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Star-Crossed #1
Just Like Heaven
He’s a criminal—an abomination. We’re wrong in every way.
If only I could’ve convinced my heart.
His lips whispered promises of all the stars in the sky.
I dreamt of a love that would last forever.
We were gorgeously young and desperate for one another.
But we're star-crossed.
Fate had decided our course.
Leaving us to cling to each other as we crumbled to ash.
His need became possession.
My innocence turned jaded.
Our families declared war.
All that remained was hate.
But Calder was raised by wolves. The rules didn’t apply.
I was his until he said otherwise—for better or for worse.
Our love story is bathed in crimson and drenched in bullets.
Because sometimes, Romeo comes with tattoos, guns, and a taste for blood.
This duet is a dark Romeo and Juliet re-imagining with an HEA, sitting right in the pocket of Leo and Claire, not Shakespeare. Trigger warnings can be found on my website.
If only I could’ve convinced my heart.
His lips whispered promises of all the stars in the sky.
I dreamt of a love that would last forever.
We were gorgeously young and desperate for one another.
But we're star-crossed.
Fate had decided our course.
Leaving us to cling to each other as we crumbled to ash.
His need became possession.
My innocence turned jaded.
Our families declared war.
All that remained was hate.
But Calder was raised by wolves. The rules didn’t apply.
I was his until he said otherwise—for better or for worse.
Our love story is bathed in crimson and drenched in bullets.
Because sometimes, Romeo comes with tattoos, guns, and a taste for blood.
This duet is a dark Romeo and Juliet re-imagining with an HEA, sitting right in the pocket of Leo and Claire, not Shakespeare. Trigger warnings can be found on my website.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2021
About the author
Trilina Pucci
20 books3,851 followers#1 Amazon and USA TODAY Bestselling Author who loves cupcakes and bourbon.
When she isn’t writing steamy stories, she can be found devouring Netflix and re-watching Hamilton for the millionth time with her husband, Anthony, and their three kiddos.
Pucci’s journey into writing started impulsively. She wanted to check off a box on her bucket list, but what began as wish fulfillment has become incredibly fulfilling. Now she can’t see her life without her characters, her readers, and this community.
She currently resides in California and refuses to ever leave.
When she isn’t writing steamy stories, she can be found devouring Netflix and re-watching Hamilton for the millionth time with her husband, Anthony, and their three kiddos.
Pucci’s journey into writing started impulsively. She wanted to check off a box on her bucket list, but what began as wish fulfillment has become incredibly fulfilling. Now she can’t see her life without her characters, her readers, and this community.
She currently resides in California and refuses to ever leave.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 545 reviews
September 23, 2021
"I swear to God, if anyone ever fucking touches you, I’ll kill them. Do you understand that? That’s how fucking deep I love you. You are always and forever fucking mine.”
Holy shittttt. Calder Wolfe, what the hell have you done to meeeeee?! I lived and breathed this book for days after I finished it. I couldn't sleep without thinking about it. I wasn't even 20% into the story and I KNEW Just Like Heaven was going to be one of my fave stories of the year. I AM ADDICTED TO CALDER AND SUTTON! The butterflies I was feeling while reading were like HOLY SHIT!!! I felt like I was right there with them. JFC.
Calder is fucking life y'all. I will never forget this man. He is the ultimate book boyfriend. Protective, sexy as fuck, mega alpha, dirty talker, swoony af. His love for Sutton is unlike anything I've ever read! I. FUCKING. DIE.
Ok also the Wolfe brothers are fucking everything. Okay? Like how much hotness can one handle with these guys? Please for the love of fuck write their books Trilina. Also the girl gang was ON. POINT. Omg I love pretty much everyone in this story at some point. LOL I've got it bad man.
When I neared the end I was LEGIT SCARED TO FINISH OMG THE ANXIETY WAS FUCKINNNN REAL Y'ALL!! MY HEART WAS BEATING OUT OF MY CHEST!!!
Then I FINISHED AND DIED. DIED. ALL THE DEADS.
So anyway...I cannot say enough about this love story, seriously. Your heart will swell, burst and shatter. You'll feel punched in the guts, face and g-spot. Trust me when I tell you, you must read this story. It's one of my favourite books of 2021. And Calder is one of my top book boyfriends ever!
HOLY SHIT THIS REVIEW IS A HOT GOD DAMN MESS. Sorry. Fuck!!!
Just make sure you one-click!!
Our love story’s bathed in crimson and drenched in bullets.
Because sometimes, Romeo comes with tattoos, guns, and a taste for blood.
Just Like Heaven is LIVE!
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October 17, 2021
Just like Romeo & Juliet these two were doomed from the start, both sets of fathers sworn enemies, she was the good girl attending a catholic school, he was the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, neither should’ve crossed paths, but when they did no one else mattered because these two didn't care about breaking the rules.
September 25, 2021
4 STARS
A modern day Romeo and Juliet retelling that will tug at every heartstring you have and leave you reeling in your feels.
Now look, I'm not generally a reader that enjoys insta anything; particularly of the insta love variety. But somehow, Trilina Pucci has made a liar out of me in this book. Maybe it was because there was enough tension to build everything up that the somewhat insta love really flowed into the story? Maybe it was the Romeo and Juliet vibes of star crossed lovers who are doomed from their first glance. Whatever the case, it just worked for me here.
Sutton and Calder couldn't be more different. Sutton is the good girl, daughter of a senator. Calder is the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and son of a ruthless criminal. Their love is doomed from the start, but they're drawn to each other like moths to a fire.
A fated love. A chance meeting. A stolen glance. It all gets set in motion the second Sutton lays eyes on the new bad boy in town. Their fathers are mortal enemies. Sutton's father being a ruthless and driven senator determined to eliminate crime in their town. And Calder's father being a ruthless criminal with mafia ties who's bringing the crime to it. Calder was born into a life of crime and knows he'll die knowing nothing different.
The only reason I'm rating this a four is as much as it worked for me here, I still like a bit of tension between the MCs and Sutton's fall for Calder was instant. Not that I blame her. The man oozes sexual chemistry the second he appears on the page. And I appreciate that while their connection is instant, them getting together wasn't. There was tension, the odds stacked against them, and I lived for their stolen moments together.
The spice in this book was EVERYTHING. That confessional and holy water scene? Holy hell.
And then there was the cliff. I was prepared for a cliff, don't get me wrong, it's a duet after all. But I was NOT prepared for this one. It ripped my heart from my chest and left me with bated breath until the next installment.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Why are you here?”
His hand comes up, fingers brushing my hair from my eyes before he answers, making the world come back into focus. “I’m here because you are.”
A modern day Romeo and Juliet retelling that will tug at every heartstring you have and leave you reeling in your feels.
Now look, I'm not generally a reader that enjoys insta anything; particularly of the insta love variety. But somehow, Trilina Pucci has made a liar out of me in this book. Maybe it was because there was enough tension to build everything up that the somewhat insta love really flowed into the story? Maybe it was the Romeo and Juliet vibes of star crossed lovers who are doomed from their first glance. Whatever the case, it just worked for me here.
Sutton and Calder couldn't be more different. Sutton is the good girl, daughter of a senator. Calder is the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and son of a ruthless criminal. Their love is doomed from the start, but they're drawn to each other like moths to a fire.
A fated love. A chance meeting. A stolen glance. It all gets set in motion the second Sutton lays eyes on the new bad boy in town. Their fathers are mortal enemies. Sutton's father being a ruthless and driven senator determined to eliminate crime in their town. And Calder's father being a ruthless criminal with mafia ties who's bringing the crime to it. Calder was born into a life of crime and knows he'll die knowing nothing different.
The only reason I'm rating this a four is as much as it worked for me here, I still like a bit of tension between the MCs and Sutton's fall for Calder was instant. Not that I blame her. The man oozes sexual chemistry the second he appears on the page. And I appreciate that while their connection is instant, them getting together wasn't. There was tension, the odds stacked against them, and I lived for their stolen moments together.
The spice in this book was EVERYTHING. That confessional and holy water scene? Holy hell.
And then there was the cliff. I was prepared for a cliff, don't get me wrong, it's a duet after all. But I was NOT prepared for this one. It ripped my heart from my chest and left me with bated breath until the next installment.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
December 26, 2021
going to need to sit with this one for a little bit but if you liked the leo/claire danes romeo and juliet... i think you'll like this
September 21, 2021
This book is EVERYTHING that I love about romance. Trilina Pucci keeps elevating her craft, and this is most certainly her most resonant and powerful work to date. This is what epic romance is all about- consuming passion, earth shattering intensity, breathless devotion, the unbreakable connection of two soul mates, all set amidst impossible odds. Hands down a top read of the year! I'm DESPERATE for book 2!
This isn’t your standard Romeo and Juliet retelling. This one has so much more soul, intensity, passion- dare I say, it feels even more epic?! We still have everything that makes the inspiration familiar- star crossed lovers, rival families, danger and judgement, that all consuming first love, and ample drama. Trilina even works in some of the most emblematic allusions to the original- even that special balcony. But beyond that, this is the work of a creative mastermind creating a brilliantly captivating, and completely enchanting new world- a story more reimagined than modernized. And that is what makes it so special. We have all the Trilina Pucci yumminess - prep school and wrong side of the tracks tension, the best girl gang ever, mafia danger, nefarious villains, brothers bonded by more than blood, AND SO MUCH SPICE!
But the heart of this story remains true- the all-consuming power of first love, of soul mates, who despite an unwavering and profoundly rich connection to each other, their love is destined to fail. And their love story swallowed me whole from start to finish. They surprised me- I wasn’t expecting this kind of soulful intensity- or this level of epic devotion. These two fall so fast, so deeply- and I FELT IT. Oh man, I felt it to my core. Their every heartbeat- I felt it as my own. And that is because of the CHEMISTRY. This is by far some of the most passionate, enthralling character connections I’ve read. These two captured my heart and mind in every way.
CALDER IS EVERYTHING. I have not fallen so hard for a book boyfriend in a while. The juxtaposition of his edge and his heart, his bravado and vulnerability, his brutality and his kindness. I am obsessed with this man. AND HE REVS MY ENGINE! And also Sutton’s- whom I also adored. She’s sweet, a bit unsure, gentle and naive- but she’s also got a fierceness that grew with every passing page. And together- their fire, their desperation, their devotion, the longing and intimacy. Their love is a force- but the question is, can their love fight fate and destiny?
Prepare for a roller coaster of emotional turmoil and ecstasy- and a brutal cliffhanger that will shatter your heart. Twists, betrayal, lies, but hope. Never before was there a tale of more woe….or was there? Trilina- we need book 2!!!
Hands down Trilina Pucci's best book to date...until Book 2, I'm sure!
This isn’t your standard Romeo and Juliet retelling. This one has so much more soul, intensity, passion- dare I say, it feels even more epic?! We still have everything that makes the inspiration familiar- star crossed lovers, rival families, danger and judgement, that all consuming first love, and ample drama. Trilina even works in some of the most emblematic allusions to the original- even that special balcony. But beyond that, this is the work of a creative mastermind creating a brilliantly captivating, and completely enchanting new world- a story more reimagined than modernized. And that is what makes it so special. We have all the Trilina Pucci yumminess - prep school and wrong side of the tracks tension, the best girl gang ever, mafia danger, nefarious villains, brothers bonded by more than blood, AND SO MUCH SPICE!
But the heart of this story remains true- the all-consuming power of first love, of soul mates, who despite an unwavering and profoundly rich connection to each other, their love is destined to fail. And their love story swallowed me whole from start to finish. They surprised me- I wasn’t expecting this kind of soulful intensity- or this level of epic devotion. These two fall so fast, so deeply- and I FELT IT. Oh man, I felt it to my core. Their every heartbeat- I felt it as my own. And that is because of the CHEMISTRY. This is by far some of the most passionate, enthralling character connections I’ve read. These two captured my heart and mind in every way.
CALDER IS EVERYTHING. I have not fallen so hard for a book boyfriend in a while. The juxtaposition of his edge and his heart, his bravado and vulnerability, his brutality and his kindness. I am obsessed with this man. AND HE REVS MY ENGINE! And also Sutton’s- whom I also adored. She’s sweet, a bit unsure, gentle and naive- but she’s also got a fierceness that grew with every passing page. And together- their fire, their desperation, their devotion, the longing and intimacy. Their love is a force- but the question is, can their love fight fate and destiny?
Prepare for a roller coaster of emotional turmoil and ecstasy- and a brutal cliffhanger that will shatter your heart. Twists, betrayal, lies, but hope. Never before was there a tale of more woe….or was there? Trilina- we need book 2!!!
Hands down Trilina Pucci's best book to date...until Book 2, I'm sure!
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November 4, 2021
1.5* skimmed to the end and won't read the second one.
I didn't like this. The characters were too unlikable and immature IMO.
Positives:
-I vibed with the writing style
Negatives:
-Insta love I don't know what the fuck happened here
-Cringefest of lines between the h & H
-Nondescript Hero. He was supposed to be the town baddie but he came across as a love sick puppy.
-Annoying af heroine. First 50 pages of the book are spent with her being desperate to lose her virginity. She chooses this Hunter dude (the villain) but then she sees the H and is in lurv
Hunter sends her some mean texts that he already found another woman and that he wants his toys new, and homegirl is upset for a total of five seconds before everyone convinces her to give the dude another chance. She goes out with him and because she sees the H with a girl on his lap, she decides to let this dude who she doesn't even like touch her and semi finger her in the water.
-The rest of the story is just them sneaking out and having sex. There's nothing going on but sex.
Of course, at the end, classical Romeo and Juliet, their parents are enemies and separate them.
-Immature characters with no depth.
Safety:
I didn't like this. The characters were too unlikable and immature IMO.
Positives:
-I vibed with the writing style
Negatives:
-Insta love I don't know what the fuck happened here
-Cringefest of lines between the h & H
-Nondescript Hero. He was supposed to be the town baddie but he came across as a love sick puppy.
-Annoying af heroine. First 50 pages of the book are spent with her being desperate to lose her virginity. She chooses this Hunter dude (the villain) but then she sees the H and is in lurv
Hunter sends her some mean texts that he already found another woman and that he wants his toys new, and homegirl is upset for a total of five seconds before everyone convinces her to give the dude another chance. She goes out with him and because she sees the H with a girl on his lap, she decides to let this dude who she doesn't even like touch her and semi finger her in the water.
-The rest of the story is just them sneaking out and having sex. There's nothing going on but sex.
Of course, at the end, classical Romeo and Juliet, their parents are enemies and separate them.
-Immature characters with no depth.
Safety:
September 30, 2021
DNF at 50%
I'll just list the things I disliked:
The side characters: the friends were annoying and brought nothing but annoyance in me.
the baptism in Sutton's hymen break blood🤢: nothing more romantic than your guy getting baptized in your hymen break blood which he broke by mistake while fingering you🤩
the constant use of cream: for the love of God authors using cream thinking its sexy should be banned.
the insta love: they were promising forever to each other when they were practically strangers and that was a huge turnoff. I quickly lost interest after they got together.
The only thing I liked is that they were actually adorable sometimes and the make out scenes were cute.
I'll just list the things I disliked:
The side characters: the friends were annoying and brought nothing but annoyance in me.
the baptism in Sutton's hymen break blood🤢: nothing more romantic than your guy getting baptized in your hymen break blood which he broke by mistake while fingering you🤩
the constant use of cream: for the love of God authors using cream thinking its sexy should be banned.
the insta love: they were promising forever to each other when they were practically strangers and that was a huge turnoff. I quickly lost interest after they got together.
The only thing I liked is that they were actually adorable sometimes and the make out scenes were cute.
November 5, 2021
“Our fall is destined.”
That ending/cliffhanger was WILD.
I'm going to save my full review for when I finish Sinning Like Hell, but I will say this book lives up to its Romeo and Juliet comparison with its insta-love (which is normally a big pet peeve of mine but it worked here because, well, Romeo and Juliet) and star-crossed lovers whose families absolutely hate each other.
Starting book two now, and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
That ending/cliffhanger was WILD.
I'm going to save my full review for when I finish Sinning Like Hell, but I will say this book lives up to its Romeo and Juliet comparison with its insta-love (which is normally a big pet peeve of mine but it worked here because, well, Romeo and Juliet) and star-crossed lovers whose families absolutely hate each other.
Starting book two now, and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
September 21, 2021
HOLY CRAP!! This book was amazing!! It blew my mind. I didn't know I needed Sutton and Calder in my life, but damn I'm better because of it. From the very first page to the very last one my heart and emotions were taken hostage by these characters. The storyline was fantastic, but these two were PHENOMENAL!!
I call dibs on Calder! HE.IS.MINE. Back the heck UPPPPPP! I don't care that he's a bad boy from the wrong side of town. He owns my heart.
Sutton may live in a large home and have parents with important jobs, but she was almost forgotten by them. She was craving to be noticed and loved. To find her worth. She knew she'd never find it inside the walls of her cage. She just needed to be set free to soar.
My goodness, Sutton and Calder's chemistry was on fire!!! They were perfection.. pure perfection.
I can't even - I need book 2 like right now!!! You can't do that to my heart. These characters will own a piece of it forever.
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!! DON'T READ REVIEWS.. JUST READ and surrender your heart and soul over to the dark side for a bit. You'll thank me!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I call dibs on Calder! HE.IS.MINE. Back the heck UPPPPPP! I don't care that he's a bad boy from the wrong side of town. He owns my heart.
Sutton may live in a large home and have parents with important jobs, but she was almost forgotten by them. She was craving to be noticed and loved. To find her worth. She knew she'd never find it inside the walls of her cage. She just needed to be set free to soar.
My goodness, Sutton and Calder's chemistry was on fire!!! They were perfection.. pure perfection.
I can't even - I need book 2 like right now!!! You can't do that to my heart. These characters will own a piece of it forever.
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!! DON'T READ REVIEWS.. JUST READ and surrender your heart and soul over to the dark side for a bit. You'll thank me!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
October 18, 2022
Just like Heaven is the story of star-crossed lovers, Sutton Prescott and Calder Wolfe.
The daughter of Senator Baron Prescott, Sutton is expected to surround herself with well-bred, upstanding friends, including her boyfriend. Not fall head over heels with the boy from the wrong side of town.
Despite being doomed from the start, fate brought them together. When Sutton and Calder follow their hearts, not the rules it ends in a beautiful disaster.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩
Ending:🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: High School, Mafia/Bratva/Crime Family, Retelling/Reimagining, Rival Families, MINE!, Virgin h
💋 Kinks: Dirty Talk
⚠️Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🚩Safety Squad: OW/OM Drama, VîoIencė, Suïcïde Attempt
📣 Type: Just like Heaven is part of the St. series and ends on a cliffhanger.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
The daughter of Senator Baron Prescott, Sutton is expected to surround herself with well-bred, upstanding friends, including her boyfriend. Not fall head over heels with the boy from the wrong side of town.
Despite being doomed from the start, fate brought them together. When Sutton and Calder follow their hearts, not the rules it ends in a beautiful disaster.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩
Ending:🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: High School, Mafia/Bratva/Crime Family, Retelling/Reimagining, Rival Families, MINE!, Virgin h
💋 Kinks: Dirty Talk
⚠️Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🚩Safety Squad: OW/OM Drama, VîoIencė, Suïcïde Attempt
📣 Type: Just like Heaven is part of the St. series and ends on a cliffhanger.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
January 6, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
''My soul recognized hers''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- OW/OM drama
- Mention of drugs/drug overdose
- Attempted su*cide
- S*xual assault
- Violence
- Manipulation/blackmail
- Cliffhanger
Didn’t think I would love this so much so please if you are interested go in completely blind! I am so glad I did.
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
Let me just start this by saying I devoured this duet in the 12 hours it took for me to get home from my holiday. Spent the entire plane ride finishing this because I needed to know how it ended and thanking the lack of internet from stopping me from checking GR for spoilers.
I went into this completely blind and only knowledge I had was that this was a Romeo and Juliet retelling with a lot of twists and darkness.
Calder? Perfection
Sutton? Perfection
The plot? Amazing
The villains? Absolutely cruel and surprising
The twists? Painful
The end? Heartbreaking
Their love was a once in a lifetime. I didn't feel like their insta-love was anything to complain about. I understood how deep it can go and how souls can feel connected to someone. I even enjoyed their bad boy/good girl theme. He was the guy from the wrong side and from the wrong family while she was the girl who was from the picture-perfect political family.
Calder has two brothers (both adopted into the family at different times). Roman who he has known since he was a child and West who has been a part of the family for a few years. These three are loyal to each other and are always protective. I loved how Roman and Calder wanted to keep West away from the mafia/drug world they were a part of.
Oh boy though - her family? An absolute disaster. Her parents were by far the biggest surprise in villains. I was SHOCKED by how easily they ended up being the main villains in her life. I was appalled really by so much of it and it gets worse in book 2.
OW drama? Random chick sits on Calder’s lap and gives him a lap dance. This is before the MMC's get together and are anything. Sutton even enforced Calder to leave her alone and letting him know it wouldn't work between them, so Calder allows the girl just out of spite and to make Sutton jealous since she is with who her parents wish her to date.
OM drama? Hunter? I hated him from the moment we meet him. He was slimy and gross. He was known as the guy who took girls virginities and then discarded them only to see them as conquests. He tried to get with Sutton during a particular scene, but he wouldn't take no for an answer and ended up being thrown off the cliff by Calder after being beaten. He survives to haunt these two again but that scene where he got his ass handed to him was so satisfying.
The fact that we as readers were even kept out of the loop for the break up scene. I was in SHOCK. I was hurt by how Calder went about it because he was being forced to give her up and had no choice, but I didn't think he would so cruel.
BUT it was all for show. Sutton knew about his sad ultimatum and they both played an incredible part into making everyone believe they were breaking up in such a cruel way. The scene after where she meets up with him and we get the flashback about their decision and conversation...I was applauding Trilina. It was outstanding.
However, .....I knew it couldn't be that easy. They miscalculated the damn evil they were dealing with. Hunter's family and Sutton's family were in deep with the mafia (Calder's uncle) and choose to make the worst choices to please him. Hunter plants drugs into Sutton's room and her mother is appalled, calls the psych ward to intervene and take her away. It's a whole drama and I don't think my summary will do it justice.
Sutton however is told that Calder will be taken to prison for ''supplying'' her with drugs and raping her if she doesn't cooperate. This causes to go full on Juliet and take the drugs and overdose. Oh prior to this moment her mother lets her know she wishes she had an abortion....gross.
Calder? Drives out to her home (despite them having to be apart) after her friends inform him of the disturbing call they received from her during the fight with her parents and Hunter. Calder gets there only to find her finds her convulsing and barely breathing. He is shot by someone and falls right by her side bleeding out.
Thankfully this is a duet so the two of them aren't going out the way Romeo/Juliet do but this was an intense cliffhanger.
Honestly, I don't think my review does this book justice.
''My soul recognized hers''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- OW/OM drama
- Mention of drugs/drug overdose
- Attempted su*cide
- S*xual assault
- Violence
- Manipulation/blackmail
- Cliffhanger
Didn’t think I would love this so much so please if you are interested go in completely blind! I am so glad I did.
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
Let me just start this by saying I devoured this duet in the 12 hours it took for me to get home from my holiday. Spent the entire plane ride finishing this because I needed to know how it ended and thanking the lack of internet from stopping me from checking GR for spoilers.
I went into this completely blind and only knowledge I had was that this was a Romeo and Juliet retelling with a lot of twists and darkness.
Calder? Perfection
Sutton? Perfection
The plot? Amazing
The villains? Absolutely cruel and surprising
The twists? Painful
The end? Heartbreaking
Their love was a once in a lifetime. I didn't feel like their insta-love was anything to complain about. I understood how deep it can go and how souls can feel connected to someone. I even enjoyed their bad boy/good girl theme. He was the guy from the wrong side and from the wrong family while she was the girl who was from the picture-perfect political family.
Calder has two brothers (both adopted into the family at different times). Roman who he has known since he was a child and West who has been a part of the family for a few years. These three are loyal to each other and are always protective. I loved how Roman and Calder wanted to keep West away from the mafia/drug world they were a part of.
Oh boy though - her family? An absolute disaster. Her parents were by far the biggest surprise in villains. I was SHOCKED by how easily they ended up being the main villains in her life. I was appalled really by so much of it and it gets worse in book 2.
OW drama? Random chick sits on Calder’s lap and gives him a lap dance. This is before the MMC's get together and are anything. Sutton even enforced Calder to leave her alone and letting him know it wouldn't work between them, so Calder allows the girl just out of spite and to make Sutton jealous since she is with who her parents wish her to date.
OM drama? Hunter? I hated him from the moment we meet him. He was slimy and gross. He was known as the guy who took girls virginities and then discarded them only to see them as conquests. He tried to get with Sutton during a particular scene, but he wouldn't take no for an answer and ended up being thrown off the cliff by Calder after being beaten. He survives to haunt these two again but that scene where he got his ass handed to him was so satisfying.
The fact that we as readers were even kept out of the loop for the break up scene. I was in SHOCK. I was hurt by how Calder went about it because he was being forced to give her up and had no choice, but I didn't think he would so cruel.
BUT it was all for show. Sutton knew about his sad ultimatum and they both played an incredible part into making everyone believe they were breaking up in such a cruel way. The scene after where she meets up with him and we get the flashback about their decision and conversation...I was applauding Trilina. It was outstanding.
However, .....I knew it couldn't be that easy. They miscalculated the damn evil they were dealing with. Hunter's family and Sutton's family were in deep with the mafia (Calder's uncle) and choose to make the worst choices to please him. Hunter plants drugs into Sutton's room and her mother is appalled, calls the psych ward to intervene and take her away. It's a whole drama and I don't think my summary will do it justice.
Sutton however is told that Calder will be taken to prison for ''supplying'' her with drugs and raping her if she doesn't cooperate. This causes to go full on Juliet and take the drugs and overdose. Oh prior to this moment her mother lets her know she wishes she had an abortion....gross.
Calder? Drives out to her home (despite them having to be apart) after her friends inform him of the disturbing call they received from her during the fight with her parents and Hunter. Calder gets there only to find her finds her convulsing and barely breathing. He is shot by someone and falls right by her side bleeding out.
Thankfully this is a duet so the two of them aren't going out the way Romeo/Juliet do but this was an intense cliffhanger.
Honestly, I don't think my review does this book justice.
December 15, 2021
Calder is quite the Romeo. 💕
I don't typically really like retellings, but I thought this was well-done. The way she used the tale of Romeo and Juliet to shape this story of star-crossed lovers was a lot of fun.
What I loved:
💘 the h (Sutton) is sassy and curious but also innocent and vulnerable... she's the 18-year old daughter of a prominent politician who is very concerned about image - she's craving the love that is missing in her life
💘 the H (Calder) - he's 19 and is in the Irish mafia - he's from the wrong side of the tracks and his family is enemies with Sutton's politician father - Calder is intense and broody - his father is an abusive sociopath
💘 Like Romeo and Juliet, this is a story of star-crossed insta-love - it just takes one look. This book is filled will obsession, forbidden torrid embraces, and melodrama GALORE
💘 Calder is so very jealous and possessive. All I have to say, is if your man doesn't fling his rival off a cliff, I don't even know how you can look at him. 💅🏻
💘 very interesting use is made of a church confessional and the Holy Water. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
💘 there's loads of sexual contact in this book, but they don't actually get to the full meal until 90% - but keep in mind that this is a duet. It didn't bother me, because these two spend plenty of time in a detailed dirty clench. 🤣 I love this aspect of clandestine young-love stories. 😍😍
💘 I loved how much Calder puts Sutton first. He makes it clear that she is his #1 priority and he is determined to be with her. There are times when you expect him to break it off with her for her protection, but he always chooses her. 🥺
💘 Sutton has a great pair of close girl friends. I liked them a lot. They seemed to be genuinely in her court, and Sutton really needed that kind of support, given her asshole parents.
💘 Calder is all about taking care of Sutton - he makes them slow down and take their time, and he loves satisfying her in all the ways. I thought it was super hot. 🤷🏼♀️🥵
What I didn't like:
- When we meet Sutton she comes off as a little desperate to lose her virginity. 🙄 I think it was about being in control of her own choices and fitting in with her more experienced friends... and it was a lot of bravado... because once she's in the situation where that might happen, she's less sure of herself and backs out.
- there is no talk of protection of any kind. 😐 We don't get much info about Calder's sexual past, other than the overall feeling he knows what he's doing... but they never question the possibility of her getting pregnant, nor does he ever say he's clean. No condoms are used. Birth control isn't even a passing thought. 😐
- I really wish this was one book. That cliffy was killer, but expected, given the R&J theme.
Bottom Line? I really enjoyed this book. 🤷🏼♀️ Calder is fantastically possessive and ALL IN. Sutton is just vulnerable enough and perfect for Calder. I thought the use of the Romeo and Juliet theme was a great vehicle for some fun melodrama, that would have felt OTT and out of place otherwise. As someone who doesn't really like instalove, it really worked here, for me. 4.5 stars
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- OW drama - before the MCs are officially a thing, a girl sits in the H's lap while at a party on the beach. The h is there and witnesses it. She's upset... but she also just told the H they can't be together - the H does not reciprocate with any other girl
- OM drama - the h is basically promised to another guy in her class - at a party on the beach, that guy tries to touch Sutton, and the H watches... Sutton only REALLY has eyes for the H - but this OM causes problems throughout the book - the h starts out attracted the OM, but after she meets the H, she's no longer interested, even if she has to act like she is
- no dubcon - except when the OM tries to make passes
- h is a virgin - she’s done some heavy petting but that’s it
- H is not a virgin, but no indication that he is a manwhore - we do not get much info about his past sexual experience at all
- no condoms - no safety talk at all
- it looks like the two MCs kill themselves at the end, ala Romeo and Juliet (but this is a duet, so draw your own conclusions)
- mafia violence
I don't typically really like retellings, but I thought this was well-done. The way she used the tale of Romeo and Juliet to shape this story of star-crossed lovers was a lot of fun.
What I loved:
💘 the h (Sutton) is sassy and curious but also innocent and vulnerable... she's the 18-year old daughter of a prominent politician who is very concerned about image - she's craving the love that is missing in her life
💘 the H (Calder) - he's 19 and is in the Irish mafia - he's from the wrong side of the tracks and his family is enemies with Sutton's politician father - Calder is intense and broody - his father is an abusive sociopath
💘 Like Romeo and Juliet, this is a story of star-crossed insta-love - it just takes one look. This book is filled will obsession, forbidden torrid embraces, and melodrama GALORE
💘 Calder is so very jealous and possessive. All I have to say, is if your man doesn't fling his rival off a cliff, I don't even know how you can look at him. 💅🏻
💘 very interesting use is made of a church confessional and the Holy Water. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
💘 there's loads of sexual contact in this book, but they don't actually get to the full meal until 90% - but keep in mind that this is a duet. It didn't bother me, because these two spend plenty of time in a detailed dirty clench. 🤣 I love this aspect of clandestine young-love stories. 😍😍
💘 I loved how much Calder puts Sutton first. He makes it clear that she is his #1 priority and he is determined to be with her. There are times when you expect him to break it off with her for her protection, but he always chooses her. 🥺
💘 Sutton has a great pair of close girl friends. I liked them a lot. They seemed to be genuinely in her court, and Sutton really needed that kind of support, given her asshole parents.
💘 Calder is all about taking care of Sutton - he makes them slow down and take their time, and he loves satisfying her in all the ways. I thought it was super hot. 🤷🏼♀️🥵
What I didn't like:
- When we meet Sutton she comes off as a little desperate to lose her virginity. 🙄 I think it was about being in control of her own choices and fitting in with her more experienced friends... and it was a lot of bravado... because once she's in the situation where that might happen, she's less sure of herself and backs out.
- there is no talk of protection of any kind. 😐 We don't get much info about Calder's sexual past, other than the overall feeling he knows what he's doing... but they never question the possibility of her getting pregnant, nor does he ever say he's clean. No condoms are used. Birth control isn't even a passing thought. 😐
- I really wish this was one book. That cliffy was killer, but expected, given the R&J theme.
Bottom Line? I really enjoyed this book. 🤷🏼♀️ Calder is fantastically possessive and ALL IN. Sutton is just vulnerable enough and perfect for Calder. I thought the use of the Romeo and Juliet theme was a great vehicle for some fun melodrama, that would have felt OTT and out of place otherwise. As someone who doesn't really like instalove, it really worked here, for me. 4.5 stars
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- OW drama - before the MCs are officially a thing, a girl sits in the H's lap while at a party on the beach. The h is there and witnesses it. She's upset... but she also just told the H they can't be together - the H does not reciprocate with any other girl
- OM drama - the h is basically promised to another guy in her class - at a party on the beach, that guy tries to touch Sutton, and the H watches... Sutton only REALLY has eyes for the H - but this OM causes problems throughout the book - the h starts out attracted the OM, but after she meets the H, she's no longer interested, even if she has to act like she is
- no dubcon - except when the OM tries to make passes
- h is a virgin - she’s done some heavy petting but that’s it
- H is not a virgin, but no indication that he is a manwhore - we do not get much info about his past sexual experience at all
- no condoms - no safety talk at all
- it looks like the two MCs kill themselves at the end, ala Romeo and Juliet (but this is a duet, so draw your own conclusions)
- mafia violence
September 17, 2021
And just like that…I AM WRECKED AND LEFT REELING!
An insta-love story about star-crossed lovers who can’t have forever. A life neither of them chose will decide their fate. Their soul-searing connection cannot be denied but their forbidden love will tear them apart.
Sutton and Calder knew instantly that their lives would be forever changed. A passionate love story begins but it is destined for tragedy.
The author will put you through the paces. A whirlwind romance that has to be hidden. She’s been groomed her whole life to be the perfect daughter. He’s been raised to be a criminal. They know they cannot love in the light, but in the dark they belong to each other.
So many obstacles. It’s life or death. And that ending will leave you stunned. The wait for the conclusion will be killer, but I know the author will make it worth it.
An insta-love story about star-crossed lovers who can’t have forever. A life neither of them chose will decide their fate. Their soul-searing connection cannot be denied but their forbidden love will tear them apart.
Sutton and Calder knew instantly that their lives would be forever changed. A passionate love story begins but it is destined for tragedy.
The author will put you through the paces. A whirlwind romance that has to be hidden. She’s been groomed her whole life to be the perfect daughter. He’s been raised to be a criminal. They know they cannot love in the light, but in the dark they belong to each other.
So many obstacles. It’s life or death. And that ending will leave you stunned. The wait for the conclusion will be killer, but I know the author will make it worth it.
September 24, 2021
My heart is split open, my soul is raw and ravaged but this story was worth it! Sutton and Calder’s story is so emotional and the angst my gosh it’s mind blowing! I just want to read this over again for the first time because the wait for book 2 is going to be torture!
This is the first book by Trilina that I have read and I think I picked the perfect one! The connection between these two was absolutely breathtaking! I can’t even think coherently when I remember their moments together because they were so emotionally overwhelming! The need and understanding between them was beautiful!
I have to say that this is the start of something epic! This love story will not be forgotten and one that needs to be experienced! I can not wait for the next book because things are about to get crazy and I’m here for it all!
This is the first book by Trilina that I have read and I think I picked the perfect one! The connection between these two was absolutely breathtaking! I can’t even think coherently when I remember their moments together because they were so emotionally overwhelming! The need and understanding between them was beautiful!
I have to say that this is the start of something epic! This love story will not be forgotten and one that needs to be experienced! I can not wait for the next book because things are about to get crazy and I’m here for it all!
November 1, 2021
3 ⭐️
A Romeo and Juliet retelling meh!
A Romeo and Juliet retelling meh!
January 18, 2023
3.5 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans
I wish the characters were older, maybe in college instead of high school. They were very immature. I enjoyed the reimagining of Romeo and Juliet.
CW: Instalove, Violence, Drugs, Rape Accusations, Virginity, Privilege, Abuse, Wrong Side of the Tracks, Warring Families, Politics, Suicide, Cliffhanger
Video review available in Week 3: Jan 15 – Jan 21, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
I wish the characters were older, maybe in college instead of high school. They were very immature. I enjoyed the reimagining of Romeo and Juliet.
CW: Instalove, Violence, Drugs, Rape Accusations, Virginity, Privilege, Abuse, Wrong Side of the Tracks, Warring Families, Politics, Suicide, Cliffhanger
Video review available in Week 3: Jan 15 – Jan 21, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
March 26, 2023
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐭.
It gave me all the 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 of first love. The first experiences for both main characters are so vividly communicated in this 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲, 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 and 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 story.
The 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐞 of this 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 story is 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬, I soaked in the authors 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 words.
I love the way humor, emotions and the grittier aspects are so balanced and they blend so seamlessly.
Calder is my favorite book boyfriend!
Calder is the son of a mafia underboss who involves his three sons in his business dealings.
Sutton is the daughter of a Senator determined to clear out the criminals. Her parents use her as a prop, to be seen as the perfect family.
The two father’s are enemies obviously, with Sutton’s father determined to run Calder’s father out of town.
This couple are classic star-crossed lovers!
Calder is a dangerous alpha 𝐚𝐧𝐝 he is so caring and protective.
Both with Sutton and with his two brothers.
Did I mention he writes in a journal? He’s quite 𝐩𝐨𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 guy and a deep thinker.
Swoon! I freaking adore him. Talk about a dreamy guy.
Sutton is fairly 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭, she’s kind, 𝐟𝐮𝐧, 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 and also open minded.
She’s not a dull kind of sweet. She has strength and a lot of love to give.
She has two bada*s besties who are an amazing addition to the story. They are 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐲, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 and they bring the 𝐟𝐮𝐧. They are also true blue, supportive friends.
Sutton’s sexual innocence is written really well in my opinion. A lot of times I’m not a fan of virginal heroine’s because it just doesn’t read as virginal. The author does a great job of showing Sutton’s inexperience 𝐀𝐍𝐃 also her openness to sexual things. It’s a nice combination that worked really well for me in this story.
Calder and Sutton together are 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥, they are immediately connected as if they are one heart and mind.
Their bond is described and shown in amazing ways that made my heart flutter. I was constantly swooning, I fully understand the true feeling of swooning now.
Together they are #relationshipdreams
Their chemistry and sexy times are beyond great, they are so incredibly 𝐇𝐎𝐓 together and there is also the excitement of 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 and first 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 of love.
It’s a special kind of hot and steamy.
All that 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 mixed with naughty is 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬!
The story is a page turner, it’s super romantic, it’s exciting, completely entertaining with moments that made me feel incredible anger for Sutton and Calder. The mistreatment and use of them is a shared connection between them. It’s so heart wrenching in many instances.
The 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 and 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 are fantastic! I love cases like this when when I don’t see the plot twist coming. I loved every bit of it.
I highlighted so many beautiful quotes, I won’t share any because it’s out of context and could be a spoiler.
The end has a lot happening fast.
I was anxious and on the edge of my seat. It’s obviously a BIG cliffhanger.
This book is a 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞!
I highly recommend this book to any romance reader.
It gave me all the 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 of first love. The first experiences for both main characters are so vividly communicated in this 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲, 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 and 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 story.
The 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐞 of this 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 story is 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬, I soaked in the authors 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 words.
I love the way humor, emotions and the grittier aspects are so balanced and they blend so seamlessly.
Calder is my favorite book boyfriend!
Calder is the son of a mafia underboss who involves his three sons in his business dealings.
Sutton is the daughter of a Senator determined to clear out the criminals. Her parents use her as a prop, to be seen as the perfect family.
The two father’s are enemies obviously, with Sutton’s father determined to run Calder’s father out of town.
This couple are classic star-crossed lovers!
Calder is a dangerous alpha 𝐚𝐧𝐝 he is so caring and protective.
Both with Sutton and with his two brothers.
Did I mention he writes in a journal? He’s quite 𝐩𝐨𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 guy and a deep thinker.
Swoon! I freaking adore him. Talk about a dreamy guy.
Sutton is fairly 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭, she’s kind, 𝐟𝐮𝐧, 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 and also open minded.
She’s not a dull kind of sweet. She has strength and a lot of love to give.
She has two bada*s besties who are an amazing addition to the story. They are 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐲, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 and they bring the 𝐟𝐮𝐧. They are also true blue, supportive friends.
Sutton’s sexual innocence is written really well in my opinion. A lot of times I’m not a fan of virginal heroine’s because it just doesn’t read as virginal. The author does a great job of showing Sutton’s inexperience 𝐀𝐍𝐃 also her openness to sexual things. It’s a nice combination that worked really well for me in this story.
Calder and Sutton together are 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥, they are immediately connected as if they are one heart and mind.
Their bond is described and shown in amazing ways that made my heart flutter. I was constantly swooning, I fully understand the true feeling of swooning now.
Together they are #relationshipdreams
Their chemistry and sexy times are beyond great, they are so incredibly 𝐇𝐎𝐓 together and there is also the excitement of 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 and first 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 of love.
It’s a special kind of hot and steamy.
All that 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 mixed with naughty is 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬!
The story is a page turner, it’s super romantic, it’s exciting, completely entertaining with moments that made me feel incredible anger for Sutton and Calder. The mistreatment and use of them is a shared connection between them. It’s so heart wrenching in many instances.
The 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 and 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 are fantastic! I love cases like this when when I don’t see the plot twist coming. I loved every bit of it.
I highlighted so many beautiful quotes, I won’t share any because it’s out of context and could be a spoiler.
The end has a lot happening fast.
I was anxious and on the edge of my seat. It’s obviously a BIG cliffhanger.
This book is a 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞!
I highly recommend this book to any romance reader.
November 3, 2021
DUET REVIEW 4.5 STARS
'Our fathers are enemies. Our lives are predestined – doomed from the start.’
‘You don’t date the son of a crime boss for the Irish mob when you’re the daughter of a senator.’
Well, what can we say after reading Trilina Pucci’s St. Simeon Prep Duet in one hit? It’s a tale as old as time, a gritty, raw, and dark version of the star-crossed lovers, Romeo, and Juliet. Riddled with angst, suffering, and manipulation. Saturated in love, passion, and eroticism. Swathed in heartbreak, vengeance, and violence. This duet was quite the rollercoaster ride and Trilina Pucci had our emotions all over the place till the very last page. A dark anti-hero romance that was fabulously written, all-consuming, and skirted with boundaries, just how we like it!
“The devil already knows your name, Calder Wolfe. And one day, even he’ll be afraid of the king…Tragedy awaits you. Death is knocking. And it’s on her doorstep.”
We have a soft spot for love stories that are cursed by circumstance, in this case even more so as this duet was hard as bloody nails. It wasn’t pretty hearts and flowers or even stereotypically romantic. Rather, it was a mess. Ugly, tainted, and bloody. There was so much packed into this story, from families at war, Irish mob, corrupt politicians, and murder and torturous enemy mayhem. We were there for it all!
“I’m going to give you the stars, and the moon, and –"
“Love. You’re going to give me love.”
The way in which Just like Heaven began, we had a feeling this wasn’t going to be an easy ride. As soon as we read: “Your love will end tragically – he won’t save you…. But you will save him.” We just knew! And we were not wrong. We had chills as did Sutton when she comes across her destiny, her soulmate, Calder Wolfe. Wheels are set in motion and their tale is as harrowing as it gets, yet the love is fierce and all-consuming.
“Death isn’t waiting for Calder. It’s listening for his instruction.”
We hung on to the knowledge that we were able to immediately pick up Sinning Like Hell to continue their journey, knowing full well it was going to get a hell of a lot worse before it got better. We had no idea! But there was beauty too hidden amongst the pages.
“You saved me. Gave me purpose. Led me to be the man I was supposed to become. Because for an angel to walk on this earth, it’ll need the protection of the Devil.”
Sutton is a beautiful, slightly naïve, and innocent Catholic girl who faces the ultimate test when she’s rendered speechless by the blue-eyed ‘devil’, the magnificent dirty-talking bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, who is everything she didn’t know was missing from her life. In return, Calder knows he’s found his soulmate and he will fight to the death to keep her safe and in his arms. The path to their ‘happy’ is like one long explosive fight scene. Twists and scheming manipulations are thrown like roadblocks to thwart their romance and happily ever after.
“I hope you find me and that I’m still whole. Because I never anticipated that when I told you I was willing to wade through hell to be with you – that tonight, the Devil would call my bluff.”
There are some scenes in this duet that are so bloody hot that turning the pages scorched our fingers. You all know those scenes, the ones that are so outrageous, they completely start a fire in your belly and get your pulse racing! We’ll say no more on that…. except Calder Wolfe is everything! This duet consumed us, and we can only liken the experience to an active volcano that simmers until it boils over into a frenzied eruption of hot molten fiery lava…pun intended.
Whilst it felt a tad too insta-love for us initially, by the time we turned the last page of the second book, we were in tears at the heartfelt beauty of Sutton and Calder’s love story!
“Write about a love that defies the stars. Write about yours.”
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Shelved as 'dnf'
January 23, 2023-DNF 15%-
I don't usually DNF books this early on- but I'm being picky about what books I read atm (because if I'm going to procrastinate, I want it to be worth it yk 😭).
I just didn't really like any of the characters? The h wasn't for me, and I wasn't into the insta aspect of the romance or the side characters. A lot of the interactions felt immature, and I just couldn't get into it 🤷♀️🤷♀️.
The writing was actually alright, and the book has a lot of great reviews, so maybe I'll pick it up in the future🤡😭🤡🤡🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️lmao sure.
I don't usually DNF books this early on- but I'm being picky about what books I read atm (because if I'm going to procrastinate, I want it to be worth it yk 😭).
I just didn't really like any of the characters? The h wasn't for me, and I wasn't into the insta aspect of the romance or the side characters. A lot of the interactions felt immature, and I just couldn't get into it 🤷♀️🤷♀️.
The writing was actually alright, and the book has a lot of great reviews, so maybe I'll pick it up in the future🤡😭🤡🤡🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
March 4, 2023
romeo & juliet except romeo has a ✨gun ✨
January 19, 2023
2⭐️ cornball
September 21, 2021
O.M.F.G!!!! This book was a hell of a ride!
”I can’t stop looking at her. It’s like every piece of her calls to me. Like magnets.”
Sutton Prescott and Calder Wolfe. Two young people from opposite sides of the track. Enemies by virtue of their last names. Star-crossed lovers. An impossible love. Gaaaahhh! This story was gripping, gritty, dirty and unashamedly romantic. God, the depth of feeling they inspired in the other in such a short space of time was breathtaking and heart-melting.
”Something dark stirs inside of me as I look at her. Possession. More potent than anything I’ve ever felt. This f*cking girl is mine.”
Calder was a bad boy in the truest sense but, beneath his gorgeous, tough guy exterior beat a heart that was loyal and passionate. Raised without a mother by a brutal father, he didn’t know what love was. Sutton was the quintessential good girl but from the moment she sees Calder, she’s captivated. Her obsession leads her to behave out of character, but the joy that she gets out of her time with him almost broke my heart because she was a girl crying out for love instead of just being a convenient asset to ambitious, political parents. The chemistry and connection between Calder and Sutton was intense and incendiary! They were SO. HOT! I loved the way Calder treated her. He was seriously to die for! His passion and possessiveness made me swoon. HARD! Sutton might have been innocent but I loved the way she thrilled him with her adventurous spirit and her enthusiasm.
”I want Calder more than I understand, and not just sexually. I want to own every piece of him – no boundaries, living by only the rules we make.”
This book is a duet so it won't be a surprise that there’s a cliffhanger. And, what a cliffy!! This was an all-consuming, addictive, compelling read! Seriously can’t wait for the next book.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3PT21Y...
”I can’t stop looking at her. It’s like every piece of her calls to me. Like magnets.”
Sutton Prescott and Calder Wolfe. Two young people from opposite sides of the track. Enemies by virtue of their last names. Star-crossed lovers. An impossible love. Gaaaahhh! This story was gripping, gritty, dirty and unashamedly romantic. God, the depth of feeling they inspired in the other in such a short space of time was breathtaking and heart-melting.
”Something dark stirs inside of me as I look at her. Possession. More potent than anything I’ve ever felt. This f*cking girl is mine.”
Calder was a bad boy in the truest sense but, beneath his gorgeous, tough guy exterior beat a heart that was loyal and passionate. Raised without a mother by a brutal father, he didn’t know what love was. Sutton was the quintessential good girl but from the moment she sees Calder, she’s captivated. Her obsession leads her to behave out of character, but the joy that she gets out of her time with him almost broke my heart because she was a girl crying out for love instead of just being a convenient asset to ambitious, political parents. The chemistry and connection between Calder and Sutton was intense and incendiary! They were SO. HOT! I loved the way Calder treated her. He was seriously to die for! His passion and possessiveness made me swoon. HARD! Sutton might have been innocent but I loved the way she thrilled him with her adventurous spirit and her enthusiasm.
”I want Calder more than I understand, and not just sexually. I want to own every piece of him – no boundaries, living by only the rules we make.”
This book is a duet so it won't be a surprise that there’s a cliffhanger. And, what a cliffy!! This was an all-consuming, addictive, compelling read! Seriously can’t wait for the next book.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3PT21Y...
September 21, 2021
I AM SCREAMING RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!
Jesus Christ, like what the fuck did I just read? Besides one of the best books of the year, that is. Maybe even ever. Calder and Sutton have absolutely SLAYED every part of me. I am literally speechless. Like how am I even expected to have a single coherent though right now???
I’m going to just tell it like it is… Calder Wolfe is THE absolute book boyfriend. Out of all the books I’ve read, I’ve never met anyone quite like C and damn, he really is the king. This man, y’all. He’s everything you could ever want and more. The definite alpha, possessive, bring-you-to-your-knees-with-just-a-look vibes radiate off of him and when I tell you the way he loves Sutton is unparalleled, I mean it.
And there’s there our beautiful girl. I absolutely loved Sutton (Aubrey and Piper too!) and how fierce she is. She really came into herself and the love she has for Calder is forever. She had such growth within these pages and her strength was so great to witness.
The connection between them is the epitome of an epic love story. It’s intense, passionate, all consuming. Madness. Obsession. I loved every second of it. I was emotionally gut punched by Calder and Sutton, feeling ALL. THE. FEELS. between them and still begging for more. How am I ever expected to move on from them?
Hands down, THE best book that Trilina Pucci has written. This woman is such a MASTER of her craft and the way she continues to excel with each new story is incredible. Just Like Heaven will forever be a cornerstone of her career.
Without question, my favorite read of 2021.
Jesus Christ, like what the fuck did I just read? Besides one of the best books of the year, that is. Maybe even ever. Calder and Sutton have absolutely SLAYED every part of me. I am literally speechless. Like how am I even expected to have a single coherent though right now???
I’m going to just tell it like it is… Calder Wolfe is THE absolute book boyfriend. Out of all the books I’ve read, I’ve never met anyone quite like C and damn, he really is the king. This man, y’all. He’s everything you could ever want and more. The definite alpha, possessive, bring-you-to-your-knees-with-just-a-look vibes radiate off of him and when I tell you the way he loves Sutton is unparalleled, I mean it.
And there’s there our beautiful girl. I absolutely loved Sutton (Aubrey and Piper too!) and how fierce she is. She really came into herself and the love she has for Calder is forever. She had such growth within these pages and her strength was so great to witness.
The connection between them is the epitome of an epic love story. It’s intense, passionate, all consuming. Madness. Obsession. I loved every second of it. I was emotionally gut punched by Calder and Sutton, feeling ALL. THE. FEELS. between them and still begging for more. How am I ever expected to move on from them?
Hands down, THE best book that Trilina Pucci has written. This woman is such a MASTER of her craft and the way she continues to excel with each new story is incredible. Just Like Heaven will forever be a cornerstone of her career.
Without question, my favorite read of 2021.
September 20, 2021
4.5 Stars
"Why would I need to look? When to me you look just like heaven."
Y'all - this is one of the steamiest romeo and juliet re-imaginings that I've ever read. Calder and Sutton definitely are the definition of star crossed as her father is a senator and his is the head of a crime family. So of course a ton of obstacles in the way of their young love. Calder totally captured my heart with his love and loyalty to Sutton. Sutton took slightly longer for me to connect with but she definitely grew on me as she started to mature through her relationship with Calder. And then chemistry between the two of them was FIRE from jump. This one had a great blend of romance and action (especially between the two families). And can I just say how much I hate the parents?? If you love your star crossed lovers with some serious heat- you do not want to miss this one! Can't wait for more of their story!
"Why would I need to look? When to me you look just like heaven."
Y'all - this is one of the steamiest romeo and juliet re-imaginings that I've ever read. Calder and Sutton definitely are the definition of star crossed as her father is a senator and his is the head of a crime family. So of course a ton of obstacles in the way of their young love. Calder totally captured my heart with his love and loyalty to Sutton. Sutton took slightly longer for me to connect with but she definitely grew on me as she started to mature through her relationship with Calder. And then chemistry between the two of them was FIRE from jump. This one had a great blend of romance and action (especially between the two families). And can I just say how much I hate the parents?? If you love your star crossed lovers with some serious heat- you do not want to miss this one! Can't wait for more of their story!
September 28, 2021
5 BEAUTIFUL LOVE STARS!! I have no words at this moment. All I can say is BEAUTIFUL LOVE!!! Calder and Sutton will be in my heart forever. I need the next book, like I need my next breath. You must read this book.
Read
September 23, 2021This was ok. Nothing much to it. Honestly it was quite lacking. I skipped thru a lot of it.
December 29, 2021
Yarım bıraktım 150. sayfada. Süper zeka olduğum için 900 okunması olan kitaba başlarsam olacağı buydu! Aslında ilk başları gayet güzeldi de daha bi öpüşmede sen benimsin ben seninim. Yok zıkkımın kökü yani. Mantık arayan cennete gitsin dedik de valla hikayenin cehennemde bile yeri yok artık.
May 11, 2023
4.5⭐️ AS A ROMEO AND JULIET OBSESSED WHORE THIS HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO EAAAAAAAAAAT! It was so dramatic I absolutely loved it. Like a teen CW show on crack. Amazing cliff hanger and I can’t wait to see how it ends.
September 26, 2021
Holy shit this story is AMAZING!!! I can’t believe this is my first read by this author but let me tell you it won’t be my last! This is a beautiful gut wrenching thought provoking star crossed lovers romance unlike no other that I’ve read the emotions the passion the love these two have for each other this book is literally everything right now and I am dying for the next book ! AMAZING !!! This book is a brilliantly addictive well written love story and I’m so glad I’m here for it ! Calder Wolfe is my new obsession!!!
September 21, 2021
I cannot tell you how perfect Just Like Heaven was. It’s a top read of 2021 and completely caught me off guard.
The amount of feelings that were bought to the surface reading this book were unreal. I laughed, I cried, my heart broke and swooned.
I’m not giving away any details apart from it’s a star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet-esque romance with all the damn feels. Go in blind and prepare to fall hard.
Phenomenal. I need book two right now!
The amount of feelings that were bought to the surface reading this book were unreal. I laughed, I cried, my heart broke and swooned.
I’m not giving away any details apart from it’s a star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet-esque romance with all the damn feels. Go in blind and prepare to fall hard.
Phenomenal. I need book two right now!
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