Next Up For Review

Next Up For Review
The Center Cannot Hold, Elyn Saks

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Summer Storms Require Steamy Reads

I feel as if I haven't posted a review in a million years. I believe this is due to the recent Bloggerquake. The aftershocks of which, are still being bitched about on every writers forum from here to Timbuktu.
That being said, the brief time away from my manic posting gave me some much needed me time; which I spent on my zero gravity recliner, on my deck, whenever the sun dared to peek out from behind the clouds.
The result of the lazy-cat-in-the-sun time is the following review:

1. Storm's Heart by Rachel Lyndhurst

 Amazon.com snippet:

Storm's Heart is a contemporary romance with a dark, brooding centre. When Greek lawyer Andreas Lazarides and bistro-manager Kizzy Dean clash over the executing of his mother's final wishes, Kizzy's turbulent past kicks up a storm in Andreas's heart that rages until his own explosive secrets are revealed.








Cover: B
My one issue with the cover? Kizzy's hair color. In the story, the reader discovers that Kizzy is half Romani...and accordingly, her hair is described as dark. To me, the cover seems to portray Kizzy as a dark blond/light brunette. It's a small thing; but it messed with the image of Kizzy I created in my mind's eye. The cover Kizzy and the story Kizzy didn't match. It was making me crazy (perhaps, it just highlights my own insanity?). 


Story A-/B+
I love Kizzy Dean. She is absolutely adorable. Dark, smoldering, Andreas was a challenge for me. The beginning of the book he is just soooo full of himself. I want to kick him in his Dolmades and sent him packing. As the story comes together, you learn more about him as a person, and it helps; but first impressions are hard to shake. As corny as I feel admitting this, I shed a couple of tears at the end! (What on earth is happening to me???)
The sex is scintillating. So hot, that there were parts I had to gloss over for fear of self igniting. (I went back and read them later, of course).

Overall Grade B+++
Romance stories were never my first choice when picking through genres; but the last two books I've reviewed (both from Salt Publishing) are quickly making me a convert. 
This is Ms. Lyndhurst's first novel and she deserves a standing ovation. Her writing style swept me off my feet from page one. Her desriptions make me want to pack my bags and move to Lindos, so I can run barefoot through the cobblestone streets and take a daily dip in the Agean!

Right now you can snatch up a copy of Storm's Heart at Amazon.com. Available in paperback for $14.95 or a paltry sum of $3.99 for your Kindle or other ereader. If you want to be swept away, give it a go.

2. Confessions is coming!

Oh, my goodness, where do I start?
I opened my inbox this morning and found the final/edited copy of Confessions of a PTA Mafia Mom. My publisher, did me the awesome favor of sending it back to me, for a final/final/ once over before it goes to layout. Next time I see it, it will be in ebook format, cover & all.
Then, I fully expect all of you to purchase and review it.


3. Looking for your submissions...again
Believe it or not, May is half finished. Do you know what that means? It means, that once again, I am desperately seeking your short fiction/poetry/snarky blog posts to adorn the Elsie Love website for the month of June.

Come on people; it's easy, fun, & it puts a smile on my face.
Cheers!

8 comments:

  1. My favorite review has to be the one where the review calls Kizzy, Kitty. LOL

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  2. SUPER cute blog you have over here... newest follower!

    Love the down to earth way you write your reviews, like you are telling a good friend about your most recent read! Keep up the great work, I look forward to seeing what happens next!

    KW
    http://www.ekfamilybooks.blogspot.com

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  3. Thanks for the lovely review, Elsie! Glad I'm not the only one to wonder who Kitty was!!XX

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  4. Great review. Well done Elsie and Rachel.

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  5. Loved the review! And your blog is so CUTE! Thanks for following! I made sure to add myself to your followers!

    -Em
    http://sashandem.blogspot.com/

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  6. Big congrats on your own novel progress! How exciting. Love the fishnets:)

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  7. What a cute blog! I'm looking forward to reading all your posts here - and comments on Facebook! I'm trying to follow you on Twitter too, but the site seems to be down right now...

    I would be honored if you came and checked out my blog too!

    Hey, we're almost neighbors...I'm in Wisconsin!
    Sharon :)

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