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Dark Storm #1
Idolize
Cassi moved to LA to escape a violent past and wants anonymity for herself and her son. She's starting to get her life back on track when she meets Declan Reed. He's the latest hit on the Hollywood scene, playing the lead in the TV series Dark Storm. Just when she finds the love of her life, Declan's fame forces Cassi's past to come back and haunt her.
- GenresContemporary
222 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2016
1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Mundy
39 books155 followersMaggie Mundy lives in Adelaide, Australia and is a member of Romance Writers of Australia, and the local chapter SARA (South Australian Romance Authors). She has also performed for many years in corporate entertainment for which she wrote her own sketches which probably explains why her head is so full of characters. She loves writing romance but thinks falling in love can be scary, especially in her stories where creatures of the night really exist.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 2, 2016
Reviewed on behalf of 2 Girls Who Love Books Blog
The idea of the book was nothing new, but still is interesting enough to make a good story out of it: Woman meets guy, doesn’t recognize him as the star he is… The rest depends on the author.
This author had good bones on which she built her story, but unfortunately her writing was not good enough to keep my attention on the book. The melody of the text was slow and boring and unfortunately It seems as if the book was not edited yet. That may be true since I reviewed an ARC before the book was published, but, nevertheless I want to mention it, since this really clouded my reading experience.
Also the tempo was fast and slow at the same time. I hope I can really express what I mean with this: The reading tempo itself was slow, since the writing made it so hard to keep my attention, but the things that happened in the book seemed rushed. The smutty scenes were most of the times only two or three sentences which is okay for one or two scenes, but if all smutty scenes are handled like this I would prefer none at all just hints, because as it was now it seemed as if the intercourse always only took three minutes. In, out, finish. And that is not what I expect from a romance book. It made the whole relationship rushed and not deep enough for what happened throughout the story.
The way the characters acted with each other were not believable at all, because their relationship was not portrayed right. I couldn’t believe the things that were suggested after well maybe the fourth real “date” the couple had.
The most ridiculous thing was the fact that the female main character gave up her job without having a security blanket and yet she keeps telling herself that she never wants to depend on a man again. That was so not believable for me. Yes, she starts her own business, but without knowing she can make it happen and that it works? Nope, that was not my thing.
THE HEA came a little bit sudden and also made me think about her priorities: She had her son who was the center of her life the whole time and then her boyfriend was injured and she flows to him without her son and keeps staying there for six weeks without missing her son? For me that seemed too shallow for the way she was portrayed before.
All in all the story had a good backbone. I really hope that the language is improving for the final release. 2,5 stars.
The idea of the book was nothing new, but still is interesting enough to make a good story out of it: Woman meets guy, doesn’t recognize him as the star he is… The rest depends on the author.
This author had good bones on which she built her story, but unfortunately her writing was not good enough to keep my attention on the book. The melody of the text was slow and boring and unfortunately It seems as if the book was not edited yet. That may be true since I reviewed an ARC before the book was published, but, nevertheless I want to mention it, since this really clouded my reading experience.
Also the tempo was fast and slow at the same time. I hope I can really express what I mean with this: The reading tempo itself was slow, since the writing made it so hard to keep my attention, but the things that happened in the book seemed rushed. The smutty scenes were most of the times only two or three sentences which is okay for one or two scenes, but if all smutty scenes are handled like this I would prefer none at all just hints, because as it was now it seemed as if the intercourse always only took three minutes. In, out, finish. And that is not what I expect from a romance book. It made the whole relationship rushed and not deep enough for what happened throughout the story.
The way the characters acted with each other were not believable at all, because their relationship was not portrayed right. I couldn’t believe the things that were suggested after well maybe the fourth real “date” the couple had.
The most ridiculous thing was the fact that the female main character gave up her job without having a security blanket and yet she keeps telling herself that she never wants to depend on a man again. That was so not believable for me. Yes, she starts her own business, but without knowing she can make it happen and that it works? Nope, that was not my thing.
THE HEA came a little bit sudden and also made me think about her priorities: She had her son who was the center of her life the whole time and then her boyfriend was injured and she flows to him without her son and keeps staying there for six weeks without missing her son? For me that seemed too shallow for the way she was portrayed before.
All in all the story had a good backbone. I really hope that the language is improving for the final release. 2,5 stars.
September 19, 2016
I’m a big Maggie Mundy fan, and ‘Idolize’ is her best book yet. It’s smart, sexy, and written at a cracking pace – but it’s also full of heart. Cassi is a heroine we can all identify with, and Declan is the hero we’d all like to have for our own. Throw in a crazy ex (and who doesn’t have one of those?) and you’ve got the makings of a great story. I’m looking forward to book 2 in this fantastic new series.
November 6, 2016
Cassi Yarwood is on the run from her past. She will do anything to keep her privacy and to protect Tommy. When Cassi rescues Declan Reed while out hiking she has no idea what is in store for her.
Declan Reed is used to getting any woman he wants but when he meets Cassi he knows he can't move on from her. He will do anything to convince her to be with him and there's nothing he won't do to protect her.
Yet some demons are hard to overcome and when a situation sets Cassi back will she come out on top or will she let go of those around her?
For me this book would be a 3.5 Star as there were parts of it I really liked and other parts I had small issues with. I liked Cassi and that she was working super hard with Sasha to get their future going and I completely understood why she wanted to remain in the shadows.
Declan was an absolutely amazing guy and the length he went to make sure Cassi, Tommy and Sasha were happy was great! He truly cared and would do anything to protect them all. Yet he couldn't force Cassi to be with him no matter what he did.
I found the part with Steve resolved almost too fast. From there on I was having trouble (as a mom) of how long Cassi ended up being separated from Tommy. I understood the circumstances but still found it hard to believe. I know how much she needed to get better for him but I was surprised she didn't bring him with her for the second trip as I could never be away that long.
Overall a good book and I look forward to the next one.
Declan Reed is used to getting any woman he wants but when he meets Cassi he knows he can't move on from her. He will do anything to convince her to be with him and there's nothing he won't do to protect her.
Yet some demons are hard to overcome and when a situation sets Cassi back will she come out on top or will she let go of those around her?
For me this book would be a 3.5 Star as there were parts of it I really liked and other parts I had small issues with. I liked Cassi and that she was working super hard with Sasha to get their future going and I completely understood why she wanted to remain in the shadows.
Declan was an absolutely amazing guy and the length he went to make sure Cassi, Tommy and Sasha were happy was great! He truly cared and would do anything to protect them all. Yet he couldn't force Cassi to be with him no matter what he did.
I found the part with Steve resolved almost too fast. From there on I was having trouble (as a mom) of how long Cassi ended up being separated from Tommy. I understood the circumstances but still found it hard to believe. I know how much she needed to get better for him but I was surprised she didn't bring him with her for the second trip as I could never be away that long.
Overall a good book and I look forward to the next one.
November 8, 2016
IDOLIZE
by Maggie Mundy
Idolize is the first book in the dark storm series and the first i've read from this author. This book is a fun captivating read about Declan and Cassi. Cassi an abused woman from a previous relationship and Declan a star who so very down to earth meet by accident on a hiking trip where they both hope to escape life and just be themselves for a little while. You really get to enjoy the twists and turns and ups and downs of their relationship with each other and the characters surrounding them who you can't help but fall in love with also. I can't wait to see if this author will update us on this couple and see who the next character she will be bringing us as she brings the rest of the series to light. Declan, Cassi and friends are wonderful characters you can easily get caught up with. A truly wonderful read and will so be looking forward to more from this series.
**Reviewed by Hot Box Reviews blog**
** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book **
by Maggie Mundy
Idolize is the first book in the dark storm series and the first i've read from this author. This book is a fun captivating read about Declan and Cassi. Cassi an abused woman from a previous relationship and Declan a star who so very down to earth meet by accident on a hiking trip where they both hope to escape life and just be themselves for a little while. You really get to enjoy the twists and turns and ups and downs of their relationship with each other and the characters surrounding them who you can't help but fall in love with also. I can't wait to see if this author will update us on this couple and see who the next character she will be bringing us as she brings the rest of the series to light. Declan, Cassi and friends are wonderful characters you can easily get caught up with. A truly wonderful read and will so be looking forward to more from this series.
**Reviewed by Hot Box Reviews blog**
** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book **
August 27, 2022
Australian Declan has the lead role in the TV show DARK Storm and could sleep with a different woman every night but having met Callie he knows that after one night of passion he wants so much more which is enhanced by the fact that his fame and fortune mean nothing to her at all. Callie moved to LA to escape violence in her past and just wants to have a quiet anonymous life for herself and her son. Then she meets Declan and the fear is that his fame might bring back her past with fatal consequences.
I enjoyed this story which had the very human side of Callie who just wants a quiet life caring for her son, as opposed to Declan who knows he wants more, finds the perfect woman but then has to find a way to protect them. The writing was clear and easy to understand, and the emotions involved were easy to sense and feel. It was emotional in places. I loved her friend and how supportive she was. They made a perfect couple and I'm sure would have the kind of HEA we would all want them to have. Contains some mature content.
I enjoyed this story which had the very human side of Callie who just wants a quiet life caring for her son, as opposed to Declan who knows he wants more, finds the perfect woman but then has to find a way to protect them. The writing was clear and easy to understand, and the emotions involved were easy to sense and feel. It was emotional in places. I loved her friend and how supportive she was. They made a perfect couple and I'm sure would have the kind of HEA we would all want them to have. Contains some mature content.
November 14, 2016
Idolize is the first book in a new series. This was a good book and kept me entertained the whole book.
The 2 main characters had a great chemistry with each other throughout the entire book.
I kinda felt a little off of how the Steve issue was resolved so fast. Would have liked for that to have been more in depth.
Overall a good read!!
**I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Hot Box Reviews**
The 2 main characters had a great chemistry with each other throughout the entire book.
I kinda felt a little off of how the Steve issue was resolved so fast. Would have liked for that to have been more in depth.
Overall a good read!!
**I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Hot Box Reviews**
November 15, 2016
This is a first Maggie Mundy book for me, but the blurb and cover caught my attention, and everyone will tell you I'm done for a great cover.
Idolize was an interesting read for me. You have Cassi trying to keep herself and her son in the shadows so her past doesn't come to bite her in the butt. Then you have famous actor and center of the limelight, Declan. They meet when Cassi rescues him from a hiking trail. Declan is instantly attracted and feels a different emotion towards her that he doesn't feel towards anyone else. Cassi feels it too but fights it so that she can stay hidden.
The story is well structured and the character development is expressed well for the most part. Following the storyline is a bit halting at times, and for me the intimate scenes were too short. I don't have to have an extremely detailed love scene, but it was almost sterile in the length leaving the reader to feel like it was a wham bam thank you ma'am kind of moment.
It is a good read, it just needs some help.
B. Gillilan
Idolize was an interesting read for me. You have Cassi trying to keep herself and her son in the shadows so her past doesn't come to bite her in the butt. Then you have famous actor and center of the limelight, Declan. They meet when Cassi rescues him from a hiking trail. Declan is instantly attracted and feels a different emotion towards her that he doesn't feel towards anyone else. Cassi feels it too but fights it so that she can stay hidden.
The story is well structured and the character development is expressed well for the most part. Following the storyline is a bit halting at times, and for me the intimate scenes were too short. I don't have to have an extremely detailed love scene, but it was almost sterile in the length leaving the reader to feel like it was a wham bam thank you ma'am kind of moment.
It is a good read, it just needs some help.
B. Gillilan
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews