In my last post in the community, about two weeks ago, I talked about my book block and my attempts to climb out of it. I mentioned how my efforts weren’t completely successful but that I was determined to make it work and to do that, I needed to reconnect with some really special books that I’d loved.
So, in the last week, I was able to read a book that I liked. It was one of those books that I’d snuck out from somewhere and read under the covers of my blanket. Since I was way younger, even though I’d enjoyed it, there were still a few things I didn’t understand that much.
So, I took my time to read it. Not skipping a single page. Even though it had been several years, I was surprised to see that I still remembered a few lines. Nevertheless, it was still a rather fresh experience for me. Today, I’ll be presenting a book that I love, and that I hope you love too.
Originally published in 2001 is set in contemporary times. It’s a Southern suspense set in New Orleans. Its genre is a delicious blend of romantic suspense, mystery and a slight sprinkle of goth.
Alyssa Rossi who has been living in exile in Florence, Italy for more than ten years is about to return. After leaving Louisiana disgracefully following a dreadful scandal and criminal accusation by Louisiana’s elite, she seeks refuge with her Aunt, Thee, who helps her set up Rossi Design, a jewellery company that flourishes into something outstanding, so much so that it catches the eye of an international conglomerate, TriTech. The sale of her company to this billion-dollar company makes her return and there, she faces her old lover, Clay Duvall, who had betrayed her.
TriTech CEO, Jake Williams was oblivious to the reason behind his employee’s particular interest in this jewel company. But soon enough, he meets Alyssa, tall, gorgeous and incredibly smart. He notices her striking resemblance to Clay Duvall’s wife, Phoebe and soon enough traces that they are first cousins and that Phoebe is the one Clay Duvall betrayed his lover, Alyssa, for.
He soon enough falls in love with Alyssa and even though her return is surrounded by gossip and controversy that stems deep from a scandal of twelve years ago, he seems determined to stay by her side. However, another scandal and murder to be specific, surfaces that bring all suspicions back to Alyssa. Whether or not it’s truly her or the machinations of an evil mastermind, is soon revealed in an ingenious and alarming way. Old rivalries, half-truths and jealousy fuels Sawyer’s novel into one exciting and incredibly suspenseful tale.
I have many thoughts about this book. As a sucker for slow-burn and built-up chemistry, the book delivered quite nicely. I wouldn’t say that the chemistry simmered long till it became tiring because Sawyer was able to highlight the sparks between Jake and Alyssa refreshingly. Their dialogue was witty, and engaging and spurred me to read on. If there was ever a more real page-opener, it would be this book.
Protagonists that are loved by the readers are necessary for the success of any book. Alyssa portrayed as a remarkably intelligent and savvy businesswoman, was enough to catch my fancy and witnessing her strength in handling the hurdles thrown at her, crystallized my admiration for her character. Jake’s character in the novel is just as admirable. A witty, intelligent and awfully humorous man, it was without a surprise to me that sparks were able to fly between him and Alyssa. The realism in their relationship where instead of letting misunderstandings fester, choose to face it head on was a refreshing step away from the sappy and predictable romantic novels popular in these times.
The book is energetic and I guess the author’s energy seeped far too deep in the plotting and that’s my only reservation with the novel. And although a neat ending to things was achieved, it seemed at several points that too much was going on. Between Jake and his problems with his father, and Alyssa’s discovery of an upsetting part of her family story, the mystery and intrigue is highlighted till there’s a bit of confusion with everything.
However, I was still able to follow the storyline and the singular weakness in its plotting didn’t hinder my overall enjoyment of the book. It was a beautiful way to end my book block and I loved every moment of it. I give Closer Than She Thinks 4.4 stars out of 5. And I’d recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a fun, mysterious and sensually captivating tale.
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