Natalia's story.
I love how they meet for the first time and then how they meet again.
Natalia first meets Chris at comic con and then in the school where she is the principal.
I love the chemistry between the two.
Chris is also an amazing father.
Overall it was a good story with love and drama and chemistry.
I really enjoyed Chris and Natalia's story.
I love how they meet for the first time and then how they meet again.
Natalia first meets Chris at comic con and then in the school where she is the principal.
I love the chemistry between the two.
Chris is also an amazing father.
Overall it was a good story with love and drama and chemistry.
November 10, 2020
This is the third book in the Unraveled Series, a Contemporary Romance. Natalia and Chris's forbidden story is beautifully written, sweet and heartwarming. Chris is a handsome single Dad, caring, and supportive. Natalia is a beautiful and strong character. They share an instant attraction, and they are perfect together. The storyline has drama, twists and turns. The ending is perfect. I enjoyed it.
November 1, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed Chris and Natalia's story, but I need more! The epilogue you gave us was not enough! I hope you have more planned, Marie :). I loved how they met at a comic con, some place you wouldn't expect a principal of a prestigious private school to hang out at, dressed in costume. Chris finds out later, when he has to visit the principal's office due to his daughter getting into trouble at the same school. Chris and Natalia's background are very similar to that of his ex's (Jaycee's mom), which didn't turn out well, so they have quite a bit to work on ( her parents, the school board, his daughter, his daughter's grandparents threatening for custody, his ex). Makes for a lot of drama in their relationship. Chris takes the brunt of it due to Natalia being pulled in different directions due to her upbringing and reluctance to claim Chris in front of her parents. I didn't like that she put social standing first before her relationship with Chris (neither did Chris!). Overall, a good book, but again, it ended abruptly so please do an extended epilogue to catch up with everyone!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2020
Chris trades his career and his savings for a house in the burbs and a partnership in Mara's comic book shop, Arcadia, to raise his daughter. He meets Valaria the Assassin at comic-con. Her real name is Natalia (NOT Nat), and it turns out that she's the principal at his daughter's school. And Jaycee is trouble. They should stay away from each other, but they can't. Until he doesn't meet her parents' standards, and she has trouble standing up to them. He also has Jaycee's mother and grandparents issuing demands regarding how he's raising her. This was such a terrific book, a great addition to the series. I admire Natalia's ability to compartmentalize her life. Roller derby, too?! She is busy. Despite the fact that I'm not at all into comics, Chris is still swoon-worthy, a hot dad with a fun job.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2020
The character of Chris appears in both of the other books in the series although you don’t have to read them to enjoy this story. I did, so that influences my take on the story.
I’ll admit it took me a good third of the book to accept the Chris character. He didn’t fit my idea of him at all. The Chris in this story was much better in all regards. It was like adding color to something to shades of gray. Because of that, it was hard for me to imagine him with Natalia, who came off as bold and bright, being together. Another problem was I used to work with a guy named Chris who had a daughter and he was so monochromatic it wasn’t even funny.
What a great character Natalia was! She was on a broad continuum of contrasting features and all of them were written to make her a strong character that had her vulnerabilities. She really had so many layers and they kept the story interesting.
So, while I got off to a slow start, I am glad I kept reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ll admit it took me a good third of the book to accept the Chris character. He didn’t fit my idea of him at all. The Chris in this story was much better in all regards. It was like adding color to something to shades of gray. Because of that, it was hard for me to imagine him with Natalia, who came off as bold and bright, being together. Another problem was I used to work with a guy named Chris who had a daughter and he was so monochromatic it wasn’t even funny.
What a great character Natalia was! She was on a broad continuum of contrasting features and all of them were written to make her a strong character that had her vulnerabilities. She really had so many layers and they kept the story interesting.
So, while I got off to a slow start, I am glad I kept reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2020
Chris and Natalia’s story is what dreams are made of. Natalia has a sort of super secret identity like the superheroes she fawns over. Growing up in a rich family who is obsessed with looks and reputation has forced her to hide a part of her life that she knows her family will disapprove off. Chris comes in and flips her world upside down to make her realized what is truly important in life. The Third in this series of Stand alone novels it is a must read!
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2020
This is the second book l have read by this author, and enjoyed both of them. Again the story is based around Arcadia the huge comic shop Chris co owns with his partner Mara. While running a booth at the local comic con he meets a fellow cosplayer, “Valaria”, and there is definitely something immediately between them. Turns out that Natalia (-Valaria’s real name) has three separate personalities with names, burn none of them allow her to be true to herself. Chris cares for Natalia, but she is tied up with being what her parents want from her. Chris is also a single parent with a teenage daughter who is struggling with separation anxiety from her mother’s impending marriage. Also, grandparents trying to get the child into their care where they will manipulate her into what they need her to be not what she wants for her self. I really enjoyed this book by this writer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2020
I love this series. Chris became a father at seventeen but has made a great life for himself, is part owner of a comic book store, and has been mostly the sole parent to his daughter for five years. No time for romance. But at a comicon convention he meets a woman who intrigues him and he can’t wait to call her. But what happens when he finds out she leads a double life? She comes from a wealthy family, has a trust fund, and is the new principal (and daughter of the owner) at the prestigious school his daughter attends. And his daughter is not happy at the school and is acting out. If she is expelled it could effect his custody of her? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
October 30, 2020
This forbidden read kept me turning its pages.
Natalia Shaw is struggling to fit in - even as an adult. Destined since birth for a path she's never wanted, she hides the other parts of herself, though she's hated it for as long as she can remember. When she meets Chris, her private and professional lives clash in a way she's woefully underprepared for. Will she be brave enough to claim her true identity?
Just when Chris finally thinks he has found someone he can be with, she turns out to be his daughter's principal. The daughter he has given up a lot for. Though rules are easily broken, he knows some of them can hurt both Jaycee & Natalie if they're not careful. Would it be worth it?
I liked this read. I was rooting for Chris & his daughter from page 1. Natalia took some time to get in my good books, but I eventually felt like I understood her. She constantly wanted her parents' approval because she hardly got it as a child.
I recommend this read, and the entire series. While the characters from each book overlap, the books stand on their own. Still, you'll enjoy all three installments.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Natalia Shaw is struggling to fit in - even as an adult. Destined since birth for a path she's never wanted, she hides the other parts of herself, though she's hated it for as long as she can remember. When she meets Chris, her private and professional lives clash in a way she's woefully underprepared for. Will she be brave enough to claim her true identity?
Just when Chris finally thinks he has found someone he can be with, she turns out to be his daughter's principal. The daughter he has given up a lot for. Though rules are easily broken, he knows some of them can hurt both Jaycee & Natalie if they're not careful. Would it be worth it?
I liked this read. I was rooting for Chris & his daughter from page 1. Natalia took some time to get in my good books, but I eventually felt like I understood her. She constantly wanted her parents' approval because she hardly got it as a child.
I recommend this read, and the entire series. While the characters from each book overlap, the books stand on their own. Still, you'll enjoy all three installments.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
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