Scan barcode
theproficientreader's review against another edition
5.0
PPFF Rating: 5/5 Stars
Secret identity. Hot billionaire. A whole lot of mystery.
"I've found you and so can they. Go to JFK Airport directly. Do not go home. Do not linger. Locker 111 will have everything you need."
OH. MY. GOD! I need the second book so bad! I really REALLY want to know what's going to happen next. A cliffhanger always makes me so frustrated. Why can't these books be standalones instead?
OK, rant over.
This book is definitely one of my favorites this year. It has all the elements that I love - a girl with a past, secret identity, a hot and possessive billionaire, steamy scenes and a whole lot of mystery.
"Fear and a secret are two different things."
Amy Bensen is running away from something. We don't know yet for sure from what or who but we do get some snippets here and there from her blackout episodes. Liam Stone is a "recluse" and a prodigy architect. They meet on the plane and it doesn't get any easier after that.
"I'm insane for you, Amy. 'Like' lasted all of ten minutes."
But I did have an issue with the book. I'm sure it was supposed to be that way but I kept thinking "OUT WITH IT ALREADY!" Lisa Renee Jones kept teasing us with bits and pieces of Amy's story but whenever I was pretty sure she was finally going to tell us SOMETHING, she held back again. And oh, did I tell you I hated the cliffy ending??
"I guess ghosts are like lies. They swim like sharks all around me."
There were just too many unanswered questions. TOO MANY! But I'm still in love with this book anyway and I can't wait for the second book, which was supposedly going to be released in October. OK, patience is a virtue, right? GRR.
***Check out my blog: Press Pause, Fast Forward
Secret identity. Hot billionaire. A whole lot of mystery.
"I've found you and so can they. Go to JFK Airport directly. Do not go home. Do not linger. Locker 111 will have everything you need."
OH. MY. GOD! I need the second book so bad! I really REALLY want to know what's going to happen next. A cliffhanger always makes me so frustrated. Why can't these books be standalones instead?
OK, rant over.
This book is definitely one of my favorites this year. It has all the elements that I love - a girl with a past, secret identity, a hot and possessive billionaire, steamy scenes and a whole lot of mystery.
"Fear and a secret are two different things."
Amy Bensen is running away from something. We don't know yet for sure from what or who but we do get some snippets here and there from her blackout episodes. Liam Stone is a "recluse" and a prodigy architect. They meet on the plane and it doesn't get any easier after that.
"I'm insane for you, Amy. 'Like' lasted all of ten minutes."
But I did have an issue with the book. I'm sure it was supposed to be that way but I kept thinking "OUT WITH IT ALREADY!" Lisa Renee Jones kept teasing us with bits and pieces of Amy's story but whenever I was pretty sure she was finally going to tell us SOMETHING, she held back again. And oh, did I tell you I hated the cliffy ending??
"I guess ghosts are like lies. They swim like sharks all around me."
There were just too many unanswered questions. TOO MANY! But I'm still in love with this book anyway and I can't wait for the second book, which was supposedly going to be released in October. OK, patience is a virtue, right? GRR.
***Check out my blog: Press Pause, Fast Forward
tawanda_fgt's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! Just fucking Wow! I love Lisa Renee Jones. I love the Inside and Out Trilogy. But this shit, is going to be my new favorite of hers. OK so I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review and here we go.
Characters, well both Amy and Liam got me. They were strong and even though the story starts out intense, with no background whatsoever, they pull you in from the get go. I really liked Amy as a heroine. She held her own and though she's understandably lost and confused. She still wasn't one of those whiny bitches you wanna slap. I must admit that I was hesitant with Liam, but only because I thought fuck me another gorgeous billionaire! I mean really are millionaires not good enough anymore? However, he quickly left the cliche' lovable, alpha, billionaire stereotype behind. He was intense, but not too intense. He was gorgeous, but with true mystery. I never had to worry if his 'childhood' issues were gonna be the focus of the whole story.
The plot was brilliant. While I have my guesses as to what's going on I can't say that I'm positive. This story kept me guessing giving just enough away before dropping the curtain on the scene. I appreciate Ms. Jones ability to keep the reader guessing as to what Amy's exactly running from or even what the hell her life is and has been about. She gives just enough.
I honestly can't wait for the next in this series and I say that honestly even though many of us readers have sworn off starting any new series that leave you with the dreaded cliffhanger. This one is worth it. The anticipation between books will keep us itching to see not just where this story takes us, but what new obsession Lisa Renee Jones can drag us into.
Characters, well both Amy and Liam got me. They were strong and even though the story starts out intense, with no background whatsoever, they pull you in from the get go. I really liked Amy as a heroine. She held her own and though she's understandably lost and confused. She still wasn't one of those whiny bitches you wanna slap. I must admit that I was hesitant with Liam, but only because I thought fuck me another gorgeous billionaire! I mean really are millionaires not good enough anymore? However, he quickly left the cliche' lovable, alpha, billionaire stereotype behind. He was intense, but not too intense. He was gorgeous, but with true mystery. I never had to worry if his 'childhood' issues were gonna be the focus of the whole story.
The plot was brilliant. While I have my guesses as to what's going on I can't say that I'm positive. This story kept me guessing giving just enough away before dropping the curtain on the scene. I appreciate Ms. Jones ability to keep the reader guessing as to what Amy's exactly running from or even what the hell her life is and has been about. She gives just enough.
I honestly can't wait for the next in this series and I say that honestly even though many of us readers have sworn off starting any new series that leave you with the dreaded cliffhanger. This one is worth it. The anticipation between books will keep us itching to see not just where this story takes us, but what new obsession Lisa Renee Jones can drag us into.
bianca89279's review against another edition
3.0
I've received this novel via NetGalley, thanks to Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc for the opportunity to read and review.
God damn series! Why did I request this book when it was part 1 of a connected series? Why oh why?
I'm so annoyed!
This was a quick read, which managed to keep my interest throughout. Our protagonist, Amy, is running away from someone and something. We don’t know why and who she is afraid of. It’s all one big mystery.
While flying to her new destination, she meets the beautiful billionaire architect, Liam. There's a case of insta-lust and he becomes obsessed with her.
But everything is not what it seems.
Things don’t add up, and Amy is becoming suspicious.
And when things start getting a bit more interesting, that’s when the book ends. What the? I had to double-check if I got the entire novel or just few chapters, because it only took me few hours to read. It appears that I received book #1. There are 3 more to come!!!! This is EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING!!! How I dislike this trend!
Sure, this wasn't the most original novel, ie the grouchy billionaire (why are all the hot, rich dudes in the romance novels so moody?) and the ingénue heroine, but Lisa Renee Jones is a decent writer, and despite the clichés I was willing to read on. The novel would have been perfect on a long trip or to read during the holidays. That is if it came as one stand-alone book. I just checked on Amazon, each e-volume costs $7.99 AUD. Am I willing to pay $32 to get to the end of this not very original story? Nope. Too expensive.
Cover: 3.5 stars
God damn series! Why did I request this book when it was part 1 of a connected series? Why oh why?
I'm so annoyed!
This was a quick read, which managed to keep my interest throughout. Our protagonist, Amy, is running away from someone and something. We don’t know why and who she is afraid of. It’s all one big mystery.
While flying to her new destination, she meets the beautiful billionaire architect, Liam. There's a case of insta-lust and he becomes obsessed with her.
But everything is not what it seems.
Things don’t add up, and Amy is becoming suspicious.
And when things start getting a bit more interesting, that’s when the book ends. What the? I had to double-check if I got the entire novel or just few chapters, because it only took me few hours to read. It appears that I received book #1. There are 3 more to come!!!! This is EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING!!! How I dislike this trend!
Sure, this wasn't the most original novel, ie the grouchy billionaire (why are all the hot, rich dudes in the romance novels so moody?) and the ingénue heroine, but Lisa Renee Jones is a decent writer, and despite the clichés I was willing to read on. The novel would have been perfect on a long trip or to read during the holidays. That is if it came as one stand-alone book. I just checked on Amazon, each e-volume costs $7.99 AUD. Am I willing to pay $32 to get to the end of this not very original story? Nope. Too expensive.
Cover: 3.5 stars
stumpfed's review against another edition
4.0
I love reading anything by Lisa Renee Jones, mainly because "anything" translates to hot billionaire embroiled in a mystery and steamy control by said billionaire. Who doesn't love that? Now. Cliffhangers....not so much in love with those. Let's get part 2 in gear, kay?
meandmypaperback's review against another edition
4.0
This book surprised me. Yes, I did pick it out on Netgalley purely based on the cover art. And it was actually good guys!!! My tactics worked this time! (which is why it surprised me)
to see the rest of the review please see the blog:
http://justaddchampagne.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-escaping-reality-secret-lide-of.html
to see the rest of the review please see the blog:
http://justaddchampagne.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-escaping-reality-secret-lide-of.html
pahinik's review against another edition
3.0
??? Read the whole book and know exactly zero things more than what I knew when I started the book.
jamsu's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This story is about Amy Bensen, a girl with fake name and fake life and who is running for her life. Something happened to her family when she was younger and on the plane she meets Liam Stone, a billionaire and an architect. She tries her best to resist him but there's just something about him that makes her trust him and not leave him.
Amy's always alone. She has no one and the only person she has been able to trust somehow over the years is her so called handler but she has no idea who they are.
I liked the romance between Liam and Amy. He knew she was hiding something but he didn't push too much for her to reveal her secrets. He still trusted her from the beginning and was only worried about her running away. Liam only wanted her to be her and she didn't want his money but he wanted to spoil her rotten.
All in all really enjoyed this but the cliffhanger kills me every time.
This story is about Amy Bensen, a girl with fake name and fake life and who is running for her life. Something happened to her family when she was younger and on the plane she meets Liam Stone, a billionaire and an architect. She tries her best to resist him but there's just something about him that makes her trust him and not leave him.
Amy's always alone. She has no one and the only person she has been able to trust somehow over the years is her so called handler but she has no idea who they are.
I liked the romance between Liam and Amy. He knew she was hiding something but he didn't push too much for her to reveal her secrets. He still trusted her from the beginning and was only worried about her running away. Liam only wanted her to be her and she didn't want his money but he wanted to spoil her rotten.
All in all really enjoyed this but the cliffhanger kills me every time.
thebooktrollop's review against another edition
3.0
I was approved to read this from NetGalley and Julie Patra Publishing and I was initially intrigued because of the cover and the author is a well known badass!! This book is book one in the Amy Bensen series and here is what I thought
When I saw this on Netgalley I just KNEW I had to read it. It intrigued my inner book whore and I was so excited when I got approved. With that being said, I just hate that I was disappointed in this book, it was good but I think it could have been better. I think the way it ended had me scratching my head thinking.. uhh ok we don't get anymore information besides that?
This book starts out with Amy being in NY and receiving a note saying she needed to leave NY ASAP because she has been compromised and needs to immediately move to Denver where there will be more information for her. While waiting for her flight she runs into Liam Stone and is instantly attracted to him and feels some kind of magnetic pull towards him that she can't explain. Liam is also wondering who this gorgeous, smart, witty, Amy is and must know everything he can about her. He senses an inner turmoil and wants to fix Amy, make her better, and make her HIS!
The relationship was swoon-worthy, sexy, STEAMY, and I was sighing with complete lust with the two of them. It seemed a little rush but it was believable so that didn't deter from the fast pace it set.
Now here is my hang up.
There was so much to Amy, so many demons, and you don't get very much insight into her before the book just ends.
I think we could have been given more information than we were. It could have left on the cliffhanger that it did but the author could have given us more information on who was after Amy, why, what the deal with her family was, was Liam involved?
SOMETHING!
It seemed like the whole book was the back and forth between Liam and Amy and Amy having small flashbacks that left me saying.. "huh, interesting". Also the author throws another character in there that is also very interesting and I think we might have a threesome/love triangle happening but even that didn't seem to progress very much before the book ended.
Now, if the author wanted to make sure we read the second installment she definitely achieved that because I was seriously hanging on the edge trying to figure WTF was going on and I WILL read the next book to find my answers! I HAVE too!! My mind is coming up with so many different scenarios I want to see which ones are true or if any of them are.
This is also why I do not like reviewing series before all the books are out because this first book frustrated me but hopefully the next one will answer my questions and then I can rate the whole series HIGH.
So for right now I will give this 3*** and when the next book comes out I will finish this review and let you guys know how I really felt about the series.. This rating could go up or down.. we shall see!
When I saw this on Netgalley I just KNEW I had to read it. It intrigued my inner book whore and I was so excited when I got approved. With that being said, I just hate that I was disappointed in this book, it was good but I think it could have been better. I think the way it ended had me scratching my head thinking.. uhh ok we don't get anymore information besides that?
This book starts out with Amy being in NY and receiving a note saying she needed to leave NY ASAP because she has been compromised and needs to immediately move to Denver where there will be more information for her. While waiting for her flight she runs into Liam Stone and is instantly attracted to him and feels some kind of magnetic pull towards him that she can't explain. Liam is also wondering who this gorgeous, smart, witty, Amy is and must know everything he can about her. He senses an inner turmoil and wants to fix Amy, make her better, and make her HIS!
The relationship was swoon-worthy, sexy, STEAMY, and I was sighing with complete lust with the two of them. It seemed a little rush but it was believable so that didn't deter from the fast pace it set.
Now here is my hang up.
There was so much to Amy, so many demons, and you don't get very much insight into her before the book just ends.
I think we could have been given more information than we were. It could have left on the cliffhanger that it did but the author could have given us more information on who was after Amy, why, what the deal with her family was, was Liam involved?
SOMETHING!
It seemed like the whole book was the back and forth between Liam and Amy and Amy having small flashbacks that left me saying.. "huh, interesting". Also the author throws another character in there that is also very interesting and I think we might have a threesome/love triangle happening but even that didn't seem to progress very much before the book ended.
Now, if the author wanted to make sure we read the second installment she definitely achieved that because I was seriously hanging on the edge trying to figure WTF was going on and I WILL read the next book to find my answers! I HAVE too!! My mind is coming up with so many different scenarios I want to see which ones are true or if any of them are.
This is also why I do not like reviewing series before all the books are out because this first book frustrated me but hopefully the next one will answer my questions and then I can rate the whole series HIGH.
So for right now I will give this 3*** and when the next book comes out I will finish this review and let you guys know how I really felt about the series.. This rating could go up or down.. we shall see!
val_reads93's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the book and couldn't wait to read more. Looking forward to finding the second book. I have a lengthy review on my blog,; http://sognibella.blogspot.com/2013/10/escaping-reality-secret-life-of-amy.html
rpatel675's review against another edition
3.0
Amy's on the run. From who? We don't know. She gets a message from her "handler" telling her to leave everything in New York and run because she's in danger. He saved her life once years ago so she listens to what he says and flees with his help. She's never met him but she knows he has this intricate triangle tattoo on his wrist. Her handler gives her directions to flee to Denver, Colorado. At the airport she meets Liam Stone a sexy, rich, and famous architect. And a pretty good one at it. Right away they have this chemistry and they have only looked at each but the heat is undeniable. She's about to get on the plane when the flight attendant tells her that the airline overbooked and she may have to wait until tomorrow to catch another plan. Amy panics. She has to leave now. What if they find her? Fortunately they find a seat for her in first class. Be it fate, a coincidence or on purpose, she was seated next to Liam. It's so hard damn to tell! Everyone in this book makes you suspicious. Anyways she learns all about Liam and the reason for him going to Denver. After the plane lands she tries to get away from him because even if she wanted a relationship with someone she wasn't stupid. She couldn't get distracted and she definitely could not risk that persons life along with hers. But try as hard as she might she can't get rid of Liam. He insists he drop Amy off at her apartment. The end up sleeping together pretty quickly and he soon becomes a possessive, overbearing, alpha male. But Amy feels safe with him for some reason and he has a right to be worried about her she's worried about herself.
This book leaves you with too many unresolved questions:
- Who's after Amy?
- Who's her handler? And is he bad too?
- Was Amy seated next to Liam on purpose?
- Is Liam bad?
- Why was her family killed?
- Who's her boss?
- Why Denver?
- Who and how is Jared a part of all of this?
- Meg is suspicious. What's her part in this?
So many questions and NONE of them get answered. That frustrates me!! The book was so long at least one of these questions should have been answered by the end but no the damn book leaves you at a freaking cliff hanger. Amy hears a conservation between two people and runs away. Again. Ugh! Am I going to read the second book? Yes... Why? I need the answers and now! Maybe I didn't enjoy the book as much because of all of the unanswered questions but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't recommend the book to someone else. I am going to have to read the second book for a final decision of about how I feel about this book.
This book leaves you with too many unresolved questions:
- Who's after Amy?
- Who's her handler? And is he bad too?
- Was Amy seated next to Liam on purpose?
- Is Liam bad?
- Why was her family killed?
- Who's her boss?
- Why Denver?
- Who and how is Jared a part of all of this?
- Meg is suspicious. What's her part in this?
So many questions and NONE of them get answered. That frustrates me!! The book was so long at least one of these questions should have been answered by the end but no the damn book leaves you at a freaking cliff hanger. Amy hears a conservation between two people and runs away. Again. Ugh! Am I going to read the second book? Yes... Why? I need the answers and now! Maybe I didn't enjoy the book as much because of all of the unanswered questions but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't recommend the book to someone else. I am going to have to read the second book for a final decision of about how I feel about this book.