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Embrace #1
Dangerous Embrace
Winner! Best Mystery/Suspense from the eFestival of Words Independent Book Awards!
Sometimes Love is Worth the Risk
Sarah Jennings knows fear. After escaping an abusive relationship eight years ago, Sarah finally has the quiet life she’s always wanted, and she’s less fearful than she’s ever been. Until a random act of brutal violence reminds her that safe is only an illusion.
Mark Summers’ plan was always to marry his high school sweetheart and have a large family with her. He never doubted this plan until he finds his wife in the arms of another man. Left heartbroken, he devotes himself to running his security business and following his passion for protecting the vulnerable.
And Sarah Jennings is as vulnerable as they come.
Scared and wanting to run again, Sarah can’t deny there’s something extraordinary about this handsome stranger dead set on protecting her. Mark will stop at nothing to keep her safe from the madman out to get her, but as love becomes a distraction, he realizes he might be in over his head.
Just as things start to settle down and Sarah feels safe again, her past comes back and threatens her happily ever after. Mark will have to rewrite the rules if he wants to save the woman he loves and secure their future together.
Sometimes Love is Worth the Risk
Sarah Jennings knows fear. After escaping an abusive relationship eight years ago, Sarah finally has the quiet life she’s always wanted, and she’s less fearful than she’s ever been. Until a random act of brutal violence reminds her that safe is only an illusion.
Mark Summers’ plan was always to marry his high school sweetheart and have a large family with her. He never doubted this plan until he finds his wife in the arms of another man. Left heartbroken, he devotes himself to running his security business and following his passion for protecting the vulnerable.
And Sarah Jennings is as vulnerable as they come.
Scared and wanting to run again, Sarah can’t deny there’s something extraordinary about this handsome stranger dead set on protecting her. Mark will stop at nothing to keep her safe from the madman out to get her, but as love becomes a distraction, he realizes he might be in over his head.
Just as things start to settle down and Sarah feels safe again, her past comes back and threatens her happily ever after. Mark will have to rewrite the rules if he wants to save the woman he loves and secure their future together.
422 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2012
45 people are currently reading
1131 people want to read
About the author
Dana Mason
12 books776 followersDana Mason started writing about fifteen years ago after being overwhelmed by a story that wouldn’t let her sleep until she wrote it down. The story, Dangerous Embrace, was published in 2012 and won Best Mystery/Suspense from eFestival of Words Best of Independent eBook Awards in 2014. Dangerous Embrace is the first book in her Embrace Series. The second book in the series, Precious Embrace, was Runner-Up for Best Hero from eFestival of Words Best of Independent eBook Awards that same year. Her third book, Broken Embrace, was awarded Best Indie Book in 2015 in the Romance Category.
Dana loves turning your worst nightmares into happy endings. She lives in Northern California with her husband, children, and her writing companion and mighty protector, Mia the Chihuahua.
Dana loves turning your worst nightmares into happy endings. She lives in Northern California with her husband, children, and her writing companion and mighty protector, Mia the Chihuahua.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
February 9, 2013
Oh my goodness. That was pretty intense. This no-holds-barred romantic thriller really takes you on a rollercoaster of a journey.
Argh, I feel drained. It was so so good!!
Dangerous Embrace is fast paced from the get go, throwing you right into a chilling assault scene in the very first pages. So I knew from the beginning I was in for quite a ride, and I wasn't wrong.
This is a story about a woman who has experienced more trauma than anyone can every imagine... the book deals with domestic violence, rape, miscarriage, assault, murder, stalking... the list is long and horrific.
"You can't understand what it's like to have the choice taken away, a man forcing himself on you. Not caring if you want or don't want... and that powerlessness. Not being strong enough to stop - not having any control. It's something that never goes away."
The author write boldly about some very dark topics and the result is a bloodcurdling but gripping book! At 95% I thought my heart was going leap out of my chest, it was pounding so fast!
Our heroine, Sarah, is broken, terrified and living a poor excuse of a life. She's sworn of men, love and any notion of having a family and she trusts nobody, building walls around herself that are impossible to penetrate.
"I handed him my heart, soul, and spirit on a silver platter and he crushed them into a million pieces."
Enter Mark... our hero. And what a hero he is. If you like them over protective, a little bit controlling and so totally alpha male, you'll love Mark! *swoons* He bulldozes his way into Sarah's life and takes her problems onto his own shoulders...
"You should be able to have everything you want... you should be a mommy and a wife and you shouldn't have to live with your life being threatened at every turn."
And what happens in the meantime. Well of course, they fall in love. *big happy smiley face* Aww, he's just so adorable with her. I defy any reader not to fall in love with him.
"I promise to always be here when you wake up."
The only thing I would have changed... I would have loved an epilogue.
So with a whole heap of action, some seriously brutal scenes of violence, a hulking ex-police-officer, security professional, gorgeously hot hero and a beautiful love story, this is bound to be a hit. It kind of reminds me of a Kristen Ashley book, without the comedy. I highly recommend Dangerous Embrace!
"I love you Mark. You gave me my life back."
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April 21, 2015
4 Emotionally-packed stars
Captivating,from its beginning to the end.
Captivating,from its beginning to the end.
November 1, 2012
Dangerous Embrace is the perfect kind of romantic thriller. There was plenty of suspense, but the evolving relationship between Sarah and Mark is what really made me love this story. Sarah is scarred and trusting in someone is incredibly difficult for her, and I loved watching Mark earn that trust and seeing both Sarah and Mark find the happiness they deserved.
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February 11, 2013
**4 1/2 Stars**
WOW! This was definitely a thrilling read! It began with pulse-pounding action and kept my adrenalin spiking all the way through! It has it's tender moments as well, but man! I thought at times my heart was going to stop or pound its way out of my chest.
Sarah Jennings is a first grade teacher living a quiet, if lonely, life. The night she is brutally attacked and almost raped while walking to her car one evening after work changes all that. She manages to fend off her attacker and she runs straight into Mark Summors...literally.
Mark Summors is an ex-cop who now owns his own security company. He is just picking up his mom from work in advance of sharing his birthday with dinner with his parents. The last thing he is expecting as a gift is to spend the evening at the ER with a beautiful woman who is lucky to have avoided more serious injury.
These two certainly do not meet under the most auspicious of circumstances. Sarah is suffering from the trauma of her attack and Mark refuses to leave her vulnerable. The danger that Sarah is facing and the feelings she starts having towards Mark only increase her desire to run. Sarah is carrying around huge amounts of baggage or "dark waters" as she refers to it. That Mark wants to help her and protect her forces her to face her vulnerability, which makes her uncomfortable. She hasn't allowed anyone to get close for years and she repeatedly tries to push Mark away. But he won't give up. Mark can't explain why he feels such a connection to Sarah or his almost primal need to protect her, but there it is. And it almost breaks him that Sarah can't let him in. However, he won't stop trying until he knows she's safe and he's convinced her they have a future.
I was taken with Mark and Sarah as characters. They're both survivors in their own ways and I was happy to see them survive the odds that were stacked against their relationship. I felt Ms. Mason did a wonderful job in exposing the reasons both Mark and Sarah started out where they do and then showing us their evolution to where they ended up. The supporting characters were also well developed. The relationship between Sarah and her brother, Devon, added to our understanding of Sarah. Mark's ex-wife, Ali, was also a strong figure in the story. And I'm hoping to see her story expanded -- especially if it involves one Johnny Rhay Bennet! :) Mark's friend Brian, who was the lead investigator on Sarah's case, is a straight-talking cop. He never has any qualms telling Sarah or Mark exactly what he thinks.
As I said, this book is full of spine-tingling suspense...a book I wanted to stay up into the wee hours reading so I could find out what happens next. Also, I look forward seeing a few of the side characters get their own stories told. All in all, this was an excellent read! I will be reading future books in this series. :)
WOW! This was definitely a thrilling read! It began with pulse-pounding action and kept my adrenalin spiking all the way through! It has it's tender moments as well, but man! I thought at times my heart was going to stop or pound its way out of my chest.
Sarah Jennings is a first grade teacher living a quiet, if lonely, life. The night she is brutally attacked and almost raped while walking to her car one evening after work changes all that. She manages to fend off her attacker and she runs straight into Mark Summors...literally.
Mark Summors is an ex-cop who now owns his own security company. He is just picking up his mom from work in advance of sharing his birthday with dinner with his parents. The last thing he is expecting as a gift is to spend the evening at the ER with a beautiful woman who is lucky to have avoided more serious injury.
These two certainly do not meet under the most auspicious of circumstances. Sarah is suffering from the trauma of her attack and Mark refuses to leave her vulnerable. The danger that Sarah is facing and the feelings she starts having towards Mark only increase her desire to run. Sarah is carrying around huge amounts of baggage or "dark waters" as she refers to it. That Mark wants to help her and protect her forces her to face her vulnerability, which makes her uncomfortable. She hasn't allowed anyone to get close for years and she repeatedly tries to push Mark away. But he won't give up. Mark can't explain why he feels such a connection to Sarah or his almost primal need to protect her, but there it is. And it almost breaks him that Sarah can't let him in. However, he won't stop trying until he knows she's safe and he's convinced her they have a future.
I was taken with Mark and Sarah as characters. They're both survivors in their own ways and I was happy to see them survive the odds that were stacked against their relationship. I felt Ms. Mason did a wonderful job in exposing the reasons both Mark and Sarah started out where they do and then showing us their evolution to where they ended up. The supporting characters were also well developed. The relationship between Sarah and her brother, Devon, added to our understanding of Sarah. Mark's ex-wife, Ali, was also a strong figure in the story. And I'm hoping to see her story expanded -- especially if it involves one Johnny Rhay Bennet! :) Mark's friend Brian, who was the lead investigator on Sarah's case, is a straight-talking cop. He never has any qualms telling Sarah or Mark exactly what he thinks.
As I said, this book is full of spine-tingling suspense...a book I wanted to stay up into the wee hours reading so I could find out what happens next. Also, I look forward seeing a few of the side characters get their own stories told. All in all, this was an excellent read! I will be reading future books in this series. :)
October 12, 2012
Dangerous Embrace by Dana Mason
Dana Mason is what I would say is one fantastic author, her writing is superb and this novel has everything a great story needs to captivate the readers. Dangerous Embrace is full of suspense that keeps you turning page after page. The plot and characters are very well written, story flows extremely well and its one of those books you don’t want to put down. Dana’s writing invokes some strong feelings inside of you when reading the traumatic events that occur all I can say is that this is some fantastic writing.
We meet Sarah Jennings just as she is being attacked and fighting for her life while trying to escape her attacker. But this is only the beginning of the story; she is being stalked, receiving phone calls, warnings in the mail, and she is scared she may never feel safe again. Maybe it would be easier if she just ran? Old memories, flashbacks occur as this is not the first time Sarah has been hurt, we learn about Sarah’s horrid past and hope she can overcome some of her issues and stay strong.
Mark Summors, who has just bumped into Sarah while she is escaping her attacker, stays by her side. Mark owns a security company and will do whatever he can to keep Sarah safe. As Mark and Sarah begin to spend time together you find out more about both their lives and you end up pulling for the two of them. But this isn’t easy for Sarah; she knows she may never trust a man again and Mark is very protective and Sarah worries he may be a bit controlling. Can they get past all Sarah’s issues and Mark’s fierce need to protect her? And can romance blossom around all these dark events?
Dangerous Embrace is one of the better books I’ve read lately, it is one of those books that kept me turning page after page waiting to see what was going to happen next. There are dark events that occur in this story, but at the same time there is a budding romance that is happening in the midst of all this and you can only hope that Sarah and Mark can find their way to each other.
I have given Dangerous Embrace and Dana Mason writing a 5 star rating, I would recommend anyone who reads this review to go out and purchase a copy of Dangerous Embrace.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*
Dana Mason is what I would say is one fantastic author, her writing is superb and this novel has everything a great story needs to captivate the readers. Dangerous Embrace is full of suspense that keeps you turning page after page. The plot and characters are very well written, story flows extremely well and its one of those books you don’t want to put down. Dana’s writing invokes some strong feelings inside of you when reading the traumatic events that occur all I can say is that this is some fantastic writing.
We meet Sarah Jennings just as she is being attacked and fighting for her life while trying to escape her attacker. But this is only the beginning of the story; she is being stalked, receiving phone calls, warnings in the mail, and she is scared she may never feel safe again. Maybe it would be easier if she just ran? Old memories, flashbacks occur as this is not the first time Sarah has been hurt, we learn about Sarah’s horrid past and hope she can overcome some of her issues and stay strong.
Mark Summors, who has just bumped into Sarah while she is escaping her attacker, stays by her side. Mark owns a security company and will do whatever he can to keep Sarah safe. As Mark and Sarah begin to spend time together you find out more about both their lives and you end up pulling for the two of them. But this isn’t easy for Sarah; she knows she may never trust a man again and Mark is very protective and Sarah worries he may be a bit controlling. Can they get past all Sarah’s issues and Mark’s fierce need to protect her? And can romance blossom around all these dark events?
Dangerous Embrace is one of the better books I’ve read lately, it is one of those books that kept me turning page after page waiting to see what was going to happen next. There are dark events that occur in this story, but at the same time there is a budding romance that is happening in the midst of all this and you can only hope that Sarah and Mark can find their way to each other.
I have given Dangerous Embrace and Dana Mason writing a 5 star rating, I would recommend anyone who reads this review to go out and purchase a copy of Dangerous Embrace.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*
October 12, 2012
As an avid reader of romantic suspense I can say with certainty Dana Mason and her breakout novel Dangerous Embrace are winners! The opening page grabbed me and took me on a journey into Sarah's soul; twisted and destroyed and now dependent on one man, Mark, to protect her. What I loved about the story was the realness of the characters. There is no question that neither are perfect and Ms. Mason did an amazing job in letting us see their strengths THROUGH their weaknesses. The twists in the plot were just enough that you had to turn the page just one more time to see if you were right. Ms. Mason kept the suspense tightly controlled until the very end leaving you breathless and smiling. Dana Mason is an author to watch and I will certainly be back for the second book in her Embrace series. Kudo's Ms. Mason on a well written, captivating story written from the heart about the soul.
October 12, 2012
This is a fast-paced book that starts off with a gripping first chapter. The writing is clean and elegant and Mason manages to keep the sense of terror going right up almost to the very last page. The two main characters have crazy chemistry. This book deals with extremely difficult themes--although very, very tastefully--like domestic violence and sexual assault. What I like about her female protagonist is that she is not a weak woman who needs a knight in shining armor. She is self-sufficient and strong while being appropriately cautious and affected by her past experiences. The male protagonist merely complements her and he is interesting in his own right. You'll be rooting like hell for these two through the whole book.
July 22, 2019
5 Stars
This is book is the first book in the Embrace series by Dana Mason.
Since I was on a roll with such a positive experience with the previous two Dana Mason books, I had to dig into the Embrace series. I am definitely going to regret reading this series so quickly. This is a series you want to savor. It is so good. You get all the feels and you can’t look away even for a minute.
Sarah experiences a near rape when she is attacked outside the grade school where she teaches. While she is escaping she runs straight into Mark Summors, resident security expert and ex-cop. This book is so intense that you may have to put it down to catch your breath. Sarah is suffering and terrified and Mark refuses to leave her. She is as scared as a cat and wants to run away from it all which is how she deals with things like this. This is something that has happened to her in the past and she begins to question everything. Mark tests her at every turn. He wants to protect her and make her face her demons.
Like I said, this is a high-stakes story. The drama starts out like a mild fog and then grows to blackout conditions. You will not come away from this unaffected. This book speaks to your heart and makes you realize that you need to fight for your dreams and the love of your life.
Highly recommended.
This is book is the first book in the Embrace series by Dana Mason.
Since I was on a roll with such a positive experience with the previous two Dana Mason books, I had to dig into the Embrace series. I am definitely going to regret reading this series so quickly. This is a series you want to savor. It is so good. You get all the feels and you can’t look away even for a minute.
Sarah experiences a near rape when she is attacked outside the grade school where she teaches. While she is escaping she runs straight into Mark Summors, resident security expert and ex-cop. This book is so intense that you may have to put it down to catch your breath. Sarah is suffering and terrified and Mark refuses to leave her. She is as scared as a cat and wants to run away from it all which is how she deals with things like this. This is something that has happened to her in the past and she begins to question everything. Mark tests her at every turn. He wants to protect her and make her face her demons.
Like I said, this is a high-stakes story. The drama starts out like a mild fog and then grows to blackout conditions. You will not come away from this unaffected. This book speaks to your heart and makes you realize that you need to fight for your dreams and the love of your life.
Highly recommended.
August 23, 2019
I enjoyed parts of this book. The story seemed a little stretched. How much bad luck does one person have. Not sure that having all that happen to someone is that believable. Most of the characters were fine. I didn't like Sarah. She just annoyed me too much. One minute shes so tough and stubborn the next she's running away. She wouldn't listen to anyone and yet wouldn't tell them the whole story so she couldn't get proper protection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2013
I made a mistake the day I picked up this book. It was the day before my own debut’s launch, and life got pretty hectic after that. Everything else got shoved to the side, including this book. Wow, was that ever a mistake. If I’d only known what I was missing, I would’ve scrambled to finish this book.
Once I dug into Dangerous Embrace, discovered the characters, got entwined in their lives and the intrigue of the story, I was a goner. You know that feeling you have when you’re snagged by a good story, and all you can think about is getting back to it? Yeah, that’s what Dangerous Embrace did for me. And let me tell ya, that’s rare for me. I put a lot of books down and never return to them. But not this one.
Author Dana Mason does a great job of immediately pulling the reader into the maelstrom. Her protagonist, pretty thirty-year-old elementary school teacher, Sarah Jennings, is viciously attacked one evening in her school’s parking lot. She fights back against her would-be rapist and is saved by a man who seems just too good to be true, former cop and security company owner, Mark Summors. And not only does Mark save her, he refuses to leave her side, fearful she’s now a target for the madman who’s become obsessed with the one who got away.
Complicating the situation, Sarah has a past that continues to haunt her, and all she wants to do is run away. It’s her go-to answer to everything and has always worked in the past, but Mark makes that more and more difficult everyday as they grow closer and she comes to depend on him. And may I say, Mark is seriously dreamy? Oh yes, he is! If only there were men like this! And yet, Mason makes him totally believable.
Dangerous Embrace is the perfect blend of suspense and romance, so if you like either one, you’re in for a treat. The writing is crisp and direct, the plot solid with a few surprises that’ll knock your socks off, and the pacing is perfect, never letting you go for one second. You’ll like the characters, too. They’re terrifically matched, and I loved they way they never faltered into the clichéd situations so many other books fall victim to. That was more refreshing than I can say!
Overall, this book is not for the faint of heart. It deals with and throws the reader into some pretty dark, horrific, and violent scenarios. But it all feels very real and is brilliantly pulled off by the author. I’ve already downloaded Mason’s follow-up, Precious Embrace, and look forward to reading it. That alone should tell you something.
Once I dug into Dangerous Embrace, discovered the characters, got entwined in their lives and the intrigue of the story, I was a goner. You know that feeling you have when you’re snagged by a good story, and all you can think about is getting back to it? Yeah, that’s what Dangerous Embrace did for me. And let me tell ya, that’s rare for me. I put a lot of books down and never return to them. But not this one.
Author Dana Mason does a great job of immediately pulling the reader into the maelstrom. Her protagonist, pretty thirty-year-old elementary school teacher, Sarah Jennings, is viciously attacked one evening in her school’s parking lot. She fights back against her would-be rapist and is saved by a man who seems just too good to be true, former cop and security company owner, Mark Summors. And not only does Mark save her, he refuses to leave her side, fearful she’s now a target for the madman who’s become obsessed with the one who got away.
Complicating the situation, Sarah has a past that continues to haunt her, and all she wants to do is run away. It’s her go-to answer to everything and has always worked in the past, but Mark makes that more and more difficult everyday as they grow closer and she comes to depend on him. And may I say, Mark is seriously dreamy? Oh yes, he is! If only there were men like this! And yet, Mason makes him totally believable.
Dangerous Embrace is the perfect blend of suspense and romance, so if you like either one, you’re in for a treat. The writing is crisp and direct, the plot solid with a few surprises that’ll knock your socks off, and the pacing is perfect, never letting you go for one second. You’ll like the characters, too. They’re terrifically matched, and I loved they way they never faltered into the clichéd situations so many other books fall victim to. That was more refreshing than I can say!
Overall, this book is not for the faint of heart. It deals with and throws the reader into some pretty dark, horrific, and violent scenarios. But it all feels very real and is brilliantly pulled off by the author. I’ve already downloaded Mason’s follow-up, Precious Embrace, and look forward to reading it. That alone should tell you something.
October 31, 2012
Let me begin with this, I have read some really amazing reads this month and Dangerous Embrace was no exception. What a love story! What a suspenseful thriller! What a surprise this one turned out to be! About the time I really got hooked, I found myself losing a good night's sleep. Yes it was an all nighter. But I think it was worth the 5 star rating I assessed. Have you ever felt that life just kept knocking you down? Well, that is what Sarah Jennings life had been like. Her home life was less than stellar as her mother had 3 kids by different fathers and kept them on the road as she traveled here there and yon, basically running away from unpleasant encounters with men in a variety of towns across the nation. At the age of seventeen Sarah was dating and then living with an abusive man older than she and she stayed because he had become her family. She wanted to be loved and part of a real family and even though he was abusive, physically, emotionally and sexually, She tried to stay because he was more home than her mother had been. Sarah was a really strong character, but she was filled with self loathing due to Kevin's constant reinforcementof his negative remarks about her. Now after eight years of running away from him and establishing a new life in Santa Rosa, she finds herself once again victimized as she narrowly escapes an attempted rape outside of the elementary school where she taught.
The characters were believable and strong and the reader is totally involved in Sarah's growth to a healthier self esteem with the assistance of Mark Summors' love for her. The two villains in the story were characters so terrifying that this reader certainly held her breath in more than part of the story. The first few chapters were kind of slow to get my attention, but I was hooked, line and sinker, once the pace picked up and I became one with the characters.
And the subjects of domestic abuse and rape by a stranger are certainly topics that are relevant to today's American Culture. I certainly cheered for the heroes in this fast and absorbing read. I will be more than willing to read and review anything Dana Mason has to off from here on out. Thank you Ms Mason! I loved it!
The characters were believable and strong and the reader is totally involved in Sarah's growth to a healthier self esteem with the assistance of Mark Summors' love for her. The two villains in the story were characters so terrifying that this reader certainly held her breath in more than part of the story. The first few chapters were kind of slow to get my attention, but I was hooked, line and sinker, once the pace picked up and I became one with the characters.
And the subjects of domestic abuse and rape by a stranger are certainly topics that are relevant to today's American Culture. I certainly cheered for the heroes in this fast and absorbing read. I will be more than willing to read and review anything Dana Mason has to off from here on out. Thank you Ms Mason! I loved it!
May 3, 2018
This book starts off with pulse pounding action, and keeps the momentum going through til the end. With an intriguing story, and strong characters, this is a story well worth reading. There is something for everyone from mystery, suspense, and romance. This is a series I look forward to reading more of.
November 6, 2012
Dangerous Embrace is so much more than a romantic suspense story. It’s a story about strength, courage and overcoming one’s fears and being able to trust again and move forward.
Years ago, Sarah Jennings was a victim of an abusive relationship that left her fleeing her home to rebuild her life and start somewhere new. In the first chapter, Sarah is attacked after leaving work, but she is able to defend herself now, and fights off the attacker. During her escape, she runs into a man, Mark, who in turn takes to becoming her personal bodyguard.
I really liked Sarah. I can’t imagine being a victim of abuse and rape, but I appreciated the strength that Sarah showed. I found her conflicting emotions for Mark to be real, as it can’t be easy to get involved in a relationship after enduring the attacks she went through.
As for Mark, I know some would love the kind of attention he gave Sarah, but I found him to be too overbearing. From the moment Sarah ran into him, he became her shadow. As much as I would love to have a man at my beck and call, I found him to be too overprotective, and it drove me a bit nuts. She couldn’t even go to the bathroom without him waiting outside her door. But, overall, the romance that finally transpired between the two was sweet, and I was happy with the outcome.
I enjoyed this story. I really liked Sarah’s strength and courage, and Mark’s devotion and patience to her was heartwarming. The terror of waiting to see what would happen with her attacker kept me on the edge of my seat. I did find the first half of the book to be a bit slow and repetitive, but it picked up quite nicely towards the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense, but the terror of the attacks could be an issue to anyone who may have experienced abuse in their lives.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review, and all opinions are my own
Years ago, Sarah Jennings was a victim of an abusive relationship that left her fleeing her home to rebuild her life and start somewhere new. In the first chapter, Sarah is attacked after leaving work, but she is able to defend herself now, and fights off the attacker. During her escape, she runs into a man, Mark, who in turn takes to becoming her personal bodyguard.
I really liked Sarah. I can’t imagine being a victim of abuse and rape, but I appreciated the strength that Sarah showed. I found her conflicting emotions for Mark to be real, as it can’t be easy to get involved in a relationship after enduring the attacks she went through.
As for Mark, I know some would love the kind of attention he gave Sarah, but I found him to be too overbearing. From the moment Sarah ran into him, he became her shadow. As much as I would love to have a man at my beck and call, I found him to be too overprotective, and it drove me a bit nuts. She couldn’t even go to the bathroom without him waiting outside her door. But, overall, the romance that finally transpired between the two was sweet, and I was happy with the outcome.
I enjoyed this story. I really liked Sarah’s strength and courage, and Mark’s devotion and patience to her was heartwarming. The terror of waiting to see what would happen with her attacker kept me on the edge of my seat. I did find the first half of the book to be a bit slow and repetitive, but it picked up quite nicely towards the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense, but the terror of the attacks could be an issue to anyone who may have experienced abuse in their lives.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review, and all opinions are my own
November 4, 2012
First of all, let me give you a warning concerning this book. The profanity if pretty hardcore at times, and I will admit that did bother me. In fact, I think the author could have left it out. Some of the sex/bedroom scenes are a little graphic, but some of them are absolutely necessary in light of the book. But let me tell you that these two issues do not deter me from giving this book a five star rating. Want to know why? Be sure to read on!
I was absolutely drawn into the store from the very beginning of this book. It certainly helped that Sarah is a teacher--I am one, too. And she is a woman who has been physically, emotionally, and mentally abused. I can identify to a small degree. I never experienced what she did, but the potential was there. And when I read stories like this, I am reminded of what I escaped.
This story was extremely well-written, and she added elements of romance, mystery, and more into this book. I tend to think Mark is too good to be true, but then again, I guess guys like that do exist. I wish I could find one! I never felt this was sappy, but I would have appreciated more humor to break up the tension. The book is very heavy, and I was reminded that all of us have worth--even if people do not want to give you honor and respect. Don't accept anything less from your relationships with others.
I was spurred on to read this book because I had to know what happened next and whether they caught the criminal. The chapters were short and always left you wanting to go to the next chapter. This a great read for adult women who want to read high action books with a touch of tender romance.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
I was absolutely drawn into the store from the very beginning of this book. It certainly helped that Sarah is a teacher--I am one, too. And she is a woman who has been physically, emotionally, and mentally abused. I can identify to a small degree. I never experienced what she did, but the potential was there. And when I read stories like this, I am reminded of what I escaped.
This story was extremely well-written, and she added elements of romance, mystery, and more into this book. I tend to think Mark is too good to be true, but then again, I guess guys like that do exist. I wish I could find one! I never felt this was sappy, but I would have appreciated more humor to break up the tension. The book is very heavy, and I was reminded that all of us have worth--even if people do not want to give you honor and respect. Don't accept anything less from your relationships with others.
I was spurred on to read this book because I had to know what happened next and whether they caught the criminal. The chapters were short and always left you wanting to go to the next chapter. This a great read for adult women who want to read high action books with a touch of tender romance.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
June 12, 2014
rating: 4 stars
Title: Dangerous Embrace
Series: Embrace book 1
Author: Dana Mason
Genre: Romantic suspense, Thriller
Heat: 3 stars
Source: ARC provided by Book Plug Promotions in exchange of an honest review
Sarah only wants peace, but trouble seems to find her anywhere. She has chosen a lonely life in her way of surviving, but Mark Summors is set to change her ways. Will she survive her fears? Can she build a new life?
Mark is the best type of character. Who doesn’t a want a Mark for themselves? He is a great ex, a great father, a great friend and even greater boyfriend. Sarah has issues, but who doesn’t? Hers are deep, but it doesn’t change the fact that she is a kickass heroine. Ms. Mason has created characters that are easy to connect, relate and love.
This book is very well written, with a fast-paced plot that grabs the reader from the go and doesn’t let down until the very end. There is always something happening, and the intensity is very high. There are several twists on the book that are very well crafted and add to the suspense of this thriller. This is a very believable plot that could happen anywhere.
This is my first book from Ms. Mason, but it won’t be the last. I’m really looking forward to read this series and to follow the author in her other book journeys.
Title: Dangerous Embrace
Series: Embrace book 1
Author: Dana Mason
Genre: Romantic suspense, Thriller
Heat: 3 stars
Source: ARC provided by Book Plug Promotions in exchange of an honest review
Sarah only wants peace, but trouble seems to find her anywhere. She has chosen a lonely life in her way of surviving, but Mark Summors is set to change her ways. Will she survive her fears? Can she build a new life?
Mark is the best type of character. Who doesn’t a want a Mark for themselves? He is a great ex, a great father, a great friend and even greater boyfriend. Sarah has issues, but who doesn’t? Hers are deep, but it doesn’t change the fact that she is a kickass heroine. Ms. Mason has created characters that are easy to connect, relate and love.
This book is very well written, with a fast-paced plot that grabs the reader from the go and doesn’t let down until the very end. There is always something happening, and the intensity is very high. There are several twists on the book that are very well crafted and add to the suspense of this thriller. This is a very believable plot that could happen anywhere.
This is my first book from Ms. Mason, but it won’t be the last. I’m really looking forward to read this series and to follow the author in her other book journeys.
“I handed him my heart, soul, and spirit on a silver platter and he crushed them into a million pieces.”
January 30, 2013
"I couldn't put this book down. It took me a day to read it, but I was skipping lunch at work and going directly to my chaise to read. It was very interesting and full of action, twists, and turns. Sarah Jennings fights off an attacker and while fleeing runs into Mark Summors. He takes her to the hospital and remains by her side through her recovery. Sarah has been the victim of domestic violence and is very guarded. They enter into a relationship with him as her protector and later as a very patient boyfriend earning her trust and helping her to be able to engage in sexual relations without going into a panic. They work through her issues, the attacks from the stalker, and an attempt by her abusive ex-boyfriend to kidnap her.
I enjoyed reading this book. There were a few times that I became frustrated with Sarah because she was so irrational. After the initial attack Mark installs a security system in her home while she is out of it for two days and when she awakens she attacks him because he didn't ask her. There were not a lot of sex scenes because Sarah would halt Mark's progress because she felt threatened (the result of a former rape). However the behavior was not out of context with the trauma she suffered so I chalk that up to my personality. I kept wondering when will Mark have enough. He has the patience of Job in this book which gives it a slightly unrealistic element. However anyone in Sarah's situation would wish for a sensitive, sympathetic, patient, virtuous man like Mark.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books.
I enjoyed reading this book. There were a few times that I became frustrated with Sarah because she was so irrational. After the initial attack Mark installs a security system in her home while she is out of it for two days and when she awakens she attacks him because he didn't ask her. There were not a lot of sex scenes because Sarah would halt Mark's progress because she felt threatened (the result of a former rape). However the behavior was not out of context with the trauma she suffered so I chalk that up to my personality. I kept wondering when will Mark have enough. He has the patience of Job in this book which gives it a slightly unrealistic element. However anyone in Sarah's situation would wish for a sensitive, sympathetic, patient, virtuous man like Mark.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books.
November 6, 2012
This was a captivating book. Sarah's life is a living nightmare at the moment and she has decided to flee from the person stalking her. Mark is determined to protect Sarah and keep her safe no matter what. Sarah has issues from her past that make it hard and maybe impossible to trust a man, no matter how good his intentions. Mark has his own past but both of them have to look beyond their issues if Sarah is going to survive.
The author does a great job with her characters. They are believable and not perfect...they have their issues to work through that are legitimate. You feel Sarah's terror and lingering fear as she is feeling them, and you also feel Mark's determination to keep her safe. The suspense is well written and the romance believable and not over the top. It is well suited for the circumstances the characters are in. Overall, great book.
I rate this a 5/5. Good suspense and I look forward to another good book from this author.
Thank you to Reading Addiction Blog Tours for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
The author does a great job with her characters. They are believable and not perfect...they have their issues to work through that are legitimate. You feel Sarah's terror and lingering fear as she is feeling them, and you also feel Mark's determination to keep her safe. The suspense is well written and the romance believable and not over the top. It is well suited for the circumstances the characters are in. Overall, great book.
I rate this a 5/5. Good suspense and I look forward to another good book from this author.
Thank you to Reading Addiction Blog Tours for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
December 10, 2013
A great start to the "Embrace" series. I liked the two leads. Sarah is real fighter who's had to survive several major traumas in her life, and that's made her retreat into a shell that she thinks will keep her safe--both from the man who's obsessed with her and from any future entanglements that would jeopardize her carefully maintained isolation. Mark is an all-around good guy with a strong protective streak and a bruised heart from his prior marriage.
These two come together when Sarah is attacked after work one night. Mark helps her out afterward and becomes attached to her, even though she does her damnedest to push him away. I got frustrated with Sarah a few times because she kept running away from Mark, though I did eventually understand her fears to some degree.
The action sequences where Sarah and/or Mark are attacked were all among the highlights of the book--both terrifying and well-written.
At the end of the book, we meet Johnny Rhay (that's not a spelling error), the hero of Precious Embrace, and he looks like he's going to be a lot of fun.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
These two come together when Sarah is attacked after work one night. Mark helps her out afterward and becomes attached to her, even though she does her damnedest to push him away. I got frustrated with Sarah a few times because she kept running away from Mark, though I did eventually understand her fears to some degree.
The action sequences where Sarah and/or Mark are attacked were all among the highlights of the book--both terrifying and well-written.
At the end of the book, we meet Johnny Rhay (that's not a spelling error), the hero of Precious Embrace, and he looks like he's going to be a lot of fun.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
June 15, 2013
Spoiler free zone.
Wow. This was an intense read. It grabs hold of you and doesn't let go until the very end.
I don't even know how to describe Sarah's shit for life. For everything this poor women as been through she is strong, brave, amazing, and I could go on with her character qualities. She had quite the childhood with her mama (not sure she even deserves that title), a very abusive relationship with an ex (one crazy motherf@#$er), and a horrible attack that I couldn't even imagine for my self. The fact that she as not lost her mind is beyond me.
The night of her attack she meets Mark. OH My God. Seriously where has he been all my life. He gets right down to business being the white knight in this story. He does everything in his power to make her safe and make sure that they find her attacker. At first I'm not gonna lie. I thought he might be a little much, but as the story progressed I loved him.
This story is powerful. I am so glad Erica recommended me to read it. Everyone who needs a different kind of love story should read this book. You won't regret it.
Wow. This was an intense read. It grabs hold of you and doesn't let go until the very end.
I don't even know how to describe Sarah's shit for life. For everything this poor women as been through she is strong, brave, amazing, and I could go on with her character qualities. She had quite the childhood with her mama (not sure she even deserves that title), a very abusive relationship with an ex (one crazy motherf@#$er), and a horrible attack that I couldn't even imagine for my self. The fact that she as not lost her mind is beyond me.
The night of her attack she meets Mark. OH My God. Seriously where has he been all my life. He gets right down to business being the white knight in this story. He does everything in his power to make her safe and make sure that they find her attacker. At first I'm not gonna lie. I thought he might be a little much, but as the story progressed I loved him.
This story is powerful. I am so glad Erica recommended me to read it. Everyone who needs a different kind of love story should read this book. You won't regret it.
July 22, 2013
Dangerous Embrace is a fast-paced romantic suspense/thriller that pushes you over the emotional cliff, but, in a good way. Lately, I have been in a reading rut. Too books are mimicking plots and characters. I need a book with depth and a compelling story and this book had just that. I wanted to keep reading it even when it was late and needed sleep;-) I was rooting for Sarah and Mark like a mad woman. There were times when I wanted to throttled Sarah. I have already started reading, Dana Mason's second book in the series, Precious Embrace.
April 21, 2013
5 Stars!
Sarah is one strong woman who has been beaten while she's down many times, but has overcome every blow by picking herself up again and carrying on. But when her life starts falling apart Mark comes to her rescue and slowly starts chipping away at the hard shell she has built around herself. I really enjoyed this one!
Sarah is one strong woman who has been beaten while she's down many times, but has overcome every blow by picking herself up again and carrying on. But when her life starts falling apart Mark comes to her rescue and slowly starts chipping away at the hard shell she has built around herself. I really enjoyed this one!
April 25, 2015
3.5 I enjoyed this one, but Sara was frustrating and annoying. So stubborn that she just walks into trouble. This chick was giving me whiplash. I get that she endure a whole hell of a lot but damn.
April 21, 2018
This began with action and end with it, what a great read full of suspense that keeps your heart beating fast what a thrilling read I could not put down. It is a romance with suspense, action, and thrills but it is so much more the author gives you a wonderful story of strength, fears and overcoming them along with courage to stand up and be accounted for as well as starting over, learning how to trust and love again. It is about an abusive relationship, running for your life, learning to live again and start over.
As the story starts Sarah is being attacked, she gets away only to run Mark who becomes her hero and her bodyguard. Sarah show so much strength, being abused is never easy, getting out even harder. Sarah pulls into her enter self showing how strong she is, she truly became my hero. It is very easy to like her as you are pulled into her world. She has a long road ahead, I so enjoyed walking it with her as she takes back her life. Mark can be a little overprotective, some might think overbearing. I liked him a lot but if I had to deal with him I most likely would not care for him much. I do things for myself so having someone watch my every move, tell me what to do would be hard. That is not to say it is a bad thing some women need this, those who are abused really need it. There comes a time when you can break the chain of an abused victim or you can take over as the controller. It is a fine line but if the right person comes along they can build you up and make you stronger than you ever thought you could. So knowing this it wasn’t hard to really like Mark and all he stands for. We all need a shoulder and someone stronger than us at some point in our lives. He was so devoted to Sarah, with tons of patience, I thought he was a wonderful character.
I thought this was very well written, loved the plot and the way the author laid it out. I was in the authors palms from the first page to the last. It really was a book I couldn’t put down giving me a thrilling suspenseful read that I crave. I had no problem picturing the scenes in my mind watching the attack, feeling her fear and terror was not something I will forget anytime soon. This is a story that will stay with you long after you put the book down.
********************
As the story starts Sarah is being attacked, she gets away only to run Mark who becomes her hero and her bodyguard. Sarah show so much strength, being abused is never easy, getting out even harder. Sarah pulls into her enter self showing how strong she is, she truly became my hero. It is very easy to like her as you are pulled into her world. She has a long road ahead, I so enjoyed walking it with her as she takes back her life. Mark can be a little overprotective, some might think overbearing. I liked him a lot but if I had to deal with him I most likely would not care for him much. I do things for myself so having someone watch my every move, tell me what to do would be hard. That is not to say it is a bad thing some women need this, those who are abused really need it. There comes a time when you can break the chain of an abused victim or you can take over as the controller. It is a fine line but if the right person comes along they can build you up and make you stronger than you ever thought you could. So knowing this it wasn’t hard to really like Mark and all he stands for. We all need a shoulder and someone stronger than us at some point in our lives. He was so devoted to Sarah, with tons of patience, I thought he was a wonderful character.
I thought this was very well written, loved the plot and the way the author laid it out. I was in the authors palms from the first page to the last. It really was a book I couldn’t put down giving me a thrilling suspenseful read that I crave. I had no problem picturing the scenes in my mind watching the attack, feeling her fear and terror was not something I will forget anytime soon. This is a story that will stay with you long after you put the book down.
********************
September 17, 2021
Great book with triggers
First and foremost the writing is amazing. Very well done. Second - this book has triggers dealing with abuse that can be hard to deal with. And back to first - the writing, editing, etc - spot on.
First and foremost the writing is amazing. Very well done. Second - this book has triggers dealing with abuse that can be hard to deal with. And back to first - the writing, editing, etc - spot on.
December 20, 2021
I loved how she was still able to get pregnant after all that happened to her...
September 30, 2018
The story was great it holds your attention giving you a thrilling exciting read, the danger is real when you have a stalker and an abusive ex who has been looking for you for more years than you can count. The story has a little of everything from romance to thrills and chills. I doubt you can read this and not have it touch you in some way. From the first page the author has you hooked from a brutal attack of violence and it doesn’t let up. One man see it and tries to help the victim only to have his lights punched out for his help which was cute and funny at the same time but very heartbreaking. At times the story is funny but for the most part it is action filled with one woman on the run as three men hunt her down. began with action and end with it, what a great read full of suspense that keeps your heart beating fast what a thrilling read I could not put down. It is a romance with suspense, action, and thrills but it is so much more the author gives you a wonderful story of strength, fears and overcoming them along with courage to stand up and be accounted for as well as starting over, learning how to trust and love again. It is about an abusive relationship, running for your life, learning to live again and start over.
The narrators normal voice is wonderful as well as her character voices however when she goes into character is sounds like she backed off the mic, at first I thought she did this when the character was thinking which would have been find, but she does this whenever a character is talking and then goes back to her normal voice which is spoken like everyone does. This was so distracting that I had a hard time trying to finish the audio. The only thing that kept me holding on was the story line and wanting to know how it ended. I really hate giving a bad review and only pick the books I think I can give a good one on however that is not the case with this narrator. Had I listened to this one first I most likely would not have listened to book 2 which I really enjoyed. This would be a great audio if the characters would all be in the same volume as the rest of the book. With that said I do have to say the narrator does give true emotions that you can feel, both her female and male characters are great if only they didn’t change in volume. There are no repeating of wording, the music was great and felt like it fit. The only issues I have is the volume change when in character other than that it was a good audio.
The author gives a powerful story that keeps you on the edge pulling you in giving you a compelling read that you can’t put down. I really wish I had bought the book and not the audio. Again the second audio of this series is much better and I truly enjoyed it. I really liked the characters even though I thought Mark was a little over powering but that is his nature and I do come to love his caring way. Would I want him as my boyfriend NO he is to controlling in a good way and so caring. I thought this was very well written, loved the plot and the way the author laid it out. I was in the authors palms from the first page to the last. It really was a book I couldn’t put down giving me a thrilling suspenseful read that I crave. I had no problem picturing the scenes in my mind watching the attack, feeling her fear and terror was not something I will forget anytime soon. Sarah has a lot on her plate and doesn’t know how to do anything but run, she has a crazy mother that really needs to get her act together and a delightful brother who I adored. Just a normal family with major issues that she must overcome. It is hard to read this story and not want to pull her out of the page taking her way and letting her heal. It is a very touching read that will stay with you for a long time. Very well written with great characters and a wonderful plot filled with danger, chills, thrills and excitement but also very sad. It is pulls on your heart making you want to finish it to know what happens. Has humor, passion and overcoming one's past, starting love only to have to start over again. Has a great ending that will leave you smiling.
The narrators normal voice is wonderful as well as her character voices however when she goes into character is sounds like she backed off the mic, at first I thought she did this when the character was thinking which would have been find, but she does this whenever a character is talking and then goes back to her normal voice which is spoken like everyone does. This was so distracting that I had a hard time trying to finish the audio. The only thing that kept me holding on was the story line and wanting to know how it ended. I really hate giving a bad review and only pick the books I think I can give a good one on however that is not the case with this narrator. Had I listened to this one first I most likely would not have listened to book 2 which I really enjoyed. This would be a great audio if the characters would all be in the same volume as the rest of the book. With that said I do have to say the narrator does give true emotions that you can feel, both her female and male characters are great if only they didn’t change in volume. There are no repeating of wording, the music was great and felt like it fit. The only issues I have is the volume change when in character other than that it was a good audio.
The author gives a powerful story that keeps you on the edge pulling you in giving you a compelling read that you can’t put down. I really wish I had bought the book and not the audio. Again the second audio of this series is much better and I truly enjoyed it. I really liked the characters even though I thought Mark was a little over powering but that is his nature and I do come to love his caring way. Would I want him as my boyfriend NO he is to controlling in a good way and so caring. I thought this was very well written, loved the plot and the way the author laid it out. I was in the authors palms from the first page to the last. It really was a book I couldn’t put down giving me a thrilling suspenseful read that I crave. I had no problem picturing the scenes in my mind watching the attack, feeling her fear and terror was not something I will forget anytime soon. Sarah has a lot on her plate and doesn’t know how to do anything but run, she has a crazy mother that really needs to get her act together and a delightful brother who I adored. Just a normal family with major issues that she must overcome. It is hard to read this story and not want to pull her out of the page taking her way and letting her heal. It is a very touching read that will stay with you for a long time. Very well written with great characters and a wonderful plot filled with danger, chills, thrills and excitement but also very sad. It is pulls on your heart making you want to finish it to know what happens. Has humor, passion and overcoming one's past, starting love only to have to start over again. Has a great ending that will leave you smiling.
July 21, 2013
This book is about a woman, Sarah, who, when walking to her car after her job as a teacher, gets attacked. She not only gets a number of really good punches in on this guy, but runs into the arms of a stunning man during her escape. Not only does she have to learn to trust this man (because it’s not like he is going anywhere anyway) but she has to learn to love again as well.
The opening of the book was intense. I certainly wasn’t expecting the situation as it happened. I am so beside myself for her strength and her diligence in the beginning to not only get away, but to try and fix the pieces of her life; to not let him control her.
The morning after, she wakes up to a strange man in her house. A man who not only helped her the night before, but is helping her now. A complete stranger!! After some very unnecessary attitude, this mystery man decides to leave.
Mark couldn’t believe the woman who bulldozed him in the parking lot while picking up his mom and sister. She was clearly attacked and was trying to get away. He stayed with her all night at the hospital and him and his mom brought her home and put her to bed. The next morning she wakes up and she has the audacity to have an attitude problem with him!! WOW!! After everything he did for her!?! But, he understands. She was stripped of her dignity, her safety, her life the night before. He can give her some wiggle room. Ah man…where is this man in my life?!?! LOL. Mark is undoubtedly the most understanding man I think that has ever been created. I certainly wouldn’t deal with myself acting that way let alone someone else. I love his pitbull attitude that he was holding on and not letting go.
The story progresses rather slowly. But, the amazing thing is, you don’t care. You are so enthralled by her strength and his attentiveness that you don’t care that there is a rapist and murderer that still needs to be caught. I know this sounds strange. In the past, if the book didn’t get to the point, I had a tendency to lose interest in the book. But, not with this one. I wanted to hear about what she was thinking, what he was thinking, what everyone else was thinking. I actually loved being inside their heads because it wasn’t mindless internal turmoil.
The one thing I can say is I felt that the internal turmoil over her past lessened the story some. I felt like poor Mark was always walking on egg shells with her because she has such a flighty response to anything difficult that comes her way. But, at the same time, it makes sense. With everything she had to deal with of course she doesn’t see any reason to stick around if things are going south. And it helps at the end when she finally realizes her feelings for Mark. All it needed was them two in the middle of the street and raining. Very 80s!!
Mark is definitely the “Knight in Shining Armor” character in this story. The lengths he goes to to keep Sarah safe and make her his for eternity is profound. Why can’t real men be a attentive as him? Why can’t they be as caring? Oh, I know why…real men weren’t created in the mind of Dana Mason. Bravo on the perfect KSA!!!
This book gets no less than 4 stars from me. This story was sweet, inventive, and everything you would want in a love story. The action was very well played out and well positioned in the book so as to not have things end too soon or too late. Very well written and well thought out. Definitely love the happily ever after.
The opening of the book was intense. I certainly wasn’t expecting the situation as it happened. I am so beside myself for her strength and her diligence in the beginning to not only get away, but to try and fix the pieces of her life; to not let him control her.
The morning after, she wakes up to a strange man in her house. A man who not only helped her the night before, but is helping her now. A complete stranger!! After some very unnecessary attitude, this mystery man decides to leave.
Mark couldn’t believe the woman who bulldozed him in the parking lot while picking up his mom and sister. She was clearly attacked and was trying to get away. He stayed with her all night at the hospital and him and his mom brought her home and put her to bed. The next morning she wakes up and she has the audacity to have an attitude problem with him!! WOW!! After everything he did for her!?! But, he understands. She was stripped of her dignity, her safety, her life the night before. He can give her some wiggle room. Ah man…where is this man in my life?!?! LOL. Mark is undoubtedly the most understanding man I think that has ever been created. I certainly wouldn’t deal with myself acting that way let alone someone else. I love his pitbull attitude that he was holding on and not letting go.
The story progresses rather slowly. But, the amazing thing is, you don’t care. You are so enthralled by her strength and his attentiveness that you don’t care that there is a rapist and murderer that still needs to be caught. I know this sounds strange. In the past, if the book didn’t get to the point, I had a tendency to lose interest in the book. But, not with this one. I wanted to hear about what she was thinking, what he was thinking, what everyone else was thinking. I actually loved being inside their heads because it wasn’t mindless internal turmoil.
The one thing I can say is I felt that the internal turmoil over her past lessened the story some. I felt like poor Mark was always walking on egg shells with her because she has such a flighty response to anything difficult that comes her way. But, at the same time, it makes sense. With everything she had to deal with of course she doesn’t see any reason to stick around if things are going south. And it helps at the end when she finally realizes her feelings for Mark. All it needed was them two in the middle of the street and raining. Very 80s!!
Mark is definitely the “Knight in Shining Armor” character in this story. The lengths he goes to to keep Sarah safe and make her his for eternity is profound. Why can’t real men be a attentive as him? Why can’t they be as caring? Oh, I know why…real men weren’t created in the mind of Dana Mason. Bravo on the perfect KSA!!!
This book gets no less than 4 stars from me. This story was sweet, inventive, and everything you would want in a love story. The action was very well played out and well positioned in the book so as to not have things end too soon or too late. Very well written and well thought out. Definitely love the happily ever after.
June 19, 2014
This is book one in the Embrace Series.
This series can be read as a standalone, but I suggest you read all of them in order. It added to the books, most of the characters are in all three books.
This is Sarah and Mark's story.
I gave this book 5 stars.
Sarah had been in an abusive relationship and she ran. Eight years have passed and she likes living her life in the quiet town she is in. She's a school teacher for 1st grade, and she goes home and is happy with the way her life is going. So what if she has to hide, so what if at every moment she has to look over her shoulder to see if he has found her. She has gotten use to it.
One night leaving the school a little late after conferences, she is attacked and almost raped by a mad man. She fights back and gets away. As she is running away she runs straight into Mark's arms.
Mark feels an instant protection vibe with Sarah, and he stays with her to help her through this. Sarah is grateful for the help, but also very protective over the life that she has created for herself in this bubble. Can Mark get past her defenses and show her that not all men are like the two that hurt and abused her? And when the danger doesn't go away can he protect her? Can he convince her not to run like she is used to doing?
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. And I am glad that I didn't assume. I was blown away. This book kept me turning the pages and wanting more and more. I kept saying to myself just one more chapter. OK ? Just one more page~!! I had to finish this. There wasn't an option of stopping and waiting until the next day to read it. My head was hurting, my eyes were dried out, but I pressed on!!! LOL
Sarah was a bit annoying at times, BUT she had her reasons and I totally got why. I think I would have been the same way with all the issues that she seemed to keep going through with men. Mark was patient and loving and he did exactly what she needed him to do at the exact right time. They were meant to be a pair. They were meant to live a life happily. It was just getting there that seemed to be the big problem.
Now Mark had his own problems of trusting, I mean after your wife your high school sweetheart cheats on you and leaves you for this said man, it would make you a bit bitter. But he handles it with such grace and humility. He is a wonderful loving man!
This is a must read~ !! Especially if you like suspense and just a good romance about finding love after the world has given you nothing but crap for so long! Thank you Dana I cannot wait to read about Johnny and Ali.
July 29, 2013
Dangerous Embrace is according with the definition of the genre: we have the relationship, the suspense and the thriller’s creeps, and they are well combined by the author.
Suspense and thriller - their generic features are present throughout the novel. They are well used, although I would have liked if the author would overcome the "optimal dose" of her audience target (which she sets very well). The author uses these elements in an excellent way, managing to create the necessary atmosphere and to motivate the heroine’s sometimes "hasty" actions and to render her terrors. I noted that the author has made researches for this book and so she succeeds to gently introduce "advices" and explanations.
The suspense and thriller are developing on two distinct plans that still influence each other through their moral effects. I liked that some details lead you to think to a possible stronger link between the two plans, and your curiosity will be maintained until the end.
Romance – the love story is born and develops in an unusual setting. Not only its existence, but also the lovers’ life is threatened more than once and until the end you will not know if they will succeed. If not the assaults then it could be the law repercussions.
I liked the fact that our heroine Sarah doesn’t give up and that Mark remains “human”.
The insecurity and fear of what could happen are always present in Sarah’s life. She has to face not only the assaulters, but also her own fears induced by them. She has reasons to behave as she does and she cannot be blamed for choosing the path that she already known and it seems the safest for her. These choices will endanger the expectation of a normal and happy life, yet she will not give up fight till to the her last breath. What may seem irrational is well motivated. Mark, although is very good in his line of work, it’s impossible to be in every moment with Sarah and he can be sometimes taken by surprise. Anyway, I think he is that type of guy that many readers will dream about and not just for how he looks, but also for how he acts in every situation. The vanity and self interest seem to be totally unknown for him. He is the difference between "protect" and "control" someone. The important thing is to not reach Sarah too late, when there is nothing to be saved.
Another book’s plus is that the author points out very well other relationships (parent-child, brother, sister, friend, etc.). Using them to motivated states and actions, she will warn us in a delicate way about the importance of what we do and how we affect the lives of those around us.
Sandra Bullock had a line in the movie Speed (1 or 2 I cannot remember) saying that love born in a moment of crisis cannot survive. It remains to be seen whether Dangerous Embrace will agree with that.
Suspense and thriller - their generic features are present throughout the novel. They are well used, although I would have liked if the author would overcome the "optimal dose" of her audience target (which she sets very well). The author uses these elements in an excellent way, managing to create the necessary atmosphere and to motivate the heroine’s sometimes "hasty" actions and to render her terrors. I noted that the author has made researches for this book and so she succeeds to gently introduce "advices" and explanations.
The suspense and thriller are developing on two distinct plans that still influence each other through their moral effects. I liked that some details lead you to think to a possible stronger link between the two plans, and your curiosity will be maintained until the end.
Romance – the love story is born and develops in an unusual setting. Not only its existence, but also the lovers’ life is threatened more than once and until the end you will not know if they will succeed. If not the assaults then it could be the law repercussions.
I liked the fact that our heroine Sarah doesn’t give up and that Mark remains “human”.
The insecurity and fear of what could happen are always present in Sarah’s life. She has to face not only the assaulters, but also her own fears induced by them. She has reasons to behave as she does and she cannot be blamed for choosing the path that she already known and it seems the safest for her. These choices will endanger the expectation of a normal and happy life, yet she will not give up fight till to the her last breath. What may seem irrational is well motivated. Mark, although is very good in his line of work, it’s impossible to be in every moment with Sarah and he can be sometimes taken by surprise. Anyway, I think he is that type of guy that many readers will dream about and not just for how he looks, but also for how he acts in every situation. The vanity and self interest seem to be totally unknown for him. He is the difference between "protect" and "control" someone. The important thing is to not reach Sarah too late, when there is nothing to be saved.
Another book’s plus is that the author points out very well other relationships (parent-child, brother, sister, friend, etc.). Using them to motivated states and actions, she will warn us in a delicate way about the importance of what we do and how we affect the lives of those around us.
Sandra Bullock had a line in the movie Speed (1 or 2 I cannot remember) saying that love born in a moment of crisis cannot survive. It remains to be seen whether Dangerous Embrace will agree with that.
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