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Love in Sienna #1
Secret Smiles
๐๐'๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ. ๐๐ก๐'๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐ฉ๐๐ฌ๐ญ. ๐๐ก๐๐ข๐ซ ๐จ๐ง๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ๐ ๐๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ. โฃ
โฃ
Life changes in the blink of an eye. โฃ
โฃ
I have everything a man could ever want: fame, women, money, power. โฃ
โฃ
I could have any woman I want, so why is my new manager the one I want the most? And why is she the only one who keeps saying no? โฃ
โฃ
Can I seduce her for longer than one night, or will the monsters I keep trying to push away finally consume me and win?โฃ
โฃ
๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ณ๐ฆ๐ต ๐๐ฎ๐ช๐ญ๐ฆ๐ด is the first book in the Love in Sienna Series, and can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series.โฃ
โฃ
If you like sexy rock stars, emotional rollercoasters and second chance romances, then youโll love this contemporary romance by Laura John.โฃ
โฃ
๐๐ข๐๐ค ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ๐๐๐ฒ!โฃ
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*๐๐ณ๐ช๐จ๐จ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ฏ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ* ๐๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐ฅ๐ช๐ด๐ค๐ถ๐ด๐ด๐ฆ๐ด ๐ด๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฐ๐ถ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ด๐ถ๐ฃ๐ซ๐ฆ๐ค๐ต๐ด ๐ต๐ฉ๐ข๐ต ๐ฎ๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ด๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ด.โฃ
โฃ
โฃโฃ
โฃ
Life changes in the blink of an eye. โฃ
โฃ
I have everything a man could ever want: fame, women, money, power. โฃ
โฃ
I could have any woman I want, so why is my new manager the one I want the most? And why is she the only one who keeps saying no? โฃ
โฃ
Can I seduce her for longer than one night, or will the monsters I keep trying to push away finally consume me and win?โฃ
โฃ
๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ณ๐ฆ๐ต ๐๐ฎ๐ช๐ญ๐ฆ๐ด is the first book in the Love in Sienna Series, and can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series.โฃ
โฃ
If you like sexy rock stars, emotional rollercoasters and second chance romances, then youโll love this contemporary romance by Laura John.โฃ
โฃ
๐๐ข๐๐ค ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ๐๐๐ฒ!โฃ
โฃ
*๐๐ณ๐ช๐จ๐จ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ฏ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ* ๐๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐ฅ๐ช๐ด๐ค๐ถ๐ด๐ด๐ฆ๐ด ๐ด๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฐ๐ถ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ด๐ถ๐ฃ๐ซ๐ฆ๐ค๐ต๐ด ๐ต๐ฉ๐ข๐ต ๐ฎ๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ด๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ด.โฃ
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205 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2019
175 people are currently reading
601 people want to read
About the author
Laura John
29ย books494ย followersHi i am Laura, a Canadian girl who loves to write romance. I write swoon worthy romances that will take you on emotional rollercoasters!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
August 9, 2019
A debut book from a brand new author. I was lucky enough to be given an ARC of this book and offer my review freely.
Rockstar romances are one of my favourite tropes so this book had a lot to live up to with the fantastic ones Iโve already read over the years.
This book tackles topics that a lot of writers donโt like to broach and you are warned in the blurb. Laura tackles these subjects with sensitivity.
There will be no spoilers here. Youโll just have to get this lovely book when itโs released, or better yet, pre order if that option is available.
If you love rockstar romance, if you love a book that is full of angst and gives you all the feels, if you love an author that draws you into her characters lives and makes you feel the love or the wanting to give a character a good hiding, then this book and this author is for you.
Iโve been lucky lately to read some really good arcs of new authors, and Laura John is one of those. I canโt wait for book two, Johnny and Leah, to see how they evolve and how it affects Tia and Mikey from book one. ๐ค My mouth is sealed. You know what you have to do. GET THIS BOOK!!!
Rockstar romances are one of my favourite tropes so this book had a lot to live up to with the fantastic ones Iโve already read over the years.
This book tackles topics that a lot of writers donโt like to broach and you are warned in the blurb. Laura tackles these subjects with sensitivity.
There will be no spoilers here. Youโll just have to get this lovely book when itโs released, or better yet, pre order if that option is available.
If you love rockstar romance, if you love a book that is full of angst and gives you all the feels, if you love an author that draws you into her characters lives and makes you feel the love or the wanting to give a character a good hiding, then this book and this author is for you.
Iโve been lucky lately to read some really good arcs of new authors, and Laura John is one of those. I canโt wait for book two, Johnny and Leah, to see how they evolve and how it affects Tia and Mikey from book one. ๐ค My mouth is sealed. You know what you have to do. GET THIS BOOK!!!
September 2, 2019
Oh I just want to hug Tia and Mikey so hard. They both go through so much to get to their HEA but they earned it.
I love a strong Heroine and Tia has that down pat, she doesn't put up with any of Mikey's crap and fights for what is best for her in the end.
I was hooked from the start and cannot wait for book 2.
I love a strong Heroine and Tia has that down pat, she doesn't put up with any of Mikey's crap and fights for what is best for her in the end.
I was hooked from the start and cannot wait for book 2.
October 28, 2020
Great! Fab setting, Tia is a very cool and beautiful rock group manager who takes no prisoners. But when she needs a new client to look after she meets Mikey, a rock star who is vaguely familiar - and just happens to be gorgeous. This all takes place in Sienna. The thing is, Tia was bullied at school and it turns out that is where she recognises Mikey from - romance is oozing from the pages here. Soon, Mikey is showering Tia with compliments and intentions. Laura John does a great job at portraying romance.
Well, there I was happily reading away, invested in these great characters and story when I noticed that I was only 25% into the book! A twist in the story cropped up. Because of Mikey's lifestyle, certain hurdles and unhealthy temptations fell into his path. Meanwhile, Tia is sensitive because of her past. Ups and downs follow. You will be willing this pair to work things out.
Laura John did a superb job of bringing mental health problems into the story, sensitively done and always great to read that there is hope.
Wonderful ending, I feel emotionally exhausted!
Well, there I was happily reading away, invested in these great characters and story when I noticed that I was only 25% into the book! A twist in the story cropped up. Because of Mikey's lifestyle, certain hurdles and unhealthy temptations fell into his path. Meanwhile, Tia is sensitive because of her past. Ups and downs follow. You will be willing this pair to work things out.
Laura John did a superb job of bringing mental health problems into the story, sensitively done and always great to read that there is hope.
Wonderful ending, I feel emotionally exhausted!
August 8, 2019
I absolutely loved this story. I related to Tia right away. Bullied as a child, transformed into a strong, smart music producer, Tia was a force to be reckoned with until she meets up with someone from her past. Mike Acosta. Famous musician, looking for a new manager, and someone Tia not only noticed as a youth, but someone who shone like a beacon in the face of her dark past. Meeting up as adults, the sparks fly, but secrets remain. I love their chemistry, their flaws, the drama. This book. Sigh. It pushed me in all directions emotionally. I was mad, frustrated, depressed, horrified, happy. A sign of an amazing book in my opinion. I will warn there are triggers in this book that could upset someone uncomfortable dealing with darker topics (bullying, suicide, drug use), so be warned. I love how flawed, how human these characters are and how human their reactions are to challenges. Definitely a great read. Secret Smiles, left me with a full heart and wanting so much more.
September 3, 2019
5+ Stars
Wow. I am laying in an emotional mess at 3 am after reading this story. My heart has been given a complete workout and my eyes sting. Iโve gone from sad to happy to heartbroken and all the emotions between.
Tia grabbed my heart from page one! Being bullied is not fun to read or even think about; you know it happens but it hurts the heart and you want to help the poor person. Tia manages to rise above it and is an inspiration to all. From the age of twelve, she has a crush on the boy who smiles at her and diverts the bullyโs attention, Mikey.
Oh, Mikey, you smooth-talking, dimple faced, sweetheart. He is a rockstar now and is instantly attracted to Tia. The electricity between these two is hot and explosive. So many things take them on lots of ups and downs. I cried, smiled, laughed and sobbed so much that I am going to have trouble sleeping.
What a great debut book by Laura John! I will be on the alert for any future books.
Wow. I am laying in an emotional mess at 3 am after reading this story. My heart has been given a complete workout and my eyes sting. Iโve gone from sad to happy to heartbroken and all the emotions between.
Tia grabbed my heart from page one! Being bullied is not fun to read or even think about; you know it happens but it hurts the heart and you want to help the poor person. Tia manages to rise above it and is an inspiration to all. From the age of twelve, she has a crush on the boy who smiles at her and diverts the bullyโs attention, Mikey.
Oh, Mikey, you smooth-talking, dimple faced, sweetheart. He is a rockstar now and is instantly attracted to Tia. The electricity between these two is hot and explosive. So many things take them on lots of ups and downs. I cried, smiled, laughed and sobbed so much that I am going to have trouble sleeping.
What a great debut book by Laura John! I will be on the alert for any future books.
November 3, 2020
Roller coaster
Bullying is never ok, I am so glad the author wrote about bullying and the effect it can have. Showing the struggles of living life with mental health issues as well and still get the love of your life
Bullying is never ok, I am so glad the author wrote about bullying and the effect it can have. Showing the struggles of living life with mental health issues as well and still get the love of your life
August 15, 2019
I received an early copy of this book and I must say Laura John is not scared to talk about heavy issues. Mickey Acosta is hot but with a few demons. Tia is strong gorgeous and even when she gets her dream guy she does not let him walk all over her. This story has ups and downs and touches on sensitive subjects. True love deserves a chance and that's what Laura John brings. The characters are relatable. Hey, Tia and Leah. The drama keeps you glued until the very end. And that ending...Swoon.
Bring on the next one. I. Am. Ready. For. More
Bring on the next one. I. Am. Ready. For. More
December 15, 2019
So many twists and turns, what a great read.
March 5, 2021
There is something really catchy about this book. Admittedly, I'm still new to the romance genre, but if more of them are like this I'll be on board. At first, I was a little put off by the style. It's very much a stream of consciousness in terms of perspective. The reader is literally inside the head of each character's mind following their thoughts. But then you realize that it is storytelling through perspective. Only once or twice does it feel like you have to relive a scene from the book again, and when that is the case the perspective of Mikey and Tia are completely different and offer another lens. I found this very unique, and actually very risky. Bravo. I would have actually like to see more from Mikey, especially during his downfall and slow rise back to normalcy. It's very well done, but the journey seems fast, and I would have loved to read more about Mikey's demons getting worked out. In many ways, that was the most meaningful part of the book. Mikey and Tia have some interesting chemistry as characters though. While they certainly have a connection, they seem like they work so easily towards self-destruction. Again, another strangely beautiful narrative on real life. How often do we do things because they are damaging to ourselves? How the perspective of Mikey and Tia brings this to life is really quite engaging. I know it's cliche, but I really didn't want this one to end. Really enjoyed it.
November 3, 2020
EMOTIONAL STORY!
I feel like I should start by saying that this story talks about topics that happens in the real word. Bullying, drug abuse, suicide...... with that been said, this story
had me with all the feelings.
Tia and Mikeyโs story started as young kids! They didnโt talked to each other but she love his smile and he love her eyes.
Tia was bully as a young kid but that didnโt stop her to overcome her fears and insecurities, at least most of them. She became a successful woman and is very good at what she does. Managing rockstars.
Mikey is looking for a new manager, someone who can help him with his career to bloom even more. His ex-manager recommends the best in the game, Tia Daggen.
They couldnโt ignore the sparks between them and after Mikey insist that Tia gives them a chance, she finally gives in. Everything seems to be working between them. Professionally and personally.
Thatโs until a lie rips them apart.
Mikey doesnโt know how to handle everything and turns to the one thing Tia wonโt tolerate, drugs.
That doesnโt do anything for him, he still feels the hurt and the betrayal. But he refuses to talk to Tia.
After Mikey learns the true he tries to win Tia back but the hurt of his words and actions is something Tia wonโt put up with it. Mikey might be a little too late!
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I feel like I should start by saying that this story talks about topics that happens in the real word. Bullying, drug abuse, suicide...... with that been said, this story
had me with all the feelings.
Tia and Mikeyโs story started as young kids! They didnโt talked to each other but she love his smile and he love her eyes.
Tia was bully as a young kid but that didnโt stop her to overcome her fears and insecurities, at least most of them. She became a successful woman and is very good at what she does. Managing rockstars.
Mikey is looking for a new manager, someone who can help him with his career to bloom even more. His ex-manager recommends the best in the game, Tia Daggen.
They couldnโt ignore the sparks between them and after Mikey insist that Tia gives them a chance, she finally gives in. Everything seems to be working between them. Professionally and personally.
Thatโs until a lie rips them apart.
Mikey doesnโt know how to handle everything and turns to the one thing Tia wonโt tolerate, drugs.
That doesnโt do anything for him, he still feels the hurt and the betrayal. But he refuses to talk to Tia.
After Mikey learns the true he tries to win Tia back but the hurt of his words and actions is something Tia wonโt put up with it. Mikey might be a little too late!
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January 12, 2020
This was a great book! I knew from the characters I was introduced to along the way that there would be more stories to come. I am absolutely in live with Mikey and Tiaโs story. Their relationship started off very fast and spited out of control. It took them all to different places they needed to be to get different results. Iโm so happy that they had to work to get where they wanted to be but they didnโt give up or stop trying. This book hit some pretty close to home scenarios that some people have encountered but have never worked through. It gives you hope and encourages you to get out there and seek help. I loved this book so much and I can not WAIT to continue the series! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read a good and real story.
September 23, 2019
Wow!!โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Iโm honestly shocked this is Lauraโs first book! It was so thoughtfully written in the way it dealt with difficult subjects, while still being raw and real emotionally. Seriously, this book has all the feels! Love, laughter, tears, characters that inspire severe anger! Awesome secondary characters were included that will make for great future stories. I loved Mikey and Tiaโs story so much, and canโt wait to see where her upcoming books take us!! I highly recommend this book!!
Iโm honestly shocked this is Lauraโs first book! It was so thoughtfully written in the way it dealt with difficult subjects, while still being raw and real emotionally. Seriously, this book has all the feels! Love, laughter, tears, characters that inspire severe anger! Awesome secondary characters were included that will make for great future stories. I loved Mikey and Tiaโs story so much, and canโt wait to see where her upcoming books take us!! I highly recommend this book!!
September 24, 2019
Ups and downs lead to happy in the end
I enjoyed this first book from a new author. I despised both Mikey and Tia at points in the book, but their story was definitely gritty and kept my interest. I only wish that their reconciliation (not the friends one, the โback togetherโ one) didnโt feel rushed at the end of the book. This wonโt stop me from trying the next book that the author writes, though.
I enjoyed this first book from a new author. I despised both Mikey and Tia at points in the book, but their story was definitely gritty and kept my interest. I only wish that their reconciliation (not the friends one, the โback togetherโ one) didnโt feel rushed at the end of the book. This wonโt stop me from trying the next book that the author writes, though.
January 13, 2021
What a fantastic book; at first, I can't believe this is a fiction book, but it makes you wonder if it is/was real. It makes you wonder if this is what rock stars deal with all the time. The book is excellent, and I would recommend it to friends and family all the time. I can't wait t read the other books of the LoveIn Sienna Series. I can't also to read more books by Laura John.
March 24, 2021
This book made me cry so hard and laugh a lot. Woth all the ups and downs o felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster but the book was amazing and couldn't out it down. I'm glad tia and mikey finally got together and got their happy ever after. The ending was worth it.
January 15, 2021
This book touched me in many ways. The characters were relatable and the issues were hard to handle but truthful. Great read!
September 6, 2019
Tia Marie Daggan used to be Patricia, the girl who was bullied badly in school, until she dropped out to homeschool herself. Now as an adult, she is one of the best band managers around, and after she had worked for the same company for a lot of years, they screw her over so she walks out on them, taking their newest potential client, Mikey Ecosta. He was told to hire her, but there's more to the situation. See, Mikey was the one bright spot in High School, and she hasn't forgotten him nor has the crush. However, while Mikey doesn't recognize the new her, he does feel something familiar when he looks at her. He does want her badly, but she's got hard core rules about not getting involved with clients, however, it's not going to stop Mikey, who is determined to make her his. Now, I'm going to warn you, there's a very frustrating push & pull throughout, which had me ready to pull out my hair by the roots. And while I liked the strong woman that Tia became, I still wanted to shake her until her teeth rattled more than once. The cast of secondaries added more depth, and well placed humorous moments, and I'm excited for Leah, Tia's bestie, to get her own story. This rock star story had my attention from the beginning, with some intense topics that were covered, which had very realistic feel to them. So, did Mikey finally figure out who Tia was?! And does Mikey ever get Tia to break her rules, so they have a shot at a great future?! For the answers to these questions, you'll have to one click on Secret Smiles! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
February 27, 2020
Tia and Mikey are both dealing with issues from their past. Tia was bullied and felt abandoned by her mother and Mikey always wished he had stood up to the bully of the girl he liked but never had the courage to talk to. Their paths cross again but Mikey does not remember Tia and she is determined to keep Mikey at arm's length. Mikey finally breaks down her defences and things get hot between them until the past rears it's ugly head and turns their lives upside down. Life goes from bad to worse for everyone before finally levelling out again all thanks to hard work and Secret Smiles.
Secret Smiles was a rollercoaster of emotions right from page one which takes you through all of the feels and tackles some very strong and serious subjects that may cause triggers for some people like bullying, alcohol and drug abuse and suicide. Secret Smiles was a great start to the Love in Sienna series. Laura John is a new author to me and I am looking forward to continuing with her novels. Secret Smiles is told from the first-person point of view and is a friends to lovers, second chance, Rockstar romance.
See more of my reviews at:
October 9, 2020
Encore More Tia & Mikey Pls
I love rock star reads. This book has so much of what I really enjoy to read about. No spoilers, this review makes that difficult for me because some things were not in the description but certain events in this book happened here that had me happy dancing and whistling. Make no mistake, it's rock star, it's romance it's sexy but there's serious triggers for some. How Mikey's issues are handled? Incredible. The follow through, consistency of his therapy until he found the right person for him? Perfection and real. Tia, in addition seeking therapy for herself, as well? Brilliant. Healthy all around and maturely handled. The bonus, the extended epilogue. HFN is not a favorite for me but their HEA is inevitable. The going back to the past was small enough for me to enjoy, too many flashbacks going back and forth I'm not into, but here it was just right and necessary.
This was an unexpected happy surprise read. I recommend it, highly. I did not receive an ARC, this is my opinion and I was not asked to give a review. On to book 2, reluctantly because I'm not a Johnny fan but the reviews are extremely promising.
Typos, few. Sexy, yes. Alpha male, not really but sexy. Cursing, yeah it's a rock star read. Drugs, yes. Triggers, yes more than one so beware. Mental health, drug abuse, bullying and abuse period.
I love rock star reads. This book has so much of what I really enjoy to read about. No spoilers, this review makes that difficult for me because some things were not in the description but certain events in this book happened here that had me happy dancing and whistling. Make no mistake, it's rock star, it's romance it's sexy but there's serious triggers for some. How Mikey's issues are handled? Incredible. The follow through, consistency of his therapy until he found the right person for him? Perfection and real. Tia, in addition seeking therapy for herself, as well? Brilliant. Healthy all around and maturely handled. The bonus, the extended epilogue. HFN is not a favorite for me but their HEA is inevitable. The going back to the past was small enough for me to enjoy, too many flashbacks going back and forth I'm not into, but here it was just right and necessary.
This was an unexpected happy surprise read. I recommend it, highly. I did not receive an ARC, this is my opinion and I was not asked to give a review. On to book 2, reluctantly because I'm not a Johnny fan but the reviews are extremely promising.
Typos, few. Sexy, yes. Alpha male, not really but sexy. Cursing, yeah it's a rock star read. Drugs, yes. Triggers, yes more than one so beware. Mental health, drug abuse, bullying and abuse period.
September 5, 2019
4 lovely stars! What a great debut book! I was hooked the second I started reading! Definitley a quick read with lots of passion!!
I'm so glad I got to read this debut book from a brand new author! This book was super cute and full of passion! I really loved the development of the characters and the unique storyline! This book was definitely a page-turner and one I couldn't put down!
November 24, 2019
๐๐๐๐
4 Bubbles Star!
Tia and Mikeyโs story reminds me a bit of the movie โA Star is Bornโ by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. This isnโt a spoiler because they both tell a different kind of story, but the abuse, the drugs, the life of a musician-the highs and lows of it-are alarmingly โnormalโ if you live the industry. I should also point out that one selling point of this book when Laura reached out for a book review to me was when I read the trigger warnings:
โSecret Smiles talks about depression, drug abuse, and suicide. There is an attempted suicide in this story. If you struggle with depression or thoughts of self-harm, this book may not be the best for you to read. If you feel like reading about an any of these things would be triggering for you, please tread with caution. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, or dealing with addictions, please reach out. There is help available. You are not alone.โ
At first I struggled to get the hang of their characters, Tia and Mikeyโs voices are both too strong and sometimes they blur into one, but it worked out after a few chapters in. This wasnโt an easy read, it isnโt your typical rockstar romance because the issues discussed were deeply rooted in the MCโs that they ooze off them in the way they make their decisions and how they interact with the other characters.
Suicide themed books are hit and miss, and that usually depends on how the author manoeuvres the story after that incident. Laura took her time laying out a get back on your feet storyline for both Tia and Mikey and I appreciate that. It wasnโt also a quick โbullshit plot then everythingโs rosy againโ either. I must say thatโs one of the parts I loved about the story, their childhood scene and the ending-of course. Also, donโt forget to get the bonus epilogue! I loved that extra glimpse after everything.โค๏ธ
Congrats on your debut book, Laura! This is a challenging first book from you and I know youโll get better and better after each and every next one!๐
4 Bubbles Star!
Tia and Mikeyโs story reminds me a bit of the movie โA Star is Bornโ by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. This isnโt a spoiler because they both tell a different kind of story, but the abuse, the drugs, the life of a musician-the highs and lows of it-are alarmingly โnormalโ if you live the industry. I should also point out that one selling point of this book when Laura reached out for a book review to me was when I read the trigger warnings:
โSecret Smiles talks about depression, drug abuse, and suicide. There is an attempted suicide in this story. If you struggle with depression or thoughts of self-harm, this book may not be the best for you to read. If you feel like reading about an any of these things would be triggering for you, please tread with caution. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, or dealing with addictions, please reach out. There is help available. You are not alone.โ
At first I struggled to get the hang of their characters, Tia and Mikeyโs voices are both too strong and sometimes they blur into one, but it worked out after a few chapters in. This wasnโt an easy read, it isnโt your typical rockstar romance because the issues discussed were deeply rooted in the MCโs that they ooze off them in the way they make their decisions and how they interact with the other characters.
Suicide themed books are hit and miss, and that usually depends on how the author manoeuvres the story after that incident. Laura took her time laying out a get back on your feet storyline for both Tia and Mikey and I appreciate that. It wasnโt also a quick โbullshit plot then everythingโs rosy againโ either. I must say thatโs one of the parts I loved about the story, their childhood scene and the ending-of course. Also, donโt forget to get the bonus epilogue! I loved that extra glimpse after everything.โค๏ธ
Congrats on your debut book, Laura! This is a challenging first book from you and I know youโll get better and better after each and every next one!๐
September 6, 2019
I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review. ...
I loved the characters (not always) and the theme. I've read this theme before but this was done a bit differently and extremely well. There were also a few more layers than I expected.
The writing was good and handled the heavy issues very well. I could actually see the scenes and many times, I wanted to bop some characters' heads together. I always take both of those as signs of good writing.
It was definetly a rollercoaster. I needed to take a breath at times but it made sense. ..the issues are so deep, they would take many turns. I thought the tough, important issues were handled intelligently, tastefully and believably. I believe this was this author's debut book and I plan to stick with her and see what's next. I do have some unanswered theories, so come on, book two!!!
I loved the characters (not always) and the theme. I've read this theme before but this was done a bit differently and extremely well. There were also a few more layers than I expected.
The writing was good and handled the heavy issues very well. I could actually see the scenes and many times, I wanted to bop some characters' heads together. I always take both of those as signs of good writing.
It was definetly a rollercoaster. I needed to take a breath at times but it made sense. ..the issues are so deep, they would take many turns. I thought the tough, important issues were handled intelligently, tastefully and believably. I believe this was this author's debut book and I plan to stick with her and see what's next. I do have some unanswered theories, so come on, book two!!!
August 10, 2019
Secret Smiles is the first book from author Laura John and I was offered and Arc to read this amazing story, which for me itโs so much more than a romantic novel because it deals with topics that many people experience in their everyday day life. I absolutely love the characters of the story which were Tia and Mickey. Like I said before the characters in the story deal with topics and struggles that sometimes are topics that we donโt talk about in the everyday life but what I really love about the book is that it gave me a different perspective about this issues. I really enjoyed the story, the chemistry with the characters were super good and the love scenes super hot ๐ฅ and steamy. They were scenes were I was laughing so hard as well as scenes were I was feeling all the angst and overwhelming emotions that the characters were making feel. Overall I think Laura did an incredible job and I would definitely be waiting for her second book.
April 6, 2020
Many of the books I have been reading this year are new to me authors and Laura John is one of them. This book, literally left me with a huge lump in my throat because I relate so much with Tia. There are some dark topics in this book that may trigger some but to me, it made Tia very relatable.
Being bullied as a teen, Tia is now a successful band manager and is surprised when someone from her past, the sexy, smooth talking Mikey, becomes her new client. He doesn't remember her but she sure remembers him. Tia has risen above her past and will not let anything bring her down so she keeps the distance between her and Mikey.
As sparks fly, they decide to take a chance at love but a lie threatens to destroy their HEA and it may just be too late.
Also, no cliffhangers! 5 stars :)
Being bullied as a teen, Tia is now a successful band manager and is surprised when someone from her past, the sexy, smooth talking Mikey, becomes her new client. He doesn't remember her but she sure remembers him. Tia has risen above her past and will not let anything bring her down so she keeps the distance between her and Mikey.
As sparks fly, they decide to take a chance at love but a lie threatens to destroy their HEA and it may just be too late.
Also, no cliffhangers! 5 stars :)
August 25, 2019
What a debut novel. I love a good rockstar romance and Laura John certainly delivered.
I was enthralled from the very beginning and captivated until the very end.
There are some heavy themes explored in this book that are well written and done thoughtfully. Whilst there is some difficult events in this book, there is also some beauty, happiness and laughter.
I cried, I laughed, I was heartbroken and then put all back together with the HEA. This is well written, entertaining and easy to read. All the characters are relatable.
I can't wait to see what else is in store for this world.
Definitely a must read.
I recieved an advanced copy of this book above is my honest review.
I was enthralled from the very beginning and captivated until the very end.
There are some heavy themes explored in this book that are well written and done thoughtfully. Whilst there is some difficult events in this book, there is also some beauty, happiness and laughter.
I cried, I laughed, I was heartbroken and then put all back together with the HEA. This is well written, entertaining and easy to read. All the characters are relatable.
I can't wait to see what else is in store for this world.
Definitely a must read.
I recieved an advanced copy of this book above is my honest review.
April 4, 2020
I hold a special place in my heart for Rockstar romances (I'm a music fanatic) so when I was offered the opportunity to read this book, I couldn't say no. I expected a hot, fast-paced romance but this book was so much more. I laughed. I cried. This book was emotionally charged from the beginning. I couldn't put it down. I absolutely fell in love with the story and the characters. It was so easy to put myself in their shoes and really feel what the story was portraying. The fact that it addresses bullying and depression were added bonuses to me since someone near and dear to me suffers from bipolar disorder. This was an awesome read and the author has now gained a fan for life.
December 15, 2019
My first Rockstar romance.
The story of Tia and Mikey took you on a whirlwind of a ride. I loved how their story unfolded. I really enjoyed the unexpected twists. Laura does a fantastic job bringing you into the book. It was hard to put down, I had to know what happened next. There are some emotional parts where my heart went out to the characters. I can't wait to get started on Hidden Kisses! Book 2 in this series.ย
If you haven't read this book yet, what are you waiting for?ย
Highly recommend. ๐
The story of Tia and Mikey took you on a whirlwind of a ride. I loved how their story unfolded. I really enjoyed the unexpected twists. Laura does a fantastic job bringing you into the book. It was hard to put down, I had to know what happened next. There are some emotional parts where my heart went out to the characters. I can't wait to get started on Hidden Kisses! Book 2 in this series.ย
If you haven't read this book yet, what are you waiting for?ย
Highly recommend. ๐
September 8, 2019
I love a good rockstar romance and Laura does not disappoint.
I love Tia! Sheโs such a strong character and doesnโt take any crap from those around her, especially Mikey. Heโs a rockstar with some demons and sheโs a woman determined not to let her past define her.
Laura took me on an emotional journey with these two. Itโs sweet and sexy and everything in-between. Some serious topics are discussed and Laura handles it beautifully. Amazing debut from a new author! โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
I love Tia! Sheโs such a strong character and doesnโt take any crap from those around her, especially Mikey. Heโs a rockstar with some demons and sheโs a woman determined not to let her past define her.
Laura took me on an emotional journey with these two. Itโs sweet and sexy and everything in-between. Some serious topics are discussed and Laura handles it beautifully. Amazing debut from a new author! โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
January 2, 2020
*Be sure to read the trigger warnings.*
This love story is very well written. The mfc is a victim of bullying whose only saving grace were the "Secret Smiles" from her crush. She leaves school because of the bullying and creates a life away from the frumpy Patricia to the beautiful Tia. As fate would have it her crush re-enters her life and the real fun begins!
I started reading this about 10pm and finished at 6:30 AM!! Normally I stick to paranormal romances but this author's writing kept me glued to the pages!!!
This love story is very well written. The mfc is a victim of bullying whose only saving grace were the "Secret Smiles" from her crush. She leaves school because of the bullying and creates a life away from the frumpy Patricia to the beautiful Tia. As fate would have it her crush re-enters her life and the real fun begins!
I started reading this about 10pm and finished at 6:30 AM!! Normally I stick to paranormal romances but this author's writing kept me glued to the pages!!!
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