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Kingwood #3
Sacred
The war was waged. The king got his queen, but where did that leave me?
When I thought there was no hope, that suffering this lonely life was my destiny, I saw her. The bubblegum pink skirt caught my attention, but her doe eyes captured my heart. Could she be my SAVIOR?
With her, I don’t have to hide the demons that haunt me, or to relive my darkest days alone.
With me, she’s free to be whoever she wants to be. She’s amazing.
Together, we’re two people clinging to a ray of sunshine that only the other can see.
I let my guard down. I got too comfortable. I thought the war had been won when, in reality, it had just begun. When old debts accrue, past demons return to collect their dues.
To find the SOLACE these young lovers crave, will they have to sacrifice the one thing they hold most SACRED?
When I thought there was no hope, that suffering this lonely life was my destiny, I saw her. The bubblegum pink skirt caught my attention, but her doe eyes captured my heart. Could she be my SAVIOR?
With her, I don’t have to hide the demons that haunt me, or to relive my darkest days alone.
With me, she’s free to be whoever she wants to be. She’s amazing.
Together, we’re two people clinging to a ray of sunshine that only the other can see.
I let my guard down. I got too comfortable. I thought the war had been won when, in reality, it had just begun. When old debts accrue, past demons return to collect their dues.
To find the SOLACE these young lovers crave, will they have to sacrifice the one thing they hold most SACRED?
328 pages, ebook
First published October 26, 2017
210 people are currently reading
901 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Scott
88 books5,063 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, S.L. Scott, writes character driven, heart-racing suspense, and swoony romances that will leave you glued to the page. With stories ranging from witty beach reads to heart wrenching and heart healing, her stories are highly regarded as emotional, relatable, and captivating.
Her books are more than escapes for the voracious readers of today. They are journeys of the heart that always come with a happily ever after reward at the end.
Website: www.slscottauthor.com or https://geni.us/slscott
Newsletter: https://geni.us/intheknow
Amazon Author Page: https://geni.us/SLSAm
Goodreads: https://geni.us/SLGR
Pinterest: https://geni.us/SLPin
Instagram: https://geni.us/IGSLS
Tiktok: https://geni.us/SLTikTok
Facebook: https://geni.us/SLSPage
Bookbub: https://geni.us/SLScottBB
Facebook Reader Group: https://geni.us/SLScottBooks
Twitter: https://geni.us/SLTwitter
Youtube: https://geni.us/SLSYoutube
**Make sure to follow her here on Goodreads and Amazon.
Her books are more than escapes for the voracious readers of today. They are journeys of the heart that always come with a happily ever after reward at the end.
Website: www.slscottauthor.com or https://geni.us/slscott
Newsletter: https://geni.us/intheknow
Amazon Author Page: https://geni.us/SLSAm
Goodreads: https://geni.us/SLGR
Pinterest: https://geni.us/SLPin
Instagram: https://geni.us/IGSLS
Tiktok: https://geni.us/SLTikTok
Facebook: https://geni.us/SLSPage
Bookbub: https://geni.us/SLScottBB
Facebook Reader Group: https://geni.us/SLScottBooks
Twitter: https://geni.us/SLTwitter
Youtube: https://geni.us/SLSYoutube
**Make sure to follow her here on Goodreads and Amazon.
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October 28, 2017★★★ CRUISE IS LIVE ★★★
🏍️🕊️🏍️🕊️"THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTELY SUBLIME"🕊️🏍️🕊️🏍️
★★★ FREE IN KU ★★★
Are you ready?
➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/SacredGR
From New York Times bestselling author, S.L. SCOTT, comes a new, emotionally driven, romantic suspense standalone.
✨✨✨✨ ✨LIVE✨✨✨✨✨✨
The war was waged. The king got his queen, but where did that leave me?
When I thought there was no hope, that suffering this lonely life was my destiny, I saw her. The bubblegum pink skirt caught my attention, but her doe eyes captured my heart. Could she be my SAVIOR?
With her, I don’t have to hide the demons that haunt me, or to relive my darkest days alone.
With me, she’s free to be whoever she wants to be. She’s amazing.
Together, we’re two people clinging to a ray of sunshine that only the other can see.
I let my guard down. I got too comfortable. I thought the war had been won when, in reality, it had just begun. When old debts accrue, past demons return to collect their dues.
To find the SOLACE these young lovers crave, will they have to sacrifice the one thing they hold most SACRED?
✨✨✨✨ FREE in KU ✨✨✨✨
🏍️🕊️🏍️🕊️"THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTELY SUBLIME"🕊️🏍️🕊️🏍️
★★★ FREE IN KU ★★★
Are you ready?
➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/SacredGR
From New York Times bestselling author, S.L. SCOTT, comes a new, emotionally driven, romantic suspense standalone.
✨✨✨✨ ✨LIVE✨✨✨✨✨✨
The war was waged. The king got his queen, but where did that leave me?
When I thought there was no hope, that suffering this lonely life was my destiny, I saw her. The bubblegum pink skirt caught my attention, but her doe eyes captured my heart. Could she be my SAVIOR?
With her, I don’t have to hide the demons that haunt me, or to relive my darkest days alone.
With me, she’s free to be whoever she wants to be. She’s amazing.
Together, we’re two people clinging to a ray of sunshine that only the other can see.
I let my guard down. I got too comfortable. I thought the war had been won when, in reality, it had just begun. When old debts accrue, past demons return to collect their dues.
To find the SOLACE these young lovers crave, will they have to sacrifice the one thing they hold most SACRED?
✨✨✨✨ FREE in KU ✨✨✨✨
October 29, 2017
Sacred is a story two shattered souls. S.L. Scott mended them back together in this beautiful love story. You can tell that Ms. Scott poured her heart and soul into this story.
Cruise and Clara both had tragic dark pasts. They were both hesitant to get close to anyone because of their history. Cruise was closed off to basically everyone besides his best friend Alex. Clara leaned heavily on her mom, but their family faced many issues with her younger brother Vaughn.
I love that the author brought so many difficult subjects to life in this breathtaking novel!
Sacred is a page-turner for sure!
4 Irrevocably Loving Stars!
Cruise and Clara both had tragic dark pasts. They were both hesitant to get close to anyone because of their history. Cruise was closed off to basically everyone besides his best friend Alex. Clara leaned heavily on her mom, but their family faced many issues with her younger brother Vaughn.
I love that the author brought so many difficult subjects to life in this breathtaking novel!
Sacred is a page-turner for sure!
4 Irrevocably Loving Stars!
October 28, 2017
Ok I really loved Sacred everything about it is amazing with characters you can't help but fall for , story line that has you on the edge of what ever surface you are sitting on , emotions that will pull at your heart strings , and characters you wish nothing but bad things to happen to them . S. L Scott is a fairly new author for me I've read Solace witch I highly recommend the hero in that is semi mentioned in this , I haven't had the pleasure of reading her The Kingwood duet but I so plan to because the couple in those show up a lot during Sacred and I'd love to read their love story even if it seems like it'll brake my heart a little . Cruise and Clara meet when they are both in need of something good and beautiful to happen it's pure fate that these two kept running into one another , they are super intense ,protective , loving , thoughtful , and teach one another valuable lessons , add on some pretty steamy / tastefully done sex scenes you get the perfect couple . Wow Cruise just what can I say about a dream hero he's just awesome and swoon worthy with a silver tongue. Clara the poor woman so adore her there's not a mean bone in her body she's kind and thoughtful blossoms beautifully through out the story . The secondary characters are really likable hope to see more about them in the future , Ok I just love what the author did for the heroes mother at the end it almost had me in tears just tied the story up real well and had me grinning to the very last page . I can't wait to read more by this author she has written such a fantastic read that will stay in my readers heart for a while .
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10 Chemistry=10 steam=8
romance=10 humor=4 darkness level=5 action=4 mystery=5
enjoyment=10 angst=2 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 stars=5 author=10
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author=yes
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10 Chemistry=10 steam=8
romance=10 humor=4 darkness level=5 action=4 mystery=5
enjoyment=10 angst=2 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 stars=5 author=10
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author=yes
October 28, 2017
Sacred is a standalone contemporary suspense book, however, if you have not read Savage & Savior, The Kingwood Duet, I highly encourage you to. I fell in love with Cruise in the Kingwood Duet. Cruise showed his unconditional loyalty and love for Alex & Sara Jane and suffered a horrendous crime as a result. The three survived and their bond as a family grew even more significant. Surviving a crime takes incredible courage and the effects can be long lasting. It's at this point that Sacred begins and Cruise determines he no longer can live in the trauma. Serendipity, fate, the stars above happen to have Cruise and Clara intersect at the exact moment they are supposed to. The slow dance in circling uncharted waters for both Cruise and Clara in this intense, immediate relationship is beautiful to watch. Clara has secrets and trauma of her own but finds trust and peace in her soulmate enough to share in small pieces the tragedy she has endured. Cruise and Clara ultimately find their own worth helping each other through the battle scars of their traumas. Alex, Sara Jane and Cruise's mother play important roles in this book. This book is intense. The subject matter is compelling. The surprises had me gasping. But most of all I love how Cruise and Clara emerge from the darkness. Sacred joins The Kingwood Duet as my favorite series of 2017.
November 6, 2017
To be honest, I struggle to give this book a clear rating. The story itself deserves clearly 4 stars if not more, but the main characters didn't pull it off. They were good together but not great, there was chemistry but no sparks. I saw some development but not enough.
Wrapping up: I rate this in the system as 4 stars, but for me it's more 3.5 stars.
"She's my undoing before we've even begun."
"We ended up in the deep end of the ocean before we learned to swim."
Cruise was described as "all alpha male" but I didn't see this in him. Yes, he was protective, but compared to other alpha males he was like a puppy. His "foul mouth" wasn't half as bad as it might sound and his "hot-blooded" temper didn't show as hot as I expected. However, his gentle, kind and soft side was shown more often than not. So therefore alone you could easily fall for Cruise.
"I think I just met the one person who speaks to my body and mind, and makes me feel alive again."
Even though Cruise has his own daemons hunting him, he seemed less broken than he was intended to. The whole story was aimed at two broken persons who survived a seriously bad past finding solace in each other. Yet, Cruise's problems seemed very small compared to what Clara had to endure.
"My dark angel. My soul's keeper. My hell. My heaven. My savior. My solace. My safe place."
Clara was nice but mostly boring. Though, I liked how she carried herself, specially around Cruise. But the twist from the broken girl to the one who can held her ground was too fast. Even if she's a survivor and worked hard to get there, she has been too broken to make this major step within a year, specially without any professional help .
"Sometimes we have to hold on to faith. Just because we can't see it doesn't mean it's not there."
To sum it up: Sacred is a very well written book with an intense story-line which just didn't touch my heart as I would have liked it to do.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
"She smells like heaven, but I bet she tastes like sin."
"I'll claim your soul as mine and keep it forever."
"With my lips to his skin, his dark melds into mine and together we become a lighter shade of grey."
Wrapping up: I rate this in the system as 4 stars, but for me it's more 3.5 stars.
"She's my undoing before we've even begun."
"We ended up in the deep end of the ocean before we learned to swim."
Cruise was described as "all alpha male" but I didn't see this in him. Yes, he was protective, but compared to other alpha males he was like a puppy. His "foul mouth" wasn't half as bad as it might sound and his "hot-blooded" temper didn't show as hot as I expected. However, his gentle, kind and soft side was shown more often than not. So therefore alone you could easily fall for Cruise.
"I think I just met the one person who speaks to my body and mind, and makes me feel alive again."
Even though Cruise has his own daemons hunting him, he seemed less broken than he was intended to. The whole story was aimed at two broken persons who survived a seriously bad past finding solace in each other. Yet, Cruise's problems seemed very small compared to what Clara had to endure.
"My dark angel. My soul's keeper. My hell. My heaven. My savior. My solace. My safe place."
Clara was nice but mostly boring. Though, I liked how she carried herself, specially around Cruise. But the twist from the broken girl to the one who can held her ground was too fast. Even if she's a survivor and worked hard to get there, she has been too broken to make this major step within a year, specially without any professional help .
"Sometimes we have to hold on to faith. Just because we can't see it doesn't mean it's not there."
To sum it up: Sacred is a very well written book with an intense story-line which just didn't touch my heart as I would have liked it to do.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
"She smells like heaven, but I bet she tastes like sin."
"I'll claim your soul as mine and keep it forever."
"With my lips to his skin, his dark melds into mine and together we become a lighter shade of grey."
October 30, 2017
I wish there was a way to rate higher than five stars. If there was, this book would get all the stars. Sacred is technically a standalone story. He was first introduced in the Kingwood Duet. He was an enigma. Yet, I was drawn to him. I found myself wanting to peel back the layers and find the man underneath. I knew that there was a story there. Knowing he was adopted, gave me a connection with him. I knew what he was feeling. OH Lord did I know!
This book gave us that story and so much more. This book did a great job of showing the mindset behind what made him the way he is. It gave us a chance to experience traumatic events that shaped him more than he let on. I don't even think he knew how much until he met Clara. Suzie gave him the answers he needed in the story in such a beautiful way that it was as if she was the angel. She gave him what he needed to heal and in such a beautiful way.
Clara. Dove. This sweet amazing woman. She is proof that beauty can exist among ugliness. And in her case, not just exist but grow. She is proof that bad experiences don't make you a victim but instead can shape your journey in the direction that you should be on. Sometimes, the universe has things already mapped out. It is in those moments that we experience what could be called coincidence. However, it is more than just being a coincidence because it is fate. Without that dark path it wouldn't have set the chain of events to be where you were meant to be. I lived a very tumultuous childhood. It was brutal, ugly, and the stuff of nightmares. I used to question it but I was given sage advice, "to every season there is a reason." It wasn't until I had my son that I realized that I had to go through that ugliness in order to be right where I was. It was for this reason that I connected with Clara so much. She reminded me of me. And that gave me a punch to the soul. Yet, it reminded me that one slight change would have altered my course. This story is a great example of that. Not only for Clara but for Cruise. It just shows how close their journey was and how it was meant to be.
The details that were given in this story and the flashbacks from the past for both Clara and Cruise were mind blowing, It made for plot twists that left my mouth agape. I found myself a couple of times muttering, "Well played Suzie", "Oh No SHE DIDN'T", and my favorite, "She is trying to make me cry" (nope, nada. no.) and she totally did. Ugly tears. Big. Ugly. Tears.
The characters were spot on, the side characters of family of Sarah Jane and Alex added depth in this story. Without them we would not have had this amazing story. Clara and Cruise are the stuff to dream about. They survived and they loved. Unconditionally. Their coming tougher was hope. The hope that everyone wishes for when they picture finding true love. Their chemistry was off the charts. They loved completely which just shows that true beauty was always supposed to shine. They just needed the other. They had steam, They had all the things that soulmates should have. Together they were perfect.
I am sad to see this series go. I have lost a little piece of my heart with them. Suzie does an excellent job of getting us invested in them; whether as a friend, a couple, or a dream boyfriend. They become our family.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review. This book and all of them from this series has been my honor to be allowed to read. They left a mark on my soul changing my template of whom I am and for that I am blessed. I am #ForeverAScottie
I cannot tell you enough to read this book. I said it with Sarah Jane and Alexander, and with Jason and Delilah but Cruise and Clara are my favorites. Read them all. Review them all. Enjoy the beauty of this entire saga.
This book gave us that story and so much more. This book did a great job of showing the mindset behind what made him the way he is. It gave us a chance to experience traumatic events that shaped him more than he let on. I don't even think he knew how much until he met Clara. Suzie gave him the answers he needed in the story in such a beautiful way that it was as if she was the angel. She gave him what he needed to heal and in such a beautiful way.
Clara. Dove. This sweet amazing woman. She is proof that beauty can exist among ugliness. And in her case, not just exist but grow. She is proof that bad experiences don't make you a victim but instead can shape your journey in the direction that you should be on. Sometimes, the universe has things already mapped out. It is in those moments that we experience what could be called coincidence. However, it is more than just being a coincidence because it is fate. Without that dark path it wouldn't have set the chain of events to be where you were meant to be. I lived a very tumultuous childhood. It was brutal, ugly, and the stuff of nightmares. I used to question it but I was given sage advice, "to every season there is a reason." It wasn't until I had my son that I realized that I had to go through that ugliness in order to be right where I was. It was for this reason that I connected with Clara so much. She reminded me of me. And that gave me a punch to the soul. Yet, it reminded me that one slight change would have altered my course. This story is a great example of that. Not only for Clara but for Cruise. It just shows how close their journey was and how it was meant to be.
The details that were given in this story and the flashbacks from the past for both Clara and Cruise were mind blowing, It made for plot twists that left my mouth agape. I found myself a couple of times muttering, "Well played Suzie", "Oh No SHE DIDN'T", and my favorite, "She is trying to make me cry" (nope, nada. no.) and she totally did. Ugly tears. Big. Ugly. Tears.
The characters were spot on, the side characters of family of Sarah Jane and Alex added depth in this story. Without them we would not have had this amazing story. Clara and Cruise are the stuff to dream about. They survived and they loved. Unconditionally. Their coming tougher was hope. The hope that everyone wishes for when they picture finding true love. Their chemistry was off the charts. They loved completely which just shows that true beauty was always supposed to shine. They just needed the other. They had steam, They had all the things that soulmates should have. Together they were perfect.
I am sad to see this series go. I have lost a little piece of my heart with them. Suzie does an excellent job of getting us invested in them; whether as a friend, a couple, or a dream boyfriend. They become our family.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review. This book and all of them from this series has been my honor to be allowed to read. They left a mark on my soul changing my template of whom I am and for that I am blessed. I am #ForeverAScottie
I cannot tell you enough to read this book. I said it with Sarah Jane and Alexander, and with Jason and Delilah but Cruise and Clara are my favorites. Read them all. Review them all. Enjoy the beauty of this entire saga.
October 28, 2017
First and foremost it is important to say that even though Sacred is a book within a series and involves people and incidents from previous books - it can be read as a stand alone. If you have been waiting to start this series - You can dive in right now with this book.
Now onto the good stuff, spoiler free though, because you need to experience this Brilliance all alone.
Sacred is Cruise's book. Cruise is a man who's been living life feeling incomplete - he hasn't always understood what made him feel empty but he's known that existed. He's decided that its time to find answers, to fill those empty spaces and try to find his guiding light. When she walks in front of him unexpectedly his life is about to change in many many ways, even if he doesn't know it.
Clara's a woman on the verge of discovering herself, she's enjoying the new freedoms in her life, and coming to terms with her past. Clara isn't actively looking for a relationship or anything that would complicate her life at the moment, but there's just something about Cruise she can't resist.
Sacred takes us on a journey for both of these characters, a journey into closure from the past and finding the strength to discover a future together. Both Cruise and Clara have had traumatic events happen to them and around them and those events have left their marks, leaving them to feel broken. As they grow closer and begin to share their secrets, their truths, they discover and they have an even more intense bond than most.
The storytelling in this book is sublime - a true masterpiece. Bringing together danger and action, angst and heartache and a little of everything in between, This story will have you diving in head first, heart pumping, sitting on the edge of your seat, unable to let go for even a moment. You'll have all the feels, root for a happy ending, and at the end, you'll be left wishing there was more because you don't want to leave behind these characters you've fallen for.
Sacred is absolutely ONE of my best reads, not just only for the year, but in all the books I've read.
Now onto the good stuff, spoiler free though, because you need to experience this Brilliance all alone.
Sacred is Cruise's book. Cruise is a man who's been living life feeling incomplete - he hasn't always understood what made him feel empty but he's known that existed. He's decided that its time to find answers, to fill those empty spaces and try to find his guiding light. When she walks in front of him unexpectedly his life is about to change in many many ways, even if he doesn't know it.
Clara's a woman on the verge of discovering herself, she's enjoying the new freedoms in her life, and coming to terms with her past. Clara isn't actively looking for a relationship or anything that would complicate her life at the moment, but there's just something about Cruise she can't resist.
Sacred takes us on a journey for both of these characters, a journey into closure from the past and finding the strength to discover a future together. Both Cruise and Clara have had traumatic events happen to them and around them and those events have left their marks, leaving them to feel broken. As they grow closer and begin to share their secrets, their truths, they discover and they have an even more intense bond than most.
The storytelling in this book is sublime - a true masterpiece. Bringing together danger and action, angst and heartache and a little of everything in between, This story will have you diving in head first, heart pumping, sitting on the edge of your seat, unable to let go for even a moment. You'll have all the feels, root for a happy ending, and at the end, you'll be left wishing there was more because you don't want to leave behind these characters you've fallen for.
Sacred is absolutely ONE of my best reads, not just only for the year, but in all the books I've read.
October 28, 2017
I would recommend that you read the Kingwood Duet books before this one it gives you a better understanding of the character dynamics and they are brilliant books.
So we know Cruise as King’s ‘brother’ but in this story we really get inside his head. Although he was very present in the previous books he was an almost shadowy figure a real enigma. I was always intrigued by him, he always held himself apart from others. We meet his adopted family one word describes them dysfunctional they are a mixed up bunch that’s for sure.
Clara is a beautiful character she has the sweetest disposition, I have an image of this ethereal beauty but with a steely core. Her story is full of brutality, pain and heartache but she doesn’t potty at any of that ugliness.
We see a Cruise who’s looking for something he’s not sure what but he knows he’s not happy. The story shows that your past doesn’t have to define you that it is possible to carve out your future. There is angst but the pure tender love and the hot as heck sexy scenes make this an absolute must read.
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
So we know Cruise as King’s ‘brother’ but in this story we really get inside his head. Although he was very present in the previous books he was an almost shadowy figure a real enigma. I was always intrigued by him, he always held himself apart from others. We meet his adopted family one word describes them dysfunctional they are a mixed up bunch that’s for sure.
Clara is a beautiful character she has the sweetest disposition, I have an image of this ethereal beauty but with a steely core. Her story is full of brutality, pain and heartache but she doesn’t potty at any of that ugliness.
We see a Cruise who’s looking for something he’s not sure what but he knows he’s not happy. The story shows that your past doesn’t have to define you that it is possible to carve out your future. There is angst but the pure tender love and the hot as heck sexy scenes make this an absolute must read.
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
November 22, 2017
3,5. Conheci Cruise nos livros anteriores, adorei seu personagem, e com esse livro narrando sua historia, fiquei super entusiasmada.
Mas.....
Achei tudo tão insta, tipo viu a moça, insta apaixonou, foi uma coisa tão profunda já de cara, que realmente não desceu bem.
Achei que se fosse um livro maior, para desenvolver mais os personagens, eu provavelmente iria gostar mais.
A autora escreve super bem, mas sinceramente, não gostei da rapidez das coisas.
Mas.....
Achei tudo tão insta, tipo viu a moça, insta apaixonou, foi uma coisa tão profunda já de cara, que realmente não desceu bem.
Achei que se fosse um livro maior, para desenvolver mais os personagens, eu provavelmente iria gostar mais.
A autora escreve super bem, mas sinceramente, não gostei da rapidez das coisas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2017
And with each book, I love SL Scott's writing even more!
And again I love her book. Since I met her on Savage (the first book on Kingwood), I get excited every time there's a new book from her.
Sacred is a standalone about two broken souls trying to get healing: Clara and Cruise. You don't have to have read the other books, but if you know Kingwood Duet and Solace, you most probably are crazy about Cruise and are dying to know more about him and to read his deserved happiness.
Cruise is Alex's best friend and is undeniably loyal, brave, a survivor! He is definitely privileged, but with a past that tried to break him. He is looking for a place where he belongs, he is looking for a reason to smile. He needs a peacemaker....a Dove. Clara.
Clara is sweet, resilient, innocent but at the same time with so much wisdom! She is like a grown up little girl. And I love how SL Scott can write characters like that. They are always intense, deep, with strong personalities, they are pure and also full of knowledge about the bad in the world.
They are the perfect mixture of innocence and maturity.
And when Cruise and Clara, two so beaten souls and so thirsty for love, find themselves, they have an important path they need to walk on until they can finally enjoy their feelings without the past being in the way.
It's not wasy, but it's oh so worthy!
I wish this book was longer, because I miss them already!
And again I love her book. Since I met her on Savage (the first book on Kingwood), I get excited every time there's a new book from her.
Sacred is a standalone about two broken souls trying to get healing: Clara and Cruise. You don't have to have read the other books, but if you know Kingwood Duet and Solace, you most probably are crazy about Cruise and are dying to know more about him and to read his deserved happiness.
Cruise is Alex's best friend and is undeniably loyal, brave, a survivor! He is definitely privileged, but with a past that tried to break him. He is looking for a place where he belongs, he is looking for a reason to smile. He needs a peacemaker....a Dove. Clara.
Clara is sweet, resilient, innocent but at the same time with so much wisdom! She is like a grown up little girl. And I love how SL Scott can write characters like that. They are always intense, deep, with strong personalities, they are pure and also full of knowledge about the bad in the world.
They are the perfect mixture of innocence and maturity.
And when Cruise and Clara, two so beaten souls and so thirsty for love, find themselves, they have an important path they need to walk on until they can finally enjoy their feelings without the past being in the way.
It's not wasy, but it's oh so worthy!
I wish this book was longer, because I miss them already!
October 27, 2017
The war was waged. The king got his queen, but where did that leave me?
When I thought there was no hope, that suffering this lonely life was my destiny, I saw her. The bubblegum pink skirt caught my attention, but her doe eyes captured my heart. Could she be my SAVIOR?
With her, I don’t have to hide the demons that haunt me, or to relive my darkest days alone.
With me, she’s free to be whoever she wants to be. She’s amazing.
Together, we’re two people clinging to a ray of sunshine that only the other can see.
I let my guard down. I got too comfortable. I thought the war had been won when, in reality, it had just begun. When old debts accrue, past demons return to collect their dues.
To find the SOLACE these young lovers crave, will they have to sacrifice the one thing they hold most SACRED?
Dang!! Each book Ms. Scott writes gets better and better! You best fasten your seatbelt before reading this book because it takes you on a ride of your life! The feelings that this story evokes is breathtaking! The story of Cruise & Clara is beyond amazing, complicated and HOT!! Incredible read!!
When I thought there was no hope, that suffering this lonely life was my destiny, I saw her. The bubblegum pink skirt caught my attention, but her doe eyes captured my heart. Could she be my SAVIOR?
With her, I don’t have to hide the demons that haunt me, or to relive my darkest days alone.
With me, she’s free to be whoever she wants to be. She’s amazing.
Together, we’re two people clinging to a ray of sunshine that only the other can see.
I let my guard down. I got too comfortable. I thought the war had been won when, in reality, it had just begun. When old debts accrue, past demons return to collect their dues.
To find the SOLACE these young lovers crave, will they have to sacrifice the one thing they hold most SACRED?
Dang!! Each book Ms. Scott writes gets better and better! You best fasten your seatbelt before reading this book because it takes you on a ride of your life! The feelings that this story evokes is breathtaking! The story of Cruise & Clara is beyond amazing, complicated and HOT!! Incredible read!!
December 4, 2017
A tragically beautiful tale that will have you grabbing for your tissues whilst grinning like a fool
It seems we have finally come full circle.
Meet Cruise and his Dove -
Two Scared souls each held captive by a past that was not of their design - Can they find the strength to emerge from the shadows? Will they be strong enough together?
Cruise is one of my favorite characters from this series. The battered soul who never quite felt like he fit, always trying to prove he was worthy of love
Clara, his Dove, his peacekeeper - she is the perfect blend of strength and vulnerability
This was a slow burn read for me but when it ignited - I was consumed - I read a complimentary copy of this book
It seems we have finally come full circle.
Meet Cruise and his Dove -
Two Scared souls each held captive by a past that was not of their design - Can they find the strength to emerge from the shadows? Will they be strong enough together?
Cruise is one of my favorite characters from this series. The battered soul who never quite felt like he fit, always trying to prove he was worthy of love
Clara, his Dove, his peacekeeper - she is the perfect blend of strength and vulnerability
This was a slow burn read for me but when it ignited - I was consumed - I read a complimentary copy of this book
October 29, 2017
I have fallen irrevocably in love with this book!
It was so beautiful, and I could not help falling in love with this beautiful tale of Cruise and Clara.
This book was raw, it was powerful, it was... bittersweet. The pain that the both of them had to endure in their life, led them to love, and to each other.
S.L. Scott has become one of my most favourite authors. Her stories have a unique flair to them, and they are written beautifully.
Go and cruise... with Cruise. It’s a story to die for!
It was so beautiful, and I could not help falling in love with this beautiful tale of Cruise and Clara.
This book was raw, it was powerful, it was... bittersweet. The pain that the both of them had to endure in their life, led them to love, and to each other.
S.L. Scott has become one of my most favourite authors. Her stories have a unique flair to them, and they are written beautifully.
Go and cruise... with Cruise. It’s a story to die for!
November 3, 2017
S.L. Scott has a total gift for leaving me speechless and with Sacred, she totally upped her game.
Sacred is the book we have all been waiting for, It's Cruise's time to tell his story. And what I can tell you is that his story was so worth the wait. It takes you on the best journey and it will leave your emotions all over the place. From incredible angst and heartbreak to danger and a story-line that will keep your heart racing. S.L. Scott delivers her most unforgettable romance to date, leaving you with all the feels and an emotional mess in the best way possible.
I had the bar set high for Sacred and couldn't be more pleased with the story I was given. I look forward to seeing what S.L. Scott has up her sleeve for us next!
Sacred is the book we have all been waiting for, It's Cruise's time to tell his story. And what I can tell you is that his story was so worth the wait. It takes you on the best journey and it will leave your emotions all over the place. From incredible angst and heartbreak to danger and a story-line that will keep your heart racing. S.L. Scott delivers her most unforgettable romance to date, leaving you with all the feels and an emotional mess in the best way possible.
I had the bar set high for Sacred and couldn't be more pleased with the story I was given. I look forward to seeing what S.L. Scott has up her sleeve for us next!
October 29, 2017
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
5 "Sky full of stars" Stars!!!!
I'm trying to find the right words for this review. My mind is a jumbled mess. I'm still feeling every emotion this story brought out in me. I'm still consumed by these two beautifully flawed characters. My emotions were put through the ringer. I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, pulling my hair needing to know what was going to happen. My heart is still beating erratically just thinking about the twists and turns that came at every angle. I was captivated by the storytelling. And as soon as I read the first word that's it, I was hooked.
Ever since Cruise was introduced in Savage (1st book in The Kingwood Duet) I wanted and needed to know his story. He's the loyal friend everyone seeks. No matter what, he's always there for the people he cares about. Though, he was such a mystery. Cruise is a man that has been living life feeling incomplete. He's felt empty knowing something is missing, but doesn't necessarily know what that something is. Cruise seeks answers to try and fill the empty spaces within him. But what he doesn't see coming is exactly the one thing he so desperately needs.
"A halo of yellow sunshine surrounds her, an angel sent from the heavens to save me."
Clara is a woman that's trying to move on. Trying to deal with an unspeakable past. She's trying to find the light that has been dimmed for a very long time. Clara was such a strong, sweet and amazing woman. She is proof that you can overcome. She didn't let the ugliness of her past define her. She fought and she made it through the other side. She deserved every good thing. And when one of those things comes in the form of a motorcycle riding, black clothed bad boy with a devilish smile; Clara knows she's doomed.
"It’s as if your soul is speaking to mine. Arms wide open, saying, ‘I see you, the real you that you hide from others and I accept you.’"
Clara and Cruise were two characters with broken pieces searching to be put back together. They've both lived through very dark times. They needed each other to fill those empty spaces within their hearts. Clara and Cruise were perfectly imperfectly and made to have their souls forever entwined. If two people deserved every good thing life had to to offer it was Clara and Cruise. Beautifully broken, but together they were wholeheartedly whole.
"She’s my dove not just because she seeks peace in a war-torn world but also because she soars above us, her wings as expansive as her dreams."
5 "Sky full of stars" Stars!!!!
I'm trying to find the right words for this review. My mind is a jumbled mess. I'm still feeling every emotion this story brought out in me. I'm still consumed by these two beautifully flawed characters. My emotions were put through the ringer. I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, pulling my hair needing to know what was going to happen. My heart is still beating erratically just thinking about the twists and turns that came at every angle. I was captivated by the storytelling. And as soon as I read the first word that's it, I was hooked.
Ever since Cruise was introduced in Savage (1st book in The Kingwood Duet) I wanted and needed to know his story. He's the loyal friend everyone seeks. No matter what, he's always there for the people he cares about. Though, he was such a mystery. Cruise is a man that has been living life feeling incomplete. He's felt empty knowing something is missing, but doesn't necessarily know what that something is. Cruise seeks answers to try and fill the empty spaces within him. But what he doesn't see coming is exactly the one thing he so desperately needs.
"A halo of yellow sunshine surrounds her, an angel sent from the heavens to save me."
Clara is a woman that's trying to move on. Trying to deal with an unspeakable past. She's trying to find the light that has been dimmed for a very long time. Clara was such a strong, sweet and amazing woman. She is proof that you can overcome. She didn't let the ugliness of her past define her. She fought and she made it through the other side. She deserved every good thing. And when one of those things comes in the form of a motorcycle riding, black clothed bad boy with a devilish smile; Clara knows she's doomed.
"It’s as if your soul is speaking to mine. Arms wide open, saying, ‘I see you, the real you that you hide from others and I accept you.’"
Clara and Cruise were two characters with broken pieces searching to be put back together. They've both lived through very dark times. They needed each other to fill those empty spaces within their hearts. Clara and Cruise were perfectly imperfectly and made to have their souls forever entwined. If two people deserved every good thing life had to to offer it was Clara and Cruise. Beautifully broken, but together they were wholeheartedly whole.
"She’s my dove not just because she seeks peace in a war-torn world but also because she soars above us, her wings as expansive as her dreams."
October 29, 2017
Do you remember that quiet and -maybe a little- cold guy who was like King’s shadow? Well, everything you thought you knew about him is nothing compared to who he really is. Be prepare to know the real Cruise.
I just will say this once (Don’t tell Alex or Jason) Cruise is my favorite and I bet it will become yours too.
For what we had known about Cruise, he keeps to himself, never “fitting” in with his family, he feels lonely but he has Alex and Sara Jane, and looking at them he knows he needs to find out his purpose in life.
Clara walks in Cruise’s life when they both needed each other more than ever, together they will figure it out the reason why they survived back then and start living again. But after what Cruise had been through and after what he has done, he thinks he is no good for someone like Clara, not thinking he is just what she really needs.
“I’m the one who wants you to be mine, but I’ll be your biggest regret”
Clara is fighting her own demons, but she knows she needs to LIVE again, to feel alive and to feel normal, after all she has been thorough, she doesn’t give up and goes after what she wants, she is so strong and only sees the good in people, so when she meets with Cruise she knows this bad-looking guy can be her saviour.
“I’ll claim your soul as mine and keep it forever”
“You sound like the devil”
These two have a long journey a head, they both need to face their demons, reveal their secrets and forgive. Both to themselves and each other.
I expected a little dark story about that quiet guy we met back then in Savage, I never expected a story full of feelings, a story that will make your heart hurt for these two broken pieces that match perfectly together to make one perfect piece. I loved how perfect Clara is for Cruise and him for her. The are each other YELLOWs.
“It’s not about where we’ve been, Dove. It’s about where we’re going” and wherever that is, I hope it’s with you”
I loved to get to know Cruise, he is more than the best friend you could ever ask, we finally know where his head is, what are his struggles and what are his joys, and you will love the ride to know the real him. You will love to take part of Cruise’s and Clara’s journey to find themselves in a world that only had given them grief.
I just will say this once (Don’t tell Alex or Jason) Cruise is my favorite and I bet it will become yours too.
For what we had known about Cruise, he keeps to himself, never “fitting” in with his family, he feels lonely but he has Alex and Sara Jane, and looking at them he knows he needs to find out his purpose in life.
Clara walks in Cruise’s life when they both needed each other more than ever, together they will figure it out the reason why they survived back then and start living again. But after what Cruise had been through and after what he has done, he thinks he is no good for someone like Clara, not thinking he is just what she really needs.
“I’m the one who wants you to be mine, but I’ll be your biggest regret”
Clara is fighting her own demons, but she knows she needs to LIVE again, to feel alive and to feel normal, after all she has been thorough, she doesn’t give up and goes after what she wants, she is so strong and only sees the good in people, so when she meets with Cruise she knows this bad-looking guy can be her saviour.
“I’ll claim your soul as mine and keep it forever”
“You sound like the devil”
These two have a long journey a head, they both need to face their demons, reveal their secrets and forgive. Both to themselves and each other.
I expected a little dark story about that quiet guy we met back then in Savage, I never expected a story full of feelings, a story that will make your heart hurt for these two broken pieces that match perfectly together to make one perfect piece. I loved how perfect Clara is for Cruise and him for her. The are each other YELLOWs.
“It’s not about where we’ve been, Dove. It’s about where we’re going” and wherever that is, I hope it’s with you”
I loved to get to know Cruise, he is more than the best friend you could ever ask, we finally know where his head is, what are his struggles and what are his joys, and you will love the ride to know the real him. You will love to take part of Cruise’s and Clara’s journey to find themselves in a world that only had given them grief.
October 28, 2017
SL Scott’s latest book Sacred lived up to every expectation I could've imagined. From the moment I opened the first page she nabbed me hook, line and sinker. The way Cruise’s story started and evolved took me on a journey I was not expecting. I started this book with the intention of reading it in 2 days. That did not happened. I started Sacred and never stopped until 5am. Then I couldn't sleep because the story affected me that much. When I review a story I don't recap too much cause others will and that's what the blurbs are for and I don't do spoilers. I relay the way the story moved me or not. Let's just say, I cried, smiled, sighed ( which I wasn't expecting cause Cruise appears to be the ultimate bad boy but looks can be deceiving), and definitely fanned myself. The author put her heart and soul into Cruise and the story plus threw in some very twisty surprises. I've always been in awe of the creative minds of authors to come with stories that captivate the readers but to be able to invent the new plots and use their words in beautiful poetic and suspenseful ways never ceases to amaze me. SL Scott again does not disappoint. She continues to develop not only his love interest but we get to see behind the curtain of how and why Cruise is the way he is. We get to reacquaint ourselves with Alex and SaraJane and watch their relationship play out. Too, new characters are introduced that could possibly be set for future stories. SL Scott is a master story teller and delivers on her promise as a writer to entertain and touch your soul. In this story she is the great and powerful Oz who takes you a journey with a motorcycle and a Mercedes instead of a hot air balloon. Since Savage I've been patiently waiting for Cruise’s story. My patience certainly paid off. Read Sacred you’ll be more than happy you did.
October 29, 2017
Gah! Loved this novel! It was written with a beauty and lyricism that I've come to expect from this author.
"I want someone who makes me smile. It's just that simple."
Cruise Cristley, black sheep of his prominent family, haunted by a massively traumatic experience, and feeling somewhat lost and empty. He yearns for what his best friend has found for himself - a life-altering love.
"I can tell you're the kind of trouble I should definitely walk away from."
Clara Eckerd, haunted by her own traumatic past, trying to get through life with her public facade in place, whilst privately fighting her demons, each and every day.
"She fills the room with her light, making me forget about the darkness I usually struggle to evade."
From the first moment Cruise sees Clara, he can't tear his eyes away from her. He believes she's an angel sent from the heavens to save him from the darkness that lives within him. She's nothing like the women he usually goes for. He recognises the pain and torment in her eyes - at odds with the light that surrounds her. He only sees beauty and goodness in her, and he's determined to have her in his life. She, in turn, feels the need to protect herself, but Cruise sparks an attraction and interest that she finds impossible to deny.
"You're good for me. You're good to me. You see me as something more than a broken son, friend, or brother. You see me for me. You. See. Me. No one else does."
Oh, my heart! This book was simultaneously brutal with horrors, and stunning with emotion.
Clara is such a strong female character. She's made of stern stuff. She radiated sweetness and purity in spite of all she had suffered. Cruise - my darling, Cruise! His unusual clumsiness at his first interaction with Clara made me laugh. He's a survivor looking for a reason to live again.
He and Clara were gorgeous together - baring their hearts to each other, accepting the other's jagged edges, moving away from their dark pasts, and forging ahead to a brighter future.
"My heart. It sees deep inside you. When you hurt, I feel your pain. Your joy becomes mine. I'm not just in your head, I'm in your heart."
The author has a knack of portraying ugliness but still leaves the reader with a sense of beauty and happiness long after the book is finished. Her words weave a fairytale that captivate and hold the reader's attention until the very end. I just adore ALL. HER. WORDS.
"I want someone who makes me smile. It's just that simple."
Cruise Cristley, black sheep of his prominent family, haunted by a massively traumatic experience, and feeling somewhat lost and empty. He yearns for what his best friend has found for himself - a life-altering love.
"I can tell you're the kind of trouble I should definitely walk away from."
Clara Eckerd, haunted by her own traumatic past, trying to get through life with her public facade in place, whilst privately fighting her demons, each and every day.
"She fills the room with her light, making me forget about the darkness I usually struggle to evade."
From the first moment Cruise sees Clara, he can't tear his eyes away from her. He believes she's an angel sent from the heavens to save him from the darkness that lives within him. She's nothing like the women he usually goes for. He recognises the pain and torment in her eyes - at odds with the light that surrounds her. He only sees beauty and goodness in her, and he's determined to have her in his life. She, in turn, feels the need to protect herself, but Cruise sparks an attraction and interest that she finds impossible to deny.
"You're good for me. You're good to me. You see me as something more than a broken son, friend, or brother. You see me for me. You. See. Me. No one else does."
Oh, my heart! This book was simultaneously brutal with horrors, and stunning with emotion.
Clara is such a strong female character. She's made of stern stuff. She radiated sweetness and purity in spite of all she had suffered. Cruise - my darling, Cruise! His unusual clumsiness at his first interaction with Clara made me laugh. He's a survivor looking for a reason to live again.
He and Clara were gorgeous together - baring their hearts to each other, accepting the other's jagged edges, moving away from their dark pasts, and forging ahead to a brighter future.
"My heart. It sees deep inside you. When you hurt, I feel your pain. Your joy becomes mine. I'm not just in your head, I'm in your heart."
The author has a knack of portraying ugliness but still leaves the reader with a sense of beauty and happiness long after the book is finished. Her words weave a fairytale that captivate and hold the reader's attention until the very end. I just adore ALL. HER. WORDS.
October 29, 2017
#CruiseisLIFE ❤️❤️❤️
#SACRED #LoveIsSacred #IrrevocablyInLove
Sacred can be read as a standalone. However, we do get to meet Cruise in Savage and Savior, the Kingwood Duet. If you enjoyed Sacred, I strongly recommend you read the other related books.
SL Scott has done it again! Cruise and Clara are perfection in this beautiful story of two lost souls coming together to heal one another when all hope for a life full of love has been lost. Cruise feels anxious, restless and knows that it’s time to find out answers to questions he has about his past. He feels incomplete and realizes that it’s time to put to rest the traumatic events that have shaped him into the man he currently is. He doesn’t feel worthy of a lifetime happiness, but fate steps in and brings him an angel named Clara, who he calls Dove. He’s never been drawn to anyone like Clara and one thing is for sure, the second he meets her he knows that he wants her in his life.
Clara has a very unassuming way about her, what you see is what you get. There is a sweet, resilient and innocent aura about her. She is a SURVIVOR and Cruise immediately sees that in her. They both carry the same pain in their eyes and Cruise wants nothing more than to take that away from her. He feels an immediate need to protect her from the pains of her past and wants to be the reason she smiles. He’s never felt this pull before and because I loved his character so much, it was rewarding to see the change in him as their relationship grows.
I loved Cruise and Clara together. They are two puzzles pieces that fit together perfectly. Their chemistry was hot, real and full of passion. They didn’t play games and their honesty with one another was something to be admired. The way they opened up to each other little by little, healing their hearts together is a journey you will want to take with them. Clara is strong, yet vulnerable. Cruise is loyal like no other, but doubts his self-worth. They were two halves of a heart working together to be whole again.
Once again, SL Scott keeps your attention from Page 1. The twists and turns you don’t see coming make this journey of young love all the more intriguing. I recommend that you take the time to get to know Clara and Cruise. Once you do, they will forever be in your heart ❤️❤️❤️
#SACRED #LoveIsSacred #IrrevocablyInLove
Sacred can be read as a standalone. However, we do get to meet Cruise in Savage and Savior, the Kingwood Duet. If you enjoyed Sacred, I strongly recommend you read the other related books.
SL Scott has done it again! Cruise and Clara are perfection in this beautiful story of two lost souls coming together to heal one another when all hope for a life full of love has been lost. Cruise feels anxious, restless and knows that it’s time to find out answers to questions he has about his past. He feels incomplete and realizes that it’s time to put to rest the traumatic events that have shaped him into the man he currently is. He doesn’t feel worthy of a lifetime happiness, but fate steps in and brings him an angel named Clara, who he calls Dove. He’s never been drawn to anyone like Clara and one thing is for sure, the second he meets her he knows that he wants her in his life.
Clara has a very unassuming way about her, what you see is what you get. There is a sweet, resilient and innocent aura about her. She is a SURVIVOR and Cruise immediately sees that in her. They both carry the same pain in their eyes and Cruise wants nothing more than to take that away from her. He feels an immediate need to protect her from the pains of her past and wants to be the reason she smiles. He’s never felt this pull before and because I loved his character so much, it was rewarding to see the change in him as their relationship grows.
I loved Cruise and Clara together. They are two puzzles pieces that fit together perfectly. Their chemistry was hot, real and full of passion. They didn’t play games and their honesty with one another was something to be admired. The way they opened up to each other little by little, healing their hearts together is a journey you will want to take with them. Clara is strong, yet vulnerable. Cruise is loyal like no other, but doubts his self-worth. They were two halves of a heart working together to be whole again.
Once again, SL Scott keeps your attention from Page 1. The twists and turns you don’t see coming make this journey of young love all the more intriguing. I recommend that you take the time to get to know Clara and Cruise. Once you do, they will forever be in your heart ❤️❤️❤️
October 30, 2017
Note: This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
If you've read S.L. Scott's Kingwood duet, which is composed of Savage and Savior, then you should be more than familiar with Cruise Cristley, best friend to Alexander Kingwood IV. He stood by Alex's side through everything his closest friend went through as Alex and Sara Jane Grayson made their way to their much deserved and well-fought for happily ever after. Now, Cruise gets his chance at his own happy ending, one that he shares with Clara Eckerd, in Sacred, the second spin-off slash companion novel to the Kingwood duo, preceded by the recent release, Solace.
Cruise may have a great deal in his life--things that other people wish they could easily have as well--but there's something missing from it as well. He isn't just alone; he's lonely, and it's a loneliness that feels as if it's a gaping hole in his life. If he's being totally honest, he wants what his best friend has, but does he deserve it? Then Clara comes along, and she doesn't merely fill in the loneliness--she makes him want to believe in love and happy endings. And just when they both thought that that's where they were headed, their past decides to wreak havoc.
I know I mentioned in the beginning of my review that this book is a spin-off of the author's previously released duet, but that doesn't mean that you can't read Sacred without having read Savage and Savior. That's one of the great things about both Solace and Sacred; either one of these spin-off books can absolutely be read as standalones. However, allow me to highly recommend that your read the other books as well, and here are the two reasons why: they'll provide you with a more well-rounded reading experience AND they're all fantastic reads.
Cruise and Clara's story had me from the get-go, and it was difficult to find a reason to not become emotionally invested in these two. They become each other's buoy in turbulent waters, but they also prove to be one another's greatest source of support in anything and everything that's thrown their way. As always, S.L. Scott doesn't disappoint when it comes to giving her readers a well-written romance, but the additional elements of suspense provide those bits of zing that make this standalone an even better read. Sacred easily garners five out of five stars. ♥
If you've read S.L. Scott's Kingwood duet, which is composed of Savage and Savior, then you should be more than familiar with Cruise Cristley, best friend to Alexander Kingwood IV. He stood by Alex's side through everything his closest friend went through as Alex and Sara Jane Grayson made their way to their much deserved and well-fought for happily ever after. Now, Cruise gets his chance at his own happy ending, one that he shares with Clara Eckerd, in Sacred, the second spin-off slash companion novel to the Kingwood duo, preceded by the recent release, Solace.
Cruise may have a great deal in his life--things that other people wish they could easily have as well--but there's something missing from it as well. He isn't just alone; he's lonely, and it's a loneliness that feels as if it's a gaping hole in his life. If he's being totally honest, he wants what his best friend has, but does he deserve it? Then Clara comes along, and she doesn't merely fill in the loneliness--she makes him want to believe in love and happy endings. And just when they both thought that that's where they were headed, their past decides to wreak havoc.
I know I mentioned in the beginning of my review that this book is a spin-off of the author's previously released duet, but that doesn't mean that you can't read Sacred without having read Savage and Savior. That's one of the great things about both Solace and Sacred; either one of these spin-off books can absolutely be read as standalones. However, allow me to highly recommend that your read the other books as well, and here are the two reasons why: they'll provide you with a more well-rounded reading experience AND they're all fantastic reads.
Cruise and Clara's story had me from the get-go, and it was difficult to find a reason to not become emotionally invested in these two. They become each other's buoy in turbulent waters, but they also prove to be one another's greatest source of support in anything and everything that's thrown their way. As always, S.L. Scott doesn't disappoint when it comes to giving her readers a well-written romance, but the additional elements of suspense provide those bits of zing that make this standalone an even better read. Sacred easily garners five out of five stars. ♥
October 31, 2017
S.L. Scott is a must-read author for me. Her books are always captivating, emotional and such great reads. Sacred was no different! This story had great characters and suspense!
We first met Cruise in Savage and Savior, though this is a complete standalone, and I could not wait to get his story. He was loyal and honest and cared for those he considered family. He deserved his own story because you just know there is so much more to him than what we had seen so far.
Cruise has survived a terrible trauma and is trying to learn how to move forward. Though he has people who care for him and would always be there for me, he is a man who tends to take care of things in his own way. This leaves him closed off from others at times.
Clara is not looking for a relationship, but is more finding herself. She is looking to move forward, even as she copes with her past. But she is also determined to experience life. She is such a good person, you cannot help but like her. She was strong and honest.
Ms. Scott has a way of telling a story that will weave its way into your heart. Both Cruise and Cara have had difficult pasts and the way she shared their story will leave you emotionally spent, but also contented. It seemed like fate when Cruise and Clara met. But can they find a way to be open with each other to see what they could have?
I loved Cruise and Clara. Together they find a way to heal and grow. But in true S.L. Scott fashion, there is angst, heartbreak and some suspense. This story will have you riveted! I have loved these characters so much and this story was beautiful, sweet and angst-filled, but so worth the ride. A side note, even though this is a standalone, The Kingwood Duet is so worth the read as well and you get more Cruise.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
We first met Cruise in Savage and Savior, though this is a complete standalone, and I could not wait to get his story. He was loyal and honest and cared for those he considered family. He deserved his own story because you just know there is so much more to him than what we had seen so far.
Cruise has survived a terrible trauma and is trying to learn how to move forward. Though he has people who care for him and would always be there for me, he is a man who tends to take care of things in his own way. This leaves him closed off from others at times.
Clara is not looking for a relationship, but is more finding herself. She is looking to move forward, even as she copes with her past. But she is also determined to experience life. She is such a good person, you cannot help but like her. She was strong and honest.
Ms. Scott has a way of telling a story that will weave its way into your heart. Both Cruise and Cara have had difficult pasts and the way she shared their story will leave you emotionally spent, but also contented. It seemed like fate when Cruise and Clara met. But can they find a way to be open with each other to see what they could have?
I loved Cruise and Clara. Together they find a way to heal and grow. But in true S.L. Scott fashion, there is angst, heartbreak and some suspense. This story will have you riveted! I have loved these characters so much and this story was beautiful, sweet and angst-filled, but so worth the ride. A side note, even though this is a standalone, The Kingwood Duet is so worth the read as well and you get more Cruise.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
October 30, 2017
Wow!!! I freaking loved this book. S.L. Scott has once again left me reeling after reading this book. I was hooked and couldn't put this book down. Word to the wise... do not start reading this book at night if you value sleep because you won't be getting it if you do. You will not be able to put this book down.
S.L. Scott delivered characters that you will absolutely love. Clara is such a strong girl who has lived through so much but is still so happy, loyal, caring and full of love. She does have some lingering issues but Cruise is so perfect for her and helps her. Unfortunately her life isn't done with the chaos. The story line will leave you on pins and needles and eager to see what is about to happen next. Just a great story line with unexpected things that make it very enjoyable and addicting. I was on the edge of my seat!
Cruise was introduced in The Kingwood Duet and I have been intrigued with him since the first book. I was thrilled to get his story and I loved it almost if not more than Alex's story which I loved so much. Cruise hasn't been really living for a while and wants to change things and to figure out some linger questions he's had. His life is about to take a turn when he meets Clara. He never thought he'd ever find someone like Clara but she is absolutely addicting and I just loved reading their story.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to see what S.L. Scott has in store for us in the hopefully near future. You don't have to read The Kingwood Duet in order to enjoy this book but it may help to get the full background of things.
S.L. Scott delivered characters that you will absolutely love. Clara is such a strong girl who has lived through so much but is still so happy, loyal, caring and full of love. She does have some lingering issues but Cruise is so perfect for her and helps her. Unfortunately her life isn't done with the chaos. The story line will leave you on pins and needles and eager to see what is about to happen next. Just a great story line with unexpected things that make it very enjoyable and addicting. I was on the edge of my seat!
Cruise was introduced in The Kingwood Duet and I have been intrigued with him since the first book. I was thrilled to get his story and I loved it almost if not more than Alex's story which I loved so much. Cruise hasn't been really living for a while and wants to change things and to figure out some linger questions he's had. His life is about to take a turn when he meets Clara. He never thought he'd ever find someone like Clara but she is absolutely addicting and I just loved reading their story.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to see what S.L. Scott has in store for us in the hopefully near future. You don't have to read The Kingwood Duet in order to enjoy this book but it may help to get the full background of things.
October 28, 2017
If you've read Savage and/or Savior, you got a glimpse of what this loyal guy is like... what he's willing to do for those he cares about. In this book, we get to know him better. What makes him tick. After being tortured a year ago (see Savage/Savior,) he is feeling lost in life. His best friend is married now and he feels more alone than ever before. About to take off in search of whatever it is he is missing in life, he runs into someone who gives him a reason to live. Enter, Clara. She has her own demons to deal with and has an innocence about her. They are instantly drawn to each other, but both worry they are not worthy of the other.
This book isn't full of angst, even though both the hero and heroine had suffered enough in their lives to deserve it. It is about healing. Forgiving. Acceptance. This story is beautifully written, as are the companion books (Savage, Savior & Solace.) This can be read as a stand alone, but I highly suggest you read Savage and Savior prior to Sacred. Sacred has mentions of events that happened in the Kingwood Duet, as well as returning characters. Plus it helps you understand Cruise and his mentality. You'll just be able to appreciate this book even more.
The characters are all strong (though have their vulnerable moments.) They are endearing. There are a few surprises (not all good.) There is an evilness to some of the events that have taken place, but despite that and the seriousness of the topics at hand, there is a lightness about the story. Having said that, there may be triggers for some readers.
Due to the subject matter and sexual content, this is recommended for mature readers.
This book isn't full of angst, even though both the hero and heroine had suffered enough in their lives to deserve it. It is about healing. Forgiving. Acceptance. This story is beautifully written, as are the companion books (Savage, Savior & Solace.) This can be read as a stand alone, but I highly suggest you read Savage and Savior prior to Sacred. Sacred has mentions of events that happened in the Kingwood Duet, as well as returning characters. Plus it helps you understand Cruise and his mentality. You'll just be able to appreciate this book even more.
The characters are all strong (though have their vulnerable moments.) They are endearing. There are a few surprises (not all good.) There is an evilness to some of the events that have taken place, but despite that and the seriousness of the topics at hand, there is a lightness about the story. Having said that, there may be triggers for some readers.
Due to the subject matter and sexual content, this is recommended for mature readers.
October 29, 2017
Brilliant continuation of what seemed like wrapped up story of Kingwood duet! We get to take a closer look at Cruise and his life after Savior. I'll try to keep this spoiler free, but there might be spoilers from the previous duet in the series. Personally, I don't recommend reading this book as a standalone, as some parts of the story connect directly with the story in Savage and Savior.
Cruise, my man! I liked him from the beginning because despite his alpha man characteristics, he was opened right from the start that he is looking for love, for a woman to spend his life with. He dreamt of the connection Sara Jane and Alexander have. Living his life in the aftermath of his and Alex's kidnapping, Cruise is looking for a normality in his life. And one day he finds it.
Clara and her pink skirt surprises him out of nowhere. She crushes into his life and turns it up side down. It's the kind of instant click some characters have and trust me, Clara and Cruise are amazing together!
Sacred is full of interesting turns along the story that will have flies flying into your open mouth while you stair at your Kindle/book. Some of them were truly the "what the hell" kind of moments that I did not expect. S.L. Scott did well with this plot.
The story itself seemed to me a bit slow in the middle, but then when issues started rising, truths have been discovered and things started happening, I couldn't pull away from the book.
To sum this up a bit, Sacred is a 5-star one-click for sure!
Go get it!
Cruise, my man! I liked him from the beginning because despite his alpha man characteristics, he was opened right from the start that he is looking for love, for a woman to spend his life with. He dreamt of the connection Sara Jane and Alexander have. Living his life in the aftermath of his and Alex's kidnapping, Cruise is looking for a normality in his life. And one day he finds it.
Clara and her pink skirt surprises him out of nowhere. She crushes into his life and turns it up side down. It's the kind of instant click some characters have and trust me, Clara and Cruise are amazing together!
Sacred is full of interesting turns along the story that will have flies flying into your open mouth while you stair at your Kindle/book. Some of them were truly the "what the hell" kind of moments that I did not expect. S.L. Scott did well with this plot.
The story itself seemed to me a bit slow in the middle, but then when issues started rising, truths have been discovered and things started happening, I couldn't pull away from the book.
To sum this up a bit, Sacred is a 5-star one-click for sure!
Go get it!
October 29, 2017
OMG!!! First King, then Jason, now Cruise. SL Scott has given us three beautifully broken characters that I simply ADORE! Hell King won my heart in The Kingwood Duet. Then Jason came along and took more of it in Solace. Now Cruise he's completely stolen it.
We first get introduced to Cruise in the Kingwood Duet. He is completely loyal to King. He would protect the people he loves with his life. He and King go through a HORRIBLE ordeal. As much as Cruise tries to forget what's happened, it's never far from his mind.
Clara is sweet, caring, beautiful. But she's lived through things most people would have given up. She's a survivor. Her past has made her strong. But is she strong enough for both her and Cruise?
From the moment Cruise and Clara met I would say their meetings are definitely serendipity. They have a strong connection to each other. It goes far above the physical. They are emotionally connected in ways neither understand. We see that together Cruise and Clara are so much stronger, and their love gives one another the hope, courage, and peace to begin to heal from their horrendous pasts!
Sacred is one of those books you'll remember long after you read it. I can't wait for more from SL Scott!
*I voluntarily read an Arc from the Author. This is my honest review.*
We first get introduced to Cruise in the Kingwood Duet. He is completely loyal to King. He would protect the people he loves with his life. He and King go through a HORRIBLE ordeal. As much as Cruise tries to forget what's happened, it's never far from his mind.
Clara is sweet, caring, beautiful. But she's lived through things most people would have given up. She's a survivor. Her past has made her strong. But is she strong enough for both her and Cruise?
From the moment Cruise and Clara met I would say their meetings are definitely serendipity. They have a strong connection to each other. It goes far above the physical. They are emotionally connected in ways neither understand. We see that together Cruise and Clara are so much stronger, and their love gives one another the hope, courage, and peace to begin to heal from their horrendous pasts!
Sacred is one of those books you'll remember long after you read it. I can't wait for more from SL Scott!
*I voluntarily read an Arc from the Author. This is my honest review.*
October 30, 2017
S.L Scott has out done herself yet again with Sacred. I have craved Cruises story since we met him in the Kingwood debut. This story is such a refreshing new take on the mysterious, loyal, brooding Cruise we knew previously. S.L Scott's angst game is strong with this heartbreakingly romantic story. Sacred does NOT lack in the feels! It was a emotional ride of haunted pasts, swoon worthy romance, and all consuming suspense and mystery. I could NOT put this book down! Cruise and Clara leave you flying through the pages desperate to devour their every emotion.
Clara charmed me from the start with her fiesty fierce personality. From the first moment she met Cruise I knew this heroine was just what he needed. Clara's character pulls at your heart strings with her ugly, twisted, haunted past. While also leaving you in awe of her unwavering strength.
Cruise will completely steal your heart (if he hasn't previously) with his dirty mouth and bad boy ways. Sacred reveals a softer side of Cruise that is sure to leave you swooning. My heart ached for Cruise as well as he struggles with the demons and questions of his past. Be warned now Cruise will quickly become your next book boyfriend.
4.5 STARS well earned S.L Scott on this emotional romance. It was the perfect mix of light and dark.
*I voluntarily read a advanced copy!*
Clara charmed me from the start with her fiesty fierce personality. From the first moment she met Cruise I knew this heroine was just what he needed. Clara's character pulls at your heart strings with her ugly, twisted, haunted past. While also leaving you in awe of her unwavering strength.
Cruise will completely steal your heart (if he hasn't previously) with his dirty mouth and bad boy ways. Sacred reveals a softer side of Cruise that is sure to leave you swooning. My heart ached for Cruise as well as he struggles with the demons and questions of his past. Be warned now Cruise will quickly become your next book boyfriend.
4.5 STARS well earned S.L Scott on this emotional romance. It was the perfect mix of light and dark.
*I voluntarily read a advanced copy!*
October 30, 2017
Rating: ⛤⛤⛤⛤⛤ (although I want to take away a half star because I want more of this book, but that just isn't fair)
Recommend: Hell Yes!
*************Dot's Deets*********
Whew. Let me just say that when I finished this one, my mouth opened and the words that came out were: "That was a good effing book." I stayed up until 1am reading this and I would have finished it if life didn't look me in they eye and remind me I had three kids that would be up in a few hours.
Cruise, Cruise, Cruise. Wow. What a book. This is my first S.L. Scott book and needless to say it will not be my last. What a book!! Amazingly written. Complex characters. Beautiful imagery. I did not want to punch anyone in the face, I just wanted everyone to win...wait..I may have wanted to punch Clara's brother, but the kid had issues. I can't fault him for that.
What would you need to read this one? Ummm...anxiety meds and wine. Wait...don't mix alcohol and medication. And it isn't a bad anxiousness, just...ummm...read the dang book, okay? I couldn't put it down. I didn't want to put it down. And when I got to 90% I felt like my world was crashing in on me because the end was near. Just read it. Just love it. Just enjoy it. Okay? Believe me, you won't be sorry.
Well done Ms. Scott. Thank you for your beautiful words!
October 30, 2017
Wow!
wowwowwow!
This series gets better with every book! I have been eagerly waiting for Cruise's book. The mysterious man who shows his loyalty through and through even if he has been known to be a bit of a loner.
Clara is a survivor. She has been given the opportunity to start a new life and form new habits that will help her grow from where she was hindered. She is Cruise's redemption in a sense. With her tainted past, he is able to connect with her in a way he has only ever been able to do with his brother friends. Their open, honest relationship was put to the test but they still found their way, together.
"I don't know who you are outside these walls, but I like who we are together"
Both have suffered the hands of hell and are struggling to move on and find their place in the world.
Sacred takes us on a journey through their relationship and digging up their pasts, only to discover how fate and coincidence have taken a part in their lives. Some situations may be a bit...uncomfortable but we are ultimately rewarded for our discomfort when everything comes together.
Sacred can be read as a standalone but if you really want to get a feel for Cruise and some of the other characters, you should start from the beginning with the Kingwood Duet. This is definitely a story not to be missed.
wowwowwow!
This series gets better with every book! I have been eagerly waiting for Cruise's book. The mysterious man who shows his loyalty through and through even if he has been known to be a bit of a loner.
Clara is a survivor. She has been given the opportunity to start a new life and form new habits that will help her grow from where she was hindered. She is Cruise's redemption in a sense. With her tainted past, he is able to connect with her in a way he has only ever been able to do with his brother friends. Their open, honest relationship was put to the test but they still found their way, together.
"I don't know who you are outside these walls, but I like who we are together"
Both have suffered the hands of hell and are struggling to move on and find their place in the world.
Sacred takes us on a journey through their relationship and digging up their pasts, only to discover how fate and coincidence have taken a part in their lives. Some situations may be a bit...uncomfortable but we are ultimately rewarded for our discomfort when everything comes together.
Sacred can be read as a standalone but if you really want to get a feel for Cruise and some of the other characters, you should start from the beginning with the Kingwood Duet. This is definitely a story not to be missed.
October 29, 2017
Again S.L. Scott has poured her heart and soul into a book that has gone beyond all my expectations. SACRED follows on from the The Kingwood Duet where we first meet Cruise Cristley, the quiet brooding bad boy with a story of his own.
Cruise and Clara’s story is emotional and heartfelt. Both with pasts that they desperately try not to let define them or let the demons consume them. Although from completely different upbringings, their connection is instant and is brought to life in a dramatic and overwhelming way. Twists you didn’t see coming will leave gobsmacked, shocked and completely gutted, the sad truths behind the fronts that are projected will leave you in tears, their journey for a better future will be dramatic and inspiring.
“Their pasts are SAVAGE
They are each other’s SAVIOR
In each other they find SOLACE
Their future life SACRED.”
S.L. Scott has written two remarkable and strong characters with a dark story, adding in new ones and the key characters from the previous Kingwood Duet bring it full circle. I do recommend that you read Savage, Savior and Solace first.
Totally captivating this book is everything it promised to be. S.L. Scott has has left me feeling complete and utterly satisfied after reading this book. This is one book you definitely need to read.
Cruise and Clara’s story is emotional and heartfelt. Both with pasts that they desperately try not to let define them or let the demons consume them. Although from completely different upbringings, their connection is instant and is brought to life in a dramatic and overwhelming way. Twists you didn’t see coming will leave gobsmacked, shocked and completely gutted, the sad truths behind the fronts that are projected will leave you in tears, their journey for a better future will be dramatic and inspiring.
“Their pasts are SAVAGE
They are each other’s SAVIOR
In each other they find SOLACE
Their future life SACRED.”
S.L. Scott has written two remarkable and strong characters with a dark story, adding in new ones and the key characters from the previous Kingwood Duet bring it full circle. I do recommend that you read Savage, Savior and Solace first.
Totally captivating this book is everything it promised to be. S.L. Scott has has left me feeling complete and utterly satisfied after reading this book. This is one book you definitely need to read.
October 29, 2017
Cruise and Clara are both survivors, though their circumstances couldn’t be any more different if they tried. They both need light in their lives, but how can they provide that for each other when all they know is darkness?
It’s not necessary to have read the Kingwood Duet and Solace, but it may give you a better insight into Cruise’s character and the trials he had been put through in the previous years. Knowing his history makes you want to root for him and his happiness all the more. I did have a hard time connecting with Clara, but Cruise’s presence more than makes up for it.
I enjoyed Sacred and I had been looking forward to Cruise’s story, however I will admit I was a little disappointed. I would have liked to maybe have had a little more backstory when it came to Cruise’s siblings and family life, and while I’m a low angst kind of person, I had hoped for just a little more angst when it came to Cruise’s confession to Clara.
I did enjoy seeing the lighter side of Alex though (which, if you’ve read the Kingwood Duet you can appreciate) and the scenes with he and Sara Jane are some of the highlights. I’d love to see what kind of trouble the two couples could get into, I’d love to see more interaction between them!
It’s not necessary to have read the Kingwood Duet and Solace, but it may give you a better insight into Cruise’s character and the trials he had been put through in the previous years. Knowing his history makes you want to root for him and his happiness all the more. I did have a hard time connecting with Clara, but Cruise’s presence more than makes up for it.
I enjoyed Sacred and I had been looking forward to Cruise’s story, however I will admit I was a little disappointed. I would have liked to maybe have had a little more backstory when it came to Cruise’s siblings and family life, and while I’m a low angst kind of person, I had hoped for just a little more angst when it came to Cruise’s confession to Clara.
I did enjoy seeing the lighter side of Alex though (which, if you’ve read the Kingwood Duet you can appreciate) and the scenes with he and Sara Jane are some of the highlights. I’d love to see what kind of trouble the two couples could get into, I’d love to see more interaction between them!
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