Archives for December 23, 2021

* Review * INVISIBLE by Danielle Steel

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * INVISIBLE by Danielle SteelInvisible by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on January 4, 2022
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four-half-stars

Antonia Adams is the product of a loveless marriage between a beautiful young model and an aristocrat. As a child, she is abandoned in the abyss that yawns between them, blamed by her mother, ignored by her father, and neglected by both. Unprotected and unloved, she learns that the only way to feel safe is to hide from the dangers around her, drawing as little attention as possible to herself, to be “invisible.”

In her isolation, books are her refuge and movies her escape. A day spent being carried away by an unforgettable film in a dark theater is her greatest thrill. Her love of the movies turns into a dream to become a screenwriter, and a summer job at a Hollywood studio. There, a famous British filmmaker notices her, and suddenly she can remain invisible no longer. He wants to put her in a movie and make her a star. It is a dazzling opportunity but a terrifying one, as it strips her of the camouflage that made her feel safe. She is suddenly thrust into the public eye—and even more so when they fall in love.

She will never let go of her true dream of becoming a filmmaker, though, and if she wants to make that leap, she will have to expose herself in ways she never has before. When tragedy strikes, she must decide whether she will remain center stage or become invisible again, where she feels safest. Will she face her demons, or run and hide?

In this extraordinary novel, Danielle Steel tells the story of a woman who must decide how high a price she is willing to pay to pursue her passion—and whether it is possible to stay true to herself while she does.

 

A gut-wrenchingly raw rendition of the emotional abuse a child can suffer at the hands of neglectful parents. In INVISIBLE Danielle Steel uses her powerful voice to tell the tale of a child who suffers the consequence of being born to a narcissistic mother and an easily led father. The emotional depth is spot on and the story very attention grabbing. I was highly entrenched into the book right up until the huge changing point in Antonia’s adult life and then I felt the story lessen in the emotional connection. I would have liked to have seen a bit more in the later part of the book, but overall a really great story with so much emotion.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys jumping into the deep end with the character and living their life one day at a time with them as emotions run high, opportunities arise and tragedy strikes.

four-half-stars

* Review * THE O ZONE by Kelly Jamieson

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE O ZONE by Kelly JamiesonThe O Zone by Kelly Jamieson
Series: Bears Hockey II #1
Published by Kelly Jamieson Inc on January 4, 2022
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five-stars

He's on the defense against love but scoring in the O zone is so much fun…

Owen Cook

I have one goal: To be the best hockey player I can be. I’m not going to waste the opportunity I have. All my focus is on hockey. I avoid distractions like women and relationships during the hockey season, but when a quirky subway busker asks me out on a fake date, somehow I’m intrigued enough to accept.

Emerie Ross

I gave up my music dreams to look after my half-sister. I don’t want her to feel as alone and neglected as I did after our mother died. But my ex-boyfriend is still trying to win me back and now my stepfather is helping him. Gah! I’d rather drink bleach than marry Roman Moretti. If they think I’m involved with someone else, maybe they’ll give up on that idea. All I need is a man…a date for a party.

Owen

When Emerie introduces me to her wicked stepfather (ha) I realize I’ve made a huge mistake. He’s my boss—the man who owns the team I play for. And he’s not happy to see me with Emerie. Can you say career ending move?

Emerie

Oops. I hate hockey. How was I supposed to know who Owen is? How are we going to keep Vince from trading him away? How am I going to make sure I stay happily un-married? We’re going to have to keep up this pretense even if it means me going to hockey games. Ugh. Even if it means disrupting Owen’s rigid routines. Even if it means everything gets a lot more complicated…

 

Sexy, adorable and sweet! With the first book in a brand new Bears Hockey II series Kelly Jamieson brings on the feels when Owen and Emerie connect and sizzle. THE O ZONE is fast paced and emotional and I highly enjoyed it. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Emmie is a sweetheart and super easy to connect with. The only thing I felt lacking with her character was digging a little deeper into what her relationship with the ex had really been.

I love Owen! He’s one-sighted but man is he a nice guy. I was happy to see him deal with his past and learn to let her in more.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance with lots of heart.

five-stars