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Venus Rising
There's much more to Akshaya Bertrand than her extraordinary beauty. What lies below the surface is immensely complex and challenging, even to herself. Jared Harrison has lived at the epicenter of war zones for most of his career. What begins as a beautiful relationship leads to individual journeys of self-discovery. A trek across India tests all they've learned about themselves and each other.
- GenresIndia
499 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2013
339 people want to read
About the author
Celia Kennedy
11 books116 followersCelia Kennedy was born in Wurzburg, Germany on an American military base. Her parents' penchant for traveling the world, via a Volkswagen Minibus with a Porsche engine, sparked her imagination. Staring out the window, sometimes through fog and rain, at other times at sunny blue skies, she began to make up stories for the places and spaces they passed by. The in-between time, the most fascinating to her.
The imagined world has always fascinated Celia. She has studied Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Interior Design, and pretty much every other subject matter. Like her childhood, it was the ride that was the most entertaining, arrival at a degree, not anywhere as important.
Mark Twain said, "Write what you know." When combining this concept with her unusual life experiences (working at a nuclear submarine base when Chernobyl blew, testing software Bill Gates kept close tabs on, travelling extensively while quite broke, or falling in love with her boyfriend's close friend) thinking of what to write about isn't challenging; there just needs to be more hours in the day.
"Write what you know," is a common enough phrase. When combining this concept with her unusual life experiences (working at a Nuclear Submarine Base when Chernobyl blew, testing software Bill Gates kept close tabs on, travelling extensively while quite broke, falling in love with her boyfriend's close friend) thinking of what to write about isn't challenging; there just needs to be more hours in the day.
Currently she lives in Washington State with the loves of her life.
The imagined world has always fascinated Celia. She has studied Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Interior Design, and pretty much every other subject matter. Like her childhood, it was the ride that was the most entertaining, arrival at a degree, not anywhere as important.
Mark Twain said, "Write what you know." When combining this concept with her unusual life experiences (working at a nuclear submarine base when Chernobyl blew, testing software Bill Gates kept close tabs on, travelling extensively while quite broke, or falling in love with her boyfriend's close friend) thinking of what to write about isn't challenging; there just needs to be more hours in the day.
"Write what you know," is a common enough phrase. When combining this concept with her unusual life experiences (working at a Nuclear Submarine Base when Chernobyl blew, testing software Bill Gates kept close tabs on, travelling extensively while quite broke, falling in love with her boyfriend's close friend) thinking of what to write about isn't challenging; there just needs to be more hours in the day.
Currently she lives in Washington State with the loves of her life.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 20, 2014
Aren’t we all the sum of our life experiences and how we handle their memories? What others see on the outside may not be what we feel on the inside. No truer thoughts could prevail when talking about Art History Professor, Akshaya Bertrand and Dr. Jared Harrison, journalist and guest lecturer at a prestigious college in New England. Step inside their world as Celia Kennedy guides us through her emotionally charged tale, Venus Rising, you’ll be glad you did.
Jared has taken a break from his life as a journalist traveling in the world’s hot spots, capturing the life, death and pain of war torn countries. Burned out and haunted by what he has seen, meeting the mysterious and beautiful Akshaya has him both attracted and intrigued. Why is she friendly, yet distant? Why does she hold people at an arm’s length? What would she think of Jared if she knew his darkest secrets?
Akshaya is drawn to the handsome journalist, with his quiet demeanor and the lost look he sometimes holds. But to take their relationship to anything more than friends could involve Askshaya revealing the scars of her past, baring her darkest inner turmoil. Would he still see her as attractive as both a woman and a human or will Jared see the ugliness she possesses? Will working together open opportunities for sharing and closeness? How long can they avoid admitting both their feelings and their fears?
Celia Kennedy has created more than a love story about two damaged souls; she has created a slice of life that surely could exist in today’s world. From her quirky supporting characters to her damaged main characters, clearly sharing more common ground than they realize, Ms. Kennedy builds each layer into a map to potential redemption and love. The only thing needed is trust and honesty necessary to reveal their darkest nightmares.
Beautifully written, gently flowing, Aksahaya and Jared have a story that will bring you to your knees one moment and cause your heart to flutter the next. Powerful, deep and even cute at times, Celia Kennedy brings each page to life with brilliant storytelling that was hard to leave as this tale ended.
Publication Date: August 8, 2013
Publisher: Celia Kennedy
ISBN: 1500176559
Genre: Romance with Humor
Print Length: 401 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Jared has taken a break from his life as a journalist traveling in the world’s hot spots, capturing the life, death and pain of war torn countries. Burned out and haunted by what he has seen, meeting the mysterious and beautiful Akshaya has him both attracted and intrigued. Why is she friendly, yet distant? Why does she hold people at an arm’s length? What would she think of Jared if she knew his darkest secrets?
Akshaya is drawn to the handsome journalist, with his quiet demeanor and the lost look he sometimes holds. But to take their relationship to anything more than friends could involve Askshaya revealing the scars of her past, baring her darkest inner turmoil. Would he still see her as attractive as both a woman and a human or will Jared see the ugliness she possesses? Will working together open opportunities for sharing and closeness? How long can they avoid admitting both their feelings and their fears?
Celia Kennedy has created more than a love story about two damaged souls; she has created a slice of life that surely could exist in today’s world. From her quirky supporting characters to her damaged main characters, clearly sharing more common ground than they realize, Ms. Kennedy builds each layer into a map to potential redemption and love. The only thing needed is trust and honesty necessary to reveal their darkest nightmares.
Beautifully written, gently flowing, Aksahaya and Jared have a story that will bring you to your knees one moment and cause your heart to flutter the next. Powerful, deep and even cute at times, Celia Kennedy brings each page to life with brilliant storytelling that was hard to leave as this tale ended.
Publication Date: August 8, 2013
Publisher: Celia Kennedy
ISBN: 1500176559
Genre: Romance with Humor
Print Length: 401 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book so much. It is a beautiful love story!
Every once in a while, I like to read something with a happy ever after ending for a change.
The two main characters are Jared Harrison, a journalist suffering from PTSD, who is a visiting lecturer at a small university and Akshaya Bertrand, a beautiful Asian Indian woman with a traumatic past. She is also an art history professor at the university. The novel revolves around their evolving relationship.
Akshaya had been born in India but knows nothing about her birth parents or the fire she was rescued from as a young child. She was adopted by American parents and has grown up in the United States. However, she has both physical scars and emotional scars from her past which have kept her from developing relationships with men.
Jared is struggling with both PTSD and survivor's guilt. He has traveled around the world covering wars and tragedies in countries as well as writing books. He has seen so much suffering and feels guilty that he is always able to leave these situations. He feels especially torn about a man he came to know in Afghanistan.
I won't go any further into the plot to avoid spoiling it for others. However, even though there is a romance, there are obstacles and emotional walls that must be overcome in their relationship. Part of this process involves a trip to India.
I love the way the author has written this love story---there is so much tenderness and caring expressed between the 2 characters. Although sex is included, it is not graphic, explicit or vulgar.
Every once in a while, I like to read something with a happy ever after ending for a change.
The two main characters are Jared Harrison, a journalist suffering from PTSD, who is a visiting lecturer at a small university and Akshaya Bertrand, a beautiful Asian Indian woman with a traumatic past. She is also an art history professor at the university. The novel revolves around their evolving relationship.
Akshaya had been born in India but knows nothing about her birth parents or the fire she was rescued from as a young child. She was adopted by American parents and has grown up in the United States. However, she has both physical scars and emotional scars from her past which have kept her from developing relationships with men.
Jared is struggling with both PTSD and survivor's guilt. He has traveled around the world covering wars and tragedies in countries as well as writing books. He has seen so much suffering and feels guilty that he is always able to leave these situations. He feels especially torn about a man he came to know in Afghanistan.
I won't go any further into the plot to avoid spoiling it for others. However, even though there is a romance, there are obstacles and emotional walls that must be overcome in their relationship. Part of this process involves a trip to India.
I love the way the author has written this love story---there is so much tenderness and caring expressed between the 2 characters. Although sex is included, it is not graphic, explicit or vulgar.
November 23, 2014
Venus Rising is a unique love story with two wounded souls at the heart of the story. The author explores the question of whether two people in love can come together with gaping sores and heal together or must they heal the wounds before making a whole commitment. The answer as with life--and love stories--is not a black and white answer.
I liked the hero and heroine very much. Akshaya and Jared keep their secrets hidden behind their professional lives. The idea of outward beauty and physical scars as the cornerstone of who we are is examined through Akshaya's life history. She has men chasing after, yet she has no idea of the impact she has on them because she can only see one part of herself. Jared's life is envied by his colleagues, but they have no idea of the price he's paid for his life as an international journalist. They aren't typical romantic heroes, but they fail into all the same holes.
I would have given this novel a 5-star rating, except for the uneven point of view, which seems more skewed toward Jared, especially in the beginning. Also, the author would have been well served by careful proofing of the final copy. There are scenes in which dialogue is repeated.
However, the storyline is compelling and the characters are well-developed, making Venus Rising a compelling read.
I liked the hero and heroine very much. Akshaya and Jared keep their secrets hidden behind their professional lives. The idea of outward beauty and physical scars as the cornerstone of who we are is examined through Akshaya's life history. She has men chasing after, yet she has no idea of the impact she has on them because she can only see one part of herself. Jared's life is envied by his colleagues, but they have no idea of the price he's paid for his life as an international journalist. They aren't typical romantic heroes, but they fail into all the same holes.
I would have given this novel a 5-star rating, except for the uneven point of view, which seems more skewed toward Jared, especially in the beginning. Also, the author would have been well served by careful proofing of the final copy. There are scenes in which dialogue is repeated.
However, the storyline is compelling and the characters are well-developed, making Venus Rising a compelling read.
May 11, 2018
First, let me say that I received a copy of this book through Hidden Gems. In exchange I agreed that this review would be honest and in my own words.
The first thing I'll say is that this book is one amazing story. The story ebbed and flowed through the lives of Akshaya and Jared, both professors and both suffering from demons not of their making. In Akshaya's case, she carries the wounds of her childhood, both physical and emotional. In Jared's he is a non-combat veteran of the world's skirmishes - as a reporter. He suffered from depression and PTSD (or a combination of both). This story kept me captivated and hanging onto every word. It took me longer to read this book than any of the last 20 I've read, not because it was long (and it is) but because there's a need not to miss anything. The author, Celia Kennedy, delicately wove the story of Jared and Akshaya with threads of her family and his and made this into a very powerful book about the power of love and hope in every relationship.
My criticisms of the book are few. The ending needed a boost. It was abrupt and really didn't do the book justice. In a few pages the book traveled forward by months, and it was a disappointment that I as a reader, didn't know what went on in those months. I was right there, crying real tears with the two of them, more than once, yet the ending left me wanting. For that it gets four stars. But overall, I would high recommend this book.
The first thing I'll say is that this book is one amazing story. The story ebbed and flowed through the lives of Akshaya and Jared, both professors and both suffering from demons not of their making. In Akshaya's case, she carries the wounds of her childhood, both physical and emotional. In Jared's he is a non-combat veteran of the world's skirmishes - as a reporter. He suffered from depression and PTSD (or a combination of both). This story kept me captivated and hanging onto every word. It took me longer to read this book than any of the last 20 I've read, not because it was long (and it is) but because there's a need not to miss anything. The author, Celia Kennedy, delicately wove the story of Jared and Akshaya with threads of her family and his and made this into a very powerful book about the power of love and hope in every relationship.
My criticisms of the book are few. The ending needed a boost. It was abrupt and really didn't do the book justice. In a few pages the book traveled forward by months, and it was a disappointment that I as a reader, didn't know what went on in those months. I was right there, crying real tears with the two of them, more than once, yet the ending left me wanting. For that it gets four stars. But overall, I would high recommend this book.
May 29, 2018
I had a hard time reading this one. The characters are so caught up in self pity, they are ruining something that could be healing for them both. My emotions ranged from joy to complete anger, that I had to set the book aside for awhile. These two try the patience of their friends, family and this reader. This book almost lost me when it started on social politics and be fair warned before attempting to read this, it tries to engage your heart for the plight of those in India and the Middle East. Despite the above rant, the story is well-written, engaging and deeply emotional. Note: Lakshmi is the Indian name for Venus.
August 2, 2015
1) Book cover/title - This is a very beautiful cover. I’ve had my eye on this book, and the cover is what made me interested in reading it. The picture and title are appropriate to the story. 5 feathers
2) Characters - The characters are extremely well-developed. Akshaya and Jared are not one-dimensional paper cutouts. Celia does a fabulous job at keeping the dialogues fresh and fun and I I loved the flirty banter between them. Both characters are believable and I felt their pain and their joy. Even the secondary characters, like Tim Owens, Jared’s friend, and Akshays’s family members, were exactly who they were meant to be. 5 feathers
3) Plot/storyline - As this is a romance story, we all know how it’s going to end. After all, 99% of them are HEA. But, it’s the journey getting there, which counts. And journey we do. I thought at times the story line went longer than it should have, but both characters had to find and face themselves. In Akshaya’s case, it was all the way back to India. I really enjoyed the different cultures that Celia brought into the book. I love learning new things. There’s plenty of drama and emotions, so you’ll have some teary moments. There is definitely a progression in Akshaya and Jaed’s personalities. Both had scars, whether physical or mental, but I felt Akshaya did the most growing, as she had to learn to overcome both. 5 feathers
4) Editing/formatting - Unfortunately, this was an issue. There were no chapters, so if I wanted to go back to a specific place, I couldn’t. The formatting was terrible, at least on my kindle. There were no paragraph indents, most of the time double spaces separated them. But sometimes, those double spaces became single, and when there was conversation, it made it confusing to know who was actually doing the talking. I had to go back several times and reread part of a page just to find out. There were also some proofreading problems, but those didn’t detract from my enjoyment. 3 feathers
A very enjoyable story, and I highly recommend it. My rankings come to 4.5, which I’ll round up to 5 feathers.
2) Characters - The characters are extremely well-developed. Akshaya and Jared are not one-dimensional paper cutouts. Celia does a fabulous job at keeping the dialogues fresh and fun and I I loved the flirty banter between them. Both characters are believable and I felt their pain and their joy. Even the secondary characters, like Tim Owens, Jared’s friend, and Akshays’s family members, were exactly who they were meant to be. 5 feathers
3) Plot/storyline - As this is a romance story, we all know how it’s going to end. After all, 99% of them are HEA. But, it’s the journey getting there, which counts. And journey we do. I thought at times the story line went longer than it should have, but both characters had to find and face themselves. In Akshaya’s case, it was all the way back to India. I really enjoyed the different cultures that Celia brought into the book. I love learning new things. There’s plenty of drama and emotions, so you’ll have some teary moments. There is definitely a progression in Akshaya and Jaed’s personalities. Both had scars, whether physical or mental, but I felt Akshaya did the most growing, as she had to learn to overcome both. 5 feathers
4) Editing/formatting - Unfortunately, this was an issue. There were no chapters, so if I wanted to go back to a specific place, I couldn’t. The formatting was terrible, at least on my kindle. There were no paragraph indents, most of the time double spaces separated them. But sometimes, those double spaces became single, and when there was conversation, it made it confusing to know who was actually doing the talking. I had to go back several times and reread part of a page just to find out. There were also some proofreading problems, but those didn’t detract from my enjoyment. 3 feathers
A very enjoyable story, and I highly recommend it. My rankings come to 4.5, which I’ll round up to 5 feathers.
January 12, 2015
What an amazingly written love story; not only about romantic partners, but love of family, friends, food and places to call home/visit. This story is splendid in culture, colors, tastes and feels. Celia Kennedy weaves a tapestry of the lives of two very hurt individuals. And, it is beautiful.
It was fabulous reading this story to see what was uncovered. Often, the stories I love the most, are the hardest to review; because I want to be sure I write the review well enough that you will want to read it. HA. So, that is my plan here…Read this story.
Celia Kennedy writes of Akshaya Bertrand and Jared Harrison who meet while working at a college in Massachusetts. Akshaya is an Art History professor and Jared is hired as a Guest Lecturer at the school. Jared is a self-professed Nomad. He traveled the Middle East as a journalist and writer, and has seen horrific things, and one that had a very personal effect on him. Akshaya’s personal story is just as interestingly told. Both characters could have each been their own book! That is why I was enraptured by them being shared in the same story, walking the same path.
Akshaya and Jared have emotional traumas to deal with, yet they are falling in love with one another at the same time. They need to learn how to live with or move on from these “pent-up” feelings. Only then would know if they can still be capable of a long term and intimate relationship. Both have a lot of ground to cover if they want to get to one another, as a couple.
The question is: Can they?
Jared was to write another novel. He asks Akshaya to co-author, because he wants to write a book about “Art in a war-torn part of the world”. This opportunity could be their saving grace, as a trip to India and Afghanistan could have them re-write their very own personal story.
This trip may provide them the healing they have needed for so long.
I was in love with this story, and in love with both Akshaya and Jared. I challenge you not to do the same!!
It was fabulous reading this story to see what was uncovered. Often, the stories I love the most, are the hardest to review; because I want to be sure I write the review well enough that you will want to read it. HA. So, that is my plan here…Read this story.
Celia Kennedy writes of Akshaya Bertrand and Jared Harrison who meet while working at a college in Massachusetts. Akshaya is an Art History professor and Jared is hired as a Guest Lecturer at the school. Jared is a self-professed Nomad. He traveled the Middle East as a journalist and writer, and has seen horrific things, and one that had a very personal effect on him. Akshaya’s personal story is just as interestingly told. Both characters could have each been their own book! That is why I was enraptured by them being shared in the same story, walking the same path.
Akshaya and Jared have emotional traumas to deal with, yet they are falling in love with one another at the same time. They need to learn how to live with or move on from these “pent-up” feelings. Only then would know if they can still be capable of a long term and intimate relationship. Both have a lot of ground to cover if they want to get to one another, as a couple.
The question is: Can they?
Jared was to write another novel. He asks Akshaya to co-author, because he wants to write a book about “Art in a war-torn part of the world”. This opportunity could be their saving grace, as a trip to India and Afghanistan could have them re-write their very own personal story.
This trip may provide them the healing they have needed for so long.
I was in love with this story, and in love with both Akshaya and Jared. I challenge you not to do the same!!
February 27, 2015
As I have stated before in several reviews, I am not normally a reader of contemporary romance. This novel had been in my inventory for at least two months, and I kept passing it over for other books whose genre I favor. I finally picked it up somewhat reluctantly. Imagine my surprise when two hours later, tired and sleepy, I found myself unable to put it down! It was three o’clock in the morning when I finally gave up and went to bed.
When Dr. Jared Harrison, successful journalist, writer, and jaded world traveler accepts a short-term teaching position at a small-town college in Massachusetts, he is at a crossroads in his life. Emotionally raw and disillusioned by the violence, suffering, and hopelessness he has witnessed for years in Afghanistan, he has lost his way and is in desperate need of a new direction in his life.
When he meets Akshaya Bertrand, a beautiful and untouchable art history professor, he’s stunned by her beauty and intelligence. Throwing caution to the wind, Jared begins a personal campaign to get to know the beautiful woman. But Jared soon realizes that Akshaya is battling personal demons of her own, and she’s not about to let any man break through the walls she has so carefully built around her heart. Soon, Jared discovers that Akshaya herself has been the victim of a past as violent and devastating as any he has witnessed. Can she be the one to understand his pain and give him the sense of belonging he needs? Can he help her overcome her self loathing and allow herself to love?
This story is beautifully written. There is a perfect balance of dialogue and narrative. The characters are vivid and well developed. The descriptions of India and its people are fascinating. I loved every minute I spent reading this novel. It does have some sexual content, but it’s beautifully and tastefully done. It is a spiritual, emotional, and sensual journey you will not want to miss. I recommend it highly.
When Dr. Jared Harrison, successful journalist, writer, and jaded world traveler accepts a short-term teaching position at a small-town college in Massachusetts, he is at a crossroads in his life. Emotionally raw and disillusioned by the violence, suffering, and hopelessness he has witnessed for years in Afghanistan, he has lost his way and is in desperate need of a new direction in his life.
When he meets Akshaya Bertrand, a beautiful and untouchable art history professor, he’s stunned by her beauty and intelligence. Throwing caution to the wind, Jared begins a personal campaign to get to know the beautiful woman. But Jared soon realizes that Akshaya is battling personal demons of her own, and she’s not about to let any man break through the walls she has so carefully built around her heart. Soon, Jared discovers that Akshaya herself has been the victim of a past as violent and devastating as any he has witnessed. Can she be the one to understand his pain and give him the sense of belonging he needs? Can he help her overcome her self loathing and allow herself to love?
This story is beautifully written. There is a perfect balance of dialogue and narrative. The characters are vivid and well developed. The descriptions of India and its people are fascinating. I loved every minute I spent reading this novel. It does have some sexual content, but it’s beautifully and tastefully done. It is a spiritual, emotional, and sensual journey you will not want to miss. I recommend it highly.
May 28, 2015
I wanted to like this book a lot more than I actually did. Ok, let me rephrase that. I liked the book, but I didn't love it and I really wanted to. I wanted to love it because it was definitely different. A Indian woman adopted by American and French parents bearing the scars of her traumatic, unknown childhood is afraid of intimacy? A journalist turned professor suffering from PTSD after spending way too much time in war zones? Plus the incredible imagery the author paints and the obvious countless hours of research that went into presenting accurate facts in this book. Wow, that spells an amazing novel.
The story itself was entrancing and the plot was riveting. I found the characters (mostly Jared) so confusing though. I get that they've both been through a lot and they're dealing with their issues, but I found their actions to be inconsistent throughout the novel. In the beginning Jared was a little too perfect with his words; caring, sensitive, thoughtful and then the simple revelation that she can't have children sets him off? If he was compassionate about her scars, why would he suddenly become a jerk about that? It's like he got a lobotomy the middle of the book. And then instantly, they're in India and he changes his tune. Maybe that's what going through PTSD is like but it just threw me for a loop. The conversations were also hard to follow because at times I didn't know who was talking. It confused me because I actually had to go back and flip back and forth to figure out who was saying what.
I did enjoy learning about the Indian culture, foods, and traditions. Like I said previously, the imagery was amazing and obviously obtained either through first hand knowledge or very good research. Jared and Akshaya's blossoming romance was adorable and sweet and so much more wholesome than in most romance novels. It was a breath of fresh air. With the right characters, I think this would be an ideal book to be made into a movie.
The story itself was entrancing and the plot was riveting. I found the characters (mostly Jared) so confusing though. I get that they've both been through a lot and they're dealing with their issues, but I found their actions to be inconsistent throughout the novel. In the beginning Jared was a little too perfect with his words; caring, sensitive, thoughtful and then the simple revelation that she can't have children sets him off? If he was compassionate about her scars, why would he suddenly become a jerk about that? It's like he got a lobotomy the middle of the book. And then instantly, they're in India and he changes his tune. Maybe that's what going through PTSD is like but it just threw me for a loop. The conversations were also hard to follow because at times I didn't know who was talking. It confused me because I actually had to go back and flip back and forth to figure out who was saying what.
I did enjoy learning about the Indian culture, foods, and traditions. Like I said previously, the imagery was amazing and obviously obtained either through first hand knowledge or very good research. Jared and Akshaya's blossoming romance was adorable and sweet and so much more wholesome than in most romance novels. It was a breath of fresh air. With the right characters, I think this would be an ideal book to be made into a movie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2015
Reviewed on behalf of Readers' Favorite
Venus Rising by Celia Kennedy is a contemporary women’s fiction romance. Professor Akshaya Bertrand is an art historian at a prestigious university on the east coast. Dr. Jared Harrison is a journalist/novelist and war correspondent coming to teach in the Political Science Department for a year. Both struggle with memories of past lives. Akshaya has always shied away from relationships, worried childhood injuries, veiled by a beautiful face, will cause men to withdraw. Jared is instantly drawn to the Indian beauty and strives to know her better, despite all her perceived flaws. He is haunted by his war experiences and has buried them deep inside. Both feel the passion for each other, but know they must take it slow. However, when the relationship becomes too intense, will a trip to India to rediscover Akshaya’s past prove to be the event that brings them together in ways neither imagined?
Miss Kennedy, again, fails to disappoint in this vivid, passionate novel. I devoured every page, enthralled by the ever-developing relationship of Akshaya and Jared, as well as the perfectly described scenery. I found myself really interested in learning more about Indian culture and I almost felt I could see the clothing and smell the food of the various locations. The author knows just how to draw a reader in and immerse them in a completely different world. I was impressed with the way she described their relationship and how each character came to grow into a better person. It was refreshing to read characters with flaws who do all things possible to seek help, learn, and grow from them. Venus Rising is a perfect read and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Venus Rising by Celia Kennedy is a contemporary women’s fiction romance. Professor Akshaya Bertrand is an art historian at a prestigious university on the east coast. Dr. Jared Harrison is a journalist/novelist and war correspondent coming to teach in the Political Science Department for a year. Both struggle with memories of past lives. Akshaya has always shied away from relationships, worried childhood injuries, veiled by a beautiful face, will cause men to withdraw. Jared is instantly drawn to the Indian beauty and strives to know her better, despite all her perceived flaws. He is haunted by his war experiences and has buried them deep inside. Both feel the passion for each other, but know they must take it slow. However, when the relationship becomes too intense, will a trip to India to rediscover Akshaya’s past prove to be the event that brings them together in ways neither imagined?
Miss Kennedy, again, fails to disappoint in this vivid, passionate novel. I devoured every page, enthralled by the ever-developing relationship of Akshaya and Jared, as well as the perfectly described scenery. I found myself really interested in learning more about Indian culture and I almost felt I could see the clothing and smell the food of the various locations. The author knows just how to draw a reader in and immerse them in a completely different world. I was impressed with the way she described their relationship and how each character came to grow into a better person. It was refreshing to read characters with flaws who do all things possible to seek help, learn, and grow from them. Venus Rising is a perfect read and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
April 12, 2015
Venus Rising by Celia Kennedy is a very enjoyable read. Jared and Akshaya, the two main characters, are interesting and dynamic individuals who are both hiding traumatic backgrounds. Intelligent and successful, both Jared and Akshaya appear to have great lives, at least to outsiders looking in. But they both have to deal with the wounds their pasts have inflicted and trusting others is a challenge.
Jared and Akshaya find themselves teaching at the same small college, and Jared is immediately attracted to the beautiful, enigmatic art history professor. Akshaya is completely unaware of the effect that she has on men, and oblivious to their feelings for him. Jared realizes that he's going to have to be bold if he has a chance with Akshaya, and sets forth in pursuing her.
Like most love stories, theirs is not without difficulties. When two wounded souls come together, you can certainly expect heartache, and this is true for Jared and Akshaya. However, Author Kennedy does a masterful job of navigating their relationship, and you'll be happy with the ending.
I so enjoyed the descriptive nature of this book, as well as the many references to Akshaya's Indian culture. Few authors are able to successfully interweave aspects of a different culture into their stories without making the references stick out like a sore thumb, but I feel that Celia Kennedy did this without problem.
I very much enjoyed this story and would recommend it whole-heartedly.
Jared and Akshaya find themselves teaching at the same small college, and Jared is immediately attracted to the beautiful, enigmatic art history professor. Akshaya is completely unaware of the effect that she has on men, and oblivious to their feelings for him. Jared realizes that he's going to have to be bold if he has a chance with Akshaya, and sets forth in pursuing her.
Like most love stories, theirs is not without difficulties. When two wounded souls come together, you can certainly expect heartache, and this is true for Jared and Akshaya. However, Author Kennedy does a masterful job of navigating their relationship, and you'll be happy with the ending.
I so enjoyed the descriptive nature of this book, as well as the many references to Akshaya's Indian culture. Few authors are able to successfully interweave aspects of a different culture into their stories without making the references stick out like a sore thumb, but I feel that Celia Kennedy did this without problem.
I very much enjoyed this story and would recommend it whole-heartedly.
February 23, 2015
Jared Harrison among many other things is a successful author, a political historian and a philanthropist. He falls in love with the 34 year old art historian, Akshaya Bertrand who is beautiful and yet appears quite enigmatic. As they get to know one another they discover that beneath the intellectual, successful and good looking exteriors they both hide physical and mental scars. Can they have a future together and could a trip to India help find the missing pieces of the puzzle in Akshaya’s life?
Amidst an intellectual setting Celia Kennedy explores themes like intercultural love, adoption and the devastating effects of the war in Afghanistan on human lives. The strength of characters of Jared and Akshaya come to life in their interactions with one another and their immediate families. Celia Kennedy reveals her knowledge about India, its politics and culture as she weaves it into the storyline. A very enjoyable read indeed!
Amidst an intellectual setting Celia Kennedy explores themes like intercultural love, adoption and the devastating effects of the war in Afghanistan on human lives. The strength of characters of Jared and Akshaya come to life in their interactions with one another and their immediate families. Celia Kennedy reveals her knowledge about India, its politics and culture as she weaves it into the storyline. A very enjoyable read indeed!
March 7, 2015
Someone once said - We are, in the end either defined by our baggage or in defiance of it. Jared and Akshaya are two people who embody both. Struggling to cope with the harshest side of life, both Jared and Akshaya show great character as they wrestle with the inner demons behind perfect facades. Sometimes sharing in such tragedy can bring two people closer as Venus Rising tells the tale of these two souls, caught by ugliness of their past, but longing to not let that ugliness tarnish what they may have together. This story was a beautiful tale of learning to heal, beginning to trust and taking chances with the heart. I was touched by the pain Celia brought to life in Akshaya and Jared and was on the edge of my seat as I read to the end, rooting for love. Celia skillfully crafted this tale to create lifelike scenes better than a painting, building relationships and sharing family, food, travel and struggle. I absolutely loved it. Great depth,. Well done!
January 3, 2015
What a tender, loving story. This is one of those books that just makes you feel good. First of all, kudos to the author for doing such a fantastic job with researching the Indian culture. I'm Indian so it was refreshing to read a story with some of the culture embedded into it. And can I say that I absolutely love the male lead? Jared is absolutely amazing. He knew exactly when to be sexy, witty, supportive, a good listener... ah, Jared is just one of those guys you dream about. Don't get me wrong, he had his own demons to fight.
What I especially loved were their witty conversations. Their sarcastic and flirtatious comments had me laughing out loud many times. Their interactions were special, sweet, and almost innocent.
This is a great story to lose yourself into. Highly recommended!
What I especially loved were their witty conversations. Their sarcastic and flirtatious comments had me laughing out loud many times. Their interactions were special, sweet, and almost innocent.
This is a great story to lose yourself into. Highly recommended!
December 12, 2014
A beautiful and moving love story that spans two continents, Jared and Akshaya are both struggling to deal with their own scars of the past as together they navigate their way towards their future. This story shows the challenges of letting go of deep seated fears, and the bumps and bruises along the path to find love and acceptance. The story is filled with vivid imagery. The author does an amazing job of describing the sights and sounds of cold, wintery Massachusetts and the lush tropical sights and smells of India. Readers will be transported as Jared and Akshaya begin to understand themselves better in order to be able to fully give themselves to another person.
December 13, 2014
“Venus Rising” by Celia Kennedy was an intriguing and compelling love story that took me on a deep and complex journey which I had not expected. Much more than a simple romance this is a study of human nature and the difference between inner perception and image.
An Indian Art lecturer and a journalist have a deep attraction for each other and shared interests but love or friendship even is not always so easy. Past hurt and other, quite complex feelings come into play and make this an exquisite character study.
I enjoyed being able to read both perspectives, the fascinating settings and the slow build-up of the connection. A unique story.
An Indian Art lecturer and a journalist have a deep attraction for each other and shared interests but love or friendship even is not always so easy. Past hurt and other, quite complex feelings come into play and make this an exquisite character study.
I enjoyed being able to read both perspectives, the fascinating settings and the slow build-up of the connection. A unique story.
September 3, 2016
Venus Rising is an incredibly well conceived, slow burning love story with depth and integrity. The main characters are well-rounded and fully developed, each with their demons they must face.In doing so the author takes you from a university in Boston to California to India and even a refugee camp in Afghanistan. This is one of those rare novels I found myself thinking about throughout my day, the characters popping up into my consciousness out of nowhere. That's because they feel real, almost like I know them, such is Celia Kennedy's skill, her writing so evocative. An intelligent, moving portrayal of love against the odds. A simply wonderful read.
September 13, 2015
A Literary Romance with Complex Layers
Jared Harrison is a war correspondent. Everything he’s seen in the course of his career has built up in his psyche. He’s on the edge of the abyss, ready to explode into dark fragments of brittle glass.
Akshaya Bertrand is an art history professor. Gorgeous and smart, she possesses her own psychical wounds. She protects herself with impenetrable shields, closing herself off from love and happiness.
Celia Kennedy offers a story that goes beyond the usual romance. It’s a literary work of art, with complex layers of the human experience offered up for the reader’s exploration.
Jared Harrison is a war correspondent. Everything he’s seen in the course of his career has built up in his psyche. He’s on the edge of the abyss, ready to explode into dark fragments of brittle glass.
Akshaya Bertrand is an art history professor. Gorgeous and smart, she possesses her own psychical wounds. She protects herself with impenetrable shields, closing herself off from love and happiness.
Celia Kennedy offers a story that goes beyond the usual romance. It’s a literary work of art, with complex layers of the human experience offered up for the reader’s exploration.
June 13, 2015
This was the first book I've read by Ms. Kennedy, but it will not be the last. This book was a well-thought out, evenly paced drama. Great when you are in the mood for something thought provoking. Akshaya is literally scarred by her tragic past, and has avoided all romance, despite her stunning beauty. Jared is the handsome author/journalist who is emotionally scarred by years of living in war-torn lands. The growth of these two adults is nice to see. Additionally, the rich imagery and description easily put me in foreign lands. A well done read that I can highly recommend.
December 7, 2015
I don't normally give 5 stars my first time reading an author, but when the story hits home so much that you are compelled to call family, how can you not? The character development was outstanding. Both protagonists were well thought out and presented in wonderful detail. I felt very attached to both by the time the story was concluded. The pacing was steady, not racing along, but fast enough that the story didn't drag. I loved the cultural references, and long to visit India and visit some of the places described. Overall, a very thought provoking book.
November 15, 2014
I loved this book since I first started reading it. I could not put it down because it was really good. I enjoyed the book, the dialogue between the characters the plot and characters with the scenes fit well within the book. I enjoyed it the book was really great to read. I loved it. I give it five stars and recommend anyone to read this really great book.
January 17, 2016
From the start, the characters grabbed my attention and kept me interested in learning their fates. Well-written, with great consideration given to details of the settings and characters' personalities and cultures. Loved the story, loved the ending, and would have loved to keep reading more. :) Great work, Celia!
May 12, 2015
Wow, what a great story. I loved the slow build and careful unveiling of the story line. I loved the characters and enjoyed the read from front to back.
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