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Strings

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When Natalia Pearson changes her identity and boards a plane for her new job, she swears she’s leaving her past and all the drama that comes with it behind her. That is... until she chooses between two empty plane seats and ends up right in the middle of Sebastian Corronov’s messy life. Agreeing to fake a relationship with a stranger for a few hours doesn’t seem like too much to ask for someone who’s trying to be a better person. But when their paths cross again, that temporary agreement becomes a much longer, sexier, and more spirited commitment. One she may like more than she cares to admit. We’re all attached to something. Some strings are invisible - until they’re not.

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2020

9 people are currently reading
48 people want to read

About the author

Dawn L. Chiletz

12 books246 followers
Dawn L. Chiletz is the author of The Contest, Waiting to Lose, Enough, Can't You See, The Fabulist, Confessions of a Carpool Captive, The Praetorian, Angry Annie, Book Boyfriend, Strings and Converted. She currently resides in Illinois with her two boys, and two dogs. When she's not binge writing or reading, Dawn can most likely be found somewhere on social media making a sarcastic comment or posting funny memes.

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5 stars
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28 (36%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Dawn Chiletz.
Author 12 books246 followers
March 6, 2020
I read it several times... While writing and editing. I think it's pretty okay. I might be biased. LOL
Profile Image for Monique.
1,265 reviews57 followers
February 29, 2020
This is not your typical Dawn L. Chiltez novel, it is a little darker and a whole lot more aggressive with our leading lady, Natalia. She has had an extremely hard upbringing which has caused her a lot of grief, and it shows. She has no filter and can be moody. She is what some might call a rough diamond. She is super sassy, a little jumpy and a hot mess when she first arrives in her new surroundings. Her anger and need to be right or undiscovered makes her a little childish at times but she recognises this about herself too and is trying to rectify that. She is learning how to behave in her new world. I feel that she is somewhat juvenile as she's really had no role model up until now to show her the way. Her first instinct is to run and be safe because she has trust issues, and it will take an amazing man to show her that there are good people around that she can depend on. And Bash (Sebastian mightn't like his nickname, but I do!) is a great guy. He too can be moody as he is living a life that isn't truly his own, he is trying to please too many and not be his full self. He has a heart of gold and only wants what's best for Talia and he hopes to be the one to give her what she truly deserves.

It is a fake relationship trope that I would put in the contemporary romance genre, though it is also mysterious with some twists. I had a few issues with the storyline, and I couldn't get onboard with part of it but all in all it was a good tale. I can fully appreciate when an author gives us something with more depth and thought thinking aspects, as well as characters that have growth. I think fans of this author will appreciate it too.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,288 reviews68 followers
February 24, 2020
This author always does an amazing job of writing flawed characters, and this book is no exception. I think we've all been at a point in our lives where we wish we could run away and become someone else. This book is about someone doing just that, and the challenges that go along with it!

Talia and Bash meet on a plane where she quickly becomes his "fake girlfriend". And that's just the beginning of the crazy journey the two of them take. Talia comes from a poor, sordid background she's trying to escape. Bash comes from money and high expectations that he's also wanting to escape. When their worlds collide it's tense, sweet, frustrating, hot, suspenseful, and even humorous. This book will give you so many feelings.

We also get Bella - the character we love to hate (who's also flawed and complex), the CEO you want to punch, and Amy - who you want to put in your pocket and take home with you!

The growth and changes in Talia and watching her come into her own throughout this book and realize her worth was the best part of the book for me!

I don't like to give away too much of the story in my reviews, but this one was different and refreshing and I just could not put it down!
Profile Image for Ruth McDonnell.
1,067 reviews12 followers
March 10, 2020
I loved this book! Talia is running from her past. She runs straight into Sebastian on a plane from Detroit to Los Angeles. Each one is tied to the other with invisible strings. From string cheese to the strings on Sebastian’s violin, this story has so much heart and humor you will not want to leave its pages! 5 stars
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
19.8k reviews249 followers
March 8, 2020
This is a unique and beautifully written tale about Natalie and Sebastian, who are both complex and flawed characters. This story is an emotional roller coaster journey throughout, as well as having drama and a tad mystery which all lead to a humorous and entertaining read which had me totally enthralled throughout this riveting page turner. I highly recommend for all.
Profile Image for Carolina León.
123 reviews62 followers
March 31, 2020
Fascinating read 😍

I'm in awe after reading Strings by Dawn L. Chiletz. The talent this author is out of charts and this book is the living proof of that. It has it all. It's funny, angsty, mysterious, brutally honest, well written and addictive. I wanted to know more about the characters and all the secrets they were hiding.

Talia's past was definitely rough. She had to learn, from a young age to survive in a world full of rejection but that made her who she is and I loved the kind of woman she becomes. Although, there are things she hides in order to start a new life, she is feisty, loyal and deep down has a beautiful heart.

Sebastian is the handsome prodigy who was used to people to idolatry him at every corner but that wasn't the case with the sassy Talia. She was like everything he never expected and all he ever needed in his life.

Talia and Bash were surely my favorite characters. Finding each other in the most uncomfortable situations, they discover more and more about themselves, until their "friendship" transform in the most enjoyable love story ever told.

I enjoyed every minute of these character's banter and I can't be more happy about their HEA.
Definitely a MUST READ❤️
Profile Image for Kristin.
66 reviews15 followers
March 1, 2020
STRINGS keeps you guessing, hinting at backstory and at so much more behind the scenes. With characters that will make you laugh out loud and cringe for them, Dawn has done it again. This is her best book yet.
Profile Image for McKinnze.
101 reviews9 followers
February 22, 2020
Strings is an emotional rollercoaster of a novel that had me glued to the pages. There was never a dull moment in this book. The mixture of humor and drama had me laughing in one chapter and crying in the next. It was the perfect book for me to curl up with on a lazy day and devour every single page until I was finished.

Natalia Pearson is not your typical heroine. She is flawed. She is a moody, irrational woman that can sometimes drive you crazy. But my favorite thing about her is that she was true to real life. She is complex in the best of ways, and I adored her independent, sassy attitude.

My favorite thing about Dawn L. Chiletz is that she creates amazing friendships that make you want to crawl inside of the book and live along side the characters. And she is the only author that could make me want to be friends with a plant. Seriously! I want to go out and buy my own Stella right now. It's just the magic of her writing, and it is the reason that I will forever read her books.

There are so many emotional, frustrating, beautiful moments in Strings that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And not only is the story itself unique, but you'll never find another character quite like our hero Sebastian. He is cocky, adorable and swoon worthy all in one. So don't miss out on your chance to read this book and meet these characters. Just be prepared to miss them once it's all over.
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews323 followers
March 8, 2020
This was a change from the norm for Dawn L Chiletz, and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Strings is centred around a classical symphony and Sebastian Corronov, the star violinist who was a child prodigy and is now well renowned.

Natalia is a girl that had a really hard start in life and is desperate to make a new life for herself which includes a fresh start and reinvented identity. Travelling across country to start her new job, Natalia sits next to Sebastian on the flight and ends up becoming embroiled in his personal drama. Leaving the plane as his fake girlfriend, Natalia has no idea what she has let herself in for, especially when she starts her new job and finds the fake boyfriend she left at the airport.

Strings was a great read, I did have a few issues with the plot, but not to the detriment of my enjoyment. This was a great story with a good dose of angst, sprinkled with humour, a load of deceit, some great friendships, a lot of understanding and a lot of love.
Profile Image for Denise Hoover.
791 reviews
February 11, 2023
4.5 🌟

When I started out with this book I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. Talia is a very strong, very rough around the edges kind of character. I couldn’t always keep up with her emotions and attitude. At times she made me cringe. But it makes her part of the charm that she has and I grew to love her for who she is.
Bash is this rich boy that always has people philandering to him so when Talia doesn’t treat him like everyone else, it ends up being a breath of fresh air for him.

They start out with a fake relationship, that they have to keep pushing off “breaking up” but soon things turn into real feelings. But neither of them can see it until things get wild. The last 40% of the book had me at the edge of my seat the entire time and brought up the star rating.

I still would recommend this book as I love the angst it gave me.
Profile Image for Sally Mieske.
297 reviews10 followers
March 8, 2020
This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed Strings. The characters were interesting and well developed. The plot had twists and turns I didn’t see coming. It was a great way to spend my Saturday afternoon ☺️.

Natalia is feisty, standoffish at times and determine to “fake it til you make it”. She is determined to be a better person and leave the past behind. I Ioved her little pep talks. She knew who she wanted to be, envisioned it, and made it happen. There was one minor/major kink her plan.

Sitting on plane next to Sebastian alters her course of action. A fake relationship wasn’t in her plans. What happens next? You will want to read it to find out 😉

I voluntarily read an arc and this is my honest review
Profile Image for Dawn.
70 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2020
I was eagerly waiting for this book to drop and I can honestly say with zero hesitation it was worth the wait! I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I discovered Dawn at a book signing in Spokane and purchased one of her books. Since then I have devoured ever single book she has written. Every single word she writes just resonates with me. The story of Natalia and Sebastian was no different. Dawn writes characters that just resonate with your soul. I highly recommend this book without any hesitation
Profile Image for Sherilyn Becker.
20 reviews27 followers
March 1, 2020
Loved this book! I felt like I was riding an emotional rollercoaster- twisty turn after twisty turn of angst,deceit, humor,love and understanding. Absolute perfection. I just couldn't put this book down!
11 reviews
March 10, 2020
Soooooooo good

I’m not much good at writing reviews but this book! I laughed, I cried, I stayed up until 2am to finish! My top read of 2020 and definitely a new favourite! I already can’t wait to read again
Profile Image for Aubrey .
212 reviews7 followers
March 6, 2020
I LOVED Talia and Sebastian's story. It was complicated and ugly, yet oh so beautiful.

Strings was exactly what I needed when I read it. It was funny and sexy, and a bit mysterious. I wanted to read even when I was supposed to be sleeping. I wanted to read while I was cooking and cleaning. I didn't want to put it down because it kept me intrigued the whole time.

I didn't know what to expect. Even when I thought one thing could happen, something else did. And it was always a good thing. Nothing felt forced or unrealistic.

The whole story is told in Natalia's perspective, which I think is a good thing for this story. We needed to see how Natalia viewed every interaction and every situation. And that's where the mystery comes in. Had we had Sebastian's POV as well, I don't think it would have read the same.

Basically this is another amazing story from Dawn, and I can't wait to see what she has coming next. She's so versatile and she keeps me coming back for more.
25 reviews
April 6, 2020
What can I say about this book, except it's another stellar read by the incredible, Dawn Chiletz. This is the sixth novel from her that I've read and every time I read one of her books, I'm blown away by the depth of characters that she writes. I cry, laugh, and my heart pounds with fear right along with them. Her stories always carry such a deep and emotionally moving plot, and this one was no exception.

Talia's story is a heartbreaking one and I found myself needing a tissue more than once. But her, as a character, is more than about hardships, she's also someone who truly sees the heart of people and goes out of her way to help others, even though she herself is very broken. To hide her brokenness she often resorts to either cutting remarks or humorous ones and her humorous ones had me laugh out loud. Her banter with "Bash" is fantastic to read and from a gardener/plant whisperer like myself, how could I not love her best friend, Stella. :D

Sebastian is a male character that, in the beginning, will have you smiling one minute and wanting to smack him the next. Then as the story unfolds you see that beyond that he's extremely charming and full of depth and compassion. Just when I thought Dawn Chiletz couldn't write a better male character than all the others I've read in her stories, she goes and brings us Sebastian Corronov! *happy sigh* I want to thank her for not disappointing, yet again.

One of my favorite things about this author is, not only does she tells you a story, but has you experiencing all the emotions right along with the characters. She makes you feel like you are right in the center of their world, living and experiencing things with them. And that is why I love her writing so much.

I look forward to each new book that Dawn Chiletz puts out, because she's proven, time and again, that her books are going to be well rounded, emotionally gripping, and overall fantastic reads that always keep me up late at night to finish them.
February 25, 2020


 I really like the way this author writes her characters - with flaws and all. The plot is also a good one,  well developed and written too. The female lead was an interesting character with lots of edges, clever and funny. I can not make my mind up about the male lead - sometimes he felt like a flawless gentleman and in other moments - well let's say his mood swings gave me a whiplash but made an interesting read.

I read several books from this author that I also liked very much - yet this one here feels different and something would not let me connect with the characters fully - and I can not put my finger on the reasons why. It might be that some things did not add up fully - mostly when it came to the secondary characters/antagonists... Going into details would mean spoilers - so that is a no go ..... Let's just say that the female "antagonist" in this story did not really make sense at all most times, But let's not forget the one secondary character I think everybody will love ... Stella ... hahahahaha - she needs a special mention ...


Still, I really liked what I read and even if it wasn't a tearjerker or anything to laugh out loud about - it is a well-developed plotline and I would read this author's books anytime because her writing appeals to me.

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Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews254 followers
March 6, 2020
Dawn L. Chiletz writes books that draw you in with amazing characters, stimulating story line and exceptional writing. Strings represents all of these strengths and gives you healthy doses of laughter, enrage and feels.

Natalia is quite different from other characters that you have read. She is damaged, but honest with herself about it. Striving for not only a way out of her old life, but a true opportunity to be a better person, she embarks on her journey only to get caught up in a situation that she believes is a “one and done” type. Whoops!

Sebastian, just let me say SWOON! He gets Natalia to help him out of a difficult position, again thinking is a “one and done” and that they both can be on their way.

When they see each other again, that scenario won’t be playing out. Their story from there is so many different things and each one of them will entertain you. Throughout this book you will come to love characters, hate characters, laugh, seethe but you will finish this book with a smile on your face and happiness in your heart. 5 Stars #2OCCMS

Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews189 followers
March 8, 2020
Strings was a very intriguing read that I really couldn't put down. It's not the normal Dawn L. Chiletz story, as it was a bit darker coming from her, but that being said, I hope she does pen more of this type of story. One thing that I'll always love about her, is the way she writes her characters perfectly imperfect with realistic flaws. That's gold to me, because we all know that no one is perfect, so having my MCs being imperfect makes me happy since she balanced it out perfectly, not making either completely unforgivable to me. I don't know really how to describe the trope as a whole, but I do know this; there were some f-bomb worthy twists that I absolutely LOVED, with a mysterious undertone. The characters development is great, so there's that, but still, there was just something missing that I couldn't put my finger on. Anyway, I really enjoyed the story as a whole, and encourage y'all to hit that one click button, as I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for DS Book Promotions.
556 reviews12 followers
March 6, 2020
I love this author and any book she writes has me dying to read it and this latest release is no exception.

✔️ complicated characters
✔️accidental attraction
✔️ sassy heroine
✔️Cocky, swoon worthy Hero

Strings had my attention straight away, I love the way this book went from drama and sadness to laugh out loud moments. Natalia (Talia) as Sebastian liked to call her was feisty and complicated and had attitude for days and was accidentally thrown into a fake relationship by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Sebastian (Bash) needed a scape goat of sorts and Talia fit that bill the moment she entered her plane flight. Sebastian is a cocky, sexy world known musician that had any girl he wanted and was drawn to Talia - although he would deny it.
When it turns out Talia’s new job is the very place Sebastian works things start to get complicated and the ride is amazing!!
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
February 26, 2020
Natalie is on the run. Running her con game. New identity. New place. New job. Keeping her walls up. Built of steel. Trying to move forward. Living the lies. Never to unlock the secrets of her past.

When Natalie meets Sebastian and Bella on a plane little did she know that they would turn her world upside down.

It's hard to describe Sebastian's character. He seems well deciplined and polished. Maybe a little geeky. So when sassy Talia came crashing into his life, he wasn't quiet sure how to deal with his feelings. He has a good heart.

Obstacles are thrown in Talia and Sebastian's path testing their love as her  secrets are revealed.

Strings is a beautiful love story with a good dose of humour.
Profile Image for Melenareads .
3,266 reviews78 followers
March 6, 2020
Dawn L. Chiletz has impressed me with her creative and character driven stories. Strings is different from some of her other books, but still a great read.

Natalia and Sebastian were interesting, complicated characters. They come from two different worlds and get their start with a fake relationship, but that truly is just the beginning. Their story was definitely not your straight A to B roamance. There were ups and downs and twists and turns that made the book hard to put down. Dawn L. Chiletz has written another wonderful book and I definitely recommend reading it and all of her books.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rach.
171 reviews5 followers
March 29, 2020
Dawn L. Chiletz never fails to give us a story with characters and plot completely unlike anything else she's written, and I love that. I never know what I'm going to get, other than a great story. To me, there's no such thing as a "typical" Chiletz book.

STRINGS has humor, angst, depth, mystery, and romance. The characters are flawed, but fighting to be better, showing growth and understanding along the way.

Chiletz remains one of my favorite authors.
Profile Image for Kasey Sullivan.
685 reviews16 followers
March 7, 2020
This book has everything. Love, heartbreak, mystery and all the banter!

This book was interesting to read since it revolves around music. Just enough to keep you invested in it but not too much to make it boring.

The two main characters are very different yet work so well together!

The second half of the book is my favorite. I just love how it all came together!
Profile Image for Crystal Andrews.
347 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2020
5 stars for Strings

Self doubt can be crushing but it really just takes one person to turn your way of thinking around. Especially if that one person is your one person! I really enjoyed getting to know Talia and Sebastian and their friends. The nicknames and jokes made me laugh out loud at times. I cant wait to read more about Stella - LOL!
Profile Image for Erin Sullivan koepplinger.
32 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2020
Absolutely fantastic

A twist on Cinderella and the Prince, I loved this book from start to finish. Dawn is one of my favorite authors and I impatiently look forward to every new book!!
Profile Image for Nicole Anderson.
676 reviews
June 18, 2020
I absolutely loved Sebastian, his character was so well written. This story keeps you on your toes, Natalia is such a closed book and it was great seeing her evolve into her true self. There was a lot of drama surrounding this relationship and I'm glad it all worked out in the end.
Profile Image for Kim.
65 reviews8 followers
March 6, 2020
I'm not sure I have the proper words for "Strings". This book blew me away and brought out emotions in me that many books don't. I really love how Dawn incorporated the characters and brought them together in such a real way. I could envision everything with this book and got caught up in the lives of all the characters. This book really pulled at my heart "Strings". Go out and get it. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Meander - Read & Roam.
320 reviews10 followers
July 29, 2020
My Rating: ****

Type: Standalone

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Narration: Single POV

Primary Characters: Sebastian and Natalia (Bash & Talia)

Source: Courtesy of Author/ Publisher – ARC

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for honest review.

I signed up for this ARC because I was intrigued with the Blurb. This is my first time I read a book of Dawn L Chiletz.

Books starts with Natalia contemplating and finally making a decision to change her life for good and getting into a plane at last minute. Her goal is simple, new identity, new job, new place, never look back and keep the secrets to her past life locked. She meets Sebastian in plane and she never would have guessed her life would turn up and down post that. Sebastian ask her to be his fake girlfriend for a while to get rid of Bella. Talia thinks its only temporary and agrees to that. Everything becomes havoc when she meets both Sebastian and Bella again on the first day of her new job.

Talia as Sebastian calls her is feisty and complicated and had attitude for days. Sebastian is cocky, disciplined, polished sexy musician in the company she works. He is the young principle concertmaster in the sym and the sym is blessed to have him as fist Violin. I liked the way Talia is, she is sassy, a little jumpy and a hot mess when she first arrives in her new surroundings. She is learning to behave in the new world.She has had an extremely hard upbringing which has caused her a lot of grief, yet has overcome all that in her own way. Obstacles are thrown in Talia and Sebastian’s path testing their love as her secrets are revealed.

Amy, you always see the best in people, don’t you?

She Shrugs. ” I Try”

I liked Dawn’s writing style. It was simple and smooth. Plot moves in an study pace with equal amount of drama and suspense. I was in total love with all the secondary characters in this book. Amy, I totally loved her. she is one of the most positive person. Inspite of knowing she is better than Talia and deserves Talia’s position as an event manager doesn’t waver her spirts or resents her. Its not easy to be like that real time and very tough to find such people. Too sweet of a person. Cherese had her own way of leaving print. Bella, inspite of being a bitch we all would love to hate, the way she acts matured and takes up the responsibility to correct things in the end was amazing.

“Before you know it, they aren’t only a string. They’re a connection”

Over all, its a good realistic well developed plot line with a nice dose of humor. Go ahead read for yourself and enjoy.
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