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Bittersweet: Sanctuary: ...an adult, Dark Romance, with suspense, and horses, and a knife (named Jocelyn)
The Bittersweet Sanctuary Story (Part 1 of 3)
Putting her black ops past in the rear-view mirror, Terese hit the road like a modern day gypsy, pounding along the ribbon of asphalt, staying nowhere long enough to be found. She’d saved a few lives...and taken a few that needed taking. The death, the blood, the dirty deeds, stored in a corner of her mind she never visited. But there was one life she didn't save and that one never went into that dark corner. That one was constantly there, day and night, that small face looking up at her, asking, "Why?"
And then there was Alex. The man who wanted her, loved her, struggled to understand her, but above all, offered her something she’d never had... a normal life. How could she allow an innocent like Alex into the mortal peril of her world?
She only failed the one mission. But it had been the most important one. Can she forgive herself for the evil of others? Only second chances will tell...
The Bittersweet Series
The Bittersweet Saga is a 3-part character arc about the last, remaining members of a government endorsed, pseudo-syndicate style family, not of blood, but of bond. At the hub is a misogynistic, torture loving tyrant (The Godfather’s Devil) killed in a suspicious car accident along with his daughter. Part 1 in the series is about Terese, the dead man’s widow and her guilt about not being able to save the girl. Part 2 in the series is about Malice, the dead man’s brother, and his revenge for the death of his brother. Not that he cared about his brother, not even a little, but because the hit taken out on his brother also killed the little girl, an innocent, that’s something he cannot forgive. Part 3 is a bit of a twisted mess for both characters... Their progression from victims of survivor’s guilt to saviors of the innocent is the story of every wounded warrior who pulls himself up by the bootstraps and rights the wrongs of the past.
The Bittersweet Characters
TERESE is not a typical heroine. Though, you might be quite unnerved if you met the real Terese, she’s actually only a well-trained martial arts expert with a minor in edged weapons, an aversion to heights and a penchant for solitude. A dark, conflicted, wounded warrior, a protector of innocence that, through her one misjudgment, failed to save a small child from a terrible situation. Who wouldn’t be screwed up by that? Who wouldn’t be unable to trust after that? Second guessing every decision as if it were life or death? Unable to believe she was worthy enough to have a normal life? Survivor’s guilt personified.
MALICE/MALIN and Terese are connected through their survival of that terrible household, and even though they don’t necessarily trust each other, they respect each other. Malice is an ex-con, brother to the Devil’s Godfather himself, chasing revenge and ready to take down anything in his way to get it.
MARCUS is the Devil’s Godfather. A soulless, unscrupulous man capable of all manner of evil including torturing—mentally and physically—his own daughter. He uses the girl’s mentally disturbed, institutionalized mother as collateral for the good behavior of his new wife and daughter.
ALEX is a sunny, golden man who thinks the best of everyone. His brother Nick thinks he’s an idiot, but only fondly as brothers are want to do. He’s a good man. The man you would want your daughter to marry. Unfortunately, he has his work cut out trying to convince Terese of that.
BESTIO is an Andalusian stallion owned by Terese.
Putting her black ops past in the rear-view mirror, Terese hit the road like a modern day gypsy, pounding along the ribbon of asphalt, staying nowhere long enough to be found. She’d saved a few lives...and taken a few that needed taking. The death, the blood, the dirty deeds, stored in a corner of her mind she never visited. But there was one life she didn't save and that one never went into that dark corner. That one was constantly there, day and night, that small face looking up at her, asking, "Why?"
And then there was Alex. The man who wanted her, loved her, struggled to understand her, but above all, offered her something she’d never had... a normal life. How could she allow an innocent like Alex into the mortal peril of her world?
She only failed the one mission. But it had been the most important one. Can she forgive herself for the evil of others? Only second chances will tell...
The Bittersweet Series
The Bittersweet Saga is a 3-part character arc about the last, remaining members of a government endorsed, pseudo-syndicate style family, not of blood, but of bond. At the hub is a misogynistic, torture loving tyrant (The Godfather’s Devil) killed in a suspicious car accident along with his daughter. Part 1 in the series is about Terese, the dead man’s widow and her guilt about not being able to save the girl. Part 2 in the series is about Malice, the dead man’s brother, and his revenge for the death of his brother. Not that he cared about his brother, not even a little, but because the hit taken out on his brother also killed the little girl, an innocent, that’s something he cannot forgive. Part 3 is a bit of a twisted mess for both characters... Their progression from victims of survivor’s guilt to saviors of the innocent is the story of every wounded warrior who pulls himself up by the bootstraps and rights the wrongs of the past.
The Bittersweet Characters
TERESE is not a typical heroine. Though, you might be quite unnerved if you met the real Terese, she’s actually only a well-trained martial arts expert with a minor in edged weapons, an aversion to heights and a penchant for solitude. A dark, conflicted, wounded warrior, a protector of innocence that, through her one misjudgment, failed to save a small child from a terrible situation. Who wouldn’t be screwed up by that? Who wouldn’t be unable to trust after that? Second guessing every decision as if it were life or death? Unable to believe she was worthy enough to have a normal life? Survivor’s guilt personified.
MALICE/MALIN and Terese are connected through their survival of that terrible household, and even though they don’t necessarily trust each other, they respect each other. Malice is an ex-con, brother to the Devil’s Godfather himself, chasing revenge and ready to take down anything in his way to get it.
MARCUS is the Devil’s Godfather. A soulless, unscrupulous man capable of all manner of evil including torturing—mentally and physically—his own daughter. He uses the girl’s mentally disturbed, institutionalized mother as collateral for the good behavior of his new wife and daughter.
ALEX is a sunny, golden man who thinks the best of everyone. His brother Nick thinks he’s an idiot, but only fondly as brothers are want to do. He’s a good man. The man you would want your daughter to marry. Unfortunately, he has his work cut out trying to convince Terese of that.
BESTIO is an Andalusian stallion owned by Terese.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2017
1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
TaM D'Lyte
4 books17 followersWhen I was seven, I was bored. That happened a lot when I was a kid since I’m an only child! :) I whined to my dad, “I’m bored!” His response, with a magnanimous wave of a hand, “There’s a bookcase. Go get a book.” So, I grabbed the biggest, brightest book there (a college biology book) and began from the beginning. It took a long time, a looong time to finish that book. Never one to do anything by halves, I wanted to be an actress, a vet and an astronaut--simultaneously, of course--but decided to be a horse trainer instead. (Really? A horse trainer? Yes, what of it?) No, I’m not a horse whisperer. A horse doesn’t care what you whisper at it. A horse wants apples, carrots and cookies. Especially cookies. Just like people. ;) I’m also not a cowgirl (cows scare me!) and I don’t race my horses. Sigh . . . I’ve heard it all a million times! LOL Anyways, my mom was a reader, books tucked everywhere around my childhood home, and my dad was a writer, little half-finished stories under the coffee table and between the cushions. I’ve acquired both habits on a grander scale (remember, nothing by halves? LOL) and have boxes of books above your head filling up a whole room and my computer hard drive filled up with bits and bytes of half-finished stories. It’s a disease, I kid you not!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 11, 2020
This romantic suspense sucked me in from page one. Opening with a hard-hitting domestic violence scene during a mission gone wrong in the prologue that shakes you to your core, we witness the trauma that causes Terese to flee out of misplaced guilt for having failed the young girl she was supposed to save.
Much of the narrative takes place on a ranch where show horses are kept and trained and readied to be showed and sold. There are trail rides gone bad. Dramatic rescues. Wild stallions that break out of their stalls in the night and threaten young children. I curled up with this book and relished the author’s detailed descriptions of riding and caring for the horses, transported into Terese’s world. And thank you for the glossary of horse terms included in the back! But Terese hides nightmares in her past, and despite Alex’s wish that she might allow him in, that can’t happen for his own protection. (These two were so delicious together!)
And then there’s Malice, who has connections back to that first night in the prologue. (I LOVED how twisty the plotting was in this one.) He’s in prison for a crime he didn’t commit and out for revenge. Yet in scenes where he remembers that night and what his brother did, you can’t help but see the shades of gray. Man or monster? Who can tell? Part slow burn western romance, part women’s fiction, part suspense… this was a fun ride! I can’t wait for part two!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Much of the narrative takes place on a ranch where show horses are kept and trained and readied to be showed and sold. There are trail rides gone bad. Dramatic rescues. Wild stallions that break out of their stalls in the night and threaten young children. I curled up with this book and relished the author’s detailed descriptions of riding and caring for the horses, transported into Terese’s world. And thank you for the glossary of horse terms included in the back! But Terese hides nightmares in her past, and despite Alex’s wish that she might allow him in, that can’t happen for his own protection. (These two were so delicious together!)
And then there’s Malice, who has connections back to that first night in the prologue. (I LOVED how twisty the plotting was in this one.) He’s in prison for a crime he didn’t commit and out for revenge. Yet in scenes where he remembers that night and what his brother did, you can’t help but see the shades of gray. Man or monster? Who can tell? Part slow burn western romance, part women’s fiction, part suspense… this was a fun ride! I can’t wait for part two!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
August 22, 2017
After a mission goes wrong for Therese the survivor guilt sends her into a self-imposed isolation. She takes a job working on a horse ranch, keeping to herself, and trying to use her relationship with the horses to substitute for her lack of relationships with people, but she attracts the attention of Alex, one of the co-owners and sparks fly!
Aside from the challenge of remaining alive, this book tells the story of one woman's path toward self-compassion on her journey toward finding and accepting love. That message alone would make the book worth reading, however along the way you will will be enthralled with the descriptives, the hot scenes, the horses, and the story. The author's writing style is wonderful!
Western romance lovers will love this book!
Aside from the challenge of remaining alive, this book tells the story of one woman's path toward self-compassion on her journey toward finding and accepting love. That message alone would make the book worth reading, however along the way you will will be enthralled with the descriptives, the hot scenes, the horses, and the story. The author's writing style is wonderful!
Western romance lovers will love this book!
June 24, 2017
Wow! What a ride! A real page-turner!
I loved every word of this story. It was a bit like a Jilly Cooper romp, but a lot more fun. The dialogue was well written and in some areas, really funny. I loved the banter between the two brothers, Alex and Nick, and Terese's hard-to-get attitude. I actually began to think that she would never let Alex in. I was like 'Will you 'get it on' already'.
Terese is a very complex character. She's insecure, but strong, she's protective and just a little bit dangerous. You are left guessing which persona would come out on top. She is also very good with horses...just had to throw that in there. I was rooting for terese all the way.
The story itself, is very well thought out. Full of twists and turns, most of which, I didn't see coming.
I won't go into the 'ins and outs' of the story, as a lot of spoilers would be involved, and I don't want to take away the enjoyment that this story gives. Another thing I liked about this book was the little glossary links. If you nothing of Dressage or any equestrian sport, especially its terminology, the glossary links are a handy tool, and a very interesting read in their own right.
Take a look at this book, you won't regret it.
4.5 stars given.
I loved every word of this story. It was a bit like a Jilly Cooper romp, but a lot more fun. The dialogue was well written and in some areas, really funny. I loved the banter between the two brothers, Alex and Nick, and Terese's hard-to-get attitude. I actually began to think that she would never let Alex in. I was like 'Will you 'get it on' already'.
Terese is a very complex character. She's insecure, but strong, she's protective and just a little bit dangerous. You are left guessing which persona would come out on top. She is also very good with horses...just had to throw that in there. I was rooting for terese all the way.
The story itself, is very well thought out. Full of twists and turns, most of which, I didn't see coming.
I won't go into the 'ins and outs' of the story, as a lot of spoilers would be involved, and I don't want to take away the enjoyment that this story gives. Another thing I liked about this book was the little glossary links. If you nothing of Dressage or any equestrian sport, especially its terminology, the glossary links are a handy tool, and a very interesting read in their own right.
Take a look at this book, you won't regret it.
4.5 stars given.
June 9, 2017
Well written page turner!
The author, TaM D’Lyte, has a way with words, and is able to write about explicit domestic violence, which is a difficult thing to engage with, but the author does this well. This book is both an easy read with the author using her skill with words to tell the story, while at the same time the adult themes that are apparent in the book makes it a difficult and yet engaging read. The psychological development of the characters, for me, is the best thing about the book (one of!) as I really enjoy when the author plays with the characters and makes them as real as possible, and I found myself easily seeing the world of the protagonist, Terese, through her eyes.
As a sidenote, I really liked the intext footnote touch! My knowledge about horses has grown in reading this book!
Recommend Bittersweet: Sanctuary for anyone else who wants a fantastically well written page turner with 18+ themes.
Reviewed as part of 18+ Review Group, and received a free copy from the author for an honest review :)
The author, TaM D’Lyte, has a way with words, and is able to write about explicit domestic violence, which is a difficult thing to engage with, but the author does this well. This book is both an easy read with the author using her skill with words to tell the story, while at the same time the adult themes that are apparent in the book makes it a difficult and yet engaging read. The psychological development of the characters, for me, is the best thing about the book (one of!) as I really enjoy when the author plays with the characters and makes them as real as possible, and I found myself easily seeing the world of the protagonist, Terese, through her eyes.
As a sidenote, I really liked the intext footnote touch! My knowledge about horses has grown in reading this book!
Recommend Bittersweet: Sanctuary for anyone else who wants a fantastically well written page turner with 18+ themes.
Reviewed as part of 18+ Review Group, and received a free copy from the author for an honest review :)
July 10, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed Bittersweet: Sanctuary and cannot wait to read more of this series. Book One is written in a way that you can feel the raw, intense emotions our main character Terese has during the telling of her story straight from the start. Before I go any further, I have to say I really like a book set on a ranch or in the country because everyone seems to have their story always adding an extra bit of intrigue to the storyline. The setting of this story fits right in with what I like and did not disappoint. The author handles some difficult situations well and peppers some witty dialogue to break up the tension for the reader. I found the storyline engaging and the topics of grief, abuse and giving yourself a second chance are written in a sensitive manner. The characters are multi-dimensional and realistic, which for me always makes a book more entertaining because you get drawn in further and care about what is going to happen next. I also think TaM D’Lyte does an amazing job with Terese’s character writing her exactly how most women in life are: mysterious, complex, tough enough to handle anything yet a little bit self-doubting still creeps in from time to time. Lastly, the palpable sexual tension/chemistry between Terese and Alex is one of my favorite elements in this story. The steamy scenes are entertaining and described well. The depth of the characters in this story has pulled me in so far that I feel I must read the other books! I highly recommend this book!
June 9, 2017
Tam D'Lyte is a remarkable writer! There are several things to love about this book! One is the depth and complexity of the characters. The characters are multi-dimensional and just when you think you have them all figured out, Tam D'Lyte takes the characters to another level!
I also enjoyed the language and inner thoughts of the characters. It is raw at times as was meant to be, and down right funny at others! I often caught myself laughing out loud! Tam D'Lyte has a style all her own!
Also, I really enjoyed the horses! I have had horses all my life. That was what drew me to this book. There is plenty horse content to satisfy the most horse-crazy person and not too much to drown those that aren't. I also loved the glossary of horse terms for those who aren't horsey! I
enjoyed reading through it even though I am already well versed.
For those that are into the romance factor, there are some great scenes with outstanding detail, and I found myself blushing on occasion. Bittersweet is not inundated with "mushy-gushy, yeah right?" romance. The romance scenes are well earned and very well written. Very descriptive. Very real.
You may feel like you're a bit lost at the beginning because it starts out in the midst of a terrible scene. But stay with it. Trust me. All is revealed a chapter at time! I found myself savoring every moment as I learned more and more about the players, their situations, and their possible futures.I recommend reading the all the little tidbits before the start of chapter one, as well. The tidbits give the reader insight into who the different characters are and where they are coming from.
Well done, Tam D'Lyte! I look forward to reading books 2 and 3!
I also enjoyed the language and inner thoughts of the characters. It is raw at times as was meant to be, and down right funny at others! I often caught myself laughing out loud! Tam D'Lyte has a style all her own!
Also, I really enjoyed the horses! I have had horses all my life. That was what drew me to this book. There is plenty horse content to satisfy the most horse-crazy person and not too much to drown those that aren't. I also loved the glossary of horse terms for those who aren't horsey! I
enjoyed reading through it even though I am already well versed.
For those that are into the romance factor, there are some great scenes with outstanding detail, and I found myself blushing on occasion. Bittersweet is not inundated with "mushy-gushy, yeah right?" romance. The romance scenes are well earned and very well written. Very descriptive. Very real.
You may feel like you're a bit lost at the beginning because it starts out in the midst of a terrible scene. But stay with it. Trust me. All is revealed a chapter at time! I found myself savoring every moment as I learned more and more about the players, their situations, and their possible futures.I recommend reading the all the little tidbits before the start of chapter one, as well. The tidbits give the reader insight into who the different characters are and where they are coming from.
Well done, Tam D'Lyte! I look forward to reading books 2 and 3!
June 23, 2017
This book was not what I expected, and I mean this in the best possible way. It opens with a tragedy and the suspense surrounding that has you biting your nails on the edge of your seat. Fast forward some time later and we're getting a third person view of Alex and Therese.
Alex is one of two brothers who owns a horse ranch and Therese is a worker on the ranch. It's clear pretty quickly that Alex is captivated by Therese, yet she brushes him off constantly only referring to him as sir. She's quiet and mysterious and wants to be left alone. She's also incredibly brave as she rescues women who practically fall of a cliff and children from car accidents and saves a bunch of gear from a gang of thieves. Despite her reserved, somewhat cold demeanor, you can't help buy like her. Respect her.
And then there is Alex. Sweet, warm and unbelievably good looking. He's the perfect counterpart to Therese. I think I fell in love with him almost instantly. But are her secrets too much for him to handle? Why is the scary, larger-than-life, Malice after her? What are his intentions once he finds her? This story is layer upon layer of suspense mixed with some amazing imagery, brilliant writing, steamy sex scenes and horses. All of these combined built an incredible, not to be missed book.
This is the first story in the series and I am hooked and wanting more. The author brings this tale way beyond the typical romantic suspense. Get this book, you won't be sorry! On a side note, I loved the detailed information on the horses. It really brought an added depth to the story.
Alex is one of two brothers who owns a horse ranch and Therese is a worker on the ranch. It's clear pretty quickly that Alex is captivated by Therese, yet she brushes him off constantly only referring to him as sir. She's quiet and mysterious and wants to be left alone. She's also incredibly brave as she rescues women who practically fall of a cliff and children from car accidents and saves a bunch of gear from a gang of thieves. Despite her reserved, somewhat cold demeanor, you can't help buy like her. Respect her.
And then there is Alex. Sweet, warm and unbelievably good looking. He's the perfect counterpart to Therese. I think I fell in love with him almost instantly. But are her secrets too much for him to handle? Why is the scary, larger-than-life, Malice after her? What are his intentions once he finds her? This story is layer upon layer of suspense mixed with some amazing imagery, brilliant writing, steamy sex scenes and horses. All of these combined built an incredible, not to be missed book.
This is the first story in the series and I am hooked and wanting more. The author brings this tale way beyond the typical romantic suspense. Get this book, you won't be sorry! On a side note, I loved the detailed information on the horses. It really brought an added depth to the story.
August 6, 2017
The author has an obvious extensive knowledge of horses, how they move, react and preform in certain situations and this comes across very strongly in the novel. Terese and Alex’s relationship is also portrayed very strongly, including some rather steamy adult content. Fortunately for the romantics, this was only a small part of the book. I thought the relationship between Alex and Terese grew quite naturally and they have horses in common. There is the usual tension of will they won’t they, but also the physical risks and casualties of working with horses. Would this have been enough tension to sustain the story? To keep it as a straight romance rather than a thriller? Maybe.
The other side to Terese’s background/personality is that she is a spy/agent who was unable to protect the innocent in her charge. It is not clear who Terese is accountable to, in terms of any government agency, or where, or for what she has been trained. She sees herself as corrupt and she uses this idea to keep Alex at arms length. Her violent past also accounts for the first chapter of the book and Malice who exudes threatening behaviour. Although the first chapter is not badly written I still have concerns over whether this storyline works. It also suffers from the fact that none of the characters in that first chapter are named. I understand this is deliberate and meant to provoke intrigue, but it does make the scene disorienting for the reader. We learn a lot about her skill with horses, but little about her past.
The description and the language used in this book is very evocative, giving a strong picture and mental image. Action between humans and animals is also portrayed very clearly. It is nice to have both Alex and Terese’s point of view as we get a more rounded portrayal of their relationship, both their strength and vulnerability. I also like the interplay between the two brothers which shows a warmth and compassion on either side, as well as a sense of humour. Again the character I find most troublesome, and out of place, is Malice. If there needs to be an antagonist, we need to see more of him and reasons why the reader should dislike him.
I think the better the writer the more critical reviewers tend to be, as the bar has been raised from the outset. Even though I struggle with the plot line relating to Malice, I still think this book is very good and very well written. Perhaps things will be clearer with the next book.
The other side to Terese’s background/personality is that she is a spy/agent who was unable to protect the innocent in her charge. It is not clear who Terese is accountable to, in terms of any government agency, or where, or for what she has been trained. She sees herself as corrupt and she uses this idea to keep Alex at arms length. Her violent past also accounts for the first chapter of the book and Malice who exudes threatening behaviour. Although the first chapter is not badly written I still have concerns over whether this storyline works. It also suffers from the fact that none of the characters in that first chapter are named. I understand this is deliberate and meant to provoke intrigue, but it does make the scene disorienting for the reader. We learn a lot about her skill with horses, but little about her past.
The description and the language used in this book is very evocative, giving a strong picture and mental image. Action between humans and animals is also portrayed very clearly. It is nice to have both Alex and Terese’s point of view as we get a more rounded portrayal of their relationship, both their strength and vulnerability. I also like the interplay between the two brothers which shows a warmth and compassion on either side, as well as a sense of humour. Again the character I find most troublesome, and out of place, is Malice. If there needs to be an antagonist, we need to see more of him and reasons why the reader should dislike him.
I think the better the writer the more critical reviewers tend to be, as the bar has been raised from the outset. Even though I struggle with the plot line relating to Malice, I still think this book is very good and very well written. Perhaps things will be clearer with the next book.
July 10, 2017
This was a great read! I love a strong heroine with a tragic past and Terese was a wonderful character in that aspect. The effects of abuse and grief are carefully and subtly shown, and I definitely felt her struggle when she starts becoming close to Alex, who’s lived the sort of normal life she’s always longed for but never thought she could have.
Alex is one of the owners of the horse ranch where Terese works, and she tries very hard to keep to herself there. But he’s drawn to her from the start. I have to say that I got a little annoyed by Alex’s pursuit of Terese even when she closes herself off and gives him no encouragement. It started to feel inappropriate, especially with him being her boss, and I kinda found myself wanting to tell him to back off. That’s just my personal preference, though; I think a lot of readers would enjoy this in the context of a romance. He was still extremely likable, funny and confident without being cocky, and I really can’t deny the chemistry and connection between him and Terese.
The writing in this story was descriptive and colorful, and the inner voices of the characters were done really well. They all felt very distinct. You could definitely tell whose head you were in without being told. Malice was super interesting and I would love to read more about him and find out what his plans are. Also loved Alex’s brother Nick and their relationship. Overall 4.5 stars.
Alex is one of the owners of the horse ranch where Terese works, and she tries very hard to keep to herself there. But he’s drawn to her from the start. I have to say that I got a little annoyed by Alex’s pursuit of Terese even when she closes herself off and gives him no encouragement. It started to feel inappropriate, especially with him being her boss, and I kinda found myself wanting to tell him to back off. That’s just my personal preference, though; I think a lot of readers would enjoy this in the context of a romance. He was still extremely likable, funny and confident without being cocky, and I really can’t deny the chemistry and connection between him and Terese.
The writing in this story was descriptive and colorful, and the inner voices of the characters were done really well. They all felt very distinct. You could definitely tell whose head you were in without being told. Malice was super interesting and I would love to read more about him and find out what his plans are. Also loved Alex’s brother Nick and their relationship. Overall 4.5 stars.
May 21, 2017
Well Written - Original - 5 Stars!
Tam DLyte is a good writer, or more accurately she is what I would call a REAL writer. DLyte likes to play with words to create impressions that effectively keep the reader on his/her toes for fear of missing something!
She uses sardonic humor, psychological insight, suspense and action to great effect. The book operates on several levels of perception. As a reader you feel as if the writer is constantly giving you a nudge or a poke - hey don’t miss this... Then you go back and say to yourself - oh now I get it.
As for criticism - I would ask for clearer logic and plot. For example - the author never explains why `Malice’ the dangerous ex-con is hunting the main character, Therese. Malice doesn’t seem to hold a grudge against Therese, so why is he stalking her?
All this `Danger’ the author keeps reminding the reader about - never materializes. It’s always out there hovering over Therese like a black cloud, driving her on. The author makes vague references to `Black Ops’, but provides little concise explanation.
The MC engages in alot of guilty self-examination and personal recrimination. What I call negative Mind-Warping. To me that aspect of Therese’s character slowed down the action. A little negativity goes a long way.
Overall Bittersweet Sanctuary is an excellent read. Loved the horses!
Tam DLyte is a good writer, or more accurately she is what I would call a REAL writer. DLyte likes to play with words to create impressions that effectively keep the reader on his/her toes for fear of missing something!
She uses sardonic humor, psychological insight, suspense and action to great effect. The book operates on several levels of perception. As a reader you feel as if the writer is constantly giving you a nudge or a poke - hey don’t miss this... Then you go back and say to yourself - oh now I get it.
As for criticism - I would ask for clearer logic and plot. For example - the author never explains why `Malice’ the dangerous ex-con is hunting the main character, Therese. Malice doesn’t seem to hold a grudge against Therese, so why is he stalking her?
All this `Danger’ the author keeps reminding the reader about - never materializes. It’s always out there hovering over Therese like a black cloud, driving her on. The author makes vague references to `Black Ops’, but provides little concise explanation.
The MC engages in alot of guilty self-examination and personal recrimination. What I call negative Mind-Warping. To me that aspect of Therese’s character slowed down the action. A little negativity goes a long way.
Overall Bittersweet Sanctuary is an excellent read. Loved the horses!
June 20, 2017
My Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book by the author. I am providing an honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review:
This is such a great book! The characters are fairly well developed and you get a bit more insight into things as you go along. There is obviously a lot in Terese's background that's dark and scary and that she really doesn't want to talk about, but it may not stay in her past.
I absolutely love Bestio. He's the perfect touch. A really great sidekick for Terese. He's beautiful, well cared-for, and well-school. It was such a touching scene and revealed so much about her feelings for children when she gave rides to all those children. And Alex watches the whole scene. Later on, he asks Bestio for advice! Not that it does him any good.
The relationship between Alex and Nick was great, too. The solidity of it gave Alex the security to take chances. I love Nick's loyalty.
The way the author wrote scenes was awesome. So very descriptive that you could see it all. You weren't just being told what was going on, you could see it as it happened. That window scene was so dramatic. I felt like I watched it in slow motion.
And now there's Malice. What part did he play in her past and what does he plan to do now? I have to read the second book, obviously. I suggest you get started on book one and I'll go find out when the second one is due out.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review:
This is such a great book! The characters are fairly well developed and you get a bit more insight into things as you go along. There is obviously a lot in Terese's background that's dark and scary and that she really doesn't want to talk about, but it may not stay in her past.
I absolutely love Bestio. He's the perfect touch. A really great sidekick for Terese. He's beautiful, well cared-for, and well-school. It was such a touching scene and revealed so much about her feelings for children when she gave rides to all those children. And Alex watches the whole scene. Later on, he asks Bestio for advice! Not that it does him any good.
The relationship between Alex and Nick was great, too. The solidity of it gave Alex the security to take chances. I love Nick's loyalty.
The way the author wrote scenes was awesome. So very descriptive that you could see it all. You weren't just being told what was going on, you could see it as it happened. That window scene was so dramatic. I felt like I watched it in slow motion.
And now there's Malice. What part did he play in her past and what does he plan to do now? I have to read the second book, obviously. I suggest you get started on book one and I'll go find out when the second one is due out.
April 29, 2017
Bittersweet: Sanctuary and the story of Terese was very enveloping, I couldn't seem to put it down once I started. I ended up finishing the entire story in two days. The author did an awesome job of giving enough detail and feeling to each of Terese' s experiences that the reader could put themselves into Terese's shoes seamlessly. If looking for a great story to curl up with and get lost in, then this is a perfect book for it. However, this story is strictly for those 18+ readers, and the author has included the same warning at the beginning. Therefore, you can expect a very fun read as well.
June 17, 2017
This is a wonderful story. The writer of this book is extremely talented. Her style is original and the word choices and inner thoughts of the characters are entertaining, comedic, and achingly bittersweet, as the title suggests. This is not just a romance novel, it is a romantic thriller with a sharp edge, an archetypal tale between good and evil. The main character is a modern-day woman warrior, who starts out badly wounded by the evil-doers in her past. But despite her depressing circumstances, she has a wry sense of humor which is engaging, sympathetic and kept me turning page after page to see how she would fight her way through her challenges and triumph in the end.
My biggest complaint is that despite the writer's mastery with language, I kept getting lost in the intertwining threads of the plot. Part of this was because of viewpoint issues - the best example of which is in the Prologue. There are three characters in the scene. None are named. Two are females which means "she" takes on double meanings that interfere with the readers' ability to follow the action. If you can get past the first few pages, you'll be rewarded with clearer characterizations and the continual wonderfulness of the writing.
This is the first book of a three book series and I understand that the story threads introduced in Bittersweet Sanctuary will be picked up in future books, along with a threshing out of other characters. But there are so many questions that go unanswered in this book, I'm unsure if I can read the next book without re-reading this book again. But even if I do that, I probably will still be a bit lost. Because of that, I can't give this book a five star rating even though the descriptive exuberance of the writing deserves it. It's a solid four, though, and I can't wait to read more from this author.
My biggest complaint is that despite the writer's mastery with language, I kept getting lost in the intertwining threads of the plot. Part of this was because of viewpoint issues - the best example of which is in the Prologue. There are three characters in the scene. None are named. Two are females which means "she" takes on double meanings that interfere with the readers' ability to follow the action. If you can get past the first few pages, you'll be rewarded with clearer characterizations and the continual wonderfulness of the writing.
This is the first book of a three book series and I understand that the story threads introduced in Bittersweet Sanctuary will be picked up in future books, along with a threshing out of other characters. But there are so many questions that go unanswered in this book, I'm unsure if I can read the next book without re-reading this book again. But even if I do that, I probably will still be a bit lost. Because of that, I can't give this book a five star rating even though the descriptive exuberance of the writing deserves it. It's a solid four, though, and I can't wait to read more from this author.
September 5, 2017
Much more than a romance novel, this book has a real thriller element, I would call it a romantic thriller
Terese is hiding a dark past, she has her badly scarred body to prove it. She needs to keep moving, changing her name and leading a solitary existence to protect, not only herself but those she comes into contact with. Complications arise when she takes a job at Alex’s ranch. Does the tug of the heart overpower the resolve of the mind? She has to remind herself she cannot, she must not act on her emotions. Despite her best efforts their mutual attraction threatens to derail her necessary reluctance to commit to any relationship.
I was totally immersed in this novel, I loved the author’s writing style, the frequent use of sayings I had nearly forgotten brought a smile to my face. Like ‘to hades in a handcart.’ It was a pleasure to read. I would rate it right at the top of the books I have read and reviewed in the past year.
September 5, 2017
Bittersweet is a story of redemption and growing out of self-imposed guilt, the story of Terese who has to heal and learn to trust again after an abusive relationship. Survivor guilt involved because an innocent was killed while under her care.
It is contemporary romance and the love of horses brings Alex and Terese together. There’s much tension between the two and it takes a while for Terese to open up – translation: after she took pain medications after getting attacked by a horse. It was only after a visit by someone from her past, Margo, that we start to catch a true glimpse of who Terese was, where she acquired her fighting skills.
What I love best about this book is the sassy inner dialogue
“Are you okay, ma’am?”
“Yes, sir.” Just missing my marbles. Find any on the way down?
She shied away from the moment in the barn when she touched his lips with her fingers. That doesn’t count. Though she didn’t know why it didn’t. Because I said so! Well, that’s clear as mud. He started it! Getting more mature as we go.
hopeful.
Heh. That word needs striking from the English dictionary. Hope was a virus. Its insidious effects reared its ugly head at the most inopportune times. Hope made you think there was a way out, a way past, or a way through to the happy-happy ending instead of scrapping a lost cause and changing course, moving on.
your sheer, grouchy stubbornness, they are perfect for me. I don’t need a perfect woman. I need a woman perfect for me.
And the banter between the two brothers Nick and Alex.
Now, you leave her alone, you ‘ol dumbass. She does twice the work of any other groom and has a good head to her. Don’t be screwing that up or it’s coming out of your paycheck!
As brothers, they have each other’s back.
The dialogue is natural and whips back and forth nicely, even making me smile at times. I can hear the characters speak in my head.
The details about horses are vivid. No doubt the author has sound knowledge of ranches and horses. For those who are not too familiar with the technicalities like me, she has a helpful glossary at the end.
The only shortcoming is I am not really sure where the chapters about Malice fit in the story. I was expecting him to turn up at the ranch in the end and threaten Terese. A similar contemporary romance that flows along the same plot line is Sparks’ ‘Safe Haven’ who has done exactly that. I guess that's where the said expectation flows from. But the story is about Terese and her learning to trust Alex with the most precious thing in her life in the end.
Well written prose -it flows so smoothly and has a good balance of description and dialogue.Steamy romance for adults. I would have liked to know more about the murder and who ‘they’ were –who plotted the assassination?!- and how Malice fits into it. I’m thinking book 2 will tell all about it! And who doesn’t love ‘I need a Hero’ by Bonnie Tyler? Such a fitting song….
Thank you for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
It is contemporary romance and the love of horses brings Alex and Terese together. There’s much tension between the two and it takes a while for Terese to open up – translation: after she took pain medications after getting attacked by a horse. It was only after a visit by someone from her past, Margo, that we start to catch a true glimpse of who Terese was, where she acquired her fighting skills.
What I love best about this book is the sassy inner dialogue
“Are you okay, ma’am?”
“Yes, sir.” Just missing my marbles. Find any on the way down?
She shied away from the moment in the barn when she touched his lips with her fingers. That doesn’t count. Though she didn’t know why it didn’t. Because I said so! Well, that’s clear as mud. He started it! Getting more mature as we go.
hopeful.
Heh. That word needs striking from the English dictionary. Hope was a virus. Its insidious effects reared its ugly head at the most inopportune times. Hope made you think there was a way out, a way past, or a way through to the happy-happy ending instead of scrapping a lost cause and changing course, moving on.
your sheer, grouchy stubbornness, they are perfect for me. I don’t need a perfect woman. I need a woman perfect for me.
And the banter between the two brothers Nick and Alex.
Now, you leave her alone, you ‘ol dumbass. She does twice the work of any other groom and has a good head to her. Don’t be screwing that up or it’s coming out of your paycheck!
As brothers, they have each other’s back.
The dialogue is natural and whips back and forth nicely, even making me smile at times. I can hear the characters speak in my head.
The details about horses are vivid. No doubt the author has sound knowledge of ranches and horses. For those who are not too familiar with the technicalities like me, she has a helpful glossary at the end.
The only shortcoming is I am not really sure where the chapters about Malice fit in the story. I was expecting him to turn up at the ranch in the end and threaten Terese. A similar contemporary romance that flows along the same plot line is Sparks’ ‘Safe Haven’ who has done exactly that. I guess that's where the said expectation flows from. But the story is about Terese and her learning to trust Alex with the most precious thing in her life in the end.
Well written prose -it flows so smoothly and has a good balance of description and dialogue.Steamy romance for adults. I would have liked to know more about the murder and who ‘they’ were –who plotted the assassination?!- and how Malice fits into it. I’m thinking book 2 will tell all about it! And who doesn’t love ‘I need a Hero’ by Bonnie Tyler? Such a fitting song….
Thank you for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2017
Bittersweet: Sanctuary is the first of a three part novel that I would call a romantic suspense. It gives you steamy sexy and dramatic action. The main character, Terese, is a painfully distant from the world person as the mystery of a tortured past surrounds her. She devotes herself to her work and to her beautiful and ornery stallion Bestio. It is through a series of mishaps that she finally learns to love and finds her true self again. Her backstory was probably the most interesting part of the book for me, and made me want to read through to find out what exactly happened to her, and it's more than I expected.
The author's writing is unique and creative. "Though he allowed he'd be willing to show his worship of her sweet little figure in any varying degree she required. His lips twitched with concealed mirth. He still wanted that kiss. One way or another, he'd find some way to get past the holy brigade of self-effacing spiritual ghosts surrounding her." The horse imagery makes me miss owning horses. Their sleek and majestic movements along with their naughty but endearing behavior comes to life off the page.
The only bit of criticism I would like to give to help is I found the plot slowed down by over explanation by the characters which delayed the flow of the action. Also, there were a lot of clichés throughout.
Beautifully written and original, I definitely recommend this story and look forward to the author's next book.
The author's writing is unique and creative. "Though he allowed he'd be willing to show his worship of her sweet little figure in any varying degree she required. His lips twitched with concealed mirth. He still wanted that kiss. One way or another, he'd find some way to get past the holy brigade of self-effacing spiritual ghosts surrounding her." The horse imagery makes me miss owning horses. Their sleek and majestic movements along with their naughty but endearing behavior comes to life off the page.
The only bit of criticism I would like to give to help is I found the plot slowed down by over explanation by the characters which delayed the flow of the action. Also, there were a lot of clichés throughout.
Beautifully written and original, I definitely recommend this story and look forward to the author's next book.
September 16, 2017
Wow, this book really left me breathless. From the dramatic first scene, I was on the edge of my seat.
Most of this book focuses on Alex and Terese, and their blossoming relationship. Alex is the part-owner of a horse ranch and Terese works on the ranch. I am not really into horses (I actually find them kind of boring), but D'Lyte made me interested in the skillful way she described the goings on of the ranch. It's clear she knows her stuff when it comes to horses. I loved how complex Terese's character was and her initial resistance to Alex's charms. But what I really loved was the romance between Alex and Terese. I have to admit, I was in love with Alex myself! It got pretty steamy and I enjoyed every minute of it!
This story was just so well-told. I loved the language and the dialogue just leapt off the page. By the end, I was back at the edge of my seat again. An easy 5-star review!
Most of this book focuses on Alex and Terese, and their blossoming relationship. Alex is the part-owner of a horse ranch and Terese works on the ranch. I am not really into horses (I actually find them kind of boring), but D'Lyte made me interested in the skillful way she described the goings on of the ranch. It's clear she knows her stuff when it comes to horses. I loved how complex Terese's character was and her initial resistance to Alex's charms. But what I really loved was the romance between Alex and Terese. I have to admit, I was in love with Alex myself! It got pretty steamy and I enjoyed every minute of it!
This story was just so well-told. I loved the language and the dialogue just leapt off the page. By the end, I was back at the edge of my seat again. An easy 5-star review!
July 14, 2020
This author is great at keeping the secrets of our main character secret! Really makes you want to keep reading more and, though I had my guesses, I was surprised by where the story went. Characters are well fleshed-out and the story developed at a great pace. Read this one!
February 17, 2020
Tam D’Lyte’s strengths lay in her strong characterisation and clear passion for horses. If you love romance, horses and characters with dark mysterious pasts, this book’s for you. Tam does a great job of building the story world and creating a solid, three dimensional protagonist in Terese, to the point where I’d love to see a story or two about Terese’s black ops days. Her dark and secretive past almost steals the show.
The story itself focuses on Terese’s relationship with her boss, Alex, a genuine guy who clearly likes the chase. Despite her best efforts to put Alex off, Terese’s resolve not to get involved slowly wears down and… well, it’s a romance. Do the math.
It’s a little difficult to get into more detail without dropping spoilers, but as Terese’s backstory is revealed she finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into the appealing life Alex has to offer her. The only problem is, she’s a nomad by choice, and is afraid her past will catch up with her and put Alex and others in danger. As the tension builds and the two become drawn to each other, the threat of danger escalates.
The story itself focuses on Terese’s relationship with her boss, Alex, a genuine guy who clearly likes the chase. Despite her best efforts to put Alex off, Terese’s resolve not to get involved slowly wears down and… well, it’s a romance. Do the math.
It’s a little difficult to get into more detail without dropping spoilers, but as Terese’s backstory is revealed she finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into the appealing life Alex has to offer her. The only problem is, she’s a nomad by choice, and is afraid her past will catch up with her and put Alex and others in danger. As the tension builds and the two become drawn to each other, the threat of danger escalates.
March 1, 2021
3.5 stars, rounding up to 4
The prologue nearly put me off since it’s over the top with purple prose, but I’m glad I gave the story a chance.
I liked Terese and enjoyed the hints at her past, while I also got the impression she was hiding from something or someone. Bits were revealed throughout the story. I also liked the relationship between Alex and his brother, the owners of the ranch where Terese was working/hiding, who had the family Terese always wanted. Alex, on the other hand, was mostly annoying and seemed to have no goal other than pursuing Teresa.
While the pace dragged at times, overall it’s a good romance with Terese and Alex slowly finding each other. I wasn’t a fan of the ending. Although it has a Happy For Now, the “big bad” that drove the suspense in the story isn’t addressed at all. Apparently that’s in book 2?
Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book by the author. I am providing an honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind. All opinions are my own. YMMV
The prologue nearly put me off since it’s over the top with purple prose, but I’m glad I gave the story a chance.
I liked Terese and enjoyed the hints at her past, while I also got the impression she was hiding from something or someone. Bits were revealed throughout the story. I also liked the relationship between Alex and his brother, the owners of the ranch where Terese was working/hiding, who had the family Terese always wanted. Alex, on the other hand, was mostly annoying and seemed to have no goal other than pursuing Teresa.
While the pace dragged at times, overall it’s a good romance with Terese and Alex slowly finding each other. I wasn’t a fan of the ending. Although it has a Happy For Now, the “big bad” that drove the suspense in the story isn’t addressed at all. Apparently that’s in book 2?
Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book by the author. I am providing an honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind. All opinions are my own. YMMV
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