Acts of Creation

Evergreen Grove #2

by Elisabeth Staab

He's living a lie.

Dante Champion. Ladies' man. Party animal. Women want him, and men either want to be him or put his lights out for sleeping with their girlfriends. It's all an act. Inside, he's so full of self-loathing he's on a fast-track to self-destruction.

She's living in the shadows.

Meeting Michelle at a support group for assault survivors shows Dante a new world of possibilities. Finally, someone in his life might understand him, and she creates in him a fierce need to protect. Trouble is, Dante lives his life in the spotlight, and the only thing Michelle wants is a place to hide.

Genres: Romance, Abuse, Sports, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2015

About the author

Elisabeth Staab loves passionate stories and happy endings. Her books have been called “emotionally delicious,” “action-packed,” and “gloriously snarky.” When not writing romance about vampires and werewolves and emotionally wounded boxers (oh, my!), she enjoys date night with her husband, reading with her kids, and marathoning her favorite books or TV series. Keep up with all the latest shenanigans by following her newsletter, stopping by ElisabethStaab.com, or finding her on Facebook and Twitter.

Reviews

[WhiskeyintheJar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dante has created this mirage of who he is but cracks are started to show as his past demons rise. Dante was a tortured character who’s self-medicating of booze and fighting wasn't working anymore. The abuse he suffered from the hands of an adult who was entrusted with his care was painful to read about. The shame, self-doubt, guilt, and anger were exposed realistically and without a sense of sensationalism. Michelle's past was just as painful but felt somewhat glossed over at times. Rape and abuse seem to be very popular painful past experiences in the New Adult world and while Michelle's experience could have been ripped from the headlines, I felt like it was only added to her storyline so she could be shy and add angst. As I mentioned, the first half of our story deals more individually with Dante and Michelle, while the last half is having them learning how to come together. It made for a slower moving story but did make the romance more believable as our lead's relationship starting from a friends standpoint and growing to love. I liked this story because of Dante and Michelle's friendship and the author's willingness to show Dante's pain and reactions, whether right or wrong, to his abuse.

Read full review at: Reading Between the Wines book club

[Megan Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh...my heart, the tugging of its strings! I haven't read a lot of new adult books, but the characters in Acts of Creation broke my heart. Of course I like that, so I give this book all the heart eyes.

[Frankie Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt without being too angsty. just how I like it

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/28/2020)! 🎁

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to reading this book for some time to find out Dante's story as well as to see how everyone else is doing in Evergreen Grove. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is the fact that while it touches on the other characters, the main focus is on Dante and Michelle.

Dante has been hiding behind a mask for years, letting people assume that he's a playboy boxer who doesn't seem to have a care in the world. In reality, there's a lot of things that have happened in his past that are starting to catch up to him and he's getting tired of running. He really isn't a playboy, will do just about anything to protect his family, treats women respectfully and hasn't felt any desire in years. Then he meets Michelle and she changes his world.

Michelle has also been hiding by choosing to wear baggy clothing, move away from her hometown and generally tries not to be noticed. She was attacked by someone who was supposed to protect her and it's left a scar that doesn't appear to be healing very quickly. Michelle is really trying to find her way in the world, move past what haunts her and try to live her life without the pressure she was under when living with parents. When Dante starts to notice her, she finds it hard to believe but though she's put up walls, she isn't quite prepared for the feelings that develop the more time she spends around Dante.

Most of their friends and family aren't sure about the two of them being together but sometimes the most unlikely pair turn out to be one of the best. Dante and Michelle have had some obstacles to overcome in their lives and soon realize that the connection they were searching for was right in front of them the whole time.

I will admit it was reading some parts of the book due to the nature of the content but I'm glad that a lot of detail didn't go into the terrible thing that each of them experienced. My heart went out to Dante who spent years being ashamed of something that he was too young to comprehend at the time and being manipulated by someone who shouldn't have been allowed near kids to be honest.

My heart also went out to Michelle because instead of having the support she needed to try to get past her ordeal, she was confronted with suspicion and many didn't seem to believe what had taken place. She placed her trust in someone who was supposed to treat her right and have respect but instead turned out to be a total dirt bag.

Through patience and being open minded, Dante and Michelle are able to confide in each other and understand what it's like to feel trapped with a secret that at times seems to shameful to share with others. They do hit some road bumps along the way as their friendship turns into romance, particularly when Dante is seriously injured. Dante and Michelle soon realize though that no matter what happens, it's better to go through things together than to try to avoid.

I liked the fact that when Dante's dad finds out what happened to his son, he doesn't blame Dante but instead wants to go deal with the man who had caused such grief. Dante had assumed that his dad wouldn't understand but instead he blows that theory out of the water and it gave me some insight into where Dante learned his strength from.

I also liked the fact that Michelle chose to put her foot down when her parents try to get her to stop going to college and go back home to work as a free secretary. She comes to the conclusion with Dante's help how important it is to follow your heart and stand your ground.

This book was a fascinating mix of humor, romance, a touch of sadness and the importance of not going through a difficult time alone. Dante and Michelle really are a wonderful couple and I can't wait to get more of a glimpse of their lives in the next book though I know it will be about a different character. I was so glad the way things were turning out for this couple at the end of the book that I nearly did a happy dance.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to seeing what Elisabeth has next up her sleeve.

[Liz at Fictional Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acts of Creation was a beautiful and awesome book that created big dreamy sighs in this reader. Elisabeth Staab definitely delivers the story of the athlete and the artist to perfection. I know I said I wanted to move to Evergreen Grove before in Cassie and Jake's story, but let me cement my answer now by saying I'm already packing my bags!

I love that this book wasn't just fluff. Staab deals with some very real issues of rape and abuse, and not just with females. I think she did this so elegantly and beautifully, I couldn't have been any happier while reading about Dante and Michelle falling in love. The athlete and the artist, an unlikely couple if ever there were one, and I don't think I could ever picture them with anyone else. True soulmates. They overcome hurdles - both of them, and they come out stronger in the end. Do I dare say that I like them even more than Cassie and Jake??

Michelle is withdrawn. After being raped, she's moved from her hometown and started college. Hello Evergreen Grove! Things look as if she is taking back her life, but her baggy clothes and skittish behavior suggest otherwise. I bleed for this girl, because it's like her douchebag ex came along into her life and forever changed the course of who she could become. And she knows this. But Michelle is not the sum of her experiences, and her metamorphisis in this book is nothing short of amazing. You see her start as shy and meek and turn into the beautiful creature she is meant to be.

The guy who helps her do that is Dante. Sigh, this man. This beautiful, determined, broken man. He's proof positive that women aren't the only ones who have to deal with sexual violence. Dante feels like his whole life is a lie, and that he is dead inside. Michelle comes along and breathes new life. As it turns out, she isn't the only one who grows by leaps and bounds. His heart of gold and caring nature cement him as a book-boyfriend to love.

I can't say enough about these two. They start as strangers, move to friends, they gingerly test the waters, and they fall in love. And you get to see every step. The author does such a great job feeling these two out, that when the book was over I wanted to cheer for them. Dante and Michelle were so terrific from page to page, that I don't think AJ could even steal their thunder. If you want a contemporary romance that mixes a boxer, a college student, and a welcoming small town, you must read Acts of Creation. But start with At The Stars. They could both be read standalone, but At The Stars really sets up Acts of Creation, and gives us perfect introductions to Dante and Michelle. Go on now, do it.

[Erin]

I made to 64%. I just couldn't get into it... and I tried twice.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Elisabeth!

[Viviana Izzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this on 8/25/2015 and read for a few hours. Then then picked it up the next night on 8/26/2015 and didn't put it down until 2:45am on 8/27/2015. On a work day!!! I took a few extra minutes to thank Elisabeth via email and posted on my FB page just so people knew that yes, it was true, TWO FORTY FIVE in the freaking morning on a Thursday and I just finished reading this! Why? I couldn't put it down. I had to know how it was going to turn out.

This was definitely a story of survival. Both Dante and Michelle have their story to share with the reader and while they are each victims, they never once play the victim card. They each have fought hard to live normal lives. Or to try to get back to whatever ‘normal’ is to them now. They each have dealt with the aftermath differently; Dante in a self-destructive manner – partying, sleeping around, fighting, and drinking. Michelle originally stayed home and didn’t venture out. Now, however, she realized she needs a fresh start and knows that “home” isn’t an option.

The reader has a clue of what happened to Dante in the previous book (if you read At the Stars (Evergreen Grove Series #1) then you know what I’m referring to, if you haven’t, while this can be read as a standalone, I would say you’d like to read the previous book as it’s a good story), with details being sprinkled throughout the beginning until we get all the info at the end. We get Michelle’s story sooner.

I will say that one of the things I LOVED about this story was that Dante is the main focus between the two and made to be the one that needs to deal with his past more so than Michelle. Michelle is there more as a person who understands and can be there for him. To have a MALE be a victim of what society deems to be more of a ‘female’ thing. It’s a taboo subject, but Elisabeth did a beautiful job addressing the matter and bringing difficult conversation to light.

Another reason why I loved this book was that there isn’t the traditional angst/issue/miscommunication between the hero and heroine that tends to happen in the story that causes the big ‘rift’ between the two until they reunite. THANK YOU! These two have enough going on without a simple lack of communication causing them to ‘breakup’. Especially since until that point, communication is key for them both.

Overall, a beautifully written story with well-developed characters that tugs at your heart. Looking forward to the third installment, which is AJ’s story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Elisabeth Staab, in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

This and other reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to take a deep breath before I write this review because I want to accurately express how amazing this story was without sounding fake. (By the way, I won a free copy of this story in a contest. This is an honest review).

First of all, the writing is extremely well done. The author obviously knows what she's doing. You know writing is good writing when you don't have to think about it, when you can breeze through it as if you're watching a movie in your head. No effort, just entertainment.

Second, the emotions in this story... *wipes brow*. I thought this story was going to be dark and depressing because of the terrible abuse both characters suffered. How can a happily ever after romance be written from that? And so I was apprehensive at first because I don't like to read dark and depressive (there's already too much of that in the world around me).

The first 1/4 of this story is definitely heavy. Lots of repressed rage and ager and pain in both characters. And the author made it so real I actually felt their pain. I was angry for them, wanted revenge for them. Wanted so badly for them to be happy again somehow, someway. So I kept reading.

And then the two main characters meet, and then meet again and again and all of a sudden there's a rope of hope they both can grab onto and I'm reading as fast as I can because I can't wait to see how they help each other heal. And let me tell you, it was glorious. I know it's fiction, but she made their journey so realistic, and that was one of the best parts about this book. It was like some grand musical composition with a beginning of loud, sharp undertones that slowly morphs into a soothing, soul-stirring piece of art that stays with you long after it's over.

And third, it has an amazing ending. The character growth journey of both the hero and heroine was so amazing that I was left feeling like anything is possible.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elisabeth Staab never disappoints! Acts of Creation was one of my favorites because she did such an amazing job with Dante and Michelle. They were both so flawed, that I spent a lot of time waiting for the moment when one of them, or both of them, would fall apart. The struggles they faced were so daunting, and it was very emotional watching them battle them. The way Michelle and Dante come together in this book, even though they seem so different, was magnificent. Staab worked such amazing magic with their interactions and chemistry, that there was no doubt these two belonged together. Every single part of the story, from their meeting to the end, was some of the most wonderfully touching moments. I found it nearly impossible to not become attached to these characters and their story. I don't think I can just read an Elisabeth Staab book. I always feel like I am sucked into it completely. Like I am living the story and seeing everything first hand, and I love every minute of it.

[Daisy&Gracie's Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great read by Elisabeth Staab. She’s jumped into the new adult genre with the expertise and developed characters of her previous work. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it really gets into each of the main characters by speaking from their point of view—which is a vastly different style than most novels, and quite refreshing. Both characters have shadows from their past that have degraded their self-worth. Through these tragedies, a friendship blossoms into much more—no spoilers here, sorry. The plot structure was just enough to keep me guessing and the one liners were also great—Chocolate is my favorite food group too.

I was gifted with this book in exchange for an honest review, but it was so good that I bought the first one in the Evergreen Grove series and will be purchasing the rest as well.

[Franjessca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review posted at Book Lovin' Mamas

Elisabeth wrote a dramatic New Adult story that will tug at your heart and make you adore both of these characters. If you are fan of the New Adult genre, I highly recommend this book and this series. Be prepared for some tough situations that come to front in this book with the characters, but be prepared for some moments of love and courage.
I give this book 5 stars and look forward to reading AJs story next in the Evergreen Grover series. I do recommend reading the first book first in the series, but you don't have to. You'll want to know about the first characters in the series though.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY HECK! What a beautiful, strong story! We meet Dante & Michelle in book 1, and learn a little about their stories. In Act of Creation, we dive deep into each of them (dual 1st person POV, my FAVORITE!) & I loved them both so much. I want to hug them! The things that each of them have been through, their stories are so touchingly written, I didn't want it to end. The way they start out and build a friendship, and heal each other just by being there, it's really solid and emotionally fulfilling & beautifully written. 10++ stars & hearts & high recommendations for this series from me. (Also, as a side note, altho the wrap up in the last chapter was quick, it didn't seem rushed, which was a small issue I had w/ the ending to book 1, so I just thought I'd mention it!) : )

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book and WOW ! This was an emotional roller coaster for me.

Michelle and Dante have something in common, they were violated by someone whom they trusted. In Michelle's case it was an ex boyfriend and in Dante's case an adult who took him in. When they run into each other at a support meeting things get real. The trust they build between each other is heartwarming. As their relationship grows they learn to stand up and fight to free themselves from the person who took advantage of them so long ago.

I had tears of sorrow and joy while reading this book, and once I stared reading it I couldn't put it down. Defiantly a keeper !!

[Glynnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book! I assumed a book featuring a boxing hero wasn't really my thing, but the author has created such vulnerability and pathos in the writing that I was swept up into the story and enjoyed every heartwarming and heartrending moment. The author's voice is immediate and engaging. You experience the events right along with the characters, who are beautifully flawed and relatable. Even if the idea of boxing or sports heroes puts you off, I highly recommend this read to anyone who enjoys deep, character-driven romance.

[Ndulgent Bloggers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review posted at http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so hard! The emotion is so raw and real and I enjoyed every second of it!!

[Eleven · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like broken, damaged and traumatized, and your book guys tough on the outside but so very fragile on the inside, this one's for you. Story of growth and overcoming pain and damage, real and gritty but showing the healing power of love we all like to believe in.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are well written and well developed as the story is told. I fell in love with them both. The tale is moving and engaging. Awesome job!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
If you read the first book and are hesitant to pick this one up because... well because it's about Dante, don't be. You'll see him in a totally different light. He's not so bad. :)

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent story, lots of healing to deal with from both guy and gal. For those looking for just a whole lot of hot sexy times, this might not be the book for you, but the romance is good.

[MsS · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 *

[Michelle Cage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, this is a new author to me and it was a great book.

[Adconacher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.