Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Today, we're diving into a book I read recently that has a little bit of everything...and in this case that means a whole lot of mystery, a healthy dose of romance and a heaping spoonful of paranormal. Ready for this mixed cocktail of bookish goodness? Here goes. Ladies and gents, prepare to take in an artistic show you never saw coming. Today's book of choice is...
The Fine Art of Deception:
by
9781507724989
Dragonfly Books
About the book...
Art appraiser Adeline Montgomery just wants a normal life. One where she can ignore the vicious ghosts who follow her. One where she's free from her "gift" of touching an object and seeing the owner's deepest secrets. And one where she can fall in love without having all of the above get in the way.
But when tall, dark, and dangerous gallery owner Blake Greenwood enters her life, normal is the last thing she's feeling. The man has more secrets than the priceless art he sells, giving Adeline's quest for normal no chance. That, and he may just hold the key to uncovering the truth behind her father's unexplained disappearance.
Despite her paranormal gifts warning her to stay away, she feels an inexplicable, captivating fascination for him, something that goes deeper than attraction. There's something between them that's older than time, and if she can learn to give him her trust, it may just save her life.
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I can honestly say that I found our leading lady both refreshing and aggravating; though the latter had everything to do with not trusting herself. (Addison! TRUST YOURSELF!) The breath of fresh air aspect comes into play with her innocence. She's been burned and at her age she has experienced life and yet the innocence she displays in the face of everything but honesty is astounding. Truth be told, it's not there because she knows nothing but rather WANTS to know nothing. Her special abilities (an AWESOME and AMAZING power!) let her tap into the stories behind things and because she doesn't exercise this muscle so to speak, it can get much MUCH deeper than she intends and all too fast. That being said, she doesn't take advantage of it when she truly should which leads her down the winding road she's currently on....and into the arms of one Blake Greenwood.
Ah yes, Blake. He's a man of many talents (*ahem*) and also a man with many secrets (not as many as some but DEFINITELY his fair share). Some affect Addison while others are there to protect her. How so? Wouldn't YOU like to know. ^-^ Sorry, you'll have to read it to find out but suffice it to say that despite his good intentions, people are going to get hurt, including those he just might love. ~dun dun dunnnn~ Supporting character wise, we also have Addison's sister, Alexa. I would have actually liked to see this character developed more and her powers use explored...perhaps for another book? Despite her limited face time, she plays a key role later on in the story when things are looking rough for Addie and she has her sister's back whenever she's needed. It's good to have family you can depend on.
To summarize, a story that takes its title at face value and yet offers more than one explanation for it. The main mystery at its heart does in fact deal with deception in the matter of fine art and in quite an earth shattering way! It can also be taken in reference to the artful skills used to deceive others on both Blake's account and someone else's that shall not be named (here at least). It offers a mystery to unravel with just enough paranormal to keep things interesting and of course there's the steam factor that places this one squarely on the top shelf, out of reach for the little ones. You'll swoon at Blake's advances, fall for the deception of those you want to trust, and celebrate Addison's growth in the face of adversity.
My only complaint would have to be the speed of which things unravel in the end. We were building things quite nicely along the way and then it seemed to lose its flow seeking a speedy change of scenery thus allowing characters to react faster than they previously were known to. Are their actions unbelievable? No....not given the circumstances, but it would have felt more natural had there been time for her choices and mullings to blossom. It's not all sunshine and roses, there is quite a bit of darkness and despair, but by book's end, a happiness will be achieved in spite of it all. Definitely a story I'd love to see continued in another installment...*hint hint to the author*
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About the author...
ALYSSA RICHARDS is new to the fiction genre. She lives in the South with her husband and two children, and is passionate about reading, writing, meditating, magnolias, and nurturing her herb and rose garden. Whenever she gets the rare and precious opportunity, Alyssa loves to travel. She also loves animals and holds the world record for taking two adorable pups from homeless to pampered.
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Special thanks to author Alyssa Richards and Penny at Author Marketing Experts, Inc. for the SIGNED review copy. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or future promotions, be sure to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.
Until next time...happy reading!
1 comment:
wow what a delightful recipe for a hot summer night so err t of like Black Velvet if anyone except myself recalls that song . This is one book to be read savored remembered
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