July 23rd, 2012 | 
Author: 
Captured in Ink by Donna McDonald
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 256 pages
Summary:
At 27 yrs old, graphic novelist Shane Larson believes in trusting the greater plan of the universe and doing good to the best of his ability. To him this is a matter of practicality as much as a spiritual belief about how to live right which is why the road Shane chooses to follow in his life is leading him to use his doctorate in clinical psychology to help people. When a one-night stand turns out to be the woman of his dreams, Shane ends up taking a giant detour from his original life path as the universe sends him to Reesa Callahan’s front door. There he finds not just the woman he wants over all others, but a whole family that seems to need him. Though being in love is turning out to be just as rewarding as his father predicted, a relationship with Reesa is definitely a package deal. Shane doesn’t know if he has what it takes to become an instant father of four, but his sense of belonging with Reesa and the kids is the strongest tug of destiny he’s ever felt.
Reesa Callahan has lost a lot in the 34 years she’d been alive. At ten, she lost her birth family in a car accident. Then in college, she lost both her elderly adoptive parents. But when she lost her sister and her brother-in-law in a plane crash six months ago, Reesa decided she just couldn’t lose anyone else. So she didn’t even question trading in the life she had planned for custody of all four of her sister’s children. Even though she also lost her established career and her fiancée taking on the kids, Reesa becomes determined not to lose her sense of herself as a woman. In hindsight, her decision to end her reluctant celibacy seemed like a good idea, especially with a shaggy, tattooed younger man wearing a tongue stud and eyebrow ring. She felt sure Shane Larson was not the sort of man to ever want more than one night. So when Shane shows up at her home professing to be in love with her, Reesa has to send him away, not because she doesn’t want him, but because there’s just no time in her crazy life to fall in love.
Naunet’s Review:
Captured In Ink penned by Donna McDonald is a story with all the elements I look for in a novel. Ms. MsDonald is an author whose writing is so picturesque, often I forgot I was reading but watching the story unfold in my private theater. Captured In Ink was just the book for me this week-end. It touched my heart on so many levels and made me step back and examine how I treat those I love.
Captured In Ink is another demonstration of Ms. McDonald’s wonderful writing abilities. I enjoyed the plot, conflict, all of the critical elements, and its conclusion that makes a great story.
Ms. McDonald skillfully creates an environment that’s so realistic through the personas of her characters, their dialogue, their thoughts, appearances, feelings. The passion is tightly woven together as an artisan weaves silk and is smoothly conveyed by Ms. McDonald. Her writing style appeals to me with its graceful flow from Chapter One’s first few sentences to the last scenario at its conclusion. I admire her talent and the sophisticated fashion in which Ms. McDonald writes by taking her readers on a captivating emotional ride.
Interestingly enough, I seem to have a knack for finding a great book that is the final segment of a series; therefore reading them out of order. However, reading Captured In Ink out of sequential order did not hamper the delivery of the book’s theme and messages. I did not feel as though I was coming into this narrative lacking key information required to catch the rhythm of the story. Captured In Ink is a terrific standalone novel which left such a delectable aftertaste of sensitivity and sexiness that I must go back and read the previous stories In the Art of Love series and wrap myself around them like a cocoon.
Ninety-eight percent of the characters in Captured In Ink are lovable. All of them possess realistic personalities that are engaging in down-to-earth dialogue that allows them to share their innermost thoughts and feelings. The multi-facets Ms. McDonald breathes into her characters sneaks into the readers very soul; thereby allowing you to feel every nuance of the story.
Teresa Ann Callahan (Reesa) is truly a super heroine. She’s a beautiful, petite, dynamo with the courage of a lioness and extremely independent. Reesa has a healthy sensuous nature, and is a head turner. She captures the attention of an extraordinary gentleman one evening while out on the town. This is where she meets the body she has been craving. The broad shoulders, rippled abs, that entails a strength. Simply put, a bod that’s made for sin and reeking of masculinity…ohh Shane. Shane puts it down so right on Reesa, sparks explode for both of them which ultimately leads them down the isle of love.
Shane Larson is a yummy, pleasure delivery man. Whatever Reesa desires, he can deliver with the expertise of a masterful instructor. You can’t help but pay attention and take notes in his class. Shane is a multi-talented, intelligent young twenty-seven, who’s brilliant enough to be a geek but isn’t. Instead, he’s a very tall, rebel biker type that one would consider a tasty morsel of eye candy and next to Reesa he looks as tall as a monument. In addition, he’s is the gifted author of a popular graphic novel fantasy series entitled Winged Protector with many heroes.
After their brief encounter Reesa and Shane are constantly thinking about their blissful moments and hoping that there might be another chance meeting. Shane too has been preoccupied with thoughts and dreams of Reesa, which prevents him from concentrating. Will they ever reconnect by bumping into each other just going about daily life?
Sara, Brian, Zack and Chelsea are the children. In a horrific minute, Reesa’s cousins loss their parents in a tragic accident. These four angels are now under the loving care of Reesa. Her unselfish spirit dictates what must be done for her nieces and nephews and Reesa is willing to sacrifice her needs and career in order to provide the children with a stable, nurturing home.
Jillian is a sharp cookie who is dependable, faithful, gorgeous and sexy. She’s also Resa’s best friend and an aunt to Zack, Sara, Chelsea and Brian. Thank goodness for Jillian’s help with the children and supporting Reesa with frequent reality checks.
Shane’s trustworthy, devoted family members consist of Micheal, Carrie, Brooke, Will and Ellen. The Larson family bond is amazing as they are comfortable sharing any troubling issue and provides alternative points of view when difficulties arise in an effort support each other. The Larson’s roles are a pertinent segment of Captured In Ink. These dynamite secondary cast members in Captured In Ink keep the novel moving with realism, humor, compassion, devotion and intimate passions that are HOT.
The story is sensational and the reader can’t put it down until reaching the conclusion. I adore Ms. McDonald’s handling of difficult issues that currently impact our society: older woman, younger man relationships, depression, pain and grief , tragedies, methods to overcome life’s hard knocks, accepting people as they are, and the importance of humor for its healing properties and finally what being a true friend really entails.
Captured In Ink provides the reader with potent messages that will remain in their heart for a long time. I experienced a gamut of emotions: I cheered, felt the heartbreak and appreciated the significance of having an understanding, affectionate family and friends. Captured in Ink is loaded with tenderness, sexiness; and encourages experiencing love outside of the box, while being tenacious and standing up for your beliefs.
A reader of Captured In Ink senses the power of compassion and gratitude throughout the entire book. If a reader can not relate to this heartwarming and sensuous love story my heart aches for them. I loved this book!
Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by Naunet!
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