Told You Twice by Kristen Heitzmann

• File Size: 3497 KB
• Print Length: 417 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: bHd Books (August 11, 2016)
• Publication Date: August 11, 2016

About the Book:

Alexis Murphy is done messing with the wrong kinds of men. She could not be happier planning a personalized Grace Evangeline wedding with her fiancé, Jeffrey, who is so right for her. Or is he? 

Stage star and spokesmodel, Bo Corrigan, could be the ultimate disruption. Alexis—Exi—is caught by his talent and sexual magnetism. Yet under the glow, she senses trouble, not only danger from Bo’s past mistakes, but something inside tearing him apart. 

From the moment Bo sees Exi, he knows she’s special, but not only that—she’s real. Unlike the theater scene he’s been immersed in, she sees the man he is and won’t stop until she’s reached inside and brought that person from despair to life … if only they have time. 

With violent forces against them, can they get beyond the damage to love that heals and restores? 

My Thoughts:

To be honest, I have mixed feelings about this one.  I've read many novels by Kristen, and I've enjoyed them all (my favorite is still Halo).  With "Told You Twice" and her previous book ("Told You So"), her writing takes on a realism that could make some readers uncomfortable.

And I don't know how I feel about that.  Exi (cute nickname) is drawn to Bo, and he is a total bad boy.  He's seen things and done things that could make your hair curl.  Still, Exi sees the true man inside the bad boy, and she's determined to help draw him out.

Bo, intent on feeding his wild side, also feels drawn to Exi, but he knows he isn't good for her.  He turns up the volume on his badness, and the consequences finally catch up with him.  This is when the book really drew me in.  The transformation is real and powerful, and the realism is chilling.

But the detail is gritty (not explicit or gratuitous), so it's definitely not your mama's romantic novel!  If you crave romance that feels more anchored in the real world, then this is your kind of book.  If you choose your reading as more of an escape, you might want to find different reading material.  I encourage you to sample "Told You Twice" and see what you think.

My thanks to Kristen for an advance copy of "Told You Twice" in exchange for an honest review.  This is definitely "one to watch".  Until the next review,

Mark Your Place,
Deena