The Saint Review

Title:  The Saint
Series: Original Sinners - The White Years
Author:  Tiffany Reisz
Release Date:  June 24, 2014
Publisher:  Harlequin Mira

My Rating:  5 Soul Consuming ♥'s





Synopsis:

In the beginning, there was him.

Gutsy, green-eyed Eleanor never met a rule she didn't want to break. She's sick of her mother's zealotry and the confines of Catholic school, and declares she'll never go to church again. But her first glimpse of beautiful, magnetic Father Søren Stearns and his lust-worthy Italian motorcycle is an epiphany. Suddenly, daily Mass seems like a reward, and her punishment is the ache she feels when they're apart. He is intelligent and insightful and he seems to know her intimately at her very core. Eleanor is consumed—and even she knows that can't be right.

But when one desperate mistake nearly costs Eleanor everything, it is Søren who steps in to save her. She vows to repay him with complete obedience…and a whole world opens before her as he reveals to her his deepest secrets.

Danger can be managed—pain, welcomed. Everything is about to begin.

"You're not a normal priest, are you?"

He gave her a smile that hit her like a slap to the face and a kiss on the mouth all at once.

"My God, I hope not."

My Review:

Tiffany Reisz has done it again.  She has written another brilliant, complex, multi-layered story that takes us back to the beginning of it all - when Eleanor first meets Soren.  Nora is "almost sixteen" and Soren is the new, twenty-nine year old priest at her church.  Sparks fly when their eyes first meet and someway, somehow, they both know they share a profound connection that is destiny.  

She met his eyes and saw something flash in them, something she couldn't translate into words.  It was as if he recognized her, as if he'd seen her before somewhere and now tried to remember where.  She knew she'd never seen him before in her life.  If she had, she would never have forgotten him.
 
While I was uncomfortable at first with the idea of a relationship between this mature man and teenage girl, The Saint gave me the insight into Soren that I needed to know that he was a good man - that he always had Eleanor's best interests at heart, that he did not corrupt her as a young teen...although she certainly did her best to corrupt him!   Soren protected Eleanor - waiting patiently for her to grow up, guiding her spiritually as she matured into a beautiful young woman of twenty and also loving her enough to wait until she fell in love with a "normal" young man of her own age...thus allowing Eleanor to have a choice - a normal life with marriage & children or the life Soren could offer.  Which would she choose?

If there's one thing Nora has never been, it's "normal" or innocent (even though she is a virgin).  She was a troubled, rebellious teenager (no surprise there) when she set her sights on Soren.  She grew into a smart, snarky, competent woman who knew what she wanted and did what she needed to do to get it.   She is complicated and yet very "real".  I loved that about her.

Three words I couldn't imagine myself ever saying when I first started this series is I love Soren but I can say it now.  In fact, I loathed him for a long time, although I found him fascinating.  (My review of the first book, The Siren, can be found at The Siren Review.)

Soren is a multi-layered, complex man who has ghosts in his closet and darkness in his soul.  And yet, he is a beautiful, shining example of all that is good - a saint.  He challenges Nora and takes her to task when she strays off the path.  I thank Tiffany Reisz for giving us this view of the man underneath the collar of the priest.  He too is "real" with emotional flaws that can be traced back to his own childhood.  Make no mistake about it - he is a sadist.  Yet, he forces nothing on Nora but honesty, as he loves her enough to set her free...it's her choice whether she ever returns to him. 

There is only one thing that didn't work for me about The Saint.  While Soren & Nora fill the pages, it's all in the past.  Nora is with Nico in present time in this book.  It bothered me that she is apparently "in love" with yet another man, while she again declares her love for Soren.  I realize this relationship apparently works for them but I would have preferred to see her returning to Soren's arms - especially after all we learn in The Saint.  However, this book still mesmerized me, sucking me in again until I couldn't turn pages fast enough.  It's both funny and romantic.  It's filled with lightness and darkness - love and angst.  It really is a love story.  I feel a loss after finishing it, as I already miss these characters and can't wait for the next one.  A Must Read!

My Rating:  5 Soul Consuming ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra

Quotes:

"Why are you a priest?"  She dug her hands in the back of his hair.  Such soft hair and pale as spun gold.

"I love being a priest.  It's who I am.  And it's who I am because God wants me to be a priest."

"Are you sure?"

"If I had any doubt in my mind, do you think you'd still be a virgin?"

♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥

"So it's okay to desire someone as long as you don't act on it?"

"There are many situations when acting on one's desires is not a sin."

"Married couples, right?  They can have sex all they want."

"Married couples can certainly engage in sexual acts with each other."

"And..."  Eleanor waved her hand, hoping for more to the answer.  "Nobody else?  The rest of us are screwed?  I mean, not screwed?"
♥       ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥         ♥

"Sheep among wolves.  That makes the church sound dangerous.  You think we're dangerous."

"I think you're dangerous."

Eleanor sat back on her heels.  They'd been joking the entire time they'd been in the sanctuary, but what he'd said and how he'd said it?  That was no joke.

"Me?  Dangerous?" she repeated.

"You. Very."

"Why?"

"Because you want to be.  That's part of the reason."
♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥

"You're going to go through all this trouble for me, why?"

Soren looked back at her and gave her a smile that stripped her soul naked and put it on its knees.

"Because there is nothing I wouldn't do to protect you, Eleanor.  Nothing I wouldn't do to help you and nothing I wouldn't do to save you. Nothing."
♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥       ♥        ♥

"And now I know why I needed to become a priest.  Because God knew long before I did that I would need to be a priest to find you and help you and keep you on the right path.  And I will keep you safe even if it kills me."
♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥

"Eleanor, I could barely breathe watching you walk down the aisle today.  Do you know how much it hurt knowing you will never walk down that aisle to me?"

Tears burned her eyes.

"It hurt me, too," she confessed, and blinked the tears away.
♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥

"Little One, to be with me is to hurt."

"To be without you would hurt more.  It did hurt more.  You won't scare me off.  I'm not afraid of you."
♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥       ♥        ♥

"Have you ever had a dream feel so real that upon waking you thought you were still asleep?"  He took her hand in his.

"Once or twice."

"I felt like that the moment I saw you, Little One.  I dreamed you once.  I think I'm still dreaming."

Cowboy Take Me Away Review

This is the final Rough Riders book.  How sad is that?!  It's been a hell of a ride.  Hats off to Lorelei James for giving us these hot cowboys to swoon over in book after book...pages of hot, arrogant, sexy as sin alpha males doing what they do best - drinking, fighting and loving.  Now we reach the end of the trail with Cowboy Take Me Away, and LJ has given us the best one yet! 






"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.  How about we skip all this dating bullshit and just head straight to the alter?"
Her confused eyes roamed his face.  "Did you just ask me to marry you?"
"Yep.  So what d'ya say?"
"Does that line usually work for you, cowboy?"

Synopsis:

Settle in for the hot McKay romance that started it all...

The moment Carson McKay saw the sexy blonde at the dance hall, he wanted to throw her over his saddle and gallop hell-bent toward the closest church. Given his reputation as a lover and a fighter-not necessarily in that order-it wasn't surprising she gave him the cold shoulder. But he hadn't expected the mean right hook when he tried to steal a kiss.

Carolyn West might look sweet and innocent, but she's no fool. The good-looking cowboy with the heart-stopping smile didn't really want to marry her; he just wanted to take her for a test ride. But when he kisses her a second time, she doesn't fight her burning attraction to him...until she learns he's one of the McKay cowboys she's been warned about.

Carson doesn't care about the long-standing feud between their families; he knows that Carolyn was meant to be his. And the more intimate they become, the more Carolyn sees the real man behind the wild cowboy reputation-a man who wants the same forever kind of love she does...and who will lead her into a love story that spans fifty years.

Warning: Crazy, hot, sexy and sweet--good girl meets bad boy cowboy and they prove lust can last a lifetime.

My Review:

Carson McKay and Carolyn West - a match made in heaven or hell?  Their families have feuded for years...they will never get their parents' blessing to marry but this is a love that will not be denied and one that will stand the test of time.  Lorelei James has saved the best for last.  I absolutely love the way she delivers the final Rough Rider book by going back to the start of it all.  We've met all the McKay brothers and cousins...we know they are brawling, drinking, sexy cowboys that ride hard and love harder.  Now we see who they got it from.  Carson McKay has to be the baddest of them all, and Carolyn West proves she's the woman to tame him.  Through a series of "memories", LJ takes us back through the eyes of both Carson & Caro to some of the major events that shaped their lives as they met, married, & raised their family of 5 boys & 1 girl over 50 years of marriage.  If you think the McKay boys are hot, wait until you meet Carson at age 24...turn on the a/c - you'll need it.  This story is a bronc busting hell of a read that will make you laugh, cry, and say "Oh My!"  I love that LJ has given us both the good and the bad as we all know the road to a lasting marriage is not always a smooth one.  I applauded Carolyn each time she stood up to Carson and called him on his "shit".  This book is a Must Read...it is smokin' hot and yet filled with loving, tender moments between two people who were meant to be.  A Must Read!  I'll say it again - A Must Read!!  

Rating:  5 Gorgeous ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra

Quotes:

"Why me?"  Her eyes searched his.  "Every woman in that place had eyes on you.  And you know exactly how good you look, so it's not like you're unaware of your appeal."

Carson stroked her cheek.  "Do I appeal to you?  Or should I get nekkid so you can inspect me before you commit to me for the rest of your life?"  
 ♦          ♦          ♦          ♦          ♦          ♦

 "So any woman you marry will have to understand she'll come second to cows and crops?"

He watched her eyes, so wise and yet so curious, which was a damn potent combination when she focused it on him.  "Yeah."

"No wonder you're having a hard time finding a woman to sign on for life."

"That's the thing.  I haven't been lookin'."  He twisted a strand of blonde silk around his finger.  "Then I saw you."
♣          ♣          ♣          ♣          ♣          ♣

"Is it normal to be in love so soon?  Or am I just reading too much into it because you're my first--"

"Boyfriend?" he supplies.

"No. My first lover," she said crossly.

Another growling sound escaped.  "First lover?  Got news for you sugar, I'm gonna be your only goddamned lover.  Ever.  No man besides me will ever touch you.  Understand?"
 ♠          ♠          ♠          ♠          ♠          ♠

"Nothing in my sheltered life prepared me for what it means to love Carson McKay, the gorgeous blue-eyed cowboy, third generation Wyoming rancher, hell-raiser of the first order.  But nothing in my sheltered life prepared me either for the way you look at me, for the way you love me.  With everything you have, with everything you are.  I can't believe with all the women you could've had who understand this ranch stuff, you picked me to build a life with."
 ♥          ♥          ♥          ♥          ♥          ♥

Shame flashed in his eyes.  "I'm sorry."

"Yes, you are.  You've been a sorry excuse for a husband and a father and I'm done putting up with it."

"What are you sayin'?"

"You know exactly what I'm saying."
♦          ♦          ♦          ♦          ♦          ♦

"That was the most magnificent thing I've ever seen.  Except for the two times you brought our sons into the world."

"I'm mad at you, Carson McKay.  So don't you dare try and charm your way out of this mess."

"I'm not.  I'm tellin' it like I saw it, sugar.  You were spectacular.  Spectacular.  Callin' me on my shit.  Not backin' down from me or anyone else.  Reminding me of why I fell in love with you."

"Maybe you ought to remind me why I fell in love with you," she challenged.     

High Noon Review

Synopsis:

Police Lieutenant Phoebe MacNamara found her calling at an early age when an unstable man broke into her family's home, trapping and terrorizing them for hours. Now she's Savannah's top hostage negotiator, defusing powderkeg situations with a talent for knowing when to give in-and when to jump in and take action. It's satisfying work-and sometimes those skills come in handy at home dealing with her agoraphobic mother, still traumatized by the break-in after all these years, and her precocious seven-year-old, Carly.

It's exactly that heady combination of steely courage and sensitivity that first attracts Duncan Swift to Phoebe. After observing her coax one of his employees down from a roof ledge, he is committed to keeping this intriguing, take-charge woman in his life. She's used to working solo, but Phoebe's discovering that no amount of negotiation can keep Duncan at arm's length.

And when she's grabbed by a man who throws a hood over her head and brutally assaults her-in her own precinct house-Phoebe can't help but be deeply shaken. Then threatening messages show up on her doorstep, and she's not just alarmed but frustrated. How do you go face-to-face with an opponent who refuses to look you in the eye?

Now, with Duncan backing her up every step of the way, she must establish contact with the faceless tormentor who is determined to make her a hostage to fear . . . before she becomes the final showdown.

 My Review:

Nora Roberts never fails to deliver in her standalone novels.  Action, suspense, intrigue, chemistry, romance - High Noon has it all.  And it'll be some time before I get that tune out of my head!  This one starts off with a bang - straight into action as Phoebe is called to the scene of a man threatening suicide.  As a hostage negotiator with the Savannah police department, Phoeboe goes out on the ledge to talk him down.  It's just another day in her life as a police hostage negotiator, single mother, caretaker of her mother & breadwinner of the family.  But things are changing as someone is stalking and tormenting her.  Dead animals are tossed on her porch steps,  she is attacked in the stairwell of her own police building, a man she has spent hours negotiating with is shot down as he walks out with his arms in the air, and Phobe doesn't have a clue who is taunting & terrorizing her.  As the violence escalates, she fears for her family and the man she can't seem to get out of her mind, Duncan Swift.

What works?  I loved the plot development and suspense in High Noon.  The story never lags as the action revs up with the mystery stalker growing more violent and braver day by day.  The author did a good job building the suspense while keeping the identity of the stalker hidden from both Phoebe and readers.  The family dynamics are intriguing and add another plot line to the story.  The chemistry between Phoebe and Duncan is believable with just the right amount of angst and obstacles thrown in their path along with a good dose of sizzle!  I loved Duncan - the character he portrays is the kind of man every girl deserves.  And yet, he didn't come across as too sweet or good to be true.  Although he's a gentleman, he's also a man who sees what he wants and goes after it with every intention of winning.  Phoebe never stood a chance. 

What doesn't work?  Honestly, it all works.  My only wish would be for an epilogue to tie up some sub-plot lines concerning relationships with secondary characters.  While the ending is satisfying with things wrapped up neatly with the main characters and the mystery, there are some other characters that also stole my heart.  While a hea was hinted at for them, it would have been nice to "see" them all about a year in the future.  But this in no way distracts from the overall enjoyment of the book.  This is a great read for fans of romance suspense.  As I said, Nora Roberts never fails in this genre, in my opinion.  A must read!

Rating:  4 Beautiful ♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

 Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra 

Motivational Tools

IWSG is a group of writers who share ideas and encourage others. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Articles are posted the first Wednesday of every month. 


 Motivational Tools:

How do you get "in the mood" to write?  Jump start your creativity?  Plan & plot your story?  What helps motivate you to pen a special scene?  Capture the passion of a unique character?  Do you exercise a writing routine?  Something that gets your creative juices flowing?  (Stay with me here - we're talking writing!)

 
For me, it's music.  I love music...the sound of it, the many moods of it, the feelings it evokes, the way I lose myself in a song.  Nothing conveys emotions like music.  It touches me, commanding my response with the power to alter or enhance my mood.  A song may encourage a waltz down memory lane or propel me forward through dreams of the future. I'm often overwhelmed at the raw emotions a great song or soundtrack can arouse in me and that's exactly what I need to write.

Music is proving to be my writing tool of choice.  Knowing that a song or melody induce my deeper, primal emotions, I put on my headphones and let music help me "get in the mood" to write emotional scenes.  I find myself turning to music more often when plotting & planning.  It helps me visualize characters in my mind, capturing not only their physical appearance but also the essence of who they are.   

As music flows through me, it infiltrates my mind and soul and becomes a tool for transfusing real emotion into my characters...heartbreak, anger, betrayal, despair, love, joy, if I can "feel" it, I can write it.  Music and writing are all about emotions and for me, they go hand in hand.

The potency of emotional scenes is enhanced by music.  Think about soundtracks in movies and the way music fills the theater, consuming you with emotions...anguish, heartbreak, turmoil, danger, or joy, love, happy ever after.  What would a movie be without music?  Empty.  What's a story if you aren't invaded and possessed by the emotion?  Empty.  Scenes that are moving enough to arouse a reaction from you, with characters that elicit your empathy, are vessels for evoking real emotions in readers & movie goers.  Like a magician, music hypnotizes me, enabling me to captivate and translate my own emotions to the characters & scenes of my stories.

I'm now building Playlists to use as motivational tools.  My list of songs is extensive so I'll only mention a few.  

• Rebecca Lynn Howard's "Forgive" is about a woman with a devastating decision - Forgive him or Move on?...It embodies heartbreak, anger, betrayal,  and broken trust.  Forgive

 

• Rascal Flatts has a song that reminds me of "missed chances" - words left unspoken - a love that slips away. What Hurts the Most  It's pure heartbreak and regret  - listening to it sets the mood for those painful "what might have been" scenes.  

• Garth Brooks says it best in  The Dance - Our lives are better left to chance.  Live it, don't regret it.  Gives me chills to listen to this one.  Even without the words, the music score in The Dance is simply beautiful.

• Bob Dylan (or Guns 'N Roses) with the mesmerizing lyrics & soul moving music from Knocking on Heaven's Door

• For pure raw emotion, Christina Aquilera & A Great Big World touch me every time with Say Something  - evokes such strong emotion.

• Jon Bon Jovi can do no wrong in my eyes.  His songs run the gamut of emotions.  One of my favorites is You Want to Make A Memory  - I cry most every time listening to this one, and while there are many versions of Hallelujah, both the music & the voice of Bon Jovi move me in his rendition of Hallelujah 

• And  a song with music that just "sets the mood" - love the sultry, smoky, bluesy beat of Black Velvet by Alannah Myles.  Black Velvet

How do you translate emotions onto the page for your readers?  What helps you set the mood in your scenes and bring your characters to life?  Do you use music to facilitate the flow of emotions in your writing?  Do you have any favorite songs or soundtracks that motivate you?  Whether you're a planner or a pantser, tell me how you get in the mood to write?  What are your motivational tools?

 Did you know? 

   

*Please be sure to take a few minutes to visit other members of the IWSG group by clicking on this link.  IWSG List
 

Love's Own Reward Review

Celebrating the re-release of Love's Own Reward -  the first of 4 books written by Dana Ransom (aka Nancy Gideon) for the Lucky In Love line of contemporary romances first released in the early 90's.  Love's Own Reward is a timeless contemporary romance - a reminder of  the possibilities if you dare to dream & hope, love & trust...and raises the age old question  - Can love survive the devastation of betrayal?

Re-Released:  May 27, 2014 by Belle Bridge Books

Find it at:  Amazon
                      Barnes & Noble 
Titles & release dates of next 3 books:

• Totally Yours - July, 2014
• Lifetime Investment - Sept. 2014
• From This Day Forward - Nov. 2014 

 
Synopsis:

Charlene “Charley” Carter risked her life to rescue a child from a burning car. Suddenly, the quiet research assistant becomes a media darling—and a half-million dollars richer, thanks to the boy’s grateful grandparents. But big money brings big moochers and bigger betrayals. Charley retreats, wounded and suspicious about the motives of even those dearest to her.

He doesn’t trust that she’s for real . . .Jess McMasters exposes frauds for a living, and if it means using his charms as well as his tough skills as a journalist, no problem. What’s Charlene Carter trying to gain by refusing to be interviewed by the press? Is she angling for more money—or is she hiding secrets that prove she’s nobody’s hero?

Jess goes undercover to get close to her, but the closer he gets, the less he understands. Except this: the cost for his deception could be his own heart.

My Review:

Love's Own Reward is a timeless contemporary romance that had me quickly turning pages as I became engrossed in this couple's story.  A horrific accident brings about Jess & Charley's first meeting, though she will not remember that meeting for some time.  Afterwards, she is hounded by a sea of reporters, each looking for their next big story and for the moment, she is it.  Charley is both a hero and a half million dollars richer - all because of saving a young child from a burning car.  Everyone wants a slice of her pie...and everyone wants to know what she plans to do with the money?  Extravagant shopping trips?  New cars?  Exotic vacations?  Jess seems to be in the right place at the right time to rescue Charley from the horde of piranhas vying for her story and money.  Coincidence or  carefully planned?  Is her rescuer too good to be true?  He admits to being a writer and professor, so what secret is Jess hiding from Charley that begins eating him alive as their relationship develops?  Can a relationship founded on half truths survive?  What is the ultimate cost of deception?

 What a beautiful story about trusting enough to open your mind and heart to possibilities - to what can be if you're willing to let go and live life - love enough, trust enough, and yes, even forgive enough.  Charley has lived her life caring for everyone else - she's learning to let go and live her own dreams.  I loved watching her transformation from a shy, innocent victim of circumstance to a take charge of her own happiness woman.  Jess has lived his life being someone he's not very proud of, and he's been burned by love before - he knows it doesn't last.  Both of them fear betrayal most of all, as they explore the possibility of a future together.  Promises are made but is a promise binding when it is pledged without knowing the whole truth?  The tension and suspense continue building in this one as the reader is privy to the truth that Jess fights to keep hidden and the devastating effect it will have on Charley when it is ultimately revealed.  My heart raced through the latter pages as I watched it all unravel and was screaming, "For God's sakes, Jess, tell her the truth!" 

Love's Own Reward is beautifully written, mesmerizing, and emotionally touching - a lesson in redemption and forgiveness.  Be prepare for it to engage you, seduce you, break your heart, give you hope, and make you laugh.  I loved the humorous banter between characters that I have come to know as a trademark of author Nancy Gideon.  Kudos to the author for also bringing much deserved attention to the disease, diabetes, through the warm, funny character of Robert - Charley's brother.  He's the perfect role model of what it means to live life with the disease instead of letting it steal your life from you.  This is a must read for fans of romance...contemporary or otherwise.  I eagerly await the release of the next 3 books in this line by Dana Ransom.

My Rating:  4 Beautiful ♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra

Quotes:

"If you expect breakfast from me, in the future you'll have those neat little microwavable deals in the freezer," she told him haughtily as she picked her way around the egg remains."
♥      ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥

"Have you some unhealthy fondness for ladies' underwear, Mr. McMasters?"
"Only when the ladies are still in it, Miss Carter."
"Then there's nothing in this sack that should interest you."
  ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥

"You didn't strike me as the expensive-jewelry type," he commented mildly.
"Oh, I'm not."  She laughed with a touch of embarrassment.  "Just these.  I've always wanted some just like these."
"Then get them."
Carefully Charley positioned the earrings back on their tray.  "Not this time.  I don't want to buy up all my dreams.  I won't have anything to look forward to."
♥      ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥

She'd brought something wild and wounded into her home, into her heart, and there was a definite possibility she could end up torn to shreds.
♥      ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥

"What about your promise?"
Charley knocked his arm away.  So embroiled in her own misery, she had no idea what he was talking about.  "Some promises can't be kept."
 
  
   
 



 







 

Illumanti: The Book of Life Review

Synopsis:

Ljluka Vargas, immortal prince and the cool-headed enforcer for the Vargas Dynasty, must go up against his most intriguing enemy, the mysterious Nalini. She intends to beat him to the secret archaeological site of The Book of Life which contains the genetic secrets of their ancient ancestors.

In order to escape the cruel domination of her family and gain freedom for her mother, Nalini assumes the role of assassin. In her rival, the sleek and deadly Luc, she finds a different kind of danger. She’s supposed to eliminate him, but that would foil destiny’s plan for them to be together.

It’s a race from power-hungry D.C. cabinet rooms through the secret realms of the Vatican, from cloud forests and desert sands to the caverns of the Underworld as mankind hangs in the balance. For whoever possesses the Book of Life has the potential to rule the world, offering or denying immortality to the human race.


My Review:

Elizabeth Alsobrooks debut novel, Illuminati:  The Book Of Life, is a mysterious mixture of mythical ancient legends brought to life, intrigue and sabotage in both the ancient and modern day corporate world, family duels that rival the Hatfields & McCoys, and love that seems destined to end before it has a chance to blossom like Romeo & Juliet.  I quickly found myself drawn into a web of suspense and intrigue as the race to find and possess the Book of Life escalates, and Luc and Nalini battle to claim the book for their rival families...while also fighting their attraction to one another.  The author slides back and forth between the modern & ancient settings flawlessly as the characters travel via camels through the desert, navigate the booby trapped tunnels of the ones who came before, survive the horrors of the underworld, and sit in on meetings in a modern corporate boardroom.   The wide array of characters include mortals, immortals, gods & goddesses, and mythical beings...the creatures legends are made of.  They lend authenticity to the story as well as mystery, action, intrigue, romance, and yes, even humor - I'm talking about you Hassidim!  What a great supporting cast of both friends and foes.

I was quickly drawn into Illuminati: The Book of Life.  The characters are engaging, the action fast, the suspense intriguing.  I found the characters, both good & evil, to be believable and became invested in their lives as the story unfolded.  I liked the author's use of mythology & ancient legends in the modern world.  It read as both an Urban Fantasy & Romance Suspense all rolled up into one.  

The only issue I had is a minor one.  At times, the dialogue felt a little drawn out, impeding the natural flow of conversation for me, and after all the tension and build up, I felt the first love scene occurred too quickly - not in the book timing but in the content of their relationship.  I won't go into detail because of spoilers but suffice to say, I wanted a longer scene & more details of the seduction.

Illuminati: The Book of Life is a good, intriguing read.  The author has laid the groundwork for Ljluka & Nalini's story to continue, as well as additional books featuring other characters.  I read this one quickly and look forward to more of the story.  Recommended for fans of Urban Fantasy and even Romance Suspense.  A Must Read!

My Rating:  4 Pretty ♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra 

Behind His Eyes: The Missing Years Book Review

  Synopsis:

 THE MISSING YEARS is the final piece to Aleatha Romig’s CONSEQUENCES SERIES puzzle. Follow the twists and turns as secrets are revealed, consequences are delivered, and the future is shown.

In CONVICTED, we saw what happened that fateful afternoon at the Rawlings Estate. Now experience the shocking repercussions firsthand. More than a companion, this full-length novel fills in the gap of time that was only mentioned, beginning when Claire Nichols forgets and seen through the eyes of collective men (the HIS is plural).

In THE MISSING YEARS, readers will see Anthony Rawlings fight for what belongs to him and cope with the reality of his past. Watch as Harrison Baldwin discovers the truth that threatens his beliefs, and as John Vandersol comes to terms with his revelations. Witness Phillip Roach, as he decides with whom his loyalties lay, and Brent Simmons, as he demonstrates the meaning of friendship—no matter the cost.

As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, BEHIND HIS EYES CONVICTED goes beyond. This final installment of the series offers a glimpse into the future of the lives that will forever be changed because there was a man who...

Once upon a time, signed a napkin that he knew was a contract. As an esteemed businessman, he forgot one very important rule—he forgot to read the fine print. It wasn’t an acquisition to own another person as he’d previously assumed. It was an agreement to acquire a soul.
—Aleatha Romig, CONVICTED

BEHIND HIS EYES CONVICTED also contains a complete glossary of characters and a timeline that covers the entire series. If you have read New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig’s CONSEQUENCES, TRUTH, and CONVICTED, you must learn the rest of the story: BEHIND HIS EYES CONVICTED: THE MISSING YEARS!

My Review:

Let me begin by saying I'm going to keep this short & sweet.  For those of you who follow me, you know I love this series and have previously reviewed the first three main books.  In my own words:  This series is a puzzle if I've ever seen one...a card game, a roll of the dice, a chess match, a game of chance...it's all about consequences - every action is followed by a consequence, either good or bad.   You can find my review of the series here:  My Consequences Series Review.  

Now, we have Behind His Eyes:  The Missing Years, the final book.  I have to say, "Thank you, Aleatha Romig!"  What a ride!  This series is one of my favorite series ever.  We were "in Claire's head" as she shut down in Convicted - swallowed up by darkness - lost in pain & heartbreak.   We experienced the horrors of what happened that day and the devastation that resulted in so many lives.

In The Missing Years, we sit in on Tony's therapy sessions in prison, learning from his words what happened to him, why, & what he was thinking as he came to finally realize the consequences of his own actions - the horror of what he had done.  We're with him as he reaches an agonizing decision that will affect the lives of those he loves forever...and we're with him as he walks free to do what he knows he must do to set things right.  My heart broke all over again for him and Claire in this one...so agonizing, so heartbreaking.  I also loved getting the other POV's  (Brent, John, Harry, Phil)  as they helped clarify some things and most of all, I loved the epilogue and glimpse into the future of them all...a perfect ending.  I'm so sad to say goodbye to Tony & Claire and the rest of these characters.  I felt a loss as I read the final pages.  But what a way to go!  A must read!  Well done, Aleatha Romig!!

Rating:  5 gorgeous ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra