"But if you want to grow up, you need to experience disappointment. You cannot live your life avoiding risks all the time. "Discover this Treasure"
"But if you want to grow up, you need to experience disappointment. You cannot live your life avoiding risks all the time. Live serenely, my dear. Sometimes it will be fine, sometimes not. This is the way to grow up. Otherwise, you will lock yourself in your little bunker, bragging that nobody ever fooled you. If this is what you want, then by all means listen to her. So you can win the trophy of an undefiled life and enjoy it all the time. Alone. You will be pleased with yourself 'I’m the smart one!' And you will clap for yourself. And you will thank yourself for the moving applause. And you will clap even louder, spectator of yourself."
I am very grateful to this generous Italian author who gifted me with a kindle copy of this book! I am not a regular reviewer of ARCs, but if a story catches my eye in my email, I will sometimes take a chance and see how interested I can become in the characters as they move through the plot points of the storyline. This is a gorgeous translation from Italian into English. There is an enchanting european sensibility that permeates the atmosphere of the book's setting.
The story is many things. It's an investigative crime story; a story of a strong woman who suffered a tragic loss but has the strength to reach for her dreams; a story about obsessive love and the possible consequences in the darkness of obsessive love. It is a story about friendship. More than all of this, it is a haunting sexy story of two people falling in love even while each of the lovers has doubts about the fundamental goodness of the other person. And yes. there is a fair amount of "swoon-worthy" moments of love between the hero and heroine.
It is a captivating read definitely written by an author of imagination, intelligence and the heart of a romantic. The translation is brilliant! I made good use of my time reading this haunting and ultimately heart-warming story. I loved the ending. If you paid attention while reading, the "whodunit" becomes crystal clear. Loved this ending touch!
If you like some mystery and suspense in your romance, beautifully written, then be sure not to miss this treasure.
Merged review:
"Discover this Treasure"
"But if you want to grow up, you need to experience disappointment. You cannot live your life avoiding risks all the time. Live serenely, my dear. Sometimes it will be fine, sometimes not. This is the way to grow up. Otherwise, you will lock yourself in your little bunker, bragging that nobody ever fooled you. If this is what you want, then by all means listen to her. So you can win the trophy of an undefiled life and enjoy it all the time. Alone. You will be pleased with yourself 'I’m the smart one!' And you will clap for yourself. And you will thank yourself for the moving applause. And you will clap even louder, spectator of yourself."
I am very grateful to this generous Italian author who gifted me with a kindle copy of this book! I am not a regular reviewer of ARCs, but if a story catches my eye in my email, I will sometimes take a chance and see how interested I can become in the characters as they move through the plot points of the storyline. This is a gorgeous translation from Italian into English. There is an enchanting european sensibility that permeates the atmosphere of the book's setting.
The story is many things. It's an investigative crime story; a story of a strong woman who suffered a tragic loss but has the strength to reach for her dreams; a story about obsessive love and the possible consequences in the darkness of obsessive love. It is a story about friendship. More than all of this, it is a haunting sexy story of two people falling in love even while each of the lovers has doubts about the fundamental goodness of the other person. And yes. there is a fair amount of "swoon-worthy" moments of love between the hero and heroine.
It is a captivating read definitely written by an author of imagination, intelligence and the heart of a romantic. The translation is brilliant! I made good use of my time reading this haunting and ultimately heart-warming story. I loved the ending. If you paid attention while reading, the "whodunit" becomes crystal clear. Loved this ending touch!
If you like some mystery and suspense in your romance, beautifully written, then be sure not to miss this treasure....more
"We'd called him crazy, when in truth, we were the crazy ones."
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So...I have been through the ARC phase of my reading and reviewing. Awhile back "We'd called him crazy, when in truth, we were the crazy ones."
[image]
So...I have been through the ARC phase of my reading and reviewing. Awhile back I became overwhelmed with the sheer number of ARC's that were before me and I just stopped. I start my review with this and the fact that I seriously wanted an ARC of this book by Lily White. I was so impressed with her writing talent and her insight in my first ever reading of her work in the "Illusions Series". I wanted to read this book which takes a different direction from the aforementioned writing into contemporary romance. I wanted to do whatever I could to get the word out about how extraordinary a writer, Ms. White truly is. I will purchase a copy of this book despite having an ARC copy.
"Crazy, Madly, Deeply" had some of the most difficult and most wonderful moments that moved my heart and touched my soul. There is sweet genius in the character of Holden Bishop.
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Holden is that kid at school who despite his good looks and attractive physique holds himself apart from the popular rich kids in a town that is divided by wealth. The poorer section of town is even referred to as "the servant's quarters". Of course this is where the scourge of drug dealing leaves its mark even as spoiled rich kids are regular customers of the dealers.
Holden is gifted with a natural sense of self-confidence and artistic talent. He has a completely different perspective on the world. He also has the heart of a guardian. For defying their small town conventions, he is labeled a freak. Whereas Holden has no desire to sidle up to the popular monied kids at school his little sister, Delilah, a gifted dancer, desperately wants to fit in with the popular rich girls on her dance team. Michaela the queen bee of them all inexplicably takes Delilah under her wing.
Holden is ever on guard when it comes to his little sister. The wealthy football players in town were known to throw wild parties were they would slip drugs into the drinks of unsuspecting girls desperate to be part of their crowd. Then they would assault them multiple times sharing the unfortunate drugged girls with each other. When Holden sees one of the football players touch Delilah inappropriately in the school cafeteria, he gets physical with him and Michaela's boyfriend Jack. Before Jack jumps into the fray he carelessly shoves his girlfriend Michaela to the floor where she injures herself significantly. This fight sets in motion the catastrophe to come in these characters lives.
In this day and age we are inundated with a deluge of stories from women who have endured assault at home, in their relationships, in their careers, schools and churches. We look at ourselves as a society and wonder how could this have happened for so long? There are no easy or simple answers but this author makes an excellent point about how money plays an intrinsic role in hushing things up, corrupting the system, even the wives and daughters of the wealthy are not expected to make waves if they are being harmed or know of abuse by their husbands, friends, brothers or fathers. How then does a poor girl who wishes to be popular contend with being assaulted by the powerful rich boys without being doubted, publicly shamed and made a pariah?
As circumstances push Michaela and Holden in close proximity, Holden has a chance to discuss "abuse" with Michaela. He is astonished to learn that the monied did not fiercely protect their women. Michaela is deeply ashamed of her complicit silence in the circumstances of the girls she witnessed harmed and even the abuse she suffered at the mercy of her drug addicted boyfriend, Jack. The reader sees a magnificent change in Michaela as she finds her truth and her voice. Michaela evolves into a true heroine in the end for herself and for her Holden.
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The love story of Holden and Michaela is breathtaking. The author paints their story with words. There is an urgency and desperation to their love because of the circumstances in which they find themselves. The sexiness is in the intensity, the healing, the fierce loyalty. The author blesses us with the characters' thoughts and musings...some of it situational and some of it universal truth.
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The story is mostly told in alternating POV's of Holden and Michaela. Delilah has a chapter or so. The writing engages the reader from start to finish. At the finish my heart was tender from "all the feels". But more than this, my spirit soared for the triumph love had over "smallness", needless tragedy and suffering.
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I was so very lucky and happy to Buddy Read this ARC with fellow SHHluts: Mistress CC, Loyda and warhawke!!! Reading with you made the experience more wonderful!!! Thank you!!! [image]
Merged review:
"We'd called him crazy, when in truth, we were the crazy ones."
[image]
So...I have been through the ARC phase of my reading and reviewing. Awhile back I became overwhelmed with the sheer number of ARC's that were before me and I just stopped. I start my review with this and the fact that I seriously wanted an ARC of this book by Lily White. I was so impressed with her writing talent and her insight in my first ever reading of her work in the "Illusions Series". I wanted to read this book which takes a different direction from the aforementioned writing into contemporary romance. I wanted to do whatever I could to get the word out about how extraordinary a writer, Ms. White truly is. I will purchase a copy of this book despite having an ARC copy.
"Crazy, Madly, Deeply" had some of the most difficult and most wonderful moments that moved my heart and touched my soul. There is sweet genius in the character of Holden Bishop.
[image]
Holden is that kid at school who despite his good looks and attractive physique holds himself apart from the popular rich kids in a town that is divided by wealth. The poorer section of town is even referred to as "the servant's quarters". Of course this is where the scourge of drug dealing leaves its mark even as spoiled rich kids are regular customers of the dealers.
Holden is gifted with a natural sense of self-confidence and artistic talent. He has a completely different perspective on the world. He also has the heart of a guardian. For defying their small town conventions, he is labeled a freak. Whereas Holden has no desire to sidle up to the popular monied kids at school his little sister, Delilah, a gifted dancer, desperately wants to fit in with the popular rich girls on her dance team. Michaela the queen bee of them all inexplicably takes Delilah under her wing.
Holden is ever on guard when it comes to his little sister. The wealthy football players in town were known to throw wild parties were they would slip drugs into the drinks of unsuspecting girls desperate to be part of their crowd. Then they would assault them multiple times sharing the unfortunate drugged girls with each other. When Holden sees one of the football players touch Delilah inappropriately in the school cafeteria, he gets physical with him and Michaela's boyfriend Jack. Before Jack jumps into the fray he carelessly shoves his girlfriend Michaela to the floor where she injures herself significantly. This fight sets in motion the catastrophe to come in these characters lives.
In this day and age we are inundated with a deluge of stories from women who have endured assault at home, in their relationships, in their careers, schools and churches. We look at ourselves as a society and wonder how could this have happened for so long? There are no easy or simple answers but this author makes an excellent point about how money plays an intrinsic role in hushing things up, corrupting the system, even the wives and daughters of the wealthy are not expected to make waves if they are being harmed or know of abuse by their husbands, friends, brothers or fathers. How then does a poor girl who wishes to be popular contend with being assaulted by the powerful rich boys without being doubted, publicly shamed and made a pariah?
As circumstances push Michaela and Holden in close proximity, Holden has a chance to discuss "abuse" with Michaela. He is astonished to learn that the monied did not fiercely protect their women. Michaela is deeply ashamed of her complicit silence in the circumstances of the girls she witnessed harmed and even the abuse she suffered at the mercy of her drug addicted boyfriend, Jack. The reader sees a magnificent change in Michaela as she finds her truth and her voice. Michaela evolves into a true heroine in the end for herself and for her Holden.
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The love story of Holden and Michaela is breathtaking. The author paints their story with words. There is an urgency and desperation to their love because of the circumstances in which they find themselves. The sexiness is in the intensity, the healing, the fierce loyalty. The author blesses us with the characters' thoughts and musings...some of it situational and some of it universal truth.
[image]
The story is mostly told in alternating POV's of Holden and Michaela. Delilah has a chapter or so. The writing engages the reader from start to finish. At the finish my heart was tender from "all the feels". But more than this, my spirit soared for the triumph love had over "smallness", needless tragedy and suffering.
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I was so very lucky and happy to Buddy Read this ARC with fellow SHHluts: Mistress CC, Loyda and warhawke!!! Reading with you made the experience more wonderful!!! Thank you!!! [image]...more
"Maybe I’ll find God in every hill I see for the rest of my life." - Brother Patrick
"Franciscan friar Richar
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"I lift up my eyes to the hills"
"Maybe I’ll find God in every hill I see for the rest of my life." - Brother Patrick
"Franciscan friar Richard Rohr says that there are two kinds of time, at least according to the ancient Greeks. There is chronos—or chronological, ordered time—and then there is kairos. Kairos is subjective, qualitative. Deep Time is what Rohr calls it. A fullness, he says. The moments when the dots of our lives connect." - from the notebook of Elijah Iverson, Saint, Sierra Simone
Once again this brilliant author has enthralled me, captivated me, and stunned me into what she quoted above…into “Kairos”, that deep sense of time that stretches infinitely. The perception of time that sets our hearts, minds, and souls free from the burdens of our reality shackled by the counting of the hours and the numbering of our days. With this work, she introduces us to the making of a modern day albeit, improbable, “Saint”. She also goes where very few authors would ever dare to go blurring or even perhaps obliterating, the definitions of both the sacred and the profane. While delighting the reader with a tension-filled second chance erotic love story, she explores the depths and heights of a man’s quest for mental wellness, atonement and reconciliation of his love and passion for another man and his need to devote himself completely to a God who revealed Himself to him when he needed His life-saving grace the most. I am a cradle Catholic raised in the advent of Vatican II when many reforms took place in the church. I have met strict catechists and rebels within the church. It is an open secret that many American Catholics will identify as Catholic but have their own doctrinal ideas both progressive and regressive. Many Catholics find it very difficult to practice the faith, most especially if their spirituality has matured past the dictates of a doctrine which seeks to manipulate and control, not shepherd and guide. Personally, I love the Church, but I don’t think it loves me back as a woman and I’m very ok with this. I have a strong faith in God and I hold fast “the gate” (my gate) I have found. As a result, this book spoke to me in a very personal way and on a very personal level. It triggered me in deep and moving ways. I am thankful to Ms. Simone for not only the entertainment but for the joy of contemplating…of being lost in said contemplation. Unlike Aiden, I do not feel I have been called to be a Saint yet. Not so sure I could answer like he did in this book.
“Many gates,” I murmur. It’s what I said to Elijah when I was telling him the story of that night. That there are many gates, but this was the one I chose. “Many gates,” Brother Connor echoes. He makes a fist with his right hand and then brings it against his left palm. One of the opening gestures of his salutations. He looks down at his hands. “I often think that if I’d kept my school, if I’d kept my life the life of a martial artist, that I would probably be the same soul I am today. Practice is practice, whether it’s psalms or stances. There are many gates, as you say. Many ways to the well.” - Brother Connor
Judgement, Depression, Angels…
I do believe I could write an essay after reading this glorious life-affirming book. I am that enthusiastic about all I discovered and rediscovered in my thinking. I realize that this endeavor could make for some tedious reading, so I will stick to three themes that enlightened me the most in Saint. I wonder if the temptation to rush to judgement was strong for some when reading how Aiden felt his sexual love of Elijah, and all that it encompasses was like a prayer…a sacred offering of love. He felt closer to God through this love. I often wonder to myself, if the infinite God who created a universe so vast and abides in all his creation is truly worried about how and to whom one expresses their love? Love itself is the essence of God…in every molecule of our very DNA…in every cell of which comprises our temporal body.
“This rigid dichotomy of holy and profane, of vowed and unvowed . . . it sterilizes us. Not everyone fits into those boxes to begin with, almost no one fits entirely into them, and then there are those of us who experience God so differently from what is sanctioned and prescribed that even the mere idea of boxes is . . . ” He looks like he’s searching for the right word here. 'Limiting.'” - Father Jordan
While I am on the subject of judgement, it is obvious to me now, but I hardly considered that severe depression includes the harshest ultimate self-judgment of worthlessness. The deft and empathetic words given to Aiden as he described the moment of his personal crisis was insightful and moving. Satan is the “father of lies” (John 8:44) Aiden was hearing a major lie or perhaps his faulty brain chemistry was the open door for the lie? If his faulty brain chemistry was the open door for the judgmental lie it was also the open door for his calling to come closer to God...to become a Saint. It makes me think about the idea that this “awesome” God who created all and dwells in all creation “knows the number of hairs on your head” ( Matthew 10:30). “You are precious in his sight (Isaiah 43:4). God was with Aiden when he was in crisis. It was the work of God’s angel or angels that he received the unexpected, jarring, life-affirming text. It is said, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways”( Psalm 91:11). I understand that Father Jordan talks to angels. I also understand his story is next in the series. I personally cannot wait. More favorite Quotes:
"Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; For Love is strong as Death..."(Song of Songs 8:6)
"I right myself and say terce with my breviary while Elijah claims to write in his notebook but instead mostly just stares at me with his arm wedged behind his head and his mouth curved in a fond smile. It should be distracting, and maybe it is, but it’s wonderful too, like praying next to brightly colored stained glass or in a twisting curl of incense smoke. It makes the prayers deeper and sweeter and even older somehow, like I’m praying something beyond the words of the psalms, like I’m praying what it means to be human in the first place." - Brother Patrick
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Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth . . .
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber . . .
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.
"I love you like that. I love you like this. I love you like everything." Sierra Simone
“My drops of tears I’ll turn to sparks of fire.” - Shakespeare, Queen Katharine, Henry VIII, Act2, Scene 4
"I set fire to the rain"- Adele
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“My drops of tears I’ll turn to sparks of fire.” - Shakespeare, Queen Katharine, Henry VIII, Act2, Scene 4
"I set fire to the rain"- Adele
"There may be a great fire in our hearts, yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a wisp of smoke." Vincent Van Gogh
[image] I prefer my continuing lessons on and ponderings about life wrapped in the lines of a story like a present wrapped in beautiful ribbons. Certainly, I am not alone in this regard. Storytelling is eons old and the foundation of communicating morality and spirituality beginning in one's early childhood. While this story culminating in this last book is the flavor of romance I love best, it did that special "thing" to my mind and spirit. It sparked contemplation and meditation; giving me a little bit more insight into myself, others and the world in which I find myself. Yeah...it's going to be one of "those" kind of reviews. Through the themes of the overwhelming need for revenge, the possibilities of atonement, and the freedom found in letting go of grievance with the symbolism of fire and smoke, this gifted and polished author teaches us profound, even timely lessons. Before I offer my thoughts on these, I will tell you the book hits all the high notes of composition and form and meets the expectations of the romance story lover. The "mains" continue to develop and captivate and the plot line moves along smoothly with some surprises that enhance. The plot was also tightly woven so that there was no jumping over plot holes. The fundamental disagreement between Edward and Celia is Edward's all-consuming desire to avenge every wrong done to Celia. In an introspective moment he describes himself:
“I’ve been completely consumed with rage and spite, these twin fires that ate everything in their pathway. No matter what I fed them, they continued to burn, burn, burn. Everything was fuel, and there I was, throwing flames at whatever I deemed deserving to be burned down."
Celia has been broken down and been made new because of Edward and their transforming love. She has crawled through the fire and emerged like the mythical Phoenix. She is looking to the future, yet, Edward is hyper-focused on revenge to the detriment of the "redeeming" love he found with Celia. He is also haunted by his past deeds. Celia is desperate to cling to her secrets to keep Edward safe from his own destruction. With a new life on the way, Edward has to choose between primary focus on his quest for destructive vengeance or laying down his sword of vengeance and becoming the father and husband Celia desires. What will be the consequences of his choice? Within the framework of this story are reminders of the hollow, destructive force that is revenge. Leaving ashes and smoke rising in its wake...Nothing left to hold onto. The smoke rising, itself, a metaphor for the fleeting nature of time and life. Haven't we all recently experienced the damage, destruction, chaos and the sheer nihilism based on a personal philosophy of revenge? Don't we all waste some of our precious time looking back, if not with vengeance in our heart, but holding a grudge there. Holding onto something which in the end is really nothing?...only wasted time, energy and emotional bandwidth? How can we expect to move forward when we are caught up in the past, mired in negativity, focused on the fire of vengeance? Nothing but smoke in our future? The idea of atonement is also introduced into the narrative as Edward begins to engage and confront his ultimate rival. The beauty and grace of atonement is underscored as a theme. Think about how liberating, karma-balancing, purifying the idea of true atonement is not only for the soul of one but also, the good of all. We may not be able to erase our past but we can lift the burden of guilt we carry from the harm we have perpetuated by atoning for this harm. Redemption is made more manifest by atonement. Forgiveness for ourselves and others becomes more possible. True acknowledgement of our flawed nature will allow us to move forward as a person toward peace of mind...peace just being human. Atonement is substantial proof of this acknowledgement. As you can tell, I had a hard conversation with myself. The ideas seem forthright and deceptively simple, yet so hard to truly manifest in our daily life. We are complicated emotional beings. We are spiritual beings. We are social creatures. We all have needs, wants and desires. All of this adds later upon layer to our motivations behind anything we do, good or bad. Whether we move forward or stay fixed in time. Using this pallet of complex motivations, our author wrote a moving and brilliant romantic saga. A saga which intertwines with a few others she wrote. While her writing hit me in that place between my head and heart, it was also a wonderful escape into a lover's world filled with passion, big emotion, heart-stopping desire, and body-tingling sensation. Everything. And I mean everything, a reader of the art desires.
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“But I do know this: all of Thornchapel is a threshold of sorts, and when you are there, you are one too. I became a gate, a tabernacle, and
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“But I do know this: all of Thornchapel is a threshold of sorts, and when you are there, you are one too. I became a gate, a tabernacle, and an altar. A holiness of lanky limbs and angry lust, and a hallow of ink-stained fingers and unmet needs.”
I suppose, if I really wanted to do it, I could do the traditional reviewer thing and give you an overview of what you might expect concerning plot, character development etc… I also may be somewhat trite in my expressing that this story deserves more than that. Because let’s face it, I am an enthusiastic reader and lover of romance. I am also a softie when it comes to assigning stars. I also must admit I am rusty in my writing. With all this nonsense said about me out of the way. I entreat you, dear friend, to hear me when I say that this last book is an “extra” ordinary finale to a series that plumbs the depth of belief, faith, love in a mystical and mysterious modern fairytale, sprinkled liberally with eroticism and kinky expressions of love. It is a masterful ending to what I consider a virtuosic feat of complex thematic storytelling. Before I continue with my thoughts, I need to applaud Ms. Simone for not only having written such a lush, compelling, weighty, full-bodied saga, but also for having done so knowing that it would probably be (what she describes in her own words); “A series that made no commercial or career sense to write. A series that didn't really match Priest or New Camelot, a series that was maybe, ah, less than mainstream, we could say.” Thank you Sierra Simone and all who supported you in your inspiration and subsequent resulting masterpiece series. There’s a beautiful integrity in a work written solely for the sake of the artist exercising her talent in telling an inspired story to move hearts, delight senses and memories and inspire thinking. Most romance readers can tell when they are being manipulated by the usual “marketable tropes”…and if done well, we often welcome the escape. And while such lovely escape is found in this book in inventive, scorching hot scenes that will leave your body shaken and head spinning, there is a foundation of deep, primal, mysticism and “truth” underneath all that heat. There is even questioning of what is the “truth” and how much of it can we actually comprehend. Ah the joys in the mystery of existence!
“This is symbolic thinking we’re dealing with, and unfamiliar symbolic thinking at that, and symbolic thinking is entirely different from reasoning, it’s entirely different from the kind of rationale that we would use to build a supermarket.”
Speaking through the voice of a secondary character to the six main characters, the author gives us a clue to one of the languages she is using to tell us this story and the meaning it portends. This is the Thorn King, Auden’s book. He is faced with the need to close a door that has opened to another world or dimension which opened when Auden and his coterie celebrated pagan rites during Lammas. There is a growing profusion of black roses around the Thorn Chapel near the opened door at an impossible time of year. The history of death and disease seemingly associated with previous appearances of the opened door makes it an ominous, yet compelling mystery. Thornchapel calls those who separated and scattered after Lammas back to each other and the place that has claimed them when they were children. The Thorn King needs to learn how to be a king even if this means giving his life to close the door to protect his kin and kingdom. [image]
“And I feel like a king now when I walk to the door to die for my friends. There is power in this kind of submission. A power that means every part of me can be used for good—even the parts of me that would eat the world raw if left untrammeled. And maybe that is the lesson of the Year King, of the Babylonian kings who were slapped during Akitu, of monarchs who kneel to be anointed. Power must come with humility. They cannot be picked apart. They should not. I will not.”
There is multifold symbolism in the black rose. It could denote the undertaking of a long and arduous journey but also hope for what is awaiting at the journey’s end. It may represent the hope of a miracle. It could also represent bidding farewell to someone. Additionally, it can represent accomplishment or deference to someone. The fragrance of the rose itself is associated with holiness (The "odor of sanctity" is a phenomenon attributed to a miraculous fragrance coming from a holy person, such as a saint.) The black roses are the bruises on or from this ominous open “door”. These roses are first described in the book as the color of a “freshly turned bruise” by a 17 year-old Auden who found one growing near the Thorn Chapel in the deep of winter. (Which reminded me of a favorite Christmas Hymn which appeared in Cologne, Germany in 1599, "Lo, how a rose e'er blooming". The meaning of this for me is a whole other discussion from which I will refrain.) Auden speaks often of bruising and needing to bruise his lovers.
“Surely it is hard enough to be one person, one whole person, who loves like normal people love, but to be this— to be the teeth in the dark and the hands that soothe— and to not even be that properly? Because I want to hold everyone I love inside me and hollow myself out so they can nestle right against my bloody ribs, but how can I trust myself to do that? Why should anyone trust me to do that when I know exactly what kind of man I am, what bruises I long to leave?”
[image] I submit to you that while “bruises” and “bruising” are often associated with injury and harm, there is another connotation to the concept of bruising that one can consider. Bruising as it relates to spices and herbs. One bruises these culinary ingredients to release their flavor, their goodness. Is this “door” then bruising this plane of existence to offer some flavor, goodness, perhaps even, truth to the six in whom Thornchapel has woven its mysteries into their very existence? Our main characters determine that while the door is open, it will not be penetrable until the pagan feast Samhain,. The eve of Samhain is now commonly known as Halloween (All Hallow’s Eve). Christians celebrate the day of Samhain as All Saint’s day. Traditionally, the night of All Hallow’s Eve is associated with celebrating the Ancestors. It is a time when the veil between our world and the next is considered to be at its thinnest. Samhain, itself, contributes unique allegory and metaphor which underpins the love stories in this series. Samhain is a time to welcome the dissolution of illusions and false certainties in which we have invested our intellect and heart. This is a mysterious path that can frighten one because of the uncertainties and the “unknowable” it represents. As too, does the “door” represent the unknowable the uncertain. Is it malevolent or benevolent? Which brings me to a brief…very brief discussion of the significance of quantum theory mentioned twice in this last book. Scholars in the past thought they had the world figured out when they envisioned it an intricately woven mechanical device…similar to a clock. All things eventually knowable when the formula or engineered design elements could be parsed and discovered…until Quantum theory disabused all serious scholars of that particular illusion. It seems that the mere duality of matter…wave or particle or wave or particle was just the beginning of the discovery of the wonderful, absolute weirdness of the world and universe. The possibilities are endless. For all that we claim to know and understand, fundamentally, we really do not understand anything. Reality, life and death are mysterious, mystical, frightening?, reassuring? So, too, the “Door of Bruises”… a quantum level mystery? I believe while our author beautifully illustrates in this saga, the mysteries of existence and the uncertainties we live with at the core of ourselves, she suggests that along with the quantum nature of all things is the quantum nature of love.
“Her father had been right—love was quantum. Love was multi-dimensional, alchemical, complex, and the alternative was void, the frozen absolute zero of the deepest space. Nothingness. If vulnerability, if trust and intimacy, brought the risk of pain with it—well. Wasn’t that better than a life at zero degrees Kelvin, feeling nothing, loving nothing, unharmed maybe, but unknown and unseen to anyone? Wasn’t it better to be known? Better to be seen?"
These are but a few of the ideas I discovered which were sparked by this masterful writer. It should be clear at this point just how much I recommend this book and this series to you. It is intriguing, entertaining and nourishment for your soul. Even if you disagree with my assessment of the symbolism, there is a great storyline and wonderful character development with an array of very intriguing and swoon-worthy characters. Did I mention it was scorching? Fire, my friends, just fire! [image]
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During a recent Saturday afternoon, I was held captive reading this book by a new author for me. It was d[image]
The Blurred Line between Love and Hate
During a recent Saturday afternoon, I was held captive reading this book by a new author for me. It was doubly pleasurable because it was a shared experience of a buddy read with the Hotties from Some Like It Hot Discussion Group. The story gripped my heart through my chest and I was wrung out after the read. It put me in a very contemplative state about a few things and I was amazed at the ideas that presented themselves to me. Let me first say it is not a perfect book…yet I gave it 5 stars. I have a few reasons for my high praise. The first is the largeness of the emotions. This writer creates high drama beyond angst…much like the authors of the romantic period of old. The Bronte sisters are good examples. Some reads sound like they have a contemporary pop soundtrack. This read had for me a soundtrack from composers of the romantic era with their lush, swelling crescendo and full-bodied harmonies expressing the depth of sorrow and the tension of the plot points...like the music written by Hector Berlioz, Fryderyck Chopin, Robert Schumann, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Giuseppe Verdi to name some. Few authors write with this level of reader captivation. Anything that was less than perfect from here can be easily fixed by an editor. “Our story was made out of broken bones, built on a splintered spine; the pages stained with blood and words cursed with devastation. We were battle worn. And perhaps… if we had met in another lifetime, our story would have been different. Less grief and more tenderness. Perhaps in another lifetime… We would have been just Killian and Julianna–without a past to hold us back.” Another idea that kept bouncing around in my psyche was how the heroine of our story was so damaged with a visible limp, a scarred face and a seizure disorder, yet by the end of the novel she was celebrated for her beauty and sex appeal still with her scars, limp and seizures. Yes, our heroine had issues but her appearance was truly not one that was dwelled upon. I was fascinated with my reaction to the heroine. Thinking that she would get plastic surgery or transform somehow into a beauty. Deep in my core, I realize what a wretched perfectionist I am. The hate dynamic between Julianna and Killian was excruciating, painful…horrible even. The hate sex was phenomenal. (The Hotties as a whole wanted more…but that’s the Hotties...more
I read this book,
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back to back after part one of the the duo it makes up with
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. I decided to review the[image]
The Shape of Love?
I read this book,
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back to back after part one of the the duo it makes up with
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. I decided to review the work as a duo since both books are currently available and they are intricately entwined in the continuation of the story told by both.
There are four main characters who meet at university. Each of them form a connection both sexual and in friendship to the other. Their development arcs are achieved through the usual happenings in university culture and campus life. What is most entertaining is the initial coupling and decoupling of the four in different unexpected patterns. It is through these experiences our characters begin to gain insight into themselves. The reader begins to see the unconventional possibilities in their relationships to one another.
There is a lot of great dialogue written in both books. The erotic scenes sizzle. Yes, they sizza-sizza-sizzle! These are characters you really can root for...3 lovely athletic men and a feisty heroine.
One question of considerable angst for Ashton who always identified as a gay man, is how does he now restrain his innate desires, because he has fallen hopelessly in love with his best girlfriend. He wants to give her everything and make her feel that she lacks nothing in his eyes. Can he honestly do this or is he going to keep screwing things up?
Fortunately for our characters, the world is not one thing or another. Love can take many shapes and forms. I know what you're thinking now...this is just another angsty reverse harem romance. Not that I have anything against having a reverse harem...uh, uhm...I mean reading a reverse harem romance....more
There is no question that C. D. Reiss writes with the touch of a master. I have never been disappointed in any book I have read bThis Crowne Ruled Me!
There is no question that C. D. Reiss writes with the touch of a master. I have never been disappointed in any book I have read by her. This book is another notch in her repertoire of brilliant works. And as such, my comments are not so much a review, but more a small exposition of my thoughts and delights in her juxtapositions, word play and capture of multidimensional characters.
The plot for this story is really quite simple and bare bones. All the tension that keeps the reader on tether hooks and turning the pages occurs between the two main characters, Dante and Mandy.
The brilliance of a wildly creative sexual mastermind with meticulous detail to setting the stage while engaging all the senses of the reader is the alchemy in crafting a story our author wields in her pen. The main characters are broken, sexy, stubborn, attracted to each other but do not want to be and enjoy sexual games.
It seems as if I'm describing any number of books written by any number of authors. But no. In this book the emotional mess is believable and relatable. The shifts in thinking and action surprising and believable. The epiphanies are thought through and believable. The therapeutic pleasure/pain power exchange in the sexy BDSM play is believable. I suppose what I am getting at is these complicated dramatic characters are written so well they are believable and they satisfyingly hold our interest and carry the story. They are the story.
And there is more, because Ms. Reiss is an artist there is woven on the narrative lovely metaphor and symbolism. It was particularly poignant to me when Mandy was inspecting the crawlspace in the attic while Dante walked the roof. When you read this, I'm certain you will notice how this mundane event leads to a significant epiphany for Mandy.
Lastly, I sometimes think reading Ms. Reiss' sex scenes are dangerous. They are so intensely hot, cunningly creative, relentlessly arousing...makes a woman think where are these men who can make you feel like this? At least we know, we will always find one in the pages of a C.D. Reiss book!...more
“Underestimating a moment's place in our lives is simply overlooking the power it packs to motion a chain of events that chances a ‘forever’
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“Underestimating a moment's place in our lives is simply overlooking the power it packs to motion a chain of events that chances a ‘forever’. Just keep looking!!!” – Harshita
I am delighted to begin my book-reviewing in 2020 with this lovely book of poetry by Harshita Gottipati. It is story of romance, love, self-discovery told in clever and moving verse. This is Ms. Gottipati’s first published book of poetry and it is “out the door” a 5-star read!
Not every poem spoke to me…but the ones that did, hit their mark true in my heart and/or stirred my passions, excited my imagination, or simply moved me. For even one second of this precious experience of being “moved” by a creative grouping of words expressing ideas, emotions and impressions of reality I would give a poet and did give this poet, 5 stars. In truth, I found "hours" of delight.
One element of Harshita's poetry is the clever crafting of words that show her playfulness and intelligence. The book begins with this verse from the first poem.
“In a desert where nothing is near sight, And everything is far sight,”- Harshita, “COFFEE, MY OASIS”
Who hasn’t felt the blank desert of thought in their mind trying to awake from slumber? Of course that first cup of coffee, the oasis. And so the story begins. For it is indeed, a “story”, a romance, a discovery, told with the artistry and license of a poet.
Desire, longing, joy, passion, pain and heartbreak return to you, the reader like “familiars” while you absorb not only the crafty word-play but also the elevated art in Harshita’s verse. Her verse intersects the common with the erudite, simple thoughts blend with complex thinking reaching for the simplicity on the other side of complexity. BTW...to my thinking...poets make no errors in grammar or syntax. It is silly to critique a poem for any of these type language rules.
My favorite poems include:
MY LOCKS AN UNUSUAL PROMISE HOME TRUE GIRL, WALK THAT OFF LOVE'S RUINS A BLOSSOMED FLOWER
These poems made me think and/or made me feel. I heard a woman breaking through all the sh-t the world sometimes gives female energy. I even felt a touch of the Divine.
This taunt of a presence you settle around me, I wonder if you need me so desperate, So eternally searching in the tangles that you so charmingly spread around.
A walk, a touch or even a glance beneath the still waters. Every shade of mine, every streak of warmth resides, Just there, you know?
This agonizing pull you draw from underneath, Brings out something unknown as though a trigger is set, A callous carefree assurance of this presence.
Then, what am I to make of the surprise in your eyes? Even at the slightest caress of your lip on my cheek, Crazily dangerously hovering around me.
A beautiful rhythmic step in step, demanding my scared attention, Every time, every single time, sketching lines on my skin, I open my arms as you sink your love and affection in me.
Now to steal a metaphor from this poet, poetry is much like an oasis for all of us in this world, a modern jungle and jumble that forces us to grind, toil, survive, protect our loves hopefully with civility and care. I dare say most of us, as wee ones, had our first experiences learning language through rhyme and song. Daily, the poetry of musical lyrics dance in our ears whether live or remembered from a favorite song. Many prayers are often in verse.
Romantic literature will always be my great love, my addiction even. Poetry has for me, a somewhat more elevated status in my mind and heart. It holds the beauty of truth…real truth. The truth may be in and of itself an ugly reality. But to capture feeling, emotions, and impressions with words like a camera captures an image, a photograph, even if taken in a “dark place” and have it sink into your reality, intelligence and heart…this is beautiful. There is a redeeming quality to this exchange for both poet and reader.
Truth…a hard commodity to come by in these days…but I digress.
For those of us who like to savor the brilliance of words that move you, delight you and allow you to contemplate anything or everything; perhaps, begin again or begin anew, I encourage you to grab Born A Free Spiritand tuck it into your kindle. I have read this collection four times over and keep finding nuances and thought treasure.
This brand-new poet had the courage to see her dream come true in her first published book and how lovely the ultimate result. Harshita, I wish you continued success and hope to read more of your work in the future.
I received an ARC of
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which I requested from the author. Thank you! I then purchased the book because frankly she deserves the support! Probably will purchase the physical book because it has a beautiful cover. I will love seeing it on my library shelves. Oh, and Harshita did the lovely illustrations throughout. (She never illustrated a book before nor has she ever compiled her poetry into a book…I admire her courage in taking these first daunting steps putting herself, her heart, her art out into the world. Such bravery! An inspiration for all! I think I will, you could too!...more
The three book series finishes with an exciting climax in this last book offering unexpected and surprising resolutions to the tension created by the The three book series finishes with an exciting climax in this last book offering unexpected and surprising resolutions to the tension created by the plot line and character arcs. I liked this and it shows the imagination and skill of the author. There is some good underlying thematic suggestion in the direction of this story...I wish I had the time to do this series review justice!!! BOLO for it while you read though the book, if you like to see this sort of thing in your reads. The entire read is dripping in sexy which I love... and yes, serious themes can be found in sex soaked words. On any level this is pure fiery delight!
And.... Jace the male protagonist becomes even more enigmatic, swoonworthy, and oh so kissable in this second book of the series!!! It only takes a siAnd.... Jace the male protagonist becomes even more enigmatic, swoonworthy, and oh so kissable in this second book of the series!!! It only takes a single one...kiss...that is for Bethany to fall under his Dominant spell. (She stole his kiss first!) I also appreciated the forthright and courageous female protagonist. Bethany is a relatable character to journey along with as the she navigates grief, desire, suspicion, and a bewildering underworld subculture along with Jace's peculiar erotic exorcisms and ministrations to help her cope with her sorrow. She needs answers. He is trying to keep her safe while providing the closure she desperately needs. Did I mention this is a beautiful love story too!...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this super strict, anal-retentive, and grouchy King unravel before a gentle and loving soul. Sexy and hot fun times "Mini Review"
I thoroughly enjoyed this super strict, anal-retentive, and grouchy King unravel before a gentle and loving soul. Sexy and hot fun times an added bonus. Lovely use of tension between the main characters. Dare I say...Modern Day Fairytale?...more
“You’re a walking gift of pain, Gilbert Clark.” “And you’re the ultimate gift of redemption, Olin Moss.”
I recently read Pepper “Love painted in pain.”
“You’re a walking gift of pain, Gilbert Clark.” “And you’re the ultimate gift of redemption, Olin Moss.”
I recently read Pepper Winters blog and basically, she said that really did not like this duet which she wrote. I was baffled a bit by her statements regarding her own work. While she may feel this way, I personally am here to tell you that I truly loved this duet! I love the ideas, complexity, the eroticism and the struggle that the heroine and hero went through as a result of the choices they made while being victims of the evil, cruel and careless villains in their world.
Certainly, the hero Gibert Clark started out as a dark anti-hero and his character progressed almost to the point of repulsive. His slow redemption came from his first one true forever love, Olin, with her noble and loving heart, viewed by some readers as weak. Yet, she proved to be a warrior, advocate and healer. She is a survivor that always held on to the bright side of life with hope, despite life-changing setbacks, traumas and tragedies.
Ms. Winters writing is always simply beautiful and this story was inventive, suspenseful while laying bare the suffering of the naive being coerced and manipulated, a decent and loving man being tortured and blackmailed,Gilbert Clark, and a young women whose parents have all but abandoned her, Olin Moss. She had to suffer the destruction of a her dreams by her body being broken in a life-altering accident. She also suffered the loss of her one true love inexplicably not once but twice. The last time was unspeakably traumatic.
Somehow, no matter how twisted and dark the tale, there are pops of color and light that explode in erotic scenes whether tender or rough or in revealing the core or development of her characters. Ms Winters, I am in awe of your talent for beautiful words and soul deep ideas. You take us to dark places and lead us back to the light..even back to ourselves.
I realize the Pepper Winters has set the bar extremely high for her writing. I have read most of what she has published and I have never been disappointed. Her insight into human nature both dark and light is ever present in your characters. Eventually she takes the reader to a profound and sublime place after dragging our hearts through devastation.
Thank you for writing this, Ms. Winters. It is a triumph and comfort especially for those who have ever been manipulated into false choices by being vulnerable to the evil doers in this world. I highly recommend any reader of complicated, darker romance that stings at first to read this beautiful duet....more
I'm just a "sucker" for cyborgs! This story is twice as nice with twin cyborgs who are madly in love with a feisty beautiful blue alien. I wish I coulI'm just a "sucker" for cyborgs! This story is twice as nice with twin cyborgs who are madly in love with a feisty beautiful blue alien. I wish I could write more than this mini-review. It was an enjoyable read in a reasonably-well described alien milue. I was invested in the story and the characters were engaging. Nice balance of heat and sweet! Just a little too much use of the word "fraxing" for my tastes but then again what do I know?...more
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