Librarian's See alternate cover edition of ISBN13 9780973147476 here.
In this haunting tale of loss and redemption, Emma is at her wits end. Having just moved into her first apartment, in the desired Hollywood Hills, the intimidating characters next door are more than she bargained for, especially since her balcony, the very reason she’d rented the place was situated right next to theirs.
Wanting to be left alone to wallow in self-pity, soul destroyed rocker, Wraith, is at the end of his rope. The last thing he needs to deal with is his sexy new neighbour’s undeniable presence, something that he and his notorious bandmates have gone without for too long.
When their annoying flirtations get out of control, will Wraith finally find it within himself to step in, or will he do nothing, much like he’s done with his life these last two years? Will he become the hero that Emma desperately needs or is there more than meets the eye?
Maria Bernard's stories are heavy on the romance with a healthy dose of steam. Maria’s characters are creative, strong-willed, artistic individuals, unafraid to show their vulnerable sides.
Hand in Glove is her first published full-length novel in the Stick Shift Lips Series. She has since written and published fifteen books.
I really liked this rock star romance with a paranormal twist. It's the sort of book you like to cozy up with. Fun, sweet and with a touch of spice. Well worth picking up.
The premise of this story is kind of cute – a modern-day take on ghostly match-making with a slightly harder edge (think stereotypical rockers and f-words). Thanks to their own stupidity (contrary to what Wraith believes), Angel and Phantom (the ghosts and Wraith’s former friends/bandmates) are stuck on earth. Their task is to save Wraith from himself before Death comes to take them. To accomplish this, they choose Emma.
Poor Emma. So totally out of her league! She was presented as almost goody two-shoes, and Wraith as an unwashed waif (“with puppy dog eyes”) who wore the same torn clothing day after day. I just didn’t feel the attraction or the sexual tension there.
That being said, I liked the way the author showed the gradual change in Wraith, along with his setbacks. I didn’t like how he took out his frustration on Emma and yet she just melted back into his arms every time, however.
There’s a scene with a priest that I think was the turning point for Wraith learning to forgive himself. The author added this faith element but then didn’t do much with it. I think it would have been more challenging to write, but also much more impactful if we saw him struggle with this faith idea.
My only complaint (my pet peeve) is that there is a lot of head-hopping from one character to another, sometimes from paragraph to paragraph.
I fall more in love with Maria's writing sytle with each book of hers I take on, and The Balcony is certainly no exception. I am not normally much of a paranormal fan, but it is Halloween, and I dare anyone not to fall in love with Phantom and Angel.
This is such a sweet story out of the tragedy of a rock 'n roll lifestyle taken bit too far one wild night. Like all of Maria's heroines, Emma is a bit more sweet and innocent than I ever remember being, but it just adds to the overall sweetness of the story. Maria has become one of my go to authors when I want something a little on the fluffier side, knowing an HEA is in store. Her rockstars are flawless, however damaged they may be.
This one is a great bittersweet page turner - sorry for any burns Angel and Phantom, there were just a few places where I couldn't hold back the tears. But I loved the story through and through.
Loved this book so much. I have read quite a few books by this author and this is my favorite one. Such a beautifully written story. Wraith is a tortured soul who steals your heart, well at least he stole mine. To me the characters just jumped out of the book and grab you from the beginning. Once you pick it up you really can't put it down. I highly recommend this book. Well done hon!!
This was a very sweet story about love, the blossoming love of a man and woman, the love of true friends, and the love amount brothers. The story is extremely good, lovable characters, and very good flow. I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. There are steamy love scenes, humor, and charm. This had a great story within about forgiveness of others, and yourself. I highly recommend it!
One of my favorite books by this author. Its heart wrenching to heart warming. Its written so well that you can feel the pain of Wraith, the loss of Phantom and Angel and the compassion of Emma. Awesome read!
I almost pass this read up. Not being one to read supernatural story's, but this was done very well i enjoyed it .I loved the characters. The sadness was felt , the love deep. I didn't want them to go.