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A Musical Interlude #1
The Prelude
After finishing design school six months ago, Erin Angelo left her tragic past behind in the States and started a new life in Milan, Italy. Burying the grief, silencing her demons, and living a life without any real attachments has worked well for her so far. But when Erin secures her first real job as a budding clothing designer, her controlled world is shaken to its core by the mysteriously sexy director of the local symphony.
Alek Dostov is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. He’s successful, hot, the son of a millionaire, and women all over the world flock to see one of his performances. For Alek, Erin represents the ultimate challenge: sexy, smart, and unaffected by his charms…or so she thinks. Just like Erin, Alek avoids attachments that leave him emotionally vulnerable. But unlike Erin, his pursuit of all things pleasurable is ruthless.
Knowing how wary they both are concerning any kind of committed relationship, Alek finds a way to pursue Erin, satisfying the intense attraction between them without sacrificing the freedom they both enjoy. Sometimes the deepest passion brings out the darkest emotions. And Erin finds herself completely unprepared for the forbidden world of the young maestro and his truths and even his secrets, as she struggles to deal with her own.
Music, passion, betrayal and forbidden love spun together in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Alek Dostov is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. He’s successful, hot, the son of a millionaire, and women all over the world flock to see one of his performances. For Alek, Erin represents the ultimate challenge: sexy, smart, and unaffected by his charms…or so she thinks. Just like Erin, Alek avoids attachments that leave him emotionally vulnerable. But unlike Erin, his pursuit of all things pleasurable is ruthless.
Knowing how wary they both are concerning any kind of committed relationship, Alek finds a way to pursue Erin, satisfying the intense attraction between them without sacrificing the freedom they both enjoy. Sometimes the deepest passion brings out the darkest emotions. And Erin finds herself completely unprepared for the forbidden world of the young maestro and his truths and even his secrets, as she struggles to deal with her own.
Music, passion, betrayal and forbidden love spun together in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
312 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2013
17 people are currently reading
1670 people want to read
About the author
KaSonndra Leigh
20 books703 followersAuthor of the International bestselling novels, the Prelude and the Lost Immortals Saga, KaSonndra is a mother, designer, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of undead Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. She believes in karma, and coffee, and seriously wishes that the producers of Xena would bring her favorite show back.
KaSonndra was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when she's not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals Saga setting). Most of her characters are based on people she has met throughout her travels and adventures.
People tend to stop and start conversations with KaSonndra as if she has known them her entire life. Does this freak her out? Not really. Her mom says that one day she’ll get kidnapped by one of these folks. KaSonndra's response? She told her mom that if it weren’t for these lovely people, she wouldn’t be able to create such fabulously romantic stories!
KaSonndra was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when she's not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals Saga setting). Most of her characters are based on people she has met throughout her travels and adventures.
People tend to stop and start conversations with KaSonndra as if she has known them her entire life. Does this freak her out? Not really. Her mom says that one day she’ll get kidnapped by one of these folks. KaSonndra's response? She told her mom that if it weren’t for these lovely people, she wouldn’t be able to create such fabulously romantic stories!
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April 1, 2013
"Sometimes life offers you a second chance. Seize it...own it. Do not be afraid to walk outside the line."
Erin Angelo --
Alek Dostov --
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
First of all, I would like to thank author KaSonndra Leigh for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It has been a pleasure to read the story of Erin and Alek and I very much enjoyed reading their enticing journey.
Second of all, can I just say, I LOVE this cover. Having read the story, I now also know which scene it refers to and that just makes the cover all the more meaningful.
Now, on to the story...
The Prelude : the part of a song that pulls you in, hypnotizing you with it's beauty. The beginning of a song hooks people inside its spell and never lets the person go until the last note trickles through their mind...
The Prelude is a story about music, love, passion, lies and betrayal, all of this situated in the fashion capital of Italy, Milan.
At the beginning of this book we meet the twenty one year old American girl named Erin Angelo. She's an upcoming clothing designer working on getting her career launched in Milan, Italy. Erin has known a lot of sadness in her young life. She's lost some of the people who were closest to her, and because of that she no longer believes in love. She tries to put on a tough girl act that will keep all of her feeling locked deep down inside.
Love, I have this to say to you: "You tore open my heart. You made me feel pain when all I wanted was to feel joy. So now, I will remove your power over me. I will never believe in you, ever again." ~ Erin
But when the company she works for gets offered the job of designing the outfits for the local, successful opera, Erin meets Alek Dostov, aka The Maestro of the opera. He's a musical genius with a Russian father and an American mother. He's also drop-dead gorgeous, filthy rich and used to getting any woman he wants. Now, he wants Erin but she's unlike any other woman he's ever met and he knows she won't be easy to persuade...
"She uses too many curse words. A woman who has a mouth that can put a man's to shame means trouble. Always. Every time." ~ Alek
Determined to never allow herself to open up to someone ever again, Erin tries to keep her relationship with The Maestro strictly professional.
Their attraction is palpable, their encounters are filled with a kind of passion that they are both unable to deny...
But at the same time, neither of them is willing to give up their freedom, because giving up their freedom would mean opening up about themselves and revealing their darkest secrets to each other. And that is something neither of them is ready for yet...
"I've been a lost jaybird singing a sad song. But in this man who kisses me so passionately, and frees my body when I lose myself in pleasure, I'm finally able to hear my own voice, a happier one. It's a gorgeous melody, a tune I've held back for way too long." ~ Erin
"Once you find the courage to open yourself up to something you've always believed to be forbidden, then you never want to let it go."
But it's not all about love and passion, this story is also about lies and betrayal. Towards the ending the story become much more action-filled and full of suspense. Especially when you throw in Alek's "slighlty" crazy and overprotective mother who likes to stir up the situation and ghosts from both Alek's and Erin's past that pop up at the most inconvenient moments...
Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Prelude. I liked that it had such an original setting and storyline and that it never became too predictable. Some of the events might have been a little too farfetched but other than that, I thought Erin and Alek had a perfect chemistry as a couple. Also, the fact that it was written in a dual point of view, gave us a very clear insight on both of their personalities. And then there were a bunch of other colorful and interesting side characters that made the story all the more fun to read.
This was my first novel by KaSonndra Leigh and I'm already looking forward to reading more of her work!
All I have left to say is, READ IT and find out for yourself what Erin and Alek's story is all about... For a better impression of the atmosphere of this story with beautiful pictures and a great music selection, definitely check out the author's Pinterest Page right here: The Prelude Pinterest Page
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"Love, I have this to say to you...I do believe."
4 STARS.
**Copy courtesy of author KaSonndra Leigh in exchange for an honest review**
April 10, 2013
Sometimes life offers a second chance. Seize it. Own it… Do not be afraid to walk outside of the line.
A beautiful and emotional story about dreams and love. Redemption and family. The difficult life-journey of two really young people who are defined by their deep scars and are living in the present trying to forget the past and chase the future. A book about loyalty, fears and the secret passions we are keeping hidden, until the right person comes along to unleash them.
Erin Angelo is afraid to live. The young and talented fashion designer left the U.S broken and scarred by a family tragedy to chase her dream and nightmares away in Milan. A city full of life and passion, that Erin can't relate to.
She exists, floating away, until she lands the deal that will take off her small business. She is hired to design the costumes for a new opera adaptation of "Requiem of a Dream", directed by the most promising rising star...
Alek Dostov. Gifted beyond his 23 years, Alek, left behind his past in Russia and Aleksandr Dostovsky transformed from a traumatized and confused kid into The Maestro, a seductive, arrogant and dangerous man.
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He is drawn to the mysterious Erin and the shadows he sees in her eyes. She intrigues him and he will fight her resistance, his mother's plans, treachery and betrayal for making her his.
And convince her that they deserve to love and to dream together.
Can these two commitment-phobic people, take the most beautiful risk of all?
“Can’t you see that what we have isn’t normal? I truly believe something divine has stepped in here.”
Exciting and just as irresistible as The Maestro himself, this book draws you in from the first note.
“Prelude is the part of a song that pulls you in, hypnotizing you with beauty.”
In almost alternative POVs, Alek and Erin are narrating their story and are laying bare in front of us, leaving no room for mysteries, what-ifs and doubts. We are falling along with them, fight, despair, love and rejoice.
You really don't want to miss this book!
As for me, I'm sticking with it's promise..
“THE END IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.”
**Copy, courtesy of the author KaSonndra Leigh and her awesome team, in exchange for an honest review**
Proud member of the Prelude Street Team! Thank you KaSonndra!
A beautiful and emotional story about dreams and love. Redemption and family. The difficult life-journey of two really young people who are defined by their deep scars and are living in the present trying to forget the past and chase the future. A book about loyalty, fears and the secret passions we are keeping hidden, until the right person comes along to unleash them.
♪♫Some say love, it is a river
that drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,
an endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower,
and you it's only seed.
It's the heart afraid of breaking
that never learns to dance.
It's the dream afraid of waking
that never takes the chance.
It's the one who won't be taken,
who cannot seem to give,
and the soul afraid of dyin'
that never learns to live.♪♫~ The Rose
Erin Angelo is afraid to live. The young and talented fashion designer left the U.S broken and scarred by a family tragedy to chase her dream and nightmares away in Milan. A city full of life and passion, that Erin can't relate to.
She exists, floating away, until she lands the deal that will take off her small business. She is hired to design the costumes for a new opera adaptation of "Requiem of a Dream", directed by the most promising rising star...
Alek Dostov. Gifted beyond his 23 years, Alek, left behind his past in Russia and Aleksandr Dostovsky transformed from a traumatized and confused kid into The Maestro, a seductive, arrogant and dangerous man.
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He is drawn to the mysterious Erin and the shadows he sees in her eyes. She intrigues him and he will fight her resistance, his mother's plans, treachery and betrayal for making her his.
And convince her that they deserve to love and to dream together.
Can these two commitment-phobic people, take the most beautiful risk of all?
“Can’t you see that what we have isn’t normal? I truly believe something divine has stepped in here.”
Exciting and just as irresistible as The Maestro himself, this book draws you in from the first note.
“Prelude is the part of a song that pulls you in, hypnotizing you with beauty.”
In almost alternative POVs, Alek and Erin are narrating their story and are laying bare in front of us, leaving no room for mysteries, what-ifs and doubts. We are falling along with them, fight, despair, love and rejoice.
You really don't want to miss this book!
As for me, I'm sticking with it's promise..
“THE END IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.”
**Copy, courtesy of the author KaSonndra Leigh and her awesome team, in exchange for an honest review**
Proud member of the Prelude Street Team! Thank you KaSonndra!
February 7, 2017
Hmmmm...
While I loved the premise of this story, there were certain aspects that I just couldn't fully connect with. I juggled with the rating but ultimately decided to go with an indifferent 2 stars.
The story begins with a beautifully tragic prologue, which I found to be heartfelt and believable. Erin has suffered a tremendous loss that forever changes her view on love. She vows never to let 'love' anywhere near where it can hurt her again. Enter the sexy and dangerously seductive Aleksandr...
Alek Dostovsky—I initially thought I was going to love you and your infamous playboy ways!...Until the perspectives switched and suddenly the infamous playboy seemed to have lost his 'swag'. I typically love dual point of views but I don't think it worked too well in this case. I didn't particularly like being inside Alek's head; his inner dialogue at times became corny and just did not live up to his rumored alpha-male tendencies. He made the typical turn-around after becoming smitten in a microwave minute, and I would have liked a steady decline rather than a flipped switch.
Erin's reluctance to let down her guard was fairly understandable, and although many of her dignified moments were admirable, I never really felt connected to her, either. Her inner dialogue occasionally became irritating—namely, her repetitive use of phrases such as Reckless Me and Righteous Me, but I did LOVE how skilled she was in the art of telling people off. She definitely had some sass!
What I ultimately enjoyed the most was the emphasis placed on the 'prelude' concept, as well as the addition of music. I always love when authors include music and other art forms into their work. I also appreciated the slight element of suspense woven in. All-in-all, a decent read that entertained but did not astound.
*Copy kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Contemporary Romance
▪ Steam Caliber: High
▪ Romance: Quick connection. Complicated relationship.
▪ Characters: Damaged hero. Strong heroine.
▪ Plot: Fell short for me.
▪ Writing: Descrptive.
▪ POV: 1st Person: Dual Perspectives
▪ Cliffhanger: None
▪ Next Installment: Follow up
▪ HEA?
While I loved the premise of this story, there were certain aspects that I just couldn't fully connect with. I juggled with the rating but ultimately decided to go with an indifferent 2 stars.
The story begins with a beautifully tragic prologue, which I found to be heartfelt and believable. Erin has suffered a tremendous loss that forever changes her view on love. She vows never to let 'love' anywhere near where it can hurt her again. Enter the sexy and dangerously seductive Aleksandr...
Alek Dostovsky—I initially thought I was going to love you and your infamous playboy ways!...Until the perspectives switched and suddenly the infamous playboy seemed to have lost his 'swag'. I typically love dual point of views but I don't think it worked too well in this case. I didn't particularly like being inside Alek's head; his inner dialogue at times became corny and just did not live up to his rumored alpha-male tendencies. He made the typical turn-around after becoming smitten in a microwave minute, and I would have liked a steady decline rather than a flipped switch.
Erin's reluctance to let down her guard was fairly understandable, and although many of her dignified moments were admirable, I never really felt connected to her, either. Her inner dialogue occasionally became irritating—namely, her repetitive use of phrases such as Reckless Me and Righteous Me, but I did LOVE how skilled she was in the art of telling people off. She definitely had some sass!
What I ultimately enjoyed the most was the emphasis placed on the 'prelude' concept, as well as the addition of music. I always love when authors include music and other art forms into their work. I also appreciated the slight element of suspense woven in. All-in-all, a decent read that entertained but did not astound.
*Copy kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Contemporary Romance
▪ Steam Caliber: High
▪ Romance: Quick connection. Complicated relationship.
▪ Characters: Damaged hero. Strong heroine.
▪ Plot: Fell short for me.
▪ Writing: Descrptive.
▪ POV: 1st Person: Dual Perspectives
▪ Cliffhanger: None
▪ Next Installment: Follow up
▪ HEA?
April 2, 2013
Prelude is the part of a song that pulls you in, hypnotizing you with beauty. The beginning of a song hooks people inside its spell and never lets the person go until the last note trickles through their mind.
Meet Erin Angelo
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We first met her when she was still in high school, where her only concern is deciding on pursuing her singing career and heading off to New York for design class on her senior year. But when tragedy strikes causing the demise of the people she loves, she became weak and empty. She then became uptight,
and so, she made a vow:
Love, I have this to say to you: "You tore open my heart. You made me feel pain when all I wanted to feel was joy. So now, I will remove your power over me. I’ll never kiss anyone or trust in any dream that you can take away from me. I will never believe in you, ever again.
Will a guy get pass through the walls she created?
Will that guy be Alek Dostov ?
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23-year-old Alek, aka The Maestro, intriguing eyes, an accent to die for, but he also have money, fame, and women groveling at his feet. He's no gentleman, NO. In fact, he's a man whore, but when he met Erin, it's like she cast a spell on him.
What is it about Erin that does this to me? I’ve never had a woman bewitch me before. I always hear my friends talk about stupid things like that happening to them... But this is the first time I’ve ever
felt the urge, the desire to protect a woman I barely know. It’s time to run. I can’t. There’s something about her eyes. I guess it’s only appropriate that a spell start inside the soul’s windows.
There’s something else, another way she makes me feel, and I don’t have the words to describe the things raging through me. Then again, maybe I do know the exact word. But admitting that I’m caught up in a woman’s spell would be the death of everything I have worked so hard to recreate about myself.
He's in too deep...and Erin can't do anything to shut off her feelings for him either.
BUT, their ugly past will haunt them and will change everything... the question is, for the better or for the worse?
Join Erin and Alek as they embark on a journey full of...
MUSIC ...it's what brought them together
PASSION ...Will it be enough?
BETRAYAL ...Will it be the end for them?
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and LOVE ...
In the love capital of the world, Milan, Italy.
SPOILERS AHEAD. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.
Okay so first, I just wanna say thank you to KaSonndra Leigh for the opportunity to review your book, it's been an honor :)
So, off to my review.
The first part of the book says to go the author's Prelude Pinterest page for a better view of the stuff that's going to happen in the book, and so I did and based on the photos, I thought this was going to be an erotica or BDSM novel, but I was wrong. Still, I enjoyed reading it.
This book was just OKAY for me, and some scenes I thought, were predictable. Like for example, And then, the "twist", I have a feeling on what's it gonna be already and my hunch was confirmed when .
The sex scenes? Not that "hot" in my opinion, although I really love Erin and Alek together. And I love how passionate Alek is. :)
Also, I was really hating on Alek's mother, Katerina. While I was reading, I was like, what the hell is this woman's problem? But,
What I love about this book is the alternative POVs, Erin's "Righteous Me" and "Reckless Me" and the ending, I think that was my favorite part of the book . And Alek, I love Alek. He's my new book boyfriend.
But, all's well that ends well...
Love, I have this to say to you…
I do believe. --Erin
There's also this one phrase at the end that says: THE END IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
I assume this is going to be a series?
If it is, I can't wait for the next one.
So everyone, READ THIS BOOK!
And check out the Prelude Pinterest page --> PRELUDE Pinterest
Sometimes life offers a second chance.
Seize it. Own it…
Do not be afraid to walk outside of the line.
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***Copy provided by author, KaSonndra Leigh, in exchange for an honest review***
March 30, 2013
*Copy provided by author, KaSonndra Leigh, in exchange for an honest review*
The talented Erin Angelo leaves her tragic past in America to pursue her design career in Milan, Italy. She has been able to control her righteous and reckless selves while keeping her emotions, grief and past in check. Erin has stuck with her silent vow never to love again and so far it's worked out for her.
When Erin's design firm, Black Butterfly gets the opportunity to design for Alek Dostov the Russian/American, wealthy, swinger (yes swinger) maestro of the local symphony, sparks fly, walls crumble and secrets are revealed.
Alek and Erin are commitment phoebes but they can’t fight the attraction they share for one another. Slowly they reveal their dark secrets to each other as they fall in love.
I found this couples connection (not love) to be VERY farfetched. Some things just didn’t add up to me (ex. the life coach). I also found all the "reveals" to be VERY unbelievable. Although, Alek and Erin’s love was believable and sex scenes hot. The story did hold a lot of suspense it just didn't work for me.
The talented Erin Angelo leaves her tragic past in America to pursue her design career in Milan, Italy. She has been able to control her righteous and reckless selves while keeping her emotions, grief and past in check. Erin has stuck with her silent vow never to love again and so far it's worked out for her.
When Erin's design firm, Black Butterfly gets the opportunity to design for Alek Dostov the Russian/American, wealthy, swinger (yes swinger) maestro of the local symphony, sparks fly, walls crumble and secrets are revealed.
Alek and Erin are commitment phoebes but they can’t fight the attraction they share for one another. Slowly they reveal their dark secrets to each other as they fall in love.
I found this couples connection (not love) to be VERY farfetched. Some things just didn’t add up to me (ex. the life coach). I also found all the "reveals" to be VERY unbelievable. Although, Alek and Erin’s love was believable and sex scenes hot. The story did hold a lot of suspense it just didn't work for me.
April 1, 2013
The Prelude (A Musical Interlude Novel) by KaSonndra Leigh
KaSonndra Leigh has written A New Adult Contemporary Romance novel called The Prelude, which by the way is one of my favorite genres. I really enjoyed The Prelude and once I started reading it I didn’t want to stop. KaSonndras’ writing is excellent, her words flow smoothly and I really enjoyed the main characters the descriptions were done extremely well. One of the things I liked most about this book is that lately I find authors are adding a lot of sex scenes in the adult romance genre and I really liked that The Prelude focused on the story more than the two having the actual sex. Don’t get me wrong though it’s still there and it is great, but I liked the plot and the way the story unfolded. This novel has a few different things going on, of course the romance, sexual tension, suspense, some lies and of course secrets. It has everything a good story needs.
So we meet Erin Angelo who has had to deal with a lot of tragedy and losses in her life, to protect herself she decided to keep her heart closed to love. She is now living in Milan and works as a designer with a few of her friends; they have recently just been hired to come up with the designs for Alek Dostov, Maestro of the local symphony. When Alek stops by to check on the design he meets Erin Angelo; in the middle of an asthma attack she asks him not to say anything to his boss assuming he is Alek Dostov assistant. So when Erin does meet up with Alek again she realizes her mistake. Alek is taken with Erin as Erin is to Alek. She starts to feel things she hasn’t for a very long time.
A lot of back and forth goes on between these two, and the sexual tension is off the charts, they both have so many secrets that the only way Alek is going to get his chance with her is by proposing they keep things light and maybe just have a sexual relationship keeping feelings and commitments off the table. Erin thinks this could work as the last thing she needs is to open up her heart, but are the fooling each other or themselves.
There is so much more going on in this novel, there is Alek’s past to learn about, and what happened to Erin, find out how her past has changed some of the dreams she had for her own life. And if Alek’s mother has anything to do with it, can Alek and Erin get past her controlling ways.
All I can stress at this point is go purchase a copy and find out for yourself.
So I have rated The Prelude (A Musical Interlude Novel) a 4.5 star rating and I highly recommend this novel. I cannot wait to read more of KaSonndra Leigh adult contemporary romance novels and really looking forward to reading a book 2 in this series.
KaSonndra Leigh has written A New Adult Contemporary Romance novel called The Prelude, which by the way is one of my favorite genres. I really enjoyed The Prelude and once I started reading it I didn’t want to stop. KaSonndras’ writing is excellent, her words flow smoothly and I really enjoyed the main characters the descriptions were done extremely well. One of the things I liked most about this book is that lately I find authors are adding a lot of sex scenes in the adult romance genre and I really liked that The Prelude focused on the story more than the two having the actual sex. Don’t get me wrong though it’s still there and it is great, but I liked the plot and the way the story unfolded. This novel has a few different things going on, of course the romance, sexual tension, suspense, some lies and of course secrets. It has everything a good story needs.
So we meet Erin Angelo who has had to deal with a lot of tragedy and losses in her life, to protect herself she decided to keep her heart closed to love. She is now living in Milan and works as a designer with a few of her friends; they have recently just been hired to come up with the designs for Alek Dostov, Maestro of the local symphony. When Alek stops by to check on the design he meets Erin Angelo; in the middle of an asthma attack she asks him not to say anything to his boss assuming he is Alek Dostov assistant. So when Erin does meet up with Alek again she realizes her mistake. Alek is taken with Erin as Erin is to Alek. She starts to feel things she hasn’t for a very long time.
A lot of back and forth goes on between these two, and the sexual tension is off the charts, they both have so many secrets that the only way Alek is going to get his chance with her is by proposing they keep things light and maybe just have a sexual relationship keeping feelings and commitments off the table. Erin thinks this could work as the last thing she needs is to open up her heart, but are the fooling each other or themselves.
There is so much more going on in this novel, there is Alek’s past to learn about, and what happened to Erin, find out how her past has changed some of the dreams she had for her own life. And if Alek’s mother has anything to do with it, can Alek and Erin get past her controlling ways.
All I can stress at this point is go purchase a copy and find out for yourself.
So I have rated The Prelude (A Musical Interlude Novel) a 4.5 star rating and I highly recommend this novel. I cannot wait to read more of KaSonndra Leigh adult contemporary romance novels and really looking forward to reading a book 2 in this series.
April 30, 2013
2.5 Stars
KaSonndra Leigh’s debut novel, The Prelude, opens with a tragedy leaving the heroine, Erin Angelo, determined never to believe in love again. She closes herself off from relationships while concentrating on being the best in design school. Shortly after graduation, she leaves the States, taking her first job as a budding designer in beautiful, Milan, Italy.
Alek Dostov is only 23 yrs old and a very talented Maestro. Much like Erin, his past is tragic and he avoids relationships that leave him emotionally vulnerable. With his looks, charm and talent, women flock to him. His reputation as a player is well known, but all this changes soon after he meets the lovely Erin.
Erin isn’t one of those women falling at his feet but there’s an intense attraction between them. Alek pursues her believing they can have a sexual connection without commitment or involving the heart. Their passionate journey also includes some very well kept secrets. When revealed, one of those will shatter Erin’s world, leaving her reeling from the betrayal....
The potential is here for a great story and I wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, there are times when a book doesn’t work for all readers. While I liked Alek and Erin, I never came to love them. The book is written in dual POV and still I never fully connected to these characters nor did I become invested in their journey.
I like the inclusion of the musical aspect along with the happy ending. The second half kept me a little more invested and I found myself wanting to know how this would all play out. While this may not have worked, I would definitely try more from this author in the future.
***Book courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review****
KaSonndra Leigh’s debut novel, The Prelude, opens with a tragedy leaving the heroine, Erin Angelo, determined never to believe in love again. She closes herself off from relationships while concentrating on being the best in design school. Shortly after graduation, she leaves the States, taking her first job as a budding designer in beautiful, Milan, Italy.
Alek Dostov is only 23 yrs old and a very talented Maestro. Much like Erin, his past is tragic and he avoids relationships that leave him emotionally vulnerable. With his looks, charm and talent, women flock to him. His reputation as a player is well known, but all this changes soon after he meets the lovely Erin.
Erin isn’t one of those women falling at his feet but there’s an intense attraction between them. Alek pursues her believing they can have a sexual connection without commitment or involving the heart. Their passionate journey also includes some very well kept secrets. When revealed, one of those will shatter Erin’s world, leaving her reeling from the betrayal....
The potential is here for a great story and I wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, there are times when a book doesn’t work for all readers. While I liked Alek and Erin, I never came to love them. The book is written in dual POV and still I never fully connected to these characters nor did I become invested in their journey.
I like the inclusion of the musical aspect along with the happy ending. The second half kept me a little more invested and I found myself wanting to know how this would all play out. While this may not have worked, I would definitely try more from this author in the future.
***Book courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review****
Want to read
October 20, 2015Hi Everyone. As I prepare for the release of this novel, I want to say thank you for giving me so many great memories over the past year and a half since I started this publishing journey. I cannot express how good it feels to see so many people being inspired enough to share their feelings on my work.
I've learned a lot along the way since I released my debut novel. There have been some ups and a few big let downs, but it's all good. Bloggers & readers around the world have accepted me into their hearts. And I've made some of the greatest friends of my life. This latest release is the result of the kind of novel that so many of you have asked to see me write at some point.
I hope you enjoy it. And I hope it also inspires you to dream big, to enjoy life, and to always hold on to the love...no matter what. xxHugz
I've learned a lot along the way since I released my debut novel. There have been some ups and a few big let downs, but it's all good. Bloggers & readers around the world have accepted me into their hearts. And I've made some of the greatest friends of my life. This latest release is the result of the kind of novel that so many of you have asked to see me write at some point.
I hope you enjoy it. And I hope it also inspires you to dream big, to enjoy life, and to always hold on to the love...no matter what. xxHugz
April 8, 2013
When I first heard about this book it instantly caught my attention.The Prelude was a nice book.I enjoy reading it..but some scenes I thought, were predictable
The story begins with a tragic which I found to be heartfelt and believable. Erin has suffered a tremendous loss that forever changes her view on love.She vows never to let 'love' anywhere near where it can hurt her again..
“You tore open my heart. You made me feel pain when all I wanted to feel was joy. So now, I will remove your power over me. I’ll never kiss anyone or trust in any dream that you can take away from me.
I will never believe in you, ever again"
But then she meet Alek mmmm what can I say about a sexy,hot steamy Maestro!!!
I like him a lot.He is so gentle with Erin and he careful with how he handles her right from the start.
Erin continually has this continuous flow of thoughts and called it Reckless Me and Righteous Me - I didn’t like it for some uncertain reason it annoys me sometimes.
The story begins with a tragic which I found to be heartfelt and believable. Erin has suffered a tremendous loss that forever changes her view on love.She vows never to let 'love' anywhere near where it can hurt her again..
“You tore open my heart. You made me feel pain when all I wanted to feel was joy. So now, I will remove your power over me. I’ll never kiss anyone or trust in any dream that you can take away from me.
I will never believe in you, ever again"
But then she meet Alek mmmm what can I say about a sexy,hot steamy Maestro!!!
I like him a lot.He is so gentle with Erin and he careful with how he handles her right from the start.
Erin continually has this continuous flow of thoughts and called it Reckless Me and Righteous Me - I didn’t like it for some uncertain reason it annoys me sometimes.
March 31, 2013
First off I need to thank KaSonndra for the opportunity and ARC copy of The Prelude to read and review before it was released , This is the first book of her’s that I have read and I absolutely loved it .
The scene set, the story, the character’s . It was absolutely Beautiful.
Sometimes life offers a second chance.
Seize it, Own it….
Do not be afraid to walk outside of the line .
Love, I have to say this to you : “ You tore open my heart. You made me feel pain when all I wanted to feel was Joy. So now, I will remove your power over me. I’ll never kiss anyone or trust in any dream that you can take away from me. I will never believe in you, ever again. “
Erin had it all the best family life, Best sister in the world, Parents she loved and who loved her whole. She had big dreams of music in her future with a prestigious school and in one moment it all changed .
We start this book out with Erin and the tragedy she is dealt with , then the one boy she loved and gave herself to leaves her also.
5 yrs later Erin has finished Design school and moved to Milan , Italy. She has buried her grief, silenced her demons, and is living a life without any real attachments. It has worked well for her for the last 5 yrs until she secures her first real job as a budding clothing designer , and her controlled world has been shaken to it’s core by the mysteriously sexy director known as Alek Dostov.
When Erin first meets Alek she thinks he is an assistant to the Director . He comes in in the middle of her first dilemma and the fact that the outfits are in the wrong color. She does not have the initial designs ready. She ends up having an asthma attack which he helps her through . Second meeting is the preview of the designs and now she must appear in one of the outfits herself as the models have called out . after an outfit mishap and being discovered by the assistant again , but this time half naked . Erin is now totally embarrassed . She finally gets dressed and heads out to the stage where the rest of the models are waiting .
It is then that she realize that the assistant is actually the maestro, Alek Dostov .
I loved Erin she was a strong Girl she keeps her emotions in check and she refuses to let anyone into her heart . Her biggest thing is not to get involved with her boss’. She has thoughts that constantly run through her mind and she has even named them Reckless me and Righteous me. This I thought was great .
Alek , mmm what was there not to love about him , hot, steamy , man who always gets what he wants , and he WANTS Erin . he is so gentle with her , he is careful with how he handles her right from the start .
This story was an emotional rollercoaster all the way from beginning to end and I absolutely loved it . I would recommend this book to EVERYONE .. It truly is a must read for sure .
Another thing I loved about this book and another reason I got so into it and felt every emotion through the whole story was that KaSonndra has a pinterest section dedicated to this book and going through her pictures, videos and etc from that throughtout the story added so much feeling to my thoughts while reading this story .
You can check it out here
http://pinterest.com/alestasia/the-pr...
Book Blurb:
After finishing design school six months ago, Erin Angelo left her tragic past behind in the States and started a new life in Milan, Italy. Burying the grief, silencing her demons, and living a life without any real attachments has worked well for her so far. But when Erin secures her first real job as a budding clothing designer, her controlled world is shaken to its core by the mysteriously sexy director of the local symphony.
Alek Dostov is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. He’s successful, hot, the son of a millionaire, and women all over the world flock to see one of his performances. For Alek, Erin represents the ultimate challenge: sexy, smart, and unaffected by his charms…or so she thinks. Just like Erin, Alek avoids attachments that leave him emotionally vulnerable. But unlike Erin, his pursuit of all things pleasurable is ruthless.
Knowing how wary they both are concerning any kind of committed relationship, Alek finds a way to pursue Erin, satisfying the intense attraction between them without sacrificing the freedom they both enjoy. Sometimes the deepest passion brings out the darkest emotions. And Erin finds herself completely unprepared for the forbidden world of the young maestro and his truths and even his secrets, as she struggles to deal with her own.
Music, passion, betrayal and forbidden love spun together in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
KaSonndra thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book as well as being part of your Street Team for it. I truly enjoyed it with my whole heart.
**Copy courtesy of author KaSonndra Leigh in exchange for an honest review**
Proud member of the Prelude Street Team!
The scene set, the story, the character’s . It was absolutely Beautiful.
Sometimes life offers a second chance.
Seize it, Own it….
Do not be afraid to walk outside of the line .
Love, I have to say this to you : “ You tore open my heart. You made me feel pain when all I wanted to feel was Joy. So now, I will remove your power over me. I’ll never kiss anyone or trust in any dream that you can take away from me. I will never believe in you, ever again. “
Erin had it all the best family life, Best sister in the world, Parents she loved and who loved her whole. She had big dreams of music in her future with a prestigious school and in one moment it all changed .
We start this book out with Erin and the tragedy she is dealt with , then the one boy she loved and gave herself to leaves her also.
5 yrs later Erin has finished Design school and moved to Milan , Italy. She has buried her grief, silenced her demons, and is living a life without any real attachments. It has worked well for her for the last 5 yrs until she secures her first real job as a budding clothing designer , and her controlled world has been shaken to it’s core by the mysteriously sexy director known as Alek Dostov.
When Erin first meets Alek she thinks he is an assistant to the Director . He comes in in the middle of her first dilemma and the fact that the outfits are in the wrong color. She does not have the initial designs ready. She ends up having an asthma attack which he helps her through . Second meeting is the preview of the designs and now she must appear in one of the outfits herself as the models have called out . after an outfit mishap and being discovered by the assistant again , but this time half naked . Erin is now totally embarrassed . She finally gets dressed and heads out to the stage where the rest of the models are waiting .
It is then that she realize that the assistant is actually the maestro, Alek Dostov .
I loved Erin she was a strong Girl she keeps her emotions in check and she refuses to let anyone into her heart . Her biggest thing is not to get involved with her boss’. She has thoughts that constantly run through her mind and she has even named them Reckless me and Righteous me. This I thought was great .
Alek , mmm what was there not to love about him , hot, steamy , man who always gets what he wants , and he WANTS Erin . he is so gentle with her , he is careful with how he handles her right from the start .
This story was an emotional rollercoaster all the way from beginning to end and I absolutely loved it . I would recommend this book to EVERYONE .. It truly is a must read for sure .
Another thing I loved about this book and another reason I got so into it and felt every emotion through the whole story was that KaSonndra has a pinterest section dedicated to this book and going through her pictures, videos and etc from that throughtout the story added so much feeling to my thoughts while reading this story .
You can check it out here
http://pinterest.com/alestasia/the-pr...
Book Blurb:
After finishing design school six months ago, Erin Angelo left her tragic past behind in the States and started a new life in Milan, Italy. Burying the grief, silencing her demons, and living a life without any real attachments has worked well for her so far. But when Erin secures her first real job as a budding clothing designer, her controlled world is shaken to its core by the mysteriously sexy director of the local symphony.
Alek Dostov is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. He’s successful, hot, the son of a millionaire, and women all over the world flock to see one of his performances. For Alek, Erin represents the ultimate challenge: sexy, smart, and unaffected by his charms…or so she thinks. Just like Erin, Alek avoids attachments that leave him emotionally vulnerable. But unlike Erin, his pursuit of all things pleasurable is ruthless.
Knowing how wary they both are concerning any kind of committed relationship, Alek finds a way to pursue Erin, satisfying the intense attraction between them without sacrificing the freedom they both enjoy. Sometimes the deepest passion brings out the darkest emotions. And Erin finds herself completely unprepared for the forbidden world of the young maestro and his truths and even his secrets, as she struggles to deal with her own.
Music, passion, betrayal and forbidden love spun together in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
KaSonndra thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book as well as being part of your Street Team for it. I truly enjoyed it with my whole heart.
**Copy courtesy of author KaSonndra Leigh in exchange for an honest review**
Proud member of the Prelude Street Team!
April 17, 2013
The glamor and drama of music and dance, the pressures of the designing world, and the violence of the world of Russian crime collide in this story of two ill-fated souls from very different molds. She's alone, timid, and doesn't often take risks, while he's daring, suave, and smothered by a mother who can't leave well enough alone. Prelude follows their journey from strangers to so much more when their paths cross in beautiful Milan, but destiny might not be the only thing that brought them together.
We hold each other's gazes for a long moment. Normally a man would be wearing my hand print after I slap him for being rude. But something about this guy hits me in a thousand different ways. And I like every single punch I'm receiving. ~Erin LOC 404
Erin comes from a troubled past, with the pain from the loss of her father and sister and the guilt she carries about a terrible choice that she made. She feels like everything she touches with her heart she breaks, so she's walled herself up to avoid it ever happening again. Starting over, with her design career on the rise, the last thing she wanted or needed was a cocky Russian maestro to come barreling into her life. Alek has his own demons that he struggles with, but for the most part he was just trying to figure out why Erin made him feel something no one else ever had. With dual POV, I liked seeing his inner struggles over the young designer and the emotions he wrestled with. Despite his 'former gang-member' status, he wasn't alpha-male domineering, but I chalked that up to the way his overbearing mother groomed him and his sister to be so different from their violent father. He was definitely a sexy Russian playboy, so there was little doubt he'd win over Erin before long!
The road to reach the impossible has been paved. And I don't want anybody else to travel down it with me but the woman lying beside me right now. ~Alek LOC 2672
Erin and Alek were of course hot for each other from the get-go, but with her refusal to let anyone in, they weren't getting far. Alek saw something he wanted and was not about to let it slip through his fingers, and I was relieved to see Erin blossoming as he wormed his way into her life and heart. He really challenges her and brings out her inner vixen, and they were really sexy together once she stopped keeping him at arms length! As Alek's past came back to haunt them, there were secrets and danger at every turn that tore them apart, and for good reason. I was angry at Alek for keeping what he knew to himself, and I expect he'd have had more of a reaction given how incredible of a "it's a small world" situation they were in. But I'm also a believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason, so the fact that Erin and Alek were brought together after all was said and done was a neat twist-of-fate storyline.
This story had a little bit of everything; from lovers of the arts to those who prefer suspense and action, there's something for everyone as Erin and Alek were enmeshed in more than either of them realized. The fact that this is just the opening act for them, that this story was in fact their prelude, was really clever, and in KaSonndra's own words..."The end is only the beginning."
This and other of my reviews can be found at: http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
We hold each other's gazes for a long moment. Normally a man would be wearing my hand print after I slap him for being rude. But something about this guy hits me in a thousand different ways. And I like every single punch I'm receiving. ~Erin LOC 404
Erin comes from a troubled past, with the pain from the loss of her father and sister and the guilt she carries about a terrible choice that she made. She feels like everything she touches with her heart she breaks, so she's walled herself up to avoid it ever happening again. Starting over, with her design career on the rise, the last thing she wanted or needed was a cocky Russian maestro to come barreling into her life. Alek has his own demons that he struggles with, but for the most part he was just trying to figure out why Erin made him feel something no one else ever had. With dual POV, I liked seeing his inner struggles over the young designer and the emotions he wrestled with. Despite his 'former gang-member' status, he wasn't alpha-male domineering, but I chalked that up to the way his overbearing mother groomed him and his sister to be so different from their violent father. He was definitely a sexy Russian playboy, so there was little doubt he'd win over Erin before long!
The road to reach the impossible has been paved. And I don't want anybody else to travel down it with me but the woman lying beside me right now. ~Alek LOC 2672
Erin and Alek were of course hot for each other from the get-go, but with her refusal to let anyone in, they weren't getting far. Alek saw something he wanted and was not about to let it slip through his fingers, and I was relieved to see Erin blossoming as he wormed his way into her life and heart. He really challenges her and brings out her inner vixen, and they were really sexy together once she stopped keeping him at arms length! As Alek's past came back to haunt them, there were secrets and danger at every turn that tore them apart, and for good reason. I was angry at Alek for keeping what he knew to himself, and I expect he'd have had more of a reaction given how incredible of a "it's a small world" situation they were in. But I'm also a believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason, so the fact that Erin and Alek were brought together after all was said and done was a neat twist-of-fate storyline.
This story had a little bit of everything; from lovers of the arts to those who prefer suspense and action, there's something for everyone as Erin and Alek were enmeshed in more than either of them realized. The fact that this is just the opening act for them, that this story was in fact their prelude, was really clever, and in KaSonndra's own words..."The end is only the beginning."
This and other of my reviews can be found at: http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
April 1, 2013
Omg omg omg review to come I need to collect my thoughts lol
Ok firstly I would love to thank my friend and awesome author KaSonndra Leigh for giving me the honor of being a BETA reader for this amazing book.
I have read all of Kas's books and loved them all but I must say this is by far my favorite. She is the type of writer that will succeed in any genre she writes and this book is proof as it is very different from the others.
From the start I was drawn in, it starts off with a tragic accident that changes everything for Erin, after this tragedy she promises never to give her heart away again. Then it moves on to 5 years later and Erin is one of the youngest most successful American boutique co-owners in Milan. She is stronger and wiser. I loved Erin she is such a strong character that keeps her emotions in check and she never allows herself to cry, and most of all she does not let anyone in her heart. . And the. She meets Alek and she allows the one thing she feared the most to happen she allowed someone in her heart. She even has little names for her thoughts " Reckless me and Righteous me" I loved this
In comes Alek mmmm what can about hot steamy " Maestro" , but dammmmmm lol HE HAD ME ALL HOT AND BOTHERED especially with the damm kiss lol . Maestro means teacher in Spanish and let me say he teaches Erin a thing or two from matters of the heart to matters of the mind to matters in the bedroom , but here is not to say that Erin doesnt teach him a thing or too cus she does both of them never expected each other they were both closed off to any kind of relationship lol.
Both Erin and Alek have there own dark secrets that keeps them at bay, this story really was an emotional and hot roller coaster ride that I enjoyed every second of. Will there secrets tear them apart? will Erin finally give her heart to someone? KaS really draws you into this story, when Erin feels heart broken you feel it, when Alek is angry you feel it. You really do feel like you are right there seeing it all.
Apart from Alek and Erin, there was so many great characters like Luca and Adriana (yay me lol). And I loved my namesake if I do say so myself lol. Then there is the character I had a love hate relationship with Katerina -Alek's mum. All I can say about her is damm I hated her then I felt sorry for her then I hated her then I liked her lol but I'm the end she warmed to me.
This book had hot romance, heartbreak, sexual tension, action, it had it all even a little bit of comedy lol. It had me wanting more with every turn of the page. I also loved that it was both in Erin's and Alek's POV.
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE :) YOU WILL LOVE IT AS MUCH AS I DID.
FAV QUOTES
I'll add a few more later when the book comes out lol
"Let me tell you I'm not an OMG girl, but damm"
"I told you before its Alek Dostov that name is easier on the less acrobatic tongue"
Ok firstly I would love to thank my friend and awesome author KaSonndra Leigh for giving me the honor of being a BETA reader for this amazing book.
I have read all of Kas's books and loved them all but I must say this is by far my favorite. She is the type of writer that will succeed in any genre she writes and this book is proof as it is very different from the others.
From the start I was drawn in, it starts off with a tragic accident that changes everything for Erin, after this tragedy she promises never to give her heart away again. Then it moves on to 5 years later and Erin is one of the youngest most successful American boutique co-owners in Milan. She is stronger and wiser. I loved Erin she is such a strong character that keeps her emotions in check and she never allows herself to cry, and most of all she does not let anyone in her heart. . And the. She meets Alek and she allows the one thing she feared the most to happen she allowed someone in her heart. She even has little names for her thoughts " Reckless me and Righteous me" I loved this
In comes Alek mmmm what can about hot steamy " Maestro" , but dammmmmm lol HE HAD ME ALL HOT AND BOTHERED especially with the damm kiss lol . Maestro means teacher in Spanish and let me say he teaches Erin a thing or two from matters of the heart to matters of the mind to matters in the bedroom , but here is not to say that Erin doesnt teach him a thing or too cus she does both of them never expected each other they were both closed off to any kind of relationship lol.
Both Erin and Alek have there own dark secrets that keeps them at bay, this story really was an emotional and hot roller coaster ride that I enjoyed every second of. Will there secrets tear them apart? will Erin finally give her heart to someone? KaS really draws you into this story, when Erin feels heart broken you feel it, when Alek is angry you feel it. You really do feel like you are right there seeing it all.
Apart from Alek and Erin, there was so many great characters like Luca and Adriana (yay me lol). And I loved my namesake if I do say so myself lol. Then there is the character I had a love hate relationship with Katerina -Alek's mum. All I can say about her is damm I hated her then I felt sorry for her then I hated her then I liked her lol but I'm the end she warmed to me.
This book had hot romance, heartbreak, sexual tension, action, it had it all even a little bit of comedy lol. It had me wanting more with every turn of the page. I also loved that it was both in Erin's and Alek's POV.
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE :) YOU WILL LOVE IT AS MUCH AS I DID.
FAV QUOTES
I'll add a few more later when the book comes out lol
"Let me tell you I'm not an OMG girl, but damm"
"I told you before its Alek Dostov that name is easier on the less acrobatic tongue"
July 5, 2013
Playboys. Bad Boys. Any kind of boy who is bad for your mental health and stability… I love them and love to hate them. On paper, they are my weakness, but I am soooooo glad my “real life” brain is exponentially smarter than my book brain ☺ The promise of a playboy hero had me super-pumped about reading THE PRELUDE.
❝ Will someone tell me where I can find one for myself? The bad girl in me wants to know. But the good girl sits in a corner with her little lips pursed as she shakes her head and taps her foot. Remember what happened the last time you went all foolish in the head over an accent and a pair of ripped abs?❞
Sexy men in pretty little packages, that’s what we are talking about here. Yes, well, if anyone is taking orders, can you find one for me too? Although I am totally down with accents and ripped abs, those are not my thoughts; those are the thoughts of Erin Angelo. In her mind, she can look, but she can’t touch. She has long since wrapped her fragile heart in a protective layer of barbed wire and is determined to avoid future heartbreak at all costs.
Erin’s professional future is looking bright. She has successfully secured a great job as a clothing designer in one of the “big four” fashion capitals of the world, Milan, Italy. Everything in Erin’s life is moving right along perfectly until the very sexy and very mysterious Alek Dostove enters her very “controlled world.” Erin’s senses are on high alert around this man, but sometimes, you just can’t avoid the inevitable.
❝ She has the kind of face that haunts men in our dreams.❞
That’s just a little taste of Alek Dostove’s thoughts about the very guarded new designer, Erin. Not only is she beautiful, but also very talented, smart and just happens to be one of the few women who don’t fall at his feet in adoration. So, like most, Alek sees Erin as the ultimate challenge and of course, this makes her even more appealing.
I really enjoyed the premise of THE PRELUDE – a man who is not only sexy and wealthy, but also musically inclined – this excellent combination makes him prime material for the wet dreams of women all around the world! In the end, sadly, I was a little disappointed with Alek’s character. I was hoping for a little more playboy/bad boy than we were given. Despite my disappointment with Alek’s character, I enjoyed THE PRELUDE and really enjoyed the sassy and strong heroine, Erin especially her subtle humor. Her character really worked for me as a reader. If you are a fan of the “new adult” genre and like romance with a little cat and mouse, then this might be the book you have been looking for!
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
❝ Will someone tell me where I can find one for myself? The bad girl in me wants to know. But the good girl sits in a corner with her little lips pursed as she shakes her head and taps her foot. Remember what happened the last time you went all foolish in the head over an accent and a pair of ripped abs?❞
Sexy men in pretty little packages, that’s what we are talking about here. Yes, well, if anyone is taking orders, can you find one for me too? Although I am totally down with accents and ripped abs, those are not my thoughts; those are the thoughts of Erin Angelo. In her mind, she can look, but she can’t touch. She has long since wrapped her fragile heart in a protective layer of barbed wire and is determined to avoid future heartbreak at all costs.
Erin’s professional future is looking bright. She has successfully secured a great job as a clothing designer in one of the “big four” fashion capitals of the world, Milan, Italy. Everything in Erin’s life is moving right along perfectly until the very sexy and very mysterious Alek Dostove enters her very “controlled world.” Erin’s senses are on high alert around this man, but sometimes, you just can’t avoid the inevitable.
❝ She has the kind of face that haunts men in our dreams.❞
That’s just a little taste of Alek Dostove’s thoughts about the very guarded new designer, Erin. Not only is she beautiful, but also very talented, smart and just happens to be one of the few women who don’t fall at his feet in adoration. So, like most, Alek sees Erin as the ultimate challenge and of course, this makes her even more appealing.
I really enjoyed the premise of THE PRELUDE – a man who is not only sexy and wealthy, but also musically inclined – this excellent combination makes him prime material for the wet dreams of women all around the world! In the end, sadly, I was a little disappointed with Alek’s character. I was hoping for a little more playboy/bad boy than we were given. Despite my disappointment with Alek’s character, I enjoyed THE PRELUDE and really enjoyed the sassy and strong heroine, Erin especially her subtle humor. Her character really worked for me as a reader. If you are a fan of the “new adult” genre and like romance with a little cat and mouse, then this might be the book you have been looking for!
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
i-m-a-quitter
April 1, 2013Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. I think I made it to maybe 25%.
The storyline just wasn't very believable and I really didn't feel any connection to the characters. It was all too over the top.
The story starts with Erin being in high school art class. Her mom shows up with bad news and in the process she loses her boyfriend (who moves). Because of this she swears off love...over a high school boyfriend?!!! Really?!?!
Fast forward 5 years and Erin is 21 and a fashion designer in Milan. There she meets Alek who is the maestro for a group that she is designing outfits for. Alek is a former gang member from Russia. They are attracted to each other. He's a playboy and she doesn't do love.
All of this takes place over the first 25% of the book. I don't know....it just didn't work for me. It wasn't plausible!
Moving on.....
The storyline just wasn't very believable and I really didn't feel any connection to the characters. It was all too over the top.
The story starts with Erin being in high school art class. Her mom shows up with bad news and in the process she loses her boyfriend (who moves). Because of this she swears off love...over a high school boyfriend?!!! Really?!?!
Fast forward 5 years and Erin is 21 and a fashion designer in Milan. There she meets Alek who is the maestro for a group that she is designing outfits for. Alek is a former gang member from Russia. They are attracted to each other. He's a playboy and she doesn't do love.
All of this takes place over the first 25% of the book. I don't know....it just didn't work for me. It wasn't plausible!
Moving on.....
April 1, 2013
In the words of SB....*no comment*
May 2, 2013
First let me start by saying I loved the very first page before the Prologue.
“Sometimes life offers a second chance. Seize it. Own it…Do not be afraid to walk outside of the line.”
I had no expectations for this book. It surprised me. I thought it was going to be so predictable. They were going to meet, think the other is hot, but not want to commit because of issues they each have. Well, it kind-of started out like that, but it became a lot more.
This is one of the first thoughts:
‘Love, I have this to say to you: “You tore open my heart. You made me feel pain when all I wanted to feel was joy. So now, I will remove your power over me. I’ll never kiss anyone r trust in any dream that you can take away from me. I will never believe in you, ever again.”
That was in the prologue and it had me hooked!!! I love when an author can come out that much emotion in the first couple of pages.
I liked the first half, but I loved the second half.
Alek is a playboy. A very rich, attractive and successful maestro. He knows that women want him and are affected by his charm, but he is not a jerk.
A very simple story…hot, successful, rich guy falls for the simple, beautiful girl. She shows little interest in him even though she is finding it very hard to resist him. He, on the other hand, cannot stop thinking about her. There is that game of “hard to get”, but I loved it all. I loved the writing, I loved Alek and I loved Erin.
Did I skim? No
Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes
Pace of the story: Very good. I was not bored.
Positives: The writing, the story, the love. It was predictable, but yet the story kept my attention.
Negatives: The talk about the smell of his cologne got on my nerves and at times turned me off. I am not a big cologne girl. It could have been mentioned once and I would have gotten the idea that the guy smelled good. I am more of a guy has a natural manly smell to him. HA.
Do I recommend? Yes.
Side Note: I hope there was an epilogue. Is there going to be a sequel? It just kind of ended with “THE END IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.” If there is going to be a sequel, I would like the ex-boyfriend, Sam, to come back and I would like to know if he really did regret his decision.
I want more Erin and Alek!!!I have a feeling that the sequel will not be about them. :(
Book Format Read: Thank you to the author through NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Sometimes life offers a second chance. Seize it. Own it…Do not be afraid to walk outside of the line.”
I had no expectations for this book. It surprised me. I thought it was going to be so predictable. They were going to meet, think the other is hot, but not want to commit because of issues they each have. Well, it kind-of started out like that, but it became a lot more.
This is one of the first thoughts:
‘Love, I have this to say to you: “You tore open my heart. You made me feel pain when all I wanted to feel was joy. So now, I will remove your power over me. I’ll never kiss anyone r trust in any dream that you can take away from me. I will never believe in you, ever again.”
That was in the prologue and it had me hooked!!! I love when an author can come out that much emotion in the first couple of pages.
I liked the first half, but I loved the second half.
Alek is a playboy. A very rich, attractive and successful maestro. He knows that women want him and are affected by his charm, but he is not a jerk.
A very simple story…hot, successful, rich guy falls for the simple, beautiful girl. She shows little interest in him even though she is finding it very hard to resist him. He, on the other hand, cannot stop thinking about her. There is that game of “hard to get”, but I loved it all. I loved the writing, I loved Alek and I loved Erin.
Did I skim? No
Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes
Pace of the story: Very good. I was not bored.
Positives: The writing, the story, the love. It was predictable, but yet the story kept my attention.
Negatives: The talk about the smell of his cologne got on my nerves and at times turned me off. I am not a big cologne girl. It could have been mentioned once and I would have gotten the idea that the guy smelled good. I am more of a guy has a natural manly smell to him. HA.
Do I recommend? Yes.
Side Note: I hope there was an epilogue. Is there going to be a sequel? It just kind of ended with “THE END IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.” If there is going to be a sequel, I would like the ex-boyfriend, Sam, to come back and I would like to know if he really did regret his decision.
I want more Erin and Alek!!!I have a feeling that the sequel will not be about them. :(
Book Format Read: Thank you to the author through NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2013
3.5 stars!
When I first heard about this book it instantly caught my attention. I felt like I waited forever to finally get this book and I think I build up this book too much with my anticipation. Because while I enjoyed this book, it was really what I thought it would be.
Erin is a very likable character. She's strong, smart and worked hard to get to where she is now. She's been through a lot and doesn't trust easily. She's completely closed herself off from love and puts all her energy into her designs. But then she meets Alek and well...things aren't the same.
Both Erin and Alek have secrets, a past and things they don't want to share. I was surprised by some of the things that have happened in their lives, especially with Alek. In a way they need each other and they both bring out the best in each other.
The writing style felt different to me. Like I can tell that this is the authors first book but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing. I really love how much art played a part in this book. It has singing, dancing, music and pretty much any kind of art you can think of.
I like the Prelude but it's not a favorite for me. I still would recommend this book though;it's the kind of book you read when you're home on a rainy day.
*Received from author in exchange for an honest review.
*This review also appears on my blog World of Books
When I first heard about this book it instantly caught my attention. I felt like I waited forever to finally get this book and I think I build up this book too much with my anticipation. Because while I enjoyed this book, it was really what I thought it would be.
Erin is a very likable character. She's strong, smart and worked hard to get to where she is now. She's been through a lot and doesn't trust easily. She's completely closed herself off from love and puts all her energy into her designs. But then she meets Alek and well...things aren't the same.
Both Erin and Alek have secrets, a past and things they don't want to share. I was surprised by some of the things that have happened in their lives, especially with Alek. In a way they need each other and they both bring out the best in each other.
The writing style felt different to me. Like I can tell that this is the authors first book but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing. I really love how much art played a part in this book. It has singing, dancing, music and pretty much any kind of art you can think of.
I like the Prelude but it's not a favorite for me. I still would recommend this book though;it's the kind of book you read when you're home on a rainy day.
*Received from author in exchange for an honest review.
*This review also appears on my blog World of Books
Want to read
April 20, 2018Request a review copy of this complete series here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]
May 1, 2016
I received a copy via Netgalley for an honest review
From the moment I started reading I was pulled in, the prologue the day Erin's life changed forever, had me in tears in no time. The story continues in Milan five years later at the fashion company she works for, and were she is about to meet her maestro.
From there the struggles, embarrassing moments, hauntings of the past but also the passion starts. And oh man, that passion is the sexiest thing ever! Those scenes are to make you melt in a puddle on the couch.
I love the complexity of the characters, the secrets and pasts that slowly unravel throughout the story. Some of these events, I didn't see coming! The past of Alek is very interesting, turns out his father is not really an honest man.
Find my full review here:
English: http://www.icecoldpassion.com/2013/05...
Nederlands: http://www.ijskoudepassie.com/2013/05...
From the moment I started reading I was pulled in, the prologue the day Erin's life changed forever, had me in tears in no time. The story continues in Milan five years later at the fashion company she works for, and were she is about to meet her maestro.
From there the struggles, embarrassing moments, hauntings of the past but also the passion starts. And oh man, that passion is the sexiest thing ever! Those scenes are to make you melt in a puddle on the couch.
I love the complexity of the characters, the secrets and pasts that slowly unravel throughout the story. Some of these events, I didn't see coming! The past of Alek is very interesting, turns out his father is not really an honest man.
Find my full review here:
English: http://www.icecoldpassion.com/2013/05...
Nederlands: http://www.ijskoudepassie.com/2013/05...
October 7, 2013
Erin is starting her life with a new place, new thoughts on life, new clients, and looking forward to controlling her own life and destiny. Her job takes her to meet Alek who is the maestro of the local Symphony. Alek is the ultimate alpha male, gets what he wants, when he wants and doesn't care what stands in his way. Both of them can feel a draw but Erin tries her best to stay professional but just can't. Neither one wants a relationship, Erin because of her painful past and Alek, because he doesn't want it. Neither wants to give in or lose control.
Some parts of the story were predictable, then some were a little bit swoon worthy. And Alek puzzled me in parts. I wanted him to be more in his character, I craved more out of him. I liked the little bit of surprise here and there that kept the story likeable, and loved that Erin seemed true to herself yet was able to open up.
All in all, a nice short read.
*This honest review was done in exchange for an ARC*
Some parts of the story were predictable, then some were a little bit swoon worthy. And Alek puzzled me in parts. I wanted him to be more in his character, I craved more out of him. I liked the little bit of surprise here and there that kept the story likeable, and loved that Erin seemed true to herself yet was able to open up.
All in all, a nice short read.
*This honest review was done in exchange for an ARC*
May 30, 2013
I am sorry to say this book felt a little flat for me. I saw it on Netgalley ages ago and requested it because the blurb and the cover appealed to me.
I may put this on my re read list because I have seen so many positive reviews and I know sometimes its my mood that can ruin a book for me.
But at the moment, in my current state, this book failed to engage me.
So sorry, I hate giving negative reviews.
I may put this on my re read list because I have seen so many positive reviews and I know sometimes its my mood that can ruin a book for me.
But at the moment, in my current state, this book failed to engage me.
So sorry, I hate giving negative reviews.
May 11, 2017
My casting:
Rate: 3.5 stars.
Rate: 3.5 stars.
March 31, 2013
Taken from my blog post that is part of the Release Day Blitz:
http://gothicangelbookreviews.blogspo...
When I was first asked if I wanted to be part of the Street Team for release day of this book, I was excited to get my hands on the book and dive in. Unfortunately, I had other blog tour commitments that meant I couldn't get to it right away. However, when I picked this book up yesterday, there was no putting it down.
I read the first 76% in one sitting and then finished the rest this morning.
It's taken me a few minutes to compose myself enough to write a review though because I was sat with tears streaming down my face as I got to the end. Well, technically I had tears in my eyes from about 83% I think it was. Why? Read on to find out...
The Prelude is an amazing story, it totally blew me away. Right from the first word on the first page, I was sucked in. There was nowhere for me to go except head first into the pages. From then, I was surrounded by a world of music, art, passion, pleasure and love. But in this world, there was also loss, guilt, heartache and betrayal. This culmination of things made for one of my favourite books of the year, if not that I've EVER read!
Alternating chapters are told from two POV's. One is Erin and the other, Alek. For me, this was a lot of fun. It meant we had insights not only as to one MC, but two. Both of whom are passionate, feisty and stubborn as mules. They both have a love of music and the arts. Theirs is a beautiful, yet tragic tale - they both have obstacles to overcome in their lives before they can see their way to love.
Erin is in Italy, working for Black Butterfly Designs. She co-runs the place with two other people, the delectable Luca and Rafe. She has an assistant called Carla who helps her make her creations come to life after her initial designs on paper. That's right, Erin is a very talented clothing designer. BBD is a small, yet very good design house. They have a possible new contract with a man called Alek Dostov, a prominent maestro. He's a man who knows what he wants and just how to get it.
Erin's designs land BBD the contract, meaning they have to create 6 sets of outfits for an upcoming ballet that Alek is arranging. His friend Nikolai is a dancer and together, they are hoping to pull off the performance of a lifetime, Requiem.
When Erin meets Alek, she's not interested in men. Well, she is, but in a no-strings way, not looking for a relationship. She can't help but think he's very handsome, but still, her interest in him is to remain professional. That doesn't mean to say he doesn't ask her out on a date though. She just keeps refusing him.
There's a reason for Erin's reticence. Her past still haunts her every day. Before she moved to Italy, when she was younger, there was love and happiness in her family until one tragic day, her father and sister are killed in a car accident. After which, Erin made a promise to herself that she would never be happy again, never love again. She would remain stoic, because if she didn't, and she let herself feel, she would be opening herself up to a world of hurt. She believed that she didn't deserve to feel happiness as a result of what happened that day. She said it should have been her in the car that day, not Jada. She thought her sister was meant to go on and become someone, make her mark on the world, not her.
Back to present day and Alek is still pursuing the idea of getting Erin to go on a date with him, but he's not sure why he cares so much. He doesn't normally care about women, he just uses them and tosses them aside. His mother usually sets him up with women with whom a lucrative future could be paved. But there's something different about Erin. She challenges him in a way no-one has done before.
Erin finally agrees to go on a date with him, for the sake of appearance. She doesn't want to lose the design contract for BBD. But more than that, she actually likes Alek. she won't admit it, not even to herself, but she does.
What ensues from here is a beautifully told story of how Erin and Alek both must face their demons and overcome many obstacles set on their path. Erin must come to terms with what happened in the past not being her fault, and Alek must learn what it's like to truly woo a woman - he needs to win her affection, and ultimately her heart.
They say the path to true love never runs smooth, well that is certainly true in this case. I heard something once, and it holds true in this instance; Ad Astra Per Aspera - A Rough Road Leads To The Stars.
This is a story laced with many emotions. The layers of the story are complex and at times, I wanted to reach in and smack Erin upside the head. But the fact is, she needed to come to terms with things in her own time and her own way. Whether she will always carry these demons around with her or whether she will let herself truly live and be free, is up to her.
We meet some amazing characters in this story, as well as some not so great. We even meet one or two who aren't all they make us believe they are. But obviously, I can't tell you who - you need to read The Prelude and find out for yourself.
KaSonndra Leigh is a very talented author who builds an amazing story, one in which I became quickly immersed. She paints the most vivid picture with her words and you can't help but truly lose yourself.
Erin and Alek are both very similar in their ways, even though they don't know it at first. Or is it that they just won't admit it?
I must admit, this is one emotional journey from the moment it begins and it only builds and gets more emotional along the way. When I reached around 83% I began to cry and I didn't stop until long after I had read the final word on the very last page.
I really hope that this is a series that will continue for a long time because I want to learn more about the secondary characters as well as read more about Erin and Alek. Maybe we'll get a book from Luca and Adriana's POV's? I truly don't know what the future holds for the characters within these pages but I know one thing, the road ahead won't be an easy one. But they do say, if something is easy then it isn't worth doing!
http://gothicangelbookreviews.blogspo...
When I was first asked if I wanted to be part of the Street Team for release day of this book, I was excited to get my hands on the book and dive in. Unfortunately, I had other blog tour commitments that meant I couldn't get to it right away. However, when I picked this book up yesterday, there was no putting it down.
I read the first 76% in one sitting and then finished the rest this morning.
It's taken me a few minutes to compose myself enough to write a review though because I was sat with tears streaming down my face as I got to the end. Well, technically I had tears in my eyes from about 83% I think it was. Why? Read on to find out...
The Prelude is an amazing story, it totally blew me away. Right from the first word on the first page, I was sucked in. There was nowhere for me to go except head first into the pages. From then, I was surrounded by a world of music, art, passion, pleasure and love. But in this world, there was also loss, guilt, heartache and betrayal. This culmination of things made for one of my favourite books of the year, if not that I've EVER read!
Alternating chapters are told from two POV's. One is Erin and the other, Alek. For me, this was a lot of fun. It meant we had insights not only as to one MC, but two. Both of whom are passionate, feisty and stubborn as mules. They both have a love of music and the arts. Theirs is a beautiful, yet tragic tale - they both have obstacles to overcome in their lives before they can see their way to love.
Erin is in Italy, working for Black Butterfly Designs. She co-runs the place with two other people, the delectable Luca and Rafe. She has an assistant called Carla who helps her make her creations come to life after her initial designs on paper. That's right, Erin is a very talented clothing designer. BBD is a small, yet very good design house. They have a possible new contract with a man called Alek Dostov, a prominent maestro. He's a man who knows what he wants and just how to get it.
Erin's designs land BBD the contract, meaning they have to create 6 sets of outfits for an upcoming ballet that Alek is arranging. His friend Nikolai is a dancer and together, they are hoping to pull off the performance of a lifetime, Requiem.
When Erin meets Alek, she's not interested in men. Well, she is, but in a no-strings way, not looking for a relationship. She can't help but think he's very handsome, but still, her interest in him is to remain professional. That doesn't mean to say he doesn't ask her out on a date though. She just keeps refusing him.
There's a reason for Erin's reticence. Her past still haunts her every day. Before she moved to Italy, when she was younger, there was love and happiness in her family until one tragic day, her father and sister are killed in a car accident. After which, Erin made a promise to herself that she would never be happy again, never love again. She would remain stoic, because if she didn't, and she let herself feel, she would be opening herself up to a world of hurt. She believed that she didn't deserve to feel happiness as a result of what happened that day. She said it should have been her in the car that day, not Jada. She thought her sister was meant to go on and become someone, make her mark on the world, not her.
Back to present day and Alek is still pursuing the idea of getting Erin to go on a date with him, but he's not sure why he cares so much. He doesn't normally care about women, he just uses them and tosses them aside. His mother usually sets him up with women with whom a lucrative future could be paved. But there's something different about Erin. She challenges him in a way no-one has done before.
Erin finally agrees to go on a date with him, for the sake of appearance. She doesn't want to lose the design contract for BBD. But more than that, she actually likes Alek. she won't admit it, not even to herself, but she does.
What ensues from here is a beautifully told story of how Erin and Alek both must face their demons and overcome many obstacles set on their path. Erin must come to terms with what happened in the past not being her fault, and Alek must learn what it's like to truly woo a woman - he needs to win her affection, and ultimately her heart.
They say the path to true love never runs smooth, well that is certainly true in this case. I heard something once, and it holds true in this instance; Ad Astra Per Aspera - A Rough Road Leads To The Stars.
This is a story laced with many emotions. The layers of the story are complex and at times, I wanted to reach in and smack Erin upside the head. But the fact is, she needed to come to terms with things in her own time and her own way. Whether she will always carry these demons around with her or whether she will let herself truly live and be free, is up to her.
We meet some amazing characters in this story, as well as some not so great. We even meet one or two who aren't all they make us believe they are. But obviously, I can't tell you who - you need to read The Prelude and find out for yourself.
KaSonndra Leigh is a very talented author who builds an amazing story, one in which I became quickly immersed. She paints the most vivid picture with her words and you can't help but truly lose yourself.
Erin and Alek are both very similar in their ways, even though they don't know it at first. Or is it that they just won't admit it?
I must admit, this is one emotional journey from the moment it begins and it only builds and gets more emotional along the way. When I reached around 83% I began to cry and I didn't stop until long after I had read the final word on the very last page.
I really hope that this is a series that will continue for a long time because I want to learn more about the secondary characters as well as read more about Erin and Alek. Maybe we'll get a book from Luca and Adriana's POV's? I truly don't know what the future holds for the characters within these pages but I know one thing, the road ahead won't be an easy one. But they do say, if something is easy then it isn't worth doing!
January 2, 2014
Love-Love-Freaking-Loved it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Right off the bat it grabbed me and held on tight all the way through to the end.
I run through a mental list of my power-woman qualities. Bad ass attitude? Check. Woman who knows that her designs rock? Check. Confidence at the moment? Needs improving.
The beginning began and by the second page I was teary. Erin'slife at only 16 had just been shaken up in the very worst way. She lost her best friend, sister and life accomplice. Fast forward 5 years and she's a fashion designer in Milan who avoids relationships like the plague, has a phony yoga therapist person and stumbles through life the best she can while protecting her heart.
I walk through my door and let all of the pretense, aka Miss Control USA, go flying out the window. I hop right up in the middle of my living room floor and start doing my hot damn dance.
Enter smokin hot, dayum fine Alek. The half Russian, half American swinging Maestro. He's so fine he causes an asthma attack. LOL! Their meetings do not go as planned and he can't put her out of his mind and vows to get to know her better. Boy oh boy, he's got his work cut out for him with this hilarious, talented, feisty, sarcastic & stubborn young woman who promised herself never to allow another person onto her heart.
I'm proud of myself. I did something I've never done with a woman before. I played the gentleman card, something a nice guy would do, something that's foreign to me. I even handed over my jacket to cover her body. ~ ummm, that was after he knocked her over, she lost her robe and he got a good look at her gumdrops! Hahaha
There is so much to love about this book. The dual pov's, the chemistry oozing from the pages, the costume & production details, the mother inquisition, Reckless & Righteous, Adriana & Luca, the Rose-Dewitt from Titanic scenes, and oh the logo painting (!!!!!!!) & sexy times. Oh baby. I need a fan. Or something... Ms Leigh can write good, nay, great sex. Phwoarrrrrrrrr. Rawwrrrrrrrr.
"Let me kiss you, Ms Angelo. I want to give you a tiny hint of what we can be together," he mutters and lowers his lips to my neck before I can say anything.
"I told you, I don't do the kissing on the lips thing so well," I answer, my breaths increasing.
"You have two sets of lips, yes?" He whispers in my ear, the heat of his breath firing through me. The thought behind his words making me wet at once. ~ HOT DAMNNNNNNNNN
Both Erin & Alek are both very broken in different ways and have major skeletons in their closets that we know will make for bumpy sailing, but Ms Leigh is so perfectly subtle about it, that you can't peel your imagination away from the beautiful, complex relationships unfolding to worry about the impending revelations.
"Do you enjoy sex, Erin? If not, then you shouldn't be trying to snag my son. It'll never last."
I think I'll just lay down, die and get this batshit insane moment over with now.
...Somehow, I find my voice in all this craziness. "Yes I-I enjoy sex very much. It's a favorite past time of mine, actually. Do you enjoy sex, Signora Dostov?" I have no idea at what point and time in my life had I grown such large balls.
I laughed more times than I could count. And I cried. Boy did I ever. The past is a bitch and even though they didn't want to share their secrets and just stick to an arrangement between 2 horny people, the past has a way of coming back, haunting you and shoving your worst nightmares down your throat.
"Don't you know by now, that I'd die without you?
I devoured each page, watching each of the characters evolve and let down their walls bit by bit, but I still have so many questions left unanswered, I'm hoping there's more to come. Surely? Well done Ms Leigh, this book is joint my 6 stars shelf!
He reaches out for me. I run to him. Yeah, yeah, I'm super horny in this dream. That's what happens when you read romance novels and draw pictures of sexy Maestros before you go to sleep. ~ Ahhhhh so it's the romance novels that lead to hot dream sex. Thanks for the tip Erin :)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Right off the bat it grabbed me and held on tight all the way through to the end.
I run through a mental list of my power-woman qualities. Bad ass attitude? Check. Woman who knows that her designs rock? Check. Confidence at the moment? Needs improving.
The beginning began and by the second page I was teary. Erin'slife at only 16 had just been shaken up in the very worst way. She lost her best friend, sister and life accomplice. Fast forward 5 years and she's a fashion designer in Milan who avoids relationships like the plague, has a phony yoga therapist person and stumbles through life the best she can while protecting her heart.
I walk through my door and let all of the pretense, aka Miss Control USA, go flying out the window. I hop right up in the middle of my living room floor and start doing my hot damn dance.
Enter smokin hot, dayum fine Alek. The half Russian, half American swinging Maestro. He's so fine he causes an asthma attack. LOL! Their meetings do not go as planned and he can't put her out of his mind and vows to get to know her better. Boy oh boy, he's got his work cut out for him with this hilarious, talented, feisty, sarcastic & stubborn young woman who promised herself never to allow another person onto her heart.
I'm proud of myself. I did something I've never done with a woman before. I played the gentleman card, something a nice guy would do, something that's foreign to me. I even handed over my jacket to cover her body. ~ ummm, that was after he knocked her over, she lost her robe and he got a good look at her gumdrops! Hahaha
There is so much to love about this book. The dual pov's, the chemistry oozing from the pages, the costume & production details, the mother inquisition, Reckless & Righteous, Adriana & Luca, the Rose-Dewitt from Titanic scenes, and oh the logo painting (!!!!!!!) & sexy times. Oh baby. I need a fan. Or something... Ms Leigh can write good, nay, great sex. Phwoarrrrrrrrr. Rawwrrrrrrrr.
"Let me kiss you, Ms Angelo. I want to give you a tiny hint of what we can be together," he mutters and lowers his lips to my neck before I can say anything.
"I told you, I don't do the kissing on the lips thing so well," I answer, my breaths increasing.
"You have two sets of lips, yes?" He whispers in my ear, the heat of his breath firing through me. The thought behind his words making me wet at once. ~ HOT DAMNNNNNNNNN
Both Erin & Alek are both very broken in different ways and have major skeletons in their closets that we know will make for bumpy sailing, but Ms Leigh is so perfectly subtle about it, that you can't peel your imagination away from the beautiful, complex relationships unfolding to worry about the impending revelations.
"Do you enjoy sex, Erin? If not, then you shouldn't be trying to snag my son. It'll never last."
I think I'll just lay down, die and get this batshit insane moment over with now.
...Somehow, I find my voice in all this craziness. "Yes I-I enjoy sex very much. It's a favorite past time of mine, actually. Do you enjoy sex, Signora Dostov?" I have no idea at what point and time in my life had I grown such large balls.
I laughed more times than I could count. And I cried. Boy did I ever. The past is a bitch and even though they didn't want to share their secrets and just stick to an arrangement between 2 horny people, the past has a way of coming back, haunting you and shoving your worst nightmares down your throat.
"Don't you know by now, that I'd die without you?
I devoured each page, watching each of the characters evolve and let down their walls bit by bit, but I still have so many questions left unanswered, I'm hoping there's more to come. Surely? Well done Ms Leigh, this book is joint my 6 stars shelf!
He reaches out for me. I run to him. Yeah, yeah, I'm super horny in this dream. That's what happens when you read romance novels and draw pictures of sexy Maestros before you go to sleep. ~ Ahhhhh so it's the romance novels that lead to hot dream sex. Thanks for the tip Erin :)
April 16, 2013
“The Prelude is the part of a song that pulls you in, hypnotizing you with beauty. The beginning of a song hooks people inside its spell and never lets the person go until the last note trickles through their mind.”
Consider that description and that’s exactly how I would describe my experience when I was reading this captivating book! The Prelude by KaSonndra Leigh was both beautiful and mystically intriguing. I was quickly drawn into the novel because of the cast and found myself eagerly journeying along-side Erin and Alek as their story unfolded. Enjoyable and worth my attention!
In this book, we get to meet Erin Angelo who at the age of sixteen lost her father and sister to a horrible car accident. Five years later, she finds herself in Italy designing clothes for Black Butterfly and at the cusp of seeing her design line make a powerful debut. Despite how far she’s come in life, Erin has never been able to let go of the pain from her past and the guilt she assumes from her family’s death. When she suddenly finds herself battling the intense emotions she experiences when she collides with Alekandr Dostov, the maestro who has commissioned her shop to design the costumes for his musical ballet production, Erin must not only face her demons but also come to the realization that she can’t continue to keep people at a distance. As their lives begin to unfold and their past starts to unveil, there are twists and turns in their story that begin to merge as Alek and Erin find themselves connected in a way that can either be seen as fate for misfortune.
Overall, I must say that I loved Alek and Erin’s story! There was so much about these two characters to experience, that as each page unfolded, I found myself eager to uncover the next chapter of their lives. There were both perfect yet toxic for each other, but that only fueled the fire between them. The chemistry was off the charts, but not without its ample serving of sensitivity and desire. It was difficult to see Erin struggle with her emotions and attempt to suppress what she felt for Alek. However, I loved his tender approach with her and constant pull to draw her into his life.
“Once you find the courage to open yourself up to something you’ve always believed to be forbidden, then you never want to let go.” ~Erin
I enjoyed witnessing the growth both Erin and Alek displayed throughout the novel. There was so much Alek was able to share with Erin that helped her come to terms with parts of her past. But most importantly, it was great to see how he taught her to see the value in her worth as a person.
“Don’t ever doubt yourself, Erin Angelo. Always remember there are no amount of digits to cover your self-worth.” ~Alek
When their relationship hit some pretty harsh obstacles, Erin took some extremely hard dives, but to see her pick herself up and attempt to move forward was inspiring. I adored Alek’s approach and response to those that tried to keep them apart. They both worked hard to not only fulfill their career aspirations, but build a life for each other.
“Dreams are fickle, Erin. Sometimes we miss out on those and can shrug them off. But getting another chance to something right in your life after you’ve tried, and still done it wrong so many times before, now that kind of thing only happens for a few of us.” ~Alek
In addition, the setting of the novel was absolutely enchanting and I found myself drawn to the story telling as I fell deeper into their world of music, ballet, costumes and production settings. It was unique in its own right and truly a different experience from the books I’ve come across as of late.
Overall, I have to say KaSonndra Leigh produced a respectable masterpiece and she deserves to take a bow. I was enchanted with her characters and her story. I’d love to see an encore… well done.
Consider that description and that’s exactly how I would describe my experience when I was reading this captivating book! The Prelude by KaSonndra Leigh was both beautiful and mystically intriguing. I was quickly drawn into the novel because of the cast and found myself eagerly journeying along-side Erin and Alek as their story unfolded. Enjoyable and worth my attention!
In this book, we get to meet Erin Angelo who at the age of sixteen lost her father and sister to a horrible car accident. Five years later, she finds herself in Italy designing clothes for Black Butterfly and at the cusp of seeing her design line make a powerful debut. Despite how far she’s come in life, Erin has never been able to let go of the pain from her past and the guilt she assumes from her family’s death. When she suddenly finds herself battling the intense emotions she experiences when she collides with Alekandr Dostov, the maestro who has commissioned her shop to design the costumes for his musical ballet production, Erin must not only face her demons but also come to the realization that she can’t continue to keep people at a distance. As their lives begin to unfold and their past starts to unveil, there are twists and turns in their story that begin to merge as Alek and Erin find themselves connected in a way that can either be seen as fate for misfortune.
Overall, I must say that I loved Alek and Erin’s story! There was so much about these two characters to experience, that as each page unfolded, I found myself eager to uncover the next chapter of their lives. There were both perfect yet toxic for each other, but that only fueled the fire between them. The chemistry was off the charts, but not without its ample serving of sensitivity and desire. It was difficult to see Erin struggle with her emotions and attempt to suppress what she felt for Alek. However, I loved his tender approach with her and constant pull to draw her into his life.
“Once you find the courage to open yourself up to something you’ve always believed to be forbidden, then you never want to let go.” ~Erin
I enjoyed witnessing the growth both Erin and Alek displayed throughout the novel. There was so much Alek was able to share with Erin that helped her come to terms with parts of her past. But most importantly, it was great to see how he taught her to see the value in her worth as a person.
“Don’t ever doubt yourself, Erin Angelo. Always remember there are no amount of digits to cover your self-worth.” ~Alek
When their relationship hit some pretty harsh obstacles, Erin took some extremely hard dives, but to see her pick herself up and attempt to move forward was inspiring. I adored Alek’s approach and response to those that tried to keep them apart. They both worked hard to not only fulfill their career aspirations, but build a life for each other.
“Dreams are fickle, Erin. Sometimes we miss out on those and can shrug them off. But getting another chance to something right in your life after you’ve tried, and still done it wrong so many times before, now that kind of thing only happens for a few of us.” ~Alek
In addition, the setting of the novel was absolutely enchanting and I found myself drawn to the story telling as I fell deeper into their world of music, ballet, costumes and production settings. It was unique in its own right and truly a different experience from the books I’ve come across as of late.
Overall, I have to say KaSonndra Leigh produced a respectable masterpiece and she deserves to take a bow. I was enchanted with her characters and her story. I’d love to see an encore… well done.
March 24, 2015
KaSonndra Leigh, you never cease to amaze but you do surprise me always. You really do freaking rock and this book is just another testament at how gifted you are in telling a story. You continue to challenge yourself and push through any battles within, and it all pays off in the end by the outstanding delivery on the page!
I would love to thank the amazing and beautiful, and very talented, KaSonndra Leigh, for not only being a wonderful friend and confident, but also for asking me to be one of her BETA readers again. I am honoured and privileged every time. I have read every single thing that Ka has written and I am astounded at how she can adapt to any genre. Words, really cannot express how proud I am of her and her brilliant ability to write a story that will captivate you and reach out to you in the most tender way.
The Prelude is a story about letting the past go and learning to love and trust. Casting out those demons that cling to the soul and allowing the light to shine on in and learning to live again. This all takes place in the most gorgeous and romantic backdrop of Italy, and is cloaked in the delicate sounds of an orchestra, being led by the enigmatic Maestro. Is this heartbreakingly romantic or what?!
Erin Angelo had it all. The perfect life, surrounded by the perfect family and on the verge of fulfilling her musical ambitions and dreams of attending a prestigious school, when tragedy strikes! Her life would never be the same again. Five years later, she is living in Milan, Italy and is an up and coming designer who is being commissioned to create a line for the director of the local symphony. Little does she know that this director is one of the youngest Maestro's around.
Alek Dostov is a man who gets what he wants, whenever he wants and whomever he wants. And he wants Erin! Talk about RAWR! This man had me swooning left, right and centre. His sexy Russian accent, those alluring and intoxicating eyes, and the things he could do with his ahem...better not say ;) Let's just say that there was some very hot and steamy scenes in this book that required me to dowse myself in a tub full of ice! But, there is another side of Alek, a past that he has been trying desperately to escape, which would eventually come back to shake not only his world, but that of Erin's too.
These two are damaged goods and have some issues that they can't handle at best, so they strike up a relationship that benefits them both. And, before they both know it, their relationship changes and they find themselves trying to come to terms with everything. With themselves as a unit and individually. It was a beautiful thing to read and I couldn't put it down. I needed to know what was going to happen to Erin and Alek, and bugger if sleep was going to get in my way of finding out LOL.
Captivating, riveting, suspenseful, dramatic, romantic, lustful, intoxicating, passionate, utterly sinful and deliciously delectable. This book has you feeling all kinds of emotions, you want to wrap it up in a nice little bundle and keep it tucked in your arms forever. I absolutely love this book and I hope you take the chance and read this book. I'm positive you will find what you need from this story that not only captures your heart but stay with you always. Thank you, KaSonndra Leigh! You did it again!!
I would love to thank the amazing and beautiful, and very talented, KaSonndra Leigh, for not only being a wonderful friend and confident, but also for asking me to be one of her BETA readers again. I am honoured and privileged every time. I have read every single thing that Ka has written and I am astounded at how she can adapt to any genre. Words, really cannot express how proud I am of her and her brilliant ability to write a story that will captivate you and reach out to you in the most tender way.
The Prelude is a story about letting the past go and learning to love and trust. Casting out those demons that cling to the soul and allowing the light to shine on in and learning to live again. This all takes place in the most gorgeous and romantic backdrop of Italy, and is cloaked in the delicate sounds of an orchestra, being led by the enigmatic Maestro. Is this heartbreakingly romantic or what?!
Erin Angelo had it all. The perfect life, surrounded by the perfect family and on the verge of fulfilling her musical ambitions and dreams of attending a prestigious school, when tragedy strikes! Her life would never be the same again. Five years later, she is living in Milan, Italy and is an up and coming designer who is being commissioned to create a line for the director of the local symphony. Little does she know that this director is one of the youngest Maestro's around.
Alek Dostov is a man who gets what he wants, whenever he wants and whomever he wants. And he wants Erin! Talk about RAWR! This man had me swooning left, right and centre. His sexy Russian accent, those alluring and intoxicating eyes, and the things he could do with his ahem...better not say ;) Let's just say that there was some very hot and steamy scenes in this book that required me to dowse myself in a tub full of ice! But, there is another side of Alek, a past that he has been trying desperately to escape, which would eventually come back to shake not only his world, but that of Erin's too.
These two are damaged goods and have some issues that they can't handle at best, so they strike up a relationship that benefits them both. And, before they both know it, their relationship changes and they find themselves trying to come to terms with everything. With themselves as a unit and individually. It was a beautiful thing to read and I couldn't put it down. I needed to know what was going to happen to Erin and Alek, and bugger if sleep was going to get in my way of finding out LOL.
Captivating, riveting, suspenseful, dramatic, romantic, lustful, intoxicating, passionate, utterly sinful and deliciously delectable. This book has you feeling all kinds of emotions, you want to wrap it up in a nice little bundle and keep it tucked in your arms forever. I absolutely love this book and I hope you take the chance and read this book. I'm positive you will find what you need from this story that not only captures your heart but stay with you always. Thank you, KaSonndra Leigh! You did it again!!
April 5, 2013
PRELUDE: The beginning of a song that hooks people inside its spell and never lets the person go until the last note trickles through their mind. Its is the part of the song that pulls you in, hypnotizing you with it's beauty.
Music and Fashion.
Love, Passion and Betrayal.
Action, Surprises and Mysteries.
I'm hooked in many different ways.
The Prelude was an okay read for me. I did enjoy reading it I was just left confused on some parts.
Milan, Italy - who wouldn’t want to be there and experience all the glitz and glamour that city offers. That setting for the story really did sell well for me but I would find it much better if the city was more explored.
Erin has lost everything that she loved - her parents and her sister and the first guy she ever let into her heart. From then on she keeps her heart in check and refuses to let anyone in. She's a very strong and determined woman and is stronger and wiser.
She continually has this continuous flow of thoughts and called it Reckless Me and Righteous Me - I didn’t like it for some uncertain reason it annoys me.
Alek Dostov – I honestly didn’t like his domineering and controlling and Christian Grey-ish attitude. I get that he's the hot maestro and he always gets what he wants – but for some certain reasons those traits from him didn’t work with me. But I do admire how he respect Erin's decisions about their relationship and take things slow and gentle.
These two both have their own dark secrets; Secrets that would take them apart and broke their hearts. This is where that predictable stuff came – I have a hunch over the twist and I did get it right. ;)
Erin and Alek's connection - I see a spark but I don’t think it ignited and shined so brightly. Their connection is there but it lacks something.
I’m also a bit loss for the additional Mafia aka Erin’s life coach addition to the story. It has its own structure but I don’t think it quite blended well on the story I think its good but it seems to be too forced.
The Prelude is a story about letting go of the ghost of the past, trusting and learning again to love. It was okay and reading this went well for me. :)
*Advanced copy kindly provided for review*
*Blog Tour deets posted at Reads and Thoughts.
April 5, 2013
Everyone knows that it's hard to make me melt.
I'm not the first person who is going to say "awwwwwww"
But sometimes I even surprise myself.
"The Prelude" was one of those books that surprised me. I wasn't expecting to get so drawn into the story. I seriously didn't think I would be wanting a yellow dress. And there is no way that I thought that I would be lusting after a Russian maestro.... but I did!!!
"The Prelude" is KaSonndra Leigh's first contemporary romance. She is widely known for her "Lost Immortals" dystopian series and I was quite impressed with her ease at changing genres. That can be a hard thing to do!
Now, there is some Brown Chicken Brown Cow action in this book but it's on a NA level which made me quite happy.
My favorite character in the book was Adriana. While everyone had their tragic stories that make up most of the NA world, Adriana was the little ball of sunshine that I felt was needed in the story. She made me laugh and smile.
Erin and Alek are the main characters of "The Prelude". Told in alternating points of view you get a chance to get inside each one's head so that you can understand their story better.
And what's even neater is this book is interactive!! IF you go to The Prelude Pinterest page you can visualize everything in this book. I thought that was really clever.
http://pinterest.com/alestasia/the-pr...
Full of music, song, and dance this is a great book to sip some wine to.... unless you don't drink like me then it's totes awesome to chug down a Dr. Pepper while your turtle huddles in your coat pocket.
I look forward to more stories like this.
Good job Kay!!
*arc was given to me for an honest review*
Visit KaSonndra Leigh on Facebook:
NA - www.facebook.com/KaSonndraLeighBooksPage
YA - www.facebook.com/KaSonndraLeighBooks
I'm not the first person who is going to say "awwwwwww"
But sometimes I even surprise myself.
"The Prelude" was one of those books that surprised me. I wasn't expecting to get so drawn into the story. I seriously didn't think I would be wanting a yellow dress. And there is no way that I thought that I would be lusting after a Russian maestro.... but I did!!!
"The Prelude" is KaSonndra Leigh's first contemporary romance. She is widely known for her "Lost Immortals" dystopian series and I was quite impressed with her ease at changing genres. That can be a hard thing to do!
Now, there is some Brown Chicken Brown Cow action in this book but it's on a NA level which made me quite happy.
My favorite character in the book was Adriana. While everyone had their tragic stories that make up most of the NA world, Adriana was the little ball of sunshine that I felt was needed in the story. She made me laugh and smile.
Erin and Alek are the main characters of "The Prelude". Told in alternating points of view you get a chance to get inside each one's head so that you can understand their story better.
And what's even neater is this book is interactive!! IF you go to The Prelude Pinterest page you can visualize everything in this book. I thought that was really clever.
http://pinterest.com/alestasia/the-pr...
Full of music, song, and dance this is a great book to sip some wine to.... unless you don't drink like me then it's totes awesome to chug down a Dr. Pepper while your turtle huddles in your coat pocket.
I look forward to more stories like this.
Good job Kay!!
*arc was given to me for an honest review*
Visit KaSonndra Leigh on Facebook:
NA - www.facebook.com/KaSonndraLeighBooksPage
YA - www.facebook.com/KaSonndraLeighBooks
April 19, 2013
This book was part of a blog tour I received a copy for my honest review
Erin was hired to do the costumes for Alek new production, it's her first big job and while she is excited she is also nervous. She left her home in the states after a tragic accident and has avoided any real relationships. Alek is the talented, hot playboy with a dark past of his own, the two of them start a passionate affair that goes farther than either one of them thought it would. This book was good, it had me hooked from the first chapter and I couldn't put it down till I finished the whole thing. Erin was a slightly frustrating character for me, I wanted her to be more confident in herself, I did like the changes she made throughout the book. Alek made me want to give him a hug, he seemed so broken and he hid it behind a sophisticated mask. Aleks mother was a a huge bitch, I don't think she was doing what was best for her kids, she was just a selfish hag. The story was filled with twist and turns that I kinda saw coming, betrayals, lust and violence all mixed together to form a sweet love story. The love scene were sometimes sweet and other times they were intense and darkly erotic. The Prelude had me running the gauntlet of emotions from frustration, to hope, anger, back to hope, sadness, shock and finally happiness. This isn't a lighthearted read, it's filled with deep emotions and engaging characters that have you either loving them or hating them. This is the first book I have read from this author and it didn't disappoint I am definitely going to be checking out the rest of her book.
Erin was hired to do the costumes for Alek new production, it's her first big job and while she is excited she is also nervous. She left her home in the states after a tragic accident and has avoided any real relationships. Alek is the talented, hot playboy with a dark past of his own, the two of them start a passionate affair that goes farther than either one of them thought it would. This book was good, it had me hooked from the first chapter and I couldn't put it down till I finished the whole thing. Erin was a slightly frustrating character for me, I wanted her to be more confident in herself, I did like the changes she made throughout the book. Alek made me want to give him a hug, he seemed so broken and he hid it behind a sophisticated mask. Aleks mother was a a huge bitch, I don't think she was doing what was best for her kids, she was just a selfish hag. The story was filled with twist and turns that I kinda saw coming, betrayals, lust and violence all mixed together to form a sweet love story. The love scene were sometimes sweet and other times they were intense and darkly erotic. The Prelude had me running the gauntlet of emotions from frustration, to hope, anger, back to hope, sadness, shock and finally happiness. This isn't a lighthearted read, it's filled with deep emotions and engaging characters that have you either loving them or hating them. This is the first book I have read from this author and it didn't disappoint I am definitely going to be checking out the rest of her book.
August 20, 2013
The story of Erin Angelo a talented fashion designer and Alek Dustov a famous maestro who, because of their tragic pasts, are not interested in love, that is, until they meet each other.
Set in Italy, the story of Erin and Alek has it all - tragedy, passion, secrets and betrayal.
The Prelude is the first book I have read of KaSonndra Leigh's.
Although I found the story predictable I enjoyed reading it, liked the alternating character POV's and would definitely read any subsequent books in this series (I'm assuming there will be more as we are left with the quote "The end is just the beginning").
Set in Italy, the story of Erin and Alek has it all - tragedy, passion, secrets and betrayal.
The Prelude is the first book I have read of KaSonndra Leigh's.
Although I found the story predictable I enjoyed reading it, liked the alternating character POV's and would definitely read any subsequent books in this series (I'm assuming there will be more as we are left with the quote "The end is just the beginning").
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