BOOKWORM REVIEW: Crushed by Isabel Jolie
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥
If you like super-spicy romantic suspense, this is a book for you.
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. **
ABOUT THE BOOK
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 no longer fun and games between Vivianne Rossi and Erik Lai. Enemies are circling and dark secrets are looming. The real world is coming for them.
Amazon: http://mybook.to/crushedij
Apple Books: https://apple.co/321Nji1
Nook: https://bit.ly/3oOQliv
Kobo: coming soon
Google Play: https://bit.ly/32m3szn
Add to Goodreads → https://bit.ly/3GGgMwS
MEET ISABEL JOLIE
Isabel Jolie, aka Izzy, lives on a lake, loves dogs of all stripes, and if she's not working, she can be found reading, often with a glass of wine in hand. In prior lives, Izzie worked in marketing and advertising, in a variety of industries, such as financial services, entertainment, and technology. In this life, she loves daydreaming and writing contemporary romances with strong heroines.
Connect with Isabel
Website | http://www.isabeljoliebooks.com
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