Changes
Adriana Banovic’s 15th birthday sucked! She got fired after eight years of playing Shayanne Montgomery on the #1 soap in the country, found out that her family was on the verge of bankruptcy and worst of all, forced to return to Westwood Academy. Her only saving grace was a chance glance at dreamy mystery boy Haze Lyndon. Armed with only his picture and a determination to find him—even if it means turning Los Angeles over on its ass.
In this new adult novel you’ll meet Robin Banovic, Adriana’s father; financially challenged, dealing with the death of a family member and his brother’s disappearance. You’ll meet Savannah DaCosta aka Savi, mother/manager; Savi enjoys the life her rock star daughter Leighann has provided. When Leighann makes a choice to end her career, Savi sees it as a personal attack.
You’ll meet college boy Haze Lyndon; New to Los Angeles, Haze soon realizes how quickly money changes hands in the City of Angels. Will he return to questionable ways to survive or go back to the safety of his family in Wisconsin?
Changes by Gillian Felix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Fans of contemporary reads that tie very unusual and seemingly unrelated people and events together will certainly enjoy this novel. I was most intrigued with the story between Adriana and Leighann, and I would have enjoyed learning more about them. I did sometimes struggle to see the relationship between everyone. I do believe that a cast/character list or family tree would aid this potential issue. The book does end with an unresolved issue, but that merely prepares the reader for the next book in the series.
Thankfully, there are no bedroom scenes, but there is plenty of profanity throughout the book. Again, this does not impact the rating of the book, but I have to say that most of the profanity did not even seem to make logical sense. Since this is the first book in the series, I would venture to say that the next book in the series will be even better, but I do recommend reading this book first.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
The Banovic Siblings
College boy Kevin Banovic’s casual affair with Savi DaCosta suited him perfectly. Things change when he finds out that Savi is his mom’s high school bestie. When Kevin tries to end their affair, Savi blackmails him. After Kevin rescues Savi’s stepdaughter, L’Wren, from her abusive boyfriend, he can’t stop thinking about her. He must find a way to handle Savi, protect L’Wren, and keep his sanity.
Bad girl Adriana Banovic is pleased with herself for getting her nemesis expelled from Westwood Academy. As feelings between her and her latest victim Haze Lyndon escalate, an unexpected rival discovers her secret and threatens to expose her. With emotions on the line, will her new rival beat her at her own game or end up another casualty of Adriana’s wrath?
Zax Banovic has it all. Tall and handsome, he’s an academic genius, with a killer smile and a heart of gold. When his best friend gets into trouble, he feels responsible and covers for him. But his best friend is not as honorable and has other plans for Zax.
The Banovic Siblings learn that blackmail is a gift that keeps on giving.
Bastard’s Brew
When L’Wren’s ex-boyfriend Jeff suddenly disappears, she turns to Kevin to help her find him. With one phone call, Kevin makes sure that Jeff stays hidden and that L’Wren’s heart is broken, leaving the door open for Kevin to pursue her. But Kevin is not as free as L’Wren thinks; she is in the dark about his affair with her stepmother, Savi. Savi constantly reminds Kevin of his devious ways and uses their secret to keep him as her toyfriend.
“You don’t deserve to be loved, and you don’t deserve to be happy. You and I are the same … we’re broken inside. Everything we touch, we destroy. We don’t get happily ever after … we don’t get to ride off into the sunset. You know who gets that? L’Wren … she gets it, she gets the guy, and she deserves a decent guy.”- Savi
Kevin desires to be the man that L’Wren deserves, but before he can assume the role of white knight, he brews one last plan to get rid of Savi for good. Will L’Wren, the innocent victim in their twisted game, become a casualty?
Kevin may have sold his body to the devil in stilettos, but he’d be damned if he let her have his heart.
Character Guest Post:
Adriana
I don’t think fashion has an age limit, I don’t think fashion has anything to do with how you look. I think fashion is an attitude. Two people with the exact same body type can wear the same outfit and one of them is bound to stand out. I’ll bet the more confident one would be more appealing.
Ever notice how runway models always look good even if what they are modeling is crappy? (I’m not calling names, but seriously, not every outfit should be on the runway), back to my point, they (models) walk like they own the world. Whether they feel it or not, they exude confidence. With everybody’s eyes on them and probably praying that they don’t miss a step, the last thing I’m sure they feel is confident, but they pull it off.
Whether you choose to mix Prada with thrift store, it’s all about the attitude you wear when you wear it.
What’s my personal fashion sense? I love bohemian with long loose skirts, chunky bangles, and head scarves. I usually pair that with a tank top and open toe sandals. I’m not much into brand names, I like what I like. I’m still experimenting with different styles and sometimes I’ll throw on a pair of cowboy boots and shorts and be just as comfortable. I live in Los Angeles, and cowboy boots is not an everyday fashion statement for the locals. To me it doesn’t matter, I love pushing the envelope. I wear my cowboy boots with pride.
No matter where you are or who you are, find your own style and own it.
About Adriana
Adriana Kelly Banovic is a 15-year-old ex-soap opera star. After her career ended abruptly she was forced to return to high school; the prestigious Westwood Academy of Higher Learning. Adriana is determined to get herself expelled from the celebrity obsessed school, but gets distracted by mystery boy Haze Lyndon, she also has secrets of her own and goes through great lengths to make sure Haze never finds out.
Meet Adriana in the Family Portrait series: Changes, The Banovic Siblings and Bastard’s Brew.
Purchase Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00EAUDZM6
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/gillian-felix?store=allproducts&keyword=gillian+felix
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Gillianfx
Want to give the series a try? Changes the first novel in the series is FREE on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCA.
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/changes-family-portrait-v.1/id815348621?mt=11
Giveaway link:a Rafflecopter giveaway
Author Bio
I have been writing since I was old enough to hold a pencil. I enjoy creating characters that could be your next-door neighbor, but would you want them as your neighbor is another story.
Originally from the island of Trinidad and Tobago, I moved to the United States in 1998. Since then I have been involved in the entertainment industry for over ten years.
I am an entrepreneur and advocate for women and children’s rights and I enjoy being in nature and volunteering.
I always wanted to work with Aaron Spelling because I grew up watching his shows, but he died before I got the chance, so in a way my books are an ode to him. I know he would have loved them. I tip my hat to him.
Author Links
Website: http://www.plaintalkbm.com
Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/GillianFx
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gillianfx
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7210783.Gillian_Felix
What people are saying about the series
“I see a huge following for this new series! I know I’m going to watch for more!” Di Bylo – Amazon Top Reviewer
“Gillian Felix is truly wonderful in the way she writes and captivates her readers. She has a true gift and I guess anyone who reads her books will be waiting for the next book as eagerly as I am.” Namrata Ganti – Red Pillows
“There are love, lies, secrets, and desires that rival any soap opera out there.” Karen-Anne Stewart, Author
“This series is like the Sopranos meets Nashville. It was gritty and realistic whilst entertaining and dark.” Rachel P
