Bittersweet Symphony by JoAnne Kenrick (Review)

Title: Bittersweet Symphony

Series: Tales from the Coffin #3

Author: JoAnne Kenrick

Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Thriller, Horror, Erotica

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

Purchase:

Amazon | Bookstrand | ARe | B&N | Smashwords | Decadent Publishing |

Book Description:

The Bone Cruncher hasn’t visited in a while, and Estella thinks it’s something she did. Misery loves company, but she loves food more. Putting on a smile, she musters up an erotic story. But can she make it to the end of the tale without comfort eating?

To onlookers, Seren lived the high life in London with her orchestra conductor of a husband. She had a major case of unrequited love for her best friend, though, so their relationship was doomed from the beginning. Divorce papers served, it’s time for her to go back to her hometown on the England-Wales border and face the music.

Owen, now a postman of their little market town, is thrilled to see Seren when he shows up at her doorstep with mail. It’s not long before they’re releasing their pent up lust and love for each other. Within that mail, though, are letters addressed to Seren’s parents. They’re from her ex and hold a truth Seren is too fearful to face. Even with Owen by her side.

Excerpt

The doorbell chimed. Kitted out in her mother’s quilted pink dressing gown, Seren slipped her feet into fuzzy slippers—pink and oh so warm—and slumped her way to the front door of her family home. She eased it open, hoping it was her parents loaded with luggage and tales of adventures from an impromptu holiday they’d taken to Mykonos or the Maldives. Yes, that had to be it, she convinced herself. They were impulsive when it came to travel, and rarely did they include her in such details until their return. Never mind that they would think the place empty, and that they would have a key. She still hoped it would be them. “I didn’t expect to you to be here, Seren. Helô cariad.” No. It couldn’t be. No one but Owen spoke Welsh to her. It meant “hello love.” A rush of childhood memories flooded her, and a sense of homecoming she’d been searching for caressed her and squeezed at her heart. His familiar face felt like a warm caress on the bitter winter morning. He’d built himself out since the last time she’d seen him at the town social five years earlier. Whenever she’d visited home, she always made it quick and avoided town and his usual hangouts. Mainly because it saved having to explain to Andrew that he was just a friend. She had become sick of trying to prove that point to her husband. Wearing a navy blue postal uniform, he emanated compassion and tenderness through every crinkle in his face. Mouth tilted into a smile, wooly hat pulled down, and scarf wrapped high up to the man’s chin, she’d know those bright silver eyes peeking through the fringe of his hair any day. “Owen!” she squealed, ever so happy to be reunited with her friend. But his grin turned awkward, and his feet fidgety, his discomfort a reminder of their terrible parting five years earlier. She didn’t know whether to apologize or fling her arms around him. Blocked by indecision, she twiddled her fingers against her robe and hoped he would say something to signal they were okay. Perhaps sensing her unease, he edged forward and reached for her hand but quickly backed up. “I haven’t seen you since—” “Since I made a fool of myself and announced we should make use of the coat room.”

Review

This book had 22 pages. Very short indeed and it made the reader feel like the character in the story was talking directly to them. That was interesting. I could picture the speaker sitting in a lounge, telling a story. I really liked that image.

As for the story that the speaker told, it was quite disappointing for me. Granted, it was very short, but it was definitely not a happy ending. I felt like I didn't get anything from the story. Maybe if it was longer, and if the speaker wasn't so bitter, maybe there might have been more romance involved.

If you like minimal eroticism, I definitely recommend this book. It's surely a quick read.

About the Author:

Born n bred Brit, JoAnne Kenrick grew up in a wee sea-side town in North Wales and has enjoyed a variety of vocations such as holistic healer, window dresser, and ghost tour guide. Having lived in Wales, England, and Scotland with her dear family, she finally escaped the dull British summers to reside in sunny Australia. After two years, they moved to the States where she endured three harsh winters in Minnesota. She now lives in North Carolina with her husband, two kids and two puddy cats. When they aren't demanding her attention, or jumping on her head, she strums away on the keys of her little laptop, creating worlds and adventures she could only ever dream of. Come across the pond and faraway....with JoAnne Kenrick! Find out more about JoAnne’s work by visiting http://www.joannekenrick.com and get exclusive sneak peeks at her upcoming releases by signing up to her quarterly newsletter here http://tinyletter.com/joannekenrick

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Arianne