Acadian Waltz [Paperback]

I've finished "Acadian Waltz" by Alexandrea Weis.

Product Description

At thirty, Nora Kehoe is feeling pressured to settle down. On a blind date, Nora unexpectedly ends up in the emergency room where she meets Dr. John Blessing. She hopes the pragmatic Dr. Blessing can make her life complete. Then, a passionate encounter with a childhood friend changes everything. The charismatic Jean Marc Gaspard manages the family business, Gaspard Fisheries. But rumors abound that Jean Marc is running more than seafood through the waters around Manchac Louisiana. When a family crisis sends Nora to Manchac, she is thrown headlong into the dangerous world of smugglers and swindlers. And as Jean Marc tries to protect Nora from his past, he realizes he may lose her because of it. The dark bayou waters run deep with secrets in Louisiana, and every Cajun knows how to dance the fine line between the right and wrong side of the law. But for strangers, learning the steps to staying alive in the swamps can be tricky. Life, and love, will be dependent on how well one can master the … Acadian Waltz

About the Author

Alexandrea Weis is a registered nurse from New Orleans who has been writing novels and screenplays for over twenty years. Her first novel, To My Senses, was a finalist for commercial fiction in Eric Hofer Book Awards, a finalist for romance in the Foreword Magazine Book of the Year awards, and a finalist for romance in the USA Book Awards. Her second novel, Recovery, was ranked #1 on the Amazon top rated for romantic suspense in kindle books. Buyer Group International, an independent production company in Austin, has optioned the motion picture rights for Recovery. Ms. Weis is also a permitted wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and when she is not writing, Ms. Weis is rescuing orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives outside of New Orleans with her husband and a menagerie of pets.

Product Details
Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: World Castle Publishing (January 2, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1938961781
ISBN-13: 978-1938961786

My Review:

Nora Kehoe is 30 year old women who believes she doesn't need a man, children or even a picket fence that her overbearing mother is always harping at her.  After having a meal at her mom's and stepfather's house where her mother starts harping at her again she starts going on blind dates.

One night she ends up at a hospital where she meets Dr. John Blessing after a blind date has a allergic reaction to his dinner.  They are instantly attracted to each other and start dating (her mom is in high heaven) but after about four dates he starts to have a time table regarding their relationship including when to say, "I love you" and when they should get married, etc.  Man was he ever a control freak and I sure didn't like how he was such a gentleman at first and then he turned into this scary swearing maniac.  Nora started to lose weight, gave into demands and wasn't herself anymore. 

Nora has an encounter with Jean Marc a man she has known since childhood who was once a great friend.  Now all they do is fight every time they meet each other.  He's sexy, mysterious, smart and cunning who has always wanted Nora.  Jean has a twin brother Henri who also has a part in their storyline (has to do with cults, smuggling and a death of a young girl with her eyes destroyed.    

4/5

The Secret Brokers [Paperback]

I've finished "The Secret Brokers" the 1st book in her new Dallas August series by Alexandrea Weis.

Product Description

Head of an organization of elite spies, Dallas August is asked to uncover what secrets a reclusive woman, Gwen Marsh, is hiding about a mafia kingpin?s death. Dallas must pose as a bodyguard in order to get close to Gwen, but the stubborn woman wants nothing to do with her cool and contentious protector. Dallas soon learns that others are interested in Gwen when he stumbles upon the FBI monitoring her every move. Intrigued by the challenge of her analytical mind and aloof demeanor, Dallas has found his equal in Gwen. But with the FBI and the Mafia vying for the woman?s information, he can't afford to lose his objectivity. The sexual tension grows between them until Gwen finally lowers her defenses and confides in Dallas. His job done, Dallas returns to his organization in New York. But an unexpected turn of events leads Dallas back to Gwen's doorstep, where he discovers the Gwen Marsh he thought he was protecting, wasn't Gwen Marsh at all. Determined to find out who betrayed him, Dallas must put his life on the line to search for answers about a woman he thought he knew. Dallas August is about to find out how dangerous life can be as one of The Secret Brokers.

Product Details
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: World Castle Publishing (May 16, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1938243609
ISBN-13: 978-1938243608

My Review:

Dallas August is the head of an elite spy organization which he took over from Simon La Roy who was killed in the previous book "Sacrifice".  He is recovering from a broken heart in New York after losing Nicci Beauvoir when he is asked by an associate to bodyguard a friend's daughter from a rival kingpin.  When he meets Gwen Marsh he's suspicious she's not who she is suppose to be after hearing information about her personality, habits and skills.  They start an unfriendly relationship but Dallas motto is to finish his job and protect Gwen from a kingpin.  He realizes she is keeping secrets and he is determined to figure out what it is. Even as she pushes him away he knows he has met his match.  As the days go by, Dallas finally breaks down her defenses and she succumbs to his charms and confides in him. 

Once his job is done he returns to New York but he decides to visit Gwen one more time.  When he gets there the next day he finds out the Gwen he knew is an imposter and she traded spots with the real Gwen.  He is angry and feels betrayed so he is determined to find out who the women he knew as Gwen.  A contact in the FBI asks him to get involved in a sting for them but does he get in too deep - will he come out alive? 

Alexandrea has written another thrilling and action packed romantic suspense full of intrigue, betrayal and sexual tension.  Dallas is my favorite character and I'm glad he finally found a women (she has her own set of deadly skills) who is a match for him.

4/5

Broken Wings [Paperback]

I've finished "Broken Wings" by Alexandrea Weis.


Product Description

As a wildlife rehabilitator in southeast Louisiana, Pamela Wells has dealt with her fair share of wild animals, but her reclusive life is forever changed when she meets an elusive former soldier named Daniel Phillips. Sent to Pamela’s wildlife sanctuary as part of his parole requirements, Daniel and Pamela quickly clash until Daniel’s troubled past unexpectedly comes to light. After serving in Iraq, Daniel suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. Pamela tries to help ease his condition by introducing him to the healing power of animals. Daniel begins to find peace, and an unexpected kindred spirit in Pamela. Fearing one day she will be forced to give up her beloved sanctuary, Pamela confides in Daniel about her debilitating health. United by their misfortunes, the relationship turns romantic. Just when Pamela has found someone to love and share her burdens, Daniel skips town, crushing her heart. Suddenly Pamela finds herself alone and in a desperate situation. She has no choice but to turn to a ruthless Louisiana attorney, Bob Patrick, for help. Bob promises Pamela financial security in exchange for a life as his obedient wife. When Daniel unexpectedly returns, Bob is not willing to give Pamela up. Like an ensnared bird, Pamela struggles to free herself of her cruel capture. The fight may prove deadly, but Daniel is willing to do anything to save her. Can two broken souls eventually find happiness or, like the broken wings of a dove, will they be forever kept from reaching the heights of heaven.

About the Author

Alexandrea Weis is a registered nurse from New Orleans who has been writing novels and screenplays for over twenty years. Her first novel, To My Senses, was a finalist for commercial fiction in Eric Hofer Book Awards, a finalist for romance in the Foreword Magazine Book of the Year awards, and a finalist for romance in the USA Book Awards. Her second novel, Recovery, was ranked #1 on the Amazon top rated for romantic suspense in kindle books. Buyer Group International, an independent production company in Austin, has optioned the motion picture rights for Recovery. Ms. Weis is also a permitted wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and when she is not writing, Ms. Weis is rescuing orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives outside of New Orleans with her husband and a menagerie of pets.

Product Details
Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: World Castle Publishing (February 5, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1937593363
ISBN-13: 978-1937593360

My Review:

Pamela Wells is an wildlife rehabber and owns the Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.  She nurses sick and hurt animals back to health and re-establishes them back into the wild.  She suffers from a chronic disease Lupus which means her body has difficulty telling the difference between her body and a foreign object like a virus.  It attacks her joints which causes swelling and pain and may destroy her kidney, liver, lung and heart.  Lupus has destroyed her marriage, health and children.

Daniel Phillip was arrested for assault and battery and was sentenced to serve one hundred hours of community service.  He's assigned to work with Pamela and they rub each other the wrong way when they first meet.  Daniel suffers from PTSD, anger issues and panic attacks.

This is a very heartwarming love story which isn't your typical romance book but with two scarred people who find comfort in each other and caring for animals.

The author did a great job in writing about Daniel's PTSD and how affects the person suffering from this disease and people around them and Pamela's Lupus and the way one suffers from it.  Glad she didn't let that stop her from doing what she loves best - care for wildlife and give them another chance to survive.

5/5

To My Senses [Paperback]

I've finished "To My Senses" the 1st book in her Nicci Beauvoir series by Alexandrea Weis.

Product Description

Amid the prying eyes of spicy New Orleans society, one woman must choose between embracing her passion or heeding practicality in this finely - tuned Southern love story. Haunting and heartfelt, this debut novel is steeped in wit, charm and sizzling moments of desire. To My Senses by Alexandrea Weis shares one woman's journey through love, betrayal and the ultimate tragedy that eventually leads her to discover her true purpose in life.

About the Author

Alexandrea Weis has worked as a nurse for nearly two decades. She has previously published in nursing textbooks and journals but this is her first book of fiction. She lives outside of New Orleans with her husband and a menagerie of pets.

Product Details
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (June 20, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1419661116
ISBN-13: 978-1419661112

My Review:

Nicci Beauvoir has grown up in the glitzy world of being a debutante and doesn't really like it.  She wants to be a nurse and is enjoying completing her courses.  Her dad wants her to take over the family's scrape metal business but she's not interested.

One evening during a lawn party she meets an interesting individual David Alexander and struggling artist under the influence of his benefactor Sammy.  He swepts her off her feet by taking her fishing, having coffee at a coffee shop and then proceeds to show her he's a great lover.  While she is sleeping he paints her image on his canvas board.

Also during this time Sammy is out to get control of Nicci's father's business and David is somehow involved in this scheme.  Nicci finds out and is devastated by the betrayal.  She turns to Dr. Michael Fagles a man who only wants to find a wife he can control.  She allows him to direct her and her passion for life is gone ever since David's betrayal.

Will Nicci ever be passionate about life again or even forgive David - you will have to read to find out!

This is a beautifully written book with intrigue around every corner, betrayals, romance in the world of lavish backgrounds.

4/5

Sacrifice [Paperback]

I've finished "Sacrifice" the 3rd book in her Nicci Beauvoir trilogy series by Alexandrea Weis.

Product Description

Nicci Beauvoir fell in love with the artist, David Alexander, in To My Senses, and then uncovered his killer in Recovery. Nicci is back to finally confront David's dark past in Sacrifice. Stunned after seeing a man she believes to be her beloved David Alexander in a crowd outside of the St. Louis Cathedral, Nicci goes on a desperate hunt for the truth about David's demise. But to get the information she desires, Nicci must team up with David's former boss, the ruthless Simon La Roy. Nicci decides not to tell her fiancé, Dallas August, about her involvement with Simon. As Nicci becomes hopelessly entangled in Simon's sinister plans, Dallas discovers her secret, and tries to protect her. But one night on a deserted French Quarter street, Nicci unexpectedly learns what really happened to David Alexander. Now she must engage in a deadly game of intrigue to keep what she has unearthed from Simon La Roy. In a final confrontation, a revengeful Simon forces Nicci to choose between her life and revealing all that she has discovered. But what mystery is Nicci protecting and is it worth her future happiness? For Nicci there can be no happy ending unless she keeps what she knows about David Alexander hidden from the world. It's a decision that will cost her everything. Is Nicci willing to pay the price? In the end, there can never be a happily ever after without a little ... sacrifice.

Product Details
Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: World Castle Publishing (November 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1937593169
ISBN-13: 978-1937593162

My Review:

Nicci believes she sees a man that looks just like her beloved David Alexander outside of the St. Louis Cathedral.  She decides to go on a hunt for the truth behind David's murder.  She teams up with Simon La Roy David's old boss to get the information she needs.  She doesn't tell Dallas August her fiance about working with Simon.  The more she gets involved in Simon's deadly game Dallas discovers her secret and is determined to protect/save her.  In an emotional climax revengeful Simon forces Nicci to choose between her life and all she has learned.

Wow this book is very intense and emotionally captivating.  Nicci isn't a damsel in distress she's the one actually taking on the danger head on.  I didn't like how she was leading Dallas on and I thought she was quite angry in this book.

Very fast paced with an intriguing storyline and very flesh out characters.

4/5