Twenty-one-year-old Serena Thomas is faced with a tough decision. Unable to get ahead of debt and loneliness since her grandmother’s death she finds a new job, placing the sheltered virgin in an underground escort business. She tells herself it’s just a temporary life choice, but destiny has a different plan. She meets a mysterious and gorgeous man, who happens to be her new boss. Will Serena fit in or will she be left all alone again?
Lincoln (aka: Linc) Jefferson has an unusual life. He established The Lounge, an exclusive escort club for very personal reasons. A place where the women say who, when, and what type of sex they’re willing to have. The escorts possess all the power and the money. It’s a business Linc guards at all costs. Trying to maintain the secrecy is a constant challenge and one that’s tested when he enters into a relationship with Serena. She tempts him unlike any woman, even though he’s surrounded by beauty on a daily basis. The more time they spend together the harder it is for him to keep his secrets. Will Serena stand by his side or will she abandon him?
Sparks and passion fly, taking these two on a journey neither could have expected.
I LOVED IT!!!
I have to admit that the initial meeting between Serena and Linc had me a little wary. Linc's reaction to Serena came off as creepy, in my opinion, but as the tale was told, his actions toward her made perfect sense and were transformed from "Ew" to "Endearing."
The whole story, which was written almost entirely from Serena's point-of-view, was very easy to read. That is, the plot was intriguing and the unraveling mysteries kept me turning the virtual pages DYING to know what happened next! The dialogue was very realistic, and I could easily "hear" the conversations being had. The overall narration was an excellent balance of "trendy-slang-speak" and "proper-thoughtful-reverence."
As a result of Linc's actions, I was almost in tears near the end. He is one of my favorite heroes, and I cannot WAIT to read more of him!
While the book didn't really end on a cliffhanger, the story is continued in the next book, SERENITY, which I will most definitely be reading!!!
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
I have to admit that the initial meeting between Serena and Linc had me a little wary. Linc's reaction to Serena came off as creepy, in my opinion, but as the tale was told, his actions toward her made perfect sense and were transformed from "Ew" to "Endearing."
The whole story, which was written almost entirely from Serena's point-of-view, was very easy to read. That is, the plot was intriguing and the unraveling mysteries kept me turning the virtual pages DYING to know what happened next! The dialogue was very realistic, and I could easily "hear" the conversations being had. The overall narration was an excellent balance of "trendy-slang-speak" and "proper-thoughtful-reverence."
As a result of Linc's actions, I was almost in tears near the end. He is one of my favorite heroes, and I cannot WAIT to read more of him!
While the book didn't really end on a cliffhanger, the story is continued in the next book, SERENITY, which I will most definitely be reading!!!
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
1. How did you get the idea for the story Intensity?
Intensity came to me as a fantasy as I was driving to work one day. Driving can be boring and my mind often wanders. Therefore, the story developed purely by accident. I have to admit the original story was very different from the finished tale. I wrote an article about the experience at Savvy Authors, titled: Take Your Time, but Hurry Up! A Newbie Author Selfie.
http://savvyauthors.com/blog/index.php/take-your-time-but-hurry-up-a-newbie-author-selfie-by-c-c-koen/
2. How did you decide on the characters’ names/traits?
I’m a name junkie. I’ve always been interested in them since I was a little girl. I ask parents all the time how they chose their child’s names, which usually reveals some very interesting stories. Therefore, naming INTENSITY characters was very important to me. The more I wrote the easier it became to choose them. The male lead, Lincoln Jefferson had to be a strong name. I automatically thought presidents’ names would be a good choice. The female lead, Serena Thomas came easily too. I wanted a unique name for her, one that flowed smoothly and had a nice ring to it. Learn more about the characters and their names at my author website: http://www.cckoen.com. Explore the INTENSITY-BFF page.
3. Is there a town named Crestfallen, NY?
As far as I know the answer is no. I researched NY maps. The location is described as being about 30 minutes north of NYC and on the water. I researched locales that fit my vision. I’m a research geek and had a lot of fun preparing for this novel. Maybe someday I’ll get a chance to visit the area.
4. How did you come up with the title?
I actually had two, but INTENSITY won the battle. The other was Behind Closed Doors, and I’m glad I didn’t select it. I think INTENSITY suits the story characters, events, and theme so much better. Besides, the sequel, SERENITY, scheduled for release in fall 2015, goes along much better with it.
5. Who designed the book cover?
Ebook Cover Designs by Carey. Check out her website, she’s awesome.
http://ebookcoverdesignsbycarey.com/
6. What were some of the challenges of writing INTENSITY?
Too many. I’ve always learned life lessons the hard way and writing was no different. Being a new author, I had a lot to learn. It didn’t matter that I’ve read romance novels from a young age, or that my day job is in education, or that I write on a daily basis. Creative writing is much more than putting words on a page and calling it a story. There is a specific structure and genre elements required to create an enticing story. I didn’t mind though. I love writing and hope readers will enjoy my novels.
Intensity came to me as a fantasy as I was driving to work one day. Driving can be boring and my mind often wanders. Therefore, the story developed purely by accident. I have to admit the original story was very different from the finished tale. I wrote an article about the experience at Savvy Authors, titled: Take Your Time, but Hurry Up! A Newbie Author Selfie.
http://savvyauthors.com/blog/index.php/take-your-time-but-hurry-up-a-newbie-author-selfie-by-c-c-koen/
2. How did you decide on the characters’ names/traits?
I’m a name junkie. I’ve always been interested in them since I was a little girl. I ask parents all the time how they chose their child’s names, which usually reveals some very interesting stories. Therefore, naming INTENSITY characters was very important to me. The more I wrote the easier it became to choose them. The male lead, Lincoln Jefferson had to be a strong name. I automatically thought presidents’ names would be a good choice. The female lead, Serena Thomas came easily too. I wanted a unique name for her, one that flowed smoothly and had a nice ring to it. Learn more about the characters and their names at my author website: http://www.cckoen.com. Explore the INTENSITY-BFF page.
3. Is there a town named Crestfallen, NY?
As far as I know the answer is no. I researched NY maps. The location is described as being about 30 minutes north of NYC and on the water. I researched locales that fit my vision. I’m a research geek and had a lot of fun preparing for this novel. Maybe someday I’ll get a chance to visit the area.
4. How did you come up with the title?
I actually had two, but INTENSITY won the battle. The other was Behind Closed Doors, and I’m glad I didn’t select it. I think INTENSITY suits the story characters, events, and theme so much better. Besides, the sequel, SERENITY, scheduled for release in fall 2015, goes along much better with it.
5. Who designed the book cover?
Ebook Cover Designs by Carey. Check out her website, she’s awesome.
http://ebookcoverdesignsbycarey.com/
6. What were some of the challenges of writing INTENSITY?
Too many. I’ve always learned life lessons the hard way and writing was no different. Being a new author, I had a lot to learn. It didn’t matter that I’ve read romance novels from a young age, or that my day job is in education, or that I write on a daily basis. Creative writing is much more than putting words on a page and calling it a story. There is a specific structure and genre elements required to create an enticing story. I didn’t mind though. I love writing and hope readers will enjoy my novels.
I turned toward the frameless picture windows lining the entire exterior wall and was presented with a breathtaking, unobstructed view of the harbor. Smack dab in the middle, behind an antique mahogany desk, stood the tallest, most impressive man I’d ever seen. The black suit he wore matched the surroundings, professional and sleek. The top three buttons on his white shirt undone, dark sprigs of hair peeked through and begged for my attention.
As I got closer, his eyes scanned me from head, to chest, to hips and up and down my long legs at least three times, resting on my ruby-red tiptoes.
Ha! Two could play at that game. Using the exact pace he did, I snapped mental pictures of every God given, Mr. Universe muscle. A wavy black ponytail, pulled tight at the nape, crested his wide shoulders and dipped to mid-chest, bringing my journey to a momentary pause. A taut dress shirt molded to his pecs became an instant favorite and preference I didn’t know I had. As I gravitated lower, the desk impeded my view, coming to rest at his waist and a nondescript silver belt buckle. My eyes drifted back up, wishing I could see more, but his tailored jacket without a hint of lint on it kept him hidden. Still, from what I could take in, the man had sin engraved all over him.
I stopped in front of his desk and realized my earlier assessment of him had been right. My six five in heels, shrunk to five feet the way he towered over me by several inches. “Linc?” The wispiness of my voice made me cringe. Way to go, Serena.
His answer, one sharp nod. In the corners around each eye, little wrinkles appeared as he took another long journey over my body. Knees locked together, I tried hard not to fidget. “I’m Serena. Mylaynee said my interview was at twelve thirty. I’m a little early. I didn’t mean to interrupt if you were in the middle of something.” Damn, there I went, rambling. Yeah, that would have him eating out of my hands.
Linc rounded the desk, coming toe to toe.
"You’re a virgin."
As I got closer, his eyes scanned me from head, to chest, to hips and up and down my long legs at least three times, resting on my ruby-red tiptoes.
Ha! Two could play at that game. Using the exact pace he did, I snapped mental pictures of every God given, Mr. Universe muscle. A wavy black ponytail, pulled tight at the nape, crested his wide shoulders and dipped to mid-chest, bringing my journey to a momentary pause. A taut dress shirt molded to his pecs became an instant favorite and preference I didn’t know I had. As I gravitated lower, the desk impeded my view, coming to rest at his waist and a nondescript silver belt buckle. My eyes drifted back up, wishing I could see more, but his tailored jacket without a hint of lint on it kept him hidden. Still, from what I could take in, the man had sin engraved all over him.
I stopped in front of his desk and realized my earlier assessment of him had been right. My six five in heels, shrunk to five feet the way he towered over me by several inches. “Linc?” The wispiness of my voice made me cringe. Way to go, Serena.
His answer, one sharp nod. In the corners around each eye, little wrinkles appeared as he took another long journey over my body. Knees locked together, I tried hard not to fidget. “I’m Serena. Mylaynee said my interview was at twelve thirty. I’m a little early. I didn’t mean to interrupt if you were in the middle of something.” Damn, there I went, rambling. Yeah, that would have him eating out of my hands.
Linc rounded the desk, coming toe to toe.
"You’re a virgin."
Serenity (The Path to Serenity Series, Book 2)
Coming October, 2015
♥ Click on the cover to learn more ♥
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ReplyDeleteI liked the review, thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for participating in the Intensity tour and taking time to review it. I'm so glad you enjoyed Serena and Linc's story. The sequel, Serenity, will be released in Oct. 2015.
ReplyDeleteLinc is DEFINITELY one of my top "Book Boyfriends"!!! I am VERY MUCH looking forward to Serenity. Thank you for stopping by today!
DeleteLast day of your tour and I have to say it's been fun following you, getting to know you and your work. Enjoyed the review today too.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed learning about the book. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteYou are a new to me author. The cover is amazing and the book sounds so good !
ReplyDeleteNew author, interesting excerpt...win, win!
ReplyDeleteYou are a new to me author. I love the cover and want to read this, it sounds amazing !
ReplyDelete