Member Reviews
I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my review. I am a huge Alessandra Torre fan and I have read most of her books and really liked them. Hidden Seams I didn't like....at all! The description sounded terrific, there were her usual steamy scenes, but the plot for me was missing. I didn't like Marco and Avery and really didn't understand their relationship at all. I won't give up on Alessandra Torre, but I would not let this be the first book I read of hers.
I voluntarily reviewed an Reader Copy of this book which I received through Netgalley.
I really liked the story and it's very well written
Marco stood at the helm of a billionaire fashion industry. It’s most notable icon has died and he feels apprehensive about what his life has become. One night he meets Avery and throws his carefully constructed life completely off balance. She is searching for the answer that has eluded her and when she first sees Marco she cannot help the magnetism that draws her to his side. Their encounters threatens to consume them both as they both navigate their way through the constantly changing scenarios they must deal with on a day to day basis. Who knew they would find their soulmates that allows their hearts to beat for the first time and reminding them both what it truly means to feel free.
4.5 Stars!! Interesting, Entertaining, Intriguing. Excellent Performance!
The performance captivated me from the beginning, giving me the chance to really enjoy the story this time. While I founded hard to connect with the story and undestand some of the characters while reading the book, listening to it give me a whole different perspective. (May be a side effects from surgery that didn't allowed me to enjoy my read, though).
I enjoyed Avery and Marco's interaction, but mostly their banter. So, that's after 1/3 of the story when everything starts getting better and they finally met.
This story is unlike any other by this author, but at the end of the day I also learn a valuable lesson from the lifes this characters have been living, regardless of their selfless or shelfish intentions behind it all. You don't have to like what people do but must accept people as they are, flaws and all, while helping them or helping each other to become a better version of themselves.
Dexter Collins and Elizabeth Powers nailed it with their excellent performance by evoking all the all the feels the author had intended and making this book a sheer pleasure to listen to!!
I saddens me to say this, but after 31% this fell in the DNF category for me. I struggled just to get to that part and even then, I couldn't finish picturing a clear image of each character. Plot was all over the place, main character is is too ambiguous and main female character, I don't know how to even describe her. Sad, but true. This is one of those twisted weird plots that few people actually like and I seem to be in the minority. Thanks for the ARC, but I couldnt go thru with it.
I'm a fan of Alessandra Torre, but this one just didn't work.... at all... I was really surprised by the lack of connection I felt with both characters, sorry...
(I'll refrain from sharing a review)
This was such an unconventional start to a story. And I LOVE unconventional. Too often in the romance genre it is very formulatic and repetitive so when an author goes outside the box, it always makes me happy.
Marco has the biggest secret and with that secret comes the biggest yearning.
Avery lives on the wrong side of the law, yet is super strong and independent. However, her never knowing her father has left a void in her life.
With an icon recently dying she starts to think it is her father, but its a slim chance since the icon is also a huge gay icon.
Marco is about to inherit everything from Vince Horace, but now a paternity claim is stalling the process.
When Marco meets Avery she is everything he has ever wanted, but they both have huge secrets.
I loved all of this until Marco and Avery eventually did get together because once this happened I feel Avery lost her edge and strength. Sure, she still had some but those were some of my favorite characteristics of her and the loss was noticeable for me. As well as the story started to quicken up a lot during this time lessening the bond of Marco and Avery for me.
Besides that I did quite like it.
Usual hotness from Alessandra Torre. One of a few authors who I read their new releases immediately upon release. Literally you can't go wrong with any of her books, especially this one.
Marco is a big name in the fashion industry. He's been living the life of the extremely wealthy. I don't think anyone can even imagine living the way that he has been. Pairing him up with Avery, a woman who's job isn't exactly legal, and they shouldn't make sense. As worlds apart these two are, I believed them as a couple. The sparks were practically jumping off the pages for these two. I loved them together not only because of that connection but because of their differences.
I will say that I did struggle a bit about what Marco did that brought him to where he is, only because I can't see a man willing to do this and yet the author also had me believing his part. As you can see, it still worked for me despite my doubt. Marco also had a very selfish moment in the book that bothered me and that is the only reason I couldn't rate this a full 5 stars. I'm actually pretty impressed that the author had me loving Marco as much as I did.
This book had some really great epilogues. I don't usually mention that but they made an impact in the story and made me love these two even more. They are worth the mention.
I know I'm being a bit vague in my review but that's because I feel this story was pretty unique. I've only read one other book from this author and it was a top read of 2017 for me. I was worried this wouldn't be able to compare, and well...it didn't compare because it's just not comparable. Hidden Seams was great in it's own way. I think what I've learned is that I am a fan of this authors writing and that she can be pretty versatile.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
Alessandra Torre stands high at the top of my list of favorite authors! I love the diversity in her writing, with everything from light hearted and sweet romances, to full throttle, angsty, suspenseful, and super sexy thrillers. I’m never really sure what direction her storylines will travel and what they’ll do to my emotions along the way, but I know that I will end up loving them every time. 'Hidden Seams' is a mysterious and suspenseful read diving into the deceitful illusions and grandeur of the fashion industry, and in Torre’s trademark way, this sexy romance is topped with charming characters and is touchingly sweet with its tender moments!
‘I’m the worst of the bunch, and know the sacrifices more than anyone. The last ten years of my life has been orchestrated, a web of deceit and lies, all for one of those thrones’
I absolutely loved Marco, and I really felt for him and his insecurity without Vince leading the way. Although he was extremely arrogant and spoiled by his lifestyle, it was surprising that underneath, he was very genuine and kind hearted when he wanted to be. Obviously he had made some difficult and questionable choices in his life, but boy, his dedication and loyalty to others really blew me away!
‘The questions mount and Avery McKenna- Rolls Royce kamikaze, seducer of gay men, fighter of pimps, and real estate mogul- just became a lot more interesting.’
Avery was feisty and a bit of a wild card. On her own for years, she was strong and independent, yet she still had insecurities from growing up without a family and their support. However, where she was toughened from those years, I really loved that she Avery still had a caring nature about her. She was also incredibly impulsive in her decision making, but I enjoyed her flair and admired her courage to express herself and determination to go after what she believed in.
‘I pull my gaze from the sweater and to her face, which is impossible to read. It’s confident yet coy, the Siamese cat of seduction, and I feel like a catnip toy, batting between her paws, helpless to move away.’
Marco and Avery were so playful in their relationship! The story is told from both of their points of view, and they were so fun to follow as they jockeyed back and forth with their feelings. They matched together perfectly and completed each other’s missing pieces. Marco and Avery absolutely could not resist each other, and their attraction was like moths to the flame with some super steamy passion between them! However, I truly loved the honesty, support, and understanding they shared, and their love story was incredibly sweet!
Torre did a fantastic job writing such a unique storyline with such an eclectic cast of characters. Although they came from the worlds of wealth and scam, they were all so down to earth and relatable, and their relationships with each other were so entertaining. The storyline was perfectly paced and kept me glued to the pages, and it was balanced with a lot of wit and humor to make it a really fun and entertaining read. I always enjoy Torre’s creative nuances with her love of baseball, and situations like Marco’s parents and their ecosexuality. What the heck? That’s just hilarious!
This wasn’t as angsty as some of Torre’s other works, and I actually enjoyed that she didn’t kill me with it in this. However, the ending went a little too smoothly for me once Marco found out about Avery’s career. I felt there should have been a little bit more of a conflict with that, but at the end of the day, it just made Marco even more dreamy with his support and loyalty!
It’s always nice to see characters from stories past, and Trey and Kate from Love in Lingerie made a short appearance in the story. I loved the epilogues from both Marco and Avery’s points of view, and the deleted scenes as well, where Torre shares her initial direction the novel took. I definitely loved the final version the best!
Wow. This book had me hooked after the first paragraph. I’m sure you’ve heard that a lot, but THIS BOOK HAD ME HOOKED AFTER THE FIRST PARAGRAPH! Alessandra Torre always delivers a unique, well written story with complex characters and twisting story lines. Hidden Seams gives us both, and along with some VERY steamy and erotic sexual encounters, makes it one of favorites from her. Marco and Avery’s crazy relationship will have you laughing and cringing and sweating all the way to the end.
I read my first Alessandra Torre novel, The Ghostwriter, last year and WOW! I LOVED it! It was by far my favorite book of 2017 and one of the best books I’d read in a long time.
I love my romance novels but I may love suspense and a good plot twist even more. The Ghostwriter is a dark, suspenseful, rollercoaster ride with an ending you never see coming.
Needless to say, I’ve been excited to read another Alessandra Torre novel ever since but I really had no idea what to expect.
Hidden Seams did not disappoint. It’s definitely on the romance end of the spectrum and it’s a steamy, page-turner!
It’s a story of having to choose between love and the lucrative career, lifestyle, and image Marco Lent has worked and sacrificed many years for. The circumstances that bring Marco and Avery together are the very thing that should rip them apart, but the passion between them remains palpable to the very end.
Torre’s ability to draw you into a world of fairytale wealth and romance is remarkable. She painted such a vivid portrait of a world most of us couldn’t imagine in our wildest dreams.
Some may find the subject matter contained in Hidden Seams to be a bit controversial but I feel it was handled in a respectful manner and made for an extremely compelling aspect of the story.
If you’re in the mood for a sizzling hot, erotic romance full of fairytale fame and fortune, inner turmoil, and controversy, then pick up Hidden Seams!
Okay WOW! I’ve read a lot of books over the years and I thought I had seen it all. Apparently not. Hidden Seams has quite an interesting storyline. The thing that I love about Alessandra Torre is that you really know what you are going to get when you pick up one of her books. It’s a pleasant surprise every time – she is truly a versatile writer.
Marco Lent is a young designer who inherited an empire after his boyfriend Vince Horace, a fashion mogul passed away. Marco and Vince lived together for over a decade, together they ruled the fashion world. Marco is to inherit his entire estate and carry on his legacy. Avery is adopted, a troubled teen who managed to survive on her own. For a long time, she wants to find her roots. She met her mother but never found out who her father was. The only thing she has is a 30 year old photo of a man who somewhat resembles the fashion mogul Vince Horace. Avery is determined to find out who Vince was so she makes her way to NY, but she quickly runs into a roadblock – a hard rock body of Marco J Shit hits the fence, a chain of events happens, and secrets revealed … Who is Marco? Has he been living a lie all these years? Is Vince gay or straight? Does he have a daughter all these years and never realized it? Will Avery get part of his empire and the closure she needs?
All I can say is go into this book with an open mind. Nothing is what it seems and the plot will surprise you. I love the hero – multilayered, mysterious, sexy and the heroine who is strong, independent and smart. She is not someone easily trifled with, yet feminine and beautiful inside and out. The romance between them is definitely steamy, sexy, passionate and heartwarmingly beautiful. The plot captivates my attention from the start and sucks me in until the end. Alessandra Torre does not disappoint with her brilliant stories and flawless writing.
I didn''t like this story as much as I enjoyed the first one... it started with a lie and then it just turned twisted..
This was a good read for me. Marco and Avery were great characters and their story has plenty of twists and turns. This read starts a bit slow but picks up quickly at the end with plenty of drama and suspense. The chemistry is steamy and I liked the story.
This book. I wasn't sure I'd like it at first, I tend to be a very fussy reader but as I read these books. I feel like it transported me to a new world. I laughed, I cried and I felt like I was genuinely a part of that world. That feeling in books for me is rare lately and I just have to say, I am so glad I picked this book up.
Marco and Avery could not be any more different, and yet that was the appeal. I loved their nature with each other, Their spark is magnetic, and special. I love their honesty and their banter. I laughed so much!
Definitely a recommendation!
This is a love story about two totally different people falling in love. Alessandra Torre has a wonderful imagination and has written a unique story. Marco and Avery meet by chance. They are both flawed, have secrets, and have made unusual choices in their lives.
Marco is an opportunist. He is a devastatingly handsome man who uses his looks to get ahead. To be honest, this bothered me and I didn’t respect Marco. Avery has not had it easy and lives a dangerous life. She is tough and hard and not afraid to grab what she wants.
When I read a story I want to fall in love with the characters and unfortunately, I did not connect with Marco and Avery or understand their choices. Neither Marco or Avery have had an easy life. They have each made choices they now regret. This story is about love and redemption and it is filled with passion and emotion. Nothing is as it seems. The story gives the reader both Marco and Avery’s POV, so we understand both of their perspectives.
Hidden Seams by Alessandra Torre is a fascinating concept. That isn’t a surprise because Ms. Torre pushes the envelope with most of her books. The thing is the story didn’t work for me because of Marco. It is a good story, and there are some great parts, but the overall effect didn’t come together—for me anyway.
Hidden Seams starts with an excellent hook. I know what the story is about and thought the prologue is setting up a fall from grace so to speak. In my head, I’m thinking, “Oh this is going to be very good.” It is good but what starts as suspenseful turns into something else that I can’t get my head around and efficiently articulate.
I love Avery McKenna. Her character is so thought-provoking and multi-dimensional. She is a lost soul who doesn’t fit in anywhere. She is adopted, a disappointment to her adoptive parents never feels she belongs then ends up on the street. Most of her life is a quest to find her biological family. Along the way, she gets involved with some unsavory people to survive. She finds a way to make the most of her situation and continues to search for her biological father. She is working to help others, even if it isn’t on the up-and-up. I could read about Avery all day.
Then there is Marco. Marco doesn’t work for me until almost 70 percent into the story. He doesn’t seem credible because I never understand him. I know Vince’s reasoning for asking Marco to be a part of his ruse. He is vain and has an image to maintain as the face of his fashion business. Marco seems like a fraud, and there isn’t a reasonable explanation of why he is compelled to play the game. He comes from a solid family even if they are a little flakey. He is loved. He doesn’t need to be deceptive he needs to work hard to build his career. I want to tell him to grow a pair—have some spine for goodness sake.
When Avery lets Marco know about her suspicions about Vince, Marco is angry. It’s like I was a fraud for ten years and you are just looking for your father. You don’t deserve any of the empire I own. It made me want to throat punch him. By the time he comes around to likable, I’m done with him. Let me stress that I don’t need to like the main character to be a fan. What I do need is to relate to his/her motivation.
Ms. Torre’s writing is outstanding. The story flows beautifully. I would love to read more about Avery’s life and the dangerous road she takes to get to the present day of Hidden Seams. Avery makes the story a four-star read.
I absolutely loved thus story! Marcio and Avery had instant fire that could not be extinguished.
In the beginning I was a bit perplexed as to how this was going to play out. Was Marco gay or bisexual? Leave it to the tempting Avery to burst that bubble.
Their chemistry was off the charts. I loved their banter and how they went head to head when difference raised. Avery, was no shrinking violet. She hgad a dangerous job, but to her, it was worth the risk.
I loved how this story eventually played out and we got to the heart of the book...finding where you fit and who you fit with.