Friday 25 March 2016

Review: Kaleidoscope Hearts by Claire Contreras

Kaleidoscope Hearts by Claire Contreras
Publication Date: 20th January 2015. 
My rating: 4.5 stars


He was my older brother's best friend. He was never supposed to be mine. I thought we would get it out of our system and move on. One of us did. One of us left. Now he's back, looking at me like he wants to devour me. And all those feelings I'd turned into anger are brewing into something else, something that terrifies me. He broke my heart last time. This time he'll obliterate it.

With the reading funk that I had been in I really needed a book which I would fall head over heels for and didn’t want to put down. Unexpectedly Kaleidoscope Hearts was that book. I found myself totally absorbed into Oliver and Estelle’s world not wanting to do anything but find out how things would end up for them.

Oliver and Estelle had a crazy sort of relationship; Estelle was Oliver’s best friend’s younger sister, so totally out off limits as far as Victor was concerned. But Oliver and Estelle just had that connection one night and ever since then no matter how hard they tried, they just couldn’t resist one another. Of course Oliver had the reputation of being a ladies’ man, so of course Victor wouldn’t want his sister messing around with him. But Oliver and his charms were just really hard to resist, honesty I know I would have seriously a hard time too. So the times that their paths collided Oliver and Estelle just have eyes for one another, until one eventful night things completely change. I can honestly accept and understand Estelle’s reaction and the decision she makes, it was a big night for both of them so you wouldn’t expect Oliver to do that if he really cared about her. So what Estelle decided to do is perfectly understandable. But of course fate wouldn’t leave it that way and Oliver and Estelle’s path end up colliding once more.

I was super curious to find out what exactly had gone down with Oliver and Estelle in the past, I wanted both of them to be able to move forward together, but there was still that doubt of trust in Estelle’s mind and with everything that she had been through, was she even ready to move on?. And with Oliver for that matter? I really liked how Contreras gave us Oliver’s and Estelle’s story, the switch between the present and past worked really well, showing us the slow build up of their relationship. The back and forth between them in the present day could be annoying at times, but Contreras gave us the right amount of slow burn, teasing us slowly until I couldn’t really take it anymore. Plus the constant fear of Estelle’s brother finding out the truth, added extra spice to their time together. Let me say Oliver and Estelle’s relationship was hot! Also I may have previously mentioned that certain characters names really work for me (I have a mental list that I always associate with hotness and Oliver is right up there, also a hot Dr. who could ever resist?) Both Oliver and Estelle shared immense growth over the course of the story, they weren’t teenagers anymore and over the years of missed chances, stolen kisses and grief they had to deal with they both grew up. And I’m glad to say they did especially where it concerned Oliver, because Estelle was risking a lot giving him a second chance, but it was clear to me from the very beginning, Oliver’s flirting and banter aside, he was serious about making their relationship work. My only minor irk was how Estelle and characters kept sabotaging Estelle’s ex afterwards, he seemed like a decent guy to me with what we were told of him, but more so I don’t respect making comments after that individual is no longer around to defend themselves. Despite this however Kaleidoscope Hearts was everything I could have hoped for and so much more. It was a story where I fell pretty hard for the characters and couldn’t stop thinking about for days afterwards. So thank you for that Ms. Contreras, I can’t wait to dive into more of your reads.



16 comments:

Jeann @ Happy Indulgence said...

Yippee, it's always awesome to find a book that takes you out of your reading slump and it sounds like this one did the job! It sounds like the contrast between Oliver and Estelle's story and their relationship was done really well, and I'm glad that the chemistry and character development was there. Lovely review Jasprit!

Jeann @ Happy Indulgence

Divergent Gryffindor said...

Woah, this sounds like a fantastic book! I have been seeing the cover for this one for quite some time now but I never bothered to look. Now I'll have to check this out!

Kim @ Divergent Gryffindor: BLOG || VLOG

Jennifer said...

If you liked this book then you should check out the next book in the series, Paper Hearts. It was even better.

Danielle said...

I just picked this up last week, like Jeann said, it's such a relief to find a book that sweeps you away and if it's got a great romance all the better :) Looking forward to this one now!

Nick said...

Ooh Jasprit! This sounds amazing! I've heard good things about it but I don't think I've sat down and read the summary. I love a good brother's best friend romance so this is right up my alley. I'm already falling for Oliver! :) And their relationship together sounds amazing.
I'm so pleased you found a book that took you out of your funk.
Wonderful review! :)

Lekeisha said...

I've seen this one around a lot, so I may check this out. Great review!

Keertana said...

I haven't heard of this one before but I really love the title--it's gorgeous! I'm glad this was such a strong novel for you, Jasprit, and I'm definitely adding it to my TBR. Lovely review, dearest!

Alyssa said...

OMG! To be honest, I absolutely LOVE the romance trope in which the guy falls for his best friend's little sister (or the little sister falls in love with her brother's best friend, however you want to frame it). This totally sounds like something I would enjoy! And 4.5 stars, that's really positive. Fantastic review, Jasprit! :)

Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

Piecraft Bucharest said...

Well, naughty, but oh - so much potential! :) Definitely will check it out, thanks, Jasprit!

Jasprit said...

I of course had to pick up Paper Hearts straight after finishing this and I loved it too!

Jasprit said...

Glad you managed to grab a copy too Danielle! Hope hou enjoy this one too!

Jennifer said...

It's great getting out of a reading funk. Great review!

Jennifer said...

It's great getting out of a reading funk. Great review!

Joy said...

I'm glad this book brought you out of your funk, Jas. I've been meaning to download a copy! Going to give this a chance, for sure.

Ksenia said...

I’ve seen this book around, but for some reason it haven’t appealed to me. But your lovely review definitely make me reconsider. I love forbidden romance, and I like the sound of this romance. Also I’m really curious what other names are on your hotness list. Lol.

Carina Olsen said...

Awesome review Jasprit :D YAY for enjoying this book a lot. <3 Sadly, not a book for me at all, lol. But it do seem cute even so. And you make it seem so good. Maybe one day :) Thank you for sharing about it sweet girl. <3

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