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The Nightmusic Trilogy #1
Serenade
Teenage heiress Kaya experiences her first taste of freedom when she’s kidnapped from her sheltered life. But as she forms an unlikely connection with her abductor, Luke, her adventure takes a strange turn.
There is nothing magical about growing up in a mountainside castle, when it’s your prison. Kaya’s ruthless and powerful father keeps her under lock and key, watched every second of the day–and Kaya’s not really sure why. She’s just a normal girl…no one special. She doesn’t understand her father’s obsession with her safety – until she is kidnapped.
Dragged through a brutal wilderness, Kaya’s captor shows her the devastating truth, and even though he has dark secrets of his own, she is inexplicably drawn to him–when the stars are in your eyes, sometimes the line between right and wrong is blurred. Passion obliterates common sense. Love... makes you reckless.
As Kaya's father’s men and her devoted bodyguard scour the woods to find her, she wonders if staying in the arms of her abductor is the safer place to be. At least, that’s what her heart is saying—her head is saying run…
Dangerously passionate and darkly romantic, SERENADE is a page-turning thriller and seductive love story.
There is nothing magical about growing up in a mountainside castle, when it’s your prison. Kaya’s ruthless and powerful father keeps her under lock and key, watched every second of the day–and Kaya’s not really sure why. She’s just a normal girl…no one special. She doesn’t understand her father’s obsession with her safety – until she is kidnapped.
Dragged through a brutal wilderness, Kaya’s captor shows her the devastating truth, and even though he has dark secrets of his own, she is inexplicably drawn to him–when the stars are in your eyes, sometimes the line between right and wrong is blurred. Passion obliterates common sense. Love... makes you reckless.
As Kaya's father’s men and her devoted bodyguard scour the woods to find her, she wonders if staying in the arms of her abductor is the safer place to be. At least, that’s what her heart is saying—her head is saying run…
Dangerously passionate and darkly romantic, SERENADE is a page-turning thriller and seductive love story.
ebook
First published April 17, 2017
About the author
Heather McKenzie
3 books120 followersHeather McKenzie is the bestselling author of the Nightmusic Trilogy. Canadian born and raised, she resides in Edmonton, Alberta where she is inspired to write teen and young adult fiction. SERENADE is her first novel. For more info visit www.heathermckenzie.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
October 12, 2019
Young adult thriller, Serenade, tells of a young girl's virtual enslavement by her powerful father in order to keep hold of the family's wealth. Kaya is 17 and has never known life outside her father's compound. She is spoiled and pampered with whatever she wants, but freedom is what she craves. Her creepy bodyguard, Oliver puts the moves on her and she succumbs. Later we find out that Oliver has been obsessed with her since she was 14, ick.
This is well written and has plenty of thrills and near escapes, but I can't like a modern romance written in the style of the weak femininity of the past. Kaya is torn between Oliver, her bodyguard, and her new love, Luke who kidnapped her. What? Someone needs to speak to Kaya about feminine empowerment, how about if she finds out who she is first, before latching on to either of these two creeps.
This is well written and has plenty of thrills and near escapes, but I can't like a modern romance written in the style of the weak femininity of the past. Kaya is torn between Oliver, her bodyguard, and her new love, Luke who kidnapped her. What? Someone needs to speak to Kaya about feminine empowerment, how about if she finds out who she is first, before latching on to either of these two creeps.
March 15, 2019
She was born with a platinum spoon in her mouth and grew up a prisoner in a gilded cage. When Kaya turns eighteen, she has only one wish, to do something daring, to be a normal teen, to NOT be a prisoner in her own home, her father her keeper who has made many deadly enemies. But will her one desire turn into the very nightmare her father was “protecting” her from or will it be her coming of age, her chance to finally live? What will Kaya discover about her past, her present and her future? Will one of her kidnappers become her knight in shining armor? Will she learn to trust in herself as she hears truths she never dreamed of? Will she become her own savior as she finally realizes who she has the potential to be?
SERENADE by Heather McKenzie is part adventure, part coming of age and completely absorbing as we are taken into the wilds of the Canadian mountains and witness the birth of a woman where a girl once stood, blinded to the type of abuse her life had always overflowed with.
Well-written scenes, characters that are far from perfect and a teen who learns to cut the strings that made her a cardboard puppet.
Heather McKenzie has truly created a tale that is eye-opening and entertaining and fresh in its telling!
Series: The Nightmusic Trilogy - Book 1
Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing (April 17, 2017)
Publication Date: April 17, 2017
Genre: YA Romantic Thriller
Print Length: 346 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
SERENADE by Heather McKenzie is part adventure, part coming of age and completely absorbing as we are taken into the wilds of the Canadian mountains and witness the birth of a woman where a girl once stood, blinded to the type of abuse her life had always overflowed with.
Well-written scenes, characters that are far from perfect and a teen who learns to cut the strings that made her a cardboard puppet.
Heather McKenzie has truly created a tale that is eye-opening and entertaining and fresh in its telling!
Series: The Nightmusic Trilogy - Book 1
Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing (April 17, 2017)
Publication Date: April 17, 2017
Genre: YA Romantic Thriller
Print Length: 346 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 3, 2018
· “Kaya Lowen. I finally have the name of the girl who has haunted me for the last 1968 hours.”·
For the first time in a long while, I don’t think my words can do justice to this awesome book I just read. But, I have to try anyways! First off, this book is currently free on Amazon, so you should definitely download it in two clicks!
Now, I can move on to talk about the book. Kaya has lived her entired life guarded, protected… or should we say trapped in a golden cage? She was never free to go or do anything. She was never alone. And no matter where she goes or what she does, her life will always be at risk because of her name: Kaya Lowen, future heir to a farmaceutical empire. Through the years, her father has managed to make a fair share of enemies who are willing to hurt Kaya to get to him.
When she turns eighteen, Kaya only has one wish: to participate in the Death Race, a 24-hour marathon in the mountains in extreme conditions. To get “brownie points”, his dad accepts, and that’s when things start, because during the race, Kaya is kidnapped!
Far from being the villains in the story, Kaya gets to know her kidnappers and their stories, what moved them to commit such a crime and what lays in their hearts. But, most importantly, she finds love at first sight in Luke, and Luke feels the same for her.
To make things worst, Kaya’s engaged to her bodyguard, Oliver, who she thinks she loves but she’s not sure she is in love with. I will confess that I feel love and hate towards Oliver. He can be the most tender person in the world one minute and turn into a sexist, authoritative asshole the next, and that’s not romantic!
Throughout pages of adventure in the middle of the Canadian mountains, Kaya will find out things about herself, her past, her new friends, her future and people who surround her. Kaya will learn to break free from his father’s imprisionment and start to trust her own judgement and make her own decitions. Moreover, she turns into a bad-ass heroine rather than becoming a damsel in distress.
This book surprised me in every possible level ♥ The characters are beautifully built, the plot keeps moving forwards, dragging the reader through the pages, the descriptions are magical and the cover… OMG the cover! Even though Kaya is the main narrator, we get different points of view: from the kidnappers and from her bodyguards, and I must admit that I’m not a big fan of this in general (and I tend to find masculine points of view slightly depressing and super emotional), but Heather McKenzie did an amazing job at keeping her characters reliable, plausible and, above all, unique.
Finally, I’m not gonna talk about lose ends, because I feel they will be readdressed in the coming books, but I would like to know where the heck Angela is! =)
Some Quotes:
“There are so many things in the world I want to show you. You should let me.”
“The whole world is ours, Kaya. We can go, or do, whatever you want.”
For the first time in a long while, I don’t think my words can do justice to this awesome book I just read. But, I have to try anyways! First off, this book is currently free on Amazon, so you should definitely download it in two clicks!
Now, I can move on to talk about the book. Kaya has lived her entired life guarded, protected… or should we say trapped in a golden cage? She was never free to go or do anything. She was never alone. And no matter where she goes or what she does, her life will always be at risk because of her name: Kaya Lowen, future heir to a farmaceutical empire. Through the years, her father has managed to make a fair share of enemies who are willing to hurt Kaya to get to him.
When she turns eighteen, Kaya only has one wish: to participate in the Death Race, a 24-hour marathon in the mountains in extreme conditions. To get “brownie points”, his dad accepts, and that’s when things start, because during the race, Kaya is kidnapped!
Far from being the villains in the story, Kaya gets to know her kidnappers and their stories, what moved them to commit such a crime and what lays in their hearts. But, most importantly, she finds love at first sight in Luke, and Luke feels the same for her.
To make things worst, Kaya’s engaged to her bodyguard, Oliver, who she thinks she loves but she’s not sure she is in love with. I will confess that I feel love and hate towards Oliver. He can be the most tender person in the world one minute and turn into a sexist, authoritative asshole the next, and that’s not romantic!
Throughout pages of adventure in the middle of the Canadian mountains, Kaya will find out things about herself, her past, her new friends, her future and people who surround her. Kaya will learn to break free from his father’s imprisionment and start to trust her own judgement and make her own decitions. Moreover, she turns into a bad-ass heroine rather than becoming a damsel in distress.
This book surprised me in every possible level ♥ The characters are beautifully built, the plot keeps moving forwards, dragging the reader through the pages, the descriptions are magical and the cover… OMG the cover! Even though Kaya is the main narrator, we get different points of view: from the kidnappers and from her bodyguards, and I must admit that I’m not a big fan of this in general (and I tend to find masculine points of view slightly depressing and super emotional), but Heather McKenzie did an amazing job at keeping her characters reliable, plausible and, above all, unique.
Finally, I’m not gonna talk about lose ends, because I feel they will be readdressed in the coming books, but I would like to know where the heck Angela is! =)
Some Quotes:
“There are so many things in the world I want to show you. You should let me.”
“The whole world is ours, Kaya. We can go, or do, whatever you want.”
June 3, 2017
When I received this book (from who I think was an editor for Heather McKenzie), I really didn't know what to think. I don't really read Young Adult novels any more and when I saw that it was published by Clean Teen Publishing ... I REALLY didn't know what to think. What I DID know is that the blurb for this book was intriguing. Here's the deal, it's not any secret that I appreciate a well placed f-bomb or a steamy sex scene in a book. While I don't seek those things out when choosing a book, I also don't mind them. But the words 'clean teen' made me think that there would be scenes that were a bit watered down. Dude. Not the case. I didn't find this out until after I finished the book but Clean Teen is all about just letting the reader know what they will find within the pages - kind of like a rating on a movie.
Anyway, onto the book. THE. BOOK. Holy crap. I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did. And maybe I went into it with some preconceived notions but those were all shot down VERY quickly and I was able to immerse myself into the interesting life of Kaya. Kaya is this amazing girl that has been through so much yet, amazingly enough, it didn't kill her spirit. I think that she is a super strong character that needs to be seen more in Young Adult novels.
I don't really want to get into any secondary characters because well, I don't want to ruin the twists and turns on these pages. But I will say this, as a reader, you're going to REALLY struggle with whom to support. The author did a great job of putting the reader through the push and pull of good and bad. Who is good and who is bad? Don't worry. Your alliance will shift quite a few times as you steamroll through Serenade.
The story moves along quite swiftly but not jarringly so. It's just the perfect pace. I didn't find myself getting bored or skipping even a single sentence. It was a little shocking, how fast I flew through the words on these pages. I just couldn't get enough of Kaya and her life - how things were, how things became and what could be for her future, if there was one. It's nice getting to the end of the book and being left with absolutely NO questions about characters or the plot.
It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a romantic suspense this much ... probably since my last Sandra Brown and that is saying something. ESPECIALLY for a first book from an author. Are you kidding me?!? THIS is what you're coming out of the gate with? Geez. I'm in trouble. I'll be stalking library shelves indefinitely for this author - she had me hooked after the first page. Lifetime fan. SO good.
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
June 15, 2017
Intrigue, tension and danger pack these pages the whole way through.
Kaya is a rich man's daughter who lives in a castle in the mountains, which might sound like the perfect life. Except, it's not. Thanks to a grandfather who wants to see her dead, she's under constant, heavy security. No friends. No life outside of the bodyguards and her nanny. When secrets start to unfold, she discovers that her grandfather isn't the only deadly threat in her life.
My favorite part of this book is the great outdoors. This takes place in the rustic mountains and the landscape comes to life. The descriptions paint lovely scenes and place the reader between pines, rocks and waterfalls. Even Kaya's room and surroundings gain vividness without the text every tipping into wordiness.
Kaya is a pretty down to earth character--all things considered. Almost too much so. She lives a very sheltered life but has a strong personality and adapts easily. She's caring, has a warm heart and overflows in determination. It's easy to root for her the whole way through. Those around her are just as vibrant and personality rich as Kaya, and round off the scenes well.
Action and tension ride high the whole way through with mounds of unexpected twists and turns. There are layers upon layers of secrets, most which are hard to predict and catch by the surprise. Bad guys meld with the good ones, making it hard to know what the real intentions are. Not everything falls into place, leaving several holes scattered throughout. The reasoning behind several secrets laid a little thin.
Romance rides high and grabs with amazing heroes. But even these have intentions which aren't crystal clear. The author does a terrific job keeping a shadow of doubt over the purity of the love and danger which might lurk within. There is a love triangle and a hard hitting 'love at first sight', which lacked a bit of reality.
All in all, this is an engaging read and is sure to keep young adult suspense fans on the edge of their seats, and dreaming of what book two will bring.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to leave my thoughts.
Kaya is a rich man's daughter who lives in a castle in the mountains, which might sound like the perfect life. Except, it's not. Thanks to a grandfather who wants to see her dead, she's under constant, heavy security. No friends. No life outside of the bodyguards and her nanny. When secrets start to unfold, she discovers that her grandfather isn't the only deadly threat in her life.
My favorite part of this book is the great outdoors. This takes place in the rustic mountains and the landscape comes to life. The descriptions paint lovely scenes and place the reader between pines, rocks and waterfalls. Even Kaya's room and surroundings gain vividness without the text every tipping into wordiness.
Kaya is a pretty down to earth character--all things considered. Almost too much so. She lives a very sheltered life but has a strong personality and adapts easily. She's caring, has a warm heart and overflows in determination. It's easy to root for her the whole way through. Those around her are just as vibrant and personality rich as Kaya, and round off the scenes well.
Action and tension ride high the whole way through with mounds of unexpected twists and turns. There are layers upon layers of secrets, most which are hard to predict and catch by the surprise. Bad guys meld with the good ones, making it hard to know what the real intentions are. Not everything falls into place, leaving several holes scattered throughout. The reasoning behind several secrets laid a little thin.
Romance rides high and grabs with amazing heroes. But even these have intentions which aren't crystal clear. The author does a terrific job keeping a shadow of doubt over the purity of the love and danger which might lurk within. There is a love triangle and a hard hitting 'love at first sight', which lacked a bit of reality.
All in all, this is an engaging read and is sure to keep young adult suspense fans on the edge of their seats, and dreaming of what book two will bring.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to leave my thoughts.
January 28, 2019
It is a great book to read
September 15, 2017
Ah to be rich… but restricted in life and in love. Set in an iconic Canadian setting, this novel is an action-packed YA romance.
Review at The Pluviophile Reader: http://bit.ly/2hUK56k
4/5 stars.
Read from December 20 to 21, 2016.
ebook.
Cheers to Heather McKenzie for providing me with an ARC edition of this book for an honest review. I love to read and support new authors! It has been a while since I’ve read a YA novel and even longer since I read one with some substance so this was a refreshing read.
Kaya Lowen, by all appearances, lives the life that every teenager dreams about: She is the heiress of a billion dollar company and lives the life of luxury with her family in a castle in Banff, Canada. However, Kaya’s life is anything but easy as there are those that wish to assassinate her, meaning that Kaya is heavily guarded at all times and is nearly a prisoner in her own home. Smart and stubborn, Kaya is constantly at odds with those around her in a fight for her independence. Thankfully Kaya has a close bond with the people who protect her. Stephen has become more like a father to her since her own is never around and the youngest guard, Oliver, has begun to catch her eye. As that intrigue turns into love, Kaya meets a stranger on the evening of her 18th birthday that leaves her questioning her relationship with Oliver and the idea of love. Confused and distressed, Kaya’s world comes apart when she is kidnapped and starts to discover some of her family’s darkest secrets.
Kaya is a likeable and down to earth character, however she is naive which, considering her upbringing, makes sense. One of the things I loved best about Kaya is that she is an endurance runner. The first chapter drew me in with the descriptions of her running. The author must also be a runner to be able to describe that feeling so well. Kaya even wants to run the one of the most iconic Canadian ultras, The Death Race, which is a 125 km run in the Rocky Mountains.
As a Canadian living abroad it was also wonderful to get such beautiful descriptions of Banff, a place I have run and visited many times. It made me miss home. What was also great about this book was the intense pace it kept. There were no lulls in the story or with the romance and the scenes were adventurous and exciting. The last quarter of the book is riveting and the twist about Kaya’s father is jaw-dropping; that bastard is a selfish madman!
Additionally, the author, whether on purpose or not, shows what the beginnings of a controlling and unhealthy relationship looks like. Oliver eventually outright claims Kaya and strips her of her independence and makes her believe it is for her own safety. It was refreshing to see Kaya come into her own as a character in these aspects.
There were two aspects of this novel I wasn’t keen on, one is the title. It doesn’t seem to relate well to the novel but the story line is going to become a series so perhaps that will make a bit more sense later, or perhaps the author is going a similar title approach to the Twilight series. The second aspect of this novel I wasn’t keen on was the love at first sight that was introduced with the mysterious stranger that Kaya meets. I mean, I get it. It seems wonderful to think that you can be that swept off your feet and in love but it was a bit over the top for me. However, I seriously struggle with most romance as it is so for those that are more into romance than myself the author did a great job.
McKenzie is a promising author that is going to give readers and powerhouse trilogy that will be sure to be successful. I would recommend this novel for YA and romance lovers, as well for readers who are runners.
Review at The Pluviophile Reader: http://bit.ly/2hUK56k
4/5 stars.
Read from December 20 to 21, 2016.
ebook.
Cheers to Heather McKenzie for providing me with an ARC edition of this book for an honest review. I love to read and support new authors! It has been a while since I’ve read a YA novel and even longer since I read one with some substance so this was a refreshing read.
Kaya Lowen, by all appearances, lives the life that every teenager dreams about: She is the heiress of a billion dollar company and lives the life of luxury with her family in a castle in Banff, Canada. However, Kaya’s life is anything but easy as there are those that wish to assassinate her, meaning that Kaya is heavily guarded at all times and is nearly a prisoner in her own home. Smart and stubborn, Kaya is constantly at odds with those around her in a fight for her independence. Thankfully Kaya has a close bond with the people who protect her. Stephen has become more like a father to her since her own is never around and the youngest guard, Oliver, has begun to catch her eye. As that intrigue turns into love, Kaya meets a stranger on the evening of her 18th birthday that leaves her questioning her relationship with Oliver and the idea of love. Confused and distressed, Kaya’s world comes apart when she is kidnapped and starts to discover some of her family’s darkest secrets.
Kaya is a likeable and down to earth character, however she is naive which, considering her upbringing, makes sense. One of the things I loved best about Kaya is that she is an endurance runner. The first chapter drew me in with the descriptions of her running. The author must also be a runner to be able to describe that feeling so well. Kaya even wants to run the one of the most iconic Canadian ultras, The Death Race, which is a 125 km run in the Rocky Mountains.
As a Canadian living abroad it was also wonderful to get such beautiful descriptions of Banff, a place I have run and visited many times. It made me miss home. What was also great about this book was the intense pace it kept. There were no lulls in the story or with the romance and the scenes were adventurous and exciting. The last quarter of the book is riveting and the twist about Kaya’s father is jaw-dropping; that bastard is a selfish madman!
Additionally, the author, whether on purpose or not, shows what the beginnings of a controlling and unhealthy relationship looks like. Oliver eventually outright claims Kaya and strips her of her independence and makes her believe it is for her own safety. It was refreshing to see Kaya come into her own as a character in these aspects.
There were two aspects of this novel I wasn’t keen on, one is the title. It doesn’t seem to relate well to the novel but the story line is going to become a series so perhaps that will make a bit more sense later, or perhaps the author is going a similar title approach to the Twilight series. The second aspect of this novel I wasn’t keen on was the love at first sight that was introduced with the mysterious stranger that Kaya meets. I mean, I get it. It seems wonderful to think that you can be that swept off your feet and in love but it was a bit over the top for me. However, I seriously struggle with most romance as it is so for those that are more into romance than myself the author did a great job.
McKenzie is a promising author that is going to give readers and powerhouse trilogy that will be sure to be successful. I would recommend this novel for YA and romance lovers, as well for readers who are runners.
November 19, 2018
I have so many thoughts on this book, I don’t think I can put them all into words. First off it was captivating and interesting from page one. I initially believed it to be a mix of Rapunzel and Cinderella and then it spiraled into something so much more. There is just so much happening in this book- deception, love, lies, action... it left my head spinning. I am extremely excited to see that there are sequels and fully intend to read them. I love Kaya’s character, her personality, her attention to what is wrong and right now that she has opened up her eyes. All of the characters are unique and have wonderful depth in my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2017
Kaya is having a pretty tough time. She is accompanied by bodyguards everywhere and not allowed to leave her home.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 24, 2018
Not a big fan of the whole falling for a kidnapper, especially in YA. Other than that, it was a great story. Well written with engaging characters.
My Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
April 29, 2017
Intrigue, tension and danger pack these pages the whole way through.
Kaya is a rich man's daughter who lives in a castle in the mountains, which might sound like the perfect life. Except, it's not. Thanks to a grandfather who wants to see her dead, she's under constant, heavy security. No friends. No life outside of the bodyguards and her nanny. When secrets start to unfold, she discovers that her grandfather isn't the only deadly threat in her life.
My favorite part of this book is the great outdoors. This takes place in the rustic mountains and the landscape comes to life. The descriptions paint lovely scenes and place the reader between pines, rocks and waterfalls. Even Kaya's room and surroundings gain vividness without the text every tipping into wordiness.
Kaya is a pretty down to earth character--all things considered. Almost too much so. She lives a very sheltered life but has a strong personality and adapts easily. She's caring, has a warm heart and overflows in determination. It's easy to root for her the whole way through. Those around her are just as vibrant and personality rich as Kaya, and round off the scenes well.
Action and tension ride high the whole way through with mounds of unexpected twists and turns. There are layers upon layers of secrets, most which are hard to predict and catch by the surprise. Bad guys meld with the good ones, making it hard to know what the real intentions are. Not everything falls into place, leaving several holes scattered throughout. The reasoning behind several secrets laid a little thin.
Romance rides high and grabs with amazing heroes. But even these have intentions which aren't crystal clear. The author does a terrific job keeping a shadow of doubt over the purity of the love and danger which might lurk within. There is a love triangle and a hard hitting 'love at first sight', which lacked a bit of reality.
All in all, this is an engaging read and is sure to keep young adult suspense fans on the edge of their seats, and dreaming of what book two will bring. I'm giving this a 3.5 stars and rounding up to 4.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and enjoyed it enough to want to freely leave my opinions and thoughts.
Kaya is a rich man's daughter who lives in a castle in the mountains, which might sound like the perfect life. Except, it's not. Thanks to a grandfather who wants to see her dead, she's under constant, heavy security. No friends. No life outside of the bodyguards and her nanny. When secrets start to unfold, she discovers that her grandfather isn't the only deadly threat in her life.
My favorite part of this book is the great outdoors. This takes place in the rustic mountains and the landscape comes to life. The descriptions paint lovely scenes and place the reader between pines, rocks and waterfalls. Even Kaya's room and surroundings gain vividness without the text every tipping into wordiness.
Kaya is a pretty down to earth character--all things considered. Almost too much so. She lives a very sheltered life but has a strong personality and adapts easily. She's caring, has a warm heart and overflows in determination. It's easy to root for her the whole way through. Those around her are just as vibrant and personality rich as Kaya, and round off the scenes well.
Action and tension ride high the whole way through with mounds of unexpected twists and turns. There are layers upon layers of secrets, most which are hard to predict and catch by the surprise. Bad guys meld with the good ones, making it hard to know what the real intentions are. Not everything falls into place, leaving several holes scattered throughout. The reasoning behind several secrets laid a little thin.
Romance rides high and grabs with amazing heroes. But even these have intentions which aren't crystal clear. The author does a terrific job keeping a shadow of doubt over the purity of the love and danger which might lurk within. There is a love triangle and a hard hitting 'love at first sight', which lacked a bit of reality.
All in all, this is an engaging read and is sure to keep young adult suspense fans on the edge of their seats, and dreaming of what book two will bring. I'm giving this a 3.5 stars and rounding up to 4.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and enjoyed it enough to want to freely leave my opinions and thoughts.
January 29, 2017
Kaya lives a guarded life as the heiress to a medical company worth a fortune, but her father doesn’t ever want to relinquish control and will go to insane lengths to make sure his greed is satisfied.
Kaya wants to be normal, but when she’s constantly surrounded by her male bodyguards she doesn’t have a chance, until her father consents to let her run in a weekend long 125km foot race. All is well as she is fiercely protected until one by one her guards drop out of the race. Even her new Fiancé bodyguard must leave her to finish herself, but before she can make it to the end, she is kidnapped.
Female heroine. Check. Adventure with high stakes. Check. Strong and powerful story with intrigue and secrets. Check.
I loved nearly everything about this story. As soon as I was fully engaged (at the mention of Death Race), I couldn’t put this one down. It had everything I hope for and love in a YA book.
Though I roll my eyes at instant love, the powerful bond of the love in this story swept me away and I believed it with every fiber of my imagination, just as Kaya does with every fiber of her soul. I’ve never read an instalove that I could believe in like that in Serenade.
The story was solid and the plot (when it got going) was so well developed and rolled out like a great action movie. Subplots kept me questioning every secret.
The best part of this book, however, was Kaya (and maybe the powerful storytelling/writing style). Kaya comes from a rich and entitled background, but she is not a spoiled princess. Yes she hurts. Yes she complains. Yes she gets emotionally overwhelmed. And of course she makes wrong choices! She’s only a teenager after all. But she is resilient and thoughtful and never gives in. She is logical and emotional and I can’t wait for more of her!
The writing style and powerful way the author can showcase emotions makes me eager to read anything McKenzie will write next- fiction, nonfiction, picture books, or anything.
I received an ARC of this novel.
Kaya wants to be normal, but when she’s constantly surrounded by her male bodyguards she doesn’t have a chance, until her father consents to let her run in a weekend long 125km foot race. All is well as she is fiercely protected until one by one her guards drop out of the race. Even her new Fiancé bodyguard must leave her to finish herself, but before she can make it to the end, she is kidnapped.
Female heroine. Check. Adventure with high stakes. Check. Strong and powerful story with intrigue and secrets. Check.
I loved nearly everything about this story. As soon as I was fully engaged (at the mention of Death Race), I couldn’t put this one down. It had everything I hope for and love in a YA book.
Though I roll my eyes at instant love, the powerful bond of the love in this story swept me away and I believed it with every fiber of my imagination, just as Kaya does with every fiber of her soul. I’ve never read an instalove that I could believe in like that in Serenade.
The story was solid and the plot (when it got going) was so well developed and rolled out like a great action movie. Subplots kept me questioning every secret.
The best part of this book, however, was Kaya (and maybe the powerful storytelling/writing style). Kaya comes from a rich and entitled background, but she is not a spoiled princess. Yes she hurts. Yes she complains. Yes she gets emotionally overwhelmed. And of course she makes wrong choices! She’s only a teenager after all. But she is resilient and thoughtful and never gives in. She is logical and emotional and I can’t wait for more of her!
The writing style and powerful way the author can showcase emotions makes me eager to read anything McKenzie will write next- fiction, nonfiction, picture books, or anything.
I received an ARC of this novel.
April 10, 2018
Serenade by Heather McKenzie is the first book in the author's series, The Nightmusic Trilogy. Kaya has lived a shockingly sheltered existence as the heiress to a billion-dollar empire. Her father (and grandfather) have made her a virtual prisoner, dictating where she can go (nowhere, really), when, and with whom. Her only friends are her bodyguards and a "manny" who's been with her since birth. When she's kidnapped, the plot thickens as things begin to reveal themselves, and this is helped along by the multiple points of view. Ultimately, the lines become completely blurred as to who is good and who is bad, and a romance ensues, adding to Kaya's turmoil.
Serenade: The Nightmusic Trilogy Book 1 by Heather McKenzie has a slow burn of a start, but the backstory is important - especially her relationships from "home." The writing is well executed, particularly the descriptive elements, something in which I feel the author truly excels. "When she turned to face me, her eyes were wide and her cheeks were flushed--all my breath left my lungs. We were surrounded by incredibly beauty, yet she completely outshone it with her own." The scenes and action following the kidnapping are fantastic, with enough unexpected twists to keep the pages turning. The book does end on something of a cliff-hanger, but readers will be happy to know they don't have to wait for the next installment as Nocturne, book two in the trilogy, has already been released. I'd highly recommend this book to lovers of good, traditional YA with a unique plot.
Review written by Please Pass the Books for Readers' Favorite.
Serenade: The Nightmusic Trilogy Book 1 by Heather McKenzie has a slow burn of a start, but the backstory is important - especially her relationships from "home." The writing is well executed, particularly the descriptive elements, something in which I feel the author truly excels. "When she turned to face me, her eyes were wide and her cheeks were flushed--all my breath left my lungs. We were surrounded by incredibly beauty, yet she completely outshone it with her own." The scenes and action following the kidnapping are fantastic, with enough unexpected twists to keep the pages turning. The book does end on something of a cliff-hanger, but readers will be happy to know they don't have to wait for the next installment as Nocturne, book two in the trilogy, has already been released. I'd highly recommend this book to lovers of good, traditional YA with a unique plot.
Review written by Please Pass the Books for Readers' Favorite.
January 7, 2019
Every teenage romance should have a side story to keep it interesting — a hobby or sport or activity that gives the tale that added kick. A 24-hour Death Race through the Rockies in Banff National Park ranks up there at the top. Add to this an overprotected young heiress under the control of her much-hated billionaire father, a handsome hunk of a bodyguard and a well-meaning and fatally attractive kidnapper, and you have the grounds for some serious conflict.
The story revolves around Kaya, her thoughts, her feelings, and her aching desire to be free. And also her aching desire for the sculptured male bodies that swirl around her, of course. While the supporting cast tends towards stereotype, the main character is fully formed and develops further through the story. She is an empathetic, fiery character, full of desire and strength and self-doubt, in typical teenage fashion.
Of course, the more discerning reader must remember that this story is written for young adults; one’s suspension of disbelief is sometimes stretched to the limit by the choices Kaya makes. But teenage girls in love can do some pretty stupid things. And since the intended audience for this book is teenage girls, for them I suppose it adds up fine.
Another strength of the writing is the plotline, which has some interesting twists, allowing for characters to change sides in the conflict with unpredictable results.
Highly recommended for fans of YA Romance of the more mature sort.
The story revolves around Kaya, her thoughts, her feelings, and her aching desire to be free. And also her aching desire for the sculptured male bodies that swirl around her, of course. While the supporting cast tends towards stereotype, the main character is fully formed and develops further through the story. She is an empathetic, fiery character, full of desire and strength and self-doubt, in typical teenage fashion.
Of course, the more discerning reader must remember that this story is written for young adults; one’s suspension of disbelief is sometimes stretched to the limit by the choices Kaya makes. But teenage girls in love can do some pretty stupid things. And since the intended audience for this book is teenage girls, for them I suppose it adds up fine.
Another strength of the writing is the plotline, which has some interesting twists, allowing for characters to change sides in the conflict with unpredictable results.
Highly recommended for fans of YA Romance of the more mature sort.
Want to read
April 30, 2019💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/16/2018)!💝
Blurb:
When billion-dollar heiress Kaya Lowen is kidnapped, her devoted bodyguard vows to stop at nothing to get her back. But, as Kaya gets her first taste of freedom away from barred windows, armed guards, and a father with questionable motives, a dark family secret begins to unravel and she wonders if staying in the arms of her blue-eyed abductor is safer than being found. At least, that’s what her heart is telling her. Her head is saying run...
Now the hunt is on.
Deep in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains, Kaya and her captors endure the worst Mother Nature can throw at them. While they are relentlessly pursued across rugged terrain and through raging storms, the captivating stranger who stole her from her father also steals her heart. Caught in the middle of a deadly game, Kaya desperately tries to do the right thing as her rescuers draw ever closer. Her survival soon comes down to a difficult choice—one she must make—between old loyalties and new love.
Serenade sings a timeless tale of courage, self-discovery, and the power of finding your own voice on an epic journey of life-or-death love.
Blurb:
When billion-dollar heiress Kaya Lowen is kidnapped, her devoted bodyguard vows to stop at nothing to get her back. But, as Kaya gets her first taste of freedom away from barred windows, armed guards, and a father with questionable motives, a dark family secret begins to unravel and she wonders if staying in the arms of her blue-eyed abductor is safer than being found. At least, that’s what her heart is telling her. Her head is saying run...
Now the hunt is on.
Deep in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains, Kaya and her captors endure the worst Mother Nature can throw at them. While they are relentlessly pursued across rugged terrain and through raging storms, the captivating stranger who stole her from her father also steals her heart. Caught in the middle of a deadly game, Kaya desperately tries to do the right thing as her rescuers draw ever closer. Her survival soon comes down to a difficult choice—one she must make—between old loyalties and new love.
Serenade sings a timeless tale of courage, self-discovery, and the power of finding your own voice on an epic journey of life-or-death love.
April 17, 2017
Read my full review at http://blackwords-whitepages1977.blog...
WOW, what an awesome and refreshing read full of love, hate, surprises, mystery, loyalty and everything in between. I enjoyed it very much. The characters were phenomenal and felt as if I could connect with Kaya and all she had to go through physically and emotionally. The story-line was extremely addicting and I found myself glued to the story from beginning to end. There was always something happening at the turn of every page. I also loved the mysterious secrets throughout the story. This author truly has a knack for story-telling and spinning it just enough to keep you guess and needing to read more. This is a spectacular debut read and I highly recommend it.
Clean Teen Publishing provided me with a digital ARC copy of the book for review purposes only. No remuneration was exchanged.
WOW, what an awesome and refreshing read full of love, hate, surprises, mystery, loyalty and everything in between. I enjoyed it very much. The characters were phenomenal and felt as if I could connect with Kaya and all she had to go through physically and emotionally. The story-line was extremely addicting and I found myself glued to the story from beginning to end. There was always something happening at the turn of every page. I also loved the mysterious secrets throughout the story. This author truly has a knack for story-telling and spinning it just enough to keep you guess and needing to read more. This is a spectacular debut read and I highly recommend it.
Clean Teen Publishing provided me with a digital ARC copy of the book for review purposes only. No remuneration was exchanged.
November 1, 2018
I wouldn't exactly recommend this for teens, maybe not even young adults, but feel it's more for adults given the themes. I can't say it's "Clean Teen" reading either. However, I think it is a perfectly acceptable adult story.
It is like a modern FairyTale story in a way, but kind of in reverse. Abuse is hard to spot when that's all we've ever known. It is easy to mistake the control and manipulation for an overprotective love. It becomes a blur until we catch a taste of freedom and are able to look back and see reality clearly for the first time. It is an awakening. True love breaks the spell.
I commend the author for the talent in creating a captivating story, her skill in descriptions making it so real it's like I'm right there (for better, but often worse), and lots of action woven with mysteries.
Superb writing skill, gripping story, intriguing characters... I look forward to seeing more of the author's work.
It is like a modern FairyTale story in a way, but kind of in reverse. Abuse is hard to spot when that's all we've ever known. It is easy to mistake the control and manipulation for an overprotective love. It becomes a blur until we catch a taste of freedom and are able to look back and see reality clearly for the first time. It is an awakening. True love breaks the spell.
I commend the author for the talent in creating a captivating story, her skill in descriptions making it so real it's like I'm right there (for better, but often worse), and lots of action woven with mysteries.
Superb writing skill, gripping story, intriguing characters... I look forward to seeing more of the author's work.
June 15, 2017
I WISH IT WAS POSSIBLE TO GIVE SERENADE 1,000 STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Heather McKenzie's debut novel was outstanding and beautiful and perfect while some of the characters were imperfect and rotten (referring to you, Oliver) and amazing and outstanding and crisply written. It has been a long time since I have enjoyed a book this much. I highly recommend it; Serenade featured a heroine that is admirable and relatable to girls and women of all ages, with a kind, gentle, and steady-minded man named Luke. All of the characters were fresh, had their moments of humor and weakness, and rounded out the novel in a smashing debut. I'm so delighted that I found this book at my Barnes and Noble, and am looking forward to the sequel - Nocturne.
February 26, 2018
Wow
I’ve read many books and many genres. I have some favorite authors and not so favorite ones. This book is the first book I’ve read by this author, but if any of her others are as good as this one, she will be in my favorite authors list (which is VERY short). Really, if she’s added it’ll make it 3 authors total.
This book is very reality based. There is nothing really unrealistic about it and that’s why I Love is so much. Almost all of the books I’ve read have something unrealistic to them, but not this one. This has a very well put together plot and everything is tied up really well with a bow.
I definitely recommend this book! It’s fabulous.
I’ve read many books and many genres. I have some favorite authors and not so favorite ones. This book is the first book I’ve read by this author, but if any of her others are as good as this one, she will be in my favorite authors list (which is VERY short). Really, if she’s added it’ll make it 3 authors total.
This book is very reality based. There is nothing really unrealistic about it and that’s why I Love is so much. Almost all of the books I’ve read have something unrealistic to them, but not this one. This has a very well put together plot and everything is tied up really well with a bow.
I definitely recommend this book! It’s fabulous.
July 26, 2018
First Thoughts
This book sounded thrilling, dramatic, and romantic. I was happy to find that I was right. but sad to find that it had a little bit of a slow start, but the first part is essential to the rest of the book, it's basically the back story. so here's my honest review of Serenade.
Review
So yes this book did start out slow, but it's the back story and you need to know it. After that, it gets a bit better and it's like a will they won't they situation, to get to the really dramatic nail-biting parts you have to wait until the middle-ish part.
Read my full review on my blog. https://allbookedupteen.blogspot.com/
This book sounded thrilling, dramatic, and romantic. I was happy to find that I was right. but sad to find that it had a little bit of a slow start, but the first part is essential to the rest of the book, it's basically the back story. so here's my honest review of Serenade.
Review
So yes this book did start out slow, but it's the back story and you need to know it. After that, it gets a bit better and it's like a will they won't they situation, to get to the really dramatic nail-biting parts you have to wait until the middle-ish part.
Read my full review on my blog. https://allbookedupteen.blogspot.com/
February 6, 2018
I was asked to review this book by librarything.com
What s great read - debut novel too. Got it all mystery, love, hatred and friendship.
The author has created good characters ,secrets, twists and turns, cliff hangers and melting moments.
Kaya father is rich, and does not want her out of his sight, grandfather wants to see her dead and under security- well what a life!
As secrets emerge the twists with come and turn. Enjoy this to the very end
What s great read - debut novel too. Got it all mystery, love, hatred and friendship.
The author has created good characters ,secrets, twists and turns, cliff hangers and melting moments.
Kaya father is rich, and does not want her out of his sight, grandfather wants to see her dead and under security- well what a life!
As secrets emerge the twists with come and turn. Enjoy this to the very end
March 9, 2018
Great love story and an ending you dont expect
Good intermingling plots that are completed in a not-all-is-finished kind if way but still leaves you feeling accomplished. Damsel in distress the whole way through. I want to see Kaya become a heroine in book two bc she felt like she was never in control. Some situations she pulled through were ex machina (right tool suddenly appears at the right time with no growth to it) It's still a story I want to keep reading. :)
Good intermingling plots that are completed in a not-all-is-finished kind if way but still leaves you feeling accomplished. Damsel in distress the whole way through. I want to see Kaya become a heroine in book two bc she felt like she was never in control. Some situations she pulled through were ex machina (right tool suddenly appears at the right time with no growth to it) It's still a story I want to keep reading. :)
June 5, 2019
So seen the book was free on Amazon and sounded like a decent read to me. I at first was struggling getting into it. But the more i was reading the more i felt bad for Kaya. She is definitely a prisoner and you can tell she just wants a normal life. So when she gets kidnapped you instantly fall in love with Luke. He is definitely who she needs in her life. Definitely going to read the other 2 books in the series to see if she gets her happy ending.
August 2, 2019
A good read!
Plenty of action and adventure. The storyline twists and turns and you just don't know which characters are trustworthy. The heroine has been repeatedly traumatized and controlled down to what she is allowed to eat. Such a restricted life would lead to the shutdowns and anxiety displayed. It can frustrate the reader but blind obedience made sense and took tremendous strength to break free.
Plenty of action and adventure. The storyline twists and turns and you just don't know which characters are trustworthy. The heroine has been repeatedly traumatized and controlled down to what she is allowed to eat. Such a restricted life would lead to the shutdowns and anxiety displayed. It can frustrate the reader but blind obedience made sense and took tremendous strength to break free.
February 4, 2018
Sooo, Sooo Good!
Wow, this book was a wild ride! Like nothing I've read before. I never new what to expect. It had some of the most heart melting moments, but was intense most the time. I was nervous because it's the first book in a trilogy and the second one isn't quite out yet and I don't like cliffhangers, but the ending was even great! Sooo, Sooo Good!! Read it!!
Wow, this book was a wild ride! Like nothing I've read before. I never new what to expect. It had some of the most heart melting moments, but was intense most the time. I was nervous because it's the first book in a trilogy and the second one isn't quite out yet and I don't like cliffhangers, but the ending was even great! Sooo, Sooo Good!! Read it!!
May 12, 2019
A whirlwind of adventure of a young woman's life.
Fast moving, engaging with plenty of romance and excitement. One sex scene with little description and much more tender and growing love and independence. This was a big time coming of age adventure in the wild mountains of Canada.
Fast moving, engaging with plenty of romance and excitement. One sex scene with little description and much more tender and growing love and independence. This was a big time coming of age adventure in the wild mountains of Canada.
April 1, 2017
Not my typical read, but when I finally picked up my advanced copy, I was pleasantly surprised. I don't tend to like teen and YA but I had a hard time putting this one down. Solid first novel - will definitely follow the series as it comes out.
March 10, 2018
Terrificly written!
Suspense, mystery, romance and intrigue.
Characters who make me want to shoot them, plot twists I hadn't expected and a smile as I wish to read more of this series.
Suspense, mystery, romance and intrigue.
Characters who make me want to shoot them, plot twists I hadn't expected and a smile as I wish to read more of this series.
April 5, 2018
Beautiful story, beautiful layout and interesting story line. The story gives a clear description between love and obsession. Couldn't have asked for a better couple than Kaya and Luke
Team Kaya all the way!
Team Kaya all the way!
October 19, 2018
For the first time in a long time, I could not predict the plot. It was a page-turner of discovering "what next" as the story unfolded for the main characters. I really enjoyed all the twist and turns and look forward to finishing the series!
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