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Graffiti Hearts #1
Beautiful Collision
They are both running from their family legacies…
Raised on the wrong side of town with a mother who fell for every man with money, Toni refuses to fall for a pretty face. Her mom did a great job of showing her men were only good for heartbreak. She will depend on no man to be her knight in shining armor. They are only a means to an end to escape the life she is destined to live if she does not claw her way out.
Due to inherit his dad’s cattle empire, Garrett trusts no woman. They fall all over him to get closer to his last name and money. He is searching for his equal—one he can care for but who is able and willing to do it on her own.
Neither of them is honest about their pasts or families. One is looking for true love and the other is avoiding it at all costs. Will this cowboy be able to soften her hardened heart?
Raised on the wrong side of town with a mother who fell for every man with money, Toni refuses to fall for a pretty face. Her mom did a great job of showing her men were only good for heartbreak. She will depend on no man to be her knight in shining armor. They are only a means to an end to escape the life she is destined to live if she does not claw her way out.
Due to inherit his dad’s cattle empire, Garrett trusts no woman. They fall all over him to get closer to his last name and money. He is searching for his equal—one he can care for but who is able and willing to do it on her own.
Neither of them is honest about their pasts or families. One is looking for true love and the other is avoiding it at all costs. Will this cowboy be able to soften her hardened heart?
- GenresEbooks
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2022
40 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Tori Alvarez
11 books176 followersWriting sassy, angsty love stories you can fall into.
Lover of coffee, wine & travel.
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Lover of coffee, wine & travel.
Click below for all the latest!
https://linktr.ee/mstorialvarez
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorToriAl...
https://www.instagram.com/mstorialvarez/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 2, 2020
Beautiful Collision is a story of heartbreak, trust and learning to love.
Toni comes from a rough background. A mother that never cared enough for her, poverty paving her way in life. Furthering her education is at the front of her mind so she can live a better life than she had become accustomed to. But with that comes a price. A price in the form of her job.
She needs money to survive. But when she meets Garrett and starts to let him in, is that job going to be the end of them? Will they survive all that is to come?
This story retained a cuteness about it despite the struggles and misunderstandings.
Garrett is the sweetest guy, so caring and attentive, and genuinely wanting to be there for Toni. But he also hides a little secret about who he really is...
A beautiful read to snuggle up with.
4 stars.
Can I request an Alex book? That boy has a story to tell, and I would love to read it!
Toni comes from a rough background. A mother that never cared enough for her, poverty paving her way in life. Furthering her education is at the front of her mind so she can live a better life than she had become accustomed to. But with that comes a price. A price in the form of her job.
She needs money to survive. But when she meets Garrett and starts to let him in, is that job going to be the end of them? Will they survive all that is to come?
This story retained a cuteness about it despite the struggles and misunderstandings.
Garrett is the sweetest guy, so caring and attentive, and genuinely wanting to be there for Toni. But he also hides a little secret about who he really is...
A beautiful read to snuggle up with.
4 stars.
Can I request an Alex book? That boy has a story to tell, and I would love to read it!
February 26, 2020
Poor Toni had a tough life & her daily struggles and hurdles were really well portrayed. I was so glad she found Garrett & Lola when she did. Garrett, what can I say? He was the sweetest, kindest guy ever. I’d give him all my stars!
This was an angsty but heart warming love story and I enjoyed every minute. I need Javie & Alex’s stories now ;-)
This was an angsty but heart warming love story and I enjoyed every minute. I need Javie & Alex’s stories now ;-)
January 18, 2020
Interesting and unexpected
This was certainly an interesting read, and not at all what I was expecting (in a good way) The characters in this book are real, damaged and not your stereotypical college students which was refreshing.
Honestly though, it took me most of the book to warm up to Toni. On one hand, I could understand her wanting to hide her past and some things from her life from Garrett, but I felt she held onto these a little too long and made them a much bigger deal than they needed to be.
But Garrett, I adored him from the first moment he was on the page. He's a swoonworthy book boyfriend who doesn't back down and loves fiercely. He stole the show and made this book a great read.
The side characters were equally intriguing and I'm already hoping there is going to be an Alex book. So many of these characters have stories to tell, and even though this story ends with a HEA there is potential for more and if Tori writes it I will read it.
This was certainly an interesting read, and not at all what I was expecting (in a good way) The characters in this book are real, damaged and not your stereotypical college students which was refreshing.
Honestly though, it took me most of the book to warm up to Toni. On one hand, I could understand her wanting to hide her past and some things from her life from Garrett, but I felt she held onto these a little too long and made them a much bigger deal than they needed to be.
But Garrett, I adored him from the first moment he was on the page. He's a swoonworthy book boyfriend who doesn't back down and loves fiercely. He stole the show and made this book a great read.
The side characters were equally intriguing and I'm already hoping there is going to be an Alex book. So many of these characters have stories to tell, and even though this story ends with a HEA there is potential for more and if Tori writes it I will read it.
November 24, 2021
This book has my whole heart and more. I know I say this about a lot of good books I read, but I’m deadly serious that it has left me an emotional wreck.
Toni and Garrett’s story has left me overwhelmed and in the mist of putting my heart back together.
Yes, this is a story about poor girl rich boy but there is so so much more behind it all. The emotions that run through this book are intense, the building of trust between love and friendships will make you cry.
I cannot wait to continue on with the rest of the series.
Toni and Garrett’s story has left me overwhelmed and in the mist of putting my heart back together.
Yes, this is a story about poor girl rich boy but there is so so much more behind it all. The emotions that run through this book are intense, the building of trust between love and friendships will make you cry.
I cannot wait to continue on with the rest of the series.
May 9, 2020
Beautiful Collision is the story of Toni and Garrett.
Toni is struggling to reconcile the “hood life” she came from and the college life she is currently living.
Garrett wants to be loved for who he is and not for what his family can offer a woman.
Both characters are filled with secrets, and trust issues.
This is a sweet and sad story with a HEA.
The characters are real and interesting with great back stories.
I love the side characters: Alex, Javie, and Lola.
If you enjoy New Adult/College romance one-click and add this to your Kindle.
Toni is struggling to reconcile the “hood life” she came from and the college life she is currently living.
Garrett wants to be loved for who he is and not for what his family can offer a woman.
Both characters are filled with secrets, and trust issues.
This is a sweet and sad story with a HEA.
The characters are real and interesting with great back stories.
I love the side characters: Alex, Javie, and Lola.
If you enjoy New Adult/College romance one-click and add this to your Kindle.
Read
November 10, 2022The Graffiti Hearts series got NEW COVERS!!
February 23, 2021
Must Read
Well this was an emotional roller coaster. Totally had me in my feelings. ( I’m not crying, you’re crying 😭) I’m so glad they had an awesome grandma that loved and took care of them. I loved the ending.
Well this was an emotional roller coaster. Totally had me in my feelings. ( I’m not crying, you’re crying 😭) I’m so glad they had an awesome grandma that loved and took care of them. I loved the ending.
January 3, 2020
I struggled with this one.
I loved Garrett but Toni...meh.
I didn't like her
I loved Garrett but Toni...meh.
I didn't like her
June 19, 2021
First of all, I can’t express my excitement to have read such a beautiful, strong and resilient Latina lead. Representation matters! Hearing voices similar to ours is important. Toni is a reflection of the wonderful strength and power Latinas have and this society is just starting to notice. —Special mention to Toni’s abuelita, who reminded me of my own because of her sacrificial and selfless love.
This book hit home in so many ways! The importance of family unit, real friends and true, honest love.
It was wrecking and intense reading how the love between Toni and Garret developed through the pages, because their story is about true love.
True love is about ripping yourself open for the other person to see our real side, the one we know it’s there but sometimes we choose to ignore because the good sometimes is not that good, the bad is terrible and the ugly is worse.
I loved how Garret was able to see through Toni’s facade, dig into her mess and still choose her without judgment. And it hit me that after all, he didn’t save her. Toni saved herself and Garret was just a proud witness of her battle rather than her hero. He cheered her with his arms wide open for her to rest when she won the fight. He didn’t make her need him, he made her want him.
Can’t wait to read more in this series.
This book hit home in so many ways! The importance of family unit, real friends and true, honest love.
It was wrecking and intense reading how the love between Toni and Garret developed through the pages, because their story is about true love.
True love is about ripping yourself open for the other person to see our real side, the one we know it’s there but sometimes we choose to ignore because the good sometimes is not that good, the bad is terrible and the ugly is worse.
I loved how Garret was able to see through Toni’s facade, dig into her mess and still choose her without judgment. And it hit me that after all, he didn’t save her. Toni saved herself and Garret was just a proud witness of her battle rather than her hero. He cheered her with his arms wide open for her to rest when she won the fight. He didn’t make her need him, he made her want him.
Can’t wait to read more in this series.
December 10, 2021
A fun and quick read that I consumed in three lunch breaks. A typical “poor girl meets a rich guy but doesn’t realise he’s rich until after she’s fallen in love with him” tale, is made more interesting by the complicated and sometimes distasteful family background suffered by the female main character, Toni. Hailing from the wrong side of the tracks, she is desperate to escape but struggles to completely cut her ties from what is familiar – even though her two cousins are rooting for her to make something decent of her life and grab the opportunity a college scholarship offers. Then Toni meets Garrett, and everything changes.
I enjoyed this book although had some issues with Toni’s more questionable self-justification and actions but appreciate it was probably a generational attitude on my part. The characters are relatable, and I especially liked the supporting roles of Alex, Javie, and Lola, and would like to maybe see more of them in future books.
Very well-written, the book offered a window onto a world of culture and class unfamiliar to me which was fascinating. The plot is fast, but there are still quiet moments of reflection which I liked, and touches of introspection – particularly from Toni’s new friend Lola – did I say I would like more of Lola?
All in all, a fun and entertaining read from a talented and insightful author.
I enjoyed this book although had some issues with Toni’s more questionable self-justification and actions but appreciate it was probably a generational attitude on my part. The characters are relatable, and I especially liked the supporting roles of Alex, Javie, and Lola, and would like to maybe see more of them in future books.
Very well-written, the book offered a window onto a world of culture and class unfamiliar to me which was fascinating. The plot is fast, but there are still quiet moments of reflection which I liked, and touches of introspection – particularly from Toni’s new friend Lola – did I say I would like more of Lola?
All in all, a fun and entertaining read from a talented and insightful author.
January 9, 2021
This is the first book I read bu this author and it has conquered me. I loved it.
Toni’s story has moved me, from her humble origins with a selfish and incompetent mother, the constant love and support of her grandmother and her cousins, her sacrifice for their well-being, coming to work in a strip club and sleeping with men for money to be able to help them financially while pursuing her career.
When she meets Garret, she cannot believe that a boy like him exists, he is too good to be true, especially considering the example of her mother, always jumping from one man to another, bc they got tired of her and wanted to return with their wives, girlfriends or bc they didn’t wants to be with someone from the lower part of the city. But Garret with his insistence, his good manners, and his interest in her not only her body, make her barriers gradually come down. With the help also of her new best friend Lola, a rich girl but with a good head on her shoulders.
Garret fed up with the girls only approaching him for his surname and his money, meeting a girl like Toni, so independent, whom he has to chase and work to get a date with her, is a breath of fresh air.
It is a beautiful love story, I recommend it.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Toni’s story has moved me, from her humble origins with a selfish and incompetent mother, the constant love and support of her grandmother and her cousins, her sacrifice for their well-being, coming to work in a strip club and sleeping with men for money to be able to help them financially while pursuing her career.
When she meets Garret, she cannot believe that a boy like him exists, he is too good to be true, especially considering the example of her mother, always jumping from one man to another, bc they got tired of her and wanted to return with their wives, girlfriends or bc they didn’t wants to be with someone from the lower part of the city. But Garret with his insistence, his good manners, and his interest in her not only her body, make her barriers gradually come down. With the help also of her new best friend Lola, a rich girl but with a good head on her shoulders.
Garret fed up with the girls only approaching him for his surname and his money, meeting a girl like Toni, so independent, whom he has to chase and work to get a date with her, is a breath of fresh air.
It is a beautiful love story, I recommend it.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
February 29, 2020
I recently read Beautiful Collision and it might just be one of my favorite books ever. In my opinion it is this wonderful combination of The Notebook and Pretty Woman....an epic love story between two very different people, Toni and Garrett, intermixed with Toni’s life struggles as she does anything she needs to do to get out of the poverty that clings to her and won’t let go. It was inspiring, endearing and heartwarming. The book takes you a real slow burn journey as Garrett and Toni get to know one another, trust one another and finally let all of their many secrets come to light.
It was angsty without being overly dramatic, sweet without losing the grittiness of the life Toni lives and quite honestly Garrett was a friggin dream. This is one of the best NA/College romances I have ever read because it was about more than college parties and college life...it was about real life struggles that everyone can face and how you can find love with the last person you would ever expect to. I’ve already texted my romance loving IRL friends and told them to download this book...I highly recommend you do to.
It was angsty without being overly dramatic, sweet without losing the grittiness of the life Toni lives and quite honestly Garrett was a friggin dream. This is one of the best NA/College romances I have ever read because it was about more than college parties and college life...it was about real life struggles that everyone can face and how you can find love with the last person you would ever expect to. I’ve already texted my romance loving IRL friends and told them to download this book...I highly recommend you do to.
March 4, 2020
Oh Toni. I related to the heroine of Beautiful Collision quite a bit. Growing up poor and half-black in a predominately rich and white city, I had to code switch quite often. Split myself right down the middle. I couldn’t find happiness until I accepted all of me. The good, the hood, the different, the beautiful. And once you accept who you are, the possibilities are endless. I was rooting for Toni so hard. I felt for her. I wanted to shake her and tell her that her past and even her present doesn’t define her. She’s more than some hood girl who had to do what she had to do to survive. And to wake up! To trust herself and the amazing man in her life. She deserved all the things. Especially the cowboy.
Garrett! Gah! Swooned all over the place. Such a good book boyfriend. Sexy and sweet. That heart! Just delicious. I loved him so hard.
Beautiful Collision is the second book I’ve read of Toni’s and I can truly see the growth in her writing. She has a beautiful way of story telling that keeps you wanting more. It was hard to put this one down. Even if I wanted to throttle my twisted book sister Toni. Definitely recommend.
P.S. I need more Alex!
Garrett! Gah! Swooned all over the place. Such a good book boyfriend. Sexy and sweet. That heart! Just delicious. I loved him so hard.
Beautiful Collision is the second book I’ve read of Toni’s and I can truly see the growth in her writing. She has a beautiful way of story telling that keeps you wanting more. It was hard to put this one down. Even if I wanted to throttle my twisted book sister Toni. Definitely recommend.
P.S. I need more Alex!
December 25, 2019
Beautiful Collision
3.5 stars
You know when you meet a character/characters and you instantly fall in love with them?
That was the case here. Toni and Garrett had my heart from the minute they were introduced. As individual characters, as a couple, their storyline, their development, all of it truly resonated deep.
This was a really fast but emotionally moving read. There was a lot of angst, a lot of tension, a lot of angry screaming (mostly me), a lot of lusting after Garrett (again mostly me.... also Toni), and all resulting into the biggest, goofiest smile on my face at 1 am because of that more than satisfactory ending. Really loved this one and excited to see more from this author.... also, fingers crossed, a possible Alex novel in the future? Pretty please with caramel on top 😍
3.5 stars
You know when you meet a character/characters and you instantly fall in love with them?
That was the case here. Toni and Garrett had my heart from the minute they were introduced. As individual characters, as a couple, their storyline, their development, all of it truly resonated deep.
This was a really fast but emotionally moving read. There was a lot of angst, a lot of tension, a lot of angry screaming (mostly me), a lot of lusting after Garrett (again mostly me.... also Toni), and all resulting into the biggest, goofiest smile on my face at 1 am because of that more than satisfactory ending. Really loved this one and excited to see more from this author.... also, fingers crossed, a possible Alex novel in the future? Pretty please with caramel on top 😍
January 11, 2020
First, congratulations Tori Alvarez for such a lovely story.
Beautiful collision is a sweet romance filled with drama, lies, angst and a pinch of mystery.
Toni, our h, had a rough background and because of that her actions weren't always the best bur her intentions were good. All she wanted was a better life.
Garrett was my favorite. He's smart, kind and just... swoon!! 😍 He wanted to be there for Tori and help wherever he could. But he has his own share of untold stories.
When the truth starts coming to light, the pair wonder if they can make it? Or will their secrets keep them apart?
Overall, this is a heartwarming book that you will devour. I loved it!
Beautiful collision is a sweet romance filled with drama, lies, angst and a pinch of mystery.
Toni, our h, had a rough background and because of that her actions weren't always the best bur her intentions were good. All she wanted was a better life.
Garrett was my favorite. He's smart, kind and just... swoon!! 😍 He wanted to be there for Tori and help wherever he could. But he has his own share of untold stories.
When the truth starts coming to light, the pair wonder if they can make it? Or will their secrets keep them apart?
Overall, this is a heartwarming book that you will devour. I loved it!
May 17, 2020
An enjoyable read with good character development. Toni doesn’t want to be defined by her poor background as she juggles college, home life and a job that some may judge her for doing. She switches between roles while holding back parts of her true self. It was great seeing Toni’s growth throughout the book and I was immediately drawn to sweet, sexy, Garrett who was also hiding something in order to find genuine love. The secondary characters were great too and I look forward to more from this author.
December 31, 2019
First book I read by Tori Alvarez and I really enjoyed it , great read . It wont be my last . I liked the characters and the story line . Tori was a bit rough around the edges but the girl has her reasons she will grow on you and Garrett is such a sweet heart that you cant help like him the moment you meet him. #ARC
May 2, 2020
Beautiful Story
Gorgeous story with grit and intensity and a journey, not just toward love, but also trust and what it means to be a family.
Gorgeous story with grit and intensity and a journey, not just toward love, but also trust and what it means to be a family.
May 12, 2020
I'll admit, I struggled with this one. There were some parts I liked, and I loved Lola's bubbly attitude and the way she just pushed her way into the best friend slot lol. However, I felt like there were sections that felt choppy and didn't really flow well, and some parts seemed repetitive. I also really didn't care for Toni at all. She annoyed me a lot and I didn't understand her way of thinking or the decisions she made at pretty much any step of the way. Unfortunately I wasn't able to connect to her, and I didn't really feel the connection between her and Garrett. I also didn't care for the fade to black scenes. Those aren't my style, I need action!
September 16, 2020
Man, Toni is a force to be reckoned with and I loved it! I love flawed characters who have a tough exterior but deep down just want what everyone else wants.
This was a story of two people from completely different worlds coming together and being what each other need. These are my favorite romance stories because they are similar to mine and my husband's.
I have been reading a lot of thrillers and this was the perfect cleanse.
This was a story of two people from completely different worlds coming together and being what each other need. These are my favorite romance stories because they are similar to mine and my husband's.
I have been reading a lot of thrillers and this was the perfect cleanse.
July 27, 2022
Sweet college romance
This book is a slow burn sweet romance with all the feels. The novel follows Toni, a strong Latina, who is trying to escape poverty by getting a full scholarship to college. She works at a strip joint to make ends meet and help take care of her grandma who raised her & her cousins. She meets Garrett, a sweet country boy, who is at college to get the education on running his family's ranch.
The story has angst as Toni tries to figure out how to mesh the 2 sides of her life. She struggles to trust and has no idea what love in a stable relationship is. It's a unicorn on another planet. Garrett hasn't experienced poverty himself but he's learned work ethic from working on the ranch. He's not a typical alphahole and believes in respectful behavior towards others. He meets Toni where she is at and helps her learn what love is.
Triggers- death in the family and sex work
This book is a slow burn sweet romance with all the feels. The novel follows Toni, a strong Latina, who is trying to escape poverty by getting a full scholarship to college. She works at a strip joint to make ends meet and help take care of her grandma who raised her & her cousins. She meets Garrett, a sweet country boy, who is at college to get the education on running his family's ranch.
The story has angst as Toni tries to figure out how to mesh the 2 sides of her life. She struggles to trust and has no idea what love in a stable relationship is. It's a unicorn on another planet. Garrett hasn't experienced poverty himself but he's learned work ethic from working on the ranch. He's not a typical alphahole and believes in respectful behavior towards others. He meets Toni where she is at and helps her learn what love is.
Triggers- death in the family and sex work
November 28, 2022
Toni and Garrett are really different in every possible way, the only thing they have in common is that they are both hiding who they really are.
I liked the book, liked the premise of the story: A girl from the “wrong side of the tracks” that does whatever she needs to survive and this cute cowboy hiding his wealth as to not attract the wrong company, it was interesting. This one highlights the importance of family, learning to trust people and getting up when life knocks you down. I liked that. The main characters, though, are not my favorite people. Toni and Garrett have nice moments and I liked their chemistry but they, as individuals, are not my favorites, love their backstories tho. The characters that stood out, to me, the most were the secondary characters (Lola and Alex). Thankfully, they have their own book which I’m gonna read and hopefully I’ll like better than this one🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾
Español:
Toni y Garrett son completamente diferentes en todos los sentidos, lo único que tienen en común es que ambos esconden quiénes son en realidad.
Me gustó el libro, me gustó la premisa: Una chica del “lado equivocado de las vías” que hace lo necesario para sobrevivir y este lindo vaquero escondiendo su riqueza para no atraer a la compañía equivocada, fue interesante. Este destaca la importancia de la familia, aprender a confiar en las personas y levantarse cuando la vida te tumba. Me gustó eso. Los personajes principales, sin embargo, no son mis personas favoritos. Toni y Garrett tienen buenos momentos y me gustó la química entre ellos , pero ellos, como individuos, no fueron mis favoritos, aunque amé su historias personales. Los personajes que más se destacaron, para mi, fueron los personajes secundarios (Lola y Alex). Afortunadamente, tienen su propio libro y lo voy a leer y, con suerte, me gustará más que este🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾
I liked the book, liked the premise of the story: A girl from the “wrong side of the tracks” that does whatever she needs to survive and this cute cowboy hiding his wealth as to not attract the wrong company, it was interesting. This one highlights the importance of family, learning to trust people and getting up when life knocks you down. I liked that. The main characters, though, are not my favorite people. Toni and Garrett have nice moments and I liked their chemistry but they, as individuals, are not my favorites, love their backstories tho. The characters that stood out, to me, the most were the secondary characters (Lola and Alex). Thankfully, they have their own book which I’m gonna read and hopefully I’ll like better than this one🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾
Español:
Toni y Garrett son completamente diferentes en todos los sentidos, lo único que tienen en común es que ambos esconden quiénes son en realidad.
Me gustó el libro, me gustó la premisa: Una chica del “lado equivocado de las vías” que hace lo necesario para sobrevivir y este lindo vaquero escondiendo su riqueza para no atraer a la compañía equivocada, fue interesante. Este destaca la importancia de la familia, aprender a confiar en las personas y levantarse cuando la vida te tumba. Me gustó eso. Los personajes principales, sin embargo, no son mis personas favoritos. Toni y Garrett tienen buenos momentos y me gustó la química entre ellos , pero ellos, como individuos, no fueron mis favoritos, aunque amé su historias personales. Los personajes que más se destacaron, para mi, fueron los personajes secundarios (Lola y Alex). Afortunadamente, tienen su propio libro y lo voy a leer y, con suerte, me gustará más que este🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾
June 8, 2020
I loved every single second of this book!
It was packed with so much heart, pain, a side of hood, and the sweetest love.
Toni keeps her heart guarded and is focused on one thing. Graduating from college with a degree so she can take care of her family and get out of the hood. Garrett, sweet, sweet, Garrett was such a breath of fresh air. I fell pretty hard for him. I don't know how it took Toni so long! Completely different from the pompous college jocks on her campus. He is sweet, persistent, with a heart of gold and dimples to match. Garrett breaks down her walls and when life rears her ugly head he stays put and rides the storm with her because that's what you do for the people you love. He does something for Toni no one has done before. He puts her first.
This was the first book I have read by this author but it will definitely not be the last! >> Highly recommend! <<
As a Latina, finding characters that I can truly resonate with isn't an easy feat but I was able to find so many pieces of myself in Toni. Her struggle, the hood life, the embarrassment of what home is, and the urge to get as far away from it all while still going back because it's the only life you have ever known. Tori did an amazing job telling Toni and Garret's story. I cannot wait for more by her!
It was packed with so much heart, pain, a side of hood, and the sweetest love.
Toni keeps her heart guarded and is focused on one thing. Graduating from college with a degree so she can take care of her family and get out of the hood. Garrett, sweet, sweet, Garrett was such a breath of fresh air. I fell pretty hard for him. I don't know how it took Toni so long! Completely different from the pompous college jocks on her campus. He is sweet, persistent, with a heart of gold and dimples to match. Garrett breaks down her walls and when life rears her ugly head he stays put and rides the storm with her because that's what you do for the people you love. He does something for Toni no one has done before. He puts her first.
This was the first book I have read by this author but it will definitely not be the last! >> Highly recommend! <<
As a Latina, finding characters that I can truly resonate with isn't an easy feat but I was able to find so many pieces of myself in Toni. Her struggle, the hood life, the embarrassment of what home is, and the urge to get as far away from it all while still going back because it's the only life you have ever known. Tori did an amazing job telling Toni and Garret's story. I cannot wait for more by her!
December 4, 2019
Toni’s hiding her Jerry-Springer-esque origins and the things she still has to do while she inches toward the kind of life she really wants. Garrett’s sick of women who want him for his family legacy. Neither is being completely honest with the other as they go back and forth trying to figure out if they’ll work together. If it’s worth it.
I didn’t like Toni at first, even though I understood why she is the way she is. So it was really wonderful to see her grow, albeit reluctantly, and come out of her shell for Garrett, who is truly a sweetheart that deserves the good person Toni is at her core. All the drama and angst is worth it in the end, and there’s a sweetness to the chaos that is their story that is undeniable. Great job, Ms. Alvarez!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I didn’t like Toni at first, even though I understood why she is the way she is. So it was really wonderful to see her grow, albeit reluctantly, and come out of her shell for Garrett, who is truly a sweetheart that deserves the good person Toni is at her core. All the drama and angst is worth it in the end, and there’s a sweetness to the chaos that is their story that is undeniable. Great job, Ms. Alvarez!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2020
What happens when a girl from the hood who is trying to leave that life behind and goes to college falls for a guy who also has a secret? This is the story of Toni and Garrett. Toni tries desperately to fit in at college but knowing she will never she doesn’t have friends or trust people. When her study partner suggests they go to a frat party Toni meets Garrett. He is not like all the other frat boys, he’s quieter and wants to get to know her. What will happen when Garrett discovers her truths, her job, her lack of a good mum, a drug dealer cousin? Will there relationship survive? A well written book on a young woman’s struggle for acceptance and a new improved life and a young man who doesn’t want to be a golden ticket for a sorority girl.
June 21, 2021
What a love story! The premise of the would-be lovers hiding their true identities from each other was fun, and I loved the way Ms. Alvarez unfolded the drama and fed us secrets little by little. Garrett was sweet as Texas Sheet Cake, but I have to admit what kept me reading was Toni. I wanted to know if this girl was going to be OK? I NEEDED her to be OK! From the bad side of town, just trying to keep her head down and do what she has to do to graduate college, this girl was smart and TOUGH. She’s so close to getting her degree, but life (i.e. her selfish mother) just keeps throwing her curveballs. I was on the edge of my seat, rooting for Toni throughout the whole book. I loved the ending, but I’m not going to spoil it for you!
June 1, 2020
An ebook copy of this novel was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book. I enjoyed reading from Toni's perspective and feeling her struggles and how she overcame them. I loved her relationship with her cousins and how they took care of each other and their grandmother. I felt it was a very honest representation of how life can be when you are born into poverty.
I didn't dislike Garrett however I found him kind of generic and a little boring.
This was a really sweet story of two people from completely different lives coming together and falling in love.
I liked this book. I enjoyed reading from Toni's perspective and feeling her struggles and how she overcame them. I loved her relationship with her cousins and how they took care of each other and their grandmother. I felt it was a very honest representation of how life can be when you are born into poverty.
I didn't dislike Garrett however I found him kind of generic and a little boring.
This was a really sweet story of two people from completely different lives coming together and falling in love.
February 23, 2020
I was provided an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I love a good forgiveness story, especially when it involves the main character diving deep and forgiving themselves. This was a quick, fun read with a heroine to root for and a sweet hero. The characters are very different from myself, but still very relateable, which speaks to Ms. Alvarez' storytelling ability. I hope this is a series and that we get to see the well-developed side characters, especially Lola, get their own happy ending! Well done.
I love a good forgiveness story, especially when it involves the main character diving deep and forgiving themselves. This was a quick, fun read with a heroine to root for and a sweet hero. The characters are very different from myself, but still very relateable, which speaks to Ms. Alvarez' storytelling ability. I hope this is a series and that we get to see the well-developed side characters, especially Lola, get their own happy ending! Well done.
July 21, 2020
This book was such a sweet story. At first I did get annoyed with Toni, but the more I learned about her struggles the more I warmed up to her. Garrett is such a gentleman, he is not my type but he won me over almost immediately. I’m going to admit I am a sucker for interracial love stories especially a Latino/ White couple. I enjoyed the Spanish sprinkled in throughout the book as well. This book touches on a lot of important topics like trust, self worth, finding your true self and family bonds. I really enjoyed reading this book and I definitely recommend it!!
August 8, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. I’m a sucker for real, flawed characters and Toni was all of that and more.
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