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Twisted Vines
Crushed
What happens when the one you want the most is someone you've never met?
He's a hunted hacker and former international criminal. She's a bookshop owner and heiress to one of Napa Valley's greatest wineries. But their identities never mattered. In the online game they've been playing since they were kids, they've always been comrades, warriors, and friends. Their friendship was a haven from real life. A place where they were safe... until the day he walked into her store. It's not fun and games between Vivianne Rossi and Erik Lai anymore. Enemies are circling and dark secrets are looming. The real world is coming for them.
He's a hunted hacker and former international criminal. She's a bookshop owner and heiress to one of Napa Valley's greatest wineries. But their identities never mattered. In the online game they've been playing since they were kids, they've always been comrades, warriors, and friends. Their friendship was a haven from real life. A place where they were safe... until the day he walked into her store. It's not fun and games between Vivianne Rossi and Erik Lai anymore. Enemies are circling and dark secrets are looming. The real world is coming for them.
318 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2022
130 people are currently reading
1130 people want to read
About the author
Isabel Jolie
44 books526 followersApple Books Contemporary Romance Bestselling Author of spicy thrillers where love always wins. Get free books + early access: https://isabeljoliebooks.com/#newsletter
Heart-pounding romance. Unforgettable heroes. Sizzling happily-ever-afters—with a side of suspense that'll keep you up way past bedtime.
I dreamed of being a writer as a kid but took the "safe" route: journalism degree, advertising career, MBA, corporate gigs at Chase and Universal. Then in 2020, I said screw it and published my first book. Twenty-five books later, I'm living the dream.
I'm also a mom to two teenage daughters who are perpetually mortified by my career choices. My husband's an entrepreneur whose latest product is Nampons (yes, it rhymes with tampons and yes, it's for nosebleeds). Between my spicy romance and his biz... we've cornered the market on parental embarrassment.
My books feature tough characters facing tougher choices, compelling suspense, and storylines that'll make you think. But no matter how dark things get, my people always choose love.
Follow me wherever you love to scroll:
https://www.instagram.com/isabeljolie...
https://tiktok.com/@Therealisabeljolie
https://www.facebook.com/isabeljolieb...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/isabe...
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https://www.pinterest.com/isabeljolie...
Heart-pounding romance. Unforgettable heroes. Sizzling happily-ever-afters—with a side of suspense that'll keep you up way past bedtime.
I dreamed of being a writer as a kid but took the "safe" route: journalism degree, advertising career, MBA, corporate gigs at Chase and Universal. Then in 2020, I said screw it and published my first book. Twenty-five books later, I'm living the dream.
I'm also a mom to two teenage daughters who are perpetually mortified by my career choices. My husband's an entrepreneur whose latest product is Nampons (yes, it rhymes with tampons and yes, it's for nosebleeds). Between my spicy romance and his biz... we've cornered the market on parental embarrassment.
My books feature tough characters facing tougher choices, compelling suspense, and storylines that'll make you think. But no matter how dark things get, my people always choose love.
Follow me wherever you love to scroll:
https://www.instagram.com/isabeljolie...
https://tiktok.com/@Therealisabeljolie
https://www.facebook.com/isabeljolieb...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/isabe...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.pinterest.com/isabeljolie...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 6, 2024
i haven't read shorter books in so long that i was surprised when i finished this lmao
i feel like the characters are somewhat flat, there could be more world building, and the romance could have been more believable. maybe i'm just not a fan of quick relationships like that, but for what it's worth, it's not worse than i expected
i feel like the characters are somewhat flat, there could be more world building, and the romance could have been more believable. maybe i'm just not a fan of quick relationships like that, but for what it's worth, it's not worse than i expected
April 21, 2022
Amazon / Apple Books / Nook / Kobo / Google Play
Erik and Vivi have been friends for years, though neither knew each other's true identity, were only friends in an online game. Until now. Until Erik was able to confirm she was the beautiful bookstore owner he can't help but be attracted to. He knows he doesn't have the time or the inclination for a distraction like Vivi, but he cannot seem to resist being around her. When his world (or is it hers) brings danger, will Erik be able to keep her safe the way he wants?
Erik and Vivi are absolutely adorable together! I always love a hot nerd like Erik, especially when he's sweet and strong and paired with equally sweet and strong like Vivi. I knew Erik would have a good story when I read his sister's story, First Light, but had no idea how entertaining his story would end up being, or just how much I'd end up loving him. Thank God he was paired with an equally lovable Vivi, and that Erik's crew was along for the ride. I know I'm going to enjoy this new series a lot if this first story is any indication of how good it will be.
ARC provided by Grey's Promotions for an honest review.
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March 22, 2022
My first read by this author. Romantic suspense that was "meh." I had a difficult time getting into the story and staying with it. The lead characters didn't appeal to me either. The storyline was far-fetched and a little boring as well. The setting is in a smalltown wine country setting. The relationship/romance was insta and hot, but I never got a real feel for their connection. It was too wham, bam, thank you ma'am. And I really got tired of the clothing descriptions that weren't anything special.
I rolled it on up to a 3-star because the writing and editing was clean and there were some interesting bits of cyber security info and the hero's band of hackers, too. Overall, it was probably too technical for this reader.
March 19, 2022
Crushed was okay. On a rating scale, for me, it stands at 2.5 rounded up to 3.
I didn't think there was a lot going on in this book. To me, it was a little bland and hard to connect with the characters. Especially how Erik tracked Vivi down and integrated himself into her life without explanation - that whole thing felt a little sketchy. Especially when he rarely ever talked about himself or his life.
The beginning gave a sense of a spies-fighting action movie that was never followed through in the book. The rest stayed consistently... average.
It was hard to get into Crushed because of the writing as well. It was disjointed and choppy and I kept having to go back to figure out who was talking because of the way the dialogue was structured. Someone speaking would end a sentence and then say something else, but that was split into another paragraph and made it seem like another's response.
I didn't have the best time with Crushed. It was hard to get into and understand and I didn't quite like the characters. Erik had a serious level of social awkwardness that occasionally made me cringe.
I received a free ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
I didn't think there was a lot going on in this book. To me, it was a little bland and hard to connect with the characters. Especially how Erik tracked Vivi down and integrated himself into her life without explanation - that whole thing felt a little sketchy. Especially when he rarely ever talked about himself or his life.
The beginning gave a sense of a spies-fighting action movie that was never followed through in the book. The rest stayed consistently... average.
It was hard to get into Crushed because of the writing as well. It was disjointed and choppy and I kept having to go back to figure out who was talking because of the way the dialogue was structured. Someone speaking would end a sentence and then say something else, but that was split into another paragraph and made it seem like another's response.
I didn't have the best time with Crushed. It was hard to get into and understand and I didn't quite like the characters. Erik had a serious level of social awkwardness that occasionally made me cringe.
I received a free ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
January 14, 2022
Get ready for loads of questions that are only answered when the time is right. Vivi has no clue who Erik is, but he’s certainly aware of who she is. But when the truth comes out, will it all lead to happiness or misery?
I wondered a few times who the real target was in this story. Erik definitely has danger around him and is no stranger to it, but Vivi wasn’t quite what she appeared either. These two danced around each other a bit, fought a bit when Vivi found out just how Erik took control of her safety, and had to figure out whether to trust that they could be perfect together. We don’t have the same level of danger that Erik brought to his sister’s door, but we do have mystery and questions galore. Luckily, Vivi and Erik find their way and end up with the perfect road to forever once everything is cleared up.
If you want slow burn with questions and mystery, this is definitely one for you!
I wondered a few times who the real target was in this story. Erik definitely has danger around him and is no stranger to it, but Vivi wasn’t quite what she appeared either. These two danced around each other a bit, fought a bit when Vivi found out just how Erik took control of her safety, and had to figure out whether to trust that they could be perfect together. We don’t have the same level of danger that Erik brought to his sister’s door, but we do have mystery and questions galore. Luckily, Vivi and Erik find their way and end up with the perfect road to forever once everything is cleared up.
If you want slow burn with questions and mystery, this is definitely one for you!
February 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I did like what Vivi was doing with her skills. I think I would do the same thing if I had half of her talent. I’m also intrigued about the connection between David and Kairi so I’ll be waiting on their book.
January 28, 2022
Crushed is the first book in the Twisted Vines series by Isabel Jolie- but if you have read her Haven Island series you will recognize the hero, Erik, as Cali's brother in First Light where we were introduced to him and his dark web ways.
I was so excited to really get to know Erik and his security obsessive ways while also seeing how he reacts to having a love interest. Erik Lai is a hacker who was caught up with some of the wrong people but is now in hiding while also working to right the wrongs of the cyber world. Vivienne Rossi comes from a well known wine family- yet she has stepped away from the family business and opened up her own little bookstore/cafe. But as fate would have it- these two have been cyber friends since they were teens and a little boredom with close proximity finally puts them in place to actually know one another in the real world.
Honestly, it took me a little bit to really get into the groove of this book. One of the things I love about Isabel's writing is that when she is putting information out there, whether it is about sea turtles or computer hacking, she legitimately does the research to make the characters and situations they face all the more real. But sometimes with that, the story can get a little bogged down with information and I can find myself not fully invested in the story itself anymore. Flip side is that sometimes that information makes me more interested so it probably has to do with whether it's something that I am interested in knowing more- which computer hackers and whatnot are not really on my radar.
Since I already knew a bit about Erik's background from reading First Light, I think that my desire to know him more and how he and Vivi connect helped me through that rough spot. Once I got over that mental roadblock I really did love this story. Erik and Vivi are both complicated characters with a lot in common. They both tend to be introverted and stick to themselves or the people that have proven they are trustworthy. There is an instant connection and spark between these two- and that spark creates some real heat. I love the subtle humor in these characters- it's not a rom-com where I expect these laugh out loud moments or banter but I found that both Erik and Vivi have a bit of this dry humor or situations where they are just kind of oblivious that it added this snippet of humor into what is a pretty intense story. And this story is intense- it's dramatic and suspenseful with twists that I didn't even think of. Once I found my groove in the story I couldn't put it down and read it all in one sitting. Now I can't wait to see what is in store for the rest of this group and if/how the danger storyline will continue on through the series.
I was so excited to really get to know Erik and his security obsessive ways while also seeing how he reacts to having a love interest. Erik Lai is a hacker who was caught up with some of the wrong people but is now in hiding while also working to right the wrongs of the cyber world. Vivienne Rossi comes from a well known wine family- yet she has stepped away from the family business and opened up her own little bookstore/cafe. But as fate would have it- these two have been cyber friends since they were teens and a little boredom with close proximity finally puts them in place to actually know one another in the real world.
Honestly, it took me a little bit to really get into the groove of this book. One of the things I love about Isabel's writing is that when she is putting information out there, whether it is about sea turtles or computer hacking, she legitimately does the research to make the characters and situations they face all the more real. But sometimes with that, the story can get a little bogged down with information and I can find myself not fully invested in the story itself anymore. Flip side is that sometimes that information makes me more interested so it probably has to do with whether it's something that I am interested in knowing more- which computer hackers and whatnot are not really on my radar.
Since I already knew a bit about Erik's background from reading First Light, I think that my desire to know him more and how he and Vivi connect helped me through that rough spot. Once I got over that mental roadblock I really did love this story. Erik and Vivi are both complicated characters with a lot in common. They both tend to be introverted and stick to themselves or the people that have proven they are trustworthy. There is an instant connection and spark between these two- and that spark creates some real heat. I love the subtle humor in these characters- it's not a rom-com where I expect these laugh out loud moments or banter but I found that both Erik and Vivi have a bit of this dry humor or situations where they are just kind of oblivious that it added this snippet of humor into what is a pretty intense story. And this story is intense- it's dramatic and suspenseful with twists that I didn't even think of. Once I found my groove in the story I couldn't put it down and read it all in one sitting. Now I can't wait to see what is in store for the rest of this group and if/how the danger storyline will continue on through the series.
February 3, 2022
If you like super-spicy romantic suspense, this is a book for you.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥
Erik Lai and Vivienne Rossi are childhood friends, except that they did not really know each other in real life. They bonded over victories in an online game and talked (albeit vaguely) about their personal lives. Even though they drifted apart, they still managed to message each other once in a while on the app.
Meanwhile, Vivi headed to Paris to oversee part of her family's vineyard business, while Erik got involved in serious cybercrime. This has put Erik and everyone around him in serious danger.
His current hideaway is Napa, California, where Vivi herself has come home to be close to family and opened a charming bookstore and café. Erik found out she was in close vicinity, so he visits her bookstore without disclosing who he is. Immediately they are drawn to each other, but would secrets and danger get in the way?
I really enjoyed this book. I love the different layers of mystery around Erik's background story and how it compares to Vivi's less dangerous but equally complicated family drama. I found them both to be charming with Erik's introverted and guarded quirks and Vivi's often-too-trusting approach to life. Their chemistry is sizzling! These two introverts are most definitely not shy between the sheets, and I am here for it.
This was the first book in the Twisted Vines series, and I cannot wait for more. I believe Erik is a character from one of Isabel Jolie's books, but this book works great as a standalone.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Isabel Jolie and Grey's Promo for providing an ARC. **
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥
Erik Lai and Vivienne Rossi are childhood friends, except that they did not really know each other in real life. They bonded over victories in an online game and talked (albeit vaguely) about their personal lives. Even though they drifted apart, they still managed to message each other once in a while on the app.
Meanwhile, Vivi headed to Paris to oversee part of her family's vineyard business, while Erik got involved in serious cybercrime. This has put Erik and everyone around him in serious danger.
His current hideaway is Napa, California, where Vivi herself has come home to be close to family and opened a charming bookstore and café. Erik found out she was in close vicinity, so he visits her bookstore without disclosing who he is. Immediately they are drawn to each other, but would secrets and danger get in the way?
I really enjoyed this book. I love the different layers of mystery around Erik's background story and how it compares to Vivi's less dangerous but equally complicated family drama. I found them both to be charming with Erik's introverted and guarded quirks and Vivi's often-too-trusting approach to life. Their chemistry is sizzling! These two introverts are most definitely not shy between the sheets, and I am here for it.
This was the first book in the Twisted Vines series, and I cannot wait for more. I believe Erik is a character from one of Isabel Jolie's books, but this book works great as a standalone.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Isabel Jolie and Grey's Promo for providing an ARC. **
March 29, 2023
"𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆. 𝑨 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒊𝒕 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔. 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒚’𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒍. 𝑵𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒕 𝒎𝒆. 𝑵𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒕 𝒖𝒔. 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐.”
Rating: ⭐️
Spice: 🔥.5
Relationship: MW
Tropes/content: Romantic suspense, billionaire heroine, bookstore owner/hacker, friends to lovers
Series: Twisted Vines #1
⚠️Check triggers⚠️
Erik Lai is a hacker and former criminal now working for the government. He's ready to look to the future, but he has one thing from his past he's curious about: his internet friend, Firefly. When he hacks the game he played with Firefly, it leads him to a bookstore in Napa Valley owned by Vivianne Rossi, heiress to a well known winery. Sparks fly between the two of them as they get to know one another. There's just one problem. Vivianne still doesn't know who Erik really is.
I'm mad I read this book. I kicked off other books of my March one so I could read this book and what amazing waste it was. The story had potential, and I love that Erik is obsessed with Vivianne, but that's about all I liked. The story had potential, but it wasn't developed. Nothing really happened for most of the book and quite a bit of information was repeated over and over again. The writing style didn't help. It was disjointed and confusing. It read a lot like shorthand ideas for a full length novel. I didn't feel like Erik and Vivianne had a connection at all. Also, Erik is a walking red flag and not in a fun, fictional way. He reminds me of a man in the real world and that's not what I want from a fictional man.
🚨The information below discusses misogyny and transphobia🚨
Outside of the poor storyline, there were a few things that were problematic and harmful. At one point, Vivianne is in a conversation with her sister who shares some comments their grandfather made. Below is what Vivianne's sister told her (Vivianne) their grandfather said:
“The entire way home, he laid into me about how I’d never find a man. That I might as well be a man. Get a sex change. I’m too hard. Too bitchy. Too controlling. Need to lose weight. My thighs are too thick. No man wants to be upstaged. I’m too intimidating.”
There's so much misogyny and sexism here, but that's not even the main concern I have. My issue is the sex change comment. First, it's gender affirmation surgery, not a sex change. Second of all, it's commentary like the one above that simplify gender identity down to genitalia, which is not what gender identity is. There are trans men and women who have not had gender affirming surgery, which is completely valid and their choice, and doesn't negate their gender identity. They are still valid in their identity and don't have to have specific genitalia to be valid. This idea that "being a man" is relegated to being "too hard, too controlling" and having male genitalia is harmful and gross. It feels transphobic and I don't support that. I hate the misogyny of this comment and the idea that strong women can't be loved by men. Gross, gross, gross.
Rating: ⭐️
Spice: 🔥.5
Relationship: MW
Tropes/content: Romantic suspense, billionaire heroine, bookstore owner/hacker, friends to lovers
Series: Twisted Vines #1
⚠️Check triggers⚠️
Erik Lai is a hacker and former criminal now working for the government. He's ready to look to the future, but he has one thing from his past he's curious about: his internet friend, Firefly. When he hacks the game he played with Firefly, it leads him to a bookstore in Napa Valley owned by Vivianne Rossi, heiress to a well known winery. Sparks fly between the two of them as they get to know one another. There's just one problem. Vivianne still doesn't know who Erik really is.
I'm mad I read this book. I kicked off other books of my March one so I could read this book and what amazing waste it was. The story had potential, and I love that Erik is obsessed with Vivianne, but that's about all I liked. The story had potential, but it wasn't developed. Nothing really happened for most of the book and quite a bit of information was repeated over and over again. The writing style didn't help. It was disjointed and confusing. It read a lot like shorthand ideas for a full length novel. I didn't feel like Erik and Vivianne had a connection at all. Also, Erik is a walking red flag and not in a fun, fictional way. He reminds me of a man in the real world and that's not what I want from a fictional man.
🚨The information below discusses misogyny and transphobia🚨
Outside of the poor storyline, there were a few things that were problematic and harmful. At one point, Vivianne is in a conversation with her sister who shares some comments their grandfather made. Below is what Vivianne's sister told her (Vivianne) their grandfather said:
“The entire way home, he laid into me about how I’d never find a man. That I might as well be a man. Get a sex change. I’m too hard. Too bitchy. Too controlling. Need to lose weight. My thighs are too thick. No man wants to be upstaged. I’m too intimidating.”
There's so much misogyny and sexism here, but that's not even the main concern I have. My issue is the sex change comment. First, it's gender affirmation surgery, not a sex change. Second of all, it's commentary like the one above that simplify gender identity down to genitalia, which is not what gender identity is. There are trans men and women who have not had gender affirming surgery, which is completely valid and their choice, and doesn't negate their gender identity. They are still valid in their identity and don't have to have specific genitalia to be valid. This idea that "being a man" is relegated to being "too hard, too controlling" and having male genitalia is harmful and gross. It feels transphobic and I don't support that. I hate the misogyny of this comment and the idea that strong women can't be loved by men. Gross, gross, gross.
January 23, 2022
We first met Erik in his sister Cali’s story in First Light. Erik is a hactivist now working for the US government to provide cybersecurity and help take down his old partner. Erik and his team have been laying low for awhile when boredom gets the best of him and he seeks out his old gaming friend in person. He didn’t know what to expect and Vivi was certainly more than he could ever imagine. Erik is drawn to Vivi but he knows he should stay away for her safety. Vivi wonders about the mysterious nerd that’s taken up residence in her store to work and she finds herself drawn to him in more ways than one. Can they even be together safely or will their respective pasts come back to haunt them?
I really enjoy books written in dual POVs especially when you know the characters are going to be complex and guarded. Erik is definitely guarded and rightfully so with his past. Vivi is also guarded in a way because of her family name. I appreciated the added bit of suspense with Erik and Vivi story and the gamer angle fit them well. This is the first book in The Twisted Vines trilogy by @isabeljolieauthor so you already know there’s more to this story that hasn’t been written yet.
Rating 3.5 stars
Thank you @greyspromo and @isabeljolieauthor for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
I really enjoy books written in dual POVs especially when you know the characters are going to be complex and guarded. Erik is definitely guarded and rightfully so with his past. Vivi is also guarded in a way because of her family name. I appreciated the added bit of suspense with Erik and Vivi story and the gamer angle fit them well. This is the first book in The Twisted Vines trilogy by @isabeljolieauthor so you already know there’s more to this story that hasn’t been written yet.
Rating 3.5 stars
Thank you @greyspromo and @isabeljolieauthor for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
February 1, 2022
(I'd like to thank Hidden Gems Books for providing me with an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.)
I want to start off by saying I really enjoyed reading CRUSHED. It was a quick, fun read. After a certain point, I did want to see how everything unfolded and what happened between Erik and Viv. I think the idea of this story is great, but I do feel like some things are missing and wish there would have been a little more action with Kane and more things resolved. This is the first book in a series, so maybe more will come up in later books for related characters.
I really liked Viv's character, though there were a few times where she bugged me. She was an interesting character and surprising at times (especially with something at the end that popped up as a little twist). I also really liked Erik, though there were a times he bugged the crap out of me. But he was completely adorable at times when it came to Viv and I loved how he wanted to protect her. Erik's co-workers/friends were pretty great as well in the scenes they were in, but I feel like I didn't connect with them much, as well as Viv's family.
There were quit a few times throughout the book where I felt like I was reading an unedited version of the book, which may be true due to the fact I was reading an ARC. When a story is good enough to pull me in, I can usually ignore little grammar issues that come up, or the way something is written, but there are times where it will trip me up and pull me out of the story for a moment. There were also a few pacing issues at times. Overall, though, I enjoyed reading CRUSHED and I am curious to read more from Isabel Jolie. I also look forward to learning about the next book in this series. If you're looking for a cute, quick read, I recommend it! :)
I want to start off by saying I really enjoyed reading CRUSHED. It was a quick, fun read. After a certain point, I did want to see how everything unfolded and what happened between Erik and Viv. I think the idea of this story is great, but I do feel like some things are missing and wish there would have been a little more action with Kane and more things resolved. This is the first book in a series, so maybe more will come up in later books for related characters.
I really liked Viv's character, though there were a few times where she bugged me. She was an interesting character and surprising at times (especially with something at the end that popped up as a little twist). I also really liked Erik, though there were a times he bugged the crap out of me. But he was completely adorable at times when it came to Viv and I loved how he wanted to protect her. Erik's co-workers/friends were pretty great as well in the scenes they were in, but I feel like I didn't connect with them much, as well as Viv's family.
There were quit a few times throughout the book where I felt like I was reading an unedited version of the book, which may be true due to the fact I was reading an ARC. When a story is good enough to pull me in, I can usually ignore little grammar issues that come up, or the way something is written, but there are times where it will trip me up and pull me out of the story for a moment. There were also a few pacing issues at times. Overall, though, I enjoyed reading CRUSHED and I am curious to read more from Isabel Jolie. I also look forward to learning about the next book in this series. If you're looking for a cute, quick read, I recommend it! :)
February 1, 2022
A slow burn romance full of secrets with a hint of suspense. I loved the idea behind this book but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I was left feeling slightly disappointed by the plot as I was hoping the ominous menace of Kane and Spectre to loom over them a bit more and provide a higher level of suspense but then again this is the first book in the Twisted Vines series so the ongoing threat might be the underlying story arc. A part of me just felt after finishing Crushed that Eric was more than a little paranoid and most of the threat was in his mind.
I did like the character of Erik, a nerdy geek who, after a life of cybercrime, is working for the government with his team bringing down his former colleagues. They eventually end up hiding out in the Napa Valley where Eric’s past and present are about to clash when he meets Vivi, a former co-gamer from his youth who he knew as Firefly to his Phoenix. Vivianne Rossi is a bit of a contradiction in terms. She comes across as being quite naïve and trusting especially when it comes to locking her own doors but she has a sideline where she exposes cheating or married boyfriends. When she meets Eric she has no idea of their past connection. I did enjoy the build-up of their relationship even if it was a bit of a slow-burn romance but they did have a good chemistry together.
I did like the character of Erik, a nerdy geek who, after a life of cybercrime, is working for the government with his team bringing down his former colleagues. They eventually end up hiding out in the Napa Valley where Eric’s past and present are about to clash when he meets Vivi, a former co-gamer from his youth who he knew as Firefly to his Phoenix. Vivianne Rossi is a bit of a contradiction in terms. She comes across as being quite naïve and trusting especially when it comes to locking her own doors but she has a sideline where she exposes cheating or married boyfriends. When she meets Eric she has no idea of their past connection. I did enjoy the build-up of their relationship even if it was a bit of a slow-burn romance but they did have a good chemistry together.
February 10, 2022
What happens when you finally meet the voice you have loved for years...
Crushed is the story of Erik and Vivienne. This was an engaging and interesting story with two characters that are very much different, but yet they are also friends, if only online. Erik is a hacker who with a group of friends works for the government in cyber security and threat detection. Vivi is an heiress to a Napa Valley winery and a bookstore owner. She is also a hacker but on a much, much smaller scale. These two first met when they were young adults online while playing games. All these years later and they may finally be putting faces to the names and voices. But there is danger, mystery, suspense and violence surrounding Erik which comes into Vivi's world.
So for me this was an interesting story and I liked the characters. But there were some things that I felt I was missing within the story, some questions left unanswered by the end. If you are a fan of Isabel Jolie then I would recommend picking Crushed up and reading it to make up your own mind. But if you are new to this author then I would suggest starting with a different book first. This is only my opinion so take it for what it is worth or not to you.
Crushed is the story of Erik and Vivienne. This was an engaging and interesting story with two characters that are very much different, but yet they are also friends, if only online. Erik is a hacker who with a group of friends works for the government in cyber security and threat detection. Vivi is an heiress to a Napa Valley winery and a bookstore owner. She is also a hacker but on a much, much smaller scale. These two first met when they were young adults online while playing games. All these years later and they may finally be putting faces to the names and voices. But there is danger, mystery, suspense and violence surrounding Erik which comes into Vivi's world.
So for me this was an interesting story and I liked the characters. But there were some things that I felt I was missing within the story, some questions left unanswered by the end. If you are a fan of Isabel Jolie then I would recommend picking Crushed up and reading it to make up your own mind. But if you are new to this author then I would suggest starting with a different book first. This is only my opinion so take it for what it is worth or not to you.
July 29, 2022
Left feeling unsure
I enjoyed this story for the most part. There were a few times where I felt like the author forgot what she had already said previously, such as the gender of the H’s dog and the fact that the 2 main characters had already discussed their ages and later on she says he looks to be around her age yet she knew how old he was based on a prior conversation. ***POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT*** this doesn’t necessarily relate to this particular couple or book but I am a little disappointed to see that Kairi’s love interest is a man that Chloe is dating and has talked about multiple times. Now without reading her book and just what happens in this book and seeing as how he is the H in the next book which is Kairi’s it makes me feel a little sad. Obviously Kairi has been through something traumatic and deserves to find love but I don’t like how the author decided to write that character to be someone Chloe starts dating as if she herself hasn’t had enough dating drama already. For that reason and the fact I don’t care for second chance romance I won’t be reading her story or Trevor’s which is an age gap. Also, there is no closure with the bad guy here and we have to continue reading I assume to find out what happens so I guess I just won’t find out.
I enjoyed this story for the most part. There were a few times where I felt like the author forgot what she had already said previously, such as the gender of the H’s dog and the fact that the 2 main characters had already discussed their ages and later on she says he looks to be around her age yet she knew how old he was based on a prior conversation. ***POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT*** this doesn’t necessarily relate to this particular couple or book but I am a little disappointed to see that Kairi’s love interest is a man that Chloe is dating and has talked about multiple times. Now without reading her book and just what happens in this book and seeing as how he is the H in the next book which is Kairi’s it makes me feel a little sad. Obviously Kairi has been through something traumatic and deserves to find love but I don’t like how the author decided to write that character to be someone Chloe starts dating as if she herself hasn’t had enough dating drama already. For that reason and the fact I don’t care for second chance romance I won’t be reading her story or Trevor’s which is an age gap. Also, there is no closure with the bad guy here and we have to continue reading I assume to find out what happens so I guess I just won’t find out.
January 25, 2022
The world of cybersecurity is always changing and evolving and as we get to witness, Erik is in trying to be in the front of it. As a former hacker, he is working as a hackivist with the US government to try and keep people safe. He has always enjoyed the world.15 years ago he met Firefly online in an online game platform. Now that he found her, he realizes that he has to get to know her. Vivi, may have been a huge gamer, but now owns a little bookshop. Those around her know that she is also an heiress to vineyard.
Both Erik and Vivi hide parts of themselves from the other. Erik is trying to protect her from his life and from the threat of a cyber attack he feels like is coming his way. Vivi, because her family has been targeted in the past by people that are trying to take money from them. She may have grown up an heiress, but one would never guess that with what she drives and how she dresses. This was a good read that gives you a glimpse into a world many of us might not know or may not even really understand.
Both Erik and Vivi hide parts of themselves from the other. Erik is trying to protect her from his life and from the threat of a cyber attack he feels like is coming his way. Vivi, because her family has been targeted in the past by people that are trying to take money from them. She may have grown up an heiress, but one would never guess that with what she drives and how she dresses. This was a good read that gives you a glimpse into a world many of us might not know or may not even really understand.
January 27, 2022
Will they ever be able to stay in one place? Will they be able to live without fear of reprisal against themselves or their loved ones? Erik Lai, aka hacker “Phoenix”, has tracked down the person who he communicated with for years as a gamer. Vivianne Rossi is “Firefly” and she has always wondered who her gamer friend “Phoenix” was. Erik is attracted to her, doesn’t want to be, and spends time in her bookstore. He tells her he is using the WIFI, but he is coding and trying to locate his former friend now enemy, Kane. Erik survived one assassination attempt and he and his team cannot afford to let down their guard or involve innocent citizens…but he can’t seem to stay away from her. Vivi is a member of the well-known wine making Rossi family and is slowly attracted to Erik, but who is he really? Is he Phoenix? When she is threatened, does it involve Erik’s past or something from her own past? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
January 27, 2022
Vivi and Erik have been friends for over 10 years but never actually met. They are friends on an online game. A friendship has developed between them, but they don't even know each other's real names. With Eric’s skill with cyberspace he's able to find out where she lives. When he walks into her bookstore and sees her, he is pleasantly surprised. Whatever he imagined real life is so much better. But he doesn't tell her who he is. Security is a big thing to him and when he looks around her store he notices she's hardly protected. He feels protective of her and wants to keep her safe even though she has no clue who he is. Eric and his friends are trying to stay hidden because of an ex-partner who was after them. Eric feels if this partner finds him and realizes what Vivi is to him she is in danger just by association.
Crushed is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat just waiting to see what will happen next. An enjoyable read.
Crushed is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat just waiting to see what will happen next. An enjoyable read.
January 30, 2022
This book, and especially the ending, all make the book worm, the gamer geek, and the nerd girl in me “squee!” in delight. The suspense held me at the edge of my seat, and I was constantly wondering what would happen next. I loved that we got this opportunity to see why Erik operated the way he did. After reading his sister’s story in “First Light”, I knew there had to be more to him then what we'd been able to see so far. Vivi both was and wasn’t what I expect from a gamer girl. She has the introverted nature, but her family dynamic threw my expectations for a bit of a loop. I adored this pair together. The way they took care of each other and looked after one another made my happy heart sigh. I'm not sure how they'll deal with the shadow that still looms over them however, I'm dying to see what the author brings us next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
February 3, 2022
Just ok.
I feel like the story blurb gave me so much hope for something exciting but that never developed. It was sorta bland. Although, I liked Erik & Vivi's love story very much.
Compared to all these other reviews, I feel like I read a different book.
I was disappointed that the writing was disjointed. I hate continuity issues and having to reread a page or go back to figure out who's talking and I had to do that too many times. The whole first chapter was a spy/black ops shooting scene but that was never mentioned, or anything close to alluding to it, for the rest of the book. The rest of it was nothing even close to that. I was confused and waiting for the spy action to go down.
Since this is a spinoff series, I feel like there were some things mentioned that we were already supposed to know. But then there were some other things that were over-explained. No balance.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.)
I feel like the story blurb gave me so much hope for something exciting but that never developed. It was sorta bland. Although, I liked Erik & Vivi's love story very much.
Compared to all these other reviews, I feel like I read a different book.
I was disappointed that the writing was disjointed. I hate continuity issues and having to reread a page or go back to figure out who's talking and I had to do that too many times. The whole first chapter was a spy/black ops shooting scene but that was never mentioned, or anything close to alluding to it, for the rest of the book. The rest of it was nothing even close to that. I was confused and waiting for the spy action to go down.
Since this is a spinoff series, I feel like there were some things mentioned that we were already supposed to know. But then there were some other things that were over-explained. No balance.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.)
April 8, 2022
I won Crushed via Goodreads Giveaway. For me this was an average read. I thought the storyline was different and interesting, I enjoyed the friends and family that are throughout, and the sexy times did not disappoint. What I struggled with was the writing on this one, at least in the first half of the book. Once I got half way it seemed to flow somewhat better. It felt as though the story line just wasn't developing very well the first half. The dialogue was hard to follow at times. I had to read conversations over and over to figure out who was talking and sometimes just gave up because it didn't make sense. There are details that get dropped in at odd times in the book that make you do a double take like not knowing the main guy has a dog until about half way through. And while the sexy times are good, the chemistry leading up isn't there or isn't what you would typically think is chemistry between two main characters.
September 8, 2024
Intrigue and Romance
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Erik’s story, but I really enjoyed!! There is tons of intrigue as Erik is a high level hacker and lives in a very gray world. He and his team are being hunted by a former partner, and can’t afford personal connections.
Years before, Erik formed an anonymous online friendship with another gamer, and they kept in touch all these years. A moment of curiosity wins, and he is able to locate his gamer friend, only to discover Vivi. She is a sweet, beautiful, brilliant bookstore owner, and Erik can’t stay away, and struggles to process the depth of his feelings.
This story is filled with sweetness and spice, but also lots of thrilling details. Erik’s paranoia of being hunted is real, and he wouldn’t be able to handle it if something happened to Vivi. I’m Looking forward to the rest of the team’s stories to find out what happens next!
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Erik’s story, but I really enjoyed!! There is tons of intrigue as Erik is a high level hacker and lives in a very gray world. He and his team are being hunted by a former partner, and can’t afford personal connections.
Years before, Erik formed an anonymous online friendship with another gamer, and they kept in touch all these years. A moment of curiosity wins, and he is able to locate his gamer friend, only to discover Vivi. She is a sweet, beautiful, brilliant bookstore owner, and Erik can’t stay away, and struggles to process the depth of his feelings.
This story is filled with sweetness and spice, but also lots of thrilling details. Erik’s paranoia of being hunted is real, and he wouldn’t be able to handle it if something happened to Vivi. I’m Looking forward to the rest of the team’s stories to find out what happens next!
February 1, 2022
3.5 Stars
This is the first book from this author that I've read and I have mixed feelings. I liked the pace of the story and the way it flowed and built. The setting was interesting and my knowledge of the wine industry, particularly collectors, has increased. However, I just couldn't connect to these characters. Erik is a white hat hacker who has known Vivi for over a decade as an online friend with a different avatar. Essentially, he's stalked her, tracked her down and is now insinuating himself in her life without telling her anything about himself. Vivi is a wine collector who keeps an extensive and valuable collection in the basement of her store that isn't even adequately locked half the time.
For me, there was too much that just didn't gel with the characters, I couldn't connect with them and found myself annoyed by them.
This is the first book from this author that I've read and I have mixed feelings. I liked the pace of the story and the way it flowed and built. The setting was interesting and my knowledge of the wine industry, particularly collectors, has increased. However, I just couldn't connect to these characters. Erik is a white hat hacker who has known Vivi for over a decade as an online friend with a different avatar. Essentially, he's stalked her, tracked her down and is now insinuating himself in her life without telling her anything about himself. Vivi is a wine collector who keeps an extensive and valuable collection in the basement of her store that isn't even adequately locked half the time.
For me, there was too much that just didn't gel with the characters, I couldn't connect with them and found myself annoyed by them.
February 7, 2022
Love Games
Isabel Jolie’s most recent novel also known as ‘The Hacker and The Heiress’ has certainly crushed the ratings. This story is an exciting adventurous romance. Erik and Vivianne, the main characters, have been online gaming friends since they were kids but have never met in person. Erik is a hacker and is always trying to keep ahead of his enemies. Vivianne has returned to Napa Valley, California to open her own bookstore and cafe and to help with the family winery. When Erik learns Vivianne is close, he goes to her bookstore to see her. They have an instant connection and several things in common such as their love of gaming, deep secrets and both are extroverts. This book was so riveting that I couldn’t put it down until the very last page. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
Isabel Jolie’s most recent novel also known as ‘The Hacker and The Heiress’ has certainly crushed the ratings. This story is an exciting adventurous romance. Erik and Vivianne, the main characters, have been online gaming friends since they were kids but have never met in person. Erik is a hacker and is always trying to keep ahead of his enemies. Vivianne has returned to Napa Valley, California to open her own bookstore and cafe and to help with the family winery. When Erik learns Vivianne is close, he goes to her bookstore to see her. They have an instant connection and several things in common such as their love of gaming, deep secrets and both are extroverts. This book was so riveting that I couldn’t put it down until the very last page. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
September 4, 2023
Crushed is the 1st book in the Twisted Vines trilogy and you might say it's also the start of The Arrow Tactical series. While it stands alone, there is a feeling in the first few chapters of missing background info. However, over the course of the book, secrets are revealed and questions answered. I liked Eric and Vivi, both individually and as a couple and enjoyed watching their relationship evolve. The suspense curve goes from high to low to high again and it really got me to understand how Erik and his team must feel, waiting for another attack. The story is written from both characters' POVs which I always like. The HEA is well-deserved and I loved the hint of what's to come in the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2023
Not my favourite book by this author:
Unfortunately I had a hard time settling into this book. I kept waiting to feel a connection to both the story and the characters but felt as though I was being kept at arms length. I was longing to really get to know the main characters but the writing style unfortunately hindered this. It came across as rather choppy and disjointed and I was just hoping for more.
I wanted to see things work out for Erik and Vivi but I can't say I really felt much chemistry between them. I was curious to see how it would all work out with the threats that they were facing but would have liked it to have been more suspenseful. This was the first book in the Twisted Vines series and I don't think I'll continue reading the rest of the books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unfortunately I had a hard time settling into this book. I kept waiting to feel a connection to both the story and the characters but felt as though I was being kept at arms length. I was longing to really get to know the main characters but the writing style unfortunately hindered this. It came across as rather choppy and disjointed and I was just hoping for more.
I wanted to see things work out for Erik and Vivi but I can't say I really felt much chemistry between them. I was curious to see how it would all work out with the threats that they were facing but would have liked it to have been more suspenseful. This was the first book in the Twisted Vines series and I don't think I'll continue reading the rest of the books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2022
When I first started reading this book, I could tell right away that it was a lot different than what I'm used to reading from Isabel Jolie; however, that being said, I was so pleasantly surprised! What I love most about Isabel's stories is that they're all so realistic/believable, as if this is how a true love story progresses in the real world.
Erik and Vivi's story flowed so naturally, and their connection was undeniable! I loved their whole back story, and how they knew each other years ago. Truly an inspirational love story that will stay with me for months or years to come! I've loved everything I've ever read by this author, but Isabel has really outdone herself with this one! Her stories just keep getting better and better! Highly recommended with more than five stars!
Erik and Vivi's story flowed so naturally, and their connection was undeniable! I loved their whole back story, and how they knew each other years ago. Truly an inspirational love story that will stay with me for months or years to come! I've loved everything I've ever read by this author, but Isabel has really outdone herself with this one! Her stories just keep getting better and better! Highly recommended with more than five stars!
February 5, 2022
3.5 I am conflicted on how to rate this. Overall, I liked the story. But I assume that one of the main sources of suspense will be a common thread throughout the series that is only resolved in the last book. Also, while I think I like Erik and Vivianne, many of the key plot points seem to involve their biggest most annoying character traits and I don't know how I feel about that. In particular, Vivianne kind of disappointed me. In theory, she should be too intelligent and too worldly to be so clueless and naive. And she seems to play at being a business owner rather than be invested in its success. No wonder her family is ok with her not being part of the family business!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 14, 2022
Erik and Vivi have known each other for a long time, but Vivi has no clue who he is. Her longtime gaming friend, Phoenix, one day walks into her bookstore to use her WiFi. He at first just wanted to observe her. Then, it was important to chit-chat with her, until he felt the need to protect her.
When he sees someone staking out, her store. And, he feels like, a man is following her, too. Then, discounts it. But, when his anxiety takes over when his phone is blacked out, he panics and puts the team, on alert. Thinking she is being followed, because of him. But, is that, right?
I started the series with book three. So, this book did not give me the charge that one did. But this one is, still good.
When he sees someone staking out, her store. And, he feels like, a man is following her, too. Then, discounts it. But, when his anxiety takes over when his phone is blacked out, he panics and puts the team, on alert. Thinking she is being followed, because of him. But, is that, right?
I started the series with book three. So, this book did not give me the charge that one did. But this one is, still good.
October 11, 2022
Not terrible but not great either
Loved the premise of this book, and it had so much potential, it just wasn't executed very well. Not awful but not great either. Inner dialogue was almost as stilted as the external dialogue, glaring editing issues, i.e. they tell each other their ages and then a chapter later she's internally guessing that he's around her age, stuff like that. I lived the dual POV and the plot potential was really good, just didn't love the way the author fleshed it out. Also the secondary characters that follow the rest of the series were annoying, especially Kaira whom the next book is about so it didn't make me interested in reading the next one. Glad I got it for free.
Loved the premise of this book, and it had so much potential, it just wasn't executed very well. Not awful but not great either. Inner dialogue was almost as stilted as the external dialogue, glaring editing issues, i.e. they tell each other their ages and then a chapter later she's internally guessing that he's around her age, stuff like that. I lived the dual POV and the plot potential was really good, just didn't love the way the author fleshed it out. Also the secondary characters that follow the rest of the series were annoying, especially Kaira whom the next book is about so it didn't make me interested in reading the next one. Glad I got it for free.
January 19, 2022
Crushed was quite a different read for me. I love this author's writing and I was looking forward to this story, but I have to admit that there were times when I didn't "get" some of the jargon because I'm not as "techie" as most people today! Nevertheless I enjoyed Erik and Vivi's relationship and how it came to be and their journey throughout this book. I would definitely put this in the romantic suspense genre because there's quite a bit of mystery, suspense and secrets, along with the slow burn between these two. If you're looking for something out the box and a bit different, definitely read Crushed!
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