Review: A story overflowing with heart and passion.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 7, 2013
When I finished K. M. Jackson's first book, Through the Lens, I was tickled to start Seduction's Canvas and find a fun little authorial trick had been played, which I discovered when introduced to heroine Samara Leghton. (Nicely played, Ms. Jackson).Samara is the rebellious daughter of a NYC real estate mogul and hard-nosed businessman. But being rich does not spare her from heartbreak and all she wants to do is mourn her brother and pursue her art. She's no stranger to the gossp rags, and papparazzi, and even throwing herself into her painting and planning her first show can't insulate her. Her family, including a matchmaking minded mother, and an erstwhile suitor who seems more intererested in the connections a relationship with Sam can reap for him, couple to leave her frustrated and wondering if romance is even possible. But then her history with bad boys is rekindled when she meets motorcycle man Mark Thorn. And surprise, surprise. He's moved in across the hall. The attraction is instantaneous and smoldering. And no matter how hard Sam tries to keep him at arm's length, Thorn is determined to prove to her he can be the man of her dreams. But her family - and a secret from his past that Thorn is keeping from her that connects them both - will not hear of it. When lust overflows, all bets are off and the chips are going to fall where they may.Jackson's new story is a bit darker than Lens, but no less marvelous a literary feast. I am again in awe of her ability to create such a rich, complex and satisfying tale in a shorter format. The backdrop of New York City is wonderfully rendered, and creates a great picture of a rich girl's Manhattan. As a native, I loved every bit of detail about the city. The wealth of detail about painting, and art was marvelous and a great addition to the immediacy of the story. The secondary characters are varied and interesting, and her parents nicely nuanced. Sam's three selves - as pointed out by Mark, combine to create a complicated woman fighting not just her own desires, but the expectations of parents, and society, and men. Mark Thorn is a tough, rough man with a wide streak of gentleman running through him. Together a combustible cast.And the love story itself is hot, tormented, and the characters tortured by their own desires and the conflicts, both internal and external, that make their relationship such a thorny one. As a reader I was thoroughly invested in this romantic story, and while it is a romance so you know you're guaranteed a happy ending, Jackson kept me on the edge of my seat as I followed this couple through their twisting, heart-wrenching tale. But of course, that level of tension makes the sweet denouement all the sweeter.