I’ve read several books by this author, among them the "Stolen Melody" duet and "Up In the Treehouse", enjoying the uniqueness of each one. When I saw the stunning cover for "Waterfall Effect" and realized the author was K.K. Allen, I felt certain that I was in for another great treat.
With her latest release, Allen quite literally rousted me out of my romantic suspense slump and took me on an unforgettable adventure to the picturesque small town of Balsam Grove in the Appalachian Mountains. I’m both a visual and an imaginative reader. This book was a perfect match to start my mental projector rolling. I think readers will agree that's it is easy to place themselves into the settings vibrant with precise detailing. The woods and wildlife come to life on the pages. The sigh of the wind touched my cheeks. And the sound of rushing water filled my ears and soon the falls would come into view.
The combination of a second chance romance and suspense was an immediate grab for me. In my opinion, a successful romantic suspense is driven equally and simultaneously by the threat of danger and the promise of romance, along with an enticing plot with a twisty ride. A title that truly demonstrates its significance with ties to the storyline is essential, as well. And, without a doubt, this author excelled with dazzling and first-rate examples.
AURORA JUNE IS BACK -- after a 6-year absence -- met by a less-than-warm welcome!
Told in dual narratives from Jax and Aurora, which adds a deeper and more meaningful touch to their experiences, as well as depth to the story from past and present points in time.
The attraction to both our main characters comes without much effort, and I quickly became invested in their relationship and begged to go deeper into their lives, but more so to learn what lies ahead for them. Aurora is a beautiful heroine who has suffered unimaginable tragedy in her young life, and readers will watch her evolve as her thoughts and feelings are unlocked throughout the story. Only a minor nitpick with her is that sometimes she came across a bit immature and unknowing. Jaxon Mills (Jax) is a true hero -- and the man who has loved Aurora for most of his life. He's a talented artist, brooding, caring, and reserved -- and most of all, afraid of being hurt once again by Aurora.
As each new character is introduced and you start to wonder whether you can trust someone or not, that is when you already know you don't. I was intrigued with the cast of characters and by the undercurrent of danger that follows the progression of the story. I felt the mystery that surrounded the town and its inhabitants -- but most of all that cloud of suspicious tension that's always hanging overhead. When it comes to solving the whodunit, the answer doesn't come until very near the end. I thought I had pulled the monster out of the closet on several occasions, but I was wrong.
The character development is crucial and should provide readers psychological insight. Allen is capable throughout the book as she tackles the dark elements of mental disorders when left untreated. The plot here comes to life with vibrant, unique and well-thought-out characters that are memorable and real in so many ways. This author accomplished the extraordinary full circle with this cast. If characters remain unchanged, readers are rarely interested and soon grow bored. I promise that won't happen.
Hope springs eternal in a fast-paced story and, with the inclusion of a near-perfect epilogue, I was very happy and satisfied with the resolutions where everyone got their just rewards. And as an added surprise, the author noted at the end of the book that an extended epilogue will be available on March 15th. Can't wait to see what else is going on with Jax and Aurora!
K.K. Allen is an author on the rise. Her writing is inspiring, her storytelling is exceptional. For readers looking for something remarkable, deep and meaningful, as well as a joy to read, I fully recommend diving into this story of two hearts in desperate need of repair and a happily-ever-after to their love story.
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About the author
Beautiful Inside and Out!
I was lucky enough to meet my birthday buddy, K.K. Allen, in February at Holidays with the Belles in Dallas. At the time I still hadn’t read any of K.K’s books yet, despite her sitting on my TBR list for over two years (sorry!). After meeting and LOVING her, I figured it was time to get it in gear. I really want to read Up in the Treehouse and even got a copy signed by her, but I decided I would change things up and start with her most recent release, Waterfall Effect, first. I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t get over the cover for this book. It deserves to be framed! I know everyone tells us not to judge books by their covers, but it’s genius to wrap books in a gorgeous outer shell. It’s the first thing readers see, and like moths to a flame, we can’t help but be drawn to something so gorgeous. Smart move, K.K. Lucky for readers, this book isn’t just beautiful on the outside. Waterfall Effect was a mash-up of so many things I love in a novel: a great setting, vivid descriptions of nature, a second-chance romance, romantic suspense and more. All of these elements were effortlessly added together to create an exciting and one-of-a-kind story. Aurora June was one of seven women in a string of disappearances in her small North Carolina town, and the only one to make it out alive. Unfortunately for her, she can’t remember all of the details surrounding her own disappearance. After seven years away in Durham, North Carolina, Aurora decides to venture back to her small town and her father’s cottage for a fresh start. When she gets back, she comes face to face with her past, in the form of Jaxon Mills. The only boy who ever truly held her heart…and shattered it. The chemistry and tension between Jaxon and Aurora was everything and more. I felt the blood rushing to my cheeks with each interaction between these two. I couldn’t get enough of the suspense and anguish of their relationship, along with the mystery of the past mixed in. The brokenness and, at times, the darkness of the characters was done in the way I hope for. It wasn’t overbearing, it wasn’t hard to read, and it didn’t bring me down. I simply wanted to know more! Though I couldn’t read this one quite as fast as I wanted or hoped to because life was beckoning, I would find my thoughts turning back to the story during my breaks. Sometimes I don’t realize how much I truly love a book until days after I finish and catch my thoughts drifting back to the characters, setting, or story. I still remember the characters names, something that rarely happens when I put a book down, and I keep imagining the scenery the words helped create pictures of in my mind. K.K. Allen won me over, not only in person but with her incredible storytelling as well. I can’t wait to start Up in the Treehouse this month. I have heard nothing but rave reviews for years and can’t wait to hopefully add my own to the mix!
Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
- #futurekaffyReviewed in Australia on May 6, 2019
This is beautifully written
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 2, 2024
Very enjoyable read, definitely a page turner
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - Mel KEReviewed in Germany on July 9, 2019
Waterfall effect indeed!
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
