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California Dreaming #1
Heroes and Villains
Two lives entwined in secrets… Secrets that threaten to tear them apart before they even begin… Sophie Valentine was a girl living a privileged life, in the tranquillity of Solana Beach until she was forced to move to Brooklyn under questionable conditions. In a quiet Brooklyn neighbourhood, Benjamin Sinclair was a troubled boy, leading a secret life. When he met Sophie on the steps of his apartment building the day she moved in, he never envisioned how chaotic and turbulent his life would become. A battle between the forces of good and evil awaits… one that could leave a devastating effect or be the start of new beginnings. How will it end?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2016
About the author
Stacey Johnston
14 books419 followersWhat to tell you about myself??
When I sat down to set about the challenge of what I could say, I found that I didn’t really consider myself to be very interesting at all.
I’ve lived in Western Australia my whole life, only ever leaving the country once. Right now though I reside in a southern suburb close to the beach.
Above everything else I’m a wife and a mother. I’ve been married to a man I believe to be my soul mate for the past nine years. When he came into my life I already had two gorgeous kids, a boy and girl, who he took on as his own without any consideration as to how it would affect his life. During our time together, he has also blessed me with two more gorgeous little girls. My real life also has me working fulltime as an Office Manager for an Audio Visual Company.
I grew up in a home with three aunties, two uncles, my younger brother, my father, and my grandparents!! Wow that was more of mouthful than I expected! As you can imagine life in a large family like that was never boring
As a child I loved creating stories in my head, it was my escape, a place I could go and hide from the world. As I became older, my stories evolved and every time life challenged me, I slipped back into my imaginary world and hid. This didn’t change as I entered adulthood.
I have always been the kind of person who never made things easy for herself, and I spent many years drifting from family member to family member looking for direction. It wasn’t until I was twenty-one when I met a man who would become, what I thought - my future. Over the next twelve years he was my life, well him, and the two children he blessed me with.
We lost that loving husband, and father to a heart attack when our children were very young, and life as you can imagine became a little rough for a while.
Over the years my stories have given me the sanity to get through many tragic situations. They’ve given me a world to escape into, one where I can be anything I want.
These stories I’ve created over the years, have always been a coping mechanism that worked for me, and I’ve always wanted to share them.
With the support of my family I have ventured out there, and finally put them down on paper. I hope you love them as much as I do.
When I sat down to set about the challenge of what I could say, I found that I didn’t really consider myself to be very interesting at all.
I’ve lived in Western Australia my whole life, only ever leaving the country once. Right now though I reside in a southern suburb close to the beach.
Above everything else I’m a wife and a mother. I’ve been married to a man I believe to be my soul mate for the past nine years. When he came into my life I already had two gorgeous kids, a boy and girl, who he took on as his own without any consideration as to how it would affect his life. During our time together, he has also blessed me with two more gorgeous little girls. My real life also has me working fulltime as an Office Manager for an Audio Visual Company.
I grew up in a home with three aunties, two uncles, my younger brother, my father, and my grandparents!! Wow that was more of mouthful than I expected! As you can imagine life in a large family like that was never boring
As a child I loved creating stories in my head, it was my escape, a place I could go and hide from the world. As I became older, my stories evolved and every time life challenged me, I slipped back into my imaginary world and hid. This didn’t change as I entered adulthood.
I have always been the kind of person who never made things easy for herself, and I spent many years drifting from family member to family member looking for direction. It wasn’t until I was twenty-one when I met a man who would become, what I thought - my future. Over the next twelve years he was my life, well him, and the two children he blessed me with.
We lost that loving husband, and father to a heart attack when our children were very young, and life as you can imagine became a little rough for a while.
Over the years my stories have given me the sanity to get through many tragic situations. They’ve given me a world to escape into, one where I can be anything I want.
These stories I’ve created over the years, have always been a coping mechanism that worked for me, and I’ve always wanted to share them.
With the support of my family I have ventured out there, and finally put them down on paper. I hope you love them as much as I do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 9, 2017
**ARC PROVIDED BY FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
California Dreaming……..more like Ben Dreaming
What can I say about Heroes and Villains – California Dreaming Book 1? Well, I absolutely loved it. This is first time I have ever read anything written by Stacey Johnston and she definitely did not disappoint me. California Dreaming was a well thought out story and was written exceptionally well. Well done, Stacey, well done.
The story starts off from Sophie’s point of view. She reflects on her life in California and how upset she was that her father up and moved her family to Brooklyn. When moving she met four mysterious boys, who she cleverly got to help her and her brother move. But there is one boy, Ben, that caught Sophie’s attention. He was a smart ass which balanced Sophie’s wittiness. There was instant chemistry between the two of them. And when Sophie and Ben hooked up, it was naughty, hot and impulsive all at one. I thought to myself, “Um, they are 18.” I did feel a little dirty reading about 18 years olds having hot sex. But the chemistry was there, so it worked really well.
This book had a lot of suspense, that left you wondering what was going to happen next?
Without giving too much detail away, it is amazing how Stacey was able to intertwined the Sophie and Ben’s connection together. I could not get enough of Sophie and Ben characters. They gave each other the sweetest nicknames which in ways was a little old fashioned, sweet one and my blue-eyed boy. In ways, they were old souls in teenager’s body.
This was a great debut novel from Stacey Johnston. I definitely look forward to reading the books to come in this series.
My rating is FIVE FABULOUS STARS.
Reviewed By : Kris F.
California Dreaming……..more like Ben Dreaming
What can I say about Heroes and Villains – California Dreaming Book 1? Well, I absolutely loved it. This is first time I have ever read anything written by Stacey Johnston and she definitely did not disappoint me. California Dreaming was a well thought out story and was written exceptionally well. Well done, Stacey, well done.
The story starts off from Sophie’s point of view. She reflects on her life in California and how upset she was that her father up and moved her family to Brooklyn. When moving she met four mysterious boys, who she cleverly got to help her and her brother move. But there is one boy, Ben, that caught Sophie’s attention. He was a smart ass which balanced Sophie’s wittiness. There was instant chemistry between the two of them. And when Sophie and Ben hooked up, it was naughty, hot and impulsive all at one. I thought to myself, “Um, they are 18.” I did feel a little dirty reading about 18 years olds having hot sex. But the chemistry was there, so it worked really well.
This book had a lot of suspense, that left you wondering what was going to happen next?
Without giving too much detail away, it is amazing how Stacey was able to intertwined the Sophie and Ben’s connection together. I could not get enough of Sophie and Ben characters. They gave each other the sweetest nicknames which in ways was a little old fashioned, sweet one and my blue-eyed boy. In ways, they were old souls in teenager’s body.
This was a great debut novel from Stacey Johnston. I definitely look forward to reading the books to come in this series.
My rating is FIVE FABULOUS STARS.
Reviewed By : Kris F.
August 21, 2017
4.5 wish I was 18 again stars!! Could not put this book down!
Sophie had the life she loved by the beach until one day her dad decides they have to move to Brooklyn and they have to move now. Her dad had always been super secretive about his work so it doesn't surprise her but it sure pisses her off. First day moving in she meets this cocky boy and his band of friends. But from then on Sophie, her brother (Sean) and the band of cocky boys are all tight as they can be. Problem is she has fell hard for the cockiest one and if the rumors are true then she fell for the biggest player. Can she put him out of her mind or is she bound to get broken?
Ben and his friends (Luke, Stephen, and Kyle) are happy. This isn't the life they envisioned but they get to play music and stay together. Then one day Sophie Valentine strolls into their lives and well it has never been the same since. Ben is a hit it and quit it type of boy but Sophie has latched on to his heart and there is no way he is letting her go. Except his secret may destroy everything and everyone...
This book is cute and crazy. I love everyone in this book. I tried to not like her dad because he is kind of a jerk and hides any feeling except anger but damn I fell in love. Sean surprised me, I mean seriously I did not see that coming. And all the boys I love them each individually and I am so glad I read California Dreaming first because truth be told this was Sophie's book but knowing what I do about the boys this was everyone's book. And Ben I am so in love with his teenage ass. Haha. This book did have a YA feel with some naughty bits (I mean knock your socks off naughty) but I totally dug it. The twist near the end involving Silo and Ben was just what I needed. I needed that to happen and I am so glad. Well I won't ruin the book but I will suggest you read this book and California dreaming. Can't wait to read the next "Sins of the Father"!!
**I received this as an ARC from the author and in return gave my honest review**
Sophie had the life she loved by the beach until one day her dad decides they have to move to Brooklyn and they have to move now. Her dad had always been super secretive about his work so it doesn't surprise her but it sure pisses her off. First day moving in she meets this cocky boy and his band of friends. But from then on Sophie, her brother (Sean) and the band of cocky boys are all tight as they can be. Problem is she has fell hard for the cockiest one and if the rumors are true then she fell for the biggest player. Can she put him out of her mind or is she bound to get broken?
Ben and his friends (Luke, Stephen, and Kyle) are happy. This isn't the life they envisioned but they get to play music and stay together. Then one day Sophie Valentine strolls into their lives and well it has never been the same since. Ben is a hit it and quit it type of boy but Sophie has latched on to his heart and there is no way he is letting her go. Except his secret may destroy everything and everyone...
This book is cute and crazy. I love everyone in this book. I tried to not like her dad because he is kind of a jerk and hides any feeling except anger but damn I fell in love. Sean surprised me, I mean seriously I did not see that coming. And all the boys I love them each individually and I am so glad I read California Dreaming first because truth be told this was Sophie's book but knowing what I do about the boys this was everyone's book. And Ben I am so in love with his teenage ass. Haha. This book did have a YA feel with some naughty bits (I mean knock your socks off naughty) but I totally dug it. The twist near the end involving Silo and Ben was just what I needed. I needed that to happen and I am so glad. Well I won't ruin the book but I will suggest you read this book and California dreaming. Can't wait to read the next "Sins of the Father"!!
**I received this as an ARC from the author and in return gave my honest review**
March 19, 2016
Heroes and Villains started off sort of slow but I understand the need to setup the background for our characters and it all made more sense later on in the book to have that setup in the beginning.
Stacey kept me on my toes with this story and when i thought I had it figured out, I was proven wrong. I love it when the twists aren't what I expect and when I can be completely surprised.
The chemistry between the characters is awesome and I was definitely on a roller coaster of emotions throughout this book. The story line is captivating and the suspense keeps you moving through the story perfectly and sometimes... okay okay all the time wanting to speed up to find out what happens!
I haven't read a book that was this exhilarating in a long time and now I fully remember why I love romantic suspense novels so much! My heart is still pounding from reading it and wow I can't wait to see what Stacey has in the works!
Stacey kept me on my toes with this story and when i thought I had it figured out, I was proven wrong. I love it when the twists aren't what I expect and when I can be completely surprised.
The chemistry between the characters is awesome and I was definitely on a roller coaster of emotions throughout this book. The story line is captivating and the suspense keeps you moving through the story perfectly and sometimes... okay okay all the time wanting to speed up to find out what happens!
I haven't read a book that was this exhilarating in a long time and now I fully remember why I love romantic suspense novels so much! My heart is still pounding from reading it and wow I can't wait to see what Stacey has in the works!
October 31, 2016
I'm going to make this a bit generic, because I own my limits, and my limit won't be hard to break if I don't, as spoilers will fly everywhere! Sophie Valentine had a happy life in Solana Beach, until her family had to make a quick move to Brooklyn, under suspicious circumstances. But sometimes fate works in mysterious ways, or is bored. Benjamin Sinclair is a troubled boy with a secret life. But it quickly became no secret that he wanted Sophie. There, that's it, can't say anymore, just feelings ahead! Stacey Johnston's talented, and yet, diabolical writing style kept me on my toes with my heart racing cover to cover. Let me tell you, this story has f-bomb worthy moments everywhere, so buckle up. The character development is fantastic, as well as the entertaining cast of secondaries. I can't forget to mention the panty destroying sexy scene goodness, nor the well place humor of Sophie's (LIKEABOSS) snarky banter. CANNNOT WAIT to read more of this series, so I'm HIGHLY RECOMMENDING!
December 31, 2016
What a great start of a new series this would be my first read from Stacey Johnston and I loved it . The story line keeps my attention and the suspense keeps you moving through the story perfectly to were you aren't bored I thought it was a unique read . I liked both Sophie and Ben when they first meet you can fell the steam coming off my kindle the definitely have a lot of chemistry loved the banter between them . I cant wait to read more from this author copy provided for honest review.
****************************************
hero = 10
heroine = 10
secondary characters = 10
chemistry = 10
steam = 10
character development = 10
pacing = 10
pov= dual
ending =
cover = HOT
author = new but will be reading more from
****************************************
hero = 10
heroine = 10
secondary characters = 10
chemistry = 10
steam = 10
character development = 10
pacing = 10
pov= dual
ending =
cover = HOT
author = new but will be reading more from
March 20, 2016
I had the pleasure of reading this book as an ARC. I have been in a book slump and this was the book that brought me out. Starts off with that slow build and then hits you with twists and more. Easy to read, great pace, great story line, great chemisty of the charaters. Loved it!!
October 13, 2016
A story of two young lovers finding their way. At times life throws some serious curve balls and it makes you wonder if it is at all possible to find a happy ending. But true love will always find a way.
A great story by Stacey Johnston and I am looking forward to reading her next offering.
A great story by Stacey Johnston and I am looking forward to reading her next offering.
August 6, 2017
I really liked this book. It was a crazy mix of mystery and suspense that kept me glued unable to look away.
I really liked both Ben and Spophia. They were a perfect match for each other and we're both strong in their own rights. I love that eve with everything they go through, their feeling stay strong even when it was hard.
The plot was very twisty, but at the same time you can't wait to see what the author is going to unleash. It's hard to talk about it with out giving too much away.
There was an awesome family aspect that help you release more with the book. Every family has secrets and in this book they become exposed but it was so much more then that.
Overall, I really liked it. From the writing to the cover. The characters were easy to love and I can't wait to read more books by this author. 4 stars #2OCCJD
I really liked both Ben and Spophia. They were a perfect match for each other and we're both strong in their own rights. I love that eve with everything they go through, their feeling stay strong even when it was hard.
The plot was very twisty, but at the same time you can't wait to see what the author is going to unleash. It's hard to talk about it with out giving too much away.
There was an awesome family aspect that help you release more with the book. Every family has secrets and in this book they become exposed but it was so much more then that.
Overall, I really liked it. From the writing to the cover. The characters were easy to love and I can't wait to read more books by this author. 4 stars #2OCCJD
October 31, 2016
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first dived into Heroes and Villains. I'm not one to look at reviews before hand, I tend to disagree with the majority and laugh at people who are dead wrong. I know it's bad to judge others and their reading preference, but some get focused on one little thing and it drives their whole review.
Many of the reviews, I noticed said that this book started off slow. I don't think so. To me slow is where it takes for-fucking-ever for the characters to get their shit together. That wasn't the case here. Our heroine, Sophie, was giving us the set-up, taking us through the motions. Otherwise we would have been completely lost. I was invested from the start because the book read more like a journal entry to me at first. Something I loved right away because it was so different.
We get into the story of Ben and Sophie rather quickly and I was in love with their dynamic right from the beginning. There was just something about them that you knew was special. Normally I'm apprehensive about the whole fate, love at first sight thing, (I have issues) but with Sophie and Ben, I wasn't. I felt like they were meant to be together. I knew what they had was different.
Don't go into Heroes and Villains thinking it's going to be your average teenage love story. Nope. It has so many twists and turns my heart was jumping all over the place. I did not expect so many different things to happen at one. Stacey Johnston gets enormous props for pulling that one off.
I cannot wait to read more of what Stacey brings us. Her style of writing is fun and unique and I find it refreshing. As so many authors tend to have similar writing styles, especially in the romance genre, it's nice to see a different take.
While Heroes and Villains can be read in a relatively short span of time it took me almost a whole day to get through it. I found myself pausing once in a while to smile like a lunatic, to savor a moment, to laugh out loud with the antics of the characters, and to reread parts that touched me the most. It's rare to find a book that does that for me these days.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for an escape from reality, for anyone wanting to feel the rush of adrenaline at not knowing what's coming next, and for anyone wanting to read a sweet book about two people who simply want to love each other.
*Quote- "Love is all about trust. Without it, there is no reason to carry on." -Sophie
"Without me realizing, this girl has become a part of my soul." -Ben
Many of the reviews, I noticed said that this book started off slow. I don't think so. To me slow is where it takes for-fucking-ever for the characters to get their shit together. That wasn't the case here. Our heroine, Sophie, was giving us the set-up, taking us through the motions. Otherwise we would have been completely lost. I was invested from the start because the book read more like a journal entry to me at first. Something I loved right away because it was so different.
We get into the story of Ben and Sophie rather quickly and I was in love with their dynamic right from the beginning. There was just something about them that you knew was special. Normally I'm apprehensive about the whole fate, love at first sight thing, (I have issues) but with Sophie and Ben, I wasn't. I felt like they were meant to be together. I knew what they had was different.
Don't go into Heroes and Villains thinking it's going to be your average teenage love story. Nope. It has so many twists and turns my heart was jumping all over the place. I did not expect so many different things to happen at one. Stacey Johnston gets enormous props for pulling that one off.
I cannot wait to read more of what Stacey brings us. Her style of writing is fun and unique and I find it refreshing. As so many authors tend to have similar writing styles, especially in the romance genre, it's nice to see a different take.
While Heroes and Villains can be read in a relatively short span of time it took me almost a whole day to get through it. I found myself pausing once in a while to smile like a lunatic, to savor a moment, to laugh out loud with the antics of the characters, and to reread parts that touched me the most. It's rare to find a book that does that for me these days.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for an escape from reality, for anyone wanting to feel the rush of adrenaline at not knowing what's coming next, and for anyone wanting to read a sweet book about two people who simply want to love each other.
*Quote- "Love is all about trust. Without it, there is no reason to carry on." -Sophie
"Without me realizing, this girl has become a part of my soul." -Ben
May 26, 2017
Sophie was living the life on a beach in her city but when's she's forced to move she meets her neighbor Benjamin. These two become friends and everything goes crazy. What will happen?
March 20, 2016
Arc received for an honest review
When I received the Arc I was advised that there were still some edits that needed to be ironed out there were a few but nothing horrendous.
There is a bit of Aussie slang but again nothing that would detract from the story.
Overall the storyline is okay and there is lots going on from all the different parties.
Tangled webs and hidden secrets it does all unfold along the way.
I would of liked this to have a slightly faster pace as there is so much going on and I did feel that the whole book was quite slow moving.
Both leads are sweet and likeable and quite naïve really even having the relationship develop the way that it does.
I felt the book might go down the route of a menage at one point but was relieved that it didn't given their ages.
without going into too much detail as I don't want to spoil the story at about 70% there is part in the book that I feel could have been exploited and developed more by the author, I felt that this part was skirted over somewhat and has in my opinion reduced my rating as I felt almost cheated.
then at approx 80% I felt it had reached its natural end and there was another 20% to read which consisted of a bit of feel good fluff.
Overall I liked the book I didn't hate but I didn't love it either and I do feel I could have loved it if it had had slightly more bite.
When I received the Arc I was advised that there were still some edits that needed to be ironed out there were a few but nothing horrendous.
There is a bit of Aussie slang but again nothing that would detract from the story.
Overall the storyline is okay and there is lots going on from all the different parties.
Tangled webs and hidden secrets it does all unfold along the way.
I would of liked this to have a slightly faster pace as there is so much going on and I did feel that the whole book was quite slow moving.
Both leads are sweet and likeable and quite naïve really even having the relationship develop the way that it does.
I felt the book might go down the route of a menage at one point but was relieved that it didn't given their ages.
without going into too much detail as I don't want to spoil the story at about 70% there is part in the book that I feel could have been exploited and developed more by the author, I felt that this part was skirted over somewhat and has in my opinion reduced my rating as I felt almost cheated.
then at approx 80% I felt it had reached its natural end and there was another 20% to read which consisted of a bit of feel good fluff.
Overall I liked the book I didn't hate but I didn't love it either and I do feel I could have loved it if it had had slightly more bite.
March 17, 2016
Sophie and Ben:
young lovers with one of them hiding a huge secret.
Sean:
Sophie's younger brother who is hiding a few secrets of his own.
Ant and Hawke :
Sophie's Dad and his Partner who know way more then they are letting on.
Ben, Luke, Kyle, and Stephen:
4 best friends with a special bond and a secret that not only can ruin their lives but the lives of Sophie & Sean as well. The boys have tried to stay away from Sophie & Sean but nobody counted on how close they have become.They have forged almost a version of family.
I was give an ARC for an honest opinion for a review, This book was really good, there were some very surprising twists that you really didn't see coming, the book has romance, young love and a crazy killer who is after all the kids in the book, and is hell bent on getting Sophie, Sean and Ben. It does contain some sex scenes. Overall the story holds your interest you don't want to put it down
young lovers with one of them hiding a huge secret.
Sean:
Sophie's younger brother who is hiding a few secrets of his own.
Ant and Hawke :
Sophie's Dad and his Partner who know way more then they are letting on.
Ben, Luke, Kyle, and Stephen:
4 best friends with a special bond and a secret that not only can ruin their lives but the lives of Sophie & Sean as well. The boys have tried to stay away from Sophie & Sean but nobody counted on how close they have become.They have forged almost a version of family.
I was give an ARC for an honest opinion for a review, This book was really good, there were some very surprising twists that you really didn't see coming, the book has romance, young love and a crazy killer who is after all the kids in the book, and is hell bent on getting Sophie, Sean and Ben. It does contain some sex scenes. Overall the story holds your interest you don't want to put it down
March 20, 2016
This book was filled with lots of mystery and suspense! Ben, Stephen, Kyle, and Luke, living in Brooklyn , together they have a secret. Sophia and Sean find themselves uprooted by their parents, to move to Brooklyn. Sean and their dad has secrets too. Sophia and Ben have an instant attraction to each other and sparks fly between them. Sophia is spunky and has a mind of her own! Ben and Sophia, are soulmates and have fallen in love! But danger lurks around the corner! Ms Johnston keeps you in suspense! Loved the story! Great character development! Author does need better editing, but it didn't detract from the story! There was a few places I was not clear with the author's intentions, but other than that the story flowed pretty well. Young love, suspense, great friends, you couldn't have any better ingredients for a story! Great, quick read!
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2016
I absolutely devoured this book, it was freaking awesome. We meet so many characters in this book, and they all play a major roll, that I loved everyone of them well except the villains of course. So we have our main hero and heroine, Sophie and Ben aka Sweet one and blue-eyed handsome boy, I have to say these two separately were great characters but bring them together and its explosive.
There were lots of twists and turns in this book, I will not spoil it you have to read for yourselves. Hot, hot, hot were the sex scenes as well, loved Ben's dirty mouth, even Sophie had a dirty mouth a time or two, sometimes I forgot these two are in their last year of Highschool, with everything that goes on. The only thing that upset me was if felt like it just ended, only because I wanted more, you need to get writing Stacey, I can't wait for more.
Would I recommend to my friends, heck yeah I would!!!!! Reviewed for HeadTripping Books by Carolyn
There were lots of twists and turns in this book, I will not spoil it you have to read for yourselves. Hot, hot, hot were the sex scenes as well, loved Ben's dirty mouth, even Sophie had a dirty mouth a time or two, sometimes I forgot these two are in their last year of Highschool, with everything that goes on. The only thing that upset me was if felt like it just ended, only because I wanted more, you need to get writing Stacey, I can't wait for more.
Would I recommend to my friends, heck yeah I would!!!!! Reviewed for HeadTripping Books by Carolyn
December 8, 2016
Heroes and Villains is a great read to start off with on a Sunday evening with a cup of tea. It does have a slow start but it's needed to get to know the characters and what there about. This is the first time I've ever read a story written by Stacey Johnston and I wasn't disappointed. Well done Stacey!
Without telling you the spoilers; this book has suspense that killed me and left me wondering what could possibly happen next? Sophie and Ben were old souls trapped inside teenage bodies and I loved the cute old fashioned nick-names they had for each other and the banter between them was amazing! Stacey has done a good job on giving these characters complexity and meaning. They had connection between them and the hot scenes were naughty, impulsive and freaking hot!
If you want to read some of Stacey's work... This is the book to start with.
**Review Requested. ARC Received in exchange for honest review **
Reviewed By K. O'Brien
Without telling you the spoilers; this book has suspense that killed me and left me wondering what could possibly happen next? Sophie and Ben were old souls trapped inside teenage bodies and I loved the cute old fashioned nick-names they had for each other and the banter between them was amazing! Stacey has done a good job on giving these characters complexity and meaning. They had connection between them and the hot scenes were naughty, impulsive and freaking hot!
If you want to read some of Stacey's work... This is the book to start with.
**Review Requested. ARC Received in exchange for honest review **
Reviewed By K. O'Brien
October 5, 2016
I was lucky and got an ARC for this book.
It really is a good book. Stacey Johnson did a brilliant job writing this book.
I was pulled into the story right from the beginning, which is something I need or I can't finish them.
This book will have you on the edge of your seat in parts, things happen in this book that you wouldn't expect and will surprise you. I could picture what the characters looked like in my head and the places that are also mentioned in the book which personally I think makes the book better for me.
I laughed with the characters and I cried with them aswell
I would recommend this book.
It really is a good book. Stacey Johnson did a brilliant job writing this book.
I was pulled into the story right from the beginning, which is something I need or I can't finish them.
This book will have you on the edge of your seat in parts, things happen in this book that you wouldn't expect and will surprise you. I could picture what the characters looked like in my head and the places that are also mentioned in the book which personally I think makes the book better for me.
I laughed with the characters and I cried with them aswell
I would recommend this book.
November 1, 2016
This book starts with a slow build but it doesn't mean its a slow book at all. It gives you a bit of background and kind of has you guessing multiple things within the first chapter that will keep you interested. Stacey has a way of keeping you in suspense and when you think you know what is goin on you are proven completely wrong.
the connection and chemistry between Ben and Sophie is undeniable from the first time they meet. But can the relationship last? Or will secrets and Ben's past come between them? Find out today when you read Heroes and Villains.
I fell in love with the secondary characters in this book as well and cannot wait to see if their stories are to come next.
the connection and chemistry between Ben and Sophie is undeniable from the first time they meet. But can the relationship last? Or will secrets and Ben's past come between them? Find out today when you read Heroes and Villains.
I fell in love with the secondary characters in this book as well and cannot wait to see if their stories are to come next.
December 26, 2016
Ms. Johnston is a new author to me and I didn't know what to expect. The synopsis intrigued me so I took a chance. It starts off slowly but it sets up the background information. Once Sophie meets Ben it takes off from there.
Sophie moves to Brooklyn from her privileged life in California. When she meets Ben on her first day there the attraction and chemistry is instantaneous. Ben loves her sassy attitude and the two become inseparable. But Ben has secrets that he cannot share. Will his relationship with Sophie be able to survive when the truth is revealed?
Great beginning to the series, I can't wait for the next book!
Sophie moves to Brooklyn from her privileged life in California. When she meets Ben on her first day there the attraction and chemistry is instantaneous. Ben loves her sassy attitude and the two become inseparable. But Ben has secrets that he cannot share. Will his relationship with Sophie be able to survive when the truth is revealed?
Great beginning to the series, I can't wait for the next book!
January 7, 2017
Wow what a rollercoaster of a emotional book.
Sophie's life was uprooted in one night by her father's decision to move from Solana Beach to sketchy part of Brooklyn without any explanation.
On her first day there she meets 4 boys Luke, Kyle, Stephen and Ben.
It's Ben's blue eyes that draw her in.
She quickly discovers the guys are a keeping a secret and her father knows what it is but refuses to tell her.
Sophie and Ben are taken on a whirlwind adventure of love, revenge, betrayal and death to get their HEA.
This book had me glued to the pages from the start and was sad when it ended.
I look forward to the next installment.
Sophie's life was uprooted in one night by her father's decision to move from Solana Beach to sketchy part of Brooklyn without any explanation.
On her first day there she meets 4 boys Luke, Kyle, Stephen and Ben.
It's Ben's blue eyes that draw her in.
She quickly discovers the guys are a keeping a secret and her father knows what it is but refuses to tell her.
Sophie and Ben are taken on a whirlwind adventure of love, revenge, betrayal and death to get their HEA.
This book had me glued to the pages from the start and was sad when it ended.
I look forward to the next installment.
March 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and, although a couple of things bothered me whilst reading - the language was little stilted (almost no contractions such as "I'm", "you're", etc were used) and the odd lapse into Aussie slang that was incongruous with California and Brooklyn,- these were more failings on the part of the editor.
The book itself was gripping with lots of twists and turns and plenty of excitement. There is huge scope in the characters and storylines this for the rest of the series and I cannot wait for their release.
The book itself was gripping with lots of twists and turns and plenty of excitement. There is huge scope in the characters and storylines this for the rest of the series and I cannot wait for their release.
December 13, 2016
Great read
This is my first story from Stacey. I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the others in the series.
Ben and Sophie have chemistry from the very first encounter. I couldn't wait to see how their story unfolded. Will his severed from his post keep then apart?
This book definitely kept me guessing. Each time I thought I had it figured out, it took another turn. I found myself lost in the story very easily. It's a story about love, family secrets, mystery, and overcoming difficult odds.
This is my first story from Stacey. I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the others in the series.
Ben and Sophie have chemistry from the very first encounter. I couldn't wait to see how their story unfolded. Will his severed from his post keep then apart?
This book definitely kept me guessing. Each time I thought I had it figured out, it took another turn. I found myself lost in the story very easily. It's a story about love, family secrets, mystery, and overcoming difficult odds.
August 8, 2017
This is the second Stacey Johnston book I've read, and it was good. I liked the overall story and mystery behind both Sophie's and Ben's backgrounds. I liked the story overall, but it just kind of ended without feeling like an ending
Really the only thing that bugged me about the writing was you could tell it was written by someone not from the US. I was perplexed by what a lounge suite was as well as some other slang. I think if this was changed, it would've flowed really well. I look forward to the other books
Really the only thing that bugged me about the writing was you could tell it was written by someone not from the US. I was perplexed by what a lounge suite was as well as some other slang. I think if this was changed, it would've flowed really well. I look forward to the other books
October 24, 2018
Definitely an interesting idea for a book premise but the writing made it a bit odd for me. Maybe it’s because it feels as though the characters are speaking to the reader at times. It’s different in the way it’s written. Loads of language, which can be pretty normal for teens around that age to be honest. There were some instances that you could tell the writer was not from the country she’s writing a story about. But that wasn’t a big deal. About halfway through the book, it shifts gears and you get lots of suspense! It was an entertaining read! 3.5 stars
March 23, 2016
I thought this was a great first effort by Stacey, I liked the storyline and I liked the characters. I will definitely like to read the next book to see what happens to them all. I did find the very beginning of the book a little slow but it picks up and then it all happens, action, romance, suspense etc, really enjoyed it. I would love to read more by this author and I am sure with each book she will just get better and better.
March 28, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story which is full of mystery and suspense. No spoilers from me, but if you enjoy good banter from the characters, as well as a lot of action and romance, then this is the book for you, don’t miss out on a great read. Cannot wait to read more of Stacey’s work. Will definitely by adding this author to my favourites for 1 clicking. Well done Stacey on a great read.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story which is full of mystery and suspense. No spoilers from me, but if you enjoy good banter from the characters, as well as a lot of action and romance, then this is the book for you, don’t miss out on a great read. Cannot wait to read more of Stacey’s work. Will definitely by adding this author to my favourites for 1 clicking. Well done Stacey on a great read.
November 20, 2016
I was definitely kept on my toes with this one. I really thought I had everything figued out and then another twist would come and blow my theory out of the water. I love when a book can keep my guessing all the way until the end. I loved the chemistry between the characters and the emotional ride you take is amazing.
November 4, 2016
I fell in love with Ben and Sophie right from the get go. Reading this book I thought I knew what was to come, but Stacey did a great job of throwing in some curve balls. Should you read this book? Definitely!
December 10, 2016
This was an intriguing book full of surprises and plot twists. I loved the chemistry between Sophie and Ben, and the secondary characters were entertaining and added to the story. I couldn’t put it down. Great read!
March 21, 2016
LOVED IT! Loved the whole concept of the book. Chemistry of Ben and Sophie was fantastic. Wish my sex life was that strong. Lol. Can't wait to read the rest of her books! Definitely a fan!!
October 13, 2016
really liked this book about young love and being told by both parties. looking forward to the next book in the series
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