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Special Investigations Group (SIG) #1
Shades of Desire
Shades of Desire DePaul, Virna
378 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
About the author
Virna DePaul
127 books990 followersA former prosecutor, Virna DePaul writes "heat, heart, & HEA" for Harlequin and Random House. She is also a bestselling Indie author, with Bedding The Wrong Brother being a top 100 contemporary romance on Amazon with over 150 5* reviews. www.virnadepaul.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 20, 2012
I started this book thinking of giving it a solid three stars and hoping for the fourth. Instead of something extra, I found all the plot threads of a promising premise slipping through my fingers until only thing left was bitter disappointment.
Let's start with the characterisations. What characterisations? The characters do and react as it suits the scene and situation rather than following some internal compass that guides them through life even with the needle improperly calibrated. To this moment I can't tell you what Natalie or Mac is supposed to be like. I can tell you the events that supposedly helped to make them who they are because I read the infodumps, but based on their actions showed in this book they remain a mystery to me.
Because of the poor characterisations, the pacing doesn't work either. It's not as bad a situation in the beginning where the focus is on the investigation, but when Natalie and Mac meet, it soon unravels into their incomprehensible instant attraction. Of course they don't really spend time getting to know each other like normal people would, but they snipe at each other to add to the tension, I suppose. The evolution of their relationship is minimal to the point that their sexual encounter feels like it's coming out of the blue even though all the trope warning signs are there. This is because majority of the book Natalie and Mac are apart.
The book is written in third limited with alternating points of views from the hero and heroine and the villains of the story. Yes, that was a plural. At first those glimpses into the criminal psyche were the part I enjoyed reading, but then all subtlety was thrown out and replaced with full-scale infodumping.
This isn't a character driven storyline. This reads like a book that had a mapped out structure before the characters were shoehorned into it. It leaves the distasteful feeling of forced plot progression. Things don't develop naturally, but they are poked and prodded to the right direction by obvious deus ex machinas. I guess it could have been better, had the quality of the writing been good enough to distract from these obvious flaws. Though, I must admit, even then this book wouldn't have made on my favourites shelf.
In my status updates I mentioned the lack of research or feel of it. I might have been overly harsh, but the fact remains that I didn't feel like whatever research had been done did shine through the text. Random titbits about the everyday life of a blind person were thrown in, but they weren't integrated into the text to help bring Natalie's character alive. This, once again, highlights the problematic characterisation.
There's one, highly spoilerish thing I must mention. If you plan on reading this book, don't click to open the tags. I mean it. .
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Let's start with the characterisations. What characterisations? The characters do and react as it suits the scene and situation rather than following some internal compass that guides them through life even with the needle improperly calibrated. To this moment I can't tell you what Natalie or Mac is supposed to be like. I can tell you the events that supposedly helped to make them who they are because I read the infodumps, but based on their actions showed in this book they remain a mystery to me.
Because of the poor characterisations, the pacing doesn't work either. It's not as bad a situation in the beginning where the focus is on the investigation, but when Natalie and Mac meet, it soon unravels into their incomprehensible instant attraction. Of course they don't really spend time getting to know each other like normal people would, but they snipe at each other to add to the tension, I suppose. The evolution of their relationship is minimal to the point that their sexual encounter feels like it's coming out of the blue even though all the trope warning signs are there. This is because majority of the book Natalie and Mac are apart.
The book is written in third limited with alternating points of views from the hero and heroine and the villains of the story. Yes, that was a plural. At first those glimpses into the criminal psyche were the part I enjoyed reading, but then all subtlety was thrown out and replaced with full-scale infodumping.
This isn't a character driven storyline. This reads like a book that had a mapped out structure before the characters were shoehorned into it. It leaves the distasteful feeling of forced plot progression. Things don't develop naturally, but they are poked and prodded to the right direction by obvious deus ex machinas. I guess it could have been better, had the quality of the writing been good enough to distract from these obvious flaws. Though, I must admit, even then this book wouldn't have made on my favourites shelf.
In my status updates I mentioned the lack of research or feel of it. I might have been overly harsh, but the fact remains that I didn't feel like whatever research had been done did shine through the text. Random titbits about the everyday life of a blind person were thrown in, but they weren't integrated into the text to help bring Natalie's character alive. This, once again, highlights the problematic characterisation.
There's one, highly spoilerish thing I must mention. If you plan on reading this book, don't click to open the tags. I mean it. .
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 8, 2012
S,E,R's Awesomness!
I really enjoyed this book,especially when it came to the characters stories plots and though both the hero and heroine each had their own demons to deal with. It made the story have more meaning, besides just a mystery/suspense novel. Both characters have a past and both were very hesitant for what the future had in store for them, or, if there ever could be a future.I thoroughly liked how the book explored the emotional side of Natalie,she was made to seem like a strong independent Heroine who needed no one to help her overcome her current stage of being a disabled blind woman,but is also struggling to accept her blindness,but her partner in crime who she seems to push away more and more often is the one person who has faith in her,Mac. Mac and relationships just don’t mix,but he has a strong hold for wanting Natalie in his life despite that his brain keeps telling him to back off.
Special Agent Mckenzie aka "Mac" is working on a murder case when he bumps heads with Natalie,whom has become a victim of a killer who likes to prey on younger woman. Natalie has no idea why or how's she survived her attack, but Mac is determined to keep her safe and find this madman.
The book delved into a lot of emotion, ranging from self-loathing and pity to love,forgiveness, and friendship.Along with the suspense of crazy demented perps. Lol!! I've dealt with many romantic suspense novels where the
is usually a sicko, but this novel had three perps, or I could say four,the woman in their circle is demented too. Lol! It will definitely keep your mind reeling.
This was my first novel I've read by this author,I quite enjoyed myself. In the near future when I come across a novel written by this author, I won't hesitate to add it to my to-be read shelves. I liked her style of writing and hope to come across many more :)
I really enjoyed this book,especially when it came to the characters stories plots and though both the hero and heroine each had their own demons to deal with. It made the story have more meaning, besides just a mystery/suspense novel. Both characters have a past and both were very hesitant for what the future had in store for them, or, if there ever could be a future.I thoroughly liked how the book explored the emotional side of Natalie,she was made to seem like a strong independent Heroine who needed no one to help her overcome her current stage of being a disabled blind woman,but is also struggling to accept her blindness,but her partner in crime who she seems to push away more and more often is the one person who has faith in her,Mac. Mac and relationships just don’t mix,but he has a strong hold for wanting Natalie in his life despite that his brain keeps telling him to back off.
Special Agent Mckenzie aka "Mac" is working on a murder case when he bumps heads with Natalie,whom has become a victim of a killer who likes to prey on younger woman. Natalie has no idea why or how's she survived her attack, but Mac is determined to keep her safe and find this madman.
The book delved into a lot of emotion, ranging from self-loathing and pity to love,forgiveness, and friendship.Along with the suspense of crazy demented perps. Lol!! I've dealt with many romantic suspense novels where the
is usually a sicko, but this novel had three perps, or I could say four,the woman in their circle is demented too. Lol! It will definitely keep your mind reeling.
This was my first novel I've read by this author,I quite enjoyed myself. In the near future when I come across a novel written by this author, I won't hesitate to add it to my to-be read shelves. I liked her style of writing and hope to come across many more :)
May 5, 2012
Mac is the leader of the Special Investigations Group “SIG.” His latest case may turn into his most frustrating yet. He is simply following up on a missing person turned murder victim. This seems simple enough. Go question the woman who was attacked by his suspect and get a description of her attacker. The problem is that the witness/victim has omitted a vital piece of information. She is blind.
Natalie seems to think that she is handling the progression of her disease well. She copes well enough to get by. The disease that took her sight has left her feeling like she has a weakness that often times leaves her feeling helpless. She still tries to hide all of this. It makes her interesting to read, while wanting to knock some sense into her. I enjoyed reading Natalie. Her contradictions and her incredible will make her very unique.
I liked the development of Mac and Natalie’s relationship. He knows himself and what he is and is not capable of. He knows that once he admits to his attraction to Natalie that he can never give her what she needs. He knows what he lacks due to a failed marriage and his drive to be the best at his job. He still tries to be the rock that Natalie doesn’t realize that she needs. Natalie definitely wants the detective with the sexy voice and alluring smell that she is drawn to, but she doesn’t want to be appear as needy or a disabled. She is still trying to find a comfortable place in her recently changed life.
The suspense element is mild compared to the couple of other romantic suspense books that I have read. This is not a bad thing or a good thing, I’m just pointing out what I noticed. The overall story flows well and the romance is beyond sweet. Mac tries for professionalism where Natalie is concerned. He just can’t (doesn’t want to) fight the attraction. The characters are realistic, their emotions very real, and the situation that Natalie has found herself dragged into is believable.
Virna introduces her readers to the other members of the Special Investigations Group. Shades of Desire is the first in a new series. She gives us enough details of each character to let us know just a tiny bit about them. Jase and Carrie had large enough roles that I am definitely curious about them.
Natalie seems to think that she is handling the progression of her disease well. She copes well enough to get by. The disease that took her sight has left her feeling like she has a weakness that often times leaves her feeling helpless. She still tries to hide all of this. It makes her interesting to read, while wanting to knock some sense into her. I enjoyed reading Natalie. Her contradictions and her incredible will make her very unique.
I liked the development of Mac and Natalie’s relationship. He knows himself and what he is and is not capable of. He knows that once he admits to his attraction to Natalie that he can never give her what she needs. He knows what he lacks due to a failed marriage and his drive to be the best at his job. He still tries to be the rock that Natalie doesn’t realize that she needs. Natalie definitely wants the detective with the sexy voice and alluring smell that she is drawn to, but she doesn’t want to be appear as needy or a disabled. She is still trying to find a comfortable place in her recently changed life.
The suspense element is mild compared to the couple of other romantic suspense books that I have read. This is not a bad thing or a good thing, I’m just pointing out what I noticed. The overall story flows well and the romance is beyond sweet. Mac tries for professionalism where Natalie is concerned. He just can’t (doesn’t want to) fight the attraction. The characters are realistic, their emotions very real, and the situation that Natalie has found herself dragged into is believable.
Virna introduces her readers to the other members of the Special Investigations Group. Shades of Desire is the first in a new series. She gives us enough details of each character to let us know just a tiny bit about them. Jase and Carrie had large enough roles that I am definitely curious about them.
July 13, 2012
What a fantastic romantic suspense book by Virna DePaul! It was hard to put it down! The book is about Natalie Jones, a world renown photojournalist, who grew up knowing one day she would be blind because of a hereditary disease. Natalie was innocently taking pictures at her town's open market day at a park, when she suddenly goes blind. Soon after, she is courageously adjusting to being almost blind, - just being able to see shades of color and shapes - when she is attacked in her own house. Natalie is lucky she survives the vicious attack from the killer, who assumes she may have witnessed and photographed a teenage girl (who was later discovered murdered) and wants to destroy any evidence and to kill the only witness. She fights for her life and survives. With the investigation of her attack, she meets Special Agent Liam "Mac" McKenzie, who tries to ignore the attraction that simmers between him and Natalie; he needs to try to keep a distance because he doesn't want his attraction to get in the way of catching the killer. The killer spies on her and tries to learn her daily habits. Because she is nearly blind, he abducts her while she is waiting for a cab. She bravely fights and gets away yet again! Soon, Natalie and Mac can not help their desire for each other. As the investigation continues, Natalie can not help trying to figure out what she may have seen at the park, which frustrates Mac because he doesn't want her taking any risks regarding her safety. The twists and turns of the story is very cleverly written and you will not be disappointed!
May 4, 2012
This is the first book I have read by Virna DePaul and although I liked it I just didn't love it. For me it had a lot missing from what I like to see in a Romantic Suspense novel.
After reading the synopsis I had such high hopes for this one *sigh* but for me it just didn't work as much as it should have done. Don't get me wrong it was ok but I felt that the H/h 'danced' around each other far too long before we began to feel any great connection/heat between them. Maybe I could have forgiven this if I was dazzled by the story but unfortunately I just wasn't!
I did however like Ms DePaul's style of writing, it did flow and was easy to read so I will definitely try another of her books and hopefully it will tick a few more boxes for me.
ARC provided by Harlequin HQN via Netgalley
After reading the synopsis I had such high hopes for this one *sigh* but for me it just didn't work as much as it should have done. Don't get me wrong it was ok but I felt that the H/h 'danced' around each other far too long before we began to feel any great connection/heat between them. Maybe I could have forgiven this if I was dazzled by the story but unfortunately I just wasn't!
I did however like Ms DePaul's style of writing, it did flow and was easy to read so I will definitely try another of her books and hopefully it will tick a few more boxes for me.
ARC provided by Harlequin HQN via Netgalley
May 7, 2012
One word for Shades of Desire is awesome. I loved the idea of the heroine being blind and usinf her other senses. Natalie Jones is a talented photographer who because of fate and genetics is losing her career. taking pictures is her whole world and now darkness envelops her. Mackenzie is a man who is afraid of loving someone. Divorced now he fears of facing a life of ensless women yet something about Natalie intrigues him. Someone though wants to end Natalie before she gets a chance at love.
This is the first I have read from Virna and have to say I loved it. This is the first in a series that is starting off real good. Though Natalie is blind she is determined to still be independent no matter the sitaition. Now Mac is defintely a confusing guy. I loved that he was perplexed about his feelings towards Natalie. Love, action, betrayal and murder all in one hot book.
Melinda
This is the first I have read from Virna and have to say I loved it. This is the first in a series that is starting off real good. Though Natalie is blind she is determined to still be independent no matter the sitaition. Now Mac is defintely a confusing guy. I loved that he was perplexed about his feelings towards Natalie. Love, action, betrayal and murder all in one hot book.
Melinda
July 17, 2012
I absolutely love this book. I couldn't help but put myself in Natalie's position. I kept wondering if I would be as strong if I was in a similar situation. I believe my answer would be no. I love that they made mistakes along the way with dealing with each other, that made it seem more realistic.
I always love when you get experience what's going on in the minds of more than just the hero and heroine and Ms. DePaul did that effortlessly. I got to experience this journey through everyone's point of view and that made the who book more enjoyable.
I am hoping to hear more from SIG members and also hope that Melissa gets a happy ending also.
I always love when you get experience what's going on in the minds of more than just the hero and heroine and Ms. DePaul did that effortlessly. I got to experience this journey through everyone's point of view and that made the who book more enjoyable.
I am hoping to hear more from SIG members and also hope that Melissa gets a happy ending also.
June 7, 2012
Natalie has been diagnosed with a degenerative eye diesese which as a photographer is a horrifying prospect and when she inadvertatly takes pictures relating to a crime she is put into a dangerou situation on top of not dealing very well with her disability. When she meets Mac, a special agent, the sparks fly and the emotions run wild!
I really enjoyed the way the author has dealt with the characters as the despair that natalie feels about her eyes adds an extra dimension to the story and really makes you think. A great read which provided drama, suspense and romance.
I really enjoyed the way the author has dealt with the characters as the despair that natalie feels about her eyes adds an extra dimension to the story and really makes you think. A great read which provided drama, suspense and romance.
July 18, 2012
Struggled with the Main Character
Her retinal degeneration is progressive, but professional photographer Natalie Jones is coping with the limits of her decreased vision. She thought she had time before her world went completely dark. She had no idea the morning she decided to take a stroll through the park near her Plainville home, snapping pictures as she went, that the bright day full of color and light, shapes, forms, and textures, would be the last she'd ever see.
Eight weeks later, a man breaks into her home and attacks her, almost kills her, and Natalie's dark world gets a whole lot more terrifying.
As special agent for California Department of Justice's Special Investigations Group, Liam "Mac" McKenzie is working a case of the murder of a sixteen year old girl. Her skeletal remains were found an hour north of the home of Natalie Jones. Mac has no idea what the connection is between his victim and a highly successful professional photographer, but evidence found with his victim's body and at the crime scene of Ms. Jones' attack points to the same man committing both crimes.
Mac feels the sharp jolt of a visceral attraction to Natalie even before he meets her the first time. He'd done his research prior to driving to her home to interview her, and something about her picture reached into his gut and twisted. Despite that, they didn't have the most auspicious beginnings. Mostly because for all the information Mac has gathered on Natalie, he doesn't know she's blind. And she is still reeling from her attack the previous day.
Suddenly Mac is doubly motivated to get to the bottom of the murder of a girl and find out why Natalie is a target. Because the thought of that vibrant woman becoming a killer's next victim is absolutely anathema to everything that makes Mac a cop. And a man.
~*~
DePaul's romantic suspense series has a strong premise that appeals to me, stories surrounding the Special Investigations Unit of California's DOJ. Maybe a series featuring a unit of law enforcement roughly akin to a state-level FBI branch isn't a totally unique concept, but it's also not the ubiquitous security firm employing a bunch of ex-elite military men. I take my breaths of fresh air where I can find them.
DePaul delivered on the suspense elements, too. I can't say I was thrilled with every piece of the plot-driven conflict, especially later in the second half, but it provided a solid threat to the main character and carried tension and danger along with it. I did get a little lost in the timeline in a couple of places, and thought the Bad Guy's storyline got muddled and chaotic as it got closer to the book's climax. Overall, though, I enjoyed it.
I wish I could say the same about the characters. Especially as both Mac and Natalie were created with such a deft hand and an eye on realistic layers and character foibles. Mac was fine as a detective, really, that wasn't a problem. I just couldn't figure out his seeming insta-attraction for Natalie. Not only was that not to my taste for the story, I also felt his behavior skirted professionalism at times.
I was not in any way a fan of Natalie. She struck me as self-pitying and weak throughout most of the book. While I sympathized with her over the loss of her sight, and can appreciate that her emotional state of mind was probably fairly realistic, her prevalent poor-me attitude rubbed me raw from very early into the read. And frankly, when Natalie wasn't being fearful or self-pitying, she was being an uncooperative, obstinate bitch.
Actively disliking one of the two main characters throughout most of their book and having issues with the other put a pretty serious kibosh on the romance for me. Yes, by the end, Natalie had evolved into a moderately tolerable human being. No, it wasn't soon enough for me to embrace her in her relationship with Mac. On top of that, the two weren't even together for many scenes in the book. Even if I hadn't disliked Natalie, I still would have had trouble believing the depth of emotion they supposedly felt for each other after such an abbreviated acquaintance and limited contact.
There were good points, most surrounding the suspense, but for me, this series debut didn't entertain me as much as I'd hoped. I think the premise is still rock-solid, and I'm still very grateful that not one totally buff ex-Special Forces alpha male stomped his fine, regulation bum across my pages. Not that I don't love them, mind, but a break is nice, too. If I continue with this series, I'll hope for another solid suspense but much more likable characters.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by HQN publisher Harlequin via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Her retinal degeneration is progressive, but professional photographer Natalie Jones is coping with the limits of her decreased vision. She thought she had time before her world went completely dark. She had no idea the morning she decided to take a stroll through the park near her Plainville home, snapping pictures as she went, that the bright day full of color and light, shapes, forms, and textures, would be the last she'd ever see.
Eight weeks later, a man breaks into her home and attacks her, almost kills her, and Natalie's dark world gets a whole lot more terrifying.
As special agent for California Department of Justice's Special Investigations Group, Liam "Mac" McKenzie is working a case of the murder of a sixteen year old girl. Her skeletal remains were found an hour north of the home of Natalie Jones. Mac has no idea what the connection is between his victim and a highly successful professional photographer, but evidence found with his victim's body and at the crime scene of Ms. Jones' attack points to the same man committing both crimes.
Mac feels the sharp jolt of a visceral attraction to Natalie even before he meets her the first time. He'd done his research prior to driving to her home to interview her, and something about her picture reached into his gut and twisted. Despite that, they didn't have the most auspicious beginnings. Mostly because for all the information Mac has gathered on Natalie, he doesn't know she's blind. And she is still reeling from her attack the previous day.
Suddenly Mac is doubly motivated to get to the bottom of the murder of a girl and find out why Natalie is a target. Because the thought of that vibrant woman becoming a killer's next victim is absolutely anathema to everything that makes Mac a cop. And a man.
~*~
DePaul's romantic suspense series has a strong premise that appeals to me, stories surrounding the Special Investigations Unit of California's DOJ. Maybe a series featuring a unit of law enforcement roughly akin to a state-level FBI branch isn't a totally unique concept, but it's also not the ubiquitous security firm employing a bunch of ex-elite military men. I take my breaths of fresh air where I can find them.
DePaul delivered on the suspense elements, too. I can't say I was thrilled with every piece of the plot-driven conflict, especially later in the second half, but it provided a solid threat to the main character and carried tension and danger along with it. I did get a little lost in the timeline in a couple of places, and thought the Bad Guy's storyline got muddled and chaotic as it got closer to the book's climax. Overall, though, I enjoyed it.
I wish I could say the same about the characters. Especially as both Mac and Natalie were created with such a deft hand and an eye on realistic layers and character foibles. Mac was fine as a detective, really, that wasn't a problem. I just couldn't figure out his seeming insta-attraction for Natalie. Not only was that not to my taste for the story, I also felt his behavior skirted professionalism at times.
I was not in any way a fan of Natalie. She struck me as self-pitying and weak throughout most of the book. While I sympathized with her over the loss of her sight, and can appreciate that her emotional state of mind was probably fairly realistic, her prevalent poor-me attitude rubbed me raw from very early into the read. And frankly, when Natalie wasn't being fearful or self-pitying, she was being an uncooperative, obstinate bitch.
Actively disliking one of the two main characters throughout most of their book and having issues with the other put a pretty serious kibosh on the romance for me. Yes, by the end, Natalie had evolved into a moderately tolerable human being. No, it wasn't soon enough for me to embrace her in her relationship with Mac. On top of that, the two weren't even together for many scenes in the book. Even if I hadn't disliked Natalie, I still would have had trouble believing the depth of emotion they supposedly felt for each other after such an abbreviated acquaintance and limited contact.
There were good points, most surrounding the suspense, but for me, this series debut didn't entertain me as much as I'd hoped. I think the premise is still rock-solid, and I'm still very grateful that not one totally buff ex-Special Forces alpha male stomped his fine, regulation bum across my pages. Not that I don't love them, mind, but a break is nice, too. If I continue with this series, I'll hope for another solid suspense but much more likable characters.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by HQN publisher Harlequin via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
June 20, 2012
A passionate, suspense-filled read, which I rated 4.5! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
Natalie Jones, famous for her photography, is finding her world narrowing down. Diagnosed with macular degeneration, she is slowly going blind. While out taking photos, she suddenly experiences pain and everything goes black. Later, her vision improves slightly and she is able to just make out gray shapes. The color in her life is gone, except in her dreams. One day, after a friend drops her off after a trip to the doctor’s office, Natalie is happy to be home. Since the extreme loss of vision, she is a recluse, hiding out in her home where everything is familiar. But on this day, someone is there when she arrives. It takes a few moments before she realizes that something is different in her house. Soon she is fighting off her attacker and battling for her life. Fighting him off for all she is worth, she manages to escape to the bedroom and call for help.
Liam “Mac” MacKenzie is a detective with Sig, the Special Investigations Group, who works on the tough cases. After spending a decade in homicide investigations for the city, he joined California’s Department of Justice’s elite Special Investigations Group. He was still doing basically the same job, with better perks; higher pay, a different title, broader authority and more flexible hours. He had once been married, but that had recently ended in divorce. He is content living on his own and does not want to be tied down. Now Mac is investigating the murder of a young woman named Lindsay Monroe. It is suspected that her killer is the same person who recently attacked Natalie Jones. Before going out to question Natalie, he had looked her up. Although he had been impressed with her work, it was her picture that struck him, making him feel things he liked, but did not want.
Not knowing how he would be affected by meeting Natalie in person, after the effect just her picture had on him, he took fellow detective Jase with him. When she won’t look at him, he wonders what she is hiding, but then he takes a closer look at the room and is shocked to realize that she is blind, or nearly so. He doesn’t understand the sizzle between them and does not want to get involved in a relationship again. So he handles the questioning badly, with Jase trying to pull him back whenever Mac goes too far.
Natalie doesn’t understand the feelings she is experiencing while speaking to Mac. She feels desire, something she has not felt in a long time. But mentally, she is in a scary place right now and just wants the detectives gone from her home. So she is very short with them. But, unbeknownst to her, she has taken photos that would prove beneficial to the investigation. After accidentally discovering that her work has been tampered with, she contacts Mac again. Combining forces, their close proximity soon heats things up between them. But together, can they find the villain before he strikes again? Can Mac keep her safe, especially since she has something that the killer wants?
A thrilling read, SHADES OF DESIRE, the first book in author Virna dePaul’s SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS GROUP series, is a compelling, suspense-filled Romantic Suspense that you will not want to miss. Providing just the right amount of suspense and romance to balance out the story, Ms. DePaul has penned a winner. Although Natalie is strong-willed and not used to asking others for help, she if finding it hard to be self-sufficient now. With one relationship already turned bad, Mac does not want to become involved in another. He has made peace with his single life. However, his attraction to Natalie threatens everything. They need to break down those protective walls and join forces to find out the identity of the killer before he attacks again. Ms. DePaul paints a very realistic of the killer’s actions, which heightens the suspense. But being given insight into the killer’s private thoughts takes it over the top. The chemistry between Natalie and Mac is combustible. Brimming with danger, edge-of-your-seat suspense, passion, muscular degeneration, vicious villains, complex character, believable dialogue and romance, this story is unforgettable. I look forward to reading Jase and Carrie’s story in Ms. dePaul’s upcoming book, SHADES OF TEMPTATION, due out in September. I highly recommend SHADES OF DESIRE! A wonderful start to a promising series!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
Natalie Jones, famous for her photography, is finding her world narrowing down. Diagnosed with macular degeneration, she is slowly going blind. While out taking photos, she suddenly experiences pain and everything goes black. Later, her vision improves slightly and she is able to just make out gray shapes. The color in her life is gone, except in her dreams. One day, after a friend drops her off after a trip to the doctor’s office, Natalie is happy to be home. Since the extreme loss of vision, she is a recluse, hiding out in her home where everything is familiar. But on this day, someone is there when she arrives. It takes a few moments before she realizes that something is different in her house. Soon she is fighting off her attacker and battling for her life. Fighting him off for all she is worth, she manages to escape to the bedroom and call for help.
Liam “Mac” MacKenzie is a detective with Sig, the Special Investigations Group, who works on the tough cases. After spending a decade in homicide investigations for the city, he joined California’s Department of Justice’s elite Special Investigations Group. He was still doing basically the same job, with better perks; higher pay, a different title, broader authority and more flexible hours. He had once been married, but that had recently ended in divorce. He is content living on his own and does not want to be tied down. Now Mac is investigating the murder of a young woman named Lindsay Monroe. It is suspected that her killer is the same person who recently attacked Natalie Jones. Before going out to question Natalie, he had looked her up. Although he had been impressed with her work, it was her picture that struck him, making him feel things he liked, but did not want.
Not knowing how he would be affected by meeting Natalie in person, after the effect just her picture had on him, he took fellow detective Jase with him. When she won’t look at him, he wonders what she is hiding, but then he takes a closer look at the room and is shocked to realize that she is blind, or nearly so. He doesn’t understand the sizzle between them and does not want to get involved in a relationship again. So he handles the questioning badly, with Jase trying to pull him back whenever Mac goes too far.
Natalie doesn’t understand the feelings she is experiencing while speaking to Mac. She feels desire, something she has not felt in a long time. But mentally, she is in a scary place right now and just wants the detectives gone from her home. So she is very short with them. But, unbeknownst to her, she has taken photos that would prove beneficial to the investigation. After accidentally discovering that her work has been tampered with, she contacts Mac again. Combining forces, their close proximity soon heats things up between them. But together, can they find the villain before he strikes again? Can Mac keep her safe, especially since she has something that the killer wants?
A thrilling read, SHADES OF DESIRE, the first book in author Virna dePaul’s SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS GROUP series, is a compelling, suspense-filled Romantic Suspense that you will not want to miss. Providing just the right amount of suspense and romance to balance out the story, Ms. DePaul has penned a winner. Although Natalie is strong-willed and not used to asking others for help, she if finding it hard to be self-sufficient now. With one relationship already turned bad, Mac does not want to become involved in another. He has made peace with his single life. However, his attraction to Natalie threatens everything. They need to break down those protective walls and join forces to find out the identity of the killer before he attacks again. Ms. DePaul paints a very realistic of the killer’s actions, which heightens the suspense. But being given insight into the killer’s private thoughts takes it over the top. The chemistry between Natalie and Mac is combustible. Brimming with danger, edge-of-your-seat suspense, passion, muscular degeneration, vicious villains, complex character, believable dialogue and romance, this story is unforgettable. I look forward to reading Jase and Carrie’s story in Ms. dePaul’s upcoming book, SHADES OF TEMPTATION, due out in September. I highly recommend SHADES OF DESIRE! A wonderful start to a promising series!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
August 14, 2018
This is the first opportunity I have had to read a Virna DePaul book. Since this is the first book in the Special Investigations Series, it was a great way to become acquainted with her work.
We meet Natalie Jones during a bad experience in her life. She has just lost her eye sight to retinal degeneration and is trying to recapture her life. Her past is riddled with heartache of an abusive mother who is later institutionalized having gone insane as well as gone blind herself. Photography was Natalie's passion along with her career and now she feels the loss of her sight in more ways than one. Her boyfriend can't stay for the long haul and she starts to isolate herself to heal. Determined not to lose her mind or her independence, Natalie is learning to live life without sight, but Natalie becomes a recluse.
When she is attacked and almost killed in her own home, she faces the police who have no clue she is blind. But when Special Agent Liam "Mac" McKenzie correlates her attack to a murder case he is working on, the sparks start to fly. It takes him some time to figure out she is blind, while his partner knows right away. Instantly Natalie and Mac are at odds with one another and can't seem to find common ground to work on.
Special Agent Liam "Mac" McKenzie has a high success rate of solving cases, but this has pretty much ended his personal life. He's divorced, but married to his job. In charge of a special unit in the FBI, SIG, he is focused and hard. No room for romance or love when there is a job to be done. While she brings up his hackles, she also stirs his passions. Drawn to her when he doesn't want to be drawn to anyone.
The mystery of finding the killer stole the show in this book! Plot twists had you going one way, then dragging you another, only to shake you up and throw away everything you thought was going on. The killer is a real piece of work.
Natalie's blindness really added a different element to the story. She is a witness to someone who tried to kill her but she can't tell them what he looks like. But what was more interesting was how she learned to deal with her blindness and then how it tinted her reactions to everyone. As the story moves along, we peel back layer after layer of Natalie's personality to realize she is afraid she will go crazy like her mother.
I really loved this book, but had a few issues with the romance. It just didn't seem to flow right. They were constantly arguing and never really seemed to actually like each other. Both are drawn to each other, seeking each other out, but then one or the other would do something hurtful. The love scenes were delectable, but also seem stilted. I can't find the right words other than to say the entire romance seem off.
The supporting characters from the SIG team will be interesting to watch through this series. Unfortunately one of Natalie's friends ticked me off and I couldn't like her much.
While the story was captivating, it did have a few speed bumps that had me wondering what was going on and why these people made a good couple. The suspense was interesting to watch grow. Sometimes it was confusing, but she wrapped it all up in the end with a great first story in the SIG series.
We meet Natalie Jones during a bad experience in her life. She has just lost her eye sight to retinal degeneration and is trying to recapture her life. Her past is riddled with heartache of an abusive mother who is later institutionalized having gone insane as well as gone blind herself. Photography was Natalie's passion along with her career and now she feels the loss of her sight in more ways than one. Her boyfriend can't stay for the long haul and she starts to isolate herself to heal. Determined not to lose her mind or her independence, Natalie is learning to live life without sight, but Natalie becomes a recluse.
When she is attacked and almost killed in her own home, she faces the police who have no clue she is blind. But when Special Agent Liam "Mac" McKenzie correlates her attack to a murder case he is working on, the sparks start to fly. It takes him some time to figure out she is blind, while his partner knows right away. Instantly Natalie and Mac are at odds with one another and can't seem to find common ground to work on.
Special Agent Liam "Mac" McKenzie has a high success rate of solving cases, but this has pretty much ended his personal life. He's divorced, but married to his job. In charge of a special unit in the FBI, SIG, he is focused and hard. No room for romance or love when there is a job to be done. While she brings up his hackles, she also stirs his passions. Drawn to her when he doesn't want to be drawn to anyone.
The mystery of finding the killer stole the show in this book! Plot twists had you going one way, then dragging you another, only to shake you up and throw away everything you thought was going on. The killer is a real piece of work.
Natalie's blindness really added a different element to the story. She is a witness to someone who tried to kill her but she can't tell them what he looks like. But what was more interesting was how she learned to deal with her blindness and then how it tinted her reactions to everyone. As the story moves along, we peel back layer after layer of Natalie's personality to realize she is afraid she will go crazy like her mother.
I really loved this book, but had a few issues with the romance. It just didn't seem to flow right. They were constantly arguing and never really seemed to actually like each other. Both are drawn to each other, seeking each other out, but then one or the other would do something hurtful. The love scenes were delectable, but also seem stilted. I can't find the right words other than to say the entire romance seem off.
The supporting characters from the SIG team will be interesting to watch through this series. Unfortunately one of Natalie's friends ticked me off and I couldn't like her much.
While the story was captivating, it did have a few speed bumps that had me wondering what was going on and why these people made a good couple. The suspense was interesting to watch grow. Sometimes it was confusing, but she wrapped it all up in the end with a great first story in the SIG series.
May 17, 2012
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
I will be honest, this was my first romantic suspense book I was actually able to get through. I normally don't read too many books in the suspense genre but I am a big fan of Virna's paranormal series so I figured I'd give this one a try. While it wasn't my cup of tea, I still really enjoyed it. In fact I finished the book pretty much in one sitting. I love the chemistry between Mac and Natalie. The sparks between them were electric and I found myself quickly turning the pages to see how everything was going to go down.
Natalie Jones was once a world famous photojournalist. She has been all over the world on assignments and she isn't afraid to take risks. At least that was true until she began loosing her sight. Natalie has an degenerative eye disease that is quickly eating away at her sight. Because of this, Natalie has become a home body and doesn't really like to go out in public anymore. But when Natalie is brutally attacked in her home and barely survives, she is terrified.
Liam "Mac" McKenzie is an agent and leader of the SIG unit. A special investigations group that works all over the state solving horrific cases. When he hears of the attack on Natalie Jones, he quickly rushes to question her. He needs Natalie's help identifying the criminal. Only Mac isn't aware that Natalie is on the verge of going blind and actually wasn't able to see the criminal a piece of information that Natalie omitted from her initial interview with local police officers.
From the first meeting both Mac and Natalie feel an instant attraction towards the other. The chemistry is there but they both seem to continuously but heads. Natalie is convinced she is fine and doesn't not need anyone else's help. While Mac is convinced that something bad is going to happen with Natalie and he doesn't want to see that happen. Neither can explain why they are so attracted to the other but neither really acts upon their attraction. Both seem to dance around it for awhile. Mac because he takes his job seriously and he doesn't want anything serious with anyone. And Natalie because she is afraid of relying on others. Both characters are flawed and working on issues in themselves.
I rather liked that Mac and Natalie didn't hop into bed with each other in the first few chapters and that there was a build up between them. I rather liked watching them both interact with one another. The heat between them was there from the beginning and I just liked watching it smolder. I also felt like the progression between them just felt for real and organic.
Like I said previously, this was my first romantic suspense and it was at times a bit much for me. It was a little too real at times, especially when we see the villains pov. The villain is quite crazy and for me it was a bit too much. I didn't not like where his thought process would venture at times. Did I like it, no but I completely understand that this is where the author need to go to make it a convincing suspense. I did like that the author was able to blend both the romantic elements with the suspenseful elements together and weave a believable story. I might not have liked all the book, but there was definitely a lot I did like. So much so that I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series.
**ARC copy provided by NetGalley/Author**
I will be honest, this was my first romantic suspense book I was actually able to get through. I normally don't read too many books in the suspense genre but I am a big fan of Virna's paranormal series so I figured I'd give this one a try. While it wasn't my cup of tea, I still really enjoyed it. In fact I finished the book pretty much in one sitting. I love the chemistry between Mac and Natalie. The sparks between them were electric and I found myself quickly turning the pages to see how everything was going to go down.
Natalie Jones was once a world famous photojournalist. She has been all over the world on assignments and she isn't afraid to take risks. At least that was true until she began loosing her sight. Natalie has an degenerative eye disease that is quickly eating away at her sight. Because of this, Natalie has become a home body and doesn't really like to go out in public anymore. But when Natalie is brutally attacked in her home and barely survives, she is terrified.
Liam "Mac" McKenzie is an agent and leader of the SIG unit. A special investigations group that works all over the state solving horrific cases. When he hears of the attack on Natalie Jones, he quickly rushes to question her. He needs Natalie's help identifying the criminal. Only Mac isn't aware that Natalie is on the verge of going blind and actually wasn't able to see the criminal a piece of information that Natalie omitted from her initial interview with local police officers.
From the first meeting both Mac and Natalie feel an instant attraction towards the other. The chemistry is there but they both seem to continuously but heads. Natalie is convinced she is fine and doesn't not need anyone else's help. While Mac is convinced that something bad is going to happen with Natalie and he doesn't want to see that happen. Neither can explain why they are so attracted to the other but neither really acts upon their attraction. Both seem to dance around it for awhile. Mac because he takes his job seriously and he doesn't want anything serious with anyone. And Natalie because she is afraid of relying on others. Both characters are flawed and working on issues in themselves.
I rather liked that Mac and Natalie didn't hop into bed with each other in the first few chapters and that there was a build up between them. I rather liked watching them both interact with one another. The heat between them was there from the beginning and I just liked watching it smolder. I also felt like the progression between them just felt for real and organic.
Like I said previously, this was my first romantic suspense and it was at times a bit much for me. It was a little too real at times, especially when we see the villains pov. The villain is quite crazy and for me it was a bit too much. I didn't not like where his thought process would venture at times. Did I like it, no but I completely understand that this is where the author need to go to make it a convincing suspense. I did like that the author was able to blend both the romantic elements with the suspenseful elements together and weave a believable story. I might not have liked all the book, but there was definitely a lot I did like. So much so that I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series.
**ARC copy provided by NetGalley/Author**
May 23, 2012
My Review:
I liked this one and am looking forward to the rest of the SIG series. SIG is a special branch of the Department of Justice investigative offices in California. Mac is a detective who works on this five (I think that's the right number) person team. The book starts with him commiserating the fact that relationships are impossible in their line of work. The job they do requires these men and women to put the job first and that leaves very little time, real or emotional, for a significant other. Mac has one failed marriage under his belt and knows that he'll never even try to have a relationship again.
Natalie is a professional photographer. At the beginning of the book, she is walking around a farmers market taking photos through her VERY shadowy eyesight. Natalie has been losing her vision for the last 20 years to the point where life around her is just shadows and blobs of color, but on this day, the final veil comes down and Natalie is shattered to lose it all.
Eight weeks later, these two are brought together when Natalie is attacked in her home. She manages to fight the attacker off, but the clues show that he is someone of interest in a murder case of a 16 yo girl that Mac is working. When Natalie's name comes across his desk, he does a search on her and is immediately drawn to both the woman and the art of her photography, but he doesn't realize she's now blind.
So that's the set-up, but there is so much to this story. Natalie is mentally in a really scary place right now as she's trying to adjust to her blindness. She has learned over her lifetime to count on no one but herself, but that's basically impossible as she's trying to learn to cope. To complicate an already impossible situation, now she's being attacked by a man she can't see coming. She's scared and stubborn and trying to keep some semblance of her pride intact. Mac feels the draw to her and doesn't want to have anything to do with it so he's incredibly harsh with her. It's a defense mechanism, but *gah*...this man does not handle the situation well at all. Jase, his partner, on the case keeps trying to reign him in, but Mac is pretty stubborn too.
But you know, this is a romance....there is no keeping these two apart. I have to admit, as a reader, it was painful to watch these two lash out at each other. They each are doing it to try to build protective walls, but each of them say some incredibly hurtful things and that was the one thing that hurt this book for me. I understood it and why they did it, but once those things are out there, there is no taking them back. There was so much though that I did really love about this book.
*the chemistry between Mac and Natalie is HOT....OMG, is it hot!
*I loved the photography aspect of the story. Natalie can't see any longer, but she still visualizes and that makes this book extremely descriptive in its imagery. It was really a wonderful aspect to the story.
*I loved SIG and cannot wait for Jase and Carrie's story. We got to see glimpses of them in this one and I liked what I saw.
Overall this was a good book and a wonderful addition to the Romantic Suspense genre. I can't wait to read more from this series!
I liked this one and am looking forward to the rest of the SIG series. SIG is a special branch of the Department of Justice investigative offices in California. Mac is a detective who works on this five (I think that's the right number) person team. The book starts with him commiserating the fact that relationships are impossible in their line of work. The job they do requires these men and women to put the job first and that leaves very little time, real or emotional, for a significant other. Mac has one failed marriage under his belt and knows that he'll never even try to have a relationship again.
Natalie is a professional photographer. At the beginning of the book, she is walking around a farmers market taking photos through her VERY shadowy eyesight. Natalie has been losing her vision for the last 20 years to the point where life around her is just shadows and blobs of color, but on this day, the final veil comes down and Natalie is shattered to lose it all.
Eight weeks later, these two are brought together when Natalie is attacked in her home. She manages to fight the attacker off, but the clues show that he is someone of interest in a murder case of a 16 yo girl that Mac is working. When Natalie's name comes across his desk, he does a search on her and is immediately drawn to both the woman and the art of her photography, but he doesn't realize she's now blind.
So that's the set-up, but there is so much to this story. Natalie is mentally in a really scary place right now as she's trying to adjust to her blindness. She has learned over her lifetime to count on no one but herself, but that's basically impossible as she's trying to learn to cope. To complicate an already impossible situation, now she's being attacked by a man she can't see coming. She's scared and stubborn and trying to keep some semblance of her pride intact. Mac feels the draw to her and doesn't want to have anything to do with it so he's incredibly harsh with her. It's a defense mechanism, but *gah*...this man does not handle the situation well at all. Jase, his partner, on the case keeps trying to reign him in, but Mac is pretty stubborn too.
But you know, this is a romance....there is no keeping these two apart. I have to admit, as a reader, it was painful to watch these two lash out at each other. They each are doing it to try to build protective walls, but each of them say some incredibly hurtful things and that was the one thing that hurt this book for me. I understood it and why they did it, but once those things are out there, there is no taking them back. There was so much though that I did really love about this book.
*the chemistry between Mac and Natalie is HOT....OMG, is it hot!
*I loved the photography aspect of the story. Natalie can't see any longer, but she still visualizes and that makes this book extremely descriptive in its imagery. It was really a wonderful aspect to the story.
*I loved SIG and cannot wait for Jase and Carrie's story. We got to see glimpses of them in this one and I liked what I saw.
Overall this was a good book and a wonderful addition to the Romantic Suspense genre. I can't wait to read more from this series!
May 10, 2012
This is the first book I've ever read by Virna DePaul. This is the first book in a series (Special Investigations Groups Series, or SIG) so it's a nice place to start with a new to me author as well. Natalie Jones is a very complicated character with a very difficult past and possibly a very difficult future as well. Abused by her mother as a child and then sent to a foster home when her mother was committed to a hospital diagnosed insane. Her mother had a degenerating eye problem that she blamed on Natalie. Punished her cruelly for it as well. When she was 17 she finds out she has the same thing.She's going blind. In spite of that she becomes this awesome well know photojournalist. Years later it finally starts to happen she starts losing her eyesight. One of the last thing she shoots pictures of is the local Farmers market. Already she can't see very well but still she is enjoying herself when sudden pain in her head takes her to the ground and her eyesight disappears. Although she gets enough of it back later to mainly just see shadows she has to now learn how to live with it. In steps Liam "Mac" McKenzie cop extraordinaire. OK lol He's actually a part of the Special Investigations group or SIG for short. He's had a bout of bad luck in the relationships department. Given up on relationships all together. He figures with the kind of life and career he leads he's not made for it. Then he gets a load of Natalie Jones. He's immediately drawn to her. He's is investigating a murder that leads him to her door when she is attacked by who he thinks is the same killer.
I really enjoyed this book. There is the suspense part of the book with a killer or killers on the loose. Your never really sure who is involved til later in the book. There is the romance part. Mac has a thing for Natalie right from the start. He fights it and fights it but it's no use. She feels it too, but has her own demons. She's trying to figure out how to live like she did before she was blind. She goes back and forth between being tough and doing things she feels she needs to, to feeling as if she is not enough anymore. I leads her to do some stupid things. The heroine being blind i thought was a interesting idea and different for me. I was curious to see how the author would portray that and make it work especially with the suspense pieces of the story. She really works it out nicely though. Natalie is a strong character and so she is determined to live her life to the fullest. She sure takes a beating in this story but it doesn't keep her down. The action starts out fast and quick but there were a few times it felt off. I think that's where you have to remember this is a contemporary romantic suspense. A mixture of the two separate genre's. In that case i think the author hits it about right. 4out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars for Shades of Desire by Virna DePaul.
I really enjoyed this book. There is the suspense part of the book with a killer or killers on the loose. Your never really sure who is involved til later in the book. There is the romance part. Mac has a thing for Natalie right from the start. He fights it and fights it but it's no use. She feels it too, but has her own demons. She's trying to figure out how to live like she did before she was blind. She goes back and forth between being tough and doing things she feels she needs to, to feeling as if she is not enough anymore. I leads her to do some stupid things. The heroine being blind i thought was a interesting idea and different for me. I was curious to see how the author would portray that and make it work especially with the suspense pieces of the story. She really works it out nicely though. Natalie is a strong character and so she is determined to live her life to the fullest. She sure takes a beating in this story but it doesn't keep her down. The action starts out fast and quick but there were a few times it felt off. I think that's where you have to remember this is a contemporary romantic suspense. A mixture of the two separate genre's. In that case i think the author hits it about right. 4out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars for Shades of Desire by Virna DePaul.
June 22, 2012
Loved the premise of this book - a photographer who is slowly losing her eyesight is targeted by a crazed killer and falls in love with the cop who catches her case. Wasn't as crazy about the execution of said premise.
Elevator pitch: Natalie Jones, photographer, is going blind and struggling with accepting the changes that come with it. When she's attacked in her own home by a nutty killer, hard-boiled cop Liam "Mac" Mackenzie gets her case. Instant chemistry. Natalie is stalked - quite creepily - through the book by her killer. At the same time, she's attempting to deal with her blindness, assert her independence and figure out who she is. She keeps getting attacked, Mac keeps coming to her rescue, they jump into bed and fall in love. Bad guy caught, cue the HEA.
What worked: Cool premise - I love the idea of a heroine struggling with a creeping disability that takes away not only her eyesight but her identity as a photographer as well. Mac is the first man she's been involved with since losing her sight, and it was interesting to imagine this progression without the usual visual cues.
What didn't work: Way too much going on here. Natalie's abusive past and insane mother. Religious mania. Friendships going off the rails. Drug abuse. Weird pregnancies. Too many elements that were half-baked. I feel like the author could have trimmed one or two of these extra elements to focus on the core plot, and ended up writing a better book.
Some elements strained credibility. A dude (and I didn't catch where he got his medical training) cuts a baby out of a dying woman in the middle of someone's living room? A woman throws herself out of a moving vehicle to escape her kidnapper, rolls down an embankment and then gets up, refuses to go to the hospital and walks home?
And I'm tired of people shaking off huge psychological and emotional issues - agoraphobic tendencies, a history of terrifying child abuse, adapting to a challenging disability - just because they meet a great guy. Mac comes along, they fall in love, everything's good, right? I wish.
Last but not least - this woman lives in a small community in northern California, and at least half the people in the story have a friend/relative who is blind. Not elderly people - blind since birth type people. I can only assume I need to expand my circle of friends and colleagues because in my entire life, I've only met one person who is blind since birth, a coworker from my university days. This could be a failing on my part, but the coincidence bugged me.
Overall, it was an okay airplane read.
Elevator pitch: Natalie Jones, photographer, is going blind and struggling with accepting the changes that come with it. When she's attacked in her own home by a nutty killer, hard-boiled cop Liam "Mac" Mackenzie gets her case. Instant chemistry. Natalie is stalked - quite creepily - through the book by her killer. At the same time, she's attempting to deal with her blindness, assert her independence and figure out who she is. She keeps getting attacked, Mac keeps coming to her rescue, they jump into bed and fall in love. Bad guy caught, cue the HEA.
What worked: Cool premise - I love the idea of a heroine struggling with a creeping disability that takes away not only her eyesight but her identity as a photographer as well. Mac is the first man she's been involved with since losing her sight, and it was interesting to imagine this progression without the usual visual cues.
What didn't work: Way too much going on here. Natalie's abusive past and insane mother. Religious mania. Friendships going off the rails. Drug abuse. Weird pregnancies. Too many elements that were half-baked. I feel like the author could have trimmed one or two of these extra elements to focus on the core plot, and ended up writing a better book.
Some elements strained credibility. A dude (and I didn't catch where he got his medical training) cuts a baby out of a dying woman in the middle of someone's living room? A woman throws herself out of a moving vehicle to escape her kidnapper, rolls down an embankment and then gets up, refuses to go to the hospital and walks home?
And I'm tired of people shaking off huge psychological and emotional issues - agoraphobic tendencies, a history of terrifying child abuse, adapting to a challenging disability - just because they meet a great guy. Mac comes along, they fall in love, everything's good, right? I wish.
Last but not least - this woman lives in a small community in northern California, and at least half the people in the story have a friend/relative who is blind. Not elderly people - blind since birth type people. I can only assume I need to expand my circle of friends and colleagues because in my entire life, I've only met one person who is blind since birth, a coworker from my university days. This could be a failing on my part, but the coincidence bugged me.
Overall, it was an okay airplane read.
August 3, 2016
WOW! What an emotional roller coaster of a book! FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC! First off, Bravo Virna! This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time and being that I listened to the audio book, that made it even better. I felt like I was in shock when I finished it because that was some ending! This book is full of everything you want when reading a suspense novel, lots of action, some very well written characters, good and bad and some super hot lovin’ that was spicy and tasteful all at the same time!
Natalie was such an incredible character! I couldn’t help but sympathize with her. What a terrible thing it must have been to grow up knowing the she would one day go blind and even though she had that chasing her she still did what she wanted and became a photographer! I don’t think I would have been as strong as her! And then having finally come to that time where her sight was failing and being attacked not once but twice, just wow! Very inspirational! And then there is Mac! Oh how I loved Mac with his gruff demeanor and over protective instincts! Nothing like a man who likes to protect, even if it gets him in trouble! LOL
The secondary characters where great too! I am SO excited for the next book and hopefully more after that but I really really want to read Jase’s book, which I believe is next! He was such a fun character and he added a bit of light to such an emotional and tense story. The others were pretty fun too but he stood out more than them.
Since I listened to the audio version, I feel I need to say a few words about that. I am usually very picky about which books I’ll listen to because some narrators can take away from the story with their tone or the way they read certain parts. Not so with this narrator, Ashley Adlon! She did a fantastic job reading and I think she actually contributed to the feeling of the book. I knew I was taking a chance when I bought this book since I’d never listened to her before but now I know I’ll be seeking out more books that she has narrated because I absolutely loved her style of reading!
Over all, this was a well written, attention gripping, suspenseful love story that I have absolutely fallen in love with! I’ve read Virna’a work before so I know that this is definitely one of her best and it definitely won’t be the last I read from her! I give this book 5 Stars, wish I could give more, and I recommend this to all Romantic Suspense fans! Go get your copy today and fall in love with it just like I did!
Natalie was such an incredible character! I couldn’t help but sympathize with her. What a terrible thing it must have been to grow up knowing the she would one day go blind and even though she had that chasing her she still did what she wanted and became a photographer! I don’t think I would have been as strong as her! And then having finally come to that time where her sight was failing and being attacked not once but twice, just wow! Very inspirational! And then there is Mac! Oh how I loved Mac with his gruff demeanor and over protective instincts! Nothing like a man who likes to protect, even if it gets him in trouble! LOL
The secondary characters where great too! I am SO excited for the next book and hopefully more after that but I really really want to read Jase’s book, which I believe is next! He was such a fun character and he added a bit of light to such an emotional and tense story. The others were pretty fun too but he stood out more than them.
Since I listened to the audio version, I feel I need to say a few words about that. I am usually very picky about which books I’ll listen to because some narrators can take away from the story with their tone or the way they read certain parts. Not so with this narrator, Ashley Adlon! She did a fantastic job reading and I think she actually contributed to the feeling of the book. I knew I was taking a chance when I bought this book since I’d never listened to her before but now I know I’ll be seeking out more books that she has narrated because I absolutely loved her style of reading!
Over all, this was a well written, attention gripping, suspenseful love story that I have absolutely fallen in love with! I’ve read Virna’a work before so I know that this is definitely one of her best and it definitely won’t be the last I read from her! I give this book 5 Stars, wish I could give more, and I recommend this to all Romantic Suspense fans! Go get your copy today and fall in love with it just like I did!
June 17, 2012
Shades Of Desire ~ Book 1 in the Special Investigations Groups Series
HQN - Now available on Amazon, B&N, Powell’s and Audible
Narrated by Ashley Adlon
Natalie Jones was once a famous photographer ~ but now, paralyzed by blindness that was brought on by a degenerative eye disease, Natalie is pretty much at a stand still in her life. Denying to herself that her blindness might be forever and that she's going to have change her way of living, Natalie has pretty much isolated herself ~~ until she walks in to her own home on what appears to be a burglary in progress and is almost killed.
State Special Agent Liam “Mac” McKenzie and his partner show up to interview Natalie when certain things about her case click with a case they've been working ~ a murder case. When Mac meets Natalie he's instantly and forcefully attracted to her ~ to the point he can't focus on anything else. Not realizing she's blind at first, he's suspicious why this woman is holding back and so abrasive w/ the cops.
The sparks fly instantly ~ while Natalie can't 'see' Mac, she drawn to his voice, but she's scared and confused as to why the cops are back ~~ until she realizes there is more to the simple break in that what she'd first thought.
This book was SO good ~ I listened to the audio version, and the narrator was a little slow in the narration, so I had to speed the narration up to 1.25, but then it was perfect! I so felt for Natalie, who had had her world turned upside down on her...then flipped on it's side. First, the blindness, then the break in and attempt on her life, then meeting this man she feels such a compelling pull towards. And she hadn't even begun to accept her blindness yet.
Mac is a gruff, in your face kind of guy ~ and his protective instincts have flared to life with Natalie, and it's hard for him to separate her as woman from her as a case. I LOVE that ~ and while he's really gruff at times, it was clear to me that even if he couldn't admit it to himself, he'd already decided on some level that Natalie was HIS.
When he discovers that there is actually a murderer trying to kill her, he just can't control his overbearing maleness, for lack of a better way to put it. He's a total Alpha in every sense of the word ~ And Natalie has teach him that he can't run her life.
I enjoyed this book immensely, and cannot WAIT for book 2 ~~ if you're a fan of romantic suspense, Alpha heroes, and sexy romance, READ THIS!!
HQN - Now available on Amazon, B&N, Powell’s and Audible
Narrated by Ashley Adlon
Natalie Jones was once a famous photographer ~ but now, paralyzed by blindness that was brought on by a degenerative eye disease, Natalie is pretty much at a stand still in her life. Denying to herself that her blindness might be forever and that she's going to have change her way of living, Natalie has pretty much isolated herself ~~ until she walks in to her own home on what appears to be a burglary in progress and is almost killed.
State Special Agent Liam “Mac” McKenzie and his partner show up to interview Natalie when certain things about her case click with a case they've been working ~ a murder case. When Mac meets Natalie he's instantly and forcefully attracted to her ~ to the point he can't focus on anything else. Not realizing she's blind at first, he's suspicious why this woman is holding back and so abrasive w/ the cops.
The sparks fly instantly ~ while Natalie can't 'see' Mac, she drawn to his voice, but she's scared and confused as to why the cops are back ~~ until she realizes there is more to the simple break in that what she'd first thought.
This book was SO good ~ I listened to the audio version, and the narrator was a little slow in the narration, so I had to speed the narration up to 1.25, but then it was perfect! I so felt for Natalie, who had had her world turned upside down on her...then flipped on it's side. First, the blindness, then the break in and attempt on her life, then meeting this man she feels such a compelling pull towards. And she hadn't even begun to accept her blindness yet.
Mac is a gruff, in your face kind of guy ~ and his protective instincts have flared to life with Natalie, and it's hard for him to separate her as woman from her as a case. I LOVE that ~ and while he's really gruff at times, it was clear to me that even if he couldn't admit it to himself, he'd already decided on some level that Natalie was HIS.
When he discovers that there is actually a murderer trying to kill her, he just can't control his overbearing maleness, for lack of a better way to put it. He's a total Alpha in every sense of the word ~ And Natalie has teach him that he can't run her life.
I enjoyed this book immensely, and cannot WAIT for book 2 ~~ if you're a fan of romantic suspense, Alpha heroes, and sexy romance, READ THIS!!
May 19, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
Murder. Deception. Intrigue. These words fit in so perfectly within the pages of Shades of Desire. There's so many aspects of this book that called to me.
Natalie Jones is the heroine of this story, and a character I completely related to. For one, she's losing her vision, and that changes her completely. There are days she's so withdrawn. She fights feelings of anger, fear, sometimes a bit of pity, but she's a strong woman learning to beat the odds of the cards life dealt her. Her passion involves photography. I can't imagine not being able to look through the lens and capture moments of life that will be still forever. I admire Natalie, and feel for her. Ms. DePaul certainly did a good job creating the angst and realism in Natalie. Writing a lead character without one of the major senses can be difficult. Kudos for really delving into the emotions and every day struggles for a woman facing the truth of her loss.
Liam McKenzie, otherwise known as Mac, is the hero. He meets Natalie after responding to a distress call from her house. His reaction to her surprises him, and he has even more admiration after the discovery of her declining vision. He's drawn to her, though he fights what he feels for various reasons. Mac seems to have some deep unresolved issues of his own, but they don't get much exploration in the book. He's tough, but he does his job well, and that includes keeping Natalie safe when a killer sets his sights on her.
The first couple of chapters were a bit slow, but once the pace picked up, it stayed steady and I couldn't put the story down. The flow of the story, the great writing, and the characters all blended together to create a whirlwind of a tale. The author sure knows the craft of suspense, keeping readers wanting more and more. Shades of Desire isn't just about the suspense, it's about the emotional journey of two people that must face their past in order to move forward in the future. You've got my attention, Ms. DePaul, and I am anxious to see what else you've got.
If you're a fan of suspense, Shades Of Desire comes highly recommended from this reader. Get your copy quick!
Murder. Deception. Intrigue. These words fit in so perfectly within the pages of Shades of Desire. There's so many aspects of this book that called to me.
Natalie Jones is the heroine of this story, and a character I completely related to. For one, she's losing her vision, and that changes her completely. There are days she's so withdrawn. She fights feelings of anger, fear, sometimes a bit of pity, but she's a strong woman learning to beat the odds of the cards life dealt her. Her passion involves photography. I can't imagine not being able to look through the lens and capture moments of life that will be still forever. I admire Natalie, and feel for her. Ms. DePaul certainly did a good job creating the angst and realism in Natalie. Writing a lead character without one of the major senses can be difficult. Kudos for really delving into the emotions and every day struggles for a woman facing the truth of her loss.
Liam McKenzie, otherwise known as Mac, is the hero. He meets Natalie after responding to a distress call from her house. His reaction to her surprises him, and he has even more admiration after the discovery of her declining vision. He's drawn to her, though he fights what he feels for various reasons. Mac seems to have some deep unresolved issues of his own, but they don't get much exploration in the book. He's tough, but he does his job well, and that includes keeping Natalie safe when a killer sets his sights on her.
The first couple of chapters were a bit slow, but once the pace picked up, it stayed steady and I couldn't put the story down. The flow of the story, the great writing, and the characters all blended together to create a whirlwind of a tale. The author sure knows the craft of suspense, keeping readers wanting more and more. Shades of Desire isn't just about the suspense, it's about the emotional journey of two people that must face their past in order to move forward in the future. You've got my attention, Ms. DePaul, and I am anxious to see what else you've got.
If you're a fan of suspense, Shades Of Desire comes highly recommended from this reader. Get your copy quick!
July 31, 2012
First off this is the first book in Virna DePaul's Special Investigations Groups Series. I have to admit that the only time I've read her before was in the Anthology with Lori Foster. I defiantly will be reading the rest of this series as it comes out.
The background story here is the murder of a young woman. Through evidence they find on the victim they are pretty sure they know who the murderer is but he haa skipped out on his parole and they cannot find him.
Natalie Jones was a world famous photographer who has a degenerative eye disorder that has almost made her completely blind. She settles into a small town called Plainville to live out her days before she loses what little is left of her eye sight. On a walk to the farmer's market to take some pictures she unknowingly take a picture of something she wasnt supposed to see but when her eyes suddenly go dark her time in the farmers market is forgotten. When she is attacked months later in her home evidence that the attacker left points to the murderer of the young woman.
Special Agent Liam “Mac” McKenzie who sacrificed everything for his career and tells himself he is ok with that as he thrives on making sure he closes all his cases. When he meets Natalie he is taken by surprise by his feelings for her.
We get all 3 "bad" guys POV from the beginning. The suspense wasn't on who done it. It was when they would strike out at Natalie again and how. And that worked for me in this book.
There isn't a whole lot of background given on Natalie and Mac. You find out through bits and pieces about her childhood and why his marriage fell apart, enough to make you understand why they are both they way they are. Even with that I didn't feel like I was missing anything by the end of the book. We were also given quite a glimpse at the hero and heroine of the next book and I hope the sniping and sparks that were flying in this book continue in theirs.
The background story here is the murder of a young woman. Through evidence they find on the victim they are pretty sure they know who the murderer is but he haa skipped out on his parole and they cannot find him.
Natalie Jones was a world famous photographer who has a degenerative eye disorder that has almost made her completely blind. She settles into a small town called Plainville to live out her days before she loses what little is left of her eye sight. On a walk to the farmer's market to take some pictures she unknowingly take a picture of something she wasnt supposed to see but when her eyes suddenly go dark her time in the farmers market is forgotten. When she is attacked months later in her home evidence that the attacker left points to the murderer of the young woman.
Special Agent Liam “Mac” McKenzie who sacrificed everything for his career and tells himself he is ok with that as he thrives on making sure he closes all his cases. When he meets Natalie he is taken by surprise by his feelings for her.
We get all 3 "bad" guys POV from the beginning. The suspense wasn't on who done it. It was when they would strike out at Natalie again and how. And that worked for me in this book.
There isn't a whole lot of background given on Natalie and Mac. You find out through bits and pieces about her childhood and why his marriage fell apart, enough to make you understand why they are both they way they are. Even with that I didn't feel like I was missing anything by the end of the book. We were also given quite a glimpse at the hero and heroine of the next book and I hope the sniping and sparks that were flying in this book continue in theirs.
July 20, 2012
In this story you meet Natalie and Liam.
Natalie was a famous photojournalist. She had been all over the world until she began loosing her sight due to an eye disease that quickly eats away at her sight. Because of this, Natalie doesn't really like to go out in public anymore, and when she is brutally attacked in her own home for an unknown reason she is terrified.
Enter Liam "Mac" McKenzie
Mac is an agent and leader of a special investigations group that works all over the state solving horrific cases. When he hears of the attack on Natalie, Mac and his partner go and question her. He needs Natalie's help identifying the criminal, only he isn't aware that Natalie is going blind and actually wasn't able to see the criminal, something that she failed to mention at the initial interview with local police. After the interview Mac's partner points out Natalie's blindness. Together, Natalie and Mac figure out that some pictures she had taken recently could hold the clues to the criminal and crime.
The chemistry between Natalie and Mac is there from the beginning but neither of them want to act upon it. Natalie wants her space and is convinced she doesn't need help, and Mac just doesn't want a serious relationship and is focused on his job.
It was nice to see they didn't just jump into bed right from the get go. The book had that believableness (yes i made that word up but you know what i mean *lol*) to it. You read a bit from the villains point of view and you just aren't sure who it is at first. It was suspenseful but not frustrating suspense. It's worth picking up and reading and I am looking forward to the next installment of this series
Natalie was a famous photojournalist. She had been all over the world until she began loosing her sight due to an eye disease that quickly eats away at her sight. Because of this, Natalie doesn't really like to go out in public anymore, and when she is brutally attacked in her own home for an unknown reason she is terrified.
Enter Liam "Mac" McKenzie
Mac is an agent and leader of a special investigations group that works all over the state solving horrific cases. When he hears of the attack on Natalie, Mac and his partner go and question her. He needs Natalie's help identifying the criminal, only he isn't aware that Natalie is going blind and actually wasn't able to see the criminal, something that she failed to mention at the initial interview with local police. After the interview Mac's partner points out Natalie's blindness. Together, Natalie and Mac figure out that some pictures she had taken recently could hold the clues to the criminal and crime.
The chemistry between Natalie and Mac is there from the beginning but neither of them want to act upon it. Natalie wants her space and is convinced she doesn't need help, and Mac just doesn't want a serious relationship and is focused on his job.
It was nice to see they didn't just jump into bed right from the get go. The book had that believableness (yes i made that word up but you know what i mean *lol*) to it. You read a bit from the villains point of view and you just aren't sure who it is at first. It was suspenseful but not frustrating suspense. It's worth picking up and reading and I am looking forward to the next installment of this series
July 10, 2012
I enjoyed this book. The characters were believable and the action was compelling.
A great romantic suspense that keeps you guessing until close to the end. Natalie and Mac both are unable to move on at first in their lives but eventually find comfort in each other.
Great first book in a series.
A great romantic suspense that keeps you guessing until close to the end. Natalie and Mac both are unable to move on at first in their lives but eventually find comfort in each other.
Great first book in a series.
September 4, 2012
Next installment already pre-order and I can't wait to read it!
January 12, 2016
Kurzbeschreibung:
Klick – noch ein Schnappschuss von der bunten Marktplatzszene. Dann wird die Welt um Natalie Jones dunkel. Die junge Fotografin erblindet plötzlich und zieht sich völlig zurück. Bis sie wegen ihres letzten Fotos, dem Schlüssel in einem grausamen Verbrechen, ins Visier des Mörders gerät. Special Agent Liam McKenzie soll sie beschützen. In seiner Nähe spürt sie ein erotisches Knistern. Obwohl sie fühlt, dass auch er sie begehrt, geht Natalie auf Distanz. Aus Angst, dass Liam nur Mitleid für sie empfindet … Sie kommen einander keinen Schritt näher – bis der Killer erneut zuschlägt.
Autor:
Virna DePaul ist eine New York Times Bestsellerautorin und steht auch auf der Bestselling-Liste von USA Today für erregende, spannungsvolle Erzählliteratur. Ob es um Vampire, eine Spezialeinheit für paranormale Phänomene, heiße Polizisten oder umwerfende identische Zwillingsbrüder geht, ihre fiktiven Geschichten handeln immer von komplexen Individuen, die gewillt sind, auch die unglaublichsten Schwierigkeiten zu überwinden, um der Liebe den Weg zu bahnen.
Auf dem College hatte Virna DePaul Englisch als Hauptfach belegt. Doch trotz ihrer Vorliebe für Shakespeare, Musicals und Liebesromane machte sie ihrem Abschluss in Jura. Zehn Jahre war sie als Staatsanwältin tätig – bis sie ihre Leidenschaft für Schreiben entdeckte.
Meine Meinung:
Natalie leidet an einer erblichen Augenkrankheit die sie mit der Zeit erblinden lässt. Als sie wieder mit ihrer Kamera im Park unterwegs ist und dort beim Marktgeschehen einige Aufnahmen schießt, passiert das was sie erhoffte das es noch nicht kommen wird. Ihr bisheriges schon eingeschränktes Augenlicht verschwindet vollkommen. Später wieder zu Hause kann sie noch leichte Schattierungen wahrnehmen, lebt noch nicht in der vollkommenden Dunkelheit.
Seit diesem Vorfall lebt sie sehr zurück gezogen. Ab und an wird sie jedoch von ihrem Versteck hervorgelockt. Als sie eines Abends nach einen Treffen mit ihrer „Freundin“ nach Hause kommt, merkt Natalie das etwas nicht stimmt. Wenig später wird sie auch schon überfallen. Ihr Haus ist nur sporadisch eingerichtet und da sich Natalie bestens auskennt, kann sie sich in ihr Schlafzimmer retten und so den Täter in die Flucht schlagen.
Mit diesem Fall tritt auch Liam McKenzie, von allen Mac genannt, in den Vordergrund. Er ermittelt gerade an einen Fall der jungen Lindsey. Möglicherweise hängt dieser Fall mit dem Überfall an Natalie zusammen. Vorab holt er sich über ihr einige Informationen ein und fühlt sich dort schon zu ihr hingezogen. Mac hat Angst das dies seine Arbeit behindern könnte.
An dieser Stelle möchte ich meine Zusammenfassung beendet um nicht vielleicht noch zu viel zu verraten.
Der Schreibstil von Virna DePaul hat mir gefallen. Das Buch ließ sich locker und leicht lesen. Die Schriftgröße war hier nicht zu klein. Auf umständliche Wörter wurde hier auch verzichtet. Bisher war mir die Autorin auch unbekannt gewesen. Da mir ihr Schreibstil aber gefallen hat, wird es sicher auch nicht das letzte Buch von ihr gewesen sein was ich gelesen habe.
Auch wurden meiner Meinung nach die Charaktere sehr gut ausgearbeitet. Natalie wurde hier als starke Frau beschrieben, die im innersten jedoch mit ihrer Erblindung zu kämpfen hat. Sie jedoch wollte es allen beweisen, vor allem Mac, das sie es alleine schaffen kann. Auch Mac wurde sehr gut dar gestellt. Der eigentlich keine Beziehung mehr suchte, seit der Scheidung seiner Frau. Seine Zweifel ob das alles so richtig ist, kamen hier gut herüber.
Bei Hauchnah handelt es sich um Romantic Crime Stil. Es war eine gute Mischung aus beiden. Das Knistern war zu spüren aber auch die Spannung war hier vorhanden. Selbst die erotischen Szenen waren angenehm zu lesen.
Wenn du auch Lust auf spannende und gefühlvolle Seiten hast, kann ich dir Hauchnah empfehlen.
Klick – noch ein Schnappschuss von der bunten Marktplatzszene. Dann wird die Welt um Natalie Jones dunkel. Die junge Fotografin erblindet plötzlich und zieht sich völlig zurück. Bis sie wegen ihres letzten Fotos, dem Schlüssel in einem grausamen Verbrechen, ins Visier des Mörders gerät. Special Agent Liam McKenzie soll sie beschützen. In seiner Nähe spürt sie ein erotisches Knistern. Obwohl sie fühlt, dass auch er sie begehrt, geht Natalie auf Distanz. Aus Angst, dass Liam nur Mitleid für sie empfindet … Sie kommen einander keinen Schritt näher – bis der Killer erneut zuschlägt.
Autor:
Virna DePaul ist eine New York Times Bestsellerautorin und steht auch auf der Bestselling-Liste von USA Today für erregende, spannungsvolle Erzählliteratur. Ob es um Vampire, eine Spezialeinheit für paranormale Phänomene, heiße Polizisten oder umwerfende identische Zwillingsbrüder geht, ihre fiktiven Geschichten handeln immer von komplexen Individuen, die gewillt sind, auch die unglaublichsten Schwierigkeiten zu überwinden, um der Liebe den Weg zu bahnen.
Auf dem College hatte Virna DePaul Englisch als Hauptfach belegt. Doch trotz ihrer Vorliebe für Shakespeare, Musicals und Liebesromane machte sie ihrem Abschluss in Jura. Zehn Jahre war sie als Staatsanwältin tätig – bis sie ihre Leidenschaft für Schreiben entdeckte.
Meine Meinung:
Natalie leidet an einer erblichen Augenkrankheit die sie mit der Zeit erblinden lässt. Als sie wieder mit ihrer Kamera im Park unterwegs ist und dort beim Marktgeschehen einige Aufnahmen schießt, passiert das was sie erhoffte das es noch nicht kommen wird. Ihr bisheriges schon eingeschränktes Augenlicht verschwindet vollkommen. Später wieder zu Hause kann sie noch leichte Schattierungen wahrnehmen, lebt noch nicht in der vollkommenden Dunkelheit.
Seit diesem Vorfall lebt sie sehr zurück gezogen. Ab und an wird sie jedoch von ihrem Versteck hervorgelockt. Als sie eines Abends nach einen Treffen mit ihrer „Freundin“ nach Hause kommt, merkt Natalie das etwas nicht stimmt. Wenig später wird sie auch schon überfallen. Ihr Haus ist nur sporadisch eingerichtet und da sich Natalie bestens auskennt, kann sie sich in ihr Schlafzimmer retten und so den Täter in die Flucht schlagen.
Mit diesem Fall tritt auch Liam McKenzie, von allen Mac genannt, in den Vordergrund. Er ermittelt gerade an einen Fall der jungen Lindsey. Möglicherweise hängt dieser Fall mit dem Überfall an Natalie zusammen. Vorab holt er sich über ihr einige Informationen ein und fühlt sich dort schon zu ihr hingezogen. Mac hat Angst das dies seine Arbeit behindern könnte.
An dieser Stelle möchte ich meine Zusammenfassung beendet um nicht vielleicht noch zu viel zu verraten.
Der Schreibstil von Virna DePaul hat mir gefallen. Das Buch ließ sich locker und leicht lesen. Die Schriftgröße war hier nicht zu klein. Auf umständliche Wörter wurde hier auch verzichtet. Bisher war mir die Autorin auch unbekannt gewesen. Da mir ihr Schreibstil aber gefallen hat, wird es sicher auch nicht das letzte Buch von ihr gewesen sein was ich gelesen habe.
Auch wurden meiner Meinung nach die Charaktere sehr gut ausgearbeitet. Natalie wurde hier als starke Frau beschrieben, die im innersten jedoch mit ihrer Erblindung zu kämpfen hat. Sie jedoch wollte es allen beweisen, vor allem Mac, das sie es alleine schaffen kann. Auch Mac wurde sehr gut dar gestellt. Der eigentlich keine Beziehung mehr suchte, seit der Scheidung seiner Frau. Seine Zweifel ob das alles so richtig ist, kamen hier gut herüber.
Bei Hauchnah handelt es sich um Romantic Crime Stil. Es war eine gute Mischung aus beiden. Das Knistern war zu spüren aber auch die Spannung war hier vorhanden. Selbst die erotischen Szenen waren angenehm zu lesen.
Wenn du auch Lust auf spannende und gefühlvolle Seiten hast, kann ich dir Hauchnah empfehlen.
May 21, 2012
This book is considered Contemporary Romance, this is a genre I never read much of but being a fan of Virna DePaul's Paranormal series I decide to give it a chance. This book kind of hit close to home for me in the respect that I'm a photographer and could relate to the main character in that aspect.
Natalie is a Photojournalist that has been diagnosed with an eye disease that will eventually make her completely blind. She is desperately trying to hold on to her love of Photography but it is becoming harder and harder when all she can make out are outlines. She has become quite the homebody but one afternoon she decides to go to the Farmer's Market and takes a few shots, little does she know she could have taken some incriminating photos that day.
After coming home one evening Natalie is brutally attacked and Agent Liam Mckenzie or Mac is assigned to her case. Mac has a sneaking suspension that this could be the same man that Murdered a teen girl not long ago but it's hard for Natalie to give him a description of her attacker since her vision is about gone. Mac faces the challenge of finding this man and also his growing infatuation with his witness.
I though this was a great book, you can feel the heartache the main character Natalie was going through by loosing her vision and the denial that she is in. The man that attacked Natalie was beyond creepy, I loved how Virna gave him the lookout on life that he has, it made for a great character! It's something that you could definitely see happening in real life! The way Natalie and Mac interact became somewhat frustrating because they were attracted to each other but felt they shouldn't be. Mac felt crossing the barrier between witness and lover wouldn't be right and Natalie thought her blindness would come between them. I recommend reading this book, it has good suspense and a great flow.
After Dark gives it 4 Demons!
http://allthefunstartsafterdark.blogs...
*ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY*
April 22, 2013
**original review by Jamie posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance**
Natalie Jones is a photographer, quite well known, however with a degenerative eye disease that is progressing rather quickly she starts to lock herself away in her home. Then she is attacked in her home, the only place that felt safe.
Special Agent Liam “Mac” McKenzie is in charge of finding an elusive killer that has been targeting young women. When he hears about the attack on Natalie, essentially the only survivor, he heads to interview her. Only he doesn’t know that his main witness is blind.
Despite Mac making an idiot out of himself and Natalie attempting to get rid of him they are still attracted to each other. However, things get dangerous when the killer comes back for Natalie. Not to mention that Natalie pushes everyone away because of her disease. She doesn’t want to be seen as weak to people but she doesn’t see the danger she’s in.
This had the potential to be an amazing story but somewhere along the way it just didn’t come through. I think a lot had to do with Natalie and Mac. I just couldn’t get behind either one. I was really rooting for Natalie but she just had me shaking my head. And Mac had me wanting to slap him upside the head. The only person I loved was Mac’s partner Jace. I hope he gets a story.
***review copy provided by Netgalley***
Natalie Jones is a photographer, quite well known, however with a degenerative eye disease that is progressing rather quickly she starts to lock herself away in her home. Then she is attacked in her home, the only place that felt safe.
Special Agent Liam “Mac” McKenzie is in charge of finding an elusive killer that has been targeting young women. When he hears about the attack on Natalie, essentially the only survivor, he heads to interview her. Only he doesn’t know that his main witness is blind.
Despite Mac making an idiot out of himself and Natalie attempting to get rid of him they are still attracted to each other. However, things get dangerous when the killer comes back for Natalie. Not to mention that Natalie pushes everyone away because of her disease. She doesn’t want to be seen as weak to people but she doesn’t see the danger she’s in.
This had the potential to be an amazing story but somewhere along the way it just didn’t come through. I think a lot had to do with Natalie and Mac. I just couldn’t get behind either one. I was really rooting for Natalie but she just had me shaking my head. And Mac had me wanting to slap him upside the head. The only person I loved was Mac’s partner Jace. I hope he gets a story.
***review copy provided by Netgalley***
April 18, 2012
This isn't actually a bad story.
The writing is smooth and unhurried and the storyline is intriguing.
I especially liked the fact that the MC has lost her sight and is dealing, or in her case, not dealing with the changes that her condition is forcing her to make. Add into the mix a psycho attacker on her tail and the need for some sexy police protection and you've got yourself a winner...or have you?
The initial attraction between Natalie and Mac is very heated, but as the story progressed I didn't feel that every advantage of their attraction was addressed as well as it could of been.
They danced around each other a lot and all that simmering lust just kind of tapered off.
I felt like the author was all geared up to give us an absolute scorcher of a coming together and at the last minute, second guessed herself and doused the flames.
However, the overall storyline was good and I did enjoy trying to unravel the whodunit element.
Like I said, not a bad read but I did feel let down in the end, especially after the great build up in the beginning.
An enjoyable 3 Star read :]
The writing is smooth and unhurried and the storyline is intriguing.
I especially liked the fact that the MC has lost her sight and is dealing, or in her case, not dealing with the changes that her condition is forcing her to make. Add into the mix a psycho attacker on her tail and the need for some sexy police protection and you've got yourself a winner...or have you?
The initial attraction between Natalie and Mac is very heated, but as the story progressed I didn't feel that every advantage of their attraction was addressed as well as it could of been.
They danced around each other a lot and all that simmering lust just kind of tapered off.
I felt like the author was all geared up to give us an absolute scorcher of a coming together and at the last minute, second guessed herself and doused the flames.
However, the overall storyline was good and I did enjoy trying to unravel the whodunit element.
Like I said, not a bad read but I did feel let down in the end, especially after the great build up in the beginning.
An enjoyable 3 Star read :]
May 31, 2012
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
I wanted to like this much more than I actually did. I loved how Natalie’s blindness both shaped her as a character and affected the story, and Mac was delicious, but while they had good chemistry, I wanted to pimp slap both of them about 45% of the time.
My biggest problem, however, was that the main “suspense” conflict had a moment about 75% in where it completely dropped into the background and no longer added any tension. I admit, it spiked again towards the end, and the final climax of the story had me on the edge of my seat, but in the end, I just wasn’t as invested in the suspense and mystery as I think I should have been.
I do still want to read the sequel when it comes out, if for nothing else than to see playboy Jase tamed by Carrie, but in the end, this one just didn’t really do it for me.
Recommended for fans of blind heroines, hot detectives, and twisted villains.
3/5 Stars
I wanted to like this much more than I actually did. I loved how Natalie’s blindness both shaped her as a character and affected the story, and Mac was delicious, but while they had good chemistry, I wanted to pimp slap both of them about 45% of the time.
My biggest problem, however, was that the main “suspense” conflict had a moment about 75% in where it completely dropped into the background and no longer added any tension. I admit, it spiked again towards the end, and the final climax of the story had me on the edge of my seat, but in the end, I just wasn’t as invested in the suspense and mystery as I think I should have been.
I do still want to read the sequel when it comes out, if for nothing else than to see playboy Jase tamed by Carrie, but in the end, this one just didn’t really do it for me.
Recommended for fans of blind heroines, hot detectives, and twisted villains.
3/5 Stars
October 2, 2018
SHADES OF DESIRE (SPECIAL INVESTIGATION GROUP: #1)
Written by Virna DePaul
2012, 384 Pages
Genre: romantic suspense, mystery, series
Rating: ★1/2
Natalie Jones is slowly losing her sight due to a genetic condition and finds herself to be a victim of an assault. Mac is a special agent for DOJ in California and has been trying to find a killer and find Natalie’s killer. Mac and Natalie start to feel sparks for one another but there is baggage that keeps them apart.
I was really looking forward to this novel based on the description and was majorly let down. I did finish the novel but mostly from reading quickly so I can get through this. The characters were a bit blah, the romance was weak and the suspense was just not there. It sort of read like a first draft that was in need of some editing.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Life
Written by Virna DePaul
2012, 384 Pages
Genre: romantic suspense, mystery, series
Rating: ★1/2
Natalie Jones is slowly losing her sight due to a genetic condition and finds herself to be a victim of an assault. Mac is a special agent for DOJ in California and has been trying to find a killer and find Natalie’s killer. Mac and Natalie start to feel sparks for one another but there is baggage that keeps them apart.
I was really looking forward to this novel based on the description and was majorly let down. I did finish the novel but mostly from reading quickly so I can get through this. The characters were a bit blah, the romance was weak and the suspense was just not there. It sort of read like a first draft that was in need of some editing.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Life
May 25, 2012
Virna DePaul never disappoints! This story is filled with emotion, danger, and passion. The bad guys are layered and complex, and the hero and heroine have realistic issues to overcome before they can be together. Fast paced but slows down in all right places.
February 21, 2015
Wonderful writing. Plot and story line well delivered.
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