Review: Characters with real issues
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 15, 2014
Essence by Mackenzie Lucas is a story with realistic characters with their own set of emotional issues. The sexual encounters are candid but provide the reader with understanding of the characters as they work through their issues. Essence is a successful luxury spa in St. Augustine, Florida which has its own problems making it an additional character in the story.The heroine, Haven, had a rough childhood but has developed into a smart business woman. She has put herself on the shelf with the unexpected death of her wealthy husband by focusing on work. The walls she has constructed, both the Essence Spa and around her heart, have protected her until the arrival of the hero.The hero, Pace, is a sexy pro golfer that has problems of his own, both physically and emotionally. Looking for a life after professional golf he is planning to purchase the property next door to Essence. Along with his brother they plan to develop and design a golf retreat with hotel and spa. This would put him in direct competition with Essence.When Haven meets Pace there is instant attraction between them. Problems immediately arise when she finds out his plans for the property next door and she discovers he is only into no strings attached one nighters.I found some repetition of the characters’ internal thoughts about the same issues but that is a minor complaint as they work through their issues of loss, jealousy, emotional immaturity and betrayal. Unusual for a book of this type is the open conversations the characters have with each other as they work through their issues. With the addition of the troubled secondary characters, Haven’s best friend Sally, and Pace's brother, Jason this book delves deeply into interpersonal physiological issues.Ultimately, the characters find, as in real life, that both parties have to be willing to talk about their feelings, trust each other, and work together to make their relationship work.I was provided a free copy for an honest review.