What do you think?
Rate this book
Eagle Elite #7
Elude
(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00ZE6LTFU.)
Twenty-Four hours before we were to be married--I offered to shoot her.
Ten hours before our wedding--I made a mockery of her dying wish.
Five hours before we were going to say our vows--I promised I'd never love her.
One hour before I said I do--I vowed I'd never shed a tear over her death.
But the minute we were pronounced man and wife--I knew.
I'd only use my gun to protect her.
I'd give my life for hers.
I'd cry.
And I would, most definitely, lose myself, to a dying girl---a girl who by all accounts should have never been mine in the first place.
I always believed the mafia would be my end game--poisoning my heart, while it claimed my soul. I could have never imagined. It would be my redemption.
Or the beginning of something beautiful.
The beginning of her.
The end of us.
Twenty-Four hours before we were to be married--I offered to shoot her.
Ten hours before our wedding--I made a mockery of her dying wish.
Five hours before we were going to say our vows--I promised I'd never love her.
One hour before I said I do--I vowed I'd never shed a tear over her death.
But the minute we were pronounced man and wife--I knew.
I'd only use my gun to protect her.
I'd give my life for hers.
I'd cry.
And I would, most definitely, lose myself, to a dying girl---a girl who by all accounts should have never been mine in the first place.
I always believed the mafia would be my end game--poisoning my heart, while it claimed my soul. I could have never imagined. It would be my redemption.
Or the beginning of something beautiful.
The beginning of her.
The end of us.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2015
About the author
Rachel Van Dyken
167 books18.3k followersRachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances.
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: [email protected]
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: [email protected]
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 715 reviews
March 2, 2018
If you have been following me recently, then you know I had come back to the "Eagle Elite' series after taking a break. This installment is book six in the series, and even though I sobbed happy and sad tears...this book has been the best in the series so far...and it absolutely gutted me; and is one of those epic romances that I won't ever forget.
This series is about five mafia families, who are all interconnected. I have to say that the five young mafia bosses whom are young bosses, and who have been friends most of their lives...they make these books so much fun! Their interaction is hilarious!!! Not only are they highly entertaining though, the loyalty that they have for one another is so damn heartwarming. It shines in this book.
I loved how these guys pull together to help Sergio and Andi go through a devastating time. Actually, not only the guys, but their wives too...they all come together to carry Sergio and Andi through the horrific life changing events that they go through. I so badly want to talk freely about everything; but it is not my style to post anything spoiling the book!
The gist of this romance, starts off as a punishment for Sergio..he is a double crosser in his family, and as a punishment he has to marry and protect the enemy....his wife! Sergio, is the type of guy who is the walking dead. He really isn't living life, and basically just miserable. He is an asshole when it comes to marrying the Russian girl; Andi. What he doesn't realize though, is she will bring him to life, and change everything about him.
Andi is such a refreshing character. She is given a crappy lot in life...but she looks beyond her tragic life and lives it to the fullest, and is positive in everything she does. I will never ever forget her character.
Actually, I have just finished reading this book, and to be quite honest...I am a mess!!! I'm so sad right now...and yet it was such a beautiful book. The whole time I was reading it, I thought of the song by Garth Brooks; "The Dance" and if I could give Sergio and Andi a theme song for them; that would be what I would choose!
All I can really say, is that this is hands down a mafia series that has grown on me. It gets better as it goes on. Truthfully, the first book was just ok...but if you can muster through it...which I highly suggest you do...then the rewards are many as you keep reading this series! This is one of the best mafia series I have read, and I can't wait to continue!!! I do need to take a break and read something light at this point. These characters have etched their way into my heart, and they feel real to me!!! I just need to take some time to breathe at the moment...and you know; smile a bit...and then ball my eyes out! LOL
This series is about five mafia families, who are all interconnected. I have to say that the five young mafia bosses whom are young bosses, and who have been friends most of their lives...they make these books so much fun! Their interaction is hilarious!!! Not only are they highly entertaining though, the loyalty that they have for one another is so damn heartwarming. It shines in this book.
I loved how these guys pull together to help Sergio and Andi go through a devastating time. Actually, not only the guys, but their wives too...they all come together to carry Sergio and Andi through the horrific life changing events that they go through. I so badly want to talk freely about everything; but it is not my style to post anything spoiling the book!
The gist of this romance, starts off as a punishment for Sergio..he is a double crosser in his family, and as a punishment he has to marry and protect the enemy....his wife! Sergio, is the type of guy who is the walking dead. He really isn't living life, and basically just miserable. He is an asshole when it comes to marrying the Russian girl; Andi. What he doesn't realize though, is she will bring him to life, and change everything about him.
Andi is such a refreshing character. She is given a crappy lot in life...but she looks beyond her tragic life and lives it to the fullest, and is positive in everything she does. I will never ever forget her character.
Actually, I have just finished reading this book, and to be quite honest...I am a mess!!! I'm so sad right now...and yet it was such a beautiful book. The whole time I was reading it, I thought of the song by Garth Brooks; "The Dance" and if I could give Sergio and Andi a theme song for them; that would be what I would choose!
All I can really say, is that this is hands down a mafia series that has grown on me. It gets better as it goes on. Truthfully, the first book was just ok...but if you can muster through it...which I highly suggest you do...then the rewards are many as you keep reading this series! This is one of the best mafia series I have read, and I can't wait to continue!!! I do need to take a break and read something light at this point. These characters have etched their way into my heart, and they feel real to me!!! I just need to take some time to breathe at the moment...and you know; smile a bit...and then ball my eyes out! LOL
July 10, 2015
Warning: If you are an Eagle Elite fan (like me) don't read my review...just pick up the book and read it...it will be totally worth it!
How can a book not have a happy ending but end happily at the same time?
Ok...maybe "happily" it's not the right word...more like beautifully. Yes! This book had a tragic but beautiful ending. I honestly cried my eyes out the last 5% of the story and I couldn't do anything to stop it...
It was finally time for Sergio to get his story and live happily ever after. But that's kind of hard to do when your own family hates you and wants you dead because you betrayed them and the FBI just wants you gone because you are no use to them anymore. And on top of everything your punishment is marriage to a Russian double agent that you have to protect until she dies...in six months.
Andi is at peace. She knows she has only a few months left and marrying Sergio is the only way she can spend the time she has left in peace. She is also there to prepare Sergio for his destiny, even if he doesn't know it, and bring him back to life. But the plan was never to fall in love with him...or make him fall in love with her.
Although I loved the book I found their relationship a little forced and you all know I'm not a big fan of instalove. But now I get it...when time is not on your side everything happens more quickly...especially if it wasn't supposed to happen in the first place.
I truly hoped that despite Andi's tragic diagnosis there was going to be some miraculous recovery (well not so miraculous because she could have gotten a bone marrow transplant if there had been a donor)...some divine intervention...something...anything!!!
Ohhh...I don't think I have to spell it out for you but... And in the end he does what he promised her he would never do...he cries for her. And so did I...
So far there is no HEA and nothing beautiful about anything...but trust me...in the end Rachel Van Dyken managed to give us a beautiful ending to this tragic events by not finishing Sergio's story and giving us a glimpse into what's in stored for him in the future and what's in his path...the path that both Andi and Luca wanted for him.
How can a book not have a happy ending but end happily at the same time?
Ok...maybe "happily" it's not the right word...more like beautifully. Yes! This book had a tragic but beautiful ending. I honestly cried my eyes out the last 5% of the story and I couldn't do anything to stop it...
It was finally time for Sergio to get his story and live happily ever after. But that's kind of hard to do when your own family hates you and wants you dead because you betrayed them and the FBI just wants you gone because you are no use to them anymore. And on top of everything your punishment is marriage to a Russian double agent that you have to protect until she dies...in six months.
Andi is at peace. She knows she has only a few months left and marrying Sergio is the only way she can spend the time she has left in peace. She is also there to prepare Sergio for his destiny, even if he doesn't know it, and bring him back to life. But the plan was never to fall in love with him...or make him fall in love with her.
Although I loved the book I found their relationship a little forced and you all know I'm not a big fan of instalove. But now I get it...when time is not on your side everything happens more quickly...especially if it wasn't supposed to happen in the first place.
I truly hoped that despite Andi's tragic diagnosis there was going to be some miraculous recovery (well not so miraculous because she could have gotten a bone marrow transplant if there had been a donor)...some divine intervention...something...anything!!!
Ohhh...I don't think I have to spell it out for you but... And in the end he does what he promised her he would never do...he cries for her. And so did I...
So far there is no HEA and nothing beautiful about anything...but trust me...in the end Rachel Van Dyken managed to give us a beautiful ending to this tragic events by not finishing Sergio's story and giving us a glimpse into what's in stored for him in the future and what's in his path...the path that both Andi and Luca wanted for him.
June 5, 2017
4.5 Stars.
This book is so similar to The Fault in Our Stars, and I was always avoiding reading "The Fault in Our Stars"!!
But I can tell I liked this book more than TFIOS. This book deserves to be read!
I hate reading about cancer or diseases overall, this book made me cry a lot, UGLY CRYING!
The book can be read as a stand-alone -as I did-, or within the whole series. I took some time to understand everything about the book characters, there is so many characters in this book! So, I think reading it within the series is better.
⦁ The Plot:
"Sergio" is chosen to marry "Andi" who is in her last days in life, she is suffering from cancer and Sergio is supposed to protect her! He decides he can't love her, she is dying soon, and he got used to death! He is a Mafia-man anyway!
But they fall in love with each other, Sergio wants to save Andi from death, he wants to see her happy! He wants her to live forever!
They suffer together, laugh and cry together. I felt they were a single soul inhabiting two bodies!
I won't tell much about it, or I can't! It was just a great read for me!
I want to cry now, again!
⦁ That was me through the book and after finishing it:
“I don't to save the world- I just want to save you.”
This book is so similar to The Fault in Our Stars, and I was always avoiding reading "The Fault in Our Stars"!!
But I can tell I liked this book more than TFIOS. This book deserves to be read!
I hate reading about cancer or diseases overall, this book made me cry a lot, UGLY CRYING!
The book can be read as a stand-alone -as I did-, or within the whole series. I took some time to understand everything about the book characters, there is so many characters in this book! So, I think reading it within the series is better.
⦁ The Plot:
"Sergio" is chosen to marry "Andi" who is in her last days in life, she is suffering from cancer and Sergio is supposed to protect her! He decides he can't love her, she is dying soon, and he got used to death! He is a Mafia-man anyway!
But they fall in love with each other, Sergio wants to save Andi from death, he wants to see her happy! He wants her to live forever!
They suffer together, laugh and cry together. I felt they were a single soul inhabiting two bodies!
I won't tell much about it, or I can't! It was just a great read for me!
“In those brief moments, Sergio had given me all I'd ever wanted - but had never been brave enough to admit.
Freedom from the thoughts of sickness.
freedom from the thoughts of death.
Freedom from my physical body reminding me that it was soon.”
I want to cry now, again!
⦁ That was me through the book and after finishing it:
July 13, 2015
So how do I explain this book...
So while reading this book you will be doing this :
And this
And finally this
Elude was such heartbreakingly touching story. It's a story about love, friendship, family, life and death!
Sergio and Andi made a great couple. She was the sunlight that warmed his life!
Andi was such fun, take no crap, sarcastic Russian beauty. She loved life and didn't let her illness bring her down. She wanted to make the best of her life.
The storyline has less action than the previous books, but this was quite an emotional roller coaster ride.
I love this series and I can't wait to see where Rachel takes this series in the next installment!
If you decide to read Elude you will definitely want to have a box of tissues nearby. You will need them!!
So while reading this book you will be doing this :
And this
And finally this
Elude was such heartbreakingly touching story. It's a story about love, friendship, family, life and death!
" Just because our love feels short doesn't mean it is. Our love is forever"
Sergio and Andi made a great couple. She was the sunlight that warmed his life!
Andi was such fun, take no crap, sarcastic Russian beauty. She loved life and didn't let her illness bring her down. She wanted to make the best of her life.
« It’s okay to be scared, right?”
“Yes. But we're together. When you have a partner, things are less scary because suddenly you aren't facing giants all by yourself.»
The storyline has less action than the previous books, but this was quite an emotional roller coaster ride.
" I love you, Italy."
"I love you too, Russia."
"For as long as we both live..."
I love this series and I can't wait to see where Rachel takes this series in the next installment!
If you decide to read Elude you will definitely want to have a box of tissues nearby. You will need them!!
May 18, 2016
5 Twirling Stars
Elude is the sixth book in the Eagle Elite series. Each book is a standalone, because each book focuses on a different character, but I strongly suggest you read it from start to finish, it’s the best way in my opinion.
I went into Elude blindly. I do that with ALL Rachel Van Dyken books. Let me explain to you my love for RVD. She’s like the go-to romance novelist for me. If I’m in a bind and I need something to get me distracted from my stress filled real life world, I pick up her books. RVD is a writing genius and I am always satisfied when I read her books. My goal in life is to read ALL of her books, don’t judge!
Okay, enough fangirling over RVD, let’s proceed with the review.
Don’t read the reviews for Elude. You are probably wondering, but this is a review right? Yeah it is, okay, let me just say, you can read my review because it’s going to be spoiler free.
You need to read this book spoiler free, I can’t stress that enough.
Elude is Sergio and Andi’s story. We got a bit of Sergio in the previous book from Phoenix’s story and I have to say, I was completely intrigued with Sergio. Like all heroes in this series, Sergio is very much damaged, but not as much as Andi.
Because Andi is sick, with cancer and she has months to live, **GASP** I know. That was the ending to Phoenix’s book and what an ending huh? So Andi and Sergio must marry because Sergio is forced to protect her, well until she dies.
What really worked for me is the underlying theme to the book. Andi is sick and it’s very apparent throughout the book. I really liked that. It somehow made everything more serious and every action count, but to my surprise this is a light hearted book. I kid you not! I laughed so many times. I loved how RVD intertwined the serious and the light-heartedness. It was a beautiful balance.
Sergio doesn’t want to marry Andi because he doesn’t want to get close to her and be broken hearted because she will die. Andi understands her fate, but that won’t stop her from living her life to the fullest. She’s all smiles, butterflies and I completely fell in love with Andi. I loved her outlook on life and she really STOLE the book. As much as I love a broody sexy Hero, I was totally taken away by the Heroine.
You will of course, get the previous characters and I love reading the gang! There is also the threat of Andi’s father hunting her down and Andi working hard breaking down Sergio’s walls.
Elude is a beautiful book with a beautiful message. It makes you question life and want to live it to the fullest.
Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW| AMAZON
AMAZON 99 CENTS
Elude is the sixth book in the Eagle Elite series. Each book is a standalone, because each book focuses on a different character, but I strongly suggest you read it from start to finish, it’s the best way in my opinion.
I went into Elude blindly. I do that with ALL Rachel Van Dyken books. Let me explain to you my love for RVD. She’s like the go-to romance novelist for me. If I’m in a bind and I need something to get me distracted from my stress filled real life world, I pick up her books. RVD is a writing genius and I am always satisfied when I read her books. My goal in life is to read ALL of her books, don’t judge!
Okay, enough fangirling over RVD, let’s proceed with the review.
Don’t read the reviews for Elude. You are probably wondering, but this is a review right? Yeah it is, okay, let me just say, you can read my review because it’s going to be spoiler free.
You need to read this book spoiler free, I can’t stress that enough.
Elude is Sergio and Andi’s story. We got a bit of Sergio in the previous book from Phoenix’s story and I have to say, I was completely intrigued with Sergio. Like all heroes in this series, Sergio is very much damaged, but not as much as Andi.
Because Andi is sick, with cancer and she has months to live, **GASP** I know. That was the ending to Phoenix’s book and what an ending huh? So Andi and Sergio must marry because Sergio is forced to protect her, well until she dies.
What really worked for me is the underlying theme to the book. Andi is sick and it’s very apparent throughout the book. I really liked that. It somehow made everything more serious and every action count, but to my surprise this is a light hearted book. I kid you not! I laughed so many times. I loved how RVD intertwined the serious and the light-heartedness. It was a beautiful balance.
“Her presence was like the sun, making everything seem brighter, happier. I hadn’t realized until that day how boring and dark my life had become”
Sergio doesn’t want to marry Andi because he doesn’t want to get close to her and be broken hearted because she will die. Andi understands her fate, but that won’t stop her from living her life to the fullest. She’s all smiles, butterflies and I completely fell in love with Andi. I loved her outlook on life and she really STOLE the book. As much as I love a broody sexy Hero, I was totally taken away by the Heroine.
You will of course, get the previous characters and I love reading the gang! There is also the threat of Andi’s father hunting her down and Andi working hard breaking down Sergio’s walls.
Elude is a beautiful book with a beautiful message. It makes you question life and want to live it to the fullest.
Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW| AMAZON
AMAZON 99 CENTS
Want to read
June 10, 2016
FREE on Amazon US today (5/19/2016)
This sounds amazing!
Stand-alone book 6. No cliffy. Books are inter-connected, but can be read as stand-alones.
BLURB:
Twenty-Four hours before we were to be married--I offered to shoot her.
Ten hours before our wedding--I made a mockery of her dying wish.
Five hours before we were going to say our vows--I promised I'd never love her.
One hour before I said I do--I vowed I'd never shed a tear over her death.
But the minute we were pronounced man and wife--I knew.
I'd only use my gun to protect her.
I'd give my life for hers.
I'd cry.
And I would, most definitely, lose myself, to a dying girl---a girl who by all accounts should have never been mine in the first place.
I always believed the mafia would be my end game--poisoning my heart, while it claimed my soul. I could have never imagined. It would be my redemption.
Or the beginning of something beautiful.
The beginning of her.
The end of us.
https://www.amazon.com/Elude-Eagle-El...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 500 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
December 24, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Do you believe that there is that one moment in your life that can alter your fate? Alter the course and change your perspective on love and life forever? If so, be prepared to get mesmerized for a story that will utterly leave you wanting more. A story that will grip you and take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride. A ride that will leave you breathless, raw, and exposed. A ride that will steal your heart. And in this sixth installment of the Eagle Elite Series, Rachel Van Dyken has once again reminded readers like myself that she is an amazing author who can weave suspense, heart, grit, love, loss and hope all into the story line.
Elude is a story that reminds us all that it's the unexpected that changes our lives. And for Sergio and Andi, this couldn't be more than true for this couple. Ms. Van Dyken was able to handle the sensitive subject of death in such a graceful and powerful way. For Sergio and Andi, their relationship may not be the conventional love affair but it was the kind of love that tugged every strings of your heart. Sergio has always been an raw enigma of a character and closed off. And so a part of me was beyond excited to see him finally open up and it all it took was a dying girl to spark some life back into his life.
I honestly don't think this book could be reviewed with just words alone because this book is about FEELING. Feeling the raw emotions and acceptance that people enter into your lives for a reason. And for Sergio, his redemption and salvation was Andi. Andi, will go down as one of my favorite heroines because she lived life to the fullest and came to accept her time on earth is coming to an end. But what I love about this book was that we can try so hard to elude death, but in reality its something that's inevitable just like love. So if you are looking for a book that took suspense, romance, loss, and love to another level then I highly suggest you to read Elude by Rachel Van Dyken.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages:http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly... Rachel Van Dyken
Do you believe that there is that one moment in your life that can alter your fate? Alter the course and change your perspective on love and life forever? If so, be prepared to get mesmerized for a story that will utterly leave you wanting more. A story that will grip you and take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride. A ride that will leave you breathless, raw, and exposed. A ride that will steal your heart. And in this sixth installment of the Eagle Elite Series, Rachel Van Dyken has once again reminded readers like myself that she is an amazing author who can weave suspense, heart, grit, love, loss and hope all into the story line.
Elude is a story that reminds us all that it's the unexpected that changes our lives. And for Sergio and Andi, this couldn't be more than true for this couple. Ms. Van Dyken was able to handle the sensitive subject of death in such a graceful and powerful way. For Sergio and Andi, their relationship may not be the conventional love affair but it was the kind of love that tugged every strings of your heart. Sergio has always been an raw enigma of a character and closed off. And so a part of me was beyond excited to see him finally open up and it all it took was a dying girl to spark some life back into his life.
I honestly don't think this book could be reviewed with just words alone because this book is about FEELING. Feeling the raw emotions and acceptance that people enter into your lives for a reason. And for Sergio, his redemption and salvation was Andi. Andi, will go down as one of my favorite heroines because she lived life to the fullest and came to accept her time on earth is coming to an end. But what I love about this book was that we can try so hard to elude death, but in reality its something that's inevitable just like love. So if you are looking for a book that took suspense, romance, loss, and love to another level then I highly suggest you to read Elude by Rachel Van Dyken.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages:http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly... Rachel Van Dyken
February 22, 2022
“Andi,” I whispered, “I love you… until we both shall live…”
This was a soul finding journey of an arranged marriage that was bound to break their hearts in the end. 💔
Sergio an Italian mob is forced to marry Andi, a Russian mob daughter, for protection. It begins with hate, and ends with so much soul and heart.
"I’ll do my duty, which is marrying you. There will be no kissing. No sex. No date nights. Nothing. I’ll protect you with my life, but don’t expect anything more.”
"when you liked someone enough to mourn, you were in danger of love. And I knew if I loved her, if I ever let myself feel; it would destroy me."
“Promise me you won’t cry over me....Think of it as my wedding gift.” He exhaled. “Fine. I promise I won’t cry over you.”
Sergio was so cold and mean towards her in the beginning. Trying to protect his heart while destroying hers. But, his evolution into a loving, protective Soulmate was beautiful to watch unfold.
Andi…” My voice broke. “…I broke my promise.” She shifted in my lap and faced me. “What?” “I cried… I cried over you.”💔
life… it is meant to be lived, it is meant to be felt, regardless of how painful or sorrowful the journey.”
Sergio, you can’t save the world.” “I don’t want to save the world — I just want to save you.”
“I was your punishment.” She sniffled. “Wrong.” I tilted her chin up. “You were my gift.”
"I recalled the moment she was mine... the moments our hearts were one, our souls united."
I loved the writing style, and it was my first book by Rachel Van Dyken, but it won't be my last. My only issue with the book, was that I wish their love developed at a slower pace in the beginning..I felt it moved too fast from haters to lovers. But, nonetheless the characters and the story and the writing was beautiful.
Rating 4.4 stars 🌟
I love you, Italy.” “I love you too, Russia.” “For as long as we both live…” Andi whispered.💫💕
This was a soul finding journey of an arranged marriage that was bound to break their hearts in the end. 💔
Sergio an Italian mob is forced to marry Andi, a Russian mob daughter, for protection. It begins with hate, and ends with so much soul and heart.
"I’ll do my duty, which is marrying you. There will be no kissing. No sex. No date nights. Nothing. I’ll protect you with my life, but don’t expect anything more.”
"when you liked someone enough to mourn, you were in danger of love. And I knew if I loved her, if I ever let myself feel; it would destroy me."
“Promise me you won’t cry over me....Think of it as my wedding gift.” He exhaled. “Fine. I promise I won’t cry over you.”
Sergio was so cold and mean towards her in the beginning. Trying to protect his heart while destroying hers. But, his evolution into a loving, protective Soulmate was beautiful to watch unfold.
Andi…” My voice broke. “…I broke my promise.” She shifted in my lap and faced me. “What?” “I cried… I cried over you.”💔
life… it is meant to be lived, it is meant to be felt, regardless of how painful or sorrowful the journey.”
Sergio, you can’t save the world.” “I don’t want to save the world — I just want to save you.”
“I was your punishment.” She sniffled. “Wrong.” I tilted her chin up. “You were my gift.”
"I recalled the moment she was mine... the moments our hearts were one, our souls united."
I loved the writing style, and it was my first book by Rachel Van Dyken, but it won't be my last. My only issue with the book, was that I wish their love developed at a slower pace in the beginning..I felt it moved too fast from haters to lovers. But, nonetheless the characters and the story and the writing was beautiful.
Rating 4.4 stars 🌟
I love you, Italy.” “I love you too, Russia.” “For as long as we both live…” Andi whispered.💫💕
August 3, 2015
Oh the drama, oh the "Sob Fest"...
Pitty.
It started actually good, but like in the second chapter that feeling evaporated and became frustrating. Like all of that happens in the span of 2 weeks and it's just ridiculous. RI.DI.CU.LO.US.
Pitty.
It started actually good, but like in the second chapter that feeling evaporated and became frustrating. Like all of that happens in the span of 2 weeks and it's just ridiculous. RI.DI.CU.LO.US.
June 9, 2015
Where do I even begin. I don't think I can even put into words what this book did to me. I laughed, I cried, and I even sobbed through 25% of the book. Like literally sobbed, where I couldn't even see the writing on my kindle.
This little snippet from Elude sums up the entire book.
It's odd, when you face death every day, when you elude it, when you finally come to terms with the fact that you won't be on earth for forever -- that's when you think you're at peace.
I thought I was okay with dying.
Until I met her.
Sergio has always been a mystery. I always wanted to know more about him. I wanted to know why he was the way he was. What made him tick? Sergio is very closed off. He never expected a dying girl would make him feel something... make him feel alive, make him want to live, make him love her. Never in his wildest dreams did he think a girl that he was being forced to marry would be able to brake down the walls that he constructed. He thought he knew everything. That was until he met Andi.
Andi lived life to the fullest. She appreciated every moment she was alive, every moment that she was able to see the sunrise and the sunset. Andi knew she was dying, she came to terms with it. She vowed that she would make the best of the time she had left. Andi had to marry Sergio for protection from her Russian mafia father. When Sergio vows protect her, he never thought he had to protect his heart from her as well. His heart was the one thing that he wasn't willing to give. But what do you do when you don't have a choice?
Sergio is fighting the demons from his past, he doesn't think he deserves to be happy. I think every person is entitled to a second chance in life. A chance at redemption. That is exactly what Sergio needed. He needed someone to show him that he deserved to be happy, and Andi was that special person.
"Forgiveness is never given in order to make peace with the offender, It's given to make peace with yourself." ~ Andi
Throughout Elude we get more information regarding different family members. Information that will answer some questions that we have and information that will make us have more questions. Rachel is a pure genius. The way she ended this book, will have you wanting more. The prologue for the next book in the series, will have you shaking your head. With every page I turned, I didn't want the book to end. I knew it was going to have to, but I didn't want to see the outcome that was waiting for me.
I know Rachel did what she had to do. I know she followed her heart and it wasn't easy for her to make the decision that she did. All I will say is, have your tissues ready. What you think may happen, may not. What you want to happen, may not. Just know that you will LOVE this book !!!!!!
One of my favorite quotes in the book.
"Remember this moment, Sergio... when I'm gone...and please, for the love of God, smile, don't go back to that place. Don't get angry, don't get resentful, just smile... because we had a chance." ~ Andi
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This little snippet from Elude sums up the entire book.
It's odd, when you face death every day, when you elude it, when you finally come to terms with the fact that you won't be on earth for forever -- that's when you think you're at peace.
I thought I was okay with dying.
Until I met her.
Sergio has always been a mystery. I always wanted to know more about him. I wanted to know why he was the way he was. What made him tick? Sergio is very closed off. He never expected a dying girl would make him feel something... make him feel alive, make him want to live, make him love her. Never in his wildest dreams did he think a girl that he was being forced to marry would be able to brake down the walls that he constructed. He thought he knew everything. That was until he met Andi.
Andi lived life to the fullest. She appreciated every moment she was alive, every moment that she was able to see the sunrise and the sunset. Andi knew she was dying, she came to terms with it. She vowed that she would make the best of the time she had left. Andi had to marry Sergio for protection from her Russian mafia father. When Sergio vows protect her, he never thought he had to protect his heart from her as well. His heart was the one thing that he wasn't willing to give. But what do you do when you don't have a choice?
Sergio is fighting the demons from his past, he doesn't think he deserves to be happy. I think every person is entitled to a second chance in life. A chance at redemption. That is exactly what Sergio needed. He needed someone to show him that he deserved to be happy, and Andi was that special person.
"Forgiveness is never given in order to make peace with the offender, It's given to make peace with yourself." ~ Andi
Throughout Elude we get more information regarding different family members. Information that will answer some questions that we have and information that will make us have more questions. Rachel is a pure genius. The way she ended this book, will have you wanting more. The prologue for the next book in the series, will have you shaking your head. With every page I turned, I didn't want the book to end. I knew it was going to have to, but I didn't want to see the outcome that was waiting for me.
I know Rachel did what she had to do. I know she followed her heart and it wasn't easy for her to make the decision that she did. All I will say is, have your tissues ready. What you think may happen, may not. What you want to happen, may not. Just know that you will LOVE this book !!!!!!
One of my favorite quotes in the book.
"Remember this moment, Sergio... when I'm gone...and please, for the love of God, smile, don't go back to that place. Don't get angry, don't get resentful, just smile... because we had a chance." ~ Andi
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2015
The Eagle Elite series is without a doubt a series that one day I'll be passing to my kids to read and they'll devour just as quickly and earnestly as I do. The entire series has everything that makes a book great. Romance. Suspense. Heart break. Friendship. Love. And somehow, some way, every book gets better. How Rachel Van Dyken accomplishes this, I will never know.
Elude is a story of two incredible people who are brought together as individuals suffering alone. It's a story of those two individuals discovering that suffering alone just isn't going to work for them anymore. Andi and Sergio's story had me weeping, laughing, rejoicing and fanning myself (there's some super steamy scenes!!). I loved how Andi's this little Russian spit fire who isn't afraid to put Sergio (or Tex, Phoenix, Chase or Nixon) in his place. She's head strong, a spit fire but at the same time vulnerable. And I think her vulnerability is what I loved the most about Andi. She owns it. She's not ashamed of who she is - whether she's putting a mafia boss on their a$$ (quite literally) or if she's needing the support of Sergio, she's proud of who she is. I love how Sergio is this hot gun-wielding mafia power house who shows this incredible soft side. Sergio, the designer clothes loving, hot as heck car driving, fierce protector, computer hacking genius, has a soft side. And that soft side? Yeah. You can guess who that is.
In Elude we also get to see the power of the friendships of the Elite. They all come together and work together through some pretty crazy and scary stuff. And they do it without question. Without any argument. They do it because they love each other & are family, blood or not. The true love that they all have for each other warmed my heart throughout.
"But we're together. When you have a partner things are less scary because suddenly you aren't facing giants all by yourself."
Elude has all the elements of greatness. I could list them ... but really, wouldn't you just rather read it? Find out for yourself? :) In all seriousness, I can't express enough how much Sergio and Andi's story made me feel. It's beautiful, heart pounding, eye leaking great.
Oh, and I have to leave my review with this:
"It's a two-twirl moment."
I just want to say what an incredible way for everyone to live their lives. Andi showed me that sometimes in life, we just need to twirl. And it's a beautiful thing.
I received an early copy for an honest review.
Elude is a story of two incredible people who are brought together as individuals suffering alone. It's a story of those two individuals discovering that suffering alone just isn't going to work for them anymore. Andi and Sergio's story had me weeping, laughing, rejoicing and fanning myself (there's some super steamy scenes!!). I loved how Andi's this little Russian spit fire who isn't afraid to put Sergio (or Tex, Phoenix, Chase or Nixon) in his place. She's head strong, a spit fire but at the same time vulnerable. And I think her vulnerability is what I loved the most about Andi. She owns it. She's not ashamed of who she is - whether she's putting a mafia boss on their a$$ (quite literally) or if she's needing the support of Sergio, she's proud of who she is. I love how Sergio is this hot gun-wielding mafia power house who shows this incredible soft side. Sergio, the designer clothes loving, hot as heck car driving, fierce protector, computer hacking genius, has a soft side. And that soft side? Yeah. You can guess who that is.
In Elude we also get to see the power of the friendships of the Elite. They all come together and work together through some pretty crazy and scary stuff. And they do it without question. Without any argument. They do it because they love each other & are family, blood or not. The true love that they all have for each other warmed my heart throughout.
"But we're together. When you have a partner things are less scary because suddenly you aren't facing giants all by yourself."
Elude has all the elements of greatness. I could list them ... but really, wouldn't you just rather read it? Find out for yourself? :) In all seriousness, I can't express enough how much Sergio and Andi's story made me feel. It's beautiful, heart pounding, eye leaking great.
Oh, and I have to leave my review with this:
"It's a two-twirl moment."
I just want to say what an incredible way for everyone to live their lives. Andi showed me that sometimes in life, we just need to twirl. And it's a beautiful thing.
I received an early copy for an honest review.
July 18, 2015
5 BIG ONES!!!!!
Who in the God's name made me read this book,
now, of all the time?!
I so did not need this cancer read just when I lose my granny from that damn disease?
But,I loved every page of it and I mean it.
First,take this as a warnning but this damn book has no happy ever after!
Yes,I said it and I couldn't care less about rat's ass if you all go screaming on me "spoiler alert" and shit...
When I came to last page of this book I was half blind from tears,
and half raged where is ending of this book and why did Amazon sold me broken copy without HEA?!
Yes yes, I get the part in the end when Sergio have his closure
and there is silver lining somewhere in his future...
but damn,why can't they have their happy ever after?
We live in 21st century for crying out loud!
She could have gone to bone marrow transplant and lived?!
So of course I'm angry and I swear a lot,but damn woman how could you write that sad sad ending!?
Those who knows me,knows that I'm not big fan of sad books.
And when book made me ugly cry like this one...
This one made me angry. And made me laugh and ugly cry in the end.
This is a story about promisses and keeping someone alive,even if she has just a few days left...
I know now that this series is one of my top favorite with legitimate reason.
I'm not going to say anything more. Nope!
Go read the damn book and see for yourself!
Who in the God's name made me read this book,
now, of all the time?!
I so did not need this cancer read just when I lose my granny from that damn disease?
But,I loved every page of it and I mean it.
First,take this as a warnning but this damn book has no happy ever after!
Yes,I said it and I couldn't care less about rat's ass if you all go screaming on me "spoiler alert" and shit...
When I came to last page of this book I was half blind from tears,
and half raged where is ending of this book and why did Amazon sold me broken copy without HEA?!
Yes yes, I get the part in the end when Sergio have his closure
and there is silver lining somewhere in his future...
but damn,why can't they have their happy ever after?
We live in 21st century for crying out loud!
She could have gone to bone marrow transplant and lived?!
So of course I'm angry and I swear a lot,but damn woman how could you write that sad sad ending!?
Those who knows me,knows that I'm not big fan of sad books.
And when book made me ugly cry like this one...
This one made me angry. And made me laugh and ugly cry in the end.
This is a story about promisses and keeping someone alive,even if she has just a few days left...
I know now that this series is one of my top favorite with legitimate reason.
I'm not going to say anything more. Nope!
Go read the damn book and see for yourself!
July 10, 2015
Rachel Van Dyken is a literary genius who always brings on the feels! From the wit and banter to the nail-biting and tears, this novel has it all. Elude doesn't let you elude at all... as you read, you face the good and bad parts of life head-on along with Sergio and Andi, living and loving with them, laughing and crying with them, and finding solace in the family they didn't know they were looking for. I'll warn you: You will need tissues... and wine. I recommend lots of wine too... after all, you're reading about Sicilian Italians who love their wine!
I absolutely love this series and I can't wait to see what happens next!
I absolutely love this series and I can't wait to see what happens next!
July 9, 2015
How am I supposed to type when tears are pouring down my face?? And it's not the simple cute tears. No, it's the big fat ugly crocodile tears. The ones that make your eyes all puffy and your head hurt. That's what this book did to me. But it wasn't all sad tears. Oh no, this book had many beautiful moments that made me cry lots of happy tears as well.
This story is a story of love, family, heartache and hope. It's about coming together, because you're family. It's about forgiving yourself for the past and finding a way to have a future.
But mostly, this book is about love. A love that sneaks up on you, when you least expect it.
Sergio was the ghost. He was always called in to handle difficult situations that no one wanted or couldn't do. He was an outsider. He had no one but himself. That is a horrible way to live and die. But in the mafia, things can change like the snap of a finger. Like one day, all is fine and next thing you know, you're being told you have to marry a Russian mob's daughter, in order to protect her. All in a day's work, right?
Andi is dying. She knows it and accepts it, but now she's in danger and has to marry in order to live out the rest of her life on her terms. But what she doesn't plan on is actually falling for the guy. I mean, he's cruel and insensitive. Why would anyone want to be with him??
I have been a fan of the Eagle Elite books from the very first moment Nixon opened his mean mouth. I knew these were going to be great, but I had no idea how much they would suck me in. The characters are so real and crazy, but they're family. These people fight like cats and dogs, but the moment you need them, they would fight to the death for you. They will cheer and celebrate with you and make you laugh when you're about to lose it. And when you finally lose it, they will hold you up when you fall apart.
Elude has more heart than all the other ones combined. I was not prepared for the emotions that ran through this entire story. This book had me feeling EVERYTHING. One minute I was swooning and fanning my face, the next I was hugging my pillow and crying. I was put through the ringer. But I loved every moment.
This story is a story of love, family, heartache and hope. It's about coming together, because you're family. It's about forgiving yourself for the past and finding a way to have a future.
But mostly, this book is about love. A love that sneaks up on you, when you least expect it.
Sergio was the ghost. He was always called in to handle difficult situations that no one wanted or couldn't do. He was an outsider. He had no one but himself. That is a horrible way to live and die. But in the mafia, things can change like the snap of a finger. Like one day, all is fine and next thing you know, you're being told you have to marry a Russian mob's daughter, in order to protect her. All in a day's work, right?
Andi is dying. She knows it and accepts it, but now she's in danger and has to marry in order to live out the rest of her life on her terms. But what she doesn't plan on is actually falling for the guy. I mean, he's cruel and insensitive. Why would anyone want to be with him??
I have been a fan of the Eagle Elite books from the very first moment Nixon opened his mean mouth. I knew these were going to be great, but I had no idea how much they would suck me in. The characters are so real and crazy, but they're family. These people fight like cats and dogs, but the moment you need them, they would fight to the death for you. They will cheer and celebrate with you and make you laugh when you're about to lose it. And when you finally lose it, they will hold you up when you fall apart.
Elude has more heart than all the other ones combined. I was not prepared for the emotions that ran through this entire story. This book had me feeling EVERYTHING. One minute I was swooning and fanning my face, the next I was hugging my pillow and crying. I was put through the ringer. But I loved every moment.
April 23, 2015
I only have one word to describe Elude: Beautiful. Beautiful, graceful, awe-inspiring. Okay, three words.
Rachel Van Dyken tackles a delicate subject in a way I’ve yet to encounter in any book. Because let’s face it, facing one’s death is ugly and gut wrenching. But Andi was so beautiful, so optimistic, so completely Andi, that watching her go through her struggles inspired me. She is my hero and so much more than my favorite character in any book.
And Sergio. When forced to marry and protect a dying girl, he approaches it in true Sergio form and offers to kill her. Seriously. When she declines his kind offer, he marries her and vows to protect her with his life.
What ensues is a heartwarming story of humor, strength, loyalty, love, and triumph. But mostly life. Elude is about life, about living, about not just merely existing or breathing.
So when you read this book (and I say when because there should be no if), breathe it in, experience it, live it. Elude is a story that demands all three.
Rachel Van Dyken tackles a delicate subject in a way I’ve yet to encounter in any book. Because let’s face it, facing one’s death is ugly and gut wrenching. But Andi was so beautiful, so optimistic, so completely Andi, that watching her go through her struggles inspired me. She is my hero and so much more than my favorite character in any book.
And Sergio. When forced to marry and protect a dying girl, he approaches it in true Sergio form and offers to kill her. Seriously. When she declines his kind offer, he marries her and vows to protect her with his life.
What ensues is a heartwarming story of humor, strength, loyalty, love, and triumph. But mostly life. Elude is about life, about living, about not just merely existing or breathing.
So when you read this book (and I say when because there should be no if), breathe it in, experience it, live it. Elude is a story that demands all three.
July 26, 2015
DNF @ 50% for my own sanity
Everything was going perfectly well, and this one was well on its way to being my favorite of the series - and then, I read the epilogue.
Although knowing me, I'm probably going to finish this any day.
Everything was going perfectly well, and this one was well on its way to being my favorite of the series - and then, I read the epilogue.
Although knowing me, I'm probably going to finish this any day.
Shelved as 'avoid'
August 21, 2023SPOILER for 2 books.
h dies in book 1.
+++ Then in Book 2-
Author ruins book 1. Basically belittles it.
H said "Andi (the h who died in book 1) is only his best friend and first love, and Val (book 2) is his TRUE LOVE and soulmate. "
The H promptly marries another woman in book 2, and falls deeper in love with her than ever before..
Also reviewer said H was crazy horny for this OW.
WHO wants to read a shit like this when the h died in book 1?
h dies in book 1.
+++ Then in Book 2-
Author ruins book 1. Basically belittles it.
H said "Andi (the h who died in book 1) is only his best friend and first love, and Val (book 2) is his TRUE LOVE and soulmate. "
The H promptly marries another woman in book 2, and falls deeper in love with her than ever before..
Also reviewer said H was crazy horny for this OW.
WHO wants to read a shit like this when the h died in book 1?
August 26, 2016
Screw Fault in our Stars, read this! *cries*
“I don't want to save the world,
...I just want to save you.”
"Twenty-Four hours before we were to be married,
. . I offered to shoot her."
HE REALLY DID!!! He is such a big sweetheart!
"Ten hours before our wedding,
. . I made a mockery of her dying wish."
"Five hours before we were going to say our vows,
. . I promised I'd never love her."
"One hour before I said I do,
. . I vowed I'd never shed a tear over her death."
"But the minute we were pronounced man and wife, i knew. I would, most definitely, lose myself, to a dying girl . . a girl who by all accounts should have never been mine in the first place."
“I don't want to save the world,
...I just want to save you.”
"Twenty-Four hours before we were to be married,
. . I offered to shoot her."
HE REALLY DID!!! He is such a big sweetheart!
"Ten hours before our wedding,
. . I made a mockery of her dying wish."
"Five hours before we were going to say our vows,
. . I promised I'd never love her."
"One hour before I said I do,
. . I vowed I'd never shed a tear over her death."
"But the minute we were pronounced man and wife, i knew. I would, most definitely, lose myself, to a dying girl . . a girl who by all accounts should have never been mine in the first place."
June 20, 2015
**6 Stars**
The Eagle Elite series just keeps getting better. It still has the humor, sexiness and suspense. But, the last two books have been darker, edgier and extremely emotional. I cried and cried and cried through Elude. Rachel's writing is spectacular and just keeps getting better. These characters have more depth and love in every book. I have had a thing for Sergio since the beginning. There was just something about him that called to me and I was so glad that everyone was going to see the Sergio that I see. I almost don't want to share him with the world. But, his story needs to be read. It needed to be written. And, it's amazing. He is in my soul. Has been since we first saw him. unlike any other character I've ever read. EVER. Sergio has had a cement wall around his heart for years. He can't even remember who he used to be. He's cold, mean and doesn't want anything to do with anyone. He's being forced to marry his enemy. A thing that he never lets Andi forget. Andi isn't fazed. She's a tough cookie! She's smart, sassy, and a killer just like Sergio. It's easy to see that he's trying to hide his empathy for her. He doesn't want to look weak. He refuses to feel and Andi makes him feel. Does he want to kill her or save her? Can he do both? Or will she save him? Oh Sergio, I'm still crying for you. Never before has a character needed a hug more. Yes, I cried, but not only did I cry, I sobbed, so get your tissues ready because this is an ugly cry. Elude has a few of the greatest scenes in the series. If you didn't love Phoenix before, you will now and your love for Tex, Nixon and Chase will increase tenfold. Bonding, love, friendship, togetherness, pain and family. In the end, that is all we have. Family.
#TeamSergio.
Sergio growled. I giggled at Tex's wink. I'd liked him the minute I'd met him.
All in all, it was a typical mob morning…a little bit of violence, some sexual tension, some laughter, and a loud wakeup call.
"Nobody puts baby in a corner." Ax met my gaze.
"You…you and I are officially friends."
His kisses didn't give - they took, they stole little parts of me I didn't even know I was keeping close until they were gone.
Her presence was like the sun, making everything seem brighter, happier. I hadn't realized until that day how boring and dark my life had become.
"So that's it? You're just going to give up, huh Italy? You know wine's a chick drink, right?"
I gripped her hips between my hands and squeezed. "You may as well just rip up the Italian flag and burn it! Who says that?"
The Eagle Elite series just keeps getting better. It still has the humor, sexiness and suspense. But, the last two books have been darker, edgier and extremely emotional. I cried and cried and cried through Elude. Rachel's writing is spectacular and just keeps getting better. These characters have more depth and love in every book. I have had a thing for Sergio since the beginning. There was just something about him that called to me and I was so glad that everyone was going to see the Sergio that I see. I almost don't want to share him with the world. But, his story needs to be read. It needed to be written. And, it's amazing. He is in my soul. Has been since we first saw him. unlike any other character I've ever read. EVER. Sergio has had a cement wall around his heart for years. He can't even remember who he used to be. He's cold, mean and doesn't want anything to do with anyone. He's being forced to marry his enemy. A thing that he never lets Andi forget. Andi isn't fazed. She's a tough cookie! She's smart, sassy, and a killer just like Sergio. It's easy to see that he's trying to hide his empathy for her. He doesn't want to look weak. He refuses to feel and Andi makes him feel. Does he want to kill her or save her? Can he do both? Or will she save him? Oh Sergio, I'm still crying for you. Never before has a character needed a hug more. Yes, I cried, but not only did I cry, I sobbed, so get your tissues ready because this is an ugly cry. Elude has a few of the greatest scenes in the series. If you didn't love Phoenix before, you will now and your love for Tex, Nixon and Chase will increase tenfold. Bonding, love, friendship, togetherness, pain and family. In the end, that is all we have. Family.
#TeamSergio.
Sergio growled. I giggled at Tex's wink. I'd liked him the minute I'd met him.
All in all, it was a typical mob morning…a little bit of violence, some sexual tension, some laughter, and a loud wakeup call.
"Nobody puts baby in a corner." Ax met my gaze.
"You…you and I are officially friends."
His kisses didn't give - they took, they stole little parts of me I didn't even know I was keeping close until they were gone.
Her presence was like the sun, making everything seem brighter, happier. I hadn't realized until that day how boring and dark my life had become.
"So that's it? You're just going to give up, huh Italy? You know wine's a chick drink, right?"
I gripped her hips between my hands and squeezed. "You may as well just rip up the Italian flag and burn it! Who says that?"
June 21, 2015
*Starts review*
*Backspaces*
*Types again*
*Deletes furiously*
*Shuts off computer*
*Crawls into bed*
*Hides away from the world*
*Suffers with my feelings for twentysixty days*
I'll have to get back to you.
(I'm back!)
--ARC provided in return for honest review--
There are days when you struggle to read through a book. You start story after story, waiting for the moment it captures you and takes you to that place that you so desperately need to go. After a while, with countless unsuccessful books sitting unfinished in your kindle, you just sort of...give up. Lose hope. Become frustrated and aggravated. It's probably only you and the mood you're in, but regardless, you just can't find that ONE book!
Elude was THAT book. The one that restored my faith in the reasons why I read, and offered me so much more reasons along the way.
My love for this series is undeniable, but what I can never predict are the feelings Rachel Van Dyken elicits as each story progresses. Sergio's story is so unlike the others, but at the same time, I still laughed, I was still anxious, I held my breath countless of times with the growing anticipation, and I cried. Good Lord, the tears!
I didn't hate Sergio in the earlier books, but I didn't feel anything else towards him either. He was kind of a 'meh' character to me, for lack of a better description. Welp, that's seriously no longer the case!
I felt EVERYTHING for him! And has he always been this damn hot?? I mean really, when did knives become so damn sexy???
Sergio developed remarkably throughout this book, and definitely grew on me. I think my kindle is crammed full of highlights when it comes to him.
Andi changed him. She changed everyone. She changed the family.
She changed this series.
Elude opened up a whole can of secrets that make room for this series to continue (forever!), and I'm so excited to see where these new found pieces take these books!
The Mafia has never been so delicious.
*Backspaces*
*Types again*
*Deletes furiously*
*Shuts off computer*
*Crawls into bed*
*Hides away from the world*
*Suffers with my feelings for twentysixty days*
I'll have to get back to you.
(I'm back!)
--ARC provided in return for honest review--
There are days when you struggle to read through a book. You start story after story, waiting for the moment it captures you and takes you to that place that you so desperately need to go. After a while, with countless unsuccessful books sitting unfinished in your kindle, you just sort of...give up. Lose hope. Become frustrated and aggravated. It's probably only you and the mood you're in, but regardless, you just can't find that ONE book!
Elude was THAT book. The one that restored my faith in the reasons why I read, and offered me so much more reasons along the way.
My love for this series is undeniable, but what I can never predict are the feelings Rachel Van Dyken elicits as each story progresses. Sergio's story is so unlike the others, but at the same time, I still laughed, I was still anxious, I held my breath countless of times with the growing anticipation, and I cried. Good Lord, the tears!
I didn't hate Sergio in the earlier books, but I didn't feel anything else towards him either. He was kind of a 'meh' character to me, for lack of a better description. Welp, that's seriously no longer the case!
I felt EVERYTHING for him! And has he always been this damn hot?? I mean really, when did knives become so damn sexy???
Sergio developed remarkably throughout this book, and definitely grew on me. I think my kindle is crammed full of highlights when it comes to him.
Andi changed him. She changed everyone. She changed the family.
She changed this series.
Elude opened up a whole can of secrets that make room for this series to continue (forever!), and I'm so excited to see where these new found pieces take these books!
The Mafia has never been so delicious.
July 15, 2015
This one totally has spoilers and a big one, so don't read further unless you want things spoiled.
I really liked Andi, she was fun when most people wouldn't be. I thought she faced her death in a good way. I loved how she got under everyone's skin, but most especially Sergio. It was nice to see him change, to become lighter, to become who he could have been at one point.
But, and it's a big one, She died, she really died????? That stunned me, I kept waiting for some miracle to happen. I loved that the gang moved in for the end, that they were there for both of them. I loved the final moments between Sergio and Andi, so sweet. I also loved that all the guys came out to Sergio after Andi had died.
I don't know right now what to think of the black folder. I sort of find myself angry, angry that Andi knew, angry that she is giving the ok for Sergio to go after this new woman, angry that Luca gave Andi to Sergio only to take her away. Plus what is up with Dante, why didn't they want him with Andi. Also, how would you feel if you were this new girl, to know that he loved and married Andi, but now is going after you. I have big reservations there. I guess we'll have to read the next one to see how things play out.
I really liked Andi, she was fun when most people wouldn't be. I thought she faced her death in a good way. I loved how she got under everyone's skin, but most especially Sergio. It was nice to see him change, to become lighter, to become who he could have been at one point.
But, and it's a big one, She died, she really died????? That stunned me, I kept waiting for some miracle to happen. I loved that the gang moved in for the end, that they were there for both of them. I loved the final moments between Sergio and Andi, so sweet. I also loved that all the guys came out to Sergio after Andi had died.
I don't know right now what to think of the black folder. I sort of find myself angry, angry that Andi knew, angry that she is giving the ok for Sergio to go after this new woman, angry that Luca gave Andi to Sergio only to take her away. Plus what is up with Dante, why didn't they want him with Andi. Also, how would you feel if you were this new girl, to know that he loved and married Andi, but now is going after you. I have big reservations there. I guess we'll have to read the next one to see how things play out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2017
“I'd done good.
I'd done good by her.
By me.
And I'd accomplished what I'd been set on Earth to do.
Love Andi.”
With God as my witness, this is my favourite book of the series, hands down. Hell, its one of my favourite books all year.
This.
Sergio.
Andi.
I just can't. I'm not moving on with this series yet, I need to love these two for a little longer still.
I'd done good by her.
By me.
And I'd accomplished what I'd been set on Earth to do.
Love Andi.”
With God as my witness, this is my favourite book of the series, hands down. Hell, its one of my favourite books all year.
This.
Sergio.
Andi.
I just can't. I'm not moving on with this series yet, I need to love these two for a little longer still.
February 16, 2016
You know what, this book is worth waiting for and I didn't expect Ms. Van Dyken will put such kind of twist. Rachel Van Dyken officially broke my heart. My goddamn feels. I am not prepared for this, I bawled like a baby. I don't have tissues with me.
Everything damn hurts.
My heart hurts for Sergio.
My heart hurts for Andi.
Such a heartbreaking story. So damn beautiful. I am carried away. I cannot think of coherent thoughts because it damn hurts. I just can't. I have no words and this is all I can give = SLOW CLAPS WHILE TEARS FLOW FREELY ON MY CHEEKS.
Everything damn hurts.
My heart hurts for Sergio.
My heart hurts for Andi.
Such a heartbreaking story. So damn beautiful. I am carried away. I cannot think of coherent thoughts because it damn hurts. I just can't. I have no words and this is all I can give = SLOW CLAPS WHILE TEARS FLOW FREELY ON MY CHEEKS.
May 7, 2016
Elude (Eagle Elite #6) by Rachel Van Dyken
5 stars!!!
This is a series that I have had on my radar for an age. Unfortunately, when I discovered it I was already so many books behind I couldn’t find time to go back and catch up and because I am a bit anal I like to read in order. However, a friend of mine said, you need to read this book and it can be read as a standalone, nothing was catching my attention on my kindle so I downloaded and dived in. Five hours later with my emotions all over the place I was stunned into silence. What a book, I seriously adored this book, everything about it and now I have to try to put into words why you should read it too.
For me, what made this book was the heroine Andi. Andi was the best heroine I have read about in a long time. Too many books these days have weak women and Andi is anything but. She is emotionally and mentally strong and physically she can dump a trained assassin on his ass. But more than her inner and outer strength was her character, she was infectious, she was contagious, she brought light to the pages and to everyone around her, you couldn’t help but smile when reading about Andi. Her propensity to love and see the best in everyone was utterly infectious and you couldn’t help but love her in return.
In truth, Andi had nothing to smile about, she has Leukaemia and is staring death in the face. Her family want her dead and to protect herself, she is marrying into the Italian mafia, to a man that doesn’t want to either, but a man that will protect her with his life none the less. Andi was the daughter of the head of the Russian Mafia, he had connections everywhere and having a daughter in the FBI was more than embarrassing, that embarrassing her life was expendable.
Both Sergio and Andi had worked for the FBI and between the FBI wanting them dead and Andi’s father these two had a mountain to climb just to stay alive. Sergio was quiet and aloof but there was no denying his strength and power, it oozed from very page. He was quite the enigma but as Rachel Van Dyken weaves their story the real Sergio slowly makes his way to the surface. With a woman like Andi by his side Sergio has no choice but to thaw, with Andi’s demeanour and bright outlook on life and love she had the capacity to melt even the most frozen of hearts and Sergio’s was positively arctic.
This book had the best dialogue I have read in a long long time. With a woman literally fighting for her life you would expect the book to be dark and relatively depressing but Andi is seriously hilarious. She lets nothing faze her, her positivity, her sense of humour, just everything about her makes you smile from ear to ear. As much as I cried while reading this book, I laughed even harder, sometimes I had tears from both mixing at the same time. Yes, it is emotional but at the end of the day enlightening at the same time.
Sergio, I adored him. He was hard to warm up to in the beginning, but he had his reasons and soon even his cold heart began to thaw in Andi’s presence. Sergio really stepped up to the plate and took his job of protecting Andi extremely seriously, what he didn’t expect though was to fall in love. But really…this was Andi he was protecting, he never stood a chance. The chemistry between these two was palpable, Sergio’s hesitance and reticence to put himself out there oozed from the page but Andi has stolen his heart before he even knew it was missing. This was a beautiful love story from beginning to end.
Rachel Van Dyken delivers a heart breaking yet heart-warming story that will have you laughing and swooning while still heaping suspense and intrigue into the mix. This was a story that I couldn’t put down and a story that held me captive from first to last page. A story where I was so emotionally invested in this couple and this group as a whole that I lived and breathed every word, every scenario and experienced every single emotion along with them. This is a story that will leave you stunned into silence as you appreciate what you have just read and will just leave you wanting to be a better person and make a difference. Live life, be an Andi.
I cannot wait for Empire that is scheduled for release on 31st May and continues Sergio’s story, after all, this man is that good he deserves two books, however with regards to this book, this chapter in his life is complete. Now I have to go back and read all the others. This family, these brothers are infectious and now I fear I won’t be able to get enough of them. Amazing job Rachel Van Dyken, you nailed this one and this is one story and two characters that I will never forget.
www.theromancecover.com
5 stars!!!
“I’ll love you…until we both shall live.”
This is a series that I have had on my radar for an age. Unfortunately, when I discovered it I was already so many books behind I couldn’t find time to go back and catch up and because I am a bit anal I like to read in order. However, a friend of mine said, you need to read this book and it can be read as a standalone, nothing was catching my attention on my kindle so I downloaded and dived in. Five hours later with my emotions all over the place I was stunned into silence. What a book, I seriously adored this book, everything about it and now I have to try to put into words why you should read it too.
“Her marks were for love; mine were for death. She thought it was hilarious; it just made me feel like a bit of a monster.”
For me, what made this book was the heroine Andi. Andi was the best heroine I have read about in a long time. Too many books these days have weak women and Andi is anything but. She is emotionally and mentally strong and physically she can dump a trained assassin on his ass. But more than her inner and outer strength was her character, she was infectious, she was contagious, she brought light to the pages and to everyone around her, you couldn’t help but smile when reading about Andi. Her propensity to love and see the best in everyone was utterly infectious and you couldn’t help but love her in return.
In truth, Andi had nothing to smile about, she has Leukaemia and is staring death in the face. Her family want her dead and to protect herself, she is marrying into the Italian mafia, to a man that doesn’t want to either, but a man that will protect her with his life none the less. Andi was the daughter of the head of the Russian Mafia, he had connections everywhere and having a daughter in the FBI was more than embarrassing, that embarrassing her life was expendable.
“When I said I’d protect you with my life, I meant it. So stop being such a damn martyr and for once in your life let someone save you.”
Both Sergio and Andi had worked for the FBI and between the FBI wanting them dead and Andi’s father these two had a mountain to climb just to stay alive. Sergio was quiet and aloof but there was no denying his strength and power, it oozed from very page. He was quite the enigma but as Rachel Van Dyken weaves their story the real Sergio slowly makes his way to the surface. With a woman like Andi by his side Sergio has no choice but to thaw, with Andi’s demeanour and bright outlook on life and love she had the capacity to melt even the most frozen of hearts and Sergio’s was positively arctic.
“She smelled like lilacs; her skin was perfection; her laugh was warmth. And I was screwed.”
This book had the best dialogue I have read in a long long time. With a woman literally fighting for her life you would expect the book to be dark and relatively depressing but Andi is seriously hilarious. She lets nothing faze her, her positivity, her sense of humour, just everything about her makes you smile from ear to ear. As much as I cried while reading this book, I laughed even harder, sometimes I had tears from both mixing at the same time. Yes, it is emotional but at the end of the day enlightening at the same time.
“Don’t encourage the communist.”
Sergio, I adored him. He was hard to warm up to in the beginning, but he had his reasons and soon even his cold heart began to thaw in Andi’s presence. Sergio really stepped up to the plate and took his job of protecting Andi extremely seriously, what he didn’t expect though was to fall in love. But really…this was Andi he was protecting, he never stood a chance. The chemistry between these two was palpable, Sergio’s hesitance and reticence to put himself out there oozed from the page but Andi has stolen his heart before he even knew it was missing. This was a beautiful love story from beginning to end.
“And yet, there I was, facing a fear, doing something I swore I would never do. Hell, I would have rather died. So yeah. It was love. Because it couldn’t be anything else.”
Rachel Van Dyken delivers a heart breaking yet heart-warming story that will have you laughing and swooning while still heaping suspense and intrigue into the mix. This was a story that I couldn’t put down and a story that held me captive from first to last page. A story where I was so emotionally invested in this couple and this group as a whole that I lived and breathed every word, every scenario and experienced every single emotion along with them. This is a story that will leave you stunned into silence as you appreciate what you have just read and will just leave you wanting to be a better person and make a difference. Live life, be an Andi.
“I’m exactly where I want to be. I just never knew it…until now.”
I cannot wait for Empire that is scheduled for release on 31st May and continues Sergio’s story, after all, this man is that good he deserves two books, however with regards to this book, this chapter in his life is complete. Now I have to go back and read all the others. This family, these brothers are infectious and now I fear I won’t be able to get enough of them. Amazing job Rachel Van Dyken, you nailed this one and this is one story and two characters that I will never forget.
“I was your punishment.”
“Wrong…you were my gift.”
www.theromancecover.com
April 17, 2019
***audiobook***
Holy hell!! Just take my heart and rip it to shreds! My God! I thought Eulogy was a hard read, but this! This broke my soul.
Andi! God, could I love her more? Nope. Her vibrancy and outlook on life is phenomenal. They way she brings Sergio to life is every single thing! I love them together. I love their story! It was epic. It was love. It was the epitome of romance.
Must read for sure!
Holy hell!! Just take my heart and rip it to shreds! My God! I thought Eulogy was a hard read, but this! This broke my soul.
Andi! God, could I love her more? Nope. Her vibrancy and outlook on life is phenomenal. They way she brings Sergio to life is every single thing! I love them together. I love their story! It was epic. It was love. It was the epitome of romance.
Must read for sure!
July 9, 2015
This book, well, it should come with a survival guide or something. If I could give you readers advice on what you need for your self-help pack it would be these items:
1: KLEENEX- At least 5 boxes
2: WINE- Red, White, Rosè or all, six bottles!
3: A PILLOW- To silence your howls!
4: Chocolate, Ice Cream, Pasta- Not all mixed together but if you choose to do this, that's on you! These are just comfort foods I ate to get me through!
5: A TUB/BATH- to fill up with the tears you do not manage to soak up so that RVD can bathe in them!!!!! (I swear, I salute her for getting through writing this book)
I wish.... I just wish this pain would go away. I am sitting here bawling like a newborn just writing this review because all of those emotions have come flooding back.
Every time I write a review for Rachel's books, I always state how amazing it is. But this book, it's in its own league entirely. The emotion, the heart and soul that Rachel poured into this book can be felt with each word you read, connecting you so personally to this story.
I saw the whole family of characters in an entirely different light. Their sincerity, loyalty, love and care for each other was such a pivotal point to the book and I didn't think it was possible to love them more than I already do, but I was so wrong.
Elude is the story of Sergio. We meet his character throughout the whole series and his character has always been so dark, so mysterious, bitter and I have wanted to know EVERYTHING about him and what it is that makes him this way. Diving into this story, Sergio is forced to marry Andi to protect her from her Russian Father. Andi is a beautiful strong young woman who lives her life to the fullest, whole heartedly, with no fear, and can seriously drop someone on their ass if needed....yep! Totally badass! She is Sergio's enemy and he wants to kill her....no seriously, he does literally want to kill her. So with the marriage forced upon them, Sergio vows to protect Andi forever. But what he didn't expect was for her to own him, body, mind, and soul.
The chemistry between these two characters was absolutely INCREDIBLE! The humour made my sides ache, the way Andi continuously opened Sergio up giving us the REAL him, the person he has hidden away to protect himself was just FLAWLESS, the way Andi slips into her role as Sergio's wife and gives as good as she gets is EXCELLENT. I loved the banter between Andi and the rest of the family, the little firecracker had me snort laughing all the time! I also LOVED that Andi got to see and experience the GHOST side to Sergio, the side of him that is the punisher, the killer, the executioner.
I declare I will never look at a knife in the same way EVER again, and that shower scene.....SWEET MOTHER OF ALL THAT IS HOLY!
I personally read for feels. I love the way words wrap around me and make me hurt, love, laugh and this story gave me everything and so much more than I could have asked for.
Rachel Van Dyken has delivered something so special with this story. I know my heart will never be the same again. Elude has more heart, love and HOPE than all of the other books in this series. I can honestly say that I did not expect to completely fall apart, but from 52% on I howled like a dog! It builds and builds and builds into something so DEVASTATINGLY PHENOMENAL and has moved straight into my top ten of all time.
Rachel Van Dyken, you have delivered something absolutely world changing. This book will not only touch people, it will give people the hope they need. I admire you for writing something so personal, so raw to you and as a reader, I couldn't have asked for anything more.
6 STARS
(Read & Reviewed for FMR Book Grind)
May 20, 2016
Title: Elude
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Series or Standalone: Part of a series but can be read as a standalone
Category: Romance, Mafia
POV: Dual
Characters: 5
Plot: 5
Schorching Level: 5
HEA: Not telling
What can I say about this book? BRILLIANT. SIMPLY BRILLIANT.
Rachel Van Dyken is my new favorite author and I am so sad that it took me so long to read this!
Sergio Abandonato is a complex man. Born within the mafia he has battled his roots and still fighting to find his place in the family He has secrets; numerous secrets.
When he is forced to marry the daughter of the enemy Russian mob, his life will be forever changed.
Why? Because Andi is not your usual heroine. She is sassy, strong, funny, beautiful, but she is dying.
I was Sergio's punishment.
I wasn't blood.
I won't go into detail because the book has to be experienced without any spoilers, so I am just going to focus on the writing.
The writing; oh my God! Excellently written, the book is a battle between comedy and drama. The author has done an amazing job balancing Andi's grim fate with her vivacious personality. She is a lovable heroine, but at the same time you know she can kick anyone's butt, including Sergio's.
Sergio is a hero unlike any I've read before. He is convinced not to let anyone into his heart, especially a girl that is inerrupting his life by simply...dying.
How could someone so full of life be dying? And how could she be okay with it?
He doesn't want to care, he is cruel at her sometimes, but there is more to his character than his insensitive words.
His words said he hated me. His body said he wanted to keep me safe.
Sergio's inner conflict over Andi and how he is supposed to behave towards her broke my heart. Can he remain detached?
She smelled like lilacs; her skin was perfection; her laugh was warmth.
And I was screwed.
A huge bravo to the author for handling such a delicate theme with such care!
I cannot wait to dive into Empire!
5 Stars
July 12, 2015
Elude has all the amazing character chemistry that I've come to expect from RVD's Eagle Elite Series. The members do kill, and sometimes bad things happen, but they are all true family. They argue, pick at each other and support one another. Often they have troubled pasts or some block they have to overcome to move forward.
Sergio is a perfect example of this. In the previous book of this series, we found out that he was a double agent between the FBI and Mafia. He did so to save members of the family, but still it goes against everything. Now, he has direct orders to marry and protect a girl wanted by the Russia mob. Also she's terminally ill. So yeah, it's quite the explosive and emotional storyline.
I worried over the direction the five families were headed. I laughed at the digs the guys and their women got in on each other. I teared up during the emotional times (be ready for tears). And of course I was, as always, surprised by Luca's mastermind black folders he left behind.
I love this series, and I can't wait to find out what the crew is up to next!
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
Sergio is a perfect example of this. In the previous book of this series, we found out that he was a double agent between the FBI and Mafia. He did so to save members of the family, but still it goes against everything. Now, he has direct orders to marry and protect a girl wanted by the Russia mob. Also she's terminally ill. So yeah, it's quite the explosive and emotional storyline.
I worried over the direction the five families were headed. I laughed at the digs the guys and their women got in on each other. I teared up during the emotional times (be ready for tears). And of course I was, as always, surprised by Luca's mastermind black folders he left behind.
I love this series, and I can't wait to find out what the crew is up to next!
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
April 30, 2015
I feel so honored and privileged to have been given an ARC of Elude and the chance to read this amazing book in advance. Elude is simply amazing and over the top. It’s another masterpiece from the amazing Rachel Van Dyken. I really had a hard time putting it down coz I did not want to miss what was gonna happen next. It had me glued to the book right from the very first page to the last.
This has been an emotional read for me. I was crying so hard that I had to stop reading to compose myself coz I could not anymore see the words clearly. One has to be prepared with lots and lots of tissues by your side when you read Elude. This amazing book is really worth every tear I shed.
Elude for me is a celebration of life, friendship, family, loyalty and most of all love. You can really feel the love and support the Elite men had for each other. Family really came first. When one needed help and support, they were always there to give them. A lot of sacrifices were made just to protect Andi. For one, Sergio sacrificed himself by agreeing to marry Andi to protect her from her biological father. That in itself for me is the ultimate sacrifice because he opened his home, his whole being and most especially his heart to a dying girl. Though he had a dark past, he still was able to open his heart and let Andi in. He was able to share wonderful moments with Andi that one might think it wasn’t possible for a man like Sergio. But hey I still believe that everyone can change given the right circumstance. All of us can change for the better. Andi was Sergio’s salvation.
There were some revelations in this book that I never saw coming. It made me fall in love more deeply with the series and my Mafia men. I love Sergio’s surprises and how his feelings developed for Andi. It made me swoon and fall madly with him. With the tears, there was also laughter. This is what makes me fall in love with Rachel’s books. She definitely knows how to balance her stories. All her books are a total package.
I can go on and on with my review. But it’s difficult to continue talking about the book without revealing the story. Just to sum it up, Elude is really a MUST READ for everybody. It would definitely be worth the time and money you will spend reading. I have just one parting thought that I’m a firm believer of: “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” There’s always hope for all who believe. With sadness, there is joy. With darkness, there is light. Andi is Sergio’s light, joy and hope.
This is so deserving my 5 Star rating….no this is a PERFECT 10!!!
This has been an emotional read for me. I was crying so hard that I had to stop reading to compose myself coz I could not anymore see the words clearly. One has to be prepared with lots and lots of tissues by your side when you read Elude. This amazing book is really worth every tear I shed.
Elude for me is a celebration of life, friendship, family, loyalty and most of all love. You can really feel the love and support the Elite men had for each other. Family really came first. When one needed help and support, they were always there to give them. A lot of sacrifices were made just to protect Andi. For one, Sergio sacrificed himself by agreeing to marry Andi to protect her from her biological father. That in itself for me is the ultimate sacrifice because he opened his home, his whole being and most especially his heart to a dying girl. Though he had a dark past, he still was able to open his heart and let Andi in. He was able to share wonderful moments with Andi that one might think it wasn’t possible for a man like Sergio. But hey I still believe that everyone can change given the right circumstance. All of us can change for the better. Andi was Sergio’s salvation.
There were some revelations in this book that I never saw coming. It made me fall in love more deeply with the series and my Mafia men. I love Sergio’s surprises and how his feelings developed for Andi. It made me swoon and fall madly with him. With the tears, there was also laughter. This is what makes me fall in love with Rachel’s books. She definitely knows how to balance her stories. All her books are a total package.
I can go on and on with my review. But it’s difficult to continue talking about the book without revealing the story. Just to sum it up, Elude is really a MUST READ for everybody. It would definitely be worth the time and money you will spend reading. I have just one parting thought that I’m a firm believer of: “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” There’s always hope for all who believe. With sadness, there is joy. With darkness, there is light. Andi is Sergio’s light, joy and hope.
This is so deserving my 5 Star rating….no this is a PERFECT 10!!!
July 18, 2015
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
I'm not gonna lie, I cried the whole time I was reading this book. It cut me open. It devastated me. It made me laugh so much. It healed me. At least that's what I'm trying to tell myself. I don't know if I could ever move on from Sergio and Andi. I don't know how I'm going to accept someone new.
Sergio made a lot of mistakes in the past, but he did all of them for family. They don't feel that way though. His punishment was supposed to be Andi, but she turned into a beautiful and life-changing gift.
Andi has always been sick. She's accepted it. She lives life to the fullest, and she never lets a second pass without truly living. I was in awe of her. i don't think I could've been that brave and optimistic. I'm a pretty happy person, but I don't know how I would've handled being as sick as Andi.
Sergio was such an asshole at first! I wanted to kick him in the head. Andi was such a ray of sunshine, even at first. There was no way Sergio could have not fallen in love with her. It was impossible not to.
The tears and sobbing came when Sergio really fell in love with Andi. I just...I couldn't handle it! The things he did for her were so swoon worthy, and just what every girl dreams of.
"I’ll never forget you…I want you to know that. You give me moments, moments where only we exist. They’re like tiny presents sprinkled throughout my life."
Family. Everyone was just wonderful. They were there for Sergio and Andi. They laughed with them, cried with them, and felt with them.
Don't be afraid to read this book. It might make you cry...a lot. It might even make you want to kill the author, but it will heal you as well. Such a beautiful story!
"Just because our love feels short, doesn’t mean it is. Our love is forever."
"Regardless of the journey, of how hard it was, of how hard it is or how short we—The time – we still had it – and that, my friend, is a beautiful ending."
BLOG POST
I'm not gonna lie, I cried the whole time I was reading this book. It cut me open. It devastated me. It made me laugh so much. It healed me. At least that's what I'm trying to tell myself. I don't know if I could ever move on from Sergio and Andi. I don't know how I'm going to accept someone new.
Sergio made a lot of mistakes in the past, but he did all of them for family. They don't feel that way though. His punishment was supposed to be Andi, but she turned into a beautiful and life-changing gift.
Andi has always been sick. She's accepted it. She lives life to the fullest, and she never lets a second pass without truly living. I was in awe of her. i don't think I could've been that brave and optimistic. I'm a pretty happy person, but I don't know how I would've handled being as sick as Andi.
Sergio was such an asshole at first! I wanted to kick him in the head. Andi was such a ray of sunshine, even at first. There was no way Sergio could have not fallen in love with her. It was impossible not to.
The tears and sobbing came when Sergio really fell in love with Andi. I just...I couldn't handle it! The things he did for her were so swoon worthy, and just what every girl dreams of.
"I’ll never forget you…I want you to know that. You give me moments, moments where only we exist. They’re like tiny presents sprinkled throughout my life."
Family. Everyone was just wonderful. They were there for Sergio and Andi. They laughed with them, cried with them, and felt with them.
Don't be afraid to read this book. It might make you cry...a lot. It might even make you want to kill the author, but it will heal you as well. Such a beautiful story!
"Just because our love feels short, doesn’t mean it is. Our love is forever."
"Regardless of the journey, of how hard it was, of how hard it is or how short we—The time – we still had it – and that, my friend, is a beautiful ending."
BLOG POST
Displaying 1 - 30 of 715 reviews