Hidden Seams started out a little slow but at 15-20% it definitely picked up and I was hooked thanks to Marco and the cool as a cucumber Avery. She definitely surprised me with her line of work. Their first meeting was fun and unexpected again thanks to Avery. When she sets her mind to something she will achieve it. Right off the bat I felt their chemistry and they were so much fun.
Marco’s history with Vince was intriguing especially his motives for agreeing to be with him for so long. Their relationship was had so many layers.
It was great to see Marco out of his element when he met Avery and she showed him her world. They made me laugh and swoon.
For some reason I lost my connection for the last 10% but the epilogue definitely made up for that.

3.5-4 BadAssDirtyFamilyStars

Thank you NetGalley and the author for a copy of this book.

It is on the very rare occasion that I don't love an Alessandra Torre work, but this was one of those occasions. The writing itself was great, as is always the case with Alessandra, but I didn't enjoy the storyline at all.

I couldn't feel the connection between Marco and Avery and so, I couldn't connect with either of them personally.

I wanted to understand why Marco would give up so many years of his life to live a lie, but I just couldn't get into his head.

I wasn't sure what Avery did for a living that was "illegal" even though author tried to explain it.

Nothing clicked for me.

I'm thankful and honored I got the chance to review this book. I became a fan of Alessandra Torre since I read The Deanna Madden series. The woman is a genius and I want to be like her when I grow up. Her stories are always unique and enthralling, her characters are not stereotyped figures, but real and flawed people who are unapologetic about who they are. How refreshing is that?
Avery and Marco were no exception to these rules. Hidden Seams didn't disappoint. I was once again hooked since the first page and craving some time off to sneak under the covers and read ( and cover my blushed face and fan myself. Dear Lord, that was hot).
Hands down, Alessandra, you've done it again. I can't wait for what's coming next.

I had read The Ghostwriter a month or so ago and I was SO impressed I immediately added this book to my TBR. I hardly ever read erotica, but in the spirit of broadening my reading, I request this book and was very excited when it got approved! This story is so sexy, steamy and made my face go scarlet when I was reading it in public transport. It was SO ADDICTIVE I almost finished in one day. While a lot of the plot parts felt too rushed or required a bit of forgiving characters for being so obnoxious from time to time. I had some problem with the rudeness of Marco and how he just throws money at everything (but then again, if I were a billionaire, maybe I'd do that, too). But in any case, I really liked Avery, too! The romance was SO rushed, but it didn't feel out of place in the novel at all. Was rather sweet how both developed feelings so quickly, in my opinion. I will definitely read more from Alessandra Torre!

I didn’t read the synopsis for Hidden Seams. I had no idea what it was about. I only read it because Alessandra Torre wrote it. I’ve been a huge fan of hers for a while and I was intrigued by this one, simply because of the cover. Which is freakin’ gorgeous, by the way. And while I enjoyed it, for me, this one didn’t live up to her other books.

For the first 10% or so of the book, I was so incredibly confused. Once I understood what was going on, it was much smoother sailing. I’m used to being in a bit of a fog when reading her books. Torre is a master manipulator and has always been able to fool me. But aside from the confusion in the beginning, I actually could tell very early on what was going to happen. It was much more predictable than any of her other books have been. When it came time for the big reveal, it was more of a “well…duh!” moment for me, so what should have been sort of the climax of the story felt uneventful.

I also didn’t feel a huge connection between Marco and Avery, which was a complete shock to me. Normally, Torre’s characters have so much spark and chemistry that they jump off the pages. I’m typically all but fanning myself. And while there were moments where there’d be a spark, it seemed to quickly fade. So when the time came for emotions to be declared, I didn’t feel it from either of them and felt sort of confused about how we’d gotten there.

On the flip side of all of this, I do have to say that Torre’s writing was solid. She really does have great talent and skill. It’s obvious that the foundation is there and it’s strong, it’s just that the filler this time didn’t make me fall in love the way that I’ve become accustomed.

Overall, Hidden Seams was a good, enjoyable book. I definitely lean more towards like than dislike, despite what I said above. I’ve just started holding Torre to a higher standard, and she missed the mark. For me. But I think that for others, this might be a winner. I look forward to her next book. I hope she blows me out of the water.

A quick mental escape from reality as readers get to delve into the world Torre creates. Steamy, twisty and sexy! Admittedly, I was a bit offput by the intro because it wasn't my style but I am so glad that I stuck with it. Marco is dreamy and completely adorable! received a free copy on behalf of Net-galley.

Alessandra Torre’s latest contemporary romance, Hidden Seams, is set in the fashion industry. The author has again shown her readers the strength of her storytelling talents. While Hidden Seams doesn’t have any major twists, it does have plenty of minor twists and a very satisfying storyline

Hidden Seams is told in dual narration by the main characters Marco Lent and Avery McKenna. The leisurely start to the novel allows for thorough character development. The gorgeous Marco Lent caught the eye of fashion mogul, Vince Horace. The two struck a mutually beneficial agreement that ultimately resulted in a long, loving relationship. Strikingly beautiful and street smart, Avery is financially successful but alone. Her rough beginning makes it a bit difficult to believe how smoothly she blends into Marco Lent’s multi-million dollar lifestyle.

Marco and Avery have vastly different backgrounds. They meet under the most unlikely circumstances, and yet, their chemistry is undeniable. At times, Marco behaves like the biggest jerk to Avery, however, his animosity is primarily about denial and self-preservation. In fact, both characters are highly motivated by self-preservation, and their surface animosity just barely masks their overwhelming appreciation for one another’s fine, fine looks.

I loved how this story evolved and the characters blossomed. This romantic, engaging story is humorous and sexy, and the conclusion is nothing short of perfection.

Absolutely addictive! I read this book in 1 sitting and loved every moment of it!

I absolutely loved Hidden Seams from start to finish because it had a very unique storyline. It really captured my attention from the very first page and form that moment I could not put the book down until the very end. This story had many twists throughout it that really surprised me. The characters within the story I absolutely loved and the chemistry between the main character was off the charts, This story reminded me why Alessandra Torre is one of my favourite authors to read.

When you embark on the journey that is an Alessandra Torre’s, you never where the destiantion will end. I went into this book blind.
I was captivated by these two loner souls who where trying to keep the people around them at arm’s length. Avery and Marco were dynamic, complex and struggling. Torre knows how to keep a story flowing The story was well-paced and the seamless. I really enjoyed it and smiled from the shiny eggs planted in there.

I love Alessandra's books and have never been disappointed. This book, however, just was OK for me. I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't read it again.

Hidden Seams is a standalone adult contemporary novel.

I know that this author writes all different types of books. So I really had no idea what to expect with this book. The Ghostwriter, was one of my favorite books of 2017. So I was definitely looking forward to reading Hidden Seams.

I was very curious if this book was a contemporary romance, a mystery, or if it would be too sexy. I guess in many ways it is a romance. It wasn't too sexy in terms of content. But one of the narrators does talk about sex a lot.

The book started off with some very original concepts. The two narrators are Marco and Avery (31). And both of them had such unique stories. Marco was living a very interesting life in the fashion world in NYC (although I wish that there had been more of this world in the book). And Avery was living a very sketchy life in Detroit. Their worlds collide in a very fascinating way.

The book does have romance and is quite sexy. I found Marco's POV to have a very sexual tone (a little bit crass at times). I do wish that the attraction/romance had not been so fast. I prefer when a romance builds vs feelings developing super quickly.

The story definitely kept my interest. The beginning threw so much at the reader. And I really have not read a story like Marco's before.

There were a couple of unpredictable events that I did not see coming. Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I just wish that there had been more about the fashion industry. And I was looking for a bit more from the romance.

My first Alessandra Torre book but most definitely not my last. This story brings a whole new meaning to hiding who and what you are. Many of us hide our overt sexuality, our orientation, our hearts. Marco has been hiding who he is for decades and now when he probably shouldn't, this whirlwind of a girl, Avery shows up and throws his entire world, his entire existence, everything he has worked for so diligently for so many years, off its axis.

Avery just wants to finally know who she is. She isn't looking for love, she isn't looking for a relationship. Despite what she does for a living, she is a good person, a do-gooder who is trying to protect people she barely knows. Yes, Marco is super hot, super rich but he is a pampered, arrogant man and his previous relationship threatens her world. Can she be who she is meant to be without losing herself. Will Marco throw away everything he has worked for for his shot at love? Or does money and legacy mean more to him than anything else?

Hidden Seams is a stand-alone novel. Vince Horace is king of the fashion world. He was bigger than life, a fashion legend. The story opens with Vince’s death. His partner Marco is experiencing many emotions about his friend, mentor & “partner.”

Ten years prior, Vince “propositioned” Marco Lent, a struggling fashion designer, to be his “partner”. For Vince this was done primarily to keep his “image” and “reputation” intact. Vince had a reputation for being full of life, wild. Marco Lent is straight, very straight.

“Vince was definitely gay. Ridiculously, whole heartedly, helplessly, gay. Trust me on that.”

The two become close. To the outside world they were partners, lovers. In private, they were friends, Vince a mentor. Things change when Vince passes away. Marco doesn’t know where or how he fits in. He struggles to find his way. As per Vince’s will, Marco inherits everything. All of the assets and the company, except….

If an heir, proven by paternity, ever comes forward, any distribution of my assets will be determined and handled by Marco Lent. At minimum, the heir should have a seat on the Board of Directors of Vince Horace.

The first quarter of the book was a little slow. But as the story progressed, I was hooked! The memories of Vince were very funny. Marco described Vince as a “showman, fiercely loyal, colorful yet refined and fun.” But, Marco is torn between his fond memories of Vince and the choices he made to stay his partner. He gave up his own life for one of success and wealth. Although Marco was extremely talented, he may have never achieved that type of success as a struggling designer in the cut throat fashion industry.

Enter Avery McKenna. She comes into the story looking for her biological father. She is armed with a photograph of her mom and an unknown man who looks like Vince Horace. The picture was taken at a concert where Avery was “conceived.” She is now the wrinkle between Marco taking over the Vince Horace throne and ten years of the charade. Vince’s legacy could be destroyed and his secret exposed!

I loved Avery’s character! She is a straight shooter! She may have some “shady” ways but she is very caring about those around her and very protective. Some of her quick decisions were so funny! There is so much more to her than meets the eye!

The book goes in a direction that I did not expect but I really enjoyed! There are many twists and turns. Expect the unexpected with Marco and Avery!

A showman, that’s what Vince had been, that’s what his entire brand was built on. Colorful yet refines excess. Expensive. Daring. Fun.

Avery has a risky job laundering money. It’s not what she set out to do but what she sort of fell into. But now she’s got it down pat and she makes her money drops like the professional she is. In her funky clothes and with a snarky attitude you would never know that she feels disconnected and lost. The only clue to what she’s looking for is found behind her car’s visor and when she’s not even looking it is suddenly dropped into her lap.

Marco has lived a lie for the last decade. The payoff is close at hand but the truth of the matter is the life he’s been living has cost him not only his reputation, but his self-respect as well. What seemed to be a solid plan to move forward has suddenly taken a nose dive when a smart mouthed, sexy girl leaps in front of his car and is hit. Now he’s facing a string of decisions that will either reveal the farce of his existence, as well as that of someone he loved dearly, or lose the one person he’s finding it hard to stay away from.

I really enjoyed this story. With Avery and Marco’s banter and chemistry this book moved at warp speed and I couldn’t read the first half of it fast enough. It slowed a bit afterwards and I was a little disappointed that some of the storylines it had the potential to follow didn’t pan out. However, I was still enthralled with the relationship between these two and curious to see how they would address the elephant in the room, so to speak.

The epilogue was exceptional and erased any lingering trace of disappointment I might have had. I was thrilled with the way this author wrapped this story up, checking all my boxes for the perfect ending. Definitely a read you will want to try if you’re looking for a bit of lovers to enemies to lovers trope that doesn’t go too heavy on the enemy part. Angst was relatively light and the connection between this couple was enough to steam my Kindle.

This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley.

Dual POV
Safe
No apparent triggers

Wow! This book just blew me away. Talk about a crazy story!

Marco Lent is living a life he never imagined....having a career he couldn't have wished more for. Too bad his life was a big lie. Marco thought being Vince Horace's boyfriend in name only would set him up for life and just when the end is in sight, and he can have his real life back, a tornado in the name of Avery Hartsfield crashes into his world.

Avery was adopted by a wealthy couple but for some reason she rebelled. At a young age Avery found herself on the streets of Detroit, MI after running away. Learning to be tough she provided herself a comfortable life.

Avery wanted to find her birth parents and was able to find her mom shortly before her mom died but she only had a picture of her dad that her birth mom gave her. She didn't know the guy's name. Imagine her surprise when one day on the TV she sees one of the men in photo from her birth mom and it's none other than Vince Horace, the biggest name in the fashion industry. Too bad the TV was talking about Vince's death. Deciding to see if she could find out more about Vince, Avery heads to New York City. While there she "bumps" into Vince's boyfriend, Marco, but doesn't let on that she knows who he is. One thing leads to another and BOOM...these two just explode. As their lives are slowly meshing together in the utmost crazy way, they are just drawn to each other.

Both Avery and Marco need to figure many things out in their crazy world and it really leads to a great story. I just loved Avery and Marco. They were both so flawed, yet so perfect. It was crazy how they just fit together. Overall I really LOVED this story and couldn't put it down. Just when you think you have something figured out....nope....the author changes directions. I highly recommend this book. You will not be sorry.

Marco and Avery are HOT. This book is HOT. The writing is HOT.

I should not have read this book on the subway.

Alessandra Torre knows how to write a sizzling read and this is just the ticket to heat up the cold winter night.

I can't tell you enough how much I loved this book. As my first encounter with this author I think that I picked a blinder of a book to read. Once I opened the first page I became enchanted and entranced and the ease of how I got so lost in this amazing book was so very surprising. It's not only a tale of the hot and sexy kind, most of all it's a beautiful story of finding out who you really are and learning about the many forms that love takes.
Avery McKenna at first glance seems to be a girl from Detroit who mixes with the wrong kind of people, living and working in a dangerous environment. She's a tough cookie with a heart that is caring of others while never having felt loved or wanted herself. Maro Lent is a rich boy and lover of recently departed famous fashion designer Vince Horace. He has lived a lie for the past ten years to inherit a fortune and will do anything to protect Vince's legacy.
Avery and Marco have a great chemistry right from the start and I loved their constant battle of trying to keep each other at arm's length while failing miserably. They are always suspicious of each other in every situation but then they end up throwing caution to the wind and giving in to the passion and fire that builds up between them. The sex sizzles, the banter is hilarious and the storyline left me never wanting it to end.
Alessandra Torre is an author I have seen many readers and bloggers often rave about and after reading this book I can totally see for myself why. I will most definitely be looking to read more books by this author in the future.

I love most of Alessandra Torre’s books. And this one seemed to start out really promising. I loved both characters from the start and the chemistry between Marco and Avery was sizzling hot. Then around 80% it got fast paced and over the top. The ending was dragged out and went over several chapters.

Overall it was a great story. Would read again.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.