I received this book for free from Karina Halle in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
On Every Street by Karina Halle Series: The Artists Trilogy #0.5
on March 12th 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary
Source: Karina Halle
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When young con artist Ellie Watt decides to call herself Eden White and go after the drug lord who ruined her as a child, she never expects to fall for one of his henchmen. But Javier Bernal is no ordinary man. Subtly dangerous and overwhelmingly seductive, Eden finds herself passionately in love with Javier, the very person she's set-up to betray. With her body and heart in a heated battle against her deep need for revenge, no one will walk away from this con a winner.
This 50K word (100+ pages) novella takes place six years before Sins & Needles. It can be read before or after Sins & Needles and may also be read as a standalone.
Having already met Ellie in Sins & Needles, I was excited to get the before: What happened to make her run away, and how she fell in love with Javier to begin with. I must say, I feel very torn after this. In Sins & Needles, Ellie meets Camden with whom she develops a very chemistry filled, eccentric relationship that takes the reader by storm. Then she makes Javier out to be someone she fears, someone she must stay away from at all costs. He’s the villain no one wants to see swoop in. In On Every Street, however, we see what made her fall in love with Javier. Knowing their unfortunate downfall doesn’t make their romance, nor Javier himself, any less enticing, either. I didn’t think I would like him at all no matter what I read in this book, but Karina worked her magic and proved me oh so very wrong! He’s a very… fascinating character. He’s got infinite charm that would sweep anyone off their feet, and even after all is set and done, Javier is a really sweet guy–which makes the ending all the worst. I don’t blame Ellie one minute for the choices she made in this book, even when they weren’t always the smartest ones.
Although it’s essentially a novella, it’s on the long side with just as much character and story development as any full-sized prequel. We get to know Ellie before she becomes the Ellie we know; when she was young and gullible, when her only goal was to get revenge from the man who ruined her life. As much as her character is one of the best developed I’ve read already, she becomes even more substantial when we get to understand yet another side of her. For those who haven’t read Sins & Needles, this is the Ellie you’ll be introduced to, and then you’ll get to see her in a new light when you do read S&N. It will also make you read S&N with a different angle. Having gone through her relationship with Javier, having felt the amount of love she has for this man prior to reading it will make for a different reading experience that’s for sure. I wonder which one I’d actually prefer!
On Every Street is very romantic, more about the love story than anything else, it’s also quite hot and steamy which I expected from having read Sins & Needles, though it surpasses that one easily. While this novella is not necessary to enjoy the series, I find it to be a considerably valuable installment as we get to know a very real and very important character in Ellie’s life–someone who plays a big part in carving her into the person she becomes. Additionally, having an idea where the sequel is going, this novella opens up many doors in our hearts and minds for us to be able to go into that sequel full of already set emotion towards the events and characters involved. Instead of being one sided, all for Camden, her and Javier’s romance becomes just as inviting. It definitely makes for an extensive and well rounded story.
It makes you fall in love, only to crush you to pieces, (which is all your fault, really, if you read S&N. *hangs head in shame*) On Every Street is for every romantic at heart who doesn’t mind a little dangerous twist to their love stories!
5 Hot Espressos
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Mary @ BookSwarm
Even though it’s short for a novel and long for a novella, the fact that you’ve still got character and plot development definitely puts this on my radar. However, I want to — need to — read SINS AND NEEDLES first! What’s my hold-up?
Jenni @ Alluring Reads
It seems that these novellas are becoming more and more substantial. I remember feeling robbed because I hadn’t read the Unearthly one before I read Boundless, I definitely think having not read it really hindered some of my reading experience there. But it was still epic, don’t get me wrong. So cool that this one made you see Javier in a new light and question who you would choose in S&N, I have to get my hands on this!
Christina
She really makes you like Javier? HOW? HOOOOOOOW?
Amy
Ohhhh now I am wondering whether I should read this before Sins & Needles or after since I haven’t read it yet. I am glad to know that it’s really good. I am a big fan of novellas when they really add to a story. Awesome review chick!!
Faith Sullivan
I’m gravitating toward novellas more and more because I can read them in one sitting.
Bailey
I haven’t heard of this series but I like it when their is a novella and you can read it without having read the first book and not get confused. Going to have to check out Sins and Needles! Great review! 🙂
Bailey
there* xD
Aman
I was always Team Javier and this novella did justice to him. I absolutely love him and I didn’t like the ending one bit but I get it. I’m still hoping they’ll get back together. Great review, Giselle!
Sarah Elizabeth
I thought you might like this one! Think I’m going to give it a try soon 🙂
J. Anne Huss
I liked Javier from eh start (almost)…I have this on my Kindle, but no time to read it yet – but as soon as things slow down, this one is the first on the list. 🙂
Lauren
I already have Sins & Needles downloaded after reading several rave reviews, and I’m glad to hear the novella is just as good! I’m super impressed that the author is able to make you care for Javier so much, given the intensity of Ellie’s relationship with Camden. From what I’ve heard, this Camden is a guy I’d definitely fall for. 🙂 I have no doubts that Javier will charm me too. I can’t wait to meet them both! Fabulous review!
Jesse Burgoyne
I should really read this series. It sounds amazing and I love novellas that add to a series! I’ll usually skip them if they’re just pointless fluff, but this one sounds like a must read!
Jesse @ Pretty In Fiction
Megan K.
I’ve got my eye on this series now! I mean, I wasn’t sure before if I would like it, but now that so many positive reviews about the first book AND the novella are pouring in, I might give this one a go. So glad you enjoyed this, Giselle!
P.S. Would you recommend this to mature young adults, based on the content, or would it just best for adults only?
Giselle
I’d recommend this one strictly to adults (or young adults who like adult books–I was reading stuff like this in my late teens). There’s quite a lot of sexual content, especially, and some violence.
Kathy Ann Coleman
This series looks really interesting and I think I’m going to check it out. I am intrigued. 😀
Savannah Bookswithbite
This is an series right? I totally have to read it now. You make it sound awesome!
Kristilyn (Reading In Winter)
I totally forgot I bought this the other day! i’ll have to read it soon … I always love Karina Halle when I’m in a bit of a reading slump! I KNOW this one will be awesome! 🙂 Great review, Giselle!
Cindy
Wow, this sounds great. I’ve never heard of the series, but I would love to start reading it with this. Ellie sounds like a great character, and you have me interested in wanting to know more about her relationship with this Javier guy, as well as what happens after. Great review!