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The Drakes of California #6
Crystal Caress
Passion is heating up those arctic Alaska nights!
It took nerve for Northern California socialite Teresa Drake to walk away from her family's famed wine empire. Flying off to Alaska is even riskier—especially when the budding journalist stumbles down a cavern while admiring the spectacular sights. But it's her gorgeous rescuer who makes Teresa truly reckless. The night she spends with mogul Atka Sinclair convinces her she's found her soul mate…until her charming lover becomes her worst enemy.
Atka has deep ties to his native land. So how can he trust the pampered beauty who just published a glowing article about the politician out to destroy his people's heritage? But as traitorous desire reignites, Atka realizes what he and Teresa share is too precious to lose. Will pride prevent him from building a future with the woman who could write them the most thrilling love story of all?
It took nerve for Northern California socialite Teresa Drake to walk away from her family's famed wine empire. Flying off to Alaska is even riskier—especially when the budding journalist stumbles down a cavern while admiring the spectacular sights. But it's her gorgeous rescuer who makes Teresa truly reckless. The night she spends with mogul Atka Sinclair convinces her she's found her soul mate…until her charming lover becomes her worst enemy.
Atka has deep ties to his native land. So how can he trust the pampered beauty who just published a glowing article about the politician out to destroy his people's heritage? But as traitorous desire reignites, Atka realizes what he and Teresa share is too precious to lose. Will pride prevent him from building a future with the woman who could write them the most thrilling love story of all?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2015
24 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Zuri Day
97 books280 followersZuri Day is a hopeful romantic. She believes in happy endings, half-full glasses and dreams coming true. That's why she's thrilled to be a contributing writer to this genre...one of her favorites!
Zuri doesn't remember exactly how old she was when she picked up her first romance novel, but she does remember it was love at first sight. "It was probably a Harlequin," she recalled during a recent interview. "And it thankfully took me away from a fairly dull and routine existence growing up in a small Kansas town."
Things aren't dull and routine anymore. Zuri now resides in Los Angeles with her family and when she isn't writing loves to travel the world, cook vegetarian food, work out, watch sports, attend concerts and theatre and enjoy the simple things in life.
"Many people have given up on love, much less romance," Zuri says. "I'm hoping that somehow, through the love-filled pages of my romance novels, I can ignite the reader's desire to believe again. Because everything is possible, when we believe..."
Zuri doesn't remember exactly how old she was when she picked up her first romance novel, but she does remember it was love at first sight. "It was probably a Harlequin," she recalled during a recent interview. "And it thankfully took me away from a fairly dull and routine existence growing up in a small Kansas town."
Things aren't dull and routine anymore. Zuri now resides in Los Angeles with her family and when she isn't writing loves to travel the world, cook vegetarian food, work out, watch sports, attend concerts and theatre and enjoy the simple things in life.
"Many people have given up on love, much less romance," Zuri says. "I'm hoping that somehow, through the love-filled pages of my romance novels, I can ignite the reader's desire to believe again. Because everything is possible, when we believe..."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 14, 2015
This story was a toss up. There were parts that I liked and parts that I did not care for.
About the Characters:
- Teresa: strong, fiesty, independent streak, ambitious, spontaneous, family-oriented, great sense of morality
- Atka: family-oriented, successful, passionate, caring, old-fashioned values, grounded
- Atka's Grandparents: charming and memorable
- Drakes: loyal, fierce, honorable
Regarding the Writing:
The story moved fairly well. The writing tone in some spots was inconsistent with others which gave the story a different feel. I loved the setting!
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: Adult
Status: M
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: +/-
HEA: Yes
About the Characters:
- Teresa: strong, fiesty, independent streak, ambitious, spontaneous, family-oriented, great sense of morality
- Atka: family-oriented, successful, passionate, caring, old-fashioned values, grounded
- Atka's Grandparents: charming and memorable
- Drakes: loyal, fierce, honorable
Regarding the Writing:
The story moved fairly well. The writing tone in some spots was inconsistent with others which gave the story a different feel. I loved the setting!
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: Adult
Status: M
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: +/-
HEA: Yes
July 11, 2015
I have read all of Ms. Day's books and this is one of my favorites. I love the chemistry between Atka and Teresa from the start and how it builds to the end. I love how they talk to each other and work things out with each other. Teresa's independence is very refreshing and Atka's family values and willingness to please his woman even if it did go against his mother was so admirable. I fell in love with him myself!! Looking forward to more from this author soon. I take a book or two or three everywhere I go so I read this one in a day!
November 16, 2015
Teresa and Atka was unlike any story that I have ever read. I would love for a man to take the time to present me with a gift sitting on the water in Alaska.. Go Zuri..
June 24, 2022
So reading these awesome books, brings nothing but smiles as I read how the love of two people begin. These books are really so delightful, especially because they are not vulgar or filled with violence or a lot of negativity.
The locations are really beautiful and the descriptions make you seem as though you are right there. I have never been to Alaska, but the descriptions had me feeling as though I was right there with the family and with Teresa & Atka.
I just loved, loved this book just like the previous ones I had the joy of reading and being transported to those lovely places.
The locations are really beautiful and the descriptions make you seem as though you are right there. I have never been to Alaska, but the descriptions had me feeling as though I was right there with the family and with Teresa & Atka.
I just loved, loved this book just like the previous ones I had the joy of reading and being transported to those lovely places.
June 19, 2018
Oh this was good, I means really really good. Atka is amazing, deep and thoughtful. And Teresa is written from the stance of a well rounded, intelligent and understanding partner, and that was refreshing.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
July 3, 2019
If you're looking for a romance with family drama, here's your story. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Teresa and Alaskan Native and Mogul Atka Sinclair. The author did a really good job with this book.
August 20, 2017
I loved this story. The main characters were so likable and I loved how their love grew.
October 20, 2023
Fire 🔥 and ice ❄💧
What a beautifully written book, the romance and description of Alaska and her people! I have read the previous books in this series and this is the best.
What a beautifully written book, the romance and description of Alaska and her people! I have read the previous books in this series and this is the best.
December 15, 2020
For some reason, the “recommended read” prompt for the TBR Challenge always gets me tied up in knots. I think that’s because it doesn’t fit in very well with how my books are (not all that) organized. Since I was talking recently on Twitter about my trip to RWA in New York several years ago, I remembered that I had several books in what was left of my RWA crate that had been recommended to me by others. One of them, Crystal Caress by Zuri Day, was passed to me by an excited conference attendee who had just finished reading it. This was my first time reading this author and I definitely enjoyed myself.
The heroine, Teresa Drake, comes from a prominent African-American family in California. While her family is in the wine business, Teresa has carved out a different path for herself. Even though the book blurb describes her as a “socialite”, that really sells her short. Teresa wants to write and throughout this book, we see her actually working at it as a journalist, not just dabbling as the term “socialite” might imply.
As the story opens, Teresa’s editor sends her off to Alaska to do a travel feature. Naturally, there has to be a twist so that we can have some conflict. In this case, the owner of the paper has a son running for office in Alaska and Teresa’s travel features will of course be showing said son in a good light. This is all well and good, until Teresa gets to Alaska and meets the very gorgeous Atka. While Atka is elusive about his background, he and Teresa share a very passionate night and it’s obvious from the writing that, despite what they might say to the contrary, this isn’t a simple one nighter in either of their minds.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/november-...
The heroine, Teresa Drake, comes from a prominent African-American family in California. While her family is in the wine business, Teresa has carved out a different path for herself. Even though the book blurb describes her as a “socialite”, that really sells her short. Teresa wants to write and throughout this book, we see her actually working at it as a journalist, not just dabbling as the term “socialite” might imply.
As the story opens, Teresa’s editor sends her off to Alaska to do a travel feature. Naturally, there has to be a twist so that we can have some conflict. In this case, the owner of the paper has a son running for office in Alaska and Teresa’s travel features will of course be showing said son in a good light. This is all well and good, until Teresa gets to Alaska and meets the very gorgeous Atka. While Atka is elusive about his background, he and Teresa share a very passionate night and it’s obvious from the writing that, despite what they might say to the contrary, this isn’t a simple one nighter in either of their minds.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/november-...
June 10, 2015
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions stated here are my own*
This novel was a pretty quick and steamy read about a journalist who is assigned to cover a story in picturesque Alaska. On her first night in town, she's surprised to meet Atka, a native who is tall, dark and distractingly handsome. After a fall lands her in a ditch, it is Atka who comes to her rescue. The attraction between the couple is palpable and a one night stand is not only imminent but unavoidable.
However, the two can't seem to stay away from each other and when business brings Atka to the states, the relationship blossoms. The undercurrent of this story is drama between a politician and Alaska's largest Salmon fishery.
The beginning and ending of this story are superb. Around 50%, however, I started to drift. I was entirely more interested in the romance than I was with office politics with the owner of the paper Teresa works for and the inner workings of a politician trying to destroy the livelihood of that native people. The education and the description of pristine Alaska was nice, but the deeper the story got, the more I realized that I'm just not interested in that topic.
I picked back up around 75%, when Atka and Teresa are rolling hot and heavy and discussing and negotiating who would move where to keep the relationship going... and the drama between Atka's family (namely his mother) and Teresa kept my fingers turning pages!
This is a great book if you'd love a quick read about the beauty and wilderness of Alaska and it's native people. Also if you love some steamy sexy "lemme soak you up because we don't have much time together" lovemaking! :)
This novel was a pretty quick and steamy read about a journalist who is assigned to cover a story in picturesque Alaska. On her first night in town, she's surprised to meet Atka, a native who is tall, dark and distractingly handsome. After a fall lands her in a ditch, it is Atka who comes to her rescue. The attraction between the couple is palpable and a one night stand is not only imminent but unavoidable.
However, the two can't seem to stay away from each other and when business brings Atka to the states, the relationship blossoms. The undercurrent of this story is drama between a politician and Alaska's largest Salmon fishery.
The beginning and ending of this story are superb. Around 50%, however, I started to drift. I was entirely more interested in the romance than I was with office politics with the owner of the paper Teresa works for and the inner workings of a politician trying to destroy the livelihood of that native people. The education and the description of pristine Alaska was nice, but the deeper the story got, the more I realized that I'm just not interested in that topic.
I picked back up around 75%, when Atka and Teresa are rolling hot and heavy and discussing and negotiating who would move where to keep the relationship going... and the drama between Atka's family (namely his mother) and Teresa kept my fingers turning pages!
This is a great book if you'd love a quick read about the beauty and wilderness of Alaska and it's native people. Also if you love some steamy sexy "lemme soak you up because we don't have much time together" lovemaking! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2015
Crystal Caress is romantic chick lit based on an unexpected interracial match.
Author Zuri Day hits my pet peeve list by not using the Oxford comma though I appreciate her lush writing style. She also pens somewhat stilted dialogue--people don't talk the way they do in this book--but I realize these kinds of tales may often feature florid speech.
The plotline goes a bit 50 Shades-ish with Teresa’s rich suitor Atka flying her around in his own helicopter. Since I rarely read romance novels I wonder whether whirlybird dates represent another genre hallmark.
Finally, I laughed at the writer substituting "fracking" for "f*cking" because that euphemism no longer works. Today fracking means something quite non-sexual. ;-)
Although I have little interest in the earlier entries in the “Drakes of California” series, I want to see how Teresa and Atka's love story might continue. Kudos to Day for finding and exploiting an unplumbed literary niche: African American/Alaskan romance.
Author Zuri Day hits my pet peeve list by not using the Oxford comma though I appreciate her lush writing style. She also pens somewhat stilted dialogue--people don't talk the way they do in this book--but I realize these kinds of tales may often feature florid speech.
The plotline goes a bit 50 Shades-ish with Teresa’s rich suitor Atka flying her around in his own helicopter. Since I rarely read romance novels I wonder whether whirlybird dates represent another genre hallmark.
Finally, I laughed at the writer substituting "fracking" for "f*cking" because that euphemism no longer works. Today fracking means something quite non-sexual. ;-)
Although I have little interest in the earlier entries in the “Drakes of California” series, I want to see how Teresa and Atka's love story might continue. Kudos to Day for finding and exploiting an unplumbed literary niche: African American/Alaskan romance.
July 24, 2015
I thought Alaska was cold!?! Well, Theresa and Atka heated it up all on their own.
In this installment of the wonderful Drakes of California series by Zuri Day, we get Theresa's story and it takes us to the frozen tundra, Alaska. When I think of Alaska I think of igloos and Eskimos. Well, Atka is no Eskimo!
I loved Theresa's strength how she decided to take a chance and branch out on her own, away from the family business. Theresa's and Atka's love story was simply wonderful and I'm looking forward to reading about Theresa's sexier than sin, twin, Terrell!
Reviewed by Shemah of Cilla's Book Maniacs
In this installment of the wonderful Drakes of California series by Zuri Day, we get Theresa's story and it takes us to the frozen tundra, Alaska. When I think of Alaska I think of igloos and Eskimos. Well, Atka is no Eskimo!
I loved Theresa's strength how she decided to take a chance and branch out on her own, away from the family business. Theresa's and Atka's love story was simply wonderful and I'm looking forward to reading about Theresa's sexier than sin, twin, Terrell!
Reviewed by Shemah of Cilla's Book Maniacs
July 16, 2016
The Drakes are all of that and a bag of chips. Determined to make a life for herself with out the help of family Crystal walks away from the family business with an I can do this attitude and does not look back. The punch is in order to avoid her family and friends for going behind her back o give advice or help she has to leave what is familiar, Alaska in the cold and snow is where life takes her pitting her against a native. Families, backstabbing, helicopter rides, precious gems and trust bring us to Crystal Caress.
Book #6 in the Drakes of California Series, a must read series.
Book #6 in the Drakes of California Series, a must read series.
June 19, 2015
Crystal Caress is a tale of two people that have to learn to put trust and instinct before anger and pride. Have read a couple of Ms. Day's books in the past. Did not enjoy them as much as I enjoyed Teresa and Atka's story. I thought that it took a lot of strength of character for Teresa to strike out on her own. To try to become her own person without relying on family. What both characters had to learn is that sometimes seeking guidance can be the best decision any person can make. Good book.
October 4, 2015
I wasn’t sure how a relationship between a native, business minded Alaskan who had no interest in ever leaving his homeland would work out with a wealthy, yet hard working journalist who had no interest in living anywhere near a remote area. And yet Teresa and Atka found their way together, because love conquers all (at least it does in a good romance novel).
Ms. Day knows how to balance the right amount of drama, romance, and description. I’ve never been to Alaska, but after reading this book I can see how beautiful it is and why people would actually want to live there.
Ms. Day knows how to balance the right amount of drama, romance, and description. I’ve never been to Alaska, but after reading this book I can see how beautiful it is and why people would actually want to live there.
December 22, 2015
I really enjoyed this one. Very sweet story and liked how the relationship between them blossomed. Lots of romantic moments. I really liked Teresa's character--she was a high-maintenance "princess" without being snobbish or unrelatable. It was nice to see a portrayal of an affluent black woman, one that made her realistic and still down to earth. I also liked the focus on family, and the closeness between the Drake clan.
Read
January 12, 2016"The author transports readers to the beauty that is Alaska by expertly painting the scenery through descriptive wording. The importance of family is a critical theme in this story and expressed in the strong bonds each character has created" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: The Drakes of California
Miniseries: The Drakes of California
September 17, 2015
Just the right amount of political intrigue mixed with a tad of romance and the mama that doesn't approve. Teresa Drake and Atka Sinclair have the world against them - political cronies, financial empires that their families built, and cultural differences that threaten to put the lovers against each other. When you think their love has a chance the curtains are drawn and the battle is on.
April 14, 2016
I absolutely love the Drakes of California! In this story, we see Teresa happen upon something she had never imagined. A trip to a place, that boasts a climate and culture totally opposite from her beloved Northern California, changes her world personally and professionally. This is a very cute and sweet romance story and I can't wait to read the next one. Well done Zuri Day! Five Stars!
March 1, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Atka and Teresa's love story. It was one filled with excitement, mystery, betrayal, humor, trust, and most of a test of what true love will have you do. Although Atka was an introvert and very private person, he soon came out of his shell once he met debutante and down-to-earth high society journalist, Teresa! A must read story....excellent job Ms. Day
September 17, 2016
Enjoyed revisiting the Drakes. Loved Teresa Drake and Atka Sinclair.
Aggie, Atka's mother didn't understand the big deal about wanting Atka to marry a native when she did not marry a native. All that should've matter was that Atka was happy.
Loved the grandparents.
Will be reading "Sapphire Attraction" Ike Jr. and Quinn Taylor.
Hopefully Teresa and Atka will have a baby or two.
Aggie, Atka's mother didn't understand the big deal about wanting Atka to marry a native when she did not marry a native. All that should've matter was that Atka was happy.
Loved the grandparents.
Will be reading "Sapphire Attraction" Ike Jr. and Quinn Taylor.
Hopefully Teresa and Atka will have a baby or two.
December 25, 2016
Makes me want to visit Alaska
The characters are relatable and likeable. They aren't perfect beings like a lot of the characters in a Harlequin novel. The plot held my interest for the duration. The only problem I really had was determining who was speaking. This is because of the layout of the paragraphs.
The characters are relatable and likeable. They aren't perfect beings like a lot of the characters in a Harlequin novel. The plot held my interest for the duration. The only problem I really had was determining who was speaking. This is because of the layout of the paragraphs.
July 21, 2015
The Drake stories get more and more interesting. This one takes us to Alaska with Teresa Drake where she meets Atka Sinclair. Atka has deep ties to his native land, but Teresa isn't sure she can give up all she's familiar with to spend a life with the man she considers her soul mate.
August 1, 2015
Last frontier must be added to Bucket List
I am a Drake Family fan!! This includes the cousins. This story didn't disappoint, now the hot/ steamy wasn't like the males getting the girl but Still Awesome. Of course, it will be read again ...
I am a Drake Family fan!! This includes the cousins. This story didn't disappoint, now the hot/ steamy wasn't like the males getting the girl but Still Awesome. Of course, it will be read again ...
September 12, 2015
It is really hard on a couple to love each other and not have the support of your family. What's a man to do when his mother is not willing to accept the woman he love. I loved how this story was told. You will not be disappointed with this rea.
June 11, 2015
Awesome, awesome, awesome. I am so looking forward to the next Drake book.
July 22, 2015
I love the Drakes and loved this read.
August 15, 2015
Great read. Can't wait for the next Drake book this winter.
November 3, 2015
Another love story from the Drake family tackling interracial relationships.
May 8, 2016
I would love to find my own Atka in Alaska!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews