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Persistent Intruder
Brian Cato, New York Times best-selling author of horror and suspense novels, would like a son – without the hassles of a wife. Women, even would-be surrogate mothers have brought nothing but trouble to his successful, but lonely career. Natalie Stover, newly published romance novelist, dreams of writing the all-time best seller. She has tried marriage, but prefers her fictional heroes to the real ones. Until she meets Brian for a passionate weekend at a writers’ conference and becomes pregnant with his child. Is there a more perfect place for two writers to meet but at a Writers’ Conference? Brian is the keynote speaker and Natalie an attendee. Amidst the gold and glitter of the hotel and the non-stop pace of the conference workshops, Natalie and Brian experience a meeting of the minds, realization of a promising writing project, and ecstasy of a new-found love. Instantly attracted to one another, they embark on a whirlwind affair that leaves Natalie pregnant. Brian also has a secret. He is being stalked by Sara. A mentally unstable fan, Sara has been harassing Brian for two years, sending him love letters, tapping his telephone, crashing his parties, even attempting to publicize a fictitious engagement. Despite his success, Sara’s intrusions have made Brian a lonely recluse. Until he meets Natalie. Can these two creative minds overcome an evil one that plots to keep them apart? Nurture a love that could mean a future of happiness for both?
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2018
3 people want to read
About the author
Kay Brooks
17 books9 followersKay's love for books and organization started early, as she fearlessly tackled her uncle's extensive collection in his mansion's attic, despite childhood tales of a lurking boogeyman.
Discovering the works of Georgette Heyer, Daphne du Maurier, Mary Stewart, and Victoria Holt only fueled her passion further.
With a double major in Library Science and history, Kay's career began by organizing a private school library in Virginia. Her success led her to establish a public library system in rural Caroline County, complete with a headquarters and three branches.
Amidst raising three children and juggling a full-time job, Kay discovered romance novels and began writing her own stories. Though her friend Nora Roberts seemed to snag all the publishing contracts, Kay remained undeterred, honing her craft through writer's groups and workshops.
In 2007, Kay embarked on a new adventure, opening Grapes of Taste, a wine shop that showcased her love for wine and her knack for engaging newsletters.
After retiring from the library in 2013, she revisited her old manuscripts, polishing them for publication.
Since then, Kay has published numerous titles, including the Row Series, the Victory Hill Trilogy, biographies, and stand-alone novels.
With an endless supply of "what if" stories waiting to be told, Kay continues to pursue her passion for writing, inviting readers to join her journey through her website and social media.
Discovering the works of Georgette Heyer, Daphne du Maurier, Mary Stewart, and Victoria Holt only fueled her passion further.
With a double major in Library Science and history, Kay's career began by organizing a private school library in Virginia. Her success led her to establish a public library system in rural Caroline County, complete with a headquarters and three branches.
Amidst raising three children and juggling a full-time job, Kay discovered romance novels and began writing her own stories. Though her friend Nora Roberts seemed to snag all the publishing contracts, Kay remained undeterred, honing her craft through writer's groups and workshops.
In 2007, Kay embarked on a new adventure, opening Grapes of Taste, a wine shop that showcased her love for wine and her knack for engaging newsletters.
After retiring from the library in 2013, she revisited her old manuscripts, polishing them for publication.
Since then, Kay has published numerous titles, including the Row Series, the Victory Hill Trilogy, biographies, and stand-alone novels.
With an endless supply of "what if" stories waiting to be told, Kay continues to pursue her passion for writing, inviting readers to join her journey through her website and social media.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 16, 2019
Persistent Intruder, Kay Brooks
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance
I saw the romance tag, didn't realise it was also suspense, but that's fine, I like romantic suspense for an occasional read. I enjoyed this story, though I felt the actual romance side wasn't particularly strong.
Brian, well, when we first meet him and learn of his plans for a child I thought he was pretty cold, didn't really like him. I know he's had a problematic past with women but even so, he seemed so clinical about the whole thing.
Its back to my personal feelings about how children show be welcomed to be loved, not to be an accessory or simply an heir for someones genes, and I got the impression that heir was what Brian really wanted, not a child to love.
Still, there's a quick burst of passion between him and Natalie, and of course the pregnancy that results. There isn't a relationship though, will Brian just want the child and not her, if she tells him she's pregnant? He has the money to do what he wants. Can she take that risk?
Then of course there's that passion that they both thought would be easy to leave behind after the weekend, but feelings aren't that easy, don't fall in with our plans do they?
Of course that's all complicated by the deranged stalker Brian has, and that suspense angle was excellent in the main, even though I did feel actions from all of them stretched credulity at times.
It was a fun read, interesting but I felt the romance side wasn't as well worked as the suspense. For me I prefer the romance to be the stronger part of the story and I wasn't totally convinced in Brian and Natalie.
Stars: Four, an easy read, but I would have liked more emphasis on relationship building, the romance side, to balance the very cold Brian we first met. I wasn't convinced he could change that easily.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance
I saw the romance tag, didn't realise it was also suspense, but that's fine, I like romantic suspense for an occasional read. I enjoyed this story, though I felt the actual romance side wasn't particularly strong.
Brian, well, when we first meet him and learn of his plans for a child I thought he was pretty cold, didn't really like him. I know he's had a problematic past with women but even so, he seemed so clinical about the whole thing.
Its back to my personal feelings about how children show be welcomed to be loved, not to be an accessory or simply an heir for someones genes, and I got the impression that heir was what Brian really wanted, not a child to love.
Still, there's a quick burst of passion between him and Natalie, and of course the pregnancy that results. There isn't a relationship though, will Brian just want the child and not her, if she tells him she's pregnant? He has the money to do what he wants. Can she take that risk?
Then of course there's that passion that they both thought would be easy to leave behind after the weekend, but feelings aren't that easy, don't fall in with our plans do they?
Of course that's all complicated by the deranged stalker Brian has, and that suspense angle was excellent in the main, even though I did feel actions from all of them stretched credulity at times.
It was a fun read, interesting but I felt the romance side wasn't as well worked as the suspense. For me I prefer the romance to be the stronger part of the story and I wasn't totally convinced in Brian and Natalie.
Stars: Four, an easy read, but I would have liked more emphasis on relationship building, the romance side, to balance the very cold Brian we first met. I wasn't convinced he could change that easily.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
June 16, 2019
Brian Cato, New York Times best-selling author of horror and suspense novels, would like a son – without the hassles of a wife. Women, even would-be surrogate mothers have brought nothing but trouble to his successful, but lonely career. Natalie Stover, newly published romance novelist, dreams of writing the all-time best seller. She has tried marriage, but prefers her fictional heroes to the real ones. Until she meets Brian for a passionate weekend at a writers’ conference and becomes pregnant with his child.
I really liked this book in the beginning and throughout, but the closer to the end I got, the less I liked it. I actually liked both Brian and Natalie, although I feel like this author is like Natalie, in that this book was more about flowery romance (without any real sex scenes) and a beginning shot at a mystery. That’s not to say it wasn’t worth reading, I just had some issues with it, like thinking a stalker can outsmart an ex-Secret Service man and two intelligent people. I will most likely keep reading this author though as overall I did enjoy reading the book.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
I really liked this book in the beginning and throughout, but the closer to the end I got, the less I liked it. I actually liked both Brian and Natalie, although I feel like this author is like Natalie, in that this book was more about flowery romance (without any real sex scenes) and a beginning shot at a mystery. That’s not to say it wasn’t worth reading, I just had some issues with it, like thinking a stalker can outsmart an ex-Secret Service man and two intelligent people. I will most likely keep reading this author though as overall I did enjoy reading the book.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
April 4, 2019
Received an arc from netgalley. Thoroughly enjoyed this horror/suspense book. Definitely recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews