The Skin Quartet series #1
Zara West
The Wild Rose Press, Jun 2016
ebook, 251 pages, also available in paperback
Genre(s) Contemporary Romance, Legal, Mystery, Interracial, Thriller, Debut Novel
Source Author
Other books in this series: Close to the Skin #2
Synopsis:
Ex-Olympic wrestler and reclusive billionaire artist Aristides Stavros has one mission—to rescue his sister, a popular tattoo artist from the old enemy who has kidnapped her. But at every turn, he is confronted by anthropologist Melissa Dermot. Is she just an innocent girl in over her head, or is she working for the international crime boss holding his sister?
Only one thing is certain–when Ari holds the beautiful Asian-American in his arms, questions of guilt and innocence fade against an undeniable fiery attraction. But can their wild passionate love survive the tangled web of long-buried secrets, intentional deceit, and murderous revenge that lie just beneath the surface?
About the Author:
Zara West loves all things dark, scary, and heart-stopping as long as they lead to true love. Born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Zara spends winters in New York where the streets hum with life, summers in the Maritimes where the sea can be cruel, and the rest of the year anywhere inspiration for tales of suspense, mystery, and romance are plentiful.
An accomplished artist by training and passion, she brings a love of art to every book she writes. When not marooned on an island or chasing after Greek shepherds, Zara tends her organic herb garden, collects hats and cats, and whips up ethnic dishes for friends and family.
My Disclaimer:
I was provided a free copy of this book by the author. I am providing an honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review: ✮✮✮✮✮
You must read the synopsis for this book to put it into perspective. I found that the synopsis explained Ari but the book was much more from Melissa’s perspective. Once I read the synopsis, it put things in focus for me so that I understood it all much better.
Ari and Melissa come together with the same goal in mind, not knowing that, and certainly not trusting each other. But there is a strange attraction for both of them. They have such different approaches to danger. You wouldn’t think they could ever come together. While Melissa slips through the shadows desperately trying to avoid its notice, Ari arrogantly tries to stomp it into submission.
But come together they do and Ms. West makes it sound like poetry. Her writing is exquisite in parts and does read like poetry. I was mesmerized by it. I found myself totally lost in the ambiance she was creating with the magic of her words. I think I was even a bit disoriented when I reached a stopping point that broke the spell. Ms. West has been kind enough to provide me with the second book in this series, and I am looking forward to finding time to read it with great anticipation. I can’t recommend this book highly enough to any romance reader. You have to like your dangerous bits, too, though; because there’s the thriller part of this book as well. Try it, you’ll love it! Then reflect on the fact that this is a debut novel. Yes, this is the first book by this author. Totally blows me away. Such talent. I hope she never runs out of ideas now that she’s gotten started.
a thoughtful reveal 