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Blackwood Elements #1
Oxygen
Akari Takeda walked on the dark side for fifteen years until death gave her the chance at a new life. Determined not to waste the time she has left, she moves to Boston with her young son to follow her dream of becoming a pianist.
But three men get in her way—Jansen, the skilled but uptight violinist, easygoing Jude, who understands how important coffee is to a girl, and Lincoln, the smooth-talking janitor who looks good in leather.
Which of them will steal her heart, and who isn't everything they seem?
But three men get in her way—Jansen, the skilled but uptight violinist, easygoing Jude, who understands how important coffee is to a girl, and Lincoln, the smooth-talking janitor who looks good in leather.
Which of them will steal her heart, and who isn't everything they seem?
239 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2016
About the author
Elise Noble
98 books744 followersElise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.
Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.
You can get find her current freebies HERE.
Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.
You can get find her current freebies HERE.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 25, 2018
I enjoyed the characters in this book so much! Of course, I love all the characters from Elise's mind as well as her unique story-telling skills. In this book, Akari is recovering from a horrible past and is just starting to create a new life for herself. A life that involves training at an exclusive music school where she is discovering her own strengths. As she sets out on her new life she encounters several distinct personality types, learning about herself and them as she deals with the situations they get into. Add in some romance, serious danger, mysteries and the Blackwood Security Group and you get a little bit of everything you need for an exciting read. I recommend this book.
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March 22, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/22/2020)! 🎁
March 29, 2020
Akari
This s a great addition to the Blackwood World of Emmy and Black, family, friends and teams. Akari, kidnapped off the street at age thirteen, was rescued from years of slavery to a cartel in Columbia by Blackwood Security, then taken under Emmy's wing. As this story begins, Akari has returned home to Japan, but has now received a full scholarship to a prestigious music school in Boston. She's already chaffing at the restraints of having "suits" follow her and her baby everywhere. She's finally decided to make the move to pursue her dreams, but, at her demands, Emmy has also agreed to back off the obvious protection. After all, Akari should be safe at a private school in Boston. But is she really?
This s a great addition to the Blackwood World of Emmy and Black, family, friends and teams. Akari, kidnapped off the street at age thirteen, was rescued from years of slavery to a cartel in Columbia by Blackwood Security, then taken under Emmy's wing. As this story begins, Akari has returned home to Japan, but has now received a full scholarship to a prestigious music school in Boston. She's already chaffing at the restraints of having "suits" follow her and her baby everywhere. She's finally decided to make the move to pursue her dreams, but, at her demands, Emmy has also agreed to back off the obvious protection. After all, Akari should be safe at a private school in Boston. But is she really?
February 22, 2020
Music to my ears....
Yet another great thriller from Elise Noble and lovely to get a follow up on the character Akira from an earlier book title. I will admit some slightly disturbing images did occur in reference to Akira's days spent locked away in South America as the slave to the cartel (no spoilers given away).
But the usual recipe of good verses bad with the wonderful surprise of who the guilty party is.
Always love to see Emmy and others make their appearances too, she maybe referred to as a Bitch but hell I'd always want her on my side. Love the whole imagery of what a family looks like too!
Yet another great thriller from Elise Noble and lovely to get a follow up on the character Akira from an earlier book title. I will admit some slightly disturbing images did occur in reference to Akira's days spent locked away in South America as the slave to the cartel (no spoilers given away).
But the usual recipe of good verses bad with the wonderful surprise of who the guilty party is.
Always love to see Emmy and others make their appearances too, she maybe referred to as a Bitch but hell I'd always want her on my side. Love the whole imagery of what a family looks like too!
April 10, 2020
Not quite as gripping or heart in mouth as the previous books i've read from the series. Still very enjoyable though & although I did guess one of the "twists" the others took me by complete surprise.
April 15, 2020
This is akaris story. It took me a while to realize she was the same akari from forever black when when I did I was even more interested. Although there weren't as many twists as normal I really enjoyed this book and ordered lithium for sophies story next.
April 25, 2020
good light hearted story
this a good lighthearted story but her love of music was a bit obsessive and blacks involvement a bit over the top. the end was very predictable, so not quiet as good as some of the authors other books
this a good lighthearted story but her love of music was a bit obsessive and blacks involvement a bit over the top. the end was very predictable, so not quiet as good as some of the authors other books
July 10, 2022
I think I started this series with book 4 or 5, so I planned to start from the start for years. However I read Pitch Black and Forever Black but I don't remember Akari at all... guess starting over some time soon is in order ;) No hard work since I fall in love with any new character I read about!
January 7, 2024
start of another great series
Seriously running out of words to describe my love for this author. Every book is a journey. Great story strong independent women. What more can you ask
1 click now you will not be disappointed
Seriously running out of words to describe my love for this author. Every book is a journey. Great story strong independent women. What more can you ask
1 click now you will not be disappointed
Read
September 3, 2019Well written.. with heart and understanding..
March 21, 2020
Oxygen - you need it
Again I start reading Elise’s books and I can’t put them down. I’m wired from the first page to the last. I love anything Emmy has a hand it.
Again I start reading Elise’s books and I can’t put them down. I’m wired from the first page to the last. I love anything Emmy has a hand it.
September 8, 2021
Beautiful
Another round of applause for a good storyline and great characters and of course as always I can't wait to get to the next book and learn more.
Another round of applause for a good storyline and great characters and of course as always I can't wait to get to the next book and learn more.
November 1, 2024
Great read
Loved seeing Akira come back. Lots going on in this book, definitely keeps you on your toes…. Hope you enjoy!!!
Loved seeing Akira come back. Lots going on in this book, definitely keeps you on your toes…. Hope you enjoy!!!
March 12, 2017
Another fantastic book from the great author of Blackwood security, in Oxygen Akari is giving a 2nd chance @ Hapiness once again after her dark past n lost luv, will she b able to grasp that Hapiness again after she discovered the deceit n lies from the people she has come to luv? This is story is thrilling n full of suspense, action n twist that wld keep u on ur toes. It is a great read.
March 28, 2020
Oxygen left me breathless at times!
As the first book in the Blackwood Elements series, it was a great stand alone novel, but also good to see familiar characters from the original Blackwood series that I love.
As with all the Blackwood books, the characters have depth and richness and the words flow seamlessly. It is very easy to want to read the book from beginning to end in one sitting (as I have often done). I won't recap the story as that is what the "blurb" is for, but rest assured I highly recommend reading all books by Elise Noble and this is no exception.
As the first book in the Blackwood Elements series, it was a great stand alone novel, but also good to see familiar characters from the original Blackwood series that I love.
As with all the Blackwood books, the characters have depth and richness and the words flow seamlessly. It is very easy to want to read the book from beginning to end in one sitting (as I have often done). I won't recap the story as that is what the "blurb" is for, but rest assured I highly recommend reading all books by Elise Noble and this is no exception.
May 13, 2016
Akari Takeda,a simple lady with enormous hidden determination which helped her survive the darkest phase of her life...she learnt something from the past and is yet to learn from her future....her story bends in every possible angle to keep the truth away until the last moment...this beautiful story of a beautiful lady has romance,suspense,thriller,action and even a pinch of comedy.....a complete package of every emotion which will keep the reader occupied till the end of the story....last but not the least...once this story started...a person cannot stop till finishing it...
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2016
Oxygen is a romance that interested me from the very beginning and kept me reading to find out what would happen next. Atari first came to my attention in Elise Noble’s third book in the Blackwood Security Services, Forever Black. It was indeed a pleasure to be able to read Akari’s story, that happens after her life in Forever Black. Some of the characters, in this story, were familiar to me from reading Elise’s other books. All of the characters were written well and I feel that they made the story cohesive. I really enjoyed reading this story and highly recommend it.
April 22, 2016
These book is so far the best book of Elise Noble . It's about Akari and her second chance at happiness and finding herself . Starting over after loosing the most important part of her life. It's really a great book .The story line and plot completely justifies it's name
Disclaimer :I was given a free copy for honest review.
Disclaimer :I was given a free copy for honest review.
May 6, 2016
Loved seeing one of the characters from the Blackwood Security series get her own story! Akari was more complex than I thought she would be, and the plot twists left me on the edge of my seat. Hoping to see more of these characters in future.
June 21, 2016
Another fantastic one
I have read the Blackwood series and I am so in love with these books. Elise Noble is such an amazing author her writing is amazing I get transported to another world whenever I read a novel by her!
I have read the Blackwood series and I am so in love with these books. Elise Noble is such an amazing author her writing is amazing I get transported to another world whenever I read a novel by her!
January 23, 2017
"Oxygen"
Another great book from this amazing author. A second chance for happiness, with suspense, action, romance and a lot of twists. Loved this book.
I received my copy of this book through Goodreads
Another great book from this amazing author. A second chance for happiness, with suspense, action, romance and a lot of twists. Loved this book.
I received my copy of this book through Goodreads
October 3, 2016
Good story
I liked reading about other characters in this Blackwood series of books , as they all seem to have a good story to tell and the author brings out the best !
I liked reading about other characters in this Blackwood series of books , as they all seem to have a good story to tell and the author brings out the best !
January 5, 2017
Akari has her own Romantic Thriller and it rocks!!!
What is the price for following your dreams? Being a talented pianist comes with great hopes and dreams. With a push from her piano sensei, Akari is accepted at a highly sought after academy for the musically gifted.
This requires Akari to find the courage to move away from her overbearing (with reason) family in Japan to Boston with her 1 year old son, Hisashi. This is a huge challenge for her as memories of being held hostage in Columbia haunt her. She struggles to adapt to her new home, in a new country while chasing her dream.
Akari hires the perfect nanny and becomes part of a three-piece mixed ensemble consisting of herself - a wickedly talented pianist, Jude - a flaky, playboy cello player, and Jansen - an intensely crazy violinist. As Jansen becomes verbally and physically abusive toward Akari, she is helped out more than once by the protective, sexy janitor at the school. But, was everything (and everyone) as it seemed?!?
Have you read Into the Black, the Blackwood Security series book #2? Do you remember loving, sweet, quiet, captive Akari? Now she has her own book and it rocks!!!
If you are familiar with the Blackwood Security Series, in Oxygen, Emmy is a big part of Akari’s adventures in Boston. Akari also gets to see Black and Bradley again. Yay!
Blackwood Security is my favorite book series ever as the characters and action are amazing, but also because Elise writes amazing extra stories (like this one) in the Blackwood Elements series that follow side characters from the Blackwood Security series. I highly recommend, this book, the entire Blackwood series, and anything else written by Elise Noble! :)
What is the price for following your dreams? Being a talented pianist comes with great hopes and dreams. With a push from her piano sensei, Akari is accepted at a highly sought after academy for the musically gifted.
This requires Akari to find the courage to move away from her overbearing (with reason) family in Japan to Boston with her 1 year old son, Hisashi. This is a huge challenge for her as memories of being held hostage in Columbia haunt her. She struggles to adapt to her new home, in a new country while chasing her dream.
Akari hires the perfect nanny and becomes part of a three-piece mixed ensemble consisting of herself - a wickedly talented pianist, Jude - a flaky, playboy cello player, and Jansen - an intensely crazy violinist. As Jansen becomes verbally and physically abusive toward Akari, she is helped out more than once by the protective, sexy janitor at the school. But, was everything (and everyone) as it seemed?!?
Have you read Into the Black, the Blackwood Security series book #2? Do you remember loving, sweet, quiet, captive Akari? Now she has her own book and it rocks!!!
If you are familiar with the Blackwood Security Series, in Oxygen, Emmy is a big part of Akari’s adventures in Boston. Akari also gets to see Black and Bradley again. Yay!
Blackwood Security is my favorite book series ever as the characters and action are amazing, but also because Elise writes amazing extra stories (like this one) in the Blackwood Elements series that follow side characters from the Blackwood Security series. I highly recommend, this book, the entire Blackwood series, and anything else written by Elise Noble! :)
April 6, 2017
Another one over the fence!
Oxygen is captivating. I was unable to put it down. I gave 5 stars because of good charaterzation, strong, and cohesive storyline. I enjoyed the trip to Boston. Elise can be my travel agent any day. This is worth the read. In my humble opinion.
Oxygen is captivating. I was unable to put it down. I gave 5 stars because of good charaterzation, strong, and cohesive storyline. I enjoyed the trip to Boston. Elise can be my travel agent any day. This is worth the read. In my humble opinion.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews