Review of First Encounter by Candy O'Donnell

Book Blurb:

She didn't only touch his heart... she touched his soul.

Twenty-two year old Eric Holtzer didn't know what hit him when he first encountered Vivian DuCrane in the hotel lobby. Being a Prince from another country did have its benefits--awesome benefits, such as booze, fast cars, and women, but Vivian was something special--and she was about to turn his world upside down!

My Review:

I'm honored to be a stop on Candy O'Donnell's blog tour for her book First Encounter. When I started the book, I have to admit I was a little confused. The story seemed to jump from one thing to another and it was a little hard to follow. As I continued reading, I got into the story a little more and I had to admit, it was nice for a change to read a story from a man's point of view. Prince Eric is a playboy and he's spoiled beyond belief. He's had every luxury anyone could ever know handed to him his entire life. It finally takes being cut off by his mother and a terrible tragedy to finally get his attention and direct him towards the things that are really important. It was a good story, but I think the book could have benefitted from a little more editing. I was a little distracted by a few words that were misused and a few misspellings. Over all, it was a quick read and I applaud the author for being able to write a clean romance about a playboy and still be able to make the reader understand how much of a rake Prince Eric Holtzer really is without the detailed explicit sex scenes. 

First snippet:

Eric walked toward the 3-tier circular fountain near the entrance of the hotel. It was about eight feet wide with a twelve foot rearing horse in the middle. Water spouted from its gaping mouth. Upon its back was a rider wearing a military uniform. Eric’s eyes quickly dropped to the water—it was crystal clear and a few glittering rocks sat on the bottom. Every time water toppled down, the heart-shaped stones shimmered.

“Nice, isn’t it?” A voice startled him from behind. When he turned the most incredible creature stood in black pumps and a form-fitting black dress with a white belt. It fit her figure quite snugly. Her perfect dirty-blond hair was pulled back into a ponytail and Eric could not take his eyes off her.

“Yes-s it is very nice.” His blue eyes lightened in her presence as she stared into the pool of clean water.

“I find it relaxing whenever I come here.” She muttered softly. His eyes roved over her impeccable pink cheeks and her small flawless nose. He did not seem to notice anything else on her body, but that face—it was the face of an angel.

“Do you come here often?” Eric stumbled over his words. At least he thought he twisted them inside out. Within, his heart did cartwheels.

“Yes, I do visit this fountain each day before and after work.” She turned toward him with side of her mouth raised. The radiant smile brought him to his knees as his gut reacted to her highlighted face. The sun was almost revealing her most adorable features. The setting sun’s rays smoothed her fine skin and her almond-shaped eyes.

“That is nice.” The words dropped out of his mouth like he was school boy in love.

“Yes, thanks. Enjoy your evening.” She began to step from him. Everything within him wanted to encircle this beautiful creature with money, jewelry, and his eternal desire to be close to her.

“How do you know I’m going out?” His eyes meandered over hers then he fell in deeper. Those baby blues could not be turned away from. She must be a gift from heaven and here she was, dropped in his lap.

“You are dressed in a black and white suit, and your dress tie.” He lifted a hand to it then straightened it. “There you go.” He felt a surge of energy rush through him when she did so. She must have felt it to, he thought as her face blushed under his gaze.

“I suppose so.” Eric answered.

“You enjoy whatever it is you are heading to.” She swiveled on one foot and hurried from him.

“What is your name?” He called. But it was too late. She was already in the elevator as the doors closed behind her. Eric’s heart could not stop thumping in his chest. This was something he had never experienced before. She was something special.

Author Bio:

Candy O’Donnell was born in Carmichael, California.

At the age of twelve, she wrote her first mini book. Filled mostly with what took place with her mother and her long tedious bout with leukemia. It was a short story told as extra credit when she suffered a sprained ankle and had to be out of school for over two months. School officials refused to believe a word of what she had written until her grandmother, her guardian back then, entered the school with the truth. Everything she had written down was exactly what took place. Unfortunately her mother succumbed to the disease.

             She earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and Culture. After living with her aunt and uncle for over five years she wished to explore her uncle’s Native heritage and did so with vigor. She also has 6 Grad units in Criminal Justice. Someday she might go back and finish her Master’s.

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