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Veiled #2
Veiled in Brick: A Sworn Off Relationships Contemporary Romantic Suspense Novel
Zoey Sheffield never understood the appeal of the unknown. She’s a woman who knows what she likes. A blunt woman. A woman who craves control. She doesn’t need love— the mere idea of romance is detestable and, no, she does not need a man to stand by her side. She would much rather have their company in bed...or in a car...or in an alleyway...the location isn’t relevant, really. What’s important is that she could happily and promptly bid them adieu after they served their purpose and then, she could move onto the next one. The world that she’s been thrust into, however, is one where that thought seems utterly impossible.
It's all because of the men. The stupid men.
There’s James Turner, the tall, muscular, tattooed one. Charming and charismatic with a sarcastic flair that knows no bounds, he’s worked for months to chip away at Zoey’s stone clad will to avoid romance with expertly placed sledgehammer strikes.
And, then, there’s Liam Cohen. Blonde and freckled, burly with golden retriever energy, a playboy mindset and a disguised damaged past, he and Zoey have long fallen into a friendship that both of them wish to remain a constant in their lives.
Yes, the men have made Zoey’s life more complicated than she wished it to be, and she struggles to hold onto the reins to her own reality. The universe that she’s a part of has different plans, however, for there is more for Zoey that lurks in the shadows. The threat crouches in the distance, hides around corners, and awaits the most imperfect opportunity to present itself. It’s ready to snatch the reins from Zoey’s hands altogether—and the uncomfortable unknown that she’s forever attempted to avoid is now a darkness that threatens to drown her completely.
TW: stalking, attempted sexual assault, mentions of childhood abuse, and mentions of suicide.
It's all because of the men. The stupid men.
There’s James Turner, the tall, muscular, tattooed one. Charming and charismatic with a sarcastic flair that knows no bounds, he’s worked for months to chip away at Zoey’s stone clad will to avoid romance with expertly placed sledgehammer strikes.
And, then, there’s Liam Cohen. Blonde and freckled, burly with golden retriever energy, a playboy mindset and a disguised damaged past, he and Zoey have long fallen into a friendship that both of them wish to remain a constant in their lives.
Yes, the men have made Zoey’s life more complicated than she wished it to be, and she struggles to hold onto the reins to her own reality. The universe that she’s a part of has different plans, however, for there is more for Zoey that lurks in the shadows. The threat crouches in the distance, hides around corners, and awaits the most imperfect opportunity to present itself. It’s ready to snatch the reins from Zoey’s hands altogether—and the uncomfortable unknown that she’s forever attempted to avoid is now a darkness that threatens to drown her completely.
TW: stalking, attempted sexual assault, mentions of childhood abuse, and mentions of suicide.
513 pages, Paperback
Published August 18, 2023
34 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Modiste
4 books64 followersEliza Modiste lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, daughter, and an abundance of animals. Accountant by day and writer by night, she lives to mesh her characters together in ways that make her audience say things ranging from, “That’s hilarious,” to, “Kiss, dammit,” or, “Oh, God, don’t die.” What thrills Eliza most within her writing is all things spicy, laugh-out-loud banter, gasp-worthy suspense, and plot twists that could end in death and destruction.
When not writing, Eliza can be found baking, binging a television series, playing video games, or spending time with friends and family.
When not writing, Eliza can be found baking, binging a television series, playing video games, or spending time with friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 28, 2023
4.5
Okay I loved this so much. I hate to say it but I liked this better than the first one but I still really do like that one as well. But there was just something about the connection that the two have. I would definitely recommend this series. I need more from this author!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Okay I loved this so much. I hate to say it but I liked this better than the first one but I still really do like that one as well. But there was just something about the connection that the two have. I would definitely recommend this series. I need more from this author!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 26, 2023
TW: Attempted Sexual Assault, Stalking, Mentions of childhood abuse, and mention of suicide.
"You fall in love only to be murdered."
Thank you Net Galley for the chance to read this!
If you look at the cover, you'll expect to read about a love triangle. This is so far from that. What starts off as a love story, turns into a new love story, then turns into a dang stalking situation. The spice begins strong then dissipates towards the end, which is fine because that's when all the action kicks in and we honestly don't need it at that point. There were a couple parts that just aggravated the heck out of me though. The coworker, Brenda, is an idiot. Who does that??? The nicknames were too much at first also. I feel like if I had read the first in the series, it wouldn't have taken me 1/4 of the book to have them in check. All in all, a good solid 4 star read. You've got some romance, some smut, some mystery, and some thrills.
"You fall in love only to be murdered."
Thank you Net Galley for the chance to read this!
If you look at the cover, you'll expect to read about a love triangle. This is so far from that. What starts off as a love story, turns into a new love story, then turns into a dang stalking situation. The spice begins strong then dissipates towards the end, which is fine because that's when all the action kicks in and we honestly don't need it at that point. There were a couple parts that just aggravated the heck out of me though. The coworker, Brenda, is an idiot. Who does that??? The nicknames were too much at first also. I feel like if I had read the first in the series, it wouldn't have taken me 1/4 of the book to have them in check. All in all, a good solid 4 star read. You've got some romance, some smut, some mystery, and some thrills.
August 6, 2023
Firstly I want to thank Eliza for sending me an ARC.
The story follows Zoey’s complicated love life while she decides between two handsome men. They’re both her friends, which makes everything harder. I’ll just say #teamliam right here!
But while Zoey struggles with the boys, an unknown person begins stalking her. And this is where Eliza does her magic! You won’t get bored because everything is very well paced.
The only thing that frustrated me was the group’s decisions regarding the stalker. I wanted to slap them all into having better judgment.
Regardless, this was yet again a great book from Eliza and I think I saw a hint for a third book!
Read if you like:
- Friends to lovers
- Found family
- Forced proximity
- Small town
- Stalker
- Spice
The story follows Zoey’s complicated love life while she decides between two handsome men. They’re both her friends, which makes everything harder. I’ll just say #teamliam right here!
But while Zoey struggles with the boys, an unknown person begins stalking her. And this is where Eliza does her magic! You won’t get bored because everything is very well paced.
The only thing that frustrated me was the group’s decisions regarding the stalker. I wanted to slap them all into having better judgment.
Regardless, this was yet again a great book from Eliza and I think I saw a hint for a third book!
Read if you like:
- Friends to lovers
- Found family
- Forced proximity
- Small town
- Stalker
- Spice
October 18, 2023
4.6 stars ⭐️
✿ I received a free eARC from the author of this book via Netgalley. All opinions are my own and voluntarily so.Thank you! ✿
P.S. do note there are some mature/sensitive
themes in this book.
💌⁀➷
This book was absolutely fantastic it had a bit of everything mixed & combined superbly to deliver a perfect read!
I found myself enjoying the story for it never bored and kept me returning to continue it.
Didn't expect to have a thriller vibe which was a cool plot twist.
Good execution, great characters, amazing plot and super well written. Quite loved it tbh!
+ the love triangle was done tastefully with no cheating or extra drama. Spice wasn't way over the top which I much prefer!
This author has now become someone whose books I'd most likely be interested in seeing. Definitely give it a read, will be enjoyable esp for romance-suspense lovers.
My fav read of the month! Well deserved 💚
✿ I received a free eARC from the author of this book via Netgalley. All opinions are my own and voluntarily so.Thank you! ✿
P.S. do note there are some mature/sensitive
themes in this book.
💌⁀➷
This book was absolutely fantastic it had a bit of everything mixed & combined superbly to deliver a perfect read!
I found myself enjoying the story for it never bored and kept me returning to continue it.
Didn't expect to have a thriller vibe which was a cool plot twist.
Good execution, great characters, amazing plot and super well written. Quite loved it tbh!
+ the love triangle was done tastefully with no cheating or extra drama. Spice wasn't way over the top which I much prefer!
This author has now become someone whose books I'd most likely be interested in seeing. Definitely give it a read, will be enjoyable esp for romance-suspense lovers.
My fav read of the month! Well deserved 💚
August 11, 2023
I didn’t think it couldn’t get any better after reading Thinly Veiled, but then Veiled in Brick comes along. Both books are amazing, yet with such different main characters, you get two completely different stories. And Zoey’s story was quite the doozy.
I have loved Zoey’s free spirited nature since the beginning in Thinly Veiled, and I’m so glad she got to shine in this book. The banter back and fourth with the characters throughout the book was laugh out loud funny, the kind where your husband looks at you like you’re crazy. “Good God, you’re like a hummingbird with ADHD” will now be my favorite line to use when someone is acting spastic.
I won’t lie, the whole love triangle situation left me with some feelings in the beginning. I could go on about those feelings, but it would definitely include some spoilers and I think other readers should be able to experience the frustration I felt. But I promise that it quickly becomes apparent that Eliza knew what she was doing with this plot. Everything I ended up loving about this book wouldn’t have been the same if Zoey ended up with anyone different.
The situation with Zoey’s stalker added that level of thrill and suspense that I crave in a good romance book. It’s the best of both worlds - sweet and spicy, with a twist of danger.
Speaking of spicy, this book stepped it up a notch and I was completely here for it. Zoey is extremely open about her sex life, so it only made sense that there were some spicier scenes. But what I especially loved is that it wasn’t over the top, and didn’t go on for pages and pages.
This is a sit on the edge of your seat, eyes glued to the pages, can’t stop reading, no sleeping until you know what happens kind of book. All I can hope for is that there’s more to come with this crew, because I’m obsessed!
Thank you to Eliza and Reedsy for this ARC!
I have loved Zoey’s free spirited nature since the beginning in Thinly Veiled, and I’m so glad she got to shine in this book. The banter back and fourth with the characters throughout the book was laugh out loud funny, the kind where your husband looks at you like you’re crazy. “Good God, you’re like a hummingbird with ADHD” will now be my favorite line to use when someone is acting spastic.
I won’t lie, the whole love triangle situation left me with some feelings in the beginning. I could go on about those feelings, but it would definitely include some spoilers and I think other readers should be able to experience the frustration I felt. But I promise that it quickly becomes apparent that Eliza knew what she was doing with this plot. Everything I ended up loving about this book wouldn’t have been the same if Zoey ended up with anyone different.
The situation with Zoey’s stalker added that level of thrill and suspense that I crave in a good romance book. It’s the best of both worlds - sweet and spicy, with a twist of danger.
Speaking of spicy, this book stepped it up a notch and I was completely here for it. Zoey is extremely open about her sex life, so it only made sense that there were some spicier scenes. But what I especially loved is that it wasn’t over the top, and didn’t go on for pages and pages.
This is a sit on the edge of your seat, eyes glued to the pages, can’t stop reading, no sleeping until you know what happens kind of book. All I can hope for is that there’s more to come with this crew, because I’m obsessed!
Thank you to Eliza and Reedsy for this ARC!
August 15, 2023
Overall really liked this one. I also read the first in the series Thinly Veiled and in my opinion this series keeps getting better! I felt that the plot and pacing was well done. Also this really goes in on the suspense aspect in a way I don’t always see with other romance suspense in that it wasn’t overly ridiculous, scenes were described/written in a clear and dynamic way, and I felt the background tension hanging over everyone the whole time.
For romance readers who are curious about the 2 people on the cover and what that means- this is a love triangle. There really isn’t any other man drama with overlap but there are on page spicy scenes with the the other guy just fyi. I actually enjoyed this triangle and how it pushed on the friends to lovers boundaries for Zoey. She’s an amazing main character and after meeting her in Thinly Veiled I knew she would make this next addition in the series great!
What keeps this from 5 stars for me were mostly the ensemble scenes as they got a bit long and dialogue heavy, telling vs showing. But overall the spice is plentiful and wonderful and I enjoyed this! Thank you to NetGalley and Eliza Modiste for this ARC.
For romance readers who are curious about the 2 people on the cover and what that means- this is a love triangle. There really isn’t any other man drama with overlap but there are on page spicy scenes with the the other guy just fyi. I actually enjoyed this triangle and how it pushed on the friends to lovers boundaries for Zoey. She’s an amazing main character and after meeting her in Thinly Veiled I knew she would make this next addition in the series great!
What keeps this from 5 stars for me were mostly the ensemble scenes as they got a bit long and dialogue heavy, telling vs showing. But overall the spice is plentiful and wonderful and I enjoyed this! Thank you to NetGalley and Eliza Modiste for this ARC.
July 13, 2024
I love Zoey and Liam so much!
August 9, 2023
Thank you Eliza Modiste and NetGalley for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
I was very intrigued by this one, and had high hopes for it. A feminist leading lady who winds up having not one but TWO men pining after her... sign me up.
Read if you love:
- Friends to Lovers
-Forced Proximity
- Small Towns
- Stalker/Thriller vibes
- Smut
***This is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.***
I have to be honest, this was a bit of a miss for this reader. Some of the content is incredible unrealistic (situations, and responses) and it made it this hard to get into and finish. What I thought was going to be a full on romance... wound up having thriller like scenarios. Which I was all about! I am a reader who enjoys multiple genres. But... how certain scenarios played out is what turned my opinion on this one.
Just because it didn't quite work for me - doesn't mean you shouldn't give this a try for yourself. We all have difference in opinion, and if you really like the thriller aspect in a romance - go for it!
I was very intrigued by this one, and had high hopes for it. A feminist leading lady who winds up having not one but TWO men pining after her... sign me up.
Read if you love:
- Friends to Lovers
-Forced Proximity
- Small Towns
- Stalker/Thriller vibes
- Smut
***This is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.***
I have to be honest, this was a bit of a miss for this reader. Some of the content is incredible unrealistic (situations, and responses) and it made it this hard to get into and finish. What I thought was going to be a full on romance... wound up having thriller like scenarios. Which I was all about! I am a reader who enjoys multiple genres. But... how certain scenarios played out is what turned my opinion on this one.
Just because it didn't quite work for me - doesn't mean you shouldn't give this a try for yourself. We all have difference in opinion, and if you really like the thriller aspect in a romance - go for it!
December 15, 2025
2.5 stars for me.
Zoey Sheffield don't do relationships,just one night stands and sex.Getting involved with James was just a way to relieve the tension,but now it's all getting complicated as her best friend Liam kissed her and she's confused about her feelings for him.There is also a third admirer,who have a obssesion with Zoey and he's more dangerous,with that threat looming over her will Zoey find a courage and trust with her heart?
I was so exited when finished Thinly Veiled for Zoey story,and it was not what I expected.I knew from the moment she had sex with James that it would be not my favorite,and I was right,it changed dynamics in the group which I liked before.It was awkward and I didn't care anymore for the romance in the book,the suspense was the only thing that keep me reading the story.Now James and Liam's sister story will be the next one,that's again to close to home,but I hope I would like it better than this one.
Thank you booksirens and author for copy,my review is honest and my own.
Zoey Sheffield don't do relationships,just one night stands and sex.Getting involved with James was just a way to relieve the tension,but now it's all getting complicated as her best friend Liam kissed her and she's confused about her feelings for him.There is also a third admirer,who have a obssesion with Zoey and he's more dangerous,with that threat looming over her will Zoey find a courage and trust with her heart?
I was so exited when finished Thinly Veiled for Zoey story,and it was not what I expected.I knew from the moment she had sex with James that it would be not my favorite,and I was right,it changed dynamics in the group which I liked before.It was awkward and I didn't care anymore for the romance in the book,the suspense was the only thing that keep me reading the story.Now James and Liam's sister story will be the next one,that's again to close to home,but I hope I would like it better than this one.
Thank you booksirens and author for copy,my review is honest and my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2023
I was lucky enough to get the chance to read the Veiled in Brick ARC and here is my review.
Veiled in Brick takes off not long after book 1 (Thinly Veiled), only this time it’s Zoey Sheffield’s story. This story is darker than the first, Zoey lives a very normal life until her world is flipped upside down when she discovers she has a stalker, a very dangerous one at that. Veiled in Brick is, id like to think, an action packed book and also very emotional. While reading you feel the characters emotions so deeply.
I cannot wait for book three to read about the gang again, i love them so much, the characters are so lovable, funny and protective over one another.
Tropes
⭐️small town
⭐️friends to lovers
4⭐️
1🌶️
I hope you enjoy the book as much as i did, happy reading.
Veiled in Brick takes off not long after book 1 (Thinly Veiled), only this time it’s Zoey Sheffield’s story. This story is darker than the first, Zoey lives a very normal life until her world is flipped upside down when she discovers she has a stalker, a very dangerous one at that. Veiled in Brick is, id like to think, an action packed book and also very emotional. While reading you feel the characters emotions so deeply.
I cannot wait for book three to read about the gang again, i love them so much, the characters are so lovable, funny and protective over one another.
Tropes
⭐️small town
⭐️friends to lovers
4⭐️
1🌶️
I hope you enjoy the book as much as i did, happy reading.
August 28, 2024
Veiled in Brick is better than the first book in this series, Thinly Veiled. I love the romance between Zoey and Liam. The sex scenes were steamy, but not overly drawn out. I did have to put this book down a few times because I was getting bored with it. Some of the scenes could've been cut or shortened because they were just dragging on. I did finally finish it and glad I did because it did turn out to be a good book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 3, 2024
Thank you to Love Notes PR, and the author, for providing me with all three books in the series for review and promotion.
This book was a great step-up from book one - I had a fantastic time with it. After becoming invested in the characters in book one, I was so invested in where they would progress here and felt like I already knew them as people. The topics were quite dark overall, and even scary at times, but then the romance was so wholesome at the same time? That's an impressive feat.
This book was a great step-up from book one - I had a fantastic time with it. After becoming invested in the characters in book one, I was so invested in where they would progress here and felt like I already knew them as people. The topics were quite dark overall, and even scary at times, but then the romance was so wholesome at the same time? That's an impressive feat.
October 10, 2023
This is a story of friendship and growth, adversity and change, and how individuals can learn to trust others in new ways. The story is based around Zoey and her best friend Liam, roommate Claire, neighbor/Claire's boyfriend Luke, and Luke's brother James. The first four have definitely been through a lot together, as inferred some in this book and takes place in the first book in this series (this can easily be read as a standalone). Zoey's love life, friendships and personal challenges are the main focus of this book.
The first page of this book starts off great, with dialogue that flowed with lovely imagery. I was excited to see how this imagery would continue and feed into the characters as the story progressed. Unfortunately, I felt like that imagery and creativity halted about 2-3 pages in and was few and far between, snuck in between dialogue that felt like it was forced into seeming casual and without any depth.
So here is where things got difficult for me. While I really wanted to enjoy the character development and get into the nitty gritty storyline, I was taken aback by some of the personality choices with the main characters. For example, Zoey refers to Liam as someone who fools around a lot, like her, yet we start the story learning that she has been celibate for over a year, which seems to contradict this idea for me. Also, Zoey is super protective of not being in a relationship- why? Maybe this is something we learn more about in the first book but it seemed overdone and kind of exhausting throughout the story of this one. Also, Liam ignores a girl for months yet the girl presumes she is his girlfriend? How do these things actually happen? Are these actual adults who are simply not choosing to talk through thoughts and feelings with others? This scene had me scratching me head.
The communication style of the characters almost had me DNF, I will be honest. So much forced dialect and intonation. You are constantly reading words such as: Ya, gonna, ‘Kay, f*ckin’, m’sleepy, y’know, wanna, where’ve- I get it. They are mid twenties. The shortened words make them seem juvenile though and took me out wanting to understand and relate to the characters.
There were also lots of words in italics to describe the inflections in their voices. I understand the why of it but it actually pulled me out of the story and made me dislike the characters. It almost felt like the characters were being spoon fed to me instead of allowing their natural voice and personality to come through- at one point I counted 18 italicized words on one page alone!
This story has a strong mature theme and storyline to it. While I appreciate the turmoil and duress the author was going for I found myself disconnected from Zoey's experience due to the intensely unrealistic and unbelievable choices that are made in the last 25% of the book. I really pushed myself to finish this book simply to see where these characters would land.
All in all, I gave this story 2 stars because the author does have moments of imagery that I appreciated and she ended the characters in a better, sweeter place than we started with them. The spice level is there and likely a good amount for individuals who like their heat level on the tamer side.
*I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for an honest review, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The first page of this book starts off great, with dialogue that flowed with lovely imagery. I was excited to see how this imagery would continue and feed into the characters as the story progressed. Unfortunately, I felt like that imagery and creativity halted about 2-3 pages in and was few and far between, snuck in between dialogue that felt like it was forced into seeming casual and without any depth.
So here is where things got difficult for me. While I really wanted to enjoy the character development and get into the nitty gritty storyline, I was taken aback by some of the personality choices with the main characters. For example, Zoey refers to Liam as someone who fools around a lot, like her, yet we start the story learning that she has been celibate for over a year, which seems to contradict this idea for me. Also, Zoey is super protective of not being in a relationship- why? Maybe this is something we learn more about in the first book but it seemed overdone and kind of exhausting throughout the story of this one. Also, Liam ignores a girl for months yet the girl presumes she is his girlfriend? How do these things actually happen? Are these actual adults who are simply not choosing to talk through thoughts and feelings with others? This scene had me scratching me head.
The communication style of the characters almost had me DNF, I will be honest. So much forced dialect and intonation. You are constantly reading words such as: Ya, gonna, ‘Kay, f*ckin’, m’sleepy, y’know, wanna, where’ve- I get it. They are mid twenties. The shortened words make them seem juvenile though and took me out wanting to understand and relate to the characters.
There were also lots of words in italics to describe the inflections in their voices. I understand the why of it but it actually pulled me out of the story and made me dislike the characters. It almost felt like the characters were being spoon fed to me instead of allowing their natural voice and personality to come through- at one point I counted 18 italicized words on one page alone!
This story has a strong mature theme and storyline to it. While I appreciate the turmoil and duress the author was going for I found myself disconnected from Zoey's experience due to the intensely unrealistic and unbelievable choices that are made in the last 25% of the book. I really pushed myself to finish this book simply to see where these characters would land.
All in all, I gave this story 2 stars because the author does have moments of imagery that I appreciated and she ended the characters in a better, sweeter place than we started with them. The spice level is there and likely a good amount for individuals who like their heat level on the tamer side.
*I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for an honest review, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 13, 2025
Better than the last
I liked this story a lot more than the 1st one but it still has issues. I only read it because I was intrigued by the love triangle, but that was a bit misleading. Spoilers ahead...She starts out hooking up with James several times and makes no effort to hide how much she wants him and is attracted to him. Since I knew she ends up with Liam I really thought that would ruin their romance for me. She even let James sleep in her bed with her although it wasn't a right she expressly gave him. I did struggle with just how much more she was physically attracted to James than she was Liam. However, when Liam kisses her she immediately cut it off with James. James thinks she may be torn between him and Liam but she is very clear that she's not torn at all. Tough break for James. I really liked the intimacy and love the author cultivated between Liam and Zoey. Their relationship and connection was much more palpable than Luke and Claire's. Which is why I was a bit confused when near the end of the book Zoey expresses a bit of remorse for having ended things with James. It's not really elaborated on as to why she feels that remorse though so I don't know if it's because she hurt him or not. She also admits to Liam that she still has feelings for James and that really was a let down for me. I just felt like Liam deserved all of her and not for her to have lingering feelings for someone else. Especially not someone else in the friend group. Bad enough he has to know how badly she wanted James to begin with. The suspense is a little better in this book than the last but this is possibly the dumbest collection of friends ever assembled. Their the Avengers of poor decision making. I won't spoil how all that played out but it nearly ruined the book for me with how terribly they handled those situations. It just didn't feel like real. No one would make these decisions in real life. Sadly the ending just felt unfulflling. No epilogue. I really wanted them to move in together. The author set it up perfectly with Liam being short on rent but didn't follow through. I know I'm supposed to read the next one to see how it plays out with them further but I'm not about to read an age gap romance. I find them gross and I hate how they're normalized and romanticized in media. Besides Liam has been through enough. He's been shot. In the 1st book and in the next book he's gotta watch the guy who already hooked up with his girlfriend hook up with his sister? No thanks.
I liked this story a lot more than the 1st one but it still has issues. I only read it because I was intrigued by the love triangle, but that was a bit misleading. Spoilers ahead...She starts out hooking up with James several times and makes no effort to hide how much she wants him and is attracted to him. Since I knew she ends up with Liam I really thought that would ruin their romance for me. She even let James sleep in her bed with her although it wasn't a right she expressly gave him. I did struggle with just how much more she was physically attracted to James than she was Liam. However, when Liam kisses her she immediately cut it off with James. James thinks she may be torn between him and Liam but she is very clear that she's not torn at all. Tough break for James. I really liked the intimacy and love the author cultivated between Liam and Zoey. Their relationship and connection was much more palpable than Luke and Claire's. Which is why I was a bit confused when near the end of the book Zoey expresses a bit of remorse for having ended things with James. It's not really elaborated on as to why she feels that remorse though so I don't know if it's because she hurt him or not. She also admits to Liam that she still has feelings for James and that really was a let down for me. I just felt like Liam deserved all of her and not for her to have lingering feelings for someone else. Especially not someone else in the friend group. Bad enough he has to know how badly she wanted James to begin with. The suspense is a little better in this book than the last but this is possibly the dumbest collection of friends ever assembled. Their the Avengers of poor decision making. I won't spoil how all that played out but it nearly ruined the book for me with how terribly they handled those situations. It just didn't feel like real. No one would make these decisions in real life. Sadly the ending just felt unfulflling. No epilogue. I really wanted them to move in together. The author set it up perfectly with Liam being short on rent but didn't follow through. I know I'm supposed to read the next one to see how it plays out with them further but I'm not about to read an age gap romance. I find them gross and I hate how they're normalized and romanticized in media. Besides Liam has been through enough. He's been shot. In the 1st book and in the next book he's gotta watch the guy who already hooked up with his girlfriend hook up with his sister? No thanks.
December 31, 2025
A Woman Who Doesn’t Need Saving… Until the World Won’t Let Her Stand Alone—Zoey Sheffield is the kind of FMC I live for—sharp edges, control freak tendencies, unapologetic about her desires, and absolutely uninterested in love. She knows what she wants and what she doesn’t, and she’s not afraid to say it. Or shout it. Or weaponize it. She’s brash, she’s sexual, she’s confident…and she’s hanging on by a thread.
This book takes that veneer of control and asks the terrifying question:
What happens when control stops being an option?
Between a stalker lurking in the shadows, trauma resurfacing like a ghost, and a small town full of people who refuse to let her isolate herself, Zoey’s internal world starts crashing. And the men? Oh, the men. Multiple love interests, all orbiting her like she’s the sun—no cheating, no humiliation of her agency, just intense, complicated dynamics that push her to confront everything she’s spent her life avoiding.
This story blends:
💋 friends to lovers (enemies to “don’t touch me” to “maybe just this once,” honestly)
🏡 small-town found family that slips under her armor
🌶️ spice that matches character growth
🧠 fear of commitment meets unavoidable connection
🔪 thriller-level suspense that made me clench my jaw
And the thing is…Zoey doesn’t magically become soft. She doesn’t get “fixed.” She’s allowed to stay messy and angry and mouthy. The people around her just give her room to be all of that and held. They don’t drag her into love—they let her choose it. Or try to.
The trigger warnings are there for a reason: stalking, assault attempts, childhood trauma, suicidal ideation. They’re handled with care—not glamorized, not minimized, and never used as cheap shock value. Zoey’s story isn’t about being saved; it’s about surviving long enough to admit she might want more than survival.
I loved:
✨ The banter that felt like foreplay
✨ The vulnerability that felt like violence in slow motion
✨ The suspense that made my heart race
✨ The way community and intimacy show up even when she doesn’t want them
This book is messy and human and hot and scary and healing.
It’s for the girl who says “I don’t need anyone” while her hands shake.
It’s for the reader who understands that control is sometimes just a synonym for fear.
If you ever wanted a romance that respects trauma, lets a woman stay complicated, and still finds room for joy, lust, friendship, and hope…put this on your TBR.
This book takes that veneer of control and asks the terrifying question:
What happens when control stops being an option?
Between a stalker lurking in the shadows, trauma resurfacing like a ghost, and a small town full of people who refuse to let her isolate herself, Zoey’s internal world starts crashing. And the men? Oh, the men. Multiple love interests, all orbiting her like she’s the sun—no cheating, no humiliation of her agency, just intense, complicated dynamics that push her to confront everything she’s spent her life avoiding.
This story blends:
💋 friends to lovers (enemies to “don’t touch me” to “maybe just this once,” honestly)
🏡 small-town found family that slips under her armor
🌶️ spice that matches character growth
🧠 fear of commitment meets unavoidable connection
🔪 thriller-level suspense that made me clench my jaw
And the thing is…Zoey doesn’t magically become soft. She doesn’t get “fixed.” She’s allowed to stay messy and angry and mouthy. The people around her just give her room to be all of that and held. They don’t drag her into love—they let her choose it. Or try to.
The trigger warnings are there for a reason: stalking, assault attempts, childhood trauma, suicidal ideation. They’re handled with care—not glamorized, not minimized, and never used as cheap shock value. Zoey’s story isn’t about being saved; it’s about surviving long enough to admit she might want more than survival.
I loved:
✨ The banter that felt like foreplay
✨ The vulnerability that felt like violence in slow motion
✨ The suspense that made my heart race
✨ The way community and intimacy show up even when she doesn’t want them
This book is messy and human and hot and scary and healing.
It’s for the girl who says “I don’t need anyone” while her hands shake.
It’s for the reader who understands that control is sometimes just a synonym for fear.
If you ever wanted a romance that respects trauma, lets a woman stay complicated, and still finds room for joy, lust, friendship, and hope…put this on your TBR.
October 18, 2023
🚨May contain Spoilers🚨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Genre: A sworn off Relationship
Thriller Rom-com
Tropes:
💗 Friends to lovers
💗 Found Family
💗 Small town romance
💗 Forced Proximity
💗 Love Triangle
💗 Stalker/ Thriller
Main characters:
🤍 Zoey Sheffield
🤍 Liam Cohen
🤍 James Turner
I received a copy of the book, to leave an honest review, in return.
Summary 💋
2nd book in the Series 📗
After, everything happened, after Thinly veiled, everything has gone back to normal.
Zoey finally decides it’s time to take James on his offer and goes on a date. Things start developing.
Everything is going fine, however, Zoey starts receiving flowers and doesn’t think much off it and continue as normal. However, things a turn a kiss, starts a connection. An attack in the minute of the night, a new roommate, loads of spice. But events lead to terrible outcomes.
Thoughts 💘
Right, I don’t know what to say.
I absolutely loved this book. Actually
more then the first one. Parts were so funny, loving, awkward, tense and made me feel on the edge of my seat.
This book, shown more depth of Zoey, Liam and James which I found refreshing as it had things in more detail, which has mentioned in the first one.
I absolutely loved Zoeys and Liams friendship, it was so cute and fun. They have grown such a great bond.
Zoey is such a bold and had her own personality which I love About her as she was the opposite to Claire. However, the events that she has gone through and having Liam stick by her and protect her. I believe her character had such a huge development. From just sleeping with guys, not letting them sleep in the same bed as her. To falling in love, and actually sleeping with Liam.
Liam I absolutely fell in love with him, his story was so heartwarming, and so glad we saw that side to him, I’m so glad he let Zoey see him for who he was.
Her Stalker 😡😡
The scenes with her stalker made me want to punch him or do worse, it was so tense and heartbreaking. I’m glad of the outcome and nothing happened to her.
Although, they all have a secret and things won’t go but to normal for a while, Zoey can finally free safe, and not look behind her back, or have someone watching her.
Other:
Hopefully the next one will be James and Cassie as I love their banter. Might be an age gap, but the sexually tension is there.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Genre: A sworn off Relationship
Thriller Rom-com
Tropes:
💗 Friends to lovers
💗 Found Family
💗 Small town romance
💗 Forced Proximity
💗 Love Triangle
💗 Stalker/ Thriller
Main characters:
🤍 Zoey Sheffield
🤍 Liam Cohen
🤍 James Turner
I received a copy of the book, to leave an honest review, in return.
Summary 💋
2nd book in the Series 📗
After, everything happened, after Thinly veiled, everything has gone back to normal.
Zoey finally decides it’s time to take James on his offer and goes on a date. Things start developing.
Everything is going fine, however, Zoey starts receiving flowers and doesn’t think much off it and continue as normal. However, things a turn a kiss, starts a connection. An attack in the minute of the night, a new roommate, loads of spice. But events lead to terrible outcomes.
Thoughts 💘
Right, I don’t know what to say.
I absolutely loved this book. Actually
more then the first one. Parts were so funny, loving, awkward, tense and made me feel on the edge of my seat.
This book, shown more depth of Zoey, Liam and James which I found refreshing as it had things in more detail, which has mentioned in the first one.
I absolutely loved Zoeys and Liams friendship, it was so cute and fun. They have grown such a great bond.
Zoey is such a bold and had her own personality which I love About her as she was the opposite to Claire. However, the events that she has gone through and having Liam stick by her and protect her. I believe her character had such a huge development. From just sleeping with guys, not letting them sleep in the same bed as her. To falling in love, and actually sleeping with Liam.
Liam I absolutely fell in love with him, his story was so heartwarming, and so glad we saw that side to him, I’m so glad he let Zoey see him for who he was.
Her Stalker 😡😡
The scenes with her stalker made me want to punch him or do worse, it was so tense and heartbreaking. I’m glad of the outcome and nothing happened to her.
Although, they all have a secret and things won’t go but to normal for a while, Zoey can finally free safe, and not look behind her back, or have someone watching her.
Other:
Hopefully the next one will be James and Cassie as I love their banter. Might be an age gap, but the sexually tension is there.
October 28, 2023
“I’ m nice on occasion”. What a simple and terrifically efficient line for an equally amazing character. After ‘Thinly Veiled’, ‘Veiled in brick’ tells an entirely new story from Zoey’s perspective, the sassy and independent best friend we had already met in the first book.
Even though there’s a shared literary universe attached to the ‘Veiled’ series as a whole, each book can be read as a standalone, with a different storyline and a different point of view, which means you can appreciate and explore any story individually, along with the character who’s at the centre of it.
And to say the least, Zoey definitely is one of a kind. Her attitude, her language, her way of seeing things… everything about her screams modern sitcom girl energy, and it’s nothing but deliciously modern and satisfying.
But of course, there’s much more to this. Just like all characters within this series, Zoey has a very nuanced and plural personality and it’s thrilling to follow her as a protagonist. Humor, introspection, concerns, … everything is very well thought out and realistic; right down to ‘intimate’ sequences. We all know how difficult it is to write good and realistic sex scenes, but just like in ‘Thinly Veiled’, that aspect is perfectly mastered in ‘Veiled in Brick’. Indeed, in each book, the author offers a certain approach of graphic erotic scenes, which matches the heroine’s energy and personal relationship to her own sex life. It demonstrates just how much the author has worked on her characters, to the point of truly knowing them and building a really coherent and unique storyline around them.
And on that same note of realism, dialogues once again are a hit. You’ll have a hard time finding such lively and right-toned conversations in a fiction novel. Everything feels well-crafted, precise, but also spontaneous and fluid in the same time.
Same goes for the storyline, which just like in the first book, is very smartly delivered; starting off as a romantic comedy and an electrifying kind of love triangle, and then turning into a suspense plot, for both acts to perfectly fit and result in a very well balanced story.
Additionally, it is not your conventional ‘tropped’ novel. There’s romance and relationship development but it’s filled with tension and mystery so you can’t actually put it in a genre box, which is, without question, the mark of a great piece.
Even though there’s a shared literary universe attached to the ‘Veiled’ series as a whole, each book can be read as a standalone, with a different storyline and a different point of view, which means you can appreciate and explore any story individually, along with the character who’s at the centre of it.
And to say the least, Zoey definitely is one of a kind. Her attitude, her language, her way of seeing things… everything about her screams modern sitcom girl energy, and it’s nothing but deliciously modern and satisfying.
But of course, there’s much more to this. Just like all characters within this series, Zoey has a very nuanced and plural personality and it’s thrilling to follow her as a protagonist. Humor, introspection, concerns, … everything is very well thought out and realistic; right down to ‘intimate’ sequences. We all know how difficult it is to write good and realistic sex scenes, but just like in ‘Thinly Veiled’, that aspect is perfectly mastered in ‘Veiled in Brick’. Indeed, in each book, the author offers a certain approach of graphic erotic scenes, which matches the heroine’s energy and personal relationship to her own sex life. It demonstrates just how much the author has worked on her characters, to the point of truly knowing them and building a really coherent and unique storyline around them.
And on that same note of realism, dialogues once again are a hit. You’ll have a hard time finding such lively and right-toned conversations in a fiction novel. Everything feels well-crafted, precise, but also spontaneous and fluid in the same time.
Same goes for the storyline, which just like in the first book, is very smartly delivered; starting off as a romantic comedy and an electrifying kind of love triangle, and then turning into a suspense plot, for both acts to perfectly fit and result in a very well balanced story.
Additionally, it is not your conventional ‘tropped’ novel. There’s romance and relationship development but it’s filled with tension and mystery so you can’t actually put it in a genre box, which is, without question, the mark of a great piece.
July 30, 2024
The connection Zoey and Liam have is absolutely unparalleled and don’t even get me started on their chemistry (inside and outside of the bedroom). I am SO GLAD Eliza chose for me, because there was NO way I was gonna be able to pick between Liam and James. But I will say she did make the right decision. Even when Zoey was with James I found myself wanting her with Liam. He is absolutely perfect for her. He is so perfectly flawed I’m actually kinda jealous. How could I possibly acquire Liam for myself???
This series is the first book/series I have ever read that is suspenseful and a romance. Not sad to say, but I am 100% fully invested and addicted. I’m not even sure that I’ll ever be able to go back to romance books without the suspense.
This series just gets better and better as it progresses. The way Eliza paces her books and lays on the plot is just absolutely perfect.
I knew in book 1 that Zoey was going to be such an interesting character to read about and man did she deliver. That, coupled with Liam’s very layered, complicated, golden retriever character made this book so enjoyable and a beautiful masterpiece. I really thought this one was gonna stick to the same timeline as book 1. Glad to say it didn’t though! With all of the scenes in book 1 where Claire sees the closeness between Zoey and Liam I figured book 2 would be us reading those scenes through their POV. Which is what authors typically do nowadays. It was so refreshing to see someone do it differently and actually make it better than book 1 or any of my expectations. I cannot wait to read James’ book and hopefully get to see more Cassie…
This series is the first book/series I have ever read that is suspenseful and a romance. Not sad to say, but I am 100% fully invested and addicted. I’m not even sure that I’ll ever be able to go back to romance books without the suspense.
This series just gets better and better as it progresses. The way Eliza paces her books and lays on the plot is just absolutely perfect.
I knew in book 1 that Zoey was going to be such an interesting character to read about and man did she deliver. That, coupled with Liam’s very layered, complicated, golden retriever character made this book so enjoyable and a beautiful masterpiece. I really thought this one was gonna stick to the same timeline as book 1. Glad to say it didn’t though! With all of the scenes in book 1 where Claire sees the closeness between Zoey and Liam I figured book 2 would be us reading those scenes through their POV. Which is what authors typically do nowadays. It was so refreshing to see someone do it differently and actually make it better than book 1 or any of my expectations. I cannot wait to read James’ book and hopefully get to see more Cassie…
April 15, 2024
This book was just really not for me after the beginning few chapters. I thought I knew where it was going but nope I was wrong. It just had a lot of things on the negative side that added up for me.
I had a few issues with this book that I just couldn’t get over. First, the character names. There’s Carter, Luke, Liam, Cassie, Claire (and Jason) but how the heck am I supposed to keep them all separated in my head when it take me forever to remember who is who and who is dating who and who is related to who? I also just had some issues with their friendships overall. Everything seemed to be “WHAT?!” and italicized. And keeping things from each other (even if they weren’t bad things) and letting them be revealed later by another person. SLIGHT SPOILER FOR A SCENE in this next sentence so avoid if you want: but when they are talking about Jason living in their apartment for right now and Claire mentions maybe in the future moving out to “‘Ninety days’ notice would be acceptable.’ ‘Ninety days?’ ‘Claire’ ‘Okay, okay’”. OVER: it just made everything more dramatic than necessary.
I felt like I didn’t really get anything out of any of their conversations to each other and started to not care about their involvement because of that sadly. Parts of the book really weren’t that bad and were enjoyable but tended to be overshadowed by some of the negatives unfortunately.
This book went from 0 to 100 with the stalker situation. Knowing some random guy is sending flowers and then it leading to him getting into your house and attacking you AND y’all wanting to kill him out of no where. It just became a little too unbelievable and eye-rolling for me at that point. End then the ending where everything reaches its max and suddenly it’s a how to get away with murder and epilogue all in one. Just really couldn’t tolerate the book by the end.
I received a digital copy from NetGalley & the author of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I had a few issues with this book that I just couldn’t get over. First, the character names. There’s Carter, Luke, Liam, Cassie, Claire (and Jason) but how the heck am I supposed to keep them all separated in my head when it take me forever to remember who is who and who is dating who and who is related to who? I also just had some issues with their friendships overall. Everything seemed to be “WHAT?!” and italicized. And keeping things from each other (even if they weren’t bad things) and letting them be revealed later by another person. SLIGHT SPOILER FOR A SCENE in this next sentence so avoid if you want: but when they are talking about Jason living in their apartment for right now and Claire mentions maybe in the future moving out to “‘Ninety days’ notice would be acceptable.’ ‘Ninety days?’ ‘Claire’ ‘Okay, okay’”. OVER: it just made everything more dramatic than necessary.
I felt like I didn’t really get anything out of any of their conversations to each other and started to not care about their involvement because of that sadly. Parts of the book really weren’t that bad and were enjoyable but tended to be overshadowed by some of the negatives unfortunately.
This book went from 0 to 100 with the stalker situation. Knowing some random guy is sending flowers and then it leading to him getting into your house and attacking you AND y’all wanting to kill him out of no where. It just became a little too unbelievable and eye-rolling for me at that point. End then the ending where everything reaches its max and suddenly it’s a how to get away with murder and epilogue all in one. Just really couldn’t tolerate the book by the end.
I received a digital copy from NetGalley & the author of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2023
𝕤𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕖: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗧 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗚𝗘! read at your own discretion.
-
Please check your trigger warnings: there are sensitive topics!!!
Before the first book, I didn’t think creating a suspense/thriller romcom and it turning out good, without one genre overbearing the other was possible, but Eliza you’ve successfully done it. To then do it again with this one!
I love a good small town romance and the cherry on top for me was that while the romance is very much there, the suspense truly kept me interested. The drama in Veiled in Brick was perfectly enough to not make me want to roll my eyes or think it was too much! From the first book, Thinly Veiled, I loved Zoey’s character and I believe Eliza only amplified that here. I also have to note, the amount of laugh out loud moments I had, which by the way, trying to get the reader to laugh from a ROMCOM story is not easy, but I applaud the author because well done at achieving this! “Good God, you’re like a hummingbird with ADHD” … Eliza where do you come up with this? It’s gold! *inserts laugh crying emoji*
I had some.. feelings in the beginning when it came to the love triangle, but I’m very pleased at who Zoey ends with so, it’s fine haha.
In conclusion, would I recommend? Yes, yes I would. Both Veiled In Brick AND Thinly Veiled.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Eliza for the opportunity to ARC read!
𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗧 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗚𝗘! read at your own discretion.
-
Please check your trigger warnings: there are sensitive topics!!!
Before the first book, I didn’t think creating a suspense/thriller romcom and it turning out good, without one genre overbearing the other was possible, but Eliza you’ve successfully done it. To then do it again with this one!
I love a good small town romance and the cherry on top for me was that while the romance is very much there, the suspense truly kept me interested. The drama in Veiled in Brick was perfectly enough to not make me want to roll my eyes or think it was too much! From the first book, Thinly Veiled, I loved Zoey’s character and I believe Eliza only amplified that here. I also have to note, the amount of laugh out loud moments I had, which by the way, trying to get the reader to laugh from a ROMCOM story is not easy, but I applaud the author because well done at achieving this! “Good God, you’re like a hummingbird with ADHD” … Eliza where do you come up with this? It’s gold! *inserts laugh crying emoji*
I had some.. feelings in the beginning when it came to the love triangle, but I’m very pleased at who Zoey ends with so, it’s fine haha.
In conclusion, would I recommend? Yes, yes I would. Both Veiled In Brick AND Thinly Veiled.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Eliza for the opportunity to ARC read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2023
Absolutely addictive! LOTS to unpack in these pages!
Okay, so book two begins (similarly to book one for me), a bit meh. Maybe it was Zoey, and her situation with James and Liam. I was pretty frustrated with her, and her behavior, but as the pages flipped faster, I became more invested in her. James and Liam are very supportive of Zoey and I am thankful she had both of them, as her situation begins to unravel.
My pulse pounded and I my anxiety level took off skyward as I moved deeper into the book. What was going on in Zoey's life was creepy, and may be an issue for some who have experienced some thing similar. It was an interesting mystery that had many moving parts.
Soo many emotions swirling around these characters!
The last quarter of the story held me fast.
It was a rush of events and situations that kept me spinning with "no, no, no", "that's a horrible idea", and "are you kidding me!?" before I realized I was at the last chapter!! It was easy to connect with these characters and the situation, and I found myself finishing this one, needing more... more time with these characters, more of this storyline, and the resolution of questions that didn't quite get answered here.
I thank the author for her creativity, Booksirens for my free ARC, and recommend reading this series in order for the best experience. I voluntarily leave my review and am excited the next part of this series!!
Okay, so book two begins (similarly to book one for me), a bit meh. Maybe it was Zoey, and her situation with James and Liam. I was pretty frustrated with her, and her behavior, but as the pages flipped faster, I became more invested in her. James and Liam are very supportive of Zoey and I am thankful she had both of them, as her situation begins to unravel.
My pulse pounded and I my anxiety level took off skyward as I moved deeper into the book. What was going on in Zoey's life was creepy, and may be an issue for some who have experienced some thing similar. It was an interesting mystery that had many moving parts.
Soo many emotions swirling around these characters!
The last quarter of the story held me fast.
It was a rush of events and situations that kept me spinning with "no, no, no", "that's a horrible idea", and "are you kidding me!?" before I realized I was at the last chapter!! It was easy to connect with these characters and the situation, and I found myself finishing this one, needing more... more time with these characters, more of this storyline, and the resolution of questions that didn't quite get answered here.
I thank the author for her creativity, Booksirens for my free ARC, and recommend reading this series in order for the best experience. I voluntarily leave my review and am excited the next part of this series!!
October 5, 2023
Thank you BookSirens for allowing me an advance review copy. All thought and feelings are my own, I do not accept money for reviews.
While I did review it at three stars, I did thoroughly enjoy it. Liam is my boy, so going into this book knowing that he would play a large part in it made me really happy. The middle rating comes from the fact that while this book was really easy to pick up, it was also really easy to put down. With me being a student intern and having a job, reading time has not been that abundant as it used to be, and I kept finding myself at a stopping point in the book (a chapter break or new chapter) and putting the book down to do something else. It suspenseful nature didn’t pick up till the last 1/3 of the book, which once I got there I flew through, but until I got there I would get distracted.
Something I had said for the first book, Thinly Veiled, is that this isn’t normally a genre I read, but the books were recommended so I read them. Was this a good introduction to the thriller genre, yes. Am I going to become a thriller girly, probably not. What really made this book enjoyable was the writing, so unless it’s by this author, I probably will not branch out.
Now, Liam. My boy Liam. Shone in this book! While I do like James, and completely expected a threesome, Liam is just the best. Who doesn’t like the tall man that wants to be an elementary school teacher! That is adorable.
While I did review it at three stars, I did thoroughly enjoy it. Liam is my boy, so going into this book knowing that he would play a large part in it made me really happy. The middle rating comes from the fact that while this book was really easy to pick up, it was also really easy to put down. With me being a student intern and having a job, reading time has not been that abundant as it used to be, and I kept finding myself at a stopping point in the book (a chapter break or new chapter) and putting the book down to do something else. It suspenseful nature didn’t pick up till the last 1/3 of the book, which once I got there I flew through, but until I got there I would get distracted.
Something I had said for the first book, Thinly Veiled, is that this isn’t normally a genre I read, but the books were recommended so I read them. Was this a good introduction to the thriller genre, yes. Am I going to become a thriller girly, probably not. What really made this book enjoyable was the writing, so unless it’s by this author, I probably will not branch out.
Now, Liam. My boy Liam. Shone in this book! While I do like James, and completely expected a threesome, Liam is just the best. Who doesn’t like the tall man that wants to be an elementary school teacher! That is adorable.
November 25, 2023
Veiled in Brick by Eliza Modiste is a fast-paced and gripping contemporary romance that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and the unknown. The novel centers around Zoey Sheffield, a woman who craves control and doesn't believe in love. She's a blunt woman who is used to getting what she wants, but the men in her life have made it more complicated than she would like.
The novel is expertly crafted, with well-developed characters and a fast-paced plot that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. The author does an excellent job of exploring the dynamics of love and the challenges that come with it. Zoey's struggle to hold onto the reins of her own reality is a central theme of the novel, and the author does an excellent job of portraying her journey of self-discovery.
One of the strengths of Veiled in Brick is its exploration of the unknown and the power of the unexpected. The novel is set against the backdrop of a world that is full of uncertainty, and the threat of danger lurks around every corner. The author does an excellent job of building tension and suspense throughout the novel, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
Overall, Veiled in Brick is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they've finished reading it. The novel is a testament to the power of love and the human spirit, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves a good contemporary romance.
The novel is expertly crafted, with well-developed characters and a fast-paced plot that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. The author does an excellent job of exploring the dynamics of love and the challenges that come with it. Zoey's struggle to hold onto the reins of her own reality is a central theme of the novel, and the author does an excellent job of portraying her journey of self-discovery.
One of the strengths of Veiled in Brick is its exploration of the unknown and the power of the unexpected. The novel is set against the backdrop of a world that is full of uncertainty, and the threat of danger lurks around every corner. The author does an excellent job of building tension and suspense throughout the novel, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
Overall, Veiled in Brick is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they've finished reading it. The novel is a testament to the power of love and the human spirit, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves a good contemporary romance.
August 24, 2024
I received this book for free in turn for my honest review **
**does contain SPOILERS!!**
I think that this book is my favorite out of the series. from zoey denying her feelings to liam, secretly liking her this whole time. there was just something about the connection that the two have. chef's kiss!!
this book does have some creepy and sad situations, but that just makes it all the more realistic. i really felt bad for Zoey due to her having a stalker. It's crazy how much he flew under the radar and that the police didn't do anything at all to help. I did think at first that Liam was the one to have sent Zoey flowers, but that wasn't the case at ALL.
also the fact that Zoey’s coworker, Brenda, gave out an employees information?? who does that? there are laws that prevent workers from doing that because of safety concerns. no common sense. she really should have asked for Zoey’s concent first and just told the stalker that due to company policy, they are unable to goie out employee information. if it wasn't for her, he probably would've never known her phone number or where she lived. the sad thing, though, is that it happens in real life, too. I do wish that the geoup was much smarter with how they could've handled the stalker situation.
I also really enjoyed reading more about james' (jay) life or love life before Cassie. his situation definitely sets up in this novel to set off for the 3rd.
I definitely recommend this series!!
**does contain SPOILERS!!**
I think that this book is my favorite out of the series. from zoey denying her feelings to liam, secretly liking her this whole time. there was just something about the connection that the two have. chef's kiss!!
this book does have some creepy and sad situations, but that just makes it all the more realistic. i really felt bad for Zoey due to her having a stalker. It's crazy how much he flew under the radar and that the police didn't do anything at all to help. I did think at first that Liam was the one to have sent Zoey flowers, but that wasn't the case at ALL.
also the fact that Zoey’s coworker, Brenda, gave out an employees information?? who does that? there are laws that prevent workers from doing that because of safety concerns. no common sense. she really should have asked for Zoey’s concent first and just told the stalker that due to company policy, they are unable to goie out employee information. if it wasn't for her, he probably would've never known her phone number or where she lived. the sad thing, though, is that it happens in real life, too. I do wish that the geoup was much smarter with how they could've handled the stalker situation.
I also really enjoyed reading more about james' (jay) life or love life before Cassie. his situation definitely sets up in this novel to set off for the 3rd.
I definitely recommend this series!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2023
Book Review 📚
Veiled in Brick by Eliza Modiste - 3.5/5 ⭐
Firstly, this is a sequel. I made a boo boo in not knowing that, BUT it can be read as a standalone! I didn't want to take that chance so obviously purchased the first and read it before heading in to this one.
I wasn't as impressed with Veiled in Brice as I was with Thinly veiled. I really, really enjoyed book 1 but not so much book 2. Zoey is our MC and the first, maybe, half of the book is basically set on her "relationships". I'm quote marking as I'm not really sure that's what I'd called it. When you read it you'll understand! But then the next part of the book is kinda thrown in the deep in with thriller vibes? That took me by surprise, but it was enjoyable. I'd definitely say it's a romance cross thriller/mystery. Don't let the cover fool you into thinking it's full blown romance.
Modiste has such a interesting way of writing and describing, I really can't fault her as an author as all. I'm a bit disappointed this one didn't live up to expectations after reading the first but it's still a good book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Buzz Net for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.
Veiled in Brick by Eliza Modiste - 3.5/5 ⭐
Firstly, this is a sequel. I made a boo boo in not knowing that, BUT it can be read as a standalone! I didn't want to take that chance so obviously purchased the first and read it before heading in to this one.
I wasn't as impressed with Veiled in Brice as I was with Thinly veiled. I really, really enjoyed book 1 but not so much book 2. Zoey is our MC and the first, maybe, half of the book is basically set on her "relationships". I'm quote marking as I'm not really sure that's what I'd called it. When you read it you'll understand! But then the next part of the book is kinda thrown in the deep in with thriller vibes? That took me by surprise, but it was enjoyable. I'd definitely say it's a romance cross thriller/mystery. Don't let the cover fool you into thinking it's full blown romance.
Modiste has such a interesting way of writing and describing, I really can't fault her as an author as all. I'm a bit disappointed this one didn't live up to expectations after reading the first but it's still a good book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Buzz Net for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.
December 6, 2023
Veiled in Brick follows Zoey’s story as she navigates new friendships, relationships, and a stalker. It is an exciting read with a twist at the end that was very unexpected! Some new characters are introduced and I’m hopeful that the next book will be Cassie’s story.
Eliza Modiste does a great job at showing Zoey’s emotional growth as a character and I genuinely enjoyed her learning how to be in a healthy relationship. Zoey starts off as very shallow and strictly into her love interests for sex - it was so refreshing to see her grow and fall in love with her best friend Liam 🥹
How are any of these characters adults?? They had more than enough evidence to turn over to the police by the end of the book and they just ?? didn’t want to deal with it?? It was a bit frustrating as I don’t know a single adult who would handle a serious situation like they did. Her poor parents are left in a house that was broken into with absolutely zero idea. Why did they not tell the Chris’ so they could protect themselves? Boo on everyone for that decision. Zoey needs major therapy.
5 ⭐️ for the thrill and romance.
3 ⭐️ for the poor life choices regarding the stalker.
Thank you to Eliza for sending me an early ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Eliza Modiste does a great job at showing Zoey’s emotional growth as a character and I genuinely enjoyed her learning how to be in a healthy relationship. Zoey starts off as very shallow and strictly into her love interests for sex - it was so refreshing to see her grow and fall in love with her best friend Liam 🥹
How are any of these characters adults?? They had more than enough evidence to turn over to the police by the end of the book and they just ?? didn’t want to deal with it?? It was a bit frustrating as I don’t know a single adult who would handle a serious situation like they did. Her poor parents are left in a house that was broken into with absolutely zero idea. Why did they not tell the Chris’ so they could protect themselves? Boo on everyone for that decision. Zoey needs major therapy.
5 ⭐️ for the thrill and romance.
3 ⭐️ for the poor life choices regarding the stalker.
Thank you to Eliza for sending me an early ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2023
Friends, Lovers, and a Stalker
Veiled in Brick is book 2 in the Veiled series. This is Zoey's story. Zoey is not looking for love. She is a "love 'em and leave 'em" kind of gal. She doesn't want a long term relationship, just an occasional fling is fine with her.
But, you know what they say about the best laid plans.... When James and Liam enter her life things get complicated quickly. James wants a relationship, not a fling. He wants commitment and stability a direct opposite of Zoey. Liam is her friend. After an unexpected kiss, Zoey starts to question her feelings for Liam, and for James. She knows that she will have to make a decision and choose a path forward.
As if that weren't enough, she now has a stalker sending her notes and flowers. After a frightening encounter with the stalker she tells James and Liam and they agree to keep her from further harm. When the stalker tries to take things to the next level, Zoey not only fears for her own safety, but that of the men who she has come to care for in very different ways.
This is an excellent romantic suspense story where friends become lovers and danger lurks around every corner.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Veiled in Brick is book 2 in the Veiled series. This is Zoey's story. Zoey is not looking for love. She is a "love 'em and leave 'em" kind of gal. She doesn't want a long term relationship, just an occasional fling is fine with her.
But, you know what they say about the best laid plans.... When James and Liam enter her life things get complicated quickly. James wants a relationship, not a fling. He wants commitment and stability a direct opposite of Zoey. Liam is her friend. After an unexpected kiss, Zoey starts to question her feelings for Liam, and for James. She knows that she will have to make a decision and choose a path forward.
As if that weren't enough, she now has a stalker sending her notes and flowers. After a frightening encounter with the stalker she tells James and Liam and they agree to keep her from further harm. When the stalker tries to take things to the next level, Zoey not only fears for her own safety, but that of the men who she has come to care for in very different ways.
This is an excellent romantic suspense story where friends become lovers and danger lurks around every corner.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up!
Zoey doesn’t do relationships, but she finally takes James up on his offer to go on a date. Things are going well for her and James, until a kiss with Liam makes her question everything. One day she returns home to a flower delivery, which both men know she hates, and from there it unravels and she discovers that she has a stalker who won’t give up until he gets what he wants.
I really liked this one!! I liked it better than the first one, and there was just something about Zoey and Liam that I absolutely loved.
I loved Liam in the first book, and this book made me love him even more. His story is heartbreaking, but I love how Zoey saw him for who he really was. I also loved how we got to see more of their friendship before they got together, as I loved this in the first book.
This was such an easy read, and the second half of the book had me on the edge of my seat!! This one was definitely more suspenseful than the first one. My only ‘issue’ with this book was the length of the chapters, but that’s a me problem. I had a few guesses of who the stalker was, but I was so very wrong.
- Friends to lovers
- Small town
- Stalker/thriller
- Love triangle
Thank you Eliza and BookSirens for the ARC of this book!!
Zoey doesn’t do relationships, but she finally takes James up on his offer to go on a date. Things are going well for her and James, until a kiss with Liam makes her question everything. One day she returns home to a flower delivery, which both men know she hates, and from there it unravels and she discovers that she has a stalker who won’t give up until he gets what he wants.
I really liked this one!! I liked it better than the first one, and there was just something about Zoey and Liam that I absolutely loved.
I loved Liam in the first book, and this book made me love him even more. His story is heartbreaking, but I love how Zoey saw him for who he really was. I also loved how we got to see more of their friendship before they got together, as I loved this in the first book.
This was such an easy read, and the second half of the book had me on the edge of my seat!! This one was definitely more suspenseful than the first one. My only ‘issue’ with this book was the length of the chapters, but that’s a me problem. I had a few guesses of who the stalker was, but I was so very wrong.
- Friends to lovers
- Small town
- Stalker/thriller
- Love triangle
Thank you Eliza and BookSirens for the ARC of this book!!
December 9, 2025
Veiled in Brick
By: Eliza Modiste
5⭐️
First a big Thank You to the author Eliza Modiste for the opportunity to read your series!!
I loved reading about Zoey! Her life is just so full of chaos (ya know dealing with Claire (IYKYK)) that why not have to deal with a stalker… but really though, her friends were so supportive and I love that they instantly went into protector mode. Usually she is the protector (caring so much for Claire, and then Liam) so having the tables turned really thawed her icy heart and let the true feelings come out. (I love the angst!)
Liam was such a sweetie the whole time. He and Zoey became the best of friends! (That’s the best kind of start to a relationship, learning to be comfortable with the other person without and expectations) He let Zoey come to terms with her feelings in her own time (yea he felt bad about everything that was happening) but he was just so patient. That moment on the kitchen floor was so raw and emotional.
(I kinda wish we had some POV from the MMC side (for both Luke and Liam))
I did feel a little bad for James though, I thought he was gonna be the one, but her and Liam are just so much better together!
I can’t wait to read James story next (I know he has had some shit thrown his way)
By: Eliza Modiste
5⭐️
First a big Thank You to the author Eliza Modiste for the opportunity to read your series!!
I loved reading about Zoey! Her life is just so full of chaos (ya know dealing with Claire (IYKYK)) that why not have to deal with a stalker… but really though, her friends were so supportive and I love that they instantly went into protector mode. Usually she is the protector (caring so much for Claire, and then Liam) so having the tables turned really thawed her icy heart and let the true feelings come out. (I love the angst!)
Liam was such a sweetie the whole time. He and Zoey became the best of friends! (That’s the best kind of start to a relationship, learning to be comfortable with the other person without and expectations) He let Zoey come to terms with her feelings in her own time (yea he felt bad about everything that was happening) but he was just so patient. That moment on the kitchen floor was so raw and emotional.
(I kinda wish we had some POV from the MMC side (for both Luke and Liam))
I did feel a little bad for James though, I thought he was gonna be the one, but her and Liam are just so much better together!
I can’t wait to read James story next (I know he has had some shit thrown his way)
January 15, 2026
Veiled in Brick by Eliza Modiste
Book two in the Veiled series.
This book follows Zoey on her male adventures and her heart being torn in two. What lore could a girl ask for? Live triangle. The triangle pulled me in two opposite directions because I really like both characters and had a hard time choosing who I wanted Zoey to want.
Zoey takes what she wants and is not afraid to show her sexuality. I loved following her in her journey. The road to long term relationships. Twists and turns that I am excited for you to read but don’t want to give away!
You get to continue to see the romance continue from Thinly Veiled. New characters added that I hope are in Shattered Veil!
If you want a book that’s got some spice, love triangle and some thriller mixed in. This is your book for sure!
Spice level I would say a three. A few scenes that were 🔥🔥🔥 but they were not overpowering.
The characters are well written and likable. They all intertwine very well and compliment each other.
I can’t wait to read her next book Shattered Veil!
I am very thankful to be able to read this gifted copy 💙
Book two in the Veiled series.
This book follows Zoey on her male adventures and her heart being torn in two. What lore could a girl ask for? Live triangle. The triangle pulled me in two opposite directions because I really like both characters and had a hard time choosing who I wanted Zoey to want.
Zoey takes what she wants and is not afraid to show her sexuality. I loved following her in her journey. The road to long term relationships. Twists and turns that I am excited for you to read but don’t want to give away!
You get to continue to see the romance continue from Thinly Veiled. New characters added that I hope are in Shattered Veil!
If you want a book that’s got some spice, love triangle and some thriller mixed in. This is your book for sure!
Spice level I would say a three. A few scenes that were 🔥🔥🔥 but they were not overpowering.
The characters are well written and likable. They all intertwine very well and compliment each other.
I can’t wait to read her next book Shattered Veil!
I am very thankful to be able to read this gifted copy 💙
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