Cover Image: Hidden Seams

Hidden Seams

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Hidden Seams is the best Alessandra Torre romance I've read (and I've read them all!). This book covers all the emotions and has the best character dialogue I have read in quite a while. Alessandra's writing is like a thread weaving around your heart -- pulling tighter and leaving you breathless with each scene.

Avery is hard and jaded and she pulls no punches. She takes what she wants, but does she know what she wants? Following her journey is emotional and heartrending. I liked the fact that she wasn't a prissy girl and she had this tough exterior, but ultimately you know there is something deeper.

Marco is a strong character who is easy to empathize with but still has flaws that make you love him all the more. Knowing where he came from and what happened in his life puts you squarely in his shoes and you feel the emotions as he falls. I adored the way Marco and Avery came together, their physical relationship, as well as their emotional connection, make this story fantastic.

Alessandra Torre has tugged at my heartstrings and wrenched those tears out of my eyes. She's made me smile and she has given us a wonderful new story with a must-read epilogue that is absolutely perfect.

Was this review helpful?

Hidden Seams is Alessandra Torre's latest standalone novel. It's got one little cameo by the couple from Love in Lingerie, but the stories do not tie in together at all.

Avery McKenna is basically a loner. She works for herself (illegal dealings) but helps women become citizens of the US (noble). She's never felt part of a family. Being adopted, she never felt love from her parents, and found herself searching for her biological family. After recognizing a fashion designer in a photo, she realizes she may have hit the dad jackpot and sets out to find answers.

Marco Lent is the leading man in fashion. After his partner of ten years passes away, he's left with an empire. Reeling from his life choices, he's not prepared when Avery blasts into his life and tears his world apart.

I'm going to be completely honest here, Hidden Seams was so slow moving in the beginning that I didn't think I was going to finish it. Once I got to about 30% however, I was in it for the long haul and I'm so glad I didn't put it down. Avery McKenna is one of the strongest heroines I've ever read. She's headstrong and independent and we don't see that enough in this romance world. She gives Marco a run for her money while also trying to protect her heart. Without giving anything away, I will say that I loved that Avery and Marco didn't really have a falling out. Given their circumstances, they had some separation, but their relationship built and stayed true throughout the story, and I felt that was truly needed given their situation; Avery needing family, Marco losing his partner.

4 stars because it took me days to actually get into and start enjoying this story.

Was this review helpful?

Marco Lent has been living a lie. He has sacrificed his own interests for the past decade when he agreed to become the extremely public partner to fashion mogul, Vince Horace. Sooner than expected he is now left as the sole heir to his fortune and the fashion empire he leaves behind. 

Avery McKenna has never laid eyes on Vince Horace in her life. But she takes one look at his picture and just knows... this is the man she has been looking for. 

Marco has no qualms in burying Avery's claims where they belong. But, underestimating Avery is the worst mistake he can make... well, that and exposing his big lie to the one person who could destroy his reputation with it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I loved this book!! Marco is one spoiled, haughty and... delicious man. I had no idea what to expect from his character, but I loved him endlessly for all his snobbish and jerky ways. The deal that he agrees to with Vince is crazy, but the friendship he gains from it is something he will cherish forever. He may have technically been living a lie, but he embraced Vince's lifestyle like it was truly his own.

Avery is amazeballs. Tough and amazing, she works a dangerous job to help as many people as she possibly can. When she decides to approach the estate of Vince Horace she is not expecting her claim to be welcome, but what she really isn't expecting is Marco. 

Yet again, Alessandra Torre writes a completely unique and spellbinding read. Marco and Avery couldn't have been thrown into any more complicated of a situation. Their story is an atypical, and incredibly sexy ride from beginning to end. You must read this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 Stars!!

When I started reading Hidden Seams, I though I had an idea of what the story line was going to be like just by the blurb. I had it all wrong! In the first three chapters, I was asking myself what the heck is going on. I was already on a tailspin of thoughts that were racing through my head. I was unsure I could keep up. I loved that Alessandra did that to me as a reader. I kept grasping for more.

Vince's and Marco's relationship was a surprise when the truth came out. I again thought that I had it all figured out until a twist of the story showed up named Avery. The whats and the who's rushed into my head. The intensity of the characters chemistry blew me away. I was sad and happy. I cried and laughed. The emotions were an all time high! If you have read Alessandra's books before you know what I mean.

I loved each page and was glued to the book. Hidden Seams is a perfect title for the story. You get the strong and the weak. In the end, you get it all!

Was this review helpful?

Hidden Seams was a brilliant story with many different sides to it. The main focus was, of course, the romance between Marco and Avery but then there was also the part of Avery trying to find out who she was, and Marco's struggle to keep his best friends secret. it all came together really well and that was my best part of the story for me.

It's sounds crazy to say but these characters were better together because it was like they came alive with all of the chemistry between them. Separately they were great to get to know and they both had a lot going on in their personal lives, but when they were together it was like they had so much more energy and it made me like them a lot more.

The story was unique, I thought, since it's not everyday you read a straight man playing a gay man. Though I liked that the book wasn't full of drama because of that situation and instead it was all pretty light. I felt like that worked better with the characters and gave more space to see how they reacted to the connection they shared.

Was this review helpful?

When I first read the blurb for Hidden Seams I was definitely intrigued, trying to figure out the plot in my head before I even read it. And anything I came up with was definitely wrong! This book is unique, an enemies to lovers full of twists & turns, and I loved it!

Marco Lent & Avery McKenna live vastly different lives, one front & center in the public eye, the other living in mob centric Detroit. While Marco is used to being waited on hand & foot, having everything (literally) handed to him on a silver platter, Avery has worked her butt off to make a life for herself and the less fortunate. There is no reason their paths should ever cross, until a major death & a photograph send them crashing into each other. Secrets threaten to come out, lies are exposed, and Marco & Avery find themselves battling for what they both believe to be theirs.

As usual Alessandra Torre has given us a book that is beautifully written, flows seamlessly & is completely addicting. Her characters are realistic, full of flaws & insecurities, and you can't help but love each and every one. This book was fun, flirty & full of surprises, and highly recommend picking it up!

Was this review helpful?

It's such a fun, sassy, cheeky read, almost like the writer herself!
I'm 💯 sure this one will be optioned for a movie, very soon. The story is so involving, I couldn't leave reading it ! Written so well, with a lot of research, I raced through it and disappointed that it ended too soon. I want more of Avery McKenna/Horace's adorable attempts to seduce Marco Lent, the very Gay other half of Vince Horace and I also want more of their roaring fire of a chemistry. Wow ! Just Wow! His anatomy is of a perfect Greek God, which needs to be worshipped night and day, with tongue, lips and hands.....and i volunteer!!!!! 

“God your ego is…” I let my eyes fall to the massive organ that hangs between muscular marble thighs. “Huge,”
If I was dating a guy who looked like this naked, I’d put statues of him in every single room. 



And a statue on my lawn, and a gargoyle in my pool and on Times Square Billboard too 😍. You'd think Marco must be the happiest guy on Top Of The World, living in a palace with an army of servants ready to kiss his ass, but he's miserable actually. This scrumptious piece of sex-muffin is hiding a secret 



In this world, the designers are the gods and lives are choreographed, backs stabbed, promises and threats made, all to try to climb onto one of those almighty thrones. I’m the worst of the bunch, and know the sacrifices more than anyone. The last ten years of my life has been orchestrated, a web of deceit and lies, all for one of those thrones.
It was sad, his dogged pursuit of a reputation. 
It was pathetic, my agreement to participate. 

And in steps this bumbling,sugar-tits Godess,Doc-Martens wearing Dodgers Fan from Detroit who lands with a thump on his Rolls Royce, bleeding emotions all over his expensive custom interior, shatters his peace of mind, his inheritance and his carefully constructed facade of life. 
He is gone ! 
I loved the book so much , like fell in love with Avery(does that make me a lesbian, I don't care 😄)
I would've loved if the story was a bit longer, I felt it was too short. And Marco to have held out more . But who can remain standing in front of this pint-sized, bad ass girl from the bad part of Detroit. She can handle Russians and deal with thugs, all in the same breath!
Criminal Avery socks Grease Monkey Marco in the heart with her Cupid's Arrow, and he's gooey eyed and so are the readers **😍sigh😍**
Thank you Alessandra for a fantastic book
4.5 "Come-Apart Seams" stars

Was this review helpful?

4.25 stars

The synopsis of this book is what got my attention. There are plenty of stories where a gay person hides their sexual orientation from others. But the reverse? A straight man pretending to be gay? Say whaaaaat? So, I had to check it out since I had so many questions.

Why did a man decide to do this?
Did he ever consider switching teams?
Did he ever stray (prior to this story)?
And most importantly . . .
How would he come clean and tell the truth?

I won't give away all the answers, but I was a little surprised on his reasons for giving up his sexual freedom, so to speak. I genuinely think that Marco Lent came to care for Vince Horace over time, just not the way you are thinking. They were friends, business partners, and confidants. Just not . . .more. And keeping their secret was vital. Talk about blue balls.

Marco has lived years denying his body what it craves, so when the temptation of a beautiful woman, Avery McKenna, falls into his lap, literally, it is more than he can take. If you've read the author's other books, you know how well she builds sexual tension, and this book is no different. The heat between Marco and Avery is undeniable. But both have a lot to lose by getting involved.

What I liked most about this book was the unique plot line and how it is explored. The main character could destroy the other by exposing their secrets. Yet each additional minute the share together, proves that the other may be worth the risks. And I liked how Avery's quest played out. Not so scandalous.

I did think that Avery's career issues were solved a bit too easily, but the venture proved the business smarts of both characters.

Overall, this was a fun read. As I mentioned, the plot was really different, and the story had a good balance of sweet, sexy and light amount of angst. Fans of this author will definitely enjoy it!

Was this review helpful?

Alessandra Torre’s storytelling is in a league of its own, and Hidden Seams pulled me in from the very start and kept me transfixed to the very end. I won’t delve too much into its unique and well-conceived plot, because what makes this book so engrossing is the slow and careful manner in which the story unfolds, which left me in breathless anticipation for each new revelation. Another highpoint is its compelling and unique characters. Marco Lent is the type of hero that I love to hate, and he seduced me with his evolution from irredeemable to redeemable. Avery Hartsfield is an intriguing mix of cheeky crusader and fearless rebel, and she knocks Marco to his knees. The sexual tension between them is powerful and fan-yourself-worthy, and heat radiates off every page. Hidden Seams is an evocatively written, emotionally charged and character-driven romance that I’ll be thinking about for months to come. USA Today's HEA

Was this review helpful?

Marco Lent has been a dutiful partner, spending the last ten years with a smile on his face all for a lie. A billion-dollar fashion empire is just within his reach, a promised exchange. When the beautiful and wild Avery McKenna shows up she threatens his carefully managed reputation and control. She claims to be an heir desperately seeking answers about her past, but Marco doesn't want to help her discover the truth he just wants to help her out of her clothes and distract her long enough for the ink to dry and the empire to be his.

"Now he's gone, and I'm fighting to stay in this life, in this role that no longer has purpose."

I didn't quite know what to expect from Hidden Seams, the blurb keeps the storyline a secret giving readers just a taste of what is on the pages. It's an intriguing standalone that I don't think really reads like any other book I've read before. It's more than a romance, featuring complex characters who meet one another on their journeys of self discovery. Marco is the handsome, wealthy designer who graces every gossip new outlet and is well known for his attitude. Avery is the beautiful, do-gooder criminal with a history of running away from her adopted parents in search of a different life. They're two opposite sides of a coin, but they could possibly be tied together in a very serious way. The story of these two meeting isn't very cute, but it is certainly entertaining, sexy, and fast-paced. I really appreciated how much time Alessandra Torre spent on telling each character's story and how she weaved their story into one as they discovered both their chemistry and possible connection. Each character could have easily carried the story alone, but the alternating POV was excellent for the type of drama Hidden Seams boasts. There are a few twists, a lot of witty dialogue, and some quality push-and-pull between Marco and Avery as they navigate the tough situation they've put themselves in.

"It was a mistake, one that didn't make any sense, an act that occurred between the two worst people possible.
But I don't regret it. More than that, I want it again.

Hidden Seams is another example of how versatile Alessandra Torre is, with her previous novel a Thriller Mystery and much of her prior work is known as contemporary romance and erotic romance. I stayed up until nearly 2 AM reading and found myself genuinely enjoying the journey. It was a very engaging read, one I highly recommend to my fellow romance lovers.

"I miss her eyes on me. I like them, even when they glare, even when they cut."

Was this review helpful?

Each time I read an Alessandra Torre novel, I am more and more impressed. Her stories are always thought provoking and intriguing. I know I have never read a story like the ones she writes.

She gives us unique storylines and characters who you want to hate but love anyway. Hidden Seams is no different. I was interested in this story once I read the blurb. Once I started reading the story I couldn’t put it down. I don’t want to say much about the storyline because as with all her books, you will want to experience and unravel all that is in this story for yourself.

This story will have your mind reeling and your emotions all over the place. I laughed at times, I cried in parts, I definitely blushed, but I also fell in love while reading this story. Ms. Torre is a fantastic writer and is someone every reader should experience.

Hidden Seams is Ms. Torre’s latest standalone novel. It is told in Dual POV and can be read and enjoyed without reading any of her other books. In this story you will follow the journey of Marco and Avery. This is a story about finding oneself. It is a story that is filled with lies, secrets and betrayals, but also humor, love and sexy times. I thought this story moved at the perfect pace and that the flow of the story was effortless. You can’t help but get sucked into this story and these characters lives. After all the secrets are revealed, will Marco and Avery be able to find the happiness they both deserve?? Read this story to find out.

I loved that we got to see some cameos from other characters in some of her other books. You don’t have to read those books first because they are in no way related to Hidden Seams, it was just nice seeing them again. I hope to see Marco and Avery again in the future :)

So if you are a fan of a unique storyline and a novel full of secrets then this is a book you should read. Also if you are already a fan of Alessandra’s writing, then you don’t want to miss out on this latest GEM!!!!

Was this review helpful?

4-4.5 stars

Hidden Seams was a unique,fun,super hot and passionate story!There were many things that I liked in this story,one of them is the plot which was unique!I haven't read anything like that!Secondly the characters who rocked this book!

"I used to hate kissing.I used to hate it and now, with her, I never want anything else."

Avery is my favorite character!She is strong and independent!Marco and Avery have an amazing chemistry!They have a lot of fun,passionate and steamy moments.I could feel everything these two were feeling for each other!

"There is fire in her kiss, an electrical impulse that shoots through my mouth, burns my chest..."

This is another thing I adored in this story!For one more time Alessandra proves that she is so talented!Hidden Seams was a captivating and brilliant story!If you are looking for a refreshing read this is definitely the perfect book for you!!

Was this review helpful?

OH MY HEAVENS!!! THIS BOOK, YOU GUYS! I FLOVED IT! I couldn't put it down! Top read of 2018? Yes! So I'm going to try to tell you about this book without giving anything away. I know the synopsis doesn't say much, but it tells you enough :) I loved these characters. They're flawed and both come from very different backgrounds. One has had to work hard and smart to get where she is today and the other, kinda had to sell his soul. Neither of them expected the other or the chemistry. Holy hotness, Batman! They can't ignore the chemistry that's palpable between them! I was sucked into this book and read it in one sitting! It's decadent and delicious and I didn't want it to be over. Go grab this book today!

Was this review helpful?

Some books are great, some are ok, and then there are the ones that remind you why you are here. Why you read, blog, promote, do all the things to help the book world and the authors you love. I usually only find one or two of these a year. Hidden Seams is my reminder at a time when I needed it the most. I've had a 2 month book funk going on, it's been brutal. I've read a few really good books in that time but none that took that book funk and threw it out the window. This book was fresh and so much in a class of its own that I had a hard time labeling it for genres list that we use on our blog. It's so many things that it's really hard to figure out which describe it the most. There's romance, mystery, erotic, m/m and more. Yes it's a enemies to lovers story but it's more than that. It's hard to explain and I can't do it without spoiling the story.

Marco and Avery had so much chemistry and so much heat between them that it was hard not to fan myself through the whole book. You feel it in your soul while reading and it's the most captivating thing about the book, that's not an easy thing to do for writer. I've read a lot of book where the chemistry was amazing between two characters but to FEEL it while reading is a whole other thing. It's one of my favorite things to find when reading. Alessandra is one of the rare authors who can make you feel a full range of emotions while reading her books. It's something that makes me keep coming back to her stories.

I really don't know what else I could say. It's amazing and flawless and so unique. I honestly can picture this being my #1 book of the year and yes I know it's only January. I just can't see anything topping Hidden Seams. Yes I know it's only 14 days into 2018 and yes I know how crazy that sounds. Read the book and find out why I'm claiming this. Go ahead...I'll wait right here.

Was this review helpful?

Alessandra Torre is an author that has surpassed my expectations again and again. She is one of only a few authors that write the most unique standalone novels I had the pleasure of reading. She excels in writing remarkable and utterly distinctive stories with original plots and characters that leave me speechless.

I absolutely adored Hidden Seams!! It was an extraordinarily unique and beautiful novel.

Honest to god, this love story made me swoon. The characters made me laugh. And the story was just heartwarmingly  BEAUTIFUL!

Beautiful in its execution, from the main characters stories to the way they interacted. The sexual tension as well as the palpable heart-felt emotions between the main couple jumped off the pages. Every single emotion from loneliness to hope, loyalty to love, was authentic, genuine and tangible.

The novel was especially beautiful in it's uniqueness. Check out the blurb and tell me that you are not intrigued by it. I was BLOWN away and immediately fascinated.  This novel became irresistible to me. The idea, and later on the characters immediately impressed me. This book excited me, made me laugh, and smile. The last 25% of the book I was grinning like a lunatic. A full stop, face cracking, muscle aching grinning.

I was so HAPPY reading this book.

The author gave me the kind of romance I love. An ardent, passionate, all consuming love that was felt by both parties. A romance that understood compromise, and the desire to want the best for each other. A love that conquered the most difficult outlook. Not to mention it was low on angst and drama. No wonder I was in heaven reading this book. It had all my favorite ingredients.

A unique story. A lonely, insanely rich and spoiled but lovable hero. Which I was completely and unabashedly delighted by. The way he lived was a never-ending source of entertainment for me. A heroine that had one of the MOST interesting jobs and backstories EVER!!! She was strong, smart, and had a spine of steal. A straightforward attitude with a heart of gold. I would have loved to have her as my friend.

Together they had this magnetic attraction. An almost physical pull that made them abandon all rational thought and reason - which pleased me to no end.

There were more than one heartachingly beautiful moment in this story. Scenes that mad my heart go all gooey, and emotional. Touching beyond the obvious. And I can't forget the most amazing epilogue. Heartwarming, touching, and just utterly satisfying.

So, this novel deserves all my love and subsequently all the stars that are at my disposal.

Was this review helpful?

Get ready to have your socks knocked off in the next book by Alessandra Torre!!!

I tell you, I read this book with my mouth hanging open..I had no idea what Hidden Seams was about. I just know that I love...LOVE reading Alessandra Torre's books so I got a nice surprise while reading..such a different story line..and EEEPPPP I just eat that Shit up...Sooo freaking good!!!

First, let me take a moment and go read what the synopsis of the book is...lol I don't want to spoil anything for you. Torre is always a one click for me. I never read the synopsis of her books, I just dive right in, which is really my FAV way to go!!

Annnddd

Ok, I am back...lol Nevermind, I can't say too much in my review. lol Just know that Marco Lent lived a lie.

"The death of Vince Horace will not be ignored. Tonight, a throne is vacant, and everyone in the fashion world will be elbowing and fighting for a chance at it."

Then...Marco is about to inherit an empire.

"And then … she pops up. A mysterious heir with a rap sheet, combat boots, and a mouth that I want to pin shut with my—"

Y'all, just go one click on release day!!! I am going to stop right here. I just can't say anything else. Hidden Seams is such a breath of fresh air. Such a change in storylines and Holy Shit I wanna just tell you everything about it!!! lol

I gave Hidden Seams 5 iScream OMG I didn't see that coming Cones!!! Bravo at your new release Alessandre Torre it is freaking fan-dam-tastic!!!!

Was this review helpful?

Hidden Seams was such a fun read, with amazing characters. I was in love with Avery from the start, she intrigued me so much and I just couldn't get enough of her. Alessandra writes the best characters, and she does an incredible job in hooking you into the story. I liked Marco as well, but not as much because he was awful a couple of times. There were a couple of scenes where I wanted to hit him for acting that way, and making Avery mad/sad. However, Avery is a very independent and strong woman, who knows how to defend herself. She is also laid back with a huge heart. She was very unique and I loved her super original not so legal profession. It was for sure one of the highlights in this book. She had no fear and was very strong. This resulted into Marco not knowing what to do with her multiple times. These two balanced each other out. The attraction between them was super hot. They were explosive together (in a good way). Especially Marco couldn't resist himself around her.

So overall this was a great contemporary romance. What kept me interested were the awesome main (and side) characters and their unusual professions. Also their fun and sexy banter wasn't too bad either. Furthermore, I was glad that there were a couple of emotional scenes, plus a twist that I didn't see coming. The only thing that kept me from rating it higher was the development in their relationship. I wanted to see more growth in their relationship as a couple. The last quarter felt a bit rushed which left me somewhat unsatisfied. However, I was glad that an epilogue was included because those make me very happy. A couple of characters from Alessandra's other books were mentioned and made appearances in this book, so that was fun as well. If you are looking for a fun and sexy contemporary romance, then make sure to pick up this book.

Was this review helpful?

Marco is always hopeful that his woman is willing to go away with him, “then, let’s go. Pack a bag and I’ll have you naked on a bed within twenty minutes.” It isn't just Marco who has good ideas, his woman has a few herself, “good. Because Grease Monkey Marco is pretty damn sexy.” I pull at his neck and kiss him, then roll out and away from him. “Now. Let’s find a hotel room without a dozen Russians in it, and work out every fantasy I have.” I liked this book, I poved Marco, I loved that he and Avery drove each other crazy.

Was this review helpful?

I thought I knew what to expect in Hidden Seams going in, but if I've learned anything about Alessandra Torre over the years, it's that she's a master manipulator where her readers are concerned. She's brilliant at creating a story that is both captivating and confusing. She pushes boundaries and stretches the limits of one's comfort more and more with each new book. She toys with her readers, luring them in one direction only to halt them in their tracks with twisted revelations, with shocking secrets, with hidden seams. So, true to form, this book quickly evolved into a story I never saw coming, one I couldn't predict, and one I couldn't put down.

I adore a good romance and I love a story that's drenched in sensuality and steamy eroticism. But I truly appreciate a storyline that makes me think, forces me outside the box, tests my limits. Marco Lent will make you question everything. He's as magnetic as he is perplexing. His wholly unorthodox lifestyle and the messy course of events that transpire once Avery McKenna sends it spiraling out of control make for one seriously unpredictable concept. My mind was boggled. These characters are so different, rarely relatable, often misunderstood... But, still, I loved them.

The banter between EVERY single character in this book is so sharp, so quick witted, so smart. I'm not sure if this book intentionally set out to be funny but it really was. You can't help but giggle at the fiery barbs being thrown around, the underhanded digs and the sarcastic one-offs. The characters in this book are so colorful, the story rife with well timed humor. But Hidden Seams is also incredibly intense. These are incredible personalities in an extraordinary situation; tensions are high, emotions are right on the edge and the sexual chemistry is brimming. This is both a book that you can curl up with and let it sweep you away and one you'll be turning the pages hungrily just to see where this can go, how this crazy dynamic will play out, what will become of this unbelievably twisted situation once the threads start coming loose.

Hidden Seams is a little out there, if I'm being honest. It's silly at times, sexy always. It's a bit wild, certainly more far fetched, I think, than anything this author has written before. The flow of the story also had a much different vibe from anything else I've read from Alessandra Torre. But it's SO MUCH FUN to read. And it's adorably romantic. And completely unpredictable. And super sexy. And it'll make you smile. It's light and sweet and moving in the most unexpected ways. It's all a bit crazy but in only the best ways. Hidden Seams is quirky and sexy and uniquely Alessandra Torre and I really adored it.

Was this review helpful?