My review of Progression by April Alisa Marquette

I've began 2012 with a ton of new books and some special gifts for romance readers out there.  This week, I've been busy writing more than 4k on my soon to be released Tears of Blood, the exciting continuation to my paranormal vampires of The Blood Chronicles.  I've re-introduced some old characters readers should remember, and have invited in a couple new ones.  The new heros and heroines will be appearing in their own series soon, The Witching Scrolls, which will give all of you a bit more than a peek into their lives!

Meanwhile, I've finished reading my first book of the new year and Ihave to say that April Alisa Marquette hasn't let me down with her wonderful Cohort series! 

April Alisa Marquette is a wonderful woman that amazes me with all of her wonderful accomplishments. 

A native New Yorker, April Alisa Marquette, who also happens to be an editor, is the eldest of three. She garnered her love for reading from her mother, a songwriter and recording artist, who, as far back as April can remember, was always active in the arts. From her father who pastored, she learned to research and write.   
 
While attending college, and thoroughly enjoying the Creative Writing and Literature electives offered, the path for her life was charted. However, on the journey to becoming a full time author, she worked on Wall Street, for one of Americas most recognized real estate tycoons. This author, whose women's fiction has been called 'spicy,' has worked for publishing houses as well, and in the commercial technology arena. 
 
April is also a playwrite, editor, and motivational speaker, one who tutored middle and high school students — the very students others had given up on. She yet successfully shares her love of reading and writing with young people, and she gives precious time to a fledgling foundation that seeks to bolster students who might otherwise 'slip through the educational system cracks.'  
 
As one who has been writing for more than twenty years, it is always her endeavor to carefully craft sagas that offer glimpses into the lives of others –the characters in each of her books. She also dispenses charm, drama, and realistic dialogue. Since family is important to her, through her writing, she ever offers readers the same: 'friends and family members' that they may not otherwise have. With her works of fiction as well as non-fiction, she would also like to cause readers to pause, and think.  
 
Subsequently, amid all that does, or does not happen in her books, she wants to always offer … the candle of Hope. Happily married, she does not subscribe to the theory that every story should have an upbeat ending. However, while creating her unforgettable works, she never forgets that life lived without even the possibility of hope, is life not fully lived. Thus her reason for offering this beautiful candle to readers. 
 

Find out more about April at http://www.aprilalisamarquette.com/

BLURB:

Progression is the continuing story of the four Cohorts, three women, and Beau, a homosexual male. In this the second story in the Cohort Trilogy, everyone is older, and supposedly wiser. The Cohorts' lives have changed in ways that they never would have imagined. One Cohort is a parent, while another tries desperately for a child. Beau's long lost abusive mother has re-surfaced, and has contacted him. She has also become involved with an ex boyfriend of Beau's–the skanky Sandal. This red-haired queen will stop at nothing to get what he wants. So he and Mommy Dearest join forces to plot against Beau. Amidst, someone attempts to kill one of Beau's female Cohorts, while a crack addicted jailie seeks revenge on another. Also, is Ronni dead, or alive? And a fragile-minded man decides he loves Beau…

Can't wait for the review?  Pick up your copy at

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Progression-Cohort-Triology-April-Marquette/dp/0981847897

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/progression-april-alisa-marquette/1013984712?ean=9780981847894&r=1&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10%3a1

and other fine Internet Retailers.

My Review:

When I read Absolution last year, Book 1 of the Cohort Series, I fell into the dramatic world of best friends that stick through the trials of life and remain friends.  Their trials they endured were ones that many readers face in day-to-day life, and the author managed to capture the drama, the tension, and the true feel of absolute faith among true friends.

Progression, Book 2 in the Cohort Series, continues with the lives of characters the reader will love from the outset.  The characters from the first novel are reintroduced, and I expected them all to be a bit wiser than what they had been in the past.  Progression showed me otherwise, that even though the passage of time should make us wiser, there are still some moments where our heart out rules the mind. 

Ms. Marquette continues to display her fantastic skill in pulling the reader into a believable word that made me laugh, cry, and feel the intense anger and unjustness that unravels around each of the characters, and I discovered myself applauding their triumphs.

5 Stars!