Saturday, September 13, 2014

BLOG TOUR: ARC REVIEW & EXCERPT - First Encounter (A Lady's Series Book 1) by Candy O'Donnell




First Encounter (A Lady's Series Book 1)
Candy O'Donnell


Synopsis

She didn't only touch his heart... she touched his soul.

Twenty-two year old Eric Holtzer didn't know what hit him when he first encountered Vivian DuCrane in the hotel lobby. Being a Prince from another country did have its benefits--awesome benefits, such as booze, fast cars, and women, but Vivian was something special--and she was about to turn his world upside down!




Review

Eric Holtzer is a young Prince who is sent to the US to help in reviving the trees and greenery at some of the local parks. He is there to attend a conference and it is in that very hotel where he sets his eyes on Vivian DuCrane. He is immediately taken with her beauty and feelings that he's never had before.

Vivian DuCrane is an owner of several bars. Her family is well known bar keepers that go way back. She is a very strong, independent woman. She has her secrets as well and doesn't quite immediately give Eric the attention that he wants. 

Eric is falling for Vivian hard and he wants to be a better person. He wants to change his ways and make her see that they can be good together. I kind of felt sorry for Eric some and wanted to just yell and scold him like the spoiled child he would act like. 

This was a good read. I really liked Vivian's character. It's always the strong woman that gets my attention. I'm really glad that Candy O'Donnell didn't go the route of damsel in distress. Instead she sort of reversed the roles. Eric is the one that seemed weak and very much spoiled that he grated on my nerves a time or two. 

This was a very well written story. The characters develop and grow as the story plays out. Candy did a great job of conveying the emotions of the characters and making it so that you are able to connect with them emotionally. A good romance story that isn't like others that start off from the jump by slowly eases its way into it. I enjoyed reading this story and read it in one sitting. 





Excerpt

Eric walked toward the 3-tier circular fountain near the entrance of the hotel. It was about eight feet wide with a twelve foot rearing horse in the middle. Water spouted from its gaping mouth. Upon its back was a rider wearing a military uniform. Eric’s eyes quickly dropped to the water—it was crystal clear and a few glittering rocks sat on the bottom. Every time water toppled down, the heart-shaped stones shimmered.

“Nice, isn’t it?” A voice startled him from behind. When he turned the most incredible creature stood in black pumps and a form-fitting black dress with a white belt. It fit her figure quite snugly. Her perfect dirty-blond hair was pulled back into a ponytail and Eric could not take his eyes off her.

“Yes-s it is very nice.” His blue eyes lightened in her presence as she stared into the pool of clean water.

“I find it relaxing whenever I come here.” She muttered softly. His eyes roved over her impeccable pink cheeks and her small flawless nose. He did not seem to notice anything else on her body, but that face—it was the face of an angel.

“Do you come here often?” Eric stumbled over his words. At least he thought he twisted them inside out. Within, his heart did cartwheels.

“Yes, I do visit this fountain each day before and after work.” She turned toward him with side of her mouth raised. The radiant smile brought him to his knees as his gut reacted to her highlighted face. The sun was almost revealing her most adorable features. The setting sun’s rays smoothed her fine skin and her almond-shaped eyes.

“That is nice.” The words dropped out of his mouth like he was school boy in love.
“Yes, thanks. Enjoy your evening.” She began to step from him. Everything within him wanted to encircle this beautiful creature with money, jewelry, and his eternal desire to be close to her.

“How do you know I’m going out?” His eyes meandered over hers then he fell in deeper. Those baby blues could not be turned away from. She must be a gift from heaven and here she was, dropped in his lap.

“You are dressed in a black and white suit, and your dress tie.” He lifted a hand to it then straightened it. “There you go.” He felt a surge of energy rush through him when she did so. She must have felt it to, he thought as her face blushed under his gaze.

“I suppose so.” Eric answered.

“You enjoy whatever it is you are heading to.” She swiveled on one foot and hurried from him.

“What is your name?” He called. But it was too late. She was already in the elevator as the doors closed behind her. Eric’s heart could not stop thumping in his chest. This was something he had never experienced before. She was something special.



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Meet the Author

Candy O’Donnell was born in Carmichael, California.

At the age of twelve, she wrote her first mini book. Filled mostly with what took place with her mother and her long tedious bout with leukemia. It was a short story told as extra credit when she suffered a sprained ankle and had to be out of school for over two months. School officials refused to believe a word of what she had written until her grandmother, her guardian back then, entered the school with the truth. Everything she had written down was exactly what took place. Unfortunately her mother succumbed to the disease.

             She earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and Culture. After living with her aunt and uncle for over five years she wished to explore her uncle’s Native heritage and did so with vigor. She also has 6 Grad units in Criminal Justice. Someday she might go back and finish her Master’s.


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