Melody

I really enjoyed this book! From the very beginning, it hooked me in and it kept me going. Often, I'll start a book that starts with a bang and slows at some point, but this one didn't disappoint. The book begins with Keith Taylor "just passing by" Melody Cruz's bedroom while she's undressing. Just the way he was staring at her was enough to give me the creeps, and this was definitely a creepy guy. The problem for Melody is that she can't get rid of him either because he's her sister's new boyfriend. He's also able to charm his way with most people he comes across, so few people believe Melody when she tells them that he's been threatening her. Among those who can't see what a creep Keith really is are her sister and her new love interest. I admit that Keith was a very interesting character. I can't give away the ending, but suddenly the author gives us a glimpse of his point of view and it was nothing like I expected. It was easy to think of him one way when given Melody's point of view, but seeing his added another layer to him. Then there is the "Albany Predator" who was a man going around and raping the black women in the area. I got spooked enough reading about his exploits that I double checked my locks and (at one point) couldn't even sleep. This was a truly evil guy, and there was a particular twist halfway through the book in regards to his identity that nearly knocked me over. I never saw it coming in a million years, so major kudos to the author on that one! It was my favorite part of the entire book just because it was so unexpected. Meanwhile, two detectives, Brianna Morris and Steven Kemp are on the case to solve the mystery of who this "Albany Predator" is, and I enjoyed these two. They had a romantic past that served as an intriguing sub-plot, and being a romance reader at heart, I loved how this was played out. I'd love to read future stories with these two. They provided some excellent humor and terrific romantic tension (even though their past was "history"). I definitely recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a "what will happen next?" on the edge of your seat suspense/mystery novel.

Melody Cruz and Sarah Johnson are sisters, but do not look related. Their mother was Latino and their father was Caucasian. The parents died while the sisters were little. Mel's looks and colorings favor their Latino heritage, while Sarah's favor the Caucasian. An uncle raised Sarah. Due to her steady upbringing, Sarah has grown up to be strong, confident, and successful. An aunt raised Melody. Due to the aunt slipping into depression and ultimately snapping, Melody's childhood was hard and she has grown up to be sensitive and self-conscious. The sisters may have grown up separately, but the love they feel for each other is strong. As the story begins, Melody is temporarily living in Sarah's house and looking for work. Keith Taylor has been Sarah's boyfriend for only a couple of months, yet already has been granted a key to the place. Melody has never liked any of the men Sarah has dated, but Keith is by far the creepiest. Whenever Sarah is not around, Keith does things that make Mel feel uncomfortable. That escalates to near assault and verbal harassment. Sarah refuses to believe Mel. Lucas Lawson has never forgotten Melody. His wealth may not impress the lady, but at least he has convinced her to actually begin dating him. His father, the CEO of the advertising firm named Caper Enterprises, hires Melody as an office assistant. It is a dream come true for Melody. The downside is that Keith works there too and the CEO obviously likes the man. Melody feels as though she is in a Catch 22. Detectives Brianna Morris and Steven Kemp were romantic at one point, but now consider themselves as close friends, as well as, partners. At least, Bree did. Steven wants to be more, but Bree is keeping her distance. The two have been working for months to capture a serial rapist known as the "Albany Predator". He targets black women and usually commits the crime in the victim's own home. None of the victims have been able to give a solid lead. When Melody is convinced that her best friend is the rapist's next target, the two detectives are placed on the case. Bree has already had one close call with the maniac and hopes to get a second chance at putting the felon behind bars. **** It is not often that I get my hands on a book with more than one romance blooming. Not only is this story juggling multiple biracial romances, but it is also throwing in some danger and excitement to keep readers glued to their seats. I found it very difficult to stop reading even briefly. The character of Melody comes across as too soft at first, but it does not take her long to prove that she has a backbone. It does not matter if you are red, yellow, black, or white, if you are looking for a lot of action and some dreamy romance then this book is for you! I loved every minute and am proud to recommend this story to all! **** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Two stories of poisonous obsession interlace in this fascinating unknown by bestselling author Stacy-Deanne. She spins an awe-inspiring anecdote of devotion and bereavement. Melody Cruz is positive her sister's new boyfriend Keith Taylor, has a dark past that he will do anything to hide; Even though he seems prosperous, amiable, and attractive to all that meet him, all except Melody. Wanting to guard her sister, Melody works to expose Keith's surreptitious, not recognizing that in doing so, she is forfeiting her own wellbeing because Keith will go to any measure to keep himself in power. In unison, a man named the "Albany Predator" has been viciously raping black women throughout the city, and Melody is certain that her paramount friend is the rapist's next mark. Detectives Brianna Morris and Steven Kemp are placed on the case, strong-minded toward bringing this aggressive criminal to evenhandedness. But when things couldn't get thornier, all substantiation is turned about to divulge an unforeseen key suspect. Jam-packed of prohibited yearning and steadfast potency in the facade of jeopardy, Melody is a alarming saga that will abscond readers breathless as they plot a course through all the stratagem twists and spins. Careworn to live to tell the tale, until the conclusion, the sundry spread of characters will be left questioning their allegiance, their fervor, and how far they might be willing to go to defend the ones they love. Stacy-Deanne has written a perfect 5 star book. This book is defiantly one of a kind. What an Achievement for this author! This is one book that I could read time and time again. This mind-stopping, heart-pounding, ground-breaking book; is better than words can say. Well done Stacy-Deanne, I give you Kudos. Reviewed by Book Hall of Fame Literary Reviews Reviewer: Tabitha Robin http://www.tabitha-robin.com

Sisters, Sarah and Melody, are very different, but they love each other very much. Their parents died when they were quite young; a different relative raised each girl. That did not prevent a strong bond from developing. The girls would do anything to protect the other. Sarah's new boyfriend, Keith, seems to be controlling and abusive. When Melody investigates him, she discovers the hard way that he always gets what he wants. Steven and Brianna are police detectives trying to find a serial rapist. Brianna realizes she is the next intended victim; she risks her own life in the line of duty. Melody by Stacy-Deanne has a unique style for weaving seemingly unrelated stories together to provide an interesting read. The author has shed much needed light on the subject of abuse. Fans of chick lit will enjoy Melody.

Melody by Stacy-Deannne is a contemporary novel filled with unexpected twists and turns. Melody and her sister, Sarah, are the products of an interracial relationship, a Latino mother and a white father. Sarah is the spitting image of their father and Melody is golden brown like her mother. The sisters are different in most ways, mostly because they were separated as small children when their parents were killed in an automobile accident. Sarah is raised in a lavish lifestyle by their uncle who will only accept the white-looking child, while Melody is raised by her mentally ill aunt, her mother's sister. The girls could not have had more different lives but the one thing they always maintained was sisterly love and as adults they find their way back to each other. When it came to men, Sarah only dated wealthy white guys, who usually did not treat her very well. Now that she has met the handsome, rich Keith, she is sure he is the one for her but Melody knows better. Melody and Keith have a few encounters that convince her he is not quite the man her sister thinks he is. Keith continually invades Melody's space and her comfort zone in threatening, suggestive ways. At first she does not say anything to her sister and when she finally does Sarah chooses not to believe her. Sarah thinks Melody is simply jealous. From that point the novel takes off. There are many stories within a story to Melody. In their town, there is a serial rapist, attacking black women. Melody is indirectly involved in the case while trying to keep an eye on Keith and protecting her sister. There are also elements of romance between Melody and her friend, Lucas. This is a fast-paced novel with shocking surprises on every other page. There are also graphic depictions of violence. I recommend Melody to those interested in contemporary novels with an erotic, dramatic edge. Angelia Menchan APOOO BookClub