Title: False Impressions
Author: Ace Bryann
Publisher: Dare to Dream Books
ISBN: 979-8218343293
eBook ISBN: 979-8869151087
Genre: Romance, Psychological Thriller
Availability: Paperback or eBook
Language: English
Paperback: 280 pages
Item Weight: 14.6 ounces
Dimensions: 6 x 0.63 x 9 inches
Review:
There is a quote by author and poet Michael Bassey Johnson that goes, “Those without an idea of who you are make you become what they think.” And when it comes to Ace Bryann’s thriller False Impressions, this quote couldn’t ring truer.
In an upscale club in New York, where socialites and celebrities schmooze with one another, we are introduced to the rather charming, resentful, and down-on-his-luck Nicola “Nic” Landino, who is still suffering from the loss of his birthright as the King of Calina a small, independent microstate nestled between Italy, France, and Switzerland, to his brother, Derek Landino. He is the former CEO of the illustrious Land Corp and the current King of Calina.
After swallowing his pride before his brother’s right-hand man, Gregory McKenzie to settle his bar tab, Nicola returns home to even worse news. He not only finds an eviction notice on the front door to his Manhattan penthouse but also finds himself at the end of a threatening call from a nefarious character.
With no other options and his life in danger, Nicola breaks down and calls his brother for help. However, this may be a blessing in disguise for the wayward prince of Calina. Meanwhile, we are reunited with the main pairing in Ace Bryann’s Pictures Don’t Lie, Derek Landino, and Christine Dayne, Derek’s fiancée, and future Queen of Calina still nursing their wounds from the conclusion of the previous novel.
Christine has been suffering from PTSD, terrors, sleepwalking, and severe anxiety over the events of the last novel to the point that despite her love for Derek, she can’t be near him as her attacks worsen in his presence. Derek knows that something is amiss with the love of his life, but waits for her to come to him regarding what she is hiding.
The novel has four main characters and therefore, two main pairings, and the dynamics between our two couples couldn’t be more different. While Derek and Christine’s relationship is rife with trauma from previous events, they show that they are loyal to one another and defend each other through thick and thin, which is a refreshing read.
On the other end, we have Nicola and Taya. On the surface, these two seem like the classic roguish playboy and serious girl in a “will-they-won’t they” situation. However, while they are in this dynamic, it’s due to their respective secrets versus anything else.
While the events of the story take place around the politics of Calina, the overarching plot of the story is how three of our four main characters are judged based on what others put upon them.
The author does a magnificent job of going deep into the country of Calina. As someone who enjoys lore, Calina was fascinating to me and the author goes into painstaking detail on their history, ideologies, languages, traditions, and food.
However, there is one aspect of Calina that the plot of the story circles around and actively affects the majority of characters in it. when Derek takes his place as the King, he becomes a target due to his desire to join the EU. Add in the sympathy some of the citizens feel regarding the very sensitive subject of Marco DeGrassi, and it’s a recipe for a dangerous plot, one that Enzo DeGrassi, the son of Marco DeGrassi, immediately begins.
The descriptions in the story are given in great detail. Special mention goes to the Landino palace as it was described so well, that I could envision myself roaming through the palace as if I were a tourist or a special guest.
The chemistry between the central couples is magnetic and the dynamic that each character have with one another is very well written. And of course, there are some steamy but tasteful moments within the novel that I feel were handled well. Readers will find themselves gripped by this story until the finale where the author leaves space for a potential continuation.
While this book can be read on its own as the author does a great job filling the reader in on the events of the previous book, I would advise reading Pictures Don’t Lie to save on some confusion regarding certain characters and events.
Romance lovers will enjoy False Impressions as a worthy addition to any physical or digital bookcase. False Impressions earns a solid recommendation from me. ★★★★★ – Elijah B. Explore Authors Magazine