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radioactivechick's review
3.0
While I think this was a good story and one that was worth telling I had a hard time with it. This story is about a young woman (Violet) who is a victim of domestic violence. I caution that it is not a story for the faint of heart. I really couldn't click with the main character Violet. Because of that I had a difficult time reading. Loved Tucker as a character. He was sweet, understanding and wanted Violet to make changes for herself, not for him. I think it's awesome that Mrs. Aleo has stepped out of her hockey story comfort zone. With that said, I think I will stick with her hockey series and leave this one for the people who truly enjoy a masochistic main female character.
caseroo7's review
3.0
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
This review isn't easy for me to write. Let it be Me left me feeling extremely emotional and the whole book was filled with ups and downs. There were parts that I really liked, but there were also parts that I had some issues with. I went into this book after reading the blurb, and even though I knew what it was about, it was just different than I expected. It's hard for me to put it into words without going into too many details and spoiling everything, but I guess I was expecting a little more romance and love. While this story was inspiring and about a girl learning to love herself and become stronger, I just felt as though it was more about her and her struggles than anything else. Even though it does end happily, I feel like it was kind of drawn out and pretty predictable getting there.
I really loved Tucker. I thought that he was extremely sweet and an absolutely great guy. He was protective and caring and impossibly understanding. I thought Tucker really had the patience of a saint. He was genuinely nice and everything you could hope for in a man. He was one of those guys that even though he is extremely handsome, he is even more so because of his personality. Truthfully, I had my ups and downs with Violet. I have never been in a situation like her, and I found it really hard to relate to her. We are complete opposites in personality, and although I can never understand having to deal with what she did, I just didn't understand her. I thought that her character was well written and I understood some of why she did the things she did, but I just personally didn't connect with her character. I thought that it was great that towards the end of the book she started waking up and made some decisions that I thought were great. It was inspiring to see her take her life back and find her purpose in helping others. I think that she underestimated how strong she was, so it was nice to see her get there with the help of Tucker. I never doubted their attraction to each other and that they cared about each other. But I also didn't fully believe that their connection was as strong as it was so quickly. I just didn't really feel like it was that real that quick. I think part of the problem was Violet and her actions. I did think that Tucker and Violet were great together and extremely sweet though. I was hoping that they would get through everything and end up together in the end, so I was happy about that.
Another problem I had was the epilogue. There was something that was mentioned in there that did not make any sense to me at all. I don't know how to say what it is without spoiling the ending, but with everything that had happened I just found that part to be extremely unbelievable. Besides that problem though, It was nice to see Violet and Tucker had finally got their HEA. I was also really glad that Violet had gone after what she wanted and was helping others escape and get past the same type of situations that she had experienced. I wish that we had been able to see more of Tucker and Violet happy and developing their relationship. I felt like we missed out on a lot of them. I realize that they got to know each other while she was still married, but it would have been nice to see more of them after everything was over as they really started their relationship together.
Overall, I liked this book. I know it sounds like a lot of stuff I didn't like, but I just think that it was so different from what I had expected. Yes there is love and a happy ending, but i'm not sure that I would call this book a romance. I think if I wouldn't have been expecting a romance, it would have changed my whole take on this book. I still would have had some issues with the story, but I think I would have taken it for more of what it is. This book is all about how you can end up in a place you never expected and be broken and beaten down. But its also about how with some help and determination you can pick yourself up again and start to heal. At the heart of this story, you really see how important self-love is and how you should never be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I think that there are a lot of people who will really like this story. This book is a good story, but it isn't your typical romance and shouldn't be thought of as such. There are some very serious and adult things that happen in this story and there are a lot of dark moments. If you are looking for a light and quick read, this is not the story you are looking for. Luckily for the reader though, the story does end well and the characters reach a really good place that is a satisfying finish to the book.
**ARC provided by Author**
This review isn't easy for me to write. Let it be Me left me feeling extremely emotional and the whole book was filled with ups and downs. There were parts that I really liked, but there were also parts that I had some issues with. I went into this book after reading the blurb, and even though I knew what it was about, it was just different than I expected. It's hard for me to put it into words without going into too many details and spoiling everything, but I guess I was expecting a little more romance and love. While this story was inspiring and about a girl learning to love herself and become stronger, I just felt as though it was more about her and her struggles than anything else. Even though it does end happily, I feel like it was kind of drawn out and pretty predictable getting there.
I really loved Tucker. I thought that he was extremely sweet and an absolutely great guy. He was protective and caring and impossibly understanding. I thought Tucker really had the patience of a saint. He was genuinely nice and everything you could hope for in a man. He was one of those guys that even though he is extremely handsome, he is even more so because of his personality. Truthfully, I had my ups and downs with Violet. I have never been in a situation like her, and I found it really hard to relate to her. We are complete opposites in personality, and although I can never understand having to deal with what she did, I just didn't understand her. I thought that her character was well written and I understood some of why she did the things she did, but I just personally didn't connect with her character. I thought that it was great that towards the end of the book she started waking up and made some decisions that I thought were great. It was inspiring to see her take her life back and find her purpose in helping others. I think that she underestimated how strong she was, so it was nice to see her get there with the help of Tucker. I never doubted their attraction to each other and that they cared about each other. But I also didn't fully believe that their connection was as strong as it was so quickly. I just didn't really feel like it was that real that quick. I think part of the problem was Violet and her actions. I did think that Tucker and Violet were great together and extremely sweet though. I was hoping that they would get through everything and end up together in the end, so I was happy about that.
Another problem I had was the epilogue. There was something that was mentioned in there that did not make any sense to me at all. I don't know how to say what it is without spoiling the ending, but with everything that had happened I just found that part to be extremely unbelievable. Besides that problem though, It was nice to see Violet and Tucker had finally got their HEA. I was also really glad that Violet had gone after what she wanted and was helping others escape and get past the same type of situations that she had experienced. I wish that we had been able to see more of Tucker and Violet happy and developing their relationship. I felt like we missed out on a lot of them. I realize that they got to know each other while she was still married, but it would have been nice to see more of them after everything was over as they really started their relationship together.
Overall, I liked this book. I know it sounds like a lot of stuff I didn't like, but I just think that it was so different from what I had expected. Yes there is love and a happy ending, but i'm not sure that I would call this book a romance. I think if I wouldn't have been expecting a romance, it would have changed my whole take on this book. I still would have had some issues with the story, but I think I would have taken it for more of what it is. This book is all about how you can end up in a place you never expected and be broken and beaten down. But its also about how with some help and determination you can pick yourself up again and start to heal. At the heart of this story, you really see how important self-love is and how you should never be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I think that there are a lot of people who will really like this story. This book is a good story, but it isn't your typical romance and shouldn't be thought of as such. There are some very serious and adult things that happen in this story and there are a lot of dark moments. If you are looking for a light and quick read, this is not the story you are looking for. Luckily for the reader though, the story does end well and the characters reach a really good place that is a satisfying finish to the book.
**ARC provided by Author**
tialeach's review
5.0
Breathtaking
This book absolutely took my breath. The hell that she goes through is so well written and documented that it feels like you are in the room suffering with her. I don't have triggers but seriously had tp stop and catch my breath several times. Toni's ability to tell a story and put you on the scene with her characters is unrivaled. I laughed, cried and held my breath in abject horror.
This book absolutely took my breath. The hell that she goes through is so well written and documented that it feels like you are in the room suffering with her. I don't have triggers but seriously had tp stop and catch my breath several times. Toni's ability to tell a story and put you on the scene with her characters is unrivaled. I laughed, cried and held my breath in abject horror.
book_recs_by_amy's review
5.0
!!!!Review!!!!!
FIVE FULL HEART WRENCHING STARS.
Made me cry a lot :( (Full waterworks)
#Let it be me is amazing
#It's a great book for anyone out there in the world that is getting abused and is lost and or needs to find the courage and the strength to persevere on a daily basis.
# At times, I just wanted to yell at Viola and tell her to realize that she has an amazing men wanting to be there for her and that loves her. But with saying that, I can't imagine how hard it is/was for her to have to go through.
# I loved the story line and the writing was really good.
# I'm telling you people to stop reading this review to see if the book is worth the read and just start reading it, I'm promising that it is well worth the read and it will not leave you disappointed.
It
FIVE FULL HEART WRENCHING STARS.
Made me cry a lot :( (Full waterworks)
#Let it be me is amazing
#It's a great book for anyone out there in the world that is getting abused and is lost and or needs to find the courage and the strength to persevere on a daily basis.
# At times, I just wanted to yell at Viola and tell her to realize that she has an amazing men wanting to be there for her and that loves her. But with saying that, I can't imagine how hard it is/was for her to have to go through.
# I loved the story line and the writing was really good.
# I'm telling you people to stop reading this review to see if the book is worth the read and just start reading it, I'm promising that it is well worth the read and it will not leave you disappointed.
It
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review
4.0
I was't sure what to expect from this book, considering it was a departure from the hockey romances I love by Toni Aleo. Despite the very tough subject matter surrounding domestic violence, it was a story that I truly enjoyed.
Violet Moore finds herself moved across the country, away from her family and friends, by the abuse husband who likes nothing than blaming Violet for everything that has gone wrong in his life. The only bright spot in her new life is her job as an Office Manager for one incredibly hot, sweet and steadfast Tucker McCloud.
Toni Aleo gets readers to get into the head of a woman who suffers from spousal abuse. If you ever wonder why they stay, Violet gives us a front seat as to why she stayed with a man who made her life absolutely miserable. You feel for Violet and the way she's been secluded by the man who swore to love and honor her. I cringed as much as Violet did every time the man showed up on the page. He was truly, truly vile.
Who changes things for Violet? Tucker McCloud.
Tucker was a fabulous hero. He reminded me of a certain glasses wearing hockey player because he was determined to stand by Violet, no matter what. He was friendly with her, praised her and showed her that she was worthy. His friendship and love was exactly what she needed to find the courage to save herself. And he was willing to give Violet the space she needed to find herself and stand on her own two feet. He was absolutely perfect.
Despite the tough subject matter, the story grabs you and makes it very hard to put down. I loved the path the author took to get Tucker and Violet to their HEA. She didn't make it easy and forced the characters to really take a look at what they were doing before jumping into their forever. If you're looking for something a little different from a favorite author, this is definitely one you should pick up.
Violet Moore finds herself moved across the country, away from her family and friends, by the abuse husband who likes nothing than blaming Violet for everything that has gone wrong in his life. The only bright spot in her new life is her job as an Office Manager for one incredibly hot, sweet and steadfast Tucker McCloud.
Toni Aleo gets readers to get into the head of a woman who suffers from spousal abuse. If you ever wonder why they stay, Violet gives us a front seat as to why she stayed with a man who made her life absolutely miserable. You feel for Violet and the way she's been secluded by the man who swore to love and honor her. I cringed as much as Violet did every time the man showed up on the page. He was truly, truly vile.
Who changes things for Violet? Tucker McCloud.
Tucker was a fabulous hero. He reminded me of a certain glasses wearing hockey player because he was determined to stand by Violet, no matter what. He was friendly with her, praised her and showed her that she was worthy. His friendship and love was exactly what she needed to find the courage to save herself. And he was willing to give Violet the space she needed to find herself and stand on her own two feet. He was absolutely perfect.
Despite the tough subject matter, the story grabs you and makes it very hard to put down. I loved the path the author took to get Tucker and Violet to their HEA. She didn't make it easy and forced the characters to really take a look at what they were doing before jumping into their forever. If you're looking for something a little different from a favorite author, this is definitely one you should pick up.
heidi_boyles's review
4.0
This was such a real read for me. I honestly felt like I was trapped in the abusive relationship. My heart ached for Violet and all I wanted her to
Do was escape. I fell in love with Tucker and kept my fingers crossed he would be able to save Violet. Such a great read!!
Do was escape. I fell in love with Tucker and kept my fingers crossed he would be able to save Violet. Such a great read!!
jadeshea's review
4.0
Let it be Me was a whole lot different than what I was expecting. This book was very real, and different than a lot of other books I've read that have to do with this subject. In this book we see Violet while she lives with the abuse, and how she's trying to get away from it. But it's just not very easy. And when the one man she thinks she doesn't deserve sets out to help her, she knows she has to be strong to deal with what's coming next.
This book was good. It was written very well, and I was able to feel the main characters emotions through out the whole story, and see her thought process as well. There were times I wanted to just shake some sense into her, but then I agreed with her as well at times. I really loved both of the main characters in this book. I thought Violet was a very strong woman who felt she did what she could to save her self. I'm glad I read this book, and I wouldn't mind reading more about these two in other books as well.
This book was good. It was written very well, and I was able to feel the main characters emotions through out the whole story, and see her thought process as well. There were times I wanted to just shake some sense into her, but then I agreed with her as well at times. I really loved both of the main characters in this book. I thought Violet was a very strong woman who felt she did what she could to save her self. I'm glad I read this book, and I wouldn't mind reading more about these two in other books as well.
meghannhume23's review
5.0
Toni Aleo, I love your stories.. I don't know what it is about them, maybe that they come across like real people even the rich and celebrities.. This story was powerful, and I love what Violet became.. Her story was sad at parts, but turned out awesome!!
amburhostyn's review
4.0
Let It Be Me was so different from Toni Aleo's Assassins series, but I still really enjoyed it. :) I liked the characters, the story, and really admired Toni's efforts as she tried new things in this book. The style was extremely different, and I especially enjoyed the occasional conversational tone that the narrator picked up. I'm trying to avoid spoilers in this review, but since the blurb kind of tells a lot of what happens in a general sense anyway, I think anything I'm talking about isn't a spoiler anyway, and hopefully you all will agree. :)
The main character of Let It Be Me, Violet, seemed so fragile at times, but I really liked seeing her get stronger and start to realize that she didn't have to take, nor did she deserve, her husband's abuse. I wasn't a fan of her husband...but we really aren't supposed to be, and I was so glad to see Violet find the strength to stand up to him. She had a lot of moments where she went back to him and was so afraid, but it felt so realistic and authentic, that while I wanted Violet out of there, I knew that her inner struggles were something that a lot of women really do struggle with. I thought that Toni Aleo did an amazing job with the abuse aspect and with Violet's growth and her ultimate decision to get away from her situation. I also loved that she included support groups and real methods that women in Violet's situation use.
Then there was Tucker...holy cow! I definitely understood Violet's attraction to Dr. Tucker, and I really enjoyed their banter and seeing them get to know one another. It did feel like their relationship moved really fast because we didn't get to see all of their conversations, but I did still see the chemistry between them, and I loved seeing Violet realize through Tucker that she was worth loving and that she didn't need to be treated the way that her husband Rob treated her.
Overall, I really enjoyed Let It Be Me. The story was fast-paced and felt very realistic. I love Toni Aleo's Assassin series, but it was great to see her branch out, and I look forward to reading more of her books as she tries out new things with her writing!
* I received an ebook of Let It Be Me to participate in its blog tour and give an honest review. All opinions are my own.
* This review also appears on my blog and on other social media sites.
The main character of Let It Be Me, Violet, seemed so fragile at times, but I really liked seeing her get stronger and start to realize that she didn't have to take, nor did she deserve, her husband's abuse. I wasn't a fan of her husband...but we really aren't supposed to be, and I was so glad to see Violet find the strength to stand up to him. She had a lot of moments where she went back to him and was so afraid, but it felt so realistic and authentic, that while I wanted Violet out of there, I knew that her inner struggles were something that a lot of women really do struggle with. I thought that Toni Aleo did an amazing job with the abuse aspect and with Violet's growth and her ultimate decision to get away from her situation. I also loved that she included support groups and real methods that women in Violet's situation use.
Then there was Tucker...holy cow! I definitely understood Violet's attraction to Dr. Tucker, and I really enjoyed their banter and seeing them get to know one another. It did feel like their relationship moved really fast because we didn't get to see all of their conversations, but I did still see the chemistry between them, and I loved seeing Violet realize through Tucker that she was worth loving and that she didn't need to be treated the way that her husband Rob treated her.
Overall, I really enjoyed Let It Be Me. The story was fast-paced and felt very realistic. I love Toni Aleo's Assassin series, but it was great to see her branch out, and I look forward to reading more of her books as she tries out new things with her writing!
* I received an ebook of Let It Be Me to participate in its blog tour and give an honest review. All opinions are my own.
* This review also appears on my blog and on other social media sites.
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