summer of suspense that leads to the fall of a powerful family”
me. Said hawks were dangerous birds. Their majestic beauty could blind your
eyes as they picked the flesh from your bones. But even hawks have enemies. And
they eventually came for the Hawthorn family. Held us hostage. Demanded
retribution.
wasn’t a Hawthorn. No, I was just the help. Caught in the turmoil of a tragic
family. I worked hard for Delsey Hawthorn. Tried to earn the respect of the
reigning tyrant. Assistant. Event planner. Gardner. Chauffeur. I added it all
to my resume.
met Javier Hawthorn. Delsey ordered me to stay away from her grandson. But like
a moth to a burning flame, I gravitated toward him. He was so different than my
world. Irresistible. Charming. He brought a calmness to the chaos.
was before the intruders came into the house. Tied us up. Hurt us. We struggled
to get away. We fought to survive. But who were the men behind the masks? Did
we know them? Because someone who got this close to the family at night must be
even closer during the day.
My Review:
A stunning masterpiece of storytelling in a lush setting of old money, family dysfunction and treachery. The suspense and mystery is palatable as is the forbidden romance between the young lovers. Handsome heir apparent, Javier meets Sarina, the beautiful and resourceful assistant to his grandmother, the family matriarch with a stranglehold on all things Hawk/Hawthorn. Or so she thinks. As the story unfolds in an intriguing “past and present” manner you are caught up in the lives and lies and secrets of the Hawthorns and Sarina. The intrusion of thugs onto the family estate during a party is a dangerous time for all and the reason behind the mayhem is slowly revealed. Overall an engrossing story told in an unhurried way that leaves you guessing as to the outcome of the party goers and the young lovers.

Excerpt
Javier rested his forehead against mine. “I feel the same, Sarina.”
“You do?” The elation filled my chest and I leaned up to kiss him, but his words stopped me.
“I feel the same, but you’re not really mine. Not permanently. What right do I have to feel jealous or angry?”
“But you have every right,” I pleaded with him. “If you think we’re together.”
The emotions shifted in his eyes as he struggled with his answer. “Maybe I tried to pretend at first. That you could mean nothing. But I couldn’t. I care about you, Sarina. And in another time or place, I could see myself wanting so much more with you. But the more we feel, the harder it ends.”
“You don’t think I know that?” I whispered. “I know you will hurt me. Eventually.”
“But I don’t want to hurt you. So I have to ask you this. Do you want to stop now before this gets more serious? Before it hurts more?”
“No,” I gushed. I didn’t even hesitate. The idea of him pulling away sent a panic through me. I didn’t care about the heartbreak that would come later when he left me. I needed him in my life right now. “I don’t want to stop seeing you.”
Journalism and Public Relations from Oklahoma State University. She is the
author of The Mason List, Waiting for Wyatt, and My Lucky Days.





