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Spotlight, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway: EVERY DEEP DESIRE by Sharon Wray https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aDv

I will not be finishing this book. I found the beginning confusing. It’s listed as a romantic suspense, but with a “Prince”, his required Shakespeare verbiage, and the search for a secret witch vial - it reads like either a paranormal or possibly after a WWIII or parallel USA. Not enough information given in the first 1/3 to determine, even with me going back to the blurb to figure it out. The plotline was convoluted, and not enough emotional investment given to the characters to pull me in. Her writing style is good, but the story had me scratching my head and wondering where it was going and why I should care.

UPDATE 3/5/18: OK, so I read (and reviewed) this originally back in December/January. Since then, I haven't been able to get this book out of my head. I've literally talked about it in the Target checkout line with people. So, while I'm reiterating that the first third is confusing and difficult to get through, the rest of it is over-the-top awesomesauce. Upgrading review to 4 stars.

----------Original Review------------

I've read a few romantic suspense novels lately, and picked this up expecting it to be just another average ex-military macho dude trying to win back his ex-wife. Boy was I wrong! This is kind of a Dan Brown-ish romantic suspense, with centuries-old conspiracies and characters searching for secret clues. It's also absolute awesome crazysauce. Look at the first line of the book:

“Juliet’s daddy always told her to stay away from men who bow.”

Men.... who bow? What does that even mean? Yeah, so there's a sinister ancient society of "men who bow," but this book also contains, in no particular order: a bunch of Army Green Berets charged with treason, Zydeco, blackmailing, explosions, cryptic text messages in Shakespearean English, a drug epidemic, pirates, global arms-dealers, a strip club, murders, a 17th-century witch, and Cajun food, all packaged up in the frame of a "Romeo and Juliet" retelling. Because of that, some familiarity with Shakespeare's play would be a definite asset, as there's some pretty cool parallels (Easter eggs, almost?) that wouldn't be appreciated as much. If that list didn't clue you in, there is a LOT going on in this book, and it took until I was around 30% of my way through the book before I felt like I had an inkling of what was going on, and I still kept confusing the jumble of characters until the very end (in fact, the big villain reveal didn't hit me like it should because of it...). But, once I finally got a grasp on the plot, I was surprised to find myself really enjoying the book, crazysauce and all, and found it very hard to put down.

“She’d put up with a lot today. Two strikes of vandalism. A bank loan disaster matched by real estate issues. A narcissistic senator. A rogue ex-husband. A murder on her land. Crazy texts.”

Overall, I liked Juliet. After Rafe's apparent betrayal, she rebuilds her life, getting a graduate degree and founding her own successful floral/landscaping business. Until, of course, he reappears in her life unexpectedly, in the midst of a confluence of really bad luck (OR IS IT???), and she realizes that, despite her anger and mistrust, maybe her love for him isn't really dead... So, you'll understand when I say that my main issue with Juliet was how quickly she picked it back up with Rafe. I waffled back and forth with how I felt about him. While it's clear that he's doing what he thinks is best to protect Juliet, his choices lead to some pretty awful consequences for a whole lot of people. Their relationship, though, is very sweet and romantic, so I found myself warming to him as the book progressed. There's also a jumble of secondary characters, all of whom have histories with Juliet or Rafe (or sometimes both). For the most part, the main secondary characters (if that makes any sense) were well-written, but there was a case of insta-lust that was really odd and out of left field (and that's saying something for this book!).

If I liked Dan Brown-style thrillers or Romeo & Juliet more, this would easily be a 4-star read. As it is, the confusing first third of the book, followed by a thrilling remainder of the book, lead me to give it three stars. I will, however, definitely be picking up the next in the series, as I'm betting that it'll be easier to get into, since I'm already familiar with the characters and backstory.

“[W]e can’t live in the wreckage of the past and the wreckage of the future. We have to be present to each moment as it comes.”

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I’ll say upfront that I do not believe that this book or this series is going to be for every Romantic Suspense reader. I say that not unkindly but while most Romantic Suspense or Mystery books go from point A to point B and so on with a few twists – the reader is not going to find that in Every Deep Desire. There is a lot going on in this story. A lot. Which means many characters to keep track of and definite world building in the beginning. I expect that in the first book of a series, but there are additional twists, code names, legend and lore that are also added in that, at times, seems a bit too much to appreciate when I’m trying to keep it all straight in my head. I also believe that it would help greatly if you have at least some knowledge of Shakespeare’s works. You don’t need to know them word for word, but a light understanding will help during some scenes. There are twists, turns, betrayals, surprises and constant danger around every corner in Every Deep Desire. You will definitely be kept on your toes with this story.

I enjoyed Rafe and Juliet’s story. Yes, there were moments when I wanted to have a stern talk with them each, and I often mentally shook my head at what was happening. Yet this couple had that magic touch that says they belong together, they simply have to figure out how to do that with their past.

If you enjoy a deep plot with twists and turns that will be completely unexpected. If you can keep a large cast of characters straight in your head. If you can immerse yourself in this world – then I believe you will enjoy Every Deep Desire. I’m looking forward to where this series will go in the next book. I may re-read this one before I dive into the next one though, we’ll see when the time comes. I’ve been vague about the plot on purpose for I believe to really get into this book you need to experience it for yourself first hand. I did enjoy it and if you give it the chance, I think you will as well.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This one is jam packed with action and suspense. Maybe a little too much but that could just be me. It has SO much going on that I found myself having to go back and reread parts to make sure I had all the players straight. It just seemed like work rather than the relaxing escape I look for in my books. It is, however, very well written and the characters are well developed and intriguing. For those of you who like your books fast paced and action packed you'll probably love this one.

An interesting dystopian, Shakespearean type of story, with a dusting of the paranormal and lots of suspense. With so many characters, layers of events, action, secrets, betrayals, and lies the story kept me on my toes, confused, and lost most of the time.
My expectations from the blurb I read were not matched with the delivery of the story. I guess I could say it delivered so much more than I expected, it ended up not being for me but I am convinced there is an audience for the story, just not the type of romantic suspense I love to read.

Deep and complex intrigue, a plot with more tentacles than an octopus, but only the tip of the iceberg of each thought and twist is given the attention it needs. EVERY DEEP DESIRE by Sharon Wray has the potential to be the buttress for an action-packed series that provides a fresh take on dark secrets, betrayals and love lost and found.

Perhaps the floodgates flew too far open? A brilliant concept involving Shakespearean speech, a shadowy figurehead pulling his puppets’ strings and another second chance romance amidst murder and betrayal are only a few of the issues addressed without complete detail.

Choppy scene switching, a myriad of characters flashing in and out before they became more than blurry images spread over a huge number of pages made this a read that is not quite for me.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca!

Series: Deadly Force - Book 1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (March 6, 2018)
Publication Date: March 6, 2018
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 546 pages
Available from: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Deep-Des... | https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ever...
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

This is the first I have read by Sharon Wray and while I like her writing story she might need to loses a few too many characters. This story is jammed pack to the point readers will get lost along the way as who is who.

This story is full of turns and twist that will have readers up late into the night because putting the book down means not knowing what is happening to the characters.

Every step, every word this book will have readers hooked.



Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advance copy

I DNF at 12% and by then I was already skimming. The premise sounded interesting but this was really confusing and from the other reviews ive seen, I'm not the only one. There are probably over 3 narrative pov and each chapter should have been titled with who was talking. Ugh and I didn't get the Shakespearen talk in the text message and that made it more confusing maybe it's for the suspense part of the book but no one understands that language. Also Rafe tells Juliet he's there to protect her and by the end of the chapter he says he can't protect her just yet so he tells her to go to her apartment to lock up. The story is just too choppy and not flowing well.

DNF 15%

Unfortunately, I must concede defeat. The concept is intriguing but the story was incredibly rocky. The characters and the plot were all over the place. I couldn't enjoy the story because I spent most of the time trying to figure out what was happening. I'm going to try and pick this book back up at a later date.

I think this author shows a lot of promise and this DNF will not keep me from trying future books (or even this one, again) by Ms. Wray.

As previously notated, the Net Galley copy I was reading may have been unedited and certain changes may have been made to the final copy.

I'm very disappointed because I really wanted to finish it, but I could not.

***I voluntarily read a copy of the book (via Net Galley) in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own***

February 18, 2018 –
8.0% "I must note that this is an early copy of the book via Net Galley so there may be changes to the final book. But this confusion is where I'm at currently. It's a great premise, I just wish it was organized a little better. There's a huge time jump between prologue and chapter 1 and I wish it was notated as such."
February 18, 2018 –
8.0% "I am debating hard about DNFing this book. It's so confusing! The book blurb drew me in but at this stage, the story is pissing me off because I can't follow it without wanting to rip my hair out! I don't want to give up but I may have to. I'm finding it difficult to follow the storyline because it's not clear what's going on. I feel like there's a big part of the story that's missing and it's just the beginning!"

Eight little nag years have passed since the world fell apart for Rafe and Juliet. So much heartbreak and loss and power at play that have left them both as a pawn. They are both desperate to cling to survival that drifts through their hands like grains of sand blowing into the wind. Their souls call to one another when the heartbreak of the past threatens to consume them before all the answers can be found. Time is running out as they search for answers. Will Juliet remember how much she loved a Rafe or will they both fall victim to repeat the mistakes of wit past.

Every Deep Desire is a highly complex and multifaceted plot, filled with lots of mystery and intense and brutal action. There is an interesting Shakespearean flare to the "bad guys" with their communications and physical speaking using quotes and speech right from Shakespear's works. In the end, this book was not for me,

DNF @ 31%

I felt like I needed another book before this one, just to make sense of it all. There was too much going on, too many characters, too many agendas, too many mysteries...It was convoluted and over-complicated with characters that just didn't resonate.

I felt disconnected and lost, and as no explanations were forthcoming, just more twists and turns, I grew bored. This book simply wasn't for me.

5 Action packed Stars! This book had me hooked from start to finish, lots of drama and action, as well as a hot steamy romance, I cannot wait to read some more books by Sharon Wray in the future!

He's taking it all back
His honor, his freedom, and the woman he loves

Rafe Montfort was a decorated Green Beret, the best of the best, until a disastrous mission and an unforgivable betrayal destroyed his life. Now, this deadly soldier has returned to the sultry Georgia swamps to reunite with his brothers, and take back all he lost. But Juliet must never know the truth behind what he's done...or the dangerous secret that threatens to take him from her forever.

It took Juliet Capel eight long years to put her life back together after her husband was taken from her. Now Rafe is back, determined to protect her at any cost, and it's not just her heart that's in danger. The swamps hold a secret long buried and far deadlier than either of them could have imagined...

Author Sharon Wray’s Every Deep Desire is phenomenal! I’m officially obsessed with the characters in Wray’s new Deadly Force series. Every Deep Desire is a modern Romeo and Juliet story filled with action and passion that will leave you breathless. This Romeo and Juliet must battle similar enemies as the original. Rafe and Juliet must take on their families, community and the past if they don’t want their story to end in a tragedy.

Rafe and Juliet’s love seems ill-fated. The possibility of an Happily Ever After appears out of reach. The burning yearning between Rafe and Juliet is palpable. It’s impossible to deny the beautiful relationship between them. These two deserve a second chance romance.

I must say that Ms. Wray has done an outstanding job of building her Deadly Force world. Wray has created many rich layers within the story. It was fascinating taking the journey across the centuries learning about the history of Rafe and Juliet’s families and the rest of the families that live on the Isle’s off Savannah. Ms. Wray has an uncanny skill when creating a scene. You could almost feel the sultry Savannah heat as we walk through the muggy swamps surrounding Juliet’s ancestral home. Every Deep Desire has set up the rest of the series magically with many plotlines ready to unfold in future books. I cannot wait to read the next book! The characters are thoroughly engrossing with their many facets. I especially look forward to reading Nate’s book. He is such an interesting character and his attraction to Sara is sexy and sweet.

Every Deep Desire is a MUST READ for lovers of spinetingling suspense and endless love inspired storytelling. I’m happy to Joyfully Recommend Every Deep Desire for January 2018!

I was drawn in by the blurb, but I had a difficult time getting into this read and it took me way longer to read than necessary. I struggled to connect with the characters and in the end, I found myself not really caring if they had a HEA or not.

Unfortunately, this wasn't the book for me.

** ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for my honest review **

Didn't finish, it was not my cup of tea as the saying goes.

The blurb of this book peaked my interest but unfortunately I gave up about 10% of the way into the book.

First off I couldn't figure out what century this book was supposed to take place in. You're led to believe it's in current time but then some of the language use makes you think its from the 1700's or something. There were too many players and too much back and forth for me.

DNF

The blurb created so much promise, but the story failed to deliver.

Wow this book is packed full of action, adventure, intrigue and romance that will have you totally hooked from the beginning. I couldn’t stop turning the pages as it had me totally glued to the pages. I really didn’t want this book to end and I will be definitely looking up more books by this author straight away. I would highly recommend

I had a very hard time with this book. I just could not get interested in the story line and did not really like the characters