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Point #2
Pressure Point
I know what you’re thinking. It’s unconventional to want a man nine years older than you. It’s inconvenient to crush on your dearest friend’s older brother. It’s silly to pine after a man for six years. It’s cliché to lust after a celebrity. It’s pathetic to fall in love with a man who barely knows you exist.
I know what you’re thinking because I’ve thought it all, too. And yet that hasn’t stopped me from wanting Blake Campbell. Charming, gorgeous, brilliant, kind, selfless – Blake is everything I’ve ever wanted, but he doesn’t see me that way. In fact, he hardly noticed me until one night.
Traumatic events brought us together for the first time, but then he tossed me aside. I know it’s irrational, but I wanted him up until the moment he left me lying there alone.
When his eyes finally open and he finds out I’ve left, will it be too late?
Note: Pressure Point is a standalone novel, though characters from New Point make appearances.
I know what you’re thinking because I’ve thought it all, too. And yet that hasn’t stopped me from wanting Blake Campbell. Charming, gorgeous, brilliant, kind, selfless – Blake is everything I’ve ever wanted, but he doesn’t see me that way. In fact, he hardly noticed me until one night.
Traumatic events brought us together for the first time, but then he tossed me aside. I know it’s irrational, but I wanted him up until the moment he left me lying there alone.
When his eyes finally open and he finds out I’ve left, will it be too late?
Note: Pressure Point is a standalone novel, though characters from New Point make appearances.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
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743 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Luck
8 books224 followersOlivia Luck lives in the middle of America with her loving husband and her obsession with writing. She wrote her first romance novel at age eight. When she’s not reading, editing, or writing, you can find her in the kitchen learning to cook. Olivia loves to travel and spend time with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 5, 2015
"It's my pleasure," he says smoothly and I swear my pulse quickens in response. God, he's sex in a freakin' sweater.
Damn, this book was good!! If you're looking for an emotional story with humour and a realistic feel - look no further. That is basically an understatement to how beautifully well created Pressure Point is. I am so glad I was able to receive a review copy because this book will definitely be one to read over and over..
Heartfelt but steamy 4.5 Stars
Just from the prologue and the first two chapters we learn so much. It's not an overload of information in any possible way, it gave an insight into so much background story and the characters themselves. Sometimes I find it hard to keep going when the book just rambles on about someone's past, their personalities, their hobbies and everything in between.
It's often more boring that fun to read. THIS BOOK? It's an easily addictive but clearly well developed piece of writing. I seriously couldn't believe how easily I fell for Olivia Luck's writing! It was that easy going but sad and heartfelt talent which I keep close once I find - hoping that makes sense.. :)
Addictive
Heartfelt
Easy to follow
Emotional
Steamy
Sexy Dominant Male - ;)
Breathtaking
Amazingly crafted main characters
Unique
Sad but Worth every tear...
There's both Blake's and Stella's point of view, which I absolutely loved. It's amazing to see how an author can have such completely different perspectives yet it felt so smooth throughout the entire book.
Blake is that protective, caring, fatherly brother that has his sister Zoe as a number one priority. Now, one would think that that would be the most generous gesture a loving soul would have. Which it absolutely is. But it can have certain consequences of it's own.. particularly when Stella appears in Blake's life.
"In the summer after my last year of college, I was thrust into instant fatherhood. A drunk driver killed Zoe's parents (our mother and her father).. I'll do everything in my power to protect her from pain again."
Throughout the entire story we are dealt first hand, with all that comes with looking after someone who you would never want to see hurt ever again. Having had their mother and her father die, Black took everything in him, mentally and physically, to be there for his sister - no matter what. That is were certain trouble comes his way.
Zoe does have a certain vulnerability to her, especially after a shocking accident that completely turned her friendship with Stella on a 180'. Seeing Stella's best friends close down on her, and even in every attempt to try and try again to at least talk to her once in a while, she finally decides that it would be Zoe's turn to reach out when she is ready. This is were Stella's relationship with Blake is anything but simple.
"It takes all my self-control not to haul Stella over my shoulder and take her back to my bed. Where she belongs."
Evidently, from the moment that the two meet, there's a spark, an instant and cute but sexy attraction towards them...
As the years go by, and as Stella keeps telling herself that it would only make Zoe hate her if she becomes one of the many friends that dated her brother purely because of his fame and money, she can't forget Blake. No matter how hard she tries or how many years pass, it's just isn't possible!
I allow myself one second. One second to admire his confident gait. One second to appreciate his control in this uncontrollable environment. One second to fall in love with him a tiny bit more..
The same can be said about the man who is so overwhelmed with caring for his sister and thinking about Stella, that he does everything but he might actually need to..
Never let 'em see you sweat
That has always been his mantra for all intents and purposes. Sometimes he might have forgotten it but eventually it's always at the back of his mind. Until, again, it all comes back to his unmistakable but guarded feelings for Stella.
For the first time in my life, I don't know what to do next. For the first time in my life, I literally ran from a problem that I created of my own volition. For the first time I want to take comfort in a women but I doubt she'll ever speak to me again..
He simply cannot keep pushing at his feelings and the inevitable that with be - him and Stella. It's just not possible.
When you think that they have it all worked out now.
Together at last. Check.
Zoe a phone call away. Check.
Zoe is safe. Check.
Blake is finally getting happier. Check.
Stella is happy too.
See, that's the thing about having two sides to every story...
From having that instant attraction at the age of 20 for Stella and 29 for Blake, to about 5 years later when their love & adoration has intensified and matured in a way..
BREATHTAKINGLY WELL WRITTEN
Towards the last third of the story, the distance and sort of abandonment that Stella felt Blake brought to their relationship was devastating. I didn't expect it and I certainly was shocked at what Blake had to say to her. It simply felt too real to be in a story and I absolutely LOVED that! It's rare to see a fictional romance have such realistic sense that nobody really expects or if they do, it's not that well written for it to actually be considered anything but a made up story.
But with PRESSURE POINT, it tests every ounce of your emotional stress and makes you reconsider what's truly important in your life..
"From the time that I took you to that concert to the time I nearly killed that loser you dated to this moment, it has always been you."
One aspect that made me rate it 4.5 was the minor part of the middle part of the relationship which felt like it was too one sided. I understand that that was there for a reason and that it was created to the T, but it was just too sad at one point.. I didn't want Stella to go through everything that she did, especially after what Blake through at her. But then again, it's only fiction right? Yeah, I keep telling myself that and yet I can't stop the emotions from overpowering my sanity in staying clear of battling for either of those two characters.. :)
This time when Stella walks past me, I catch a whiff of her floral scent, and I all but growl. It's been too damn long since I had my hands on her!
I wont say any more because I'm worried I might not be able to stop with how much I loved Blake and Stella's story. Even though most of the time I was frustrated with Blake. Even though I felt so heartbroken with what Stella was mentally going through. Even though I knew Zoe was a high priority.
Despite everything, the roller-coaster of emotions this book brought is second to none when it comes to how it ended.
Both with a smile and a tear, I was glad that I was part of this couple journey even though it was anything but a simple relationship.
And that ending? Oh dear God!
"I got too caught up in the father role and not enough in the man-in-love role."
Thank you Olivia Luck for everything! I look forward in reading every book of yours even if my emotions have a price to pay!
xx
November 13, 2018
DNF 48%
I have enjoyed other books by this author and will probably read more by Olivia Luck, but this story did not to work for me. I love stories where the characters can not or won't admit their love because of circumstances. In this case Stella is in love with her best friend's brother who made a promise that he would never date one of his sister's friends.
Same story, different author.
Blake only seems to show any emotion when he thinks Stella may be with someone else and I think that is the direction ONCE AGAIN the author was going at. Blake seems like the kind of guy that once he gets what he chases, he gets bored. Honestly, I do not mind that the story was taking place 6 years after they met, but I started not to like the hero. We get his POV as well. I don't trust him. This couple did not work for me. I stopped reading when the hero was making an effort to "get" Stella, by sending her flowers which seemed like a lazy way at this point to say "sorry".
And the unprotected sex...when Stella pointed it out Blake barely said anything. Blake has had hook-ups and with his history of women, that whole part was wrong. Blake just rubbed me the wrong way with his attitude. He is not type of hero I like at all.
This may be one of those...may work for you, but did not work for me.
I have enjoyed other books by this author and will probably read more by Olivia Luck, but this story did not to work for me. I love stories where the characters can not or won't admit their love because of circumstances. In this case Stella is in love with her best friend's brother who made a promise that he would never date one of his sister's friends.
Same story, different author.
Blake only seems to show any emotion when he thinks Stella may be with someone else and I think that is the direction ONCE AGAIN the author was going at. Blake seems like the kind of guy that once he gets what he chases, he gets bored. Honestly, I do not mind that the story was taking place 6 years after they met, but I started not to like the hero. We get his POV as well. I don't trust him. This couple did not work for me. I stopped reading when the hero was making an effort to "get" Stella, by sending her flowers which seemed like a lazy way at this point to say "sorry".
And the unprotected sex...when Stella pointed it out Blake barely said anything. Blake has had hook-ups and with his history of women, that whole part was wrong. Blake just rubbed me the wrong way with his attitude. He is not type of hero I like at all.
This may be one of those...may work for you, but did not work for me.
February 2, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
Absolutely stunning!! Olivia Luck is one of the reasons why I love reading so much!! She moves and captivates you so eloquently that you will be devouring everything from page 1!
#I HIGHLY SUGGEST ANYONE DEBATING ON WHETHER TO THIS THIS BABY ON UP, ONE CLICK NOW!! YOU WON'T REGRET IT! :)
Absolutely stunning!! Olivia Luck is one of the reasons why I love reading so much!! She moves and captivates you so eloquently that you will be devouring everything from page 1!
#I HIGHLY SUGGEST ANYONE DEBATING ON WHETHER TO THIS THIS BABY ON UP, ONE CLICK NOW!! YOU WON'T REGRET IT! :)
February 1, 2015
Fabulous! Of course I'm behind schedule...review to come ASAP!
**FULL REVIEW**
“Just like those cute penguins that mate for life, I earnestly believe that when you meet the right on, you’re hooked for good. In the deepest recesses of my mind, that’s what threw me for a loop when I saw Blake. As silly as it sounds, and believe me, I’ve tried to squelch the persistent thought in my mind, I felt a connection between us.”
There are always two sides to every story and this one is Blake’s. In New Point we met Zoe Baker, little sister to Blake Campbell, owner of two sports teams and son to the famous Stewart Campbell. In Pressure Point we are given the backdrop to Zoe’s story and we also meet Stella Bacciao. Stella is Zoe’s RA in college, and quickly becomes her best friend as well. The thing with Stella is that because of her genuine heart of gold, she places everyone’s needs above her own…but she still can’t help the fact that she felt something for Blake Campbell. Even if it can never happen because she in no way would want to jeopardize her relationship with Zoe, it doesn’t stop the feelings that continue to grow with every passing year.
But, she’s not the only one with feelings she cannot act on…
“Effortless, and without a word, Stella brought out the best in me. A guardian angel watching over my sister and me.”
Afraid to feel, let alone get involved with anyone, Blake remains stoic and impartial when it comes to Stella for fear that she will see through him. But no matter what he does, she sees him…and after tragedy strikes, he loses control and takes advantage of the one person who would willingly give him anything.
“Never let ‘em see you sweat. The mantra that I have lived my life by went straight into the gutter the moment that I invited Stella past my carefully constructed steel mask. For so long I’ve lived by the code of a perfectly polished exterior, never revealing my emotions. Hell, now I’m quoting a fairy tale to Stella like some ***-whipped chump.”
This is one of those books where finding out the before and during in a storyline make it that much more gripping. I love when tales tie together whether they be going back in time or springing forward. While this story had Zoe and Miles very present, it was about Stella and Blake. Stella, the petite Italian girl who loves and gives with everything she is and Blake, the famous big-brother turned guardian and caretaker to his sister, Zoe. Not to mention, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders and maintaining a façade of strength when what he really needs is someone to lean on himself.
I loved Stella’s quiet strength, her fire and determination to be the best at everything she does as well as never taking anything or anyone for granted. I loved her family. Luck did a fantastic job of showing what a graceful and quietly powerful woman really is like. And that is what ultimately sold this story.
I know we all like to swoon over the gorgeous untouchable bad-boy, and Blake is definitely that. Trust me, I swooned at some point too…but it’s ultimately Stella who makes him a better man than he could’ve ever been without her.
**5 Calm Under Pressure, Stars**
**FULL REVIEW**
“Just like those cute penguins that mate for life, I earnestly believe that when you meet the right on, you’re hooked for good. In the deepest recesses of my mind, that’s what threw me for a loop when I saw Blake. As silly as it sounds, and believe me, I’ve tried to squelch the persistent thought in my mind, I felt a connection between us.”
There are always two sides to every story and this one is Blake’s. In New Point we met Zoe Baker, little sister to Blake Campbell, owner of two sports teams and son to the famous Stewart Campbell. In Pressure Point we are given the backdrop to Zoe’s story and we also meet Stella Bacciao. Stella is Zoe’s RA in college, and quickly becomes her best friend as well. The thing with Stella is that because of her genuine heart of gold, she places everyone’s needs above her own…but she still can’t help the fact that she felt something for Blake Campbell. Even if it can never happen because she in no way would want to jeopardize her relationship with Zoe, it doesn’t stop the feelings that continue to grow with every passing year.
But, she’s not the only one with feelings she cannot act on…
“Effortless, and without a word, Stella brought out the best in me. A guardian angel watching over my sister and me.”
Afraid to feel, let alone get involved with anyone, Blake remains stoic and impartial when it comes to Stella for fear that she will see through him. But no matter what he does, she sees him…and after tragedy strikes, he loses control and takes advantage of the one person who would willingly give him anything.
“Never let ‘em see you sweat. The mantra that I have lived my life by went straight into the gutter the moment that I invited Stella past my carefully constructed steel mask. For so long I’ve lived by the code of a perfectly polished exterior, never revealing my emotions. Hell, now I’m quoting a fairy tale to Stella like some ***-whipped chump.”
This is one of those books where finding out the before and during in a storyline make it that much more gripping. I love when tales tie together whether they be going back in time or springing forward. While this story had Zoe and Miles very present, it was about Stella and Blake. Stella, the petite Italian girl who loves and gives with everything she is and Blake, the famous big-brother turned guardian and caretaker to his sister, Zoe. Not to mention, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders and maintaining a façade of strength when what he really needs is someone to lean on himself.
I loved Stella’s quiet strength, her fire and determination to be the best at everything she does as well as never taking anything or anyone for granted. I loved her family. Luck did a fantastic job of showing what a graceful and quietly powerful woman really is like. And that is what ultimately sold this story.
I know we all like to swoon over the gorgeous untouchable bad-boy, and Blake is definitely that. Trust me, I swooned at some point too…but it’s ultimately Stella who makes him a better man than he could’ve ever been without her.
**5 Calm Under Pressure, Stars**
February 20, 2015
Pressure Point is a very engaging, beautifully written story! Enjoyed it immensely. Full review to follow.
Read
August 10, 2015 DNF @ 58%
Honestly, it's me not you.
I am bored. I've started skimming and that is not fare to this book or myself. I just need to end this and find me something dark and gritty.
Honestly, it's me not you.
I am bored. I've started skimming and that is not fare to this book or myself. I just need to end this and find me something dark and gritty.
January 28, 2015
Josie's 4.5 Review
Pressure Point by Olivia Luck is such a beautifully written story about falling in love at first sight. I absolutely love reading this story about an innocent love that transcends time and friendship. This story has angst, tragedy and a male character that will fight for what his heart feels at all costs. Ladies get your tissues ready because you will laugh, get angry, swoon and cry but it is all worth it.
Stella fell in love with Blake Campbell at the age of 20. She is the RA of the college dorms where Blake drops off his sister Zoe. Zoe and Stella would become the best of friends over the years. The two are extremely close and share a lot but throughout the years Stella has never told her how she feels about Blake.
Blake Campbell is wealthy for a man that is only 29 years old. After his parents death he became responsible for his sister Zoe. Blake is extremely possessive and devoted to his sister. He barely sees Stella because of his work schedule but he has strong feelings for her. He has not felt for a woman the way he feels whenever she is around Zoe. Of course the only thing he feels like he can do is to ignore her and push the thoughts away.
“My lips automatically curve into a smile at the thought of Stella. Zoe’s eleven years younger than I am. Instinctively, I know it’s wrong. But I can’t help but notice how cute little Stella is, not to mention that she’s older than Zoe. That melodic voice sends a jolt straight to the part of my body that shouldn’t notice her.”
After graduating college Stella and Zoe remain close friends so close that they are like sisters. After tragedy strikes at Zoe’s school the two of them begin to drift from one another. Zoe becomes depressed and doesn’t want to see anyone. Even though Stella tries to be there for Zoe, she makes her leave. Stella is devastated and she and Blake turn to each other for support. That night Stella sees Blake in a different light and no longer thinks he’s that guy that she fantasied about. Blake made her feel worthless and she has had enough.
“For 6 years, I have imagined Blake as the guy for me. Today, he showed me, I don’t know what he showed me, but whatever it was that I saw hurt tremendously If I don’t see Blake again for a year that will be soon enough for me.”
After not seeing each other for a while, Blake sees Stella again. He knows the way he treated her was wrong and that she means more to him that he could ever imagine. Blake is shocked that the once pleasant Stella is no longer willing to give him the time of day. He has his work cut out for him but he knows Stella is worth it.
“Stella, a word? It seems that I need more than a singular word to get through to you. Snow White.”
“There’s no getting through to anything, Blake. You showed all of your cards last month.”
“I won’t stop, Stella. This is going to happen and we are going to do it right. That night last month, I don’t regret what happened between us because I wanted you. I still want you, but not that rushed bullsh*t.”
Stella and Blake will fall into a beautiful relationship. One that neither ever thought was imaginable. However, Blake’s constant need to protect his sister and put her above everyone else causes problems and might tear them apart forever. Blake wants to keep his relationship with Stella a secret from Zoe for the time being since she is suffering from depression. Stella is forced to make a decision and it could cost her the man she loves. How much can a woman be taken for granted?
“I’ve always been in awe of you, Blake. Because of that, I’ve put you on a pedestal, I thought that I was lucky that you choose me, but I’ve come to realize that we’re lucky to have each other, I’m just as much of a catch as you.
This is happening, Stella, don’t Fight me.”
How many times can Blake say he is sorry for his actions before Stella finally has had enough? Will Blake be able to finally put Stella needs above his own? Can Stella forgive Blake for making her feel like she means nothing to him? This story is powerful with disappointment and heartache. I cried a lot of times during Blake and Stella’s story. It was heart wrenching a times but there were also swoon worthy moments. It truly was just so beautifully written. I can’t wait to see what the next book in the series will bring.
January 28, 2015
Pressure Point (The Point Series #2) by Olivia Luck is a charming yet sexy read. The story follows Blake Campbell and Stella Baccino, the brother and the best friend of Zoe Baker, the main character of New Point (The Point Series #1). That being said, I have a warning for readers: do not read Pressure Point as a standalone! If you have already read New Point, wonderful – jump right in to the wonderful read that is Pressure Point. Otherwise, what are you waiting for?! Start this series; you won’t want to miss it! Blake and Stella are introduced in New Point, and the plot of Pressure Point runs parallel to the first book.
I was excited to read this book not only because I loved New Point, but I also love the sibling/best friend love interest! And Pressure Point did not disappoint! The dual POV between Blake and Stella was captivating, really added to the story, and the “forbidden” feeling gripped me completely. I also have to say that one of my favorite parts of the book is that it actually began before New Point, so we see more of the characters over a longer period of time. New back-story is introduced, and I found it fascinating to see the events from the first book play out from two new and different perspectives.
The heart of the story is the relationship between Blake and Stella, which is stunning. Blake is 9 years older than Stella, a famous former college athlete who owns a pro team in Chicago - basically it boils down to he is a gorgeous, rich and famous older man. Honestly, he is pretty much every woman’s dream man! Stella is a smart, independent young professional from a large Italian family, and can cook like no one else. They are the ultimate power couple, yet somehow everything felt human and real. The relationship never felt forced, but utterly natural. Not to mention the chemistry was hot! Pressure Point has it all: a relatable couple that despite their intense love still have a real relationship with actual difficulties and issues. This sweet, sexy read is a must! ~ Alicia, 4 stars
~~~
Stella Baccino has been friends with Zoe since they met in college, and right from the beginning, they hit it off. The one thing that Stella didn't expect, however, was to fall for Blake, Zoe's protective older brother. As Stella and Zoe's friendship flourishes, she keeps reminding herself is not to get too attached to Blake because Blake doesn't even seem to notice that Stella exists.
Blake is nearly ten years older than Stella but the main reason he fights his attraction for her is because his main priority is Zoe's well being. And besides, Stella is Zoe's BF. The more he sees Stella, the more he fights the feeling he's had for her since the first moment he saw her.
Stella tries to move on with her life, yet she can never give her heart completely to anyone because Blake owns it. The more he sees her as a "friend", the more her heart breaks. Stella does her best to ignore anything having to do with Blake but it's impossible.
I really loved how Stella realizes that she is worth more and doesn't give in to Blake, making him really work to show her that he is a changed man. Thank you, Ms. Luck, for such a beautiful story of friendship and love. And for showing how, with time, the one that is meant for you will see that you have always been in front of them. ~ Kara, 5 Amazingly Beautiful Stars
I was excited to read this book not only because I loved New Point, but I also love the sibling/best friend love interest! And Pressure Point did not disappoint! The dual POV between Blake and Stella was captivating, really added to the story, and the “forbidden” feeling gripped me completely. I also have to say that one of my favorite parts of the book is that it actually began before New Point, so we see more of the characters over a longer period of time. New back-story is introduced, and I found it fascinating to see the events from the first book play out from two new and different perspectives.
The heart of the story is the relationship between Blake and Stella, which is stunning. Blake is 9 years older than Stella, a famous former college athlete who owns a pro team in Chicago - basically it boils down to he is a gorgeous, rich and famous older man. Honestly, he is pretty much every woman’s dream man! Stella is a smart, independent young professional from a large Italian family, and can cook like no one else. They are the ultimate power couple, yet somehow everything felt human and real. The relationship never felt forced, but utterly natural. Not to mention the chemistry was hot! Pressure Point has it all: a relatable couple that despite their intense love still have a real relationship with actual difficulties and issues. This sweet, sexy read is a must! ~ Alicia, 4 stars
~~~
Stella Baccino has been friends with Zoe since they met in college, and right from the beginning, they hit it off. The one thing that Stella didn't expect, however, was to fall for Blake, Zoe's protective older brother. As Stella and Zoe's friendship flourishes, she keeps reminding herself is not to get too attached to Blake because Blake doesn't even seem to notice that Stella exists.
Blake is nearly ten years older than Stella but the main reason he fights his attraction for her is because his main priority is Zoe's well being. And besides, Stella is Zoe's BF. The more he sees Stella, the more he fights the feeling he's had for her since the first moment he saw her.
Stella tries to move on with her life, yet she can never give her heart completely to anyone because Blake owns it. The more he sees her as a "friend", the more her heart breaks. Stella does her best to ignore anything having to do with Blake but it's impossible.
I really loved how Stella realizes that she is worth more and doesn't give in to Blake, making him really work to show her that he is a changed man. Thank you, Ms. Luck, for such a beautiful story of friendship and love. And for showing how, with time, the one that is meant for you will see that you have always been in front of them. ~ Kara, 5 Amazingly Beautiful Stars
January 28, 2015
I received this for an honest review. I have to say that I absolutely fell in love with this book. It pulled me in and kept me going back for more. I found myself falling in love with Stella and Blake. Although I will admit that there were times I wanted to yell at both of them. I just really enjoyed this story. This can be read as a standalone. Olivia Luck is fast becoming one of those authors that I just really enjoy and fall in love with her stories and this one is absolutely no exception.
January 30, 2015
Every once in a while, a book comes along that completely warms your heart. A book in which you completely identify with the characters. One where you feel every last feeling the characters feel and want to reach through the pages and hug them. The one that you know without a doubt you will want to reread again and again. THIS is that book.
I happened upon my first Olivia Luck book by chance about a year or so ago. Going in blind, I quickly came to realize that Olivia's writing was something that I adored. In Pursuit brought several realistic characters and ones that I loved. The follow up book did the same. Then New Point came out and Olivia took me to a whole other level. Zoe was strong, sweet and I felt her struggle. In New Point we were introduced to Zoe's best friend Stella and her older brother, Blake. I quickly identified with both of these characters even though they were secondary characters in New Point. Then I found out Blake and Stella were getting their own book and I was overjoyed. I waited for this book and just knew it was going to be something that would be my favorite. I wasn’t disappointed at all.
Pressure Point is the second book in this series. Olivia Luck builds on her already strong characters she introduced us to in New Point. The story really continues and keeps getting better. If you read New Point, we see Blake and Stella's side of Zoe's struggles in addition to their own and it's truly a beautiful story.
Stella Baccino is Zoe's best friend. (For those who have not read New Point, Zoe is Blake's younger half-sister. This is very important because Blake became Zoe's guardian when their mother and his father died. These two are family in every sense of the word.) We see the amazing friendship develop between Zoe and Stella in this book that we knew existed in New Point but didn’t see until this book. Stella is the kind of friend that we all wish we had. She's loyal, kind, trusting and selfless. In the first couple of chapters, we see Zoe and Stella's relationship develop. During this time, we also see Stella's love for Blake grow. Blake is somewhat of a celebrity in Chicago because of his athleticism and his wealth. Stella doesn't want to be the friend that appears to use Zoe to get to Blake so she decides to honor her friend and stay away from Blake. Little does Stella know that Blake's feelings for her run just as deep.
Tragedy strikes Zoe and Blake loses his self-control. During this time Stella and Blake's passion for one another comes to a head and one night sends them both reeling. Heartbroken, Zoe shuts Stella out and things with Blake appear to have taken a turn for the worst. Then Blake decides to fight.
"Yes, Stella, years. I told myself that it wouldn't work out; that you were my sister's friend and I had to stay away. But I'm shutting that voice down. Now, I've decided that I'm not rushing this, Stella. Tried that and messed things up royally. A woman like you is meant to be treasured. We'll date, I'll woo, we'll be together until we're ready for what's next. There's no turning back. I've had a taste and it wasn't nearly enough."
When Blake says he will woo...he does just that. He woos Stella with reckless abandon and I loved it. We see the side of Blake that is caring and loving. Deep down he’s a nurturer and takes care of the women in his life. He offers up flowers, makes friends with her family and essentially plants himself in Stella’s life. Stella tries to go into it with a level head, tries to keep herself from feeling too much too soon but inevitably fails. Slowly we see their relationship evolve into something beautiful and sweet. We see Zoe give and give and give to Blake while Stella questions her wants and needs. She never speaks up and we see a heartbreaking blow out.
Pressure Point spans about 8 years and during that time we get to see Stella and Zoe’s relationship come together and then fall apart. In the mean time we meet Stella’s new work friend Violet. We meet Stella’s cousins and enjoy the banter between them. We see how close she is to her family and how much she treasures them. Violet becomes a “go-to” best friend in Zoe’s absence and that friendship eventually evolves into Zoe becoming friends with Stella. During all of this, I never felt as if there was a hole in the story. I never felt like I was missing something. All of the characters, situations and development are spot on and will make you feel like you are a part of the story line.
Ultimately this story is about managing to stay true to yourself while in a relationship. It’s about not taking others for granted. The love and loss in this story is beautifully written and is complimented by the perfect character development. Once again we see strong secondary characters that we fall in love with as well. Olivia Luck does an excellent job of molding these characters into someone we can identify with and want to know more about.
There will be another book in this series and I can’t wait for it. I know that it will be just as good if not better than this. Olivia is growing in her writing and truly has a gift for situations that are true to life.
I happened upon my first Olivia Luck book by chance about a year or so ago. Going in blind, I quickly came to realize that Olivia's writing was something that I adored. In Pursuit brought several realistic characters and ones that I loved. The follow up book did the same. Then New Point came out and Olivia took me to a whole other level. Zoe was strong, sweet and I felt her struggle. In New Point we were introduced to Zoe's best friend Stella and her older brother, Blake. I quickly identified with both of these characters even though they were secondary characters in New Point. Then I found out Blake and Stella were getting their own book and I was overjoyed. I waited for this book and just knew it was going to be something that would be my favorite. I wasn’t disappointed at all.
Pressure Point is the second book in this series. Olivia Luck builds on her already strong characters she introduced us to in New Point. The story really continues and keeps getting better. If you read New Point, we see Blake and Stella's side of Zoe's struggles in addition to their own and it's truly a beautiful story.
Stella Baccino is Zoe's best friend. (For those who have not read New Point, Zoe is Blake's younger half-sister. This is very important because Blake became Zoe's guardian when their mother and his father died. These two are family in every sense of the word.) We see the amazing friendship develop between Zoe and Stella in this book that we knew existed in New Point but didn’t see until this book. Stella is the kind of friend that we all wish we had. She's loyal, kind, trusting and selfless. In the first couple of chapters, we see Zoe and Stella's relationship develop. During this time, we also see Stella's love for Blake grow. Blake is somewhat of a celebrity in Chicago because of his athleticism and his wealth. Stella doesn't want to be the friend that appears to use Zoe to get to Blake so she decides to honor her friend and stay away from Blake. Little does Stella know that Blake's feelings for her run just as deep.
Tragedy strikes Zoe and Blake loses his self-control. During this time Stella and Blake's passion for one another comes to a head and one night sends them both reeling. Heartbroken, Zoe shuts Stella out and things with Blake appear to have taken a turn for the worst. Then Blake decides to fight.
"Yes, Stella, years. I told myself that it wouldn't work out; that you were my sister's friend and I had to stay away. But I'm shutting that voice down. Now, I've decided that I'm not rushing this, Stella. Tried that and messed things up royally. A woman like you is meant to be treasured. We'll date, I'll woo, we'll be together until we're ready for what's next. There's no turning back. I've had a taste and it wasn't nearly enough."
When Blake says he will woo...he does just that. He woos Stella with reckless abandon and I loved it. We see the side of Blake that is caring and loving. Deep down he’s a nurturer and takes care of the women in his life. He offers up flowers, makes friends with her family and essentially plants himself in Stella’s life. Stella tries to go into it with a level head, tries to keep herself from feeling too much too soon but inevitably fails. Slowly we see their relationship evolve into something beautiful and sweet. We see Zoe give and give and give to Blake while Stella questions her wants and needs.
Pressure Point spans about 8 years and during that time we get to see Stella and Zoe’s relationship come together and then fall apart. In the mean time we meet Stella’s new work friend Violet. We meet Stella’s cousins and enjoy the banter between them. We see how close she is to her family and how much she treasures them. Violet becomes a “go-to” best friend in Zoe’s absence and that friendship eventually evolves into Zoe becoming friends with Stella. During all of this, I never felt as if there was a hole in the story. I never felt like I was missing something. All of the characters, situations and development are spot on and will make you feel like you are a part of the story line.
Ultimately this story is about managing to stay true to yourself while in a relationship. It’s about not taking others for granted. The love and loss in this story is beautifully written and is complimented by the perfect character development. Once again we see strong secondary characters that we fall in love with as well. Olivia Luck does an excellent job of molding these characters into someone we can identify with and want to know more about.
There will be another book in this series and I can’t wait for it. I know that it will be just as good if not better than this. Olivia is growing in her writing and truly has a gift for situations that are true to life.
Read
November 10, 2017DNF...not very exciting...bland
January 27, 2015
5 Stars
I was given this book for my honest review
A favorite lunch of yesterday was always the infamous grill cheese sandwich. How two pieces of bread no matter the kind had butter spread upon each side with the yellow American cheese in the middle placed upon the griddle to make the sizzling sound that we all loved to hear. As our parents flipped the sandwich we all knew what was yet to come upon our plate. Looking upon the grill cheese we can also see the simple yet complex message that is what just not in our youth that we loved the sandwich but also in our adulthood. Memories that have been handed down from one generation to the next for we will always have our grill cheese embedded in our hearts and souls.
Stella-funny, quirky and serious
Blake-hunky, sexy
Zoe-Blake’s sister
Stella is a woman that can have any man that she could possibly want but her heart has only been with one man since first sight. She can never imagine that any man would be able to stand up to the man of her dreams. With being hungry for advancement in her own right she craves the unattainable the man that has held her heart for forever but as her heart knows that reaching the unattainable will be a great hard road but in the end will it be worth the fight or will she walk away?
Blake is a heartthrob of a man that can have any woman he such desires. He has had one mission in his life since a terrible accident happened in his path that took the lives of his loved ones. His sister Zoe has been the one woman that he has always been out to protect and will continue to protect but to what cost? When he meets a woman that Zoe highly regards as her best friend will this woman have the eyes that capture his heart? Will he be able to step back as his sister’s protector and be the man that his heart knows he truly can be or will he stay on his current path and let happiness wither?
Blake and Stella’s journey is not one that is easy to fathom with all the turmoil that has been going on in Blake’s life but at the same time the rock that has held him together all along without question has been Stella. Inside the bedroom they are hotter than a volcano but outside the bedroom it seems the world is just too much for Blake at times. Will Blake and Stella make it to finding their happily ever after into forever or will it wither? This is their amazing journey.
To the author: This amazing read had me in flabbergasted and in awe from the very first page till the last. You have put so much into these two amazing characters that the love and the awe has shown brightly from word one. I hope your readers enjoy this amazing read just as much as I have. Kudos once again to you.
To the readers: Sit back and enjoy
Happy Reading
I was given this book for my honest review
A favorite lunch of yesterday was always the infamous grill cheese sandwich. How two pieces of bread no matter the kind had butter spread upon each side with the yellow American cheese in the middle placed upon the griddle to make the sizzling sound that we all loved to hear. As our parents flipped the sandwich we all knew what was yet to come upon our plate. Looking upon the grill cheese we can also see the simple yet complex message that is what just not in our youth that we loved the sandwich but also in our adulthood. Memories that have been handed down from one generation to the next for we will always have our grill cheese embedded in our hearts and souls.
Stella-funny, quirky and serious
Blake-hunky, sexy
Zoe-Blake’s sister
Stella is a woman that can have any man that she could possibly want but her heart has only been with one man since first sight. She can never imagine that any man would be able to stand up to the man of her dreams. With being hungry for advancement in her own right she craves the unattainable the man that has held her heart for forever but as her heart knows that reaching the unattainable will be a great hard road but in the end will it be worth the fight or will she walk away?
Blake is a heartthrob of a man that can have any woman he such desires. He has had one mission in his life since a terrible accident happened in his path that took the lives of his loved ones. His sister Zoe has been the one woman that he has always been out to protect and will continue to protect but to what cost? When he meets a woman that Zoe highly regards as her best friend will this woman have the eyes that capture his heart? Will he be able to step back as his sister’s protector and be the man that his heart knows he truly can be or will he stay on his current path and let happiness wither?
Blake and Stella’s journey is not one that is easy to fathom with all the turmoil that has been going on in Blake’s life but at the same time the rock that has held him together all along without question has been Stella. Inside the bedroom they are hotter than a volcano but outside the bedroom it seems the world is just too much for Blake at times. Will Blake and Stella make it to finding their happily ever after into forever or will it wither? This is their amazing journey.
To the author: This amazing read had me in flabbergasted and in awe from the very first page till the last. You have put so much into these two amazing characters that the love and the awe has shown brightly from word one. I hope your readers enjoy this amazing read just as much as I have. Kudos once again to you.
To the readers: Sit back and enjoy
Happy Reading
January 26, 2015
**Received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review**
This is the second book in the Point Series and I love it when authors continue in the same series with the same characters that are all entwined starting from the first book. I love to read about everyone else's stories that were involved since the beginning.
Stella is the most caring, loving person you can run into. She worries about everyone else first before she handles herself. When her best friend Zoe doesn't want to see her, Stella is heartbroken but she grants Zoe's wishes to leave her alone.
Stella and Blake have a one night encounter that Stella thought would be the best night of her life, but it turns out it's anything but the best. He made her feel like cheap and like a wh*re.
When things start to look better for Stella with her career, she ends up running into Blake again and then that's when things start heating up. Blake realized he made a mistake with Stella and she's not a one-night stand material. Stella is the type of woman you take seriously; want to spend the rest of your life with.
I think Stella was a little too easy on Blake, but again, Stella is not the type to hold grudges and once they apologize she pretty much forgives. I loved her character, loved the fact that she was just a loving, nurturing person and always looked out for everyone. As much as people hurt her, she was always there for them no matter what. She's an easy person to please and she forgives easily. She should have given Blake more hell, but she just couldn't find herself to do that. I wish I could be that way -- hell, I can forgive but sometimes there are things that are way too much to be able to forgive quickly, let alone at all!!!!
This was a great book. I devoured it in one day and I loved the storyline. I felt for Stella and I felt for her because she was the most generous person and always looked out for everyone else but herself. She left herself for last.
Blake was a selfish prick, he had to do a lot of groveling because he didn't mess up once or twice. He messed up quite several times. He was irritating at times. You know when a man doesn't put your needs first, he's really not worth it, but to Stella he was :)
This is the first novel I've read from this author but I liked it so much that I plan on reading more from her. I can't wait for Violet's story, it sounds like it's going to be really sad and I was heartbroken when Blake received that phone call at the end. I sure hope we won't have to wait long for her story!!
4.5 stars for this read!!
This is the second book in the Point Series and I love it when authors continue in the same series with the same characters that are all entwined starting from the first book. I love to read about everyone else's stories that were involved since the beginning.
Stella is the most caring, loving person you can run into. She worries about everyone else first before she handles herself. When her best friend Zoe doesn't want to see her, Stella is heartbroken but she grants Zoe's wishes to leave her alone.
Stella and Blake have a one night encounter that Stella thought would be the best night of her life, but it turns out it's anything but the best. He made her feel like cheap and like a wh*re.
When things start to look better for Stella with her career, she ends up running into Blake again and then that's when things start heating up. Blake realized he made a mistake with Stella and she's not a one-night stand material. Stella is the type of woman you take seriously; want to spend the rest of your life with.
I think Stella was a little too easy on Blake, but again, Stella is not the type to hold grudges and once they apologize she pretty much forgives. I loved her character, loved the fact that she was just a loving, nurturing person and always looked out for everyone. As much as people hurt her, she was always there for them no matter what. She's an easy person to please and she forgives easily. She should have given Blake more hell, but she just couldn't find herself to do that. I wish I could be that way -- hell, I can forgive but sometimes there are things that are way too much to be able to forgive quickly, let alone at all!!!!
This was a great book. I devoured it in one day and I loved the storyline. I felt for Stella and I felt for her because she was the most generous person and always looked out for everyone else but herself. She left herself for last.
Blake was a selfish prick, he had to do a lot of groveling because he didn't mess up once or twice. He messed up quite several times. He was irritating at times. You know when a man doesn't put your needs first, he's really not worth it, but to Stella he was :)
This is the first novel I've read from this author but I liked it so much that I plan on reading more from her. I can't wait for Violet's story, it sounds like it's going to be really sad and I was heartbroken when Blake received that phone call at the end. I sure hope we won't have to wait long for her story!!
4.5 stars for this read!!
January 28, 2015
What would you do if the man you been in-love with, looks at you nothing more than his sisters friend?
Will you do nothing?
Or do anything you can to make sure he knows you exist?
Stella had been in love with her best friend Zoe’s brother Blake, since the first time she met him. But when Zoe confided in her that a lot of girls in her past, only wanted to be her friend to use her to get to her brother Blake. So she decided to keep her feelings hidden.
With all the longing looks she gives him, at times she catches him with the same look..but he immediately looks away when caught. Stella hopes for that day when Blake’s would look her way and see her for so much more than a friend. Blake is gorgeous and a man in every girl’s wet dream. But nothing ever happened to them.
Years would pass and every time they would see each other, it’s the same dance all over again. Her pining for him, while he lives his life. Stella tried to date, but all she ends up doing is comparing them to Blake. Blake’s life is all about being good brother/dad to his sister Zoe, which puts everything in the back burner…even his own feelings for Stella. Feelings he had kept buried for years. But when Zoe goes through a horrific event in her life, Stella and Blake are thrown together to help her heal.
Then one night the dream that Stella has been holding on to was crushed by Blake in a matter of minutes. It took them some time before connecting again. Once Stella came into view with her friend waving around the idea of all the guys interested in dating her, Blake moved into action. First apologizing for his actions and to winning her back no matter the cost.
Will Stella give Blake another chance, even though he had broken her heart in the past? Read and find out.
I enjoyed this book very much. The electricity and all the will they won’t they, kept me reading. And when Blake finally figured out what he wanted, I loved him. He was sweet as any man can be and I loved Stella. She was strong and very life driven. I do wish that the Author let us enjoy the HEA, before throwing a tragedy our way. I wish Author Olivia Luck saved her ending to the next book. What I got was a great feeling of satisfaction with Blake and Stella’s ending. Then BOOM. Read it and you will see what I mean.
:::REVIEW IS ALSO ON FOUR CHICKS FLIPPING PAGES:::
http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
Will you do nothing?
Or do anything you can to make sure he knows you exist?
Stella had been in love with her best friend Zoe’s brother Blake, since the first time she met him. But when Zoe confided in her that a lot of girls in her past, only wanted to be her friend to use her to get to her brother Blake. So she decided to keep her feelings hidden.
With all the longing looks she gives him, at times she catches him with the same look..but he immediately looks away when caught. Stella hopes for that day when Blake’s would look her way and see her for so much more than a friend. Blake is gorgeous and a man in every girl’s wet dream. But nothing ever happened to them.
Years would pass and every time they would see each other, it’s the same dance all over again. Her pining for him, while he lives his life. Stella tried to date, but all she ends up doing is comparing them to Blake. Blake’s life is all about being good brother/dad to his sister Zoe, which puts everything in the back burner…even his own feelings for Stella. Feelings he had kept buried for years. But when Zoe goes through a horrific event in her life, Stella and Blake are thrown together to help her heal.
Then one night the dream that Stella has been holding on to was crushed by Blake in a matter of minutes. It took them some time before connecting again. Once Stella came into view with her friend waving around the idea of all the guys interested in dating her, Blake moved into action. First apologizing for his actions and to winning her back no matter the cost.
Will Stella give Blake another chance, even though he had broken her heart in the past? Read and find out.
I enjoyed this book very much. The electricity and all the will they won’t they, kept me reading. And when Blake finally figured out what he wanted, I loved him. He was sweet as any man can be and I loved Stella. She was strong and very life driven. I do wish that the Author let us enjoy the HEA, before throwing a tragedy our way. I wish Author Olivia Luck saved her ending to the next book. What I got was a great feeling of satisfaction with Blake and Stella’s ending. Then BOOM. Read it and you will see what I mean.
:::REVIEW IS ALSO ON FOUR CHICKS FLIPPING PAGES:::
http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
January 28, 2015
I enjoyed Pressure point and Stella and Blake’s story more than New Point. I think that is because here we have more of life seen in the story. There is more life situations and more struggles within happening. We have more emotion and angst. We also get to see more of the two main characters personalities shine and see them in different settings and situations. Blake and Stella have liked each other since they laid eyes on one another when Blake was moving his sister into her dorm room. But since Stella was his sisters friend he set aside his feelings. Over time you see these feelings peek out but not in full force. It isn’t until Stella is in despair that Blake acts. When he does he does a asshat move and must make amends. This is where we truly see who he is but even as they get together blake does some dumb things. Stella does as well. Both are caring individuals who put family above all. Each are selfless in that aspect. Blake has a demanding job and sometimes doesn’t realize he is taking advantage of Stella’s good nature. Stella though never says anything and begins to have it fester. She is having issues at work and is beginning to feel some self doubt as to how Blake feels but she never conveys this by speaking up. As this builds in her, Blake has some things shake them up and before he realizes it Stella is gone and hurt. When he does he tries to get her back and when she backs away from him he lets go for now. Slowly as we see both of them miserable we see Blake transform and see what he did. He does a big gesture to win her back. I love Blake in this. He is a kind caring man but sometimes gets caught up in the moment and doesn’t realize what harm that can do before it is too late. The way he took care of his sister is so beautiful and some of his gestures towards Stella will have you swoon. His treatment of her family was wonderful. He does some asshat moves but makes up for them. Overall he is a tender and sweet man who needs someone to take care of him because he never had someone to lean on and to me Stella is that person. Why? She is caring, generous, kind and strong. She has a quiet strength and will that can complement Blake. She is independent as well but she also will not begrudge him for his strong work ethic. She is understanding as well. The chemistry between the two is off the charts and the intimacy is wow. A book on love and support. About finding your perfect complement and treating them with devotion and care. About kindness and strength. A sweet wonderful engaging romance that will have you smile in throughout and root for the two to end up together.
January 29, 2015
Pressure Point is second book in The Point Series. This is Blake and Stella’s story. After finishing up New Point and falling in love with Zoe and Miles, I couldn’t wait to hear more about Blake and now he’s here!!
Blake Campbell is a former famous college football star from IU, who now manages two successful sports teams. He is all work no play. Blake has spent his entire adult life taking care of his sister, Zoe. He is overprotective of Zoe, but not without very good reason.
You get to start from the beginning, which is also the start of Stella’s meeting with the two. Zoe is attending college and Stella Baccino happens to be her RA. Blake comes to the dorms to see his little sister and that is where he meets Stella for the first time. Stella was head over heels for Blake, tripping over herself, literally after first meeting him. He is pressed and polished and the epitome of perfection. Stella had no idea he was famous and had no intentions of ever being with Blake after her and Zoe became very best friends. Zoe is used to girls becoming close to her to get to her brother, and Stella didn’t want to be one them. So, she kept her feelings to herself.
The more time Stella spends with Zoe the more her attraction for Blake grows, as does his for her. But for years, neither act on it. Then tragedy strikes and it affects them all. Stella is left broken as her best friend is pulling away, Blake at a loss as someone he has protected with his whole life more like a father figure is lost and shattered. In this tragedy, they all find themselves, but it’s not an easy road.
Will the man who always took care of his sister, finally take care of himself? Will Stella finally find happiness with Blake?
I loved hearing Blake and Stella’s story. It intertwined so perfectly with Pressure Point (Zoe’s story), which I highly recommend reading before you read Pressure Point. Stella and Blake’s relationship was filled with tons of emotion. That man seriously just melts my heart! We saw his protective side in Pressure Point, but never really got to know the man himself and god I am so glad Olivia decided to show us! This book was emotional, sexy and heart-warming. You will fall in love with all the characters, Zoe and Miles in New Point, Blake and Stella, Stella’s other friend Violet she meets through work in addition to Stella’s family, which I adore!! I look forward to continuing the journey with Olivia in her next book, Point of No Return, which will be Violet’s story.
Copy provided for honest review
Blake Campbell is a former famous college football star from IU, who now manages two successful sports teams. He is all work no play. Blake has spent his entire adult life taking care of his sister, Zoe. He is overprotective of Zoe, but not without very good reason.
You get to start from the beginning, which is also the start of Stella’s meeting with the two. Zoe is attending college and Stella Baccino happens to be her RA. Blake comes to the dorms to see his little sister and that is where he meets Stella for the first time. Stella was head over heels for Blake, tripping over herself, literally after first meeting him. He is pressed and polished and the epitome of perfection. Stella had no idea he was famous and had no intentions of ever being with Blake after her and Zoe became very best friends. Zoe is used to girls becoming close to her to get to her brother, and Stella didn’t want to be one them. So, she kept her feelings to herself.
The more time Stella spends with Zoe the more her attraction for Blake grows, as does his for her. But for years, neither act on it. Then tragedy strikes and it affects them all. Stella is left broken as her best friend is pulling away, Blake at a loss as someone he has protected with his whole life more like a father figure is lost and shattered. In this tragedy, they all find themselves, but it’s not an easy road.
Will the man who always took care of his sister, finally take care of himself? Will Stella finally find happiness with Blake?
I loved hearing Blake and Stella’s story. It intertwined so perfectly with Pressure Point (Zoe’s story), which I highly recommend reading before you read Pressure Point. Stella and Blake’s relationship was filled with tons of emotion. That man seriously just melts my heart! We saw his protective side in Pressure Point, but never really got to know the man himself and god I am so glad Olivia decided to show us! This book was emotional, sexy and heart-warming. You will fall in love with all the characters, Zoe and Miles in New Point, Blake and Stella, Stella’s other friend Violet she meets through work in addition to Stella’s family, which I adore!! I look forward to continuing the journey with Olivia in her next book, Point of No Return, which will be Violet’s story.
Copy provided for honest review
January 30, 2015
Blake and Stella met six years before "IT" happened. Six years before everything changed. Six years of wanting from afar ..six years of wanting more from each other. Six years of denying their feelings. Then, when "IT" happened, everything changes.
Stella is a strong ,feisty and most importantly Italian...( hey I'm Italian, just saying ) no, I meant most importantly a loyal and caring friend. She cares so deeply for others she sometimes forgets to demand to be cared for herself.
Stella>> "....I found the man destined to be mine, he hardly took a second look....I wondered if he knew I existed at all...Despite all that, my gut kept telling me that it was meant to be with him. I was not giving up. No matter what."
When Blake re-enters her life after "IT" happens she has to choose to either forget him or forgive him. How could he do that to her? But how could she forget the man that she has loved for so long?
Blake>>> " No doubt I wanted her, finally giving into the temptation that has nipped at my heels for six agonizing years. No other woman could distract. No amount of work could smother my feelings. No matter what I tried the same result. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing."
Blake has been so busy caring for his sister Zoe he has neglected his own heart and in doing so he has denied himself his one true love. He has hurt Stella and now needs to win her back. How does he do that?? How can he juggle Stella's needs with Zoe's ? Is it time to let his sister fly on her own? She has Miles now to be her white knight.
Stella and Zoe's friendship regretfully had to end, (or be put on hold) so that Zoe could defeat her demons on her own. Stella had a huge hole in her heart from being pushed away by Zoe. Meeting new BFF, Violet, and bringing her into her tightknit family was so easy for Stella because Violet needed family and Stella needed that friend.
Stella's friendship with Violet is special and I can't wait to read more about her in the next book...not saying it won't contain tears but I am so intrigued with her relationship with Dominic and his reactions to Violet...What gives? The Baccino family is the best. I want to eat in their restaurant so bad.
I hope that Point of No Return comes out soon because I will be missing all these characters and with that epilogue I will be anticipating quite a story. Tissues ready.
Great job Olivia Luck.
Stella is a strong ,feisty and most importantly Italian...( hey I'm Italian, just saying ) no, I meant most importantly a loyal and caring friend. She cares so deeply for others she sometimes forgets to demand to be cared for herself.
Stella>> "....I found the man destined to be mine, he hardly took a second look....I wondered if he knew I existed at all...Despite all that, my gut kept telling me that it was meant to be with him. I was not giving up. No matter what."
When Blake re-enters her life after "IT" happens she has to choose to either forget him or forgive him. How could he do that to her? But how could she forget the man that she has loved for so long?
Blake>>> " No doubt I wanted her, finally giving into the temptation that has nipped at my heels for six agonizing years. No other woman could distract. No amount of work could smother my feelings. No matter what I tried the same result. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing."
Blake has been so busy caring for his sister Zoe he has neglected his own heart and in doing so he has denied himself his one true love. He has hurt Stella and now needs to win her back. How does he do that?? How can he juggle Stella's needs with Zoe's ? Is it time to let his sister fly on her own? She has Miles now to be her white knight.
Stella and Zoe's friendship regretfully had to end, (or be put on hold) so that Zoe could defeat her demons on her own. Stella had a huge hole in her heart from being pushed away by Zoe. Meeting new BFF, Violet, and bringing her into her tightknit family was so easy for Stella because Violet needed family and Stella needed that friend.
Stella's friendship with Violet is special and I can't wait to read more about her in the next book...not saying it won't contain tears but I am so intrigued with her relationship with Dominic and his reactions to Violet...What gives? The Baccino family is the best. I want to eat in their restaurant so bad.
I hope that Point of No Return comes out soon because I will be missing all these characters and with that epilogue I will be anticipating quite a story. Tissues ready.
Great job Olivia Luck.
June 1, 2015
Juggling 3.5 -4 star rating.
I loved that this story took the love at first sight idea and complicated it by various situations... namely reality. It's a tale of love deferred.
"In my mind, the moment that I met him was flawless. Except, reality had a different idea. Because when I found the man destined to be mine, he hardly took a second look."
I think that line right there is what hooked me into the story. I mean there's something about the unrequited love theme that touches a spot in a lot of us. Now change it up and add in the off-limit sibling of a friend theme and that turns it up a notch. Pressure Point did a great job at developing the steamy simmer between Stella and Blake until they came to a full boil.
"Because I'm done denying what's been calling out to me for years."
Now as much as I enjoyed their relationship evolution, it wasn't my fave part of the book.
The secondary characters were.
I've talked about my love of great secondary characters numerous times at this point, so it's probably not a surprise that I look for that feature in any read. Pressure Point is full of some fabulous ones.
Zoe is one that is front and center, she plays a pivotal role in the entire book even when she's not physically present among our MCs. Now I found out after I read this book that Zoe's story is told in full depth in New Point, so of course I hadn't read it prior to this book, if I had a chance I'd definitely read it but I wouldn't say it's necessary to read it before starting Pressure Point.
Still, Zoe wasn't my FAVE... there's a handful of characters that seemed to capture my attention and I wanted more. Violet, Max, Dominic, and Cam... oh Cam!... were the ones that I fell for the most...
Just be aware that while Pressure Point doesn't end in a definitive cliffhanger, you will be left needing something more after THE END. I immediately added Point of No Return to my TBR and will be grabbing it as soon as it's available!
I kept juggling my star rating between 3.5 and 4 Stars... so I'm just going to call this one a 4!
I loved that this story took the love at first sight idea and complicated it by various situations... namely reality. It's a tale of love deferred.
"In my mind, the moment that I met him was flawless. Except, reality had a different idea. Because when I found the man destined to be mine, he hardly took a second look."
I think that line right there is what hooked me into the story. I mean there's something about the unrequited love theme that touches a spot in a lot of us. Now change it up and add in the off-limit sibling of a friend theme and that turns it up a notch. Pressure Point did a great job at developing the steamy simmer between Stella and Blake until they came to a full boil.
"Because I'm done denying what's been calling out to me for years."
Now as much as I enjoyed their relationship evolution, it wasn't my fave part of the book.
The secondary characters were.
I've talked about my love of great secondary characters numerous times at this point, so it's probably not a surprise that I look for that feature in any read. Pressure Point is full of some fabulous ones.
Zoe is one that is front and center, she plays a pivotal role in the entire book even when she's not physically present among our MCs. Now I found out after I read this book that Zoe's story is told in full depth in New Point, so of course I hadn't read it prior to this book, if I had a chance I'd definitely read it but I wouldn't say it's necessary to read it before starting Pressure Point.
Still, Zoe wasn't my FAVE... there's a handful of characters that seemed to capture my attention and I wanted more. Violet, Max, Dominic, and Cam... oh Cam!... were the ones that I fell for the most...
Just be aware that while Pressure Point doesn't end in a definitive cliffhanger, you will be left needing something more after THE END. I immediately added Point of No Return to my TBR and will be grabbing it as soon as it's available!
I kept juggling my star rating between 3.5 and 4 Stars... so I'm just going to call this one a 4!
January 28, 2015
If you read New Point you already know Blake and Stella a little. This book begins New Point to finish in the same place.
Stella is Blake’s sister best friend, since the day she met Zoé and Blake, she fell in love with Blake. But she has never said it to Zoe or Blake. The event takes place six years before New Point, when Zoe meets Stella on her first day of College. Her first moment with Blake was intense. Zoe’s friendship means everything to Stella and it’s the reason for her to stay clear of Blake. Stella is Italian and the family is everything for her. Zoe and Blake are family for her and her family, thus when Zoe goes away from Stella after her aggression, Stella is sad and doesn’t understand. She takes refuge in her works and her newly friend, Violet. Everything changes when she sees Blake again.
Blake is Zoe’s only family, he is a father to her and he will do everything to protect her. The first time when he sees Stella, he’s under her charm but unfortunately, she’s Zoe’s new friend. He will try to stay away for her and treat her like a sister. But one day, everything changes.
I like the relation between Zoe and Stella, it’s a real friendship. They are really friends even after Zoe’s aggression, Stella is always here for her and she goes away because it’s what Zoe wants. The interaction between Blake and Stella is always hot and intense, I like that, they are a beautiful couple. Stella gives him what he needs and sometimes Blake gives a little of him to Stella but not enough. I like violet and Max too and I can’t wait to read the next story with Violet. I think she will be very beautiful. It was really nice to see Zoe before New Point, she was totally different. It was also great to finally know Blake a little more.
I like the style of Olivia Luck, it’s not a problem for her to give us emotions and I like that.
If you like New Point, you will love Pressure Point.
ARC received for an honest review.
Stella is Blake’s sister best friend, since the day she met Zoé and Blake, she fell in love with Blake. But she has never said it to Zoe or Blake. The event takes place six years before New Point, when Zoe meets Stella on her first day of College. Her first moment with Blake was intense. Zoe’s friendship means everything to Stella and it’s the reason for her to stay clear of Blake. Stella is Italian and the family is everything for her. Zoe and Blake are family for her and her family, thus when Zoe goes away from Stella after her aggression, Stella is sad and doesn’t understand. She takes refuge in her works and her newly friend, Violet. Everything changes when she sees Blake again.
Blake is Zoe’s only family, he is a father to her and he will do everything to protect her. The first time when he sees Stella, he’s under her charm but unfortunately, she’s Zoe’s new friend. He will try to stay away for her and treat her like a sister. But one day, everything changes.
I like the relation between Zoe and Stella, it’s a real friendship. They are really friends even after Zoe’s aggression, Stella is always here for her and she goes away because it’s what Zoe wants. The interaction between Blake and Stella is always hot and intense, I like that, they are a beautiful couple. Stella gives him what he needs and sometimes Blake gives a little of him to Stella but not enough. I like violet and Max too and I can’t wait to read the next story with Violet. I think she will be very beautiful. It was really nice to see Zoe before New Point, she was totally different. It was also great to finally know Blake a little more.
I like the style of Olivia Luck, it’s not a problem for her to give us emotions and I like that.
If you like New Point, you will love Pressure Point.
ARC received for an honest review.
January 26, 2015
Pressure Point can be read as a stand-alone but for those who have read New Point which was the first title from Olivia Luck, will find Pressure Point an more enjoyable read as it takes us back six years prior from when Zoe first met Stella on her first day of College. Stella was the dorm floor RA and Zoe was beginning college where she was studying Library Science. This was also the first moment where Stella met Blake - Zoe's older brother. Over the next four years Zoe and Stella were inseparable and though Stella had a crush on Blake , Zoe's friendship meant more to her so she stayed clear or tried to of him. We also learn that it wasn't only Stella keeping her difference but from Day #1 of their first meeting Blake too had been attracted to Stella but due to Zoe whom his whole life revolved around, he stayed clear. What I really liked about Pressure Point was though it focused on Stella and Blake's relationship and their story - it gave the readers the lead up to the events that lead Zoe moving to New Point where she met Miles and tried to start her life fresh when the gunman enters the school library. During this time we see Zoe push Stella away and in doing so , she takes several steps back from Blake's life and they have a gap where they don't see each other . Zoe then gets back in contact with Stella and Stella ends up in a roundabout way working for Blake and so this unrequited relationship starts up again. Can Stella and Blake ever get their HEA or will life keeping throwing obstacles in their way, which will cause the other to never reveal their true feelings for one another ? What I loved about this book as I am a sucker for series crossovers, is that we got to revisit New Point and see Miles and Zoe's story from a different POV.
Fans of New Point by Olivia Luck will enjoy Pressure Point and remember readers, this can be read as a stand-alone but personally I would advise to read New Point first to gain a better grasp on the story and characters.
Fans of New Point by Olivia Luck will enjoy Pressure Point and remember readers, this can be read as a stand-alone but personally I would advise to read New Point first to gain a better grasp on the story and characters.
February 4, 2016
5 Stars!!!
I was given this book to read in turn for an honest review!!!
Stella was attracted to Blake from the moment they met; falling for her best friend’s brother could tear her friendship with Zoe apart. Blake knew dating Stella wasn’t an option; she was 9 years younger than him and his Sister’s best friend. As their paths continue to cross can they deny the attraction they both share? Can they make a relationship work? What’s truly holding them back?
Olivia Luck had me captivated from the start; you could feel the passion they had for each other from the moment they met. They both cared for Zoe and would do anything to protect and care for her, even denying the connection they both shared. I loved Stella’s character; she was strong, caring, loyal and independent. Blake comes across as arrogant at first, the kind, more fun side appears as the story develops; I soon found myself falling for him. It was great to read both characters POV’s. The story shows no matter the age gap between you and your partner, what’s truly important is you love each other. The story also reminds us to never take the person we love for granted, they need us as much as we need them! Another great read that I didn’t want to put down! This book ends with one hell of a surprise that I did not see coming, needless to say I can’t wait to get my hands on Violet’s story.
This book can be read as a standalone; if you have read New Point you will absolutely want to read Pressure Point. If you love a book with romance, passion, suspense and a little humour you will absolutely love this story!
I was given this book to read in turn for an honest review!!!
Stella was attracted to Blake from the moment they met; falling for her best friend’s brother could tear her friendship with Zoe apart. Blake knew dating Stella wasn’t an option; she was 9 years younger than him and his Sister’s best friend. As their paths continue to cross can they deny the attraction they both share? Can they make a relationship work? What’s truly holding them back?
Olivia Luck had me captivated from the start; you could feel the passion they had for each other from the moment they met. They both cared for Zoe and would do anything to protect and care for her, even denying the connection they both shared. I loved Stella’s character; she was strong, caring, loyal and independent. Blake comes across as arrogant at first, the kind, more fun side appears as the story develops; I soon found myself falling for him. It was great to read both characters POV’s. The story shows no matter the age gap between you and your partner, what’s truly important is you love each other. The story also reminds us to never take the person we love for granted, they need us as much as we need them! Another great read that I didn’t want to put down! This book ends with one hell of a surprise that I did not see coming, needless to say I can’t wait to get my hands on Violet’s story.
This book can be read as a standalone; if you have read New Point you will absolutely want to read Pressure Point. If you love a book with romance, passion, suspense and a little humour you will absolutely love this story!
January 31, 2015
When Stella meets her best friend in college, she quickly falls in lust with her brother who is nine years older. Out of respect for her best friend, she never gives any indication that Blake is the man she wants, but she also never forgets him. Year later, during a traumatic time for both Stella and Blake, they have an interaction that doesn't go well. Some time later, Stella is working her way up in a successful company and one of Blake's companies becomes her client. Blake decides it it time to show Stella that she is the woman he wants and he will do whatever he needs to do to make her his.
Stella is a really easy character to care about. She is a great sister, cousin, and friend. She makes sure to take care of those around her, and often puts the needs of others before her own. That said, she also has backbone and will stand up for herself when she needs to. Seeing not only the terrible situation that Zoe experienced, but also seeing how it affected Stella was really emotional. One of my greatest hopes as I read this book was that Stella and Zoe would be able to find their friendship once again. Blake was a tricky character. He did some really wonderful things, and some hurtful things. The wonderful things definitely win out, but he definitely caused some big emotional swings with Stella (and the reader). This was the first book in this series that I read, and I will definitely be going back to read the first book. I like this author a lot and will continue to read her work in the future.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
Stella is a really easy character to care about. She is a great sister, cousin, and friend. She makes sure to take care of those around her, and often puts the needs of others before her own. That said, she also has backbone and will stand up for herself when she needs to. Seeing not only the terrible situation that Zoe experienced, but also seeing how it affected Stella was really emotional. One of my greatest hopes as I read this book was that Stella and Zoe would be able to find their friendship once again. Blake was a tricky character. He did some really wonderful things, and some hurtful things. The wonderful things definitely win out, but he definitely caused some big emotional swings with Stella (and the reader). This was the first book in this series that I read, and I will definitely be going back to read the first book. I like this author a lot and will continue to read her work in the future.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
February 14, 2015
Stella has loved Blake Campbell since she first met him. His sister was a freshman at college and Stella was the RA so she was helping her settle in when Blake came in the room. Zoe and Stella vowed to be best friends and they soon became that. Blake was rich and famous and most people wanted to be friends with Zoe to meet her half brother. He raised her when their mother and her father were killed in a car accident . Blake being nine years older than Zoe promised to take care of her. They are very close and Stella doesn't let Zoe know she is attracted to her brother. Years later after Zoe graduated and became a librian at a local school. Stella works for an agency as an accountant and she is trying to work her way up. One day tragedy strikes Zoe while she is at school and it throws her into a deep depression. Stella can't get through to her and neither can Blake. Finally Zoe tells Stella she needs a break from her. Stella is heartbroken because she loves Zoe like a sister and she wants to help. Stella goes to see Blake and they have one hot and heavy night when they get together and then Blake casts her aside and takes off. Stella thinks what an ass but she still loves him. This story does contain profanity and sexual scenes. The story is really good. I actually cried twice while reading it. You will love this as Stella, Blake, and Zoe all fight their own demons and try to find their own way in life
January 28, 2015
Stella Baccino is a shy but ambitious girl from Chicago. She meets Zoe Baker while attending university and they instantly become the best of friends. But there is something about Zoe’s overly protective brother that Stella can’t seem to get away from.
Blake Campbell is successful, self-contained and absolutely gorgeous. He was the university quarterback and is now successfully managing his father’s sports empire. Stella is caught between her growing feelings for him and her loyalty to Zoe. She never imagined that Blake could ever feel the same way until tragedy strikes and they are both left stripped emotionally bare.
Blake has always been painfully aware of Stella. She’s everything that he ever wanted and she’s totally off limits. He tries to keep his feelings secret until they come together on one explosive night and the aftermath threatens to destroy everything that he has ever cared about.
Olivia has penned a story with the perfect combination of heat and tension in Pressure Point. I was completely invested in the characters – especially Stella – who is now my favourite of the Luck heroines. I related to her on every level and loved that she was both truly kind and yet still strong.
The ending was satisfying and frightening at the same time and I am completely desperate for more…
Blake Campbell is successful, self-contained and absolutely gorgeous. He was the university quarterback and is now successfully managing his father’s sports empire. Stella is caught between her growing feelings for him and her loyalty to Zoe. She never imagined that Blake could ever feel the same way until tragedy strikes and they are both left stripped emotionally bare.
Blake has always been painfully aware of Stella. She’s everything that he ever wanted and she’s totally off limits. He tries to keep his feelings secret until they come together on one explosive night and the aftermath threatens to destroy everything that he has ever cared about.
Olivia has penned a story with the perfect combination of heat and tension in Pressure Point. I was completely invested in the characters – especially Stella – who is now my favourite of the Luck heroines. I related to her on every level and loved that she was both truly kind and yet still strong.
The ending was satisfying and frightening at the same time and I am completely desperate for more…
January 28, 2015
This story was an amazing sequel to book 1 of The Point Series, New Point. Dare I even say that this book was better than New Point, yes it definitely was! This was the story of Stella and Blake and its basically a recap of New Point but from a completely different view. You see Stella losing her best friend and you see Blake struggling with his need to take care of his sister and him attempting to balance love and life.
This book was refreshing, I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down. You realize that Blake is a selfish prick and eventually, he realizes it too. You realize that Stella is an amazing woman who will always put other first. You also meet some amazing secondary characters who you can't help but fall in love with. Try hard not to though, because they will end up breaking your heart.
Finally, let me mention the ending!!! Oh good Lord, how can you leave me hanging like that Olivia? I have many unanswered questions and I need to know what the deuce is going to happen. Now I sit and wait, an urge you to read the book and join me, because why should my emotions suffer alone.
This book was refreshing, I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down. You realize that Blake is a selfish prick and eventually, he realizes it too. You realize that Stella is an amazing woman who will always put other first. You also meet some amazing secondary characters who you can't help but fall in love with. Try hard not to though, because they will end up breaking your heart.
Finally, let me mention the ending!!! Oh good Lord, how can you leave me hanging like that Olivia? I have many unanswered questions and I need to know what the deuce is going to happen. Now I sit and wait, an urge you to read the book and join me, because why should my emotions suffer alone.
January 29, 2015
First let me start off by saying, if you have not read book one, New Point, then you need to read it before starting this one. Blake and Stella are introduced in New Point and this book runs somewhat parallel with some parts being before New Point. If you haven't started this series you need to go get them both now. I fell in love, like majorly in love, with Blake in New Point and even more in this one. He is a seriously hot and oh so yummy, but very loving and protective over his sister and is a man who I know for sure I would want in my life. And Stella is, in my opinion, the absolutely perfect match for Blake. These two go through so much fighting their feelings because Stella is Blake's sister's best friend. I really love how the author wrote their story from his perspective but also from hers as well. I loved being able to see it through both their eyes. I am very anxiously awaiting the next book in this series! Ms. Luck has made me a fan for life!!! Can't wait for the next one! A copy was gifted in exchange for an honest review.
Review by Tabitha
Review by Tabitha
June 14, 2015
Olivia Luck has this way of pulling me right into her books. It could be me, but no matter where I am, when I'm reading a book by her, it feels like I'm in my favorite pj's with my legs curled under myself on the couch, listening to a friend's tale of her day with great intrigue. She will always be an automatic 1-click author for me.
Now on to Stella and Blake! I absolutely adored these two! They have amazing chemistry. I loved the supporting characters, especially the family (they both had wonderful families, which I always appreciate in books).
This was a great story about how much you can lose yourself when you're too busy putting others' needs before your own. Stella and Blake both suffer from this and are aware of it, but they never do anything about it. That is, until, they both realized what they could lose if they don't. Once they put themselves first, it's a whole different ball game and a wonderful journey to be apart of.
Bravo, Olivia, on another wonderful story! I can't wait for Violet's!
Now on to Stella and Blake! I absolutely adored these two! They have amazing chemistry. I loved the supporting characters, especially the family (they both had wonderful families, which I always appreciate in books).
This was a great story about how much you can lose yourself when you're too busy putting others' needs before your own. Stella and Blake both suffer from this and are aware of it, but they never do anything about it. That is, until, they both realized what they could lose if they don't. Once they put themselves first, it's a whole different ball game and a wonderful journey to be apart of.
Bravo, Olivia, on another wonderful story! I can't wait for Violet's!
February 21, 2015
4.5 Star Review
I enjoyed this story a lot. At time I did feel that it was dragged out a little longer than it should have been but not bad. You are drawn in to this story and you can't put this one down. Stella just takes you and when you add Zoe in the mix these two explode off the pages. Aww we can't forget Blake, alpha man that you love but want to walk up to and tell him to get his crap together! Blake and Stella push their feeling for each other aside till they can't anymore. Zoe goes through an event that pushes Stella and Blake together. They fight against the draw that both have and do some pretty harsh things to each other. The road they all find themselves on brings you to your knees and has you wondering can they find the happiness they deserve.
One read you can't put down!
I enjoyed this story a lot. At time I did feel that it was dragged out a little longer than it should have been but not bad. You are drawn in to this story and you can't put this one down. Stella just takes you and when you add Zoe in the mix these two explode off the pages. Aww we can't forget Blake, alpha man that you love but want to walk up to and tell him to get his crap together! Blake and Stella push their feeling for each other aside till they can't anymore. Zoe goes through an event that pushes Stella and Blake together. They fight against the draw that both have and do some pretty harsh things to each other. The road they all find themselves on brings you to your knees and has you wondering can they find the happiness they deserve.
One read you can't put down!
March 5, 2015
Pressure Point is the second book in the Point series but can be read as a standalone. This story is about Blake and Stella, Zoe's brother and best friend. This book is from a dual POV, which I love. I like the best friend/ brother romance; it almost seems like a forbidden love.
Blake is nine years older than Stella. He was a famous college athlete and now he owns a pro team. He is good looking, rich, older man. Stella is smart and independent woman, who is also a great cook. Together they make a great power couple and seem to have it all.
I like that this book is connected the New Point and I liked reading Blake and Stella's take on events that happened. This was a good best friend/ brother romance book. The chemistry between Blake and Stella is HOT! I liked that their relationship felt natural and wasn't rushed or forced. I look forward to reading more from Ms Luck.
January 13, 2015
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Sanne / Scandalous Book Blog***
Intense story that was filled with pain and everything that life throws at you.
I did have some difficulties with all the time lapses in the book but I do understand why the author decided to do that. Their story was one that evolved over a long period of time.
Our male lead was fiercely protective over his little sister which caused him to neglect our female lead one too many times.
Overall this was a story about love, pain and life and if you don't mind a complicate male then it's all for you!
Intense story that was filled with pain and everything that life throws at you.
I did have some difficulties with all the time lapses in the book but I do understand why the author decided to do that. Their story was one that evolved over a long period of time.
Our male lead was fiercely protective over his little sister which caused him to neglect our female lead one too many times.
Overall this was a story about love, pain and life and if you don't mind a complicate male then it's all for you!
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