X

Maryse's Book Blog

Following my heart, one book at a time...

You are here: Home / Home

Behind The Books – An Interview with Lynsay Sands + A Signed Book Giveaway!

By 48 Comments

Author Lynsay Sands

You guys!!! Look who we have with us today. Eeeeeeeep! I’m so excited!!! *happy wiggle*

This author’s Argeneau series made one of my top ten lists and I am such a HUGE fan of Lynsay Sands and her super-steamy, super-funny vampires. Er… I mean “immortals”. 😉 The Argeneaus (and their crew) don’t really like to be called vampires. But you know… If they’re immortal like a vampire and feed like a vampire…. *looks around discreetly and whispers* vaaammmpiiiires… *giggle*

But I LOVE these guys and they feel like family to me. This series is one of my “firsts” in my initial reading frenzy and start of my blog (I just couldn’t get enough of ’em). And it’s true. They are not like our “usual” vampires. Okay a few of ’em have that ancient vampire-y tendency, but for the most part, they are modern, fun, and can be so very very human! Some of ’em even love human food and when you throw actual humans in the mix, you’ll be laughing like crazy!

Thank you so much, Lynsay for being here today. *hug* Congratulations on your upcoming book release (Immortal Ever After: An Argeneau Novel). It’ll be just a few days more, and Anders will get his moment!!

hr-smaller

Maryse: Wow! Canadian vampires!! Who knew? I’m from there and had I known they existed… I would have certainly looked harder. 😉 I love your version, and the science behind your vampires (or “immortals”) such as the Argeneaus. Awesome ancient technology! Very logical in it’s “out there” way. Can you tell me about your inspiration?

Lynsay: You hit the nail on the head with the comment about logical.  I have a very logical mind and found I was having trouble envisioning the traditional vampire as a romantic hero. Dead and soulless just didn’t sound attractive. So to write vamps I had to come up with an alternate source for their existence. Necessity is the mother of invention and all that. I looked around at what was possible and bio-engineered nanos that used blood as a propellant and to perform the necessary repairs to the body seemed the most viable answer. But I wanted my vamps older and that’s where Atlantis came into play since it’s legendary for being advanced technologically. I combined it all and then added that when Atlantis fell, the nanos evolved their hosts to have fangs and be stronger and faster to be better predators and get the extra blood they needed (nanos use more blood than a mortal body can produce to do their work.) It all just kind of came together for me.

Maryse: Perfectly!!! And to top it all off, these books are so romantically intense (and at times, heartrending) but best of all, these are laugh-out-loud funny. I have snorted in public while reading them, (case in point: Lucern’s adorable grumpiness). His surly reactions are a riot, and his experiencing “life” (and conceding) through Kate’s insistence made him so real to me. The writing is just so witty that you can’t help but love him like crazy (and all of them, for that matter). I know this is probably a long shot as I’m sure each of your characters holds a special place in your heart, but do you have favorite book in your “immortals” repertoire? How about a favorite character or two?

Lynsay: Single White Vampire will always be one of my favorites as it was the first Argeneau that they published. Other than that I would have to say Under a Vampire Moon because I had a hoot writing it. 

As for my favorite characters… those would be Lucian and Marguerite.  I have a soft spot for crusty, marshmallowy Argeneau men.  And Marguerite really is the backbone of the family, not to mention their own private cupid.

Maryse: I love Marguerite and her “mate matching” assistance (and especially how they’ve stopped arguing with her about it). She’s always right. LOL! Okay maybe this one will be easier to answer. Any favorite memories looking back, writing the Argeneau’s and the Rogue hunters? Any character surprises and/or twists along the way that you didn’t see coming? Any of them make you cry, or grin like mad at how clever or funny they were?

Lynsay: My characters are always surprising me. I intend to write the story one way and the characters just kind of do their own thing…but that’s how I know I’m getting it right. The characters take on a life of their own.  I guess the most surprising twist lately is what happens at the end of Immortal Ever After, however I can’t talk about that without giving away too much.  The next one that comes to mind that I can talk about without giving away a story would have been when Captain Jack, who really liked Caro at this point, decided to deposit her on Christian’s front doorstep because he could tell she really wanted to be with him. As for crying and chuckling, I burst out laughing all the time at their antics, and have occasionally teared up too. Little Livy really tugged at my heartstrings.  The girl was a sweetie and in such painful, dire circumstances.

Maryse: I love that you’re as emotional about these characters as we are! Let’s talk Bricker. Now that my other crushes have paired up (Thomas and Bastien to name a few), I am now crushing profusely on Bricker (as I’m sure MANY of your fans are). He is so modern, sweet, and amusingly cocky. So… when will he be getting his own book? Or will you be teasing us with him for a long time to come? I’m good with either as his frequent appearances in the series help intensify my crush.

Lynsay: LOL… Sorry but I still can’t say when he’ll get a story.  The problem is that once an immortal finds a mate they end up disappearing for a few months and I still have work for Bricker to do. Besides as immortals go he’s young yet so can handle a little wait.

Maryse: That’s true… he is still eating human food after all. Well then it’s settled. I will continue to intensify my crush on him with each installment. Lucky me!! 😉 Tell us a bit more about Anders from your most recent “Immortal Ever After“. What was it like to write his story, and how do you feel now that it’s done? Do you miss your characters after spending so much time with them, or do they inspire a whole new story that you’re anxious to get to? Any that you still reminisce about?

Lynsay: Anders has always been a bit of an enigma.   He’s a 600-year-old vampire that’s worked for Lucian for many years and we barely know anything about him.  Anders has a story to tell and I’m happy he finally gets his chance to tell it. Actually, it was a pretty interesting history too, so I enjoyed hearing it.  

I never miss characters after their story has been told because they continue to pop up now and then in future stories to either help out or tell us what they’ve been up to. They’re never gone completely. 

Maryse: Do you have a dream cast for your characters? Any in particular that look like a specific star? I know that Mortimer looks like David Beckham. Who else? For example, who does Bricker look like? *grins*

Lynsay: I have thought about this quite a bit as I tend to get asked this question fairly frequently… I’m sorry but none come to mind. The problem is that all my characters are born out of my head and are not fashioned after anyone in particular. It’s a real problem with covers because the models never look like the people in my head…hence the reason their heads are often cut off or darkened or turned away, lol.  I get the images and my shoulders droop, and I sigh and say, that isn’t him/her/them…. “Off with their heads!”  Just call me the queen of hearts, lol.

Maryse: LOL!!! Off with their heads!! Eeeep! They’re “immortals” but not that immortal. Glad they get to keep their heads in the books. 😉 But I completely understand what you’re saying. Are there any of these funny moments (or serious ones, too) that were inspired by real life events? How about certain characters?

Lynsay: All the time!  Every book has something or many somethings that really happened in real life.  For example, in The Rogue Hunter when the sisters almost fell off the dock, and then when Sam was running behind Alex waving around a flyswatter and dish towel to get rid of the deer flies that were swarming her head, and the scene when Sam gets covered in leeches after making out with Mortimer. All of those actually took place and weren’t all that was real life transplanted to fiction. And that was just one book!  

As for whether my characters are based on real people… every character I write has some attributes from friends and family members, but I never base my characters solely on one person.  I also name characters after friends and relatives, but never with their true personality.

Maryse: Ohhh yes… the leech scene. *shudders* Any fun or funny reader reactions you’d like to share?

Lynsay: I have had readers come up and reiterate large parts of my own stories back to me because they’re so excited.  It’s very sweet and funny because… Well, I know what happens in them. LOL

I’ve also had readers come up and want me to sign their clothing, which is still a little surprising. 

And at one conference I had a lady come up and burst into tears three separate times before she could calm herself enough to explain why and actually speak. That one wasn’t funny at the time, but it was very touching and in retrospect makes me smile because every time she burst into tears, I’d hug her and get teary eyed too even though I didn’t know why we were crying…yeah, I’m a bit of a sap.

Maryse: I love it!! What do we have to look forward to in the Argeneau’s future? Any sudden inspirations or new character developments?

Lynsay: The next book in the Argeneau series will be called One Lucky Vampire and it’s about Stephano Notte, the mortal that was turned by Vincent after he was fatally wounded in A Bite to Remember.  Other than that I’m working on another story about a gal who forgets something at work, goes back to get it at night, and stumbles across a couple of rogue hunters which changes her life forever…Oh, I should mention she works in the office of a cemetery.

Maryse: I can’t wait to read both of those! I love when humans are thrown in the vampire mix. Their reactions never get old, for me.

Any favorite books that you’d like to recommend?

Lynsay: I’ve enjoyed reading Dean Koontz (especially his older work), Terri Garey, J.F.Lewis (author of Staked and Revamped)  and lately I’ve picked up a few books by Molly Harper of the Nice Girls Don’t series that were quite funny. 

Maryse: Oh I love Terri Garey (and of course Dean!!), and am very excited to check out your other suggestions. That was so much fun, Lynsay, and I’m so excited to have chatted with you today!!

Lynsay: Thank you for having me!

If you’d like to read more about Lynsay, check her out online:

How to enter for a chance to win the a signed copy of Immortal Ever After? Just leave a comment below, and by Sunday, February 24th, 2013, 11pm EST, I will randomly select one winner.

The winner will be contacted and will have 48hrs to respond with a mailing address, so if you are picked, do not delay or you will lose your chance. Sorry for my international readers, this is a open to U.S. residents only (but you’re welcome to comment and join in any time!!).

Tarryn Fisher’s Thief Teaser!!! Caleb!!!

By 96 Comments

Thief Teaser!! Thief Teaser!!!

Tarryn Fisher: Okay, here is the deal. I handed it off to Maryse’s Book Blog. It is no longer in my hands. So, you can harass her now.

Megan: We want the Thief teaser, Maryse!!

Lovetoread: wtf still waiting!!!!

Rebecca: Where’s the angry mob with the pitch forks? I need to join them.

Maryse’s Book Blog: Thanks a lot Tarryn! There are pitchforks in my face right now. I’m on it!!!

OKAY okayyyyy you guys are absolutely right. Time for the “Thief” teaser. GAH!! How could I make us wait like this? 😉

Here it is! A teaser from Tarryn Fisher’s upcoming book #3 in the Love Me With Lies Series… “Thief”

Chapter

Past

“Hey, handsome, what are you doing here?”

I lifted my sunglasses and smiled.

“Cammie?”

She smirked and stood on her tiptoes to give me a hug. My eyes darted past her and searched the crowd walking into the mall.

“Is she—?”

She shook her head. “Not here.”

I felt myself relax. I didn’t know if I could handle seeing her. Out of sight, partially out of mind was what was working for me at the moment.

“So, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be home with the pregnant wifey witch?”

We fell into step and I grinned at her. “I’m here for a pretzel actually. She had a craving.”

“God, that’s embarrassing—once the big man on campus, now the bitch’s errand boy.”

I laughed. Cammie was always good for a laugh. I held the door open for her, and the air conditioning blasted me in the face.

“What are you doing here?”

“Oh, you know me,” she sang stopping at a rack of skirts. “I like to spend money.”

I nodded and stuck my hands in my pockets feeling awkward.

“Actually,” she said turning to me. “I’m looking for a dress to wear to a fancy thing. Help me?”

I shrugged. “Since when do you need help shopping?”

“Oh, that’s right.” She tucked her lips in and shook her head. “You have to get back to your pregnant wife. Don’t let me hold you up.” She dismissed me with a wave of her hand and pulled a slinky white dress off the rack.

I scratched the back of my head. “White washes you out.”

She narrowed her eyes and put the dress back while still looking at me. “Who asked you?”

She held up a blue silk dress for me to see and I nodded. She shoved it at me and I took it.

“So, do you know what you’re having…boy…girl…seed of Chucky?”

“We’re not finding out.”

She tossed another dress my way. It was a hideous salmon color. I re-shelved it when she wasn’t looking.

“I own a nanny agency you know. So, when the little bundle comes along, I’m sure I can find it a new mother.”

She held up a Gucci dress and I nodded.

“Since when do you like kids?” Cammie was about as maternal as a shark.

“I don’t. I like money, and in Boca Raton, a nanny agency is good money.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Leah will be be fine. You know I’m traditional about those things.”

Cammie snorted. “You might be, but I highly doubt your lovely wife will be offering up the breast any time soon.”

I ground my teeth together which she noticed right away.

“Sore subject much? Don’t worry C—Dizzle, I’ve seen this before. Tell her you’ll buy her a new set when it’s all over. That should bring her around.”

I cocked my head. That wasn’t a bad idea.

I followed her to the changing room.

“So,” I said, leaning against the wall outside. “How’s—“

“She’s fine.”

I nodded looking at the floor.

“Is she—“

She burst out wearing the blue dress and spun in a circle.

“Don’t even bother trying the others on,” I said.

She made a kissy face at the mirror and nodded. “You’re right.”

The door slammed closed. A minute later she came out dressed and carrying the garment on her arm.

“Well, that was easy.”

I walked with her to the register and watched as she plucked out her credit card. “Now a gift and shoes and I’m all set.”

“What’s the dress for?”

She leveled her eyes on me, a wicked smile playing her lips.

“Didn’t I tell you?” she said innocently. “This dress is for Olivia’s wedding.”

A tremor of shock passed through me. Suddenly, all of the colors around me were bleeding together hurting my eyes. I felt sick, my chest constricting with each second that passed. Cammie’s lips were moving, she was saying something. I shook my head to clear it.

“What?”

She smirked at me and tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder. Then she patted my arm sympathetically.

“Hurts, doesn’t it mother-fucker?”

“When?” I breathed.

“Uh, uh—I’m not telling you that.”

I licked my lips. “Cammie…tell me it’s not Turner.”

Her face broke into smile. “Nope.”

I felt the pressure in my chest release a little. A little. I hated Turner. I hadn’t even met the guy. It was by sight alone.

“Noah Stein.,” Cammie said, grinning. “Funny story,” she said making her eyes really big. “—She met him on that little impromptu trip she took to Rome. You remember? The one where she came bearing her soul, and you turned her away.”

“It didn’t happen like that.”

She cocked the corner of her mouth up and shook her head like she was disappointed in me.  “You had your chance. Fate hates you guys.”

“Leah had just lost the baby and her sister tried to commit suicide.  I couldn’t leave her. I was trying to do the right thing for once.”

She jerks to look at me. “Leah was…” her voice trails off and her eyes glaze over. I cock my head.

“Leah lost a baby?” she repeated.  I saw something in her eyes that made me take a step closer.

“What are you not saying?”

She pursed her lips and shook her head at me. “When you went to Rome with Leah, were you trying to have a baby?”

Cammie was known for asking uncomfortable questions, but this was a little personal even for her.

“No. We were just taking a break. Getting away from everything. Trying to work on-“

“-Your marriage,” she finished.

“Why are you asking me this?

She suddenly looked up from the patch of floor she’d been staring at.   “Just interested I guess. Hey, I’ve got to get out of here.”

She leaned up to kiss me on the cheek, but something wasn’t sitting right with me. Cammie was an obnoxious spitfire. When she started acting awkward, something was wrong.

“Cammie…”

“Don’t,” she said. “She’s happy. She’s getting married. Leave her alone.”

She started walking away, but I grabbed her wrist. “You said that to me once before, do you remember?”

Her face paled. She yanked her arm away.

“Just tell me when?” I pleaded. “Cammie, please…”

She swallowed. “Saturday.”

I closed my eyes, dropped my head. “Bye, Cam.”

“Bye, Caleb.”

➔➔➔  Love this author? Browse more Tarryn Fisher features and reviews on my blog. 😀

Book Review – True Love Story by Willow Aster

By 65 Comments

True Love Story
I FREAKING LOVED IT!!!!!! 5 STARS…. OH YES!!!!! Oh. YES! And yes… I have a bit of “the shakes” right now. I was looking for my heartache, and I got it. And I believed every. single. moment. Every one. My e-book is highlighted yellow, and there are notes everywhere. I just couldn’t stop talking to myself about it.

A few of my random musings…

“I’m in actual physical pain. And yet I can’t release the tears and it’s probably why my chest aches so much.”

“Nice!!”

“Nope.” <—- oh I was furious here and all I could say was “nope”. confused

“So well done that I can’t help but wonder if this IS a true story.”

“You’re killing me, lady!” <— my note to the author. I thought it was okay to write this since she wouldn’t see it… but oops. Sorry Willow. 😉

Then… when that wasn’t enough, I exploded all over Facebook. I needed group therapy. Apparently, we all did. There is nothing I love more than when we are all reading a book together and agonizing together. And this was one of those, and SO worth every bit of agony. Here is a short form of our absolute LOVE-FEST for this book (it goes on and on, fellow reader after fellow reader exclaiming their love for it, but then this review would’ve been like… 2 pages long. LOL! Here is the full-length version of our enthusiasm). Oh and… thanks to those who recommended it *ahem* Maria. 😉

Maryse’s Book Blog: OMG I am soooo happy!!! 1.) I’m on a reading roll! A few awesome ones lined up that I just KNOW I’m going to love like crazy. and 2.) The one I’m reading now… yah. I can tell it’s gonna hurt sooooo bad, and I’m so excited about that. Bring on the pain. YAY ME!! <— sucker for bad-boy punishment, but in books only!! Books. Only. *smirky grin* TRUE LOVE STORY.

Dee:  You’ll love this one. It’s fantastic.

Kostantina: Omg I just finished true love story !! Ahhhhh u will fall in love!!!

Nicola: LOVED IT!!!

Maria: Love this book SO MUCH!!!!! So glad you are reading it!!

Kerri: Just finished this one and let me just say- I can’t wait to see what you think about it….I LOVED IT- I think you will too but it does have that one thing……

Sara: Me too Maryse!! I was JUST going to recommend this one to you. Has a very Opportunist/ Avoiding Commitment vibe going on….

Autumn: I LOVED this book!

Maryse’s Book Blog: Yep I just heard this thing about some mentioning an “issue” but don’t tell me!!! I wanna see what this is… either way, I’m really enjoying this one so far.

Brie: I loved it!!! I couldn’t put it down

Yoandra: LOOOOOOOOOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!! Ah, Willow Aster is AMAZING!!!

Lindsey: Im at **% and want to stop reading b/c I know the bottom is about to fall out and I love these two…..

Maria: I remember that feeling!!! I wanted to stay in delusional happy land!!

Melissa: Just finished it last night. Really loved it. Had to take the rec’d from the illustrious Tarryn Fisher! Glad I did!!

Toski: I am in absolute love with this book. LOVE .. LOVE… and yes it is all wrapped up in one book. If she ever wanted another it would just be a continuance of this story…I kind of liked having the relief of it being done in one book. FANTASTIC read

Julie: I actually did tear up…so good! and what’s the issue everyone keeps talking about…I LOVED it!!

Maryse’s Book Blog: Uggggghhhhh! It’s worse than I thought…. I can’t… There are no words… I mean worse in an angsty way. I still can’t stop reading… But o.m.g. *shakes head*

Julie: I. KNOW!!!!

Maryse’s Book Blog: I T-O-T-A-L-L-Y feel this. Despondent…

Kerri: I know! Willow is a really great writer! I felt the story the whole way through!

Carrie: I’m about 56% in and I have no words right now, ugh…

Sara: I’m at 62%…. Ugh!!!

Maryse’s Book Blog: Ohhh you guys. You know? Just…

Sara: YEEEES!!

Jennifer: You are all starting to FREAK me out!!!! I’m only 50% through!!!!! OMG

Maryse’s Book Blog: Author dug deep to write some of that… Those words. My heart. This is soooooo real to me.

Carrie: I’m just coming off my broken heart from Beauty from Pain:( my poor heart can’t take it!! I agree…

Autumn:This book really got to me too. So well done.

Maryse’s Book Blog: Willow Aster/Author thank you for playing “it” all out in length and detail, this way.

Jules: Loved reading your reactions Maryse. Can’t wait to read your review!

Sadie: Your reactions are the best Maryse. I felt exactly the same way yesterday!!! Still recovering.

Toski: This book was so relative to everyone. I couldnt’ have loved it more. I know I actually felt the betrayal and hurt .. and love.. LOVED it. so so so much. 5 HUGE GIANT SHINY GLOWING stars for me!

Okay soooo what’s it about? THIS is a rock star book done exactly right, for me. In a way that I can perfectly connect to it, because I can see it take it’s time, play out, sweet flirtatious moments with lengthy time of waiting by the phone… everything you think falling in love with a rock star would be like… this is it. But!!!! Not in the obvious “obnoxious bad-boy” rock star way. ‘Cause this mostly plays out in his personal relationships when he’s not “on”, you know? Of course there is that “fame factor” that courses through this book’s veins. Lengthy time apart while on tour, mentions in gossip mags, going to see HIM back stage only to see two beautiful models draped on each arm. Yes… that’s there, too, but this is more than just the “shell” of a rock star life. This one digs DEEP.

It is beautifully written In all of it’s angst and drama. It’s FUN!!! And it’s devastating.

I see with sickened clarity that I will never be over Ian Sterling. Never.

And I could 100% relate to the heroine. Her thought process, her silly musings, her naiveté… I was there, once. Maybe I still am, ’cause I LOVED Sparrow. LOVED HER!!!!!! I loved every moment she lived… even when she was breaking. Especially when… well. I won’t say anymore. Just know that I am in awe of what I read, especially for that last half. I enjoyed the “sweet” romance build, but I especially loved the description, the emotion, and the intensity of the downward spiral. I would NEVER wish this on anyone, but the reality of it cannot be denied.

*rubs hands together in excitement* You guys!!!! READ THIS!!! Just know… this one has “issues” that some do not enjoy. But, I dunno. I love reality-reading even in my fantasy escapes, and I know many of my fellow readers do too. Get me? I think you do.

So what’s it about? What do you think? Gorgeous up and coming, uber talented guitar-god meets sweet barely legal (but she is!!) girl and they are smitten. And the way they meet is totally viable. And… maybe it’s love at first sight, maybe not…

I think Ian Sterling fell for me today.

There is no way that Ian Sterling feels anything real for me.

I fell for him at first sight four years ago.

Of course, I don’t believe in love at first sight.

Okay, if not love at first sight, then I fell in love with him today, when we spoke… when he took my hand in his.

That was pure lust, not to be confused with love.

I’ve never felt like this.

I’m young and don’t know what I’m feeling.

I’m not an idiot; I know my own mind better than anyone.

He is a master flirt and it was meaningless.

I think I rocked his world.

I hate when I do the girl thing. I’m sure Ian left lunch this afternoon and didn’t give me another thought. Why can’t I be like that?

I love Willow. I do. I think that would have been my exact thought process…

And yes… I admit. I thought it was a bit fast at first, but I ate my words shortly thereafter, as the author realllllly took her time with the rest. There was a lot to explore. One thing for sure is that it plays out in reality. “True Love Story”? Or just “True Story”? The author even has the title perfect.

This is a perfectly lengthed?? book (I know… I don’t even think that’s a word but my brain is a bit angst-fried right now) that explores the trials and tribulations of falling in love with a rock star. NO. I take it back. This isn’t about the “rock star” per se. More like, falling in love with the one that doubts himself. Fears being like the one person he never wants to be. Falling for the guy that protects himself against… himself and in turn, self-sabotages. Try that one on for size.

Oh yes… I know. We’ve read this kind of thing before, sure. But the way this one was written. Explored. DETAILED…. I lived it. Yes. LIVED.

I LOVED THIS!!!!

5 stars PLUS!

Thank you SO much Willow Aster, for sending me this book. I was taken on the very trip I’ve been needing to take. Totally re-read-worthy!

 

Amber Lin’s “Selling Out” has just been released – Check out the trailer!

By 1 Comment

Selling Out (The Lost Girls 2) <— just released!
Remember that book I read last year that I really liked, called Giving It Up? It had a dark and somber tone to it, ’cause the heroine had a specific (and possibly dangerous) need and ventured out at night in search for it? And then one night she met an angry-looking guy… and well. Let’s just say that I couldn’t put it down once I read his reaction to her. I read it with a heavy heart, (’cause of her) but at one point my heart totally broke, for him (check out my review here). I will never forget Allie and Colin.

And guess what?! The author just released a second book in that series (another “lost girl’s” life), and I’m excited to read this one, too! The author told me…

“It’s the story of Shelly, who was Allie’s friend and a high-class prostitute, and Detective Luke Cameron. A modern-day star-crossed lovers story :)”

Check out the synopsis, book trailer and excerpt below:

Shelly Laurent escapes her life as a high-class escort, but against her better judgment she takes the scared young Ella with her. In retaliation, her pimp and his dirty cops frame them both for murder. On the run, Shelly turns to the one man who could be her salvation: Detective Luke Cameron. She doesn’t know if she can trust him or if he’s just a mirage, but she needs his help to free them all.

With a heart forged in fire and irreverence born of necessity, Shelly fights Ella’s demons–and faces her own. She throws light on the shadows of Chicago’s underworld, challenging everything she knew and the man she’s come to love. Together, a prostitute and a cop fight for truth stronger than secrets, hope deeper than deception, and a bond more enduring than betrayal.

And check out the excerpt!

Excerpt

“Shh,” I murmured, stroking his back.

“Shelly, goddammit.”

But his protests fell away as I pressed my breasts to his arm and my tongue to his ear. His harsh inhalation sounded broken, shattered, or maybe that was me.

I tasted salt and man, earth and spring. Slow licks alongside his lobe and upward, more suggestive than sensation, but for a man like this, anticipation would be everything. Or so I had imagined, all the times I had dreamed of it.

A small sound escaped him, somewhere between a grunt and groan. I took it as encouragement and smoothed my hands along the hard planes of his shoulders, his chest. Not anywhere near the bulge in his jeans, because this wasn’t about pleasure—it was about wanting.

Anything to get closer, I let my knees slide apart around his side, the faint heat of his body a shock to my core. His hands clenched and opened on his knees, and again, the muscles rippled beneath his darkly tanned skin. Was he restraining himself from touching me or pushing me off?

“Baby, no,” he groaned, letting his head fall back onto my shoulder.

No, I would never deserve to have him as more than a sex partner. And he had never fucked me, though I knew he wanted to. Every time he saw me, his eyes would darken and my stomach would bottom out, but we’d never touch. But maybe for one brief inconvenient moment, while the door was open and the young woman beyond it needed help, we could pretend. Maybe it could be enough.
I shut my eyes tightly and pressed a kiss to his temple. Pretend, just pretend. I would give him the sex he had craved, and in return, he’d give me memories. It would be a payment, just the same.

“You want this,” I whispered.

He shuddered in my arms; it was like hugging a wild animal, one who could just as easily maul me as cuddle.

“Can I touch you?” he whispered. “Please.”

It unraveled me, that plea. As if he understood that a little bit of my soul slipped away every time someone touched me. As if he would cherish the part I gave him.

I scrambled away from him as if burned, breathing hard. No.

No one understood, which was exactly the way I liked it. I ran a shaking hand over my face to smooth away the panic.

Sure, he knew the score better than most people. He had worked the beat as a patrol cop and then as a detective. Life as a high-priced escort wasn’t glamorous; it was sweat and blood sprinkled with glitter. But he didn’t know the full extent, and I prayed he never would. Henri didn’t sell bodies; he gutted them.

I panted against the headboard, unable to walk away but unwilling to beg. Luke remained carved in stone where I’d left him sitting on the edge of the bed. The air pulsed with doubt and longing—with sex.

“I want it to be real between us.” He spoke low and hoarse.

A quiet sound escaped me. Every caress, every pinch. Every slur ever spoken. “It’s always real. That’s the problem, Luke. It’s always too damn real.”

He hung his head, and I thought for a moment I heard him say I know, but the moment slipped away, the sweet intimacy sailed away like clouds on the horizon—never really mine.

Book Review – Never Look Back by Lori Otto

By 14 Comments

Never Look Back: Book Three of the Emi Lost & Found series
QUICK NOTE: Okay I think I did this completely spoiler-free (even if it is the review for the 3rd and final book in this trilogy). I think anyone can read this… safely. BUT!! I still suggest skipping this review and just jumping into book #1 without any idea of what you’re in for, IF you are up for some serious emotional turmoil. If you are open and game to some intense drama… (in a super-sweet-series format). Hrmmm… Yeah… if you’re new to this series, skip this review. 😉 and go here instead: Here’s my review of book #1 (Emi Lost and Found).

Oh and I must warn you… at some point… you just have to trust us. You’re going to say NO WAY. WHAT??? NO! (skip this following reader quote if you really don’t want to know anything at all when going into a series. Not that it says anything… but emotionally, you’ll have a good idea of what you’re in for):

Melissa: I just began reading book 2 of the Emi Lost and Found series….can I say OMG!!!!! I did NOT see that coming and I am devastated  We are talking sobbing for a good while. I had to take a break. I am about to dive right back in.

Just… keep reading. It’s all worth it in the end. What you thought… as you read the first installment… well, it’s bigger than that. Dare I say… better?

Okay… so now onto my review of this book:

Wow… that was incredibly emotional, and sweet. Sweet and bittersweet are the two words I would use to describe this series as a whole. And beautiful and a bit sappy but in a good way. After all… it is a love stories that spans three full length books. And I loved that. Nothing was rushed. Every step taken, analyzed, discussed, embraced and coddled. The cuddles were detailed, the insecurities, distressing and the blowups that followed, severe.

Yep! A great third installment to this trilogy, and just as intense, at times, as book #2. One step forward three steps back and at one point I could see the tears, and all I wanted to do was cry with them in a huddle.

“That vision will stay with me forever.” And – forgiven or not – so apparently, will this regret.

Ahhhh… *sniff sniff* See? Now, I wanna cuddle.

And… sometimes, I was so mad, too. But mostly… a loving kind of mad. I was hurting with both of them, for each of their own reasons. I “got” them both. Oh sure, she sometimes went overboard in her worries, over thinking everything and self-sabotaging in the process. But considering the circumstances… she was shell-shocked.

It was just about Emi. It was about her and her need not to escape the past, but to embrace the wonderful future we were going to have together. I had to convince her that it was okay to hold on to those elements of her past.

LOTS of “living” goes on. The regular daily stuff, along with the romance (and subsequent issues)… it was all there.

Annie: Lori Otto does a phenomenal job telling this story through the everyday events and ups and downs between people- marriages, christenings, family gatherings- you could see yourself being friends with the characters! Emi’s struggles with loss, grief, sorrow and joy are so real that my heart is still not quite right! Her second guessing her motives and heart’s desires really hit home. Who in their life hasn’t struggled with that?!?!?

True! Although at times, I found myself skimming some of the more routine moments (descriptions, light-hearted chatter, stuff like that). There was A LOT of it. It was as if the author lived every moment with her characters (even the commonplace stuff) and in turn, so did her readers. But the simple, easy moments allowed us relief from the underlying drama threatening to tear them apart. When it counted, the fact that the author didn’t skimp on detail, meant we FELT every emotion acutely. If you have the time to fall in love, live, agonize, love some more, and agonize some more… this series is for you.

Sh!t sh!t sh!t!! I run down the stairs, consciously slowing myself as I round the corner into the kitchen, not wanting to needlessly raise any suspicions on the off-chance that she hasn’t heard the news from someone. I take a deep breath as I watch her from across the room.

Emi’s sitting at the dining room table, legs bouncing, coffee in hand, wide smile on her face… newspaper spread out before her.

“Hey, baby,” I start cautiously, syrupy. Her smile grows bigger. “There’s no way you didn’t actually read the paper today… is there?”

She looks up at me, doe-eyed, looking guilty. “I don’t know how to answer that.”

Tee hee!! I LOVED this part. Just a simple moment in a day, but one of many of my favorites in this series. There was just something so real to that scene… I was seeing them both at the same time and giggling like mad. You’ll see. 😉

We’ll all experience this differently, but one thing I can say for sure. We will ALL experience it.

“Don’t cry,” I whisper, choked up. In the same moment, a tear falls from my own eye. She rolls over to face me, wiping the tear from my jaw. Her eyes shift back and forth, looking for something in mine. “I’m here for you, Emi. For us. Try to sleep.” I touch her cheek and lean in to kiss her. Our legs entwined, she cuddles closely to my chest as I run my fingers through her hair. She puts her hand up my t-shirt and lightly scratches my back with her nails.

Once I know she is asleep, I close my eyes, allow a few more tears to escape.

Annnnnnnd…. I wanna cuddle again. *sigh*

Lori Otto made it real for so many of us and I’m so happy to have taken this journey with Emi (no matter how crazy she drove me at times). I can’t help but wonder if I would have been just like her. A past, a present and a definite future – destined to be hers. But who said destiny would always be easy?

I loved it.

4 stars for book #3… and the series as a whole? Yep! Reflecting back and taking it in as a whole… If you devour it one after the next and really let yourself indulge in every moment of them, I’d give it an easy 4 to 4.5 stars!!

Alright now… I’m ready. This one cleansed my palette. I’ve just immersed myself in an emotional week of sweet love and honesty… and I’m so ready to experience an infuriating virtual punch to the gut. Bring on a bad boy!!!! And I mean BAD!!! I’m in the mood for a foul-mouth with a big heart that he likes to hide, and in the process… he ruins EVERYTHING!!! *winks*. Tee hee!

Check out the reading order guide: Emi Lost & Found Series Reading Order

Contact Me | About Maryse | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Cookie Policy | © 2025 Maryse.net – Maryse’s Book Blog |
I am part of the Amazon affiliate program, which is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Other than potential affiliate link commissions, I receive no compensation for reviews. All opinions I have expressed are my own.