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Sierra
Alternate Cover Edition for ISBN: 978-1475187960
TOP FIVE FINALIST FOR THE KINDLE BOOK REVIEW'S 2013 BEST INDIE BOOK AWARD (In the Romance category)
Alyssa Fontaine’s life, loved ones—everything familiar and dear—are brutally taken from her.
Taken captive by two men, she endures a horrific nightmare. A new life is forced upon her and even a new name.
Just when it appears that no hope is in sight, she is saved by an unlikely twist of fate. Trapped in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, life will open its arms to her again and she will embrace it. She will find love such as she never knew existed.
Sierra is a heart-wrenching story of the power of the human spirit to survive amidst impossible circumstances and severe losses. It is a story of survival . . . and hope.
TOP FIVE FINALIST FOR THE KINDLE BOOK REVIEW'S 2013 BEST INDIE BOOK AWARD (In the Romance category)
Alyssa Fontaine’s life, loved ones—everything familiar and dear—are brutally taken from her.
Taken captive by two men, she endures a horrific nightmare. A new life is forced upon her and even a new name.
Just when it appears that no hope is in sight, she is saved by an unlikely twist of fate. Trapped in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, life will open its arms to her again and she will embrace it. She will find love such as she never knew existed.
Sierra is a heart-wrenching story of the power of the human spirit to survive amidst impossible circumstances and severe losses. It is a story of survival . . . and hope.
364 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2012
36 people are currently reading
1316 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Dean
20 books751 followersTaylor Dean/Lee Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up. Taylor has also jumped into the magical world of children’s books as Lee Taylor Dean, making one more dream into a reality.
Connect with Taylor on her website: www.taylordeanbooks.com
Connect with Taylor on her website: www.taylordeanbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 9, 2015
Sierra is a story of survival, loss, second chances, renewal and above all...LOVE!
Alyssa has a happy, good life. She has a husband that she loves and adores and a 2 year old son that is the apple of their eye. While on a road trip Alyssa is abducted by two men and her life as she knows it is ripped away from her.
Alyssa is taken to the Sierra Mountains and what these men have planned for her is something out of her worst nightmare. Days have past since she has been taken and she is in bad shape! While being trudged through the mountains Alyssa and her captures come across a cabin. Alyssa is hopeful that this is her chance to be saved, but what is about to happen next is something she totally wasn't expecting and would have never predicted in her wildest dreams.
Alex is a broken man that has decided to remove himself from civilization and live in the Sierra Mountains alone. For the past three years this has been his sanctuary, until one evening all that changes! Two men with guns kick his door down and drag in a women who is dirty, bloody, and is being held against her will. Alex's only thought is that he will do whatever it takes to save this woman, But what he wasn't expecting was that saving her will change them both forever!
This story was amazing, I loved Alyssa's strength and will to fight when it looked like all hope was gone. I loved Alex for not only being Alyssa's hero, but for the kindness and care he showed her. This is definitely not your traditional love story, but it's a story about finding love in the most unexpected way.
April 28, 2024
Plot- the plot started out really great, with an abduction, attempted escape, and subsequent rescue. Then there was chemistry between the woman and her rescuer. Once they both admitted to their feelings, they were all in, at which point the story focused on their happiness for a while. That’s not inherently bad, but this author can get pretty cheesy… especially with her old fashioned, formal-sounding dialogue and lots of telling vs showing.
The 3rd act breakup was a total crapshow, though, and completely ruined the book for me.
I was disgusted with the selfish MMC who utterly and completely broke her heart (because he loves his privacy more than he loves her) and then stomped on it for good measure. He couldn’t even stick it out long enough for her to get out of the hospital???? Are you kidding me??!!!
He up and walked out on her, and then lied to her about his feelings in an effort to help her “move on without him.” Gee, thanks, how altruistic and considerate of you. Yep, you’re a really great guy.
He ran away to his secluded cabin and when she went after him a month later, he yelled at her, said awful things to her, coldly watched her crumple and cry. He got into a physical tug-of-war over their marriage contract with this woman who can still hardly walk, until she lost her cane and fell face-first in the dirt. I absolutely hated him at this point. His character went OTT in his cruelty to her. His POV says how he loves her so much during this rampage but has to hold strong in his pretend act anyway, and it MAKES NO BLEEPING SENSE. If you truly love someone, like he claims he loves her (and he does! I was convinced!), you don’t treat them like this! In the meantime, he is turning into a complete VILLAIN.
A few months later, he shows up again like everything’s normal. When he sat at that dinner table with their friends and tried to chit-chat with her after the way he had treated her, as if they were old friends, I wanted to jump across the table and strangle him. HE IS SUCH AN ENTITLED, CLUELESS JERK. Hate, hate, hate him. And then he watches her drive away and thinks, “I’m worried about her. She’s unhappy.” YEAH, YA THINK?! Are you seriously this clueless and self-centered?! What a moron!!!! And by the way, you have NO RIGHT to worry about her anymore! You threw her away like trash, remember?!
Now this is about the time that I’m thinking, “Oh boy, there’s going to be EPIC GROVELING for him to get her back. I can’t wait for him to beg, be shut down, and get a taste of his own medicine. There’s NO WAY she’ll take him back now. And then he’ll regret it and suffer until she FINALLY takes him back and I AM SO HERE FOR IT.”
Except, there was no groveling necessary since she makes it SO EASY for him.
She’s never even mad. She’s just heartbroken and in love with him, and completely understanding. She keeps chasing him until he finally decides he loves her enough to stick it out with her after all. He finally says “never mind!” and all his cruelty is forgiven IMMEDIATELY and she jumps into his arms and into his bed.
I was…
Furious.
Fuming.
Enraged.
I literally had 20 min left of the book (on double speed) and seriously SHUT IT OFF because I couldn’t take it another minute. They were happy and everything was immediately resolved between them as soon as he was ready, as if HER feelings don’t matter at all. Where is your self respect, woman?! Where is your dignity?! Why does he get a free pass to be excessively cruel because of his past tragedy from FOUR YEARS AGO when you have had WAY WAY WAY WAY WORSE trauma in the past 13 months?! How he treated you was NOT OKAY! No, do not get all dressed up for him! No, do not attend his benefit dinner when he didn’t even invite you! No, do not try to win him back! If he’s not willing to beg then he doesn’t deserve you! Make him work for it!
This was almost as bad as this author’s other work, For Nick, which had this same vibe. The MMC was OTT cruel to the FMC until it was solidly considered emotional abuse, but the FMC gratefully accepted his apology as soon as he realized he shouldn’t have punished her in the first place. I was absolutely so mad over that MMC, too. But I have loved some of her other work, like Heart Thief.
Romance- I’ve covered the romance in the section above, but one quick thing: they are snowed in for 4 months in a remote cabin but every time they passionately kiss they end it and act like they can’t go further even though they both say how much they want to… but they never talk about WHY they weren’t just sleeping together. I mean, I agree with saving sex for marriage, but that’s no longer the cultural norm and it was just really odd that they didn’t talk about it for a long time. It was a missing conversation that was very strange. And then when they finally decide to marry themselves, they take weeks to prepare for this ceremony that is just between the two do them. The whole time they are pining to sleep with each other. Just do your marriage and be together. All the preparations seemed so overkill to me.
However, with that being said, I do appreciate that they have values and high standards about marriage and sex. And I like how they take the marriage commitment very seriously. Or at least they sure seemed like it until the MMC character went rogue. (Can you tell I’m bitter?)
Writing- I already covered this.
To end on a positive since this review is mostly me raging- I thought the author did a good job of depicting the FMC’s grief about her murdered husband and baby, while also unconsciously falling in love with the MMC. That could have been a disaster but I felt like it progressed pretty naturally. Well done there.
I could have really liked this if the MMC wasn’t Jekyl and Hyde, and if he did the chasing at the end. As it is, I’m giving it a very generous 1.5 stars rounding up… maybe…
Content-
Language- no swearing
Spice- clean. The reader knows they make love as a married couple. Some gentle descriptions of soft skin, etc.
Narrator- I had a very difficult time with this narrator! The FMC sounds too naive and sticky sweet. Do not recommend the audiobook.
Format- bought the audiobook on Audible
The 3rd act breakup was a total crapshow, though, and completely ruined the book for me.
I was disgusted with the selfish MMC who utterly and completely broke her heart (because he loves his privacy more than he loves her) and then stomped on it for good measure. He couldn’t even stick it out long enough for her to get out of the hospital???? Are you kidding me??!!!
He up and walked out on her, and then lied to her about his feelings in an effort to help her “move on without him.” Gee, thanks, how altruistic and considerate of you. Yep, you’re a really great guy.
He ran away to his secluded cabin and when she went after him a month later, he yelled at her, said awful things to her, coldly watched her crumple and cry. He got into a physical tug-of-war over their marriage contract with this woman who can still hardly walk, until she lost her cane and fell face-first in the dirt. I absolutely hated him at this point. His character went OTT in his cruelty to her. His POV says how he loves her so much during this rampage but has to hold strong in his pretend act anyway, and it MAKES NO BLEEPING SENSE. If you truly love someone, like he claims he loves her (and he does! I was convinced!), you don’t treat them like this! In the meantime, he is turning into a complete VILLAIN.
A few months later, he shows up again like everything’s normal. When he sat at that dinner table with their friends and tried to chit-chat with her after the way he had treated her, as if they were old friends, I wanted to jump across the table and strangle him. HE IS SUCH AN ENTITLED, CLUELESS JERK. Hate, hate, hate him. And then he watches her drive away and thinks, “I’m worried about her. She’s unhappy.” YEAH, YA THINK?! Are you seriously this clueless and self-centered?! What a moron!!!! And by the way, you have NO RIGHT to worry about her anymore! You threw her away like trash, remember?!
Now this is about the time that I’m thinking, “Oh boy, there’s going to be EPIC GROVELING for him to get her back. I can’t wait for him to beg, be shut down, and get a taste of his own medicine. There’s NO WAY she’ll take him back now. And then he’ll regret it and suffer until she FINALLY takes him back and I AM SO HERE FOR IT.”
Except, there was no groveling necessary since she makes it SO EASY for him.
She’s never even mad. She’s just heartbroken and in love with him, and completely understanding. She keeps chasing him until he finally decides he loves her enough to stick it out with her after all. He finally says “never mind!” and all his cruelty is forgiven IMMEDIATELY and she jumps into his arms and into his bed.
I was…
Furious.
Fuming.
Enraged.
I literally had 20 min left of the book (on double speed) and seriously SHUT IT OFF because I couldn’t take it another minute. They were happy and everything was immediately resolved between them as soon as he was ready, as if HER feelings don’t matter at all. Where is your self respect, woman?! Where is your dignity?! Why does he get a free pass to be excessively cruel because of his past tragedy from FOUR YEARS AGO when you have had WAY WAY WAY WAY WORSE trauma in the past 13 months?! How he treated you was NOT OKAY! No, do not get all dressed up for him! No, do not attend his benefit dinner when he didn’t even invite you! No, do not try to win him back! If he’s not willing to beg then he doesn’t deserve you! Make him work for it!
This was almost as bad as this author’s other work, For Nick, which had this same vibe. The MMC was OTT cruel to the FMC until it was solidly considered emotional abuse, but the FMC gratefully accepted his apology as soon as he realized he shouldn’t have punished her in the first place. I was absolutely so mad over that MMC, too. But I have loved some of her other work, like Heart Thief.
Romance- I’ve covered the romance in the section above, but one quick thing: they are snowed in for 4 months in a remote cabin but every time they passionately kiss they end it and act like they can’t go further even though they both say how much they want to… but they never talk about WHY they weren’t just sleeping together. I mean, I agree with saving sex for marriage, but that’s no longer the cultural norm and it was just really odd that they didn’t talk about it for a long time. It was a missing conversation that was very strange. And then when they finally decide to marry themselves, they take weeks to prepare for this ceremony that is just between the two do them. The whole time they are pining to sleep with each other. Just do your marriage and be together. All the preparations seemed so overkill to me.
However, with that being said, I do appreciate that they have values and high standards about marriage and sex. And I like how they take the marriage commitment very seriously. Or at least they sure seemed like it until the MMC character went rogue. (Can you tell I’m bitter?)
Writing- I already covered this.
To end on a positive since this review is mostly me raging- I thought the author did a good job of depicting the FMC’s grief about her murdered husband and baby, while also unconsciously falling in love with the MMC. That could have been a disaster but I felt like it progressed pretty naturally. Well done there.
I could have really liked this if the MMC wasn’t Jekyl and Hyde, and if he did the chasing at the end. As it is, I’m giving it a very generous 1.5 stars rounding up… maybe…
Content-
Language- no swearing
Spice- clean. The reader knows they make love as a married couple. Some gentle descriptions of soft skin, etc.
Narrator- I had a very difficult time with this narrator! The FMC sounds too naive and sticky sweet. Do not recommend the audiobook.
Format- bought the audiobook on Audible
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2016
4.5 stars I'll round up to 5 stars. A wonderful read that starts out very dark. Alyssa is on a family vacation with her husband and young boy. The family is kidnapped from a rest stop by some really bad "Deliverance" types. Their purpose is to use Alyssa as the younger one's "Eve" to his "Adam" and start a new community in the desolate mountains. Alyssa is forced to watch them destroy her family and then is brutally taken hostage.
By chance she and her captors come upon a cabin in the middle of nowhere. The cabin's occupant is a doctor that decided to leave civilization behind when his life had a series of tragic events. He is horrified to see the shape that Alyssa is in and starts to help her.
This story is beautiful in that it deals with coming to grips with the bad things that happen in your life, learning to accept love and happiness when you question whether you really deserve it or not and hanging in there even when there are major bumps in the road. This book is beautifully written and very moving.
Just beware. This is not your typical "steamy" romance book. Yes there is great love and sexual tension, but marriage vows are sacred and not to be taken lightly. It is not "preachy" but is deeply moving.
By chance she and her captors come upon a cabin in the middle of nowhere. The cabin's occupant is a doctor that decided to leave civilization behind when his life had a series of tragic events. He is horrified to see the shape that Alyssa is in and starts to help her.
This story is beautiful in that it deals with coming to grips with the bad things that happen in your life, learning to accept love and happiness when you question whether you really deserve it or not and hanging in there even when there are major bumps in the road. This book is beautifully written and very moving.
Just beware. This is not your typical "steamy" romance book. Yes there is great love and sexual tension, but marriage vows are sacred and not to be taken lightly. It is not "preachy" but is deeply moving.
March 6, 2013
As I open the book, I can hardly wait to see what taylor dean has in store for me today. A pretty cover and the book blurb make me eager to begin.
Riveting from beginning to end. Be prepared to read straight through.
Adam was born when his Pa told him they had found their Eve at a rest stop in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Alyssa's life was changed forever at the same rest stop.
The saying, your life passes before your eyes, ran through her mind, as she thought of all the wonderful memories she had, until now. She felt her life had been perfect. She had married her wonderful husband and their beautiful son, Clay, had recently entered their life.
Pa drove deeper into the wilderness and Sam began to worry for them all, but especially for Alyssa. They stopped and separated Alyssa from Sam and Clay. She thought if she went willingly, maybe Pa would leave them alive in the woods.
Alyssa had a hard time keeping it together, so they knocked her out. She was so worried about Clay and Sam, she really didn't care what they did to her.
Pa and Adam put a leash around her neck and led her like a dog. She couldn't figure out what they wanted with her. They hadn't done anything to her yet. When they told her why they had kidnapped her, she couldn't help but laugh. She felt the idea was so ludicrous, they must be yanking her chain. She began to realize they were not joking around and became horrified, trying to think of a way out of the mess she was in.
Alex had lived alone in the mountains for three years. He was an only child and had wanted for nothing. He came from a family of doctors, but with his family gone, he changed his world dramatically. He isolated himself at his cabin and seemed quite content keeping his own company. He had supplies brought in once a year and that was enough socializing for him.
Alyssa had been looking for an opportunity to escape. When it came, she ran for her life. Pa and Adam had taken her so deep in woods, she didn't know which way to go, so she just ran as far away from them as she could.
They caught her easily, she ran right to them. Adam said she belonged to him and he would kill her before he would let her go.
Alyssa prayed. She didn't want to die. She had to fight. They had to pay. She would not let them win.
5 STARS - Would Buy It For Them (lol)
I look at the cover and it conveys a feeling of peacefulness. I can picture myself in the warm, snug cabin, sitting in front of a cozy fire burning in the fireplace, with my feet up and a cup of hot chocolate (or a hot toddy) in one hand and a book in the other. A deep quiet settles over the cabin as the snow floats softly to the ground. Well, if you think that is what this book is going to be like, you better brace yourself.
This was a hard review to write. By the time I got to page 20, I wanted to stop giving any clues as to what was to come. It was a kidnapping, but the cruelty went way beyond that. It was very intense and I feel you need to read it for yourself to get the full effect of the events.
Riveting from beginning to end. Be prepared to read straight through. I couldn't put it down. It was hard to keep from skimming ahead. I just had to know what was coming. It was killing me waiting for it.
I thought Alyssa was an idiot, when she took off from Alex on her own. I hate when women are depicted as being so stupid. But then, Alex said, "sometimes you have to see and know for yourself how impossible something really is." It made sense to me. The scene helped to develop the personalities of the characters.
A man and a woman alone in the woods, of course sex is going to be an issue. A knight in shining armor? Well, the armor might be a little tarnished, but a knight nonetheless. A woman with a family to go back to. A man who had felt such loss, he had isolated himself in the mountains, with human contact only once a year, when supplies were brought in.
I watch a lot of the Alaskan reality shows on TV. Some of those people are pretty far off the grid. If it wasn't for friends checking on them and helping them out, who knows how long they could be dead before anyone found out. Some of them live in places that are almost inaccessible. Because of this, who knows if a story like this could be real or not.
But, it is a fantasy, a book. Just like in the movies, some things are put in to make it work the way the writer wants, or to make the reader (or watcher) become more involved in the story and up the level of intensity. And why not? It is fiction, not a true story. I want the story to take me to a place I would not otherwise go. To me, books are an escape. I want to be so engrossed in them, that the world around me is nonexistent. taylor dean seems to do that exceptionally well for me.
I received this book from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
My Favorite Quotes
"Everything that happens to us in life becomes a part of us and makes us who we are."
"Cold pizza is the best breakfast food ever" I can relate to that. My mother and I both think cold pizza is the breakfast of champions.
"It's like I've tasted the bitter, and now the sweet's so overwhelmingly good, I just want to bask in it."
"...there's one thing I've learned from all of this and that is, life is short, life is tender. It can be taken away in the blink of an eye. When you find love you grasp it, never let it go and enjoy each day you've been given to the fullest."
She slowly rocked him as she wept. Alex felt......weeping.
The End
Riveting from beginning to end. Be prepared to read straight through.
Adam was born when his Pa told him they had found their Eve at a rest stop in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Alyssa's life was changed forever at the same rest stop.
The saying, your life passes before your eyes, ran through her mind, as she thought of all the wonderful memories she had, until now. She felt her life had been perfect. She had married her wonderful husband and their beautiful son, Clay, had recently entered their life.
Pa drove deeper into the wilderness and Sam began to worry for them all, but especially for Alyssa. They stopped and separated Alyssa from Sam and Clay. She thought if she went willingly, maybe Pa would leave them alive in the woods.
Alyssa had a hard time keeping it together, so they knocked her out. She was so worried about Clay and Sam, she really didn't care what they did to her.
Pa and Adam put a leash around her neck and led her like a dog. She couldn't figure out what they wanted with her. They hadn't done anything to her yet. When they told her why they had kidnapped her, she couldn't help but laugh. She felt the idea was so ludicrous, they must be yanking her chain. She began to realize they were not joking around and became horrified, trying to think of a way out of the mess she was in.
Alex had lived alone in the mountains for three years. He was an only child and had wanted for nothing. He came from a family of doctors, but with his family gone, he changed his world dramatically. He isolated himself at his cabin and seemed quite content keeping his own company. He had supplies brought in once a year and that was enough socializing for him.
Alyssa had been looking for an opportunity to escape. When it came, she ran for her life. Pa and Adam had taken her so deep in woods, she didn't know which way to go, so she just ran as far away from them as she could.
They caught her easily, she ran right to them. Adam said she belonged to him and he would kill her before he would let her go.
Alyssa prayed. She didn't want to die. She had to fight. They had to pay. She would not let them win.
5 STARS - Would Buy It For Them (lol)
I look at the cover and it conveys a feeling of peacefulness. I can picture myself in the warm, snug cabin, sitting in front of a cozy fire burning in the fireplace, with my feet up and a cup of hot chocolate (or a hot toddy) in one hand and a book in the other. A deep quiet settles over the cabin as the snow floats softly to the ground. Well, if you think that is what this book is going to be like, you better brace yourself.
This was a hard review to write. By the time I got to page 20, I wanted to stop giving any clues as to what was to come. It was a kidnapping, but the cruelty went way beyond that. It was very intense and I feel you need to read it for yourself to get the full effect of the events.
Riveting from beginning to end. Be prepared to read straight through. I couldn't put it down. It was hard to keep from skimming ahead. I just had to know what was coming. It was killing me waiting for it.
I thought Alyssa was an idiot, when she took off from Alex on her own. I hate when women are depicted as being so stupid. But then, Alex said, "sometimes you have to see and know for yourself how impossible something really is." It made sense to me. The scene helped to develop the personalities of the characters.
A man and a woman alone in the woods, of course sex is going to be an issue. A knight in shining armor? Well, the armor might be a little tarnished, but a knight nonetheless. A woman with a family to go back to. A man who had felt such loss, he had isolated himself in the mountains, with human contact only once a year, when supplies were brought in.
I watch a lot of the Alaskan reality shows on TV. Some of those people are pretty far off the grid. If it wasn't for friends checking on them and helping them out, who knows how long they could be dead before anyone found out. Some of them live in places that are almost inaccessible. Because of this, who knows if a story like this could be real or not.
But, it is a fantasy, a book. Just like in the movies, some things are put in to make it work the way the writer wants, or to make the reader (or watcher) become more involved in the story and up the level of intensity. And why not? It is fiction, not a true story. I want the story to take me to a place I would not otherwise go. To me, books are an escape. I want to be so engrossed in them, that the world around me is nonexistent. taylor dean seems to do that exceptionally well for me.
I received this book from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
My Favorite Quotes
"Everything that happens to us in life becomes a part of us and makes us who we are."
"Cold pizza is the best breakfast food ever" I can relate to that. My mother and I both think cold pizza is the breakfast of champions.
"It's like I've tasted the bitter, and now the sweet's so overwhelmingly good, I just want to bask in it."
"...there's one thing I've learned from all of this and that is, life is short, life is tender. It can be taken away in the blink of an eye. When you find love you grasp it, never let it go and enjoy each day you've been given to the fullest."
She slowly rocked him as she wept. Alex felt......weeping.
The End
September 20, 2012
Sierra is an unforgettable story of loss, hope, survival, love and second chances.
On the way home from a family outing, Alyssa Fontaine's world is turned upside down when her husband and son are brutally taken from her and she is abducted by two mountain men, who take her forcefully into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to start a new life with a new name, Eve.
Alex Kendrick has had a lot of tragedy in his life, and in order to get rid of the ghosts from his past, for the past three years he has called his mountain cabin retreat home. In the mountains he is at peace, he loves the simple solitary life that he has made for himself away from everyone.
Just when Alyssa thinks her life is over, an unlikely twist of fate brings a chance to escape from her abductors, and be saved by an unlikely savior, Alex. For Alyssa and Alex, it is a journey that will forever change their lives.
Every now and then you come across a novel that profoundly takes your breath away, and Sierra is that novel. Masterfully written and told in the third person narrative, Sierra is a story of two people who have known tragedy in their life, who are brought together under very unlikely circumstances to have a second chance at love and happiness. It is an amazingly compelling story of the power of the human spirit to survive tragic life circumstances, it will captivate you and take you on an emotional roller coaster ride while pulling at your heartstrings. Rich in details and vivid descriptions, the author masterfully weaves a tale that engages the reader and draws them into the characters' lives. The reader will feel the palpable suspense, drama, loss, hope and love in this riveting tale that is both heart-wrenching and redemptive.
Sierra is so much more than a romantic suspense story, it is an amazing testament to the resilience and power of the human spirit to survive, have hope and gain a second chance when they are dealt with unexpected life circumstances. This is a story that will resonate with you long after the last words have been read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
On the way home from a family outing, Alyssa Fontaine's world is turned upside down when her husband and son are brutally taken from her and she is abducted by two mountain men, who take her forcefully into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to start a new life with a new name, Eve.
Alex Kendrick has had a lot of tragedy in his life, and in order to get rid of the ghosts from his past, for the past three years he has called his mountain cabin retreat home. In the mountains he is at peace, he loves the simple solitary life that he has made for himself away from everyone.
Just when Alyssa thinks her life is over, an unlikely twist of fate brings a chance to escape from her abductors, and be saved by an unlikely savior, Alex. For Alyssa and Alex, it is a journey that will forever change their lives.
Every now and then you come across a novel that profoundly takes your breath away, and Sierra is that novel. Masterfully written and told in the third person narrative, Sierra is a story of two people who have known tragedy in their life, who are brought together under very unlikely circumstances to have a second chance at love and happiness. It is an amazingly compelling story of the power of the human spirit to survive tragic life circumstances, it will captivate you and take you on an emotional roller coaster ride while pulling at your heartstrings. Rich in details and vivid descriptions, the author masterfully weaves a tale that engages the reader and draws them into the characters' lives. The reader will feel the palpable suspense, drama, loss, hope and love in this riveting tale that is both heart-wrenching and redemptive.
Sierra is so much more than a romantic suspense story, it is an amazing testament to the resilience and power of the human spirit to survive, have hope and gain a second chance when they are dealt with unexpected life circumstances. This is a story that will resonate with you long after the last words have been read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
October 3, 2012
Let me begin by saying that any review I leave here will never do this book justice. Not since "Hunger Games" has a book so captivated me and taken me on such an emotional roller coaster! I thought I had read romances before, and books like "Jane Eyre" and "A Tale of Two Cities," I had always considered the peaks of romantic literature. Let me say this. This is the most romantic book I have ever read in my 38 years on this planet! In case you have not guessed by now, I loved this book!
When I began this book, I had no idea what I was getting into. I was horrified right off the bat, but I was so intensely drawn into the story that I savored every word on every page. Alyssa and Alex are fantastic characters, and Taylor Dean has made them truly three-dimensional. I connected with both in ways I never dreamed possible that I could connect with fictional characters. Alex gets my award for the most romantic character in a book--right alongside the Dumb as a Box of Rocks Award. No spoilers--read the book yourself.
I found myself tingling in unexpected ways and moaning (even when there were students in the room with me). More than once, I found myself crying over this story, and once I even threw the kindle down on the desk, determined to not finish it. It was too painful to read. Why? Well, let's just say that while I have not experienced anything like Alyssa did, I long for so much of what she and Alex expressed. And the book was so real to me that I found myself longing for what I don't have. Very rarely does a book ever affect me like this. I am a romantic at heart (which the majority of people would never guess), but so far, I can't find anyone who wants to share that romance with me. At least I was able to have some vicarious pleasure with this story.
Let me end by saying there is basically no profanity. No misuse of God's name--always makes me happy. And no sex before marriage. What? Really? What an amazing idea in this day and age! And I am glad the author had the decency to give the characters privacy in the bedroom. In fact, that makes it even more romantic, in my opinion. This book brought out the true romantic in me that often gets neglected.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
When I began this book, I had no idea what I was getting into. I was horrified right off the bat, but I was so intensely drawn into the story that I savored every word on every page. Alyssa and Alex are fantastic characters, and Taylor Dean has made them truly three-dimensional. I connected with both in ways I never dreamed possible that I could connect with fictional characters. Alex gets my award for the most romantic character in a book--right alongside the Dumb as a Box of Rocks Award. No spoilers--read the book yourself.
I found myself tingling in unexpected ways and moaning (even when there were students in the room with me). More than once, I found myself crying over this story, and once I even threw the kindle down on the desk, determined to not finish it. It was too painful to read. Why? Well, let's just say that while I have not experienced anything like Alyssa did, I long for so much of what she and Alex expressed. And the book was so real to me that I found myself longing for what I don't have. Very rarely does a book ever affect me like this. I am a romantic at heart (which the majority of people would never guess), but so far, I can't find anyone who wants to share that romance with me. At least I was able to have some vicarious pleasure with this story.
Let me end by saying there is basically no profanity. No misuse of God's name--always makes me happy. And no sex before marriage. What? Really? What an amazing idea in this day and age! And I am glad the author had the decency to give the characters privacy in the bedroom. In fact, that makes it even more romantic, in my opinion. This book brought out the true romantic in me that often gets neglected.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
May 21, 2013
Taylor classifies her books as love stories.
There is romance in all of her books, but I classified some of them as horror and thrillers.
Sierra starts out with your typical happy family on vacation.
Then it turns dark in a hurry.
Two maniacs abduct Alyssa and Sam and their son Clay, forcing her to drive them deep into the woods.
Pa and Adam had found their Eve. They had no use for the man and the boy.
Sam and Clay are gunned down right before her eyes and Alyssa succumbs to the shock.
When she comes to, her reality is horrifying.
Her escape attempt is thwarted by her kidnappers, but now they’re lost.
But wait, they stumble upon a cabin.
Alyssa dares to hope. Could her savior be inside? Maybe she can survive this, but does she want to?
I can’t imagine anything more soul-destroying then to see your loved ones murdered.
No matter how much she grieves for her husband and son, Alyssa’s will to survive drives her on.
There is a miracle in the cabin. The miracle is Alex.
He’s damaged goods, but then, so is she.
Two people, trapped in a cabin for the winter, turn to each other.
What I like most about Sierra was how Taylor lulls you in the beginning, then she shreds the peaceful scene to pieces. It happens so fast you barely have time to comprehend what is going to happen. Just like in real life.
You’ll be proud of Alyssa. Her heart has been shattered, she doesn’t want to live, but she can’t quit.
So she fights. with everything she can dredge up, she fights to live.
And life is waiting. Alex is waiting. He just doesn’t know it yet.
So, Sierra is a thriller, wrapped around a love story.
Of all of Taylor Dean’s books, this one moved me the most.
I cried, wiped the tears so I could see to keep on reading, and cried some more.
I smiled, then grinned, then laughed, and finally clapped.
Taylor gives you stong, genuine characters, a horrifying scenario that could happen, and the healing power of the human spirit.
I guarantee, after you read Sierra, you’ll have to read Taylor’s other books!
Thanks to the author for supplying me this book for my honest review.
There is romance in all of her books, but I classified some of them as horror and thrillers.
Sierra starts out with your typical happy family on vacation.
Then it turns dark in a hurry.
Two maniacs abduct Alyssa and Sam and their son Clay, forcing her to drive them deep into the woods.
Pa and Adam had found their Eve. They had no use for the man and the boy.
Sam and Clay are gunned down right before her eyes and Alyssa succumbs to the shock.
When she comes to, her reality is horrifying.
Her escape attempt is thwarted by her kidnappers, but now they’re lost.
But wait, they stumble upon a cabin.
Alyssa dares to hope. Could her savior be inside? Maybe she can survive this, but does she want to?
I can’t imagine anything more soul-destroying then to see your loved ones murdered.
No matter how much she grieves for her husband and son, Alyssa’s will to survive drives her on.
There is a miracle in the cabin. The miracle is Alex.
He’s damaged goods, but then, so is she.
Two people, trapped in a cabin for the winter, turn to each other.
What I like most about Sierra was how Taylor lulls you in the beginning, then she shreds the peaceful scene to pieces. It happens so fast you barely have time to comprehend what is going to happen. Just like in real life.
You’ll be proud of Alyssa. Her heart has been shattered, she doesn’t want to live, but she can’t quit.
So she fights. with everything she can dredge up, she fights to live.
And life is waiting. Alex is waiting. He just doesn’t know it yet.
So, Sierra is a thriller, wrapped around a love story.
Of all of Taylor Dean’s books, this one moved me the most.
I cried, wiped the tears so I could see to keep on reading, and cried some more.
I smiled, then grinned, then laughed, and finally clapped.
Taylor gives you stong, genuine characters, a horrifying scenario that could happen, and the healing power of the human spirit.
I guarantee, after you read Sierra, you’ll have to read Taylor’s other books!
Thanks to the author for supplying me this book for my honest review.
October 4, 2012
First off, I really liked the cover of this book – the snowy tranquility gave me a warm, cozy feeling. Then, after reading the blurb, I knew this would be an enjoyable read for me. One thing, the cover beguiles you into thinking this is a light romantic suspense story. That really is not the case. Even though there are a few scenes that capitalize on that homey feeling, many more are positively gut-wrenching. After the first few pages my attention never wandered; eager to find out what would happen next. The suspense kept me engaged whole-heartedly.
The author did an outstanding job creating the villains. Pa and Boy are creepy, nasty, and smelly. I loved hating them! Alex, especially, is a complex, flawed person. He and Alyssa both grow and change dramatically over the course of the story and face some mighty obstacles both together and apart. There were a few times when I just wanted to smack one or the other of them because neither could see the forest for the trees, as the saying goes.
I liked the overall voice of the story. There is a certain hopefulness that is never quite quenched even as circumstances seem most dire. However, there is also a feeling of dread hanging there in the periphery, callously prepared to poison all hope for future happiness. This suspenseful story is well-executed, cunningly crafted and ultimately is a testament to the ruggedness of the human spirit.
This book was provided to me by the author and Reading Addiction Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
The author did an outstanding job creating the villains. Pa and Boy are creepy, nasty, and smelly. I loved hating them! Alex, especially, is a complex, flawed person. He and Alyssa both grow and change dramatically over the course of the story and face some mighty obstacles both together and apart. There were a few times when I just wanted to smack one or the other of them because neither could see the forest for the trees, as the saying goes.
I liked the overall voice of the story. There is a certain hopefulness that is never quite quenched even as circumstances seem most dire. However, there is also a feeling of dread hanging there in the periphery, callously prepared to poison all hope for future happiness. This suspenseful story is well-executed, cunningly crafted and ultimately is a testament to the ruggedness of the human spirit.
This book was provided to me by the author and Reading Addiction Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
September 27, 2012
If you look at the cover of this book, you may think you are getting a light hearted winter tale. That's definitely not the case here.
This is the kind of story that grabs you from the first page and makes you hold on until the last page is turned.
I always find books like this hard to review because of that whole spoiler thing.
So rather than try to sum the book up, I'll tell you this. When I first saw the cover and saw the genre as romantic suspense, I almost dismissed it. The cover gave it a kind of Harlequin-y look. A cozy suspense novel. (Not my favorite genre in the harlequin imprints) But something in the blurb made me give it a try.
It is nothing like the cover. And it isn't cozy. There are times when it is terrifying and others when it it absolutely romantic. Oh and don't worry, there are plenty of times when you'll cry. This book is packed with emotion and both Alex and Alyssa have gone through a lot and you will love them for their strength.
This book will definitely surprise you and Taylor Dean will be an author you'll be adding to your must read lists!
This is the kind of story that grabs you from the first page and makes you hold on until the last page is turned.
I always find books like this hard to review because of that whole spoiler thing.
So rather than try to sum the book up, I'll tell you this. When I first saw the cover and saw the genre as romantic suspense, I almost dismissed it. The cover gave it a kind of Harlequin-y look. A cozy suspense novel. (Not my favorite genre in the harlequin imprints) But something in the blurb made me give it a try.
It is nothing like the cover. And it isn't cozy. There are times when it is terrifying and others when it it absolutely romantic. Oh and don't worry, there are plenty of times when you'll cry. This book is packed with emotion and both Alex and Alyssa have gone through a lot and you will love them for their strength.
This book will definitely surprise you and Taylor Dean will be an author you'll be adding to your must read lists!
May 27, 2015
This is a beautiful story about finding love again after a tragedy. The story of Alex saving Alyssa and them falling in love touched my heart. The author wrote a beautiful love story that was intelligent (so many romance novels are too graphic and not true love).
I have to be honest that I didn't like the story at first. The beginning was dark, but that didn't bother me. I thought the author was too choppy in telling the story at the beginning. Once they arrived at Alex's cabin, the story completely changed and the author had a great flow for the rest of the novel.
One of the things that I truly enjoyed about the novel was their views on the sanctity of marriage.
I liked that the author added the two years later epilogue, but I was surprised that it included them coming face to face with Adam's family. I would have predicted them just living happily ever after in Oregon. It made you understand that Adam was a victim and his family was suffering too.
I have to be honest that I didn't like the story at first. The beginning was dark, but that didn't bother me. I thought the author was too choppy in telling the story at the beginning. Once they arrived at Alex's cabin, the story completely changed and the author had a great flow for the rest of the novel.
One of the things that I truly enjoyed about the novel was their views on the sanctity of marriage.
I liked that the author added the two years later epilogue, but I was surprised that it included them coming face to face with Adam's family. I would have predicted them just living happily ever after in Oregon. It made you understand that Adam was a victim and his family was suffering too.
September 4, 2015
Alyssa is returning from a family vacation when the unthinkable happens. She's kidnapped by a couple of men, who do what they have to do to get here away from her husband and son. They driver her around until she has not a clue where they are. For days she is drug through the woods, tortured a bit, and on the verge of giving up. Then she sees something that just may be what she needs to escape.
I was hesitant to start this book- it's not i never read dark reads, i just try to time them to at least read them when my husband is home. well, this was a little dark and heavy at the beginning, but otherwise it really wasnt bad. there was more time spent on the romance portion of the book than the dark portion. the books was enjoyable, and different from the normal romance book
I was hesitant to start this book- it's not i never read dark reads, i just try to time them to at least read them when my husband is home. well, this was a little dark and heavy at the beginning, but otherwise it really wasnt bad. there was more time spent on the romance portion of the book than the dark portion. the books was enjoyable, and different from the normal romance book
June 29, 2014
This book was amazing!! I love Taylor Dean and this was my favorite of hers so far!
July 7, 2015
Seriously one of the best books I have read in awhile.
March 10, 2022
An emotionally gripping story
This author is fast becoming a favorite of mine- her books take you on such a rollercoaster ride of emotions but leave you so incredibly happy at the end. I heard such mixed reviews about this story so it took me longer to get to it, but I’m definitely glad I did.
It was so good- danger and suspense from the beginning, grief and loss and angst for the protagonist, and then such a sweet love story that comes from the ashes of tragedy. I couldn’t get enough of it, and read it in a day. Of course then I immediately went back and reread my favorite parts again, so it took me another day to write my review. Definitely an intense but great story from the talented Taylor Dean!
*This book does deal with intense scenes and emotions, including murder and attempted rape
This author is fast becoming a favorite of mine- her books take you on such a rollercoaster ride of emotions but leave you so incredibly happy at the end. I heard such mixed reviews about this story so it took me longer to get to it, but I’m definitely glad I did.
It was so good- danger and suspense from the beginning, grief and loss and angst for the protagonist, and then such a sweet love story that comes from the ashes of tragedy. I couldn’t get enough of it, and read it in a day. Of course then I immediately went back and reread my favorite parts again, so it took me another day to write my review. Definitely an intense but great story from the talented Taylor Dean!
*This book does deal with intense scenes and emotions, including murder and attempted rape
November 11, 2018
I noticed this book the week it came out, but after reading the summary, I wasn’t sure I could stomach it. Taken captive by two men, she endures a horrific nightmare… I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what I assumed. However, over the past couple of months of watching reviews pop up, I noticed that not a single one of them mentioned the subject matter I was trying to avoid. Surely someone would have brought it up, right? So I took a chance, and it was worth it.
Alyssa is on vacation with her family when tragedy strikes, and in what feels like mere moments, an idyllic scene does in fact become a nightmare — not the nightmare I was worried about, but certainly heart-wrenching at best. One moment is all smiles and happiness, and in a cruel twist of circumstance, everything is almost instantly shattered. Alyssa is taken from her family, driven to the middle of nowhere, forced to walk through miles and miles of wilderness, and quickly losing hope. Despite the unimaginable circumstances, she tries (and ultimately fails) to escape twice, until it’s clear that there really is no getting away from her captors. But just when it seems that there’s no escaping a violent fate, salvation appears in the form of a remote cabin and its lone resident.
Alex has secluded himself deep in the woods, away from civilization and his own tragic past. The last thing he expects is for two incompetent criminals to come bursting through his door at dinner time, and certainly not with an abused captive in tow. I don’t want to give the whole story away, but I’m guessing it’s obvious he saves her, right? Only now he has an injured, devastated woman in his home, and his separation from civilization doesn’t exactly make it easy to return her home. He’s arranged his life so that there is virtually no contact with the outside world. No phone, no radio, not even a car or road to carry them out of the wilderness. So until his annual delivery of supplies is made by helicopter next year, they’re stuck. That should give them plenty of time to fall in love, right? The falling is slow, of course. Two people bound by circumstance and sharing in tragedy have more on their minds than romance, and Taylor Dean expresses that in her characters so well. There’s heartache, frustration, friendship, and a slow build, all the while shadowed by the fear that one of Alyssa’s kidnappers may return.
In may ways, the tale is told perfectly, unfolding at just the right speed and pulling you in. Alex is understanding, protective of, and careful around Alyssa. They’re strangers, after all, and while they’ve been thrown together and managed to survive, there’s no rush to a happily ever after. When it finally does come, though, things are a little too perfect. The things Alex says, while exactly what we want to hear are… well, they’re exactly what we want to hear, in a way that stamps out the otherwise realistic flow of their relationship. He expresses his emotions completely and in ways that even the most sensitive men rarely do — I mean, what grown man living the life of a hermit on a mountain freely uses the word “frolick”? Unfortunately, that’s pretty much the way the whole story wrapped up — a little too neatly, conveniently, quickly… While the bulk of their tale was a measured climb, the conclusion was jarringly sudden and strayed from the otherwise perfect pacing.
Alyssa is on vacation with her family when tragedy strikes, and in what feels like mere moments, an idyllic scene does in fact become a nightmare — not the nightmare I was worried about, but certainly heart-wrenching at best. One moment is all smiles and happiness, and in a cruel twist of circumstance, everything is almost instantly shattered. Alyssa is taken from her family, driven to the middle of nowhere, forced to walk through miles and miles of wilderness, and quickly losing hope. Despite the unimaginable circumstances, she tries (and ultimately fails) to escape twice, until it’s clear that there really is no getting away from her captors. But just when it seems that there’s no escaping a violent fate, salvation appears in the form of a remote cabin and its lone resident.
Alex has secluded himself deep in the woods, away from civilization and his own tragic past. The last thing he expects is for two incompetent criminals to come bursting through his door at dinner time, and certainly not with an abused captive in tow. I don’t want to give the whole story away, but I’m guessing it’s obvious he saves her, right? Only now he has an injured, devastated woman in his home, and his separation from civilization doesn’t exactly make it easy to return her home. He’s arranged his life so that there is virtually no contact with the outside world. No phone, no radio, not even a car or road to carry them out of the wilderness. So until his annual delivery of supplies is made by helicopter next year, they’re stuck. That should give them plenty of time to fall in love, right? The falling is slow, of course. Two people bound by circumstance and sharing in tragedy have more on their minds than romance, and Taylor Dean expresses that in her characters so well. There’s heartache, frustration, friendship, and a slow build, all the while shadowed by the fear that one of Alyssa’s kidnappers may return.
In may ways, the tale is told perfectly, unfolding at just the right speed and pulling you in. Alex is understanding, protective of, and careful around Alyssa. They’re strangers, after all, and while they’ve been thrown together and managed to survive, there’s no rush to a happily ever after. When it finally does come, though, things are a little too perfect. The things Alex says, while exactly what we want to hear are… well, they’re exactly what we want to hear, in a way that stamps out the otherwise realistic flow of their relationship. He expresses his emotions completely and in ways that even the most sensitive men rarely do — I mean, what grown man living the life of a hermit on a mountain freely uses the word “frolick”? Unfortunately, that’s pretty much the way the whole story wrapped up — a little too neatly, conveniently, quickly… While the bulk of their tale was a measured climb, the conclusion was jarringly sudden and strayed from the otherwise perfect pacing.
July 18, 2013
Sierra is the 4th book I've read by Taylor Dean, and I love it just as much as I've loved her other books. She draws you right in and keeps you entertained throughout the whole book. Her books are always so well thought out and don't contain any unnecessary characters or scenes. I love that! It always makes me feel like I'm wasting my time when authors throw in extra stuff just to make their books longer. I, as a reader, do not appreciate it when authors waste my time! Taylor's books are concise and have just enough detail. She leaves some things to the reader's imagination. Isn't that what books are supposed to do?
Sierra starts out with the kidnapping of Alyssa, a wife and mother of a young boy. Two horrible men take her and her family hostage. They then proceed to leave her husband and son while taking Alyssa to be the younger kidnapper's bride. She fights them the entire time and tries escaping twice with little success.
This book is very intense! It takes you on a tumultuous emotional ride. I felt worried, hopeful, happy, sad, relieved, disappointed, and finally relieved again! The action in the book never stops. The description in the book is just enough to peak your curiosity and get your imagination rolling.
The characters are so great. The kidnappers are so creepy. Alyssa's depression is so real. Alex's concern and reactions are spot-on. Alyssa's father's attitude is very believable. The minor characters play important roles.
The whole time I was reading this I felt like this was exactly the kind of book I'd write. Taylor must be in my imagination :) I've always thought about living out in the wilderness, but, of course, with all of my necessary supplies!
This is a book worth adding to your TBR list. It is a quick read because you just don't want to put it down!
Sierra starts out with the kidnapping of Alyssa, a wife and mother of a young boy. Two horrible men take her and her family hostage. They then proceed to leave her husband and son while taking Alyssa to be the younger kidnapper's bride. She fights them the entire time and tries escaping twice with little success.
This book is very intense! It takes you on a tumultuous emotional ride. I felt worried, hopeful, happy, sad, relieved, disappointed, and finally relieved again! The action in the book never stops. The description in the book is just enough to peak your curiosity and get your imagination rolling.
The characters are so great. The kidnappers are so creepy. Alyssa's depression is so real. Alex's concern and reactions are spot-on. Alyssa's father's attitude is very believable. The minor characters play important roles.
The whole time I was reading this I felt like this was exactly the kind of book I'd write. Taylor must be in my imagination :) I've always thought about living out in the wilderness, but, of course, with all of my necessary supplies!
This is a book worth adding to your TBR list. It is a quick read because you just don't want to put it down!
July 8, 2013
Alyssa seems to have a perfect life--married to an amazing man who adores her and her 2-year-old son, Clay. They are her world. At a rest stop in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, her life changes forever when Pa and Adam (despicable nasty evil villains) abduct her small family. Forced to endure horrific abuse and tragedy, Alyssa finds herself alone in the wilderness with her 2 evil captors as they make their way towards their community where she will become Adam's "Eve."
Born a fighter, Alyssa escapes twice, but is recaptured both times and beaten terribly. Despairing of hope, a small miracle happens that lifts her heart enough to not give up. I don't want to ruin any of the suspense from here on out; let me just say that I didn't think I would be able to keep reading because Alyssa's life gets so terrible that it's painful to read about. But READ ON! This story was amazing to see the resilience of the human spirit when Alyssa gets a 2nd chance in life and love.
This will go down as one of my favorite reads this year! Taylor Dean writes characters that I always connect with and love with all my heart. Their pain is my pain; their joy is mine. I enjoy every second of her books, and this one was one of my favorites for the wide range of emotions she made me feel--utter devastation to complete bliss and joy! Awesome book.
Born a fighter, Alyssa escapes twice, but is recaptured both times and beaten terribly. Despairing of hope, a small miracle happens that lifts her heart enough to not give up. I don't want to ruin any of the suspense from here on out; let me just say that I didn't think I would be able to keep reading because Alyssa's life gets so terrible that it's painful to read about. But READ ON! This story was amazing to see the resilience of the human spirit when Alyssa gets a 2nd chance in life and love.
This will go down as one of my favorite reads this year! Taylor Dean writes characters that I always connect with and love with all my heart. Their pain is my pain; their joy is mine. I enjoy every second of her books, and this one was one of my favorites for the wide range of emotions she made me feel--utter devastation to complete bliss and joy! Awesome book.
October 3, 2012
This is quiet frankly the best clean romance novel I've ever read in my whole entire life. Finally a “love story” I can recommend to my mom without blushing or her thinking I'm some kind of freak. This was such an emotional read. Sierra tells the story of a woman targeted by madmen on a mission. Her family is brutally taken away and she is held captive in the wilderness. In the mist of her suffering she finds a hero. I was outraged. I was hopeless. I cried along with the main character, Alyssa. I cast the e reader away swearing to not finish this novel. But at last, my curiosity got the best of me. This was such a charming story. Even in the super gushy parts, I hung to every word as if it was oxygen, I needed to see what would happen next. In the end a part of me wished this was a true story and that fairy tale romances like this could actually exist. Yet at the same time, I wouldn't wish the horrors she faced on my worst enemy. I would recommend this to any and everyone. This is a few readers away from an "American classic”!
December 13, 2014
I picked this book as my monthly free prime kindle read for this month. I really love Taylor Dean's writing and her books so this seemed like a good choice for me. It's one of the only ones written by her that I haven't read yet.
I started reading this right before bed. Bad choice because it scared me. (yes, I'm a chicken but if you have children, don't start reading this right before bed. You will have nightmares) I put it down and actually didn't pick it up again until a couple days later when I was better prepared for what was to come and it was daytime. And my husband was home. ;)
Taylor Dean knows how to write characters and places that feel real. She knows how to pull her readers in. I don't think this was my favorite book by her, but it was good. The suspense and emotions were there. I'm still thinking about this book days after reading it. Mostly about the scary part. Which is why I don't read books that frighten me.
Content: There is sex behind closed doors between a married couple.
I started reading this right before bed. Bad choice because it scared me. (yes, I'm a chicken but if you have children, don't start reading this right before bed. You will have nightmares) I put it down and actually didn't pick it up again until a couple days later when I was better prepared for what was to come and it was daytime. And my husband was home. ;)
Taylor Dean knows how to write characters and places that feel real. She knows how to pull her readers in. I don't think this was my favorite book by her, but it was good. The suspense and emotions were there. I'm still thinking about this book days after reading it. Mostly about the scary part. Which is why I don't read books that frighten me.
Content: There is sex behind closed doors between a married couple.
October 17, 2012
This was not what I expected with this read. With a rather light touch of the dramatic, most of the story covered a slow and meticulous story that I found less than believable. I actually grew to dislike Alyssa. I found the romance, though sweet, to be unrealistic due to the timing. Alex is a good character, both strong and sweet. Their story is heart-wrenching and sweet and sad all at the same time. Though fairly well written, I couldn't get past the disregard for the recent tragedy that Alyssa seemed to adopt. The plot took on a very raw emotional atmosphere that you don't often come across. An interesting read, but not one I prefer when it comes to sinking into a good romance.
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April 2, 2013
"Sierra" is the first novel I've read by Taylor Dean, after having received so many recommendations from a dear friend of mine to try a novel of hers.
With a riveting opening and enough suspense to keep the pages turning, "Sierra" is sure to be a favorite for folks who enjoy a suspense/thriller/romance. I love how God is brought into the book in a real way, with people who are genuine and struggle in their spiritual lives! I also appreciate the romance - steamy but still within appropriate bounds I felt! I had to keep reading, because like I said, it kept me turning pages!
I anticipate reading more of Dean's novels . . . . I already had purchased one or two others at the time I purchased "Sierra," I think one is "Lancaster House." Should be interesting!
With a riveting opening and enough suspense to keep the pages turning, "Sierra" is sure to be a favorite for folks who enjoy a suspense/thriller/romance. I love how God is brought into the book in a real way, with people who are genuine and struggle in their spiritual lives! I also appreciate the romance - steamy but still within appropriate bounds I felt! I had to keep reading, because like I said, it kept me turning pages!
I anticipate reading more of Dean's novels . . . . I already had purchased one or two others at the time I purchased "Sierra," I think one is "Lancaster House." Should be interesting!
January 2, 2015
When I scrolled through the list on Amazon and picked Sierra, I did so without reading an synopsis or a blurb... so I had absolutely NO idea what to expect when I delved in deep. Last night, as my house work was neglected and my children climbed on the reading tower of mom, I couldn't put Sierra down. I was utterly enthralled by the story telling.
When a small family is headed on vacation, Sam, Clay, and Alyssa's life as they know it suddenly changes. Tragedy strikes and Alyssa learns to be a survivor, strong, and fight for what she wants.
You'll probably cry (a lot) and root for love. When the story is over, you'll feel sad that there is no more to read and relieved that there are no more twists.
When a small family is headed on vacation, Sam, Clay, and Alyssa's life as they know it suddenly changes. Tragedy strikes and Alyssa learns to be a survivor, strong, and fight for what she wants.
You'll probably cry (a lot) and root for love. When the story is over, you'll feel sad that there is no more to read and relieved that there are no more twists.
June 12, 2014
Get the tissues ready. This is a story of love and loss. I only give 5 stars to books I can't put down. Fell asleep reading it. Thank goodness for ereaders. You don't lose your place. Continued reading this morning and just finished. Ms Dean provides a clean read that doesn't bury you under Christian morality. Alyssa and her family are kidnapped on the way to a conference for Sam. They are forced to drive into the mountains, where the older man shoots her family. Alyssa is now forced to hike further into the mountains to their community to have sons for the younger man.
January 3, 2013
This had all the elements I love to read: suspense/thriller, love, and a little romance. Don't let the horrific event that opens the book deter you, it is shocking yet it shapes the story and characters in such a way that you can't help but root for them. You soon forget what horrible thing brought Alyssa and Alex together and get totally swept into their love story. There were a few areas where believability got very thin, but overall this was a sweet love story.
March 13, 2013
Wow...this book was amazing. It was recommended to me and I highly recommend it to others. Such a wonderful story that I could totally see happening in real life. I can also see this as a great movie. I was hooked in just the first chapter, which makes you feel love and despair in such a short time. The rest of the book is so well written that you will find you can't put it down. A definite must read!
May 5, 2014
I absolutely loved this book! It is a story of loss, of horror and of hope and of love. You will laugh and you will cry. This is a story with many facets to it. Some characters you will hate, some you will love. This is an amazing story written by a wonderful storyteller. I am so happy my friend recommended Taylor Dean. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I guarantee it will not be the last. Highly recommended read!
May 5, 2014
This is the first book I've read by this author and won't be my last. I'm so glad that a friend recommended this book to me.
The story pulled me in from the start. I don't want to give anything away, but there is a kidnapping, murder, creepy bad guys, healing, friendship, romance, love, hurt, sadness, depression, surprise and coming to terms all included in this story. I highly recommend this book filled with lots of emotions and a great storyline. Thanks Taylor Dean for a wonderful read!
The story pulled me in from the start. I don't want to give anything away, but there is a kidnapping, murder, creepy bad guys, healing, friendship, romance, love, hurt, sadness, depression, surprise and coming to terms all included in this story. I highly recommend this book filled with lots of emotions and a great storyline. Thanks Taylor Dean for a wonderful read!
July 5, 2014
Talk about a traumatic read! This book reads like the worst nightmare imaginable.
Until prayers are answered in the form of a reclusive mountain man.
This book while traumatic, was hard to put to put down. Did I put it down? No, I read until 3am.
Loved that the proper epilogue was included, I don't think I would have awarded 5 stars if it hadn't been.
Well done Dean, I recommend this book it's well written and reminded me that we always have to be on the look out and guarded.
Until prayers are answered in the form of a reclusive mountain man.
This book while traumatic, was hard to put to put down. Did I put it down? No, I read until 3am.
Loved that the proper epilogue was included, I don't think I would have awarded 5 stars if it hadn't been.
Well done Dean, I recommend this book it's well written and reminded me that we always have to be on the look out and guarded.
July 1, 2020
It came as no surprise to me that I liked this book. I haven't read any book of hers that I don't like. everything she writes comes off the page and happens before your eyes. you become transfixed and nothing will be alluring enough to induce you to take your eyes off the page. I'm smitten with love for this creative and talented author. kudos to you and the mother that gave birth to you.
your most devoted reader.
your most devoted reader.
July 7, 2012
This was a GOODREADS win, and I loved it, I just recieved the book and starting reading before I went to sleep. I didn't want to stop. Their was fear, sadness, my heart broke for Alyssa, it was horrible what happen to her, I loved Alex, doing whatever he could do to avoid the pain in his life. Great love story...Thank you Goodreads and thanks to the author...great story :)
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