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Bittersweet Hollow #2
Devil's Creek
Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense Book 1: Devil's Lake Book 2: Devil's Creek Book 3: Devil's Spring *** Grace may have problems, but Anderson Rockwell loves his sassy, spicy, and slightly unfaithful wife. A recovered heroin addict who’s now struggling with sex addiction, Grace tries her best to control her inner demons. She’s relapsing less often. And when she does, she always calls, always comes home. Until this time. The man calls himself Chandler. He found Grace on Facebook under a false name, and lured her away with promises of excitement, danger, and plenty of steam. But when Grace gives in to temptation and follows the trail, she finds herself at the mercy of a monster who knows who she really is, and whose sole obsession is revenge—on Anderson. Time is running out for Anderson to rescue Grace from deadly danger that’s beyond imagination, before the past drowns them both for good. Because this time, it’s personal. This book contains explicit sexual content. For adults only!
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2015
About the author
Aaron Paul Lazar
42 books188 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. Author of 28 books, including three addictive mystery series, writing books, a romantic suspense series, and a new love story series, Aaron enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his website at http://www.lazarbooks.com. Aaron has won 21 book awards for his novels and finds writing to be his form of "cheap therapy." Feel free to network with him on Facebook or his website; he loves to connect with readers!
Visit his website at www.lazarbooks.com.
more about the author:
Aaron Paul Lazar wasn’t always a mystery writer. It wasn’t until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. “When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar’s father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a “Renaissance man caught in the 21st century.”
The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written eleven LeGarde mysteries.
One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat’s eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and zealous gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother’s dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLY MOORE; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, and FOR KEEPS) Lazar intends to continue both series, in addition to three contemporary new series including Tall Pines Mysteries, set in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, Paines Creek love stories series, set on Cape Cod, and Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense series, set in Vermont.
Lazar’s books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, “country mysteries,” although reviewers have dubbed them “literary mysteries.”
“It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it’s the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page.”
Lazar lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, beloved Cavi-poo, Balto, Cavi-bichon, Amber, and four cats. He and his wife, Dale, now have seven grandchildren to spoil and they enjoy every second of it!
Visit his website at www.lazarbooks.com.
more about the author:
Aaron Paul Lazar wasn’t always a mystery writer. It wasn’t until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. “When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar’s father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a “Renaissance man caught in the 21st century.”
The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written eleven LeGarde mysteries.
One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat’s eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and zealous gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother’s dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLY MOORE; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, and FOR KEEPS) Lazar intends to continue both series, in addition to three contemporary new series including Tall Pines Mysteries, set in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, Paines Creek love stories series, set on Cape Cod, and Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense series, set in Vermont.
Lazar’s books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, “country mysteries,” although reviewers have dubbed them “literary mysteries.”
“It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it’s the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page.”
Lazar lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, beloved Cavi-poo, Balto, Cavi-bichon, Amber, and four cats. He and his wife, Dale, now have seven grandchildren to spoil and they enjoy every second of it!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 25, 2016
Disclosure:This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.
Devil’s Creek was an option in the weekly newsletter for Audioblast! And I thought it would be interesting to read about a sex addict and a crazy stalker. I wanted to see how things would turn out and I was excited to dive in. That being said, this book truly is for adults 18 + due to the nature of the book.
The Story
The story is divided into four parts, it is told over the course of 16 years. The beginning of the story really gets things going. I was intrigued and I needed to know what happened. I was at the edge of my seat curious about what was going on and why things were happening.
And then? It went to part two and I was angry. I felt like the story was just really getting good and it sort of left you on a cliffhanger. We go back 16 years, where Anderson is audition for the play Phantom of the Opera. At first, I didn’t understand this switch. I was really annoyed and just couldn’t see HOW it was going to connect to the story. It had to be the longest flashback ever. There was insta love within like 2 minutes and that was annoying and not believable to me. I kept zoning out during this part of the story, and I had to replay the parts a couple times over. I actually considered skipping the whole part but realized it may play a crucial part in the story.
Then we get to part three and again I was so confused. The whole story at this point seemed so confusing and I felt like we were never going to go back to the beginning of the story. I think it took long to really get back to the point of the original story. It felt like it was three different stories and I really didn’t like that. Everything felt so disconnected and I felt like there wasn’t a need for so much flashback. I couldn’t see how the author was going to connect everything and that was just overall frustrating.
However, when we get to the fourth part EVERYTHING comes full circle. It was suspenseful and I did not see that coming. I was seriously shocked about what was happening. It made me really glad that I ended up sticking out the entire book because that was definitely suspenseful and mind blowing.
The Characters
Grace – she was just a disaster. The girl is a recovering drug addict and when she kicks the habit she turns to sex. It often leads to her going out and having sex with people who aren’t her husband to satisfy the “itch”. I didn’t really like her in the beginning; I wasn’t sure why she was like that. After the third part, I pretty much understood her character but felt like it still wasn’t satisfying. I wanted more of a backstory.
Anderson - Anderson is a former Marine but to be honest he didn’t seem like a Marine. I’ve always viewed Marines as strong; take no crap from no one kind of person and Anderson was a bit of a pushover. I felt like he didn’t speak up for himself when it came to Grace until the very end. It was towards the end that I felt like he grew a lot for me. He finally stood up for himself and that seemed great.
The Narrator
There are very few narrators I just can’t listen to for this audiobook it took a while to adjust to the narrator. After the first couple of chapters, I really enjoyed the narrator; she was great at changing her voice for the different characters. I also felt like she added the suspense to her voice when it needed to be and the emotions could be heard in her voice. She’s really what kept me reading Devil’s Creek.
Devil’s Creek was an option in the weekly newsletter for Audioblast! And I thought it would be interesting to read about a sex addict and a crazy stalker. I wanted to see how things would turn out and I was excited to dive in. That being said, this book truly is for adults 18 + due to the nature of the book.
The Story
The story is divided into four parts, it is told over the course of 16 years. The beginning of the story really gets things going. I was intrigued and I needed to know what happened. I was at the edge of my seat curious about what was going on and why things were happening.
And then? It went to part two and I was angry. I felt like the story was just really getting good and it sort of left you on a cliffhanger. We go back 16 years, where Anderson is audition for the play Phantom of the Opera. At first, I didn’t understand this switch. I was really annoyed and just couldn’t see HOW it was going to connect to the story. It had to be the longest flashback ever. There was insta love within like 2 minutes and that was annoying and not believable to me. I kept zoning out during this part of the story, and I had to replay the parts a couple times over. I actually considered skipping the whole part but realized it may play a crucial part in the story.
Then we get to part three and again I was so confused. The whole story at this point seemed so confusing and I felt like we were never going to go back to the beginning of the story. I think it took long to really get back to the point of the original story. It felt like it was three different stories and I really didn’t like that. Everything felt so disconnected and I felt like there wasn’t a need for so much flashback. I couldn’t see how the author was going to connect everything and that was just overall frustrating.
However, when we get to the fourth part EVERYTHING comes full circle. It was suspenseful and I did not see that coming. I was seriously shocked about what was happening. It made me really glad that I ended up sticking out the entire book because that was definitely suspenseful and mind blowing.
The Characters
Grace – she was just a disaster. The girl is a recovering drug addict and when she kicks the habit she turns to sex. It often leads to her going out and having sex with people who aren’t her husband to satisfy the “itch”. I didn’t really like her in the beginning; I wasn’t sure why she was like that. After the third part, I pretty much understood her character but felt like it still wasn’t satisfying. I wanted more of a backstory.
Anderson - Anderson is a former Marine but to be honest he didn’t seem like a Marine. I’ve always viewed Marines as strong; take no crap from no one kind of person and Anderson was a bit of a pushover. I felt like he didn’t speak up for himself when it came to Grace until the very end. It was towards the end that I felt like he grew a lot for me. He finally stood up for himself and that seemed great.
The Narrator
There are very few narrators I just can’t listen to for this audiobook it took a while to adjust to the narrator. After the first couple of chapters, I really enjoyed the narrator; she was great at changing her voice for the different characters. I also felt like she added the suspense to her voice when it needed to be and the emotions could be heard in her voice. She’s really what kept me reading Devil’s Creek.
May 28, 2015
Now after Portia's ordeal is all over with from her 2 year captivity. Aaron's new book "Devil's Lake" picks up after the trial of Portia's captor, and the wedding to Boone Hawke, her savoir and childhood friend.
This book moves onto her sister Grace's issues. Along with being a recovering drug addict. Now Grace finds that she is replacing one addiction for another. the other being Sex. An unsafe thrill ride that her husband Anderson can't quite wrap his head around. Only making matters worse, Grace knows that after she takes off for a couple of days, her Anderson will be there waiting, willing to forgive her without hesitation. Unknowingly enabling her new found addiction.
But, this time Grace has crossed the line, taking this new addiction of her's just one more ridiculous step further. Making friends on Facebook with a guy, who looks like a hunk of a man that she can only fantasize about having the most amazing sex ever with. Why can't she just settle for Anderson? Him being a great lover himself. Why won't these demons let her be? Well, now a demon is going to whisk her away where no one will find her. A demon named Chandler and that night she was going to meet up with him for unbridled sex for a couple of days. Then call Anderson to come and pick her up. However, Chandler has a change of plans instead, of the hotel going to a house he says he is house sitting for this guy while he is away. Wow, quite the house it was. Wow, how amazing he is in bed. The next morning feeling uncomfortable for some reason she decides to contact Anderson to pick her up.
Now the horror starts! After making out in the creek behind the home. He tells her the name of the creek is Devil's Creek. Now Grace is starting to feel a panic and says that she is cold and ready to go back in and call her husband. What happens next will terrorize Grace and turn Anderson's world upside down when Grace calls Anderson to come and get her. In the background he can hear Chandler say, "Murphy says hello!"
What can I say about this book from a reading side. This book was given to me by the author as a beta reading and I never finished a book in 2 days. If I had started earlier in the day it would have been in one sitting.
From the first to the last word I was so caught up in the story. I felt myself being transported into the book and watching it from a vantage point that made me want to jump in and help. What's in Anderson's past has set this maniac in motion to pit his anger against the only second woman that has made Anderson go crazy over? What happen to his first love? An unsolved crime that has haunted Anderson for decades.
A new cast of characters are introduced. Chandler, who was this guy and how does he know Anderson? Graces' mom now in remission from her cancer has a new found strength that no one would want to cross this mom. Grace's old scumbag boyfriend.
Can Anderson with the help of Boone get there in time to save Grace? This is something that will have you as it did me reading from the beginning to the end in record time. I certainly cannot wait for the audio version and review the performance of this book!
This book was provided to me by the author for beta reading and followup with a review! All my thoughts about this book are solely mine and no one has effected that outcome! Please like and comment if this review was a help in your decision to read this book!
This book moves onto her sister Grace's issues. Along with being a recovering drug addict. Now Grace finds that she is replacing one addiction for another. the other being Sex. An unsafe thrill ride that her husband Anderson can't quite wrap his head around. Only making matters worse, Grace knows that after she takes off for a couple of days, her Anderson will be there waiting, willing to forgive her without hesitation. Unknowingly enabling her new found addiction.
But, this time Grace has crossed the line, taking this new addiction of her's just one more ridiculous step further. Making friends on Facebook with a guy, who looks like a hunk of a man that she can only fantasize about having the most amazing sex ever with. Why can't she just settle for Anderson? Him being a great lover himself. Why won't these demons let her be? Well, now a demon is going to whisk her away where no one will find her. A demon named Chandler and that night she was going to meet up with him for unbridled sex for a couple of days. Then call Anderson to come and pick her up. However, Chandler has a change of plans instead, of the hotel going to a house he says he is house sitting for this guy while he is away. Wow, quite the house it was. Wow, how amazing he is in bed. The next morning feeling uncomfortable for some reason she decides to contact Anderson to pick her up.
Now the horror starts! After making out in the creek behind the home. He tells her the name of the creek is Devil's Creek. Now Grace is starting to feel a panic and says that she is cold and ready to go back in and call her husband. What happens next will terrorize Grace and turn Anderson's world upside down when Grace calls Anderson to come and get her. In the background he can hear Chandler say, "Murphy says hello!"
What can I say about this book from a reading side. This book was given to me by the author as a beta reading and I never finished a book in 2 days. If I had started earlier in the day it would have been in one sitting.
From the first to the last word I was so caught up in the story. I felt myself being transported into the book and watching it from a vantage point that made me want to jump in and help. What's in Anderson's past has set this maniac in motion to pit his anger against the only second woman that has made Anderson go crazy over? What happen to his first love? An unsolved crime that has haunted Anderson for decades.
A new cast of characters are introduced. Chandler, who was this guy and how does he know Anderson? Graces' mom now in remission from her cancer has a new found strength that no one would want to cross this mom. Grace's old scumbag boyfriend.
Can Anderson with the help of Boone get there in time to save Grace? This is something that will have you as it did me reading from the beginning to the end in record time. I certainly cannot wait for the audio version and review the performance of this book!
This book was provided to me by the author for beta reading and followup with a review! All my thoughts about this book are solely mine and no one has effected that outcome! Please like and comment if this review was a help in your decision to read this book!
June 12, 2015
Devil's Creek by Aaron Paul Lazar is a wonderful second addition to the Bittersweet Hollow Series. Lazar has a magical way of creating images and emotions that pulled me right into the characters of this story. They became family, in a sense. Although Grace has given me lots of lost hairs, I found myself forgiving her in the end, just as Anderson has done. We all know he deserves better, but he loves her so much. I really loved how this mystery was interwoven with the finale of the first episode and cannot wait to see what comes next.
May 4, 2017
Vermont, WI. Portia Lamont (sister) had stolen a truck & Cupcake (dog) came with the deal.
VT (Green Mts., Bittersweet Hollow). She finally arrived at Dirk Lamont (husband/dad, retired US Army sniper) & Daisy Lamont (wife/mom) were the Proprietors of the Morgan Horse Farm.
Boone Hawke (28, farm mgr., college graduate, retired military, 2 tours Afghanistan) greeted Portia (aka Peaches). Ned Lamont was the other son/brother.
Dirk had taken Daisy to a specialized cancer clinic in NY. Dr. Kareem (Daisy’s oncologist) was treating her.
Boomer (big chocolate lab) had won Portia’s heart.
Professor Anderson Rockwell (retired military, 2 tours Iraq) married Grace Lamont (sister, drug addict, revolving door; rehab, CJS, U of Vermont; art).
Grace goes to therapy.
Boone had called Doc Hardy. Portia was having a serious mental breakdown.
Her parents had finally arrived & greeted her with a hearty breakfast.
Professor Rockwell & Grace later arrived at the ranch.
Later Portia (biology) was reliving her horrid past with Daisy.
Marty McGorkin (70+ f, Scottish) owned the Green Mountain Nursery.
Portia had to tell the customer it was closing time.
Sheriff Dunne & Deputy Sheriff Mills were here to ask her questions also.
Dirk, Boone, & Anderson had both the town & perpetrator’s name.
Charles C. Murphy gave Portia a dog & she named it Cupcake.
What later happened to Charles?
Anderson, & Grace (Anderson’s wife, Portia’s sister) were part of the family also.
It seems Charles has come back to haunt the family.
Devils Lake. He had injured several family members & kidnapped Grace.
What about Portia & Boone?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written psychological thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great psychological thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
VT (Green Mts., Bittersweet Hollow). She finally arrived at Dirk Lamont (husband/dad, retired US Army sniper) & Daisy Lamont (wife/mom) were the Proprietors of the Morgan Horse Farm.
Boone Hawke (28, farm mgr., college graduate, retired military, 2 tours Afghanistan) greeted Portia (aka Peaches). Ned Lamont was the other son/brother.
Dirk had taken Daisy to a specialized cancer clinic in NY. Dr. Kareem (Daisy’s oncologist) was treating her.
Boomer (big chocolate lab) had won Portia’s heart.
Professor Anderson Rockwell (retired military, 2 tours Iraq) married Grace Lamont (sister, drug addict, revolving door; rehab, CJS, U of Vermont; art).
Grace goes to therapy.
Boone had called Doc Hardy. Portia was having a serious mental breakdown.
Her parents had finally arrived & greeted her with a hearty breakfast.
Professor Rockwell & Grace later arrived at the ranch.
Later Portia (biology) was reliving her horrid past with Daisy.
Marty McGorkin (70+ f, Scottish) owned the Green Mountain Nursery.
Portia had to tell the customer it was closing time.
Sheriff Dunne & Deputy Sheriff Mills were here to ask her questions also.
Dirk, Boone, & Anderson had both the town & perpetrator’s name.
Charles C. Murphy gave Portia a dog & she named it Cupcake.
What later happened to Charles?
Anderson, & Grace (Anderson’s wife, Portia’s sister) were part of the family also.
It seems Charles has come back to haunt the family.
Devils Lake. He had injured several family members & kidnapped Grace.
What about Portia & Boone?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written psychological thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great psychological thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
December 22, 2016
When you hate to come to the end of a book, you know you've found a great one. When you finish Book 2 in a trilogy and can't wait for Book 3, you know you've found a great author. Aaron Paul Lazar fits that description.
Having read Devil's Lake, Book 1 in the Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense trilogy, I had to find out what more could happen to the Lamonts and their extended family. In Devil's Creek, we find out the backstory of Anderson, Grace's husband, as well as the sordid past of Grace herself. We learn that life hasn't been easy for two of the heroes of Devil's Lake. The love of Anderson's life, Caroline, disappeared many years before, abducted and assumed murdered by the wacko whose attentions she spurned. Meanwhile, Grace, who overcame a drug problem, only to replace it with a sex addiction, cheats on Anderson with the wrong man—the very man responsible for Caroline's disappearance and whose hatred of Anderson has obsessed him for years. When Grace is abducted, the nightmare begins anew for Anderson. With time running out, he has to find his wife, and in the process maybe finally discover what happened to Caroline. There was no way I was going to put the book down as it neared the end. As a result, the exciting climax had me reading well past my bedtime
Even though Devil's Creek is the second in the trilogy, it can actually be read as a stand-alone. Mr. Lazar does a great job of giving the reader enough of the details from Book 1 not to be lost. That said, I recommend reading Devil's Lake first, simply because, thanks to Mr. Lazar's crisp and sensitive writing, you are going to fall in love with this family and will want to follow them every step of the way.
Kudos to Mr. Lazar for a great read! It's on to Book 3, Devil's Spring!
Having read Devil's Lake, Book 1 in the Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense trilogy, I had to find out what more could happen to the Lamonts and their extended family. In Devil's Creek, we find out the backstory of Anderson, Grace's husband, as well as the sordid past of Grace herself. We learn that life hasn't been easy for two of the heroes of Devil's Lake. The love of Anderson's life, Caroline, disappeared many years before, abducted and assumed murdered by the wacko whose attentions she spurned. Meanwhile, Grace, who overcame a drug problem, only to replace it with a sex addiction, cheats on Anderson with the wrong man—the very man responsible for Caroline's disappearance and whose hatred of Anderson has obsessed him for years. When Grace is abducted, the nightmare begins anew for Anderson. With time running out, he has to find his wife, and in the process maybe finally discover what happened to Caroline. There was no way I was going to put the book down as it neared the end. As a result, the exciting climax had me reading well past my bedtime
Even though Devil's Creek is the second in the trilogy, it can actually be read as a stand-alone. Mr. Lazar does a great job of giving the reader enough of the details from Book 1 not to be lost. That said, I recommend reading Devil's Lake first, simply because, thanks to Mr. Lazar's crisp and sensitive writing, you are going to fall in love with this family and will want to follow them every step of the way.
Kudos to Mr. Lazar for a great read! It's on to Book 3, Devil's Spring!
November 26, 2020
I received an advance copy of this book, with a no-obligation request for an honest review. I sat down and read it straight through--it was that good.
In Devil’s Creek, Aaron Paul Lazar takes Grace (a sassy, scene-stealing character from Devil’s Lake) and her devoted husband, Anderson, to terrific new depths. The plot manages to be totally unexpected yet true to what we know about the characters from the previous book.
To do this, Lazar shows us two earlier time frames. The shifts in time are expertly handled to provide backstory for Grace, Anderson, and the villain, while maximizing the buildup of suspense for the current situation.
Like Devil’s Lake, Devil’s Creek contains a few explicit descriptions of sexual activity. These are not to my personal taste but they serve the plot and characters very well. The Toronto scenes were especially well-written—realistic and detailed enough to be horrifying without crossing the line to porn or sensationalism.
Speaking of horror, you know all along that Grace’s bad-girl activities are going to end badly, and Lazar milks that anticipation to good effect. As exasperating as Grace is, though, Lazar makes you root for her and Anderson to survive.
The book left me with the suspicion that Happily Ever After might not last quite forever for characters with this much baggage. I’m looking forward to a sequel.
In Devil’s Creek, Aaron Paul Lazar takes Grace (a sassy, scene-stealing character from Devil’s Lake) and her devoted husband, Anderson, to terrific new depths. The plot manages to be totally unexpected yet true to what we know about the characters from the previous book.
To do this, Lazar shows us two earlier time frames. The shifts in time are expertly handled to provide backstory for Grace, Anderson, and the villain, while maximizing the buildup of suspense for the current situation.
Like Devil’s Lake, Devil’s Creek contains a few explicit descriptions of sexual activity. These are not to my personal taste but they serve the plot and characters very well. The Toronto scenes were especially well-written—realistic and detailed enough to be horrifying without crossing the line to porn or sensationalism.
Speaking of horror, you know all along that Grace’s bad-girl activities are going to end badly, and Lazar milks that anticipation to good effect. As exasperating as Grace is, though, Lazar makes you root for her and Anderson to survive.
The book left me with the suspicion that Happily Ever After might not last quite forever for characters with this much baggage. I’m looking forward to a sequel.
February 20, 2024
A continuation of Grace’s life and Anderson’s trials and tribulations that haunt him from his college days. Mystery, intrigue, go along with Grace’s follies and antics that push her into devastating troubles throughout her life. She’s always feeling inferior to her older sister “the good one” but what she doesn’t realize is she creates her own web and it could so much different instead of always acting out. It finally all catches up with one too many times when she cries wolf.
January 7, 2018
After all Grace, Portia , and their families have gone through....now Grace has another addiction that could very well cost her her marriage and her family. This is a well written book that follows the first book.
February 12, 2025
I w wanted to like this book but I cannot stand Grace. I don’t like her personality, her actions and I just wanted to knock her up side the head. I am hesitant to read the next one but since grace isn’t the main character I am going to give it a try.
July 23, 2024
This was even worse than the 1st book. More sleaze, no mystery, more about the past love of Anderson. No likeable characters, especially Grace. No real plot, just mild erotica. Thanks but no thanks.
December 21, 2025
This couple have a lot of baggage and emotional issues. They are just trudging through life ignoring their issues. The road to recovery is full of pot holes. A fantastic performance.
November 2, 2016
This is the second book in the Bittersweet Hollow series. I really enjoyed it!
This audio book is again narrated by Gwendolyn Druyor. I must admit that I enjoyed listening to her a lot more than I did the first book. Maybe because I became used to her reading style. She has a pleasant voice but she, whether by accident or design, made the main character Grace sound incredibly whiny. Other listeners may disagree with me.
Grace Rockwell is a complex character. I am not sure if I liked her when I first met her in Devil's Lake, though she certainly was the bravest (or stupidest) character I'd met in a book. She's Portia's (from Devil's Lake) younger sister, and had gone through hell when her older sister was kidnapped and turned to drugs to cope years before. Now clean and married to Anderson, whom she loves, she finds herself in a bind when her libido gets her caught in a dangerous situation.
Anderson Rockwell is a fantastic character. I really liked this Professor and felt that he and Grace made a strange couple. However, they say opposites attract and these two certainly have their issues. When Grace unexpectedly gets dragged into danger by an old nemesis from Anderson's past, he's terrified that history will repeat itself.
This book is told through the eyes of both Grace and Anderson. Though Anderson's tale starts many years before he meets Grace. I enjoyed getting to know Anderson better this way. However, this also confused me at first, though my confusion cleared up as soon as I realised why the author had started the story this way. Chandler is not who Grace thinks he is. He is a skeleton from Anderson's closet that has come out to haunt him. This character is incredibly creepy and totally insane. Why does this family seem to attract the loonies? Anyway, I found myself completely hooked by the intense suspense that built up though the story. There are several twists that I didn't see coming. The danger Grace faces is eerily similar to what her sister faced but, the author gave this story a sinister twist that sent a chill down my spine. Grace will need some serious psychological help for her problems (drug and sex addiction), though I am glad that Anderson is so supportive of her. Their marriage may be rocky, but they are both determined to face their demons together. That can only make their relationship stronger.
I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings. I was sad that the story ended, but happy with the way it concluded. I am now looking forward to reading/listening to the next book in the series, Devil's Spring as soon as I can.
Aaron Paul Lazar has written a fantastic tale that captured my imagination. I love his writing style, which is fast paced and entertaining. The story flowed wonderfully (apart from my issue with the narrator). I am a huge fan of this author. I am now looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.
Although this book doesn't have any bad language, there are some explicit scenes of a sexual nature. Therefore, I recommend this book to older teen readers (18+) and to adults who love contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. - Lynn Worton
This audio book is again narrated by Gwendolyn Druyor. I must admit that I enjoyed listening to her a lot more than I did the first book. Maybe because I became used to her reading style. She has a pleasant voice but she, whether by accident or design, made the main character Grace sound incredibly whiny. Other listeners may disagree with me.
Grace Rockwell is a complex character. I am not sure if I liked her when I first met her in Devil's Lake, though she certainly was the bravest (or stupidest) character I'd met in a book. She's Portia's (from Devil's Lake) younger sister, and had gone through hell when her older sister was kidnapped and turned to drugs to cope years before. Now clean and married to Anderson, whom she loves, she finds herself in a bind when her libido gets her caught in a dangerous situation.
Anderson Rockwell is a fantastic character. I really liked this Professor and felt that he and Grace made a strange couple. However, they say opposites attract and these two certainly have their issues. When Grace unexpectedly gets dragged into danger by an old nemesis from Anderson's past, he's terrified that history will repeat itself.
This book is told through the eyes of both Grace and Anderson. Though Anderson's tale starts many years before he meets Grace. I enjoyed getting to know Anderson better this way. However, this also confused me at first, though my confusion cleared up as soon as I realised why the author had started the story this way. Chandler is not who Grace thinks he is. He is a skeleton from Anderson's closet that has come out to haunt him. This character is incredibly creepy and totally insane. Why does this family seem to attract the loonies? Anyway, I found myself completely hooked by the intense suspense that built up though the story. There are several twists that I didn't see coming. The danger Grace faces is eerily similar to what her sister faced but, the author gave this story a sinister twist that sent a chill down my spine. Grace will need some serious psychological help for her problems (drug and sex addiction), though I am glad that Anderson is so supportive of her. Their marriage may be rocky, but they are both determined to face their demons together. That can only make their relationship stronger.
I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings. I was sad that the story ended, but happy with the way it concluded. I am now looking forward to reading/listening to the next book in the series, Devil's Spring as soon as I can.
Aaron Paul Lazar has written a fantastic tale that captured my imagination. I love his writing style, which is fast paced and entertaining. The story flowed wonderfully (apart from my issue with the narrator). I am a huge fan of this author. I am now looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.
Although this book doesn't have any bad language, there are some explicit scenes of a sexual nature. Therefore, I recommend this book to older teen readers (18+) and to adults who love contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. - Lynn Worton
February 8, 2016
Another perfect story! Author Aaron Paul Lazar has written another outstanding story. This story is centered on Grace and Anderson. After Portia went through her horrific ordeal it's now her sisters turn to go through her own nightmare. Anderson has to relive his own past because it's come back to haunt him and the pain he went through many years ago is back. Lazar has written another suspenseful story, New characters, more danger, and mystery. I found this story to be favorite for various reasons. I found it intriguing to learn more about Anderson's life before Grace came into his life. We also learn more about Grace and things she's done in her life and how she treated her husband Anderson for years.
This story captured my attention right from the start. Aaron gave this story some very vivid details that caught my attention. What he writes about Grace and her behavior is a real disorder and many women and even men suffer from suffer from Hypersexual Disorders. There are other names that can be associated with this disorder, Compulsive Sexual Behavior, hypersexuality, and the one that I've always heard is probably the most common name people use and its nymphomaniac. Some people that suffer this don't know that they can get help for this disorder. This shows me that the author has no problems writing about things that are real and isn't shy to write about the things Grace went through. He did his research and it shows and in reality this story could help someone who suffers with this disorder. I think that shows me that Aaron Paul Lazar is a brilliant writer and he wrote a story that has a perfect storyline and educational as well.
Narrator Gwendolyn Druyor told this story with pure profection. Once again she captured my attention right from the start. Druyor brings so much emotion in her voice as she tells the story. She is extremely talented at what she does. She pulled me in and kept me on the edge of my seat immersed into this story. I often mention narrator's breathe life into a story or bring a story to life and its true as long as the narrator is good. This is exactly what Druyor has done. I can't help but respect narrator's that can make you feel like you're there, watching the story unfold. Gwendolyn is one of those narrator's that pulled me into this story and as I listened I felt like I was there watching the story play out. I highly recommend this story, but get DevilsDevil's Lake first. Overall, another perfect 5 star rating!
This story captured my attention right from the start. Aaron gave this story some very vivid details that caught my attention. What he writes about Grace and her behavior is a real disorder and many women and even men suffer from suffer from Hypersexual Disorders. There are other names that can be associated with this disorder, Compulsive Sexual Behavior, hypersexuality, and the one that I've always heard is probably the most common name people use and its nymphomaniac. Some people that suffer this don't know that they can get help for this disorder. This shows me that the author has no problems writing about things that are real and isn't shy to write about the things Grace went through. He did his research and it shows and in reality this story could help someone who suffers with this disorder. I think that shows me that Aaron Paul Lazar is a brilliant writer and he wrote a story that has a perfect storyline and educational as well.
Narrator Gwendolyn Druyor told this story with pure profection. Once again she captured my attention right from the start. Druyor brings so much emotion in her voice as she tells the story. She is extremely talented at what she does. She pulled me in and kept me on the edge of my seat immersed into this story. I often mention narrator's breathe life into a story or bring a story to life and its true as long as the narrator is good. This is exactly what Druyor has done. I can't help but respect narrator's that can make you feel like you're there, watching the story unfold. Gwendolyn is one of those narrator's that pulled me into this story and as I listened I felt like I was there watching the story play out. I highly recommend this story, but get DevilsDevil's Lake first. Overall, another perfect 5 star rating!
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March 19, 2016I listened to the Audible audio version of this book. The story and overall, I gave three stars and the narration four stars.
"Devil's Creek Was More of an Erotic Thriller"
Minus the Thrills.
The saving 'Grace' of this story was the narration by GWENDOLYN DRUYOR. She did a great job reading this audiobook. She captured the characters with good emotion and trepidation. She also had good voice control and inflections as well. I'd listen to more books narrated by her.
DEVIL'S CREEK: BITTERSWEET HOLLOW BOOK 2 was bittersweet for me. This was more erotica than thriller. To me, this book was a slight twist with a lot of inconsequential events and conversations. Perhaps it needed editing. Whenever it seemed to be going nowhere there was sex thrown in, which I could've lived without and it seemed like it was just filler. Judging by the other reviews and being listed as mystery/thriller and suspense, I expected more. I'm sure AARON PAUL LAZAR is a good author, this book just seemed hurried and lacking in the thrills department.
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
March 15, 2016
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
This is definitely an adult only book.Grace trades drug addiction for an addiction to sex. Her marriage isn't enough to satisfy the addiction. Enter mysterious stranger from the internet.
The story shifts back and forth over a 19 year period. There is a lot of mystery, action, drama and sex involved. I am hoping this series will continue!
The narration was well done, The characters were excellently portrayed.
This is definitely an adult only book.Grace trades drug addiction for an addiction to sex. Her marriage isn't enough to satisfy the addiction. Enter mysterious stranger from the internet.
The story shifts back and forth over a 19 year period. There is a lot of mystery, action, drama and sex involved. I am hoping this series will continue!
The narration was well done, The characters were excellently portrayed.
November 16, 2016
DEVILS CREEK
THIS STORY WILL CATCH YOUR ATTENTION, PULL YOU IN AND HOLD YOU HOSTAGE FROM START TO FINISH! DEVILS CREEK IS ONE OF THOSE NOVELS THAT WILL HOLD YOU SPELLBOUND. I HATED THE VILLAIN IN THIS PIECE AND I FELT FOR ANDERSON CAROLINE AND GRACE. I WONDERED WHILE READING WOULD THERE BE A HAPPY ENDING? I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. Mr. LAZAR HAS ONCE AGAIN WRITTEN A SUSPENSEFUL TALE. KUDOS AND 5 STARS FOR EXCELLENT STORY TELLING.
THIS STORY WILL CATCH YOUR ATTENTION, PULL YOU IN AND HOLD YOU HOSTAGE FROM START TO FINISH! DEVILS CREEK IS ONE OF THOSE NOVELS THAT WILL HOLD YOU SPELLBOUND. I HATED THE VILLAIN IN THIS PIECE AND I FELT FOR ANDERSON CAROLINE AND GRACE. I WONDERED WHILE READING WOULD THERE BE A HAPPY ENDING? I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. Mr. LAZAR HAS ONCE AGAIN WRITTEN A SUSPENSEFUL TALE. KUDOS AND 5 STARS FOR EXCELLENT STORY TELLING.
November 5, 2015
Granted this book was slightly better than the first, but it was still another let down.
May 28, 2016
Loved this book
Excellent and I am looking forward to book #3 Devil's Spring. Hopefully it will be about the babies that are on the way to the sisters.
Excellent and I am looking forward to book #3 Devil's Spring. Hopefully it will be about the babies that are on the way to the sisters.
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