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A Musical Interlude #2
The Crescendo
He taught her how to walk outside the line. She taught him how to leave the past behind. In the end, fate brought them both together.
Six months ago, Erin Angelo was hired by Alek Dostov, the charismatic Maestro who hired her design firm, the same man who healed the wounds of her tragic past.
In the highly anticipated, reader requested sequel to THE PRELUDE, Alek and Erin are preparing to embrace their new life and love for music while nurturing Erin’s blossoming singing career. But when a mysterious figure from Erin’s past walks back into her life, Alek and Erin’s belief that their love will conquer everything is put to the test. As Alek continues to struggle with the ghosts of his past and recent family troubles, Erin finds a way to reconnect with her fiancée. The couple set out on a tour of Italy, taking Alek’s music group to the next level.
But Alek’s mother, Katerina, has other plans in mind. She orders the tour manager to go along with them. Now, they will face new challenges while dealing with the pressures of their careers.
Passion, excitement, adventure, danger, and a Maestro with more swagger than a rock star. THE CRESCENDO lifts you up to a high you won’t soon forget.
Six months ago, Erin Angelo was hired by Alek Dostov, the charismatic Maestro who hired her design firm, the same man who healed the wounds of her tragic past.
In the highly anticipated, reader requested sequel to THE PRELUDE, Alek and Erin are preparing to embrace their new life and love for music while nurturing Erin’s blossoming singing career. But when a mysterious figure from Erin’s past walks back into her life, Alek and Erin’s belief that their love will conquer everything is put to the test. As Alek continues to struggle with the ghosts of his past and recent family troubles, Erin finds a way to reconnect with her fiancée. The couple set out on a tour of Italy, taking Alek’s music group to the next level.
But Alek’s mother, Katerina, has other plans in mind. She orders the tour manager to go along with them. Now, they will face new challenges while dealing with the pressures of their careers.
Passion, excitement, adventure, danger, and a Maestro with more swagger than a rock star. THE CRESCENDO lifts you up to a high you won’t soon forget.
First published May 25, 2014
2 people are currently reading
234 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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June 8, 2014
The Crescendo ,(A Musical Interlude 2) , KaSonndra Leigh
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
An Aria in Venice (A Standalone Companion to the Prelude) Now Available!
The Prelude An International Bestseller!
The Crescendo (Book #2) Coming May 27, 2014
The Dark Duet (Book #3) Coming June 24, 2014
The Overture (Book #4) Coming August, 2014
The Finale (Release date, TBA)
I'm onto this one having read Aria and Prelude so I'm beginning to get a feel for the nature of the people involved. It's a beautiful setting, Italy, music and dance, and of course the Black Butterfly design studio...
I loved Alek and Erin in Prelude, then saw a little of them in Aria, and now we're back with them. Alek's mother is still a controlling Alpha bi tch and doesn't accept that he wants Erin, she's not the type of person she has in mind for her beloved son! She'll do whatever she can to separate them...add in problems from Alek's past that are coming forward and taking up his time, and the person from Erin's past who – courtesy of Katerina – has become a large part of her new life, and there's fireworks. Lots of misunderstood communications, feelings of being kept out, drama and emotion and of course as always some scorching, sizzling and sensual love scenes. It's clear to everyone that Alek and Erin are very deeply in love – but is that enough to overcome all the drama surrounding them. They really are tested in this book, both emotionally, and physically with life threatening events happening once again.
It's a story full of passion, drama, emotion. The Russian Mob connections are becoming more prevalent, with danger from two separate angles there. And of course Erin is never going to be good enough for Alek in Katerina's eyes so she'll stop at little to separate them, regardless of how Alek feels about it. He needs to be strong, and I think he is, but he also doesn't want to alienate Katerina if it can be avoided. So its a tangled and passionate romance, tied up with problems from the pasts of both of them, and the present which seems to be catching up with them....A great love story, and heart stopping monments of danger. This doesn't end on a cliffhanger as regards Erin and Alek, but there's a definate drama at the end signalling an emotional and dangerous time to come.
I found the start a bit slow, I've a love really for dialogue based novels, and the beginning here seemed to me to be quite long inner monolugues and musings of whats happening, could happen, and what could be done. I guess I want more action less thinking! I wanted to say “get on with it!!” but that just me, and the action heated up pretty quickly once the pace picked up. After that there was much more dialogye to shape how the story was panning out. Then it's a lurch from one crisis to another, from danger to heartbreak, and back to love – very fast paced, with scarcely a moment to breathe...I guess they needed that early gentle start to prepare! What I really love too, is that Kassondra has clearly worked out much of these books ahead of time, so the release dates are just months apart not years as too often happens, and so the series will remain fresh in my mind when the next part is out. Then once everything released it'll be a great series to read back to back, my preferred way of reading, so I can get all the story without waiting for parts.
Stars: Four - a great read.
ARC supplied via Author.
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
An Aria in Venice (A Standalone Companion to the Prelude) Now Available!
The Prelude An International Bestseller!
The Crescendo (Book #2) Coming May 27, 2014
The Dark Duet (Book #3) Coming June 24, 2014
The Overture (Book #4) Coming August, 2014
The Finale (Release date, TBA)
I'm onto this one having read Aria and Prelude so I'm beginning to get a feel for the nature of the people involved. It's a beautiful setting, Italy, music and dance, and of course the Black Butterfly design studio...
I loved Alek and Erin in Prelude, then saw a little of them in Aria, and now we're back with them. Alek's mother is still a controlling Alpha bi tch and doesn't accept that he wants Erin, she's not the type of person she has in mind for her beloved son! She'll do whatever she can to separate them...add in problems from Alek's past that are coming forward and taking up his time, and the person from Erin's past who – courtesy of Katerina – has become a large part of her new life, and there's fireworks. Lots of misunderstood communications, feelings of being kept out, drama and emotion and of course as always some scorching, sizzling and sensual love scenes. It's clear to everyone that Alek and Erin are very deeply in love – but is that enough to overcome all the drama surrounding them. They really are tested in this book, both emotionally, and physically with life threatening events happening once again.
It's a story full of passion, drama, emotion. The Russian Mob connections are becoming more prevalent, with danger from two separate angles there. And of course Erin is never going to be good enough for Alek in Katerina's eyes so she'll stop at little to separate them, regardless of how Alek feels about it. He needs to be strong, and I think he is, but he also doesn't want to alienate Katerina if it can be avoided. So its a tangled and passionate romance, tied up with problems from the pasts of both of them, and the present which seems to be catching up with them....A great love story, and heart stopping monments of danger. This doesn't end on a cliffhanger as regards Erin and Alek, but there's a definate drama at the end signalling an emotional and dangerous time to come.
I found the start a bit slow, I've a love really for dialogue based novels, and the beginning here seemed to me to be quite long inner monolugues and musings of whats happening, could happen, and what could be done. I guess I want more action less thinking! I wanted to say “get on with it!!” but that just me, and the action heated up pretty quickly once the pace picked up. After that there was much more dialogye to shape how the story was panning out. Then it's a lurch from one crisis to another, from danger to heartbreak, and back to love – very fast paced, with scarcely a moment to breathe...I guess they needed that early gentle start to prepare! What I really love too, is that Kassondra has clearly worked out much of these books ahead of time, so the release dates are just months apart not years as too often happens, and so the series will remain fresh in my mind when the next part is out. Then once everything released it'll be a great series to read back to back, my preferred way of reading, so I can get all the story without waiting for parts.
Stars: Four - a great read.
ARC supplied via Author.
June 15, 2014
For more of this review and others like it, check out my blog, Rampant Readers.
Why I Picked It Up
The Prelude was one of my favorite reads of 2013 and I adored An Aria in Venice. I wanted to see what becomes of Alek and Erin.
Plot
The plot of The Crescendo was much faster-paced than that of The Prelude. This installment to the series had three times more action. In this novel, Alek is dealing with a constant threat against Erin with his father and his old gang lords returning to Milan. This, of course, complicated things in a somewhat violent way. On top of that, Nikolai disappeared to work for a notoriously known bad guy and Erin’s ex-boyfriend, the one that had made her swear off men altogether, has returned. Add all of this up and you have a plot that barely even allows you a chance to breathe.
Leading Lady
Erin was tough in this novel. She had to be. She was basically being preyed upon by someone who has a reputation for being deadly. However, she was also insecure in this novel. It was understandable, the reasons she was, but it was sad to see such a strong character having to go through the doubts that she did. She was supportive of Alek and just wanted him to let her in. She was great in dealing with the things that were thrown her way.
Leading Male
We see more of the gangster Alek in this novel than the last by far. It was actually kind of scary at points to see him revert into the killer that he had used to be. And apparently this wasn’t even as bad because he had Erin to think about. We definitely see more of his past and learn more about the things that he was involved in. Yet he still didn’t open up completely, which I was hoping was going to happen in this novel. Guess I’ll just have to wait for the next book.
Romance
The romance in this novel was on the rocks to say the least. Alek was stressed and hiding things about his past and Erin was trying to figure out all his secrets. It was a fragile relationship for parts of the novel with a few close calls. The differences in their lives were stark in this novel and it affected their relationship. However, at no point did I stop rooting for them because they are perfect together. They just need to come to terms with what was happening and Alek needs to let Erin in.
World Building
As mentioned, this novel calls more on Alek’s past in the Russian gang and more on his position as son of a mobster than in the previous novel. It was interesting to see some of the holes being filled in regarding his past, no matter how scary it was. We finally start seeing what made Alek and Nikolai the people they were in this series thus far. I really hope to continue to see their past unravel in the upcoming novels.
Miscellaneous
One thing that I want to mention is that this novel was impeccably written. KaSonndra Leigh has a knack for flowing diction and prose and this was very evident in this novel. The writing was lyrical and smooth, thus making it extremely easy to read.
Conclusion
The Crescendo was a thrilling installment to the Musical Interlude series that kept me gasping for breath. Alek’s past has caught up with him and Erin and I can’t wait for the next novel to see what else happens.
Why I Picked It Up
The Prelude was one of my favorite reads of 2013 and I adored An Aria in Venice. I wanted to see what becomes of Alek and Erin.
Plot
The plot of The Crescendo was much faster-paced than that of The Prelude. This installment to the series had three times more action. In this novel, Alek is dealing with a constant threat against Erin with his father and his old gang lords returning to Milan. This, of course, complicated things in a somewhat violent way. On top of that, Nikolai disappeared to work for a notoriously known bad guy and Erin’s ex-boyfriend, the one that had made her swear off men altogether, has returned. Add all of this up and you have a plot that barely even allows you a chance to breathe.
Leading Lady
Erin was tough in this novel. She had to be. She was basically being preyed upon by someone who has a reputation for being deadly. However, she was also insecure in this novel. It was understandable, the reasons she was, but it was sad to see such a strong character having to go through the doubts that she did. She was supportive of Alek and just wanted him to let her in. She was great in dealing with the things that were thrown her way.
Leading Male
We see more of the gangster Alek in this novel than the last by far. It was actually kind of scary at points to see him revert into the killer that he had used to be. And apparently this wasn’t even as bad because he had Erin to think about. We definitely see more of his past and learn more about the things that he was involved in. Yet he still didn’t open up completely, which I was hoping was going to happen in this novel. Guess I’ll just have to wait for the next book.
Romance
The romance in this novel was on the rocks to say the least. Alek was stressed and hiding things about his past and Erin was trying to figure out all his secrets. It was a fragile relationship for parts of the novel with a few close calls. The differences in their lives were stark in this novel and it affected their relationship. However, at no point did I stop rooting for them because they are perfect together. They just need to come to terms with what was happening and Alek needs to let Erin in.
World Building
As mentioned, this novel calls more on Alek’s past in the Russian gang and more on his position as son of a mobster than in the previous novel. It was interesting to see some of the holes being filled in regarding his past, no matter how scary it was. We finally start seeing what made Alek and Nikolai the people they were in this series thus far. I really hope to continue to see their past unravel in the upcoming novels.
Miscellaneous
One thing that I want to mention is that this novel was impeccably written. KaSonndra Leigh has a knack for flowing diction and prose and this was very evident in this novel. The writing was lyrical and smooth, thus making it extremely easy to read.
Conclusion
The Crescendo was a thrilling installment to the Musical Interlude series that kept me gasping for breath. Alek’s past has caught up with him and Erin and I can’t wait for the next novel to see what else happens.
June 5, 2014
I was thrilled to get the chance to read this much-anticipated sequel to KaSonndra Leigh's beautifully sexy The Prelude, because I was itching to find out where things were going to go for Erin and the sexy maestro! They had seemingly settled their issues and were enjoying their blissful engagement, but with Alek's past always a threat and Erin's trust always teetering, it was a fragile state for them. Alek was dragging his feet for an unknown reason, and Erin wanted him to open up to her and be in it all the way. Just when they thought their issues were simply wrinkles to work out, they turned out to be major hurdles.
We once again get dual POV and the delicious dirty minds that come along with, and I loved seeing Alek and Erin both still in full-on lust mode over each other. They know just what the other needs, and it's obvious how deeply they feel for each other both through their thoughts and all of those yummy steamy scenes! Alek was holding something back from Erin, though, and she could sense it because of this bond they shared. Yeah, he obviously loves her, but she could tell he wasn't giving her everything he had of himself to offer. Alek, meanwhile, is so distracted with his thoughts of his past and his family coming back to haunt Erin that he inadvertently pushes her away. Enter the dashing old flame Sam, who may have broken Erin's heart and left her doubting love, but has no qualms with inserting himself right back into her life. I liked that he showed up, both as a great antagonist and because it was a bit of a wake-up call for Alek. The sexy Russian needed a kick in the tush to realize his girl wasn't to be taken for granted, and when she found out just what he'd been up to during their hiatus...well, let's just say the well-deserved shit hit the fan!
KaSonndra brought back more of the thrills we saw in the first installment with some tense moments and lives again in peril. Someone doesn't want Erin and Alek to have their happily ever after, and the threats and relationship drama put some serious strain on them. I was nervous and anxious as they waded their way through so many challenges, but they are just meant to be together and I never doubted that they would pull through this round!! The Crescendo was an exciting and sexy follow-up in this awesome series, and I can't wait to see what's in store for Erin and Alek next in The Dark Duet!
We once again get dual POV and the delicious dirty minds that come along with, and I loved seeing Alek and Erin both still in full-on lust mode over each other. They know just what the other needs, and it's obvious how deeply they feel for each other both through their thoughts and all of those yummy steamy scenes! Alek was holding something back from Erin, though, and she could sense it because of this bond they shared. Yeah, he obviously loves her, but she could tell he wasn't giving her everything he had of himself to offer. Alek, meanwhile, is so distracted with his thoughts of his past and his family coming back to haunt Erin that he inadvertently pushes her away. Enter the dashing old flame Sam, who may have broken Erin's heart and left her doubting love, but has no qualms with inserting himself right back into her life. I liked that he showed up, both as a great antagonist and because it was a bit of a wake-up call for Alek. The sexy Russian needed a kick in the tush to realize his girl wasn't to be taken for granted, and when she found out just what he'd been up to during their hiatus...well, let's just say the well-deserved shit hit the fan!
KaSonndra brought back more of the thrills we saw in the first installment with some tense moments and lives again in peril. Someone doesn't want Erin and Alek to have their happily ever after, and the threats and relationship drama put some serious strain on them. I was nervous and anxious as they waded their way through so many challenges, but they are just meant to be together and I never doubted that they would pull through this round!! The Crescendo was an exciting and sexy follow-up in this awesome series, and I can't wait to see what's in store for Erin and Alek next in The Dark Duet!
April 14, 2014
Editorial Review
The Crescendo was a gut-wrenching story. I think it was emotional, more thrilling, than the first book.
In The Prelude, you had Erin overcoming her sister and father’s death, moving on with her life, and forsaking relationships because her heart had been stomped on years ago. Sounds depressing, right? Well, now she has a fiancé who disappears all the time, won’t commit to a wedding date, women from Alek’s past disrupt their relationship, she’s threatened and attacked, Nikolai disappears, their tour is threatened…chaos everywhere! She’s also questioning everything in her life; her change in careers, her relationship with Alek, who can be trusted. Alek’s mom is up to something, people from her past come into her life and disrupt her present and maybe future. So much drama everywhere!
I think this book was better in the drama arena than The Prelude. The characters have grown a lot as has the relationships. I just wish it was longer!
The Crescendo was a gut-wrenching story. I think it was emotional, more thrilling, than the first book.
In The Prelude, you had Erin overcoming her sister and father’s death, moving on with her life, and forsaking relationships because her heart had been stomped on years ago. Sounds depressing, right? Well, now she has a fiancé who disappears all the time, won’t commit to a wedding date, women from Alek’s past disrupt their relationship, she’s threatened and attacked, Nikolai disappears, their tour is threatened…chaos everywhere! She’s also questioning everything in her life; her change in careers, her relationship with Alek, who can be trusted. Alek’s mom is up to something, people from her past come into her life and disrupt her present and maybe future. So much drama everywhere!
I think this book was better in the drama arena than The Prelude. The characters have grown a lot as has the relationships. I just wish it was longer!
June 7, 2014
Erin and Alek work together, and I mean work together! Not only do they have a love for music, they have a love for each other, and a very passionate love for each other.
But unfortunately, the past can sometimes get in the way.
While Erin is a simple girl from the United States, Alek has a past he would prefer not to share with her. How he came to be the man he is today is not something he is proud of. Of course when you have a mother like Katerina, you never know what will happen.
It takes a lot of courage to open up to someone you love, and some people need time to do just that. But those that truly love you will wait and hopefully understand and be there to support you.
When someone you love is threatened, beware. Alek will not rest until he finds those responsible for the trouble in his life.
While this is an adult novel, it is not so graphic as to be vulgar. But you will understand their passion.
But unfortunately, the past can sometimes get in the way.
While Erin is a simple girl from the United States, Alek has a past he would prefer not to share with her. How he came to be the man he is today is not something he is proud of. Of course when you have a mother like Katerina, you never know what will happen.
It takes a lot of courage to open up to someone you love, and some people need time to do just that. But those that truly love you will wait and hopefully understand and be there to support you.
When someone you love is threatened, beware. Alek will not rest until he finds those responsible for the trouble in his life.
While this is an adult novel, it is not so graphic as to be vulgar. But you will understand their passion.
May 25, 2014
3.5/4 Stars
It is necessary that you read the first book in this series, THE PRELUDE, before you read THE CRESCENDO.
The story is written in dual POVs. The author does a good job switching the POVs in a good place. The switch still made me feel the intensity of these two even though I knew what the other was thinking.
There is still a lot that Erin does not know about Alek with his involvement in the Russian gang 10 years earlier. Erin wants Alek to open up to her, but he is not sure how she will take everything. Plus Alek is not sure how safe Erin would be if she knew the whole truth.
This book has the drama and love between Erin and Alek. Alex deals with his past both with the Russian gang and with his past flings. The story does not drag. There is a lot for them to work through.
A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It is necessary that you read the first book in this series, THE PRELUDE, before you read THE CRESCENDO.
The story is written in dual POVs. The author does a good job switching the POVs in a good place. The switch still made me feel the intensity of these two even though I knew what the other was thinking.
There is still a lot that Erin does not know about Alek with his involvement in the Russian gang 10 years earlier. Erin wants Alek to open up to her, but he is not sure how she will take everything. Plus Alek is not sure how safe Erin would be if she knew the whole truth.
This book has the drama and love between Erin and Alek. Alex deals with his past both with the Russian gang and with his past flings. The story does not drag. There is a lot for them to work through.
A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2014
Erin and Alex have an intense and fabulous connection. In Crescendo their new relationship is being threatened by ghosts from Alex's past. I loved spending more time with Alex and Erin though Alex frustrated me on more than one occasion as he insisted on keeping secrets from Erin. There are some very tense situations which force some difficult decisions. I had some tense moments as a reader but really loved how this couple ultimately shows the depth of their love as they work through the latest challenges. There is still more for them to learn about each other but this is a great step forward and also reveals more of what went on in Alex and Nikolei's past that is currently threatening their present/future. Excited to read the next story about Nikolei … the mystery to him grows with each story.
May 16, 2014
Wow. I absolutely loved The Crescendo by KaSonndra Leigh.
I loved the story between Alek and Erin. They go thru so much
trying to keep the relationship togethor. They face horrible turmoil. Alek who doesnt seem to stick around, doesn't want to commit to a date for the weeding.
And Erin who seems to suffer consequences that she doesn't understand.
I won't give any spoilers away, but The Crescendo is definitely worth reading.
I have given 5 stars because it deserves it. I can not wait to read the next installment.
Definitely do not pass this up.
KaSonndra has written another great book.
Congrats KaSonndra:)
I loved the story between Alek and Erin. They go thru so much
trying to keep the relationship togethor. They face horrible turmoil. Alek who doesnt seem to stick around, doesn't want to commit to a date for the weeding.
And Erin who seems to suffer consequences that she doesn't understand.
I won't give any spoilers away, but The Crescendo is definitely worth reading.
I have given 5 stars because it deserves it. I can not wait to read the next installment.
Definitely do not pass this up.
KaSonndra has written another great book.
Congrats KaSonndra:)
May 9, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book,not the part about spiders, eww, but they did make for a dramatic scene though. I love the combination between the worlds of these people with Russian gangs,singing,dancing,and of course orchestral music, being that Alek is a maestro. This couple have so much to work through to be happy yet they always come back to one another. It took him so long to get her to connect with him and then all this stuff starts happening to them and there relationship, but when they make up WOW marathon sex. I can't wait to read the next one. I want NO I need more.
June 5, 2015
BAM! Just like that I'm hit with the ending that I didn't want to reach. Alek and Erin's love is beautiful throughout this book. Who wouldn't want someone as fierce as Alek by their side who would do ANYTHING to keep them from harm. Erin and Alek have grown so much in this book together that I'm excited for the third installment of this series.
September 12, 2014
The Crescendo was a fast-paced, edgy story that definitely kept me on my toes. This story was filled with romance, mystery, suspense and heartache. What really drew me into this story was the emotions that I felt. The emotions in this story feel so real. I have come to know and care about the characters in this series that I hope they each get their happy ending. These characters I would love to have as friends. In The Crescendo, we get the dual POVs again which I love!!! It is nice getting inside both Alec's and Erin's head at the same time to see what is really going on with them. I was able to connect with them more in that way. The character-development was spot-on. Alec and Erin have grown so much since the beginning along with some other characters as well.
Erin is character that anyone could relate to really. She has suffered so much in her life but has been able to pull through it with the help of Alec. He pulled her out her darkness, but now will she be able to pull him out of his? Erin now sings with his group. She quit working as a designer, but she seems to be regretting that decision. Being with Alec proves to get tougher and tougher. Alec's past is catching up with him, and it is putting Erin and everyone else he loves in the crossfire. Alec will do anything to protect the ones he loves though. That is what I love mostly about him. He completely changed too. He went from being a player to only wanting Erin. He is one sexy Maestro let me tell you. I am hoping to see them married soon, but he refuses to set a date. Which is understandable with everything going on. Nikolai completely vanishes in this book. He quits working with Alec's group and seems to be in a bad situation. I love how he never turned his back on them though. He was still lurking in the shadows protecting them. I had a feeling Sam would pop back in Erin's life. He was such an important person in her life at one time that he just had pop in and cause some trouble. Sam and Katerina? Yuck!!!! I still don't know what is up with Katerina. One minute, I think she is good, then the next I think she is bad. I just can't figure that woman out. She is very manipulative and secretive.
The Crescendo was a great sequel to The Prelude!!!! It was nice to see what progress Alec and Erin made. This story also left off with a huge cliffhanger that definitely left me wanting more!!! I can't wait to start the next book The Dark Duet!!! We get to have Nikolai's story!!!! This series is a must read, and I highly recommend it!!!
September 24, 2014
This is Erin and Alek...part two. Now that they have decided to spend the rest of their lives together, Erin and Alek have to start living them...there is one big problem though and that is the secrets that they keep. Alek refuses to share his past with Erin determined to keep her safe and when a man from Erin's past returns, she keeps their connection from Alek. Danger, drama, passion and heartbreak...these two experience it all in this continuation of their journey together.
The hardest part of a symphonic performance is called the Crescendo. It's the part of a song that always makes or breaks the rest of the piece, the breakdown of the softest notes coupled together with the strongest brass instruments. It’s the place where the Maestro either loses control of the arrangement or wows his audience, giving them a performance they'll never forget. That's what Erin and I have done. - Alek
This was a great book...not what I was expecting though. After a little bit of a slow start, this one takes off and is filled with much more drama than the first. This is not a stand alone though...you need to read The Prelude, book one, before reading this one or you will be confused. All of our favorite characters are back for this one and a few new folks are introduced. This is more of a "what happens after the happily ever after" type book when you have a hero like Alek and all the baggage that comes with him.
No one besides my mother has ever cared so deeply about me in this way. The women of my past have only ever wanted to use me, buy themselves a ticket into my lifestyle, because that was what attracted them to me. Then, one day, I met Erin. - Alek
My thoughts:
Quick hook or slow starter? 4 (this one started a little slower for me but once it took off I was hooked)
Character development: 4
Level of Romance between characters: 4
Passion/Heat level: 4 (not as steamy as the other books but the chemistry is still there)
Angst/Heartbreak: 4 (secrets and lies)
Cliffhanger?: Yes, it ends on a big one. Can't wait to jump into the next book to see what happens!!
Overall, I liked it and I am a fan of this series. Now on to Nickoli's book!!
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The hardest part of a symphonic performance is called the Crescendo. It's the part of a song that always makes or breaks the rest of the piece, the breakdown of the softest notes coupled together with the strongest brass instruments. It’s the place where the Maestro either loses control of the arrangement or wows his audience, giving them a performance they'll never forget. That's what Erin and I have done. - Alek
This was a great book...not what I was expecting though. After a little bit of a slow start, this one takes off and is filled with much more drama than the first. This is not a stand alone though...you need to read The Prelude, book one, before reading this one or you will be confused. All of our favorite characters are back for this one and a few new folks are introduced. This is more of a "what happens after the happily ever after" type book when you have a hero like Alek and all the baggage that comes with him.
No one besides my mother has ever cared so deeply about me in this way. The women of my past have only ever wanted to use me, buy themselves a ticket into my lifestyle, because that was what attracted them to me. Then, one day, I met Erin. - Alek
My thoughts:
Quick hook or slow starter? 4 (this one started a little slower for me but once it took off I was hooked)
Character development: 4
Level of Romance between characters: 4
Passion/Heat level: 4 (not as steamy as the other books but the chemistry is still there)
Angst/Heartbreak: 4 (secrets and lies)
Cliffhanger?: Yes, it ends on a big one. Can't wait to jump into the next book to see what happens!!
Overall, I liked it and I am a fan of this series. Now on to Nickoli's book!!
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2014
5 Stars
Amazon|Goodreads
Meg's Review:
This was a GREAT sequel to the Much Loved first novel from Kasonndra Leigh. I Really enjoyed getting to jump back into this world. It took me a few months to get a chance to read it, but it was WELL worth the wait.
I love the fact that this is a love story with its own twist on things. It can ooze romance in one paragraph, and in the next we are on our toes with the darker side of the story.
Erin and Alek have not had an easy ride. Their relationship is full of chaos and heightened emotion. In the end though, they just want to have a happy ending. It is unfortunate that life has other plans for them. Erin has a past she needs to face. Her and Alek had a rough start, and in order for them to get to a place where they can move forward, she has to face the past.
Now for Alek. This novel is more him facing his past head on then it is Erin. She battles her fears in The Prelude, and this time it's his turn. His past is coming back to light and its coming fast. Alek is forced to take on parts of his personality and past that he has forced behind him.
This novel is wonderfully written. Kasonndra has a way with words that draws you in and keeps you captivated. I really enjoyed this novel and CANNOT wait for the next novel in this series.
September 21, 2014
Wonderful addition the Erin and Alek story. Will their love for each other be enough? Will his past come in between their relationship? Both these questions will stick with you until the very end. Another powerful read from KaSonndra. Alek is a strong willed, protective man who follows through on his beliefs. Alek's possesive mother believes in order to keep her children safe from the past, she has to control their every move. She does not take to liking Erin, which causes more controlling on her part. Alek finds out his past is coming back to haunt him. He believes he can take hold of the issue but at the same putting doubt in Erin's mind. His mother then hires Erin first love, who made her doubt she can ever love again, to manage their shows. When Alek finds out about their past, he becomes very jealous and overwhelmed with everything else going on. He makes Erin thinks they need a break from each other so he can focus more on their safety, and when she suggests this to him, he does nothing to make her think otherwise. She then goes back to Lafayette, her hometown. Within no time they realize how much they need each other. Time heals all wounds some would say but is this really the case in their situation? With the last coming back, will Alek be able to control the activities going on around them? This is definitely a series you can't put down. Strongly recommended!
October 15, 2015
"The heart conducts the most beautiful Symphony of all. In a storm, it's that moment when the sun shines behind the clouds, its rays eventually breaking through the mist. In music, we call it the Crescendo."
I love this series so much. Crescendo has beauty, suspense,passion, love and turmoil. It grabs you by the heart and drags you through all the mysteries of the leading characters lives. Every second of it is sweet agony as you continue hoping that true love will win out. The story feels like pure poetry in motion and flows so smoothly. A love story that is sure to touch your soul and heat up your kindle.
"The very essence of the man rips a hole inside me, even though we're not touching each other."~Erin
"A storm is a lot like a song-which couriously, mimics the stages of love-and in the midst of its raging winds comes its strongest moment, the peak. Similarly, it's that time when you look at a person and know right away he or she is the one. Forever."
I love this series so much. Crescendo has beauty, suspense,passion, love and turmoil. It grabs you by the heart and drags you through all the mysteries of the leading characters lives. Every second of it is sweet agony as you continue hoping that true love will win out. The story feels like pure poetry in motion and flows so smoothly. A love story that is sure to touch your soul and heat up your kindle.
"The very essence of the man rips a hole inside me, even though we're not touching each other."~Erin
"A storm is a lot like a song-which couriously, mimics the stages of love-and in the midst of its raging winds comes its strongest moment, the peak. Similarly, it's that time when you look at a person and know right away he or she is the one. Forever."
September 12, 2014
Alek is The Maestro, a young brilliant musical prodigy and Erin loves him. Erin has given up her design career to follow her love of music and work with Alek. Erin and Alek are now engaged but Alek's mysterious past has come to haunt him and tear him away from Erin. I think I was liking this book slightly better than the first one. There is a lot going on in this book and it was really exciting. 4 stars.
September 24, 2014
WOW this book is amazing!!! The love Alek and Erin have for each is just so inspiring. To have every bad thing imaginable happen to these two and their love for each other is what saves them. This is so a must read. I just love this series just great and so hot that you well not be able put the book down unlit your done!!!!
April 1, 2016
telat baca buku ini, kelupaan kalo udah punya. ga sabar nunggu buku ke 4
April 17, 2014
Review to come.
August 3, 2014
I was bummed...I waited for this second book and it was more of a novella...too short
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