Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Acts of Desperation

Rate this book
Sember Adler is a young attorney at the start of her career. When her sister is in need of legal rescue, Sember worries her inexperience could compromise the case and failure isn't an option. The situation appears hopeless, until the handsome legal eagle, Jax Alexander, arrives at her firm. Is he the light at the end of a dark tunnel, or will his light only bring more darkness?

Secrets threaten to kill the innocent, danger lurks in the shadows, and vengeance is a perilous motivator.

In an artful blend of suspense, romance, and revenge, Acts of Desperation barrels down a thrilling and twisted road in search of the one thing that evades everyone—the truth.

Sometimes, desperate times call for desperate measures.

*This stand-alone novel was based on actual events and is intended for mature audiences due to strong sexual content*

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 14, 2014

13 people are currently reading
727 people want to read

About the author

Emerson Shaw

5 books63 followers
Emerson Shaw was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She released her debut novel, Acts of Desperation, in January of 2014. It is a fast paced romantic thriller that was inspired by actual events. Read the inspiration behind her story at www.emersonshaw.com.

When she is not writing, she focuses her time on being a good mother and wife. She is excited to be opening this new chapter of her life.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
70 (34%)
4 stars
58 (28%)
3 stars
44 (21%)
2 stars
18 (8%)
1 star
15 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly 'Perusing Princesses blog'.
487 reviews59 followers
February 9, 2014
Acts of Desperation is an intricate and deeply moving tale of one woman's fight for freedom from a manipulative, cheating husband and a sister who will stop at nothing to support her family, even if it means putting her own escalating problems on the sidelines.

This books describes itself as a romantic thriller but it is so much more than that. It is also a legal drama that follows two sisters as they cope with the aftermath of relationship breakdowns. Sarah is the older sister who is trying to protect her two boys from the gruelling process of divorce, but with a narcissistic lawyer Husband who knows every trick in the book, her journey is arduous and painful. She needs all the help she can get...

Sember is a successful lawyer trying to move on after the shock of catching her boyfriend of two years in a compromising position with a client, and re evaluates her life as she moves in with her best friend, Liz, in the hope to starting anew.

With Sarah going through hell she wants nothing more to help, but with being so emotionally invested her head has to rule over her heart, so she turns down the case to defend her Sister in court. It seems all is lost until Jax Alexander, Grandson of her boss, relocates from the New York office to Cincinnati. Immediately they form a connection, and when Jax learns of her Sister's predicament he is happy to help... the problem is Sember and Jax are undeniably attracted to one another which goes against Sember's number one rule: Never mix business with pleasure. Warring with the decision to dive in bed with the beautiful Jax, lines gradually begin to blur as they succumb to the inevitable. Jax is hiding something from his past and Sember knows that in order for them to have a future, they need to lay all cards on the table. But what came next was something neither could have possibly imagined.

From crazy, controlling Ex's partners to victims of revenge both Sarah and Sember have one hell of a story to tell that will evoke every myriad of emotion, so be prepared to work through them!

Sember is our voice as she retells not just her own story but the pivotal part she and Jax play in her Sister's. Inspired by true events, the notion that parts of this story actually happened makes me want to smack someone in the face, really hard!

But, alas, we are awarded with a hero. Jax is swoonworthy even though his past is shady. After what he made me feel while reading this book, I'd forgive him anything!

This is a great debut by Emerson Shaw that packs a punch in all the right places. Read it!
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,014 reviews431 followers
June 15, 2015
I really loved this story. There is so much going on that I was glued. When I read that this was based on some true events my interest heightened so I jumped right in.
This is mainly a story about Sember and her sister Sarah. I loved Liz and did I mention there is a gorgeous male called Jax.. Yummy:)
The author threw suspense and romance into this book. Hence this is a really great story.
Profile Image for Elizabeth (Perusing Princesses).
731 reviews34 followers
February 20, 2014
oh my....I have so much I want to say about this book...it had just been going round and round in my head since I finished it... the story is just OMG wow..like seriously..and the fact that it's based on true events...seriously..the shivers..the emotions it evoked were just so much more intense than normal. Just knowing that S.O.B. Anders is real!!! I just want to find him and snack him for what he put this family through...especially his own beautiful children....
I don't understand how malicious sociopathic idiots like him exist... or sleep at night.... grrr. the trains he caused this entire family is beyond any forgiveness.

And then the (sigh), the hottie hottie..(did I say hottie yet?) Attorney Jax...OMG what a knight in shining armor... and his Sember.... beautiful, intelligent, and absolutely nut the quivering mousey virgin that must books contain add their heroine. She is a strong educated woman, who really is just as baffled with the whole relationship thing as most of us are, but still, in the end... knows what she wants, and doesn't hold out until she gets what she knows she deserves...
I loved that their story, they're journey, its just so real, and their personal struggles to find themselves, and lead themselves to each other after so much tragedy..just sigh...

oh...and the epilogue.... amazing!!!!

just read this!!!!
Profile Image for Gina.
1,171 reviews101 followers
February 14, 2014
Goodreads Description- Sember is a strong-willed attorney who’s got it all: the budding career, the condo, and a marriage proposal right around the corner.

When her sister, Sarah, needs a new attorney, Sember is torn. She wants to help Sarah, but she is terrified her emotions could compromise the case. With so much at stake, failure isn't an option.

In walks Jax Alexander, a brilliant legal mind from New York who excites Sember’s body and mind. When he offers to take on Sarah’s case, he provides hope in a hopeless situation. Sember and Jax are thrust together as their passion ignites.

As a web of lies is exposed, Jax works tirelessly to reveal the truth behind Sarah’s case. But, he has a dark secret shadowing his past that threatens to destroy everything.
In the midst of so many lies, can Jax really be trusted? His secret could put Sarah’s case in jeopardy and could cost Sember her life. Will he risk it all to save them, or will he cut and run, leaving destruction in his wake?

Sometimes, desperate acts call for desperate measures.

I have to start out by saying that I sort of fell in love with this book when I saw that it was set in Cincinnati, Ohio. This is my hometown and not often the setting of novels, so when I saw that it was set in my hometown and the author mentions many popular Cincinnati restaurants, bakeries, and parks, the author grabbed me by my heart strings.

This is the first time I have read Emerson Shaw and hopefully it won't be my last. I saw this book come up on Amazon's recommendations pages so I grabbed it based on the short descriptive blurb. Obviously Shaw is a new Indie author so I wasn't sure what to expect from her writing style to the plotline to everything in between. Usually 1st time authors can come across a little raw in their writing but Ms. Shaw really threw me for a loop. Everything about her book was much better than I would expect out of a first time writer.

The story was an interesting mix of something E.L. James might write combined with a family drama of a writer like Dianne Chamberlain. I also loved the fact that this novel was based on true events. The main characters are two sisters, Sember and Sarah. Sember is a rising attorney with a seemingly stable relationship with her boyfriend, John. Sarah is in the middle of a divorce with her attorney husband whom she has found out that he has lead a double life for the entire duration of their marriage. Sarah's husband, Anders, has not only dated but has had long term relationships with multiple women over their 15 year marriage. Sarah has stood by him while he built his business while she taught school and raised their two boys. Now that Sarah has discovered Anders lies, Anders is doing everything in his power to manipulate Sarah and the divorce proceedings to make sure everything goes his way. He even goes as far as hiding money so Sarah will take a deep cut in child support, leaving not only Sarah, but his son's in financial dire straights.

Sember wants to do everything she can to support her sister and is there for her in every way, but suddenly Sember's life takes a drastic turn when she comes home from work only to catch her own long term boyfriend being intimate with another woman. Frustrated by everything going on in her family, Sember retreats to her friend Liz's home in the upscale Cincinnati neighborhood of Hyde Park. Sember is done with men and plans on staying with Liz for the time being.

Sember's plans to keep men out of her life doesn't last long. While on a night on the town, Sember see's a very handsome man, Jax, in the bar not only to realize that he is her boss's nephew who has come from New York to work for the firm. It doesn't take long for Jax to sweep Sember off her feet, but Sember has a feeling that Jax is holding something back from her. Since she isn't in a very trusting mood toward men right now, she walks cautiously because she doesn't want to find any dirty secrets lurking in Jax's closets.

When more bad news comes in on Sarah's divorce case, Jax agrees to take over her case pro bono which give both sister's a sense of relief that things might finally go their way.

Then, with surprising ease in her writing style, Ms. Shaw, throws in some major twists and turns in the plot. And she deals these plot twists so deftly that I would have guessed that Shaw was a well seasoned writer. And the plot twists worked. They weren't just some device used to throw in some suspense. They genuinely worked well into the storyline. I don't want to say anymore to avoid spoilers but she did a really great job at handling the suspense parts.

Like I said earlier in my review, new author's writing can come off as raw and inexperienced and I wasn't sure what I was expecting when it came to writing style. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I felt like all of her words had a place in the story. There wasn't any fluff to fill pages. Her writing was smooth and flowed well. She did a fantastic job of showing versus telling, especially in writing about the different characters' relationships with each other. She didn't just say this person liked that person or this person didn't like the other, she went into great detail, whether it was emotional or erotic, to describe each of the characters relationships with the other that definitely conveyed to the reader the depths of each of them. I loved how Sember's friendship with Liz felt so different than her relationship and deep love for her sister. As a reader you could definitely feel how Sember's feelings were different but important for each character. And Sember's steamy relationship with Jax was clearly shown by Ms. Shaw's explicit showing of their relationship and where it was going :)

The character's were all so real too me. I not only felt for all of the main characters but Emerson did a wonderful job with the minor characters too! I personally loved the old Italian couple who were Sember's clients who needed their restaurant saved. Maybe that is my inner Cincinnatian at play because there are so many generations old Italian, Greek, and German restaurants which are trying to survive in this economy in Cincinnati that are landmarks that I felt like I could take a few guesses at what restaurants Sember was trying to save. Anyway...all of her character's were well rounded and human. All of the major character's were flawed in some way and to see them all basically ok at the end made me sigh with relief. The fact that I felt for these characters shows that Emerson wrote them to have an impact on the reader and they definitely impacted me. I was invested in what happened to them and was at the edge of my seat at times hoping everything would be ok.

All in all, I thought this was a very good book. I think Cincinnati should be a book setting more often, however, there aren't many writers from this area. So I hope that Ms. Shaw continues to write and to highlight our wonderful city and that she is successful doing it. I highly recommend this read! 5 stars!
Profile Image for Wheezy.
3 reviews
January 17, 2014
This story has so much going on I don't know where to start. The relationship between the sisters was spot on and there's no question in your mind about the position of where Sember, the lead character, is coming from when supporting her sister. I could hear the conversations from the sisters taking place in my head. The author obviously has a concrete understanding of sisterhood and does a great job of conveying this.

The characters in this story are a little more mature which I found refreshing. I was kind of over the young "insta-love" running rampant in books these days. Sember is strong willed, smart, and isn't afraid to speak her mind. Too often leading ladies in books are portrayed as bumbling idiots and they put themselves in foolish situations that are just unbelievable. You will not encounter that with this book. From the very first chapter I was intrigued, and by the second chapter I couldn't put it down. And boy, that second chapter...just wow.

Then there is the romance. When Sember meets Jax you will feel your Kindle (or reading device) melting at your fingertips. He's dark and mysterious with a killer smile. There are steamy scenes for sure. If you blush easily this may not be the book for you. Some stories throw the racy scenes just to satisfy the readers need for smut but not this book. I found all the love scenes to be genuine and heartfelt and it made me love Jax more. Jax is Sember's knight in shining armor. He comes to her aid more than once and when he does what he does (I can't say what that is or I'd spoil it) you see first hand what he was willing to put on the line for her and it will put the seal on the love affair, or at least it did for me.

I felt so many emotions in this book. Love, compassion, anger, sadness, angst, frustration, and joy. Very few books will run me through the emotional gamut that this one did. One click it, you won't regret it.
8 reviews
January 14, 2014
ARC received in exchange for an honest review. The basis of parts of this story were inspired by actual events. I don't know how to label this novel as a lot goes on in this stand alone story. It will satisfy your appetite for drama, suspense and erotic romance.

Attorney Sember, is the rock for her sister who has hit a rough patch in her marriage. Just as her professional life is up and running, Sember needs someone to be her rock as her world is turned upside down. The past comes back to haunt her while her new future hangs in the balance. A chance encounter with Jax, an East Coast transplant, sends Sember's life in a tailspin. There's something familiar in what Jax sees but he can't be certain fate has given him a second chance.

Will they be able to live without eachother or will the past come back to take everything away, again?

I enjoyed the fact that these characters were of a more mature age than of books I've recently read. Early 20-somethings aren't the only ones out looking for their other half. Sometimes you really do have to kiss a few frogs before finding that prince.

There are so many points I could've pulled from this book that I like but, I vow not to give any spoiler information away in my review. You must read for yourself.

This fast paced story had me on an emotional roller coaster full of peaks, valleys that had me glued to my screen. I love a story that has me laughing, crying and wanting more all at the same time.

It's a story of what someone will do to prove their love without realizing they had anything to prove.

Make this debut by Emerson Shaw a must read on your list. I couldn't put it down and I'm sure you won't be able to, either!
Profile Image for Joanne.
345 reviews9 followers
February 13, 2014
Emerson had me hooked on this book from the dedication.



She wrote:



“I also dedicate this book to my husband, Bernie. Thank you for that shower where I stood across from you crying. You told me to shut out the negativity and just write my story. That moment will remain forever etched in my mind as a pivotal turning point.”



Her Hubby – I love him – what he did was true book boyfriend stuff.



This book is fast paced and unputdownable. There is never a dull moment. Loosely based on actual events – This book held my attention even more. Yes some scenes were sensationalized to improve the flow and overall story – but I defy you to pick out where she took dramatic license – The book flowed so well. It’s hard to believe this is her first novel. It delivers Romance, Drama, Suspense, and Horror all in one book. Sember is an attorney, she is amazing – strong and is a straight shooter – she says what she means and means what she says. Her sister Sarah is going through shit that made me so mad and sad for her – I just wanted to hug her and offer up my suburban as well as shovel services. I was so mad at Anders – I wanted to throat punch him while drop kicking him in the Junk - and then run his bastard ass over with my truck – he is a Narcissistic Asshat



 photo tumblr_n0qa9iTpab1s6zpepo1_500_zps352b8255.gif

Enter Jax – Oh Hot As Molton Lava Jax – He is an Attorney as well. Absolutely perfect for my Sember – yes mine. It’s not every day a female character is written with strength. The things he does for her and the things she ENDURES because of him – well you really just have to read this book. I just – have no words.



 photo tumblr_m35dm0XWMT1qlr2ex_zps4814aa2f.gif



The epilogue left no stone unturned. I always want more – but I was left hugging my Ipad at 3:30am with huge smile. I may have even felt like moonwalking – but I’m me so I just stayed in bed and smiled.



 photo tumblr_n0rkk2oh511s6zpepo1_500_zpsda840a18.gif



You need to read this book!!!








Profile Image for Carolyn Waddell.
39 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2014
The premiss of this book is what made me read it. This book is based on true life events!! I was drawn in from the start. Oooo did I hate the antagonist in this book!! The only two equalizers in life are karma and death. I wanted to be the one to dispense the justice! I literally screamed at my Kindle!! I really felt for the main character and her sister.
Now let's get into the romance. I love how simple it was. I love that it didn't pander to the latest fad with floggers, clamps and blindfolds. There was a kismet and a symmetry between these two characters. There were a few scenes that made my heart skip a beat and made my lady bits smile. I love when that happens!!
What I truly love about this book is the closure at the end. The story wrapped up in a perfect bow and left me very happy at the end. I was very sad that the book was over.
I am eagerly awaiting Ms Shaw's next book!!
1 review1 follower
January 15, 2014
Acts of Desperation has a great deal to offer readers of all kinds. It is a flawless blend of romance and revenge.
Emerson Shaw writes beautifully of the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. Sisters, Sember and Sarah have a tender and true relationship strengthened only by the trials of Sarah's pending divorce from her crazy husband.
Then there's the love story- Sember and Jax have a tender yet steamy relationship. A great love story, perfectly balanced with romance and intimacy.(with a few WOW moments you won't soon forget!)
The story comes full circle in a way that I never imagined. Revenge at its finest.
I completely enjoyed Acts of Desperation.
Profile Image for Tina.
28 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2014
***THIS ARC BOOK WAS GIVEN TO ME IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***

I want to start by saying that Act of Desperation as a debut novel Emerson Shaw writes so fluently and with such conviction, and she writes as if she is an old pro at this. The way the words flow and draw you into the story is amazing and she wrote this story in a way that she is painting the picture and you are right there ready to jump in and help the main characters Sember and Sarah if they only asked. I know that this story is based on true events (Sarah’s story), but to add in Sember’s Love story amongst other things, and to have the entire story told from Sember’s perspective was brilliant and well done.

I do not like spoilers so I will try to give you everything I can without giving anything away. This book has it all from drama, suspense, love, friendship, sister bonds, sadness, disappointments, suspense, erotic sexual passion (but not over bearing), crimes both physical and mental, secrets, and so much more. You will feel many things as you read this book from love, happy, sad, angry, compassion, angst, frustration, scared and frightened, and a few OMG moments.

Emerson Shaw style of writing was spot on in this action packed fast pace suspenseful romance thriller that flowed seamlessly and even though there is so much packed into this book it does not feel rushed at all. She gives life to all the characters from the Main characters Sember the up and coming attorney who seems to have it all together, to Sarah a teacher who is going through a nasty divorce. The supporting characters Sember’s ex John who is in advertising and new boyfriend Jax the hot shot attorney from New York (and a HOTTIE), to Sarah’s trying to be ex-husband Asher and his manipulative and sneaky ways and his arrogant personality. Then she even gives you the supporting characters with detail that you get to know all of them from Sember’s BFF Liz, their parents, Fritz, Sarah’s boys, to the Italian couple about to lose their life’s passion their restaurant to bankruptcy. It all flow so well it is a master piece and a must read.

As with most books after reading a couple of chapters, I tell my husband summaries of what is happening. This book was no different except my grandson was listening, so naturally I left out the juicy sex scene and a few other things. By the middle of the book my grandson who is 10 would ask what has happened next and so on until we reach the end of the book. After explaining the ending my grandson asked if I read this on my kindle and I said yes, he then asked if he could read the book. I told him that he could not because it had Adult situations and sex in it, his response was ok but don’t delete it in 6 years I want to read it. My reaction was to laugh and then told him ok you got a deal, but maybe when you’re 18 and you still want to read it then you can.

Act of Desperation is a 5 star book and a MUST read, add to your TBR list and click that button to buy the book, you will not be sorry.

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***
Profile Image for Lustful Literature.
1,822 reviews336 followers
July 20, 2016
**TARA'S REVIEW**



4.5 Heart Skipping Stars

This is anything but a typical romance story. Acts of Desperation is based on actual events, and will tear at every emotion you can think of. There is lots of suspense, romance, steamy sex, drama, and revenge. This book follows 2 separate stories that are intertwined between sisters, Sember and Sarah.

Storyline 1:

Sember is an attorney, she works long hours and not really feeling the connection with her boyfriend of two years. She concocts a plan to surprise John, but in the end she is the one who gets the surprise. It's time for Sember to move on, but will John let her?

When super sexy Jax relocates to her law firm from their New York offices, Sember and Jax can't keep from the pull that draws them together.



A hot kiss after lunch is enough to send these two into each others arms. Jax can't seem to escape his past, and the secrets he is hiding from Sember are enough to make her reconsider if Jax is worth it. When Jax's past follows him to Cincinnati, it threatens to destroy everything he is building with Sember, and put her in harms way.

Storyline 2:

Sember's sister Sarah is in the midst of a bitter divorce and custody battle with her soon to be ex Anders. Anders is running Sarah through the mill, and her lawyer is not doing anything to help her. Then Jax steps in to take over her case, and try to get her the financial support she needs for her and her boys. A tragic even takes place, and bad decisions are made on Sarah's part. A web of lies and deception just may be the answer to getting Sarah what she deserves.

This is a great book, the suspense was killing me throughout and I could not wait to see how it all played out. My nerves were on edge wondering how everything was going to turn out. The character development was great and I really felt I could relate to how this entire story played out. The sex scenes were well written, and I never felt like they were overdone. I actually wouldn't have minded a tiny bit more action between Jax and Sember. The ending to both story lines was fantastic, I love how they both played out.

This books does not end with a cliffhanger. Since this is a debut novel for Emerson, I am sure we will see much more in the future. I look forward to reading more!

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews).
943 reviews35 followers
January 8, 2016
I was kindly provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was aptly named because it was full of underhanded, conniving tricks from multiple characters. Acts of Desperation had it all from romance, heat, deception, and revenge. Emerson Shaw takes her readers on a roller coaster ride with all the action along with a myriad of emotions. It was a phenomenal read about heartache, loss, and love that drew me in and made me feel sympathy and even hatred for these beautifully flawed characters in a story that was based on the author's real life.

Sember is a strong willed female that starts out the story with a man that is undeserving of being in her life. After she “takes out the garbage” she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a gorgeous guy who also works at her law firm of Alexander, Richards, and Williams. Being the practical lawyer that she is, her mind is cautioning her from becoming involved with Jax, but her libido has other ideas. Sember inspired many emotions within me. I could not believe the strength she has to endure the pain that life throws at her and she still manages to be a solid rock for her sister who was going through a heart breaking and trying divorce. Emerson showed us how much strength a woman has to get to overcome tragedy and rise to new heights as a person.

All I can say about Jax is: Where can I find me a man as sophisticated, loving, and lickable as he is? Sember hit the jackpot with this sweetie. Towards the end of the story I was a little frustrated with the way she was pushing him away. But later she redeemed herself in my eyes. I mean seriously, who can resist a piece of man candy like him who is there for her no matter what? They are perfect for one another in every way. He is the ying to her yang.

This is a story that needs to be experienced by all women everywhere. It shows heart, loyalty, tenacity and of course plenty of sizzle. Jax and Sember will keep you awake long after bedtime riveted to this intriguing, steamy read that is more truth than fiction. I highly recommend picking up this emotionally charged read and giving Emerson Shaw's story telling skills a try.
Profile Image for My Secret Book Spot.
662 reviews23 followers
April 8, 2014
Acts of Desperation by Emerson Shaw

5 out of 5 stars

Acts of Desperation is most definitely a book to keep you on your toes and begging for more!! It follows a young, successful lawyer, her personal and family troubles, and her blossoming interest in a fellow attorney named Jax Alexander. After a horrendous break-up with her boyfriend John, Sember moves in with her best friend Liz and is taken by storm through a steamy whirlwind romance with Jax. Once their emotions begin to unfurl, she discovers a startling secret that Jax is unwilling to readily share.

During the mix of her personal troubles, her sister Sarah is going through a very difficult divorce which involves her two young sons, Sam and Will. Anders, Sarah's estranged husband, is quite reluctant to allow the divorce and tries everything to keep them legally married.

A ghost from Jax's past comes to haunt them and had me on the edge of my seat and chewing my fingernails.

This story has many facets and will have you wondering which problem will further develop next. I loved the witty banter between the characters and the emotions that Shaw ignites within the reader. This is definitely an emotional roller coaster and will leave you begging for more. I love that it involves a sexy attorney as opposed to the entrepreneurs that seem to be the popular line of work for men in romance novels these days.

Honest review given in exchange for a free ebook.

Meagan
Profile Image for Lisa.
476 reviews
August 13, 2016
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You have Sember, who is an attorney and dealing with the break up from her fiance. Then you have Sarah, her sister, who is dealing with a divorce from a crazy, egotistical husband. Add in Jax Alexander, who is the hot, new attorney at the firm Sember works for. The problem is, Jax has his own 'skeletons in the closet' that he is dealing with. Sember and Jax start seeing each other, but will their pasts hinder a future together?

Let me start by saying, there is A LOT going on in this book. It's a romantic thriller that is 'inspired' by actual events.

Once you got past the first few chapters, the book was very fast paced. It touches on cheating, jealousy and revenge... just to name a few. Sember's sister, Sarah, is the middle of a very messy divorce from the most conniving man ever. Sember, herself, is dealing with the breakup of her own fiance, when she catches the eye of the new attorney, Jax, in her law firm. It's an instant attraction, but it isn't all it seems. Jax has his own dark secrets that eventually surface and bring Sember down with them.

There is one part of the book where I wished the author went into a little deeper. The part with Dylan. It was a pretty important part of the story and I just wish there was more. There was A LOT about Sarah and her husband.

That being said, I would give this book 4.25 stars.

824 reviews9 followers
March 16, 2014
I was given a copy by the author as an ARC. Once I started this book I could not put it down until I finished it! Ms. Shaw grabs your attention and keeps you interested until the very end without letting you down. It had a little bit of everything in it that makes a great story. Family, love, hate, mystery, suspense, and romance. The fact that it was partially based on true life made it even better for me. The characters are very well written and you find yourself drawn into the story. My emotions were all over the place I caught myself saying ....what are you thinking???? to some of the characters, but deep down couldn't wait to see where their choices would lead them. I found myself wondering what I would choose put in the same set of circumstances. I LOVED the sweet justice that happened for Sarah thanks to Jax and Sember. It is so nice to see a strong woman character who is enhanced by a man in her life, but who isn't dependent on the man. Sember was terrific. Jax is a knight in shining armor in an expensive business suit. I would highly recommend this book!!!!!!!! I hope there are more stories to come from Ms. Shaw. She has a true gift!
Profile Image for Nickie Nalley Seidler.
Author 24 books240 followers
June 13, 2014
I just want to start off by saying this book blew me away. There were some scenes i really felt were so intense! Literally, at one point I was reading in the dark and had to put the book down for the night because being in the dark creeped me out in a particular scene in the book. The way it's written drives you in and makes you wanting more. The constant, I want to keep turning pages feel was defintely there. It's a unique story and its not the typical one either. You can tell a lot of thought was put into it. Her writing style gives you a clear picture of everything and I love when books allow the picture to be painted but leaves you enough to your imagination. I gave this 5 stars because it really tears at your emotion and you feel what the author is trying to portray through every scene. The story line was fantastic and you're cheering for a HEA and it's one heck of a HEA! Way to go! I would highly recommend this book to those who love a good romantic thriller/suspense!
Profile Image for Pamela .
1,438 reviews77 followers
July 14, 2014
With all the glowing ratings and reviews this novel garnered, I thought I was in for a good read. Boy, was I wrong. I can't fault the readers if they loved it. They're entitled to their opinion. Unfortunately, for me this novel did not work. I found it to be absolutely boring. A total yawn-fest. It's considered a suspenseful thriller. I found nothing suspenseful about it, or thrilling. It's not really the story I had a problem with. It's the execution of it. I hated it. I didn't even like any of the characters. I definitely didn't feel any heat or chemistry between the protagonists. I just found everything to be ridiculous. Read it, don't read it. For me it just plain sucked.
Profile Image for Tara OG.
361 reviews57 followers
September 2, 2016
Ms. Shaw did an excellent job with this book. I was engrossed in this story. It was well written and the characters were very relatable. I loved Jax from the moment I met him. I knew he would be the fix that Sember needed. Then there was Anders. What a POS that you will love to hate. I swear there were moments that had me getting creeped out by him.

We have all been in that place where you will do anything for your family. Protect them with everything you have and this story just goes to show that shit happens to good people. Then to blow your mind completely, your reading this story thinking- what if this happened in real life. After reading this book I was reading about the author and my heart broke when I saw it was from actual events. So if you want to read a strong story about strong people then don't miss out on this one.
Profile Image for MELODY.
459 reviews16 followers
September 8, 2014
Color me impressed Emerson Shaw’s First novel! I will be following her closely looking out for what she pens in the future!

The book was fun and a quick read. There are great characters and I began feeling like they could be your friends and family and some you could hate with a passion!

The story begins with Sarah suspecting her husband of cheating and the story of an ugly divorce weaves it way through the book. Then Sember (her main character) finds her boyfriend cheating and moves out and tries to move on. Enter the handsome, and charismatic Jax , the lightening strikes! There is a mystery in Jax’s past will it come between them? Will true love win in the end?

I found the book lovely, sexy, thrilling in places and absolutely enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Shelly.
1 review
February 10, 2014
Acts of Desperation is by far one of the best books I have read! I could not put this book down and finished it in less than one day! It captures everything from romance to drama, suspense and so much more. It is written in a way that the reader can feel a connection with the characters and as though the story is literally happening in front of their eyes. I loved the strength of the women in the book as well as the strong family bond and dedication that was portrayed. The romance was sweet and sensual and left me wanting Jax for myself! The ending was beautiful and left me wishing the story wasn't over!

Emerson Shaw did a fantastic job with this book! I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Jessica.
17 reviews
February 9, 2014
This is a great first novel by Emerson Shaw! I'm looking forward to her next book. I'm a fan of great literature and light reads as well. This book is super fun because it reads quickly, the protagonist is one of a number of terrific characters in the story, and even at the end you want to follow the characters on. The legal elements add intrigue and drama to this fast paced romantic thriller. Who wouldn't want a book they don't want to put down once they've read the first page? It's fun, smart, witty, and real. Loved it.
Profile Image for Desiree Mosley - A Love Affair With Books.
572 reviews43 followers
March 30, 2014
I love when I get surprised by a book. I knew this was suppose to have some thriller moments to it but I wasn't prepared for all the twists, turns and questions that will plague you with each page. This was one of the first books in awhile that I read from beginning to end without stopping. There was never a dull moment, each scene captivating and perfectly written.

To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
Profile Image for Book Boyfriend Heaven.
47 reviews6 followers
August 3, 2015
Wow what a fantastic read. I won a copy of this book and I had never heard of Emerson Shaw sadly. I knew I would love Emerson the minute she put Jake Ryan from Sixteen candles as a go to dream man. I'm so glad I was gifted this because she has become one of my favorite authors. I was so engulfed in this book the first night I read until I fell asleep I woke to reaching to read more. I was lost in this book from page one I cried, laughed, gasped, and got so angry throughout the book. The journey Sember, Jax, Sarah and Liz go through is well worth reading over and over. I know I will.
2 reviews
January 15, 2014
A truly magnificent love story. This book includes the right amount variety and steam to keep the reader engaged. As a man, I was really surprised at how much I could relate to the strong female lead. I don't typically read a lot fiction, so it took me a few chapters to get immersed, but by the end I was pulled in and could not put it down.
This is definitely a must read for anyone interested in the romance, suspense, revenge, erotic, thriller genre. Two excited thumbs up!
Profile Image for Shannon Zak.
2 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2014
This Book is Amazing, There's no other way to say it, The Writing itself was fantastic, Emerson Shaw is such a Great Writer. I can't wait to read more from her in the future.

When I was told this book was actually about true events, I had to check it out, I was completely pulled in from the beginning of Chapter one.
Profile Image for Debra.
27 reviews
July 21, 2014
This romantic thriller that is based on actual true life events had me from the very beginning. The romance to the drama and suspense,it kept me so involved with the characters and the story to the point I never wanted to put it down. This book had everything.
This is a must read and well deserves its 5 star reviews.
I look forward to reading more from this amazing author Emerson Shaw!
Profile Image for Nicole.
462 reviews12 followers
August 6, 2015
Good lord there was so much going on in this book. With all the plots, because I felt there were a lot, I didn't feel anything for any character.
I didn't fall in love, I don't even know when Jax and Sember fell in love. I didn't like Anders or John, but wasn't "fuming mad" with what they did.
Luckily, it was a quick read...but fell short.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.