“This. Book. It deserves so many more than 5 stars. It could have ended at 15% and still would have been one of my favorite books EVER!” -Kelli, Goodreads reviewerIf envy is a sin, then let me be damned.Graham was born to be a star. Once upon a time, that star shone only for me. Now, I have to share him with the rest of the world. For a while, I thought I could do it. Because, beneath the …
Now, I have to share him with the rest of the world.
For a while, I thought I could do it. Because, beneath the hypnotic smile, gorgeous body and God-given charm that made him famous, I still caught glimpses of my best friend.
Of the boy who called me sunshine and loved me.
I wore that love like a crown . . . until he placed it on another’s head.
Losing him was agony, distance felt like the only cure.
When tragedy reunites us after years apart, it only takes one touch to erase the past. Just like that, I’m back in his arms.
He promises this time will be different. But I’m afraid to believe him.
Because behind his star’s blinding brilliance is a darkness that doesn’t want to let him go.
I know a star that bright can’t belong to just one person, but my jealous heart doesn’t want to share him.
I want all of him . . . even if wanting what doesn’t belong to me leads me to ruin.
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I loved this one from Dylan Allen so much. My fave of hers so far. Graham and Apollo meet as children and spend their lives, even when they’re apart, in love. One moment heart-wrenching and then hilarious the next, this book will run your heart through a gamut of emotions. Truly a reading experience you shouldn’t miss. If you’ve never read Dylan, this is a great place to start, but don’t expect to be able to stop! You’ll want to read everything she has written!
The Stars Align!
Envy is a beautiful love story that will embed itself into your heart and soul. It is by far, Dylan Allen’s best work. I love that her stories feel authentic and empowering. The word choices, the passion, and the visuals that are created in Envy are astounding. My mind continues to linger in awe and wonder of Graham and Apollo’s love. Destiny meets faith meets hope equals an unrelenting soul connection.
Graham is a thoughtful, loyal, protective, and loving young man. His childhood is not easy and his isolation gives him a warped perspective of relationships and human interactions. However, one magical day “an angel” falls from the sky and changes the course of his life. Despite the darkness that surrounds him, he finally feels the sunshine….Apollo.
Apollo is an intelligent, outspoken, bold spirit. She is dealing with loss at a young age, but her maturity and wisdom help to ease her pain. She is lonely and isolated until a fateful day when she practically falls into Graham’s arms.
Their curiosity and need for human connection help to forge a fast and fierce friendship. They bond over grief and their love of reading. Just as their friendship is solidifying, tragedy strikes.
Despite the time and space that separates them, their attachment to one another doesn’t waiver. Graham and Apollo’s love story spans over a decade where hope and love are intertwined. It is sweet, fun, emotional, compelling, steamy, angsty and glorious.
My mind and my heart are still wrapped up in Graham and Apollo and I don’t want to let them go! The magic, the words, the emotion…everything! Simply brilliant.
Envy. Dictionaries say that it’s a feeling of annoyance and bitterness caused by someone’s prosperity or success. Other sources say that it’s a feeling of frustration when we can’t have something that we really want to have. Usually considered a negative feeling, although in a gentle form it can be a stimulus to positive competition and fulfillment of one’s own aspirations. In the case of the main characters of this book both definitions are correct. Because they both know too well what this feeling is like…
Apollo met Graham when the boy saved her from drowning. They were both very young at the time but in spite of their age they already carried a lot of unpleasant experiences with them. An incredible bond was born between them and they already knew that they would never forget about each other. Unfortunately, circumstances led to the fact that their brief acquaintance was suspended for some time. Time however didn’t change anything between them because their rare meetings proved that the friendship that connects them is inseparable, and the love in which it turned out is strong and unique. But fate decided to play with them and the promises were broken, just like their hearts.
Oh, how I suffered … My heart ached with sadness and disappointment that flowed from the pages of this book … Graham is a hero who faced one of the hardest choices in life and a tears turned in my eyes with the thought of what these choices would be. On the other hand I admired Graham’s determination. Just as I admired Apollo’s strenght. Her glow was simply blinding.
Life sometimes leads us through winding paths and it’s hard to see where we are heading. At some point our heroes got lost. But there is a place where they will always find themselves – in each others hearts.
Envy is an extremely beautiful and emotional read that will smash your heart and spit on it. But Dylan Allen slowly puts it together and wraps it in a warm blanket to finally whisper ‘Hey, it’s okay. Everything will be fine.’ I’m really glad that I had an opportunity to read such a breathtaking story.
This book was incredible! The emotion this book evokes is intense, angst filled, and has you gasping, “oh my gosh”ing, and devouring every word. The cover drew me in initially (I mean, you too right?!). While the blurb interested me enough to read Envy, I felt it wasn’t fully a representation of the caliber of book I read. The blurb begins mid-book, after Graham and Apollo have spent years apart. I feel the true beauty of this second chance love story is in the beginning. Author, Dylan Allen, artfully builds a love between these children, who even at such a tender age recognize something special in the other. Apollo has known loss in her young life, but allows herself to experience happiness, and sees a boy she wants to share it with. Graham’s life in a secluded commune at the abusive hands of his religious fanatic stepfather should have broken him, but the persistent and unwavering kindness of an eccentric little girl and a love for books saved his pure heart. Years later Graham feels forced to deviate from his dreams in a desperate attempt to make money in order to save his mother’s life. A secret he never intends to tell. His choice and efforts to protect Apollo from his secrets put a deep chasm between the them. Will Graham protect his secrets and still have the only woman he’ll ever love? Read Envy to find out!
It’s taken me a while to write this review because I don’t know what to say that can convey how much I adore this book and these two main characters!
From the beginning I felt something so special. I could visualize everything in my head and it made me feel like I was in a movie. Allen’s use of imagery and description is very well done. It’s almost like you’re in the book yourself. We first meet them as children and their innocence and instant chemistry is magical.
The transition between childhood to teen to adult is a tumultuous time for them both. Things are quickly changing and as a reader you just hope and pray that their love and bond can get through that. They’re so protective of each other and it is so so sweet and it made me swoon so many times.
Watching Graham and Apollo grow to be their own individuals and start realizing that the love they have for the other is way passed friendship is so interesting.
I had a special connection to Graham while reading Envy because I saw him grow up from the shy boy he once was to what he is today. You’ll understand when you read it how far he came and at times I just wanted to give him a big hug for being so resilient.
It broke my heart every time when Apollo thought she was never good enough for him, not know there were reasons Graham couldn’t be with her like she wanted. Scenes like that in particular were so high on emotion, angst and suspense!! I kept screaming at my kindle and wishing I could just throw it out the window lol!
Eventually when they do have sex it is indescribable. It’s sexy, sweet, emotional, hard and rough, slow and soft and smutty!!!
There were some very funny moments as well between the secondary characters and a stand out moment at the very end!! I laughed so so hard. It was Brilliant!
I highly highly recommend you read this book!! From the review you can see it has all the makings of the perfect romance, it will make you laugh, cry and believe in true love!!
“Envy isn’t a sin; it’s a vice. One that will never allow you to be happy”
Dylan knocked it out of the park with this one. Graham and Apollo’s story is a must read. If you love a friends to lovers book then definitely pick up Envy.
Graham and Apollo will forever stay with you. Their journey is definitely not one you would expect, it’s emotional and will tug at your heart for sure. They first meet when they are children and that encounter is full of love, sweetness, friendship and so many more emotions that will have you hanging on.
Graham grow up from the boy on the wrong side of town to a sexy, shy, “playboy”. He was doing what he thought was right at the time but still never couldn’t stop thinking of how Apollo would react if she ever found out.
Apollo, she’s the girl from a wealthy family who is just wanting to live her dreams. Since the day she meet Graham they have the connection and she never stopped loving him. She is beautiful, determined, brave, loyal. She’s the type that will face everything head on for those she loves.
“My best friend. My sunshine. My salvation. My heart is beating harder and faster then it ever has as I hold my entire world in my arms” -Graham
That quote is the best one to decide how the feels in this book are. Highly recommend it. Top read of the year!
Dylan Allen’s writing is so beautiful and so thought provoking! She has a way with words that make you FEEL!!! She is effortless in storytelling, and so Awe-inspiring!
It has taken me a few days to write this review. I’m not even sure how to express my feelings after reading Graham and Apollo’s story!
Graham and Apollo are like two halves of one soul, completing each other. their love towards each other is like nothing I’ve ever read! Apollo is like an Angel dropped from the heavens into Graham’s lap when they were just kids. The pain that they both endure throughout their lives, brings them closer than ever. Even when the world tears them apart!
I fell in love with Graham from the first line, and even more in love hearing his story be told. And Apollo,,,, where do I even begin with her??? She is true BADASS!! I loved this. book SO HARD!!!
I highly recommend this!
#TheSunAndHerStar
#MyGrahamCracker
I’m not sure if the words that I’m going to type will ever be adequate to express how I feel about this book. I experienced every emotion while reading Envy. There were times that my heart was beating out of my chest with terror, and then the next I felt like I was being given the most comforting and soothing hug. Heartbreak, joy, anger, fear, laughter, pain, love, anguish, euphoria – this childhood friends to lovers second chance romance had it all.
Envy started in a way that I didn’t expect, but was so perfect for the journey Dylan Allen put our characters on. The story spans more than a decade and follows the ups and downs of Graham and Apollo. Two stars destined to collide. Their chemistry is amazing from the moment they meet and the gradual build-up of their growing feelings was so very deliciously painful. While reading I couldn’t help hearing the song Gravity by Sara Bareilles in my mind,
Something always brings me back to you
It never takes too long
No matter what I say or do
I’ll still feel you here ’till the moment I’m gone
You hold me without touch
You keep me without chains
I never wanted anything so much than to drown in your love
And not feel your reign
This love story between Graham and Apollo isn’t an easy one. It’s honest, raw, and at times terribly tragic. It examines the lengths one will go to and willingly sacrifice for those that they love. At its heart though, it’s a story of acceptance, forgiveness, and a love that knows no bounds.
Dylan Allen weaves a story so compelling that you won’t be able to stop yourself from falling for not only Graham and Apollo, but also for their friends and family. I’m looking forward to reading their stories too, especially Apollo’s BFF, Reena. I can’t recommend Envy enough! You definitely don’t want to miss this incredible book!
This was my first read by the talented Dylan Allen and it won’t be the last. Apollo and Graham’s story grabbed my attention and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. Apollo and Graham met as children and it changed their lives. Apollo was such a strong character. I loved her strength, intelligence, and determination. Graham, I fell hard for him. He was such a complex character. I rooted for these characters so hard. This was one of those books that had you holding your breath waiting for the moment they’d let go of their inhibitions and give in to the passion they felt and it was so worth it!
Omg I luvd this !!
This book was amazing. I luvd everything about it. The story was so good and addictive. I couldn’t put it down. Apollo is a brilliant character she is so bubbly and sweet as a kid and seeing her turn into this great woman is so good. She has dealt with some some crappy things but she alway dealt with them in a great way. I have to say I think she is one of the best heroines I’ve read. I luvd her personality and the way she was with Graham was so sweet. The way they met wasn’t a normal situation. But there bother not normal kids. There was always something about there connection even at a young age. They brought out the best in each other. Things were very up and down for them. When things started to go in the right direction they suddenly take a big dive. This book has so many twists and turns I had to start preparing myself. I would get happy for one of them then bang i’d get hit with something else. But it’s what made this book so good.
I would highly recommend this book. It’s only the second book I’ve read from this author but she is fast becoming one of my favourites. Apollo and Graham’s story is a rollercoaster from the start to finish. Both characters are amazing. But I have to say Apollo makes this book for me. Graham is great and his he’s so gorgeous and his story is heartbreaking. If anyone needs a break it’s him. But Apollo’s luv for his guy is so deep you see her falling in luv with him even a young age. He is her world of her Star as she calls him. Apollo is the to Graham she is Sunshine and alway will be. Just things have gotten in the way of him keeping things the way they were meant to. I really vacant day enough good things about this book. I luvd it so much. I know it’s only the start of the year. But so far this is my favourite book. I m really looking forward to more from this author.
My first read by this author and I’m a fan! What a treat for the senses. When I saw this book land on my kindle I dropped whatever else I was reading and quickly dove into this story!
What a treat for the senses!
I was immediately immersed in the story from beginning to end.
Captivating, intense and emotional this is the story of Apollo and Graham. This friends to lovers story takes the reader on a powerful journey revealing their struggles their secrets and their yearnings through the years.
Envy is all about their journey. Their love, friendship and the struggles that plagued them through adulthood.
This author’s writing was flawless! She exquisitely gave us an intricate story where the characters become the complex and complicated patterns in an elaborate and beautiful tapestry. The characters were so well developed I found at times I wanted to scream at them.
But in the end they were perfectly imperfect. This is a story of love friendship and acceptance.
Dilacerating, bewildering and sweeping.
Apollo and Graham meet at the edge of a lake, when he saves her from a drowning. In common, they discover the passion for books and the loss of loved ones: both have father and sisters deads.
In addition, they live different situations and family dramas: she comes from a wealthy family, but the mother develops psychological disorders by the loss of husband and daughter. He lives in a closed community, where all reading beyond religious is considered to be prohibited, as is contact with anyone outside the community.
Graham’s life is plagued by a past of physical and psychological abuse on the part of his stepfather, in addition to the scarcity of resources. And when he thinks he can run after his dreams and live a happy life next to Apollo, an extreme situation will put him in a difficult position.
From a pure relationship, we pass through a moment of lust, where not all facts are clarified. The result? Broken hearts. Broken promises. Pain and years of separation.
Life goes on, but it just seems enough. Especially for Graham whose life, though successful, is empty of dreams and meaning.
I admit that some of the decisions that Graham takes on this trajectory may disappoint. There is a certain prejudice in some of his lines. Apollo loves him very much, but it is a strong and determined character in spite of all his sweetness.
Some scenes with Graham’s stepfather at the beginning of the narrative are very described and strong. Disturbing and bursting with any heart. In the moments in which Apollo and Graham are separated, Amber and Reena are additions that soften and enrich the narrative.
Acceptance for the things that can not change show the evolution in Graham and make him come back to pursue his dreams. The way back to the heart of Apollo, is difficult but tender to read. And in the end, an inconvenient truth may disrupt the couple’s happiness, but it can not ruin the good closure of the plot.
I think I just found my second book boyfriend from Dylan’s stories. I cannot just give up on Simon. That will never happen. In my eyes this is her MOST STELLAR BOOK. There is so many emotions here from the deep heartbreak to the most fulfilling love. You seriously start this ride on the peek of the rollercoaster. Those first 4 chapters will make you sweat because you will be so afraid for our couple but also you will feel enchanted by the way they are brought together by faith. Graham and Apollo were destined to collided. It was really sweet seen their love bloom from such a tender age. They are the embodiment of FRIENDS TO LOVERS ROMANCE. Their life weren’t easy but they found each other in the perfect moment so they could lean on one another.
Yes they love each other utterly and completely but many outside influences and HORRIBLE people will try their best to keep them apart. I’m telling you there is one particular person that I WANT TO STRANGLE AND SERIOUSLY KILL WITH MY BARE HANDS. I’ll be hearing all about it on your reviews for sure. Our couple will struggle deeply with personal issues, lost, insecurities and internal demons. This will bring devastating and heartbreaking moments between them. All this will make Apollo and Graham seen more human and real to you.
Let me tell you a bit about the leading couple. Graham is not your average Alpha Macho Man. Yes he looks like a GREEK GOD and you will want to keep him lock in your room jajajaaj, but he is sweet, loving and wounded. His wounds are skin deep and even more crippling than actual visual ones.
His mother and Apollo are the most important people in his life and for them he will DO ANYTHING AND I MEAN ANYTHING. Those decisions will come with mayor consequences for all of them.
Apollo, my sweet Apollo. She truly stands for her nickname,that you will get once you read. I’m not giving away important details right away. Back to Apollo, she may look too sweet and delicate but she has an internal force and light that will shine through. It will make her fight for what she believes and loves.
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. The story pulled at me from the beginning and left me more and more curious with each page turn as to what was going to happen. Each chapter that went by seemed to unravel a little more mystery and add more detail to the secrets that you couldn’t wait to find out about or put the pieces together. I loved Apollo and Graham with my whole heart and rooted for them the entire way through. They were the kind of people that you long to have in your life. They fight really hard for each other and the ones they love. It was so heartwarming, and beautiful to read a story about 2 people that have that raw, and real undeniable pull to each other and witness how they expressed and acted on it throughout the story was mesmerizing. The beginning parts of the book blindsided me and knocked me back as I didn’t expect at all what I read. It was so intriguing and emotional. I highly recommend this book! 🙂
Warning: this book may cause you to walk into walls because you won’t want to put it down, even when walking!
What a book! Envy is just spectacular from start to finish! It goes in directions I could never imagine and it is beautifully written by Dylan Allen. I highlighted quite a few paragraphs in this one to go back and read again. You can’t help but fall completely in love with the characters. Even if they may do some questionable things, it’s out of pure love. Graham has had to deal with so much in his young life. He was sheltered from the world then he had to grow up really fast. Through it all he never forgot how to truly love. And Apollo had to deal with a lot of loss early in life. Yet she has a positivity not often seen and just yearns to live life to the fullest. Until that is tested and she has to find a new path for her life while constantly hoping it will lead her back to her shining star. You do not want to miss this book. One of the best of 2018!
Reviewed by: Alexis B
I have no clue how in the heck I am supposed to put my thoughts into words about this story! It’s been several days since I finished this incredibly captivating read and I am STILL at a loss for words. This is not my first time reading a Dylan Allen book, but I think that it is safe to state that this is my FAVORITE one yet!
Envy is a story unlike anything that I have ever read before. It is a breathtakingly beautiful and emotionally heartfelt read about two unexpected childhood friends who form an unexpected bond like no other. Graham and Apollo’s connection is undeniable and their friendship is one of a kind. Their love story is written in the stars…if only life wasn’t so cruel. She is his sun and he is her star. Apart they must discover themselves before they can find their way back to one another. These two are without a doubt THE perfect match, at least in my eyes! Their unconventional love story will surely have readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Graham is one of those not so typical heroes. He is broken. His soul is lost and there is only one person out there that can repair him and bring light back into his heart. Apollo is his sun. She is his everything. He will stop at nothing to give her the life she deserves, even if it means breaking her heart and sending her running from him. He refuses to ruin her life, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.
Apollo is a lost spirt who fell in love at the age of 11 when she fell from the sky and into Graham’s life. She experienced heartbreak and loss at such a young age, but also discovered that everything happens for a reason because without it she would have never met the love of her life. Graham is her star. She loves him with all her heart and is broken when he pushes her away. She tries to repair and move on, but her heart still aches for him years later.
Apart, but NEVER forgotten… That is when their story truly begins.
I finished this book over a week ago and I still can’t stop thinking about it. I loved this book so, so much!! Such a beautifully tragic story with a much deserved HEA! LOVED it!
What binds us is the fusion of two stars that were destined to collide…
I have officially been blown away by Dylan Allen.
There was so much buzz surrounding this book. All great, heart wrenching things that I always search for in books like this.
From the first page, I was completely hooked. I didn’t go to bed till 4:30 am the following day because I really couldn’t put this book down.
You don’t only get the story about the heart break a hero and heroine go through and the entire process on mending it, you’re getting to delve into their entire past, how they met, outcomes to certain moments that really shaped their entire lives for better AND worse.
I cried so much for Graham and Apollo. I felt so much for them. You know right away that even at a young age, these two love each other so dearly. And wanting to keep that innocence longer, wanting to be man and provide the right way, unforeseen health issues, pushes these two away from one another years later.
The anguish and heartbreak that Apollo felt, I felt too. The suffocation and heavy weight on Graham’s constant shoulders were with me, as well.
Dylan Allen was really able to write such powerful words that had me living in the moment.
This book was raw, seductive, angsty, loving, painful, beautiful… it had everything and more.
I can’t wait to read more from Dylan Allen. Very much worth the 5 Stars!
“We’re not anything that’s ever existed before. Two stars. One only shines when surrounded by darkness. The other shines bright no matter what.”
Envy was my first Dylan Allen book, an honestly I bought it because someone posted about it on FB, and I was in between reads and figured why not. I AM SO GLAD I DID. This story was nothing like what I was expecting, and everything I never knew I needed. It’s a tale of two young lovers who’s timing is never quite right. I really enjoyed reading about how Graham and Appollo fall in love. I laughed I cried, I WANTED TO THROW MY ereader. Beautifully written and paced. Definitely give it a try.
This reading was absolutely a great discovery. In the beginning, I didn’t know what to expect but it was truly captivating. As the story went on, I was more and more hooked. I loved the characters. I loved and suffered with them. My heart broke with theirs.
It was one of those reading what makes you think when is too late, what is too much, or is it fair the cost we pay to get what we want. What is real happiness?
To me, the last part was a bit… I don’t know. It didn’t follow the same rhythm as the others. That’s why I don’t give it 5 stars, because for sure it’s a memorable reading.