The Peace That Is You

Dreamcatcher #2

by Emma Scott

»Nur bei dir habe ich jemals Frieden verspürt.«

Die junge Fiona lebt in ständiger Angst, dass ihr Ex-Mann sie finden könnte. Trotzdem beschließt sie eines Tages, einen One-Night-Stand zu wagen. Als sie in einer Bar auf Nikolai trifft, scheint die Welt in den Hintergrund zu treten. Sie ahnt nicht, dass der tatöwierte junge Mann mit den traurigen Augen ebenfalls auf der Flucht ist. Er schlägt sich mit illegalen Poker-Spielen durch und trägt ein unbegreifliches Geheimnis mit sich. Aus einer Nacht werden viele, und die Gefühle zwischen ihnen sind tiefer als alles, was sie je kannten. Doch Nik weiß, dass sie nur eine Zukunft haben, wenn er Fiona alles über sich offenbart - er weiß aber auch, dass er sie dadurch für immer verlieren könnte ...

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Abuse, Audiobook

512 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2017

About the author

Emma Scott is a USA Today and Wall St. Journal bestselling author whose books have been translated in seven languages and featured in Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, New York Daily News and USA Today’s Happy Ever After. Her first MM romance, Someday, Someday won the Utopia Con Award for LGBTQ Book of the Year. Emma writes emotional, character-driven romances in which art and love intertwine to heal, and in which love always wins. If you enjoy emotionally-charged stories that rip your heart out and put it back together again, with diverse characters and heroes who treat their heroines like gold, you will enjoy her novels.

RECENT RELEASES all available now and FREE with KU

The Muse an MM romance

Between Hello & Goodbye

The Sinner, a paranormal angels and demons romance

The Lost Boys, a three-book series of interconnected standalones

The Girl in the Love Song
When You Come Back to Me
The Last Piece of His Heart

Someday, Someday M/M romance (Winner! LGBTQ Book of the Year, Utopia Con)

A Five-Minute Life


UPCOMING RELEASES:

The Muse 2022

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Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!!!



Emma Scott never ceases to amaze me with her brilliant writing, original story-lines, and amazingly well developed characters. Sugar & Gold blew me away. I know, I know… I say this every time I read a book by this author. I can’t even help it.  Her books are magical.

Nikolai is a roamer. He rides his motorcycle from town to town, keeps to himself, and just wants quiet. That’s a problem for him, though. It’s never quiet. He always feels. He feels what’s in people’s heart and soul. He feels the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s a blessing and a curse, but most of the time it feels like a curse to him. Because of this, he stays alone. He can’t get too close to anyone. It’s too ‘loud’.

Fiona is a beautiful soul in a small town trying to work her way up to a fresh start. Fiona was in a bad relationship and got away, but not far enough away.  She has a few friends in the town she’s living in, but her ultimate goal is to get further away. She dreams of moving somewhere far away from all her problems and her past.

When Nikolai first meets Fiona, he’s shocked. His response to her is different than he’s used to. They have a spark. Two loners, two lost souls find each other in an unlikely way. Both of these characters were so special to me. They both have things in their past that broke my heart. Both are a little damaged, a little broken, but somehow these two broken souls make each other whole.

Made it bearable. Made it livable. She made life livable.

I loved the direction Emma took with this story. It was unpredictable and unique. One of the greatest joys of reading is not being able to tell what’s going to happen next. Sugar & Gold caught me by surprise more than once. Also… that cameo. GAH! You couldn’t have wiped the smile off my face when ‘someone’ came into the book for a short time. I loved that!

Sugar & Gold is a special book. It’s one that needs to be read. Let me rephrase that- Emma Scott is an author that needs to be read. You can’t go wrong with any of her books. She’s quickly made her way to the top of my favorites list with every lyrical, beautiful, and creative story she writes. READ THIS BOOK! You won’t regret it! 

No rules. Live out loud. Find the sunshine.

[KAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ 'Ken' She Possibly Be My Cure? Stars

 Sugar and Gold is 100% SOLID GOLD!!!

My goodness gracious, what an adrenaline rush! My heart bubbled over with raw emotion. It is impossible to read something this beautiful and not be affected.

5 Reasons to Read Sugar and Gold:
• It is a passionate, riveting page turner
• The unexpected is .... simply amazing
• The characters will fill you with joy
• It is everything you want in a romance
• The author is Emma Scott

Thanks for the memories, Nikolai and Fiona! Your incredible love for each other will transcend time.

Nikolai has the 'ken.' The innate ability to 'see' feelings. He has always had it, has always hated it. All he wants is for it to go away. So frightened of it, his mother had him committed to a hospital for three years where they drugged and 'shocked' him into oblivion. Feeling other people's emotions and bad memories is slowly sucking the life out of him. Thoughts of ending it all niggle at him. The only solace he seems to find is from the stinging, painful needles of a tattoo gun. His body is covered in them. Of course the relief is only temporary. He is in desperate need of another outlet to dull the loud, debilitating noise in his head.

As Nikolai is once again crisscrossing the states trying to outrun the 'ken,' he meets the willowy, pink haired, blue-eyed beauty named Fiona, and calmness washes over him. He wants to get lost in all that is Fiona. The need to touch her is unbearable. With Fiona, the 'ken' isn't an insufferable torment. Is it possible she is his cure?

Costa Rica, a place full of sunshine, is calling Fiona's name. Her need to put as many miles between she and her sociopathic ex-husband is her goal. She escaped the abusive marriage two years ago, but watches over her shoulder waiting for him to find her and take her back to a life full of cruel verbal punishment. She vows to never give her trust or her heart to a man ever again. That is until she locks eyes with the sexy, handsome tatted and pierced man staring at her while she moves to the music on the nightclub's dance floor.

  I gently laid my lips to hers, tasting rainwater, and then the sweetness of her. Even in a deluge of rain, kissing Fiona was like tasting candy under a sun at midday. Warmth and sweetness suffused me.

  She laid her hand on my chest, over my heart. "Don't hold back. Whatever you are...this..." She pressed her hand harder. "I want this. You. The power of you." She looked up at me, her eyes dark with yearning. "I want all of it."

From that moment on Nik and Fi's love story begins. Although it isn't perfect and their journey is hard fault, Fi would describe it as a fairytale love story. It is one full of lust, laughter and longing. Passion, plans and pitfalls. Sacrifice, sex and secrets. Devotion, desire and despair. Heartbreak, heroism and healing. But most of all their love centers around peace. The peace they find being with each other.

  "This feeling right now?" he said, his voice low. "Do you feel it?"

  "Yes ..."

  "I don't want it to end. Not yet. I want to take you out and sit across from you and know that in an hour later you'll be in my bed." He searched my eyes. "If that's what you want."

I doubt I will ever look at cotton candy again, and not be reminded of the love shared between Nikolai and Fiona ;))

*I was generously provided an ARC for an honest review*

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****4.5 LOVE AND HOPE STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}



Love and hope. She had given me so much of both, my heart was full of love for her…and a gratitude greater than thank you.







Emma Scott is one of those authors that I would put in a class all her own. Her stories are never predictable and her characters are quite unique and eclectic. The main characters in SUGAR & GOLD come from different worlds and yet they have so much in common that it seems they were destined to be soulmates. They were two pieces of an intricate puzzle that fit together perfectly. The first half of the story flows smoothly and I almost fell into the trap of thinking that I knew what was going to happen next but then the author shakes things up majorly in the latter half and it was all I could do to keep myself from taking a peek at the last page to find out how everything works out in the end. Get ready to be totally consumed by this story!





Fiona Starling lives a simple life in a small town outside of Savannah, Georgia. She works at a landscape and garden shop and is happy with her tiny apartment and pet canary, Lemony. She has a few friends who have become family to her and who would do anything to protect her from harm. But Fiona has a secret past that she keeps bottled up inside. Fiona is a fighter and she hasn’t had an easy life. Demons from her past haunt her on almost a daily basis but somehow she finds a way to persevere. Her love life has been non-existent for several years and one night she decides to take matters into her own hands and goes to a local club in search of a man to take care of some of her needs. It only takes a few minutes for her to cross paths with one sexy as hell stranger, who has no problems going back to her place with her.



Nikolai Young is a loner who travels from city to city, looking for illegal poker games so that he can make some serious cash. He has a “gift” that enables him to read people’s “tells” during card games. Nik doesn’t have a place he calls home, nor does he have the love and support of any family or friends. At times he struggles to fight his desire to end it all. He too is haunted by memories from his past and by the abandonment from those who should have loved him the most. When he sees Fiona at the club it’s like she is a shining beacon that he is inexplicably drawn to. The two share one of the most passionate nights of their lives but when the sun comes up and their one night of lust has come to an end, neither is too eager to say goodbye. When Nik and Fiona are together they both experience happiness and a sense of peace that they’ve never felt before and soon enough a passing fling turns into a life-altering relationship.



With each passing day, their feelings for each other grow deeper and it’s not what either of them wanted or expected to happen. Both Fiona and Nik are holding back major pieces of their lives from each other and once secrets are revealed the story goes through twists and turns that I could never have predicted would happen. That’s what makes this author truly one of the best!! From that moment on I was on the edge of my seat, stressing over what was to become of these two beautiful characters!!



SUGAR & GOLD releases on June 13th!!



Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2sdf0kD
Amazon Universal: myBook.to/SugarGoldEmmaScott

[Emma Scott]

Pre-order now available! http://amzn.to/2pWTk87
Releases June 13 2017

Bloggers: now available on NETGALLEY https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/cate...









The rain crashed down and Fiona stepped into the downpour. The water drenched her instantly, turning her white dress translucent. It clung to her body, revealing everything to me. She watched me watching her; her lips parted slightly and the deep red of her desire tasted like a lick of fire on my tongue.
“Tell me, Nikolai Alexei..." She lifted her hair off her neck, turning her face to the sky. "Have you ever kissed a stranger in the rain?"




Sugar & Gold, is a new adult romance with shades of the paranormal and is the second book in the Dreamcatcher novels, a series of interconnected STANDALONES.

[Dana Ilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two souls bound together. Two souls that are fragile and beyond repair find the glue to hold their fractured hearts together. It will take a miracle and some mystical intervention to save both of their lives.

Once again Emma Scott had me enraptured. I could not put this book down. If you have read her previous novel How To Save A Life you will appreciate this book all the more.

[Just Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****4.5 STARS*****

One night.

One night is all Fiona has to give to this sexy stranger who she has fell in lust with.



Nothing more.

Just one night.

Or so they say. Because that one night becomes three and that lust becomes something more. But who is this man? This man who has not only given her the best orgasm she has every had, but who also may have taken a piece of her heart that’s been so closed off.

“I have the devil in me.”

“Do you think what you can do – the ken – is wrong?”

“I don’t like it. I don’t want it. Can you make it go away?”

– Nikolai/Doctor

Nikolai is beautiful. Most men don’t like to be called beautiful. It’s not manly enough they say, but to me, there is no better way to describe him. Think about the meaning of the word for a second.

Beautiful – pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically or of a very high standard; excellent.

That’s Nikolai. Don’t get me wrong, the man is sexy as fuck too, but who he is on the inside is even better. He has a gift, which he calls, the ken, that is destroying apart of him every single day. He hates it and it’s heartbreaking. You wonder, “How can a man so beautiful hate this part of himself so much?”

Fiona is astounding. Her journey to rebuild her life and find her self-worth is incredible to read about. She is what every woman should strive to be. I don’t mean that we all should be just like her, I mean we all should learn to value ourselves.

It’s a daily struggle for Fiona to keep her demons away, but one she doesn’t mind fighting. This is why I feel in love with her. Even when others words about her rang loud in her head, she tried to remind herself that those words aren’t true.

“I deserve better than that, and I’ve worked really hard to get to a place where I can say it: I deserve better than that.“

“Yeah, you do.” – Fiona/Nikolai

As Fiona was finding more and more ways to love herself, Nikolai was doing the opposite. Nik’s ken never turns off, he can’t control it. He’s isolated himself to the outside world. He finds ways that bring him pain in order to lessen the ken anyway he can. He rides around the country on his motorcycle (sexy), he plays poker for money (again, sexy) but he does it all alone (tragic).

But then along comes Fiona, the only person in the world that quiets his ken and allows him find himself. Fiona allows him to find a sense of calm in a world that full of noise and chaos. Plus, she drop dead gorgeous which doesn’t hurt.

Normally, I don’t enjoy books where there is too much self-loathing but it’s impossible not to understand where Nikolai is coming from. I would personally react the same way as he did. Well, maybe not the same way, I would have thrown some drugs and alcohol in there too. I never claimed to be perfect or have everything figured out.



As Nikolai began to realize that he could find a way to live with the ken as long as he could have Fiona, she was only willing to give him so much of herself. He just didn’t know whether or not it was enough for him. He needed more from her but she wouldn’t come easily.

I love a man who is willing to fight for a woman. Hottest thing EVER. Nik was ready and willing to put up the good fight for Fiona because she was worth it. To him, she was worth him finding a better way to live with the ken so he wouldn’t have to live without her.

“I imagined what it would be like if I said no to you. To. . .us. Whatever that might be. And I didn’t like it.” – Fiona

When Fiona decided she was ready to move on and embrace love, it could only be on her terms. I fucking adored that about her. She was my kind of chick!

But wait a hot damn minute! When she does decide to embrace the possibility of love with Nik, he still doesn’t tell her about the ken. Bad move, Nik. Bad fucking move. That choice to keep quiet alters everything! Shit starts to get real, real.

Men and their silly secrets. I swear the world would be so much better if men just kept it honest. What can we do? Nada. They will still be stupid, just saying.

Stalk all things messy…

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[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 5 out of 5]

✮✮✮ ALL THE STARS ✮✮✮

Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books






Oh my. Where do I even start?

"Love and hope. Love and fucking hope…"

When Nik was a kid he was treated with shock therapy because he claimed that he could see, feel and taste other people's feelings and thoughts. His own mother thought he had the devil in him.
Today he uses his ability in poker games. He never loses if he doesn't plan to. Ever. But the constant buzz of other people's variety of feelings is oppressive. For that reason Nikolai avoids big cities if it can be helped. The tattoo needle gives him reprieve for a short time because that pain is his own and not other people's. After leaving behind his last poker game in Atlanta Nik sets up camp in a small town just outside of Savannah. He relishes the quiet.

Fiona works at the garden center. The job is a means to an end. Her plan is to move to Costa Rica, away from the past that still haunts her. But before that she intends to do things she has never done before. Like, say, a one night stand? At the local bar a tattooed and pierced guy saves her from an overly enthusiastic dance partner. Fiona allows herself to have one night of sensual bliss. But neither of them seem to keep away from each other and one night becomes three nights.

Nikolai finds peace from the onslaught of human emotions when he is with Fiona. For the first time he feels a resemblance of normalcy but he knows he can't stay. When Nik finally leaves either of them keeps telling themselves that it's better this way. Fiona can't have anyone in her life who keeps her from fulfilling her dream to go to Costa Rica. She lost too much when she left her ex-husband. Especially her ability to trust in her own gut feeling when it comes to people and her self esteem. So how can she trust a stranger?

And beneath the peace, was something clean and pure and simple. I missed her. Her. Fiona.

Emma Scott has an infallible knack for writing lovable and deep characters you can't help but care about. Nikolai is a beautiful soul, tormented, so much so that his despair drives him to thoughts of ending his life. Not because he doesn't want to live but his ability is making his life a living hell.

I didn’t want to die but this wasn’t living. I wanted an end.

The person who was supposed to love him unconditionally couldn't even look at him because of the ability he was born with and which had been more curse than gift. That massive hurt still lingers inside of him. His loneliness slayed me.
The way Nikolai takes care of Fiona, sensing her every mood change and adapting to it, giving her room when she needs it is endearing. He is selfless, giving and generous, has a wicked sense of humor and is a beast in the sack. I love the way Nik sees his girl, shades of pink and gold, her kindness, sweetness and love.

“I want to take you out tomorrow and…talk about it.”
“Okay,” I said slowly. “Sure. If you want to.”
“No, Fiona,” Nik said, his voice low. “If you want to.”

Fiona is this beautiful girl who seems carefree on the outside but her demons still rattle her cage. And living in a cage she does - until she realizes that she can't outrun the monster in her mind and needs to face her ex-husband, otherwise she will never really be free, because, when has it ever worked to run away from your problems? Fiona doesn't realize how strong she really is.

"My heart is telling me one thing and my mind is telling me another and I don’t know which to believe. Story of my life.”

She is a sweet, kind young woman with a goodness that radiates from the pages. She gives Nik the appreciation and gentleness his broken soul craves. Nik gives her back the self esteem that was cruelly taken away from her and makes her feel beautiful. Their connection was gorgeous, I felt completely wrapped up in love.


Emma Scott has a successful formula of writing stories that make you feel deeply. She is one of those authors who write their heart out. She bares her soul in every book. They are packed with emotion and will move even the most jaded reader. Every word in it is perfection, there is no room for fillers and she still comes up with 520+ pages that feel like half of that. You just can't make yourself stop reading, it's that good.

Ms Scott's writing style is unbelievably engaging and captivating with a little grit to keep it from getting too sweet. And when she cranks up the feels it's like a punch to the guts. I hope Emma keeps writing, she has already a very loyal fanbase and I'm sure they will stick with her if she keeps knocking these stories out of the park!

[Jenny••Steamy Reads Blog•• · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read a book that captures your attention and your heart, it's definitely a winner. A book that will stay with you. This author can do it, every book I've read of hers has done this. Love love love Emma Scott.

She created Nikolai Young in this gem of a book. And oh my god i have fell in love again. Nik is strong, he's all about surviving and not giving up, he's handsome, he's sexy, passionate, and he has a heart of GOLD. And Nik has a special magic about him that people only dream about.

Fiona Starling is living day to day, getting emotionally stronger each day. She's had a bad past and is committed to making sure she never lives like it again, that she becomes someone stronger, and someone that is independent from everyone but herself. She sweet, she's strong, and she is beautiful. A night of getting something she wanted, turned out to be a night she got her dream.


This story is beautiful💕💕 It makes you smile, it makes you sad, it lets you be giddy with happiness. Another winner from this amazing author❤️❤️

[Megan✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love and hope. Love and fucking hope…”

Wow… Just Wow! Every time I read a book from Emma Scott it fast becomes my new favorite; that is until she releases a new story and that one then becomes my favorite. Emma Scott always has the ability to capture me from the very first page with her powerful and touching plot lines and unforgettable characters that I devour and enjoy every page of. Sugar & Gold was such a unique and moving story; an absolute treasure that everyone, who loves a great story should discover.

I wholeheartedly loved and adored Fiona. Her determination and passion was inspiring to me. The way she strives to live her life the way she sees fit, her determination to see through her plans for the future and her desire to be happy made her a loveable character. I loved the relationship she had with her canary Lemony and the way that they would converse. Lemony literally stole my heart. Fiona is determined to leave the ghosts of her past behind and move on from all the bad things that have ravaged her mind and thoughts. Even though Fiona has not had the easiest life in her short twenty three years, she is still very strong and never lets those things diminish her vibrancy and spirit.

“No rules. Live out loud. Find the sunshine.”

My heart absolutely shattered for poor Nikolai, he was such a beautiful broken person. He has been dealt with his fair share of suffering and as a result is always trying to escape not just from everyone else, but also from himself. He hides behind tattoos and piercings and thrives on the pain they bring. Nikolai has been born with a gift (ken) or a curse as he sees it. He doesn’t want these powers and just wishes he was “normal.” He has a desire to love and be loved deeply and I just felt for him and the pain he was suffering.

“I got tattoos – dozens of tattoos because the needle’s pain was real. It felt like it was the only thing that was real. Pain to remind me that I was still alive. That I was still here.”

When Fiona and Nikolai meet there is an instant attraction and chemistry; two broken souls coming together in order to heal one another. They were both able to find the peace, love and trust they had been searching for.

The character development was second to none. I felt everything these characters had endured and were going through. It was like I was a part of this spectacular journey and they became a part of me and I know that I will never forget them.

Sugar & Gold is a beautifully written story of love, hope, strength and finding that special person to complete and heal your broken self. Even though this story is classified as paranormal/fantasy, the elements are quite minimal and even if you’re not a PNR fan, don’t let that deter you, as long as you love a spectacularly heart-felt story that will remain with you long after the last word is read, then definitely check this one out. I COULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS UNFORGETTABLE STORY HIGHLY ENOUGH!

[Jessica ❥Chatterbooks Book Blog❥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just popped my Emma Scott cherry with Sugar & Gold, and I'm kicking myself for not giving it up sooner. I have heard nothing but rave reviews from friends about her work, but most of them mentioned how her books made them cry hysterically. Hearing that kind of scared me off, because I am not one of those girls that loves to cry. That's what probably made this the perfect book for me to start with, because while I teared up several times, I never had a full on sob fest which is fine by me! Without even reading the other books that she’s written, I already think I know why they have the effect on people that they do. This author’s writing makes you FEEL above all else, and that is one of the most important things to me in a story. If there is one thing I’ve come away from this book believing, it’s that Emma Scott is one hell of a writer!



Nikolai has the preternatural ability to see people’s feelings in colors, smells, and tastes. Sometimes, he can even hear their thoughts. He calls it his ken, and this ability has been a source of torment for him almost all his life. His parents don’t have it, and they never understood it. His father left them because of it, and his mother sent him to doctors that tried things like shock therapy to “fix” him. He travels the country gambling his way from one place to the next. The ken allows him to tell when people are bluffing or have a good hand and that makes winning come easy. Sitting through the games can be difficult though, because the ken is overwhelming. When he is around people, he is bombarded with sights, sounds, smells, and thoughts of others. It becomes hard to tell the difference sometimes between his feelings and theirs. The only time he doesn’t have trouble is when he gets tattoos. He is covered in them, because when he feels the pain of the needle, he knows that is all his pain and no one else’s.

Fiona is running from her past, and by that I mean her abusive husband. He never physically harmed her, but he tore her apart with his words. Now that she has escaped him, she is trying to rebuild her self-esteem and live the life that she wants, and she would prefer to do it far away from the man that almost completely destroyed her. Costa Rica is where she feels she can finally be happy and free, and she saves all of her extra money to help fund her dream of living there.

Fiona decides to go out one night in search of some much needed affection in the form of a one night stand. She doesn’t see the point in looking for a relationship, because she will be leaving to go to another country soon. As luck would have it, Nikolai needed to go out that night too and winds up at the exact same place as Fiona. One look at her pink hair and willowy figure on the dance floor and he can’t keep his eyes off of her. She notices him too, and as they begin talking, Nikolai realizes that Fiona helps make everything else bearable. Around her, the ken doesn’t drive him mad. With Fiona, he can have peace. When she asks him to go home with her, he jumps at the chance. It’s only supposed to be for one night, but before it’s over, they both know one night isn't going to be enough. 



Nikolai and Fiona’s story is absolutely beautiful. The writing is perfection, the story is heartwarming, the romance is breathtaking and steamy, and the characters are easy to love. Fiona may be beaten down, but I love that she never gave up on her dream. It would have been easy to especially with Nikolai’s fine ass and everything that happens to her over the course of the book, but she keeps her eye on her goal the whole time. She doesn’t waver, and I loved watching her go from a scared young woman to a fierce one before the story ends. Nikolai broke my heart many times over. His story would pull at anyone’s heart strings. I wanted more than anything for him to finally get the happy ending he deserved. I loved the way he put Fiona’s happiness ahead of his own and tried to give her everything she wanted whether it included him or not. He is most definitely book boyfriend material, and it doesn’t hurt that I heard he was modeled after Stephen James ….and that I want to have ten thousand of that man’s babies! Lol 

Bottom line, Sugar & Gold is a touching romance about two broken individuals that find healing and peace in each other. The only negative I can really give might be that if you like fast paced books, this might not be for you. The book is kind of slow moving which made it hard for me to keep reading sometimes (I'm also in a bit of a book slump), but I think that helped to build the connection between the characters and make the strength of their feelings more believable in the long run. If you don’t normally read paranormal romance, I still think you should give this book a try, because this barely felt like one. My blog sister doesn't read paranormal romance, and she fell head over heels in love with this story! If you love romance that makes your heart feel like it's going to burst and your eyes mist with happy tears, this one’s for you!


ARC generously provided for an honest review.

[Malene · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you do it Emma Scott. You've rendered me speechless once again. My heart and soul is filled with light, love and vibrant colors. Sugar & Gold was such a beautiful and profound reading experience that left me wanting for more once I turned the final page. Bravo.

Sugar & Gold is part of the Dreamcatcher series. It can easily be read as a standalone but I strongly recommend that you read How To Save a Life because it's just as fabulous and because a couple of characters make an appearance in S&G which I was freaking excited about. Ecstatic was more like it. How Emma Scott incorporated these characters into S&G was done flawlessly and with a purpose. It strengthened the premise of the story and the characters connection. Both HTSAL and S&G have shades of the paranormal and I love that it's within the characters cause that only makes them more unique and intriguing.

S&G moved me numerous times to tears especially because of Nik and Fiona. They were both flawed and tormented but for different reasons. Nik, because of his affliction, the ken which made him see, taste other people emotions. At times even hearing other people's thoughts. Fiona was fighting her past which had left her weak and doubting her own self worth. In a way she was rediscovering herself and becoming stronger.
When Nik and Fiona stumbled across one another they both found solace and peace in the midst of their own struggles. Their union was intense and intoxicating. I almost felt I had the ken like Nik because I could see and feel everything they were experiencing. It was powerful and emotional at times. Suddenly tears appeared and I couldn't hold them back. That's a testament of a skillful author when words can evoke such strong emotions from a reader.

Emma Scott is a master storyteller. Her elegant and poignant prose enveloped me from the first page and kept me safely tucked in a cocoon filled with warm, joy and love until I reached the final page. There's an artistry to storytelling and Sugar & Gold encompasses all of that thanks to Emma Scott.

5 BadAssDirtyLoveAndHopeStars


Arc generously provided by the author for an honest review

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone Book 2 of Dreamcatcher series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:




For a few years Fiona Starling lived a terrorized life. Two years after escaping that life, she still wasn't living other than working and surviving in order to achieve her end goal. But everything changed when she encountered a handsome tattooed stranger.

Nikolai (Nik) Alexei Young had a burden to carry since he was very young. With an innate ability to read people, he was often overwhelmed, forcing him to live an isolated life. He never knew calm until her presence soothed him. However, the secrets they both carried could end up pushing them apart.

I was already too addicted to the inexplicable peace this woman brought me. The last thing I needed was to get close to her, to feel anything more than lust, though part of me wondered if I were too late.

I really like Nik right from the beginning. I could fee the strain of his life and how much he wanted it to go away. And I like how the bits and pieces of his past helped shed the light on his plight.

Everything about her was pink; her drink, her hair, the bright halo of glimmering dust that surrounded her. Kindness, compassion, charity. Those were the feelings I associated with pink.

As someone who has been traumatized, Fiona was understandably cautious. She needed to protect herself from making the same mistake. She did show some spontaneity, but I'd like to see more of that especially towards the end.

They screamed their lives at me in a riot of colors, and filled my mouth with the bitter taste of their bad memories.

What I like the most about the author's work is how each of her books centered around characters' life/situation that are not overly used in the over saturated market of romance genre. It made them stand out among (what I call) the "normal" books.



I like how both characters balanced each other's turmoil. They had good chemistry together and this book is the sexiest of the author's work I've read so far. However, the earlier part of the book was slower than I like. It took more than half the book for it to pick up, but once it did it certainly added more layers to the story.

But the longing I felt to be with Fiona had nothing to do with what she gave me and everything to do with who she was.

Sugar & Gold revolves around a couple who have to learn to adapt to the life they were thrown into. It would appeal to readers looking for a contemporary romance with a little something extra.

Standalone books in the series:




💫 💢 💫 . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . 💫 💢 💫





For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5 intense stars ❤

"The thrumming life all around me grew quiet. For the first time, I felt close to peace, and I wanted more."

Sugar & Gold was a beautiful,sweet,romantic,sexy and intense story.Nikolai and Fiona were two unique characters that you can't stop yourself from falling in love with them.





I really like Nikolai from the beginning and as I learn more about him,I fell hard and my heart ach for him and Fiona.Both are so broken and lonely.They are perfect for each other.

"She had what I wanted- what I needed-and every touch brought me closer to it."

I loved the writing in this one,there were many parts I highlight in the story.Also there were moments I was surprised and I loved it for this.Overall I enjoyed it a lot and the paranormal aspect to the story was perfect!


 

  

[TJ *Book Twins Reviews* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Available Now - Free in Kindle Unlimited
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2qbMlH7

I have no idea what I did to get so lucky to Beta Read this beauty, but I’ll do it over and over when I figure it out.  I loved every word!!  It’s so addictive. When you stay up all night to read chapters and beg the author for more as soon as you finish one!!



Yep! That's yours truly, while reading Sugar & Gold. It's Certified Kindle Crack folks!! You'll definitely fall in love with Nikolai and Fiona's story. Here's a glimpse of my casting for those two extraordinary characters.



The story is captivating, vibrant, and sexy!  Don’t worry, it’s classic Emma so you will definitely feel all the feels.   It’s the story of two lonely souls finding love and solace in each other, but it’s so much.  It’s an experience.  That’s one of the things Emma Scott does so well.  As a reader, we want to connect with the characters in our books.  Nik and Fiona jump off the page and imprint on your heart.

The story is unique and enthralling.  The slight paranormal elements will intrigue and wow any reader.  Gah!  It’s so good. Stop reading this gushy review and buy it RIGHT NOW!! Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 - Find the sunshine..." Stars!

Emma Scott does it again. The second book in her Dreamcatcher series; Sugar & Gold grabs you from its prologue and keeps you in its grip until you have finished the epilogues.



Once again the author gives her readers a book where your typical boy meets girl has so many more layers to it. Emma Scott doesn’t do mediocre, and Fiona and Nikolai’s story is special in so many of the ways in which I have come to expect from this author.

I’d had the ken for as long as I could remember, and spent years going back and forth between hopeless resignation, and the raging urge to know what or if it had a purpose…

Two lonely souls come together in a nightclub, pretty standard you say. What makes is special is the backgrounds they are both closely guarding.

"I don’t stay… It’s not what I do."

Two connected souls agree to a few nights of commitment free sex, nothing unusual there you say. What makes it special is the connection they forge, and the peace that each gives the other in dealing with the demons they are so fiercely trying to keep hidden.

"Let’s just have this time… No pressure. No promises…"

A few nights of companionship has the opportunity to turn into so much more when both of them admit that they don’t want it to end, I’ve read that before you say. What makes it special is the way the rest of their story plays out, and the authors beautiful delivery of it.



I dealt portions of this book out to myself like medication, 25% increments over a four day period, Emma work is like my reading crack, and I wanted to nurse the high her books give me for as long as I possibly could, it still wasn’t long enough, and the comedown as always is a total bummer. I giggled, I cried and as usual felt like I’d been on an emotional roller coaster at the end of it. The author keeps you on your toes with this one, and I loved each and every minute of it.

"You keep surprising me…"
"In a good way. I hope..?"
"In the best way…"

Now it’s back to waiting, for the next release, the next adventure, the next fix, I am jonesing already!

ARC generously provided by the author, it was, as it always is, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest (and somewhat gushy) review.


**This review will also appear on Straight Shootin’ Book Reviews.
http://straightshootinbookreviews.com/

[Deanna❤Pink Lady❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 "Find the Sunshine" Stars

There are times when you finish a book and you just let out a sigh. A story that drags you through the coals.....thru highs and lows, desperations and hopes, fears and wants.....and then brings you to a soaring crescendo of perfection. A beautiful, telling, emotional, heartbreaking story of two broken souls who find each other and begin a process of learning to find peace, love and happiness amid the chaos of their lives.

This is my second Emma Scott book and I truly loved it. There is such a brilliant simplicity to her storytelling. It is real, raw, exposing, vulnerable, and awakening. The journey of her characters become embedded to your heart.

This story is about Nikolai Young, a lost soul who has a "gift" that he has always been made to feel was evil instead of being a gift. He has the gift to read people's emotions and thoughts. He has an internal yearning to find something that has eluded him. Fiona Starling is a beautiful soul that is hiding a past. Her goal is to find happiness far away in Costa Rica where she will be content to just blend in with the lush landscape. She works, saves her money, she is almost ready to leave until she meets Nikolai "Nik" and her life will change in ways she thought unimaginable.

While both are searching for light and happiness, their lies and secrets have a way of turning their beauty journey into darkness. Nik and his gift, Fiona and her secret, do not open up fully to one another and trust becomes an issue that creates a downward spiral. This story is beautiful and heartfelt and kept my heart and soul hoping and praying for Fiona and Nik.

I must say that I believe in Nik's gift to varying degrees and that it is an extraordinary gift. Of course the way it is used can be perceived as good or evil but those that have it know of its significance. I loved how the author showed that Nik's gift wasn't embraced and how he struggled with it. His internal turmoil and loneliness was palpable. And then there was Fiona whose own struggles pull at your heartstrings. Her predicament was also palpable with memories and voices that couldn't be drowned. But when these two meet.......the universe became aligned. There was something that drew these two together, but can they survive their past and work together for a possible future together?

Their journey is one that you won't forget. There are secondary characters that are also engaging, funny and passionate. They are the perfect sprinkles in this pink and gold confectionary delight.

I hope that everyone reads this book and so they can feel the joy and contentment that this standalone will bring to your heart. Emma Scott has become a one click author for me with her emotional and heart wrenching stories. #MustRead #ILovedYouBefore #IWillLoveYouForever

*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

[Robin Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate sleeping; it's such a waste of time and you never know what you're going to miss. Last night in particular, I'm glad I fought the urge to close my eyes, because that's when the last little bit of Sugar & Gold appeared in my inbox.

This book is so very different than anything I've read by Scott, yet manages to stay true to her brand of feels. Nik especially. He's tatted from head to toe, rides a Bonneville, and plays poker for a living. Tortured by an affliction he cannot escape, his mission is simply to survive it, but as the story begins, survival seems like an unattainable dream, one that might not even be worth pursuing.

He's practically given up when he meets Fiona. Sweet as spun sugar and haloed in pink, she gives him the peace he so desperately needs and the one thing he's never had in twenty-four years of suffering. Hope.



Sugar & Gold is book two in the Dreamcatcher series, the first being How to Save a Life, but it is a STANDALONE. Fans of HTSAL will grin until their cheeks ache, and newbies will likely read it next.

I began reading this in March, inhaling chapters the second I received them. Today I get to begin again with the complete novel. I can't get enough of this story, of these two characters who realize life isn't meant to be survived; it's meant to be lived—freely, peacefully, and tinged in gold.



Cock-Tale suggestion: (and check out my NEWSLETTER where I feature a new Cock-Tale every month!)

[Lo Bookfrantic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Available NOW ->http://a.co/59FsQrR

4.5 ★★★★ Stars

Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Type: Standalone Book 2 of Dreamcatcher series
POV: First Person - Dual

"The bright halo of glimmering dust that surrounded her. Kindness, compassion, charity. Those were the feelings I associated with pink."

Fiona Starling was running away from her past.  Her last relationship left her mentally traumatized and she had trouble trusting people.  After two years of trying to put her life together and saving for a goal she meets Nik.  One night she decides to act wild and free and it changed the life goals she had set up for herself.  She found herself conflicted on what she wanted and what she thought was what she had to do. 



Nikolai (Nik) Alexei Young was born with a gift.  A gift that became a curse to him because by having the "Ken" like he called it an ability to feel or sense other emotions he lost his loved ones.  All his life he just wanted to fit in instead he was treated like a curse and so he lived his life on the road constantly moving so he didn't have to feel so much.  He inked his body with tattoos to numb the noises of everyone's thoughts.

"I needed to get back to zero. To dig under the noise and feel something that was truly mine.  Even if that something was pain."

 

When Nik and Fiona met he instantly felt a peace he desperately was looking for his entire life.  That one night changed Nik as well because he now felt like he had something to live for. However he still struggle an internal battle; he had a fear to lose Fiona as quickly as he found her if she knew what he was.   

"The thrumming life around me grew quiet. For the first time, I felt close to peace, and I wanted more."

I really enjoyed this story; the beginning was super-hot and sexy in fact I think this book is the sexiest book written by this author that I have read so far.  I found myself grinning and enjoying these two characters right away.  However; I felt it was a bit slow after like twenty percent but I was so excited when it picked up.  Fiona did made me angry few times but I am glad she redeemed herself in my eyes haha. I liked how characters from the first book made a big impact on the story. Overall; I fell in love with Nik and his abilities; he seemed so broken that all I wanted to do is helped him.  Fiona was so broken too and Nik was able to help her; he was just the best taking her to places he wouldn't go unless it was for her benefit just sacrificing himself to make her happy.  Both Fiona and Nik were perfect for each other though and each were able to heal each other broken parts.  Readers looking for a second chance romance will find themselves in love with this story.

★★This was a F(BR) with War★★

Book Order:





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[~Mindy Lynn~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story of two broken people finding each other and becoming whole again.

I am still a bit new to this authors writing, but what I have come to learn by what I have read is that she is a great story teller. She brings to life something ordinary and turns it into something special and unique.

Nikolai Alexei Young has seen the world in colors for as long as he can remember. He has the ability to feel other peoples emotions whether he wants to or not. And he'd rather not. His 'gift' overwhelms him and has forced him into a life of solitude. He spends his time traveling from place to place earning his living by gambling in underground poker games. Since his ability allows him to read people he always cleans house. But life is lonely, his thoughts are dark, and a new tattoo isn't providing the release the pain of the needle use to give him. He decides to drown his senses in a loud club were the music will dull his gift. That's when he see's her. She's surrounded in pink. It's even the color of her hair. She invites him in for a night of passion. He doesn't expect this beautiful girl with pink hair who has pink bursting around her to bring him peace that he has never felt before. He doesn't expect her to take away the noise and just let him be. But she does. How is he suppose to give her up? How is he suppose to leave behind the only person that has ever made him feel OK and that he has ever felt such a connection with? He can't.

Fiona has a dark past that she has been running from for a couple of years now. But she has a plan. She's working and saving and soon her plan will be in place. She doesn't need distractions. Especially when it comes wrapped up in muscles, tattoos, piercings, and baby blue eyes. But then again she had a single plan for that night as well. Her plan was for a one night stand and who in there right mind would pass up a man that comes in this kind of package? Not her. She and Nikolai have an instant connection and he makes her feel things that are new to her. He touches her in places in not only physical sense, but also emotionally that she has never felt before. She's been doing nothing but living and breathing work and bringing her plan to life. But Nikolai has breathed new life into her. She hasn't FELT alive for a very long time. How is she suppose to keep to her plan and let this man go? She doesn't know if she can.

This was a beautiful love story that had it's ups and downs and had a bit of twist thrown in at the end. I can't wait to see what this author comes out with next.

***ARC kindly provided by Netgalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review***

[Maditales · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just was not for me.

This book is about Nik and Fiona and sure I loved Fiona as a character but wowwwww.
I do not even know how to explain it but this plot was extremely similar to the plot in book one of this series and I just found it repetitive.
I know it is a series but to have a similar outcome to the plot and I just found it then boring.

I know why the two guys have similarities but the plot was just too much for me. At least in the first book it felt planned but in this one the so called plot twist felt just thrown in there instead of it being planned.

I did however like Fiona and her personality. She went through a lot in her past and I understood why she often acted the way she did.
Nik was more difficult in my opinion because I did not really get how Fiona was different for his condition. Full honestly it just did not make any sense to me especially when we already learned a bit about these "powers" in the last book.

[Dee Montoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

6++++ Colorful Stars******

Sugar & Gold is one of those stories I like to call 3D. Why? you ask; because I could feel this written words with every single one of my senses. I was able to smell the storm raging inside the story and even see the colors and feel the love wrapping me in a big, tight hug. Just magical...



Nik is a man who's always been running. He has been trying to break free from his past and the ability to feel everything around him so vividly. He is a tortured guy who doesn't understand why he was chosen to suffer through all the ugly of this world. Until one day he meets a beautiful girl with pink colored hair that looks and feels like the calm after the storm.

Fiona is also running. She's counting down the days until she can escape to paradise. She lives a simple and happy life but even though she flee her past life which was full of pain, she still feels trapped by the memories.

Nik and Fiona met on a night where chaos was all around them, yet they felt like they had finally arrived home, in each other's presence. What came next was a whirlwind of passion and color so blinding, both of them were helpless to the emotions that were building and bringing them together.

Just like there are beautiful emotions between Nik and Fiona, there are also secrets. Heavy secrets that neither of them is ready to unveil. But what happens when everything they been hiding comes crashing down?



This story was so different from anything else I've ever read and I loved it. I can always count on Emma Scott to bring me something unique and unexpected. I love that she doesn't follow a recipe when it comes to her books, she follows her heart and it shines through her beautiful stories. Her books are the kind that makes people happy.

Sugar & Gold is the second book in this series, but it can totally be read as a standalone. You'll meet Evan while reading this book and you are going to love him. And if like me, you are immediately drawn to him and want to know more about his story you can buy How To Save A Life today. Bellow is the link.

http://amzn.to/2tfzju2

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Sugar & Gold
Series: Dreamcatcher #2
Author: Emma Scott
Release date: June 13, 2017
Cliffhanger: No
HEAYes

It's hard to believe I've only been reading Emma Scott's books for a year now, but in that time I have discovered the of the beauty and grace of her writing. Her skill at easily drawing out my emotions for her characters has quickly made her one of my top auto-read authors. It doesn't matter what genre or subject matter she decides to explore, I'll be first to add it to my TBR.

That being said, sometimes I just can't shut off my inquisitive mind when reading, and in this case, that prevented it from being a big winner for me like they have been in the past. There were too many times I kept stopping to question the validity of different aspects of the plot. In other cases, I just wanted more of an explanation or closure. But judging by the overall excitement for this book, I know that I'm in the minority with my pickiness this time so please don't let me scare you off from checking this unique story out.

Fiona Starling is twenty-three, but only now is she getting her first taste of independence and freedom. After surviving childhood lacking in love, she reached adulthood vulnerable to the manipulative man who swept her into his web of lies. It took her years to escape the abuse at his hands, but his words still have the power to mark her every single day. His taunts and insults are a constant soundtrack to her psyche, tearing into her self-worth until she can forcibly turn down the noise.

I believed Steve had rescued me; only to find out he was carrying me off to a colder winter. A different kind of prison altogether.

Everyone has a dream. Hers is a simple one: finding peace. And Costa Rica is her plan to finally break free from the chains that still bind her.

Nikolai is a tortured man, struggling to just find some semblance of peace himself. Unlike Fiona, it isn't just one person who invades his head, it's him against the world. Every person he comes in contact with transmits emotions and sometimes even thoughts through a color and image aura he's named the ken, that only he can see. His unwanted ability to read people leads him to a lonely life on the road playing poker for a living and trying to limit human contact for his own sanity. Up until now, the only momentary escape he can find is the pain at the end of a tattoo needle. But his canvas is almost completely covered, and he's not sure how he can manage without that small comfort when it's gone.

Then he meets Fiona, and during their one night of passion something inexplicable falls into place.

It was her voice that echoed in the hollowed out place inside me that belonged to everyone but me. But she was there now and she filled it up with all that was her and I felt whole for the first time in my life.

Fiona is the first person he's met who radiates kindness, care, and compassion. The only ugliness surrounding her is the one that haunts her, and he wishes with everything he has that he can take it all away for her. When they're together, the buzz of their intense attraction is only a bonus. The real prize is the comfort and the quiet they both give each other. Though neither has any experience with a healthy relationship, and she doesn't want to alter her plans to leave the country they're both willing to try.

Fiona… My shield. Protecting me and giving me rest. And I lay beneath her, strong and unwavering. A foundation she could rely on.

Until one devastating event knocks their lives off course in a way neither could have anticipated. I have to say, the direction that the story went took me completely off guard. To be 100% honest, I didn't love this twist. I felt as if there were too many details that didn't seem at all plausible.

After she hits a pedestrian on the street and severely injures her, she's sent to prison for three years. There was a distinct lack of a hearing, trial...in a matter of DAYS while he was gone she was sentenced to three years in prison for reckless driving. When she hadn't even been speeding...though they said she was. There were clearly other people at the crime scene, witnesses who helped the victim. And yet, because the injured woman was a senator's daughter, Fiona got imprisoned for years on his say so. Similarly, her release was equally quick and easy.

The main characters were sweet together, the secondary characters endearing and supportive friends. I did enjoy this couple, and the PNR element was one that I was really interested to read about. But the nagging plot points were rearing their head.

For example, one thing I couldn't let go was Fiona's own abilities that were hinted at through the book. There were two instances where she had prophetic dreams about Nik, just as Evan can do from How To Save a Life. (He makes an appearance in this book as well.) As well, she had a curious knowledge of the color auras. I felt as if all of these hints were leading somewhere substantial but we never discovered any particular meaning.

"Evan said that what he and I do is to tap into the energies of the universe.” He smiled sleepily at me. “Maybe you did that too.” “Maybe, but how? Why me?” Nik reached for me, pulled me up to nestle me against his chest. “You’re part of this too, baby,” he said.

She's part of it too? How? Why?

When Fiona is explaining to him what she believes certain colors to mean, she says gold is a romantic, fairy tale kind of love.

(46%) “Gold is the color of love.” She rested her cheek on my chest. “Not the love between family members, or mothers and their children. I mean the fairytale love, where the prince would do anything for the princess, even if it meant his own life. And the princess would sacrifice herself to the dragon if it would save the prince. The kind of love that… transcends, though I didn’t have that word at the time.”

Nik's immediate thoughts were:
My thoughts drifted back to Fiona’s color poems. It doesn’t mean anything… It’s just a coincidence. Except that pink was exactly as she’d described: how the ken translated kindness. And gold? I’d never seen gold.

Then I remembered that he had, in fact seen the color gold, earlier in the book. When Fi's neighbor came over to visit, the color flared in response to the child. Not only that, but they appeared in response to a non-romantic type of love.

(26%) More doorbell ringing followed, and Fiona’s face lit up, the light around her flaring pink and gold.

Fiona's divorce: as she was preparing to leave the country, she asks her friend to serve divorce papers to her ex whom she is legally still married to. It's never mentioned again if his address was found, if it went through before they left the country...? Steve is not exactly the type to be accommodating with her. He was the definition of narcissistic and selfish. So now I'm wondering as they escape to their happily ever after if she's still tied to the monster of her past. There was no closure for me.

And one other thing that made me sit back and wonder was Fiona's need to break her parole conditions and use a fake passport. I understood why she needed one originally before she met Nik. She was on the run, and using a false name. But now? Why would she risk getting thrown back in prison for her original sentence, PLUS an additional ten years for false papers? I just didn't get why she took such a monumental risk just because she didn't want to wait.

Issues aside, what I loved most about this book was Fiona's journey to self-empowerment. Spousal emotional abuse is an important topic to be educated about, and I feel as if it was very delicately and respectfully addressed. Fiona came out stronger in the end, realizing that she alone was relinquishing her power to him, and she had to make the choice to own it and take it back.

While this wasn't a huge five star win for me, I know that many others loved it wholeheartedly, so I urge everyone to give this a chance if it sounds like something they would enjoy. It was an original story with a miraculous kind of love that had the strength to heal two very broken people.

*Though Sugar & Gold is connected to How to Save a Life with recurring characters, this is a complete STANDALONE. I did not read HTSAL and had no issues whatsoever.

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[Jeannine Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars...



Well, I really suck. This review is almost two months late. #Fail 🙄 But that's not because of the book, it's because, like I said, I suck...



There were so many things to love about this book. The writing was stunning, the characters were multi-dimensional, and the overall plot was simple yet very meaningful. I'm a huge fan of character-driven novels. I love really well written character development, and to be honest, I can't recall many authors that do this to my level of satisfaction. But Emma Scott is definitely one of them, and I think that's why she is one of my favorite authors. Well, that and because she writes amazing book boyfriends...

- Nik -

Sweet baby Jesus. Nik is my dream man. I'm seriously a little frightened because it's like ES rooted around in my brain and made him just for me.

Nikolai Alexei—Last Name Unknown—was beautiful. His strong body was packed with muscles that were covered in intimidating tattoos. His ears were pierced with wicked-looking curves of silver... with blue eyes and short dark hair. A sweet face but drawn tight with intensity, his brows always furrowed, a hard glint in his eye…

But underneath all that is a guy with a heart of gold (cheesy pun intended) who will do anything for the woman he loves. There was not a single thing I didn't love about him. Thank God he's on the cover so I can kind of say I hugged him... That's not too weird, right??? 👀



My heart broke for how misunderstood he was as a child. I think that mistreatment shaped him more than the ken ever did. It gave him his outlook on the world. If his parents had accepted him, accepted this gift that he couldn't explain, he wouldn't have been so bitter.

"That's life, right? We're pawns in some cosmic game. Either that or it's all a hoax; a big fucking joke."

But despite his bleak outlook, he was never cruel. He didn't strike out at others. Nik led a solitary life until Fiona came along and showed him another way.

Their relationship is instantaneous and most definitely fueled by lust. But there's also an underlying connection that neither can explain. I think my favorite aspect of Nik was how perfect he was for Fiona. He always made sure she was comfortable.

"Okay," I said slowly. "Sure. If you want to."
"No, Fiona," Nik said, his voice low. "If you want to."

"You're the reason I came back, but if you're not okay with it, I'm gone."

I want you, any way you'll take me.

One of my big problems with alpha males is how they always boss the heroines around... it seriously drives me nuts. Somehow ES made my perfect alpha male 💙



- Fiona -

Fi is running from a painful past. Without divulging what it is, I will say that I've never experienced something like that before, and yet I felt Fi's fear deeply.

I imagined it coming down out of the sky, like a huge fist, sweeping me up into its grip and crushing me until there was nothing left.

But, like Nik, she didn't let it completely destroy her. She still had a light about her and she still found good in the world.

"Funny how pure a child's thoughts are. Just simple truths, you know? No fancy metaphors, no big words that try too hard."

And even though she had every reason to be distrustful, she still so beneath Nik's rough exterior. It's hard to say too much about her without revealing her past, but I really admired her and enjoyed watching her break free from her past. I also loved the fact that while Nik was there, he wasn't the reason she changed. She did it by herself and for herself.



One of my favorite aspects of this series is the paranormal undertone. I'm the type of person who doesn't not believe in the paranormal, if that makes any sense. I try not to rule things out just because I haven't experienced them. So I think the bit of mystery these novels have. *I will say that certain parts left me expecting more of an explanation at the end. But I also know that the idea behind this series is that there are certain things that just can't be explained.

Nik and Fi's relationship had a fated quality to it, which is my favorite kind in my romance novels, and my inner quote whore was very pleased 😏😍

Of all the emotions I'd experienced through the ken, Fiona's happiness was the most beautiful.

I had never loved anything so much in my life as I loved Fiona the moment she stepped out of the shadows and into the sun.

"I love you, Fiona, so much that I feel like I've loved you before. That I'll keep loving you long after this life."

But the longing I felt to be with Fiona had nothing to do with what she gave me and everything to do with who she was.

Maybe I had a purpose beyond poker and the road. Maybe the damn ken had a purpose beyond torture…

When he looks at me, it's pure. Like he doesn't need anything more than what I am.

And the sex? Holy freaking crap... I normally don't comment on it unless it's crazy good. So you should know, it's crazy freaking good. Definitely the hottest ES has ever written, in my opinion.

"I'm going to go broke replacing underwear," I said, my heart pounding now.
"Then stop wearing them," Nikolai said.

That particular scene, in which he had ripped her underwear off for the second time, had me...



I didn't have a place for this, but I couldn't not include it because it's one of my favorite quotes ever...

"If I tell people what I see, they get scared. If I paint them, it's just art. Creativity. It's safe."

I could fangirl about this quote for a while, so I'm just gonna say this... 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

**Now to my teeny, tiny problem (I'm seriously the worst 😭). But this is SERIOUSLY a ME problem. Also, the spoiler is fairly significant and reveals details about Fi's past.

Fiona was in a relationship with an emotionally abusive man and during that time she became almost infertile. Her exact words are...

"[It would be] 'medically significant' if I were to become pregnant and a miracle if I kept it. A miracle."

In the epilogue she ends up getting pregnant and carrying the child to term.

I've never been a fan of this trope. I can appreciate the idea of a miracle baby and I know it happens, but I don't think I've ever read a novel where it's impossible for the woman to get pregnant and then it stays that way and she doesn't.

The reason I don't like this is because I think it sends the wrong message to women in a similar situation, like the only way they can have a HEA is through a miracle baby. *I do want to mention that Fi and Nik also adopted a child before knowing about the baby. I was so thrilled because I thought FINALLY! But then she gets pregnant. I wasn't angry and I didn't hate it, but I was a little let down because while I understand that this is fiction, it always feels a bit insensitive to women who have trouble conceiving.

I do want to stress that I really liked the ending, even aspects including her pregnancy. I just always have this niggle when reading this trope.

I really hope this series is continued, but either way, I can't wait to devour more from this author!!!! ❤️

Safety: Zero OP drama!

Closure: HEA! The epilogue takes place two years later and has them living together and expecting :)

[Suanne Laqueur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and loved two of Emma Scott’s books before being hired as her editor. I had to read the next four books critically, scrutinizing line by line and page by page, leaning hard on the story, pushing back on everything and basically being really mean, because it is my job.

I sat Sugar & Gold out for scheduling reasons, which meant I got to read this for joy. I worried I wouldn’t be able to shut the critical bitch part of my brain off, but not for long. A couple glasses of wine and I was sunk down deep in the couch cushions.

And I ate it.

One sitting. Like devouring an entire sugary, golden Sara Lee cheesecake with no fucks to give. I stuffed my face because I could. Left brain disconnected and right brain completely immersed. Ignoring it was 2AM and reading for pure pleasure. Lost in Emma’s unapolgetically gritty, textured storytelling, her gifted male POV technique and her ability to mine the emotional intensity in a scene. Admiring the bold, brash flavor of this tale. Falling in love with the writing and falling in love with my talented friend again. Being reminded how her books are nothing less than a treat, and that she is a magnificent presence in the indie author world that deserves the widest audience it can reach.

I could get used to this.

[Sophie "Beware Of The Reader" · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 “hope and love” stars

The curse is on me again!
This is the third time I write this review. Again.
I always have problems writing reviews for Emma Scott, Suanne Laqueur, Amy Harmon etc.’s books. Not because I’ve nothing to say but because I felt so much it’s like a jumble in my brain. Every idea and emotion wants to go out all at once and bleed on the page.
Not very appealing for a review.
For the first time in my life I also went somewhat overzealous creating teasers… What can I say the story inspired me big time!

So let’s have a shot again.

First, the most important: I loved that story!
It’s utterly romantic. It gave me hope but only after I cried big fat tears on poor little Nik’s childhood.

Second: I did not expect the paranormal side of the story.
Well no, that’s a lie. My blog buddies Danielle and Tijuana beta read this jewel and hinted at paranormal aspect in our (many) Whatsapp chats. No secrets revealed as they are like tombs (LOL) but just some crumbles here and there that they loved the story and were surprised by this unexpected aspect.

Third: what makes this story so touching are the wonderful characters (read below).

Fourth: the flashbacks in Nik’s childhood really broke my mother’s heart! I just wanted to protect that little boy so bad! To tell him he was wonderful even with his special ability. That I saw him and loved him for all that he was. And I really, really wanted to shock these evil doctors just to see if they would like to have their brains fried!!! Evil, clueless, mad scientists they were. Shams of doctors!!!

Sugar and Gold, it says it all. This book is sweet like sugar and warm like gold. Now you’d have to add a zest of lemon because all is not a bed of roses and the heroes had their fair share of trouble! Some hot pepper too because Nik and Fiona between the sheet… steamy!


As usual Emma Scott writes heroes somehow battered by life. The kind of heroes you can’t help but fall madly and completely in love or in like with.
Nik has a special “gift” or rather he sees it as a curse. He can read other’s emotions and sometimes hear their thoughts. From a young age he’s been rejected by his mom and prodded not kindly at all by doctors.



“What do you want, Nik? If you had one wish?” “I wish Mama would look at me. Touch me. She used to hug me when I was scared. I’m scared all the time…”
He’s spent his life looking after others like him to no avail. He is lonely. So, so, so lonely. And his brain is constantly assaulted by these sensations and emotions it’s just too much.
“So much misery in the world… And all of it shoved down my throat, every waking hour of my life.”
What’s the point in living like that really?
“If something didn’t change quick, I wasn’t going to make it to thirty. Hell, I wasn’t going to make it to twenty-five. “
So now tell Dr Sophie if you don’t want to just hug this man so hard you’ll nearly suffocate him! Right yes?

When he meets Fiona it’s silence.
For the first time ever in his life everything is muted. He can only see her. Really see her. In the “I can’t take my eyes off you so I just have to draw you” kind.
Who is this girl? Why does she ooze hope and warmth so much that Nik is just encompassed in her pink color? He is literally bathing in her glow of happiness.
She is protecting him from all the noise in his head and for the first time in his life Nik can rest.


Fiona is a nurturer. She loves kids, volunteer at animal shelters, babysit her little neighbor …She gives and gives and gives… Yet she fights every day to maintain her peace and joy. She’s hearing “his” belittling voice in her head every day undermining her hard won confidence.
She’s been abused and knows that all scars are not always marring your skin.
He lied to me, insulted and belittled me, destroyed my self-esteem and then cried in my lap that I was the only person who understood him. He’d kept control of the money, made me a prisoner, not only in my own house, but in my own mind.

God she also tore my heart open as what happened to her was so unfair!!!!! Knowing what kind of a woman she was it was maybe the worst punishment that could have befallen on her!

Both hear voices or feel others in their own way. Fiona with the remnants of Steve’s voice and Nik with everyone polluting his mind and senses.
These two were just meant to happen. They were just so cute and gorgeous together!


But of course life is not a bed of roses and Emma Scott has more than one trick stacked up in her sleeve! Just to keep us on our toes. And elevate our blood pressure. And eat tons of comfort food when things turn bad. And ….

Well you get (hopefully) the gist of what I’m trying to say!
Loved it? YES!
Recommend it? Heck YEAH!

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikolai is constantly moving - going from city to city. He tries to avoid the big cities, because he can't be around people for too long. He feels and sees and tastes their thoughts and feelings.
The money he needs to live he wins in underground poker games.
He's not sure how long he can keep going like this ...



But then he meets Fiona.
Fiona escaped a horrible marriage a few years ago. And now she's only a few thousand dollars away from leaving for Costa Rica and her new peaceful life.
As soon as Nik meets Fiona, his mind calms down.
It was just supposed to be a one-night stand, but ... it's so much more.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH FIONA & NIK?
WILL THERE BE A HAPPILY EVER AFTER???
BUY THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺

══════════════════════





I was hooked from the prologue! Which was amazing, because we meet someone again - someone we fell in love with a while back! ☺

Nik and Fiona. They're both so broken. So sad, lonely, scared.
That's why they fit so perfectly. But Fiona is leaving and Nik has this secret about his stupid 'curse'.
You just hope all through the book that both will tell the other their secret and then we'll live happily ever after in a little house in Costa Rica.
But of course we just know that it's not as simple as that. There are dangers lurking and things will happen .... but we'll fight through it with Nik and Fiona! Because we want that HEA for them. They really deserve it after everything they had to go through in their lives!

Amazing story. Amazing characters!

I had the feeling the story dragged a bit here and there. I was waiting for something to happen. We know something will happen, so we do NOT stop reading, but the middle part was a tiny bit slow for me. But I still loved it. The last third especially made up for everything again. Don't be scared now. It's not that there's NOTHING happening, we have sweet and sexy and adorable and romantic and moving and exciting and sad and frustrating moments all through the book!!! READ IT!!!! ☺

SUGAR & GOLD was such an amazingly beautiful & heartbreaking lovestory! About two extraordinary people who fight with everything they have to get to that happily ever after life - that place full of sunshine with the one person that was meant for them!
Please run to your nearest amazon for your own Nik, because this one is MINE! MIIIIINNNEEEEE!!!! ☺ !!

♡ ♡
♡ ♡

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikolai has a special ability. An ability he considers a curse. He's so weighed down that he can't lead a normal life. He's rejected by his parents and can't get close to anyone. He's been severely treated by professional who should have helped him, but just hurt him worse. He breaks free and just exist the best way he knows how.

Fiona is desperate to save enough money to move to Costa Rica. She doesn't want anything or anyone to stand in her way. She meets Nikolai and she struggles with her longing for him and her longing to move to away. As the story unfolds, you learn what is driving her to want to go so far away but she finds in Nikolai what she thought could never be.

This author has such a talent for getting me right in the feels. One of my favorite things she does is bring two people together who has suffered tragedy and show how they heal each other, pieces at a time. It's a slow burn love that builds and builds to a point that their bond seems unbreakable. By the time you get to the end, I'm filled to the brim with happiness for the couple.

This is such a beautiful read but it also has a bit of darkness to it. It's deserves the 5 stars I gave it. ARC provided by NetGalley.

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ★'s

"It was on my bucket list."

Onto the second book in the Dreamcatcher series and it starts with a prologue about Evan and Jo from the first book. We find out that Evan is still using his "gift" to help people and he has to go help the couple in this story.

Fiona is a very earthy, happy person...or so she seems wants to be. She does what she wants, when she wants and what she wants is a one night stand so off she goes.

And that's where she meets Nik, handsome, tattooed and pierced Nik and boy, are they intensely attracted to each other. It takes them no time at all to leave together and then, of course, have some really steamy scenes.

Nik is the one with the "gift" (or is he?), however, he sees emotions/etc. by colors (mostly) and as his "gift" or "ken" as he calls it develops, he can actually find out more about a person. A quality that helps him win (a lot) in underground poker games.

However, all the noise from the ken is quiet when he's with Fiona and that along with their amazing sexually chemistry makes him want to be around her more. So...one night turns into three and that's when Nik has to take off. Thankfully, he doesn't stay gone very long.



Deciding he needs to take a break, he comes back to town and gets his own place. Fiona is thrilled and their relationship develops more fully. They both have their secrets and when Nik finally tells her about the ken, all hell breaks loose. :(

This leads to some major drama, albeit a tad outrageous, on Fiona's end. Nik had taken off to take care of his ailing mother but he's shocked to find out what happened while he was gone. Determined to make things right, he goes along trying to do just that. Enter Evan.

Evan's a huge help. I loved their scenes together but mainly I loved that Nik found out he wasn't alone. Nik is able to use the things Evan told him to make things right.

I thought these two were really sweet together and I loved their connection. Even more amazing was the ending and how things worked out and of course, the "additions".

Emma Scott has a great way with words. I love this line..." His blue eyes were like liquid sapphires, holding my gaze with a potent mix of love and lust that stole my breath." ~Sigh~ (That gives me shivers.)

These books take a bit of faith due to the paranormal aspect but overall I'm looking forward to see what she's going to pull out of her hat next!

[Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦]

You can still enter this awesome international signed paperback giveaway!!! www.steamyreads.net

[aNneMarLi - Chatterbooks Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and hope.... *sigh then sobs uncontrollably

For those who knew me, knows exactly what tropes or genres of books I am a sucker for. Suffice to say, Sugar and Gold isn't one of them. Paranormal books or just part paranormal isn't my thing. It's not that I am a snob of a bitch but more like I am not just into it and I hated the idea of reading something I know I wont enjoy in the end. So the thing is, right from the very beginning I have no idea about Sugar and Gold. I signed up for the book blind. The thought alone that it's Emma Scott was enough for me to go with it especially with that post on social media the author posted that made me intrigue of her because it just showed how big her heart is. I thought, the book will surely be good because she's got a heart of gold. Have I ever read any of her works? Never! I heard about the buzz that is Emma Scott but never did I ever had the chance to read any of her works until now. I was shocked that this is partly paranormal. I nearly emailed her that I wanted to be ousted on the review but my heart wont let got of it. Just like the hero and heroines of this book always said, Just be...

And Just be I did...

Now, here I am with a book hangover, puffy eyes and a heart so full I feel like it's gonna burst anytime. I was left SPEECHLESS like utterly speechless and I have nothing else in mind except all those colors.. pink and gold and the emotions that comes with it. I LOVE THIS BOOK BIG TIME!And I couldn't be more happier I rooted for it. Gah! The feels! I can still feel it deep in my bones and it struck right into the center of my heart. I even went to asking a friend to drop evrything and read it with me because I needed someone I can hold on to. This is just wow! As my friend refer to her, Emma Scott is a magician And I concur! Her words are magical I feel like I was cast in a spell and I don't want anyone to uncast it for me. I want to just get lost in the bubble of her brilliant writing together with her perfectly cracted plot and portrayed characters I have loved from beginning until the end. You know why? Because it's so magical in there and I have the best feels I never expected.

Right from the very beginning, I was drawn into the story. I was hooked, curious and intrigue and with every lines and words as I flipped from pages to pages, it was undeniably amazing! I hate to admit this but at first, I felt like the book was slow for my liking. I have instant connection with the story, yes , but the pacing bothered me at first only to realize after that it was better written that way. The unhurried pacing, made me savour, devour and ravished the story even more. It made me appreciate the beauty of what is Sugar and Gold, feel deeply the emotions and feel more connected with Nikolai and Fiona. And without giving too much away, not even a summary, I will just say READ THIS BOOK. BREATHE AND INHALE IT.This is Epic! The complexity made it more intriguing and interesting. I could not say anything imperfect out of it because Emma Scott delivered it well. She conveyed all the emotions possible and she made me in awe of her talent because of that. Everything was well written and all the bases were covered. The characters were brilliantly portrayed and their journey was awe inspiring. Their pain and struggles shattered my heart. I was touched. I was moved. I cried a lot. I felt like I was punched in the gut. My heart was in knots I could barely breathe. I was rooting for them and praying for their misery to end and just let them be. Let them find their sunshine..make them whole. And when it did? Gahd! Heart warming feels at it's finest. I felt alive! Lordy! I love it so much that I don't want it to end. Talk about me not into this kind of book, but here I am loving it with all my might. The uniqueness coupled with heart of this book got me. Kudos Emma Scott! And that epilogue, Fuck me sideways, hard! I cried even more!!!

In the end, I will highly recommend this book. I don't even know if it's just right to say this but “Tʼáá íiyisíí ahéhee,” ... a gratitude greater than Thank you to Emma Scott for delivering this poignant story of two broken souls finding thir selves, looking for home. It is powerful and intense, inspiring and deeply moving. It felt so alive. Sugar and Gold is life!

P.S. Emma Scott, just so you know, while reading this book, I was wondering so many things about Fiona. ;) Her character right from the beginning was an enigma to me.