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My Name is Anastasia
Even after only being a part of the Grimly Family for a little over a year, 354 has proven herself one of their top agents, and someone you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley.
All her memories before that year began are vague and blurry, and whenever she tries to remember anything, all she gets for her trouble is a headache. So she stops trying and settles into her new life.
But things take a turn when 354 is given a simple termination mission, and it quickly turns into an undercover op as Anastasia Stepanov. Little does she know, this mission will change everything.
Sometimes who we think we are and who we really are isn't the same thing.
All her memories before that year began are vague and blurry, and whenever she tries to remember anything, all she gets for her trouble is a headache. So she stops trying and settles into her new life.
But things take a turn when 354 is given a simple termination mission, and it quickly turns into an undercover op as Anastasia Stepanov. Little does she know, this mission will change everything.
Sometimes who we think we are and who we really are isn't the same thing.
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About the author
P.D. Atkerson
63 books111 followersP.D. Atkerson is a homeschooled writer, living in Montana, who may or may not be a secret agent. She spends almost as much time in the worlds she creates as she does the real one.
When she’s not reporting the stories of her agents, she’s learning different languages, or traveling to different worlds through the portals of books.
She has a black belt in sarcasm and a master’s degree in useless facts.
If you're interested in reading any of her books for an honest review, just fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
When she’s not reporting the stories of her agents, she’s learning different languages, or traveling to different worlds through the portals of books.
She has a black belt in sarcasm and a master’s degree in useless facts.
If you're interested in reading any of her books for an honest review, just fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 21, 2023
5 stars. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book, and I was NOT disappointed. Stasia reminded me a little of Ella, which isn’t surprising, since they’re both from GF. I am a little confused about timelining and the various agencies, but it didn’t change my enjoyment. It was great fun seeing Stasia pitted against JD. They were both so witty, but I particularly enjoyed seeing J.D. being his real, complex self… and I saw lots of glimpses of the coming Winfield… The plot was a rollercoaster, with so many reveals, and typical of Atkerson, but quite unique; and I cannot wait for more of Stasia (and JD!).
Content: some euphemisms
A Favourite Quote: “I didn’t choose this any more than you did,” he whispered, just loud enough for her to hear him. “We might be products of our situations, but that doesn’t mean we can’t change things.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Do you even know where you’re taking us?” she asked[.]
“This may come as a surprise to you, Goldilocks, but I do know how to read a map,” he said, giving her a wink as he pulled the car out of the garage. “It’s one of my special little talents[.] You ready for this?”
… “This isn’t my first ‘rodeo’ either, Mr. Cowboy.”
“‘Mr. Cowboy?” JD repeated as they both climbed out of the car. “Wow… you really put a lot of thought into that, didn’t you? At least I tried to make my ‘nicknames’ a little bit personal. What’s wrong with Jesse James, or John Wayne?”
“John Wayne wasn’t a real cowboy, and Jesse James was murdered by someone he trusted,” Anastasia said, leading the way into the building they’d picked earlier. “Do you really want to be called by either of those names?”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Content: some euphemisms
A Favourite Quote: “I didn’t choose this any more than you did,” he whispered, just loud enough for her to hear him. “We might be products of our situations, but that doesn’t mean we can’t change things.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Do you even know where you’re taking us?” she asked[.]
“This may come as a surprise to you, Goldilocks, but I do know how to read a map,” he said, giving her a wink as he pulled the car out of the garage. “It’s one of my special little talents[.] You ready for this?”
… “This isn’t my first ‘rodeo’ either, Mr. Cowboy.”
“‘Mr. Cowboy?” JD repeated as they both climbed out of the car. “Wow… you really put a lot of thought into that, didn’t you? At least I tried to make my ‘nicknames’ a little bit personal. What’s wrong with Jesse James, or John Wayne?”
“John Wayne wasn’t a real cowboy, and Jesse James was murdered by someone he trusted,” Anastasia said, leading the way into the building they’d picked earlier. “Do you really want to be called by either of those names?”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
May 2, 2023
Buckle up, folks.
She goes by 354. A Grimly girl. And a good one at that. So good she's given mere hours to execute a termination mission. Get in, get out. Simple.
But is it ever?
For how much I love P.D. Atkerson's male characters . . . gosh, I wish she'd write more girls! Anastasia has the skillset of a professional-complete with enough sarcasm to mouth off her newest partner (who is equally as awesome, by the way). Yet she writes her like the human she is. No more, no less.
If you're looking for some more of Atkerson's signature wit and sass, with a heaping helping of spy and an extra-large side of "WHAT?!" then look no further.
She goes by 354. A Grimly girl. And a good one at that. So good she's given mere hours to execute a termination mission. Get in, get out. Simple.
But is it ever?
For how much I love P.D. Atkerson's male characters . . . gosh, I wish she'd write more girls! Anastasia has the skillset of a professional-complete with enough sarcasm to mouth off her newest partner (who is equally as awesome, by the way). Yet she writes her like the human she is. No more, no less.
If you're looking for some more of Atkerson's signature wit and sass, with a heaping helping of spy and an extra-large side of "WHAT?!" then look no further.
July 18, 2024
Oh, this was so much fun! I've been looking forward to this book for a while, and I enjoyed it a lot.
I wasn't at all sure what sort of character Anastasia would be. I didn't expect to like her. I didn't really want to, either. But as with all P.D. Atkerson characters, she has a complex past. And somehow, her history makes her character much more understandable.
Now, I honestly still don't know if I like her. She is NOT my sort of heroine, and quite honestly most of the female characters from this series and the whole SLU in general are not the kind of female leads I like. But she was fun to read about all the same, although I'll still always prefer P.D.'s books with male leads. And besides, knowing her character in full from other certain books, I didn't really relate to her even as much I related to Ella from book 1, although I was more interested to read her story than Ella's for that reason.
Speaking of Ella, I just want to point out here in case of confusion that the Grimly Family series doesn't follow a chronological order. (Another proof that PD's books are neither intended to be nor best read chronologically - see the end of this review for my recommended reading order!) Book 1, They Call Her Ella, is set many years (about 18, I think) AFTER Book 2, My Name is Anastasia. This may be confusing to some, especially those who haven't started with the AKA Simon Lee series. (Which, please, don't do. Read AKASL before you even think about picking up another P.D. Atkerson story. This one just as much as the others.) In fact, the two books are barely connected at all except for the fact that the MC of each is a Grimly girl. (There's another slight connection, but that would only be apparent to readers of AKASL.) For this reason, My Name is Anastasia is very much a standalone. Or at least, as much of a standalone as P.D. ever writes. ;P
The other characters in the book were very interesting. JD... Okay, so I'm definitely biased with JD, but I loved him. Although, he was not quite what I expected. He reminded me quite a lot of Lee at the same age. Which makes sense in light of certain other things, but still. It was interesting to see just what he was like as a teenager. The hints about his backstory and his family - both sides - were perfect and I was squealing so much. That part was to some extent my favourite aspect of the book. His interactions with Anastasia were of great interest to any AKASL fan. Their first meeting was perfect for them. I admit I was disappointed at the end that it didn't carry on longer and show certain other things that I know happen, but I suppose for that I'll have to wait for later books in another series currently being written. I kind of howled in protest when it ended though XD
Dr Stepanov was an interesting character. I was quite surprised about the twist about him...I mean, I saw it coming, I just was surprised when it happened so early on in the book. But it worked out. I could have wished things turned out differently in the end, of course, but... I suppose for the future Anastasia it also makes sense. I liked him so much though. I couldn't make out his character at first, but I liked him from the beginning and felt so sorry for him.
Langley was great, too... But to go into that would mean multiple spoilers for multiple books. Sully and Jenny were fun, although I kept feeling like I should be recognising them and I didn't. I have since...*coughs* remembered who they were.Okay, so the author had to tell me. So I need to reread AKASL. So moving on. XD Knowing that has definitely shed a different light on things! Now I'm so excited to have seen them again!
Even though I enjoyed the book so much, I don't think it was a favourite really. Probably because like I said, I had trouble liking or relating to the main character. Nothing personal, Anastasia (okay, maybe just a little ;)), but I'm just not a fan of female leads like her. Also some parts felt pretty unrealistic, and that pulled me out the story a bit. I felt like the whole memory loss thing could have been done better or drawn out more, or maybe that's just because that's what the synopsis makes you expect. The book was very action-packed and fast paced, and although it was a fun, quick, and enjoyable read, I can't see myself reading it over and over like I can with the AKA Simon Lee series, Deadlock series, etc. I found myself glazing over at the blow-by-blow descriptions of the fight scenes, too, but admittedly that's usual for me. It felt worse this time though, probably mostly because Anastasia's a girl and it made it harder for me to relate to her. So yes, I can't say I liked it as much as P.D's other books, but I'm still very glad I read it, and I did enjoy it a lot. Most definitely a must-read for all AKASL fans. Or Deadlock fans. Or both. In fact, another perfect addition to the Simon Lee Universe. ;)
Note: I recieved this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended Reading Order for the Simon Lee Universe books (SLU):
Note: This is the order I've put together after reading and rereading almost all of these books, sometimes at once. While there are different opinions on which series should be read first, this is the order I personally feel is best for a first-time reader. It is NOT the chronological order - and I strongly recommend that a first-time reader does NOT read these books in chronological order. That's great for rereads, but the most will be got out of the SLU books by reading them loosely in the following order
Phantom Thief
Nicholas Bishop
Gregory's Epilogue (blog short)
Christmas Hostage
Guardian Eagle
Murphy Lawson
Ghost Hunter
Most Wanted
Winnie Winfield
Not Enough
Rebel Mind
Talking Turkey (blog short)
Killian Young
Domestic Conflict (Seize the Fight)
They Call Her Ella
Deadlock
First Christmas (blog short)
Exploit
Choices
License
Training
Guilt
My Name is Anastasia
Night Crier (blog short)
Only For a Moment (blog short)
Christmas Bear (blog short)
Everything
Sick Leave (blog short)
Water Boy (Classified Files)
Школьник (blog short)
Bank Robber (Classified Files)
Blinded (blog short)
Room Escapee (Classified Files)
Dare (blog short)
Wrong Number (blog short)
Minor Detail
Unwanted Services
Off the Rails
Smoke Screen
Lost Time
Web of Lies
I wasn't at all sure what sort of character Anastasia would be. I didn't expect to like her. I didn't really want to, either. But as with all P.D. Atkerson characters, she has a complex past. And somehow, her history makes her character much more understandable.
Now, I honestly still don't know if I like her. She is NOT my sort of heroine, and quite honestly most of the female characters from this series and the whole SLU in general are not the kind of female leads I like. But she was fun to read about all the same, although I'll still always prefer P.D.'s books with male leads. And besides, knowing her character in full from other certain books, I didn't really relate to her even as much I related to Ella from book 1, although I was more interested to read her story than Ella's for that reason.
Speaking of Ella, I just want to point out here in case of confusion that the Grimly Family series doesn't follow a chronological order. (Another proof that PD's books are neither intended to be nor best read chronologically - see the end of this review for my recommended reading order!) Book 1, They Call Her Ella, is set many years (about 18, I think) AFTER Book 2, My Name is Anastasia. This may be confusing to some, especially those who haven't started with the AKA Simon Lee series. (Which, please, don't do. Read AKASL before you even think about picking up another P.D. Atkerson story. This one just as much as the others.) In fact, the two books are barely connected at all except for the fact that the MC of each is a Grimly girl. (There's another slight connection, but that would only be apparent to readers of AKASL.) For this reason, My Name is Anastasia is very much a standalone. Or at least, as much of a standalone as P.D. ever writes. ;P
The other characters in the book were very interesting. JD... Okay, so I'm definitely biased with JD, but I loved him. Although, he was not quite what I expected. He reminded me quite a lot of Lee at the same age. Which makes sense in light of certain other things, but still. It was interesting to see just what he was like as a teenager. The hints about his backstory and his family - both sides - were perfect and I was squealing so much. That part was to some extent my favourite aspect of the book. His interactions with Anastasia were of great interest to any AKASL fan. Their first meeting was perfect for them. I admit I was disappointed at the end that it didn't carry on longer and show certain other things that I know happen, but I suppose for that I'll have to wait for later books in another series currently being written. I kind of howled in protest when it ended though XD
Dr Stepanov was an interesting character. I was quite surprised about the twist about him...I mean, I saw it coming, I just was surprised when it happened so early on in the book. But it worked out. I could have wished things turned out differently in the end, of course, but... I suppose for the future Anastasia it also makes sense. I liked him so much though. I couldn't make out his character at first, but I liked him from the beginning and felt so sorry for him.
Langley was great, too... But to go into that would mean multiple spoilers for multiple books. Sully and Jenny were fun, although I kept feeling like I should be recognising them and I didn't. I have since...*coughs* remembered who they were.
Even though I enjoyed the book so much, I don't think it was a favourite really. Probably because like I said, I had trouble liking or relating to the main character. Nothing personal, Anastasia (okay, maybe just a little ;)), but I'm just not a fan of female leads like her. Also some parts felt pretty unrealistic, and that pulled me out the story a bit. I felt like the whole memory loss thing could have been done better or drawn out more, or maybe that's just because that's what the synopsis makes you expect. The book was very action-packed and fast paced, and although it was a fun, quick, and enjoyable read, I can't see myself reading it over and over like I can with the AKA Simon Lee series, Deadlock series, etc. I found myself glazing over at the blow-by-blow descriptions of the fight scenes, too, but admittedly that's usual for me. It felt worse this time though, probably mostly because Anastasia's a girl and it made it harder for me to relate to her. So yes, I can't say I liked it as much as P.D's other books, but I'm still very glad I read it, and I did enjoy it a lot. Most definitely a must-read for all AKASL fans. Or Deadlock fans. Or both. In fact, another perfect addition to the Simon Lee Universe. ;)
Note: I recieved this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended Reading Order for the Simon Lee Universe books (SLU):
Note: This is the order I've put together after reading and rereading almost all of these books, sometimes at once. While there are different opinions on which series should be read first, this is the order I personally feel is best for a first-time reader. It is NOT the chronological order - and I strongly recommend that a first-time reader does NOT read these books in chronological order. That's great for rereads, but the most will be got out of the SLU books by reading them loosely in the following order
Phantom Thief
Nicholas Bishop
Gregory's Epilogue (blog short)
Christmas Hostage
Guardian Eagle
Murphy Lawson
Ghost Hunter
Most Wanted
Winnie Winfield
Not Enough
Rebel Mind
Talking Turkey (blog short)
Killian Young
Domestic Conflict (Seize the Fight)
They Call Her Ella
Deadlock
First Christmas (blog short)
Exploit
Choices
License
Training
Guilt
My Name is Anastasia
Night Crier (blog short)
Only For a Moment (blog short)
Christmas Bear (blog short)
Everything
Sick Leave (blog short)
Water Boy (Classified Files)
Школьник (blog short)
Bank Robber (Classified Files)
Blinded (blog short)
Room Escapee (Classified Files)
Dare (blog short)
Wrong Number (blog short)
Minor Detail
Unwanted Services
Off the Rails
Smoke Screen
Lost Time
Web of Lies
July 11, 2023
Heyyy, It's another P.D. Atkerson book! Woohoo!
Agent 354 is a nameless 17 year old agent for the Grimly family, and her world is turned upside-down when she is sent on an unusual mission...
I loved this book, though I honestly liked Ella's story better. Grammar-wise, some words were used twice in the same sentence/paragraph, something that honestly bothers me a touch :sweat-smile: but other than that it was great!
Let's use the official, concise, Breeish review format, shall we?
Mushy Mushiness: One slimy dude tries to kiss her (doesn't succeed). And two other creepy guys are creepy, but also don't succeed in anything.
Ye Olde Magicks: Uh... no. Not a fantasy.
Blood, Blood, Blood, and Death: Just like Ella's story, yes. Lots of fighting, some death, descriptions of wounds, etc.
Character Lineup: Anastasia was great. I loved the snarkiness and jabs shot back and forth between her and JD. JD was great too, though I never actually could figure out just how old he was. Was he Anastasia's age, older..? Dr. Stepanov... *sniffles* Yes, he's great too. Sully, Langley, Jenny... I love 'em all.
Mouth-wash-able Words: nope, and if so, they're in Spanish or Russian XD
Overall, I loved this book. I'd give it 3.5-4 stars (yes, my opinion changes a lot so I have to give wiggle room). Would I recommend it? Yes, I probably would. It's a great spy book with great spy people in the classic P.D. Atkerson fashion. In other words, the best spy fashion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Agent 354 is a nameless 17 year old agent for the Grimly family, and her world is turned upside-down when she is sent on an unusual mission...
I loved this book, though I honestly liked Ella's story better. Grammar-wise, some words were used twice in the same sentence/paragraph, something that honestly bothers me a touch :sweat-smile: but other than that it was great!
Let's use the official, concise, Breeish review format, shall we?
Mushy Mushiness: One slimy dude tries to kiss her (doesn't succeed). And two other creepy guys are creepy, but also don't succeed in anything.
Ye Olde Magicks: Uh... no. Not a fantasy.
Blood, Blood, Blood, and Death: Just like Ella's story, yes. Lots of fighting, some death, descriptions of wounds, etc.
Character Lineup: Anastasia was great. I loved the snarkiness and jabs shot back and forth between her and JD. JD was great too, though I never actually could figure out just how old he was. Was he Anastasia's age, older..? Dr. Stepanov... *sniffles* Yes, he's great too. Sully, Langley, Jenny... I love 'em all.
Mouth-wash-able Words: nope, and if so, they're in Spanish or Russian XD
Overall, I loved this book. I'd give it 3.5-4 stars (yes, my opinion changes a lot so I have to give wiggle room). Would I recommend it? Yes, I probably would. It's a great spy book with great spy people in the classic P.D. Atkerson fashion. In other words, the best spy fashion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
December 25, 2022
A past she can't remember.
Secrets that start to be reviled and more that are being held back.
A job that must get done.
And a Grimly Girl gets the job done. No. Matter. What.
But when a simple termination mission turns into an undercover op as Anastasia Stepanov, her world ends up being turned upside down.
As the memories of her past begin to unravel, she wonders if some things matter more than her mission, and if her mission is actually what's best for everyone in the end.
Secrets that start to be reviled and more that are being held back.
A job that must get done.
And a Grimly Girl gets the job done. No. Matter. What.
But when a simple termination mission turns into an undercover op as Anastasia Stepanov, her world ends up being turned upside down.
As the memories of her past begin to unravel, she wonders if some things matter more than her mission, and if her mission is actually what's best for everyone in the end.
September 8, 2023
My Review: 4.5 stars
I was given a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
(My apologies to P.D. Atkerson for how late this book review is!!)
Another amazing addition to The Grimly Family series!! I laughed, I cried, I LOVED IT. They Call Her Ella was amazing, but My Name Is Anastasia was epic. Let's get down to business...
Characters: I absolutely loved Anastasia and JD. Their sarcastic bantering and quips were hilarious. Dr. Stepanov was so sweet and kind as well.
Plot: I loved the plot. The suspense was really great, and the story was well-written. There were a few editing errors that I noticed, but it wasn't a huge issue for me. It was great nonetheless.
Themes: I adored Anastasia's braveness and (SPOILER!) Dr. Stepanov's love for her. I absolutely loved their relationship.
Swearing: No explicit swearing (other than "he cursed under his breath" or "she swore").
Romance: JD seems to like picking on Anastasia, which made me wonder... *winks* but very little if any.
Violence: Lots of punching, fighting, etc. There was nothing that made me squeamish, and the wounds were not super detailed, but, yes... blood was mentioned (if you are squeamish when it comes to that).
Overall: This was an amazing book. If you're a fan of Christian thriller, this is the book for you. Well done, Atkerson. This was a beautiful story!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
(My apologies to P.D. Atkerson for how late this book review is!!)
Another amazing addition to The Grimly Family series!! I laughed, I cried, I LOVED IT. They Call Her Ella was amazing, but My Name Is Anastasia was epic. Let's get down to business...
Characters: I absolutely loved Anastasia and JD. Their sarcastic bantering and quips were hilarious. Dr. Stepanov was so sweet and kind as well.
Plot: I loved the plot. The suspense was really great, and the story was well-written. There were a few editing errors that I noticed, but it wasn't a huge issue for me. It was great nonetheless.
Themes: I adored Anastasia's braveness and (SPOILER!) Dr. Stepanov's love for her. I absolutely loved their relationship.
Swearing: No explicit swearing (other than "he cursed under his breath" or "she swore").
Romance: JD seems to like picking on Anastasia, which made me wonder... *winks* but very little if any.
Violence: Lots of punching, fighting, etc. There was nothing that made me squeamish, and the wounds were not super detailed, but, yes... blood was mentioned (if you are squeamish when it comes to that).
Overall: This was an amazing book. If you're a fan of Christian thriller, this is the book for you. Well done, Atkerson. This was a beautiful story!
November 11, 2025
4.75 ★ // 4❤︎– Very good
This is my first time reading a book by PD Atkerson and I want to know why this hasn't crossed my radar before now! Onward to the review....
BOOKISH YAYS:
*Contemporary Anastasia retelling!!! I am a huge fan of Anastasia, so my inner fangirl was very, very happy with this :) I loved the way Atkerson stayed close to some of the main elements of the story (with the name, the relationship with a guy who may not be what he seems, the lost girl who doesn't remember her family, an older relative who is searching for this lost girl) but added little twists and turns of her own to the story.
*Spy vibes. I have been on a spy/mystery binge recently when it comes to stories for some reason lol. But hey I'm not complaining!
*JD & Anastasia's relationship of sunshine x grumpy, enemies-to-frenemies-to-maybe-something-more. XD I loved the wit and banter they tossed back and forth through their relationship, yet by the end you could tell there was a possibility of their caring for each other. Their constant nicknames (mostly on JD's part) cracked me up
*The prose and descriptions that pulled me into the thick of the story and the flow of action which kept me reading until the last page when I could finally let out my breath.
*THE ONE SAD SCENE WHICH HURT SO HARD. I am refusing to elaborate due to extreme spoilers, but there is a gut-punch scene at the end, let me just warn you.
BOOKISH OKAYS/NAYS:
*Not much to say here so yay!! XD
QUOTES:
She turned around to find a man slouching against the frame of the door they’d been heading toward earlier. “Mind giving me another minute?” 354 asked. “I’ll kill him really quick, I promise.”
“As much fun as that would be to watch, we actually need you both alive,” the stranger said, shoving himself away from the doorframe. “Now, come on you two.” He motioned them into the apartment as he stepped back. "Maybe if you behave yourselves, I’ll even let you have dessert.”
“In my defense… she started it.”
“Wow!” 354 shook her head at JD. “That was super mature.”
A wave of dizziness hit her, and the next second, Anastasia found herself falling forward and off the edge of the bed.
“Woah!” JD said a second before Anastasia felt him catch her before she would have hit the ground.
“Don’t touch me!” she spat, pulling away from him and shooting daggers at him.
“Fine,” he said, scowling as he crossed his arms. “Next time I’ll make sure to let you face plant.”
"I didn’t choose this any more than you did,” he whispered, just loud enough for her to hear him. “We might be products of our situations, but that doesn’t mean we can’t change things.”
“There’s a reason the people who wanted to get to me always tried to use… use you to do it,” he whispered, moving his hand to her check but stopping before he touched her. “Because… they knew that I would let them burn the world to protect you.”
"My coping mechanism is being brilliant,” JD said, sighing. “It’s a burden, but one I’m willing to carry.”
Once again, JD proved that he was able to drive like a maniac while still technically not breaking any traffic laws.
This is my first time reading a book by PD Atkerson and I want to know why this hasn't crossed my radar before now! Onward to the review....
BOOKISH YAYS:
*Contemporary Anastasia retelling!!! I am a huge fan of Anastasia, so my inner fangirl was very, very happy with this :) I loved the way Atkerson stayed close to some of the main elements of the story (with the name, the relationship with a guy who may not be what he seems, the lost girl who doesn't remember her family, an older relative who is searching for this lost girl) but added little twists and turns of her own to the story.
*Spy vibes. I have been on a spy/mystery binge recently when it comes to stories for some reason lol. But hey I'm not complaining!
*JD & Anastasia's relationship of sunshine x grumpy, enemies-to-frenemies-to-maybe-something-more. XD I loved the wit and banter they tossed back and forth through their relationship, yet by the end you could tell there was a possibility of their caring for each other. Their constant nicknames (mostly on JD's part) cracked me up
*The prose and descriptions that pulled me into the thick of the story and the flow of action which kept me reading until the last page when I could finally let out my breath.
*THE ONE SAD SCENE WHICH HURT SO HARD. I am refusing to elaborate due to extreme spoilers, but there is a gut-punch scene at the end, let me just warn you.
BOOKISH OKAYS/NAYS:
*Not much to say here so yay!! XD
QUOTES:
She turned around to find a man slouching against the frame of the door they’d been heading toward earlier. “Mind giving me another minute?” 354 asked. “I’ll kill him really quick, I promise.”
“As much fun as that would be to watch, we actually need you both alive,” the stranger said, shoving himself away from the doorframe. “Now, come on you two.” He motioned them into the apartment as he stepped back. "Maybe if you behave yourselves, I’ll even let you have dessert.”
“In my defense… she started it.”
“Wow!” 354 shook her head at JD. “That was super mature.”
A wave of dizziness hit her, and the next second, Anastasia found herself falling forward and off the edge of the bed.
“Woah!” JD said a second before Anastasia felt him catch her before she would have hit the ground.
“Don’t touch me!” she spat, pulling away from him and shooting daggers at him.
“Fine,” he said, scowling as he crossed his arms. “Next time I’ll make sure to let you face plant.”
"I didn’t choose this any more than you did,” he whispered, just loud enough for her to hear him. “We might be products of our situations, but that doesn’t mean we can’t change things.”
“There’s a reason the people who wanted to get to me always tried to use… use you to do it,” he whispered, moving his hand to her check but stopping before he touched her. “Because… they knew that I would let them burn the world to protect you.”
"My coping mechanism is being brilliant,” JD said, sighing. “It’s a burden, but one I’m willing to carry.”
Once again, JD proved that he was able to drive like a maniac while still technically not breaking any traffic laws.
September 1, 2025
I started reading this book the morning after I finished the previous book in the series, too immersed in the world of Simon Lee to wait long between installments. I thought it was just as good as, if not better than, They Call Her Ella. It was interesting seeing Anastasia as a young woman, and of course J.D. was amazing. I hope we get more books about their relationship.
March 2, 2025
*silent scream* no *LOUD SCREAM*!!!!!! ACH!!! I LOVED THIS BOOK SOOOOOOO MUCH!!!! *laughs crazily* oh my goodnesss!! 🤭 it’s so awesome! 😎 and I really really loved it. *why am I saying all this?? 👀 xd. I’m unsure what else to say except it’s awesome awesome awesome!!!!!🤩
***THANKS PD FOR GIVING ME THIS FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW!!! YOU’RE THE BEST!!!
***THANKS PD FOR GIVING ME THIS FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW!!! YOU’RE THE BEST!!!
January 19, 2023
I loved it. This is a really good example of how much P.D. keeps improving her writing style, and the plot and actions was, of course, fabulous.
It was great. *grins* I would recommend it to new P.D. Atkerson readers and definitely for old readers.
It was great. *grins* I would recommend it to new P.D. Atkerson readers and definitely for old readers.
December 29, 2023
I read this book after They Call Her Ella, and it was quite the rollercoaster! One minute the main character, Anastasia, is about to kill or be killed by a man, the next minute the two of them are on a wild mission together, a mission to convince a man that Anastasia is his daughter. It was quite the story.
JD and Ana's altercations had me cracking up. It almost reminded me of siblings fighting, even down to the eavesdropping.
I can't really say much more without giving away one of the biggest parts of the story, but you can find out for yourself! If you enjoy PD's other books or just like agents, mysteries, sarcasm and suspense, read this book! I don't think it will disappoint.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
JD and Ana's altercations had me cracking up. It almost reminded me of siblings fighting, even down to the eavesdropping.
I can't really say much more without giving away one of the biggest parts of the story, but you can find out for yourself! If you enjoy PD's other books or just like agents, mysteries, sarcasm and suspense, read this book! I don't think it will disappoint.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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