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The Sun and Her Star
From the author of the bestselling Thicker Than Water.
Envy is a stand alone sexy, angsty, emotional friends to lovers contemporary romance.
If envy is a sin, then let me be damned.
Graham was born to be a star.
Once upon a time, that star shone only for me.
Now, I have to share him with the rest of the world.
For a while, I thought could do it. Because, beneath the hypnotic smile, gorgeous body and God given charm that made him famous, I caught glimpses of my best friend.
Of the boy who called me sunshine and loved me.
I wore that love like a crown... until he placed it on another’s head.
Losing him was agony, distance felt like the only cure.
When tragedy reunites us after years apart, it only takes one touch to erase the past.
Just like that, I’m back in his arms.
He promises this time will be different. But I’m afraid to believe him.
Because, behind his star’s blinding brilliance is a darkness that doesn’t want to let him go.
I know a star that bright can’tbelong to just one person, but my jealous heart doesn’t want to share him.
I want all of him..even if wanting what doesn’t belong to me leads me to ruin.
Envy is a stand alone sexy, angsty, emotional friends to lovers contemporary romance.
If envy is a sin, then let me be damned.
Graham was born to be a star.
Once upon a time, that star shone only for me.
Now, I have to share him with the rest of the world.
For a while, I thought could do it. Because, beneath the hypnotic smile, gorgeous body and God given charm that made him famous, I caught glimpses of my best friend.
Of the boy who called me sunshine and loved me.
I wore that love like a crown... until he placed it on another’s head.
Losing him was agony, distance felt like the only cure.
When tragedy reunites us after years apart, it only takes one touch to erase the past.
Just like that, I’m back in his arms.
He promises this time will be different. But I’m afraid to believe him.
Because, behind his star’s blinding brilliance is a darkness that doesn’t want to let him go.
I know a star that bright can’tbelong to just one person, but my jealous heart doesn’t want to share him.
I want all of him..even if wanting what doesn’t belong to me leads me to ruin.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 29, 2018
505 people are currently reading
2718 people want to read
About the author
Dylan Allen
38 books2,498 followersI'm an independent author of contemporary romance novels.
I love staying in touch with readers! You can follow me at all of these places.
➜Follow Dylan on: Website: www.dylanallenbooks.com Instagram: @dylanallenromance
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordylana...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dylan...
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tpN6TF Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vj00QB
I love staying in touch with readers! You can follow me at all of these places.
➜Follow Dylan on: Website: www.dylanallenbooks.com Instagram: @dylanallenromance
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordylana...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dylan...
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tpN6TF Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vj00QB
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 425 reviews
March 3, 2019
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.* Envy - One of the most BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORIES *EVER*! Dylan Allen’s words have taken me from the lowest of the lows to highest of the highs with this book. It is truly an ever-lasting love story of EPIC proportions.
Graham’s story is one that battered and bruised my heart. His story story left me spent with raw emotion, and unsure of what was to come of his life. With grim moments and situations that left no room for hope, Apollo represented a beacon of light for him. This connection, for me, was the driving force for this book.
As this story takes place over the span of many years, I loved Allen’s character development of these two. Both Apollo and Graham grew in ways that were unexpected and made this story flourish. I absolutely adored the unfiltered nature of Apollo, her ability to be so honest and forthright. And Graham, well, he’s someone that I ended up loving to pieces. He was, as so many say, “perfectly imperfect”. His undeniable love and draw to Apollo is intoxicating. How Dylan Allen created this addictive love concoction is a mystery. And I will always line up to buy more.
With love stories there is always a resolute connection. However, with this story, Apollo and Graham’s connection is cosmic, something indescribable. They were always one another’s light house. And through Allen’s words, I experienced the depth of their love; and the strength they had to conquer each and every set back.
This story has set a standard that other romance books will have to attempt to match. Dylan Allen’s writing has superseded most love stories that I have read. The story line is challenging and thought provoking on various levels; and as a romance reader, it’s what has me turning pages. If there is one book you make sure to read, make it this one. It has made its mark on my heart and it is sure to make it on yours.
Graham’s story is one that battered and bruised my heart. His story story left me spent with raw emotion, and unsure of what was to come of his life. With grim moments and situations that left no room for hope, Apollo represented a beacon of light for him. This connection, for me, was the driving force for this book.
As this story takes place over the span of many years, I loved Allen’s character development of these two. Both Apollo and Graham grew in ways that were unexpected and made this story flourish. I absolutely adored the unfiltered nature of Apollo, her ability to be so honest and forthright. And Graham, well, he’s someone that I ended up loving to pieces. He was, as so many say, “perfectly imperfect”. His undeniable love and draw to Apollo is intoxicating. How Dylan Allen created this addictive love concoction is a mystery. And I will always line up to buy more.
With love stories there is always a resolute connection. However, with this story, Apollo and Graham’s connection is cosmic, something indescribable. They were always one another’s light house. And through Allen’s words, I experienced the depth of their love; and the strength they had to conquer each and every set back.
This story has set a standard that other romance books will have to attempt to match. Dylan Allen’s writing has superseded most love stories that I have read. The story line is challenging and thought provoking on various levels; and as a romance reader, it’s what has me turning pages. If there is one book you make sure to read, make it this one. It has made its mark on my heart and it is sure to make it on yours.
July 10, 2018
English/spanish version
The Star is my Universe. And I am his.
Infinite stars! Top 5 of 2018!!!
I do not even know how to begin to describe everything that this story made me feel, Oh my God, Apollo and Graham will stay forever in my heart, I want to live with them in their world forever.
I literally do not have words. It crushed my soul so deep that it will forever remain etched in my soul.
This story consumed me, tear me apart, broke me and remade, left me breathless a thousand times. I can not stop thinking about it, it characters, it was so beautiful and sublime that even days after reading makes me sigh.
You really need Apollo and Graham in your lives.
It is a completely addictive and emotional journey about best friends, the first love and the soulmates, about the first encounters and childhood, which is full of sweetness, love, courage, friendship, anguish, tenderness, sexual tension and chemistry, tears, but especially from friends and loyalty.
Graham and Apollo known each other in childhood by accident, when Graham saves Apollo from drowning. From there they form an unbreakable bond of friendship, begin to frequent and become better friends. Graham has problems with his stepfather and he practically keeps him locked in the village, but Apollo helps Graham and his mother escape and after a while they meet again.
Graham grows up to be a man too sexy, shy, I loved him so much and I suffered too much with him, several scenes were quite difficult to read, I wanted to enter the story, embrace him and never let go.
Apollo, as I loved her, is a beautiful, determined, brave, loyal girl, who faces everything for those and what she loves. I loved her character, I fell completely in love with her.
Although they meet on a few occasions for long periods, their friendship remains stronger than ever, and friendship gives way to love. Their scenes together are so tender, my heart almost does not overcome it, and those dialogues so sweet, that made me sigh thousands of times. It stopped my breathing and caused thousands of butterflies in my stomach, I did not want it to end never.
My best friend. My sunshine. My salvation. My heart is beating harder and faster than it ever has as I hold my entire world in my arms.
But problems appear and the protagonists stop communicating for a while, and that part frustrated me so much, because despite everything they love each other, and suffer so much in their separation, my heart hurt so much for them, I broke one and a thousand times, I cried, I suffered, I laughed, I sighed, with them.
Mrs. Allen gives us a poetic, magical, and epic story, captivating from the first page, the plot makes everyone fall completely in love with her characters and keep the reader hooked almost without blinking. It is definitely a masterpiece that you will not want to miss, if you like the stories of friends to lovers, this is undoubtedly super recommended for you.
There are no words for the exquisite, explosive moment your lips touch those of the person who is the keeper of your heart.
And that epilogue, killed me, in the good sense of the word.
“I love you, Sunshine”
“Always, Star”
Highly recommended
Infinitas estrellas!!!
No sé ni como empezar a describir todo lo que esta historia me hizo sentir, Oh mi Dios, Apollo y Graham se quedarán para siempre en mi corazón, quiero vivir con ellos en su mundo para siempre.
Es un viaje completamente adictivo acerca de los mejores amigos, el primer amor y las almas gemelas, acerca de los primeros encuentros y la infancia, que está lleno de dulzura, amor, valentía, amistad, ternura, tensión y química sexual, lágrimas, pero sobre todo de los amigos y la lealtad.
Graham y Apollo se conocen en la niñez por un accidente, cuando Graham salva a Apollo de morir ahogada. A partir de ahí ellos forman un lazo inquebrantable de amistad, comienzan a frecuentarse y se vuelven mejores amigos. Graham tiene problemas con su padrastro y prácticamente lo mantiene encerrado en el pueblo, pero Apollo ayuda a Graham y su madre a escapar y después de un tiempo se vuelven a encontrar.
Graham crece para ser un hombre demasiado sexy, tímido, lo amé tanto y sufrí demasiado con él, varias escenas fueron bastante difíciles de leer, quería entrar en la historia, abrazarlo y nunca soltarlo. Apollo, como la amé, es una chica bella, decidida, valiente, leal, que enfrenta todo por aquellos y aquello que ama. Me encantó su personaje, me enamoré completamente de ella.
A pesar de que se encuentran en pocas ocasiones durante largos periodos su amistad permanece más firme que nunca, y la amistad da paso al amor. Sus escenas juntos son tan tiernas, mi corazón casi no lo supera, , y esos diálogos tan dulces, que me hicieron suspirar miles de veces. Detuvo mi respiración y me provocó miles de mariposas en el estómago, sobra decir que no quería que terminara nunca.
Pero aparecen problemas y los protagonistas dejan de comunicarse por un tiempo, uyyy esa parte me frustró tanto, porque a pesar de todo ellos se aman, y sufren tanto en su separación, me dolió tanto el corazón tanto por ellos, se me partió una y mil veces, lloré, sufrí, reí, suspiré, con ellos.
La señora Allen nos entrega una historia poética, mágica, y épica, cautivante desde la primera página, sus personajes complejos enamoran completamente y mantienen enganchado al lector prácticamente sin parpadear. Definitivamente es una historia que no te querrás perder, si te gustan las historias de amigos a amantes, esta sin lugar a dudas es super recomendada para ti.
Y ese epilogo, me mató, en el buen sentido de la palabra.
Muy recomendada.
The Star is my Universe. And I am his.
Infinite stars! Top 5 of 2018!!!
I do not even know how to begin to describe everything that this story made me feel, Oh my God, Apollo and Graham will stay forever in my heart, I want to live with them in their world forever.
I literally do not have words. It crushed my soul so deep that it will forever remain etched in my soul.
This story consumed me, tear me apart, broke me and remade, left me breathless a thousand times. I can not stop thinking about it, it characters, it was so beautiful and sublime that even days after reading makes me sigh.
You really need Apollo and Graham in your lives.
It is a completely addictive and emotional journey about best friends, the first love and the soulmates, about the first encounters and childhood, which is full of sweetness, love, courage, friendship, anguish, tenderness, sexual tension and chemistry, tears, but especially from friends and loyalty.
Graham and Apollo known each other in childhood by accident, when Graham saves Apollo from drowning. From there they form an unbreakable bond of friendship, begin to frequent and become better friends. Graham has problems with his stepfather and he practically keeps him locked in the village, but Apollo helps Graham and his mother escape and after a while they meet again.
Graham grows up to be a man too sexy, shy, I loved him so much and I suffered too much with him, several scenes were quite difficult to read, I wanted to enter the story, embrace him and never let go.
Apollo, as I loved her, is a beautiful, determined, brave, loyal girl, who faces everything for those and what she loves. I loved her character, I fell completely in love with her.
Although they meet on a few occasions for long periods, their friendship remains stronger than ever, and friendship gives way to love. Their scenes together are so tender, my heart almost does not overcome it, and those dialogues so sweet, that made me sigh thousands of times. It stopped my breathing and caused thousands of butterflies in my stomach, I did not want it to end never.
My best friend. My sunshine. My salvation. My heart is beating harder and faster than it ever has as I hold my entire world in my arms.
But problems appear and the protagonists stop communicating for a while, and that part frustrated me so much, because despite everything they love each other, and suffer so much in their separation, my heart hurt so much for them, I broke one and a thousand times, I cried, I suffered, I laughed, I sighed, with them.
Mrs. Allen gives us a poetic, magical, and epic story, captivating from the first page, the plot makes everyone fall completely in love with her characters and keep the reader hooked almost without blinking. It is definitely a masterpiece that you will not want to miss, if you like the stories of friends to lovers, this is undoubtedly super recommended for you.
There are no words for the exquisite, explosive moment your lips touch those of the person who is the keeper of your heart.
And that epilogue, killed me, in the good sense of the word.
“I love you, Sunshine”
“Always, Star”
Highly recommended
Infinitas estrellas!!!
No sé ni como empezar a describir todo lo que esta historia me hizo sentir, Oh mi Dios, Apollo y Graham se quedarán para siempre en mi corazón, quiero vivir con ellos en su mundo para siempre.
Es un viaje completamente adictivo acerca de los mejores amigos, el primer amor y las almas gemelas, acerca de los primeros encuentros y la infancia, que está lleno de dulzura, amor, valentía, amistad, ternura, tensión y química sexual, lágrimas, pero sobre todo de los amigos y la lealtad.
Graham y Apollo se conocen en la niñez por un accidente, cuando Graham salva a Apollo de morir ahogada. A partir de ahí ellos forman un lazo inquebrantable de amistad, comienzan a frecuentarse y se vuelven mejores amigos. Graham tiene problemas con su padrastro y prácticamente lo mantiene encerrado en el pueblo, pero Apollo ayuda a Graham y su madre a escapar y después de un tiempo se vuelven a encontrar.
Graham crece para ser un hombre demasiado sexy, tímido, lo amé tanto y sufrí demasiado con él, varias escenas fueron bastante difíciles de leer, quería entrar en la historia, abrazarlo y nunca soltarlo. Apollo, como la amé, es una chica bella, decidida, valiente, leal, que enfrenta todo por aquellos y aquello que ama. Me encantó su personaje, me enamoré completamente de ella.
A pesar de que se encuentran en pocas ocasiones durante largos periodos su amistad permanece más firme que nunca, y la amistad da paso al amor. Sus escenas juntos son tan tiernas, mi corazón casi no lo supera, , y esos diálogos tan dulces, que me hicieron suspirar miles de veces. Detuvo mi respiración y me provocó miles de mariposas en el estómago, sobra decir que no quería que terminara nunca.
Pero aparecen problemas y los protagonistas dejan de comunicarse por un tiempo, uyyy esa parte me frustró tanto, porque a pesar de todo ellos se aman, y sufren tanto en su separación, me dolió tanto el corazón tanto por ellos, se me partió una y mil veces, lloré, sufrí, reí, suspiré, con ellos.
La señora Allen nos entrega una historia poética, mágica, y épica, cautivante desde la primera página, sus personajes complejos enamoran completamente y mantienen enganchado al lector prácticamente sin parpadear. Definitivamente es una historia que no te querrás perder, si te gustan las historias de amigos a amantes, esta sin lugar a dudas es super recomendada para ti.
Y ese epilogo, me mató, en el buen sentido de la palabra.
Muy recomendada.
Want to read
May 31, 2018LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
THIS LOOKS GOOD!
Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
If envy is a sin, then let me be damned.
Graham was born to be a star.
Once upon a time, that star shone only for me.
Now, I have to share him with the rest of the world.
For a while, I thought could do it. Because, beneath the hypnotic smile, gorgeous body and God given charm that made him famous, I caught glimpses of my best friend.
Of the boy who called me sunshine and loved me.
I wore that love like a crown... until he placed it on another’s head.
Losing him was agony, distance felt like the only cure.
When tragedy reunites us after years apart, it only takes one touch to erase the past.
Just like that, I’m back in his arms.
He promises this time will be different. But I’m afraid to believe him.
Because, behind his star’s blinding brilliance is a darkness that doesn’t want to let him go.
I know a star that bright can’tbelong to just one person, but my jealous heart doesn’t want to share him.
THIS LOOKS GOOD!
Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
If envy is a sin, then let me be damned.
Graham was born to be a star.
Once upon a time, that star shone only for me.
Now, I have to share him with the rest of the world.
For a while, I thought could do it. Because, beneath the hypnotic smile, gorgeous body and God given charm that made him famous, I caught glimpses of my best friend.
Of the boy who called me sunshine and loved me.
I wore that love like a crown... until he placed it on another’s head.
Losing him was agony, distance felt like the only cure.
When tragedy reunites us after years apart, it only takes one touch to erase the past.
Just like that, I’m back in his arms.
He promises this time will be different. But I’m afraid to believe him.
Because, behind his star’s blinding brilliance is a darkness that doesn’t want to let him go.
I know a star that bright can’tbelong to just one person, but my jealous heart doesn’t want to share him.
dnf
June 1, 2018DNF @36%
It breaks my heart to DNF this but something happened that I don’t think I can get over.
The writing is beautiful and I was loving it so much. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author, I just don’t think this was the book for me x
It breaks my heart to DNF this but something happened that I don’t think I can get over.
The writing is beautiful and I was loving it so much. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author, I just don’t think this was the book for me x
June 12, 2018
*****4.5 STARS*****
I devoured this book! You would have thought I was a single woman with no kids the way I ignored my family to finish ENVY.
I have yet to read a book of Dylan Allen’s that I haven’t enjoyed. She is one of my favorite authors. I’m not easily impressed but she impresses me more and more with every book.
Let us go through some of the emotions I felt will reading ENVY.
Joy
Surprise
Anticipation
. . . and so many more!
There are so many more but I’m going to stop there for you guys.
Graham was one of my favorite book boyfriends of the year. His life has not been an easy one. Nobody could image the things he’s had to endure from such a young age. He has a gravitational pull that he doesn’t understand. His humility is beautiful.
It’s been quite sometime since I’ve found a book girl friend. I promise, if I ever meet some like Apollo I would make her my new best friends. That’s says a lot for me because I don’t call people friends easy. You to work at it. JK 🙂 You just have to be real and we’re good.
There were moments that I wanted to smack the crap out of Graham and times I wanted to smack the crap out of Apollo but that was half the fun of the story. But there were way more moments where I wanted to give them both cuddles, where I wanted to cry with them, and even more where I could laugh with them.
From the prologue to the epilogue I was intrigued by Graham and Apollo. When I fired up my Kindle I wasn’t expecting a prologue so engaging. I couldn’t put ENVY down if I tried. Once I was introduced to both characters, I was hooked. I was a goner from the beginning. I finished the entire book in less than 24 hrs. even though I had a house, kids, and husband to tend to. I stayed up until 2:00 am because there was no way I could fall asleep without knowing how it ended.
I wish I had more time to write this review but life calls.
Let’s get to the important questions. . .
Do I recommend this book? Yes! Yes! Yes!
Will I read another book by Dylan Allen? I have read every single book she has written and I have yet to be disappointed. I look forward to reading more books from her.
Remember to follow all things messy. . .
I devoured this book! You would have thought I was a single woman with no kids the way I ignored my family to finish ENVY.
I have yet to read a book of Dylan Allen’s that I haven’t enjoyed. She is one of my favorite authors. I’m not easily impressed but she impresses me more and more with every book.
Let us go through some of the emotions I felt will reading ENVY.
Joy
Surprise
Anticipation
. . . and so many more!
There are so many more but I’m going to stop there for you guys.
Graham was one of my favorite book boyfriends of the year. His life has not been an easy one. Nobody could image the things he’s had to endure from such a young age. He has a gravitational pull that he doesn’t understand. His humility is beautiful.
It’s been quite sometime since I’ve found a book girl friend. I promise, if I ever meet some like Apollo I would make her my new best friends. That’s says a lot for me because I don’t call people friends easy. You to work at it. JK 🙂 You just have to be real and we’re good.
There were moments that I wanted to smack the crap out of Graham and times I wanted to smack the crap out of Apollo but that was half the fun of the story. But there were way more moments where I wanted to give them both cuddles, where I wanted to cry with them, and even more where I could laugh with them.
From the prologue to the epilogue I was intrigued by Graham and Apollo. When I fired up my Kindle I wasn’t expecting a prologue so engaging. I couldn’t put ENVY down if I tried. Once I was introduced to both characters, I was hooked. I was a goner from the beginning. I finished the entire book in less than 24 hrs. even though I had a house, kids, and husband to tend to. I stayed up until 2:00 am because there was no way I could fall asleep without knowing how it ended.
I wish I had more time to write this review but life calls.
Let’s get to the important questions. . .
Do I recommend this book? Yes! Yes! Yes!
Will I read another book by Dylan Allen? I have read every single book she has written and I have yet to be disappointed. I look forward to reading more books from her.
Remember to follow all things messy. . .
Subcribe/Listen to my podcast
May 24, 2018
Envy delivers a beautiful and heartfelt story about two childhood friends who later becomes lovers. It’s a story of years of friendship and loss. Love and trust that will break them both. Apollo and Graham’s first meeting at eleven and fourteen years old was the meeting of a lifetime. Something that changed them both irrevocably and will forever hold a special meaning to the both of them. A friendship was formed. A bond and connection where they could be themselves and share their passions. Books and astronomy. But behind Graham’s facade lied a haunting and horrible life with his mother and stepfather.
Envy is all about the characters Apollo and Graham. Their struggles and what they’ll have to succumb to help the people they love. Their love is the center of the story and no matter what Graham and Apollo did it never wavered. Cause Graham had to make some tough choices which I didn’t agreed with but he did it for love. For his mother and Apollo.
Their friendship and love was everything. It was their truth and oasis. When they were with each other nothing mattered but them and their love. It was beautiful. I couldn’t get enough of them.
Apollo is a kickass heroine. Omg how I loved and adored her. Her strength and honesty are truly her forces. Graham brought out so many emotions within me. He wooed me, pissed me off and then put me back to together. They were the perfect match and they both knew it when they first met. Soul mates.
Envy is a fabulous and emotional friends to lovers romance. The author has done a wonderful job with Apollo and Graham. Their love and story is spectacular and worth a read.
4 BadAssDirtyStarAndSunshineStars
Envy generously provided by Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
Envy is all about the characters Apollo and Graham. Their struggles and what they’ll have to succumb to help the people they love. Their love is the center of the story and no matter what Graham and Apollo did it never wavered. Cause Graham had to make some tough choices which I didn’t agreed with but he did it for love. For his mother and Apollo.
Their friendship and love was everything. It was their truth and oasis. When they were with each other nothing mattered but them and their love. It was beautiful. I couldn’t get enough of them.
Apollo is a kickass heroine. Omg how I loved and adored her. Her strength and honesty are truly her forces. Graham brought out so many emotions within me. He wooed me, pissed me off and then put me back to together. They were the perfect match and they both knew it when they first met. Soul mates.
Envy is a fabulous and emotional friends to lovers romance. The author has done a wonderful job with Apollo and Graham. Their love and story is spectacular and worth a read.
4 BadAssDirtyStarAndSunshineStars
Envy generously provided by Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2018
DNF at 78%
Note: Goodreads ate my review. FML!
I've seen this book all over my feed and since I'm a sucker for friends-to-lovers/second chance romance, I decided to pick this up.
It became apparent early on that this might be a dud.
For one, there were so many things happening to the characters. This is a very plot driven book. So much so that all the characters did was to react to every single thing that's happened to them. It would've probably worked more if the things that happened made sense but sometimes they don't. like why?
There are some plot points that happened in this book that I didn't particularly care for but I have no problem with. Unfortunately, it wasn't done well here.
The characters also fell flat to me. I mean, Graham and Apollo both possess a cadre of standard NA character tropes:
- dead parents
-neglectful parents
-sick parents
-abusive parents
-abusive exes
-evil exes
And so on...
It should've made them interesting, right? But again, it didn't. I guess I'm looking for a bit more character driven moments. Without it, this book failed to keep my attention.
Note: Goodreads ate my review. FML!
I've seen this book all over my feed and since I'm a sucker for friends-to-lovers/second chance romance, I decided to pick this up.
It became apparent early on that this might be a dud.
For one, there were so many things happening to the characters. This is a very plot driven book. So much so that all the characters did was to react to every single thing that's happened to them. It would've probably worked more if the things that happened made sense but sometimes they don't. like why?
There are some plot points that happened in this book that I didn't particularly care for but I have no problem with. Unfortunately, it wasn't done well here.
The characters also fell flat to me. I mean, Graham and Apollo both possess a cadre of standard NA character tropes:
- dead parents
-neglectful parents
-sick parents
-abusive parents
-abusive exes
-evil exes
And so on...
It should've made them interesting, right? But again, it didn't. I guess I'm looking for a bit more character driven moments. Without it, this book failed to keep my attention.
December 6, 2018
4.5 Stars
Dylan Allen writes beautifully. Her prose is eloquent. The subject matter is deeply moving. The characters are perfectly imperfect. In a word, Envy is Amazing!
I was all up in my feeling with this one! My emotions ran the full range of the spectrum while reading this book. My heart broke, healed, and fell in love! I loved it!
Dylan Allen is an author to watch. Her writing is amazing and storytelling is breathtaking. Absolutely loved it!
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
Facebook Blog Page
Twitter
Subscribe to Blog
Dylan Allen writes beautifully. Her prose is eloquent. The subject matter is deeply moving. The characters are perfectly imperfect. In a word, Envy is Amazing!
I was all up in my feeling with this one! My emotions ran the full range of the spectrum while reading this book. My heart broke, healed, and fell in love! I loved it!
Dylan Allen is an author to watch. Her writing is amazing and storytelling is breathtaking. Absolutely loved it!
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
Facebook Blog Page
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May 31, 2018
It’s taken me a while to write this review because I don’t know what to say that can convey how much I adore this book and these two main characters!
From the beginning I felt something so special. I could visualize everything in my head and it made me feel like I was in a movie. Allen’s use of imagery and description is very well done. It’s almost like you’re in the book yourself. We first meet them as children and their innocence and instant chemistry is magical.
The transition between childhood to teen to adult is a tumultuous time for them both. Things are quickly changing and as a reader you just hope and pray that their love and bond can get through that. They’re so protective of each other and it is so so sweet and it made me swoon so many times.
Watching Graham and Apollo grow to be their own individuals and start realizing that the love they have for the other is way passed friendship is so interesting.
I had a special connection to Graham while reading Envy because I saw him grow up from the shy boy he once was to what he is today. You’ll understand when you read it how far he came and at times I just wanted to give him a big hug for being so resilient.
It broke my heart every time when Apollo thought she was never good enough for him, not know there were reasons Graham couldn’t be with her like she wanted. Scenes like that in particular were so high on emotion, angst and suspense!! I kept screaming at my kindle and wishing I could just throw it out the window lol!
Eventually when they do have sex it is indescribable. It’s sexy, sweet, emotional, hard and rough, slow and soft and smutty!!!
There were some very funny moments as well between the secondary characters and a stand out moment at the very end!! I laughed so so hard. It was Brilliant!
I highly highly recommend you read this book!! From the review you can see it has all the makings of the perfect romance, it will make you laugh, cry and believe in true love!!
From the beginning I felt something so special. I could visualize everything in my head and it made me feel like I was in a movie. Allen’s use of imagery and description is very well done. It’s almost like you’re in the book yourself. We first meet them as children and their innocence and instant chemistry is magical.
The transition between childhood to teen to adult is a tumultuous time for them both. Things are quickly changing and as a reader you just hope and pray that their love and bond can get through that. They’re so protective of each other and it is so so sweet and it made me swoon so many times.
Watching Graham and Apollo grow to be their own individuals and start realizing that the love they have for the other is way passed friendship is so interesting.
I had a special connection to Graham while reading Envy because I saw him grow up from the shy boy he once was to what he is today. You’ll understand when you read it how far he came and at times I just wanted to give him a big hug for being so resilient.
It broke my heart every time when Apollo thought she was never good enough for him, not know there were reasons Graham couldn’t be with her like she wanted. Scenes like that in particular were so high on emotion, angst and suspense!! I kept screaming at my kindle and wishing I could just throw it out the window lol!
Eventually when they do have sex it is indescribable. It’s sexy, sweet, emotional, hard and rough, slow and soft and smutty!!!
There were some very funny moments as well between the secondary characters and a stand out moment at the very end!! I laughed so so hard. It was Brilliant!
I highly highly recommend you read this book!! From the review you can see it has all the makings of the perfect romance, it will make you laugh, cry and believe in true love!!
June 26, 2021
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: The first part of this book and the connection they make was amazing! It kind of reminded me of Mia Sheridan’s works and how she takes two damaged characters and makes it so they become each other’s worlds. I love that! Yes, this takes some turns that many readers will be unhappy about. Yes, the H does some stupid stuff that made me want to shake him. I did struggle with the sexy times (see below) and the fact that we had so many different dramatic elements we were dealing with in this one book. But overall, I found it enjoyable and I was rooting for their happiness enough to be satisfied in the end.
*Please Note*: The info behind the spoiler tags in this review are pretty BIG SPOILERS and could potentially ruin the story for you, so as always, click at your own risk 😘
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Apollo and Graham’s story. They meet when they are kids and Graham is extremely sheltered in a religious cult type place with an abusive step father running the show. He escapes when he can to read his one beloved book and get away from the pressures and sadness at home. Apollo crashes into his world one day and and changes him forever. She is his sun because she brings him happiness and hope when he never felt that before, and Apollo declares them best friends right away while she’s grieving on her own. Though the years and some big world changes, they lose their way and get separated. When reunited there are some big truths that get revealed, a few sexy times, and some sweet moments...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Apollo and Graham’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well
Instalove:No, but an instant strong connection
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Graham. I really wanted to shake him at times! He was super loving and caring and his younger self broke my heart! He just had a little bit too much of that martyr complex for me to love him.
h (heroine) rating: 4.5 stars. Apollo. I really liked her! She was strong, sweet, and awesomely protective!
Sadness level: Low. While I felt emotional at times, I never shed a tear.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Some of the scenes felt off to me for some reason. There were some inconsistencies that threw me off and the general feel felt like it was trying to be dirty or something but just didn’t fit 🤷🏻♀️
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue and what I would call a HEA ? The author does offer an extended epilogue in exchange for signing up for her newsletter, but this stubborn reader hates that gimmick and is going to pass...
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: The first part of this book and the connection they make was amazing! It kind of reminded me of Mia Sheridan’s works and how she takes two damaged characters and makes it so they become each other’s worlds. I love that! Yes, this takes some turns that many readers will be unhappy about. Yes, the H does some stupid stuff that made me want to shake him. I did struggle with the sexy times (see below) and the fact that we had so many different dramatic elements we were dealing with in this one book. But overall, I found it enjoyable and I was rooting for their happiness enough to be satisfied in the end.
*Please Note*: The info behind the spoiler tags in this review are pretty BIG SPOILERS and could potentially ruin the story for you, so as always, click at your own risk 😘
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Apollo and Graham’s story. They meet when they are kids and Graham is extremely sheltered in a religious cult type place with an abusive step father running the show. He escapes when he can to read his one beloved book and get away from the pressures and sadness at home. Apollo crashes into his world one day and and changes him forever. She is his sun because she brings him happiness and hope when he never felt that before, and Apollo declares them best friends right away while she’s grieving on her own. Though the years and some big world changes, they lose their way and get separated. When reunited there are some big truths that get revealed, a few sexy times, and some sweet moments...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Apollo and Graham’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well
Instalove:No, but an instant strong connection
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Graham. I really wanted to shake him at times! He was super loving and caring and his younger self broke my heart! He just had a little bit too much of that martyr complex for me to love him.
h (heroine) rating: 4.5 stars. Apollo. I really liked her! She was strong, sweet, and awesomely protective!
Sadness level: Low. While I felt emotional at times, I never shed a tear.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Some of the scenes felt off to me for some reason. There were some inconsistencies that threw me off and the general feel felt like it was trying to be dirty or something but just didn’t fit 🤷🏻♀️
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue and what I would call a HEA ? The author does offer an extended epilogue in exchange for signing up for her newsletter, but this stubborn reader hates that gimmick and is going to pass...
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
May 26, 2018
4.5 Stars
I got completely swept up in this friends to lovers romance! I am blown away again by this author's writing and I literally have about half of this book highlighted with so many beautiful quotes. This was a TRUE LOVE story with imperfect characters who make some really bad decisions sometimes that made me irrationally angry and frustrated. You can't help but be drawn into this story and feel like you are a part of these characters lives as every gamut of emotion gets pulled out of you.
This book starts off surprising me. While reading the first chapter, I had to click back to the cover to make sure I had the right book. I love when a book is slightly unpredictable to keep it interesting. This book is quite fast paced and it spans over quite a few years. From the first time Graham and Apollo meet you can feel their special connection and I loved that their initial relationship was founded on friendship.
Graham had it rough, he went through so much! My heart broke for him for so many reasons and the unfairness of his life hit me like a ton of bricks. I hated some of the decisions he made but at the same time I understood why he felt he had no other choice. At the heart of it all, this was a really good man. He just felt he needed to be in a certain place in his life to be worthy of loving Apollo and until he reached there, he would keep pushing her away. My heart broke for him during these times. I wanted him to see that Apollo would love him regardless of what he did or what status he had in life.
Apollo was such a strong heroine. She brought light and joy wherever she went. She was also a badass who stepped up to defend Graham when he was threatened. When this couple finally unite, it is nothing short of explosive. I felt their passion,their hunger and their need for each other deep down to my bones!
This was a fantastic emotionally charged love story about two friends who overcome time, distance and obstacles to find their happily ever after. #thesunandherstar
4.5 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Moderate
POV: Dual
HEA
COME FIND ME!
"The Star is my Universe. And I am his."
I got completely swept up in this friends to lovers romance! I am blown away again by this author's writing and I literally have about half of this book highlighted with so many beautiful quotes. This was a TRUE LOVE story with imperfect characters who make some really bad decisions sometimes that made me irrationally angry and frustrated. You can't help but be drawn into this story and feel like you are a part of these characters lives as every gamut of emotion gets pulled out of you.
This book starts off surprising me. While reading the first chapter, I had to click back to the cover to make sure I had the right book. I love when a book is slightly unpredictable to keep it interesting. This book is quite fast paced and it spans over quite a few years. From the first time Graham and Apollo meet you can feel their special connection and I loved that their initial relationship was founded on friendship.
Graham had it rough, he went through so much! My heart broke for him for so many reasons and the unfairness of his life hit me like a ton of bricks. I hated some of the decisions he made but at the same time I understood why he felt he had no other choice. At the heart of it all, this was a really good man. He just felt he needed to be in a certain place in his life to be worthy of loving Apollo and until he reached there, he would keep pushing her away. My heart broke for him during these times. I wanted him to see that Apollo would love him regardless of what he did or what status he had in life.
Apollo was such a strong heroine. She brought light and joy wherever she went. She was also a badass who stepped up to defend Graham when he was threatened. When this couple finally unite, it is nothing short of explosive. I felt their passion,their hunger and their need for each other deep down to my bones!
Her body is a temple; her love is my religion. I want to worship here forever.
This was a fantastic emotionally charged love story about two friends who overcome time, distance and obstacles to find their happily ever after. #thesunandherstar
4.5 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Moderate
POV: Dual
HEA
COME FIND ME!
October 5, 2021
This is my second read by Miss Allen. To be honest I was not optimist picking up her book again since I do not have a memorable experience with her previous book. The Sun and Her Star is a childhood romance, second chance romance between Graham and Apollo.
Both of them have a very opposite up bringing with Graham shoulders the worst. He is also have to bear the consequences of his choice. Graham childhood story is tragic and heart breaking. He is a good man being forced to make a bad choice to save his mother.
While Apollo is on the opposite end. She loves Graham. She is fierce, loyal, sassy and independent. Hence her nickname Sunshine.
I love how Miss Allen wites a complex plot for The Sun and Her Star. She is focusing on the character development and cross out the un necessary drama. By the end of the book, I am sighing with contempt.
5 stars
Both of them have a very opposite up bringing with Graham shoulders the worst. He is also have to bear the consequences of his choice. Graham childhood story is tragic and heart breaking. He is a good man being forced to make a bad choice to save his mother.
While Apollo is on the opposite end. She loves Graham. She is fierce, loyal, sassy and independent. Hence her nickname Sunshine.
I love how Miss Allen wites a complex plot for The Sun and Her Star. She is focusing on the character development and cross out the un necessary drama. By the end of the book, I am sighing with contempt.
5 stars
July 6, 2018
3.5 ★'s
“That’s what stars do. They shine when it’s dark.”
Sometimes you have to take a chance...read someone new, read something different and maybe read a book that a lot of your friends are DNF'ing for some inexplicable reason. Yes, I'm that cat.
And it can be a curse but this time, it was just O.K. I didn't think this was a bad story and it definitely has its issues, however, it wasn't horrible, just a little over the top. But I can totally understand why some of my friends DNF'd.
So, let's get to that. Graham meets Apollo when she falls down a cliff into the lake he's at and almost drowns but doesn't because he saves her, of course.
Apollo is quite a little thing, figuratively and physically, and Graham is everything she never knew she needed. And Graham feels the same way even though they are fourteen and eleven. And so begins their deep soul mate love affair.
Unfortunately, Graham lives in a commune and basically everything he does is a sin. We get the unpleasant task of reading about some of his punishments and even having a very impressionable Apollo bear witness to a pretty horrific one. Luckily, Apollo's able to set some things in motion by playing a small part.
This is where time jumps quite a bit and the actual interaction between the two are few and far between. They do keep in contact and even send each other books keeping their love of reading alive.
And before we know it, Graham is in his last year of college and Apollo doesn't want to wait any longer. Sadly, Graham makes some promises that get broken and you know what happens to the best laid plans.
There's a lot more to the story but now Graham has a decision to make and he doesn't make the best one. This leads his life into (basically) a fantasy land. And Apollo who is very sharp on the uptake, figures things out quite impressively.
This begins with them not talking for FIVE years although Graham does try. Fortunately, the "star" and the "sun" finally align and Apollo takes his call. She doesn't make things easy on Graham...of course not.
And this is where you can finally see where all of it is leading to. I have to admit that I was impressed with what Graham did to get himself out of his sticky situation and I loved how Apollo handled things.
The epilogue is pretty bittersweet and then just sweet. If you click on the link, you can sign up for an extended epilogue that's nine years in the future. I really enjoyed it.
Overall, not a bad story like I said. I wish there was more time spent evolving their romance and making it more believable before all the other crazy situations happened. And maybe, getting more sexy page time with them as adults would have made the transition from innocent to not so innocent easier to take.
“That’s what stars do. They shine when it’s dark.”
Sometimes you have to take a chance...read someone new, read something different and maybe read a book that a lot of your friends are DNF'ing for some inexplicable reason. Yes, I'm that cat.
And it can be a curse but this time, it was just O.K. I didn't think this was a bad story and it definitely has its issues, however, it wasn't horrible, just a little over the top. But I can totally understand why some of my friends DNF'd.
So, let's get to that. Graham meets Apollo when she falls down a cliff into the lake he's at and almost drowns but doesn't because he saves her, of course.
Apollo is quite a little thing, figuratively and physically, and Graham is everything she never knew she needed. And Graham feels the same way even though they are fourteen and eleven. And so begins their deep soul mate love affair.
Unfortunately, Graham lives in a commune and basically everything he does is a sin. We get the unpleasant task of reading about some of his punishments and even having a very impressionable Apollo bear witness to a pretty horrific one. Luckily, Apollo's able to set some things in motion by playing a small part.
This is where time jumps quite a bit and the actual interaction between the two are few and far between. They do keep in contact and even send each other books keeping their love of reading alive.
And before we know it, Graham is in his last year of college and Apollo doesn't want to wait any longer. Sadly, Graham makes some promises that get broken and you know what happens to the best laid plans.
There's a lot more to the story but now Graham has a decision to make and he doesn't make the best one. This leads his life into (basically) a fantasy land. And Apollo who is very sharp on the uptake, figures things out quite impressively.
This begins with them not talking for FIVE years although Graham does try. Fortunately, the "star" and the "sun" finally align and Apollo takes his call. She doesn't make things easy on Graham...of course not.
And this is where you can finally see where all of it is leading to. I have to admit that I was impressed with what Graham did to get himself out of his sticky situation and I loved how Apollo handled things.
The epilogue is pretty bittersweet and then just sweet. If you click on the link, you can sign up for an extended epilogue that's nine years in the future. I really enjoyed it.
Overall, not a bad story like I said. I wish there was more time spent evolving their romance and making it more believable before all the other crazy situations happened. And maybe, getting more sexy page time with them as adults would have made the transition from innocent to not so innocent easier to take.
June 14, 2020
This story was such an easy read... until it wasn't! Graham grew up in a cult that limited his exposure to the outside world. His treasured possession was a book that taught him all about another existence and tested the boundaries of his imagination. His life was empty and only grew hollower after the death of his sister. Suffering through abuse and isolation, Apollo's appearance in his life gave him hope and allowed him to dream. Apollo was a girl full of sunshine, with a heart that knew loss and yet it never quit giving. She saw Graham for the incredible person he was and couldn't envision a life without him in her life... until she had to let him go.
The Sun and Her Star took me through a friendship that endured heartbreak, suffering, distance and pain. It was a slow burn and every time I thought Graham would get it together, he didn't. I was glad for the fact that Apollo wasn't a doormat (at least not for long) and knew when enough was finally enough. Graham's choices caused me almost physical pain and I had to hold in screams for how he dealt with everything, but I trusted this author to see me safely to the other side. Through it all, the characters won my heart and had me rooting for their happily ever after.
I’ve imagined this kiss. I thought I was prepared for it. But now I know that the myths, the sonnets, the odes to kisses have all been flimsy, feeble, failed attempts to describe the indescribable. There are no words for the exquisite, explosive moment your lips touch those of the person who is the keeper of your heart. This is a glorious exhibition of years of wanting. This is a dormant dream, refusing to be deferred for one more second. It erupts, disrupts, and gives life to all of my secret, unspoken wishes.
The Sun and Her Star took me through a friendship that endured heartbreak, suffering, distance and pain. It was a slow burn and every time I thought Graham would get it together, he didn't. I was glad for the fact that Apollo wasn't a doormat (at least not for long) and knew when enough was finally enough. Graham's choices caused me almost physical pain and I had to hold in screams for how he dealt with everything, but I trusted this author to see me safely to the other side. Through it all, the characters won my heart and had me rooting for their happily ever after.
May 31, 2018
So it would appear that I can't write a review for shit. Honestly I've been staring at this screen for near on an hour wondering what the heck I'm gonna write!
I am SPEECHLESS.
So speechless in fact that I honestly CANNOT write a review of any kind that will do this book the justice it so very rightly deserves!
I am OVERCOME.
Overcome with the beauty, the intensity, the breathtaking - flawlessness that is DYLAN ALLEN. I am overcome by the passion and the raw, unbridled power this book emits while you read it.
I am in love.
In love with all encompassing connections and chemistry that is still burning deep inside me. I am in love with the nature of this book and the incredible way every single word was delivered. I am in love with Dylan, her skill, her passion, her dedication. I am in love with Envy and with Graham & Apollo.
I've said it before and I'll say it again... Dylan Allen is a gifted writer who produces masterpiece after masterpiece, who maintains her true self and feelings and beliefs and delicately, beautifully puts them on paper. Envy is her best work to date. She just gets better and better and better and I for one, love to see this progression as she goes from strength to strength. Read this book and I swear to you, Dylan and her words will stay with you forever!
I am SPEECHLESS.
So speechless in fact that I honestly CANNOT write a review of any kind that will do this book the justice it so very rightly deserves!
I am OVERCOME.
Overcome with the beauty, the intensity, the breathtaking - flawlessness that is DYLAN ALLEN. I am overcome by the passion and the raw, unbridled power this book emits while you read it.
I am in love.
In love with all encompassing connections and chemistry that is still burning deep inside me. I am in love with the nature of this book and the incredible way every single word was delivered. I am in love with Dylan, her skill, her passion, her dedication. I am in love with Envy and with Graham & Apollo.
I've said it before and I'll say it again... Dylan Allen is a gifted writer who produces masterpiece after masterpiece, who maintains her true self and feelings and beliefs and delicately, beautifully puts them on paper. Envy is her best work to date. She just gets better and better and better and I for one, love to see this progression as she goes from strength to strength. Read this book and I swear to you, Dylan and her words will stay with you forever!
June 10, 2018
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW ***
4.5 DESTINED TO COLLIDE CROWNS
ENVY by Dylan Allen is raw, real, unfiltered look at life and love. This isn’t an idealistic, romanticized notion of a couple destined for each other. It is a chronicling of what can happen when the world, which is often filled with malignant and malicious people, get their hands on something pure and good. And although this is anguish and despair, Dylan Allen also shows what real and honest love looks like with its acceptance and devotion, showcasing that love really can beat what seems like insurmountable odds.
Could my heart break any more for Graham? How many times can a human be broken, taken advantage of, and beaten down emotionally and physically? I know there will be readers that said he had a choice in what happened to him, and to an extent that is true. Desperation, however, makes people do foolish things, and once you begin down a path it is hard to turn around. Dylan Allen does a phenomenal job making us understand why he does it even though we hate it. Part of the reason it also hurts so much is because readers, like Apollo, know how good Graham is and we know what he could be. His value is so much more than what is on the surface, and we want him to recognize that. His evolution and his release of his envy for others brings him to complete happiness at the end of this book, and I felt elated seeing him finally get the life he deserves.
Apollo, similar to Graham, will have mixed reactions. Some will see her as weak for possibly forgiving Graham time and again, but there is also strength in forgiveness. It takes fortitude to love someone unconditionally and with complete acceptance, and Apollo does this without question. Even when they are apart, her love for him and her desire for his happiness does not fade. She is love incarnate, and she is the reason readers get to see Graham develop into the man he is.
Envy at the beginning is a slow start. But I implore you to push through because it is necessary to understand Apollo and Graham and what motivates their choices throughout the story. Without it, this epic love story loses it steam, and their choices seems foolish and frivolous. And when you get to see them reconnect, it is explosive. The anguish and heartbreak begins, and you will find yourself consumed with Graham and Apollo’s romance, one where fate seems to keep stepping in the way of their destined love.
Dylan Allen’s words will consume you with her beautifully written prose. Her words make you love this story and feel every single moment with Graham and Apollo. It is gut-wrenching, poignant journey of love finding a way in a world filled with vices.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
4.5 DESTINED TO COLLIDE CROWNS
ENVY by Dylan Allen is raw, real, unfiltered look at life and love. This isn’t an idealistic, romanticized notion of a couple destined for each other. It is a chronicling of what can happen when the world, which is often filled with malignant and malicious people, get their hands on something pure and good. And although this is anguish and despair, Dylan Allen also shows what real and honest love looks like with its acceptance and devotion, showcasing that love really can beat what seems like insurmountable odds.
Could my heart break any more for Graham? How many times can a human be broken, taken advantage of, and beaten down emotionally and physically? I know there will be readers that said he had a choice in what happened to him, and to an extent that is true. Desperation, however, makes people do foolish things, and once you begin down a path it is hard to turn around. Dylan Allen does a phenomenal job making us understand why he does it even though we hate it. Part of the reason it also hurts so much is because readers, like Apollo, know how good Graham is and we know what he could be. His value is so much more than what is on the surface, and we want him to recognize that. His evolution and his release of his envy for others brings him to complete happiness at the end of this book, and I felt elated seeing him finally get the life he deserves.
Apollo, similar to Graham, will have mixed reactions. Some will see her as weak for possibly forgiving Graham time and again, but there is also strength in forgiveness. It takes fortitude to love someone unconditionally and with complete acceptance, and Apollo does this without question. Even when they are apart, her love for him and her desire for his happiness does not fade. She is love incarnate, and she is the reason readers get to see Graham develop into the man he is.
Envy at the beginning is a slow start. But I implore you to push through because it is necessary to understand Apollo and Graham and what motivates their choices throughout the story. Without it, this epic love story loses it steam, and their choices seems foolish and frivolous. And when you get to see them reconnect, it is explosive. The anguish and heartbreak begins, and you will find yourself consumed with Graham and Apollo’s romance, one where fate seems to keep stepping in the way of their destined love.
Dylan Allen’s words will consume you with her beautifully written prose. Her words make you love this story and feel every single moment with Graham and Apollo. It is gut-wrenching, poignant journey of love finding a way in a world filled with vices.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
January 28, 2020
I've been wanting to read Dylan Allen for a while and this one came recommended! I went in blind so I had no idea what I was getting into, and I'm really glad I did. The set up was unexpected and the concept new to me. I loved the connection the MCs had right off the bat and for the life of me could not figure out where they were going to go after their initial meeting. I was pleasantly surprised!
To be honest, I had no intention of starting this when I did; I just wanted to read a couple pages to "check it out." By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked and couldn't stop until I'd reached the end. It was an epic ride--part coming of age, part friends to lovers, and a whole lot of angst. Highly recommend and can't wait to read more by her!
To be honest, I had no intention of starting this when I did; I just wanted to read a couple pages to "check it out." By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked and couldn't stop until I'd reached the end. It was an epic ride--part coming of age, part friends to lovers, and a whole lot of angst. Highly recommend and can't wait to read more by her!
May 24, 2018
I'm not sure if the words that I'm going to type will ever be adequate to express how I feel about this book. I experienced every emotion while reading Envy. There were times that my heart was beating out of my chest with terror, and then the next I felt like I was being given the most comforting and soothing hug. Heartbreak, joy, anger, fear, laughter, pain, love, anguish, euphoria - this childhood friends to lovers second chance romance had it all.
Envy started in a way that I didn't expect, but was so perfect for the journey Dylan Allen put our characters on. The story spans more than a decade and follows the ups and downs of Graham and Apollo. Two stars destined to collide. Their chemistry is amazing from the moment they meet and the gradual build-up of their growing feelings was so very deliciously painful. While reading I couldn't help hearing the song Gravity by Sara Bareilles in my mind,
Dylan Allen weaves a story so compelling that you won't be able to stop yourself from falling for not only Graham and Apollo, but also for their friends and family. I'm looking forward to reading their stories too, especially Apollo's BFF, Reena. I can't recommend Envy enough! You definitely don't want to miss this incredible book!
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
Envy started in a way that I didn't expect, but was so perfect for the journey Dylan Allen put our characters on. The story spans more than a decade and follows the ups and downs of Graham and Apollo. Two stars destined to collide. Their chemistry is amazing from the moment they meet and the gradual build-up of their growing feelings was so very deliciously painful. While reading I couldn't help hearing the song Gravity by Sara Bareilles in my mind,
Something always brings me back to youThis love story between Graham and Apollo isn't an easy one. It's honest, raw, and at times terribly tragic. It examines the lengths one will go to and willingly sacrifice for those that they love. At its heart though, it's a story of acceptance, forgiveness, and a love that knows no bounds.
It never takes too long
No matter what I say or do
I'll still feel you here 'till the moment I'm gone
You hold me without touch
You keep me without chains
I never wanted anything so much than to drown in your love
And not feel your reign
Dylan Allen weaves a story so compelling that you won't be able to stop yourself from falling for not only Graham and Apollo, but also for their friends and family. I'm looking forward to reading their stories too, especially Apollo's BFF, Reena. I can't recommend Envy enough! You definitely don't want to miss this incredible book!
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
May 25, 2018
I reviewed an ARC.
Dylan Allen just gave me my entire fucking life with this book. I am slain. Dead. Buried.
Like, how do you find a more perfect, meant-for-life couple than Graham and Apollo??? And I looove her name. So unique!!!
Who meets their soulmate, their life mate, their forever in the stars, as a kid? The one who captures your everything? I'm babbling on, seriously. But this story, nay this saga, is my favorite work of Dylan's so far. Readers will be able to tell she has poured her entire soul into every word out on these pages. The heroic meet-cute. Gah! I just can't.
The chemistry between these two and love so deep it hits the center of the earth will shatter all your notions of puppy love.
Please, take the time to pick up this book.
Dylan Allen just gave me my entire fucking life with this book. I am slain. Dead. Buried.
Like, how do you find a more perfect, meant-for-life couple than Graham and Apollo??? And I looove her name. So unique!!!
Who meets their soulmate, their life mate, their forever in the stars, as a kid? The one who captures your everything? I'm babbling on, seriously. But this story, nay this saga, is my favorite work of Dylan's so far. Readers will be able to tell she has poured her entire soul into every word out on these pages. The heroic meet-cute. Gah! I just can't.
The chemistry between these two and love so deep it hits the center of the earth will shatter all your notions of puppy love.
Please, take the time to pick up this book.
May 24, 2018
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Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
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I have no clue how in the heck I am supposed to put my thoughts into words about this story! It's been several days since I finished this incredibly captivating read and I am STILL at a loss for words. This is not my first time reading a Dylan Allen book, but I think that it is safe to state that this is my FAVORITE one yet!
Envy is a story unlike anything that I have ever read before. It is a breathtakingly beautiful and emotionally heartfelt read about two unexpected childhood friends who form an unexpected bond like no other. Graham and Apollo's connection is undeniable and their friendship is one of a kind. Their love story is written in the stars...if only life wasn't so cruel. She is his sun and he is her star. Apart they must discover themselves before they can find their way back to one another. These two are without a doubt THE perfect match, at least in my eyes! Their unconventional love story will surely have readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Graham is one of those not so typical heroes. He is broken. His soul is lost and there is only one person out there that can repair him and bring light back into his heart. Apollo is his sun. She is his everything. He will stop at nothing to give her the life she deserves, even if it means breaking her heart and sending her running from him. He refuses to ruin her life, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.
Apollo is a lost spirt who fell in love at the age of 11 when she fell from the sky and into Graham's life. She experienced heartbreak and loss at such a young age, but also discovered that everything happens for a reason because without it she would have never met the love of her life. Graham is her star. She loves him with all her heart and is broken when he pushes her away. She tries to repair and move on, but her heart still aches for him years later.
Apart, but NEVER forgotten... That is when their story truly begins.
I have no clue how in the heck I am supposed to put my thoughts into words about this story! It's been several days since I finished this incredibly captivating read and I am STILL at a loss for words. This is not my first time reading a Dylan Allen book, but I think that it is safe to state that this is my FAVORITE one yet!
Envy is a story unlike anything that I have ever read before. It is a breathtakingly beautiful and emotionally heartfelt read about two unexpected childhood friends who form an unexpected bond like no other. Graham and Apollo's connection is undeniable and their friendship is one of a kind. Their love story is written in the stars...if only life wasn't so cruel. She is his sun and he is her star. Apart they must discover themselves before they can find their way back to one another. These two are without a doubt THE perfect match, at least in my eyes! Their unconventional love story will surely have readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Graham is one of those not so typical heroes. He is broken. His soul is lost and there is only one person out there that can repair him and bring light back into his heart. Apollo is his sun. She is his everything. He will stop at nothing to give her the life she deserves, even if it means breaking her heart and sending her running from him. He refuses to ruin her life, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.
Apollo is a lost spirt who fell in love at the age of 11 when she fell from the sky and into Graham's life. She experienced heartbreak and loss at such a young age, but also discovered that everything happens for a reason because without it she would have never met the love of her life. Graham is her star. She loves him with all her heart and is broken when he pushes her away. She tries to repair and move on, but her heart still aches for him years later.
Apart, but NEVER forgotten... That is when their story truly begins.
May 29, 2018
I. JUST. CAN'T.
THIS BOOK. OH. MY. GOD.
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING AND THEN SOME! Graham and Apollo's love story hit me in all of the feels. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. I don't know how I'm supposed to move on with my life. I was CONSUMED by this story. It grabbed me by the balls and didn't let go. Seriously though I really don't know wtf to say about this book. If you are into ANGSTY stories about a once in a lifetime love that will rip you apart (more than once) and put you back together then you NEED this book in your life! I'll be back with a proper review.
--
ENVY
If envy is a sin, then let me be damned.
Graham was born to be a star.
Once upon a time, that star shone only for me.
Now, I have to share him with the rest of the world.
For a while, I thought could do it. Because, beneath the hypnotic smile, gorgeous body and God given charm that made him famous, I caught glimpses of my best friend.
Of the boy who called me sunshine and loved me.
I wore that love like a crown... until he placed it on another’s head.
Losing him was agony, distance felt like the only cure.
When tragedy reunites us after years apart, it only takes one touch to erase the past.
Just like that, I’m back in his arms.
He promises this time will be different. But I’m afraid to believe him.
Because, behind his star’s blinding brilliance is a darkness that doesn’t want to let him go.
I know a star that bright can’tbelong to just one person, but my jealous heart doesn’t want to share him.
I want all of him..even if wanting what doesn’t belong to me leads me to ruin.
THIS BOOK. OH. MY. GOD.
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING AND THEN SOME! Graham and Apollo's love story hit me in all of the feels. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. I don't know how I'm supposed to move on with my life. I was CONSUMED by this story. It grabbed me by the balls and didn't let go. Seriously though I really don't know wtf to say about this book. If you are into ANGSTY stories about a once in a lifetime love that will rip you apart (more than once) and put you back together then you NEED this book in your life! I'll be back with a proper review.
--
ENVY
If envy is a sin, then let me be damned.
Graham was born to be a star.
Once upon a time, that star shone only for me.
Now, I have to share him with the rest of the world.
For a while, I thought could do it. Because, beneath the hypnotic smile, gorgeous body and God given charm that made him famous, I caught glimpses of my best friend.
Of the boy who called me sunshine and loved me.
I wore that love like a crown... until he placed it on another’s head.
Losing him was agony, distance felt like the only cure.
When tragedy reunites us after years apart, it only takes one touch to erase the past.
Just like that, I’m back in his arms.
He promises this time will be different. But I’m afraid to believe him.
Because, behind his star’s blinding brilliance is a darkness that doesn’t want to let him go.
I know a star that bright can’tbelong to just one person, but my jealous heart doesn’t want to share him.
I want all of him..even if wanting what doesn’t belong to me leads me to ruin.
July 10, 2018
Hmmm... how to rate this...
5 stars for keeping me on my toes
5 for the heroine
1 star for the hero
3.5★s (I've been changing my rating like crazy I need to cool down first I guess)
I loved that the story was deep at first. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. I love a reading experience like this, but Graham just soiled it for me. Major star deductions for him.
5 stars for keeping me on my toes
5 for the heroine
1 star for the hero
3.5★s (I've been changing my rating like crazy I need to cool down first I guess)
I loved that the story was deep at first. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. I love a reading experience like this, but Graham just soiled it for me. Major star deductions for him.
Want to read
August 6, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/6/2019)! 🎁
June 1, 2018
The Star is my Universe. And I am his.
This is my first Dylan Allen read, and it absolutely will not be the last. She did a fantastic job taking the ever popular second chance romance, and making it feel fresh and new. The way Apollo and Graham meet is BEYOND unique, and the way their friendship/relationship grows is beautiful. I absolutely LOVED this read, and even though it frustrated me at times (necessary), the pay off in the end makes every single emotion I felt worth it.
Such a beautiful read. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys second chance romance with slow burn tension and angst!
This is my first Dylan Allen read, and it absolutely will not be the last. She did a fantastic job taking the ever popular second chance romance, and making it feel fresh and new. The way Apollo and Graham meet is BEYOND unique, and the way their friendship/relationship grows is beautiful. I absolutely LOVED this read, and even though it frustrated me at times (necessary), the pay off in the end makes every single emotion I felt worth it.
Such a beautiful read. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys second chance romance with slow burn tension and angst!
May 26, 2018
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
5 "Us" Stars!!!
I'm in a state of euphoria. I'm high on this feeling. I want to bask and stay in this bubble Dylan left me in. I don't want to move on from this story or these characters just yet. I want to still live in their world and pretend I still have chapters to read and trying to prolong the end. Graham and Apollo, my gosh there aren't enough words to eloquently describe what they did to my heart. They embedded themselves in all the crevices of my soul. Everything, I felt every damn thing while reading Envy.
From the very first sentence this story hooked me. I knew once I started reading, this book was going to do a number on me. Though I didn't know of the magnitude in which these words would leave me in. I'm floating, living in a Graham and Apollo bubble and I never want it to burst.
What do you do when you meet your soulmate at a point in your life when all seems bleak? What do you do when an unexpected force in a form of an exuberant girl brings salvation? What do you do when being selfless brings devastation? What do you do when you want love to be the answer, but it brings more heartache than happiness? You fight! You fight and claw and do anything and everything to get to the other side. You won't come out unscathed, but those battle wounds will tell the story that you survived and ultimately prevailed.
Graham. Graham put me through the ringer. It felt as though my heart was ripped out of my chest and kept in a glass case. Though every time my emotions took a hit, the glass cracked piece by piece and ultimately shattered. My heart wasn't safe, and I didn't know in what condition it'd be once I reached the end of Graham and Apollo's story.
Apollo flew into Graham's life at just the right moment. And in that, it's as if Graham started living for the first time. His sun, bringing the light and obscuring the darkness. Two souls that found their other half without even looking. And it wasn't smooth sailing. Is it ever? There were times when I pulled my hair out of frustration. I got so angry at times where I screamed at the top of my lungs. I even threw my kindle on the couch and walked away. I got so angry at Graham I wanted to hate him, but I couldn't. I couldn't because even though I didn't want him to do what he did I understood why he did it. It still hurt though, it hurt so bad. Apollo and Graham were two characters that branded me. Two characters that Made me feel every single emotion. Two characters that'll always hold a special place in my heart.
I know I haven't done a good job with this review. But you have to understand that I can't in good conscience give anything away. This book should be devoured, but at the same time savored. I don't want to ruin any single thing. You need to experience every magnificent word of Apollo and Graham's story. I promise, it is so worth it.
Dylan, once again you've weaved your wand and created magic. I can't even begin to tell you how in love I am with this book. Gahhh, Apollo and Graham are a slice of heaven. THANK YOU for writing their story and giving them a voice.
READ! THIS! BOOK!
5 "Us" Stars!!!
I'm in a state of euphoria. I'm high on this feeling. I want to bask and stay in this bubble Dylan left me in. I don't want to move on from this story or these characters just yet. I want to still live in their world and pretend I still have chapters to read and trying to prolong the end. Graham and Apollo, my gosh there aren't enough words to eloquently describe what they did to my heart. They embedded themselves in all the crevices of my soul. Everything, I felt every damn thing while reading Envy.
From the very first sentence this story hooked me. I knew once I started reading, this book was going to do a number on me. Though I didn't know of the magnitude in which these words would leave me in. I'm floating, living in a Graham and Apollo bubble and I never want it to burst.
What do you do when you meet your soulmate at a point in your life when all seems bleak? What do you do when an unexpected force in a form of an exuberant girl brings salvation? What do you do when being selfless brings devastation? What do you do when you want love to be the answer, but it brings more heartache than happiness? You fight! You fight and claw and do anything and everything to get to the other side. You won't come out unscathed, but those battle wounds will tell the story that you survived and ultimately prevailed.
Graham. Graham put me through the ringer. It felt as though my heart was ripped out of my chest and kept in a glass case. Though every time my emotions took a hit, the glass cracked piece by piece and ultimately shattered. My heart wasn't safe, and I didn't know in what condition it'd be once I reached the end of Graham and Apollo's story.
Apollo flew into Graham's life at just the right moment. And in that, it's as if Graham started living for the first time. His sun, bringing the light and obscuring the darkness. Two souls that found their other half without even looking. And it wasn't smooth sailing. Is it ever? There were times when I pulled my hair out of frustration. I got so angry at times where I screamed at the top of my lungs. I even threw my kindle on the couch and walked away. I got so angry at Graham I wanted to hate him, but I couldn't. I couldn't because even though I didn't want him to do what he did I understood why he did it. It still hurt though, it hurt so bad. Apollo and Graham were two characters that branded me. Two characters that Made me feel every single emotion. Two characters that'll always hold a special place in my heart.
I know I haven't done a good job with this review. But you have to understand that I can't in good conscience give anything away. This book should be devoured, but at the same time savored. I don't want to ruin any single thing. You need to experience every magnificent word of Apollo and Graham's story. I promise, it is so worth it.
Dylan, once again you've weaved your wand and created magic. I can't even begin to tell you how in love I am with this book. Gahhh, Apollo and Graham are a slice of heaven. THANK YOU for writing their story and giving them a voice.
READ! THIS! BOOK!
May 28, 2018
I have procrastinated so long with writing this review. The more I love a book the harder it is for me to write a review because what could I possibly say that would show it any justice.
Dylan Allen's talent shines brighter than ever in this explosively touching, raw, and phenomenally stellar story!!
Graham and Apollo. Their story is so incredibly gripping and torturous. It's a beautiful, sentimental and touching story but it isn't simple or easy. This is a soul mate to lovers story. Something that was destined, written in the stars.....inevitable but as you know the best things in life are hard fought. And as much as this story is THEIRS, for me it's all about GRAHAM!
Graham's life is a struggle. That's putting it in the most simplest form. Where he's from is a very repressive town and it's EXTREMELY conservative. His home life is stormy, chaotic....turbulent. His one saving grace are his books and his lake. That's where he can be himself and escape. One day a beautiful bright light fell from the sky.....his Apollo.
Apollo is one of my favorite heroines I've ever read about. She is so intelligent, kind, loyal, and has this infectious spirit. She and Apollo have this instant connection as children. Something that goes beyond friendship, beyond time and space. A forever bond.
Later in life they are torn apart in the most heart pounding way. It legitimately hurt me in the worst way.....it's devastating. From there their lives go in two different directions Apollo is following her dreams, living life and traveling.......Graham is now a famous trainer but everything isn't always as it seems. There's so many secrets, lies and skeletons in his closet.
After a heartbreaking loss Apollo doesn't hesitate to run back to her best friend when he needs her the most but after years apart are they the same people? Both of their lives have been kissed with so much loss and pain. Have they worked through those issues and what about the very real threats that's working to keep them apart?
I'm not going to lie. Apollo and Graham BROKE me DOWN several times. I feel so much for them. Whenever they're together its like this glowing force field that can't be penetrated. He's always been her star and she's his sun.....but is that enough?
Dylan Allen's talent shines brighter than ever in this explosively touching, raw, and phenomenally stellar story!!
Graham and Apollo. Their story is so incredibly gripping and torturous. It's a beautiful, sentimental and touching story but it isn't simple or easy. This is a soul mate to lovers story. Something that was destined, written in the stars.....inevitable but as you know the best things in life are hard fought. And as much as this story is THEIRS, for me it's all about GRAHAM!
Graham's life is a struggle. That's putting it in the most simplest form. Where he's from is a very repressive town and it's EXTREMELY conservative. His home life is stormy, chaotic....turbulent. His one saving grace are his books and his lake. That's where he can be himself and escape. One day a beautiful bright light fell from the sky.....his Apollo.
Apollo is one of my favorite heroines I've ever read about. She is so intelligent, kind, loyal, and has this infectious spirit. She and Apollo have this instant connection as children. Something that goes beyond friendship, beyond time and space. A forever bond.
Later in life they are torn apart in the most heart pounding way. It legitimately hurt me in the worst way.....it's devastating. From there their lives go in two different directions Apollo is following her dreams, living life and traveling.......Graham is now a famous trainer but everything isn't always as it seems. There's so many secrets, lies and skeletons in his closet.
After a heartbreaking loss Apollo doesn't hesitate to run back to her best friend when he needs her the most but after years apart are they the same people? Both of their lives have been kissed with so much loss and pain. Have they worked through those issues and what about the very real threats that's working to keep them apart?
I'm not going to lie. Apollo and Graham BROKE me DOWN several times. I feel so much for them. Whenever they're together its like this glowing force field that can't be penetrated. He's always been her star and she's his sun.....but is that enough?
June 5, 2018
When I first saw Dylan Allen's cover of Envy, I swooned because the guy looks hot. Then I read it. Oh man, I wasn't prepared for what's coming!
Believe me when I say that this book is sooo much more than a sexy cover. The hero will be so much more than a long-haired hottie when you discover the reason why he wears his locks like that.
ENVY captured my heart and gave it so much feelings at one point I even thought it's gonna break its cage. This is poetry, people. IT'S BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN. Beautiful because Allen's words has so much eloquence. Beautiful because the story stands out. Beautiful because you wanna transport yourself in that book and really exist where the story is happening.
As I go further to Graham and Apollo's world, I just shake my head and smile because it still amazes me how these authors come up with these kinds of stories. They put amazing pictures in your head and plant unforgettable feelings in your heart.
And yes, Dylan Allen is one of those INCREDIBLY talented authors that everyone should have the chance discovering.
PS. I'm not yet done with showing how much I FREAKEN LOVE THIS BOOK soooo you might see me sharing it again and again like a madwoman in the next days!
March 27, 2019
Este libro llego cuanto lo necesitaba ,por que por que es melancolico y aunque siempre he dicho que amo los POV de los protagonista ame ver el lado tan inocente de estos chicos
Graham me identifique mucho con el por que al igual que el yo crecie creyendo algo que a lo largo de mi vida me afectado al igual que el, Graham pertenecía a una comunidad religiosa donde no podias desear los deseos de tu cuerpo por que si no era pecado no podías mirar la tecnologia o al mundo por lo que es ,graham vivio como 12 anos de su vida asi hasta que su madre abrio los ojos y lo saco de esa miseria de vida ,pero como todo, siempre quieres sueños que debes sacrificar cosas en tu vida y graham lo hizo sacrifico el amor de su vida por el amor de su madre y lo entiendo también por que aveces pausamos nuestras vidas por ayudar a la de nuestros padres pero aveces eso no perjudica demasiado ,graham lucho y triunfo en la vida consigio que nunca sufra por un podazo de pan o por dinero en sus bolsillos pero para llegar esto sacrifico lo mas valioso para el ,ame que al final obtuviera una vida buena y se hiciera justicia con su proxeneta y fuera a la cárcel ,en verdad ame su historia de lucha y aguante esto es a lo que llamo un buen hijo me alegro saber que aunque no le queda ni su padre ,ni su madre ni su pequeña hermana ahora tenia a Apollo y su pequeña elena ♥♥
Apollo esta chica me hacia reir y volver a creer en mi misma, aunque no me identifique con ella totalmente en el sentido de obtener lo que quiero sin importar que si compartia los sentimiento de querer dejar a graham para que fuera feliz no importara lo que lograra o hiciera siempre estar orgullosa y desearlo mejor a quien amas, ame su fuerza para seguir adelante aunque le afectara y nunca rendirse para conseguir con lo que soñaba de pequeña y luchar para llevarlo a cabo ...en verdad es digno de elogiar ,creo que odie a su novio lucas se ve que era un interesado y me alegra saber que lo dejo sin pensarlo dos veces , pero me hizo llorar cuanto graham la rechazo para perder su virginidad con el amor de su vida aun revolcón de dos horas después de haberlo conocido, pero igual creoo que graham no se merecia esa primera vez ,por lo que le hizo después de esa fiesta ,no merecía recibir ese regalo de parte de ella ,igual dicen que el primero no importa si no el ultimo ,ame que defendiera lo creía y que luchara sin importar lo que pensaran de ella me sentí tan triste con lo de su padre y hermana y su mama ni se dija pero al final siempre hay un roto para un descosido,me encanto su supersticiones que tenia me encanta que fuera autentica sin importar nada ,creo que es mi heroína de books de este año 2019,creo que algo que nos pudo regalar la autora fue su primer beso almenos fueron el primero del otro en eso y eso lo ame totalmente que graham no fuera regalo todas sus primera veces a un mujer que pedo fila que abuso de su problema y vulnerabilidad para obtener lo que quería ..obvio no dijo que graham no tenga culpa el todo por al final también le gustaba por que seguí yendo por mas cuanto ya tenia todo ...pero el abusar de que el tenia a su madre enferma y obtener lo quería por medio de eso fue nefasto y bajo ..odie que graham tuviera mas orgullo en vez de pedirle dinero que le sobraba a Apollo solo por no querer verse ofendido o endeuda con ella ,eso fue egoista de parte de graham y por eso lo odie ,pero en fin los dos tubieron su final feliz ♥
Graham me identifique mucho con el por que al igual que el yo crecie creyendo algo que a lo largo de mi vida me afectado al igual que el, Graham pertenecía a una comunidad religiosa donde no podias desear los deseos de tu cuerpo por que si no era pecado no podías mirar la tecnologia o al mundo por lo que es ,graham vivio como 12 anos de su vida asi hasta que su madre abrio los ojos y lo saco de esa miseria de vida ,pero como todo, siempre quieres sueños que debes sacrificar cosas en tu vida y graham lo hizo sacrifico el amor de su vida por el amor de su madre y lo entiendo también por que aveces pausamos nuestras vidas por ayudar a la de nuestros padres pero aveces eso no perjudica demasiado ,graham lucho y triunfo en la vida consigio que nunca sufra por un podazo de pan o por dinero en sus bolsillos pero para llegar esto sacrifico lo mas valioso para el ,ame que al final obtuviera una vida buena y se hiciera justicia con su proxeneta y fuera a la cárcel ,en verdad ame su historia de lucha y aguante esto es a lo que llamo un buen hijo me alegro saber que aunque no le queda ni su padre ,ni su madre ni su pequeña hermana ahora tenia a Apollo y su pequeña elena ♥♥
Apollo esta chica me hacia reir y volver a creer en mi misma, aunque no me identifique con ella totalmente en el sentido de obtener lo que quiero sin importar que si compartia los sentimiento de querer dejar a graham para que fuera feliz no importara lo que lograra o hiciera siempre estar orgullosa y desearlo mejor a quien amas, ame su fuerza para seguir adelante aunque le afectara y nunca rendirse para conseguir con lo que soñaba de pequeña y luchar para llevarlo a cabo ...en verdad es digno de elogiar ,creo que odie a su novio lucas se ve que era un interesado y me alegra saber que lo dejo sin pensarlo dos veces , pero me hizo llorar cuanto graham la rechazo para perder su virginidad con el amor de su vida aun revolcón de dos horas después de haberlo conocido, pero igual creoo que graham no se merecia esa primera vez ,por lo que le hizo después de esa fiesta ,no merecía recibir ese regalo de parte de ella ,igual dicen que el primero no importa si no el ultimo ,ame que defendiera lo creía y que luchara sin importar lo que pensaran de ella me sentí tan triste con lo de su padre y hermana y su mama ni se dija pero al final siempre hay un roto para un descosido,me encanto su supersticiones que tenia me encanta que fuera autentica sin importar nada ,creo que es mi heroína de books de este año 2019,creo que algo que nos pudo regalar la autora fue su primer beso almenos fueron el primero del otro en eso y eso lo ame totalmente que graham no fuera regalo todas sus primera veces a un mujer que pedo fila que abuso de su problema y vulnerabilidad para obtener lo que quería ..obvio no dijo que graham no tenga culpa el todo por al final también le gustaba por que seguí yendo por mas cuanto ya tenia todo ...pero el abusar de que el tenia a su madre enferma y obtener lo quería por medio de eso fue nefasto y bajo ..odie que graham tuviera mas orgullo en vez de pedirle dinero que le sobraba a Apollo solo por no querer verse ofendido o endeuda con ella ,eso fue egoista de parte de graham y por eso lo odie ,pero en fin los dos tubieron su final feliz ♥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2018
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
"It felt like the universe has suddenly remembered that I exist and sent me my very own angel."
I love Dylan Allen's books and I can always depend on her to come up with original stories with intriguing characters. That was definitely the case the first quarter of this book. I was hooked and I couldn't wait to see which direction she would take this story. I fell in love with Apollo and Graham, and wanted to see how these two would take on the world. They met in a very unconventional way and I loved it. They were so perfect for each other. The way they healed one another was beautiful to see and read. I knew there would be a moment these two would be separated, and I was ready for the heartbreak.
"My body hums when he's nearby. When he touches me, everything pulses and throbs and liquefies. I want to crawl into his lap and live there. I want to plant my flag on his heart and make it mine."
After the first quarter of the book it felt like I was getting snapshots of Apollo and Graham's lives. The flow and pacing wasn't my cup of tea. I wanted to binge on the story but I only got crumbs of what they went through. They were separated but reunited in the next chapter, which made it impossible for me to really feel the distance between them. Half of the story felt more like flashbacks but there was no present time to go back to. This book had so many potential, I felt how amazing the story could be in the first 25%. The pacing was just too fast in my opinion, which didn't give me enough time to connect to the characters. I also didn't like the decisions made by each of them, they were young and it really showed in the way they handled things. I however did love Dylan's writing style, which was really easy to read. Even though this book wasn't my favorite by Dylan, I will still be on the lookout for other books she will release in the future.
"It felt like the universe has suddenly remembered that I exist and sent me my very own angel."
I love Dylan Allen's books and I can always depend on her to come up with original stories with intriguing characters. That was definitely the case the first quarter of this book. I was hooked and I couldn't wait to see which direction she would take this story. I fell in love with Apollo and Graham, and wanted to see how these two would take on the world. They met in a very unconventional way and I loved it. They were so perfect for each other. The way they healed one another was beautiful to see and read. I knew there would be a moment these two would be separated, and I was ready for the heartbreak.
"My body hums when he's nearby. When he touches me, everything pulses and throbs and liquefies. I want to crawl into his lap and live there. I want to plant my flag on his heart and make it mine."
After the first quarter of the book it felt like I was getting snapshots of Apollo and Graham's lives. The flow and pacing wasn't my cup of tea. I wanted to binge on the story but I only got crumbs of what they went through. They were separated but reunited in the next chapter, which made it impossible for me to really feel the distance between them. Half of the story felt more like flashbacks but there was no present time to go back to. This book had so many potential, I felt how amazing the story could be in the first 25%. The pacing was just too fast in my opinion, which didn't give me enough time to connect to the characters. I also didn't like the decisions made by each of them, they were young and it really showed in the way they handled things. I however did love Dylan's writing style, which was really easy to read. Even though this book wasn't my favorite by Dylan, I will still be on the lookout for other books she will release in the future.
May 26, 2018
Envy
By: Dylan Allen
5 Star Star’s
I did it!!! I finally got to pop my Dylan Allen Cherry <3 What a fantastic book to enjoy the pop!!
Have you ever read a book that while reading it, everything around you was shut out and little things that normally irk you while reading, go unnoticed? That is exactly what this story did for me. It was unstoppable. I had to know. I wanted to shank someone, I wanted to hug someone, I wanted to have babies with someone, I wanted it all. Slowly and surely, I got it all. Well except for the babies… LOL
Apollo is a Bad-A$$!!! I fell in love with her the minute she fell off the cliff. Such a smart, witty, non-tainted young gal. She sees everyone in her eyes the way we should all look at people! Who knew going on vacation with your auntie to a bed and breakfast could change your life forever.
I wept reading Graham’s story in the beginning. Such a horrible life…yet you have to scratch your head and wonder how many kids are going through this right now? He never knew that day at the lake, reading his book…floating around in his little piece of Zen, his life would change forever!
It’s not an easy story to read, at some points, I wanted to Smack both Apollo and Graham upside the head. But in the end, it’s just that… A story. A beautifully written, well thought out story that spans over many many years. One that I totally enjoyed and devoured. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
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By: Dylan Allen
5 Star Star’s
I did it!!! I finally got to pop my Dylan Allen Cherry <3 What a fantastic book to enjoy the pop!!
Have you ever read a book that while reading it, everything around you was shut out and little things that normally irk you while reading, go unnoticed? That is exactly what this story did for me. It was unstoppable. I had to know. I wanted to shank someone, I wanted to hug someone, I wanted to have babies with someone, I wanted it all. Slowly and surely, I got it all. Well except for the babies… LOL
Apollo is a Bad-A$$!!! I fell in love with her the minute she fell off the cliff. Such a smart, witty, non-tainted young gal. She sees everyone in her eyes the way we should all look at people! Who knew going on vacation with your auntie to a bed and breakfast could change your life forever.
I wept reading Graham’s story in the beginning. Such a horrible life…yet you have to scratch your head and wonder how many kids are going through this right now? He never knew that day at the lake, reading his book…floating around in his little piece of Zen, his life would change forever!
It’s not an easy story to read, at some points, I wanted to Smack both Apollo and Graham upside the head. But in the end, it’s just that… A story. A beautifully written, well thought out story that spans over many many years. One that I totally enjoyed and devoured. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on:
FB – https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
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