|
Stephen
Lamont and Jennifer Wartner had known one another for years, but had
never had
an overwhelming attraction to one another. That changes though after
the wedding
of mutual acquaintances and Stephen is the best man.
That night Jennifer and Stephen act on their
newfound attraction and their night is one of passion, exhilaration and
confused feelings in the end. They both know the score at the end of
the night,
that both of them are not looking for a relationship, distance is a
factor and
their profession could lead to major problems if things didn’t work
out. But
that doesn’t stop either of them from wondering “what if”.
In the days
that follow, Jennifer and Stephen can’t help but think of each other. They meet again for an intoxicating weekend
where they question their reasoning for not following up on their
newfound
feelings and having a relationship. They consider the possibilities and
things
seem blissful, despite distance.
But when a
shunned actress decides to take Stephen to court for sexual harassment,
Jennifer is put in the middle of her profession and Stephen. As a
newspaper
editor who has an obligation to her job, Jennifer could make things
difficult
for Stephen – for his career. Stephen
tries to hold onto Jennifer with everything he has, but the media makes
it
difficult for his innocence to be proven.
Can and
will Jennifer and Stephen’s relationship survive when it just
beginning?
Mixed Media by Erica DeQuaya is
absolutely
superb. Whenever I read this author, I
usually know the voice and convictions of the author that will be
penned within
the pages, but this time around, I was blown away with more than I ever
expected. Stephen and Jennifer come together after knowing one another
for
years and their passion is a blazing fire all the way.
They are deeply and totally honest with one
another from the very beginning and it was refreshing to read this
story,
knowing there were no hidden agenda’s between the characters. The
harassment
suit against Stephen comes as a shock to him, as well as Jennifer, and
hits
straight to the heart of the reader to watch this man’s career and
pride as a
man begin to tumble all around him. The
emotions run deep and rampant and don’t let up, even when the last word
is
read. Mixed Media
and the characters hook the reader and hold them
captive to the story offstage.
While some
might even become upset with Jennifer’s walking away from Stephen at a
time
when he really needed her, even with feelings involved, it must be
remembered
that they were just beginning their relationship. Ms. DeQuaya shows
eloquently,
both Stephen and Jennifer’s tumultuous emotions during this trying and
uncertain course of their lives. It feels like a chokehold on a
reader’s heart
and emotions to read their journey together and watch it all unfold in
front of
them.
With about
seventy-five percent of the time spent teary-eyed and the other
twenty-five
percent spent cursing the woman who brought the harassment charges
against Stephen,
to say I became involved in Mixed
Media is an understatement. Stephen is a strong, yet vulnerable
hero.
When he loves, he loves with all that he is. He has led a life where he
has
been comfortable with his relationships, the man he is, and he is an
extremely
honest man. While I did at times get angry with Jennifer for her
uncertainty of
Stephen’s innocence, as a woman – especially one just beginning a new
relationship – I understood her questions and her hesitancy. Jennifer’s
strengths show in her love and determination, as well as her honesty
and
professionalism to her job. It took a
tremendous amount of will and integrity to do everything that she did
and
advise Stephen in his battle. She was essentially not walking away, but
protecting him from any more media frenzy by not allowing herself to be
brought
into his battle that might result in bad publicity at a time when he
doesn’t
need it. Their relationship suffers
greatly with a roller coaster of emotion. It’s an extraordinary tale to
be
read.
Erica
DeQuaya is at the top of her writing game with Mixed
Media. Where I have enjoyed her work before, I enjoyed
this one so much more. She has honed her craft, perfected it and there
are no
mixed feelings about this one…Mixed
Media deserves a standing ovation and shouldn’t be missed.
The
recipient of The Road to Romance
Reviewer’s Choice Award, Mixed
Media by Erica DeQuaya draws a reader to the story of two
people who
weren’t looking for love, but found it in abundance and must fight to
keep it
alive and stay together. Highly recommended and unforgettable.
Reviewed by Tracey West
for The Road
to Romance
November 24th,
2004 |
