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Creative Hearts #1
Through The Lens
Mika Walters is a normal-sized woman working in the not-so-normal world of New York fashion. As longtime assistant to uber-sexy photographer Alejandro Vega, she's tired of being the girl in the background. Just once she wants Alejandro to look at her with the same smoldering look he gives to his willowy models and now she has her chance.
Stranded.
After a travel mishap where the rest of the crew and the models can't make the remote island location shoot for another three days, Mika is taking her moment to catch Alejandro's eye and put herself in front of his camera and if all goes to plan, his bed . . . at least until the real world catches up with them. Alejandro doesn't know what's gotten into Mika. Maybe it's the sand, maybe it's the sun, but he doesn't really care. All he knows is that he's finally opened his eyes and is seeing her clearly for the first time as the smart, gorgeous, and incredibly irresistible woman she is. But why can't she realize that what he's feeling for her is not one of his usual one, well, three night stands. This is real. Real love, real passion. What's it going to take for him to prove to Mika that she's the woman he wants? Now and forever.
Through The Lens was originally published through Crimson Romance.
Sensuality Level: Sensual
Stranded.
After a travel mishap where the rest of the crew and the models can't make the remote island location shoot for another three days, Mika is taking her moment to catch Alejandro's eye and put herself in front of his camera and if all goes to plan, his bed . . . at least until the real world catches up with them. Alejandro doesn't know what's gotten into Mika. Maybe it's the sand, maybe it's the sun, but he doesn't really care. All he knows is that he's finally opened his eyes and is seeing her clearly for the first time as the smart, gorgeous, and incredibly irresistible woman she is. But why can't she realize that what he's feeling for her is not one of his usual one, well, three night stands. This is real. Real love, real passion. What's it going to take for him to prove to Mika that she's the woman he wants? Now and forever.
Through The Lens was originally published through Crimson Romance.
Sensuality Level: Sensual
196 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2012
60 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Jackson
26 books485 followersUSA Today bestselling author and native New Yorker Kwana Jackson aka K.M Jackson spent her formative years on the A train where she had two dreams: (1) to be a fashion designer and (2) to be a writer. After spending more than ten years designing women’s sportswear for various fashion houses, Kwana took a leap of faith and decided to pursue her other dream of being a writer. A longtime advocate of equality and diversity in romance (#WeNeedDiverseRomance), Kwana is the mother of twins and currently lives in a suburb of New York with her husband. When not writing she can be found on Twitter @kwanawrites, on Facebook at facebook.com/KmJacksonAuthor, and on her website at www.kmjackson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 4, 2013
If you follow me on Goodreads, you'll see that I read a lot of romance books, specifically by African Americans. Sometimes you just want a happy ending. The majority of my favorite authors all publish with the same company and I tend to stick with what I know. I rarely venture to other commercial or independent publishers because I've had some bad luck in the past with editing and proofreading errors.
Through the Lens is the second book that I've read published by Crimson Romance and I'm quite happy with it. Workplace romances are always interesting and this one has an added bonus of being set on a tropical island. Mika Walters has finally decided to move on from her job as a photographer's assistant to strike out on her own, right after this last shoot. Her boss, Alejandro Vargas, is notoriously difficult to work with and Mika is the only one who has been able to put up with him for any length of time. Because of the anxiety she feels about telling Ale that she's quitting, Mika screws up their travel plans and they arrive at the photo shoot three days before anyone else. Those three days challenge the parameters of their working and personal relationship.
I'm very glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and read this book. The expectations that Mika and Ale bring to their relationship, both professional and otherwise are some of the most realistic that I've read in a long time. I loved that Mika could be efficient, professional and also vulnerable without coming across as whiny or shrewish. I look forward to reading more from this author and publisher.
Through the Lens is the second book that I've read published by Crimson Romance and I'm quite happy with it. Workplace romances are always interesting and this one has an added bonus of being set on a tropical island. Mika Walters has finally decided to move on from her job as a photographer's assistant to strike out on her own, right after this last shoot. Her boss, Alejandro Vargas, is notoriously difficult to work with and Mika is the only one who has been able to put up with him for any length of time. Because of the anxiety she feels about telling Ale that she's quitting, Mika screws up their travel plans and they arrive at the photo shoot three days before anyone else. Those three days challenge the parameters of their working and personal relationship.
I'm very glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and read this book. The expectations that Mika and Ale bring to their relationship, both professional and otherwise are some of the most realistic that I've read in a long time. I loved that Mika could be efficient, professional and also vulnerable without coming across as whiny or shrewish. I look forward to reading more from this author and publisher.
November 1, 2012
Read more of my reviews and ramblings at Ana's Attic Sexy Tales
Through the Lens by K.M. Jackson was a unique tropical love story that satisfied till the end. The author sent me this book upon my request in exchange for a fair review.
Alejandro Vargas is a hot, very well known high fashion photographer, and Mika (great name) has been his very competent assistant for the last 3 years. In fact, Alejandro can’t function without her. But Mika is an extremely talented photographer in her own right, and has secured her own job at a top magazine. She just has to tell her boss and long time crush, Alejandro (Ale).
They arrive at an almost deserted tropical island for a photo shoot, and due to a scheduling snafu, the rest of the crew won’t arrive for 3 days. Mika and Ale decide to scout out locations on the romantic, practically deserted island, and Ale begins to realize that Mika has some feelings for him. As he finally allows himself to open those doors and let his own feeling out, he finds he has an uphill battle with Mika.
Mika is a normal sized girl, (she is black, but that is only hinted at in descriptions of her beautiful skin), and she knows Ale is a playboy with his gorgeous high fashion models. In fact, she is the one who usually packs condoms in his bag for him. But being caught in such a romantic place, and knowing this is their last shoot together, Mika decides to let go and give into temptation.
And give in they do. Against a tree, in a cave behind a waterfall, and in one of those gorgeous stilt huts. Mika refuses to let her heart get involved (though it always has been) and decides to end it as soon as the skinny, perfect models (especially the one after Ale) show up. But Ale doesn’t know how to convince her he wants more. He comes from a background of thinking all women just want him as a stepping stone, like his mom did to his dad.
From the beautiful descriptive island scenes, to the high fashion world in New York, this was a great romantic escapist read.
Likes:
-Beautiful descriptions of the tropical island made me feel like I was there.
-I love when co-workers turn to lovers.
-You knew Mika was black without it being shoved in your face.
-Alejandro’s attempts to keep her around.
-Mika was a very strong capable character.
Dislikes:
-I didn’t thoroughly connect for some reason, I think because it was told in third person.
Rating: 3.75 stars, 3.5 Heat
This was a great debut novel. It had romance, the world of high fashion, beautiful descriptions of the tropical location and a great end. I couldn’t go up to 4 stars because I wasn’t willing to neglect everything else to read it, but still enjoyed it. I would have liked to know a little more about the character’s backgrounds, but I would absolutely read more from this author.
Through the Lens by K.M. Jackson was a unique tropical love story that satisfied till the end. The author sent me this book upon my request in exchange for a fair review.
Alejandro Vargas is a hot, very well known high fashion photographer, and Mika (great name) has been his very competent assistant for the last 3 years. In fact, Alejandro can’t function without her. But Mika is an extremely talented photographer in her own right, and has secured her own job at a top magazine. She just has to tell her boss and long time crush, Alejandro (Ale).
They arrive at an almost deserted tropical island for a photo shoot, and due to a scheduling snafu, the rest of the crew won’t arrive for 3 days. Mika and Ale decide to scout out locations on the romantic, practically deserted island, and Ale begins to realize that Mika has some feelings for him. As he finally allows himself to open those doors and let his own feeling out, he finds he has an uphill battle with Mika.
Mika is a normal sized girl, (she is black, but that is only hinted at in descriptions of her beautiful skin), and she knows Ale is a playboy with his gorgeous high fashion models. In fact, she is the one who usually packs condoms in his bag for him. But being caught in such a romantic place, and knowing this is their last shoot together, Mika decides to let go and give into temptation.
And give in they do. Against a tree, in a cave behind a waterfall, and in one of those gorgeous stilt huts. Mika refuses to let her heart get involved (though it always has been) and decides to end it as soon as the skinny, perfect models (especially the one after Ale) show up. But Ale doesn’t know how to convince her he wants more. He comes from a background of thinking all women just want him as a stepping stone, like his mom did to his dad.
From the beautiful descriptive island scenes, to the high fashion world in New York, this was a great romantic escapist read.
Likes:
-Beautiful descriptions of the tropical island made me feel like I was there.
-I love when co-workers turn to lovers.
-You knew Mika was black without it being shoved in your face.
-Alejandro’s attempts to keep her around.
-Mika was a very strong capable character.
Dislikes:
-I didn’t thoroughly connect for some reason, I think because it was told in third person.
Rating: 3.75 stars, 3.5 Heat
This was a great debut novel. It had romance, the world of high fashion, beautiful descriptions of the tropical location and a great end. I couldn’t go up to 4 stars because I wasn’t willing to neglect everything else to read it, but still enjoyed it. I would have liked to know a little more about the character’s backgrounds, but I would absolutely read more from this author.
September 28, 2012
KM Jackson's Through The Lens is a delightfully sexy romance that takes us into the interesting world of fashion photography. Beautiful settings, luscious descriptions, and smoldering love scenes will have you laughing and sighing in pleasure as we watch the sparks fly between there two strong individuals.
Mika Walters, long time assistant to sexy photographer and playboy Alejandro Vega, has had enough. She wants more from him and her job but Alejandro seems to be clueless on both fronts. When they are stranded on a tropical island, Mika makes her move and Alejandro finally sees what has been in front of his eyes the whole time. But Mika is mistrustful of his sudden deepening feelings and feels it's time to set out on her own. Now, for the first time ever, Alejandro will have to bear his heart and soul if he wants her to stay with him forever.
Mika Walters, long time assistant to sexy photographer and playboy Alejandro Vega, has had enough. She wants more from him and her job but Alejandro seems to be clueless on both fronts. When they are stranded on a tropical island, Mika makes her move and Alejandro finally sees what has been in front of his eyes the whole time. But Mika is mistrustful of his sudden deepening feelings and feels it's time to set out on her own. Now, for the first time ever, Alejandro will have to bear his heart and soul if he wants her to stay with him forever.
January 12, 2020
Speaking of people who don’t think they deserve love! Alejandro is a famous playboy photographer and Mika his trusty assistant. She anticipates his every need, down to stocking the camera bag with condoms for his inevitable hookups with models. When they find themselves alone in an island paradise for a shoot days before the rest of the crew is set to arrive, the attraction they’ve repressed for years comes blazing to the surface. Alejandro realizes that Mika is everything he’s ever wanted, but Mika assumes his interest will only last until the models show up and remind him what he really wants. I got this book as a Kindle freebie, but I would have paid real dollars for this sexy and sweet beach vacation of a book.
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April 4, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/4/2020)! 🎁
November 14, 2012
** 3.5 out of 5 stars **
Who wouldn't like to escape to a remote tropical island for a day? You can do just that by reading Through the Lens by debut author K.M. Jackson. This sweet and sexy contemporary romance is just the ticket to your escape.
Sexy, playboy fashion photographer Alejandro Vargas is on a remote tropical island with his assistant Mika Walters a couple of days ahead of the models and crew in order to scope out perfect shoot locations. Mika is an aspiring photographer herself and in fact, has an amazing job offer in the wings that she's planning to take as soon as this shoot is over. She hasn't quite gotten the nerve to tell her boss that she's leaving him yet, nor has she ever revealed to him that she's in love with him. Revealing that would be futile--she's not his fashion model type nor is she the kind of woman to have casual flings. Being alone with Alejandro for a few days in this wild and romantic setting and knowing she won't be working for him after this shoot, however, has Mika thinking this might be the one time she should just go for it. Little does she know that Alejandro doesn't see Mika as casual fling material, either.
Mika is the perfect assistant for Alejandro. She's smart, confident and knows how to call the shots when it comes to the business. Ale relies on her immensely--she's his second set of hands and eyes whenever they're on a shoot or working in the office. Ale has always respected and cared about his attractive assistant, he never thought Mika would be interested in anything more than a professional relationship with him. Being alone with her on this remote location without any outside distractions, and all of a sudden he's seeing her with new eyes and he likes what he sees and wants nothing more than to go for it with Mika.
I loved how Mika shined as a confident career woman throughout the book. When it comes to confidence in the relationship department, however, Mika falls short. Her lack of confidence is understandable given her parents' history, her failed relationship with her ex, and let's not forget being around young, gorgeous and sexy fashion models all the time--girls who so easily suck the attention away from any other woman in the room. Mika's fears about getting involved with Ale even for a casual fling is understandable, but once she made up her mind to do it, her constant doubts and angst towards Ale felt a little over done. She constantly pulled away from Ale every time something sweet or sexy took place between them. Alejandro handled it well for a while there and I admired his persistence with Mika. Then the tables turned and he was the one who acted like a jerk in the second half of the story. Fortunately, he had a wake up moment and figured out what he needed to do. The last couple of scenes in this book were just perfect and I absolutely adored the ending.
Through the Lens is a sweet, sexy island romance and a great debut novel from Ms. Jackson. With a little more polish in the writing and a bit more scrutiny from the editors, this author is definitely one to keep in your radar for believable, sexy romance novels.
Who wouldn't like to escape to a remote tropical island for a day? You can do just that by reading Through the Lens by debut author K.M. Jackson. This sweet and sexy contemporary romance is just the ticket to your escape.
Sexy, playboy fashion photographer Alejandro Vargas is on a remote tropical island with his assistant Mika Walters a couple of days ahead of the models and crew in order to scope out perfect shoot locations. Mika is an aspiring photographer herself and in fact, has an amazing job offer in the wings that she's planning to take as soon as this shoot is over. She hasn't quite gotten the nerve to tell her boss that she's leaving him yet, nor has she ever revealed to him that she's in love with him. Revealing that would be futile--she's not his fashion model type nor is she the kind of woman to have casual flings. Being alone with Alejandro for a few days in this wild and romantic setting and knowing she won't be working for him after this shoot, however, has Mika thinking this might be the one time she should just go for it. Little does she know that Alejandro doesn't see Mika as casual fling material, either.
Mika is the perfect assistant for Alejandro. She's smart, confident and knows how to call the shots when it comes to the business. Ale relies on her immensely--she's his second set of hands and eyes whenever they're on a shoot or working in the office. Ale has always respected and cared about his attractive assistant, he never thought Mika would be interested in anything more than a professional relationship with him. Being alone with her on this remote location without any outside distractions, and all of a sudden he's seeing her with new eyes and he likes what he sees and wants nothing more than to go for it with Mika.
I loved how Mika shined as a confident career woman throughout the book. When it comes to confidence in the relationship department, however, Mika falls short. Her lack of confidence is understandable given her parents' history, her failed relationship with her ex, and let's not forget being around young, gorgeous and sexy fashion models all the time--girls who so easily suck the attention away from any other woman in the room. Mika's fears about getting involved with Ale even for a casual fling is understandable, but once she made up her mind to do it, her constant doubts and angst towards Ale felt a little over done. She constantly pulled away from Ale every time something sweet or sexy took place between them. Alejandro handled it well for a while there and I admired his persistence with Mika. Then the tables turned and he was the one who acted like a jerk in the second half of the story. Fortunately, he had a wake up moment and figured out what he needed to do. The last couple of scenes in this book were just perfect and I absolutely adored the ending.
Through the Lens is a sweet, sexy island romance and a great debut novel from Ms. Jackson. With a little more polish in the writing and a bit more scrutiny from the editors, this author is definitely one to keep in your radar for believable, sexy romance novels.
January 4, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! I connected with the hero and heroine right away and was rooting for them from the get-go. Alejandro and Mika’s passion was scorching hot! And their passion for art definitely leaked into their passion for each other. But what I especially loved was Mika’s spirit. She was a tough girl who knew what she wanted and knew what she needed and that they didn’t mesh. She made the right decisions, and I was so happy to see her get the happily ever after she deserved. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
December 6, 2014
Looking forward to the next book
Loved the romance of the island in order for the tale to unfold between Mika and Alejandro. I like how she felt she needed to step out on her own to develop a name for herself. Loved the story.
Loved the romance of the island in order for the tale to unfold between Mika and Alejandro. I like how she felt she needed to step out on her own to develop a name for herself. Loved the story.
Read
December 30, 2020this was really good. it was one of those books where you could see what was going to happen, but you had no clue how they were going to resolve the matter. So even though long time readers of romance can see the tropes coming, it was still a fascinating, "can't put the book down" read. And the descriptions of the scenery on the island, magical! i would definately recommend it!
August 18, 2020
Fun and easy summer read.
March 18, 2013
I enjoy romances set in the workplace and though this one wasn't perfect I found myself rooting for Mika every step of the way as I could see myself in her and found her easily relatable to all us "average" women. Mix in romantic scenery with beautiful sunsets and romance can't help but flourish between two people with similarly messed-up romantic pasts.
Mika is a capable woman, good at her job, who has always been there when Alejandro needs her. She's his right hand woman but would love to be more and with her time running out she decides to make a move. While Mika is capable when it comes to business she's a bit lost when it comes to relationships, especially after her recent break-up. She wants to be the vixen but her low self esteem eats away at her role of seductress. Luckily Alejandro is more than willing to keep their unexpected relationship going for as long as possible. Ale is a ladies man who's still rather charming. After a slew of superficial relationships with "perfect" women who only want him for what he can give them he's more than satisfied to be alone with Mika. Their alone time results in numerous sexual interludes early in the story which are even more romantic because of the picturesque surroundings. As Mika continues to distrust the feelings Ale shows her she must make the choice between continuing to live for the promise of love or the promise of a future career.
From the gorgeously depicted island scenery, to the world of high fashion, to the romance between two unlikely lovers yet likable people comes this satisfying story that ends up being an entertaining escapist read. For a debut novel it shows great promise and I look forward to what Ms. Jackson has planned next.
Mika is a capable woman, good at her job, who has always been there when Alejandro needs her. She's his right hand woman but would love to be more and with her time running out she decides to make a move. While Mika is capable when it comes to business she's a bit lost when it comes to relationships, especially after her recent break-up. She wants to be the vixen but her low self esteem eats away at her role of seductress. Luckily Alejandro is more than willing to keep their unexpected relationship going for as long as possible. Ale is a ladies man who's still rather charming. After a slew of superficial relationships with "perfect" women who only want him for what he can give them he's more than satisfied to be alone with Mika. Their alone time results in numerous sexual interludes early in the story which are even more romantic because of the picturesque surroundings. As Mika continues to distrust the feelings Ale shows her she must make the choice between continuing to live for the promise of love or the promise of a future career.
From the gorgeously depicted island scenery, to the world of high fashion, to the romance between two unlikely lovers yet likable people comes this satisfying story that ends up being an entertaining escapist read. For a debut novel it shows great promise and I look forward to what Ms. Jackson has planned next.
April 11, 2013
Through the Lens was a treat. I generally prefer longer books, but as the market trends to shorter fiction, I am always looking for the rare winner. Through the Lens is smart and sweet and emotionally engaging. I really cared about the characters, and I grew to like them a lot, too.
At 200 pages, this novel represents a special kind of triumph: a unique and sympathetic heroine; an Alpha hero who turns out to be so much more than that; emotionally rich back stories; interesting careers that generate a fun plot and exotic locales... and all in so small an artistic space! As a writer and blogger, I am often asked for reviews. This time, I couldn't help myself. I had to write a review and suggest it to my readers. I can't wait for her future installments. I just read on K. M. Jackson's blog that book 2 in her Creative Heart series is coming out soon. Can't wait until May 27th!
At 200 pages, this novel represents a special kind of triumph: a unique and sympathetic heroine; an Alpha hero who turns out to be so much more than that; emotionally rich back stories; interesting careers that generate a fun plot and exotic locales... and all in so small an artistic space! As a writer and blogger, I am often asked for reviews. This time, I couldn't help myself. I had to write a review and suggest it to my readers. I can't wait for her future installments. I just read on K. M. Jackson's blog that book 2 in her Creative Heart series is coming out soon. Can't wait until May 27th!
September 26, 2012
With characters named Mika and Alejandro, this book had to be romantic. Through the Lens by K.M. Jackson is the epitome of an “escape read.” A strong woman in a tropical setting, Mika is who every woman wants to be – young, professional, and stuck on an island with the man of her dreams. Jackson weaves a wonderful story where Mika finds her true destiny and readers find their much needed escape. Note: I was provided an ARC for review as a professional courtesy. No monetary or other compensation was involved.
October 21, 2012
I was given a copy of this book by the author.
I love a strong female, sure Mika isn't always in complete control but she knows when to put her foot down. Ale, her boss is well....hot, and a bit of a control freak. Also, that island....um, sign me up! Sure the story was hot but what really appealed to me were all of the spaces between the romance. I get emotionally involved when a character is going after her dreams, someone I can root for. I like this writer's writing style. It was fun to read and felt honest.
I love a strong female, sure Mika isn't always in complete control but she knows when to put her foot down. Ale, her boss is well....hot, and a bit of a control freak. Also, that island....um, sign me up! Sure the story was hot but what really appealed to me were all of the spaces between the romance. I get emotionally involved when a character is going after her dreams, someone I can root for. I like this writer's writing style. It was fun to read and felt honest.
December 30, 2012
I would love to rate this story higher - however it is in need of a serious copy edit. Wrong words, missing words, all pulled me from what is otherwise a good story.
For example
page 37 - "Hell, at the mention of Eric, she got tense too, but it was nice to see that Ale was sweet enough to take notice, though she wasn't going get all mush and put much stock in it."
page 159 - "The same laugh that rumbled over her body and cuase her spine to tingle so many time."
She wasn't going get all mush.... What kind of copy editor misses that?
For example
page 37 - "Hell, at the mention of Eric, she got tense too, but it was nice to see that Ale was sweet enough to take notice, though she wasn't going get all mush and put much stock in it."
page 159 - "The same laugh that rumbled over her body and cuase her spine to tingle so many time."
She wasn't going get all mush.... What kind of copy editor misses that?
August 12, 2013
The book was okay. Mika was very wishy-washy. She knew what she wanted in a man as well as a career but she didn't know how to balance it out. I like Alejandro's character. Once he knew what he wanted, he didn't back down. I think Mika could have been less like a witch, and just enjoyed her time on the island w/Ale, and then broke the news to him of her new plans. I liked the island romance.
February 13, 2019
Mika and Alejandro were both very immature and petty. He was very egotistical and she was very insecure and wishy-washy. I couldn't deal with all the nonsense going all between them. She wants to dictate everything and is always running scared. He striking back like a teenage boy. So many assumptions between the two about the other. They spent most of the book bickering which was very annoying.
October 19, 2012
I really enjoyed this love story. Mika is strong and complex and Ale is...well he's all alpha all the time and he's got the goods to back up the ego
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January 26, 2013
I absolutely loved this book!!! I can't wait to read more from K.M. Jackson. :)
(Won on Goodreads)
(Won on Goodreads)
March 12, 2015
As soon as Ale grabs his camera bag instead of Mika's hand as she tips over the boat into the water, you know you're in for a splashy read. Through the Lens doesn't disappoint.
November 16, 2020
I was looking for a quick, fun, easy read and this was definitely that. The initial premise was a bit weird (were they really both completely able to hide their feelings for another for three years? I mean, they've clearly traveled to "exotic" destinations before without anything happening so it's kinda weird that this is when they gave in but...) but the story basically worked. As with many romance novels, the main characters each find a way to hurt one another and get back at one another over the course of the book. We see Alejandro grow, develop, and mature but we don't see the same from Mika for whatever reason. Overall, this wasn't bad and it was a quick read. I'd give it 3.5 stars. I might read more in the series but we'll see.
April 18, 2020
The sense of place on the island was great, and the love scenes were sexy. I liked Mika a lot, and she felt very real to me. The ending felt a bit rushed, because I really dug The Grand Gesture and wanted more of it, more lead up to it. There was, unfortunately, repeated 'no doesn't mean no' dubcon, and two scenes of emotional blackmail, so I couldn't really get on board with the lead dude being worthy of Mika's her time. But overall it was a fun sexy read. :)
July 26, 2017
Nice
This was my first read by this author and I truly enjoyed it. At times I wanted to just strangle Mika for her thoughts and actions. If only she would have just followed her heart their love would have happened earlier.
This was my first read by this author and I truly enjoyed it. At times I wanted to just strangle Mika for her thoughts and actions. If only she would have just followed her heart their love would have happened earlier.
May 21, 2018
a fairly good read.
August 18, 2020
This was painful to read. It started with one of those overblown "kiss her to get her to shut up" moments and goes from there. Do people actually pine away like the two co-workers/lovers here?
July 12, 2022
He doesn't have a lot of redeeming qualities. I guess I kept hoping he would reform. Not enough groveling.
May 3, 2022
Okay, so boom. I love the spicy scenes between these two. A secluded island is sexy as hell and choosing that as the setting was great. I also love that they didn't fight the attraction. All great elements. All that being said...
The main characters weren't very likable. A lot of the exposition was them contemplating the same points over and over--lots of repetition there. Mika's personality was grating, neurotic and exhausting. She was painted as someone so tough, who could rise to any challenge, but she just seemed whiny. And having Ale resort to cruelty at the end was a bad move. By the time I got to the end, I honestly didn't care that they got back together.
Also, Mika's underlying anger throughout the story was off-putting. In some places it read as jealousy (as I'm sure it was supposed to), but in others the longing I thought she was supposed to convey just seemed like her being angry at a single man acting single. She pushed him away a little too hard, if you ask me. And that was another thing. Some of the tropes didn't hit me the same, but I checked myself on that because the book is 6-7 years old.
The main characters weren't very likable. A lot of the exposition was them contemplating the same points over and over--lots of repetition there. Mika's personality was grating, neurotic and exhausting. She was painted as someone so tough, who could rise to any challenge, but she just seemed whiny. And having Ale resort to cruelty at the end was a bad move. By the time I got to the end, I honestly didn't care that they got back together.
Also, Mika's underlying anger throughout the story was off-putting. In some places it read as jealousy (as I'm sure it was supposed to), but in others the longing I thought she was supposed to convey just seemed like her being angry at a single man acting single. She pushed him away a little too hard, if you ask me. And that was another thing. Some of the tropes didn't hit me the same, but I checked myself on that because the book is 6-7 years old.
February 22, 2017
Loved it wished that they had resolved their issues better but it was a great story
October 7, 2013
Mika Walters has long suffered many slings and arrows as the assistant to famous fashion photographer, Alejandro Vargas. First, she's a beautiful woman but spending her days in the company of Modagliani-esque fashion models is enough to give any girl a complex. Second, she's Vargas' dogsbody, whose responsibilities include handling his schedule - including his romantic life. Being overshadowed by the photographic powerhouse also forces her to keep her own photography aspirations on the back burner. And this might not be so bad. But Mika's also carrying a long-burning torch for the hunky photog and it's almost more than a lusty gal can handle. When circumstances surrounding an exotic location shoot offer her to opportunity to indulge her lust for Ale, she insists it is just a fling for the duration of their stay. And not only because she doesn't want the crew to suspect anything. She knows that when the idyl ends? She has some breaking news for Ale.
K.M. Jackson adroitly crafts a lush romantic story that is a wonderful, sexy, frustrating story of what happens when a girl's best laid plans go awry. This short novel has it all. Beautiful, self-assured and polished writing, steamy and sensual sexy scenes, intense emotion, glorious description, a roster of fun and intriguing secondary characters, a terrific sense of NYC, and despite its short length, complex conflict and a rich and satisfyingly tempestuous relationship.
The author's background in fashion allows her to detail the story with a deft and realistic hand,and, all in all, this love story is a literary roller-coaster ride - perhaps a short one, but no less thrilling for that length.
Can't wait for Jackson's future novels.
K.M. Jackson adroitly crafts a lush romantic story that is a wonderful, sexy, frustrating story of what happens when a girl's best laid plans go awry. This short novel has it all. Beautiful, self-assured and polished writing, steamy and sensual sexy scenes, intense emotion, glorious description, a roster of fun and intriguing secondary characters, a terrific sense of NYC, and despite its short length, complex conflict and a rich and satisfyingly tempestuous relationship.
The author's background in fashion allows her to detail the story with a deft and realistic hand,and, all in all, this love story is a literary roller-coaster ride - perhaps a short one, but no less thrilling for that length.
Can't wait for Jackson's future novels.
October 6, 2012
I love to read romances between co-workers, maybe because that's how I met my husband. But this workplace romance is an over-the-top fantasy that would appeal to anyone with a heart. Handsome, well-known photographer, Alejandro Vargas, and his assistant, lovely Mika Walters, also an aspiring photographer, are three days early for a fashion shoot on a tropical island. Mika has a secret she's trying to get up the nerve to tell her boss as well as an attraction to him she is sure he doesn't return. But a paradise island, moonlight and tropical breezes work their magic and the inevitable happens. But can it hold up in the cold light of a New York day? And will Mika's secret advance her career but lose her the man she loves? Grab "Through the Lens" and take a peek. You'll enjoy what you see.
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