New Adult Paranormal Romance by bestselling author Kristie Cook ** Mature Content ** Recommended for ages 16+ due to sexual situations and language
First installment of the Book of Phoenix series. Consistently rated in the top 25 New Adult & College Romance books on Amazon.com!
When Life Falls to Pieces, Answers Lie in the Space Between
Leni Drago can't make a smart decision on her own, according to her mother anyway--the few times she's tried resulted in disaster. When her uncle sends her on a dance tour in Italy to find her real self, she returns to an empty home and any evidence of his existence wiped out. Then things get even stranger, like the mysterious appearances of Jeric Winters--inked, pierced and a hit-'em-and-quit-'em type. He's one decision that should be easy for Leni. Or is he?
Jeric doesn't do girlfriends. Unless they're someone else's. He left the fighting cage and modeling for a reason, and girls who want more than a night of fun are distractions he doesn't need. Especially when they come with as much baggage as Leni carries. But he can't shake the gut feeling that he needs to know her. All of her.
To discover the truth behind their connection and their ties to a journal from 1989, they must face painful secrets from their pasts. And they must do so quickly because their own existences are falling to pieces.
Two love stories, one mystery and a paranormal twist that readers call "mind blowing." This first part of The Book of Phoenix takes you on a heart-wrenching ride as you discover the answers that lie in The Space Between.
Kristie Cook is a lifelong writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and being magical. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her puggle. She can be found at www.KristieCook.com.
"One soul, one being. We shared thoughts and feelings and even a body, and although it sounded awkward, I felt as though we lived the most natural, most perfect existence. Like we were beyond human, above the selfish and greedy self-centered ways of this world. We were about us and them. There was no me."
We essentially live alone. In a huge world, we claim as ours a small piece of land and there only a handful of people who recognise us. But what if there was half of our soul missing? If we were to meet it? Again and again. To survive cruelty, jealousy and our own misgivings? Is happiness ours to claim? Are we ever gonna be whole again?
"My soul was what mattered now. I did have one. We both did. And they were meant to be one. Our souls were two halves of one whole."
"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." - Aristotle
Jacquelena "Leni" Drago a twenty something dancer, unhappy and with unfulfilled dreams, always composed is performing her last dance recital. She knows she wants more of her life and her art but she is ruled by her mother's teachings. When she meets the man that her soul recognises, she will be plunged into a whole new world, altering the foundations of her existence and making her believe in claiming more from life.
“You are his light. He is your protector."
This man will fast become her whole world. How does fate always bring them together? Can she trust him, learn but not forget the past and make a brand new future?
And how do a small burning tattoo and a strange locked book fit in this new reality?
Jeremicah "Jeric" Winters this gorgeous male hides a scared and scarred man. The sexy, womanizer underwear model is a actually an endearing, protective, vulnerable man. And the fact he is deaf makes him so much more real.
A journey to Italy changes his life too, irrevocably. Inexplicably drawn to Leni, together they start realising that their whole existence is slowly erasing, they have mysterious ties to a couple that lived in 1989 and shadows are stalking them.
But all he needs is Leni.
“You’re the Coke to my Jack. For eight years, life’s been one bitter bottle of whiskey after another. One burning shot after shot. But then you come along. Life’s still harsh, but you make it sweeter. Easier to swallow.”
Two people with hard lives, memories of a beautiful and haunting past and an explosive chemistry. Will they manage to fulfill their destiny or are they doomed to fail?
Another beautiful story by Kristie Cook, story-teller extraordinaire! Rich and imaginative, emotional and haunting a story of lost souls, fate and power of love.
To heal, to live, to breathe and fight.
I can't wait for the next book... I NEED more Jeric!!! And Leni, but you know what I mean...
This is a completely new take on the idea of a timeless love story with a paranormal twist unlike any other. The connection between the two characters is bone deep and resonates beautifully. I will never forget this novel. I can't say too much or I will give away the plot, which is mysterious and filled with fantastic ups and downs. Fans of Denise Grover Swank's CHOSEN series will love this.
I too had the honor too beta read for kristie . I can't give spoilers so it's just a simple OMG!!! I was stuck in the story from the start . I had a lot of emotions of yelling, crying, laughing and also swoooning . yess you dit it again kristie . I love you ♥♥♥
I’ve always wanted to go to Italy. Kristie Cook took me there and made me feel as if I had been there. On cobbled roads and in the theater where Leni Drago fulfills her ambition as a dancer, having a final farewell drink with her colleagues and heading off to meet up with her Uncle back in Georgia. On her return though Uncle Theo was nowhere to be seen and the house was empty except for one thing - a journal that can’t be opened. I traveled with Leni on more than the train.
Leni is one of the reasons I loved this book, because her feelings are so raw and clear and true. Not only does she make me see the things the way she sees, she makes me feel the things she feels. There's a lot more going on than just a missing Uncle and an unopened journal, and Leni starts to unravel a whole new world. A man called Jeric Winters is looking to complete his puzzle. Very few people have ever been close to Jeric; he is a “hit-it-and-quit-it-type, struggling for people to understand him. He has gotten used to his own company. The mystery about Jeric Winters is another of the reasons I wanted to keep turning the pages.
Jacey is an 1980’s kind of girl and is in the process of sorting out a derelict building that had been left to her. While Jacey is trying to determine what to do with this old rundown building. Micah turns up, offering to help. One of my favourite quotes from this section is “Ah, smart-ass, ex-punk girl makes tough marine a little soft?”. You just can’t help but love Jacey and Micah.
The Space Between is filled with interesting characters; they make it all seem just as real as the people in your own hometown. One I found really interesting was Bex; she is described as a heavy punk, hot pink hair and heavy makeup. Her character had me engrossed.
Jacey, Micah and Bex are all fascinating, but I have to say Jeric stands out for me the most. You get the idea that Jeric is a bit of a player with no feelings which might change when he follows his “pull”. This has to be one of a few books that have me making facial expressions with quotes and just the book really. I am impressed and love the fact that some of the characters are in it for only a short amount of time, yet I feel I know all of them and they are described very well and I have an image of all of them. I have laughed at the words humongous and befuddled, I don’t know why but they make me laugh and in the context used it is hilarious.
This book had me addicted from start to finish and only one of a few books I have read twice. I am looking forward to the next part of The Book of Phoenix by Kristie Cook!!!
My favourite quotes from The Space Between:
“What an ass “Alberto muttered. “ Rude, yes, but I don’t know if I’d go that far.” “No, I mean what an ass that man has.”
AND
“He’s straighter than a nun’s ruler and can’t take his eyes off you.”
I give The Space Between 5 stars! Highly recommended!!
I loved the promise series so I was super excited for some new KC writing! She did not disappoint. This new world was cool and I can't wait to see where it goes. The love was hot steamy and intense. I love "love" like this, the all consuming kind. It's my fav!! Read this!
Let me start by saying that Kristie Cook has managed, yet again, to make me blush with thoughts of her sexy men. Tristan Knight from her Soul Savers series hasn't left my book boyfriend top 5 since I first read his glorious name, and Jeric and Micah are every bit as ummm, memorable! This book had me entralled from the beginning, and drew me so deep into the world, that I laughed, cried, yelled, and felt along with the characters. The premise, and the storyline are written with perfection, putting you through a whirlwind of emotions. I absolutely can't wait to see how their journey continues!!
Let me just say this is on my top reads of 2013. Cook's extraordinary mind has created a unique story that is well executed and seen from four different perspectives. Ordinarily that type of writing drives me nuts, but Kristie Cook does an excellent job of creating a cohesive structure that seamlessly allows the story to unfold. The New Adult genre is perfect because it has a bit of a YA feel, yet tackles some adult content. Cook does not disappoint on either. If you are a paranormal romance fan you HAVE to pick this one up!
I'm lucky enough to be a beta reader for Kristie and all I can say is WOW!! I don't want to give any spoilers and I'm not good at giving reviews without spoilers but seriously... this book is absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! April 5th is the release date - HIGHLY recommended!!!!! Kristie has done it again!!
It completely blew me away! I love Kristie's writing, especially The Soul Savers series and this new series will blow your socks off! I can't recommend it enough to friends, family and anyone who will listen to me. 5 stars in nowhere near enough for this book! :)
I had the incredible opportunity to beta read for this talented author.This books is super amazing! It kept me guessing and falling in love from the first page to the last! I can't wait for April 5
The moment I fell in love with Jeric was when the moment I found out he had nipple piercings and tattoos, yep not caring what type of person he was or anything of the kind the tattoos did me in. In this review I thought I'd try something a little bit different, breaking down the relationship of Jeric and Leni and the type of people they are, why because I've got some AMAZEBALL quotes that I loved and had me entertained! So Jeric has issues but he's totally caring, "You're okay?" he finally signed, and I nodded hesitantly, still unsure of him. "You looked like you were being attacked, the way your fists were flying, but I didn't see anyone otherwise, I would have pounded them." He's cocky, "I don't do girlfriends, unless they're someone else's." And yet at the same time honest, "Sure, I respect those women who want a boyfriend by staying away from them. And I respect those women who sometimes want a good lay and nothing more by giving it to them. No harm either side. Just a good time." Okay so a little crude, but it's still honest. Yeah... Leni loved her bless that girl, she doesn't take crap from anyone and i mean ANYONE, "What do you mean you don't feel it? And who the hell do you think you are? You can't traipse into my hotel room and claim a spot! Why are you even here in the first place? Are you stalking me? Did you follow me from Sulmona to Rome and now here? I'm not one of those girls who will spread my legs for you at your command, you know. I don't care if you are an underwear model. So get your ass out of here before I call the front desk and have you thrown out." When Jeric starts feeling things he gets more defensive and honestly I may have a sense of twisted humor by admitting this but it was entertaining, " If it was just a kiss, I'd be begging you for more because that's all I wanted to do all day. that - what happened just now - was more than a kiss and you know it." Did I mention the temper Leni has? "You lost your right to call me babe. And if you think that I care one tiny turd of shit about how you feel you're sadly mistaken." What made this book truly enjoyable and had me falling in love with it was the fact that Jeric has a disability and it doesn't keep him down, he doesn't allow it to bring him down, and I truly loved that about this book. The ending was okay I was expecting more, after I finished reading it I found out it was a first book in a series so I rethought my decision on how I felt about the ending and for a first book in a series it was better then most books.
I originally saw Kristie's Facebook status asking if any reviewers would like to review The Space Between before it's release so I got in contact with her and offered to review it for her! Imagine my surprise when Kristie offered to squeeze me into her already full Blog Tour and give me an ARC of The Space Between! I may have squealed just a little! I freaking loved this book! The characters, the romance, the plot, the originality! It had everything to make it an amazing book! Everyone is going to fall in love with it! Once I started it I honestly couldn't put it down until I had finished it! It was full of romance and action! I wasn't really sure what paranormal aspect to expect with this book as the synopsis doesn't really give it away but it blew me away and I loved it for its originality! I got so much more than I bargained for with this book and I think that everyone is definitely going to love it! The plot was amazing! I wasn't expecting the things that happened in it so I was quite surprised but it was a good surprise! The plot also had a lot in it and I had to really concentrate to make sure that I understood it all but I learned to adjust pretty early on and grasp what was happening! The characters were written amazingly! The main couple were Leni and Jeric but there was also another couple in this book called Jacey and Micah! Asking me to pick my favourite couple is like asking me to pick my favourite book! Impossible! Both couples were written amazingly and I did find myself edging more towards Jacey and Micah at certain points in the book and then at other points I leaned towards Leni and Jeric! Both couples chemistry was hot! It is exactly the kind I love in books! The Space Between was written from both couples point of views! I thought that the four different point of views was going to confuse me but both couples were going through the exact same thing so I was able to understand both couples point of views! I really enjoyed that Kristie added the backstory by actually putting in Jacey and Micah's story as it added so much to the book and it was like reading two different books at some points which is the first time that I have ever felt like this with a backstory! The ending was full of suspense! I was glued to the book and couldn't put it down! I will definitely be reading the next book in this series as this book exceeded my expectations and I really enjoyed it! The cover is also beautiful! Big thank you to Kristie for offering me a spot in the already full Blog Tour and also for an ARC of The Space Between!
Im stuck between giving this 4 or 5 stars - I wish goodreads did half stars! but then again, I give it 4.5 stars, and then Jeric is just so...... so that will bump it up to 5 stars for me!
If you love the Soul Savers series, you will love this. The story starts with Leni finishing up a dance tour in Italy, when she bumps into Jeric and gets a strange feeling that they have a connection. They part ways at the airport and Leni returns home to find her Uncle (who she has been living with) has completely disapeared, the house is empty and there is no trace of his or her existence. The only thing that is in the house is a book that is locked, with no way to open it. She heads to a motel, where she bumps into Jeric again, and thus begins their adventure. Jeric is also discovering that his life is being wiped out, and he joins with Leni to discover what has happened to his Grandmother and her Uncle. When they eventually manage to open the strange book, they discover a tale that sounds similar to what they are experiencing, and they must find out the answers before its too late.
I did love this book, however it took some getting in to with the differing POV's. I was just getting used to switching between Leni and Jeric and then I was totally thrown when Jacey and Micha were intoduced into the mix too. I didnt see the connection/twist coming either. Great book yet again Kristie Cook, roll on book 2. and of course, still desperately waiting my next Tristan and Soul Savers fix!
This novel is part one of The Book of the Phoenix. It is the story of Leni and Jeric, or so the reader thinks. As the book goes on, we find that it is not only their story, but the story of Jacey and Micah, Guardians, Warriors, who protect the universe from evil. So many mysteries and so much evil abound in their stories. The book is intriguing and hard to put down!
Leni and Jeric meet in Italy when Leni is dancing with a ballet troop there, a long time dream of hers. She feels drawn to him in a way that she has never felt drawn to anyone before. But, thinks she will never see him again as she is to leave for the states and home the next day. A series of coincidences, or are they? bring them together again, and again.
Strange occurrences continue to throw them together, along with a book that tells a strange story. Will they follow their hearts and the pull that they feel to each other, or will they destroy what has been for centuries? Will evil win this day?
This book drew me in from the beginning. I found it hard to put it down, and was intrigued by all the twists and turns and the dual storyline. I can't wait for the next book, as the characters are well written and the plot is intriguing.
Kristie Cook is one of my very favorite authors. I was worried, I didn't think anything could compete with her Soul Savers series, but she did it again! She has a style of writing that sucks you right into the book. You feel a part of that world and that of the characters. Every emotion they feel, so do you. This series is a totally different style than Soul Savers, but every bit as excellent. Not only do you get entrapped in the love and passion of one couple, but you get two!! Definitely swoon-worthy! Plus, you will not be able to stop turning the pages, because there are so many questions to be answered. You will keep guessing but won't be able to truly put it together till the end. And what a cliffhanger, as always. Leaves you panting for the next book. Kristie has a habit of doing that to us! I had the Honor to beta-read this book, and even the very rough draft was perfect!!
The book is so exciting and has really had me pacing round the room! The twists and turns had me hopping up and down! The story line transported me away and I fell in love with the characters. This is a fab start to what I'm sure is going to be a wonderful series. I cannot wait for the next book!
This was the first book I've read by Kristie Cook. and I enjoyed it very much! Loved the characters, loved the plot, and can't wait to read more by this author! Kristie's writing is flawless and this is by far one of the best written books I have read so far in 2013!
I suffered through book, battling the desire to give it up. I hoped it would get better (taking into account all those oh-so-stellar reviews), but no, it got worse and worse. First, who on earth might swoon over such a guy as Jeric??? All he did was accept propositions from random women - from air-hostesses to waitresses, he was worse, than a whore, because a whore at least earns her living, but he just behaved like animal (though maybe it's offence to animals - they behave better). Second, the story of Jacey and Micah is nearly identical to Leni and Jeric with several slight differences, so it was definitely boring to read the same story just in other time. Third - if Leni was tolerable, Jacey version was unbearable and disgusting (alcohol abuse, even at the funeral). Fourth - the author didn't manage to pull off soul-mates theme - it was forced and awkward. I definitely don't recommend this book and the amount of five-star reviews is either due to inexperience of the readers (maybe they didn't come across anything better), or some partial attitude to the author.
Oh. My. Gosh. I LOVED this one! I've been a fan of Kristie Cook's since Promise (Soul Savers), and I was thrilled to pick up her new series. The Space Between is a New Adult Paranormal Romance, which is hugely exciting for fellow fans of New Adult looking to branch beyond contemporary romance. In The Space Between, Kristie Cook gives us all the heat and sizzle of a contemporary romance, with the extra excitement only a paranormal element can bring to the table. Leni is a fabulous heroine -- smart, sassy, confident. She's not one to run from a challenge, and she's the kind of girl I would love to be friends with. And Jeric is . . . *sigh* He's absolutely swoon worthy. Ms. Cook does a fabulous job crafting believable, multi-dimensional characters, who are easy to root for. The story's twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and although the ending is by no means a cliff hanger, I still cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!! Brava, Kristie Cook!
I have to admit I'm not big on reincarnation and etc... but this book sets itself apart in this category. You not only get captivated by Leni and Jeric and their chemistry, you also get sucked into how all that they know in their lives is disappearing. Add in a journal that documents the road that Jacey and Micah led more than twenty years ago and you're just positively intrigued- to the point you can't put this book down (I finished it at 3am!) Can't wait for the sequel!
Unbelievably creative story line! I have to say that Kristie has done it again. The idea behind this is unique... would love to say more but I really dont want to be one of those spoiler people!
I can say that the characters make you fall in love! I felt like I really connected with them. Really would love to connect with Micah... anyway...
I too had the honor too beta read for kristie . just a simple OMG!!! I was hooked right from the start . I had a lot of emotions of yelling, crying, laughing and also swoooning and emotional rollercoaster . yes you did it again kristie . This one will defo be a best seller ...
There are not enough words in English (and in Estonian which is my mother tong) to describe how much I loved this book. Kristie has done it again and written an awesome, magical and mesmerizing story! The plot is fantastic and the way she has waved it together is absolutely brilliant. Since I have read all her other books, I thought it might be difficult for her to surprise me, but she did it. Her storytelling skills are fabulous and I also found new things in her writing style.
There is lots of humor in The Space Between and I giggled and laughed out loud many times while reading the book and this is the side of Kristie's writing which I have not seen that strongly before - the book is in the same time funny and also thrilling! Besides that I was awed how good Kristie is at writing a mystery book, she grabs your attention from the very beginning and increases the tension and builds it step by step until your curiosity can't hold it anymore!
Wonderfully written story that you will never ever forget!
Plot:
The story begins with introducing you to Leni - a dancer, who is finally living her secret dream: she is dancing in a troupe in Italy. When on her way home to US, she meets a guy - Jeric - in the airport. It is a brief meeting, but it leaves behind so many unanswered questions. Why is there such a strong pull between them? Why is it so difficult for them to go separate ways?
Time shows, that Leni and Jeric meet again. In the meantime, Leni has arrived home to her great-uncle, and strange things start to happen. Leni's uncle has vanished and nobody seems to remember anything about her uncle and what's even worse - nobody seems to remember Leni either. The only item she finds, is a journal. Journal, which brings Leni and Jeric back together again and leads them to a journey which is beyond dangerous.
Their world changes when they finally find a way to open the journal. It takes them from Now to Then... and they meet with Jacey and Micah.
This is where I stop, because I'm afraid I will give away too much with my excitement! You need to read The Space Between yourself to find out what's going to happen.
I loved how the author changes between the point of views between the characters, there are a clear and distinct differences of voices of Leni, Jeric, Micah and Jacey. I also loved the two storylines Now and Then. Then takes you back to 80s which was fun to read because the author is doing an excellent work with describing the 80s with all its weird and funky lifestyle.
The most amazing part of the book is when the author decides to bring Now and Then together and I have to admit, that as much as I guessed, I never saw that coming!
Characters:
I am sure that you have already understood my fondness to the story. Have patience with me, because I LOVED the characters! That is exactly what makes Kristie a great author - she puts as much effort to the plot as to the characters, you feel that she has given a lot of herself to balance between keeping the plot captivating and characters alive. She brings the characters alive, they are colorful, vivid, they have their flaws, but at the end of the day, you will love them! You will feel their happiness, their pain, their excitement, their horror - they are written with emotions and that makes this book one of the best I've ever read!
You will meet two set of main characters. Jeric and Leni and Jacey and Micah.
My favorite was Jeric. Jeric is a kind of man who many woman will love and probably hate for the same reason - he always gets what he wants and he goes for it. He uses the willing ones without any regrets and trust me, there are many of them who'd like to get just a piece of him! He is gorgeous, hot and a model. He has it all, except love. He never had a need or urge to change, because he hasn't have the right person to do it for. Until Leni comes to his life.
What I found the most attractive about Leni, was her courage. She was willing to take risks to get to the bottom of her faith and that is an admirable characteristic in a human in my opinion. Even when she is scared and scarred, she still raises and continues to live for what's dear to her.
Micah is a man any woman would be able to rely on. He is rock solid and stable and I loved that about him. Jacey is just adorable girl whom you will find easy to relate to and love!
They all have one thing is common - they have lost a lot in their lives and have quite big crosses to carry and they all struggle for one thine - the future!
Generally:
The Space Between is going to my 2013 favorite list. It is hands down the best book I have read this year, and I have read many good books this year already. The story is magical and it will haunt you long after you have finished it. It was amazingly written! I highly recommend it!
Wow, just wow! I simply fell in love with this book. The plot just blew my mind, there are no words that could give it the praise it deserves, but I'll try my best lol.
Kristie Cook just has a way with her words, the way she writes it brings the story to life. It'll have you devouring each page like you're starving for more, like you can't go on a moment longer without knowing what happens next. You become apart of the story, their lives become apart of you.
Right from the first few words I was hooked, it hurt to have to put the book down so many times to attend my children but I had no choice lol. It's only been a few hours since I finished and I'm still reeling from it. There are stories in this world that will impact you in a way that it changes your ideas or feelings on things. For me, this was one of those books. I was never really a believer of soul mates, don't get me wrong I do believe there is a special someone out there for all of us (I found mine already), but soul mates, that's really a strong and scary thing. Kristie's story touched me so much it's shifted my feelings on the whole soul mates phenomenon. I'm seriously beginning to believe that there is another half out there of us. Soul Mates.
I'm an emotional wreck LOL! The love scenes between Jacey & Micah and Leni & Jeric will have you melting to the floor - like melted butter. Heart-pounding, palm sweating, knee buckling... you get the idea... *fans face*
Thanks to Kristie I now have two hot, sexy characters to add to my fictional boy crushes, they're so, so swoon worthy! *sigh*
I'm not sure what else to say without giving spoilers, I would so love to get more into detail but I really don't wanna spoil it for anyone, this book needs to be experienced, not spoilt!! ;-)
If you haven't read anything from the gorgeous Kristie Cook than you're missing out, so go get lost in the worlds she's brought to life. You won't regret it!
This most definitely is in my top 5 BEST books of 2013, well done Kristie! <3 xoxo
Kristie Cook has always been wildly and amazingly creative, and The Space Between is no different! She's taken the classic idea of soul mates and added her fantastic spin that takes the connection to a whole new level. It's a love story on steroids with a supernatural foundation, and I loved every second of it.
The book alternates between the POV of two couples separated by over two decades. The characters are so real and each one has his or her own flaws which plays a pivotal role in the story and the characters' history. Kristie did an amazing job making these characters and the events believable which I sometimes find is difficult within the supernatural/paranormal genres.
This isn't one of those books that I read and felt like, "hmmm, haven't I read something like this before." Not at all! The story was so fresh and new, and I absolutely cannot wait to find out what happens next!
Wow! What a roller coaster ride! Loved the ups and downs, made it very hard to put down. Can't wait for the next one to see what happens to Leni and Jeric!