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trashpandairlreads's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
kindlemmromancereader's review
5.0
***ARC Review***
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
I was so excited when Dianna Roman announced that Daniel was getting his own book! (He preciously appeared in the book Until I Saw You). Plus age gap romances are one of my favorite tropes. This book is so darn good! Roman’s writing is phenomenal.
Daniel is a firecracker. He’s a bartender with a dream of opening up his own club. He’s got a wall of armor a mile thick and although he displays a confident air, there is definitely some vulnerability beneath the surface. Eric sees that vulnerability. Eric is a fashion designer trying to come back from despair. Though the pair have a less than stellar encounter three years prior, a situation forces them into close proximity with one another.
Both Daniel and Eric deal with conflicts that come from past situations. Eric is grieving and dealing with hostile former in-laws. Daniel is still reeling from the subpar emotional upbringing his parents gave him. Daniel and Eric have to figure out how to deal with the conflict in their lives. It is truly beautiful watching them let the other in, on their terms and at their pace. They help one another heal.
Roman gives us a cast of fabulous supporting characters. It was great seeing Harper and Riley again in this book. Eddie, Tilma, and Bruner are great additions. Sam’s beautiful. Inside and out.
This book has a lovely pace and the progression of Daniel and Eric’s relationship feels natural and appropriate. I love a good slow burn. This pair has excellent chemistry. There’s genuine care and affection between the MCs.
I love all of Riley’s musings about the third act breakup and the tropes that followed. It was a nice bit of humor in a stressful situation. Don’t worry. This book has an HEA and the epilogue is really sweet!
Side note: be sure to check out the author’s content advisory for topics that may be sensitive to some readers.
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
I was so excited when Dianna Roman announced that Daniel was getting his own book! (He preciously appeared in the book Until I Saw You). Plus age gap romances are one of my favorite tropes. This book is so darn good! Roman’s writing is phenomenal.
Daniel is a firecracker. He’s a bartender with a dream of opening up his own club. He’s got a wall of armor a mile thick and although he displays a confident air, there is definitely some vulnerability beneath the surface. Eric sees that vulnerability. Eric is a fashion designer trying to come back from despair. Though the pair have a less than stellar encounter three years prior, a situation forces them into close proximity with one another.
Both Daniel and Eric deal with conflicts that come from past situations. Eric is grieving and dealing with hostile former in-laws. Daniel is still reeling from the subpar emotional upbringing his parents gave him. Daniel and Eric have to figure out how to deal with the conflict in their lives. It is truly beautiful watching them let the other in, on their terms and at their pace. They help one another heal.
Roman gives us a cast of fabulous supporting characters. It was great seeing Harper and Riley again in this book. Eddie, Tilma, and Bruner are great additions. Sam’s beautiful. Inside and out.
This book has a lovely pace and the progression of Daniel and Eric’s relationship feels natural and appropriate. I love a good slow burn. This pair has excellent chemistry. There’s genuine care and affection between the MCs.
I love all of Riley’s musings about the third act breakup and the tropes that followed. It was a nice bit of humor in a stressful situation. Don’t worry. This book has an HEA and the epilogue is really sweet!
Side note: be sure to check out the author’s content advisory for topics that may be sensitive to some readers.
kandy0409's review
3.25
Enjoy this authors books but this one not as much.
I still enjoyed it, and would recommend giving it a read, but I did find a few things that to me took it down in my rating a bit.
I loved the storyline idea but felt it slowed down the centre third. And having brought products to life myself, as well as dealt with advertising, the timelines these guys work too is so far from reality. Two weeks to model then see the advert in print? I know in fiction we need to suspend reality but these impossible timelines happened often and I found it took me out of the story.
The side characters were frustrating to me too, I liked Riley in his book but in this one he was annoying and almost a caricature of a man. Harper not much better.
Overall not bad, but I would recommend others from this author, like The Shut Out, which I loved.
I still enjoyed it, and would recommend giving it a read, but I did find a few things that to me took it down in my rating a bit.
I loved the storyline idea but felt it slowed down the centre third. And having brought products to life myself, as well as dealt with advertising, the timelines these guys work too is so far from reality. Two weeks to model then see the advert in print? I know in fiction we need to suspend reality but these impossible timelines happened often and I found it took me out of the story.
The side characters were frustrating to me too, I liked Riley in his book but in this one he was annoying and almost a caricature of a man. Harper not much better.
Overall not bad, but I would recommend others from this author, like The Shut Out, which I loved.
bexbookrex's review
5.0
Deeply emotional and triumphant!
In the Eye of the Beholder by Dianna Roman is full of deep emotion and uplifting triumph. I was riveted by this story from the beginning. Struggles to feel worthy of love, even simple human kindness, are the overwhelming theme of the book until it turns and becomes all about acceptance.. and learning how to BE loved. It is absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend reading it!
In the Eye of the Beholder by Dianna Roman is full of deep emotion and uplifting triumph. I was riveted by this story from the beginning. Struggles to feel worthy of love, even simple human kindness, are the overwhelming theme of the book until it turns and becomes all about acceptance.. and learning how to BE loved. It is absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend reading it!
bookswithjen's review
4.0
I would say im leaning more towards the 3.75 stars. This was my first book by this author and im so glad i was chosen for an arc copy.
However it did fall a little flat for me. I learned to like both characters but personal preference is that i truly dont like miscommunication and that plays into this book. They couldnt communicate and then they were very fast and heavy. I did like the characters the writing was really good. The plot did fall alittle flat for me also. Id deff give another book of this author a chance but i think it was a good story.
However it did fall a little flat for me. I learned to like both characters but personal preference is that i truly dont like miscommunication and that plays into this book. They couldnt communicate and then they were very fast and heavy. I did like the characters the writing was really good. The plot did fall alittle flat for me also. Id deff give another book of this author a chance but i think it was a good story.
bshaum's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
mila_readsmm's review
3.0
***3.5 rating***
""Come to me, beautiful," he whispers. I'll never get over a man calling me beautiful, over anyone thinking I'm beautiful, but Eric? When Eric Jordan tells me I'm beautiful, I believe him."
"In the Eye of the Beholder" takes readers on a journey through the lives of Daniel and Eric, attempting to blend themes of trust, healing, and unexpected connections. Set against a backdrop of personal challenges and past traumas, the novel aims to deliver a heartfelt story of love's transformative power.
Introduced as Harper's supportive bartender friend in "Until I Saw You," Daniel's character instantly piques interest. His loyalty to Harper and his role in helping him navigate the aftermath of an abusive relationship add depth to his persona. Yet, it is his own history of shattered trust that sets the stage for his personal struggles.
The narrative takes a pivotal turn when Daniel's path intersects with Eric's, also known as "Manhattan." Eric, a widower nursing his own wounds, steps in to shield Daniel from the repercussions of a confrontation with his past. This event serves as the catalyst for their evolving relationship.
The exploration of their bond is underscored by palpable chemistry, albeit at times bordering on cliché. The longing glances and tension-filled moments are woven throughout, contributing to the narrative's romantic core. Eric's kindness and Daniel's hesitations form the foundation of their dynamic, leading to a gradual, albeit somewhat predictable, development of feelings.
While their journey is central to the plot, the narrative's pacing occasionally falters. The abrupt introduction of organized crime elements feels disjointed, diverting attention from the central theme of emotional growth. However, this subplot does lend an element of urgency to the story, ensuring that readers remain engaged.
The presence of secondary characters, such as Harper and Riley, offers continuity and a sense of familiarity. Despite some instances of insensitivity in their interactions with Daniel, their eventual camaraderie contributes to the story's sense of community and support. Additionally, the potential for deeper exploration of Daniel's past and Eric's late wife, Samantha, could have added layers of emotional complexity.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that "In the Eye of the Beholder" seeks to convey a message of acceptance and healing. While some aspects of the execution may feel formulaic or lacking in depth, the heart of the story lies in its depiction of love's ability to mend wounds and foster personal growth. Dianna Roman's skill in creating characters that resonate shines through, offering readers a chance to engage with the power of human connection.
Expect:
-Dual POV
-Slow-burn
-Hurt/comfort
-Age gap (20+ years)
-Boss x Employee
-The Mafia
-Spicy and passionate moments
-Grief
-Homophobic/abusive family members
- Sexy lingerie
Dianna hinted that Rob may get his own story, so we shall see.
""Come to me, beautiful," he whispers. I'll never get over a man calling me beautiful, over anyone thinking I'm beautiful, but Eric? When Eric Jordan tells me I'm beautiful, I believe him."
"In the Eye of the Beholder" takes readers on a journey through the lives of Daniel and Eric, attempting to blend themes of trust, healing, and unexpected connections. Set against a backdrop of personal challenges and past traumas, the novel aims to deliver a heartfelt story of love's transformative power.
Introduced as Harper's supportive bartender friend in "Until I Saw You," Daniel's character instantly piques interest. His loyalty to Harper and his role in helping him navigate the aftermath of an abusive relationship add depth to his persona. Yet, it is his own history of shattered trust that sets the stage for his personal struggles.
The narrative takes a pivotal turn when Daniel's path intersects with Eric's, also known as "Manhattan." Eric, a widower nursing his own wounds, steps in to shield Daniel from the repercussions of a confrontation with his past. This event serves as the catalyst for their evolving relationship.
The exploration of their bond is underscored by palpable chemistry, albeit at times bordering on cliché. The longing glances and tension-filled moments are woven throughout, contributing to the narrative's romantic core. Eric's kindness and Daniel's hesitations form the foundation of their dynamic, leading to a gradual, albeit somewhat predictable, development of feelings.
While their journey is central to the plot, the narrative's pacing occasionally falters. The abrupt introduction of organized crime elements feels disjointed, diverting attention from the central theme of emotional growth. However, this subplot does lend an element of urgency to the story, ensuring that readers remain engaged.
The presence of secondary characters, such as Harper and Riley, offers continuity and a sense of familiarity. Despite some instances of insensitivity in their interactions with Daniel, their eventual camaraderie contributes to the story's sense of community and support. Additionally, the potential for deeper exploration of Daniel's past and Eric's late wife, Samantha, could have added layers of emotional complexity.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that "In the Eye of the Beholder" seeks to convey a message of acceptance and healing. While some aspects of the execution may feel formulaic or lacking in depth, the heart of the story lies in its depiction of love's ability to mend wounds and foster personal growth. Dianna Roman's skill in creating characters that resonate shines through, offering readers a chance to engage with the power of human connection.
Expect:
-Dual POV
-Slow-burn
-Hurt/comfort
-Age gap (20+ years)
-Boss x Employee
-The Mafia
-Spicy and passionate moments
-Grief
-Homophobic/abusive family members
- Sexy lingerie
Dianna hinted that Rob may get his own story, so we shall see.
kjnrose's review
4.0
This book was a little harder to get into than the first one (Until I Saw You) was. We met Daniel in Harper and Riley's story and I loved getting his story because he was just such a fun character. This is an age gap, hurt/comfort read with great characters. I did end up loving this book, it just felt slow in the beginning.
monismmreviews's review
5.0
While this isn’t strictly a series, I’d most definitely advise you to read Dianna’s previous book, Until I Saw You, because one: it’s a fantastic book … two: that is where you meet Daniel the first time … three: Harper and Riley are a big part of this book and you’ll get their jokes if you know where they originate. There! Now onto Daniel and Eric … first they seem like such an unlikely couple … but as their story progresses, you’ll see they are kinda absolutely perfect for each other. This book is full of surprises that’ll keep you on your toes til the very end!
Wow … I think Daniel’s superpower might be snark … and a lot of it. I don't blame him, the young guy had been dealt some really tough hands in the past so naturally he is untrusting and refuses to rely on anyone or let another person close other than his best friend, Harper. He is happy to serve the patrons during his bar shifts … especially the handsome, wealthy salt-and-pepper widower who he nicknamed Manhattan after his preferred drink. When Daniel’s life unexpectedly takes a turn for the worse, Manhattan steps in with a job offer that he cannot refuse. Eric exudes power, and his sharp character and bossy exterior grades on Daniel’s nerves. Yet, slowly ... ever so slowly, Daniel discovers Manhattan’s secrets and while doing so he also lets his hardened heart soften. He really just cannot help it … even though he hates himself for it. This is a slow-burn book but I didn’t even realize it because it is so sensual and there is so much heat, so much chemistry between these two. I loved how Eric gently guided Daniel on a path of self-discovery while Daniel, in return, made Eric realize that perhaps he is one of those incredibly lucky people who has a chance at love after loss. Their story also had some unexpected turns that I did not see coming at all. Both of the MCs have so many layers, they are so unique and their interactions kept me turning page after page until the very end. I am, officially, a Dianna Roman fan and I’m very much hoping I can convert you, too!
I was incredibly fortunate to have received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
Wow … I think Daniel’s superpower might be snark … and a lot of it. I don't blame him, the young guy had been dealt some really tough hands in the past so naturally he is untrusting and refuses to rely on anyone or let another person close other than his best friend, Harper. He is happy to serve the patrons during his bar shifts … especially the handsome, wealthy salt-and-pepper widower who he nicknamed Manhattan after his preferred drink. When Daniel’s life unexpectedly takes a turn for the worse, Manhattan steps in with a job offer that he cannot refuse. Eric exudes power, and his sharp character and bossy exterior grades on Daniel’s nerves. Yet, slowly ... ever so slowly, Daniel discovers Manhattan’s secrets and while doing so he also lets his hardened heart soften. He really just cannot help it … even though he hates himself for it. This is a slow-burn book but I didn’t even realize it because it is so sensual and there is so much heat, so much chemistry between these two. I loved how Eric gently guided Daniel on a path of self-discovery while Daniel, in return, made Eric realize that perhaps he is one of those incredibly lucky people who has a chance at love after loss. Their story also had some unexpected turns that I did not see coming at all. Both of the MCs have so many layers, they are so unique and their interactions kept me turning page after page until the very end. I am, officially, a Dianna Roman fan and I’m very much hoping I can convert you, too!
I was incredibly fortunate to have received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
teesbooks_'s review
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Loveddd ittt