Master of the Opera Act 1: Passionate Overture

Master of the Opera #1

by Jeffe Kennedy

In the first tantalizing installment of Jeffe Kennedy's ravishing serial novel Master of the Opera, an innocent young woman is initiated into a sensual world of music, mystery, passion--and one man's private obsession. . .Fresh out of college, Christine Davis is thrilled to begin a summer internship at the prestigious Sante Fe Opera House. But on her first day, she discovers that her dream job has a dark side. Beneath the theater, a sprawling maze of passageways are rumored to be haunted. Ghostly music echoes through the halls at night. And Christy's predecessor has mysteriously disappeared. Luckily, Christy finds a friend and admirer in Roman Sanclaro, the theater's wealthy and handsome patron. He convinces her there's nothing to fear--until she hears the phantom's voice for herself. Echoing in the labrynths. Singing of a lost love. Whispering her Christine.

At first, Christy thinks she's hearing things. But when a tall masked man steps out of the shadows--and into her arms--she knows he's not a phantom of her imagination. He is the master of her desire. . .

15,568 Words

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Adult, Contemporary, Fantasy

52 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2014

About the author

💙She/her💙 Award-winning Bestselling Author of epic fantasy romance. Taoist. Swiftie. Santa Fean. Cat lady @sfwa_inc Past-President. Rep by @seyitsme

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is for the entire Master of the Opera series which includes the following 6 instalments:
Act 1. Passionate Overture
Act 2. Ghost Aria
Act 3. Phantom Serenade
Act 4. Dark Interlude
Act 5. A Haunting Duet
Act 6. Crescendo

When I started this serialised novel I was expecting a dark and dirty retelling of Phantom of the Opera with added BDSM so I had high hopes and fully expected to love it. Unfortunately that isn't what I got and it turned into a weird and confusing mystical realism that included a bizaire orgy with incorporeal beings in the spirit realm! In all honesty it just got a little bit too weird for me and I came very close to not reading all 6 instalments.

It seemed to start out well and Christy seemed to be the right mix of naive and innocent but it didn't take long before she started to get on my nerves. There were so many times I just wanted to shake some sense into her and I ended up not caring about whether she was going to survive or not. The Master was deliciously creepy in the beginning but he remained too much of a mystery, we never really got to know him well enough for me to connect with his character so I didn't feel invested in what happened to him either.

It didn't help that I hated the other main character Roman, I know we weren't supposed to like him but his character was such a stereotypical controlling (bordering on abusive) boyfriend and I would have liked a bit more depth. I think that's my main issue with all of the characters really, we never really got to see below the surface and that meant I never fully engaged with them.

This isn't a bad story, in fact it has a lot of fantastic reviews so I'm in the minority for not loving it, I guess it just wasn't for me.

[JaHy☝Hold the Fairy Dust · Rating 4 out of 5]

****3.5 "SLIGHTLY CREEPY" STARS****

I liked it. The heroine' s slightly naive but that's nothing knew. .. The phantom's mildly creepy. Yeah, I like him......I have to wait until January 16th for episode 2 :-(

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Master of the Opera Act 1: Passionate Overture by Jeffe Kennedy is a e-Kensington publication slated for an early January 2014 release. I was provided a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Christy has excited accepted an apprentice position in an Opera Theatre House owned by her father. Her childhood friend Roman also works at the theatre, his father being invested in the Opera House as well. Christy had had a massive crush on Roman as teenager and her attraction is still very alive. The downside is that the previous apprentice disappeared and her family insist she wouldn't just run off, which is what everyone else thinks happened. Christy's job is more challenging that she expected as well. Her first assignment is to do an inventory and nothing is computerized. She must go down in the "catacombs" of the theatre where there are shadows, cobwebs, and oddly enough Christy thinks she is hearing music. Are the rumors about a ghost ala' The Phantom of the Opera just something she was told to scare her or is there something to the stories? Christy is about to find out whether she wants to or not.

This first installment or chapter in a new e-serial from Kensington is merely a stage setting. We are introduced to the main characters and the mystery is set up for us. Romantic entanglements and suspects are also hinted at, however, just to be honest with you, this first chapter doesn't have any steam at all. There are hints of the direction things will go and I think the reader will not be disappointed on that front in future chapters. I was really engrossed in the story and I am really looking forward to reading the next books in the series. I recommend this one to fans of contemporary, paranormal, and erotic romance,( even if the first chapter didn't have any steam, I know the future chapters will more than make up for it). Over all a great start to a series and I give this one an A.

[Crazy for Books (Stephanie) · Rating 1 out of 5]

ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.

I'm sorry. I just couldn't get through it. It wasn't interesting. I know nothing about any of these characters. I don't even care about any of these characters. I hate giving bad reviews, but in this case I have to. There is no way I can read the rest of the series. I fear it would be a waste of my time.

[isbah · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty good ngl 😳

[Books & Vodka Sodas · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, the first installment of the Master of the Opera Serial series didn't disappointment. I am a fan of Jeffe Kennedy since I read Five Golden Rings. I thought her attention to detail and easy, yet detailed way of writing BDSM was something to be admired. How she took a very independent and strong minded female, that could own her sexuality in the bedroom, was very telling on the smart, clever writer that she is.

This first installment didn't lack any details. The easy flow and voice of Kennedy made getting to know these characters and the world-building very easy.

Kennedy wrote each character unique and yet keeping to the original style of Phantom of the Opera. Christine as a character has always been questionable to me. She was docile, yet strong, yet kind of pathetic all at the same time. She was very much the same in this re-telling, which worked for me, even if I didn't totally know how to feel about Christy at the point in the serial.

I mean she had moments where she was very, well, dumb. Which didn't shock me. She was supposed to be innocent, yet trying to assert her independence.

Christy is a bit -- unflushed out for me. I hope this changes. I mean one moment she is cowering to Carla and seeming about ready to cry, not standing up for herself. Then The Master shows up and she's all of a sudden a fighter? Against the possibly murderer? That might be the only real beef I have with her character.

Ramon--a bit to perfect for me in this installment. Although, his original version (Raul) was the 'pretty perfect one' in the love triangle of the original.

I think this is half a modern retelling of Phantom and kind of also a murder/mystery, because I don't think 'The Master' did it to be honest. I could be deluding myself because I have always had a soft spot for The Phantom and him being a victim of his circumstances.

I think this was a great book one, a great introduction to the serial, and I know it is going to be better from her. The tension building was brilliant and I'm biting my nails waiting for Christine to get over herself and test the waters with 'The Master.'

*I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Master of the Opera Act 1: Passionate Overture by Jeffe Kennedy is the first in a set of six serialized fantasy BDSM novels that take a modern and erotic twist to the Phantom of the Opera tale we all know in some way or another.

I'm wavering between a 3-star and 4-star rating as there wasn't any erotic scenes contained in this first book, and let's be honest, that's what i'm reading this for. However, I do declare this a page turner - I MUST find out who the heck the Master is and who was responsible for Tara's disappearance. I'm going to rate 4-stars as I see this being a 4 or 5 star series by the time I'm finished.

So, I like spoilers. I like to know what I'm getting into and I'm not great with surprises. When I don't know what to expect I tend to get edgy and over think things. This goes mostly for books and movies. Once I realized that this story's "world" was one where strange things happen, and, from what I have inferred so far, the Phantom of the Opera doesn't exist, I was able to better immerse myself in the story. If it was me, knowing about the Phantom musical and working in an opera house with a supposed phantom, you'd get massive eye-rolls at the ridiculousness. But Christy, having no idea of Gerard Butler's fabulousness as the Phantom, is only aware that all opera houses have their share of "ghosts" and remains aloof, until he leaves her a rose...

The tale is set in Santa Fe, New Mexico and the author has done a magnificent job of bringing the beauty of the town and the scenery to life with her words. My sister used to live in Santa Fe and I had the pleasure of visiting there a few times when I was younger and it truly is the Land of Enchantment.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christine Davis is the new apprentice at the Sante Fe Opera House, after the last one mysteriously went missing. Reunited with childhood friend Roman, her father's business partner's son, and going out on dates with him, it's almost enough for her to forget how creepy the Opera House is. Relegated to doing inventory work in the extremely creepy lower levels, she finally meets the mysterious "Opera ghost". Christine has an intense dream about the Ghost, and starts to suspect he may not be an actual ghost. But he's only ever been kind to her so far...so who murdered her predecessor? Who is the Opera Ghost?

So I haven't read the original Phantom of the Opera book, but I have seen the movie and the stage show, and I have the book in my to read stack, and I have the soundtrack AND the cover by Nightwish..cos ya know...yeah. I'm anticipating Roman being Raoul, and obviously Christine is Christine. A few aspects so far are similar to the stage show, her hearing the music and the roses and so on.

This is the first in a new e-serial that's going to be coming out fairy regularly by the looks of it. So fat the prose has been very atmospheric, you can imagine the Opera House and practically hear the music. You can feel the creepiness of the lower levels.

My only problem with the book is that "Christy" is really irritating and probably the stupidest protagonist I have ever read. She whines plenty. About everything. Her favourite topic being how inadequate she feels. To be honest, if I where her, i'd be questioning the fact my predecessor went missing instead of accepting that flimsy excuse given.

This installment is just setting the scene, and setting up the love triangle and the story, it draws you in straight away, and it leaves you wanting more! Especially as there's no steamy parts to this first installment. I can hear the groans of disappointment sounding in the distance.....

[L.E.Olteano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed originally at Buterrfly-o-Meter Books on Dec 23rd 2014:

In a Flutter: Effing awesome!
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: Santa Fe Opera house meets mystery, intrigue and a whole lot of awesome in this first installment of the Master of the Opera serial.
Characters: Christy, the female MC, is ‘daddy’s girl’ trying to make something of herself on her own. I loved her, she’s vibrant, fun and down to earth with a flavor of incurable romantic – one of Jeffe’s trademarks, if you ask me. She comes up with these uber-awesome characters that you can’t help but love.
I’m in love with the ‘phantom’ so far and I can’t wait to find out more about him, and Charlie is also very interesting.
Plot: Since this is a serial, I think it’s fair to say Act 1 gets you hooked. Though we don’t get a lot of story, of course this bit stops exactly where it gets you screaming “MORE!!”. Very promising start, and I trust Jeffe to make it a fantastic journey (she always does).
Writing: Third person narrative, Christy’s POV. Jeffe Kennedy’s writing just keeps getting better and better with gorgeous descriptions and amazing atmosphere building.
Curb Appeal: Good cover, great blurb, irresistible author name – for me, instant buy material.

All in all, though I don’t like serials, I adore Jeffe Kennedy’s writing so I will roll with serial for her. In the interest of full disclosure, I’m NOT into delayed gratification and loving this Act 1 has me itching for the full story right now. It ends in a cliffhanger so if you find that annoying, wait for all the story to be out, it’s gonna all out by end of March 2014 I think. Sucks to wait, but Jeffe is so worth it.

[Mindy (Book Snitch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Master of the Opera, Act 2: Ghost Aria first so I already knew what was going to happen. However there is so much other stuff that will eventually be relevant in the later Acts so it really is important to read them in order. Shame on me.

Christy, I like her. I think its funny and completely believable that she chastising herself about being a "dumb chick in the slasher movies" when she went into creepy dark spots. We've all had those thoughts when we're taking out the trash late at night or we're walking home in the dark. So I thought it was refreshing to hear her be a normal human being. I'm also intrigued by something Christy said to herself about her counselors and her mind. Hmm... whats up there.

Roman, I've got mixed feelings about him and I don't completely trust him. Maybe its because I read the 2nd Act first, but even in the 2nd Act he did nothing that would make me suspect him. Or maybe because Charlie gave Christy a warning about Roman's man-whoring. I just don't know. I think everyone is a suspect at this point.

Whats got me jumping up and down in my chair and trying to read as fast as I can is the emblem with a set of links dangling from it, like a collar and chain, crossed by a whip that Christy found in the bowels of the opera house.

Great character development and I suspect everyone! I'm hooked to this fascinating retelling of Phantom of the Opera.

"One very creeptastic and scary meeting doesn't change anything. I amend that. This makes two creeptastic and scary meetings."

[Amy R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeffe Kennedy has a new e-serial romance coming out in January titled Master of the Opera with six acts (installments). Act I: Passionate Overture is just the beginning and seems to set the tone for the rest of the series. I have not read Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, nor have I watched the musical by Andrew Lloyd Weber, so I won't be able to tell you much about whether Master of the Opera is similar, but so far I am intrigued and a little creeped out (in a good way).

Christine Davis is an apprentice at the Sante Fe Opera House. She is stuck doing a lot of inventory work in the lower levels of the Opera house when she meets the "Opera Ghost" for the first time. She is quite freaked out about it as anyone would be since her predecessor went missing. However, Christine has an intense dream about the Ghost, and he has only shown kindness to her. She isn't sure what to think of that. After being introduced to Christine, the Ghost, and Ramon, one of the the Opera House owners, you start to feel that love triangle that I anticipate will happen.

Jeffe's description of the Opera House provides you with the image of beauty and the lovely sound of music. Jeffe also describes the lower levels in the Opera House in a way that makes the hair on your neck stand up along with Christine's at times. There is especially one part that would cause me to have a panic attack if I were the Christine. I love it when books can make me really experience those emotions. Passionate Overture sets up the Master of the Opera series nicely and definitely ends in a way that makes you want to pick up the next Act rather quickly to find out what happens next.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who ADORES the Phantom of the Opera, I went in a little skeptical. However, so far in the Master of the Opera series, I haven't been disappointed. It's been fun to see the similarities in characters to the actual play and novel.

Because this is a short bit at the beginning of the series, I'll be curious as to how it plays out and if it differs from the classic Phantom of the Opera. But so far, the evolution of the characters have been good and the pacing on par.

So far, so good! I look forward to Act 2!

[Shelly Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to reading this for months and it did not disappoint! I've read the original Phantom of the Opera several times and did a paper on it in law school. Of course, I've also seen the musical. The author has done a superb job at modernizing the story. Of course, there are differences. I'm hoping for one big difference in the character of the "Master" and that's his innocence in the murders. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the book!

[Gogo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very interesting

For a retelling of the Phantom of the Opera, changing the locale and the era isn't enough to keep my attention. It had better be fascinating. Christine is a fresh out of college rich girl trying to show dad she can make it on her own. The opera house is stocked with a cast of unforgettable stereotypes, and Christine's newly-rediscovered childhood friend/acquaintance is giving off mad Gaston vibes. We see the phantom twice, and while I found him to be creepy, Christine seems to like him enough to have dreams about him. But that's it, that's the whole book. There's no plot, no meaningful color, the opera house isn't even open for the season yet, technically. If you want an actual story you're going to have to track down all the novellas in this series and I'm pretty ambivalent about it.

I usually enjoy Jeffe Kennedy books, so this is disappointing.

[The Glassed And The Furious · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Phantom of the Opera, absolutely adore it. And I think Jeffe Kennedy is an extremely talented and totally underappreciated writer. So the combination of this re-telling and Kennedy really was brilliant.
So why "only" four stars? Well, I really don't like these short novellas of only about 50 pages. Probably because I was familiar with the general setting of the backstory, I had no trouble getting into the story, but there this instant cut when the story suddenly ends, just as it's beginning to be interesting.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...

One of the benefits of e-books is the ability to experiment with different styles and lengths of fiction than would be possible in traditional publishing.

In the vein of my resolution to read whatever I want to read whenever I want to read it, I decided to try the serialized novel Master of the Opera by Jeffe Kennedy. I’ve heard of serialized fantasy and sci-fi before, but never serialized romance. Pair that with the fact that the story parallels “Phantom of the Opera,” and I couldn’t resist giving it a shot.

Master of the Opera is erotic romance, but the first installment is relatively tame and is used mostly for setting the scene. Christine has just landed a coveted internship at the Santa Fe Opera House. Her family is wealthy and connected, but Christine is trying to build a career based on her own merits. One of her first tasks on the job is to help with an inventory, which is easier said than done, especially as the storerooms extend through a labyrinth of passages beneath the opera house.

Oh, and then there’s the fact that Christine’s predecessor disappeared. People don’t want to say she was murdered, but nobody knows what happened to her. So, when Christine starts hearing music in the storerooms, she gets a bit alarmed. Then she meets a mysterious masked stranger, and he seems dangerous in a holy-shit-there’s-a-ghost kind of way. At first, she thinks she’s crazy. And now she can’t stop thinking about him.

Intrigued?

Each installment in the series is only about 50 pages. This one was quick enough to make a nice bedtime story. I love the tie-in to Phantom of the Opera, and I’m curious to see what direction that Jeffe Kennedy is gonna take this in.

I won’t say that this was 100% perfect. There was one scene in particular that I felt was a bit contrived in which Christine sees a strange symbol on a door and starts having fantasies because of it. Of course, I’m sitting here wondering what was behind that door, so there’s that. I’ve also got the “Phantom of the Opera” music stuck in my head.

[Habrewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Master of the Opera I (Passionate Overture) by Jeffe Kennedy
* I received this ARC free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Passionate Overture is the first installment in this new serial by Jeffe Kennedy. Christine’s dad got her an internship at the Santa Fe Opera House where strange things are going on. She wants to prove that she can be on her own and take care of herself, despite what her father thinks. She is concerned about what happened to her predecessor but she is determined not to let the rumors stop her.

She has reconnected with her childhood friend Roman, who finally sees her as the woman she has become. Things seem to be going well for her at the opera house, until a couple of bizarre incidents spook her. Weird noises, strange dreams and disappearing interns are among some of the issues that she is dealing with.

This story is a modern take on the beloved classic Phantom of the Opera with an erotic twist. The first book has very little erotic elements but it doesn’t disappoint. The author does a wonderful job of setting up the story and scenery around the Santa Fe Opera House without over doing it. The reader has no trouble imagining themselves right in the middle of the book. You are instantly drawn into the ongoing serial wanting to see where the writer will take you next.

The main characters are engaging and evoke emotions in the reader. I like Christy’s character but hope she grows as the stories continues. She wants to prove herself to her family but she comes across meek when she deals with Carla. I am on the fence regarding Roman. I honestly think he’s kind of sleazy and hope that he proves me wrong as we move forward with the storyline. The mysterious “phantom” definitely intrigues me and I want to see more of him.

Overall I enjoyed the first installment and can’t wait to read the second one in this series. I give Passionate Overture 4 Flaming Hearts.

[Mistress of the Dark Path · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had the opportunity to read several other books from Jeffe Kennedy before and was excited to hear about this latest one. This is one author that knows how to build up romantic suspense. For Act 1 of Master of the Opera it doesn’t get too steamy, but it does set the stage (so to speak).

The main character, Christine, is young an innocent just starting out in the world with her first job after finishing school. She comes off a bit flighty and niave, but that’s what makes this story work. She’s doing her best to prove she can handle being on her own away from her rich family, and if she has to ignore some odd occurrences while cataloging inventory in the basement levels of the opera house, so be it. Except, it gets a whole lot more complicated than that.

There’s one man, Roman, who she’s known for much of her life and had a crush on since she was a teenager. This is her chance to finally get to know him on a romantic level and he definitely seems interested. But there’s also a strange man who is haunting her down in the basement where she works. She just can’t be sure if he’s real. Something about him intrigues her, though, even if he is scaring her every time they meet. Especially when the body of the woman Christine replaced is found very close to where she’d been working. Could it have been the strange man or is something even more sinister going on?

After reading Act 1, I’m definitely curious to see where all this leads. It has a similar feel to a scary movie and you just know not everything is as it seems. I’ll definitely be picking up the next acts because the suspense has certainly got to me. Four whips for this first segment in Master of the Opera!

[Cerian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Rookie Romance.

I am the first to admit that I am a total sucker for anything to do with the Phantom of the Opera. So this book appealed to me instantly. Plus, I liked the idea of having something to read gradually in short segments, around my other books.

Firstly, Christy is a great heroine, so far. She's got a job interning at the Santa Fe Opera House, and she's pretty darn happy about it- even if the intern before her mysteriously disappeared. She's from a wealthy family but she's very down to earth and entirely likable. She is understandably confused and a bit freaked out when she has her first meeting with the 'Opera ghost', and I can't wait to see where that will go. There's also Roman Sanclaro, the dashing playboy she's known for most of her life, who takes a romantic interest in Christy.
There are hints to a dark past that Christy struggles to keep in the past, and I'm very curious as to what happened to her. I'm sure all will be revealed in time!

I set off reading this, not entirely sure what to expect but so far this eerie story is shaping up to be what I had hoped for. You can feel the start of a potential love triangle forming, and all the main characters have been introduced. It's very, very intriguing and I can't wait for more installments!

*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, for my honest review. Thank you!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was no way I could pass on reading Passionate Overture! A modern day Phantom of the Opera? Heck yes! I was a bit wary of the serial format, but so far I think it’s working for me. In this first installment we meet the main cast: Christy, Roman, Charlie, Clara, and “Master.” Christy has joined the theater team, doing inventory. It’s a huge job, and it takes her to the very lower levels of the theater where the woman she’s replacing disappeared. Of course, everyone thinks she spooked because of the opera ghost tale and ran, but maybe there’s more truth to the tale? Christy certainly thinks so when a strange man appears while she’s working late, and then there’s the body that they found…

I thought Passionate Overture was a great introduction! It started off a little slow, with us just being introduced to everyone and the theater. But then things get going. The ending is obviously a cliffhanger, but it’s a good one! Being a huge fan of Phantom, I have a lot of assumptions as to where the story is going, but I certainly hope the author adds in some surprises!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 3 stars is temporal. As soon as I read next books, I'll revise it.

So for this moment. It's short book, just the first part of multi-volumed story.
Modern days. christine is working for Santa Fe theatre. Here we can see Raoul'like character, there weren't many episodes starring him, so I can be mistaken, but right now I think him being quite selfish.
Christine shows very little character, just some sketch of a character.
The Master (our Phantom of the Opera like person) is here just a voice and later a masked figure. I suppose, he's a Gerard Butler-like version of the Phantom.

What I liked. That a-la mme Giry character Carla. Her dialogue with christine was greatly structured, and, you know, she's very likable person against our Christine.
Also I liked that hint at crime story.

And - for those who's expecting mature scenes... There is just one, and it's not actually a sex scene.

So, I'm giving it a chance. And going to read next book.

[The Book and The Harlot's Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Passionate Overture is the first part of 6 installments for the Master of the Opera series, which is a modern and erotic take on Phantom of the Opera. A story we are all aware of in one way shape or form.

While there are no erotic scenes in this act, I couldn't help but continue to turn the pages. Readers are presented two questions to ponder in this one, "Who is the Master?" and "What happened to Tara?" Those questions alone will keep you on the edge of your seat.

You, my apprentice, shall call me Master.

The Master's tale is set in Sante Fe New Mexico. Kennedy does an amazing job giving readers superb descriptive properties that we could close our eyes and see the beauty before us, just as Christy would have. I can't wait to continue reading with this Modern take on an old classic.

The song ended in a soft laugh. And then a whisper.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jeffe's books. They always pull you in and leave you all warm and tingly. This title is a serialized reworking of Phantom of the Opera and I am in love. Christine has a new job inventorying the Santa Fe Opera House. Her predecessor has gone missing and no one knows what happened. The up side is that she gets to reconnect with her child hood crush.

This is a serialized novel with each installment coming out every 3 weeks or so. Jeffe Kennedy is known for his fabulously erotic titles, and while you can tell there is a build up, there has been no hanky panky as of yet. But it does not matter.

I am now waiting my turn for Act 2. The person at the library who has it checked out better hurry up.

[Jennifer Waller · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review is for the series as a whole (since I binge read I don't remember exactly what happened in which segment).

First off, I can't count how many times I was hungry while reading as Kennedy has a tendency for picking some yummy restaurants for her characters to eat at.

On a more serious note. I was cautious at first, as I am a long time fan of the original Phantom by Leroux. I need not have worried. This re-imagining draws on some elements of the original, but is dramatically different. (in a good way)

There were areas where the story felt slow, but it did wrap up in a fantastic manner and it made the slow parts worth it.

All in all, a good read.

[Tiblu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting....

Interesting but for me personally now nearly enough to base or form an opinion on..... I can say soo far I'd have a 100% better opinion of this was a complete story and this serialized nonsense... Once Upon a time back when our Grandparents or Great grandparents for some were kids back when they'd go to the movies on Saturdays to see the next adventure in some serial/movie of some western or something that was one thing but a bunch of shorts that usually would be better as just one book isn't my idea of fun,.. But I am intrigued and at .99 cents a book I'm willing to keep going...
Very interesting though... Especially the hints at Christies back story....

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com

3.75 Stars This is the first installment by Jeffe Kennedy’s new book. It is a very short story so far (40 pages) so I don’t have too much to say but as a fan of Kennedy’s I am sure this will be an interesting read. It is obviously based on Phantom of the Opera with a few differences of course. Act 1 is just the introduction introducing us to the characters and the storyline. I look forward to Act 2.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jess Schira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admit that I had a difficult time separating this story from LeRoux's Phantom of the Opera, which I adore. I do think the Ms. Kennedy is doing a fantastic job of sticking closer to LeRoux's horror filled version rather than Webber's romantic twist. Although I find Christine a little on the silly side, and the Phantom hasn't been around long enough for me to form an opinion of, I liked the story well enough that I'm looking forward to reading the second installment.

[Rhenna Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a nice spin on the classic phantom story! When I picked up this book, I wondered how Jeffe would make it original, but she's done it. They're novellas to be sure--designed to be read one after the other. Thankfully, the release schedule supports this approach because we're only having to wait 2 weeks in between each one. I don't think any reader would be disappointed.

[Stephanie Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 interesting start... Full review to come.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to buy the second installment...