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Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn in Books

Dec 6, 2018  
The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn
The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn
Taylor Jenkins Reid | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.1 (19 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sublime writing, surprising story
This book has blown me away from start to finish. More than that, from about 30%, this book moved me deeply with not only the 'forbidden love' element but the deep connections between friends, lovers and progeny.

Monique and Evelyn narrate this story, Monique as the writer who will document the truth of Evelyn's life as shes about to hit her 70s and Evelyn, as she is finally able to be real to the world about who she is. On the one hand, the backdrop of 1950's Hollywood onwards is compelling but in some ways, that context is rather inconsequential as the characters steal each scene. The fame of Evelyn, her husbands and the friends only matter as an inconvenience. Evelyn has such character growth from her teens to contemporary times. So much happens in her life and the majority of it is spellbinding as she yearns for what she can't have. The focus of this story is forbidden, hiding is essential and acting is required in and out of the studio.

The side characters to this story made me feel so much, Harry especially was wonderful; a friend, a soulmate and he loved unconditionally. Connor although a smaller part, brought such growth in Evelyn. Celia in some ways was hard to love as a character. The twists and especially the final twist were such a gut punch and that element to the story was superb.

I am a staunch fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid but this may be my favourite of her books yet. This book is brave and bold and I love how the book summary was written so as not to expose too much of what is between the pages. It is so beautifully written and vividly crafted that THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO is utterly memorable.

"Celia smiled brightly and did exactly as I did. We stood there, in black and green, redhead and blonde, one of us all ass and the other all tits, waving to the crowd as if we ruled them."

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through netgalley in return for an honest review.
  
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Merissa (13883 KP) rated His Forbidden Alliance (Forbidden Mafia #3) in Books

Mar 20, 2026  
His Forbidden Alliance (Forbidden Mafia #3)
His Forbidden Alliance (Forbidden Mafia #3)
Silvia Violet | 2026 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HIS FORBIDDEN ALLIANCE is the third book in the Forbidden Mafia series. I have read the first two books in this series, but I haven't read any of the other mafia family series. I don't feel as though this impacted my enjoyment of the story in any way.

Rafe is the youngest brother, the playboy of the family. His brothers both love him, but don't always say so. Rafe is also aware that they don't expect much from him either. So when Remington, his cousin, offers the Casino Fortuna for him to run, Rafe is ecstatic. Unfortunately for the Theriots, Ivanov is still out there somewhere, so they keep their eyes and ears open.

Zach works for the FBI and wants to take Ivanov down. It became personal for Zach when Ivanov killed an informant of Zach's, after 'playing' first. He sees the casino as a way in, especially with the playboy in charge. He quickly realises how much he has underestimated Rafe. The action gets hot, and the relationship with Zach and Rafe even hotter.

This was the best of the bunch for me! I loved how Zach and Rafe were together, neither of them fully trusting the other, but falling hard anyway. And the fact that Zach let Rafe be a little psycho was perfect. There is plenty of action in here leading to Ivanov, but I won't say more than that. Although there is a last-minute miscommunication, it furthers the story and is quickly resolved. Well, not that quickly, but, you know, circumstances, etc.

I did receive an unedited ARC, so there were moments where the wrong name was used, but it was easy to figure out who was meant. A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I am loving this series, and hope to read more in the future. Definitely recommended.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 19, 2026