SAMI SAXTON ARRIVES ON CHRISTMAS DAY! DEVIOUSLY PERFECT!
In everybody's life, broken or otherwise, there is a longing to love. Again.
~EDITORIAL REVIEW~ " ... Wickard will have readers on edge ..." " ... a methodical, white-knuckled grip of the throat, the tension getting tighter." "A leisurely paced but ultimately rewarding, riveting thriller.” Kirkus Review 2/20/2015
“My trust level, to say the least, has been severely tampered with.”
This is a quote from Sami Saxton, the heroine from A Perfect Husband and A Perfect Setup, the first two in the Sami Saxton series created by electrifying suspense author Douglas Wickard.
As we begin reading Book 3, Perfect, Sami’s in recovery mode for sure as she boards a cruise ship with her BFF Drew. That Sami’s able to even step out from the safety of her haven (her home), or leave her beloved canine pooch Blue is a miracle. She’s been nearly murdered twice, been made a patsy by her own ex-husband, and has been a self-imposed recluse in need of some plain old normalcy.
For those of you who’ve followed the story line since A Perfect Husband, we all know Sami’s life has been anything but tranquil. In Mr. Wickard’s new offering, Drew’s intention is to get a frazzled Sami some peace and downtime, while sailing across the ocean to Italy.
What could possibly go wrong, so far away from those who’d torment Drew’s bestie? Here’s the rub: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions,” for want of a better analogy. When Sami Saxton’s in the picture, anything and everything that could take a wrong turn can and will happen.
What’s also super cool about Mr. Wickard’s prose, aside from it being a darn satisfying read, is the way he has Sami as the first person POV and Drew as the 3rd person POV. He applies his strategies so smoothly I was never confused as to who was doing the ‘speaking.’
I give Perfect five stars because it’s a true winner – the plot twists and turns are delved out precisely when their potencies are at their best, and I highly recommend you add Perfect to your library! Better yet, put it on your Christmas wish list.
Oh, and by the way, I never saw that ending coming, Mr. Wickard! Bravo is all I have to say!
Perfect by Douglas Wickard is the third novel in the fabulous Sami Saxton series, so life jackets at the ready as we once again set course for another non-stop, heart pumping, action packed adventure ride.
Life for Sami had been an emotional and psychological trauma the past few months so what could be more Perfect than to rest, relax and recuperate on the magnificent cruise ship, The Celebrity Reflection, a dream holiday bought and paid for by her “bestie” Drew.
Once on-board and settled, life for Sami begins to get exciting as romance and passion enters in the form of a handsome and dashing Italian. And for Drew, an unexpected meeting with a past lover sets her pulses racing and a desire to re-establish an old affair becomes her goal.
But, is everything as it seems? What unknown dangers lay ahead? Who can really be trusted and who can’t?
Douglas Wickard has an amazing gift for setting the scene, evoking atmosphere and mood and painting clear and vivid imagery of places visited, the many colourful and believable characters involved and immersing the reader in the sights, sounds and aromas of everyday life both on board the ship and during shore excursions.
Brilliant job Mr Wickard- loved it and highly recommend it Look forward to the next !! Copy provided by the author for an honest review
Sami and Drew were on vacation. A well deserved break from the world. At first, Sami didn't like the idea, but as each day passes, she enjoys herself more and more. Neither expected any problems. They could fill their days with activities on the ship. Relax, and just let the negative stuff slip away. Suddenly things seem to change. Sami gets involved with one of the passengers and Drew rekindles an affair she thought was over. How long will the fun last?
Powerful and passionate, this is why Douglas Wickard is a bestselling author in my mind. Perfect will lure you in and make you wish you were there. Then a hurricane of emotion will be let loose. Extremely well written with wonderfully defined characters, you can't help but be swept along. I found myself enjoying Sami's vacation as much as she was and then my heart fell to my feet. I wanted to shout to Sami and Drew. I wanted to protect them. You know you've read a good book when you can finish it and your heart is still racing. This is such a book. I'm a Sami Saxton fan forever. You should be too.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a thriller you won't be able to figure out until it's over. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
With each book, Douglas Wickard grows as a writer. This one is his best to date, which should not be a deterrent from reading his other novels. I devoured them in just a few settings.
The plot of Perfect moves along at a pace that allows the reader to enjoy the scenery, which Wickard is a master at showing. The characters story savor their surroundings which are given to the reader in satisfying glimpses, or are repulsed by them. There were a few times I thought the story came to a halt while a scene was described, but those times were rare.
The interactions of the characters are realistic and you get to know the point of view characters thoughts and feeling intimately. This being the third book in the Sami Saxton series, she carries baggage from the two previous novels that Wickard wisely doesn’t dwell on. Hints are given so readers of the previous novels are reminded and understand Sami’s emotional well-being. New readers to the series won’t be left questioning why she thinks and acts the way she does.
Sami’s bestie from the previous novels, Drewe, is given more story time in this novel, which gave this reviewer more insight into why she and Sami are so compatible to each other.
But poor Sami. Wickard does not give this woman a break. Just when you think things might be looking up for her, emotionally and romantically, Wickard drops her into hell, yet again. This book comes to a satisfying conclusion, but is left wide open for a continuation of Sami’s torturous life to go on. I can’t wait to read it.
"PERFECT" by author Douglas Wickard Is rated this 5 Star review today. This book is intense, well written. So exciting it will have you jumping out of your skin in anticipation for what's next. Love, love, love. I mean WOW! What an ending! Don't miss "PERFECT" this Christmas. Highly recommend this creative novel for your reading enjoyment. Douglas Wickard has masterfully Done IT again. PERFECT!!
Girls just want to have fun! And, that's just what "besties", Drew and Sami, planned to do as they boarded the luxury cruise liner, Celebrity Reflection. This excursion at sea takes place in bestselling author Douglas Wickard's PERFECT,the third book in the Sami Saxton thriller series.
This two-week cruise vacation to Italy, paid for by Drew, is a viable time-line for a sequence of events to unfold. The Celebrity Reflection is true to its name. Guests are treated like celebrities by a crew of interesting and well-defined personalities. There are opportunities for both Drew and Sami to be involved in self-reflection, whether lying by the pool, enjoying a day at the spa, or drinking vodka. Besties reflecting on past experiences and choices; and, some experiences and choices that might come back to haunt them both on this cruise and, perhaps, even back on home ground.
PERFECT acquaints the reader not only with descriptions of historic beauty on this cruise, but with romance, mysterious chance meetings, moonlight gazing, stolen moments, lavish entertainment, new characters, and a special table for two. Wickard's skill at flawless storytelling engages the reader in many twists and turns, raw emotion, vivid imagery, moments of lightness; and, moments of darkness (literally), peril and rage.
Sami now allows herself to be vulnerable to love again, as she explores romance with Italian, Giovanni. She opens herself up emotionally and physically; she starts to have some fun. She begins to feel and look sexy, desirable.
And, dear, often wicked, Drew, also enjoys on-board romance, but with a past lover. Her need to have a man's affection and attention leads her to rekindle this romantic flame that burns with intensity and, then, burns out of control.
Wickard's scenic descriptions and details of at-sea life and at port had me actually on this cruise, experiencing the swaying of the ship and the dazzling, active environment. It was MY stateroom that had origami towel creations by Delroy. The fun-loving and quick-to-attend-and-serve, Delroy. However, his antithesis, the condescending, and arrogantly protective, Mr. Delphino, would make a cruise for me, as with Sami, quite uncomfortable.
PERFECT, an engaging read, was also for me a study of the dynamics of the "best friend" relationship between women. Having read the first two books of the Sami Saxton series (A Perfect Husband and A Perfect Setup), I feel that Drew and Sami bond. Sisterhood. They are the ying and the yang of a relationship. At the end of any kind of day, they have each other's back. Drew and Sami make each other feel like an important someone when this isn't happening from a man in their lives.
Mr. Wickard, PERFECT's ending was not anticipated by this reader; quite a surprise and AHA moment! I didnt want PERFECT to end. I am eager to read the fourth book in the series, A Perfect Wife.
I rate PERFECT five stars and highly recommend it as an outstanding read. I have become a devoted fan of the Sami Saxton series. In my own mind, I am convinced that the sisterhood of Drew and Sami now includes a third bestie...me!
This is the third story of the Sami Saxton Series. In this intoxicating story, Sami is suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from previous terror-filled assaults on her which ended with her ex-husband being arrested along with his girl friend, and also involved the death of two women. Her 'bestie' forever friend, Drew, and Sami are going on a 14-day cruise ship, 'The Celebrity Reflection,' for some much needed R&R. The ship is huge, a floating posh city where one can become lost very easily. Sami has also become claustrophobic and averts the use of the elevator. Sami breaths a sign of relief arriving at their spacial suite, as they will be at sea for seven days with the final destination of Florence, Italy. Their quarters, the Aqua Class Suite, is very large with extra rooms and two queen sized beds. Sami is so thankful to Drew for her concern and kindness to help restore her life to some normalcy. Little does Sami know that her frightening psychiatrist, Doctor Thomas Mann, is aboard the ship. Drew, however, does know and continues her sexual hunger with him while keeping the secret from Sami. One evening, Sami stands at the stern of the ship watching the tumbling waves as the ship drives toward Europe. There is only one other person, Giovanni Medici, who quietly stands at the rail as though he may consider jumping into the maelstrom. He quickly becomes enamored with Sami. There is one other man who witnesses the two people on the stern. Who is he? He says he has dreamed of Sami for years; but does she know who he is? What is he? Will Sami be strong enough to go through another life-altering terror-filled encounter? Author Douglas Wickard is known for his compelling characters, dark overtones, and florid language. I have read all his previous stories which captivated me; however, this novel seems to have a little too much never-ending descriptions, a little too lavishly written with infrequently used words which require definition by the average reader. It distracts from the plot of the story which also could be more strongly written. But I shall not deter from reading his future novels, because he has talent and his writing can definitely send chills up your spine. Also, hopefully, better editing will encompass his next novel.
Perfect is the sequel to A Perfect Setup and can be read as a stand-alone book or as part of the series. A good many of the events that take place in Perfect have their genesis in A Perfect Setup, but are also understandable to the reader as the narrative of Perfect unfolds. whiteh@tpg.com.au
Sami Saxton’s best friend Drew has persuaded her to take a vacation in the form of a 3-week luxury cruise on a high-end ocean liner. Sami, still suffering the traumas of her recent adventures, is reluctant to leave the sanctuary of her apartment and her dog, but is reluctantly persuaded by Drew. Unbeknown to either however, recent events have not finished with them and follow the couple on board the liner. What is to come has an explosive impact on both of them.
As Sami settles into shipboard life she begins to unfold into the arms of a new romance, whilst Drew pursues a series of illicit, dangerous and erotic encounters with an old flame. Mr Wickard eloquently highlights the disparities between the liaisons the two best friends enjoy, and for a while all is set for fair sailing.
All is not well under the surface however. The lingering effects of PTSD are deftly woven into the fabric of Sami’s narrative, alongside an expanding glimpse into the complex character of Drew. The narrative gathers pace as the two friends find their romantic and sexual affairs unexpectedly intertwined and upturned as we spiral towards the climax of the voyage.
I enjoyed the tempo of the book, the details in the prose that subtly highlight the characters, and the steadily increasing sense of menace. I felt the book was rather slow in gathering pace, and at times the use of metaphor in the opening chapters seemed unwieldy. The climax of the novel, for me, rushed a little and as such brushed over the more sadistic and unsavory characteristics of the villain. However these are minor criticisms in the whirlwind of sexual abandon, heightened feelings, unpleasant revelations, romance and simmering violence that is PERFECT.
Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review.
Perfect is the third novel in the Sami Saxton series. This is by the best book yet in the series. I absolutely loved it. Sami and her best friend Drew take a long needed vacation on a cruise ship. Is love in the air aboard the ship or is there something lurking around the corner. Douglas is a brilliant writer that knows how to lure his reader in. You can feel the passion he has as a writer. He keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out the ending. I feel like I am part of the book when I am reading, everything feels real. I give it 5 stars. You have to read this book, it is a must.
"Perfect" by Douglas Wickard is a'perfect' instalment in his excellent and popular Sami Saxton series. It is another gripping thriller with an intense and at times almost disturbing intimacy. The story starts with a harmless cruise for Sami and her friend Drew but things soon take a different turn. Hardened criminals and tough cookies battle it out in this powerful thriller. I was reading on the edge of my seat, yet compelled to carry on to get to the end. A very captivating series that gets stronger every time. Not for the light hearted but for those who like to engage with great characters and can handle a nailbiting plot. This is explosive stuff.
I loved this book. Mr. Wickard has a gift of painting pictures with words--ornate and luscious, simple and refined or dark and evil. This was one of the best of the Sami Saxton novels. I'll try to be patient and wait for the next one. In the meantime I intend to read everything he has written. If you like mysteries, this is one of the best.
PERFECT is the perfect name for this awesome edge of your seat thriller by author Douglas Wickard.
Sami is still recovering from the events that happened in both previous books: A Perfect Husband and A Perfect Setup. Both of which you should read before this one although you don't have too. But to understand what Sami Saxton has been through and why her BFF Drew wants her to go on this cruise. They need relaxation and sun and lots of Vodka..
This story takes you on a ride you won't soon forget. Drew finds out that her ex lover is aboard the cruise ship and hides it from Sami, who would be terrified if she knew. Meanwhile Sami meets a very handsome man, Giovanni, who wines and dines her and she ends up falling for him even though someone keeps warning her to stay away.
Sami and Drew do most things together but when Sami is with Giovanni she doesn't have time for Drew. Drew starts up her affair again with the one man she should have run from and run fast, Thomas Mann.
This book has it all. Love, laughter, sun and fun, along with some pretty twisted scares thrown in for good measure. Just when I though Sami was finally finding the love of her life and going to be happy Mr Wickard throws a curve into the scene. Giovanni is not so perfect after all.
This book will take you to places you won't soon forget. It is filled with lots of twists and turns and a missing person to top that off. Kidnapping, terror and just about any emotion you can think of.
I love the Sami Saxton series because you never know what to expect. You never know what Sami and Drew will get themselves into next. It's a nonstop story that you won't soon forget and ends with you wanting more. I love Wickard's writing and the thrill rides he takes you on with each book.
I gave this a big 5 star and would give it more if I could. It was one I could not put down. Loved it from start to finish... Now for the next one.