Emma Calin

Escape to Love is a short story featuring Maria, a young single mother trying to put her years of physical abuse at the hands of her violent partner behind her, along with her young autistic daughter, Lucy. When her daughter is late home one evening, her anxiety is heightened by broadcast news that two prison escapees are on the loose, after a prison officer has been hit over the head and killed. One is a convicted rapist and murderer, the other a fraudster. Her daughter arrives home safely: but one of the escapees also turns up on her doorstep. Which one is he?

I have to be honest, the whole thing is just a tad incredible and unlikely, especially as Maria’s feelings towards the escapee turn to something quite improbable. The writing is rather ‘raw’ and unrefined, the text is riddled with punctuation errors and omissions, and the dialogue is a bit stilted. I think there’s more mileage in the plot which would have made it all a little more believable. And yet, I have to say it’s quite an enjoyable story that you can read in just an hour, and Maria’s emotional confusion over the situation in which she finds herself is well conveyed. The author shows promise: a good developmental and technical editor will buff this shortie to a shine.… (plus d'informations)

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
This is a short story that takes about an hour or so to read, depending upon your reading speed. The dates on mine look like it took longer but only because life interrupted reading. Because it is a short story and I assume you read the blurb I'm not going into the plot. Instead I will tell you how I related to the story and if it worked for me. Perhaps that will help you decide if it is for you.
The story is written by a British author so the language may feel different for American readers. Being an American, I had no problem with understanding and only had to check one word to verify it was what I thought. If you are reading on a Kindle you can switch the dictionary to English UK if you need to. It is easy peasey and I have used it often with British writers. I have learned quite a few descriptive phrases this way.
I am a survivor of domestic violence. I know how that colors my world and my thinking. I know how it sharpened my instincts. I also have raised a child on the spectrum. I know the quirks of autism. I know how having a special needs child shapes your world. I haven't met a criminal with a bank fraud background and money hidden away but, after reading this book, I'm open to the experience. Haha.
The story worked for me. I'm not one, though, who wants absolute reality in my fictional reading. Pretty much I feel that is what non fiction is for. In fiction I want some reality, yes, but I want to be told a story. I want to be entertained. I want to escape life sometimes. I want to believe for a moment that the impossible, the improbable, the magical can happen. I want my imagination to soar. For me, the author fulfilled that with this book. I felt satisfied with the story as it is yet I could see the potential for it to be fleshed out to novel length. I feel that is a good sign of the authors ability to tell a good story.
I understand this book is part of a series. I am very much interested in reading more in this series to see how it takes shape.




… (plus d'informations)

This was quite a ride! Private yachts, private jets, limos, personal shoppers, gourmet meals. What's not to like? Oh yeah, the killing and running from the law, the secrecy, the terror! But wait, there's also a gorgeous guy and HOT sex!! So what's a lowly traffic cop to do? She's been tasked with guarding this super hot international banker but it involves breaking the law. HMM?? You'll have to read the book to find out but it is well worth reading. Lots of action of all kinds! LOL! And twists and turns that you just don't see coming. Really good read!

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
… (plus d'informations)