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Pretty Young Things
Greed. Jealousy. Lust.
It all started with a bloody palm and a promise. Words beneath the moonlight that I thought would keep us together. Forever.
Deceit. Betrayal. Vengeance.
I didn’t see it coming. I didn’t think you had it in you. But what was supposed to bury me—break me—simply remade me as something new. Something hellbent on ruining you, my love.
*This book is a complete stand-alone based on the classic The Count of Monte Christo*
It all started with a bloody palm and a promise. Words beneath the moonlight that I thought would keep us together. Forever.
Deceit. Betrayal. Vengeance.
I didn’t see it coming. I didn’t think you had it in you. But what was supposed to bury me—break me—simply remade me as something new. Something hellbent on ruining you, my love.
*This book is a complete stand-alone based on the classic The Count of Monte Christo*
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2019
78 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Ace Gray
16 books818 followersAce Gray is a best selling author, self-proclaimed troublemaker and connoisseur of both the good life and fairy tales. After a life-long love affair with both books, she undertook writing the novel she wanted to read. Ten books later, she's gotten to live in the world of billionaires, twisted murders, and sweet small towns. She's made her heart race both with suspense and serious swoon and wouldn't trade one minute, one word of it.
When she's not writing, she owns a taco truck in a ski town in Colorado even though she can't cook a lick (that's all her husband). She loves paddle boarding, snowboarding, camping, basically anything outside... and hosting dinner parties (though she's only in it for the drinks). Oh, and of course, writing more words.
Ace is the author of Strictly Business, Bad For Business, Family Business, Twisted Fate, Twisted Death, A Twisted Love Story, Twisted Secrets, Of Smoke & Cinnamon: A Christmas Story, Pretty Young Things, All The Letters I'll Never Send You and All The Letters I've Ever Read. These titles are available on Amazon.
When she's not writing, she owns a taco truck in a ski town in Colorado even though she can't cook a lick (that's all her husband). She loves paddle boarding, snowboarding, camping, basically anything outside... and hosting dinner parties (though she's only in it for the drinks). Oh, and of course, writing more words.
Ace is the author of Strictly Business, Bad For Business, Family Business, Twisted Fate, Twisted Death, A Twisted Love Story, Twisted Secrets, Of Smoke & Cinnamon: A Christmas Story, Pretty Young Things, All The Letters I'll Never Send You and All The Letters I've Ever Read. These titles are available on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 22, 2019
‘PRETTY YOUNG THINGS' Is a full length romance novel by new to me author Ace Gray.
I don’t even know where to start with this review, such a twisted vengeful read all in the name of jealousy, the story surrounds a group of sun seeking surfer boys, and the girl that was their undoing, misfits that were casted aside by families that mistreated them which sealed their fates.
A pact made as young teens, making them blood brothers, a bond thicker than siblings.
But for one of these boys things just fell into his lap so effortlessly, he got the girl, he got the job, he got the future that they all strived to get but was always out of their grasp.
What happens when jealousy rears its ugly head, how far would you go?
When Greed, Jealousy and Lust go hand in hand, Vengeance wins hands down.
This for me was a wee bit disjointed, it flitted from past to present, gaps in time frames also occurred so it kind of made for hard reading and character development was lacking, I didn't really form any sort of connection with any of the characters, though I liked Dante above the others. I also really don't think it needed to be as long as it was. But in saying that there were some aspects that I really enjoyed, I liked the connection Dante made with Priest, and the strong bond he formed with Max. I would've also liked to have seen more of the boys as teens as that is where the discord amongst them reared its ugly head. But all in all still an enjoyable read.
January 21, 2019
First, the cover of this book is AWESOME! I love it!
So, I really enjoy this author's writing. She is pretty much one of the only author's that can get me to read OTT angst, OW drama, and cheating, and enjoy it. So I was super excited to get my hands on this book. Alas, although overall it was an enjoyable book, it just didn't quite hit the bullseye for me. It was a bit too long and slow moving. I am not a fan of when authors skip huge chunks of time, and this happened almost every other chapter. A month here. Two months there. I started to find it annoying since the story was moving so slowly already. I also thought there were parts of the plot that were a bit far fetched. Like, there is NO way none of these people would have not
It wasn't all bad though. The writing itself was still great. I loved the author's take on the Count Of Monte Cristo. This was probably the tamest book I have read by this author. Not much sex. No OW drama. No cheating. I didn't even find it particularly angsty. The secondary characters were suitably evil. I loved Max and Bert. I can't say I was a fan of Mercy's. She came across SOOO weak. I kept waiting for her to grow a pair and stand up for herself. Alas, that moment never really came. I liked Danté a bit better. However, he seemed to think the worse of Mercy pretty easily. Maybe it is just me, but when you love someone, you generally give that person the benefit of the doubt. Especially when you are not 100% sure what went down yourself. Last, it was all wrapped up in a satisfying ending. Although, I would have liked to have known what happened to the other two guys.
So yea, another mixed bag book. I seem to have gotten a few of those lately...
January 12, 2019
Pretty Young Things is an absolute tour de force. Seven points of view. A twenty-year span of time. Secrets and deception and revenge and redeption. Ace took this classic tale and transformed it into a modern day love story of epic proportions. I give it all the stars in the sky, even Cassiopeia.
January 14, 2019
***4 ‘On Every Constellation In The Sky’ Stars***
This one took me on one hell of a rollercoaster, not that I’m all that surprised after finding out that it was based on The Count of Monte Cristo ~ I mean this book on it’s own is chock full of jealousy, greed, betrayal and vengeance as it is ~ but Pretty Young Things took it to another level and there is still apart of me that is still recovering from it
It’s been many, many moons since I read the book (and watched the movie) but the themes of greed, jealousy, betrayal, vengeance, love and hope are ones that you never forget and with this new spin on a classic tale, things got even more intense. These characters, ALL of these characters, fascinated me in one way or another. It didn’t matter if they were the ‘betrayers’ or the ones who had been betrayed (though, there is a fine line there) I couldn’t help but want more of them. I hurt for Dante and Mercy, their lives were turned upside down and inside out through no fault of their own, but this didn’t mean that I didn’t want to reach out a few times and smack some sense into them. And as for the betrayers, I can’t say that I sympathized with them ~ though one I did empathize with more than the others ~ but I can’t say that I didn’t find them intriguing regardless of what they did.
This is my first read by the author and I really enjoyed i, she definitely brought this tale into the 21 century and made it her own. All of the characters ~ love them or hate them ~ were very well written and really made the story come alive. Of the secondary characters, Priest is my favorite. He may not have had a lot of page time, but he definitely left a mark. So, if you love a little jealousy, betrayal and vengeance mixed in with your romance, then this one is a definite must read!
~ Copy provided by Give Me Books & voluntarily reviewed ~
This one took me on one hell of a rollercoaster, not that I’m all that surprised after finding out that it was based on The Count of Monte Cristo ~ I mean this book on it’s own is chock full of jealousy, greed, betrayal and vengeance as it is ~ but Pretty Young Things took it to another level and there is still apart of me that is still recovering from it
It’s been many, many moons since I read the book (and watched the movie) but the themes of greed, jealousy, betrayal, vengeance, love and hope are ones that you never forget and with this new spin on a classic tale, things got even more intense. These characters, ALL of these characters, fascinated me in one way or another. It didn’t matter if they were the ‘betrayers’ or the ones who had been betrayed (though, there is a fine line there) I couldn’t help but want more of them. I hurt for Dante and Mercy, their lives were turned upside down and inside out through no fault of their own, but this didn’t mean that I didn’t want to reach out a few times and smack some sense into them. And as for the betrayers, I can’t say that I sympathized with them ~ though one I did empathize with more than the others ~ but I can’t say that I didn’t find them intriguing regardless of what they did.
This is my first read by the author and I really enjoyed i, she definitely brought this tale into the 21 century and made it her own. All of the characters ~ love them or hate them ~ were very well written and really made the story come alive. Of the secondary characters, Priest is my favorite. He may not have had a lot of page time, but he definitely left a mark. So, if you love a little jealousy, betrayal and vengeance mixed in with your romance, then this one is a definite must read!
~ Copy provided by Give Me Books & voluntarily reviewed ~
September 27, 2019
Arc received,in exchange for an honest review.
I must admit I struggled a little with this book. When I first read the blurb I thought... brilliant it sounds like just the book for me. When I picked it up the first time I got about 10% in and thought I just can’t connect with this book and these characters.
Then I started seeing reviews come in and everyone was raving about the book so I thought I would pick it up and try again and I’m glad I did.
Pretty young things is a modern day story of the Count of Monte Cristo. There was lots of passion, trust issue, jealousy, love and betrayal. It was told from lots of different POVS which I found quite hard to keep up with.
The boys made a pact when they were younger and for one of them, everything in his life comes easily. What happens to this group of boys when jealousy comes out to play?
Give it a read and find out.
I must admit I struggled a little with this book. When I first read the blurb I thought... brilliant it sounds like just the book for me. When I picked it up the first time I got about 10% in and thought I just can’t connect with this book and these characters.
Then I started seeing reviews come in and everyone was raving about the book so I thought I would pick it up and try again and I’m glad I did.
Pretty young things is a modern day story of the Count of Monte Cristo. There was lots of passion, trust issue, jealousy, love and betrayal. It was told from lots of different POVS which I found quite hard to keep up with.
The boys made a pact when they were younger and for one of them, everything in his life comes easily. What happens to this group of boys when jealousy comes out to play?
Give it a read and find out.
January 6, 2019
When I read the blurb to Pretty Young Things I knew I needed to read it. The storyline was riveting and filled to the brim with a hero on a quest for vengeance and filled with volatile emotions including envy, jealousy, regret, hate and love. A mixed up cauldron of messy emotions that demanded my attention. But while the story was engaging, I felt a little lost as there seemed to be so many things happening at once. As a result, this story was a little bit of a mixed bag for me.
Without giving away any spoilers this book is a modern retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo. I enjoyed the book but felt like there were so many subplots within the story that took away from the actual main theme of vengeance from one man betrayed by his three friends. Furthermore, without giving away any relevant details, I felt like the character of Mercy was a little off putting at times. She seemed very dependent on the hero, almost to the point where he was an unhealthy crutch. In addition, she seemed almost meek and acquiescent towards people who were violent and abusive towards her. She lacked the fire that I hoped she would have.
All in all, while there were some parts that frustrated me, there were compelling parts that stole my attention. Give this story a try if you love vengeance seeking heroes! 3.5 stars! ~Ratula
Without giving away any spoilers this book is a modern retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo. I enjoyed the book but felt like there were so many subplots within the story that took away from the actual main theme of vengeance from one man betrayed by his three friends. Furthermore, without giving away any relevant details, I felt like the character of Mercy was a little off putting at times. She seemed very dependent on the hero, almost to the point where he was an unhealthy crutch. In addition, she seemed almost meek and acquiescent towards people who were violent and abusive towards her. She lacked the fire that I hoped she would have.
All in all, while there were some parts that frustrated me, there were compelling parts that stole my attention. Give this story a try if you love vengeance seeking heroes! 3.5 stars! ~Ratula
January 6, 2019
Ace Gray has written a masterful contemporary rehashing of a loved classic. She's upped the ante on our feelings by writing a storyline with added imagination and beautiful betrayal that you can't seem to look away from. Right from the very first pages she paints a picture of friendship and brotherhood that is beyond blood. Enter THE girl. Ugh! This poor girl! Life is fun and sweet for all...until it's not. We have all felt pangs of jealousy or greed or lust, making it understandable to identify with some of the underlying drive of the antagonists' motives. It's not just that camaraderie of common human nature though. Ace has a special skill writing characters with layers and depth that you just can't help feeling sorry for them at some level. And DAMN does the hero give me funny feelings in my tummy. Pretty Young Things has it all. Just read the blurb! Greed, jealousy, lust, deceit, betrayal, AND vengeance? All woven together in a gritty sophisticated plotline? Yes please! 5 stars, absolutely!
January 26, 2019
A tale of vengeance. This is a story of a man realizing he was sent to jail by his friends who he called brothers. I enjoyed the variety of points of view throughout. The reader experiences how each character handles their actions or to take action.
I gave it 3.5 stars because I couldn’t connect with some of the characters however it is an enjoyable read and you will want to know how it ends.
I gave it 3.5 stars because I couldn’t connect with some of the characters however it is an enjoyable read and you will want to know how it ends.
January 12, 2019
*ARC generously provided*
4.5 stars!!!
Oh boy...what a book!!! Without giving too much away Pretty Young Things is a retelling of The Count Of Monte Christo with a little twist and holy hell I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint.
PYT ...as I like to call it has it all. Love...friendship..betrayal..greed..and revenge and it was glorious!!! I really liked this book a lot..I was sucked into it straight out the gate..couldn’t put it down. On the down side..it did drag in some spots but I didn’t mind that much because I was so invested in the characters and the story.
Pretty Young Things is a definite must read!!!
4.5 stars!!!
Oh boy...what a book!!! Without giving too much away Pretty Young Things is a retelling of The Count Of Monte Christo with a little twist and holy hell I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint.
PYT ...as I like to call it has it all. Love...friendship..betrayal..greed..and revenge and it was glorious!!! I really liked this book a lot..I was sucked into it straight out the gate..couldn’t put it down. On the down side..it did drag in some spots but I didn’t mind that much because I was so invested in the characters and the story.
Pretty Young Things is a definite must read!!!
January 16, 2019
I don’t know how to describe this book. I could not put this book down! The pages had to be turned and I needed to know what was going to happen. It has left me just full of feelings and I have no one to talk to about it.
This story has the absolute worst kind of humans in it and has filled me with hatred and the need for revenge. I felt so confused as to the motives of Danté’s best friends, Danger, Diago and Rousse. What they have done to Danté is completely unforgivable.
The start of this story is wonderful and paints the picture of these four ‘blood brothers‘ in glorious technicolour; their loyalty and their different personalities just bled through the pages. When they met Mercy it all felt right. Danté is just so good at everything he does, he’s not malicious, not a gloater, he’s just a wonderful boy, living the dream, but things turn ugly and complicated.
Having so many points of view was pretty mind-boggling for a while (I tend to ignore chapter titles and who’s POV it is) but I soon learned to take note. There are five or six people’s voices heard in this book, which gives a deeper insight and helped me figure out the crazy in some characters heads.
This is my first Ace Gray book and I am now hooked.
This story has the absolute worst kind of humans in it and has filled me with hatred and the need for revenge. I felt so confused as to the motives of Danté’s best friends, Danger, Diago and Rousse. What they have done to Danté is completely unforgivable.
The start of this story is wonderful and paints the picture of these four ‘blood brothers‘ in glorious technicolour; their loyalty and their different personalities just bled through the pages. When they met Mercy it all felt right. Danté is just so good at everything he does, he’s not malicious, not a gloater, he’s just a wonderful boy, living the dream, but things turn ugly and complicated.
Having so many points of view was pretty mind-boggling for a while (I tend to ignore chapter titles and who’s POV it is) but I soon learned to take note. There are five or six people’s voices heard in this book, which gives a deeper insight and helped me figure out the crazy in some characters heads.
This is my first Ace Gray book and I am now hooked.
January 23, 2019
I've read more than my fair share of romances, and it's safe to say Pretty Young Things by Ace Gray is in a league of its own. I've never had the pleasure of reading something so innovative and unique, yet bringing forward all of my favorite elements. The love between Dante and Mercy is so powerful. The jealousy from his blood brother's is extremely palpable. The redemption is so beautifully created that I was crying. I love this book so much!
Who can pull off 7 or 8 POVs in one book? This author. Who makes revenge sweet and sexy? Ace Gray. What book will open your eyes to a new type of romance? Pretty Young Things.
If you want something different that will knock your flipping socks off, grab this beauty. You will not regret it!
Who can pull off 7 or 8 POVs in one book? This author. Who makes revenge sweet and sexy? Ace Gray. What book will open your eyes to a new type of romance? Pretty Young Things.
If you want something different that will knock your flipping socks off, grab this beauty. You will not regret it!
January 24, 2019
Mind freakin blown! This story captivated me from the very beginning and all I could do was hold on while I went on the ride of my life. Without giving anything away I will just say that we’re given a story filled with love, revenge and mystery. There will be moments that you’ll be holding your breath as your reading and others where you will love and loathe some of these characters at the same time. Phenomenal read that I couldn’t put down and never wanted to. Not only do I recommend this book but you need to bump it to the top of your TBR list and make it your next read.
January 20, 2019
Oh boy! This book was a doozy of epic proportions! I really had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book. All I knew was that it was a a Count of Monte Cristo retelling and the cover was calling to me. There was betrayal and revenge plots around every corner and it really did keep me on my toes the entire book.
Dante appeared to be the luckiest man on the planet. He got the good looks, the ability to succeed in school without hardly trying, the woman of his dreams, and the uncanny ability to pick up hobbies and succeed at them. The problem with being the luckiest man on the planet...people envy you. Envious, greedy people betrayed Dante in the worst way, and when he was free to act on it, he brought those people to their knees.
I really loved Dante's character and the journey he experienced. He was a knight in shining armor type before darkness entered his world. Darkness made him harder on the outside, but he still had that heart of gold on the inside that the darkness could never completely tarnish. Dante's love for Mercy was the picture of beauty and their strength in their love was amazing.
Mercy. This poor girl was put in the crossfire of envy people who did not think about how their actions would affect her. All she had ever known before Dante was pain and fear from the one man who should always protect her. Dante saved her only to experience a new kind of pain when he was ripped away. The faith that she has in Dante and their love is something I have never seen. She fought and endured unimaginable pain in order to save him. She learned how to stand on her own in this book, and her growth in this book was amazing.
This was my first book by this author, but it certainly won't be my last!
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars!
Blog: www.radbabesread.com
Dante appeared to be the luckiest man on the planet. He got the good looks, the ability to succeed in school without hardly trying, the woman of his dreams, and the uncanny ability to pick up hobbies and succeed at them. The problem with being the luckiest man on the planet...people envy you. Envious, greedy people betrayed Dante in the worst way, and when he was free to act on it, he brought those people to their knees.
I really loved Dante's character and the journey he experienced. He was a knight in shining armor type before darkness entered his world. Darkness made him harder on the outside, but he still had that heart of gold on the inside that the darkness could never completely tarnish. Dante's love for Mercy was the picture of beauty and their strength in their love was amazing.
Mercy. This poor girl was put in the crossfire of envy people who did not think about how their actions would affect her. All she had ever known before Dante was pain and fear from the one man who should always protect her. Dante saved her only to experience a new kind of pain when he was ripped away. The faith that she has in Dante and their love is something I have never seen. She fought and endured unimaginable pain in order to save him. She learned how to stand on her own in this book, and her growth in this book was amazing.
This was my first book by this author, but it certainly won't be my last!
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars!
Blog: www.radbabesread.com
January 28, 2019
Wow, wow, wow, wow, WOW!! This book was absolutely out of this world. I am going to say that I have never read "The Count of Monti Crisco" which is what this book is based on. So I really went in to this book blind and it blew my mind!!! It was incredible! I was literally on the edge of my seat the entire book. I was entranced with this story. The suspense is honestly killer. My stomach was in knots just waiting to see what would happen next. Every page is a new twist and I loved every suspenseful minute of the crazy ride. God it was good. Dante and Mercy are soulmates through and through. The hurt they both go through absolutely killed me. I was dying for them throughout the whole book to just get back together! I LOVE them!!! Danger and Diego make the perfect villains. God I hated them. Now Rousse I hated to love him. He is a bad guy but still I just wanted to hug him. Ace wrote an Incredible book with a set of truly complex and amazing characters! I loved this and I need you all to read it!!!!! It is AMAZING!!!!!
January 31, 2019
After a betrayal so intense as that of the one in Pretty Young Things it leaves the reader thirsty for revenge, a deep seeded need to right the wrongs done to so many. Nothing about this story is cut and dry, black and white. There are so many gray areas of what is right versus what needs to be done and the characters keep you on your toes throughout. I was never quite sure what was coming next. And honestly as much as I adored Dante as a main hero it’s is his anti hero transformation that made him even more appealing because I wanted to hug and strangle him at times for the choices he made towards Mercy both good and bad.
There is an over abundance of emotion throughout Pretty Young Things that left me heartbroken and then whole again so many times over. Ace Gray weaves this story with a strand of dark, a strand of love, a strand of deceit, fear, right, wrong, and a bit of bloodshed. And it makes for such a beautiful and interesting story!
-Mackenzie
There is an over abundance of emotion throughout Pretty Young Things that left me heartbroken and then whole again so many times over. Ace Gray weaves this story with a strand of dark, a strand of love, a strand of deceit, fear, right, wrong, and a bit of bloodshed. And it makes for such a beautiful and interesting story!
-Mackenzie
January 24, 2019
This is an amazing retelling of one of my favorite books ever! Ace has brought it to the table and kicked it's arse by her retelling of this story. I am always leery when I read a retelling of a story I love but this one knocked it out the box and I was so enraptured by this story I could not put my kindle down. I kept reading late into the night but I had to know what would happen to Dante and Mercy.
Dante has been wrongfully accused of a crime and imprisoned and while he is imprisoned he is making his plans for revenge so when he gets out he will have his justice and get back everything that was taken from him. And boy oh boy I loved watching things unfold like they did and they were slow and deliberate with no warning of what was to come.
This is a must read that has an edge to it that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next. I loved it and I know you will to! Kudos Ace I can't wait to read more from you.
Dante has been wrongfully accused of a crime and imprisoned and while he is imprisoned he is making his plans for revenge so when he gets out he will have his justice and get back everything that was taken from him. And boy oh boy I loved watching things unfold like they did and they were slow and deliberate with no warning of what was to come.
This is a must read that has an edge to it that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next. I loved it and I know you will to! Kudos Ace I can't wait to read more from you.
January 31, 2019
4.5 Stars!
I loved this modern retelling of the classic The Count of Monte Cristo! Ace Gray absolutely smashed it.
Full review to come!
I loved this modern retelling of the classic The Count of Monte Cristo! Ace Gray absolutely smashed it.
Full review to come!
January 24, 2019
4.5 stars
LOTS of digestion was needed after finishing this book in order to write my review. I feel like I needed a white board with pictures of each character in order to keep everything smooth sailing in the beginning-but it was so, so absolutely worth it reading through this tangled web of greed, deceit, and love.
This author is definitely very detailed in her writing-I was hooked from the very first page, so I don’t think I could imagine saying that the book was too long-because I definitely enjoy her writing. I felt like there was definitely a lot of time that passed, but for me it didn’t feel like enough for the young teens that were so greedy that they needed to put their blood brother in jail. I wanted more clues that time had moved forward somehow-but I’m not really sure how. I think that it was necessary to show the amount of teenage years this author did, and I really loved the different point of views.
There were SO many twists and turns that I really was kept on my toes the whole time-and I loved this modern day twist on the Count of Monte Cristo. Very sophisticated-real, and dark-something I love so much about this author.
LOTS of digestion was needed after finishing this book in order to write my review. I feel like I needed a white board with pictures of each character in order to keep everything smooth sailing in the beginning-but it was so, so absolutely worth it reading through this tangled web of greed, deceit, and love.
This author is definitely very detailed in her writing-I was hooked from the very first page, so I don’t think I could imagine saying that the book was too long-because I definitely enjoy her writing. I felt like there was definitely a lot of time that passed, but for me it didn’t feel like enough for the young teens that were so greedy that they needed to put their blood brother in jail. I wanted more clues that time had moved forward somehow-but I’m not really sure how. I think that it was necessary to show the amount of teenage years this author did, and I really loved the different point of views.
There were SO many twists and turns that I really was kept on my toes the whole time-and I loved this modern day twist on the Count of Monte Cristo. Very sophisticated-real, and dark-something I love so much about this author.
February 6, 2019
The heroine suckssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss. She's almost disloyal. Definitely spineless. She ruined the story for me.
Merged review:
The heroine suckssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss. She's almost disloyal. Definitely spineless. She ruined the story for me.
Merged review:
The heroine suckssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss. She's almost disloyal. Definitely spineless. She ruined the story for me.
January 24, 2019
What happens when the people you love most betray you so deeply and so thoroughly that the fallout categorically alters your life, redefining it in inexcusable ways - ways that you would never choose nor be expected to come back from regardless of how far the need for vengeance can possibly take you.
But that’s Dante’s charge…no, that’s not even the right word to describe what he sets out to do because in order to take back his life…in order to right all of the wrongs that have been done to him by those closest to his heart, he must reinvent himself and force himself to journey down a dark and twisted path - one that he could have never imagined would be the way he would choose to live or be forced to live due to someone else’s decisions.
There’s always a risk when a writer tackles a retelling of a classic work of literature, and in Ace Gray’s case, she chose one that spans several decades, deals with an extreme level of jealousy that forces reprehensible acts to be committed and has a hero hellbent on revenge, willing to do whatever it takes to make those pay for not only destroying his life but also stealing away the love of his life without any consequence to the lies and misdeeds that were done to do so.
Pretty Young Things is Ace Gray’s take on The Count of Monte Cristo, and like the much loved tale, Gray crafts this modern version with the same kind of intense emotions as well as the same span of time that illustrates the past that Dante and his band of brothers shared and the envious reasons for the betrayal along with the present situation that he must traverse in order to right the wrongs against him and live the life that he was supposed to since the beginning.
Gray’s story contains a complex and multifaceted plot; there are several story threads to understand and mesh together and because there are multiple perspectives used to tell the various parts of the tale, readers need to be able to sift through all of the content and the varying views of the story line in order to glean the required ideas and maybe even garner their own views based on readers’ individual connections to characters’ differing experiences.
Ace Gray always writes an engaging story, and while I felt a little overwhelmed with all of the content that I needed to juggle in order to clearly see all sides of the text, I felt like she did justice to the original because she made me feel EVERYTHING that Dante and Mercy felt as they worked to overcome the obstacles constructed by those who wanted this loving couple to fall simply because others desired to covet what/who was always supposed to be Dante’s.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
But that’s Dante’s charge…no, that’s not even the right word to describe what he sets out to do because in order to take back his life…in order to right all of the wrongs that have been done to him by those closest to his heart, he must reinvent himself and force himself to journey down a dark and twisted path - one that he could have never imagined would be the way he would choose to live or be forced to live due to someone else’s decisions.
There’s always a risk when a writer tackles a retelling of a classic work of literature, and in Ace Gray’s case, she chose one that spans several decades, deals with an extreme level of jealousy that forces reprehensible acts to be committed and has a hero hellbent on revenge, willing to do whatever it takes to make those pay for not only destroying his life but also stealing away the love of his life without any consequence to the lies and misdeeds that were done to do so.
Pretty Young Things is Ace Gray’s take on The Count of Monte Cristo, and like the much loved tale, Gray crafts this modern version with the same kind of intense emotions as well as the same span of time that illustrates the past that Dante and his band of brothers shared and the envious reasons for the betrayal along with the present situation that he must traverse in order to right the wrongs against him and live the life that he was supposed to since the beginning.
Gray’s story contains a complex and multifaceted plot; there are several story threads to understand and mesh together and because there are multiple perspectives used to tell the various parts of the tale, readers need to be able to sift through all of the content and the varying views of the story line in order to glean the required ideas and maybe even garner their own views based on readers’ individual connections to characters’ differing experiences.
Ace Gray always writes an engaging story, and while I felt a little overwhelmed with all of the content that I needed to juggle in order to clearly see all sides of the text, I felt like she did justice to the original because she made me feel EVERYTHING that Dante and Mercy felt as they worked to overcome the obstacles constructed by those who wanted this loving couple to fall simply because others desired to covet what/who was always supposed to be Dante’s.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
January 26, 2019
Full Review can be found at http://www.thegraduatedbookworm.com
First, I'd like to thank Ace Gray for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review! Boy was this book something else! honestly, when I first saw the cover, I instantly thought it was solely a romance novel... but then I noticed multiple men in the background and after reading the synopsis, I definitely wasn't sure what I was in store for!
From the beginning of the novel to the very end, it's a roller coaster ride of emotion. Love, hate, greed, lust and so much more! It's intense, unforgiving, and all at the same time, you can't help but continue reading because there's so much happening it's utterly incredible!
Honestly from the beginning, I'm pretty sure I was constantly saying to myself 'This is so F****ng Twisted!' every time there was some sort of twist or curve ball that came into the story line!
Don't even get me started on Diego, because he's a whole other piece that I would have to go through! Right from the beginning you get the sense that he's this sweet guy who fell in love with a girl... let me tell you firstly! YOU WATCH THE SILENT ONES!
There's not much else I can say without spoiling it, and I'm not about to do that! It was such an incredible read that I couldn't put down at all! There were so many different characters you were reading throughout the novel, but it was so easy to stick to it all! I must say this so far is one of my favourites for 2019!
First, I'd like to thank Ace Gray for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review! Boy was this book something else! honestly, when I first saw the cover, I instantly thought it was solely a romance novel... but then I noticed multiple men in the background and after reading the synopsis, I definitely wasn't sure what I was in store for!
From the beginning of the novel to the very end, it's a roller coaster ride of emotion. Love, hate, greed, lust and so much more! It's intense, unforgiving, and all at the same time, you can't help but continue reading because there's so much happening it's utterly incredible!
Honestly from the beginning, I'm pretty sure I was constantly saying to myself 'This is so F****ng Twisted!' every time there was some sort of twist or curve ball that came into the story line!
Don't even get me started on Diego, because he's a whole other piece that I would have to go through! Right from the beginning you get the sense that he's this sweet guy who fell in love with a girl... let me tell you firstly! YOU WATCH THE SILENT ONES!
There's not much else I can say without spoiling it, and I'm not about to do that! It was such an incredible read that I couldn't put down at all! There were so many different characters you were reading throughout the novel, but it was so easy to stick to it all! I must say this so far is one of my favourites for 2019!
February 2, 2019
This was the first book I’d read by Ace Gray and I absolutely adored it. The tone, the well thought out plot and the raw passion and brutality just gripped me.
The book is about four young men who are blood brothers, the family they’ve never known. There is Danger who like is name is trouble, Diego, Rousse and Dante.
Dante appears to have all the luck in his life, he has the beautiful girl who he is madly in love with, he is good at surfing, racing and a whizz with technology. But little does he know that his talent and luck will run out and become his ruin.
The book is about jealousy and what lengths people will go to in order to see themselves come out on top. It’s a story about betrayal and the overwhelming need to seek revenge and justice. It is also the story of redemption, forgiveness and unending love.
This book had a bit of everything and I was hooked from the start to the finish. It was brutal how three friends turned against one, and it was hard to read the pain and suffering of Mercy ‘the woman left behind’.
The story is fast paced, thrilling and it makes you question your own morality in terms of what punishment is enough for the characters crimes. I adored the characters and even the side characters of Bert and Max added to the suspense and tension.
I’d recommend to anyone who loves a good thriller or romance. It was incredibly well written and i can guarantee it will reel you in.
The book is about four young men who are blood brothers, the family they’ve never known. There is Danger who like is name is trouble, Diego, Rousse and Dante.
Dante appears to have all the luck in his life, he has the beautiful girl who he is madly in love with, he is good at surfing, racing and a whizz with technology. But little does he know that his talent and luck will run out and become his ruin.
The book is about jealousy and what lengths people will go to in order to see themselves come out on top. It’s a story about betrayal and the overwhelming need to seek revenge and justice. It is also the story of redemption, forgiveness and unending love.
This book had a bit of everything and I was hooked from the start to the finish. It was brutal how three friends turned against one, and it was hard to read the pain and suffering of Mercy ‘the woman left behind’.
The story is fast paced, thrilling and it makes you question your own morality in terms of what punishment is enough for the characters crimes. I adored the characters and even the side characters of Bert and Max added to the suspense and tension.
I’d recommend to anyone who loves a good thriller or romance. It was incredibly well written and i can guarantee it will reel you in.
January 26, 2019
Wow!
So I dove into Pretty Young Things without reading the blurb. The cover is what sold me. I was super excited when the book went live once I started I was mad at myself for starting it on a weekday. I didn't want to put this down. I hate stopping if a book is really good. What do you know? This book was amazing!
Dude!!!!! Dante got screwed the f**ck over big time! When I had to put the book down to go to work all I was thinking about was Dante and poor Mercy. I was in pins and needles through this book. I do not want to say too much in my review, but my god! I will say there is one brother that freaked me out. The dude is freaking crazy psychotic! The way he wanted Mercy was so scary and crazy I shivered a couple times reading his POV.
If you like dark this is definitely a book you should read.
So I dove into Pretty Young Things without reading the blurb. The cover is what sold me. I was super excited when the book went live once I started I was mad at myself for starting it on a weekday. I didn't want to put this down. I hate stopping if a book is really good. What do you know? This book was amazing!
Dude!!!!! Dante got screwed the f**ck over big time! When I had to put the book down to go to work all I was thinking about was Dante and poor Mercy. I was in pins and needles through this book. I do not want to say too much in my review, but my god! I will say there is one brother that freaked me out. The dude is freaking crazy psychotic! The way he wanted Mercy was so scary and crazy I shivered a couple times reading his POV.
If you like dark this is definitely a book you should read.
January 10, 2019
***** 4.5 STAR RATING! *****
New to me Author & Books!
Reading the blurb I was intrigued, and wanted to try something new. Unfortunately upon reading this book, I got a bit lost. Here is why: there was a lot going on (for me) and I was having a little bit of a hard time relating to the characters.
What I enjoyed is the variety of emotions the story held. What a beautiful betrayal! It's a bit of a twist and I enjoyed that. The greed and jealousy was insane here, what i mean the writing part of it. I will give it to the author, she writes flawless.
I am rating this a 4.5 STAR & would Recommend the book and especially the author!
H A P P Y - R E A D I N G!
New to me Author & Books!
Reading the blurb I was intrigued, and wanted to try something new. Unfortunately upon reading this book, I got a bit lost. Here is why: there was a lot going on (for me) and I was having a little bit of a hard time relating to the characters.
What I enjoyed is the variety of emotions the story held. What a beautiful betrayal! It's a bit of a twist and I enjoyed that. The greed and jealousy was insane here, what i mean the writing part of it. I will give it to the author, she writes flawless.
I am rating this a 4.5 STAR & would Recommend the book and especially the author!
H A P P Y - R E A D I N G!
January 24, 2019
Pretty Young Things, a retelling if the classic Count of Monte Cristo is a KNOCKOUT! I was literally hooked to it from the very first page.
I absolutely love retellings, as it makes me curious about the classic. No, I've not read the classic, but this has now changed my mind.
Ace Gray has knocked this novel out of the park. It had flare, and drama, and vengeance. It also had a very fierce and alpha Danté, so swoon!
PYT was an incredible novel that was addictive and full of emotion. I could feel everything (well, maybe not everything) but I felt a lot for Dante and Mercy and a few other characters.
Another hit from the author! Spectacular!
I absolutely love retellings, as it makes me curious about the classic. No, I've not read the classic, but this has now changed my mind.
Ace Gray has knocked this novel out of the park. It had flare, and drama, and vengeance. It also had a very fierce and alpha Danté, so swoon!
PYT was an incredible novel that was addictive and full of emotion. I could feel everything (well, maybe not everything) but I felt a lot for Dante and Mercy and a few other characters.
Another hit from the author! Spectacular!
January 12, 2019
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this and holy moly! Ace this is good. Like stand up and take a bow good. I really feel like it’s your best work yet. So proud of you my friend and never doubt how amazing of an author you are! Thank you so much for the privilege to read this. I devoured it in one sitting. I swooned, I cried, and my heart damn near beat out of my chest with every word❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 25, 2019
Where do I even begin with how good this book is?! Reading Pretty Young Things was like watching a movie in my head. I did not want to put this book down! There were parts where my heart was beating so fast I didn't know what could happen but I was so engrossed in this story I couldn't wait to read the next page after the next page. This was the best book to buddy read! A must read! And I highly recommend it!
January 13, 2019
Mind. Blown.
This is Ace Gray at her best. Hands freakin’ down. I hung on to every word, every syllable, every jaw dropping moment and still wanted and needed more. Pretty Young Things deserves way more than five stars and definitely a standing ovation to Mrs. Ace Gray herself. 👏🏼 Basically, this book is absolutely mind-blowing-fantastically-epic-jaw-dropping-all-the-bloody-hell-stars amazing. Everyone needs to read this book. EVERY. ONE.
5+ ‘My Cassiopeia’ stars!
This is Ace Gray at her best. Hands freakin’ down. I hung on to every word, every syllable, every jaw dropping moment and still wanted and needed more. Pretty Young Things deserves way more than five stars and definitely a standing ovation to Mrs. Ace Gray herself. 👏🏼 Basically, this book is absolutely mind-blowing-fantastically-epic-jaw-dropping-all-the-bloody-hell-stars amazing. Everyone needs to read this book. EVERY. ONE.
5+ ‘My Cassiopeia’ stars!
January 17, 2019
Revenge...Redemption...Love...Hate...Lust...Jealousy. Pretty Young Things by Ace Gray has it all.
So good.
Yes, we know this is a retelling of a classic, and we know where the general storyline will lead, but I still couldn't have expected this roller coaster of a ride. Ace broke my heart and then put it back together in the best possible way.
So good.
Yes, we know this is a retelling of a classic, and we know where the general storyline will lead, but I still couldn't have expected this roller coaster of a ride. Ace broke my heart and then put it back together in the best possible way.
January 24, 2019
Pretty Young Things is a fresh, contemporary twist to The Count of Monte Cristo, and I was captivated from its first page to its last. This angsty, sexy page-turner will have you desperate to find out what happens next when the hero is betrayed by the friends that he considers family and framed for a crime that he didn’t commit. He has to fight to get his life back, to reclaim the love that he lost, and to extract vengeance. There is intrigue, suspense, twists and turns in this story, but it’s a gorgeous romance at its very core.
Recommendation appeared on Frolic on 20, 2019.
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
Recommendation appeared on Frolic on 20, 2019.
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
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