Brisbane Manor hides within its walls a secret. A secret so terrifying it will change the lives of all that enter… forever. The beautiful Brita, unaware of the manor’s history, hides a secret of her own. Sent to work as housemaid for the brothers of Brisbane, she considers this place a safe haven. No longer will she have to defend her every move. No longer will she have to bear the accusing glares. She is finally away from a mother who cast her out… away from townspeople who ridicule and abuse her. But soon she will discover that what she believed was a gift from God has nothing to do with anything Godly. Ashford, rich and powerful, one of London’s elite, uses his cunning and dark, handsome looks to manipulate those around him, easily gaining anything he desires… and what he desires, at times, is more deadly then they realize. Harmon, who at one time partook in Ashford’s evil endeavors, now fights the conflict within. After a horrible accident, he turned against what he is, what Ashford made him. Now, he is on a quest to protect Brita from meeting the same fate, even if it brings his existence to an end.
Unable to find stories that appealed to her, Amber Sherwood started writing her own novels at age eleven. This practice kept her friends thoroughly entertained throughout her high school years. Amber currently resides in Florida with her family.
Be still my fluttering heart!!! WOW...what a thrilling book!!
I am just at a loss for the right words to describe this one. This is the first full-length novel to be published from Amber Sherwood. All I can say is if THIS is just the start of what she is capable of as a writer, then I hope there is MUCH more to come from her in the future.
This is a vampire tale with a great old school feel to it, definite spook and suspense factors. There is no lack of anticipation, lots of action, mystery, passion even some hysteria <--on the part of characters AND the reader!) Gah, it just has it ALL!! I became totally immersed, the imagery comes across so well. I KNEW the characters: Ash, Harm, Heather, Brita, Joseph...and all the rest. I FELT the emotions with every turn of the page. I went from hugging my pillows for joy to utter heart-ache to OMG & WTH. Such a roller coaster ride!!
On serious side, there were a couple proofreading issues. A few repetitive uses of font style that confused me, but as with many ebooks...these things happen and are addressable it in no way affected the story for me. I can not say strongly enough how much I enjoyed this tale, if I had to compare it to one of my favorite movies...it would compete with Underworld easily. Awesome reading experience! :)
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. I am a part of the Review Team @ The Paranormal Bookshelf
Category: vampires Spoilers: no
Brita is a young woman in early England who's mother sells her to become a maid working for Ash. Ash is gorgeous and Brita likes his good looks and easy stance, his brother Harm she finds obnoxious is the way he always speaks his mind. Fast forward a little and Brita is in love with Harm and not Ash. Fast forward to the present day and Brita is on the run from Ash and has been for a century. Can she get away from him or is she destined to run forever.
I gave this book 5 stars because the author sets the characters so completely. They are a part of the world and so believable. The world she has written into this book appears so true to life and past you can't help but believe. I cried, I laughed and I loved this book.
A surprising read is how I'd describe this book, there's twists and people die!
The vamps are quite traditional, allergic to stakes and sunlight, their faces change and eyes glow.
It's a book of two halves, the first half is in the past where we meet Ash, Harm, Alexander and Joseph..... In the first half you will grow to care for characters, then have your heart ripped out. The second half is set in modern day and has lighter feel due to the different characters, it still has a dark side and danger but there's definitely humour mixed in, mainly from Brett.
A thoroughly enjoyable vampire read, it has a love element but it's more about Brita's journey. If I had to pick a favourite characther hhhhhmmmmm, I would say Harmon, but Brett comes in close second, Ash I loved but disliked too!
The author takes us back in time when Brita is hired to be a housemaid for Ash and Harmon. Little does she know the brothers are vampires. Things gradually unravel revealing dark secrets that Ash and Harmon both hold, but we also experience Brita’s demons that she is battling. Ash is keeping something from Harmon and Brita. Brita is forced to be a vampire and Harmon is killed. Brita runs away, hoping to leave Ash and the past behind her. We then are brought to modern day where an unfortunate accident brings Brita into Jazz’s and Brent’s lives. She then experiences true friends. This is one of the best vampire books I have read. The story has something for everyone… vampires, thrilling, suspenseful, love, jealousy….the works.
“Dreams are said to be a reflection of a mind’s darkest secrets.” “You should never be ashamed of your name.”
The author’s writing will suck you in from the beginning and keeps you wanting more. I cannot wait to see what the next adventure will hold.
The author takes us back in time when Brita is hired to be a housemaid for Ash and Harmon. Little does she know the brothers are vampires. Things gradually unravel revealing dark secrets that Ash and Harmon both hold, but we also experience Brita’s demons that she is battling. Ash is keeping something from Harmon and Brita. Brita is forced to be a vampire and Harmon is killed. Brita runs away, hoping to leave Ash and the past behind her. We then are brought to modern day where an unfortunate accident brings Brita into Jazz’s and Brent’s lives. She then experiences true friends. This is one of the best vampire books I have read. The story has something for everyone… vampires, thrilling, suspenseful, love, jealousy….the works.
“Dreams are said to be a reflection of a mind’s darkest secrets.” “You should never be ashamed of your name.”
The author’s writing will suck you in from the beginning and keeps you wanting more. I cannot wait to see what the next adventure will hold.
Full disclosure: I am a friend of Amber's, but I don't think it unduly influenced my opinion. Also, when I give four stars, that means I thought the book was very good - I rarely give five stars, even to my favorite authors.
I have very little experience with the modern vampire genre, but I found myself engrossed in the story (note: it is a good idea and helpful to read "Genesis" first to get the backstory). I found the dialog very believable and all of the characters evoked an emotional response in me - compassion, disgust, anger - you name it. I was not expecting the book to end the way it did and I want to find out what happens next. I look forward to more from Amber.
There were some minor editorial and word usage issues, but all in all I would recommend this book, especially to fans of vampire stories.