Essence

by Mackenzie Lucas

All Haven Jameson ever wanted was to own a little piece of paradise. Now, she does, having established a successful luxury spa in St. Augustine, Florida. But when the property next door is sold to a mega developer and his pro-golf celebrity brother, who design trendy, bustling playgrounds for the rich and famous, she fears her dream could slip away. Confronted by her late husband’s infidelity, Haven learns everything she believed about her marriage was a lie; so she finally sets aside her grief and opens her heart to loving the widowed pro-golfer who is her biggest professional competition. In the end, Haven discovers that living a safe, loveless life is far worse than embracing passion and taking a chance on a man who’s vowed never to love again. And that, sometimes, the best paradise of all can be found inside our own hearts.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Mackenzie Lucas is an avid reader of genre fiction. She writes contemporary and paranormal romance. She loves a good story, whether it’s an erotic short, a full-length romance novel, or the narrative slice-of-life found in country music. In any story, emotional integrity and authenticity are most important to her as well as a big dose of romping hot sexual tension. She enjoys smart-mouthed, sexy heroines, hunky alpha heroes who know how to take care of their women, and plot twists that surprise her, but most of all, she just wants to experience the satisfying emotional arc of a character falling in love and finding what he or she needs most in life.

Mac is a small-town country girl with a world-traveler’s heart. She grew up in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania and she’s lived in Dublin, Ireland, within throwing distance of New York City in Long Island, and now in the Washington, D.C. area. She obtained her undergraduate degree in English Literature from Dickinson College and received her M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She’s currently an author, a writing coach, a mother, and a wife.

With Mackenzie Lucas—whether you’re reading her light paranormal romance or her small-town-based contemporary romance—you’ll always find a heart-warming love story about connectedness, community, and emotional authenticity. And, no, it doesn’t hurt that all her heroes are panty-melting gorgeous alphas and all their sexy, sensually aware heroines know how to stand up to them, give no quarter, and love them just as they are.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knows when the “right” one comes along or what their initial purpose for being in your life could be? Haven has opened an extravagant spa for visitors to St. Augustine, FL. The pampering begins at the front door and continues until check out time. Alone since the death of her philandering husband, Haven has shied away from relationships. That all changes when a widowed pro golfer/ playboy comes on the scene. Pace is interested in only two things, the property next door, to open his own retreat & spa for golfers and keeping his love life easy, fast and free, no strings attached. But who can fight with the fates or with chemistry? Will their damaged pasts and their planned futures as rivals in a dog-eat-dog service industry stand between them? The raw sex is fast, furious and often, but that final admission of their feelings for each other seems to be held back. Will these two learn there is more to life than success and without love and someone to share it with everything else is half empty? Are they emotionally ready to let down their shields, cast off their guilt, and learn to be open and honest? And what of their business rivalry that is in the works?

Essence by Mackenzie Lucas is a steamy, and sometimes raw look at the sexual desires of two damaged people substituting the physical for the emotional. Each has their own demons, deserved or not, but the most damaged is Pace, whose past is far more tragic and runs far deeper than Haven’s. Sometimes you just find a favorite character that makes the story for you, I would call him my newest book boyfriend, but he's only five or six years old, with the wisdom of a sage. If not for the supporting cast, whose quirkiness and sweet honesty brighten each page just perfectly, so much would have been lost, a brilliant move on the author’s part to poke some square pegs into the round holes at the perfect moments!


Publication Date: January 1, 2014
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
ISBN-10: 1619354322
ISBN-13: 978-1619354326
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 239 pages
Available from: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."

i really enjoyed this book, reading it in one sitting - great for the diet!

This is a well thought out and written book, which ticks lots of boxes for the reader of steamy, thoughtful romances. Both the lead characters have been through the mill and yet are still strong people. They are reluctant to try again, and one person in particular is keen to keep them apart. But they also have good family and friends who just support them through every hurdle. Delightful, relaxing, entertaining and sexy - I will never decline an offer to practice yoga again!

[Lisa Gemmell · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Provided by Netgalley for honest review+

This was an inspirational book based on how two woman's life had been turned upside down from different situations and how they came together to fill their dreams and turning something bad into good. This book has everything you require in a novel except you get two stories instead on one.

So this book is based on the two woman running and owning the Essence Spa Resort in Florida. The land beside the Spa is going up for sale and this is where Pace and Jason come into the story. The both males are in big trouble when they meet Haven and Sally. Its like sitting in the middle of a hurricane and watching all they're emotions go all over the place.

This had me smiling, giggling and shed a few tears. Great book!

[Misha Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy and sweet at the same time, this is a memorable love story with a setting that I definitely want to revisit. There is something about Mackenzie Lucas's writing that is both soothing and spellbinding at the same time. Every time I picked this book up, I started to relax...and yet I never wanted to put it down to go to bed!

If you like steamy stories that will touch your heart and make you fall in love, then Essence is for you!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

The idea of two women running a destination spa is refreshing, and although it is explained that Haven was once a massage therapist, it’s doubtful she’d lay hands on a client considering her position as owner.

Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yummy!

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essence

This was about two people who have lived through the loss of loved ones. And are ready, unknowingly, to move on. She owns a spa, he is in the area to buy land for his next golf club and spa. They also have a woman, one who owns the property, who wants him and wants her to be miserable. There is the possibility of her deceased husband infidelity with the other woman. Will they get together? Or will he ruin her business to make his plans golden? What about the other woman?

[Diana Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

This is a terrific read about second chances and the process of grieving the past so you can live a better future

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great book to read

[Debra Trimble · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very predictable

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Haven is the owner of Essence, an upscale spa and hotel located on the beach in sunny Florida. As a widow of five years, she has made the development of Essence her life, and hopes to develop her brainchild into a chain of resorts along the Florida coast. Miles, her husband of three years, was killed in a plane crash and Haven has never really gotten over the loss. She has yet to get back into the dating scene, much less considering a one-night stand. Before she met Miles, she had worked as a massage therapist, a career she was forced to abandon when she married Miles. Now, with a thriving spa, she is beginning to feel like she needs more in her life. At the urging of her best friend Sally, she decides to take a massage client one day, in order to really get her hands back into the business, literally. In walks Pace Daniels and the rest, as they say, is history…

Pace Daniels is a pro golfer and serial womanizer. After the death of his wife and infant daughter ten years earlier, he has given up on the idea of love. The loss of the loves of his life was too much for him to bear and he knows he can’t undergo that type of loss again. So a series of one-night stands is how he lives his life, that is until he meets Haven, his massage therapist. What begins as a simply physical connection, quickly becomes more, leaving them both to try to deal with the feelings of love again after loss. But of course there’s more to the story than that!

Pace is in town, staying at Haven’s resort because he is going to buy the parcel of beachfront property next to Haven’s resort. He plans on building a golf course, as well as his own hotel, complete with spa as well. Between this and the meddling of one Imogen Carmichael, the owner of the land Pace is going to buy, it seems that both Haven and Pace’s dreams of moving on might be dashed before they even get started. Soon secrets and lies leave Haven wondering how much of her life with Miles was a lie, and if Pace has his own agenda, considering he will be her direct competition.

Essence is a quick, romantic read. The relationship between Haven and Pace is steamy and the secondary story arc between Sally and Pace’s brother Jason heats up as well. It seems as though the inclusion of Sally and Pace’s relationship would lend itself to a second book in the series, however I’m not sure if that is in the author’s plans. For being a book about Pace and Haven, there seemed to be a lot of the other couple included.

My only complaint is that the book seemed to end quite abruptly. Even an epilogue of what may have happened would have been nice as it felt that there really was more of the story to be told. I truly enjoyed the book and felt the characters were well developed and relatable, however I really do think the book could have given the reader a little more in terms of closure. The book was a little predictable but this would make a great, light beach read for those that like happy endings. This is my first book by Ms. Lucas and I will definitely check out her other titles!

[Gaele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars: Overall 3 Narration 3 Story 3

Achieving your life-long dream to be in control of your own business and life has always been Haven’s dream, and she and her lifelong friend Sally have finally achieved success. An upscale spa that caters to the client’s every need, and things are looking rosy. Until the neighboring lot comes up for sale, and Haven and Sally learn that the interested buyers, a pair of brothers with money and connections are looking to build a rival business.

The characters in this story are all broken and emotionally bankrupt: refusing to see that their own emotional issues drives and impairs every step they make. While Haven is clinging to a memory of a dead husband in some sort of atonement for not loving him as she should have, she cannot stop her fascination with Pace and the distraction the electric attraction between them has for her.

For his part. Pace’s emotional component is far more a how it feels in the moment, without delving beyond the physical satisfaction. Neither of these characters wants an attachment, and as they repeatedly substitute the thrill of the moment for any sort of real self-reflection, what could have been solidly redemptive for both feels hollow and just slightly convenient. There isn’t a story that provides great conflict or drama, nor is there a reason to cheer FOR these characters they have removed their emotions from their lives and left readers simply following along, without great investment. The sex is hot seemingly never ending, and often laced with danger that comes with the forbidden, but without a real tie to the characters it too left me slightly removed and uninspired.

Narration in this story is provided by Suzy Lexington and whether her usual style is erratic in delivery, or she was misapplying emotional emphasis to draw listeners into the story, I cannot say. From a fairly innocuous ‘reading’ of the story, to some over-emoting, the performance was erratic and confusing. The overly emphatic delivery did, most often, occur in areas to stress a particular point or emotion, so they weren’t out of place, but significantly different from the remainder of the delivery. Odd pauses where there should not occur, and a lack of distinction between characters that faded in and out were also happening, and kept me questioning both performance and written choices.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions

[C.D. Hersh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essence by Mackenzie Lucas is a story with realistic characters with their own set of emotional issues. The sexual encounters are candid but provide the reader with understanding of the characters as they work through their issues. Essence is a successful luxury spa in St. Augustine, Florida which has its own problems making it an additional character in the story.

The heroine, Haven, had a rough childhood but has developed into a smart business woman. She has put herself on the shelf with the unexpected death of her wealthy husband by focusing on work. The walls she has constructed, both the Essence Spa and around her heart, have protected her until the arrival of the hero.

The hero, Pace, is a sexy pro golfer that has problems of his own, both physically and emotionally. Looking for a life after professional golf he is planning to purchase the property next door to Essence. Along with his brother they plan to develop and design a golf retreat with hotel and spa. This would put him in direct competition with Essence.

When Haven meets Pace there is instant attraction between them. Problems immediately arise when she finds out his plans for the property next door and she discovers he is only into no strings attached one nighters.

I found some repetition of the characters’ internal thoughts about the same issues but that is a minor complaint as they work through their issues of loss, jealousy, emotional immaturity and betrayal. Unusual for a book of this type is the open conversations the characters have with each other as they work through their issues. With the addition of the troubled secondary characters, Haven’s best friend Sally, and Pace's brother, Jason this book delves deeply into interpersonal physiological issues.

Ultimately, the characters find, as in real life, that both parties have to be willing to talk about their feelings, trust each other, and work together to make their relationship work.

I was provided a free copy for an honest review.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

*free copy provided by publisher via netgalley*

I guess it was ok. I guess that, since the characters are so down to earth, without any exaggerations about them or their lives (making them more believable), there’s really no other place to go with the plot, other than keep it plain and simple. And that’s what we got. No major twists or turns, no major drama, no major nothing. Just a natural flow, similar to what you’d probably find in real life – if you owned a spa or had millions in the bank.
Like I said, the characters were ok. The orphaned “ice princess”, widow on a mission, and the orphaned, widowed, golf player with a wounded heart.
I kinda lost my respect for her when I realised the love she had for Miles was more like the love one has for a friend, not for a soul mate. It seemed to me that she married him for the money and the comfort he represented, rather than out of love. And then there’s the whole sex going on at Imogen’s office. I mean, seriously? She’s letting him undress her in someone’s place of business? I’m sorry, but it’s a bit of a stretch. Sex in public is not something one does easily or carelessly, regardless how horny you are.
Anyway, I found myself skipping paragraphs and even whole pages. The sex took too long and didn’t really do it for me, I’m sorry to say. Another reason I started skipping: I think it dragged out a bit too much, and there were too many fillers. Like on pg 209: “Sally scanned the room, looking for Haven.”
Followed by 12-13 lines that have no business being there; they offer no information, they’re completely irrelevant to the story and what’s going on at the time… so yeah, fast-forward time for me.
I absolutely hate the fact that we had absolutely zero Jason-Danny interaction. Zero. Zilch. Nada. It’s like the author introduced the son like an afterthought. Huge minus in my book. Played right, the encounter scene of those two could’ve even made a tear (or two) drop. If it were written by someone else.

[Sassy Moms Say Read Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked on this book from the first chapter. Haven and Pace are dynamic together and each one comes in to the story fighting their own demons. Haven is trying to make it on her own after the death of her beloved husband and Pace swore off all relationships after the death of his wife and baby girl.
Each of them are disillusioned by their pasts and have to overcome the struggles on their own before they can ever be a couple. Pace is a guy's guy. Love 'em and leave 'em, that's his way. The women know it going in but there is something about Haven that makes him want to have more than just one night with her. Haven still has her dead husband on a pedestal and refuses to move on. She owes everything she has to him and doesn't want to disrespect his memory with a fling, or even a relationship.
Complications arise when Haven discovers Pace and his brother are buying the property next door to her spa, Essence, and the woman that sold it to them has an ax to grind with her. Imogene is an evil soulless woman that is everything Haven is not. But to have a good story, you have to have a villian, and Imogene certainly fits the bill.
The supporting characters, Haven's partner, Sally and Pace's brother have their own little story going on and it is hot! They are a good match for each other and help our couple realize that you can't go through life alone forever. Sally happened to be a favorite of mine, she's a spitfire!
Through their troubles our couple learn what it's like to open up and leave the demons in the past lie. I hope you enjoy Essence as much as I did, it's a fabulous escape!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essence is a spa/resort in St. Augustine, Florida. The story centers around best friends Sally and Haven, who own the spa and grew up together. They have both been in painful past relationships and are reluctant to travel that road again. Their resort is successful and they are happy and fulfilled without men in their lives. That changes with the entrance of the Daniels brothers, who are in town to purchase the land next to the spa - with the purpose in mind to build a golf resort. Pace is a golf pro, looking for something to do when he retires from the pro circuit. Haven and Sally are immediately smitten with the sexy duo. I loved Haven and Pace's story. They were both broken, and needed each other to heal. It was hard for Pace to reconcile his past and look to the future.

I think what made this book stand out was the setting. It was interesting to read about the spa, yoga, massage, etc. It really made me want to take a trip to Florida. I love watching golf on TV, so having a golf resort next door to the spa would just be an added benefit for me. Sounds like a perfect vacation destination.

This was my first book by Mackenzie Lucas. I will watch for her other books. I like her writing style. It held my attention to the end. There were no boring/dragging parts - just to fill pages. A very enjoyable read.

ARC provided by the publisher and NetGALLEY for an honest review.

[Zarith dol · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC given by netgalley for an honest review

This is the first time I read from this author and WOW, does she set the bar high for her next book (by the can't wait). It is a very good book, just bought it no question ask. The story is excellent, the characters have combustible chemistry, not to mention the secondary couple side story and chemistry. All flame up the room.
Haven Jameson, once a dirt poor girl raised by her college-fund uncle after the death of her parents, now rich widow by her late husband. She taught the business by her late husband and open a paradise spa, cater to up-in coming rich society. Her newest property is going to become her golden jewel if not for the interruption by golf pro celebrity Pace in proposal to open his resort golf base next to her property. Celebrated bachelor after the death of his wife and child, Pace knows he can't be an athlete forever especially with his injury shadowing his career. He also can't deny his attraction to Haven, but can he promise more as his fear of losing someone wounded him so deeply that he distance himself from everyone he held dear? And after learning her husband infidelity, can she trust her heart again to a known playboy?
Like I said, the story sound simply but is anything but. The author play with emotion in simple but meaningful plot. A very good read and can't wait for the next one by the author.

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

Essence is a story about 2 women overcoming their past to better their future. Haven and Sally open a spa and are achieving amazing success…and then they found out they are only have complete because they meet the men that complete them. A romantic story about how love fixes the worst broken hearts.

The setting of the book was fun, I just traveled to Florida right before I started reading this book and I could picture so much of it through the authors writing. I love when I read about places I have been, it allows the story to be more real for me. It did leave me craving to travel back to Florida!

My favorite character in the book was Sally’s little boy, while most of the back ground character’s didn’t jump out to me, he did. I do wonder why there wasn’t a little more about the Uncle or involving the Uncle that traveled down to help them out. He seemed to be an important character in their lives, yet there was little written about his visit to the resort.

The story line was good, but it seemed a little too wrapped around these women needing the right men to make their life complete.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok wow where do I begin. This story starts off with two best friends who truly have lost everything and they have fought through life's trials to open their dream spa. As they are getting off the ground the find out that two brothers are buying the land next to theirs for a resort. When Haven finds out more hurt and betrayal and now has to work through the pain.

I liked the story line it draws you in and keeps you to the end of the book not a really dull moment in the book. Lots of steamy moments for sure in the book. I think the only downside I had with the book was all the cursing I think that it could have been just as a good book without a gd coming out of there mouth every time. I would not let that deter you from a really great story




I got a free copy I this book from net galley for my honest review.

[Cary Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essence is a delightful read, and delightfully steamy read from beginning to end.
The lovely and lonely widow, Haven Jameson, has worked hard to create a spa without rival, but her world is turned upside down when the land owner of the adjacent property suddenly turns vindictive, and the buyer of that property, Pace Daniels, threatens both her heart, and the financial stability of her spa.
The writing is good, the scene-setting luscious, the characters well-drawn, and vividly portrayed (and hot!!). There is more inner thought on subjects oft repeated than I would like, and more tell vs. show for my taste, but this is not critical enough to lessen the star count. PS. I want to move to Florida and take yoga…
Well done.
A complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

[Joanne Guidoccio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated from the opening scene and could easily imagine spending a week at Essence, Haven Jameson’s luxury spa in St. Augustine. Throughout the novel, Ms. Lucas shares vivid descriptions of the spa’s wonderful amenities, designed to mend “broken” souls, in particular, Pace Daniels, a pro golfer fighting his own private demons. While the chemistry between Haven and Pace sizzles, there are several obstacles. Pace and his mega developer brother are planning to build a resort next door that could potentially ruin Haven’s business. And Pace is in cahoots with a scheming cougar, intent on destroying Haven, financially and emotionally.

An electrifying read especially on cold, blustery winter days!

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Off the bat, I must say that this book was not what I was expecting. It was, at the root, a good story, in the sense of being about two people finding love after suffering great losses. But...Essence lacked something. It was too quick, too raunchy, too predictable. The romance was eclipsed, in my opinion, by the hot and steamy. This was the case with Haven and Pace, as well as with Sally and Jason. After a while, the cliches took over. I guess I could sum up my review by saying that it was not enough of the sweet and too much of the thermal.

This book could have been so much more. It did not need the hard core. It had so much potential.

Rating: R
Profanity: Yes
Steam: Yes
HEA: Yes

An e-book copy of this title was made available to me in exchange for an honest review.

[N.W. Moors · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fifth richest woman Haven meets pro golfer Pace. She's the poor gorgeous (with the big rack) but smart woman who married the older rich man who dies and leaves her with all his money. He also had a mistress and child that she doesn't find out about until after his death.
Pace is the handsome pro golfer (with the big junk) whose wife and baby died in an accident ten years ago and he is still suffering from needless guilt. Throw in Haven's best friend who becomes involved with Pace's adopted brother and you get predictable results.
This was all just a bit too soap opera-ish for me. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

[Bookbeauty · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** I have received an ARC via NetGalley ***

Reading this story I felt like I was in a spa myself ;) and it made this book a perfect read to prepare for a vacation (or to read it while tanning yourself on the beach).
However, I wasn't that impressed with the idea that Haven and Sally "needed" men in their life to make their happiness complete... Hm, yeah.
Putting that aside, I enjoyed reading "Essence", there was no unnecessary drama but lots of emotions instead (Haven and Pace!) and Mackenzie Lucas' writing style was engaging and kept me interested until the end.

[Diane Kowalyshyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escapism at its Finest
Busy woman dream of the ocean, spa days, and yoga sessions. Mackenzie Lucas adds a healthy dose of romance and she takes the reader to an intimate oasis. She electrifies the senses with vivid imagery and keeps the tension high as she puts her characters through an emotional and physical riptide.

Essence

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really sweet story and I really enjoyed it. The reason it gets 3 instead of 4 stars is just one of reading kirks. I just don't like stories when both characters are falling in love with best friend or brothers. I get invested in one romance and usually end up skipping the other. That's is just me. It if you like when there is more than one romance the you will love it. I received this arc for an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the main characters. I love it when both are damaged in some way, it makes for better chemistry in my opinion. I also loved the secondary characters. I am one who loves happy endings so I am a fan of the ending.

[Amanda Peake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently at Jacksonville Beach about thirty minutes from St. Augustine so this read had me trapped. I loved the characters that were FLAWED but relateable. The story line was well written and it makes you curious ..... what next. Thanks for allowing me to read this book!

[Miska Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard a lot about this book! I expected it to be short and sweet, but it was so much more!

This book pulled my heartstrings, and sent me reeling. It was a good romance, and a steamy one too, that left me wanting for more.

I completely recommend this title!

[Brenda Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Look forward to more contemporary romances from Mackenzie Lucas.