Member Reviews
I was lucky (and thankful) to receive and arc, and let me just say Leisa Rayven does not disappoint
When I had read Bad Romeo and Broken Juliet, Ethan had completely ran away with my heart. He was an ass, but a lovable one. One I couldn't help falling in love with. But then, Leisa Rayven decided to bring Liam in for Wicked Heart, and it's safe to say he won me over. Ethan who? HELLLOOO LIAM (and Josh. Cannot forget Josh. We'll speak of him soon)!!!
I had already liked Elissa from the first two books. She didn't pop up a lot but she was still an adorable character. Sweet even. So when I heard she was getting a book, I was pretty excited to get to meet her better.
From the very start of this book you want to know Elissa and Liam's history. Whatever they had gone through, she still carried it with her. When you actually get to find out what happens you want to punch Liam in the throat. Well, at least I did. I felt very protective of Elissa. They met many years ago, and that didn't exactly end well.
Him popping up in her life again threw her off guard. Old feelings pop up but she remains professional through it all. The last thing she wants to do is dwell on the past, especially since he's engaged!
As Liam and Elissa become civil with each other, you see and feel their connection. It's still there, though they remind themselves they're off limits. But I was rooting for them and you will too, trust me.
I loved the characters in this book. Elissa, Liam, Angel (the fiancé) and Josh. Ah yes, Josh.. Elissa's best friend. I'm pretty convinced he's my other half. He was hilarious!! There was no way I couldn't love him. He was a great friend and just an amazing person in general. As for Angel.. she was such a sweetheart. This stressed me out because things would've been so much easier if she were mean. But no, she was lovable too. Fun, and so friendly!
This book still has me swooning. It was funny, steamy with a dash of angst that will have you hooked on from the first page to the last. Leisa writes amazing stories that you just don't want them to end.
If you haven't read Bad Romeo and Broken Juliet then what the heck are you doing? Do that first. Definitely a MUST READ! All three books.
I've been a big fan of Leisa Rayven ever since I read Bad Romeo. Wicked Heart doesn't disappoint either. It is beautifully written, the pace is steady, and the characters are all well developed, funny and lovable; the banter between them is amazing. Also, the chemistry between Liam and Elissa is off the charts. The story is beautiful, emotional and I didn't want it to end.
We met Elissa, Ethan's sister, in Bad Romeo. She is full of life, funny, outgoing, hard-working and sweet. We get to know her story better in Wicked Heart, we see her vulnerable parts and how she manages to get past all the hurt Liam had caused her.
I loved how Liam and Elissa met and even from their first meeting you could feel the attraction, intensity and tension between them. They meet again when Liam gets his first part in a play that Elissa also works for. Sparks fly and we enjoy their short but sweet relationship. Unfortunately, they have to part and, ultimately, Liam hurts her.
Years pass and Liam is now an A-list celebrity, but with a twist of fate, he ends up working with Elissa again. We understand more about their past and we see how the story unfolds in the right direction due to a nice plot twist.
I loved all the beautiful characters, the fantastic story and I recommend this book and this series with all my heart. <3
I don't even have the words to tell you how much I loved this book. Leisa Rayven has this unique ability to mix romance, humor, emotion, and angst in such a way that it has you almost panting as you read. The romantic tension between Elissa Holt and Liam Quinn was enough to set the pages on fire and I was so happy to burn in the ensuing conflagration.
I will happily re-read this book again and again. I really wish there were more books in the Starcrossed series just because they are so unbelievably good!
OMG! OMG! OMG! What in the world did I just read?!? I mean, really, ETHAN WHO?! This book was off the charts and twenty shades of amazing!! Absolutely wonderful read! (Let me breathe and ingest this book in my soul permanently.)
I ADORE Leisa Rayven and her writing to the point that she could write a grocery list and I will happily give it five stars. I've come to love Ms Rayven's brand of angsty second chance romance, and why not? Nobody is writing them like her!
Wicked Romance was so much more than what I was expecting it to be. This is such a stunning addition to the Starcrossed series. It is addicting, captivating and the characters are absolutely amazing! Liam and Elissa give Ethan and Cassie a run in the angsty second chance romance department. I'm not even joking about it.
"One thing you’re absolutely not allowed to give up on is true love. When you find it, you should grab it with both hands and never let go, because although it might not always be easy or convenient, it’s worth it."
I tried to love this one, but unfortunately, the characters just didn't keep me engaged. I would try the author again with a different story.
It took me ages to get around to this one, and that was before I even realised it contained one of my least favourite tropes. The writing was fine and I have certainly enjoyed Rayven's work in the past, but I could see where this was going from a mile off, and it didn't hold my attention as much as it perhaps once would have.
***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***
I've loved everything Leisa has written, and this book is no exception. I adored the first two books and was so thrilled that Leisa continued this series with Elissa's story.
This novel is a standalone, but I highly recommend reading Bad Romeo and Broken Juliet first, because Wicked Heart takes place after these two books, and references some of their events and characters.
In the first two books, we met a variety of supporting cast, including Elissa Holt, Ethan’s sister, Cassie’s friend, and their stage manager. Legendary Broadway director Marco Fiori signs her on for his new production, a modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. The only thing which may cause trouble is the male lead.
Hollywood hottie Liam Quinn is guaranteed to skyrocket ticket sales, especially because his fiancée is co-starring. He is also the only person Elissa has ever loved.
After the introductory chapter, we flash back six years. Nineteen-year-old Elissa meets Liam during a random night in New York with her best friend Josh. There is an instant connection, and they share a passionate kiss. Elissa has one rule, though. She doesn’t date actors anymore. They have a nasty habit of dumping her. For actresses.
Imagine her surprise when Liam shows up at the auditions for Romeo and Juliet, which she is stage managing. He doesn’t hide his attraction to her, but she is adamant they not get involved while working together. Fate has other plans, though, and they are only allowed one night of passion before parting ways.
Fast forward to present-day New York, where Elissa comes face to face with the one man she is unable to forget. He is accompanied by an entire entourage. To further complicate things, no one knows the exact nature of their history. As far as cast and crew are concerned, they only worked together years ago.
Leisa has a delicious way of portraying emotions conflicting with reason, mixing it up with a hilarious inner monologue. Elissa’s ramblings on cheese and her convincing loathing of exercise outside of the bedroom are great tools in adding levity to the romantic drama.
As the stage is set and the actions unfold, we learn that not all is what it seems. Allies are found in the most unlikely of places, and sometimes, you just have to listen to your heart.
I love these books. Liss and Liam was so so swoon. This whole series is so great. Thanks Netgalley for the Arc
Why oh why did I wait so freaking long to read Wicked Heart? Man, this was so damn good. Liss and Liam's second chance gave me ALL THE FEELS. And when I say all of them, I mean it. I laughed, cried and wanted to throw my iPad a couple times because I was raging. What a rollercoaster of a book. I absolutely loved Liss and Liam. I'm still kicking myself for waiting so long to read this book.
Y'all know second chance romance is my jam. It's one of my favorite tropes, when written well at least. Leisa Rayven gives good second chance. (And, well, everything else. I'd read her grocery list.) I love Leisa's words so freaking much. I highlighted A LOT while reading this one. In fact, I had to reign myself in when it came to sharing favorite quotes with my review. Couldn't have the quotes be longer than the review, after all. 😂 Just know you're in for a beautifully-written treat with Wicked Heart.
Favorite Quotes:
My idea of working out involves yoga pants without the actual yoga. In fact, my yoga pants should be called "sitting around eating cheese pants." A longer title, sure, but more accurate.
I once read an Oscar Wilde quote that said, "A kiss may ruin a human life." It perplexed me, because up until now, I'd always thought kisses were sweet but unimportant. But this kiss? It's ruined me. This is the type of kiss I never knew existed. It's like falling and flying, all in the same moment.
Goddamnit. I hate this. Love. Longing. Attraction. Need. Everything he brings out in me.
"So now I say, screw it. I'm done waiting. Sometimes, fate is what you make it, and I'm making my life with you."
This series was amazing. I loved each book. Anything Leisa writes I will buy and read.
Loved it! I read this book over a year ago but I loved it. I had some events happen and my Dad passed. I'm sorry I never wrote a full review. Thanks Netgalley for a copy to read and review.
Loved it and didn't want it to end! Whenever I receive an ARC from a favorite author I seriously can't wait, I have to read it. This books not out until May so I decided to hold my review until April. Still I have to squeal that this author did an amazing job at this spin off. I loved it. Smoking chemistry, paparazzi fix, and of course drama from actors. Five beautiful entertainment stars!
A fantastic followup to Bad Romeo and Broken Juliet. It was fun seeing some familiar characters and really getting to know others. The storyline was somewhat predictable (nothing surprised me) but it was still a fun, somewhat angsty, sexy read.
Unfortunately I was unable to finish this book. It just wasn't my cup of tea. Thanks for the chance to read it.