It is that time again. What time? Time for me to tell you about a book I have recently read. I am happy to say, I have nothing but good to say about this book. Actually I had one thing negative I was going to say, as I read a book, that I am going to be writing a review of, I make mental note of things to say. So, I had planned on telling you that I wish the ending hadn't come so abruptly. I wanted more information. Well, you see, I like to try to go into books I review blindly. I don't read any blurbs or comments about the books. I want to form my own opinions and feelings about the book. Well, once I was done, I realized this is the first book in a series. *does happy dance*
I fell so in love with the characters and plot, that I definitely need more. Lyz Kelley is not going to disappoint me (or you), as this is book one in the SIX book Elkridge series. So, do yourself a favor, and get this book now, and read it, so you will be ready when book two is released.
I loved this book because it was unique. The characters were unique, the storyline was unique, and it was well written. It has excellent character development and plot development. It will keep you turning the page. It is a very interesting murder-mystery, crime drama, with plenty of romance and passion mixed in. It will appeal to all types of readers. If you love romance, this book is for you. If you like mystery, this book is for you. If you like whodunit crime stories, this book is for you.
You will find yourself falling for the characters, and cheering them on. Their romance feels genuine and real. Their passion is hot, but not so hot it is annoying. It is just a very well written book. I absolutely recommend you read this.
As usual, if you read this, please come back and let's discuss it!! You can comment here or on my Facebook page!! I would absolutely love to hear other opinions on this book, and also, if you want to discuss theories... I am absolutely down for that!! Mostly, I just CANNOT wait for book two!!!
Continue reading for a synopsis of this book, information on the author, information on how to get this book for yourself, FAQ about this book, and a GIVEAWAY!!
BLINDED on Sale: Amazon
Award-winning, contemporary romance author Lyz Kelley lives in a small community in Colorado with her husband and several four-legged family members. Lyz writes about brave women who have faced extraordinary challenges, and the honorable men who have an enormous capacity to love, even if they may not know it.
A healing love is at the heart of her book series. Creating wounded yet amazing characters—discovering what drives them, frightens them, heals them, makes them laugh—is what gives her joy. Lyz is pleased to share that joy through her masterfully written stories.
To keep tabs on her award-winning novels, connect with Lyz by signing up for her newsletter at LyzKelley.com. Also visit LyzKelleysHeroes.com to join Kelley's Heroes, Lyz's VIP club. Members receive an exclusive copy of A Soldier’s Wife, learn about thoughtful giveaways, and get a sneak peek at upcoming releases. Members may even get the opportunity to receive advanced reader copies. Check out LyzKelley.com for more information.
Giveaway
Why would readers enjoy this book?
My Elkridge Series is a puzzle. In book 1, BLINDED, Sheriff Sam is murdered. It will take 6-books to solve the crime. Word of caution: There are some red herrings throughout the series. Solving the crime will not be easy, and you don’t have to wait long. All books will be launched in 2017. If you like sensual romances, with deep emotional topics, threads of suspense, and a happy-ever-after then BLINDED, a stand-alone love story in the Elkridge Series, is for you. Let the mystery begin. ~Lyz Kelley~
Giveaway
https://romancedevoured.com/giveaways/win-a-10-amazon-gift-card-from-author-lyz-kelley/?lucky=313347
BLINDED: Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ)
Why did you develop Elkridge, your small-town series?
You mention in your author notes working with an FBI Special Agent.
Are any characters in BLINDED based on real people in your life?
When Joey first shows up in Elkridge, he has no intention of searching for his brother’s killer. Why?
Mara is such an unusual heroine. How did you develop her character?
Where did you get the idea for Kym’s quirky character?
There are so many fun characters in Elkridge. Are you planning to write more books?
BLINDED: Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ)
Why did you develop Elkridge, your small-town series?
Both my mom and dad grew up in small towns and I loved the idea of a microenvironment for the setting of my series. Since childhood, I heard many fun stories about small-town life. I lived in a fairly small town growing up, so I figured why not create a town in Colorado? Elkridge was pulled from many different elements of nearby mountain towns to create a unique place. Don’t go looking for Elkridge, it doesn’t exist, but have fun visiting through my new series.
You mention in your author notes working with an FBI Special Agent.
Yes, Special Agent Michael Bantner came to speak to our writing group when I lived in Philadelphia. Years later, when I started plotting the Elkridge series, he helped with the technical aspects of the plot. He loved my story idea, and said it was one of the most realistic plots he’d heard. I was very excited. To get some of the local details correct, I also interviewed one of my high school friends, who worked in the local sheriff’s department. I love research, so it was a lot of fun.
Are any characters in BLINDED based on real people in your life?
The character that is most real to me is Sam. My brother, Sam, was always going head first into life. Always wanting to be the hero, he often didn’t listen to other people’s advice. Don’t get me wrong—we were best friends, and I loved him dearly. When he died just before I graduated high school, I was devastated. I can relate to how both Mara and Joey feel about people they love being snatched from their lives. Those feelings are real, and even after all this time, I still can feel the chasm my brother’s absence has left on my heart.
When Joey first shows up in Elkridge, he has no intention of searching for his brother’s killer. Why?
My technical experts suggested a brother wanting to investigate his brother’s murder, in another jurisdiction, would not be feasible. Sure, romance books are based on fantasy, and there is nothing better than an alpha male charging in to save the day. However, I wanted to write a more emotional book. When my brother died, we were very close. While writing the book, I started asking myself , what if Joey wasn’t close with his brother? What if he had regrets? What if he could investigate the most horrific crimes, but couldn’t stomach investigating his brother’s homicide?
Mara is such an unusual heroine. How did you develop her character?
Mara was developed out of an exercise at a writing retreat. C.J. Lyons, a New York Times best-selling author, was giving a lecture on the use of senses in writing. Most authors use sight as the primary go-to sense, and we were exploring the use of other senses to add flavor to our writing. I really struggled with the exercise. Like anything, I knew that conquering a problem takes practice. So, I wrote a novella. Then a friend talked me into writing a full-length book—thus BLINDED was created.
Where did you get the idea for Kym’s quirky character?
Kym, Mara’s best friend, was a lot of fun to write. Mara, the heroine, is so serious and a bit like me that I thought she needed someone who tilted her world a bit. There were times when writing Kym, I had to laugh. The humorous funeral scene actually happened to a friend of mine. She and her family were at a funeral and her uncle started cracking jokes to lighten the heaviness of the situation. Since I couldn’t find any way around excluding a funeral scene from the book, I decided to adopt the idea to make the scene a bit lighter.
There are so many fun characters in Elkridge. Are you planning to write more books?
Yes, book two is Kym’s book. It’s a 85-page novella. If you want a quick weekend or airplane read, SPURNED is a good book to pick up. The eBook will be available in March. ABANDONED is a full-length book that introduces new characters and includes characters you met in BLINDED, will be available in April. All books in the 6-book series should be out in 2017.
What I need you to know: I was not paid to write this review. I received an ARC of the book for free, and was asked to give an honest review of the book, which I have done. I value honesty. If I love a book, I will tell you. If I don't like a book, I will tell you. I will say this... Read it and decide for yourself. Everyone interprets and enjoys books differently.
