Alterity

by Ashlynne Laynne

Passion. Love. Music.

A man struggling to gain his independence…
Every aspect of Austin MacKenzie’s life is governed by a generations-old code instituted by his Scottish forefathers. But rather than be groomed to take over the family empire, he struggles to free himself from the bonds of an arranged marriage to a woman within Scottsdale’s societal circles.

A woman simply struggling to survive…
Raised by a drug-addicted mother in one of the roughest parts of Phoenix, Liz Carlisle just wants a way out. A nursing student, she’s determined to make a difference and reach her ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.

With music as a common ground…
After a chance encounter at a band audition, Austin and Liz discover that they share a love of music. Despite their differences, an attraction forms that will alter their lives forever and rip their worlds apart.

Unknown Binding

First published June 27, 2015

About the author

Ashlynne Laynne is the author of contemporary romance and the award-winning erotic paranormal romance succession, The Progeny Series, as well as an accomplished songwriter and poet. She’s an avid horror movie fan, admitted vamp groupie, and lover of all things Celtic. A hopeless romantic, she’s always had a thing for the fanged ones and hot guys in kilts.

Ashlynne writes on the edge and combines erotica and romance in sensual tales that always feature heroes with heart. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and watching crime shows.

Ms. Laynne is an advocate of autism research and is currently working on a project to benefit the cause. She lives in the southern United States.

Reviews

[EroticaAfterDark (Lilith) · Rating 3 out of 5]

First: I won this book at a Facebook event to which I attended for erotica authors. I asked the author about the content and she told me that although not being an erotica book, that there were some sort of sex scenes. I wasn't aware that this book is part one of a series. I looked at her other books and I was like

This could be something for me!

It was the cover that sold me, and reading the blurb I expected music to be the center of it all. I expected our main characters to tour together and being unable to resist each other due to their sizzling chemistry, until one night it happens and returning home they have to face the consequences.

This is not what happens. Nothing, what the cover suggests, does actually happen.



I had really difficulties at first. The writing style, was beautifully, poetic and sophisticated it is, didn't feel right for the topic.
Right at the beginning we take a deep dive into the Ocean of Cheesiness, when both characters breath is taken away by each other.
For me personally the writing style was preventing me from getting a feel for the story and a feel for the characters. I must admit that my false expectations of the story influenced my perception in a way that I was biased. I'm not sure if I can really rate this book correctly.

This book opened my eyes to what is the so called "New Adult" genre. It's sweet, innocent, starry-eyed and lacks drama. Don't take me wrong, I despise overdramatic plots, but despite the difference your their upcoming, there is no real drama. The inner conflicts of both Austin and Liz weren't that extreme either. So more or less, nothing really happened and I wasn't sure if they were together or not.
I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil the story.

What I need to say is that there were some things feeling like contingency problems. Persons and happenings that were expressed to be generally important to our MCs, weren't mentioned until a specific scenes were they came in handy.

Despite all I, Ashlynne Laynne managet to create an genuine interest for her two characters and after the bumpy start I never thought of DNF this book, I needed to know how everything would enfold and eventually come to an satisfying solution.
Sadly, just when it was about to become interesting, the book ended.

As for the sexual scenes. I'd say they were perfectly executed for a teen audience, however it's the writing style that addresses an older audience. Hence, I guess, New Adult.

Now, having reached the end of my review, I still am not sure how to rate this book. I'm definitely not a part of the target audience and therefore just simply couldn't enjoy it that much.

As much as I want to give this book more stars, I have to settle for 3. It's the misleading cover, and the fact that I wasn't aware that this was not a standalone, that prevents me from giving it 3.5 and round it up to four.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Alterity
Author: Ashlynne Laynne
Publisher: Q-Rotic Press
ISBN: B010K7BEXY
Buy Link: http://www.qroticpress.com/whats-new....
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Alterity 1
Passion. Love. Music.

A man struggling to gain his independence…
Every aspect of Austin MacKenzie’s life is governed by a generations-old code instituted by his Scottish forefathers. But rather than be groomed to take over the family empire, he struggles to free himself from the bonds of an arranged marriage to a woman within Scottsdale’s societal circles.

A woman simply struggling to survive…
Raised by a drug-addicted mother in one of the roughest parts of Phoenix, Liz Carlisle just wants a way out. A nursing student, she’s determined to make a difference and reach her ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.

With music as a common ground…
After a chance encounter at a band audition, Austin and Liz discover that they share a love of music. Despite their differences, an attraction forms that will alter their lives forever and rip their worlds apart.


Summary:

This was a fascinating story of Austin's struggle to find his place in the world instead of the life his family had mapped out for him. Austin always had everything anyone ever wanted, the best schools, clothing, ever gadget he could want, but they didn't matter to him. His grandparents and father's love kept him grounded on what mattered the most. When he should have been spoiled and superficial, he was the exact opposite wanting to make the world a better place. Liz had lived a difficult life, but her determination and drive kept her going to fulfill her dreams of being a nurse and a musician. When Austin and Liz met they immediately formed a bond that defied the differences of their stations, but can it overcome the problems that lie ahead; Family issues, potential fiances, and interfering mothers? This was just the beginning of their story and I for one can't wait to find out what happens next!

[Charity Chimni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz and Austin have an immediate connection. They can't deny it even though he is promised to another. He is trying to make his own life away from the family pressures bestowed upon him by his mother. While she is trying to survive her circumstances and live her dreams. A story filled with passion, love, following your heart, family obligations, and soul mates. A great story with strong characters with high morals.

[Geneva Handleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting romance novel. I would encourage young adult readers to explore this series. It is well written, with characters I would love to meet in real life. I would definitely hang out with most of the people in this book. Austin is an awesome young man, someone I would be proud to consider a friend. Liz is a strong young woman, in the worst of situations, she remains independent and self-reliant.

There is some sex in this book, but it is well written, definitely not facetious, and minimal. As always, make your own decisions based upon your own preferences, but it is something I would recommend to anyone over the age of thirteen myself. They already know about sex by then, this book might actually encourage them to abstain until that right person arrives.

As an independent reviewer for Paranormal Books and Authors that Rock, I give this one four solid fangs. I'll be watching for more books in this series!!